Retired school principal Michael (Mick) Kenna (SPC 1964-70) sadly passed away on 26 April 2025.
Mick was a day student from St James in Sebastopol and spent seven years at SPC, passing Leaving with seven subjects. He also won four scholastic prizes during his time for English, Geography, Economics and American History.
Mick was a member of the junior choir for two years, the Cadet Unit for three years and also the College Cross Country team.
Mick was profiled in a book produced for the Class of 1970’s 50-Year Reunion five years ago where he enjoyed his time at St Pat’s, making new friends, jerks on the handball courts and huge cream buns from the tuckshop.
He recalled receiving a Saturday morning detention for failing to wear his cap.
“I got it (detention) once when the Brothers didn’t believe that a magpie pinched it off my head while riding home near Bray Raceway. I was a bit upset but took my medicine,” he remembered.
Mick also gave credit to teachers at the time, Br Wynne, and lay teacher, Mr Peter Morris.
“Peter Morris was a big influence on me and my learning. His encouragement and enthusiasm was exceptional. I thank him and the other teachers for their dedication and support.”
After graduating from SPC, Mick went to the University of Melbourne to study arts/economics. But left at the end of 1971. He worked at McEwans in the city and went into the seminary at Werribee, however became unwell and retired from the priesthood.
In 1973, Mick went to Melbourne Teachers College and finished in 1974.
Mick worked at numerous schools during his career, including Bacchus Marsh Primary School, Jordanville and Blackburn South, Bendigo and Costerfield PS.
He switched to the Catholic system and taught at St Liborius in Eaglehawk and became a principal at the following schools, Elmore, Kerang and Echuca.
He journeyed down the road to Rochester as deputy principal at Rochester until 2007, and later joined the chaplaincy program where he worked at the Tongala and Echuca South PS for the next 10 years.
Echuca was home, where he also spent his retirement.
We extend our condolences to Mick’s family, including his former wife Maree, children Matthew, Deanne and Justin and three grandchildren, and his brothers Bernie (former staff), Kevin, Maureen, Alison and Maryanne (dec).
To read more of Mick’s profile published in the Class of 1970 Reunion Book, please click here
