Principal News

Dear Marian Catholic College community-parents, students and staff,

This newsletter item will highlight recent activities at the College in the last two weeks. 

Live the Marian Way-Founders Day Mass

Thank you to Father Andrew Grace and Gabriel Abdala (Leader of Faith Formation and Mission) for a reflective Founders’ Day Mass, held last Friday 17th. The Mass and Father’ Grace’s homily were an opportunity to engage with the Marian spirituality underpinning the school, formed by the Mercy sisters and Marist Brothers-our College founders. 

Mercy traditions follow the values of the Blessed Catherine McAuley, whose life and work reminds us of the importance of service, compassion, care  and a focus on the dignity of all humans and human life. Marist traditions in the way of St Marcellin Champagnat essentially turn to the figure of Mary for:

In Mary, we see the qualities of humility, tenderness and concern for others are not virtues of the weak but of the strong (Tony Clarke Director, Mission and Life Formation-Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat).

In addition to the Mass, you will see in the photos and reports in this fortnight’s newsletter and on our facebook page, all of the great activities organised by our new student leaders and the four houses to celebrate Founder’s Day-a little late this year it is true, but a fabulous day nonetheless. The students raised a record amount of money through their fundraising events, which will go to needy charities supported by the school. (Founder’s Day could not be celebrated on the usual anniversary due to our official opening of the new buildings being held on the same day-an unavoidable clash).

Year 12 2023 Graduation Celebration

Thank you to Mrs Renae Savage, Mrs Lora Segrave, our fabulous administrative staff and many other supporters for the Year 12 2023 Graduation Celebration and Dinner. It was a picture perfect and very special occasion that acknowledged the excellent performance, leadership and general trials and the many triumphs of the graduating students of 2023. Mrs Savage worked exceptionally hard to ensure that the night was a true acknowledgement of these students and their presence and leadership over the last 6 years. We are very proud of you and wish you the best of luck in this new exciting phase of your adult lives.

Year 10 Camp Wombaroo

Thank you to Mrs Kelly Centofanti, and teachers Mr Will Lyon, Mr Kevin Salton, Ms Rebecca Jensen and Mr Eli Marshall for the organisation and support of the terrific Year 10 camp last week. Staff and students had a great time out and returned home safe, tired and well. Once again our facebook page and newsletters will provide many photos for you to look at and share.     

Year 9 Peer Support Days and Year 12 Leaders 2024

Last week 60 students in Year 9 attended two Peer Support training days in preparation for leadership roles in Year 10 and their work with our incoming Year 7 students (2024) on O Day on December 1st. Thanks to Ms Rebecca Jensen (Acting Year 9 Pastoral Leader) and teachers supporting her for two action packed and very successful days. We know our future Year 10 Peer Support Leaders will be positive role models for the new Year 7 cohort.

Year 12 Leaders for 2024 please note, we will have formal acknowledgement for all the new student leaders at the upcoming Year 11 Awards Ceremony in Week 9, which will be live streamed to parents. The blessing of badges will take place early in 2024 at the opening school mass.

Celebrating staff- ACEL Conference Presentation by Mrs Lora Segrave and Damien Herb

Congratulations on an exceptional presentation by Mrs Lora Segrave and Mr Damien Herb to leaders and teachers attending the Australian Council of Educational Leaders Conference in Sydney on Tuesday November 7th. Lora and Damien presented on the outstanding leadership work they have initiated with staff over recent years and also provided the group (mostly from the state and National capitals) with an outline of the context of schools operating in regional and remote settings.

Finally, please note in this newsletter the inclusion of a fact sheet providing information on how parents can support online safety for their children and young people in their care. Look out for this fact sheet called “Information for Managing Distressing Content Online”.

Yours in faith

Dr Penny Ludicke