Principal’s Update

Graduation Mass and Celebration

Blessed with a cool change, the Year 12 graduates completed their year with a special celebration at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Thursday 21 November.

Mr Ben Fitzpatrick, Deputy Principal – St Mary’s, congratulated and welcomed the students to their Graduation Mass, thanking them for their contributions to the life and community of the College. He encouraged them to continue to be people of Mercy and agents of change in our world, striving to emulate the Gospel values and Catherine’s dream of education, equity and support for the poor. Ben shared some beautiful words from Carolyn Joy Adams.

“Your life is a sacred journey; and it is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are on the path… exactly where you are meant to be right now… and from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity and of love.”

This was the first time The Reverend Junray Rayna had celebrated Mass at the Cathedral, and he spoke beautifully to the community. He was supported by The Reverend Andrew Fewings and Reverend Deacon Denib Josette Suguitan from St Kilian’s Parish.

Many Year 12s were involved throughout the Mass. Will Wallace recognised Lachlan Horan, reading a prayer of thanks for Lachie and his friendship; Ms Jodie Horan read a prayer of intercession about the gift of community and Mr David Horan collected Lachlan’s certificate.

Members of our community were involved in the Ceremony of Light, offering the light of love, wisdom, faith and the light of Christ. Mrs Kathryn Gundry and Mr Tony Gundry represented the parents, Mr Matthew Smith the staff, Ms Fiona Russell the Advisory Council and Charlotte Turner and Will Tobin, the students.

Thanks to the music staff and students for the beautiful music, especially the contributions of the Year 12 singers and instrumentalists.

The students and families then attended the celebration at Ulumbarra Theatre where the students danced and enjoyed the company of family and friends. View photos of Graduation Mass.

Sr Anastasia Vanderfeen Building

The official commissioning and blessing of the Sr Ana building was held on Thursday 21 November. The liturgy and blessing were led by Bishop Shane Mackinlay on his first visit to the College since his installation.

Following the liturgy guests enjoyed looking around this great facility and lingered on, reflecting and telling stories about Sr Ana.

The occasion was made even more special by the Vanderfeen family attending. We had representation of four of Sr Ana’s siblings and from across three generations of the family. Most had travelled from Melbourne. It was lovely to witness the family reunion, some of whom had not met each other before.

The Sister Anastasia Vanderfeen Building (formerly Kelly Building) has broadened opportunities for learning at St Mary’s. Downstairs, an industrial kitchen for food technology was installed while upstairs houses the Allied Health ‘hospital ward’ teaching spaces. Students are enjoying the new recreational areas, with a new canteen, servery and indoor/outdoor dining area. Overlooking the new building is a statue of Catherine McAuley, on the newly landscaped area around the library. Read more

Future Direction

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, I encourage you to contribute or comment on our Future Direction document; please review at the following link: Future Direction 2020-2024.

Energy Breakthrough

Well done to staff, students, parents, and past students who all participated and supported the Energy Breakthrough Team last weekend. Congratulations to ‘Pulse’ who placed third overall and to ‘Oscar Bravo’ who placed 8th overall. Read more.

Year 9 Transition to St Mary’s

The Year 9 students had their final classes at Coolock on Tuesday morning and took part in an assembly and liturgy. The students then shared a barbecue lunch before moving to St Mary’s in the afternoon to begin their orientation at St Mary’s. Read more.

Coolock SRC Elections

The SRC election process for Years 8 and 9 (2020), has been completed. Congratulations to the students who were announced as 2020 leaders at Assembly on Tuesday. Read more

Code Red

We did have to rearrange some College events last week and, as you know, ask students to remain at home during the Code Red period. We thank all students, families and staff for their understanding and assistance with the need to change plans at such short notice during the weather extremes last week.

Mr Brian Turner, Principal