On Friday, 8 August, we will mark the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop (Saint Mary of the Cross) Australia’s first canonised saint, who passed away on that date in 1909.

Born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne, Mary MacKillop co‑founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (known as the St Josephites) with Father Julian Tenison Woods in 1866—the first religious order founded by an Australian. Within five years the Josephites had grown rapidly, with over 70 sisters teaching at 21 schools across South Australia by 1869, expanding across Australia and into New Zealand to provide Catholic education and carry out social care in rural and marginalized communities. Our school being one of those schools alongside others.

Her famous motto, “Never see a need without doing something about it”, continues to inspire our school community.

During the week of her feast day, our students will engage in various classroom activities and reflections to deepen their understanding of Saint Mary MacKillop’s life and her contributions to education and social welfare. These activities aim to instill in our students the values of compassion, resilience, and service.

We encourage you to discuss with your children what they have learned about Saint Mary MacKillop and to reflect together on how her legacy continues to influence our school community today.

As Saint Mary demonstrated, true leadership is lived through service, and true faith expressed through care.

Blessings to you all as we remember and celebrate her life together.

Please find below a selection of historical photographs, likely dating from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. These images depict significant buildings associated with the early Catholic community in the area, including the Church of St Mary and St Francis de Sales, the Presbytery, the original schoolhouse, and the convent where the Sisters of St Joseph would have lived.

These photographs are presented alongside a letter written by St Mary MacKillop herself, addressed to the students of the school at that time offering a rare and meaningful insight into her connection with the community and her dedication to Catholic education.

Warmest regards

Ngā mihi nui

Pamela Gallagher

DRS