From the Principal

I would like to congratulate all students who have worked hard and involved themselves in the many activities that are available to them at MSJ. We continue to provide numerous opportunities for the students to express and explore their faith, embrace new learning and nurture their personal wellbeing.  It has been a very busy and productive term. My sincere thanks to the many staff and students who have organised, supervised and participated in so many activities throughout the term.

Friday 17th March was a wonderful day for all of us at MSJ. We took time out from scheduled classes to come together and celebrate Mass, to celebrate who we are as individuals and as a community. I thank Bishop Mark Edwards for celebrating Mass with us and giving us the opportunity to truly reflect on our College theme ‘come as you are’. It was delightful for us to have a number of the Sisters of St Joseph, including the Vic-Tas Regional Leader Sister Kerrie Cusack and Garry MacLean the College Board Chair joining us for this moving celebration.

Mass was followed by a whole school celebration of Harmony Day, a celebration of the forty-three cultural groups that make up our wonderful school. Lunch was shared on the oval, stalls were set up to provide us with information about the different cultures and many of our talented students performed songs or dances about their culture. We were also treated to performances by visiting African Drummers and Chinese Lion performers. It truly was a great celebration about acceptance and diversity. My thanks to the small group of students who worked tirelessly with Stacey Bourke and our Multi Cultural advocates, Faith Peter and Aggie Angok to ensure that this celebration gave us all an opportunity to rejoice in the great diversity that makes MSJ so wonderful.

During these holidays it is appropriate for us to take time to reflect on what Easter means, to think about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. A number of students were involved in the Stations of the Cross liturgy last week. It was a moving liturgy that challenged us to reflect on the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for our sake. Each station was also presented with a contemporary message about our world today and the challenges that we face and the need for us to show compassion and mercy. I sincerely thank the Youth In Action Team who were responsible for writing and presenting the Stations of the Cross. They are a very committed and talented group of students. Well done!

During this week all Year 7 students attended camp at Lake Dewar Lodge. I was fortunate to attend the camp and it was a fantastic experience for students and staff. The students learnt so much about themselves as they participated in activities that challenged them and encouraged them to build strong relationships with others. My thanks to all the students for embracing all the camp had to offer. I also thank the staff involved for giving up their time to ensure that the students had a fantastic experience.

We wish our travellers to Italy and France a safe and rewarding trip over the next two weeks. They have a great opportunity to explore the cultural and language of these two countries and we look forward to hearing their stories when they return.

The College was notified of the recent passing of Margaret Dillion on the 29 March. Margaret was the mother of the former Principal, Cath Dillon. Please keep Cath and her family in your prayers at this sad time.

As we enter into the last weeks of Lent and Holy Week commences, it is important for us to continue to commit ourselves to more simple living, thoughtful self denial, reconciliation with God and a focus on helping others.

Thank you to all the students and staff who have worked so hard this term and I wish everyone a holy and happy Easter.

Kate Dishon

Principal