Principal
Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,
National Reconciliation Week 2026
This week we acknowledge two significant events in Australia's journey towards reconciliation: National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.
On 26 May, Australians observed National Sorry Day, a time to reflect on the impact of past government policies that resulted in the removal of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and cultures. These children are now known as the Stolen Generations.
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, exactly one year after the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in the Australian Parliament. The report was the result of a national inquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and recommended both an official apology and reparations for those affected.
National Reconciliation Week is observed annually from 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey.
The week begins on 27 May, marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, one of the most significant events in Australia's history. More than 90 per cent of Australians voted in favour of constitutional changes that enabled the Commonwealth Government to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensured they would be counted in the national census.
The week concludes on 3 June, commemorating the Mabo Decision of 1992. In this landmark ruling, the High Court of Australia recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had existing rights and interests in land prior to British settlement. The decision overturned the legal doctrine of terra nullius ("land belonging to no one") and paved the way for the recognition of Native Title in Australia.
As a Catholic school community, we are invited by National Reconciliation Week to reflect on our commitment to justice, dignity, truth-telling, and respectful relationships. It is an opportunity to learn from First Nations peoples, acknowledge the past with honesty, and work together towards a more reconciled and hopeful future.
A Week of Learning, Culture, Service and Opportunity
A significant focus throughout this week has been our recognition of National Reconciliation Week, culminating around National Sorry Day on 26 May. Students across Years 7, 8 and 9 participated in the Living Culture program, engaging in activities designed to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for learning, reflection and dialogue, helping students appreciate the richness of Australia's First Nations peoples and their continuing contribution to our nation. Pictures and more details are in our Around the College section of the Newsletter.
Adding a practical dimension to this learning, our Year 10 students participated in traditional spear-throwing activities in the College vineyard area. These sessions were both educational and engaging, allowing students to experience aspects of Indigenous culture in a hands-on way. On Wednesday, a group of Year 7 and 8 students also joined the Reconciliation Walk at Inverloch Primary School, demonstrating our commitment to building understanding and fostering respectful relationships within the wider community.
Thank you, Maydia Parry, for her leadership of all the actions and programs this week.
Our senior students continued to explore future pathways through a range of experiences. Year 11 and 12 students attended the Bayside Health Hospital Immersion excursion, providing a valuable insight into careers in health and allied health professions. On Thursday, students attended the Gippsland Taster Day in Leongatha, where they investigated tertiary and vocational pathways and gained a clearer understanding of opportunities available beyond secondary school.
Academic excellence was also on display as students participated in the Australian History Competition, challenging themselves to deepen their historical knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Sporting opportunities continued to thrive. Congratulations to all students who represented the College at the Division Cross Country Championships. We also hosted the competition. Participation in these events requires commitment, resilience and determination, and we are proud of all students who competed and represented the College so positively. Thanks to Jess Cox for her leadership and all others who assisted, including our maintenance team who prepared the course. Also, thank you to Kylie Christmas and Alisha Hemming for their work. Details and individual results can be read in the Sport@MMCRC section of the Newsletter
The Performing Arts were showcased on Tuesday evening during the Year 12 VET Music Industry SAC performances. Students demonstrated not only their musical talent but also the many hours of preparation, practice and perseverance required to perform at such a high level. Thank you to Beth Winterhalter, Jayde Trappett, Richard Henwood, and Lachie Trappett for their support on the evening, and to the families for supporting these young musicians. Pictures and more details are in our Music@MMCR section of the Newsletter.
Faith formation remained central to College life. On Friday, sixteen Youth Ministry students participated in a Eucharist Retreat, joined by students from St Laurence's and St Joseph's. Through prayer, reflection, and discussion, students deepened their understanding of the Eucharist and strengthened their faith journey. Thanks to Melinda Stephan and her students, supported by Nicole Dudman and Scott Blencowe, for their work with this ongoing partnership with the Primary Schools and the Parish.
Next week we have Year 9 students attending their camp, and our Year 10 students will be undertaking Work Experience. Thanks to the staff for taking the time to work with our students at the camp, and to Kate Dwyer, Melissa Preston and Cassie Raschle for their work with the Year 10s.
Behind every camp, excursion, competition, retreat, performance and learning activity is a tremendous amount of planning and organisation. Thank you to all staff who helped make these opportunities possible for our students. Their dedication ensures that learning at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College extends well beyond the classroom and continues to enrich the lives of our young people.
Year 7 2027 Enrolments – Applications due 31 May 2026
Thank you to all staff involved in our recent Year 6 Experience Days, including Claire Cassidy, Chris Spencer, Jess Stein and Alison McIntyre, as well as those who covered classes while colleagues worked with our visiting primary students. I would also like to acknowledge Alison and Claire for their work at our Open Mornings.
These opportunities for families and prospective students to engage with our College are important elements of our enrolment process and provide valuable insight into the life and culture of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College.
Enrolments for Year 7 2027 are now open, with applications closing on 31 May 2026. As of today, we have received 110 applications, which is an encouraging indication of interest in the College.
Applications received after the closing date will still be considered; however, priority will be given to those submitted on time in accordance with the College's Enrolment Policy.
Families seeking further information or wishing to apply are encouraged to visit the College website or contact the College Office.
Staff News
Last week, we welcomed Bekk Anthony back from leave.
This week, we farewelled Georgia Townley as she begins leave ahead of the arrival of her and Anthony’s second child. We wish Georgia and her family all the very best and look forward to seeing her again soon.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman