Principal
Opening Mass and Ash Wednesday and Badge Ceremony
The Opening Mass which incorporated the distribution of the Ashes and Badge ceremony which followed immediately afterwards celebrated on 22 February was a great success. It was wonderful to see parents in attendance and the students' engagement with the liturgy was exemplary. I also thank the students for the way they presented in full uniform.
Thank you, Fr Darren Howie and Fr Stanly Devasia - two of our Parish Priests – for celebrating the Mass. Both enjoyed being with us and I look forward to their presence in school throughout the year.
Thank you to the following people for their work in preparation and direct participation on the day: Nicole Dudman for her overall leadership and organisation; Zac Cox for organisational matters and being our MC; Scott Blencowe for set-up, sound, projection and the PowerPoint; Cate Kavanagh for her support in the preparation of the Altar and looking after our priests; Beth Winterhalter for all her work with the Choir – the music and singing was great; David Robinson for his support with music; all our Administration staff, particularly Laura Kew, Donna Wylie and Jenny Damon; Robert Damon for his contribution to the set-up; our Readers and Special Ministers – Laura Muranty, Gerard Gordon, Sarah Roscoe-Smith, John Ryan, Jodie Connell and Julia Leslie; Cassie Raschle for her work on the prayer candles presented to each Homeroom and Senior Religious Education classes; all staff for their presence with our students; and everyone else who saw a need on the day and did something about it.
As part of the gathering I spoke to the community and I asked everyone to consider how they can make a difference, particularly in the face of adversity and challenge. I drew everyone’s attention to the candles on the altar (and those that were to be distributed after the Mass). Candles are both a practical source of light and a powerful symbol of hope. I then shared my thoughts about the following proverb "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness". Specifically, I asked us all to think about how we can improve situations both small and large, local and global, by taking positive action rather than complaining or feeling helpless. I then suggested a few practical actions that make a difference, including supporting the work of Caritas through donating to Project Compassion.
Below I would like to share a prayer I received that I think gives insight into the importance, challenge and mystery of the day that marks the start of Lent.
ASH WEDNESDAY (By Cameron Bellm)
We forget sometimes that ashes come from fire,
That this soft black powder was once a firm green frond,
Bright and vibrant before it became dry and brittle,
Stiff and fibrous before a flame transformed it into dust.
Every living thing submits to change.
Let’s not fear it.
From seed to plant, palm to ash,
This bit of the earth smudged on our foreheads today
Was carried lovingly in the hands of the creator.
What fires will we step into this Lent?
What new forms will our souls take when we encounter the holy blaze of the Living God? We are – it is true – ash to ash and dust to dust,
But whether in youth or in old age, in life or in death,
Let us be assured,
We are held, and we are God’s.
Amen
Shrove Tuesday and Launch of Project Compassion
Thanks to Jonathan Bowman and his Senior RE Class for their organisation of the pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. Thanks as well to Kara Schwennesen and Amanda Campbell for their support of the class.
Thanks to Nicole Dudman and Scott Blencowe who accompanied our student leaders to Lavalla Catholic College for the launch of Project Compassion. All the secondary schools in Diocese were present as well as a number of primary schools. Feedback from the students about the experience was positive and they were very impressed with how genuine and friendly Bishop Greg was both during the launch and afterwards.
Swimming Sports
Thanks to all involved in a very successful Swimming Carnival on Thursday, 23 February. We had a very high level of attendance and the students genuinely enjoyed the experience.
I particularly want to highlight the work of Jay Baker, Donna Wylie and Jenny Damon in the organisation. The day ran smoothly and on time.
Thank you to all present, staff and students, for your active engagement in the day. It was also great to meet and talk to a number of families who attended. Overall, a great day and congratulations to the individual age champions (details are in this Newsletter) and the staff and students of Cameron House who won the House Competition.
Year 7 Camp
Thank you to Claire Cassidy and all the staff in attendance at the Year 7 Camp at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort from Wednesday, 1 March until Friday, 3 March. This is an important time for the students. We have many students that start here being either the only student or one of a few from their primary school. Therefore, this time together is a great way for all students and teachers to get to know each other better and form strong relationships that will support them throughout their time together at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College.
I was able to visit the camp yesterday and it was clear that all were enjoying the experience.
Thank as well to Nicole Dudman and Scott Blencowe who accompanied our Senior Student Leaders to the camp on Wednesday. Our Year 12s spent time getting to know the Year 7s and discussing what it means to take on a student leadership position. Whilst they did not return until 11.00 pm both Nicole and Scott said it was a very worthwhile experience for everyone.
SSV Sport
Well done to all our students and coaches who have competed in various SSV competitions recently, including the Divisional Swimming Competition. Thank you to all our competitors and congratulations to Kuga Heenan (Year 12) for winning the age champion for the under-20 males and Claudia Croatto (Year 8) who was runner-up in her age group.
Year 7 Mass of Welcome
Next Wednesday, 8 March, we will have a Mass of Welcome for our Year 7 students and their families. An invitation has been sent earlier this week and so far, we are expecting almost 150 people. Accordingly, if you are able to attend, please respond as soon as possible to assist with the organisation and catering.
Student Free Day and Labour Day Public Holiday
Next Friday, 10 March, there will be student free day. Staff will be in attendance on the day and we will be focussing on reviewing our current Strategic Plan and consultation in relation to our next Facilities and Building Masterplan.
Monday, 13 March will be the Labour Day Public Holiday.
New Business Manager
Following a thorough selection process with the support and collaboration from the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) as well as support from the College Advisory Council, I am delighted to announce that Ms Kaila Hutchinson has been appointed as the College’s Business Manager and has commenced with us on Monday 27 February, 2023.
Kaila graduated from our College in 2004 and has since had experience as an Accountant, Human Resources and Operations Manager in various industries and as an Educator in both secondary and primary Catholic schools. Additionally, as many of you in our community would know, Kaila has represented Australia in athletics at two Commonwealth Games (2010 and 2014) and the 2012 Olympic Games.
Kaila’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
In making this announcement I wish to thank the following people for sharing their time and expertise as members of the selection panel:
- David Alcock – Current Member of Whitefriars College’s Board and Chair of their Finance Committee and he also has extensive experience as either a Board Member or Business Manager for several Catholic secondary schools;
- Rachel Ryan – Financial Accountant for DOSCEL; and
- Conor McAleese – Business Manager for St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield, Berwick and Officer.
Kate Lindsay, Chair of the Advisory Committee at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, was consulted throughout the process.
I trust that you will congratulate Kaila on her appointment to this important leadership role and I am sure she will enjoy your support when she commences next week.
Staff News
We welcome Ruby Adkins, Ty Hall and Hayden Lindsay (all from the Class of 2022) who all commenced recently as sports administration or education trainees.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman