Mary MacKillop Newsletter

Principal

Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,

 

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers on Sunday, 7 September. I hope you had the opportunity to spend time with or connect with your family.

 

School Captain 2026 Election Process

We have now commenced our selection process for College Captains and Vice Captains, as well as other leaders. The process started at our Year 11 Retreat earlier this term.

 

Students were asked to nominate themselves for student leadership roles following the Retreat, and those seeking to be considered for our Captain and Vice-captain positions submitted a detailed application.

 

The interest was strong, and all candidates’ submissions were of high quality. Following discernment by senior staff, 11 students were invited to present themselves to the community to give a speech, which took place on Monday, 25 August. Our senior student leaders for 2026 will be chosen from: Olivia Aulich, Erica Begg, Henri Bott, Neon Jijo Cherian, Gabriella Davidson, Erin Dell, Ryder Dowlan, Jack Fincher, Samuel Johnson, Niya Manavalan, and Archie Thornhill.

 

All presented themselves well, and I have no hesitation in writing that all of the students will be outstanding representatives of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College.

 

Voting by students and staff was then completed immediately after our assembly, and we will be announcing the successful candidates this week.

 

Thank you to Scott Belencowe for his work in preparing the students and organising the process to date.

 

New Zealand Pilgrimage

Last week, Nicole Dudman and John Ryan accompanied Holly Brown, Claudia Croatto, and Chloe McRae to travel with 31 other pilgrims from schools in Victoria and Tasmania to New Zealand for a Josephite Pilgrimage. They left on Tuesday and returned on Friday evening. 

 

The AJASS (Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) Aotearoa Pilgrimage offered a rich educational experience that blended faith, history, and cultural immersion. Students explored the legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop through visits to significant sites in Christchurch, Timaru, and Queenstown. The journey included liturgies, school visits, historical presentations, and scenic exploration, fostering spiritual reflection, intercultural understanding, and personal growth. Through storytelling, community engagement, and guided reflection, students deepened their connection to the Josephite tradition and the values of compassion, courage, and service.

 

The Pilgrimage offered a profound cultural experience, beginning with a traditional Mihi whakatau (Māori welcome) at Marian College, Christchurch. This respectful engagement with Māori customs set the tone for a journey that honours both Indigenous heritage and Catholic tradition. Students journeyed to sacred sites, historic churches, and local communities, gaining insight into New Zealand’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring impact of Mary MacKillop’s mission. The pilgrimage fostered deep intercultural understanding and spiritual connection.

 

This experience cultivated global mindedness by immersing students in intercultural dialogue, historical reflection, and shared spiritual experiences. Through engagement with Māori traditions, collaboration with New Zealand schools, and exploration of Mary MacKillop’s transnational legacy, students develop empathy, respect for diversity, and a deeper understanding of their place in a global community. The intention of this journey encouraged young people to think beyond borders, embrace cultural richness, and act with compassion and justice in the world.

 

Significant experiences and places the pilgrims visited were:

  • Marian College, Christchurch. At Marian College, staff and student leaders welcomed all travellers in the Te Aria (atrium) with a Mihi whakatau / tikanga (traditional Maori welcome).
  • Presentation by Sr Eleanor Capper (SOSJ - Founding Principal of Marian College), giving a brief overview of Mary Mackillop’s time in New Zealand. 
  • Mass at St Mary MacKillop Church, Temuka, and a visit to the Mackillop Centre.

  • Roncalli College Timaru.

  • Visit Sacred Heart Basilica, Caroline Bay.

  • Tekapo- Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, Cromwell, Kawarau Gorge. Also explore Arrowtown (Mary MacKillop’s Cottage and St Patrick’s Church, historic village walk). 

  • Explore the Queenstown central area.

 

Upon their return, the pilgrims will provide reflections to the community.

 

Finally, this is our first overseas experience for students since 2018, and its success means that we will be working on more interstate and overseas projects in the coming years. Thanks again to Nicole Dudman, supported by Rachel Collins, for their work.

 

Sapientia Domini Docet Nos

 

John M Freeman