From the Acting Principal

Welcome back to Term 2

A warm welcome back to all our new and returning students, staff and families. We hope you had an enjoyable and restful break and are ready for another exciting and busy term of learning at St Mary's College. 

ANZAC Day 

Last Wednesday 26 April, students and staff gathered in the Nagle Centre for our ANZAC Day liturgy. ANZAC Day is more than a commemoration of those fateful events on the beaches of Gallipoli; it is a time of national reflection where we express our gratitude for the many sacrifices made in all conflicts and wars that Australians have participated in. Mr Messer made special mention of the great deeds of past students at the College.

I would also like to acknowledge students Eliza Topham, Grace Simonetis (Year 12) and Lucy McKenna (Year 10) who, under the guidance of Mr Scott Weston, represented the College at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph. 

As a College, we extend our thanks and appreciation to all students and staff who attended ANZAC Day services in their local communities.

Pictured above: Eliza, Grace and Lucy at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service; Rose Smith (Year 9) attending the ANZAC Day Service at Brighton with her brother (St Virgil's College student), Owen.

Nano Nagle celebration 

On Friday 28 April we returned to the Nagle Centre to celebrate mass in honour of the life and work of Venerable Nano Nagle. During his homily, Father Leonard described Nano as a trail blazer. Another image of Nano depicts her as a boundary breaker, and when we consider the historical and social context of 18th century Ireland, she was certainly a woman prepared to break boundaries and challenge existing prejudices. 

As Presentation people, we are encouraged to consider how we can respond to Nano's challenge to: 

• Be with those who struggle. 
• Be present and kind to all.
• Be companions at others at school and beyond. 
• Be people of hope.  
• Be unconventional in living the Gospel values. 

Learning Conferences

It was wonderful to see parents, carers and students meet with teachers at the Senior School Learning Conferences, which were held at the College this past fortnight. I hope that the conversations were an opportunity to affirm students’ learning and provide constructive feedback for future growth. 

If you missed this significant opportunity to discuss your child's progress, please contact the relevant teachers. Parents and carers are also encouraged to regularly review students’ feedback provided via SEQTA Learn. The next Learning Conferences are scheduled for the beginning of Term 3. 

Mother's Day 

I would like to conclude by wishing all mother's a happy Mother's Day for Sunday 14 May. Mother's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the mothers and mother figures in our lives. 

Our annual Mother's Day breakfast has become an integral part of the College calendar and we look forward to celebrating with mothers and grandmothers next Wednesday 10 May. Please view the flyer below for more event details or click the link here. 

A Prayer for Mothers’ Day 

Loving God, 

Bless all the women who have formed us, 

as we celebrate this day in their honour. 

For our mothers, who have given us life and love, 

and others who show us a mother’s love

that we may show them reverence and love,

We pray to the Lord. 

For adopted, foster and step mothers 

for expectant mothers 

and for the women who wish to give birth 

but experience challenges, 

that they know your care in their courage, 

We pray to the Lord. 

For mothers who have lost a child through death, 

that their faith may give them hope, 

and their family and friends support and console them, 

We pray to the Lord. 

For mothers who have died,

That they may experience the joy of God’s kingdom, 

We pray to the Lord.

Grant these prayers through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Acting Principal