I am constantly amazed at the depth of talent and skills of the young people here at MSJ. Our 2023 production of Legally Blonde took place on the weekend of 4 August. For those of you who had the opportunity to attend one of the shows, I know that you were privileged to see a highly professional and polished performance. The singing, dancing, and acting were superb. The cast worked so hard under the able direction of staff members Belinda Sorbello and Trudi Camilleri. Both these women are incredibly talented and were able to provide the students with so much wisdom, direction, and support. Our very talented Arts Leader, Kesara Brocas-Reti, took on the role of choreographer, as well as taking on a major role in the production. Kesara gave her heart and soul to her role and worked brilliantly with the cast. I would also like to point out that we had our own band, ably and brilliantly conducted by music teacher Jacqueline Wong. The band was made up of three professional musicians and two Year 10 students, Caitlyn Marshall and Greta Rossi-Morgan, who did a highly professional and impressive job. As always in these shows, there is a group of people whose job is to provide the much-needed support behind the scenes. We had a brilliant crew made up of staff and students who so ably provided all that was needed to ensure all was well for every performance. A very big thank you to all involved in making sure that the 2023 production of Legally Blonde was such a huge success! Well done to everyone.
As a Josephite College, one of the highlights of our year is JJAMM (Joseph, Julian, and Mary MacKillop) Week. The week is our opportunity to reflect on our Catholic faith and our Josephite charism. Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods founded The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The work of the sisters in supporting the marginalised and disadvantaged in our community continues to this day. We celebrated Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day (8 August) on Friday 11 August with a beautiful Mass led by Archpriest Michael Kalka and Fr John Healy. This beautiful celebration was followed by so many fun fundraising stalls and activities organised by the students. The money raised on the day has been donated to Mary MacKillop Today, an organisation that supports many disempowered and disadvantaged groups.
Thank you to Anne Severi and the Faith Team, Helen Simcic and the Student Leadership Team, and all staff and students who enthusiastically supported and participated in JJAMM Week.
Like many of you, I have been obsessed with the FIFA Women’s World Cup competition and, in particular, the success of the Matildas. Congratulations to these amazing young women on their fantastic achievements throughout the tournament. I have listened to some commentary in regard to the long and challenging journey that the Matildas have had over the years. I was fascinated to hear that due to a lack of funding, in 1999 they produced a nude calendar to raise funds and, in 2015, the Matildas went on strike to get a better financial deal. Not only did these young women have to concentrate on training and playing, they had over their heads concerns about their own financial situation. It is hard to believe that there was also a time when they returned from World Cups to then have to line up for Centrelink payments. Thank goodness things have changed and that we are slowly acknowledging the contribution of women in the sporting arena, but there is still a way to go. Well done, Matildas.
Kate Dishon
