This is a wrap for 2020, Happy Christmas!

This is my last blog for 2020 and I would like to extend my deep appreciation to all my readers for your loyal support. The Principal’s blog is a forum for me to share with you my week to week challenges as a principal of what I believe is one of the greatest schools in the world. Just two days ago we received the news of our Year 12 results for this year. In light of the many challenges of the global pandemic and its effect on our world and of course, the many students who have had their learning impacted, our results were just simply the very best ever. Wes Weetra is our Dux of the College with an ATAR of 98.7, two subjects with an A+ with merit and named as one of 21 students in the state to receive a Governor of South Australia Commendation for overall excellence. If that’s not enough, Gabrielle Connolly, our 2020 Joseph Cardijn Award recipient, was also named as one of the 21 students to receive a Governor of South Australia Commendation. Two Commendations from one school! Never achieved before by a Catholic school in SA. This recognition is given to the top students in the state who have demonstrated academic excellence and met the all-round capabilities and qualities of excelling in community life, citizenship and work.

Year 11/12 students achieved 67 A+ grades of which 22 were A+ with merit. Yes, there are a number of Year 11 students who are excelling at the highest level completing Year 12 subjects. 83.2% of all grades in Year 12 subjects were A or B grades – a simply outstanding achievement! Over 38% of all Year 12 grades were A grades. With 100% SACE completion across both the Cardijn and Marcellin campuses, the full story has not been told. At Marcellin, students not only achieved their SACE but also a Certificate II or III in a vocational stream of their choice and over 80% have achieved a school-based apprenticeship, traineeship or transitioned to full-time employment. Whilst we rejoice in the achievements of those who are in the top 10% of the state, we celebrate all our students in Year 12 and congratulate them on their fine achievements and future pathways. We are very proud of them, their families and our amazing staff who have supported and nurtured our students for five years of their high schooling.

This news was a great way to finish this year which many will probably not want to remember. I am looking forward to a short break and opportunity to relax and enjoy family gatherings to celebrate Christmas, which is a great time for joy, hope, love and family.

I want to extend my very best wishes to everyone for a holy Christmas and many blessings for a new year filled with hope and opportunity.

This is a wrap for 2020, Happy Christmas!