Acting Principal

Dear College Families and Friends,

‘Keep up your courage… we do not live here forever.’ Mary MacKillop 1877

Despite the continuing lockdown, we have been blessed by beautiful weather to mark the beginning of Spring. Well done to our students and families on all that you have managed these past weeks with remote learning. Schools are places where young people come together to learn, build relationships and grow in community; so important for each young person to flourish. Remote learning is challenging our preference to be working with others in community.  I appreciate that students not being at school and the juggles of family commitments adds to the challenges. Thank you to everyone for keeping on going... 

Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has released their annual statement entitled: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. It encourages us to listen with an open heart as we discern our world, so we can begin, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to understand the signs of our times. It can be found on the following link: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Social-Justice-Statement-2021-22.pdf

Yesterday and today, we had the VCE VET Music students in the College undertaking their performances- a delight to watch and listen to. 

Earlier today Mrs Croatto and I met with the 2021 Production Cast to share the regrettable news that due to current restrictions we must cancel this year’s production. The cast were amazing and accepting though rightly disappointed. We all love a production, for this year we must be satisfied that the journey of rehearsals and the enduring friendships and energy generated in the rehearsals will be the lasting memory for our students.  I particularly thank and acknowledge the cast, their parents and the staff who have so generously led and supported this journey. 

Earlier this week, the P & F held their AGM. The outgoing committee are all parents of Year 12 students and have given generously and graciously to Mary MacKillop Catholic College for many years. Abundant thanks and congratulations to the committee for all that they have been and given to the College, we are indebted to them. Please find Donna Muldoon’s President’s Report for your interest and continuing information. The P & F will gather later in 2021 in planning a new way forward - watch this space. 

Families received notification yesterday that Parents Teacher Interviews will be held via Google Meet Tuesday 14 September 10.00- 6.00pm. There will be no remote learning classes for students that day. Children of essential workers and vulnerable students will be welcome at the College, a survey will be sent next week.

As we look to Term 4, the plans we make are with the recognition that we will need to be flexible and ready for adaptations as required. Thank you for the courage and solidarity that is so evident in this community. 

 Margaret McKenna