PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Catholic Education Week has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the strengths and values of Catholic schools. Activities included meetings with architects to plan the first phase of our new school site, as well as participation in the annual Catholic Education Swan Hill (CESH) Mass. Throughout the week, staff supported, participated in, and contributed to various events such as displays, performances, and shared meals.

Several staff members engaged in discussions with architects regarding the upcoming developments, focusing on how we can best incorporate our Catholic identity and Indigenous culture. We were pleased to include the insights of Elia Ware, Indigenous Support Officer, along with representatives from the Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation. It is encouraging to see how our Catholic identity and Indigenous culture are being thoughtfully integrated and interconnected.

On Wednesday, we hosted our annual Open Day, Subject Expo, and Information Sessions. The Subject Expo provided an excellent opportunity for families to meet staff, explore student work, and learn more about our curriculum offerings. Our Year 2 Hospitality students once again prepared delicious food as part of their assessment, which was greatly appreciated by attendees. It was encouraging to welcome many prospective students and families during the tours and the Year 7 2026 Information Session.

The week concluded with the Catholic Education Swan Hill Mass. Special thanks to Alison Wright, Director of Faith and Mission, and Belinda Davies, Religious Education Coordinator at St Mary’s, for their leadership and coordination efforts. The event was a significant gathering, with over 1,300 attendees, including 1,000 students seated in the Jubilee Centre, followed by a community BBQ lunch. Many staff members contributed to the success of this memorable day.

I will be on Long Service Leave for the next two weeks. During my absence, Nathan Lane, Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, and Kath Jones, Deputy Principal – Community and Culture, will serve as Acting Principals. I look forward to returning and engaging in upcoming activities, teaching, and learning opportunities to support our students.

Michelle Haeusler

Principal