This week we fondly celebrate our Australian Saint Mary MacKillop. For more than a century after her death, St Mary MacKillop's vision for education continues to shape teaching and learning in Catholic schools across Australia. Her conviction that every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and access to quality education resonates strongly with contemporary educational research and practice. At the same time, her legacy connects powerfully with that of our own St John Baptist de La Salle, who is the patron saint of teachers, whose commitment to educational excellence transformed schooling for young people, especially the poor.
Both saints believed that education was much more than the transmission of knowledge. It was a sacred duty that formed the whole person; mind, heart, and spirit. Their shared vision remains at the heart of Catholic education today. Mary MacKillop believed deeply in the transformative power of education and the responsibility of teachers to nurture both the minds and hearts of their students, she wrote: "We must teach more by example than by word."
This insight remains highly relevant for educators today. Students are influenced not only by what teachers say, but also by the values, character, and compassion they model every day in the classroom. Furthermore, Catholic schools have become home to activities which engage young people with the living actions of the Gospel through various outreach programs, immersions, pastoral and social action programs. Young people are changed through meaningful action. In the Oakhill College context this fosters the character building of young persons to not simply learn theory but to bring theory to life through lived praxis. Learning must expand beyond the four walls of a classroom into situations where experiences interact with theory to form wisdom through reflection. This cycle of learning has inspired the greatest of personalities to enact change, not unlike our own Mary MacKillop.
Similarly, St John Baptist de La Salle viewed teaching as a vocation and a ministry. He challenged educators to see Christ in each student and to recognise that teaching is an act of service. His vision calls teachers to create learning environments where students are known, respected, and encouraged to flourish. Together, these two saints remind us that great teaching begins with authentic relationships where the experiences that build wisdom are forged.
This perspective aligns closely with the work of Professor John Hattie, whose research on Visible Learning identifies teacher-student relationships, teacher clarity, and effective feedback as among the most significant influences on student achievement. Hattie argues that learning is enhanced when teachers know their students well and maintain high expectations for all learners. St Mary MacKillop and St John Baptist de La Salle lived these principles long before they were supported by contemporary research. Both believed that every child was capable of growth, learning, and success.
The educational mission of these saints also connects with the work of Barak Rosenshine. His Principles of Instruction emphasise explicit teaching, guided practice, regular review, questioning, and checking for understanding. Mary MacKillop was determined that students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, should receive high-quality education rather than simply access to schooling. Likewise, De La Salle revolutionised education by introducing structured lesson sequences, teacher preparation, and classroom practices that supported effective learning. Their commitment to educational excellence reflects what Rosenshine now identifies as evidence-based teaching practice.
Mary's vision further reflects the thinking of Lev Vygotsky, who emphasised the importance of social interaction and collaborative learning. The schools established by the Sisters of St Joseph became communities where students learned within supportive relationships. Likewise, De La Salle emphasised the importance of community, both among teachers and students, believing that learning flourished when people worked together towards shared goals.
The influence of Nel Noddings' ethics of care can also be seen in the lives of both saints. Noddings argues that relationships should be central to education and that students learn best when they feel valued and cared for. This philosophy is evident in the compassion shown by Mary MacKillop towards the poor and vulnerable, and in De La Salle's commitment to serving young people who were often overlooked by society.
One of Mary MacKillop's most enduring statements was: "Never see a need without doing something about it." This quote continues to inspire educators today. It encourages teachers to recognise and respond to the academic, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of their students. Whether providing additional support, encouraging resilience, or creating opportunities for success, educators continue to live out Mary's mission.
Today, Catholic educators draw on the insights of researchers such as Hattie, Rosenshine, Vygotsky, and Noddings while remaining grounded in the enduring wisdom of St Mary MacKillop and St John Baptist de La Salle. Together, these saints remind us that effective teaching combines strong relationships, evidence-based practice, care for the individual, and a commitment to excellence.
As we celebrate her feast day on Saturday 8th August, St Mary MacKillop’s legacy is fundamentally defined by her extraordinary courage and unwavering vision to serve those cast aside by 19th century society. At a time when women had little formal authority, she possessed the foresight to recognise that breaking the cycle of poverty required accessible, tuition-free education, establishing a radically egalitarian order of sisters who lived simply among the poor. Bringing this vision to life demanded immense moral bravery: MacKillop stood firm against formidable institutional pressure, enduring public scandal, financial ruin, and even wrongful excommunication rather than compromise the independence of her mission.
Today, that same courage serves as a vital blueprint for the future of Catholic education. Mary MacKillop challenges contemporary schools to look beyond academic metrics and remain deeply attentive to modern forms of marginalisation. By embodying her willingness to challenge systemic barriers and advocate fiercely for social justice, modern educators ensure that Catholic education remains a transformative force for inclusion, dignity, and active, living faith.
Mr Jason Scanlon
Academic Head of Religious Education
