PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Happy Catholic Education Week!!

The theme for Catholic Education Week in the Ballarat Diocese this year is “Let the words you speak always be full of grace” - Colossians 4:6.  This theme fits perfectly with our 2023 College theme of Reverence.  Our school Vision and Mission statement include “We are people who give reverence to the relationships formed in our community”.  How we speak and respect others shows that we are open to change. When we communicate with those around us and about others in our community with deep respect, we are protecting their dignity, showing them that we trust them and are inclusive.

We have two celebrations during Catholic Education Week. The first is a celebration and showcase of the fantastic work of our students at our Subject Expo. Our diverse curriculum is on display for students and parents to ask questions as we begin choosing subjects for 2024. The Pathways staff of Ms Sally Looney and Ms Brenda Brady, as well as Mr Nathan Lane, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, are a wonderful support for your child during this process. If you require assistance, please make contact with them through the college reception.

Secondly, we celebrate that we are a Catholic school within Swan Hill, the Holy Family Parish and the Diocese of Ballarat. We gather with the St Mary’s Primary School community for mass and a shared lunch. This is the first time we have brought together both schools on the MacKillop site since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Gerry Vytilingam, Faith in Action Leader and Belinda Davies, REC St Mary’s, have prepared a wonderful Mass for our students and Gerry, with the support of a number of staff, has coordinated the largest lunch we have ever supplied.

Congratulations to Suzy Haley who will receive an award for 30 years of service to Catholic Education at the annual DOBCEL Catholic Education Week dinner in Ballarat this evening.  Suzy began teaching at McAuley College, Dooboobetic before joining the community of St Mary MacKillop College in 1994. 

Well done to the many students in our community that are achieving excellence at school and within the community.  Every day we ask students to work to the best of their ability.  It is wonderful to see them rewarded for their hard work.

Next week we will celebrate National Reconciliation Week. Elia Ware, Indigenous Education Support Officer, has prepared an amazing week for our school community.  We will welcome Aunty Deb Chaplin, from within our local community as well as Jimi Bani, Tobias Fatnowna, Uncle George Mara and Aunty Idabi Tom from Torres Strait Island.  Jimi, Tobias, Uncle George and Aunty Idabi will be with us for the week, working within classrooms and celebrating culture at lunchtime and at our assembly on Thursday 1st June.  If any parents or guardians would like to attend the assembly, please contact our college reception on 5032 9771.