FAITH MATTERS 

Beginning of the 2026 School Year

As we begin a new school year, I warmly welcome all members of our MacKillop community — our students, families, and staff. A special welcome to those joining us for the first time. May this year be one filled with growth, connection and opportunity. We look forward to journeying together in faith, learning and community.

Our 2026 Theme: Conscious Compassion

This year, our school theme is Conscious Compassion, inspired by the words of Mary MacKillop:“Love each other, help and comfort each other.”

Conscious Compassion calls us to move beyond good intentions and into thoughtful action. It asks us to be aware — aware of the needs of those around us, aware of injustice, and aware of the small, everyday opportunities to show kindness, dignity and respect. Compassion is not accidental; it is deliberate. As a Josephite school community, we are invited to live this out in our classrooms, on the playground, in our homes and in our wider community.

The Season of Lent

Next week we enter the sacred season of Lent, a 40-day period of preparation leading to Easter. Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, renewal and turning our hearts back to God. Traditionally, Catholics focus on three key practices during Lent:

• Prayer – strengthening our relationship with God
• Fasting – learning self-discipline and gratitude
• Almsgiving – caring for those in need

Lent invites us to pause, reflect and grow - individually and as a community.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

On Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins, we traditionally share pancakes. Historically, this day was used to prepare for Lent by using up rich ingredients such as eggs and butter. More importantly, it is a reminder to prepare our hearts for a new season. Pancakes will be available for all staff and students from 8:30 am in the Centre court area free of charge!

The following day, Ash Wednesday, marks the official beginning of Lent. On this day, ashes are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross as a sign of repentance, humility and our desire to begin again. The ashes remind us of our humanity and our call to live faithfully and compassionately. A short, prayer service will be conducted in each Homeroom. Receiving the ashes is invitational. If students choose not to receive, they are asked to still participate reverently in this service. 

Project Compassion

Lent also marks the beginning of Project Compassion, the annual Lenten fundraising and awareness campaign run by Caritas Australia. Project Compassion supports vulnerable communities both in Australia and around the world by addressing poverty, injustice and inequality.

Throughout Lent, our school community will be invited to support this initiative through prayer, awareness and small change donations in the collection boxes in each Homeroom. In living out our theme of Conscious Compassion, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity can have a profound impact.

Beginning Year Mass

We look forward to celebrating our Beginning Year Mass next Friday in the Church. This is a special opportunity for our whole school community to gather in prayer, entrust the year ahead to God, and formally commission our student leaders for the journey of 2026. We hope families can keep us in their prayers as we begin this new chapter together. In Fr James’ absence, Fr Matt Thomas will lead our mass.

May this year be one of faith, growth and conscious compassion in action.

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission