Term 4 has commenced well with students and staff returning from the term break refreshed and ready to take on all that the term has to offer. I encourage all students to finish the year well, study hard and involve themselves in all the end of year activities.

On Friday 18 October, the Year 12 students had their final day before the majority of students commence exams. The students had spent time reimagining their school uniform and, I must admit, there were some very creative designs! The day commenced with a shared breakfast followed by the students and staff reminiscing about their time here and the students opening the time capsules they had created in Year 7. The finale was the students and staff dousing each other in coloured powder in a reimagined colour run. It was a wonderful morning of much fun and frivolity.

On the evening of 18 October, we formally farewelled the Year 12 cohort at their graduation ceremony. The evening commenced with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration led by Archpriest Michael Kalka and Father Binh Le, our local parish priests. The Mass was followed by our graduation ceremony, where I had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all our Year 12 students. They have been an amazing group who have been hard working, diligent, enthusiastic, intelligent and thoughtful. During their time here, they have made many friendships and have bonded as a group.

At our last assembly, the Year 12 students gifted to the College a rose, named Future, to be planted in the MSJ garden. The message from the Year 12s to the rest of the College community was as follows:

“We hope this rose gives hope to the future goals you are aiming to accomplish and the future within our school community. The rose signifies MSJ’s long legacy of ‘Building a Bold Future’ and is a reminder to every student here at MSJ, that they have the potential for success!”

It is a beautiful message, and I thank the Year 12 students for such a thoughtful gift and wish them well for the future.

On Tuesday 23 October, our Sports Awards Lunch was held to acknowledge and recognise the sporting achievements for 2024. It was wonderful to see such a large group of students honoured at this event and I congratulate them all for their amazing achievements. A big thank you to Luke McCartney for organising this celebration for our students. A comprehensive report can be found further in this newsletter.

There are many events planned over the coming weeks including exams and the Year 11 and 12 Headstart program. I ask that parents and students ensure they are aware of all requirements in regard to all end of year events.

Kate Dishon - Principal