Principal
This is our last Newsletter for Term 3. I wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable break.
Student Leadership 2026
After a rigorous selection process, I am pleased to announce the College Captains and Vice Captains for 2026 are:
Captains
Gabriella Davidson
Henri Bott
Vice-Captains
Erin Dell
Neon Jijo Cherian
On behalf of all in the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College community, we congratulate these fine young people on their selection as our College Captains and Vice Captains for 2026.
We had eleven students nominate themselves to their peers and teachers for selection. They would all have been worthy of the role, and I am sure they will make considerable contributions in one of the many important leadership roles also available. I look forward to seeing all of you - Olivia Aulich, Erica Begg, Ryder Dowlan, Jack Fincher, Samuel Johnson, Niya Manavalan, and Archie Thornhill - being part of our College Student Leadership team next year.
Thank you to Scott Blencowe and Nicole Dudman for their work supporting the students and leading this process.
Other leadership roles are being finalised and will be communicated next term.
College Assembly – Walkathon Presentation of Cheques and Student Recognition
Today, we held a College Assembly to present the four students we are supporting this year, using the donations accumulated through the Walkathon and Homeroom fundraising activities.
The money raised will go towards supporting the following charities: The Movember Foundation, CatholicCare Victoria, Trinity Families, and Mary MacKillop Today.
Thank you to all involved in this effort, particularly Nicole Dudman and Scott Blencowe, for their leadership and organisation. The fundraising efforts were fantastic by all, but in the view of the staff and students leading the process, the following people are worthy of specific acknowledgement: Austin Huitema, Chloe Bertuna, Cooper Clark, Elizabeth Dourley, Erica Begg, and Archie Thornhill. Thank you!
Below is an edited version of my speech to the College.
We gather here today to celebrate the achievements of our community for this term.
The primary purpose is to report on the community’s fundraising efforts in raising money for the charities we supported this term - The Movember Foundation, CatholicCare Victoria, Trinity Families, and Mary MacKillop Today. As we look back on the past 10 weeks that have passed, let us also take a moment to reflect on the power of unity and the importance of supporting one another.
As Desmond Tutu wisely said, "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." This idea beautifully reflects the importance of connection and mutual support in our lives. When we extend a helping hand, we not only empower others to grow but also strengthen the bonds that hold us together. Actual progress is rarely a solitary achievement—it is the result of shared effort, compassion, and collaboration. By working side by side, we unlock potential that none of us could reach on our own, creating lasting and meaningful change.
Let us strive to embody these principles in our daily lives. Let us be there for one another, offering support and encouragement, in the knowledge that a “rising tide raises all boats.” Let us continue to work together to co-create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
By doing so, we will not only make a difference in the lives of others but also find greater meaning and purpose in our own.
Thank you to everyone who made the effort to raise money for those who need help, as well as those who supported your fundraising efforts. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Also, as part of our assembly, there was the opportunity to acknowledge our students in their endeavours this term. The recognition included awarding of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (G.E.M.) certificates, celebrating the efforts in SSV Sport, notably our Senior Girls’ Netball Team, which won the state championship and acknowledging the fine efforts of our Tournament of the Minds and Debating Teams.
Additionally, we heard from our Josephite New Zealand Pilgrims - Holly Brown, Claudia Croatto, and Chloe McRae, who Nicole Dudman and John Ryan supported.
Thank you to Scott Blencowe and our 2025 College Leaders for their work in developing and presenting the assembly.
RUOK
Whilst RUOK Day was last Thursday, we as a College recognised it on Friday 12 September. The aim of recognising the day, but emphasising the theme that we should ask every day, is to highlight the importance of connection and to continue to ask the question, “Are you OK today?”
The statistics associated with mental health are sobering. In the past twelve months in Australia, almost one in seven (13.9%) 4-17-year-olds were assessed as having mental disorders. This is equivalent to 560,000 Australian children and adolescents. Males were more likely than females to have experienced mental disorders (16.3% compared with 11.5%), and ADHD was the most common mental disorder in children and adolescents (7.4%), followed by anxiety disorders (6.9%), major depressive disorder (2.8%) and conduct disorder (2.1%).
Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits essential for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions. Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are also important.
At Mary Mackillop Catholic Regional College, we place significant importance on our pastoral care program, providing students with the opportunity to develop skills to meet the pressures and challenges of adolescence. These are presented in a variety of forums, but in particular through The Resilience Project.
When things get too much, our wellbeing team, including our student counsellors and health officers, is there for support.
RUOK Day is not just for a day, so we encourage all in the community to recognise the importance of asking that critical yet straightforward question, “Are you okay?” any day.
ATSI Year 12 Graduation Dinner
Thanks to Hannah Collocott for all her work to ensure that Max Sheahan and his parents, Jo Thorp and Dan Sheahan, as well as myself could attend the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner on Friday, 12 September. The dinner was held at Rydges Hotel in Melbourne and was attended by students from Catholic Schools throughout Victoria, as well as two family members.
Term 4
Please remember that students will return for classes on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
There will not be buses operating on Monday, 6 October, but staff will be gathering to undertake compliance training with a focus on fire safety.
Staffing News
At the end of this term, we will farewell two staff members:
- Anna Patterson, who has once again assisted the College this term, this time in the Learning Resource Centre.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos