ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP
This week, we will gather to celebrate the remarkable life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – an Australian woman who devoted herself to caring for the poor and defending the rights of all people. Her tireless dedication and trust in God, inspire all Australians and many people throughout the world. 

Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne in 1842. She was most concerned about the poor and uneducated children, especially in outback areas. Mary attempted to gather the support of friends and some priests to help her set up schools and orphanages, especially in the more remote country areas. With her friend, Father Julian Tennison-Woods, she started the first religious order in Australia, the Sisters of St Joseph, or the “Josephites”. When Mary became a nun, she took the religious name of Mary of the Cross. Mary and the other nuns shared the life of the poor, offering special care to mothers and children who were without food, shelter or education.  Mary’s example was followed by other women. As a community, we especially celebrate her life with the Sisters of St Joseph, who continue her good work today. The Sisters of St Joseph first built our school and commenced teaching here in Mittagong in 1891.

Mary is remembered for her eagerness to discover God’s will in all things and for her trust in God. Mary MacKillop continues to inspire others to help one another. We pray for our school community of St Michael’s Mittagong, that we will follow the example of Mary MacKillop, and be a sign of faith and hope to all who come here.

FEAST DAY EVENTS
A reminder that the canteen is closed on Thursday. The school will be providing a sausage sizzle lunch for the students on Thursday as part of our St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day celebrations. Students can wear mufti for a gold coin donation to the Maubara Orphanage. Our liturgy will commence at 11.40am. All are welcome to attend.

RETIREMENT
This week we farewell a very special member of our staff and school community, Mrs Jenny Hamilton. Mrs Hamilton has worked at St Michael’s for 11 years, leading our music program and School Liturgy Group. Mrs Hamilton has prepared the musical components of our whole school Masses, liturgies, Year 6 Diocesan Masses, G’Day concerts and Parish Sacramental Masses and liturgies. She has shared her musical talents with both our school and St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral communities. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Hamilton for her enthusiasm, generous spirit and kindness towards all. She has inspired so many children throughout her years in teaching. On behalf of St Michael’s School, I wish Jenny a happy and adventurous retirement. We will definitely miss you.

I would like to share this lovely thank you note, written by Max Gardiner Year 6, which is a great summation of our appreciation for all that Mrs Hamilton has done for us.

Dear Mrs Hamilton,

Thank you so much for being such an amazing teacher and teaching us so much. The school won’t be the same without you. No one is as skilled at writing and playing music as you are. You care so much about every single child you teach. It is going to be extremely hard to replace you. We will all miss you very much, however, I’m extremely lucky to have had a music teacher as awesome as you… we all are! You knew everyone’s capabilities and made us believe we could do anything. The most important thing, is that you didn’t look down on us… you believed and trusted us. I’ll miss you very much Mrs Hamilton, we all will.

From your student,
Max Gardiner.

Image by Lucinda, Kindergarten