Recently, I attended the 80th Anniversary celebrations of the Dunlea Centre in Engadine, NSW. The Dunlea Centre is part of our Salesian Network of schools and organisations. Formally known as ‘Boystown’, the Dunlea Centre now caters for boys and girls.

On Tuesday 20 August a number of members of staff attended Fr Alan Fox’s farewell mass, where we also celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Ordination. I thank him for his contribution to the College during his time at St John the Baptist Parish, as well as his support for me in my role. We also farewelled Fr Alan the most recent Board Meeting. Pictured are our College Captains, Jack Moses and Alex Giurini (12 Ledda) presenting Fr Alan with a set of College Ties.

Special acknowledgement goes to Riley Grygorowicz (12 Cantamessa) who was recently awarded the Queen’s Scout. The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest award in the Venturer Scout section and carries an outstanding reputation within Scouting and the Community. To gain the Queen’s Scout Award the Venturer must first reach Venturer Award standard in all 13 Venturer Award activities. They must then reach Queen’s Scout Award standard in an activity area from each of Leadership Development, Outdoors Activities, Personal Growth and Community Involvement.

The Year 10 Alpine Experience took place recently at Mount Hotham. Students and staff managed to have an incredible time as they developed their skills in downhill skiing, snow-boarding and cross-country skiing. My sincere thanks to Mr James Whiting who led this event along with the support of all the staff who went along.

Our ACC Culinary Team comprising Ty Renshaw (11 O’Sullivan), Tom Keene (11 Ledda), Benjamin Sweeney (11 Cantamessa) and Alex Eames (11 O’Sullivan) finished 4th in the recent interschool competition. This is a fabulous result. Thanks to Ms Sarah Simpson and Mrs Melissa Evans who were committed to preparing the boys, and this greatly helped in ensuring they were able to perform as well as possible.

Last week, we hosted the Reunion of the Class of 1999. Old Collegians returned to catch up with former classmates and teachers. It was great to welcome the former students back to St Joseph’s College. The tour of the College provided an opportunity to reminisce about school days.

Late Night Study sessions for the Year 12s has commenced and I encourage all students of Units 3 and 4 to attend. In Week 8, parents are invited to an information session on Tuesday 2 September at 6.30pm.
Our annual Father’s Day breakfast is being held on Friday 30 August. An email was sent out with further information. We hope to see many of you there.

I appreciate the efforts of all involved in Science Week and Languages Week under the leadership of Mr Nick Harvey (Science Leader) and Ms Chiara Giacomuzzi (Languages Leader). Students and staff had many opportunities to engage with these areas.

I wish all staff and students involved in our joint production with Mater Christi College, “A Chorus Line”, which commences next week. If you haven’t yet purchased your ticket, it’s not too late, but get in quickly as seats are selling fast. Tickets are available to purchase via this link.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Bromwyn Isbel and her family on the passing of her father, Mr Allan Watson.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Ms Cathy Livingston
Principal