As I sit to write this newsletter I am struck by how quickly this term is passing by. The teachers are busily marking end of semester exams and assignments whilst still organising rich experiences for the students through sporting, debating, mock trial and camps. Year 12 students are diligently taking forward the feedback from their recent exams and working towards their Trials early next term and the Executive team are planning prayer, pastoral, learning and extra curricular activities with their teams for next term.

As usual, the school is a busy and rich environment. This is evident in the many celebrations that Mr Grana mentions in this newsletter.

As I go on leave to take some time to recharge my batteries and be with my family, I reflect on my experiences throughout this term:

• The challenges of starting the Catholic Intensive English Centre (CIEC) where we have welcomed some wonderful families into the MMCC community and girls who are so determined to make a new life for themselves and a future in this country. This determination is evident when I go to visit them in class. They look up and smile but they are too intent on their work to stop writing. These young women are so dedicated to their studies that they will surely be a blessing to the College and the country as they forge a new life away from the trauma of their previous lives from which they were fleeing. We have also welcomed some wonderful new staff who work with these girls before they enter our mainstream classes.
• The acceptance and smiling faces of all our students as I travel around the College on a daily basis, their willingness to ask questions and to try to hard in all aspects of their development. Their willingness to “have a go” and to grow from their mistakes as well as their successes.
• The dedication of the teachers and the tiredness I sometimes see as they rise above their daily struggles to be the best they can be for their students.
• The laughter and hard work of the support staff who are so much the face of our College
• The joyful and challenging unpredictability that is a school environment.

I am blessed to have been chosen to lead this College. Last week, the ABC Compass program completed its filming of some of our teachers in action as they sought to show the world the reality of working in schools. The production team frequently commented on the warmth and true mission of all in the College and of this I was proud. We are after all, first and foremost a school of the Sisters of St Joseph.

The special nature of this was brought home by the passing this week of Sister Patricia Rentoule, a beautiful and graceful woman who was at one time the principal of Our Lady of the Rosary, Fairfield and was always supportive and present at our College events. We will miss her quiet wisdom and work to carry it forward in our daily practice within MMCC.

I know that the College will be in good hands over the next three weeks, led by Mr Pablo Grana as acting Principal and Ms Clair-Marie Simpson as acting Assistant Principal. Several other executive and staff members are stepping up in various respects to ensure the continued smooth functioning of the College and I thank them for this.

As I go to wander the hills of Scotland and seek the birthplace of St Mary of the Cross, I will also be seeking the solitude of the Abbey on the island of Iona to reflect on my role as leader.

I wish you all a wonderful long weekend and a successful end of term and look forward to my return where I can share stories and hear of the adventure that is MMCC.

“Remember, we are but travellers here.”

Mary MacKillop

God Bless

Narelle Archer

Principal