Aug 5, 2026
We are now in the middle of one of the most important weeks of the year for our community, which is of course Mary MacKillop Week. Mary MacKillop is a very important person for us as she was the person who started Catholic Education in Australia when she opened her first school in Penola, South Australia, in a converted stable on 19 March 1866. We actually have a small wooden cross in the staffroom which is made from the timber in that first building. One of the things I love most about this community is how everyone lives out her famous quote of, “Never see a need without doing something about it”. There are many needs in our community, and everyone is working hard to meet those needs for the benefit of the students in our care.
Jul 22, 2026
Welcome back to the start of a new term. It feels just like yesterday that we started the school year! I often get asked about the biggest challenges we face here at Mary Mac. For the most part, it is a very positive and happy community with high levels of welcoming, tolerance, inclusion and understanding as we are a very diverse school. Many of our challenges deal with the volume and complexity of the issues we face daily. However, if I did have to comment about the biggest challenge, I would say it relates to the traffic issues in the car park on Cassowary Drive. Most complaints I receive are from parents informing me that other parents are not following the directions which are clearly marked on the ground and on signs throughout the car park. We have four signs requesting that you don’t turn right onto Cassowary Drive at peak times and the crosswalks are also not being used properly. On several occasions, I have seen parents lead their children by hand in between moving vehicles, rather than using the crosswalks. Parents are still parking in the drop off zone, especially before school and I am aware of some parents having verbal confrontations with other parents. This has been an ongoing issue for a long time and ultimately, it is up to our parents and grandparents to do the right thing in the interests of the safety of our most precious resource; our beautiful students. There have been a few near misses this year and I dread to think what could happen. As you know, I am out there on duty on most afternoons, and most of you are doing the right thing. However, until everyone always does the right thing, this will continue to be a point of conflict. I often remind parents that the staff are on duty until 3.20pm and the car park usually becomes very quiet at about 3.10pm. If I was a parent here, I would be driving through at 3.15pm. No waiting in line, no issues with congestion and no problems getting onto Cassowary Drive. I strongly urge all parents to do the right thing and follow the directions in the interests of the safety of our students.
Jul 2, 2026
It’s hard to believe that we have completed another busy term’s work here at Mary Mac! It was an eleven week term and I think everyone is well and truly ready for these upcoming holidays. Please note that school resumes for all students on Monday 20 July. Our professional development day and Catholic day will be held in Week 5 next term which will give you a nice break at the half way point. I wish all families a restful break and I look forward to seeing you at the start of next term.
Jun 17, 2026
I’m sure that many of you are getting caught up in the excitement of the soccer World Cup. This time, we have an extra special connection as one of our former students is playing for the Socceroos. Keep an eye out for #4 Jacob Italiano. He is a former Mary Mac student who has followed his dreams all the way to the pinnacle of his sport. I hope that he is providing our students with the inspiration to follow their dreams, no matter what they are. I have spoken to his Aunty Lisa, who works in our St Joseph Centre, about the possibility of him visiting his former school the next time he is in town. Wouldn’t that be amazing!!
Jun 3, 2026
A huge thank you is extended to our wonderful P&F who very generously covered the costs of our storytelling night a couple of weeks ago. Quite a few students turned up and from what I saw, everyone had a lot of fun listening to the weird and wonderful stories. We are so blessed to have a P&F who support us in so many ways.
May 20, 2026
I hope to see a bumper crowd at tonight’s storytelling event. I know the staff have put a lot of effort into this wonderful opportunity as we have at least seven different storytellers coming to share their incredible stories with our students. All details have already been sent home, so please make sure you come along tonight and join in the fun!
