DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - COMMUNITY & CULTURE REPORT

One of our core values here at SMMC, is ‘generosity.’ Generosity is the willingness to give or share resources—such as time, money, attention, or kindness—freely and without expecting something in return. It often involves putting the needs of others before your own, and it can be expressed through small everyday acts or larger sacrifices. True generosity usually stems from empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility or connection to others. 

The Christian Bible says God Loves a Cheerful Giver. And this can be seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The bible also says that giving to the needy is giving to God as seen here in Proverbs 19:17“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. “Jesus himself taught generosity as a way of life, when he says ““Give, and it will begiven to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38.

The Bible presents generosity not just as an occasional act but as a lifestyle. It’s rooted in love, faith, and trust in God’s provision, and it’s meant to reflect God's own generous nature. However, whether we believe in Jesus or not, are a Christian or not, it just feels good when as an individual we give.

Often, we see our students here at SMMC, go over and above to help raise funds for the poor and needy; for different charities. We are very proud of their efforts and commend them for their generosity; time; money and efforts to do so. Recently a group of teachers had a discussion about how we as teachers could emulate the students’ efforts in fundraising for charities within our local community. As a result, a group of 8 teachers have volunteered to start getting our SMMC staff together to raise money.

We are pleased to share that the staff at MacKillop will be participating in a series of fundraising activities to support a selection of charitable causes throughout the school year. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to model community service and compassion for our students. This term, due to the enthusiasm of a year 10 student, Catherine Morpeth regarding the local CFA, we have decided as a group that we will be raising money for the CFA. There willbe lots of educational information regarding the CFA, with events kicking off on Monday.Opportunities for students to get involved will occur, with more details to come.

MASOGYNISTIC CULTURE

Just as a follow up to my last article on Misogynistic culture in society and within the school, I hope you have all had an opportunity to watch the TV series entitled ‘Adolescence,’ which I drew to your attention last term. This series emphasises the subtle way social media influencers are targeting our children, in a negative manner, which utilises intimidation techniques to humiliate women and young girls. 

Our Directors of Wellbeing are doing an incredible job of tackling this negative underlining culture that is seeping into our school. The school has agreed to support them in their quest to tackle this developing issue in a whole school and wider community approach. They have begun the process of getting grants to raise funds and will be approaching local businesses for sponsorship, to raise enough money to bring in a well-known guest speaker to Swan Hill, who specialises in this area and who will speak to parents regarding this topic. So, watchthis space both parents and business owners alike. We will be giving you updates as wemove along the process.

To summarise, a generous school community is one that shares time, resources, compassion, and support freely—fostering a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and mutual respect. It uplifts every member by encouraging collaboration, celebrating diversity, and responding to needs with empathy and unity. Thank you for all the generous things you and your children do, within our school community and in our local Swan Hill community. 

God Bless

Kath Jones

Deputy Principal Community & Culture