Principal
Annual Survey of the Community
As part of our continuous improvement process, I wish to provide opportunities for all parents/carers, students and staff to provide us with feedback relating to their views of the College across a wide range of areas.
The research is being conducted by MMG Education, a specialist education consultancy that works with schools in the areas of school strategic reviews and stakeholder satisfaction. MMG's client schools include many schools across Australia.
Parents/carers will be invited to complete questionnaires over a two-week period commencing on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. Staff and students will also complete their questionnaires during this period.
On Wednesday 30 April 2025, MMG Education will email you an invitation to participate in the review and provide you with your confidential, secure access to your questionnaire.
To ensure confidentiality and to encourage frank and full expression of views:
All responses will be de-identified.
The data will be reported back in aggregated form only.
All data collected by MMG Education will remain under its control and archived according to research protocols. The College will not be able to access it.
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG Education will provide me with a report. I will then provide opportunities for members of the College community to receive feedback from the research.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact my Executive Assistant, Cristina Polito at cristina.polito@spc.nsw.edu.au.
I look forward very much to the valuable contribution you will be making to this important project by completing your questionnaire.
The Feast of the Annunciation: March 25
Last week, a special day of solemnity occurred – the Feast of the Annunciation. It is the day we reflect on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive and bear Jesus. It is a remarkable story and one that never ceases to inspire me. Why? There are many, many days when I simply cannot grasp God’s plan for me, my family or the students I minister to. There are so many tough days to manage, and I always draw inspiration from Our Lady in the way that she “let go and let God”.
Mary, a figure of profound faith and trust, exemplifies the human experience of grappling with uncertainty while remaining steadfast in her belief in God's presence. Despite her extraordinary role, Mary experienced common human emotions such as laughter, tears, and confusion. Her journey began with the Annunciation, where she was greeted by Gabriel and told she would bear the Son of God. This moment, filled with anxiety and questions, marked the start of a life of continuous trust in God's plan.
Throughout her life, Mary faced numerous moments of uncertainty, from giving birth in a stable to witnessing her son's crucifixion. Each instance required her to embrace the unknown and trust in God's greater purpose. Her unwavering faith is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Mary's story invites us to reflect on our own lives and the moments when we are called to trust in God's plan, even without clarity. Her example teaches us that faith involves letting go of our limited vision and embracing God's will with an open heart. By following Mary's example, we can find strength in our faith and trust in God's guidance, even in the face of life's uncertainties.
For those like me who struggle to understand the trials we face, join with me in a Novena, a prayer or devotion that goes for nine consecutive days. Calling upon Mary’s support to say “yes” to God when it is not always easy. On our journey of faith, each of us will experience times of uncertainty and a lack of clarity, when there are more questions than answers. May we, like Mary, remain open to God’s annunciations with at least a shadow of Mary’s faith and trust. And when, despite the lack of clarity, we respond to God’s invitation with our “yes”, may we echo Mary’s words.
Federal Election: Have Your Say
There is much at stake for families who have chosen an Independent school for their children in this year’s Federal election.
That is why we are informing all members of our school community about the School Choice Counts campaign — a national initiative by Independent Schools Australia.
The campaign centres on one simple idea: If student funding is cut from non-government schools, schools may be forced to raise fees. Families should not be penalised for choosing a school that best meets their child’s needs.
We think it is important that families understand the policy positions of the major parties and those who may hold the balance of power in a hung parliament.
We are not advocating for one party or another, but we believe you should be aware of their education policies. Below are public statements from Labor, Coalition and Greens spokespeople summarising their positions on Independent schools.
PARTY POSITIONS
Labor (Senator Deborah O’Neill)
"Labor stands with Independent schools and the invaluable work they do, particularly in supporting vulnerable students. The idea that Independent schools are ‘castles’ is nonsense—most are modest, community-focused, and provide critical outreach and learning pathways. We don’t believe in pitting one sector against another—every child matters."
Coalition (Senator Sarah Henderson)
"The Greens have made it clear they want to defund Independent schools entirely—calling them ‘leeches’ on public education. This is an outrageous attack on school choice and family freedom. A Dutton government will stand strong for non-government schools and ensure families aren’t penalised for their choices."
Greens (Senator Penny Allman-Payne)
“The Australian private school system is a leech on public education. It doesn’t ‘take pressure’ off the public system—it sucks resources and students from it. And they get to play by their own rules… Labor should immediately end government overfunding of wealthy private schools and redirect that money to public schools.”
I also invite you to read the attached toolkit or visit schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au to learn more.
We know how much families sacrifice to send their children to a school that is right for them. This campaign is your opportunity to help protect that choice — now and into the future.
The Federal Election is on Saturday 3 May 2025, the day of our sporting fixtures against Kinross-Wolaroi in Orange. Like me, many of our families will need to ensure they have submitted a postal vote beforehand. It is very easy. Click this link and follow the instructions for people that will not be in their electorate on polling day: Postal Voting Application.
Launch Of New Website
This new website has more than one hundred opportunities to participate in prayer gatherings, formation days, parish renewal training, caminos, professional development and more.
Now available on Australia’s Catholic events hub, CathEvents. Find online and in-person events to help connect with God and your fellow Catholics!
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero