Principal

Year 12 Completion

Yesterday was the final day of formal classes for our Year 12 students and today they attended their last College Assembly. To celebrate the Year 12 Class of 2022’s time at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College we have had a number of events. 

The first was on Wednesday with a Netball game between the Year 12 and the Year 11 students. In what was a very tight game in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The Year 12s were the eventual winners.

We were fortunate on Thursday to have a break in the weather so the Class of 2022 along with a number of staff, were able to plant the 2022 Graduation Tree on the driveway leading up to the school. This a relatively new tradition that commenced in 2018 and each tree is marked by a plaque that includes the College's annual theme, which for this year is “Be a gift of love and compassion” (a quote from St Mary of the Cross in 1899). 

Today the students commenced at 7.30am with a breakfast prepared by staff, which followed by the cohort gathering together to share memories and acknowledge each other. This activity was followed by a whole school assembly. The Year 12s entered the Pioneer Hall to the applause of the staff and Years 7 to 11 students. The highlight of the assembly was each student being called individually to be acknowledged by the community and to receive a commemorative gift.

Tonight, the students will be together for the last time. First at the Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s, Wonthaggi and then when we gather at the Silverwater Resort in San Remo for dinner.

Below is an edited version of my address to the students at the College assembly this morning:

To the graduating class of 2022 I say on behalf of all of the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College community we are proud of you and I hope you are proud of yourselves for what you have achieved over the last 13 years of primary and secondary education.

You have faced challenges, taken up opportunities, been of great support to each other and are genuine role models with a strong sense of community. 

It may be trite to say this, because everyone does, but it remains true, you have left the College a better place for you having been here. 

So, we have two hopes for you.

First, we hope that you continue in your life to be epitome of the key elements of our College Vision, Mission and Strategic intent as you journey into the wider world, and these are:

• Be a person who is welcoming to others;
• Strive to keep learning throughout your life;
• Be guided by the inspiration of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop and the Jospehite charism, particularly that challenge to “Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It”; and to
• Live out our motto Sapientia Domini Docet Nos, The Wisdom of the Lord Teaches Us, by remembering the past, honouring the present and inspiring the future of all those you love and work with throughout life’s journey

Second, you heed the advice of Max Ehrmann from his prose poem entitled Desiderata, a Latin term that means ‘things that are yearned for'. 

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. 

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Finally, I again congratulate you our Graduands of 2022 and thank you most sincerely for your contribution to our school.  All of us here wish you every blessing, the best of success and remember that you are welcome here and we will be delighted to hear how you are succeeding in achieving all your hopes in your future.

Go well class of 2022.   

Art Show and Music Soiree

Congratulations to the Arts and Technology faculty for holding an engaging Art Show and an extremely entertaining Music Soiree on Wednesday night. Many staff were involved but I want to particularly thank Laura Higgins for her organisation of the Art Show and express my gratitude to Beth Winterhalter, who was supported by David Robinson, for the preparation and support of performers.

This was the first time in over a decade that we have held a music performance like this with students from across the school. I look forward to this becoming a tradition.

All performances were wonderful, but I want to acknowledge our Year 12 VET Music Industry students who generously presented two items from their recent Performance Exam. Well done to Grace Lawrie and Patrick Johnston, who performed together, and Ashley Geary. 

Year 9 Camp

Last week we conducted our Year 9 City Camp. Thank you to Ken Myors for his organisation and leadership. I also want to acknowledge the work of Donna Wylie, Carly Kitchingman, Jodie Connell, Sarah Roscoe-Smith, Erica Masters, Rhiannon Le Busque and John Ryan in the preparation required for this camp to take place.

I am also very appreciative of the staff who attended the camp. Finally, thank you to the students for their engaged participation

Model United Nations Assembly competition

On Monday evening Rotary Club of Leongatha hosted a dinner celebrating the achievement of Mia Schneidruk, Maddy Lazaroo, Laila Witteveen, Martha Dunemann, Kira Waldron, and Divya Njarakulam in the state-wide Model United Nations Assembly competition that took place last term.  

At the dinner Mia and Maddy in Year 11 who represented Russia were acknowledged for their performance which was considered so exceptional, that the judges created a new award “the Chancellors’ Commendation” which was awarded to them. This prestigious award will now exist perpetually, being awarded to the delegation that best represents the values of the assigned country, cohesive arguments, and uphold the spirit of the United Nations General Assembly. 

Thank you to Kapil Bhargava and Julia Leslie for their work with all our students.

Marist House

The Marist Brothers offer an accommodation facility in Fitzroy for university students interested in living in the community. Situated in three connected terraced houses, Marist House is ideally located for those studying at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne University, RMIT and Monash’s Parkville campus. It is within walking distance from the CBD, and has easy access to public transport. 

Who is Marist House for? Young adults who: 

• want to do the best they can in their studies;
• are interested in living intentionally with others for a year while they are at university;
• are warm-hearted, responsible and hospitable;
• value respect, presence, hospitality and service
• have a capacity to reflect on matters of life, faith and justice. 

Details can be found here: www.maristyouthministry.com/marist-house-fitzroy

Sapientia Domini Docet Nos

John M Freeman