Principals Message
ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP, SAINT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS:
On August 8, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the co-founder with Fr Julian Tenison Woods of Catholic Education. August 8, 1909, is the day she died in Sydney at the age of 67. St Mary MacKillop was an amazing woman of her time and from today’s perspective, the things she achieved from such a young age and for a woman during those times are extraordinary. She was only 24 years old when she began the school in Penola, South Australia. She was and is truly inspiring for us today and embodies so much of the Australian spirit.
I was blessed to attend St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s
canonisation at the Vatican in Rome on October 17th in
2010. The atmosphere in St Peter’s Basilica was
electric as over 50,000 pilgrims gathered to hear Pope
Benedict XVI proclaim Mary’s sainthood. There were
many Australian flags and gold balloons with Mary’s image.
A ‘Catholic Online’ article described Mary MacKillop as follows:
“The term ‘Aussie Spirit’ is often heard in sporting conquests;
in times of natural disasters; in local settings; in national
settings; in the ANZAC tradition; in reaching out to help
foreign countries when needed; or when simply lining up in a
queue waiting to get into a show. The ‘Aussie Spirit’ often refers to a mixture of grit, resilience and humour underlined with a sense of mild disregard for egotistic authority whilst still being prepared to ‘go into bat’ when needed or giving someone a ‘fair go’ in any given situation.
Mary MacKillop was the epitome of the ‘Aussie Spirit’. She certainly went into bat for those struggling with their lot, regardless of who they were or where they were. She believed in and acted on the sense of a ‘fair go for everyone’. And she certainly demonstrated a willingness to be a ‘disrupter’ in an authoritarian environment if it meant she was able to continue the work for which she took her vows.
- Mary MacKillop showed us how the ‘Aussie Spirit’ is about seeing the worth and dignity of every person made in God’s image and likeness – she saw Christ in every person she met.
- Mary MacKillop showed us how one aspect of the Aussie Spirit is about standing up for the lives and dignity of the needy and defenceless, the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
- Mary MacKillop showed us how the ‘Aussie Spirit’ is about facing great challenges with vision, passion and creativity.
- Mary MacKillop showed us how the ‘Aussie Spirit’ is about challenging the status quo in times of hardship and envisioning new ways of living and sharing the Good News.”
St Mary MacKillop’s motto through life is one that we could try to live by: “Never see a need without trying to do something about it”.
At St Mary’s School we are inspired by all that Mary MacKillop achieved and are dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that extends beyond academics, encompassing social and emotional development. We are committed to creating an inclusive and compassionate environment where all individuals are valued and supported. We must encourage understanding and empathy so that the legacy of Mary MacKillop can live on and our students can become responsible and caring young citizens in our society.
On Monday August 7th we will join with the students and staff of St Joseph’s School, Nagambie, to celebrate the life of St Mary MacKillop here at St Mary’s School. We will participate in a prayer service in the church and cross-age activities with a focus on the life of Mary. We will then enjoy a sausage sizzle together before our Nagambie friends head home..
NAPLAN
Parents would have received their child’s NAPLAN student report last Thursday. As stated in the information leaflet that accompanied the student report, NAPLAN tests are only one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process. In 2023 new standards were introduced and the testing period was brought forward. You will not b able to compare your grade 5 students results with past results due to the new measurement scale. If you have any concerns or questions, please discuss these with your child’s class teacher.
REVIEW
Last week our school was reviewed by the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) panel. The review was very thorough with the main focus on our curriculum delivery and student outcomes. Ron Bamford ACER, Paul Bissinella CES and Minda van Eyk CES read through our documentation, observed and interviewed our teachers and ESOs, interviewed students and parents and after 3 days gave us affirmations, commendations and recommendations. The 30 page document will support our school in developing our 2024 – 2027 School Strategic Plan.
This information will be shared with our school community after staff have worked through the document and developed a plan for meeting the recommendations.
SACRAMENTS
On Sunday August 6th our Parish will celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. We congratulate the 11 candidates who have participated in the group sessions over the past 6 weeks: Vince Empinado, Elvie and Mieke Wright, Sadie and Macy Harrrap, Fin Rathjen, Lucinda Ryan, Saxon and Maisy Masterson and Frankie and Vincent Ryan.
Bishop Shane MacKinlay will be the main celebrant and it will be a One Parish Mass held in St Mary’s School hall. There will be shared lunch. All invited.
ATTENDANCE
Schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged 6-17 years unless an exemption from attendance or enrolment has been granted.
Daily attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally.
If your child is absent from school we request that you log this absence on SIMON everywhere or call the office before 9.00am. Admin staff are required to phone parents or carers to verify unexplained absences.
WHOLE SCHOOL EXCURSION
On Friday August 11 all our students and staff will be travelling to Melbourne on Walter’s buses to visit the Melbourne Aquarium and the Melbourne Museum. These excursions are part of our cross curriculum and are an extension to the work that is completed at school both before or after the excursion. All students are expected to attend the excursion as this is a normal school day.
SCHOOL GROUNDS
A reminder to parents that if students enter our school property on the weekend or after school hours, that they should be supervised. A reminder that there are security cameras installed.
PUPIL FREE DAY
Friday August 18th is a pupil free day.
Enjoy the coming fortnight as the weather becomes warmer and we become more inclined to get out and about.
Catherine Fraser
Principal