The celebration of the 10th Year Anniversary of MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale in 2013 has witnessed some wonderful occasions for this combined Parish/College community.
The establishment of this Parish and College from 2003 to the present has been both a privileged and blessed journey. Parish Priest, Fr John Hodgson CSsR reflected on these blessings at the start of this year by saying, ‘… the past 10 years have been about consciously creating and developing a way of life that allows us to walk confidently and courageously in the light of Christ.’
Both the College and Parish Calendars have been marked with some wonderful celebrations that have included:
- The Launch of a new House Team System –Six new Houses were launched that celebrated the College’s connection with the story of Mary MacKillop: FITZROY, PENOLA, GESU, ALMA, TEMUKA and KINCUMBER.
- Opening College Mass – Over 1500 students from Kindergarten through to Yr 12 gathered to celebrate the Opening Mass with the story of the College told in music, dance and through images. Each student received a special commemorative ten-year badge to mark the significance of the occasion.
- MacKillop ‘A Decade Up in Lights’ – In late June, a special celebration of the talents of the Creative and Performing Arts students was held at the College.
- On the occasion of the Feast of Mary MacKillop, Bishop David Walker celebrated two special masses. The first a Parish Mass where the new commemorative stained-glassed windows in the Church were blessed. The next event, a College Mass which began with the commissioning of the new House Teams.
- An aerial photo of the entire College community with picnic activities will be held on the College’s MacKillop Festival Day in November.
In looking back on the tenth anniversary year, College Principal, Steve Todd commented on what this year has meant to the College and Parish, “This extraordinary time has really brought us together. May the next ten years bring a real sense of mission for why this College and Parish was established here at Warnervale.”