Principal's Report
Welcome to the latest edition of Lumina. Please enjoy reading about life at the College as we begin Term 2 and the start to feel the cool, crisp mornings that autumn brings after a late summer burst over Easter. Term 2 also means that we are now in winter uniform.
ANZAC Day
Once again, our ANZAC Day celebration last Thursday at St Mary’s College was something of which we can feel rightly proud. Led by our Prefects, our young people demonstrated at our assembly that they understand the significance of the day and the sacrifice of those who have gone before by listening intently and with great respect. Members of our alumni joined us, some of them ex-servicemen, and each commented on how pleased they were to be invited back to such a reverent assembly.
In my speech, I referenced the passing of Pope Francis and his call for peace in our world. His Easter Message, effectively his last public statement, is profound and implores our world leaders to end hostilities in our war zones - in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. Mr Steedman, President of Caulfield RSL, addressed our gathering on the important role that young people play in keeping ANZAC Day alive.
To reinforce our strong connection with the RSL, the College Band and our drummers played a key role in the Dawn Service on Friday and were thanked emphatically by a large crowd in attendance. Thank you to Ms Katie Thomas, Director of Music, our instrumental teachers, and the parents who provided the transport to Caulfield RSL so that our young people could participate in this important event.
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice – Monday, May 5th.
Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers, was born in Ireland in 1762. We know very little of his childhood but celebrate his life and the contribution he made to education of young people and the marginalised each May 5th. This year, for the first time, we are combining our walkathon with our Feast Day activities on what we hope will be a busy but rewarding celebration of our identity. In combining these events we make a strong statement about our mission to be outward looking to those who are marginalised as well as a key component of our identity.
Thanks in advance to Mr Lancashire who has overseen the planning of the day with support from our Prefect Team and key members of staff. Specific details about the operation and expectations on the day will have come to your email from Mr Lancashire. If you have any further questions, please contact the College.
Mother’s Day Breakfast – Thursday, May 8th.
Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is a very popular annual event and will be taking place on Thursday in Logue Hall at the College. It is an opportunity to thank our mothers and acknowledged their invaluable role as the first educators and appreciate that we are indeed privileged to be able to partner in the formation of our young people. It is also important that we remember that our families look different, and that the mothering role is sometimes undertaken by a grandparent, or an aunt, or friend. We give thanks to those who nurture our young people and show us what it means to live with love and compassion. Please look out for further information from our Director of Development, David Formosa.
EREA School Renewal Panel Visit
This week we welcomed a School Renewal Panel at St Mary’s College to assist us in identifying our key achievements and areas for improvement as a school in the Edmund Rice Tradition. The panel was comprised of: Mr Ray Paxton - EREA National Director of Educational Strategy; Ms Rebecca Kirwan - EREA Director of Professional Practice; Mr Stephen Gough – Principal, Edmund Rice College, Wollongong; and Ms Laura Ruddick - Senior Manager, School Leadership MACS. Over a three-day period, the panel met with students, staff and other community members and observed the school in operation. From the panel visit, a report is published that will help identify commendations and recommendations to guide our next strategic plan. Thank you to all who contributed to this process.
Enrolment in Year 7 2026
Those who are not in Catholic Primary Schools are often unaware that offers are made during the Grade 5 year. From time to time, we hear from parents/carers who are worried that they may have missed out. Of course, we don’t want potential enrolments not to apply thinking that they have missed the deadline. As your word of mouth is extremely valuable, you can help us with spreading the word. Please advise your family and friends who may fit this description that St Mary’s keeps enrolments open at all year levels and that we would welcome an expression an interest.
Federal Election
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has prepared an information sheet on school funding and a summary of the responses from the major parties to questions related to the priorities for Catholic Education. This is available here.
Darren Atkinson
College Principal
