From the Principal

As Term 3 draws to a close, our Year 12 students’ focus intensifies on final assessments, examination preparation and graduation next term. The transition from student life to the professional world can be daunting for some, with Alumni networks offering a ready-made support system where graduates can find mentors, peers, and advisors who understand their challenges and can offer encouragement and advice. A crucial skill often overlooked during school can be networking, with the ability to build and leverage a strong professional network transformative for some.

By building and nurturing professional relationships, new opportunities can of course eventuate. If nothing else, valuable insights can be gained, along with accessing a well-established support system available to lean on if the need arises.

It is with this in mind that the College held its inaugural John XXIII College Alumni Connect event on Thursday night. The law-themed event held at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, enabled Alumni and interested Year 12 students the opportunity to connect. Alumni from graduating years spanning 1972 to 2023 attended, with the event serving as an excellent opportunity for attendees to broaden already developed networks and establish new connections. I extend my thanks to Christian Owen, Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Deputy Chair of College Council, for generously hosting our guests on the night. Thanks are also extended to Lisa Martella and Sue McLennan from our College Marketing and Communications team for their organisation of the evening.  It is anticipated that this will be the first of a series of John XXIII College Alumni Connect events and we look forward to further industry-based events next year.

Last Friday I represented the College at the 100 Year Celebration Mass of Loreto Toorak in Melbourne and next year we look forward to celebrating the 150-year anniversary of Loreto schools in Australia. As a Loreto Associate school, John XXIII College’s relationship with Loreto schools across Australia remains strong. During last Friday’s celebration Mass at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, all in attendance sang a newly commissioned hymn written by Sr Deidre Brown ibvm OAM titled Circle of Friends, Remember. Later in the Mass, a much older hymn was sung, also written by Sr Deirdre titled, Lead Us On, Mary Ward. Given Mary Ward is one of our College founders, our statue of Mary Ward stands strongly outside our Circle of Friends Café. Perhaps as you walk past our Mary Ward statue you might consider parts of the hymn which read:

Who is this woman?

Where has she come from?

What is she saying to us?

Eyes fixed ahead, set on her goal

Bearing her secret within……

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the gospel of peace.

Step up to the challenge! Step up without fear

All will be well, for God is near!

Daniel Mahon

Principal