Principal's Message

Dear Families,

St Mary of the Cross Anniversary

Last Saturday 17 October was the tenth anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the patron of our College. It is hard to believe it is ten years already. Along with the contingent from this College, I was fortunate to be one of the thousands in St Peter’s Square for the canonisation Mass. It was a special and inspiring moment, the recognition of Australia’s first and only official saint. Mary MacKillop is recognised not just by Catholics, but by the wider community as a great and good Australian, an exemplar of our Catholic faith and also our national values and ideals. Mary MacKillop saw her work as living out the Gospel message of Jesus. She often told her Sisters to “teach more by example than by word”.

Walkathon

One way that we teach by example rather than by word is our annual Walkathon, held last Monday. Like everything else, it has been re-shaped due to the pandemic, but the Mary MacKillop walkathon is a vital expression of our charism and like Mary MacKillop herself, despite all setbacks, we found a way to make it happen. We now need your support to return your child’s walkathon card and sponsorship. This year we are supporting charities closer to home, thank you in anticipation of your support.

Resumption

All students have returned to school very excited and enthusiastic to see their friends and teachers again. Some have reported a little more anxiety than usual, which is only to be expected. Please make use of the wellbeing resources being published by Mr. O’Dwyer and the Wellbeing team. Do keep talking to your children to monitor how they are going and let us know if anything seems amiss.

Uniform

Thank you to all families who responded to the survey regarding the girls’ uniform. An overwhelming majority are in favour of providing the option of long winter pants for the girls. The Working Group is arranging for samples to be displayed, so students and families can consider between dark grey or navy blue. This will happen in the next few weeks. 

School Photos

The Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, so school photos are back on. Information has been sent home this week. Photos will be taken for years 7 -11 on Tuesday 27 October and year 12 on Wednesday 28 October.

Year 12 news – Consideration of Educational Disadvantage

Families may have seen the announcements by Education Minister James Merlino that all year 12 students may be eligible for consideration of disadvantage caused by the summer bushfires and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Separate information has been sent with every year twelve student. Families are reminded to please return the student statement as requested. 

The final day for year twelve is this Friday, 30 October. We are still able to run some of their traditional celebrations and assembly, but unfortunately we cannot welcome any guests – not even parents or direct family  - at school. The Valedictory and Graduation have been postponed and will be rescheduled when restrictions ease further, probably to next year. So that families can still be involved in the year twelve final day, the assembly will be live streamed via the College Facebook page. 

Wishing all our families continued health and happiness.