Happy St Patrick’s Day! March 17th is the Feast Day of St Patrick, it is a traditional celebration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and more commonly, a celebration of all things Irish. As the Irish were some of the first migrants to Australia, around 30% of Australians have Irish heritage.

On Sunday 19th March we also celebrate the feast of St Joseph. This day commemorates Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and legal father of Jesus. As a school we acknowledge this feast day because we are a Josephite school. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods started the holy order, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, as well as many Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand.

It is fitting that the St Patrick’s Race Club race meet is held on the Feast of St Joseph, with a share of profits on this day being a fundraiser for St Mary MacKillop College and St Mary’s Primary School. I hope that you are able to come along and support this event. All families have been provided with tickets (your child has received these from their Homeroom teacher). You can pay for these tickets on entry. Children 17 and under may enter free, with an adult.

Currently there are a couple of wonderful opportunities for parents to join committees within the Ballarat Catholic Education office, or wider on the Catholic Schools Australia board. I am sharing below information in regard to these available opportunities:

The DOBCEL Board provides opportunities for members of the diocesan education community, and others with relevant expertise, to participate in the mission of DOBCEL, to assist its governance and decision making and to inform faithful stewardship of the mission through DOBCEL Consultative Committees.

A range of vacancies exists across the DOBCEL Consultative Committees. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese. Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 Minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually. For volunteers to the organisation, compensation for expenses is available.

Opportunities exist for parents/guardians/carers with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School to join one of the following;

Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee

In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as gender, diversity, skill mix, location, school size, etc.

For more information please contact Jo Mckee jmckee@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or speak with your school principal. Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 26th April.

Catholic School Parents Australia is seeking nominations for a parent of a child in a Catholic school to hold the position of Independent Chairperson. The successful applicant requirement is for a parent of children who are currently enrolled in a Catholic primary, secondary or special school.

Catholic School Parents Australia is recognised as the national body representing and advocating for the parents* of over 785,585 children and young people who attend the 1755 Catholic schools across Australia. CSPA works in collaboration and consultation with the National Catholic Education Commission and is recognised by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference through the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education.

*Parent includes natural, adopted or foster parents, guardians or care givers of young people attending Catholic Schools.

Please contact Victorian Representative, Rachel Saliba (CSPV Executive Officer) with your expression of interest or for recommendations for this position email: executive@cspv.catholic.edu.au

There have been a few “bugs” around recently, including COVID. I hope that you and your family remain well. If you are in need of Rapid Antigen Tests the school still has a supply. Please contact the Front Office if you require a box or two.

WHAT I LEARNT TODAY AT SMMC

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