As many of you already know, last week we experienced the loss of a cherished member of our staff, Ms. Ashleigh Kerin. Ashleigh, who served as our Head of English & Languages, had been on maternity leave this year after welcoming a beautiful daughter in February. This is undoubtedly a challenging time for Ashleigh’s family, her colleagues, and the students whose lives she touched.
Ashleigh’s impact on the St Edmund’s community was profound. During her time here, she made invaluable contributions through her work in Diverse Learning, her dedicated teaching of English and French, her role as a liaison for our Indigenous families, and her leadership as Head of English and Languages. Her work was characterised by a genuine passion, boundless enthusiasm, and a deep love for the students she served. Whether she was instructing entire classes, working with small groups, or assisting individual students, she consistently engaged with them in a positive and authentic manner.
Ashleigh’s influence extended beyond her students to her colleagues. Anyone who had the privilege of working alongside her bore witness to the radiant light she brought into our lives, making us feel comfortable and reassured in her presence.
The loss of a life is an immensely emotional and challenging experience. We have been grateful for the unwavering support from the College’s community of families and the broader educational community in Canberra during this trying time. The Mass offered to Ashleigh’s life last Thursday morning was a moving and meaningful experience.
As we navigate the remainder of the term, the void left in our collective hearts by the absence of our dear friend and colleague Ashleigh is palpable. Both students and staff feel the tremendous impact of her absence, and her memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We also hold a special place in our hearts and prayers for Ashleigh’s husband Chris and daughter Eleni at this time.
Please note that the day of Ashleigh’s funeral will be designated a student-free day, to ensure our staff members can attend and pay their respects appropriately. The funeral date has not yet been determined. We will inform parents and carers as soon as possible once we learn of the funeral date.
Prayer for Ashleigh Kerin
Loving God,
The death of Ashleigh Kerin is very difficult for us. We can no longer follow as Ashleigh shares your eternal life. We know that your love is far greater and more powerful than ours.
We pray that you give our friend Ashleigh your peace and your joy. Let her memory be a light that shines within each of us as we continue our earthy journey.
We put our pain and sorrow before you, Lord, as we know that you are the source of comfort. We ask this through Jesus, your Son.
Eternal rest grant unto Ashleigh, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea