Principal's Update 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope all our mothers, grandmothers, aunties and other special people in the lives of our children were spoilt last Sunday and enjoyed a memorable day with their families. After speaking to many of our mums it seems they were all very pleased with their gifts and cards.

We pray for young mothers, who give life and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes away every tear.

We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who are no longer with us, but live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. 

Amen

Starting next Monday 18th May, we celebrate Catholic Education Week. As we celebrate Catholic Education Week with over 18,500 students, over 12,000 families and around 2,500 staff in 63 school communities across the Ballarat Diocese, we are thankful that the lives of every one of these partners – and many more – are enhanced because of their engagement in the important work of Catholic education. On Thursday 21st May the 4 Catholic schools in the Colac region will come together to celebrate Mass at 10am. Following this the Gr 6s from the 3 primary schools will walk to Andre’s gym to participate in some fun fitness activities followed by lunch at the Memorial Square. 

Lord, 

Join with us in celebration of our Catholic schools. Be with us as we praise you for blessing us with the gift of being able to learn in an environment that reflects our Sacramental values and the life of Jesus. Let us celebrate Catholic Education Week by taking the time to share with each other the good news of Catholic education.

Student Agency

Our school is part of Student Agency – Schools that Listen, a diocesan initiative focused on strengthening student voice and ensuring that students play an active role in shaping their learning and the overall school experience.

This initiative recognises that students are not just participants in education, but important partners in it. By listening to students and creating opportunities for them to contribute, schools can better support engagement, wellbeing and meaningful learning for all.

As part of this work, students and staff from our school recently took part in a Student Agency Forum in Warrnambool, joining peers from across the Diocese. These forums provided an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives, exploring what matters most in their school experience, and to consider the question: What makes a great school for all?

Through hands-on activities and collaboration, participants reflected on their experiences and developed ideas that they will now bring back to our school community. This is part of a learn, share, do approach – where students and staff learn together, share their thinking, and take action in their own school.

We look forward to continuing this important work and sharing more with you as student ideas are explored and brought to life in our school.

Pictured: Heidi, Axel, Maddi, Alfie & Josh. 

Absent: Louisa

Walk To School Day

Tomorrow our school is excited to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day. This annual nationwide initiative encourages students to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Why Participate?

• Health: Active travel builds daily exercise habits.
• Safety: Walking helps children learn vital road safety skills.
• Environment: Fewer cars around the school gates means cleaner air.

This year the event has been organised by our police community liaison officer Stephanie Ward and most schools in the community are participating. Our allotted time is 8.15am tomorrow at the Memorial Square. The children will be guided by Stephanie, CSC students and members of St. Mary’s staff. It would be great to get as many children and their parents as possible to participate in this great initiative.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder that our pupil free day this term is this coming Monday 18th May.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Michael Mahoney

(Principal)