Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

"May we stand in solidarity today with all our brothers and sisters 

around the world who are suffering. 

May we be united in your love, and may I work to build your kingdom here on earth.”

During this Lenten season it is a reminder that there are countries in the world where suffering is a common day experience. The citizens of the Middle East are an obvious example.  We live a country and so much that we take for granted can only be a dream for communities in other countries. 

Congratulations to our primary and secondary swimming teams on their successful carnivals over the past week.  It is a privilege to represent our College and privilege that is well earned. 

🟦Capital Works

There have been fortnightly site meetings for the Stage 0 Building Project. The additional Administration Centre rooms and primary classroom will be operational from the beginning of Term Two. Planning meetings for the VCE Centre will begin Tuesday 12th March and meet fortnightly for the remainder of 2024 and 2025.  On Thursday 18th April St Mary’s representatives will visit St Bernard’s College Essendon, Avila College Glen Waverley and John Paul College Frankston to walk through their VCE buildings to inform the design for Stage One. Tendering for the VCE Centre will be published in September. The final design will be published for the College community. 

🟦Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) College Totems

The totem design aligns with the College colours and PBL Matrix’s RESPECT – INTEGRITY – EXCELLENCE. Thank you to the Wellbeing & PBL teams for what has been a fantastic journey with excellent outcomes. The process has taken over two years and provides clarity, consistency and expectations that align with the College Behaviour Management policy.  The PBL process was led by Jo Partrick from MACS.  Jo was excellent and her time with the PBL team was valued and appreciated.  In the future the totems will be erected around the College.

🟦Advisory Council

The council’s first meeting for 2024 was held on Wednesday 21st February. The Advisory Council membership:  Andrew Graham Chair; Kelda Gilmore Vice Chair; Fr Eugene Ashkar pp; Cameron Clydesdale; Stephanie Liddell; Anne Spencer; Felicity Melville; Genevieve and I. 

Agenda items for the meeting were: Teacher Shortage; Project 0; Capital Funding Applications; 2023 Financial Audit; Enrolments; Childcare Centre; New MACS Manager; Sacred Heart Yea Advisory Council Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. P&F meetings are the 2nd Wednesday.

🟦Staff Professional Development Days (Student Free)

• Monday 15th April - Curriculum Planning
• Monday 15th July - Curriculum Planning
• Monday 4th November - Report Writing

🟦Last Day for Students

• Friday 29th November - Years 10 & 11 
• Friday 6th December - Years 7-9 
• Wednesday 18th December - Foundation -Year 6 

Take care if you are on the roads over the long weekend. Hot days ahead.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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

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