Principal

Holy Week 2026

Palm Sunday The Drama begins…

Palm Sunday is a human drama; it is our drama. As Jesus enters his final week, he takes humanity with him. We are celebrating and taking part in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as it happens. Jesus’ entry begins on a huge wave of optimism, joy and hope - people line the streets, wave their palms and they shout out his name. This was a Roman 

tradition to welcome soldier’s home. The crowd welcomed Jesus, shouting ‘Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ 

Yet, how quickly the crowd turned. The same people happy to welcome him with shouts of joy soon shout, ‘Crucify him, Crucify him.’ Jesus is betrayed. He is alone.

As well as celebrating the ‘great week’ with reverence, we need to ask ourselves what it is all about and what it means to each to us?  Where am I in the unfolding drama that begins on Palm Sunday and plays out over Holy Week and climaxes on Easter?  

As we celebrate Palm Sunday and begin our journey through Holy Week, we are called to ask who and where are we in the crowd? May we enter in the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with faith and hope…Michael Moore OMI

The Sacred Heart Centre and Stage 2 

The Victoria Specification 43 Code that applies to new construction and significant renovations of Class 9 buildings located in designated Bushfire Prone Areas (BPA) is provisionally completed for the Sacred Heart Centre.  The new regulations require considerable expenditure to be compliant with the code. Staff and students have been verry patient as regulation and compliance take time. Landscaping has begun on the oval side of the new building and alongside the hall. Stage 2 will begin when landscaping is completed.

Mercy Centre Veranda

The veranda has been stabilised before preliminary investigations begin to check on the veranda’s structural integrity.

White Heads Creek Bridge

Mitchell Shire has applied to the Australian Government for funding to upgrade the High street bridge. I met this week with the Shire’s Engineers Manager to discuss College concerns for northern pedestrian access from the bridge to the railway crossing. The Shire shares our College’s concern and if the funding application is approved, there will be pedestrian access on both sides of the bridge.

CARITAS26 Australia

Caritas is a Latin term primarily meaning love, compassion, and charity.  It denotes the love for God and one's neighbour. CARITAS is the Catholic Churches major mission fundraiser project during Lent. All Catholic Schools and parishes donations from Australia go towards 3rd world projects providing self-sustainment, upskilling to create employment and business opportunities, health care and access to education.  The hearts of our St Mary’s students and families are very generous. Thank you for your support. CARITAS26 is a reminder that it is in giving that we receive.

National Collection Consistent Data (NCCD) & NCCD Progressive Rollout 2008-2018

This week the BellchambersBarrett (Canberra) appointed auditor for the Australian Government Department of Education Non - Government Schools census Post Enumeration Audit visited for two days onsite to review our College’s census data and related evidence to validate St Mary's NCCD funding. 

Each year Non-government schools across Australia are randomly selected to check census data and evidence for the funding received to support students learning needs. The auditor reviewed 100 students over the two days checking PLP's, PSG minutes, attendance dates, medical evidence and more. It was a very thorough audit. 

When the Australian Government moved to the NCCD model of criteria required for funding support it became very obvious the amount of evidence that would be needed to substantiate funding and the consumption of time. Claire Kelly (Leader Learning Diversity) and Rosie Andrea (NCCD Administrative Assistant) have a done a lot of work in streamlining processes and documentation. 

The audit was very successful. The auditor said, ‘it was so good to audit St Mary's because the evidence was there and easy to find.’  The audit was professional, student focused and with excellent presentation.

Fee Collection

Thank you for being consistent with fee payments, especially as economic times are more challenging. From the early beginnings of Catholic education in Australia, Catholic schools have relied on parent contributions – past, present and future. Parent contributions are valued and respected.

Easter is traditionally a very busy time on country roads with families heading to rivers, camping and or visiting. This year the roads are likely to be quieter.  If you are on the roads over the Easter break, go gently, travel safely and enjoy the moment – Easter weather is usually beautiful just like most days in Autumn.

The College’s Easter Liturgy on Holy Thursday reminds students and staff that Holy Week, the Great Week brings us together to remember the human and the divine, Jesus’ last days on earth, the yin and yang of life – sadness and fear overcome by happiness and joy.

Blessing on all families for a happy Easter and may the Easter Bunny be kind to us all.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

DipEd (ACU) DipREd (ACU) Bed (ACU) GradCertEdAdmin (Edith Cowan) 

GradDipREd (ACU) MEdAdmin (Charles Sturt) MTheoStudies (BBITAITE)