I would like to thank all members of the Kolbe Catholic College community for your support in 2023. I have marvelled at the individual and collective feats of our students this year. The sporting competitions, the Musical Showcase and the Academic Awards are but a few highlights of 2023 that have reflected individual talents and the student body’s appreciation of their efforts.

I look forward to 2024 with great anticipation!

Some staff left Kolbe during the year to advance their career or to retire. I take this opportunity to thank Nadia Azzam, Aaron Bateman, Mary Calthorpe, Melissa Chapman, Rebecca Cooray, Lidia Ficcara-Rametta, Manpreet Kaur, Sue Kift, Michelle Koster, Claudia Ottone, Harshjit Patel, Samantha Perta and Rihan Rofaeel.

Other staff are leaving us at the end of this year to pursue their careers at other schools. On your behalf I would like to thank Caterina Bosco, Kon Bouzikos, Kamaria Brancato, Stephen Brasier, John Cassar, Kathy Di Francesco, Glenn Drummond, Arancha Joulian, Felicity Kett, Thomas Major, Emily McKibbin, Sam Montgomery, Julian Ottone, Naomi Park, Elizabeth Psaila, Jenna Pungitore, Carlo Santin, Sara Warner and Daniel Willie.

And I haven’t forgotten Abbey Boyer who is leaving us. Abbey was a founding member of the College, starting here 16 years ago. An outstanding contribution!

There is one name missing from the list of departures and this is where it gets complex. Ms Tracey Kift is leaving us to become the next Principal of Penola College but she has a deep dislike for farewells and the associated recognition of achievement. This obviously highlights Tracey’s beautiful quality of humility but it does create a dilemma for me. Tracey is an outstanding leader in education and her contribution to Kolbe has been immeasurable, but she won’t let me mention it. So, we reached an agreement. Tracey has given me permission to write a letter to the community as a thanks for her service to Kolbe. I shall do so in the next few weeks.

I would like to publicly acknowledge the work of all the staff throughout the year. It is evident that we are blessed with a group of educators who seek and expect the best from each girl and boy and who are prepared to work extremely hard to make this happen. Thank you to the students who have worked hard and cooperated in their learning, and to the parents and families for your support of the College.

As Christmas approaches we begin to see nativity scenes, shepherds and angels on cards and shop windows, and find that the supermarket music has become carols. It is a reminder of the proximity of the great Christian feast of Christmas. This is not the only sign, with the liturgical season of Advent having commenced. Advent is a time of expectancy and preparation for Christmas. It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of what Christmas is really about, that is the gift of Jesus Christ who brings the presence of God to our world and our lives. I hope that in your time spent with loved ones over the Christmas break you have the opportunity to experience the presence of God.

I wish you and your families a joy filled, safe and restful holiday period and look forward to the students returning in 2024.

Merry Christmas.

Nick Scully
Principal