PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

We have had a wonderful term at St Mary MacKillop College, with so many achievements, events and activities to celebrate.

Last week, we were privileged to host Dr. Justin Coulson and Fr. Rob Galea for professional development sessions for our staff. Gemma Phelan is to be congratulated for her significant efforts in securing Dr. Coulson's visit and funding, promoting the parent session within our wider community, and providing logistical support throughout the day and evening. We also thank Alison Wright for her organization, alongside Belinda Davies from St Mary’s Primary School, for coordinating Fr. Rob Galea’s visit. It was inspiring to listen, learn, and participate together on Friday.

This week, our Year 10 students participated in an Outdoor Education camp at Lake Eildon. The Year 11 students engaged in a Reflection Day focused on leadership, while our Year 12 students completed their final school-assessed coursework before entering a demanding month of preparation for their exams.

On RUOK? Day, several students involved in Applied Learning (VM & VPC) organised activities for staff and students. It was encouraging to see representatives from Headspace and Youth Inc. join us during lunchtime. Additionally, staff and students participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Although this was my second experience with the challenge and I was better prepared, it remains a very cold but worthwhile activity to bring a smile to our community.

St Mary MacKillop College has been a “Google” school for many years, with a period of adaptation during COVID. Over the upcoming school break, staff and students' emails, contacts, and calendars will be migrated to Microsoft 365. This change is expected to have minimal impact on students; however, their email access will transition to Outlook and may appear differently. By 2026, all staff and students will be fully utilising Microsoft 365. The primary reasons for this transition are increased data security and the opportunity to equip our students with skills relevant to the digital platforms they are likely to encounter in the modern workplace.

The St Mary MacKillop College community extends its condolences to the Smith and Williams families following the recent passing of Kerry Smith (Sapphire, Year 7) and Gabrielle Boers (Emett, Year 8, and Ayva, Year 7). Our thoughts are with their families during this difficult time.

Additionally, the college congratulates staff members Catherine and Brendan Smith on the safe arrival of Liam Anthony on Saturday.

Next week, I will send an end-of-term letter to parents and guardians. Please monitor your emails for this communication.

I hope that those travelling over the term break stay safe and all the best to those who are participating in sporting finals.

Thank you for your continued support,

Michelle Haeusler

Principal