What a term it’s been! As we navigated recent months, we were saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, a humble shepherd whose messages of compassion and courage left a lasting impact on the world. Now, we enter a new chapter, warmly welcoming Pope Leo XIV. Though elected only just under two months ago, his calm presence and powerful message of universal peace have already brought a sense of familiarity and reassurance. As our world continues to face unrest, his call for global unity and peace resonates deeply. Pope Leo carries forward the Jubilee message that Pope Francis held so dearly. He has called young people especially to build community, embrace God’s love, and become “beacons of hope” in today’s world.
A beautiful thread of hope has continued to weave through our College community this term, beginning with a profound sense of remembrance and respect. Early in Term 2, the ANZAC spirit was deeply felt across our community. Many of us have personal connections to those who have served, and we honoured their legacy through participation in local ANZAC services. At school, we gathered for a heartfelt service led by students over the PA system, while student volunteers proudly represented the College at the ANZAC Commemoration for Students held at the Shrine of Remembrance. Our fundraising efforts raised $240 in support of the Altona RSL ANZAC Appeal.
National Reconciliation Week was marked by a series of meaningful events that reflected our ongoing commitment to truth-telling and healing. From an extended morning pastoral on Sorry Day, to a special Morning Tea for Culture, an Indigenous cooking workshop, a Colouring Competition, our choir contributing to the Voices for Reconciliation event, and a dedicated Reconciliation staff formation workshop, the week invited deep reflection and connection. Through these efforts, we also raised $250 for VACCA, supporting Aboriginal children in care.
During Refugee Week, we hosted a morning Chapel Prayer service where we reflected on the many ways we can support refugees by being advocates, donating to charities that assist them, and reading and sharing their stories. Our Ministry Leaders, Ms Zarb and Year 12 student Julie Wakfer, have been working on drafting a letter to our local politician, Tim Watts, Member for Gellibrand expressing our support for refugees in our community and proposing ways we can advocate for their rights. As part of this initiative, each class earlier in the year shared their thoughts and hopes for refugees on the Feast of St Joseph by writing them on lily-shaped templates. These will be attached to the letter, representing our shared commitment to advocacy and compassion.
On a chilly Friday evening in June, more than 60 students and staff volunteers including our Principal gathered to take part in our annual Winter Sleep Out. This powerful event invites us to step into the reality faced by thousands experiencing homelessness, even if only for one night.
We were honoured to welcome Domenic Cichello, President of the Laverton-Altona Meadows Vinnies Conference, along with dedicated volunteers. Our keynote speaker, Maria Quigley, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Big Group Hug, a children’s charity that partners with Vinnies delivered a moving address that raised awareness and offered practical ways we can support those doing it tough, particularly the most vulnerable: children.
The evening was filled with meaningful activities and opportunities for reflection. Students participated in workshops, including the ever-popular Build A Shelter challenge, viewed a film, and crafted origami houses in support of the upcoming Houses of Parliament campaign for Homelessness Week in August. In a reflective outdoor liturgy, we stood together in the cold and placed candles in the shape of a cross, a powerful symbol of hope.
Beyond raising awareness, we also took action. Food items collected for our Winter Appeal were given to the Vinnies Conference on the night. Staff prepared warm homemade soup, and our VM students provided supper. The event concluded the next morning with a shared breakfast and a heartfelt closing blessing.
What truly amazed us was the overwhelming generosity of our community, raising an incredible $3,690 in online donations for Vinnies Victoria. These funds will directly support families and individuals facing rising living costs, food insecurity, and housing instability.
As we lay on the hard ground and felt the bite of winter’s chill, we could only begin to imagine the daily hardships endured by those without safe shelter. Many are everyday people, just like us, whose lives have taken unexpected turns. The experience deepened our empathy and strengthened our shared commitment to justice. We warmly thank our Year 12 Social Justice, Sustainability, and Diversity Leaders for their outstanding leadership, and extend special gratitude to Ms Courtnee Doering for her care and coordination in bringing this impactful event to life.
To mark the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our College community gathered on Monday 16 June in prayer to reflect on Christ’s unconditional love, a love that burns brightly for the poor, broken-hearted, and forgotten. As a Josephite school, this day holds special significance as we honour the courageous hearts of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, who, like St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, lived out the message of the Sacred Heart through acts of service and compassion. Although we celebrated a little earlier due to the examination period, June is the month traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Students and staff lit candles, heard scripture, watched a visual reflection, and were invited to take part in our ‘Sacred Heart Ripple Effect,’ writing heartfelt notes of kindness to others in our community. To bring this love into action, we hosted a casual clothes day for a gold coin donation, and our wonderful VM students ran a BBQ and soft drink fundraiser, raising an incredible $2,000 for Joseph’s Corner. Staff also gathered for a special morning tea, and it was beautiful to see the room full of unity and gratitude. Through prayer, generosity, and love in action, we were reminded to be the heart of Christ.
Stepping away from the regular rhythm of school life, our Year 9 students were given the opportunity on Tuesday 17 June to pause and reflect during their Reflection Day, held at the historic Williamstown Town Hall. The change of scenery added a sense of occasion and significance to the day, inviting students to engage more deeply with the themes of belonging and relationships. The program, thoughtfully facilitated by the Youth Mission Team, centred around three core sessions: Relationship with Ourselves, Relationship with Others, and Relationship with God. Through drama, personal testimonies, interactive games, small group discussions, and moments of stillness, students were guided on a meaningful journey of reflection and personal insight.
The day began with laughter and connection through icebreakers. As the sessions unfolded, students explored the pressures of conformity, the importance of authenticity, and how our words and actions can build others up through kindness. In the final session, students were invited to consider their personal relationship with God. Moving stories and symbolic rituals, including a Cross Ceremony, created a prayerful and memorable close. Students were given the opportunity to come forward and sign their name on the cross, an act of reflection and openness, accompanied by a moment of personal prayer.
What made the experience truly special was the engagement and maturity shown by our Year 9 cohort. Many expressed genuine gratitude, describing the day as refreshing, meaningful, and different in all the right ways. It was heartening to witness students volunteering for drama skits, openly responding to questions from presenters, and engaging sincerely in their small group conversations. As our presenters reminded us, stepping outside the ordinary helps us reconnect with what truly matters: our love for ourselves, for others, and for our God.
“The YMT team were so kind and accepting, they even sat down with us at lunch, and it was so fun. It made us all feel like we were on the same level, rather than just instructors and students. I loved how they showed us that simple games and dramas can also connect to real-life lessons. Even when we were in small groups, it still felt really connected. They found a way to balance religious lessons with typical day-to-day stories and games. That specifically helped open my eyes to how we are all connected to Jesus in one way or another. The YMT program and team are wonderful, and I would love to see more day outs with them.”
Bonnie Moloney - Year 9
“An experience I gained from Reflection Day was learning how people view each other and how, when we remove those labels, we can see that others are different on the inside, simply because we treated them with the kindness they deserved.”
Orlaith Bethell - Year 9
We are excited to share that the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) will be held in Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December 2025. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Melbourne, this national event is expected to welcome up to 14,000 young people aged 14–25 and will be a significant celebration as part of the Church’s Jubilee Year. ACYF offers an inspiring opportunity for students to encounter Jesus, deepen their faith, and be empowered in their Catholic identity alongside peers from across the country. Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) are encouraging participation, particularly from students in Years 9 to 11. The event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a registration cost of $390 per person (excluding food and travel). Participants must register as part of a group. If your child is interested, please encourage them to contact our Ministry Leader, Ms Laura Zarb lzarb@msj.vic.edu.au
If you would like to know more please visit the website: https://acyf.org.au/
As we look ahead to Term 3, our students are busily preparing for a fundraising stall as part of our celebrations for the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross on Friday 8 August. In the spirit of the day, each Learning Mentor group will run a stall with the goal of maximising their profits by donating or sourcing their own items. This year, all funds raised will go towards Joseph’s Corner, a charity based in Melbourne’s west that provides vital support to families and partners navigating the challenges of addiction. Without Government funding, Joseph’s Corner relies on donations to continue their mission. More details about the day will be shared early next term however, if you’re keen to support your child’s stall, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their Learning Mentor.
Wishing our entire College community a restful mid year break. Stay warm and take good care of yourselves during these colder months.
Mrs Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
