FAITH MATTERS

Year 12 Graduation Mass

Graduation Mass on Friday 17th November marked the end of thirteen years of education for our Year 12 cohort of 2023. It was a memorable occasion, gathering in St Mary’s Catholic Church with the celebration led by Fr James Kerr. 

As a Catholic school, we understand the importance of a dignity centred education, and the impact that the role model of St Mary MacKillop has been for these young people. We pray that as adults, they continue taking the values of dignity, respect, compassion, reverence, generosity and forgiveness with them in their life beyond the college into the larger world.  We hope that the light of Christ continues being a guidance in their lives, as they share their gifts with the people they meet. We encourage our students to take the word of God with them as they go. 

The readings from the Graduation Mass hold much wisdom:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

“Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” -1 Timothy 4:7-8,12. 

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

Congratulations too to the parents, guardians, families, teachers, and mentors who have guided and supported these young adults. Thank you so much to the staff who assisted with the preparations for the Mass (including our wonderful musicians on staff), and to Fr James for being our celebrant. 

Congratulations to the graduates, and I hope you enjoy a restful break before the next chapter. 

16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence 

Swan Hill has one of the highest rates of family violence in Victoria, ranking 8th out of 79 Local Government Areas in the state. Statistics from March 2023 show that 69.8% of reported victim-survivors of family violence in Swan Hill were female. 

Gender-based violence (particularly violence against women) and family violence is a huge issue in our region, and one that has impacted our students and staff. To bring awareness to this issue, St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill will be supporting Swan Hill District Health’s promotion of 16 Days Against Gender- Based Violence. This is part of a larger international campaign facilitated by the United Nations. 

Students created origami flowers on Wednesday (thanks to Mrs McCallum and the Wellbeing Team) and are making posters today at lunchtime. They will be cooking up orange pancakes next week, which will be sold on Tuesday at lunch time. This Saturday, we invite students, families and staff to participate in the  'Walk Against Family Violence.' We encourage you to wear some orange and show your support to end family violence in our community, as we walk from the corner of Rutherford Street to the Clock Tower Lawns at 11am. 

Year 10 RE Liturgies

Over the last few weeks, Year 10 RE classes have been working on posters, speeches and liturgies on various topics and themes. This Thursday, Mr Hirst’s 10A RE Class presented some of their liturgies in the Chapel. The liturgies focused on caring for the environment and homelessness. It was great seeing a strong social justice focus in the liturgies presented. I look forward to seeing 10B and 10C’s liturgies with Ms Gomez next week.