Principal

Dear Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Community,

Welcome back to the 2026 academic year.

Welcome to the first College Newsletter for 2026, and welcome back to the new school year. It has been wonderful to see students return, settling back into College life with enthusiasm and a sense of anticipation for all that 2026 will bring. I extend a warm welcome to our new families joining the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College community—we are delighted to have you with us.

This year is a particularly significant one for our community as Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College celebrates its 40th year of educating young people in the Josephite tradition. The College first opened its doors to students on 5 February 1986, and over the past four decades has grown into a strong, faith-filled community grounded in learning, service and belonging. Throughout the year, we will take time to honour our history, celebrate the people who have shaped our College, and give thanks for the students, families and staff who continue to bring our community to life.

A range of special activities will mark this milestone year. These will include the blessing and distribution of a commemorative badge at our Opening of College Mass, whole-of-College celebrations, a community photograph, the launch of a video oral history capturing the memories of past and present students, staff and families, and the revitalisation of our College Achievers to recognise the contributions of our alumni. Students will also be invited to participate in optional pilgrimage and learning experiences, alongside the development of a History and Charism Walk across the campus that tells the story of our College and its Catholic and Josephite identity.

A key highlight will be our 40th Anniversary and Feast Day Celebration on Thursday, 6 August, when we will welcome Bishop Greg Bennet to celebrate Mass with our community. Following the Mass, we will formally recognise the College’s journey from 1986 to 2026. The day will also offer guests the opportunity to share morning tea, tour the College, and join students in Feast Day celebrations.

I again extend a special welcome to those joining our community for the first time. Whether you are a new Year 7 family or joining us in Years 8–12, we are pleased to welcome you and look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education.

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, we understand ourselves as a community—one that welcomes all, ensures everyone feels safe, and works together for the common good. Student success is strongest when parents, guardians and carers are actively engaged in learning, supported by a school that values collaboration and shared responsibility. We are committed to partnering with you to create a learning environment where students feel safe, are encouraged to achieve their best, and are supported to grow into young people who make wise, thoughtful choices.

Once again, welcome to 2026. We look forward to sharing this important year with you.

Year 12 Retreat

On Wednesday, 4 February, until Friday, 6 February, our Year 12s were on retreat at Lyrebird Park Camp. This was a great experience for all who attended and a valuable opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, as well as to reflect on their relationships with family, friends, and our loving God.

They have returned to school after the three intensive days, and it is clear they will be a cohesive cohort, striving to make the most of the opportunities available to them this year.

Thanks to all the staff - Nicole Dudman, Zac Cox, Ben Abbott, Bekk Anthony, Michelle Hackett, Cade Maskell, Sarah Roscoe-Smith, Cassie Raschle, and Beth Winterhalter- participating in the Year 12 Retreat.

Thank you to Nicole Dudman for all her preparation, and thanks to Zac Cox for his support.

Year 7 Laptop Roll Out

Thank you to Edson Letendrie, Jess Stein, our IT Team, our Admin Team, and Bekk Anthony for their work in getting the laptops into the hands of our Year 7s last Friday. Edson will also lead the students' induction to the fundamentals.

College Photographs

Thank you to Bekk Anthony, assisted by Rachel Collins, Adrienne Layton, Kaila Hutchinson and all our office staff for the organisation of the College Photographs on Tuesday, 10 February.

Ash Wednesday, Opening of School Mass, Achievers Assembly and 2025 Results 

The next few weeks will be extremely busy.

We will celebrate an Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday, 18 February, in the afternoon.

The following day, Thursday 19 February, we celebrate our Opening of College Mass for 2026. Mass will commence at 9.15 am with Fr Stanly Devasia and Fr Dennis O’Brien concelebrating. All families are welcome to come and support your children.

At the conclusion of Mass, we will hold our Achievers Assembly to recognise our top-performing VCE and VET students from 2025. 

Whilst we did celebrate the success of our students last year, I provide some highlights from the Class of 2025 below.

Number of students presenting for VCE exams: 57

Number with satisfactory completion: 57

Top Five:

Anna Rowe 96.5 and Dux

Zoe Couper 93.5

Maeve Sutherland 90.15

Liam McNally 87.2

Amy Treacy 84.6

Key Data

• Median Study Score of 29
• Overall Study Scores of 40 or above 4.4%
• 5.26% of ATAR scores above 90
• 14.04% of ATAR scores above 80.
• 29.82% of ATAR scores above 70. 

A huge thank-you to the teachers who have worked so well to get the most out of their students over the last six years. This stems from strong, effective teaching over several years.

There are a number of classes where students have a study score of 40 or more – this only happens when the teacher really knows their business and has worked hard for their students.

Our Vocational Major learners have also done very well. 15 students were pursuing applied pathways, and with notable success, of the 15:

• 2 have secured places in their preferred TAFE courses 
• 4 have gained traineeship/apprenticeships
• 6 have begun employment 
• 3 are seeking TAFE / Employment

Congratulations to all students and our staff on the 2025 results. Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is proud of you and of your achievements.

Year 7s 2026

Our 95 new Year 7s have started well and have already begun forming strong bonds with each other. Thanks to our Year 7 Wellbeing Team, Jessica Stein, Jackie Van Dillen, Hannah Collocott, Julia Leslie, and Travis Newton for their work, and thank you to all the teachers who have taught the students for assisting in making the students feel welcome  

House Swimming Carnival

Thank you, Jessica Cox, and everyone who is supporting her in the preparation for the House Swimming Carnival on Tuesday, 24 February, at the Korumburra Pool.

This will be a great community event, and all families are welcome to come and support your children.

Student News

Congratulations to Erica Begg, one of our College Vice-Captains this year, on being nominated and being awarded the South Gippsland Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year for 2026. Erica is an outstanding young leader who has demonstrated remarkable dedication through the Girl Guides, earning the prestigious Baden-Powell Award. Since 2023, she has been an enthusiastic member of the South Gippsland Shire Youth Council, helping deliver projects such as the Mirboo North Youth Disco and participating in the 2025 Youth Parliament Program. Additionally, Erica has volunteered at the Inverloch and District Lions Club market stalls since she was 15, earning respect for her professional and collaborative spirit. 

https://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/info/20004/your_council/443/young_citizen_of_the_year_-_nominees

Staff News

Welcome to New and Returning Staff:

New Staff

Returning from Extended Leave

College Leadership 2026

Sapientia Domini Docet Nos

John M Freeman