Catholic Identity and Mission

I have recently been a part of the process to select nine students to participate in the Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) Immersion in April next year. 

The process involved the students submitting a formal application, supported by their parents before proceeding through to interview. The panel, including myself, James Mazzolini and Helen Davine were extremely impressed with the quality of the applications and the calibre of young people who presented to us for inclusion. 

It was a thorough process and I understand that for the students who were not selected, it was a disappointing outcome. On behalf of the panel I would like to highlight that we could have filled the required nine places, several times over. We have a magnificent cohort of young people who impressively see themselves in the world as change makers, as social justice champions, as curious and keen learners and willing contributors to building a culture of change. The outcome of this process should not change that. They are all of those things, whether they will be attending the Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) Immersion or not; this was just not their pathway, on this occasion. 

Moving forward we are looking to provide more opportunities for students to engage in social justice and experiences driven by the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  

I would like to congratulate the successful participants for the Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) Immersion 2024: 

Ruby Griffiths 

Maisy Hickmott 

Lily Di Grandi 

Charlotte Banks 

Dane Hammond 

Keenan Boi 

Archie Price 

Nate Murphy 

Jhy Good 

We look forward to sharing about the Immersion experience with the community throughout the year as this group of young people prepare to embark on a wealth of learning. We ask that you pray for them in their preparation. 

On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone in the Marist-Sion Community for the warm welcome I have received. May you all have a happy and safe Christmas and may you experience the miracle that the birth of Jesus promises – that nothing is impossible to God and that you are all loved and held in the palm of God’s hand. 

I look forward to working with you again in 2024. 

Mrs Jacinta Johnston

Deputy Principal: Catholic Identity and Mission