Principal's Message

Mr David Leslie - Principal

Dear Families,

 

This is our last newsletter for the Term. Term One has been a very busy and successful start to the College’s Year. Activities are still being affected by the need for ongoing Covid-19 precautions. As we go into winter and the traditional cold & flu season these precautions become even more important. Thank you for your co-operation and patience. 

 

This weekend is Passion Sunday, popularly known as Palm Sunday, when we commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is worth noting that the same crowds who hailed Jesus as King would only a week later be calling for his crucifixion. The first weekend of the holidays is Easter. Easter is celebrated as one Feast over 3 days, called the Easter Triduum. Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, is the core of our faith. On Holy Thursday Mass, we re-enact Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet and remember his institution of the Eucharist. Mass ends silently with the removal of Jesus, reminding us of his arrest. No Masses are said anywhere in the world from Thursday night until the Easter Vigil. Good Friday is so-called because by his Passion and death, Christ saved us all. This is remembered at the commemoration of the Passion in the afternoon. The third part of the Triduum is the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. This is where the Paschal Candle is lit from the Easter fire and we enter the church by candlelight. At the vigil we hear the stories of creation and of God’s covenant with his chosen people. These Easter services are unlike any others – even if you haven’t been for some time, it is well worth attending. You will be very welcome.

 

Thank you for your support of the Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews. This year both evenings are at the College where we have more space for social distancing. The first evening was last night and was well attended. It was good to be able to see parents face to face again. A reminder the second evening is next Tuesday, 30 March. You can still make appointments via the PAM module on SIMON. These interviews are a vital part of the learning process. When parents take an active interest in their child’s learning, student engagement in learning increases greatly. These interviews are a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, hear about progress and work together to support your child’s learning. We look forward to seeing you.

 

The Grade Six Activity Day is coming up on May 11th. There will be further information coming out soon. Enrolments for 2022 are now open and applications are due by the end of May. Demand for places at Mary MacKillop College continues to be strong. We endeavour to accommodate all eligible families, but please remind your friends & neighbours to apply on time or risk missing out.

 

On Tuesday we ran the annual House Athletics, albeit in modified form, at the Leongatha Velodrome. Fortunately, the threatened weather did not eventuate so we were able to complete nearly all of the program. Congratulations to all competitors – the students I saw were all keen to do their best. A report on the day is included in this newsletter.

 

The College will end the term with our Easter Liturgy on Thursday morning. Due to Covid-19 precautions, this will be conducted as a virtual gathering via googlemeet to homerooms. The liturgy will conclude with the Parents & Friends’ Easter Draw, with prizes of Easter goodies on offer to each year level. As usual, the buses will run early for the end of term and students will be dismissed from school at 2.05pm.

 

Classes resume on Monday 19 April. Until then, I wish all students and families a relaxing and safe holiday. Happy Easter to all!