Presentation 150
I had the great privilege last weekend of representing St Mary’s College at the celebratory mass in St Mary’s Church to recognise the 150-year anniversary of Presentation Sisters in Victoria. Sr Helen Carboon, Congregation Leader, reminded the gathering that it was from this very ground that Parish Priest, Father Corbett, wrote in 1873 to Reverend Mother in Limerick:
From the ends of the earth I write to you for help. An Educational Bill has recently been passed by our local Legislature, which is diametrically opposed to our interests, as it requires that no religious instruction be imparted, at any time, in our schools. I shall give my house, which is sufficiently commodious for even six sisters, and is as convenient to the church as your convent is to the chapel.
Over the next century, Catholic schools were able to survive due to the religious sisters and brothers who served as the teaching workforce. As we leave the Presentation Campus, it seems timely to stop and give thanks to those who have gone before and left us such a rich legacy.
A New Chapter
A new chapter begins for St Mary’s College when we return in Term 4 on the Edmund Rice Campus, and it is important to acknowledge that a lot of work has already gone into making sure we are ready. Thank you to our builders, Harris HMC, who have understood that we had a very tight timeline and have brought the McCartney Wing project in ahead of schedule. Thank you also to our Project Manager, Dom, and architect, Hilary. The team at St Mary’s: Business Manager, Tristan McGlade, Property Manager, Michael Essing, and Deputy Principal, Shaun Lancashire, have also worked tirelessly to try to make the transition as smooth as possible.
There will, inevitably, be a settling period as we get used to sharing the same space. As always, we will address each issue as it arises in a respectful and calm manner, knowing that the benefits of being a unified community far outweigh the challenges.
Term 4 Commencement
- Monday 7th October – Student Free day (Staff Professional Learning)
- Tuesday 8th October - Students recommence on Edmund Rice Campus. Orientation morning for Years 9-12.
Uniform Term 4
When we return for Term 4, we are in summer uniform. We seek your support in promoting the wearing of our uniform with pride by ensuring all items worn each day are in accordance with our uniform guidelines. Uniform is one area in which we can show support for our High Expectations priority, with confidence that this will flow through to other aspects of learning.
The Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm and the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Details are available on the College website.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
