Principal
Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,
Lent
As we move beyond the midpoint of Lent, it is an opportune time for reflection as a school community. With Lent having begun on 18 February and Easter approaching on 5 April, this season continues to invite us into a deeper awareness of our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.
Lent calls us into a quiet and honest encounter with the deeper rhythms of our lives. Drawing on the insights of Fr. Ronald Rolheiser OMI, it is a season less about dramatic sacrifice and more about faithful presence. The spiritual life is lived in the ordinary—through patience, fidelity, and the small, daily choices to love, to forgive, and to remain committed.
In this light, Lent is not about heroic gestures, but about “staying”—staying with our responsibilities, our relationships, and even our struggles. In a world that often encourages distraction or escape, we are instead called to remain present. Our fasting is not only from food, but from anything that distances us from God’s presence within and around us.
There is a quiet discipline in simply showing up when it is difficult, in choosing kindness when we feel depleted, and in trusting that God is at work through our perseverance. Often, the crosses we carry are unseen, yet it is within these moments that transformation begins.
As we continue our journey toward Easter, we are reminded that resurrection is not separate from the cross. New life emerges through faithfulness, humility, and a willingness to remain present, trusting that God is at work in the ordinary moments of our lives.
NAPLAN
Thanks to Laura Higgins for her Leadership of this important program. Thanks, as well to all who assisted.
You can read more in the Director of Learning, Pedagogy and Innovation's section of the Newsletter.
Year 7 Welcome Mass – 11 March 2026
This was a great success, with around 200 people attending. Thanks to our marvellous Year 7 Team, led by Jess Stein, and Homeroom Teachers - Jackie Van Dillen, Travis Newton, Julia Leslie and Hannah Collocott - for their work both in promoting this with students and on the night.
Thanks, as well, to Nicole Dudman and Scott Blencowe for the preparation of the Mass
Thank you to Fr. Stanly for celebrating Mass. His support is greatly valued. Fr. Dennis sent his apologies.
Great work by our Senior VCE Vocational Major students, along with their teachers, Jo Knox, Jasmine Jones, and Mairead Johnson, for preparing the food and beverages. Also, thanks to the members of the Student Mission Team for their work with students and their attendance.
Finally, thank you to Beth Winterhalter and Jayde Trappett for managing AV.
St Joseph’s Day
The Feast of St Joseph (19 March) honours St Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. He is remembered for his quiet strength, humility, and unwavering trust in God, responding faithfully to God’s call in uncertain times.
For our community, this day holds special significance through Mary MacKillop and the Josephite tradition. Inspired by St Joseph, the Josephite Order emphasises practical compassion, service, and deep trust in God’s providence—values that continue to shape our College’s mission, identity, and commitment to Catholic education today.
One element of our recognition and celebration of this Feast was being asked to join the students, staff, and community for Mass at St Joseph’s Primary School in Korumburra. Joining me were three Year 12 Student Leaders – Erica Begg, Owen Maskell and Rosie Witteveen – and Melinda Stephan.
SSV Sport
SSV Swimming Divisional Results
Below are the individual champions and runners-up from our College at the recent SSV Division Swimming:
14-Year-Old Women
Champion: Emily Croatto - Mary MacKillop CRC
14-Year-Old Men
Champion: Jordan Gallicchio- Mary MacKillop CRC
16-Year-Old Women
Champion: Isabel Croatto- Mary MacKillop CRC
16-Year-Old Men
Champion: Nate Coffey- Mary MacKillop CRC
17-Year-Old Women
Champions: Claudia Croatto - Mary MacKillop CRC
18-21 Women
Runner Up: Sienna Musilli- Mary MacKillop CRC
We were also second in the overall competition.
SSV Regional Swimming Champions
Congratulations to our team, which won the overall Regional Championship held in Sale recently. The success was in part due to the great talent of our swimmers, but also a significant factor was the level of participation, in other words, a fantastic team effort. This is our first win at the regional level in the SSV.
Thanks to Jessica Cox for her leadership and Bernard Lumsden for his outstanding support.
House Athletics
On Monday, 23 March, we will hold our House Athletics Competition at the Velodrome in the Leongatha Recreational Centre. Thanks in advance to all involved, in particular Jessica Cox.
Families are welcome to join us.
You can find more details about SSV Sports' achievements and the upcoming Athletics Carnival in the Sport@MMCRC section of this Newsletter.
Year 12 VET Music
Congratulations to all of our VET Music Industry students on their performances on Wednesday, 18 March. This was their first assessment as well. This night was very well attended by family, peers and staff.
From my untrained observation, the talent on display was impressive, and their teacher, Beth Winterhalter, made it clear to all present that the students would only get better with dedicated study and rehearsal. Thanks as well to Phil Schihmann for his support of students on the night.
Well done to all.
You can find more details in the Music@MMCRC section of this Newsletter.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman