Principal
Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,
Catholic Education Week 2026 – “Every School a Home of Peace”
This week, Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale are celebrating Catholic Education Week with the theme: “Every school a home of peace.” Inspired by the words of Jesus in John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give you” — the theme invites school communities to reflect on the importance of peace, hope, faith and compassion in shaping flourishing communities.
At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Catholic Education Week provides an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of Catholic education and to reflect on what makes our school community distinctive. Catholic education is not about suggesting Catholic schools are “better” than other schools; rather, it recognises the unique mission of forming the whole person through faith, learning, dignity, justice, service and the common good.
Throughout the week, students will engage in a range of classroom and liturgical activities centred on this year’s theme. These include year-level learning activities exploring the message and leadership of Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Social Teaching, peacebuilding, justice, and service to others. Students will also participate in an in-class liturgy reflecting on Jesus’ gift of peace and how our School-Wide Expectations of Respect, Courage, Responsibility and Wisdom help us build a peaceful and welcoming school community.
As part of these celebrations, students will create posters and reflections connecting the theme “Every school a home of peace” with our College community and our 40-year anniversary. These works will contribute to a Chapel display during Catholic Education Week.
Selected staff and students will also represent the College at the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass at Nagle Catholic College, Bairnsdale, joining Catholic school communities from across the Diocese in prayer and celebration.
Catholic Education Week reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but is built through everyday actions of kindness, inclusion, respect, forgiveness and service. It is through these daily choices that our school continues to grow as a true home of peace.
Students, staff members, parents and wider community members are encouraged to share a message about, what they love about their Catholic school or share how their school is living out this year’s theme of, ‘Every School a home of peace’. Messages, drawings, images, or video clips can be posted to the CEW Padlet Board which is a digital collaboration tool designed for creating “boards” that allow users to curate and share multimedia content.
National Volunteer Week 2026
This week, from 18–24 May, Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week — an opportunity to recognise and thank the millions of Australians who generously give their time in service of others and their communities. Volunteers play a vital role in strengthening community connections, supporting those in need, and contributing to the wellbeing and resilience of our nation.
At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, we are grateful for the many students, staff, and families who volunteer in local sporting clubs, parish communities, emergency services, community groups, and charitable organisations.
Thank you also to Year 12 Student Mission Team member Owen Maskell, who took the initiative to write and provide the following prayer for our community in recognition of National Volunteer Week. Owen himself volunteers with the CFA, alongside many others in our community who give generously of their time in service to others.
Lord, thank You for the selfless volunteers who enrich our local communities, within our school community and beyond. We lift these quiet heroes up to You, asking that You bless their generous hearts, renew their strength when they are weary, and let their tireless acts of kindness continue to bring hope and light to the world. Amen.
To learn more about National Volunteer Week and opportunities to become involved in volunteering, visit: National Volunteer Week – Volunteering Australia
Tertiary Information Session a Great Success
On Tuesday, 13 May, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College was pleased to host the annual Tertiary Information Session (TIS) Day for Year 12 students from across the region.
The event welcomed approximately 150 students and staff to Pioneer Hall, where students had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a wide range of universities, tertiary providers and support organisations. The morning began with an informative presentation from VTAC, before students explored exhibition displays and spoke with representatives about future study pathways, courses, accommodation options and tertiary life.
Institutions represented included the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Deakin University, Australian Catholic University, RMIT, Federation University, Swinburne University, Victoria University, Charles Sturt University and many others.
Congratulations and thank you to Kate Dwyer and Melissa Preston for their organisation and leadership in coordinating this important event for our students and the wider community. Opportunities such as these play a valuable role in helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways beyond secondary school.
Thank you also to all staff and support personnel who assisted with the preparation and set-up of Pioneer Hall and the smooth running of the day. Your assistance was greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to the event's success.
Catholic School Parents Victoria – Supporting Families in Catholic Education
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) has been re-established to strengthen the voice of parents and carers in Catholic education across Victoria, recognising parents as the first educators and key partners in their child’s learning, wellbeing and faith journey.
CSPV is guided by a Council of parent representatives from across the state, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of families in Catholic schools are reflected in its work and advocacy.
We invite you to explore the CSPV website at www.cspv.catholic.edu.au, where you will find a wealth of information and resources to support your parenting journey within Catholic education, including guidance on wellbeing, faith, learning and key issues impacting families. You can also subscribe via the website to join the CSPV community, receive the quarterly newsletter and be invited to upcoming events.
You can also connect with CSPV on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to access valuable insights, updates and practical resources.
Together, we can continue to strengthen the partnership between families, schools and the wider Catholic community.
Year 7 2027 Enrolments – Applications due 31 May 2026
Enrolments for Year 7 2027 at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College are now open, with applications closing on Friday, 31 May 2026.
We have been encouraged by the strong interest shown in the College this term, with more than 100 prospective parents and students attending our Open Morning sessions. We are also currently hosting our Year 6 Days, coordinated by Jackie Van Dillen and Claire Cassidy, with support from Chris Spencer and Alison McIntyre, providing primary students with the opportunity to experience College life firsthand.
We encourage families considering MMCRC to submit applications promptly. Early enrolments are essential to our planning, particularly for student transition programs and transport arrangements across our broad catchment area, including the Bass Coast, South Gippsland, and western corridor communities.
Applications received after the closing date will still be considered; however, priority is 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.
MacKillop Achievers Award – Call for Nominations
As part of our 40-year celebrations, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is proud to relaunch the MacKillop Achievers Award, recognising alumni who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, service and outstanding contribution within their chosen fields and communities.
Since its introduction during the College’s 30-year celebrations in 2016, the award has honoured graduates whose achievements reflect the values and spirit of our College and the example of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
We now invite nominations for alumni who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, professional success, leadership, community service, humanitarian work, business achievement, or elite sporting accomplishment. Importantly, nominees should also demonstrate integrity, respect, service and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
We encourage members of our College and wider community to consider nominating deserving alumni.
Further information, eligibility criteria and nomination details can be found on the College website : MMCRC Alumni – MacKillop Achievers Award
Staff News
We welcomed Kylie Christmas to our staff last week. Kylie will be working as the SSV Divisional Coordinator for the remainder of the year. Alisha Heming will assist from time to time to ensure a smooth handover.
It has been wonderful to welcome Nicole Dudman and Samantha Florence back to the College following periods of leave. Their return has been warmly appreciated by colleagues and students alike.
We also look forward to welcoming Bekk Anthony back next week after an extended period of leave over the past five weeks.
Congratulations to Hamish Duckmanton on his appointment as Acting Learning & Teaching Leader – Enhancement later this term, while Georgia Townley takes maternity leave. We thank Hamish for his willingness to take on this important role and wish Georgia every blessing as she prepares for this exciting new chapter.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman