Principal

Dear Mary MacKillop, Catholic Regional College Community,

Student Leadership 2027

Following a rigorous selection process, I am pleased to announce our College Captains and Vice Captains for 2027.

College Captains

• Julia Lindsay
• Thalia Baker

College Vice Captains

• Samantha Carmichael
• Claudia Croatto

On behalf of the entire Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College community, I congratulate these fine young people on their selection. I look forward to working with them as they undertake these important roles in representing and serving our College community throughout 2027.

Eight students were nominated for these positions and presented themselves to their peers and teachers as candidates. All eight were worthy applicants who demonstrated a genuine willingness to contribute to the life of the College.

I particularly acknowledge Jasleen Dhillon, Chloe McRae, Lily Reid and Lily Smairl, who also participated in the selection process. I thank them for their courage in putting themselves forward and their willingness to serve others. I am confident that they will continue to make valuable contributions through the many other leadership opportunities available at the College.

As I reminded students during the selection process, leadership is not simply about holding a title or position. It is about what we do, how we treat others, our willingness to listen, and our capacity to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. We hope to see these qualities demonstrated by all our student leaders.

Thank you to Scott Blencowe and Nicole Dudman for supporting students and coordinating the selection process.

We are currently finalising appointments to other student leadership positions and will communicate these later in the term.

VCE Examinations

The VCE examination period commenced earlier this term with performance and language oral examinations. Last Tuesday, the written examination period began with the English examination.

Over the coming weeks, our students will continue to undertake their examinations, with many completing another four to six examinations, depending on their chosen subjects.

This is an important time for our Year 12 students, representing the culmination of many years of learning, preparation and effort. While examinations are significant, they are only one measure of what our students have achieved throughout their secondary education.

Our hope is that each student approaches their examinations with confidence, remains calm, and demonstrates their knowledge and understanding to the best of their ability.

I thank Di Malloy and her team for their considerable work coordinating the examinations and ensuring this demanding period is well organised and runs smoothly.

I also acknowledge our teachers, who have worked with these students throughout the year, and their families, who continue to provide encouragement and support.

I ask all members of our College community to keep our students in their prayers during this time, particularly that they may find peace, confidence and satisfaction in knowing they have done their best.

A Prayer for Students Undertaking Exams

Loving God,

We ask for Your peace and guidance for our students undertaking examinations.

Calm their minds, strengthen their focus, and help them recall all they have learned.

Grant them wisdom to understand, clarity to express themselves, and confidence in their abilities.

Help them to approach each examination with courage and peace, knowing that their worth is measured by far more than any examination result.

May they find satisfaction in their efforts and trust that they have done their best.

Amen.

Year 5 Discovery Days

Over the past two weeks, we have hosted three Year 5 Discovery Days, welcoming almost 180 students from primary schools across our region.

Participating schools included St Laurence O'Toole Primary School, Leongatha; St Joseph's Primary School, Korumburra; St Joseph's Primary School, Wonthaggi; Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, Cowes; St John the Baptist Primary School, Koo Wee Rup; and a number of government primary schools from across South Gippsland and Bass Coast.

These days gave students the opportunity to experience life at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College through a range of classes, practical activities, and interactions with our staff and students.

The transition from primary to secondary school is an important milestone for young people and their families. Opportunities like these help students become familiar with a secondary school environment, experience new areas of learning, and begin to imagine the opportunities that await them.

As a regional Catholic secondary College, we value our relationships with the many primary schools and communities we serve. These Discovery Days are an important part of strengthening those connections and helping young people feel welcomed and confident as they consider their future educational pathways.

The days were very successful, and I thank Jackie Van Dillen, Jess Stein and Claire Cassidy for their organisation and leadership.

I also thank the many teachers, administration and support staff, and particularly our students, who helped make these days such a positive experience for our visitors.

A Great Example of Student Voice

Jess Stein's Year 7 class has provided a wonderful example of student voice, active citizenship and learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Students recently wrote to South Gippsland Shire Council with questions and suggestions concerning local library services. These included extending opening hours at the Mirboo North and Foster libraries and ensuring the Leongatha Library provides a safe and welcoming environment for young people.

Council Chief Executive Officer Allison Jones personally responded to the students, commending them for their thoughtful questions and for considering the needs of other library users.

Council explained that local library services are managed through Myli – My Community Library and offered to forward the students' suggestions for consideration.

Most encouragingly, the class was invited to visit the Council offices in Leongatha, meet with Council representatives, and learn more about local government and community decision-making.

This is an excellent example of what meaningful student voice can achieve. The students identified matters important to them and their communities, considered others' needs, and took the initiative to communicate their ideas respectfully and constructively to those in positions of responsibility.

Importantly, they also learned that having a voice involves more than expressing an opinion. It requires thoughtful consideration, respectful communication, an understanding of how decisions are made, and a willingness to contribute to the common good.

This also connects strongly with our Josephite tradition and the example of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who encouraged us to recognise needs and respond through practical action.

Congratulations to Jess Stein and her Year 7 students for demonstrating initiative, thoughtful citizenship and a genuine desire to make a positive contribution to their local communities.

World Teachers and Support Staff Day

Last Friday, we marked World Teachers' Day, an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution teachers make to young people's lives and our wider community.

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank all our staff, including our teachers, learning support officers, administration staff, maintenance and facilities personnel, and those who undertake the many other responsibilities essential to our College's daily life.

Schools are complex communities. While teaching and learning remain at the heart of our work, a school's success depends on the collective efforts of many people, often working behind the scenes, whose contributions may not always be visible.

Over the past twelve months, our staff have continued to provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, develop their talents, overcome challenges and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Much of this work extends well beyond the classroom and the formal school day. It involves preparation, encouragement, care, patience, professional judgment and, very often, a willingness to do more than is expected.

As a Catholic school in the Josephite tradition, we are reminded of the importance of service, compassion and recognising the dignity of every person. These values are evident in the work our staff undertakes each day.

On behalf of the entire College community, I offer my sincere thanks to all our staff for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to the young people and families we serve.

I also encourage our students and families to take a moment to acknowledge the teachers and support staff who have made a positive difference in their lives.

The strength of our College is found not simply in our facilities, programs or achievements, but in the people who make it a welcoming, caring and purposeful community.

Thank you to all our staff for everything you do.

Staff News

Currently, the following staff have advised that they will be leaving Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College at the end of the year to take up other opportunities:

Hannah Collocott 

Kevin Ladd

Leanne Soderlund

The following staff will be on extended leave during 2027:

Milly Ellen

Belinda Hiddlestone

Sally Pocklington 

John Freeman

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