Dear Parents and Carers

It is a lovely time of the year as we leave winter behind and enter the fresh new season of Spring. There certainly is a more positive feeling as we see the days grow a bit longer and warmer.

The importance of care and protection for our world and children were marked by two events on Sunday, 3 September. As well as being Father's Day, where we celebrate all those who have played a fatherly role in our lives, it is also the first Sunday in this year's Season of Creation (1 September - 4 October). During the Season of Creation we are reminded of our duty to care for our environment – our common home. Spring certainly brings out the “appreciation of beauty” character strength which  we can all draw on at this time of year.

I recently listened to a speaker who called us to be “Witnesses to Hope”  and  rather than be caught up in the negative, we can look for the good things happening, change our language and be more positive and grateful in our mindset, thus having a positive effect on the wellbeing of those around us, particularly our children. The recent sunshine to mark the beginning of Spring certainly helps also.

It was wonderful to have Dane Barclay speak to 90 of our parents last week on managing big emotions and anxiety. He too, shared the importance of  our language, being present with our children and listening with empathy. Click here to see the Helping Children Regulate Emotions 2023 powerpoint presentation from Dane.  

Father's and Significant Carers  Night: Many thanks to the teachers and PFA for supporting a very successful Father's Night. It was great to see the zest and enthusiasm of our students as they celebrated the significant males in their lives, showing them around the school, having a sausage and participating in some Kelly Sports fun. We also hope you all had a lovely day on Sunday.

Mixed Regional State Netball Finals:

We wish the following students all the best for this Friday’s state finals in Waverly. Isabella Montgomery, David Wilkens, Ned McNamara, Kiara Dean, Willow Stephenson, Olive Wearmouth, Lila Butcher, Toby Prout, Ellie Rundle.

St Mary MacKillop of the Cross Pilgrimage: Two weeks ago, Rebecca Nancarrow and I, as leaders in a Catholic School, participated in a 5 day faith and religious formation program focused on the missionary spirit of Australia's first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We explored Mary’s extraordinary contribution to Catholic education in Australia and her inspirational, faith-filled life.

This experience demonstrated an exceptional example of the Catholic faith in education that remains relevant to the way in which we operate our Catholic schools today, which includes reaching out to the most marginalised. It is timely to note, Pope Francis' prayer intention for September is 'For people living on the margins': He asks us to pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.

Below is a reflection of the pilgrimage experience I would like to share which has also been published on the MACS website. It was written by myself and Rachel Holdsworth, the Principal of Holy Spirit, Manifold Heights.  I hope as you read this you are able to reflect on Mary MacKillop’s life and works in the context of your own lives, as I have.

Conscious Compassion: Call to Action

Mary MacKillop Pilgrimage 21-25 August 2023: 

Catholic School Leaders from the Geelong and Western region were very fortunate to participate in a formation program focused on the missionary spirit of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, facilitated by the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.

The program was undertaken as a 5-day pilgrimage and designed to develop and sustain leaders in their roles within Catholic schools. Pilgrims explored Mary’s contribution to Catholic education, the founding of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in Australia and Mary’s inspirational faith-filled life as they journeyed through Victoria and South Australia.

The spiritual journey took in Portland, Penola and Adelaide, focusing on the historic connections between Mary MacKillop, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Fr Julian Tenison Woods who co-founded the Josephite Congregation with Mary MacKillop. Fr Julian was a man of deep faith with concern for the poor and a great love for the environment.

Mary faced much adversity throughout her life but had a profound love, faith and trust in God. She shared these in her words and letters she wrote. She spoke and wrote about “leaning into God”, “leaving it quietly with God” and recognising God is always with us during times of struggle.

Mary modeled the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity through her actions for justice. She never judged a person but strove to change their circumstances providing friendship, emotional support and a place to live for those who were alone and isolated. She enabled people to remain connected to society and empowered them with self-worth and dignity in order to help themselves.

Despite significant obstacles, Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph have imparted an extraordinary contribution to Catholic schooling in Australia, particularly for their prodigious establishment of schools and a special concern for the education of poor and marginalised children in remote areas. The Josephite charism continues to flourish in schools around Australia.

The importance of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop for educators today:

- Educational legacy - to bring hope to all children through the provision of education.

- Social justice actions – respect and dignity for the human person

- Women’s empowerment- a great leader who broke down barriers.

- Compassion and charity- her kindness and desire to make a positive difference.

- Commitment to faith and spirituality- everything for God.

- Role Model - for her Sisters and teachers.

- Interfaith dialogue - embracing all faiths.

Quotes from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop:

- “There where you are you will find God” MM 1871

- “If we have love in our hearts we shall have God with us” MM 21/11/1899

- “Gratitude is a memory of the Heart.” MM

- “We must teach more by example than by word” MM

- “The cross appears lighter when carried with Jesus”.MM

- “In all things, love” MM.

- " Remember, we are but travellers here."MM

Mary ensured she spoke with love and was very graceful even when others harmed or excluded her. All of Mary’s words remain relevant and resonate in all walks of life today.

Wishing you all an extra “spring in your step” over the next fortnight leading up to the school holidays, which I hope are restful, safe and joyful.

Kerryn