PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Three years ago we were experiencing the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The school was eerily quiet. This past week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that “COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency”. While we continue to live with COVID-19 in our community, this week as I worked in my office I could hear the laughter of students as they participated in Pastoral Care activities with Ms Op’t Hoog; I listened to the mischief of some students at the drink tap; and heard a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Year 12 students sang to a peer. I pray that laughter and joy sound out in our school every day.

This term we have celebrated Technology Week, Health and Physical Education Week and Languages Week. Next week will be Humanities Week, followed by Catholic Education Week and National Reconciliation Week. Staff and students have been busy providing activities and promotions to recognise the importance of all aspects of our educational community.  

Sally Looney (Pathways Coordinator) and Brenda Brady (Pathways Admin) provide information sessions to Year 8 to 10 classes in preparation for 2024 Subject Selections, which open after the Subject Expo and Information sessions on Wednesday, 24th May. The hard work of our Pathways staff ensures that all students and their parents/guardians have all of the information they need to choose subjects for success.

Catholic Education Week for the Diocese of Ballarat begins on Sunday, 21st May.  During this week welcome prospective students and their parents/guardians to take a tour of our amazing school at Open Day on Wednesday 24th May.  We then conclude the week with a celebration Mass on Friday, 26th May.  This year the CESH Mass (Catholic Education Swan Hill) will be celebrated in our Jubilee Centre, with St Mary’s Primary School joining us.  I think for the first time ever, we will have over 1000 staff and students together to celebrate. Given the large numbers from within the school, there will be limited access for parents to attend. If you are interested in attending, please contact our Front Reception Staff.

Over two days this week we welcomed 130 Grade 6 students from local Primary Schools. It was wonderful to see the excitement, energy and curiosity of these students, as they consider moving from Primary to Secondary school. Damien Hirst and many of our amazing teachers and Learning Support Officers provided many experiences for the students to enjoy. All Grade 6 students were given an enrolment pack on their respective Transition Day. Applications for Year 7 2024 close on Monday 10th July. I encourage you to submit your child’s application by this date to avoid being placed on a waiting list. We have had to create a waiting list for the past two years.

I look forward to the Grade 6 students from St Joseph’s School Kerang, visiting with us on Wednesday 17th May.

The School Advisory Council will meet next on Tuesday 23rd May at 7:00 pm.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the School Advisory Council, there is scope for one more parent/guardian representative. Please contact Emma Webb on 03 5032 9771 or ewebb@mackillopsh.vic.edu.au .

Enjoy these last weeks of Autumn as we move into Winter.