Dear Parents and Carers,

The Ascension of Christ

At the Ascension of Jesus some of His followers may have said “Why look up there? Why don’t you just look around and then maybe you will see the Christ?”

Look around and you will see the presence of Christ.

Look around and you will hear the call of God.

Look around and you will now the power of the Spirit.

Look around and you will be empowered.

Look around and you will be filled with joy.

You will be involved in the struggle for justice and peace.

You will hear the voice of God among the poor and needy of the world.

You will hear God speak in the struggle for peace and justice.

You will see God in the goodness and faith of people.

You will see God in those who struggle to do what is right and good.

You will be led into life and grace.

God dwells in the world.

Even though our world is very different than the world of 2000 years ago, Christ can still be found. Christ is still alive and present. We can find God in all things. We find God in the daily life of St Mary’s.

State Government $400 School Saving Bonus

The Victorian State Labor Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools. This is deeply unfair. The payment should be means tested for all students or apply to all students. It should not be based on which school you attend. This budget policy punishes families for choosing to send their children to a Catholic school and is not acceptable. St Mary’s College as part of MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools) and the peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority are working hard to oppose this policy and need your help. Please consider contacting your local Member of Parliament to express your concern.

The Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland has raised this unfair budget decision with the government. Since the beginning of Catholic education in Australia back in 1820, Catholic leaders have always promoted fairness in funding. The decision by the government is ill informed and hard to fathom.

Tough Love

I read with interest many articles from experts on what young people need in the techno age of living. The advice ranges far and wide in their comments. Some believe students need to be free to experience the wonders of the times we live in, exploring and learning from the experience. Tough love can be viewed as being harsh; not caring and considering student needs. Tough love is the opposite.

Tough love embraces all that is good about St Mary’s. We educate, challenge and provide quality pastoral support because we care for every student. Caring also means that we do not accept behaviours that are not in line with what our College stands for – teachers have a right to teach; students have a right to learn and all have a right to be treated with respect. Tough love is also setting standards. St Mary’s is a proud College with proud students. An example perhaps of the results of tough love could be best shown in this email our College received this week:

Dear St Mary’s,

I just want to take the time to praise the students that represented your school today at the Southern Ranges Year 7 Boys Badminton which was held at Alexandra. Your students played very well, interacted with the other schools in a positive fashion and showed great listening skills when I was instructing them on the day. Great sportsmanship was shown and the stadium was left spotless. Please pass on my thanks not only to the students, but also, the teachers who were there on the day, as it was probably the best group of students I have ever had to convene in 20+ years of doing school sports.

Cheers

Paul Francis

Alexandra Secondary College

Stage One & Year 12 2025.

ROAM architects have completed the final draft of the plan for the VCE Centre. Over the next three weeks, they will complete the drawings to publish to the College community. With more classrooms required for 2025 the College will continue the association with ATG Solutions to lease more demountable. The demountable have been welcomed by students and staff. They have bene a real hit with students and teachers.

Walking the Kokoda Trail

St Mary’s was visited today by the Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Tim Bull Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs: Kokoda Walk recipient Year 11 student Chloe Butterworth; Chloe’s mum, Cindy and Gary Harbor from the Kilmore Racing Club to discuss the program for the Kokoda Walk. Chloe will learn so much from this wonderful opportunity.

Congratulations to our Primary Cross County Squad on successfully returning the trophy to St Mary’s. Representing our College is always a privilege and the spirit in which our students represent St Mary’s is Inspiring.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Shields from our wonderful Office team. Debbie’s mother passed away at home unexpectedly and the following day Debbie’s father suffered a heart attack and is in hospital. Mrs Ryan’s funeral was held today at the Heathcote Catholic Church. There but for the grace of God go we.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

DipEd (ACU) DipREd (ACU) Bed (ACU) GradCertEdAdmin (Edith Cowan)

GradDipREd (ACU) MEdAdmin (Charles Sturt) MTheoStudies (BBITAITE)

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