A LOCAL Catholic school celebrated the vision of Australia’s first saint and of the Sisters of St Joseph last Friday.
St Joseph’s School Renmark celebrated Mary MacKillop’s feast day on Friday, August 7, to compensate for celebrating on its actual day on August 8, which this year fell on a Saturday.
Assistant principal for religious identity and mission Michael Slagter said due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s feast day was celebrated differently.
“Usually the school goes to church but due to everything going on, we had to improvise,” he said.
“Each classroom did their own thing by hosting liturgies amongst themselves and learning about who Mary MacKillop was.
“The Sisters of St Joseph – that Mary MacKillop started – founded our school, so it’s important we recognise Mary MacKillop because without her, our school wouldn’t be here.”
Mr Slagter said the students enjoyed spending the past week focussing on Mary MacKillop.
“We talk about Mary MacKillop every day, but dedicating one week and more importantly one day to her was great,” he said.
“They (the students) learnt about who she was, what she did, what they can learn from her and national celebrations.
“The school held a casual day also last Friday with a gold coin donation, with all funds going towards the Mary MacKillop Foundation.”
Mr Slagter said a number of Mary MacKillop’s qualities have “rubbed off” on the students.
“Our school’s motto is ‘in all things love’, and that’s something Mary MacKillop said,” he said.
“We try our best to ensure her legacy is carried on and for that we do lots with the kids to make it happen.
“Students participate in social justice activities and know to always help people in need.
“Our students are always looking out for each other, always ensure their friends are okay, and most importantly, ‘in all things love’.”
Mr Slagter thanked colleague Greg Reeks for his help in the lead up to Mary MacKillop’s feast day.
“Greg Reeks, our visual arts teacher, has been doing artwork with all of the students for the last few weeks in preparation for the feast day,” he said.
“This included looking at the habit and monograms that the Josephite sisters wore and drawing pictures of Mary.
“The students have loved this connection to the art lessons that they receive each week.”

What makes Mary MacKillop so special?