Inspiration from Saint Carlo Acutis

This week, we reflect on the inspiring story of Carlo Acutis, a young man who has been called the “patron saint of the internet generation.”

Carlo was only 15 when he died of leukaemia in 2006. In many ways, he was like any other teenager: he loved soccer, video games, and spending time with friends. He was funny, friendly, and down-to-earth. What made him extraordinary, however, was the way he used his ordinary life and gifts to share his faith.

Carlo had a particular talent with computers. Instead of using this ability for himself alone, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world to help others grow closer to God. His personal motto was simple but powerful: “Not me, but God.” He believed that holiness was not about perfection or being “boring,” but about placing God at the centre of everyday life, whether on the soccer field, online, or at school.

Carlo is a model for young people today. Carlo challenges us to reflect:

• How am I using my gifts?
• Do I spend my time building up myself and others, or do I waste it on things that don’t last?
• Am I choosing love, even in the small, everyday moments?

Carlo often reminded people that:
 “All people are born originals, but many die as photocopies.”
His message is clear: don’t settle for being the same as everyone else. Instead, use the unique gifts God has given you to make a difference.

Our students have been challenged to take inspiration from Carlo’s example:

• Be original.
• Use your gifts for good.
• Put God at the centre of your life.

Saint Carlo’s story reminds us that holiness is possible at any age. Who knows, perhaps the next saint is sitting in one of our classrooms right now.

Announcing our Year 12 2026 Student Leadership Team

Over the past month, we have undertaken our recruitment and discernment process for the Year 12 2026 Student Leaders. This process included student applications, a leadership training day, student and staff voting, shortlisting, and interviews.

In what was a highly talented field of young leaders, it gives me great pleasure to announce our 2026 Year 12 Student Leadership Team:

• School Captains: Bella Brennan and Ethan Thompson
  
  
• School Vice Captains: Amelia Dimitrievski and Tasman Rippon
  
  
• Sports Captains: Cate Mansbridge and Caiden Judd
  
  
• Environment Leaders: Emily Daly and Tamara Frendo
  
  
• Operations Leaders: Kelsey May and Prardhana Sreejith
  
  
• Inclusive Leaders: Katelyn Blissett and Mondre Gella
  
  
• Learning Education Leaders: Abbey Yau, Oliver Farrugia, and Isabella Micovski
  
  
• Wellbeing Leaders: Mia Tarlinton and Chelsea Whalan
  
  
• SRC Leaders: Shakira Buys, Declan Lake, Jordan Toseski, Noah Jewiss, Aiden McEwan, Tyler Morris, Lola Garcia, Samuelu Lautasi, Latisha Akuoko, and Alphons Lijoy
  
  

Congratulations to each of these students. We pray that you will serve with integrity, inspire your peers through courage and compassion, and lead with humility.

Bishops Excellence Award Recipient

Last week, I had the privilege of presenting Chloe Norris to Bishop Brian Mascord and Executive Director of Schools Mr Peter Hill as St Joseph’s nominee for the Bishop’s Excellence Award.

This award recognises Chloe’s outstanding service and contribution to the St Joseph’s community over the past six years. Congratulations, Chloe, and thank you for the way you have shared your gifts with our school.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Mass

Also last week, I attended the Bishop’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Mass held at the Cathedral. St Joseph’s was proudly represented by Abbey Bartley and Tasha Moylan.

It was a beautiful Mass that intertwined Aboriginal culture with Catholic tradition. Our students were presented with Graduation Certificates and enjoyed a shared lunch with the Bishop and students from other diocesan schools.

Workplace Learning Illawarra Vocational Education and Training Awards

On Wednesday night, I was joined by Mr Dribbus, Mr Milburn, and Mr Gilbert to celebrate seven outstanding St Joseph’s students who were nominated for the Workplace Learning Illawarra VET Awards by either the school or their host employers.

In a gala event at Kembla Grange Golf Club attended by nearly 200 guests, St Joseph’s once again demonstrated why our Vocational Education and Training program is held in such high regard across the region.

Certificate of Excellence Awards were presented to:

• Chloe Styman
  
  
• Ethan Field
  
  
• Luke Beesley
  
  
• Heidi Colless
  
  
• Alexis Villella
  
  
• Tasha Moylan
  
  
• Rhianna Trajkovska
  
  

A special congratulations to Ethan Field, who was named the 2025 VET Student of the Year – Construction. This is a remarkable achievement and a credit to his dedication and hard work.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to our exceptional VET Team,  Mr Milburn, Mr Gilbert, Mr Ferderer, Mr Dribbus, and Mr Maguire, for their ongoing commitment to supporting our students in both their learning and workplace experiences.

Fortnightly Focus - Weeks 9 and 10

At St Joseph’s, we want every student to finish the term strong by showing commitment to their learning and pride in their presentation.

Learning Focus
Students are encouraged to demonstrate sustained and diligent effort with their class tasks. Consistency and persistence make a big difference, especially as we approach the end of term. Our classes will be working hard all the way through to the final day.

Uniform Focus
With the change of season approaching, please ensure your Summer Uniform is ready for Term 4. This includes checking that girls’ skirt lengths meet requirements, making sure the correct shoes and socks are worn, and finding your school hat for those hot summer days.

Character Strength – Perseverance
This fortnight, our character strength is Perseverance. It’s about sticking with challenges, even when things are tough, and recognising the growth that comes from not giving up.

Together, let’s keep striving for high expectations, high support, and high accountability – The Joey’s Way.

Farewell

This week, we farewell Mrs Lorrae Taylor, who has served as our Curriculum SSO for a number of years. We thank Lorrae for her dedication and commitment to supporting learning and teaching at St Joseph’s. Her contribution has been deeply valued, and she will be missed by staff and students alike.

We also extend our best wishes to Mrs Eliza Hunt and Mrs Melanie Lewry, as they commence parental leave at the conclusion of this week. Congratulations, and we look forward to welcoming both ladies back in the future and can’t wait to hear their happy news.