From the Principal
As we know, John XXIII College formed in 1977 following the amalgamation of Loreto College and St Louis School for Boys and continues to maintain close Ignatian connections with Loreto and Jesuit schools throughout Australia. Our College's Mission expresses our Catholicity and our strong spiritual, historical and ongoing links with Loreto and Jesuit communities.
It was with this in mind that I was privileged to represent the College at the Loreto Stewards, Board Chairs and Principals Conference held at Loreto College, Coorparoo in Brisbane last weekend. The meeting offered both formative input from Rev. Jamie Calder SJ, and opportunities for collaboration with Principals and Board Chairs from Loreto schools across Australia by way of facilitated table talks with topics ranging from governance, technology, finances, and philanthropy.
As it happens, 24 July marked the celebration of the birthday of Mother Gonzaga Barry who, on 19 July in 1875, after sailing all the way from Ireland, stepped onto the Sandridge Pier in Port Melbourne with her nine companions to begin their incredible ministry in Australia. With great faith and courage, under the leadership of Mother Gonzaga Barry, the Loreto Sisters arrived in Perth in 1897 and established a school in Adelaide Terrace before the Sisters opened Loreto Osborne in Claremont in 1901.
In her travel diaries, Mother Gonzaga Barry explained,
‘I suppose no one will ever realise what it cost me to leave Ireland and my Irish friends. It nearly broke my heart. Though I was told by my superiors I would not be sent against my will, I felt I had to do it, or be unfaithful to grace…’
Today is the Feast Day of St Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, and it is on this day that we are reminded of the experiences St Ignatius gathered on his life journey. Fr Andy Hamilton SJ wrote recently that, ‘Ignatius’ way was to focus on prayer, on engaging with people from every level of society about how to live faithfully, on weighing God’s call to him in his own life, in those of the people whom he met, and in the temper of the times. He entered his world from the bottom and not from the top. That was his way. Perhaps Ignatius also speaks to our world which is similarly divided, is similarly in a period of great change that will touch institutions in ways that we cannot predict and similarly calling for attention to God’s presence and call.’
Finally, today’s Secondary Interhouse Athletics Carnival showcased the real sense of camaraderie and joy that permeates our College community. I extend my thanks to Head of Sport, Jess Pillera, and Secondary Health and Physical Education staff for the extensive pre-planning and organisation that went into our carnival, the staff and parent volunteers for their valuable contributions, and to the student leaders for all of their efforts in fostering the passionate House spirit evident throughout the day.
Daniel Mahon
Principal