Catholic Identity and Mission 

Student Leaders Formation Day 2026

'A journey of faith and leadership'

On Friday 31st October, the Chapel at the college was filled with energy, reflection, and inspiration as our student leaders gathered for a special Formation Day. The day was dedicated to exploring the lives and legacies of two remarkable figures in Australian Catholic history: Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods.

Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions, students delved into the journeys of Mary and Julian across Victoria and surrounding districts. They reflected on the challenges and triumphs these pioneers faced in their mission to bring education and faith to remote communities. The stories of their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service provided a powerful foundation for our student leaders to consider their own roles within the college and wider community.

The day concluded with a collaborative session focused on developing the theme for 2026. Students brought forward creative ideas and thoughtful insights, ensuring the theme will be one that resonates deeply with our college’s values and vision.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful canteen staff, Kara and Amanda, who kept everyone nourished and energised with a scrumptious morning tea and lunch. Their hospitality added a warm and welcoming touch to a day of deep learning and connection.

We are proud of our student leaders and look forward to seeing them continue to grow in faith, leadership, and service.

AJASS Leaders Formation Day

‘Building Connection Through Charism and Mission’

On Friday 7th November, student leaders from seven Josephite schools gathered at MacKillop College, Werribee, for a vibrant and enriching AJASS Leaders Formation Day. The day began with a warm welcome from Principal Chris Caldow and Deputy Principal of Faith and Mission, Jennifer Levitt, followed by a beautiful prayer reflection that set a reverent and hopeful tone for the day ahead.

Students quickly bonded through lively ice-breaker games, sharing laughter and stories as they got to know peers from across the AJASS network. The group included representatives from:

• St James Catholic College, Cygnet (TAS)
• Sacred Heart College, New Town (TAS)
• St Mary’s College, Swan Hill
• Penola Catholic College
• Mount St Joseph Girls’ College
• Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College
• MacKillop College, Werribee

Together, they explored the rich legacy of the Josephite mission through videos, slides, and group discussions. Students reflected on key questions such as:

• What was the mission of the Sisters of St Joseph? 
• What is the mission of a Josephite school today?
• How are we called to live out the vision of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods?

After a delicious morning tea, the focus shifted to Charism—what it means, how it shapes identity, and how it can be lived out in leadership. Students examined the Sisters of St Joseph’s Mission, Vision, and Values, including:

• Creative Courage
• Mutual Respect
• Conscious Compassion
• intentional Inclusivity

In the final session, students worked in school groups to explore how these four pillars could be applied to their leadership roles back home. Each group presented their ideas to their teachers and principal before concluding the day with a reflective prayer service.

Of course, no AJASS road trip would be complete without the traditional ‘Macca’s stop’ on the way home—a well-earned treat after a full day of learning, sharing, and growing.

A heartfelt thank you to MacKillop College Werribee for their generous hospitality and for hosting such a memorable and inspiring formation day.

Socktober

Thank You for Your Support!

A huge thank you to all staff and students who supported the Socktober Raffle, organised by our Year 11 Youth Ministry team for World Mission Month 2025. This year’s theme, Missionaries of Hope: Among All Peoples”, inspired our community to come together in generosity and action.

Thanks to your overwhelming support, we were able to award four additional prizes on top of the original baskets! All proceeds from the raffle will go towards supporting Catholic Mission projects in Zambia, helping provide hope and opportunity to communities in need.

Congratulations to our winners:

• Basket 1: Tracey Bugbird
• Basket 2: Tenille Holman
• Prizes 3, 4 & 5: Large Boxes of Chocolates

Your kindness and participation truly reflect the spirit of Mary MacKillop and the Josephite mission—bringing hope where it is most needed.

Socktober’s Global Impact

Socktober is a worldwide initiative that empowers schools and communities to take action for vulnerable children across the globe. Through fundraising and awareness activities, Socktober supports projects that provide access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities in countries like Zambia, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. Every raffle ticket purchased and every donation made helps create a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope for those who need it most.

Thank you again for making Socktober such a success!

Remembrance Day Service Liturgy

‘Honouring Those Who Served’

On Tuesday, 11th November, our college community gathered in Pioneer Hall for a solemn Remembrance Day Service Liturgy. This annual observance is a time to pause and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

What is Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I on 11 November 1918. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, nations around the world stop to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service. The red poppy has become the symbol of this day, representing hope and remembrance.

During our liturgy, students and staff prayed for peace and justice in our world, listened to readings and reflections, and observed a minute’s silence to honour all who have served and continue to serve. The service was a moving reminder of the importance of gratitude and the call to work for peace in our own lives.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun… Lest we Forget."