Aug 28, 2024
Just a quick update: This week’s Principal’s Newsletter was written a little ahead of time. Why, you ask? Because our Principal is currently jet-setting across Europe! Yes, while you’re enjoying your coffee, he’s probably enjoying tapas in Barcelona or trying to decipher a Spanish menu.
Even though Mr Bechelli is off exploring beautiful plazas and indulging in local delicacies, he’s made sure you’re still up-to-date with all the important news and upcoming events.
Safe travels to our Principal, and happy reading to everyone else!
Aug 14, 2024
Over the past two years, we have managed to run our wonderful P&F on a skeleton staff of just a Treasurer and a Secretary. We still don’t have a Chair or a Vice Chair. I am extremely grateful to our amazing super granny Allison Fox, who has stepped into the void as our Treasurer. Allison, along with Sam Somers (Secretary) have led our small but effective committee throughout this time. Sam has unfortunately stepped down from the role, and luckily, Kylie Whitehead has agreed to take over as our Secretary. We are not alone and many other schools are experiencing the same issues as most parents are busy working to pay the bills in these challenging economic times. However, the current model is unsustainable and at our last meeting we have come up with a new concept. From next year, we will be allocating year groups with certain roles. For example, every year, our Year 6 parents come together and organise the Graduation dinner which is always a wonderful event. Therefore, a note will be coming out soon with allocations for the main P&F events for each class. These events include the start of the year welcome, Easter raffle, Mother’s Day stall, Father’s Day stall and the disco. If nobody from the allocated year group steps up to organise the event, then we simply won’t be holding that event. We believe that this model will be more equitable than the current model where so few do so much work. Keep your eyes out for the flyer and please do your bit for our students, remembering the two main functions of the P&F are community building and a little bit of fundraising.
Jul 31, 2024
We have had a relatively smooth start to the term, however, there is plenty happening at Mary Mac as usual. In the coming weeks, we celebrate our wonderful patron, Mary MacKillop, with a week of activities. Mary’s feast day falls on 8 August each year, and we take the time to celebrate her life. If it wasn’t for Mary MacKillop, there probably wouldn’t be as many Catholic schools, as in many ways, she started Catholic Education in Australia with her rural schools in Penola, South Australia which were set up for students most in need.
Jul 17, 2024
Welcome back to the second half of the year. It was fantastic on Monday seeing all the happy faces on our students as they settled back into their schooling routines. Thankfully, this term is a normal length. I think most people found the eleven weeks last term very challenging! As usual, there is plenty happening at Mary Mac and I look forward to sharing these activities with everyone in our beautiful community.
Jun 26, 2024
We have finally reached the end of a long a challenging term and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a well deserved holiday. Please note that the final day this term for students is on Thursday 27 June. The staff will be attending a professional development day at St Brigid’s in Middle Swan on Friday 28 June as we continue our Berry St Education Model journey on trauma informed practice. Please note that school resumes next term on Monday 15 July for staff and students.
Jun 12, 2024
We are nearly at the end of what has been an unusually long term and holidays are just around the corner. However, we still have a few major events to get through first:
