From the Principal

End of year celebrations

Today we had a beautiful Mass to give thanks for a wonderful year at the College. As we move into the warm weather of summer, the Church commences the season of Advent. It is a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus celebrated at Christmas:

‘Advent is the season of the presence and expectation of the eternal. For this very reason, it is in a particular way a period of joy, an interiorized joy that no suffering can diminish.’

Pope Benedict XVI, 2009

Significantly, all our year levels have celebrated Masses or Liturgies over the past few weeks recognising the importance of the Christmas message of hope and joy. I encourage families to fully participate in the faith life of parishes in the coming weeks.

At the end of each year there is always some sadness as we farewell some students and staff. I would like to thank and acknowledge the following teachers as they leave the College:

• Ms Gemma Wooltorton
• Ms Marietta Russo
• Mrs Margi Watson
• Ms Donna Italiano
• Mrs Catherine Young
• Mrs Marnie Barrett
• Miss Bianca Grills
• Ms Rebecca Brown

Best wishes also to the following staff members as they commence periods of leave:

• Ms Rita de Faria
• Mr Damian Owen
• Ms Wing Chi Chan
• Mr James Chua
• Mrs Gill Lyon
• Ms Eva Maria Catina

Over the past few weeks I have attended many end of year functions involving students, staff and parents. I often reflect on the wonderful sense of community and I thank everyone for their superb contributions throughout 2019.

Currently, we have unprecedented demand for enrolments which is an excellent reflection on everyone involved at John XXIII College. Best wishes for a happy and holy Christmas.

Robert Henderson

Principal