From the Principal
Student Leadership at its Best
This week, I received two heartfelt emails celebrating the student leaders of our school.
The first was from Kate Jones, who is organising a charity event at the Warbirds Museum called Legends and Loved Ones to raise money for mental health. Kate was quite overwhelmed at the enthusiasm of our Year 10 Food Technology classes, who were willing to assist with preparing the food, working alongside a professional chef catering for 300 people.
“My heart is truly full right now … knowing that Jared's and Linzi's school is so excited to be part of my dream and work so hard to help me just brings the magic back! Thank you.” Kate Jones
Additionally, several Year 11 and Year 12 students are willing to volunteer to wait on the tables on the night of the event. Thank you also to Mrs Roach and Mrs Green for supporting the students for this event.
The second was from Pauline Carrigan OAM, the founder of Where There’s a Will, who wanted to share her gratitude for three of our Year 12 students, Lauren S, Lilly G, and Olivia M, who have been working behind the scenes to coordinate Wellbeing Week 2025. The girls have generously given their time, energy and spirit to the community-wide initiative that will launch next week.
“Their leadership has been nothing short of world-class: cohesive, emotionally intelligent, and grounded in a shared purpose to uplift others…These students represent the best of our region: thoughtful, generous, and deeply capable.”
“This is the greatest gift afforded me in my 10 years of working with Where There’s a Will, and I am grateful beyond words.” Pauline Carrigan OAM
In addition to these two events, the Year 12 students have been working hard to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Sleep Out. Apart from the Sleep Out sponsorship, the students have organised a litany of raffle prizes, with the last event being the Trivia Night tonight.
I am exceptionally proud of all these students for their selfless drive and determination to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate people. They are truly living examples of Mary MacKillop; they see a need and do something about it.
Loving God,
You blessed Saint Mary MacKillop with a compassionate heart,
a courageous spirit, and a deep trust in Your providence.
Through her example, may we learn to see Your presence in all people,
especially those who are vulnerable, excluded, or in need of care.
Teach us to follow her footsteps of humility and service,
to act with kindness, and to bring hope to others.
May we embrace her motto,
"Never see a need without doing something about it",
and live out Your call to love and serve in our daily lives.
Grant us the strength to persevere,
as she did, in the face of challenges and hardships.
Help us to remain faithful to Your will,
trusting in Your guidance and grace.
Through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop,
may we grow in faith, compassion, and courage,
always striving to bring Your light into the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
Professional Development Update: Quality Teaching Assessments
As part of our ongoing focus on Quality Teaching Assessments, aligned with our School Improvement Plan and preparation for the NESA syllabus releases under the NSW Government Curriculum Reform, staff participated in a Twilight Professional Development session last Tuesday evening from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.
This critical work will continue on the following dates:
Friday, 26 September: Pupil-Free Day (end of Term 3)
Monday, 13 October: Pupil-Free Day (start of Term 4)
These sessions are vital as we work collaboratively to ensure our teaching practices and assessment approaches meet the requirements of the new curriculum, supporting the best outcomes for our students. Thank you to all staff for your dedication and commitment to this important initiative.
Veronica Rolfe
Principal