From the Principal

Welcome to the 2023 school year!

Seeing our students return this week for the new year was uplifting. Thank you to parents for all you have done to prepare your daughters and sons, so they start on a positive note. Our staff have used the last week or so very productively to ensure all is in place to welcome the students and get the year off to a smooth start.

We have commenced with 1,422 students and 28 new staff members. The 2023 staff list is included below. There are over 170 staff members. Last year’s beginning-of-year enrolment number was 1,387. We are well-planned for this growth and ready for a great new year of learning.

Click to see College Staff and Roles 2023

The construction of the new MacKillop Senior Centre is continuing according to the schedule, with an anticipated completion date in late January 2024. Watching the builder’s progress as the new building takes shape and becomes a striking feature on the school grounds will be exciting.

Our overarching theme encapsulating our improvement drive this year is “Building community to become a better learner.” Therefore, our Annual Action Plan focuses on building better connections, belonging and learning.

The new House system was announced last year, and we have commenced its implementation this year. This change is purposefully aimed at improving student connections and belonging: further building our school community that will lead to improved student learning outcomes.

Our students will be provided many fantastic opportunities throughout 2023 for learning, developing relationships and enjoyment. I encourage families to prioritise their membership of our school community and ensure their daughters and sons are guided and encouraged to make the most of these opportunities. This will strengthen our school’s learning and active participation culture, enhancing student outcomes.

A strong school culture is supported by active and constructive parent involvement. Parent attendance at school functions communicates a strong message to students about the value you place on membership of our school community. And, of course, you will be better informed about our programs and student progress and have the opportunity to meet staff members and other parents. Please check the College calendar (on ‘Xuno’ or under ‘Our School’ on our website) for events and activities you could attend. Also, please monitor your emails for updates from the College about events and activities. (The College Facebook/Instagram page often promotes upcoming events.)

The first Parents and Friends Association meeting is next Wednesday, 8th February, at 7 pm in the Loyola Centre. Parents would be welcome to attend.

Tomorrow, the whole school will gather for the Commencement Assembly, where we formally welcome our new students and staff members. At this assembly, we traditionally welcome back the Year 12 student high achievers from last year to congratulate them on their significant achievements and present academic excellence awards to high-achieving Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 students from last year. Parents are most welcome to attend. Please report to the College Office at 8:45 am. The Assembly will finish at about 10:30 am.

The whole school will also be gathering for our ‘Beginning of the Year’ College Mass on Monday, 6th February, at 11.05 am in the Multipurpose Centre (MPC.) This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate our Catholic and Ignatian identities and ask for God’s blessing on the new school year.

This is our production year, and preparation is well underway for the musical “Anastasia” performances in mid-September 2023. Auditions will commence soon.

We look forward to a rewarding year as we work together to nurture the growth and development of our students.

Best wishes for 2023,

Michael Exton | Principal