Education in Faith
Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal
Thank you to our wonderful SMCM community for all your donations during our Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal. Our local St Vinnie's team are very grateful for our controutions. Please find below a letter of thanks!
Dear Students, Families and Staff of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop PS,
Re: Winter Toiletries Appeal 2025
Thank you so much for the toiletries that you have collected this winter for the Epping St. Vincent de Paul Conference. We have already begun distributing these to families in need of some assistance.
The supply of toiletries helps in keeping us healthy and feeling good, which can be difficult when times are hard. We know that it takes great effort to organise collections such as these and we thank the staff for supervising the collection, the students for the energy and spirit given to the task and families for supplying the donations and supporting the children.
We would like to thank you on behalf of the many local families who will be helped by your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Without the support of our schools and parishioners there would be less assistance that we could give to people in their time of need.
We are also aware that the students have been researching other ways of helping people in the community and chose to raise funds for the Gift A Night Off The Streets appeal and through their wonderful efforts have been able to provide a number of nights of safe and warm accommodation for people living on the streets this winter. Congratulations on the fine research and splendid efforts in fundraising for this cause, your work has helped many people who are on our cold streets at night.
May God bless you all.
Yours sincerely,
Members
Epping Conference
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria
Sacrament of Confirmation
Over the weekend, our Year 6 students came together with their families and teachers to celebrate a very special milestone — the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Congratulations to all our students on this important step in your faith journey. Being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit is a powerful and sacred moment, and we are so proud of the reverence and joy you showed throughout the celebration.
Thank you to Bishop Rene for leading us in the Confirmation Mass and for his inspiring words that encouraged our students to live with faith, courage, and compassion. We are also deeply grateful to Father Anh for his ongoing spiritual guidance.
Thank you to the staff, sponsors, and families who supported our Year 6 students in their preparation — your presence and prayers have helped make this a truly memorable and faith-filled experience.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our Year 6 students as they grow in faith and love.
Mary MacKillop Feast Day
A couple of weeks ago, we joyfully celebrated the Feast Day of our school’s patron saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop — and what a fabulous day it was!
Throughout the week, our students had the exciting opportunity to work with Jari from Dance Curriculum, who collaborated with each year level to choreograph and teach a dance. It was a delight to see the enthusiasm and energy as students practised their routines — learning new moves, expressing themselves through dance, and working together with such joy and commitment.
On Feast Day, we gathered in prayer and reflection with a Foundation to Year 3 Liturgy and a Year 4 to Year 6 Mass. At both celebrations, students showed appreciation of the life and legacy of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, and a true example of compassion, resilience, and service.
We finished the day with a vibrant whole-school dance showcase, where each year level performed their routine for the rest of the school community. And WOW, what an incredible performance by all! The smiles and spirit on display made it a truly special way to honour our Feast Day.
A big thank you to Jari, our staff, and everyone who helped make this celebration so memorable. And, of course, to our amazing students — you danced your hearts out and made us all proud!
Parish Mass
Next Week, we celebrate Parish Mass with our Foundation to Year 3 students, in our Sacred Space at 12pm.
Sarah
Education in Faith Leader