MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 9

With the conclusion of our Open Day and Kinder Connect morning, we want to remind you that our enrolment season is now underway. Currently we are accepting applications from families outside the MCC community, and it’s crucial to act quickly as interviews will be conducted in the coming weeks for all year groups beginning at MCC in 2026.

If you have other children in your family who you wish to enrol at the College, now is the time to submit your applications to secure their places. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

For more information about enrolments, please contact Mrs Farrell or Mrs Scarcella on 7256 2116 or via email smccwenrolments@dbb.org.au

The College will be holding an ANZAC Day Service on Monday , 7th April, at 12:00 PM. This will involve students from Years 7–12, as well as Year 5 students.

The service is an opportunity for our school community to come together in remembrance and reflection, honouring the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. Families are welcome to attend.

In today’s fast-paced world, wellbeing is an essential focus in education, especially for primary school children. As the foundation for their academic, social, and emotional growth, creating a nurturing environment for young learners is crucial. At MacKillop, we currently run Second Steps in Kindergarten through to Year 4 and The Resilience Project in Years 5 and 6.  We then have targeted programs such as Rock and Water with Years 3 and 5 completing their first session this Term and a follow-up session in Term 2. We also run small groups of Seasons for Growth and Body Bright. Each of these programs offers valuable tools to support the mental and emotional well-being of children, and when used together, they form a powerful approach to developing well-rounded, resilient students.

The Second Step program focuses on helping students develop social-emotional skills that promote empathy, impulse control, and problem-solving. 

The Resilience Project focuses on building resilience through the practice of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. It teaches students to shift their focus from what they lack to what they have, cultivating a positive mindset. 

The Rock and Water program emphasises the development of personal resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Its core principles are grounded in mindfulness, self-reflection, and physical awareness. In Rock and Water, children learn to understand their own body language, recognise their emotions, and assert themselves in healthy ways. This program incorporates physical activities that help students build strength and resilience, both mentally and physically.  

Seasons for Growth is a program designed to support children who have experienced significant changes or loss in their lives. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a family breakdown, or a move to a new school, Seasons for Growth offers a structured approach to help children process their emotions. 

The Body Bright program is designed to help children develop a positive relationship with their bodies, fostering confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Through lessons that focus on body image, self-acceptance, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, Body Bright empowers students to feel proud of who they are, inside and out.  This program also emphasizes the importance of looking after one’s body through physical activity and mindful eating, promoting both physical and emotional well-being and will be embedded in our PDH lessons during Term 2.

When combined, Second Steps, Rock and Water, Seasons for Growth, Body Bright and The Resilience Project create a comprehensive framework for fostering well-being. These programs offer a variety of tools that address different aspects of emotional and mental health, from developing empathy and social skills to building resilience in the face of adversity.  Incorporating these programs into the school curriculum not only enhances the academic experience but also nurtures the social and emotional development of students.

PRIMARY LEARNER DIVERSITY NEWS

In an increasingly diverse educational landscape, it is essential that primary schools provide an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. This means ensuring that all learners, regardless of their individual needs, backgrounds, or abilities, feel valued and supported. By embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion, here at MacKillop, every child is supported to succeed both academically and personally.

During Term 2, our Learner Diversity Team will work alongside teachers to complete the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD), a framework that ensures all students, including those with diverse learning needs, are included in mainstream classrooms and provided with the support they need.

The NCCD is an initiative designed to collect data on students with disabilities and additional learning needs across Australian schools. It aims to help schools identify and track the needs of their students in a way that supports their inclusion in the classroom. This data collection helps schools gain a better understanding of the types of support and accommodations that are required to ensure all students can participate in learning and reach their full potential.

At MacKillop, the goal is to create an environment where every student, regardless of their individual needs, is included and engaged in learning alongside their peers. Inclusion is not just about placing students in the same classroom—it’s about ensuring that every child has the tools and support they need to succeed.  By using the data from the NCCD, schools can better understand the unique challenges that some students may face, whether it's due to a disability, learning difficulty, language barrier, or cultural difference. With this information, teachers can make necessary adjustments to teaching methods, classroom materials, and assessment techniques, ensuring that learning is accessible to all students.

Inclusive education is not just beneficial for students with learning needs—it enriches the experience of all students. In a diverse classroom, students learn valuable life skills such as empathy, collaboration, and respect for others. They are exposed to different perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking, which broadens their understanding of the world.  Furthermore, inclusive classrooms foster a sense of belonging for all students. When children are included in the classroom setting, they develop a positive self-image and a greater sense of confidence. This contributes to their emotional and social development, preparing them for future challenges.

As our school community continues to grow, we embrace and celebrate diversity, it is vital to remain committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to high-quality education. Inclusion is not a one-time effort but a continuous journey. With a collective commitment to diversity and inclusion, we can create an educational environment that values every learner and fosters a sense of community and belonging for all.

Allison Passafaro  | Primary Classroom Teacher, Coordinator Learner Diversity and Wellbeing K - 6

Harmony Week was a truly memorable celebration for our school community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our guest speakers Mrs. Sara Rajasekaran, Mrs. Mahid Mohamed, Mrs. Vanessa Buckland, and Mrs. Ingrid Ampie, for sharing their rich cultural heritage and religious identity with our Primary students. Additionally, our Secondary students took the lead in organizing and conducting various cultural activities, adding to the vibrancy and inclusivity of the event. Thank you to everyone involved. 

Sarah Shorter | EALD Teacher (Primary)

First Holy Communion

With First Holy Communion just around the corner, I’d like to share Mary’s Faithful Wardrobe with the community. We offer a beautiful collection of sacramental garments that are available to borrow for your child’s special day. If you’re in need of a garment, please see the details below.

Blessings,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

Celebrating Unity and Diversity

On Friday, March 28th, our school community united to celebrate Harmony Day—a day dedicated to fostering unity and embracing the diversity of cultures within our wider community. It was an inspiring opportunity for students to support and appreciate one another, creating a shared sense of belonging and strengthening our identity as the Mackillop community.

In the midst of busy school life for students, parents, and staff alike, Harmony Day provided us with a moment to pause, celebrate, and come together in solidarity. It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm of our students as they embraced the day’s activities, forming meaningful connections and demonstrating their commitment to our shared ideals.
For me personally, the colour run stood out as the most poignant moment of the day. Watching students from Kindergarten to Year 12 burst with excitement and joy as they dashed through sprays of water and vibrant coloured powder reminded me of why I chose to become a teacher. These moments of pure happiness reaffirm the core essence of our College: ensuring every student is known, cared for, and cherished within our community.

The day also featured other remarkable events:

• Cultural Dancing: Students came together to celebrate and cheer for performances that showcased the richness and diversity of different cultures.
• Harmony Day Banner: Colourful handprints contributed by students formed a physical symbol of unity, beautifully representing the spirit of inclusion and connection.

Hearing a group of Year 2 students declare, "This is the best day ever!" brought home the true meaning of Harmony Day for me. It reflects the mission of our namesake, St. Mary Mackillop, who championed the care and dignity of every individual.
Acknowledgments

A heartfelt thanks to Mrs Elcoate, Mrs Kenney, Mrs Shorter, Mrs Marien, Mrs Baird, Mrs Higgins, Mr Hodgeson, Mr Snelling and our remarkable Student Leaders for their meticulous planning and dedication. Your hard work ensured that Harmony Day was a memorable and transformative experience for all.

Parent Engagement Talk

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with a portion of the parent body about wellbeing for learning at Mackillop Catholic College. This session provided invaluable insights into the needs of our community and how we can further strengthen our partnership to support our students.
I came away with a deeper understanding of key areas of focus, particularly the importance of addressing the needs of students from neurodiverse backgrounds. This dialogue has given us meaningful points of discussion as we continue to improve and refine our approach to whole-school wellbeing.
As a College, we remain committed to proactive wellbeing strategies throughout 2025. I look forward to sharing new initiatives and experiences in this space as the year unfolds, ensuring we provide the best possible support for our students and their families.

You can see some of the fun on our website: Harmony Day Photo Gallery

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K-12

Our Harmony Day celebration was a resounding success, thoughtfully designed by our Student Leadership Team to reflect the four key portfolios: Wellbeing, Culture, Mission, and House. The day brought together 1,600 students from K–12 and 150 staff, engaging in vibrant activities that united our community, celebrated our diversity, and raised awareness for Project Compassion—all while having an unforgettable time!

One of the biggest highlights was the colour run, where both students and staff embraced the spirit of the day, covered in every shade of the rainbow across the oval. The Year 12-led dance party was a massive hit, filling the campus with energy and joy.

Students also took part in a cultural mural, each contributing a handprint representing their heritage, which was then displayed as a banner of unity. Inside the hall, cultural activities thrived—from Samoan clapping and Aboriginal dance to ballroom dancing, Auslan, Japanese action songs, German "Choo Choo Wa," singing "Happy Birthday" in Polish, and origami workshops.

Together, our community raised over $3,500 for Project Compassion, reinforcing our commitment to making a difference. The smiles, laughter, and shared experiences made this a day to remember.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff and student leaders who made this event possible. Special recognition goes to the organising committee: Sarah Shorter, Sherylyn Kenney, Lucy Marien, Jessica Higgins, Sharon Baird, James Hodgeson, and Tim Snelling. Our Secondary Student Leaders also played a pivotal role in planning and leading activities—your dedication and leadership are truly appreciated.

Harmony Day was a testament to the strength of our community, and we look forward to many more celebrations of diversity and togetherness in the future!

You can see some of the fun on our website: Harmony Day Photo Gallery

Rachael Elcoate | Lead organiser - Harmony Day

Last week, Mrs Walters wrote about preparing for exams and tests. This week I’m going to explain a strategy that can help to improve your ability to recall information and skills; it’s called spaced practice. This technique involves reviewing material at increasing intervals, which helps strengthen long-term memory.

Why It Works:
When you revisit information after short, spaced intervals, it reinforces the connections in your brain. This helps move the information from short-term to long-term memory, making recall easier during exams.

How to Use It:

1. Break your study material into manageable chunks (e.g., chapters or topics).
2. Review regularly: Start by revisiting the material after one day, then after a week, then two weeks, and so on.
3. Test yourself: Each time you review, try to recall the information without looking at your notes. Active recall strengthens memory.

Incorporate Spaced Retrieval with Other Methods:

Combine spaced retrieval with strategies like Pomodoro or using palm cards (outlined last week) to boost memory retention and engagement.

Spaced practice isn’t just for exams—it helps improve overall learning and prepares you for success throughout the school year.

For more information, check out the Learning Scientists or watch this video or this one for a bit more detail.

Erin Sullivan | K-12 Professional Growth Lead

ANZAC Day

As we head towards the school holidays, I want to take this opportunity to encourage any of our students and their families to join us for ANZAC Day march in Toukley.  I think its very important as a school to have a strong presence on this important National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating the service and sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. 

I’m very aware that the MacKillop Community has a long-held association with the Toukley Branch of the RSL over many years and I’m keen to ensure this is sustained and built upon.  If you can come along on that last Friday of the holidays and march with us, we would be most appreciative.

The march begins at the Toukley Mall and moves down the main street to the Garden of Remembrance at the Toukley RSL.  We ask that students gather in their school uniform at 9.30am for a 9.45am start.  College leaders in both Primary and Secondary are expected to attend and lay a wreath at the Toukley Cenotaph.

Please consider joining us for this significant cultural community event.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

M.U.S.E is an exciting new project which took flight this term and it stands for:

Mackillop Unveils Students of Excellence. 

M.U.S.E is both a website and a team of passionate writers, artists and content creators who will develop and run this student-centric website. This platform allows students in the team an opportunity to cultivate leadership and work-ready skills as M.U.S.E functions as an actual publishing site. Whilst it is overseen by Miss Mulder, the student team is the voice that will decide the future direction of this site and how it will evolve alongside the college.

The first order of business this term has been building the website to align with our creative vision and the MCC Educational Model and filling it with outstanding stories, articles and art created by students. In addition to this, we are currently developing a diverse range of activities designed to extend students and inspire creativity; thus, the site can be utilised as a homework tool by parents looking for further learning opportunities for their child. 

We are aiming to officially launch M.U.S.E in Term 3 so it is available to support and inspire student learning both in the classroom and beyond. Once the website has been launched, students across the entire K - 12 campus are encouraged to enter the writing competitions, show their excellence within the classroom or upload work to the given portals for consideration to be published. 

Future roles in the MU.S.E Publishing Team will be advertised once the website has been launched.

Here is a sneak peek of the website's homepage.

In the meantime, I would like to thank the students whose written and artistic talents have been used in the website so far, as well as those in the M.U.S.E. Publishing Team who will be instrumental in ensuring both the success and sustainability of this wonderful initiative. The passion and willingness of students to be involved in endeavours such as this truly showcases the selflessness, diligence and excellence of our students here at MacKillop Catholic College.

Shannon Mulder | English Teacher, Editor-in-Chief

The Creative Arts Faculty is thriving with artistic energy! Offering subjects including Visual Arts, Visual Design, Photographic and Digital Media, Ceramics, and Photography, Video and Digital Imaging, students from Year 7 to Year 12 are exploring creativity through various mediums.

As students work towards their assessment tasks—which include both a practical component and a written response—the art rooms are a hive of activity. To support their progress, they are open three lunchtimes a week for additional studio time.

Currently, Year 7 and 8 students have begun their paintings, while Year 9 Visual Arts students are refining their coloured pencil techniques in drawings of lollies. Year 10 students are creating large-scale paintings, and in Ceramics, they are sculpting hand-built clay cars. Year 11 Visual Arts students have completed Australian landscape-inspired works while studying Australian art history. Visual Design and PVDI students are mastering Photoshop, and Photography students have captured stunning still-life compositions.

Meanwhile, Year 12 students are immersed in their HSC Bodies of Work, recently visiting ARTEXPRESS for inspiration. A highlight of the Creative Arts Centre is its exhibition space, where students proudly display their artworks.

We can’t wait to see their final creations!

The fabulous new MCC backpacks have arrived. Preordered backpacks should have been received now but there are a large number ready and waiting to be purchased from the Uniform Shop for $100. They are ergonomically designed to distribute the weight of books and laptops as well as last for the years of schooling ahead.

The Vacation Care programs offer a wide range of activities catering to children of different ages, interests and needs. We also head out and about on a range of local excursions.

They provide a stimulating environment that is filled with enjoyable activities that harness the children’s interests and strengths while respecting their need for leisure.

To register www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/vacation-care

Camps are an integral part of school life. Away from the daily classroom, teachers and students have an opportunity to engage in new experiences and master new skills.

Listed below are tentative camp dates for 2025. Please consider these dates when booking holidays or other leave requests to take your child/ren out of school. As camps are compulsory school events, we are unable to credit or refund camp costs for non-attendance.

Year 5                 29 October to 31 October 2025

Year 6                 7 April to 9 April 2025

Year 7                 14 May to 16 May 2025

Year 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Friday 31 January  – Student Free Day/ Staff Development Day
Monday 3 February – Year 7 and Year 1-6 First Day back at school. New students Years 8-11 (morning session) Kindergarten Assessments
Tuesday 4 February – Year 8-12 First Day back at school.  Kindergarten Assessments
Wednesday 5 February – First Day Kindergarten
Friday 11 April – Last Day Term 1

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass