MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 9

NAIDOC Week Matters

This year marks a powerful milestone of 50 years of NAIDOC Week. This celebration honours and elevates the voices of First Nations People, culture and resilience. The theme for 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy and this strongly positions the potential of all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially our young people in whom we empower to give life to the legacy of their ancestors. In empowering the next generation, we open ourselves to the wisdom that comes from the stories and songlines that have echoes across our country for a millennium. We give power to the vision of our young people to lead, speak and act and ignite their potential so that they become agents of change in our world. We give strength to the lasting legacy of their ancestors and remind ourselves of our responsibility to seek reconciliation. 

What is the history of NAIDOC Week?

The origins of NAIDOC Week stem back to 1938, and the inaugural Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning was held on the day before Australia Day and was a protest marking the 150th anniversary of the arrival of settlers to Australia. It was organised to highlight the plight of Indigenous Australians and to open a political dialogue. It was a success and raised public awareness. In 1957, the day was moved from January to July and became a celebration as well as a memorial, and in 1991, it was made a week-long celebration and expanded to include Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves - driven by the unwavering strength of First Nations communities, the shared vision and the enduring legacy that is passed on to those who will shape our future of our nation.

The National NAIDOC Committee reminds us that every story shared, every act of resilience remembered, and every cultural practice celebrated, honours a legacy that reaches far into the past and extends into the future. Guided by this wisdom, we as a school community acknowledged our First Nations students, their families and Elders to join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Friday, 27 June, is a student free day for Parent and Teacher Interviews across K-12. Please make sure you make a booking if you haven't already done so.

Friday

Parent and Teacher Interviews continue for Primary & Secondary until approximately 3.30 pm.

Friday is a student-free day, K-12. For families needing assistance with care, please contact CatholicCare OSHC, as they are open on this day.

Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles

Gospel Acclamation: 

“You are Peter the rock on which I will build my Church; the gates of hell will not hold out against it. Mt 16:18

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Head of Primary

I would like to begin with a sincere apology that I may have inadvertently caused offence to members of our community by jointly celebrating NAIDOC Week alongside MacKillop House Day celebrations.  We, as a College community, acknowledge the importance of both NAIDOC Week and MacKillop House Day as separate events. As a result of this, I have decided to postpone MacKillop House Day celebrations until Week 2, Term 3.  In hindsight, I can appreciate that there were too many events scheduled, which impacts the aim to give each celebration the focus and respect it deserves.

Please note that students are to wear the MacKillop sports uniform on Thursday, July 3.

I would also like to take this opportunity to farewell Mrs. Sherylyn Kenney, who will begin her leave this Friday.  In Terms 3 and 4, Mrs Kenney will assume her role as caretaker Principal at St. Cecilia’s, Wyong.  We will miss Mrs. Kenney’s guidance, wisdom, leadership and sense of fun! However, we know that it is only for a short time as she will return to MacKillop ready for 2026.  In Mrs. Kenney’s absence, Mrs. Chris Shilling will assume the role of Deputy Head of Primary. 

Blessings for a wonderful week

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

On Monday, our Kindergarten students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Australian Reptile Park — and what a day it was! The children had a wonderful time exploring the park and discovering a variety of amazing animals.

From hopping kangaroos and cuddly koalas to creepy crawlies like spiders and snakes, the Komodo Dragon and giant tortoise, the kids were thrilled by every encounter. They also spotted frogs, birds, a wombat, and many other fascinating reptiles and creatures throughout the day.

One of the highlights was the interactive show, where the children had the opportunity to meet some incredible reptiles up close. They were introduced to a friendly blue-tongue lizard, slithering snakes, a crocodile, and even Fluffy, the diamond python!  Mrs Power was the lucky one who got to have a very up-close cuddle with Fluffy! The show was both educational and entertaining, sparking curiosity and lots of giggles.

It was a memorable day full of learning, laughter, and adventure. A big thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Reptile Park for making the experience so special for the students. A big thank you also goes out to our very own staff and parent volunteers for all their preparation and help on the day.

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator K - 12

Week 1 of Term 3, on Friday 25 July, we will celebrate Grandparents Day.  This is the day before the Feast of Sts Joachim & Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, on July 26.  We invite all grandparents to attend Open Classrooms from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Then to pray at a Liturgy at 10.15 am in our Church, followed by Morning Tea with their grandchildren. The Morning Tea will be in the COLA with a cake stall open for purchases.  Classes will be brought up by their teachers to the COLA area to purchase cakes. This cake stall is presented by the Year 6 Classes (with support from Year 5) who are raising money for their Graduation Celebration at the end of the year. Year 6 will also display their Portrait Artwork called ‘Inspiring Elders’ in the Library. Please ask your grandparents and significant elders to make themselves available to celebrate this special day on your calendar. 

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/zRbth2V0aK

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy 

As NAIDOC Week 2025 approaches (6–13 July), our College community proudly embraces this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” This powerful message invites all Australians to reflect on the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to honour the visionary leadership that continues to shape our nation, and to celebrate the rich legacy passed down through generations. 

At our College, we continue to foster cultural understanding and respect across our K–12 community. During Week 10, we will celebrate NAIDOC Week through a range of meaningful activities that honour the voices, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Our celebrations will include: 

• Liturgies in both Primary and Secondary, to reflect on the theme and pay respect to Country and culture 
• Classroom activities that explore Indigenous perspectives, stories, and achievements 
• A K–12 Art Competition, showcasing student creativity inspired by this year’s theme 

These events are more than just celebrations, they are opportunities to deepen our understanding, strengthen our connections, and walk together in the spirit of reconciliation. 

As a College, we believe in building upon the foundations laid by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are proud to support the leadership, identity, and pride of all our students, and we remain committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all. 

Let us come together this NAIDOC Week to honour the past, celebrate the present, and empower the next generation to carry forward the strength, vision, and legacy of the world’s oldest living cultures. 

Alexandra Walters | Deputy Head of Student Achievement 7-12

We would like to remind you that there are restricted or no parking areas around the school, which are indicated by continuous yellow lines near the curb or red "No Stopping" signposts. It is crucial to adhere to these regulations, as parking in these zones not only disrupts local traffic flow but may also result in a $300 fine. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school area safe and accessible for everyone. 

Every day Counts – Featuring Maddy Proud
This week, we continue our focus on school attendance with a spotlight on Australian netballer and author, Maddy Proud. Maddy shares fond memories from her school days and reflects on how those early experiences helped shape her journey as an elite athlete. Her message is powerful: turning up every day builds resilience, discipline, and the consistency needed to succeed, on and off the court.

Turning Up Matters
While we've seen encouraging signs of improvement in attendance, a number of students remain below our 90% target. That equates to at least one day off every fortnight—which may seem small but adds up quickly. Regular absences affect not just academic progress but also students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing. So, let’s keep it simple: lace up, step up, and turn up. It really does make all the difference.

Staying Focused as the Term Winds Down
As we near the end of Term 2, it's not uncommon to notice a dip in student behaviour. Some students feel like they’re being singled out, especially when tensions rise. Our wellbeing team continues to support students by helping them shift focus toward what they can control. Small actions—like arriving to class on time, being prepared, and demonstrating a willingness to learn—go a long way in building stronger relationships with teachers and peers alike.

Student Leadership on the Rise
There’s been a remarkable show of enthusiasm for leadership this term. It's been truly heartening to see so many students step forward, eager to make a difference. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Elcoate, Mrs Beeson, and Mrs Price for guiding and supporting our future leaders. Stay tuned—we have more exciting leadership announcements just around the corner.

A Note of Gratitude
To our parent community: thank you for your ongoing support. As Dr Ross Greene reminds us, “Children do well if they can.” Your partnership and open communication make a meaningful difference in helping each student thrive. We're excited to share some new initiatives launching in Semester 2—and in the meantime, we hope your family enjoys a safe and restful holiday break.

Warm regards,

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

Get ready, MacKillop community - something exciting is coming!

The M.U.S.E is a brand-new digital hub where student voice and imagination take centre stage. Launching in Term 3, this platform will showcase the incredible creativity of young writers here at the College and across the Diocese through original stories, poetry, articles, and thought-provoking discussions. Teachers will have the opportunity to identify students excelling in the field of writing and put them forward for publishing on the site, so their words can find an audience.

Designed as a vibrant, ever-evolving space, The M.U.S.E. empowers students to share evocative stories and perspectives and inspire other young creatives. Whether students are crafting a dystopian or fantasy story, responding to the world through poetry, writing persuasive opinion pieces, or simply want to join conversations that matter - this is their space.

The site will also feature:

• 🎯 An activity section aimed at extending our students in a creative way.
• 📚 Resources to improve and elevate their writing craft.
• 💬 Digital spaces that can evolve alongside our College, so the possibilities are endless!

Sharpen your pencils students (or power up your keyboard) — The M.U.S.E. is coming soon!

Your stories.

Your voice.

Your platform.

Shannon Mulder  | Founder of M.U.S.E - English Teacher

Last week, four students from MacKillop took part in the Broken Bay Venio retreat at Peter Canisius House, a Jesuit Monastery. Below is a personal recount from one of the students who attended, showing how the retreat has had an impact on her faith:

"From June 19th to 21st, I had the opportunity to attend Venio, a three-day Youth Ministry retreat organised by our diocese. I went with three other students from our school, and each school in the diocese sent a small group, so the retreat felt personal and impactful.

The word “Venio” is Latin for “come” or “arise,” and this theme carried through the entire retreat, guiding us to come closer to God, rise in our faith, and be open to where we are being called.

Throughout the retreat, we did a range of activities:

- We spent time in adoration, followed by the opportunity for Reconciliation. I personally didn’t go to confession because it was an emotional moment for me during that time, but I understand that everyone who went felt free and full of joy after they participated.

- We did a lot of journaling, which gave us space to reflect and process what we were experiencing.

- We had the opportunity to take part in prayer teams if we wanted, which were small groups led by two teachers where you could share what you wanted prayer for, and they would pray over you.

- One of the most meaningful parts for me was the labyrinth prayer. Each of us received a pebble and wrote our name on it. As we walked the path in silence, we reflected deeply. At the centre was a sacred space with candles, jars of holy water, and markers. We closed our eyes, waited for a word we felt God was giving us, wrote it on the back of the pebble, and took a jar of holy water home with us. It felt personal and symbolic.

- On the final morning, we prayed the Rosary with Sister Josie from St Brigid’s. It was quiet, peaceful, and a good way to end the retreat.

- We also had a session of meditation, and listened to talks from teachers and leaders who shared inspiring lessons and their experiences with faith and the Holy Spirit.

The retreat ended with a Mass, followed by lunch. During lunch, the priest gave a general group blessing, and people had the chance to get their pebbles from the labyrinth blessed, along with Bibles or other items. I had my cross necklace and pebble blessed, which made the whole experience feel even more special and meaningful.

The whole retreat felt like a safe space to be real about where I’m at with my faith. It reminded me that God doesn’t expect perfection, just honesty and openness.

Venio helped me reconnect with God in a way that felt personal and calm, and I’m grateful I got the chance to go. Thank you to all the teachers from across the diocese, especially Mr Sadler for taking us, and Mr Tobin from St Peter’s for organising the retreat."

Ashley Sadler | Youth Ministry Coordinator

In Week 6 of this term, MacKillop proudly hosted the Stage 4 Josie Mitchell Debating Competition, welcoming students from four local schools. Representing our school with confidence and skill were: Leila G (7), Charlotte L (7), Katherine M-M (7), Jaya W (7), Evangaline K (8), Kaylee P (8), Dean W(8),  Malak A (8) and Angel W (8). This talented team debated passionately and just missed a place in the finals. A number of Year 10 students also adjudicated and helped everything to run smoothly on the day: Florence Mc, Isabella W, Seleena D, Evie D and Bailey F. A special thank you to Mr Ashley Sadler for organising and hosting the event, and to Miss Caitlyn Martland for her dedication as our debating coach.

Meanwhile, Year 8 students have been delving into the art of documentary filmmaking. Using the documentary Ningaloo Nyinggulu, they examined how filmmakers shape audience perception through the strategic use of expert voices, factual information, and techniques like camera angles, voiceovers, and music. Students then took the reins, developing their own documentary topics and planning trailers to pitch their ideas.

As we transition from fact to fiction, students across multiple year levels are reminded to have their novels ready for next term. Being prepared from Day 1 of Term 3 will ensure full participation in upcoming class discussions and activities.

Here’s what each year group should be reading:

Year 7 The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket 

Year 8 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling 

Year 11 Standard The Story of Tom Brennan by J.C. Burke 

Year 11 Advanced The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Finally, Year 12 students are now on the home stretch toward their Trial HSC Examinations. In the first two weeks of Term 3, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in HSC lock-in sessions held after school. The English Lock-in is scheduled for Wednesday of Week 2 — a valuable chance to consolidate knowledge and refine exam strategies.

Kathy Yates | Leader of Learning and Teaching English

Next Term, our Year 8 students will begin preparing for Stage 5 by selecting their elective subjects for Years 9 and 10. This is a significant step in each student’s educational journey, as they begin to personalise their learning and explore areas of interest that may shape their future pathways. 

Electives in Stage 5 not only enhance the learning experience but can also influence subject selections in senior years and beyond. To support this process, we will hold an information session in Term 3, Week 1 on Thursday.  

Students will receive the course handbook prior to the evening. During the session, families and students will have the opportunity to speak with teachers about the courses on offer, what is involved, and the expectations. This evening is designed to help students make confident and well-informed decisions. Please make sure you save Thursday, 24 July, Week 1, in your calendar. 

Alexandra Walters | Deputy Head of Secondary, Student Achievement

On Tuesday, we announced the new College Portfolios, Cabinet and Parliament. Our Aspire Leadership program provides additional opportunities for MCC students to create a lasting legacy for the College community.

Congratulations to every student who was involved in the nomination process for our leadership program. You all showed great pride and passion for MacKillop and your fellow students.

The formal Commissioning Ceremony will be held on Friday, 25 July. At this time, we will also announce the College Captains, Vice Captains and Portfolio Captains.

We, as a school community, look forward to the year ahead, knowing that we are in great hands with the new Student Leadership Team.

Our Term 3 Parenting Course program has been released with a great variety of courses available for local parents / carers including;

• Circle of Security
• CHIME Project - Circle of Security
• Bringing Up Great Kids
• Fear-Less Triple P Positive Parenting Program
• Stepping Stones Triple P Positive Parenting Program
  

Our courses are free for eligible parents and carers on the Central Coast. To register for a course simply visit www.ccfss.org.au/course-work-programs/ or for more details call us on 4340 1585.

Please be advised that enrolments are now open for CatholicCare’s July Vacation Care Program.

Families are able to register here: www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/vacation-care

CatholicCares 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.

The environment that they provide is stimulating and enjoyable, with activities that harness the children’s interests and strengths, while respecting their need for leisure.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to respond to this email or speak to the OSHC Coordinator at your school.

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 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Thu 26 Jun - 2:00PM - 8:00PM Sec Parent Teacher Interview Evening
Thu 26 Jun - 3:30PM - 6:30PM Pri Parent Teacher Interviews Evening
Fri 27 Jun - 8:45AM - 3:00PM K-12 Parent Teacher Day
Sun 29 Jun - 10:00AM - 11:00AM Pri Yr 3 Confirmation Session 2
Fri 4 July - K-12 Pupil Free Day and Year 7-11 Report Released

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass