From the Principal

At the Board AGM on Monday 22 March, a new Board executive was elected, which includes the following appointments: 

Melinda Anderson – Board Chair 

Daniel Marr – Deputy Chair 

Ryan Sharp – Financial Advisor 

Hannah Stark and Lauren Di Palma – Board members

The new executive brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the Board. 

I would like to again explain why St Mary's College is at school following Easter. In Term 3 last year when we were setting the St Mary's College calendar, we aligned the dates with government colleges to ensure our Year 11 and 12 students did not end up with a week’s less teaching than students in other schools. Catholic Education, at the same time, decided that it would have a three-week holiday at Easter and a longer term in Term 4. 

Unfortunately, a longer Term 4 does not help students in Years 11 and 12 as exams are in November. We set and advertised the College calendar and then the Department of Education changed its dates. 

I acknowledge this has caused various complications for families with siblings at other schools. I apologise. I can assure parents that we will be actively learning in the three days after Easter and it is important that children and young people are at school on those days.

Our Junior School had their Palm Sunday Liturgy this week, led beautifully by Year 2 Wombats. It was a real celebration and the children participated with delight. We were reminded that we are in Holy Week—the week leading up to Good Friday, when we remember that Jesus was crucified and then Easter Sunday when Christians all over the world celebrate the resurrection of Christ. This is the wellspring of Christian hope; a value that is often lacking in the world. Christians believe we are people of hope. 

Helen Spencer

Principal