From the Principal

With the completion of final assessments, so begins a series of ‘lasts’ for our Year 12 students. For Year 12 music students our Spring Soiree signalled final ensemble performances and this week’s Year 12 Recital Night, final music performances.

In the words of our Head of Music, James Kros, during his acknowledgment of our Year 12 students at the Spring Soiree, 

“Our Year 12 students, some since Year 3, have sewn countless hours into practicing instruments, forgetting their instruments, rehearsing in ensembles, talking in rehearsals, working with tutors, singing in Masses, singing in different languages, getting to school early and staying at school late – all in the unified goal of sharing music with the College and wider community.

Musicians are many things – but amongst the resilience, discipline, communication, leadership and initiative we expect of John XXIII musicians – our students consistently are asked to demonstrate selflessness. Musicians in ensembles are asked to make sacrifices every time they rehearse and perform – they are asked to let others take the melody, while they play the harmony, they are asked to be vulnerable, so that others can express themselves, they are asked to quiet their own voice, so that others can be heard, and they are asked to share their gifts, so that all might benefit.'  

I extend my thanks to James and our expert music teachers for their thoughtful guidance of our music students during their time at the College.

I also extend my congratulations to our Year 10 students for embracing the opportunity to fully involve themselves in the Atticus Finch Justice Award. The Award exemplifies our College’s motto, Seek Justice through the study of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird with this year’s theme being The Privilege of Choice. It was inspiring to listen to the well-crafted, thoughtful arguments from our Year 10 speakers during the Atticus Finch Award Finals this week. Particular thanks are extended to our Year 10 English and Religious Education teachers for their expert guidance of our Year 10 students. 

A Prayer for Lifelong Learning in the Ignatian Way

Lord, inspire us to embrace lifelong learning as a journey of discovery and growth.

Ignite in us a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the world around us.

Grant us the courage to challenge our assumptions and embrace new perspectives.

Guide us in discerning Your will for our lives and using our knowledge to serve others.

Help us to reflect on our experiences and learn from both our successes and failures.

Surround us with a community of learners who support and inspire us.

May our pursuit of knowledge be rooted in faith and guided by Your love.

Help us to use our learning to make a positive difference in the world.

Lastly, I hope the upcoming holiday break serves as an opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends and I look forward to everyone’s return in Term 4.

Daniel Mahon

Principal