PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Schools are amazing places to work because we get to see young people doing great things.  This week our School Captains led the formal assembly. They presented themselves as excellent examples to our school community. The student committee leaders provided updates on what they have achieved and activities yet to come. We were encouraged by Sofie Mazotta and Lauren Cordingley to look after our mental health and get involved in the Swan Hill District Health Active April promotion.

To finish off our assembly the Year 10 Music class performed Brown-eyed Girl by Van Morrison.  With Ms Quaife on vocals, the students were fantastic. This was the second time that I had been witness to the performance as, by chance when I was touring the school with Ava, Audrey, and Darcy (Year 9 House Captains) and Mr Tom Sexton, Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat, we were given an impromptu rehearsal performance.

It was also wonderful to see the excitement in the yard yesterday as the Year 10 Peer Support class ran a round-robin of activities for the Year 7 students.  Well done to all involved.

School Advisory Council

I have advertised in previous newsletters for new parent representatives on our School Advisory Council. We are still seeking new members. If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact me or Emma Webb, Personal Assistant to the Principal (ewebb@mackillopsh.vic.edu.au).

School Fees

A reminder to parents/guardians/carers that if you have elected to pay per term, the first payments should be paid by 6th April. If you are paying in instalments and have not set up a payment plan, please make contact with Kerryn Keam, Assistant Business Manager by calling the Front Office on 5032 9771. Thank you to those parents that are meeting their commitments to the school fees.

Mass of the Oils

The Mass of the Oils, or Chrism Mass, is celebrated in Holy Week. This Mass is held to bless and consecrate the Oil for the Holy Chrism, used at baptism and confirmation; the Oil of Catechumens,  used to strengthen those preparing for baptism and; the Oil of the Sick,  for people seeking healing from illness of the mind, body, and spirit as well as the forgiveness of sin.  

On Monday 3rd April, Gerry Vytlingam, Fr James, two Year 7 students, Thomas Kennedy and Harrison Bowd and I will travel to Ballarat to participate in the Mass of the Oils at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Thomas and Harrison have been invited to minister as Altar Servers, I will be part of the procession of the Oil of Catechumens and Fr James will be the Flagon for the Oil for the Holy Chrism. We are all very excited to be at this special Mass.

Mass times for Holy Week in Swan Hill are:

Holy Week in Swan Hill 

Monday: Mass 5:30pm  

followed by Confessions with Fr Paul Newton   

Tuesday: 10:30am Funeral Prayers - Mark Boulton  

5:30pm Mass (with Anointing), Confessions 

Wednesday: 10:00am Mass (with Anointing)  

followed by Stations, Confessions

The Sacred Triduum 

Holy Thursday 6th April  

Mass of the Last Supper 6:00pm Swan Hill 

Followed by the Watch  

(Prayer before Blessed Sacrament) 

Good Friday 7th April  

Stations 10:00am, followed by Chaplet of Divine Mercy  

and Confessions until 11:00am 

The Lord’s Passion: 3:00pm Swan Hill 

Also lay-leds, Nandaly & Quambatook 3:00pm 

Note: Culgoa 5:00pm Mass moved to Friday 14th April  

Holy Saturday 8th April 

Confessions 9:00am 

Chaplet of Divine Mercy 3:00pm, Confessions 

Easter Vigil 6:00pm Swan Hill  

Easter Sunday 9th April 

Mass 8:30am Quambatook 

Mass 10:30am Swan Hill  

Chaplet of Divine Mercy 3:00pm 

Mass 5:00pm Nandaly 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation 

There is no better time of year to celebrate this beautiful Sacrament! Fr Paul Newton will be coming from Balranald on Monday evening to be available for Confession after 5:30pm Mass. Fr James will also offer Confessions after Tuesday Mass, Wednesday Stations, Friday morning after Stations, and Saturday 9:00am. 

A reminder to our community that the first day of Term 2, 24th April, is a student-free day. Staff will be involved in a professional development day. Tuesday 25th April, ANZAC Day is a public holiday. Students and families are invited to attend the 10:30 am service in Swan Hill. Our School Captains will be the MCs of this year's service.

Students are expected to be in attendance on Wednesday 26th April.

I wish you all a Blessed and Holy Easter. If you are travelling over the Easter break, I wish you safe travels.