2023 has been a very productive and busy year. I would like to commend the staff and students who have been involved in all sorts of events throughout the year, in particular the College production of Legally Blonde Jr., it was outstanding. The staff and students involved worked tirelessly for months and the end result was a very polished and professional show. To all students and staff involved in the many House activities, sporting events, external competitions, social justice activities, liturgies and assemblies, I thank you. I thank you for having the courage to be people who contribute to the culture and life of the College, you have really lived out our motto, Virtue Courage.

Our theme for the year was ‘Our Joy is in Our Belonging’. I am so proud of the students as they demonstrated through their words and actions that they truly take Joy in being part of the MSJ community and that they ensure by supporting and caring for each other that they allow others to take joy and feel that they belong.

Congratulations to all our students who received an award at our Awards Night on 5 December. These students have demonstrated a real commitment to their studies, the arts, social justice, ministry and sport. They are truly remarkable young people.

I would like to thank the staff for all the work they have done in helping the students discover, learn and develop throughout 2023. Your dedication, passion and commitment to the students has been outstanding and it is appreciated by the students and parents alike. To you, the parents of our community, we acknowledge the faith and trust that you have placed in us to work in partnership with you, to support and teach the wonderful students at this College. Thank you for your ongoing support of all of us at MSJ.

I would also like to thank our parish priests, Fr John Healy and Archpriest Michael Kalka, for their support and willingness to celebrate the Eucharist with us. We truly appreciate their presence in our lives.

The following staff are leaving us:

- Kate Gready

- Jimmy Lin

- Marnie Jones

- Belinda Sorbello

- Tom Dicker

- Mary Cassar

- Julianne Pham

- Nicholas Tresize

- Ian Starkey

- Justin Farley

I thank them for the contribution they have made in their time with us and I wish them well in their future endeavours.

After 27 years of dedicated service as a teacher of Religious Education, Drama, Art and Humanities, Mary Cassar is retiring. Mary has been an exceptional teacher at MSJ, she has supported, guided and cared for so many students at MSJ. Mary’s association spans just on 50 years as Mary commenced as a student in 1974! Mary has, over her time at MSJ, showed how to live with a Josephite heart. We wish Mary all the best as she begins her retirement.

As we come to the end of 2023, may you all enjoy a Holy and Joyous Christmas and I look forward to working with you in 2024. God Bless.