By Roman Kulkewycz
A Columba Catholic Primary School student received the MacKillop Social Justice Award at a recent graduation ceremony.
Grade 6 student Clancy Cunningham was presented the award at a graduation ceremony at the school on Tuesday 13 December.
He will begin his secondary studies at Marist Sion College in Warragul next year.
Principal Andrew Greco said the MacKillop Award, which is sponsored by the Bunyip Community Newsletter, recognises an outstanding individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and commitment to promoting and practising diversity, inclusion, equity, and access at Columba Catholic Primary School.
“Clancy has demonstrated courage to work for the good of others and always set a good example for his peers,” Mr Greco said.
Thirty-one Grade 6 students graduated from the primary school this year and will continue their studies at high schools in 2023.
Mr Greco also acknowledged the efforts of all the students graduating.
Seven other hardworking students also received awards on the night.
Mary Helen MacKillop RSJ was an Australian religious sister who has been declared a saint by the Catholic Church as St Mary of the Cross.
Of Scottish descent, she was born in Melbourne but is best known for her activities in South Australia.
Together with Julian Tenison-Woods, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of religious sisters that established a number of schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand, with the emphasis on education for the rural poor.
