Welcome to the New School Year!

A warm welcome back to our returning students and families, and a special welcome to our new students and families who are joining us for the first time in 2025. I hope you all enjoyed a restful holiday and are ready for another exciting year filled with engaging learning opportunities. 

The start of a new school year is always full of enthusiasm and promise for the year ahead. It’s a time when students eagerly set up their lockers, unpack their new stationery, exercise books and laptop, and proudly wear their new school uniform and break in their new school shoes. Starting the year brings with it a sense of fulfilment as students enter the next year level and get to know their new teachers and classmates. 

I am happy to report that our Year 7 students are already settling in and feeling at home, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Pastoral Care Teachers and Year Level Deans who have ensured a smooth transition for our new students. If you have any concerns about how your child is adjusting, please reach out to their Pastoral Care Teacher or Year Level Dean. Additionally, if parents or caregivers have any academic concerns, I encourage you to contact the subject teacher directly. 

As we look towards the 2025 school year with anticipation, I am sure you are all excited for what it will bring. I encourage our families to read our fortnightly College Newsletter, download the Parent Orbit app and stay connected with our social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram. At Holy Spirit College we offer a broad range of opportunities for students to develop academically, spiritually, physically and culturally. I encourage our students to embrace and engage in these opportunities.

Congratulations to our Year 12 Graduates of 2024!

As we begin our new school year, it is important for us to reflect on what has been achieved. I am extremely proud of the success of our graduating class of 2024. The number of students who received an ATAR in the 90s was outstanding! Two of our 2024 Year 12 Graduates have accomplished a Certificate of Academic Commendation for achieving an A in at least 6 General subjects. Many of our students have also found success in securing apprenticeships and full-time employment. These amazing results demonstrate the commitment of our students and the dedication of our staff.  We will celebrate our 2024 successes with our top ten ATAR 2024 graduates at our annual Academic Assembly on 4 February.

Staff News

Last Friday, at our Opening School Year Mass, four of our staff members received a long-serving plaque. Congratulations to Neridah Kaddatz, Lesley Fraser, Kerry Esmond, and Jeanette Refalo.

Neridah Kaddatz – 40 years

Neridah Kaddatz commenced her teaching career in 1983 at CBC Mackay which later became St Patrick’s College. Throughout her career, Neridah has also taught at Holy Spirit College and held a number of Middle Leadership positions including Acting English Co-ordinator, Head of Department – English and Acting Assistant to the Principal-Mission.

Thank you Neridah Kaddatz for all you have contributed to Catholic Education in the Mackay region over the past 40 years.  We wish Neridah all the best in her retirement.

Lesley Fraser – 30 years

Lesley Fraser joined Catholic Education in 1994 at St Patrick’s College as classroom teacher before stepping into the Head of Department – Social Science role. In 2009, Lesley joined the leadership team as Assistant Principal – Religious Education.  In 2016, Lesley was appointed to the role of Assistant Principal – Mission at Holy Spirit College.  Lesley has also acted as Deputy Principal at the College. 

Thank you, Lesley Fraser, for your 30 years of dedicated service to Catholic Education in our diocese and the Mackay region. Congratulations!    

Kerry Esmond – 23 years

Kerry Esmond commenced her teaching career in our diocese in 2000 at Holy Spirit College before relocating to the Wollongong diocese.  In 2011, Kerry returned to Mackay and was appointed to the staff at Mercy College.  Since 2021 Kerry has been a member of the HSC staff and has undertaken casual relief work at the College. 

Thank you, Kerry Esmond, for your dedicated service to Catholic Education over the past 23 years and your service to our Catholic Schools in the Mackay region. Congratulations!    

Jeanette Refalo – 20 years

Jeanette Refalo first commenced in our diocese in 2005 at Holy Spirit College as a classroom teacher.  In 2010, Jeanette took on the leadership role of Assistant Principal - Religious Education at the former Mercy College. In 2021, Jeanette joined Catherine McAuley College as Foundation staff member in her role as Assistant Principal - Mission. This year, Jeanette returned to Holy Spirit College to take on the new role of Mission Support.

Thank you, Jeanette, for your dedicated service to Catholic Education over the past 20 years in the Mackay region. Congratulations!

I am pleased to welcome the following new teaching staff to Holy Spirit College this year:

Angela Fordyce

Ken Fuller     

Jakob Kapor 

Jeanette Refalo

Stacey Skipper

Joshua Wilson

It is with pleasure I welcome the following new Support Staff to Holy Spirit College this year:

Brooklyn Ah-Wong

Paula Bell

Anna Deguara

Susan Henri

Will McKenzie

Gaye Streidl

Farewell

On behalf of the Holy Spirit College community, I would like to thank and farewell the following teaching staff: Brigette Abbey, Carmen Hansen, Kylie Keioskie and Shelley Tebao. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to supporting students in Catholic Education.

Best wishes to Brigette, Carmen, Kylie and Shelley! 

2025

It is wonderful to be back at Holy Spirit College this year after spending six months as the Acting Assistant Director of Schools (Northern Region) for the Catholic Education Office. I am extremely grateful to Camille Morris for stepping into the Acting Principal role during my absence.

Thank you to everyone who has warmly welcomed me back. Your kindness is truly appreciated.

My vision remains unchanged: to inspire every student to strive for excellence, share their unique gifts and talents, and become the best version of themselves in every aspect of life.

Best wishes for 2025! May this year bring a love of learning to all our students.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for a new school year. 

Help us to be “Pilgrims of Hope”.

Send your spirit to encourage us to embrace the new challenges and exciting opportunities this new school year brings.

Grant us the courage to share our gifts and talents with others.

Guide us to share your boundless love with others.

In Christ’s name we pray.

Amen.

Blessings,     

Alison Wales - Principal