Dear Parents and Carers,

💫 Holy Week is the journey of the end to an earthly life contrasted with the beginning of eternal life. Holy Thursday evening Christ shared the Passover Meal with his disciples and later that night He was arrested, trialled and crucified on Good Friday. That did not end the journey but began a new one, a journey that changed humankind forever. There is no doubt that Jesus suffered a grave injustice that ultimately saw Him condemned to death. He was found guilty by a corrupt court, He was slandered, persecuted, beaten and humiliated. Jesus’ story still rings true today in countries where freedom of speech is brutally dealt with, and any sign of rebellion is ‘quietly controlled.’

Growing up I loved the magical story of the Easter Bunny and family time. As I grew older, I started ‘to get’ the real meaning of Holy Week and Easter, reflecting on sacrifice, loss and celebrating the joy of memories and the symbolism Easter eggs. Easter still means the same to me - Easter eggs symbolising new life, family time and reminding me that Christ was human and divine, he suffered, he grieved, and he put his complete trust in what was to come for Him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpRjEpqZbt0

You are the peace of all things calm,

you are the place to hide from harm.

You are the light that shines in the dark,

you are the heart’s eternal spark.

You are the door that’s open wide,

you are the guest who waits inside.

You are the stranger at the door,

you are the calling of the poor.

You are my Lord and with me still,

you are my love, keep me from ill.

You are the light, the truth, the way,

you are my Saviour this very day.

Amen.

“Mission, it’s where we came from, where we are going and who we are.”

Fr Mark Reynolds

Today our students and staff gathered for a solemn Holy Week liturgy. A reminder that as a Catholic College in the Mercy tradition coming together in prayer and hearing the story of Christ is central to our College’s calling to nurture a personal relationship with Christ for all within our College community.

💫 Year 5/6 Canberra Camp

Canberra is probably the most popular excursion for primary schools across Australia. The nation’s capital offers so much and links beautifully with the curriculum. Excursions that require a week away could not be possible without the support of parents. Thank you to the parents who offered to go to Canberra and to the parents who did go on the trip. The many offers to attend were very generous. The students had a great week and enjoyed every aspect of the activities. Thankyou Dennis Stokes, Mark Bradshaw, Casey Kiss and Shannon Inness for taking time out of your week to support College staff on what was a fantastic time away for the students. Dennis’ email puts much about memories into perspective:

“Good evening Cath, I am replying to  the letter I received from two of the amazing students representing grades 5/6 Canberra trip. It almost bought me to tears, I was so humbled to read such kind words. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the staff and the amazing students of St Marys  for making the trip memorable. Proud to be part of such an amazing school and walk tall with the kids and staff. I would do it again in a heartbeat Thank you so much.” Kind regards Dennis

💫 Staffing

Ms McDowell has resigned from her teaching position as from the end of Term 1 to move to Melbourne. Mrs Wallace has resigned from the College and is moving to a school closer to home. We wish Jess and Claire all the best for the future.

Mrs Oakley has accepted a Careers position at Assumption College, Kilmore. Tanya has been on staff at St Mary’s for 16 years and during that time worked in the Learning Support team and from 2014 moved into Careers. Joining the Assumption Careers team will be a great opportunity to gain experience in a larger school. Tanya’s very good knowledge and skills with VET and Tafe pathways will benefit the team. We thank Mrs Oakley for her contribution to St Mary’s and wish her all the best in her new position.

Considering the teacher and employment shortage in education, returning to Year 12 and with Mrs Oakley taking up a new position next term, our College is lucky to welcome in Term 2 a new Careers Advisor who has experience in the role.

Careers Advisor Appointment

Mrs Taryn Kneebone was employed at St Monica's Secondary College Epping from 2008-2025 in the Careers team. St Monica's has a student population of 2200 students and over 300 students in Year 12. Taryn's experience, passion and knowledge in Careers was highly respected at St Monica's and she implemented various procedures and programs to ensure VCE; VCEVM; VET/Go Tafe; School Based Apprenticeships and Work Experience students benefited from Careers guidance and on-site experiences. While studying to be a Careers Practitioner Taryn received the Christine Jolly Scholarship for the CEAV New Career Practitioner of the Year. Taryn's qualifications are: Vocational Graduate Certificate in Careers Development Practice CEAV inc. (Australian Centre for Careers Education); Cert 4 in Careers Development RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology); Cert 4 in School Based Education Support (Angel Institute) and the Diploma of Business (Kanga Institute). We look forward to Taryn joining the College and guiding our students in their Career pathways.

💫 Parents and Friends

The P&F held the AGM last week. Congratulations to the newly elected Executive members:

New Executive:-

- President: Madelaine Richards

- Vice President: Stacey Cox

- Secretary: Nicole Hoskin

- Treasurer: Amy O’Brien

- Uniform Shop: Casey Kiss

Outgoing Executive: -

- President: Megan Cox

- Vice President: Madelaine Richards

- Secretary: Stephanie Liddell

- Treasurer: Amy O’Brien

- Uniform Shop: Casey Kiss

Parents and Friends Associations are an essential and a vital part of the history and fabric of Catholic Schools. With the business of family and working life the service, time and commitment by our P&F is valued and appreciated by College staff. These parents give their time to support the College, to build parent social connections and to fundraise for our students.

When Megan began her time as president, it was a time when P&F committees and organisations generally had to find traction in a changing space, a time dominated by Covid where so many organisations either stopped existing or when into a lengthy recess. On behalf of our College community our sincere thanks to our outgoing P&F President, Megan for her dedication, willingness to be so generous with her time and organising many opportunities for parents and student to have fun while raising funds for resources. Much can go unnoticed with the time, energy and commitment that is required to be a P&F member and how lucky is St Mary’s to have parents willing to put their hand up to ensure the long and proud history of the St Mary’s P&F continues into an era that is exciting for the College.

Thank you, Megan, and to our outgoing Executive members, Nicole and Stephanie and welcome to our new and or returning P&F Executive – Madelaine, Stacey, Nicole, Amy and Casey. The new P&F are off and running, already planning a Term 2 fundraiser.

May St Christopher the Patron Saint of Travellers protect all who journey before and or over Easter. The Easter Long Weekend is a very busy time with many families getting away to enjoy the Autumn weather intestate or within Victoria. If you are on the road over the break, especially during Easter, go gently.

💫 The Motorists Prayer

Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gives life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company From the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others need; Nor miss through love of undue speed The beauty of the world; that thus I may With joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron saint of travellers, Protect me. And lead me safely to my destiny.

💫 The Gift

From 2010 to 2023 I was lucky to experience my son, Isaac in his AFL career at Hawthorn and then at Geelong. I have some understanding of the roller coaster ride for professional athletes, the demands, the psychological and game day pressure and the expectations from supporters and media who are always looking for that ‘breaking news story.’ Like the circle of life, I started with the Blues, Hawthorn, Geelong and now returning to my roots – the Old Dark Navy Blues. The Blues are certainly that keeps on giving but take heart Carlton faithful, the gift will eventually surprise.

💫 Staff Curriculum Professional Development Day (No school for students)

Tuesday 22nd April

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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