I am delighted to announce the 2019 VCE Dux is Olivia Vella with an ATAR of 98.35. I am also very proud to announce that the College Co-Captain, Mia Paladino received a perfect study score of 50 in Outdoor Education and Environmental studies. College community is incredibly proud of Olivia, Mia and of all our 2019 VCE and VCAL students. We wish them all the very best as they commence the next phase of their lives.

The College Awards Night was held on Thursday 5 December. This was an outstanding evening that allowed us to acknowledge and congratulate students who have excelled in many facets of College life during 2019. They are to be commended for their dedication and hard work. A full list of award winners is featured later in this newsletter.

A great strength of the College is our commitment to academic, sporting and artistic excellence. In 2019, students have excelled in these areas both inside and outside the classroom. Our work as a community in standing up for what is right and just is at the heart of us as a Josephite College and, once again, the students and staff have demonstrated this in all the work they have done to support the social justice initiatives of 2019.

It has been an exceptional year of achievement and the students should be very proud of the work they have done throughout the year.

Thank you to the Staff for being authentic in their commitment to learning and teaching. Every day, they share so much of their gifts and talents and for that, we are very grateful.

To the parents and family members of our community, I am thankful that you have placed your trust in us to educate your children. I acknowledge and thank you for working in partnership with us so that all students are supported in their faith, learning and wellbeing. This is a vibrant and wonderful community and I am incredibly proud of all that has been achieved in 2019.

There are a number of staff who are moving on to new positions in 2020: Emma Commadeur, Jessica Driscoll, Scott McNulty, Thy Nguyen, Frances O’Neill and Hayley Tagell. I thank them for the contribution they have made to MSJ and wish them all the best for the future.

There are also three staff currently on leave who are retiring. We wish Fran Dorgan, Annette Signorini and Patricia Canavan all the best as they begin their retirement and we thank them for their contribution to MSJ.

Four long-term staff members, Angelina Di Orio Hubble, Bill Hubble, Anna Michaels and Moira Pavicic are also retiring. Each of these staff members have, in their many roles, made an incredible contribution to MSJ. Together they represent 107 years of service. We wish each of them every happiness as they commence their retirement.

To all members of our community, I wish you a very Holy Christmas.

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas give you love.

May you all have a very holy and peaceful Christmas.

Kate Dishon - Principal