As we come to end of a ten-week term, I would like to acknowledge the hard working staff here at MSJ. There is no doubt that we are blessed with staff who are committed and passionate about supporting the faith, learning and wellbeing of the students. Since our last newsletter, staff have been involved in and supported Book Week, Parent/Student/Teacher conferences, Wear it Purple Day, the Mary MacKillop Dinner, R U Okay Day, the GAT, the Music and Arts Night, SCSA Sport, Male Mentors Breakfast, MSJ Winter Sleepout, AJASS Tassie Pilgrimage, Outdoor Education Camps, Year 7 2024 enrolment interviews and Year 7 2023 testing, all while ensuring that the formal teaching and learning program continues to provide students with high quality and challenging experiences.

I am aware that this time of year can be stressful for students, in particular our senior students. My advice to them is to work with their teachers if they need support, make sure they are organised and develop a study plan for the rest of the year. During the last week of term, Year 12 VCE students have been involved in subject lectures conducted by an external company. We have used Connect Education for this program over the last few years as it has provided students with valuable additional resources and support. I would like to remind Year 12 VCE students that compulsory trial exams will take place over the holidays. Due to the public holiday on Thursday 22 September to mark the Queen's death, the trial exams will now commence on Tuesday 20 September. Students have been provided with an updated schedule.

Interviews for Deputy Principal, Learning and Staff were conducted on Friday 19 August. I am pleased to announce that Chantelle Gauci has been appointed as the new Deputy Principal, Learning and Staff and will commence at MSJ at the beginning of 2023. Chantelle is an experienced leader and is currently the Deputy Principal at Catholic Regional College Sydenham. We look forward to Chantelle joining us at MSJ.

It has been a long and busy term and I am very proud of how the students have worked and participated throughout the term. I hope that they and the staff do get a chance to relax and recharge their batteries ready for the final term for the year.

Kate Dishon - Principal