DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

This week our Pastoral Care session had a pathways focus and our House Leaders organised past students to visit our school as guest speakers. Each House had the opportunity to hear about the past students experiences, not only at school but the choices they have made and the opportunities and determination that have led them to where they are now.

Isabella Salvo, Jack Hickmott and Frank Salvo shared their memories of Tenison House, the decisions they made in regards to their pathways and the challenges that they tackled at school. Isabella, who was Class of 2014, is now working locally as a Chiropractor at Mid-Murray Chiro. Jack graduated in 2016 and went on to study Occupational Therapy. He is now working with Noah’s Ark. Frank, who graduated in 2007, works as a Journalist with the ABC.  Isabella, Jack and Frank shared the following advice for our current students:

• Pick subjects you enjoy because you will be more engaged in class
• You don’t have to have it all worked out. Doing work experience is a great way to try something to see if you enjoy it and can make informed decisions.
• The Pathways Team and your teachers can be a great support in working out your pathway and getting where you want to be.

Students in Woods House were inspired by James Rush who is now two years into his Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at Swinburne University of Technology. Graduating in 2021, James spoke fondly of his memories of being at MacKillop, his relationships formed with teachers and also of some of the challenges he overcome along the way, to not only complete Year 12, but now be in his second year of tertiary study - something that at a younger age he would not have envisioned for himself.

Past Xavier House student Maddy Wright graduated in 2018. After finishing Year 12 Maddy did a gap year working in admin locally and in the following year she moved to Bendigo to study Nursing at La Trobe University. Maddy officially graduated last week as a Registered Nurse but has been working on the Acute Ward at Swan Hill District Health all year. Maddy spoke about the challenges of online learning as a University student, about pushing through the less enjoyable parts of study and her key point was to remain focused on the task at hand and continue moving in the right direction one step at a time.

Brothers Matt and Luke Phelan were guest speakers in Solomon House. Matt, who was in the Graduating Class of 2009 shared with Solomon his feeling of being a little lost after school but having moved into an apprenticeship as a sign writer he is now the owner of Academy Graphics. His brother Luke graduated in 2012. Luke discussed how changing tack during VCE to follow his interests relating to PE and Health led him into becoming an Exercise Physiologist.

We very much appreciate that all our guest speakers were able to share their time and experiences with us and we are grateful for their generosity.