Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s hard to believe we are already in the month of August! Over the past few months I have enjoyed being on Long Service Leave, travelling to Ireland and Scotland with other principals in the diocese. It was an amazing experience with many highlights. It’s great to be back refreshed and energized as we tackle a busy term ahead.
A big thank you to Jodie and Paula and our amazing staff who steered the ship in my absence.
Last Thursday 8th August we celebrated the feast of Mary Mackillop.
Saint Mary MacKillop (also called Saint Mary of the Cross) was a Catholic nun and the first Australian canonised by the Catholic Church. The church declared her a saint in October 2010. She was committed to helping the poor and would help those in need whenever she could. Mary was very active throughout Australia in establishing schools and welfare institutions through the founding of the Josephites; Australia's first order of Nuns that were also known as the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
My very first teaching job was way back in 1994 at Sacred Heart College in Hobart, Tasmania. Sacred Heart was a Josephite school and the principal was a Sister of St. Joseph. There were also other Josephite Nuns teaching throughout the school. I have very fond memories of my first teaching experience and the spirit of Mary Mackillop was present and alive in the culture of the school. My first teaching experience at Sacred Heart certainly had a profound influence on who I am as an educator and principal today.
Assumption of Mary
Today we celebrated the feast of The Assumption of Mary. In doing so, the whole school attended Mass and it was a beautiful celebration of our patron saint. A big thank you to Fr. Michael for making it such a meaningful experience for the children and to Jayne Brumby for planning the Mass.
Eucharist and Confirmation
Next Saturday night (24/8) and Sunday morning (25/8), children from Grade 3 will be receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The children have been working extremely hard both at home, school and at weekend Masses in preparation for this important time in their lives. We pray for all the children as they continue their life long journey in faith.
Lord Jesus Christ, in the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation You give us your limitless love.
Thank You for giving our children the opportunity to experience this love in receiving the Sacraments for the first time.
May your Eucharist presence keep them strong in faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Best wishes to Maegen / Welcome Jess
Last week we farewelled Maegen as she goes on leave to prepare for the birth of her baby twins. We wish Maegen and Billy all the best and we look forward to hearing their exciting news. With Maegen finishing, we welcome Jess Montano who has taken over Maegen’s position in Grade 6. She is doing an amazing job and we wish her well as she begins her career as a teacher.
Hats
In line with our Sun Smart policy, it is that time of the year where children are to start wearing hats. I ask that all children bring their hats to school clearly named.
Survey
Thank you to those families who have completed the parent survey that was sent to randomly selected families 2 weeks ago. The cut-off date has been extended to tomorrow so it would be appreciated if you could complete it if you haven’t already done so.
National Week of Action Against Bullying
This week is National Week of Action against Bullying. Please see links below from our School TV website with valuable information around this topic for parents.
https://smcolac.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying
https://smcolac.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cyber-bullying
Pupil Free Day
A reminder that next Tuesday 20th August is a pupil free day.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Michael Mahoney
(Principal)