12 October 2020

In a lovely gesture of community engagement, the students of St Macartan’s School, Mornington, have created cards and artwork for the local hospital, The Bays.

Holli, Year 5 (pictured), wrote one of the cards to the healthcare workers from home during distance learning.

Staff at The Bays Hospital were delighted with the gift. ‘The beautiful children from St Macartan’s Primary School have created colourful and vibrant artwork and messages of hope to brighten up the day for staff, patients and visitors. Thank you from everyone at The Bays Healthcare Group, we appreciate your kindness.’

St Mac’s star reel

Another way the St Macartan’s community has been making connections is through the Year 6 student leaders. With the help of their Visual Arts Teacher, Kristy Hayes, and Performing Arts Teacher, Nicole Lee, the Year 6 leaders have reached out to some local sports stars and celebrities, some of whom are former students of St Macartan’s. The celebrities responded with short videos encouraging the students, teachers and parents, which Mrs Hayes put together with video messages from the students.

One of the stars was Carlton footballer, Tom De Koning, who said: ‘I look back on my St Mac’s journey and I have so many good memories. I remember I used to just love working hard in class and then heading outside and being active and kicking the footy. It’s really important for you guys to make sure you’re still doing that. Keep getting outside and being active, kicking the footy, shooting the basketball. I just wanted to let you know that I’m really proud of you guys and what you’re doing. We’re all going to get through it and we’re going to come out stronger. I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to all the teachers that I had back in St Mac’s. Miss Wilson especially. I remember that class like it was yesterday. I’ve got so many good memories and so many friends from that class that I’m still really good friends with today. I look back on that and just smile. I’ll have to come back and visit you guys soon when this is all over and everything’s back to normal. Hopefully Carlton can finish off the season strong and we’ll go out there and get the win for you guys.’

Another local sports hero was Julie Corletto, who went to school with Mrs Hayes. Julie played netball for Australia in three World Cups and the Commonwealth Games, coming away with four gold medals, and also won a premiership with the Melbourne Vixens. Julie now runs netball clinics for young netballers. Knowing how hard it has been this year, Julie donated a netball and offered these words of encouragement: ‘Congratulations on doing such a great job and working hard from home. I know everyone will be missing sport so much, I know I am, but the hard work now will pay off later. So stick at it, do what you can with your friends and family that are close to you, look out for each other.’

The video also has messages from other former St Mac’s students including Sam De Koning, who plays for Geelong, and Greater Western Sydney player Lachie Whitfield. Other celebrities in the video include retired Australian water polo player, Ashleigh Southern and AFLW players, Chloe Molloy (Collingwood) and Holly Whitford (Richmond). There is also a message from Chrissie, Sam and Browny from NovaFM.