Catholic Identity and Mission 

Celebrating 40 Years of Catholic Education 

On Thursday 6 August, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College celebrated 40 years of educating young people across the South Gippsland region. 

The day began with a whole-school Mass in Pioneer Hall, celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Greg Bennet, Bishop of Sale, and concelebrated by seven priests who have been part of our College community throughout its forty-year history: Fr Stanley, Fr Manny, Fr Anish, Fr Darren, Fr Kooloos, Fr Aju and Fr Dennis. 

We were also honoured to hear from Mr Paul Velten, Chief Executive Officer of DOSCEL, and Mrs Renae Littlejohn, daughter of founding Principal Mr Ed Carmody, as well as a past parent and former Advisory Committee Chair. 

A special welcome was extended to Mr Michael Delaney, Principal from 1999 to 2014, and Mr David Leslie, Principal from 2015 to 2021. We were delighted to welcome many former staff members, students and parents who returned to celebrate this important occasion with us. Their presence connected the College community of today with the people whose faith, service and commitment have helped shape the story of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College over the past four decades. 

The Mass honoured Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose faith, courage and practical love continue to inspire and guide our College community. Mary trusted deeply in God's providence, listened attentively to the needs around her, and responded with action. Her enduring words remain both an inspiration and a challenge for us: 

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” 

As we celebrated forty years of Catholic education, we reflected on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, proclaimed on the Feast of the Transfiguration. The Father's words to the disciples continue to speak powerfully to us today: 

“This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.” 

As we give thanks for the past and look with hope to the future, our prayer is that this celebration will inspire us to listen more deeply to Christ, recognise the needs of those around us, and carry His light into our school, our families and the wider community. 

The day was a joyful celebration of our rich history, our strong sense of community, and our ongoing mission to provide outstanding Catholic education for generations to come. 

A fitting conclusion to this milestone celebration was the introduction of the Josephite Spirit Award, a new annual award recognising both a staff member and a student who embody the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop through their response to the needs of others. Inspired by Mary MacKillop's well-known maxim, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” the award honours those who notice a need, discern what is required, and take action to make a positive difference. 

The inaugural Josephite Spirit Award (Student) was presented to Mia Rose Witterveen in recognition of the compassionate and generous way she responds to the needs of others within our College community. 

The inaugural Josephite Spirit Award (Staff) was awarded to Mrs Sarah Roscoe-Smith, following nominations from students who spoke of her genuine kindness, attentive listening, unwavering encouragement and deep commitment to student wellbeing. 

Through countless acts of care and support, Mrs Roscoe-Smith exemplifies the Josephite spirit and reminds us that the most meaningful responses are often found in the small, everyday actions that help others feel valued, respected and known. 

These inaugural awards provided a powerful reminder that the mission and values of Mary MacKillop continue to be lived each day within our College community, forty years on from its foundation. 

Following on from the formal celebrations, the school held a celebration day fete that brought together students, families, staff and members of the wider community for a day filled with fun, laughter and school spirit. With the sun shining throughout the entire event, the grounds were transformed into a vibrant hub of activity where students could enjoy a wide range of attractions, treats and entertainment. 

One of the most popular attractions was the dunk tank, which provided endless amusement as students eagerly lined up for the chance to send willing volunteers, both students and staff, splashing into the water. The excitement continued with sumo wrestling, games, face painting and a variety of carnival-style activities that kept students entertained from start to finish. The atmosphere was one of pure joy, with smiling faces, friendly competition and plenty of laughter echoing across the school grounds. 

Food and refreshments were also a major highlight of the day. Visitors enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes, donuts, traditional Devonshire teas, bake sale treats, fairy floss, lollies, slushies and milkshakes. The combination of delicious food, warm weather and a festive atmosphere created a wonderful community event that was enjoyed by people of all ages. 

Adding to the occasion were performances from the school band and a number of talented soloists, whose music provided the perfect soundtrack to the day’s celebrations. Students enthusiastically supported their peers, showcasing the strong sense of pride and community that exists within the school. 

The fete was further enhanced by the presence of local emergency services, with members of the Ruby Fire Brigade, SES, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police joining in the festivities. Their attendance gave students a valuable opportunity to interact with local emergency personnel and learn more about the important work they do in supporting the community.  A particularly memorable moment came when Senior Constable Nick Carlson from the Proactive Policing Unit bravely took his place in the dunk tank, wearing his police uniform, to help raise funds for the day’s charities. His good humour and willingness to get involved proved enormously popular with students and visitors alike – with Joel McRae proving that he wasn’t messing around, dunking Nic at least 3 times. 

Funds raised across the celebration day supported Saint Vincent de Paul, Trinity Families and MacKillop Today, highlighting the generosity and community spirit that envelops the college.  The day perfectly captured the positive spirit and pride shared by the entire school community on this auspicious occasion. 

Happy 40 years of Catholic Education at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College. 

Nic Dudman, Bekk Anthony, Scott Blencowe Celebration Day Organising Team 

Student Leadership Visit with Bishop Greg  

Recently, the Student Mission Team had the opportunity to visit Sion House in Warragul alongside Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Cassidy.  

During the visit, we met with Bishop Greg and student leaders from other schools to connect, share experiences and learn more about each other. 

Throughout the day, we discussed our different schools, including what makes each community unique as well as the similarities we share.  

It was a great opportunity to hear about the experiences of other student leaders and to exchange ideas about leadership, school life and the ways we can contribute to our communities.  

The discussions also gave us a chance to build new connections with students and leaders from across the region. 

We would like to sincerely thank Bishop Greg, the other school leaders and everyone at Sion House for welcoming us and making the day such a valuable experience.  

We are grateful for the opportunity to come together, learn from one another and strengthen our connections as school communities. 

2026 Student Mission Team 

Year 11 Retreat: Walking the Road Together 

From 12-14 August, our Year 11 students participated in their annual retreat at Don Bosco Camp, Dromana, facilitated by Tom and the Passionist Retreat Team. Centred on the theme “Walking the Road Together”, students were invited to reflect on community, relationships, faith, and their shared journey through life. 

The retreat drew inspiration from Ephesians 4:4: 

“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction,  

]so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.” 

Across the three days, students engaged in a range of activities, discussions, and personal reflection that encouraged them to deepen their understanding of themselves, strengthen their relationships with others, and consider the importance of walking together in faith and hope. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the staff who generously supported the retreat and accompanied the students throughout the three days: John Freeman, Scott Blencowe, Gerard Gordon, Edson Letendrie, Bekk Anthony, Mary Tye, Aleisha Wrigley, Rachel Rosse, Sam Florence, and Rahne Widarsito. Their presence, care, and commitment helped make the retreat a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. 

A special acknowledgement goes to Aleisha Wrigley, whose dedication extended beyond the retreat itself. Following three days at Dromana, Aleisha attended the Debutante Ball on Saturday evening, where she was presented to by the students. It was a lovely and fitting conclusion to a special week, and one that I am sure both Aleisha and the students will remember fondly. 

Year 11 Reflections 

I really enjoyed the Year 11 retreat at Don Bosco Camp in Safety Beach. The accommodation was comfortable, the food was good, and the location was great. The program run by Tom from The Passionist Retreat Team was awesome because the activities were fun and meaningful and gave us a chance to work together and get to know each other better. I also enjoyed spending time with my peers outside of school and creating some good memories.  

~  Eamon 

The Year 11 retreat was such a great experience, especially because it gave us the opportunity to emotionally connect and bond with each other outside of school. Don Bosco Camp was a great place to stay, and the program was really enjoyable. Tom from The Passionist Retreat Team was an amazing leader who made everyone feel comfortable and encouraged us to overcome fears and step outside our comfort zones. Overall, the retreat was a really positive and memorable experience, with great food, activities, and lots of opportunities to strengthen friendships and create new memories.  

~ Tess 

The Year 11 retreat was a really good experience and a nice chance to spend time with everyone outside of school. Don Bosco was a great place to stay, and the food and activities were good.

Tom’s program had a good balance of fun games and activities, while also giving us the chance to have deeper conversations and connect more with our year level. Overall, it was a really fun few days and a good way to strengthen our connection as a year level.

~ Julia