Welcome back to everyone for the start of Semester Two. Over the break, many College activities took place and I am grateful to all the staff involved in supporting students whether it was in making improvements to existing facilities, taking additional classes or being part of the Kiribati Immersion.
Father Alan Fox 
Recently, Father Alan Fox (pictured), Parish Priest of St John the Baptist, Ferntree Gully, announced that he has been appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady’s in Cheltenham. Father Alan has been part of the Parish for 14 years and played a very supportive role here at St Joseph’s College. Father Alan’s final weekend in the Parish will be Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September. For over three years, Father Alan has had a particular leadership position as President of the Canonical Administrators and Chair of the College Board. His support and guidance will be missed. We wish Father Alan all the best for his new appointment and remain very grateful for his generosity and commitment.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you that after 14 years here at St John the Baptist, my appointment will soon draw to its close. On the Wednesday before last, quite unexpectedly, I received a phone call from the Vicar General, Monsignor Greg Bennet, relaying the Archbishop’s request that I accept a new appointment in the Archdiocese, that of Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, in Cheltenham.” Father Alan Fox (Parish Bulletin 14 July)
Father Alan is celebrating his 25th Anniversary of Ordination on Tuesday 20 August. This event will serve, also, as a farewell. If you would like to attend, please send a brief email to office@stjohnthebaptist.net.au.
Mass of Thanksgiving
Tuesday 20 August 7pm
St John the Baptist Church
19 Forest Road, Ferntree Gully
Musical
It’s only a few weeks away! The Mater Christi College and St Joseph’s College production of A Chorus Line is in the final stages of rehearsal, following months of work by dedicated staff and students. Tickets will be going on sale from 10.30am on Tuesday 23 July.
Enrolments
Enrolments for Year 7 2021 close on Friday 23 August 2019. Should you have relatives or friends who are interested in joining the St Joseph’s College community, please let them know to check our website for details of enrolment procedures, tours and events. Siblings of current students do need to ensure that an application is submitted.
Kiribati
Twelve students and four staff returned from Kiribati having spent time developing the relationship between St Joseph’s College and the community within the central Pacific Ocean. Mr Dylan Price superbly led this annual event with the support of Ms Jacqui Cooke, Mr Justin Barr and Mr Brian Martin. I was fortunate to participate for five days at the beginning of the Immersion.
Reunion Class of 1989
The Class of 1989 Reunion is being held on Thursday 25 July 6pm-8pm. You can register here.
Chiara Giacomuzzi Celebrates Australian Citizenship
Over the Term break, Ms Chiara Giacomuzzi (pictured in the middle) became an Australian Citizen. Chiara has been working at St Joseph’s College for over two years and is the Languages Leader at the College. Several staff went along to the ceremony to acknowledge her significant achievement.
Cagliero Boys Return
Tate Levay (11 Cantamessa) and Alex Eames (11 O’Sullivan) returned from their experience in Cambodia as part of the Cagliero Program.
Mass in the Parish
On Sunday 23 June, we held our annual Mass in the Parish at St Joseph’s, Boronia. Thanks to Father Mirek Knap who extended a warm welcome to us. I would like to acknowledge all the staff, students and families who participated. Our College Rector, Father Chris Ford, and Father Jim Acreman celebrated mass and Miss Bronwyn Dean prepared the students.
Homestay Families
Have you ever considered being a Homestay Family for an International Student? Please contact my Personal Assistant, Ms Janelle Spring, on 9756 3112 should you be interested in finding out more about this opportunity.
Earn and Learn
Thank you to everyone who returned their Earn and Learn stickers. We collected over 21,000 points and have converted these to some useful school resources which will arrive later in the year.
Condolences
Our condolences are extended to Mrs Kathleen McCrae and family. Kathleen’s mother, Cynthia Roslind McCrae, died recently in South Africa.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Ms Cathy Livingston
Principal