From the Principal

Over the past few weeks there has been a number of devastating disasters around the world. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Greece, Japan and Indonesia who have experienced so much loss and hurt through fires, floods and earthquakes. It is at these times that humanitarian agencies really look to those of us who are able to give to donate money so that they are able to support people in need.

It was with much excitement that we welcomed, on Sunday 22 July, thirty students and three staff from Holy Spirit Seirei High School, our sister school in Japan.  This visit was part of the Seirei and MSJ Peace Programme. The relationship established between our two schools has been based on a commitment to building strong friendships, learning about each other’s country, culture and customs but most importantly it is about promoting peace and goodwill.  The students were generously hosted by thirty MSJ families for two weeks and involved themselves in many aspects of MSJ life as well as exploring many attractions in the Melbourne area.

I am very grateful to Takahiro Hayashi and staff at MSJ for the huge amount of work they have done to ensure the program was a great success. A very big thank to the families who hosted a student for the two weeks. You opened your home and your heart and welcomed our visiting students to be part of your family. It is an incredibly generous and selfless act of kindness.

Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day on Wednesday 8 August was celebrated with much enthusiasm. The day enabled us to pray and reflect on Mary MacKillop’s life and legacy as well as raising much needed funds for the Mary MacKillop Today Foundation. My sincere thanks to Fr John Healy for leading us in a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist. I am truly grateful to the singers, readers, alter servers and Eucharistic ministers. We were grateful also that several of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart and MSJ board members, including Mr. Garry McLean our Board Chairperson, were able to join us for this special celebration. 

In the spirit of JJAMM Week, I share with you this prayer.

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit

so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Feast Day was a day of great joy and celebration. Thank you to Scott McNulty and the Faith Team for all the work they did to ensure the day was a huge success. My thanks also to the many staff and students who worked so hard to plan and run such wonderful stalls and activities throughout the day. The day finished with our MSJ’s Got Talent final. Wow! What amazing talent was on display. Well done to Hannah Clarke, Arts Captain and the many students who helped ensure this event was such a wonderful experience for us all.

The students have been involved in so much over the last four weeks. I encourage you to take the time to read about all the wonderful activities that students have planned, led and participated in. I am so impressed by their leadership, faith, community awareness and commitment to social justice. 

Kate Dishon

Principal