DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING

Vision for Teaching and Learning at St Mary MacKillop College - a statement that drives the development of a high performance learning culture at SMMC

At St Mary MacKillop College we have high expectations of our students so we equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. We pursue excellence through a teaching and learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and encourages growth. We value collaboration, innovation and building strong relationships. As we head towards the end of the term, our students are busy completing final assessments, and our Year 8 to 11 students will soon complete exams.

Our school is a member of the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (AJASS). Earlier this week, I was fortunate to attend the AJASS South East Cluster Principals’ meeting in Whanganui, New Zealand. The meeting was held at Cullinane College in Whanganui.

On Monday morning, we were welcomed by the Principal of Cullinane College and participated in a Mihi Whakatau and opening prayer led by the school leaders. The voices of the students were outstanding as they sang in Maori. In the morning, we listened to a presentation on the history of Cullinane College and the Josephites in the North Island of New Zealand. The students then led a beautiful liturgy focusing on Mary MacKillop. The reflection in the liturgy was ‘Today, let’s show simple thoughtfulness and kindness, showing love in practical, ordinary ways’. When I reflect on this, I think about how inclusive we are in Catholic education and how everyone is welcome at the table. We also show thoughtfulness and kindness through our acts of service and hospitality. We were treated to wonderful hospitality by the Sisters of St Joseph on Monday night, where we participated in a welcome ceremony and listened to the stories of a Maori elder and the Sisters. It was a beautiful way to end the day in Whanganui.

Throughout my time at St Mary MacKillop College, I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to develop my understanding of the Josephite charism through professional learning at school, the activities we undertake on our Year 11 camp, a pilgrimage to the South Island of New Zealand last year, and, more recently, the AJASS Principals’ Conference in Hobart. There is always something new that I take away from these formation experiences.

One of the many things I enjoy about working in a Catholic school with a charism is that my understanding of its story and mission continues to grow over time. Each formation experience helps me deepen that understanding and reflect on how we can carry the charism forward in our own community. Over my 25 years in Catholic education in Victoria, I have worked in three Catholic secondary schools shaped by the charisms of Mary Aikenhead, Nano Nagle and Mary MacKillop. While each has its own rich tradition, all three women shared a commitment to serving those on the margins and advocating for justice and equality. May their courage, faith and vision continue to inspire us in our work each day.

2026 Australian Mathematics Competition

Congratulations to the group of Year 7 to 10 students who completed the Australian Mathematics Competition on Tuesday. Thank you to Ms Francesca Gomez, Curriculum Leader for Mathematics, for organising this experience for our students. The competition is a great opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, apply their mathematical thinking, and engage with problems beyond the classroom.

Student Artwork on Display at the Swan Hill Art Gallery

Congratulations to Brydie, Georgia, Ha My and Emma on having their artwork displayed at the Swan Hill Gallery. The exhibition, titled ‘An exhibition of works on paper by students from local secondary schools’, showcases the talent and creativity of students from across our region. We are fortunate to have such gifted young artists at our school, supported by Ms Stewart, our Art teacher, whose dedication encourages students to explore their creativity and achieve their best.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning