PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Welcome to Winter. We have certainly begun the new season with a cold snap. I hope you are managing the winter weather and find some appreciation for the rain. 

I am pleased to be back at work, albeit on restricted hours. For those who may not be aware, I sustained a significant injury involving fractures to both bones above my ankle just before the start of Term 2. I was on leave for five weeks and have now returned part-time, working three days a week for half days. As I am someone who finds it difficult to remain still for long periods, this injury has tested my patience and dependence on others. 

I sincerely thank the staff who have stepped up in my absence. Mr Nathan Lane has done an excellent job leading the community as Acting Principal. Additionally, other leaders within the school have ensured that our community continues to operate smoothly and maintain a positive environment for everyone.  

My recovery will take some time, and I am hopeful to gradually increase my hours in the coming weeks. 

Over the past two weeks, we celebrated our Catholic Identity as a school within the Diocese of Ballarat during Catholic Education Week. Throughout this period, our Curriculum Leaders and their teams coordinated impressive displays of student work and programs showcased at our annual Subject Expo. If you were unable to attend, you missed a wonderful opportunity to see the talent and efforts of our students. 

We also hosted our annual Open Day, where student leaders guided current and potential students and their families on tours of the school. It has been reported that our students were excellent ambassadors, clearly articulating the many reasons they enjoy attending our school. 

At the conclusion of Catholic Education Week, we held a combined Mass with St Mary’s Primary School. I attended and was genuinely touched to be back within our community — seeing all the students and staff reaffirmed my gratitude for the privilege of leading such a dedicated group of people. 

Reconciliation Week commenced during Catholic Education Week and concluded this week on Wednesday with the celebration of Mabo Day. As part of our ongoing efforts to implement the Reconciliation Action Plan, Mr Elia Ware, Indigenous Support Officer, announced an opportunity for staff to purchase a custom-designed shirt honouring and respecting the Indigenous cultures of our area. Thanks to Ms Jessica Burge, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principals, for assisting Elia with the design and production of these shirts. I look forward to seeing staff members wearing them in the near future. 

Our polo image was taken from Maurice Day and Sandra Kropinyeri's design we acquired for our Reconciliation Action Plan earlier last year. 

A short synopsis of the design is the bird carrying the 6 core school values with us always and the bird is deeply immersed within the 6 values which are shaped into the Murray River. The line markings of the bird represent the Country that they belong to, also symbolising belonging for staff on Country. Flying towards the cross which represents guidance as this is important throughout our journeys throughout our time here at St Mary MacKillop College and through life. 

Enjoy the long weekend. 

Michelle Haeusler

Principal