Principal
Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,
As we conclude a full and demanding Term 1, I would like to acknowledge the many experiences that have enriched College life over recent weeks. Our students have been involved in Sporting Carnivals, Retreats, Camps, Masses, Assemblies and Excursions—opportunities that support both their learning and their growth as young people. These events are only possible through the commitment of staff and the positive participation of students, and we are grateful for the spirit in which they have been embraced.
Thank you to all families for their support throughout the term, particularly for encouraging your children to study consistently, wear the uniform with pride, and participate in all aspects of College life.
Easter Reflection
At the heart of Easter lies a simple yet profound reality: the tomb is empty.
The empty tomb is the central Christian symbol of Easter, representing the victory of life over death, the fulfilment of divine promise, and the possibility of new beginnings. What was once a place of sorrow and finality becomes a sign of hope and renewal.
For the first disciples, the empty tomb was unexpected and even confusing. Yet it became the foundation of their hope—a reminder that God’s power overcomes worldly power, replacing despair with hope. This same promise is offered to us today.
In our own lives, we encounter moments that feel like “tombs”—times of uncertainty, loss, or struggle. Easter does not remove these experiences, but it transforms them. It invites us to trust that new life can emerge, often in ways we do not yet understand.
The empty tomb calls us to live as people of hope, bringing light to others and trusting that God continues to bring life out of every ending.
Easter is a feast which gives us hope and encouragement. In this world of pain, sorrows and tears, Easter reminds us that life is worth living. It is our belief in the Real Presence of the Risen Jesus in our souls, in His Church, in the Blessed Sacrament and in Heaven that gives meaning to our personal, as well as to our common, prayers. Our trust in the all-pervading presence of the Risen Lord gives us strength to fight against temptations and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears.
Whole School Liturgy
Thank you, Sarah Roscoe-Smith and our Youth Ministry students, for their thoughtful preparation of our Easter reflection, which helped bring this message to life for our community.
Part of the liturgy was a series of paintings produced by Adam Cochrane’s Art Ministry class. These will be on display in the College foyer next term.
Also, thank you to Julia Leslie for her Easter Reflection.
Student Achievements
Following the liturgy was an assembly recognising academic, leadership and sporting achievement.
Academic
Hannah Montgomery's work and achievement in 2025 received special recognition - Academic Excellence in VET: Applied Fashion
Leadership
We have already acknowledged a number of student leaders, but at our assembly we acknowledge the students who have accepted the responsibility of leadership across Years 8 to 10, and our House Leaders, and present their badges.
Year 8
Livinia Hermans, AJ Henham, Sophie Bleazby*, Zoe Farrell*, Jordan Gallicchio, Max Greenwood, Gerg Alincastre, Charlotte Williams.
Year 9
Sienna Kallookkaran*, Charlotte Hughes, Noah Overlunde, Ruby Brighton, Zoe Cleveland, Beau Glenn, Cooper Maurizio.
Year 10
Carmine Burslem, Elizabeth Dourley, Rachel Denbrok*, Roman Carr.
House Leaders
Cameron House
- Gemma Meadley
- Audrey Vernon
Chisholm House
- Taylor Hillis*
- Lara Landry
MacDonald House
- Maia Enbom
- Lucy Heber
Tenison House
- Ryder Dowlan
- Archie Gannon
Heidi Nicholas
Thank you to our College Captains, Gabriella Davidson and Henri Bott, who assisted in the presentations.
Congratulations to all of our Age Group Champions and our House champions, a fantastic achievement and well deserved and details can be found at our Sport@MMCRC section of the Newsletter.
The current House point standings following the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals show it is a close race.
At this point, the overall House points leaderboard stands as follows:
in fourth place, Tenison House with 1,546 points;
in third place, Chisholm House with 1,643 points;
in second place, MacDonald House with 1,677 points;
and in first place, Cameron House with 1,812 points.
Next term, there will be more opportunities to earn House points, including House Cross Country, SSV competitions and commendations. Every point counts, so make the most of these opportunities and continue to represent your House.
Finally, congratulations to Jessica Cox for her outstanding leadership this term with our carnivals and SSV sport, and thanks to all staff and students for the enthusiasm and passion they brought to both carnivals and for their contributions in making them such a success.
Finally, thank you to Scott Blencowe and Nicole Dudman for their overall organisation and leadership of these two celebrations.
Staff Professional Development and Formation Day
On Thursday, 2 April, staff participated in a professional development and formation day focused on deepening our shared understanding of Catholic identity and the significance of the Easter season.
The day began with an introduction to the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) Project, which provides Catholic schools with a research-informed framework for reflecting on and strengthening their identity in contemporary contexts. Staff were guided through the project's purpose and structure, including the Post-Critical Belief (PCB), Melbourne, and Victoria Scales, as well as the Doyle Questionnaire. These tools assist schools in understanding how faith is expressed, experienced, and lived within the community. Staff then completed the survey, which will help inform future planning and development. Further information can be found at: https://www.ecsi.site/au/foundations/
During the middle session, we were fortunate to hear from Br Tony Clark FMS, who presented on Holy Week, with a particular focus on the Triduum—the three sacred days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. His presentation invited staff to reflect more deeply on the central events of the Christian story and their meaning for our lives and work.
The day concluded with a staff liturgy, followed by a shared Seder meal. A Seder meal is a traditional Jewish ritual meal that commemorates the Passover—the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It includes symbolic foods and storytelling that recall themes of freedom, sacrifice, and God’s faithfulness. This tradition is especially significant for Christians, as the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples is understood to have been a Passover meal. By participating in a Seder-style experience, staff deepened their understanding of the connections between the Jewish Passover and the Eucharist, enriching our appreciation of the Easter story.
It was a valuable and reflective day, supporting both the professional growth and spiritual formation of our staff as we continue to serve our students and community.
My wholehearted appreciation to those who prepared, cooked, set up, and organised today’s Catholic Identity Day – Nicole Dudman, Scott Blencowe, Michelle Krohn, Melita Berzins, Amanda Campbell, the Maintenance Team, and with apologies for not naming, everyone else who supported.
Staff News
At the conclusion of the term, we acknowledge and thank Caitlin Reed for her work within the Learning Support team and wish her well as she continues her studies in psychology.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Ross-Bryant for his significant contribution to the College, particularly in his role as Year 8 Wellbeing Leader and his involvement in key student wellbeing initiatives.
We congratulate Dominic Beale on his appointment as Year 8 Wellbeing Leader from 4 May. Whilst new to the College, Dominic has strong experience in Wellbeing at his previous school.
Term 2
Term 2 commences on Monday, 20 April 2026.
ANZAC Day this year falls on Saturday; however, we have two school days where students are not in attendance, bookending that weekend:
Friday 24 April – Staff Professional Development Day
Monday 27 April – Administration Staff only on site.
Finally
As we enter the Easter break, we encourage families to take time for rest, renewal and connection. We thank you for your ongoing support this term and wish all members of our community a safe, restful and blessed Easter.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman