Dear Families and Carer’s
The Wizard of Oz 2023
Congratulations to everybody concerned with the very successful production of The Wizard of Oz. I attended the Saturday matinee session and loved the sense of spirit and enthusiasm, the quality of the music, the confidence of the acting, and the swift, precise attitude adopted by back-stage and front of house. I’ve taken the opportunity to write to everybody involved in the production. Suspicious as I am of lists and people being overlooked, if your child has not received a letter by the end of the holidays (via Australia Post), please let me know and one will be provided.
The College musical is a highlight of community engagement on the St Mary’s College calendar. It was a production of quality, spirit and inclusion and I thank everyone involved for their spirit of generosity, their perseverance and the time taken to make sure a great show went on!
Review of VET and Careers Education at St Mary’s College
Vocational education and career education has been a staple of this school for many years. This domain of learning is largely led by Mandy Ellwood. Following conversations with her, the College is undertaking a review of our practice which should be completed by the end of October. Part of this review process is the invitation to families and students to provide feedback that may be affirming and constructive in the further invigoration of our offerings in this area. I am happy for groups of people to complete the survey or for it to be done individually. The aim of the survey is to give stakeholders agency and voice which will lead to improved outcomes for students at the school. The links below are for families and alumni. Every student in the school will be given their own survey link via their student College email address. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
Parent/Carers Survey
Victorian Payroll Tax 2024 State Government budget update.
You will remember that the Andrew’s Government budget earlier this year announced a payroll tax on all non-government schools which charged fees over $10,000 pa. A number of weeks later the government reversed the decision on the threshold amount. Thresholds rose from $10,000 to $15,000 per annum. This means that St Mary’s College will be exempt from the payroll tax.
This is good news.
The College will continue to be prudent in its collection and expenditure of the Australian and Victorian Government Grants and of private income collected from fees paid by you.
Given the sudden imposition of this tax, there remains some weariness in the educational community about variances to or imposition of other taxes into the future.
I would like to thank the families who contacted their State MP’s and to Leaders in Catholic Education and advocated on behalf of schools like ours.
Michael Lee OAM
Principal (Acting)