Catholic Identity and Mission 

Welcome back to a new school year. A special welcome to our new students, families, and staff.

It was wonderful to meet our new Year 7 students as they began their Secondary school journey. With big bags full of books, bright smiles, and plenty of excitement, they brought a lot of energy to our first day. We also welcomed back our Year 12 students as they embark on their final year of Secondary education. It is truly my favourite day of the year—seeing everyone return refreshed and filled with hope for the year ahead.

As I begin my fourth year as Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, I remain deeply blessed, enthusiastic, and excited about the journey ahead.

Religious Education Team 2026

I would first like to introduce our Religious Education team for 2026.

Mr Scott Blencowe

Religious Education Leader / Student Leadership / Social Justice Animator Scott will continue to work closely with our RE teachers to lead curriculum development and guide our student leaders in school events and leadership activities throughout the year.

RE Teachers – Years 7 to 12

Welcome back to new and returning staff to the RE team for 2026: John Ryan, Sarah Roscoe Smith, Michael McManamon, Gerard Gordon, Scott Blencowe, John Freeman, Chris Spencer, Melinda Stephan, Christina Lomagno, Julia Leslie, Jackie Van Dillen, Hannah Collocott, Adam Cochrane, and Stephen Ross Bryant.

We welcome new staff to our school, and the RE team, Dominic Beale and Glen McGinley.

Our Patron Saint

For families new to our community, below is a brief introduction to Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Each year level will complete a short RE unit, reminding them of her life and legacy throughout the year.

Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842 and entered eternal life on 8 August 1909. Taking the religious name Mary of the Cross, she responded to the needs of colonial families by pioneering new forms of Catholic education for children in remote and impoverished areas.

Mary and her Sisters shared the lives of the poor, offering care to women, children, and those most vulnerable. She is remembered for her deep trust in God, her courage, and her unwavering belief in serving those in need.

Some favourite quotes from Mary include:

· “Find happiness in making others happy.”

· “We must teach more by example than by word.”

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

· “Do all you can with the means at your disposal, and calmly leave the rest to God.”

Fr Paul W. Kelly beautifully reflected on her life, noting that Mary trusted in God’s providence not by waiting passively, but through action—seeking to make a practical difference wherever she saw a need. May we be inspired to do the same.

College Theme for 2026

Our student leaders have chosen our theme for this year:

“No one in this world is perfect—love and bear with one another”

Mary of the Cross MacKillop, 1889

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students participated in a three-day retreat last week, run by the Passionist Retreat Team at Lyrebird Park, Yellingbo. After a successful Year 11 retreat last year, Luke

Bulley and Damien Khoury once again led our students through meaningful reflection, discussion, and community-building.

The students fully immersed themselves in the experience and made the most of their time together. There were many tears and much laughter as the group bonded.

We were also lucky to celebrate Bella and Lucy’s 18th Birthday’s with them on retreat.

My sincere thanks to the staff who generously supported the retreat:

Cade Maskell, Zac Cox, Ben Abbott, Cassie Raschle, Michelle Hackett, Beth Winterhalter, Sarah Roscoe, and Bekk Anthony

Your willingness to give up family time at such a busy start to the year is truly appreciated. I am very grateful for your support, and I know our students gained so much from your presence.

Project Compassion Launch 2026

This week our school community joined thousands across Australia in launching Project Compassion 2026, Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal themed “Unite Against Poverty.” The theme invites us to work together in compassion and solidarity, inspired by Jesus’ prayer that “they may all be one” (John 17:23).

Our Student Mission Team travelled to St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale for the Diocesan launch, where they proudly represented the college. Students enjoyed meeting and speaking with Bishop Greg Bennet, sharing their hopes and plans for student leadership and social justice initiatives throughout 2026.

A warm thank you to Mr Zac Cox, who generously drove the bus and supported the students on this important day.

Project Compassion highlights three global stories this year—Sisilia from Tanzania, Monoranjon from Bangladesh, and Manaini from Fiji—each showing remarkable resilience and the life‑changing impact of Caritas-supported programs.

As a school, we look forward to participating in fundraising, prayer, and awareness activities throughout Lent as we join the call to Unite Against Poverty.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy – 2026

This week our school community gathered for our Ash Wednesday liturgy, marking the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, renewal, and preparation for Easter. Students and staff joined together in prayer, song, and the distribution of ashes, reminding us of the call to pause, reflect, and consider how we can grow in compassion, kindness, and faith.

Our liturgy highlighted the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and invited everyone to reflect on what they may need to “fast from” and what life‑giving habits they can “feast on” this season. The Gospel reminded us to live our faith with sincerity, humility, and quiet generosity.

We also launched Project Compassion 2026, embracing Caritas Australia’s theme “Unite Against Poverty.” Students learned about the ways our support can bring hope and opportunity to communities around the world facing poverty and hardship.

It was a prayerful and meaningful start to Lent, and we thank all staff and students who contributed to the preparation and leadership of the liturgy.

Opening School Mass – Beginning Our 2026 Journey in Faith

On Thursday, our whole school community gathered for our Opening Mass, marking the official beginning of the 2026 school year. Celebrated by Fr Stanley, the Mass invited us to pause, reflect, and start the year grounded in faith, unity, and purpose.

In my welcome as Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, I reminded students, staff and families that a Catholic education calls us to become the best version of ourselves—academically, spiritually, and in how we treat others. The Mass highlighted the Season of Lent, with its simple symbols and focus on preparation, reflection, and choosing what truly matters.

A special moment in the liturgy was the Candle Ritual, where the College, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and House candles were carried forward and lit. Each candle represented one of the school values—Wisdom, Courage, Respect, and Responsibility—and the 2026 theme: “No one in this world is perfect… Love and bear with one another.”

Through Scripture, prayer, and song led beautifully by our choir, students were invited to commit themselves to a year of patience, kindness, service, and hope. Following the Mass, we continued our celebrations with the Achievers Assembly, recognising outstanding effort and excellence within our community.

We thank all staff, students, and liturgical leaders who contributed to this prayerful and inspiring beginning to our year.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is a Christian tradition that takes place the day before Lent begins. 

At MMCRC, we celebrated by making and eating pancakes, which historically used up rich foods like eggs and butter before the fasting period. It’s a time to come together, enjoy food, and reflect before the season of Lent begins. Many thanks to Year 10 Food Tech for preparing the batter, and Year 10 Food Production and Year 12 Food Studies for cooking the pancakes.