As we enter this final term, we are called to embrace the spirit of World Mission Month, a time that invites us to share God’s love and compassion with others in meaningful ways. This year, the Catholic Mission’s theme challenges us to live as true missionary disciples, spreading the joy of faith and the hope of God’s kingdom. Pope Francis captures this spirit in his words from Matthew 22:09, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” reminding us of our College Acceptance Statement, which acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, created in love, and therefore respected, accepted, and welcomed in our community.
To bring this mission month to life, our Faith Team has thoughtfully prepared prayers and uplifting videos for morning prayer, highlighting the impactful work of Catholic Mission. Meanwhile, our Vocational Major students have been eager to host fundraisers, such as a lunchtime BBQ, to support vital Catholic Mission initiatives.
Alongside World Mission Month, we also honour the Month of the Rosary, a time to deepen our connection with God through prayer and to seek Mary’s intercession, especially for peace in our world. In this Year of Prayer, may the Rosary guide us to reflect on God’s presence in our lives, inspiring us to become peacemakers both within our community and beyond.
Year 8 Reflection Day: Embracing Creation and Stewardship
Our Year 8 Reflection Day recently took place on Thursday 17 October across three beautiful locations: Altona Beach (Logan Reserve), Newport Lakes, and Williamstown Botanical Gardens. This day is a key component of the Year 8 Religious Education program on ‘Creation and Stewardship,’ inspired by Pope Francis’ teachings in Laudato Si’ about caring for our common home. It also provided an opportunity for students to collaborate with students from Emmanuel College, fostering community and shared perspectives.
As a Josephite school, we draw inspiration from our co-founder, Fr. Julian Tenison Woods, who found God’s presence in the natural world. This day aimed to help students discover a sense of peace in nature and reflect on the responsibility we all share in caring for creation. Pope Francis’ words, “Let us learn to contemplate the Creator in the beauty of creation” (Laudato Si’, 233), guided our reflections throughout the day.
Students participated in a variety of workshops depending on their location, including botanical drawing, nature walks, yoga, meditation, drumming and photography, each focused on deepening their connection to the natural world. A highlight was the privilege of having a session on connecting with Country, led by First Nations peoples, which offered students a unique perspective on the land and its significance. We are especially grateful to our workshop facilitators, whose expertise and enthusiasm made the day both enriching and enjoyable for our students.
The day also included a special liturgy, offering students a moment of shared prayer and reflection in the natural surroundings, and concluded with a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Throughout the day, students embraced the activities, built new friendships, and connected more deeply with nature. We hope this time together inspires them to continue their journey as stewards of creation, appreciating the beauty of our world and their role in caring for it.
Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
CatholicCare Victoria Visit
Kalma’s visit on behalf of CatholicCare Victoria was an exceptionally valuable experience for our class, offering a profound example of how a Catholic-based organisation supports asylum seekers and refugees in Victoria. Her presentation provided us with deep insights into the impactful work of CatholicCare Victoria and the values that drive their mission. This session was incredibly beneficial, as it has enriched our understanding and provided a concrete example of the Roman Catholic Traditions compassionate response to the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees, something I am eager to include in my final examination. On behalf of my Religion and Society class at MSJ, we are sincerely grateful to Kalma for taking the time to visit and share her expertise. Thank you, Kalma Rathouski, Engagement and Partnership Leader at CatholicCare Victoria!
Ruby Moses, VCE Religion and Society Student
Celebrating our Graduation Class of 2024
On Friday 18 October, our College community gathered for our Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony, a truly special occasion celebrating the achievements of our Graduating Class of 2024. We were honoured to welcome our local parish priests, Archpriest Michael Kalka and Fr. Binh Le, who celebrated our Mass.
The 2024 College Theme, ‘Virtue Courage – Building a Bold Future,’ served as an inspiration throughout the evening. This theme beautifully reflects the journey our Year 12 students have taken during their time at MSJ.
Fr. Michael's homily was both uplifting and humbling, as it acknowledged the love and support of the parents, carers, and teachers of our graduates, reminding us of our shared journey of faith and education. Additionally, our choir enriched the Mass with their beautiful singing, adding a sense of warmth and reverence. A special moment during the Mass occurred when Year 12 students volunteered to read the Prayers of the Faithful in a language they spoke at home or studied at school, highlighting the diversity and unity within our community.
The Mass was followed by the Graduation Ceremony, marking the end of the Year 12 students' schooling journey. During the ceremony, a video montage featuring photos of the Year 12 students over the years brought joy and nostalgia to all, reminding us of how far they have come. This moment became even more meaningful as gratitude letters written by our graduates to their families were opened, expressing their appreciation for the support and love they received throughout their schooling.
For the families of our graduates, the ceremony was a reminder of how far their children have come since beginning their formal education 13 years ago. The ceremony featured a final address from our Principal, Kate Dishon, heartfelt reflections from the College Captains, and the presentation of special awards to students who excelled during their time at the College. As the graduates received their certificates amidst applause, they were also presented with a Mary MacKillop holding cross, a reminder of their Josephite connection and the values instilled throughout their time at the College. The images of their Year 7 and Year 12 selves reflected on the projector behind them added a special, meaningful touch to this moment.
A truly memorable highlight came at the conclusion of the ceremony when the Graduating Class of 2024 gathered on stage one last time to sing the College Song. Their voices filled the space with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening truly memorable. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and wish them all the best in their VCAA examinations. We hope they receive the results they’ve worked for and find the pathways they aspire to, setting the foundation for bright and bold futures.
Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
