FAITH MATTERS

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a blessed JJAMM Week last week! 

I landed back in Australia late last Wednesday night and just caught the tail-end of JJAMM Week on Friday. I’ve had an incredible past few weeks in Rome, Assisi, Fatima and Lisbon on pilgrimage for World Youth Day, and am still adjusting to AEST. There truly is nothing quite like World Youth Day. From being in crowds of 1.5 million people to presenting in front of 3000 Australians in Portugal and leading a small group of seven – it’s been transformational for my own leadership journey. A key highlight for my group was attending a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. It was a once in a lifetime experience being able to ask him questions, and hear his answers. I am deeply grateful for the support of Michelle Haeusler and the St Mary MacKillop College community, Fr James Kerr and the Catholic Parish of Holy Family North East Mallee, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in making this trip possible.

Myself, Grace and Anna are excited to share with you our adventures and reflections in the next addition of our newsletter.

JJAMM Week Recap: 

Last week, St Mary MacKillop College celebrated JJAMM Week, which is an acronym for Joseph, Julian (Tenison Woods) and (St) Mary of the Cross MacKillop. It was a great opportunity to reflect and honour the Josephite charism which our school has. St Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus and spouse of Mary. He demonstrated courage, patience and tenacity in caring for his family. Julian Tenison-Woods (who two of our Houses are named after) was a priest who supported Mary MacKillop's dream of making Catholic education accessible. He was a passionate botanist, and avid promoter of ecology. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites) who were a religious order focused on service to others in Australia, especially the poor and those living in rural and remote areas. 

Our school, and other Josephite schools across the country use this week to remember how we can show similar qualities to these great people in all we do and say. Throughout the week our college participated in different activities centred around our core values: dignity, respect, compassion, reverence, generosity and forgiveness. Students also participated in Kahoot quizzes during Homeroom on the name-sakes for our Houses (Julian Tenison-Woods, Emanuel Solomon and Sister Francis Xavier), and participated in a Josephite-themed colouring activity organised by Ms Howison. 

To launch JJAMM week, students were treated to delicious JJAMM (jam) donuts at lunchtime on Monday. Students were lining up down the breeze way to secure their jam donut (or two) to enjoy. Special thanks to Mandy McCallum, Mel Brooks, the VET Hospitality team and student leaders for their assistance in preparing and selling the donuts. 

On Tuesday, the college gathered together in St Mary’s Catholic Church next door to celebrate our College’s Feast Day Mass, on the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Solemnities in the Church are considered as an extra special Feast Day. It was for our school, as we remember the life, faith and works of Australia’s first Saint, and the name sake of our school. During the liturgical celebration, students and staff prayed for other Josephite schools and organisations across Australia and New Zealand. In some ways, we are the faces of Mary MacKillop in the world today. Whilst she no longer walks upon the earth, we carry on her mission to create an inclusive learning environment for all. Through JJAMM week, we recognise the positive work of the Association of Josephite Affiliated Schools (AJASS), and the influence they have in forming the leadership of staff and students. Towards the end of the Mass, the school watched a special video compiled by staff and students of Josephite schools across Australia. Have a look at the video below for our school’s contribution! 

SMMC Swan Hill JJAMM Week Video

Special thanks to Fr James, Ms Howison, the student leaders, staff volunteers, our college band & choir and all staff and students for their efforts and participation. A particular note of thanks to students for their reverence in Mass on this occasion. Fr James and Ms Haeusler have affirmed how well students behaved on Tuesday, and I would like to echo that thanks and appreciation of their decorum. 

At lunchtime the JC was crowded to witness the illustrious Staff vs Student Netball Match, organised by Grace Scott. The match ended in a draw, with one of our Faith and Mission Committee Captains, Emily Free commenting that best players on field were Mr Murphy and Jude Seymour. Goal of the day went to Mr Waterson for a magnificent long distance shot. Thanks to all students who donned the bibs to participate! 

On Wednesday, many students participated in PyJJAMMa (Pyjama) Day! This year, we hosted a Pyjama Contest at lunchtime on Red Court. Mr Anderson, Jorgie and Ros were judges on the day, awarding canteen vouchers for the best dressed students in their pyjamas. Special thanks to all who participated! 

On Thursday, students were invited to wear casual clothes, with each gold coin donation going towards wellbeing services for students at our college. The Year 12s themed their casual dress, as “through the decades.” In the evening, students and staff participated in Solomon House’s ‘Walk-a-thon’ event.’ The school travelled a long journey around town to the different sites and sounds of Swan Hill. It was an awesome opportunity to get some steps in, and to bond together as a community. Special thanks to Mr Joyce and all staff who helped make this possible. 

JJAMM Week concluded with a new activity, ‘MacK’s Tracks’ which was a circuit of activities inspired by the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Students balanced books on their heads, shot basketball hoops and even piggy backed across South Grass, to ensure the best House won. Special thanks to Grace Scott, Mr McDonald, House Leaders and Homeroom teachers for facilitating the organisation of the event. The winning House was Tenison, followed by Solomon, Xavier and Woods. 

Thank you to all the staff who collaborated to make JJAMM Week possible in my absence, and to the office and maintenance crew for their behind-the-scenes work as well. 

Vinnies Sleepout @ MacKillop

In Paris 1833, Frederic Ozanam, a 20-year-old university student, was challenged to do something to assist people who were struggling to survive day to day. Frederic and his friends took up the challenge and started providing practical assistance, such as food and fire wood. As a result, the St Vincent de Paul Society was born.

Today, through a wide network of members and volunteers, the Society’s work continues to provide practical frontline support, advocacy and friendship to the most vulnerable members of our community. One way our school supports the work of Vinnies is through donations from our Hearts and Hands Mass. This year, we are also hosting a sleepout on Friday September 1st- Saturday September 2nd onsite at St Mary MacKillop College. 

Students will have the opportunity to “rough it out” for the night in their sleeping bags and with cardboard boxes, mirroring similar circumstances which homeless people face everyday, without a choice. A sleepout is meant to be uncomfortable – and not only because of the sleeping arrangements. Participants will be introduced to the hard truths of poverty and disadvantage faced by many Victorians. But it’s also a night of opportunity. To learn, to advocate for and to take action to support Victorians who are doing it tough and raise money and awareness for Victorians experiencing homelessness and poverty. There will be games, activities and sharings about the experience of homelessness, as well as soup and bread for dinner, and a breakfast in the morning. 

If you’re interested in taking part in MacKillop’s Vinnies Sleepout, please express your interest via the link (https://forms.gle/cXYtCdUsRnUP6KQXA) or email Gerry (gvytilingam@mackillopsh.vic.edu.au). 

Have a blessed weekend!