Catholic Identity and Mission 

Youth Ministry Liturgy Group Celebrates

World Grandparents and the Elderly Day

On Friday 31 July, members of the Youth Ministry Liturgy Group visited Wooryal Lodge to celebrate World Grandparents and the Elderly Day with residents and staff.

After enjoying a delicious morning tea generously provided by the facility, the students led a short and meaningful liturgy for the residents. Following the prayer service, they took time to chat with residents and present them with thoughtful gifts, including handmade bookmarks, poems, Bible verses, cards, and a large banner. The banner was warmly received and residents were excited to display it proudly within the facility.

A highlight of the visit was a vox pop conducted by Sam and Nathan, who asked residents: “What is your advice for young people today?” Their responses were both insightful and inspiring. Keep an eye on future newsletters, where we will share some of their wonderful words of wisdom.

The morning concluded on a joyful note, with Luke and Owen entertaining residents and staff with their rendition of Paul Kelly’s classic song, How to Make Gravy. Their performance was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

We thank Zac Cox for driving the bus and accompanying the group on the day. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the residents of Wooryal Lodge and celebrate the invaluable contribution that grandparents and elderly people make to our families, communities, and faith life.

Celebrating 40 Years of Catholic Education

On Thursday 6 August, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College celebrated 40 years of educating young people across the South Gippsland region.

The day began with a whole-school Mass in Pioneer Hall, celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Greg Bennet, Bishop of Sale, and concelebrated by seven priests who have been part of our College community throughout its forty-year history: Fr Stanly, Fr Manny, Fr Aneesh, Fr Darren, Fr Kooloos, Fr Aju and Fr Denis.

We were also honoured to hear from Mr Paul Velten, Chief Executive Officer of DOSCEL, and Mrs Renae Littlejohn, daughter of founding Principal Mr Ed Carmody, as well as a past parent and former Advisory Committee Chair.

A special welcome was extended to Mr Michael Delaney, Principal from 1999 to 2014, and Mr David Leslie, Principal from 2015 to 2021. We were delighted to welcome many former staff members, students and parents who returned to celebrate this important occasion with us. Their presence connected the College community of today with the people whose faith, service and commitment have helped shape the story of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College over the past four decades.

The Mass honoured Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose faith, courage and practical love continue to inspire and guide our College community. Mary trusted deeply in God's providence, listened attentively to the needs around her, and responded with action. Her enduring words remain both an inspiration and a challenge for us:

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

As we celebrated forty years of Catholic education, we reflected on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, proclaimed on the Feast of the Transfiguration. The Father's words to the disciples continue to speak powerfully to us today:

“This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.”

As we give thanks for the past and look with hope to the future, our prayer is that this celebration will inspire us to listen more deeply to Christ, recognise the needs of those around us, and carry His light into our school, our families and the wider community.

The day was a joyful celebration of our rich history, our strong sense of community, and our ongoing mission to provide outstanding Catholic education for generations to come.

A fitting conclusion to this milestone celebration was the introduction of the Josephite Spirit Award, a new annual award recognising both a staff member and a student who embody the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop through their response to the needs of others. Inspired by Mary MacKillop's well-known maxim, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” the award honours those who notice a need, discern what is required, and take action to make a positive difference.

The inaugural Josephite Spirit Award (Student) was presented to Mia Rose Witteveen in recognition of the compassionate and generous way she responds to the needs of others within our College community.

The inaugural Josephite Spirit Award (Staff) was awarded to Mrs Sarah Roscoe-Smith, following nominations from students who spoke of her genuine kindness, attentive listening, unwavering encouragement and deep commitment to student wellbeing. Through countless acts of care and support, Mrs Roscoe-Smith exemplifies the Josephite spirit and reminds us that the most meaningful responses are often found in the small, everyday actions that help others feel valued, respected and known.

These inaugural awards provided a powerful reminder that the mission and values of Mary MacKillop continue to be lived each day within our College community, forty years on from its foundation.

Following on from the formal celebrations, the school held a celebration day fete that brought together students, families, staff and members of the wider community for a day filled with fun, laughter and school spirit. With the sun shining throughout the entire event, the grounds were transformed into a vibrant hub of activity where students could enjoy a wide range of attractions, treats and entertainment.

One of the most popular attractions was the dunk tank, which provided endless amusement as students eagerly lined up for the chance to send willing volunteers, both students and staff, splashing into the water. The excitement continued with sumo wrestling, games, face painting and a variety of carnival-style activities that kept students entertained from start to finish. The atmosphere was one of pure joy, with smiling faces, friendly competition and plenty of laughter echoing across the school grounds.

Food and refreshments were also a major highlight of the day. Visitors enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes, donuts, traditional Devonshire teas, bake sale treats, fairy floss, lollies, slushies and milkshakes. The combination of delicious food, warm weather and a festive atmosphere created a wonderful community event that was enjoyed by people of all ages.

Adding to the occasion were performances from the school band and a number of talented soloists, whose music provided the perfect soundtrack to the day’s celebrations. Students enthusiastically supported their peers, showcasing the strong sense of pride and community that exists within the school.

The fete was further enhanced by the presence of local emergency services, with members of the Ruby Fire Brigade, SES, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police joining in the festivities. Their attendance gave students a valuable opportunity to interact with local emergency personnel and learn more about the important work they do in supporting the community.  A particularly memorable moment came when Senior Constable Nick Carlson from the Proactive Policing Unit bravely took his place in the dunk tank, wearing his police uniform, to help raise funds for the day’s charities. His good humour and willingness to get involved proved enormously popular with students and visitors alike – with Joel McRae proving that he wasn’t messing around, dunking Nick at least 3 times.

Funds raised across the celebration day supported Saint Vincent de Paul, Trinity Families and MacKillop Today, highlighting the generosity and community spirit that envelops the college.  The day perfectly captured the positive spirit and pride shared by the entire school community on this auspicious occasion.

We would like to thank all the staff and students for their support over the day prior and on the day. 

Ms. Nicole Dudman, Ms. Bekk Anthony & Mr. Scott Blenowe.

Celebration Day Organising Team