DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Working Together: Building a Respectful and Responsible School Community  

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews & Community Expectations 

Recently, we held our Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews for students in Years 7–10, and I would like to sincerely thank all families who took the time to attend. It was very pleasing to see such a strong turnout and to witness the many positive, respectful, and constructive conversations between parents, carers, and teachers. 

These interviews are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, ensuring that each student is supported both academically and in their overall wellbeing. The quality of the dialogue across the evening reflected a shared commitment to student growth and success.

We understand that the allocated interview times can feel brief, particularly when there are more complex matters to discuss. If you feel that further conversation is needed, we encourage you to arrange a follow-up meeting with your child’s teacher at a mutually convenient time. This is especially important when navigating more sensitive or challenging topics, where a longer, more considered discussion is beneficial. As always, we ask that all communication remains respectful and collaborative, ensuring the best outcomes for all involved. 

Caring for Our School Community Environment 

In addition, I would like to address a matter of concern within our community. Recently, there have been instances of vandalism, including damage to girls’ toilets, classroom equipment, outdoor furniture, and graffiti around the school grounds. This behaviour is disappointing and does not reflect the values of our college. 

Families are reminded that the school is equipped with security cameras. Where students are identified engaging in vandalism or graffiti, parents and carers will be contacted and invoiced for the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged property if your child is identified as causing or being part of the vandalism. We ask for your support in addressing this matter by having conversations at home about respect for our shared environment and the consequences of these actions. 

At the same time, it has been encouraging to see many of our students respond with maturity and concern regarding these incidents. This provides an important opportunity to speak with young people about the difference between being a bystander and an upstander. A bystander may witness inappropriate behaviour and choose not to act, whereas an upstander takes positive action, whether that be speaking up, seeking help, or making a choice to do what is right. As a school, we are actively encouraging all students to be upstanders and to take pride in their community. 

At St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill, we are guided by the values of Mary MacKillop, living with compassion, respect, courage, and a commitment to justice. Being part of our community means taking responsibility for our actions, caring for our environment, and supporting one another to make positive choices. These values are at the heart of who we are, and they underpin the expectations we have for all members of our college. 

Celebrating Mother’s Day 

As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, we take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures within our community. We give thanks for the love, care, strength, and guidance they provide each and every day. 

In the spirit of our faith, we pray that God’s love continues to pour abundantly over all mothers, bringing them peace, joy, and a deep sense of appreciation for the vital role they play in the lives of our young people. May they feel recognised and cherished not only on this special day, but always. 

Thank you for your ongoing support in working with us to uphold these standards and to foster a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all students. 

Kath Jones

Deputy Principal Community & Culture