Principal's Update 

​​​​​​Dear Parents and Carers,

Catholic Education Week / National Reconciliation Week

This week we have been celebrating Catholic Education Week. During the week we have been celebrating the unique qualities that our schools provide in Catholic Education. Today the students from St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, St. Brendan’s and school leaders from Trinity College celebrated Mass together. The Grade 6s from each school then went on to participate in some fun activities with Andre at One Movement Fitness and then shared lunch together at the Memorial Square. It was wonderful to see all the children gathered together to celebrate what is special about our schools. 

During this important week we reflect on the core elements of our Diocesan Vision and Mission statements, and how they reflect life at St. Mary’s School Colac;

• partnership between families, schools, parishes, the Catholic Education Office and communities;

• being open to God’s presence and celebrating each day the joy of the Gospel; “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you”

• fullness of life as each member of our community continues to grow as a person loved and graced by God

           Listen with the ear of your heart…

We are one community with all of creation,

part of the universe teeming with novelty and diversity.

          Together we emerge out of the fullness of God’s love

and remain held in existence by that love

This week we also celebrate National Reconciliation Week. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is, Bridging Now to Next. The theme reflects the ongoing connection between past present and future. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

On Tuesday afternoon we held a whole school gathering for National Sorry Day.

Lord, open up our hearts so that we may hear the message you teach of a world in which the wrongs of the past are recognised - a world in which a reconciled people walk and talk together sharing stories; a world in which all burn with the desire to have your peace and justice reign. 

We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen

Drought Relief

As our region continues to face dry conditions, many farming families are experiencing significant challenges due to the lack of rain. The impact of the drought is being felt deeply across our community. At St. Mary’s, we want to reassure all families that we are here to support you. If your household is experiencing financial hardship due to the drought or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our school is committed to providing assistance and ensuring that every student and their family continues to feel safe, supported and included during these difficult times. 

Prep Enrolments for 2026

I would like to have enrolments for next year finalised by early next term. Therefore, if you have any extended family or friends intending on enrolling their child next year, it would be greatly appreciated if you could pass this information on to them, so they can arrange for a meeting and a tour of the school. I request all existing families that have a child starting in Prep next year, submit their enrolment form as soon as possible.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Michael Mahoney

(Principal)