News &
Events

Happy All Saints Day! Tomorrow (1 November), we join the global Catholic community in honouring the countless saints—known and unknown—who have dedicated their lives to Christ. In Australia, as in many places, All Saints Day is a time to reflect on the example set by these holy women and men, who inspire us with their faith, courage and compassion. This feast day is not only about celebrating well-known saints, like St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint, but also about recognising everyday saints who live among us. It is a reminder to follow their example, to live out the values of kindness, service and love. As we gather today, let us pray that we may find the strength to walk our own paths of faith, striving toward holiness in all we do. Happy All Saints Day to our school community—may we all be inspired to live like the saints!

Can you believe we are already halfway through Term Four? It has been an extra busy few weeks with many opportunities to celebrate our community and begin preparing for next year.

In the past weeks, we have had the opportunity to welcome our Year 7 2025 cohort onsite as a group for the first time, whilst also farewelling our 2024 Year 12s. A true reminder of just how quickly our young people grow and how important their time at school is. It was fantastic to see the partnership with our new families already commencing and high school friendships already forming. We look forward to officially welcoming our new Year 7s into our community.

The celebrations for our Year 12s last week highlighted what accomplished young adults they are, reinforcing the sturdy foundation they have built in their time at the College. It was very special to celebrate their graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by dinner at the Sofitel. This week many began their final examinations, whilst others have entered the workforce. As they begin their new journeys, the Year 12s are reminded of the words of the great Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” A reminder that no matter where life takes us, we should approach every task, no matter how big or small, with love, dedication and a deep-rooted faith in our own potential to make a positive impact on the world. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 – we are so proud of you!

Last week, the new Senior Building was completed, with landscaping works due to be finished in the coming weeks. This building will officially open as the Dr Sr Mary Glowrey Centre at the beginning of 2025. Our students proposed some potential names for the building, before voting for it to be named as Dr Sr Mary Glowrey. Glowrey was a Victorian-born and educated doctor who travelled to Guntur in India, where she became a religious Sister. She was a pioneering medical missionary and spent much of her life serving the medical and spiritual needs of the most marginalised people. We are excited for the opportunities this new learning centre will offer to our young people.

Next week, examinations commence for our Year 10 and 11 students, as all year levels prepare to finalise their 2024 studies before commencing the 2025 Headstart Program. It is a time that requires focused revision and reflection. I encourage all our students to embrace the growth that comes with intentional study practices and retrieval of knowledge. Good luck!

Commencing in 2025, we are seeking a new parent representative to join our College Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC meets four times a year and provides a forum for discussion and discernment to support the work of the Principal and Parish Priest. If you are interested, or would like to know more, please email cath.leslie@thomascarr.vic.edu.au.

Finally, last week we celebrated World Teacher’s Day. An opportunity to recognise and thank our teachers and support staff, for their dedication, passion and service to our students. We are lucky to have such deeply committed teachers at Thomas Carr College.

Enjoy the long weekend, hopefully it provides you with an opportunity for some quality time with family.

Rose Connolly
Principal