The college’s 2025 Year of Gratitude was officially launched at the first college Mass of the year, where incoming Principal Andrée Rice was commissioned into her role alongside the 2025 Year 12 student leaders, house leaders, First Nations ambassadors, and Pirlirrpa ambassadors.

Celebrant Fr Michael Tran led the Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley, an annual ritual to mark the beginning of the school year.

Following the Mass, a commissioning ceremony was held for Principal Rice, new staff and student leaders, including:

• College Captains: Mustafa Ibrahimzai and Engy-Eltaher Abdalla Gamar
• College Vice Captains: Jotoa Lealiiee and Mia Jonker
• House Leaders: Tyrone Guce, Esther Ishimwe, Shedrach Okoduwa, Layla Satui, Koedin Lacquiere, Tamanna Tamanna, Oliver Ashurst, Tahira Muckan, Emmanuel Stuart-Adams, Mahlia Henare, Ava Bradshaw, and Luis Natera Gonzalez
• First Nations Ambassadors: Jackson Vitale, Lachey Button-Wright, and Tahira Muckan
• Pirlirrpa Ambassadors: Max Collie-Tran, Missy Deng, and Mythical Van der Made

Principal Rice addressed the congregation, expressing her excitement about leading St James College.

“I am thrilled to be leading St James College. I promise I will do my best to ensure the Jimmies spirit and legacy stays strong and continues to illuminate Brisbane and beyond.”

She also reflected on the charter of Edmund Rice schools, emphasising the school's role as a shining light for multiculturalism, equity, and inclusion.

“The Edmund Rice Education Australia charter asks us to ‘bring light and life to the world’, and Jimmies is a shining light for multiculturalism, equity, and inclusion,” Principal Rice said.

The Mass and commissioning ceremony set a strong foundation for the 2025 Year of Gratitude, confirming the school's commitment to faith, leadership, and community.