Principal News

Dear Marian Catholic College community-parents, students and staff,

This week I attended the CEDWW Catholic Principal Network meeting, along with all the other Catholic principals in the diocese of Wagga Wagga. The meeting was held on Thursday November 2nd, All Souls Day. During the opening prayer and the reflective closing mass held by Bishop Mark Edwards,  we remembered and prayed for those faithful spirits dear to us, our family, friends and colleagues who have passed away. 

Live the Marian Way- our Marist and Mercy heritage

Earlier this week, we were visited by Dr John Robinson, the NSW Director of Marist Education. Dr Robinson reminded us of the support provided by our connection to one of our two founding charisms, a spirituality that underpins the teaching of St Marcellin Champagnat. This spirituality can be noted in themes such as presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and following the way of Mary. You can see and hear this at the College when we encourage our students to  “Live the Marian Way”. Our second founding charism comes from the Blessed Catherine McAuley and the Mercy sisters, whose core values include spirituality,  service, community and social justice. These values also form an important part of living the Marian way. 

When you visit Marian Catholic College, you will notice active teenagers learning, playing sports, connecting with friends and engaging with many activities. You will also notice the strong focus on social justice and care for others visible in the community activities students participate in regularly. You will see the strong Marian emphasis on restorative practices, reconciliation and an educative approach to learning from mistakes and being inclusive and supportive of others. Living the Marian way supports all members of the College to grow stronger in faith and more closely connected to community, learning, family and environment in a positive sense.

 As always, I would like to thank all for their work and support this week. We also acknowledge and wish the best for our newly appointed College Captains -Dahlia Abbas and Mason Salvestro and Vice Captains- Amilia Cantanzariti and Nicolas Minato, along with the Year 12 student leaders, prefects and house captains announced this week. The College is blessed to have these outstanding young people as the College student leaders for 2024. 

We continue to remember those recently bereaved in our community or suffering illness. Amongst others,  we pray for staff members Mr Mel Blanco and Mrs Trish Star for a swift recovery from recent operations and illnesses. 

Before I finish this newsletter for this fortnight, I would like to remind drivers of the need to be safe and considerate of others  when parking and accessing Hickey Street and the McArthur Street drop off and car park areas. The safety and wellbeing of our community and students is an important priority, and this includes the wellbeing of residents living nearby and those accessing the roads and car parks.

Yours in faith

Dr Penny Ludicke