28 February 2024

The diamond jubilee Mass at Mount St Joseph Girls’ College, Altona, brought staff, students and guests together to celebrate 60 years of history.

The college, established by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, opened in 1964 with 65 students. Sixty years later, almost 1200 current students, along with teachers and special guests, attended a jubilee Mass celebrated by Most Rev Martin Ashe, Archpriest Michael Kalka and Rev John Healy. The celebration began with a procession led by students carrying flags, banners, house candles and diamond jubilee badges, which were later blessed by the bishop. The choir set a reverent and joyful tone with their hymns that echoed through the Mary MacKillop Centre.

Thirteen Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart joined the college community for the event, including Regional Leader of Victoria and Tasmania, Sr Sue McGuinness. Sr Sue shared touching anecdotes and conveyed heartfelt wishes on behalf of the congregation. Principal Kate Dishon delivered a spirited address in honour of the jubilee and introduced a video that beautifully paid tribute to the past and present, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of the Mount St Joseph Girls’ College community.

At the end of the event, guests were invited to share stories and celebrate the rich tapestry of the college’s history.