Principal's Report

As we move through another busy and rewarding Term 4, there is much to celebrate across our College community. This fortnight, I would particularly like to acknowledge our Year 12 Class of 2026, who have recently celebrated their graduation and commenced their final VCE examinations.

Our Year 12 Graduation Liturgy and Celebration was a truly special evening, bringing together students, staff, families and friends to reflect on the journey that has brought our graduates to this significant milestone. As twilight settled over the beautiful grounds of our historic Brigidine Campus, there was a wonderful sense of pride, gratitude and connection. The heartfelt speeches, the laughter, the memories shared and the emotions of the evening were a reminder of just how much these young people have grown throughout their time at St Joseph’s.

One of the things that has particularly stood out to me about this cohort is the way they have supported one another. The friendships they have formed, the encouragement they have offered and the sense of community they have demonstrated are just as important as their academic achievements. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into the capable, kind and confident young adults they are today, each with their own strengths, aspirations and possibilities ahead of them.

I have also been incredibly impressed by their commitment to their final examinations. Many students have returned to school over the weekends to study together, seek support and prepare for the challenges ahead. At the request of some students, we will also be opening the College on Melbourne Cup Day to provide further opportunities for them to study in a supportive environment. Their willingness to put in the effort, alongside their readiness to encourage one another, speaks volumes about their determination and the relationships they have built with their teachers and peers.

While we will certainly miss seeing this group around the College each day, I have no doubt they will go on to do wonderful things. As they complete their examinations and step into the many pathways open to them, I hope they recognise how much they have already achieved and feel confident in the knowledge that they have a community behind them, cheering them on.

Our Class of 2026 now becomes part of the continuing story of St Joseph’s, joining the generations of students who have walked through our gates over the past 140 years. To each of our graduates, thank you for the contribution you have made to our College. We wish you every success and happiness in the years ahead, and hope you carry the values of Strength and Kindliness with you wherever life takes you. Please remember that you will always have a place here at St Joseph’s.

Looking ahead, it is also encouraging to see the leadership potential emerging among our younger students. We have been delighted by the number of students who have put themselves forward for Campus Captain and House Captain positions at our Kildare Campus. Having listened to their speeches, I have been impressed by the confidence, pride and enthusiasm they have demonstrated, as well as their willingness to step forward and contribute to the life of our College. We look forward to announcing these leadership appointments soon and seeing the many ways our student leaders will help shape the year ahead.

Last week, we also enjoyed a wonderful celebration of creativity and talent at St Joes on Show. It was a pleasure to see the breadth of work across our Visual and Performing Arts, Technology and Arts Academy programs, and to celebrate the imagination, dedication and skill of our students. Thank you to all the students who exhibited and performed, and to the staff who worked so hard to bring the evening to life. Events such as these remind us of the many ways our young people learn, express themselves and discover their strengths.

As Term 4 continues, our College remains a busy place, filled with opportunities to learn, celebrate achievements and look towards the future. Amid the many activities and milestones this time of year brings, I encourage us all to continue making time to acknowledge the people around us, celebrate the successes both big and small, and recognise the contribution each person makes to our community.

Thank you, as always, to our staff, students, families and wider community for the care, commitment and partnership you bring to St Joseph’s. It is this shared commitment that enables our young people to flourish, and it is a privilege to see our College community continue to grow together.

Principal

Anne Marie Cairns