Principal’s Update – 6 April 2023

Open Day

Our recent Open Day was a fantastic event where we were able to showcase our College and the wonderful staff and facilities on offer. Thanks to everyone who came along, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many future Year 7s with their families.

Our student volunteers are a major part of the success of this day and we were very proud of the way they led tours, engaging with families about learning and life at CMC. Students also entertained the visitors with non-stop performances or helped cook delicious treats throughout the evening.

We are also grateful to our dedicated staff who welcomed our visitors with great hospitality, presented valuable information and gave generously of their time.

Enrolments for Year 7 2024 are now open and the response so far has been very promising. Current families with a child who will be in Year in 2024 are reminded that enrolments close on Friday 12 May 2023.

Sonya Karras – Party Safe

On Monday evening, we were fortunate to have Sonya Karras of Whole New World provide an engaging and informative session to parents and carers on how to support young people through a range of issues around partying. Sonya has a great way of using her experience and knowledge to connect directly with her audience, and the next day she spoke directly to our Year 12 students to share stories and information with them. Further in this News Update, you will find a useful set of resources that you can use to better understand the topics that were covered.

End of Term

I’m sure that we are all looking forward to the coming break as students and staff enjoy a well-earned rest from this busy term. We are very thankful that the year has begun in such a positive way for our students, with all events and activities happening as planned. We were particularly blessed with excellent weather for both swimming and athletics carnivals. Congratulations to the students for the way they have embraced the schedule of activities on offer to them. We also acknowledge the dedication of our staff who have enabled this to occur.

As we prepare for the holiday break, we are reminded that the most significant season in our liturgical calendar is occurring over this weekend – the death and resurrection of Jesus. Few other occasions unite the Christian family as Easter does and along with the hope of Easter, we call for continued prayers for peace in the world.

Today students at both Coolock and St Mary’s took part in separate Easter Liturgies which provided a powerful reflection on the Easter story. At these assemblies, the Term 1 Spirit of Catherine Awards were announced. Congratulations to those students who were recognised for their demonstration of our Mercy Values in their daily living.

Following the assembly, the Coolock students took part in Caritas Ks. This annual walk is not only an enjoyable way for students to spend time with their friends, but also serves as a reminder that many children throughout the world undertake long walks each day to access education and water. On returning from the walk, the students enjoyed a barbecue lunch, live music and fun activities.

At St Mary’s the students also relaxed with fun activities, music and a barbecue. As well as an enjoyable way to finish the term, the activities at both campuses have a serious note as all funds raised are in aid of Caritas Project Compassion. This year’s theme ‘For All Future Generations’ demonstrates the powerful impact each of us can have to help create lasting change for people living in some of the most vulnerable and low-income regions in the world.

Please enjoy a happy and holy Easter and a safe holiday.

Brian Turner, Principal