2025 Newsletter Term 3: week 2

Dear parents,

Upon arrival home from last week's ski trip, I not only returned with a bad case of hat hair but also returned deeply impressed by the way our students handled the challenges of the day. Just staying upright on skis for any period of time is an achievement, but the novice SMMC students were undaunted; emulating the resolute prophet who cried, "I set my face like flint."

Nonetheless, not everything goes the way we plan or envisage. Snow equipment malfunctions were endured patiently and it was a source of pride for me to see that obstacles were overcome with emotional and cognitive agility. The students proved the mountaineer, Aron Ralston (he's the guy who cut his arm off with a pocket knife after being trapped in a canyoning accident), correct when he says, "It doesn't have to be fun to be fun."

I feel sure that someone who understood Ralston's adage was our school patroness, St Mary MacKillop, whose solemn feast day we will celebrate next Friday. It won't be hard to find fun this day with contemporary dress, sausage sizzle and 'old school' activities to help us honour and remember St Mary's legacy, her ongoing example and supplications on our behalf. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Gala Dinner the following day.

Thank you for your support.

Warm regards,

Ian Smith

Principal