PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Three weeks back at school for the year and we are in full swing in terms of learning and extra-curricular activities. I have the pleasure of teaching two Year 7 classes, 7B and 7C, Religious Education. What amazing young people I have in my classes. I hope that all students are as energetic and ready to learn as these Year 7s are.

Thank you to all students and parents/guardians/carers who have managed to attend school in the new uniform this year.  Our students look great and the majority of the students are wearing it correctly. Our students are being reminded about jewellery. They may wear up to two earrings in each ear and these must be plain studs or sleepers.  

With the week starting with temperatures in the high 30s, we quickly made arrangements to move the Swimming Carnival to Thursday. Thanks to Grace Scott, Extra-curricular Activities Coordinator for her organisation, and the many staff and parents that assisted on the day. 

Congratulations to Tenison House, who took out the House Spirit Award and beat Solomon House by a small margin to win the overall 2024 Swimming Carnival. Well done to Solomon, Xavier, and Woods for the tough competition all day.

Today we celebrated our first Mass together as a 2024 community. This is always a joyous occasion as we commissioned our 2024 College Captains and student leaders into their positions. Thank you to Alison Wright, Director of Faith and Mission, and Rianne Quaife, Choir and Band Coordinator, for all of the preparation in the lead up to the Mass. It was also wonderful to hear from our College Captains as they addressed our school community for the first time in 2024.

Each year the St Patrick’s Race Club holds a meet in Swan Hill and donates profits from the day to St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary MacKillop College. This year the St Pat’s Race Club Race Day is on Sunday 17th March. Being St Patrick’s Day, I hope that many of our school community will come along and join in the festivities.

We do not ask for donations very often, therefore I hope that when you receive your letter next week you will consider purchasing tickets to the race meet, even if you are unable to attend. All monies raised from selling tickets come directly back to the school. In the past, we have utilised these funds to purchase extra resources for the Learning Resource Centre or support our Wellbeing programs and families that need assistance. Being St Patrick’s Day, I hope that many of our school community will come along and join in the festivities.

The Year 7 BBQ and Information Night will be held on Monday 19th February.  All Year 7 students and their families are welcome to attend.  I look forward to meeting those parents I haven’t met yet, as well as brothers and sisters.