MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 6

22^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Take my yoke upon you; learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” Mt 11:29

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Head of Primary

Book Week is a wonderful time when we acknowledge the gift of reading.  Mary MacKillop understood that education was the way out of poverty, and her vision provided thousands of young people with a better life. Mary’s original schools had very simple resources and basic books to teach students to read.

In today’s world, the Science of Reading is an interdisciplinary study of science-based research on how we read. It combines elements of cognitive neuroscience, psychology, education and linguistics.

All these elements have led scientists, psychologists and teachers to conclude that students need systematic, explicit instruction in order to successfully read. Students need to learn the foundations of word recognition (letters, sounds and phonics concepts) and language comprehension (syntax, vocabulary, etc.) to be successful readers. If you want to see this in action, just ask a student in our K-2 classes about phonemes and graphemes.

The ability to read is a skill we should never underestimate, and developing a love of the written word, of reading and of books is vital to our individual growth and the development of our nation. So many talented authors have produced countless books over the centuries, providing magical gateways into other times, places and imagined worlds.  I buy lots of books, and opening a new book always fills me with joy.  I hope that Book Week brings beautiful memories of your own most loved stories, and I encourage you to pass this love onto your children and grandchildren. This week’s Book Fair has provided an opportunity to purchase some new additions for your bookshelves or put aside for a special occasion. 

Our Book Parade is always a magnificent highlight, and it is wonderful to see this celebration grow every year.  I love the commitment to character from our smallest students in Kindergarten to our wonderful Senior students. It was a day filled with fun and joy. Thank you to our amazing librarians who have provided many enrichment experiences over the last two weeks, all in the encouragement and love of reading.

Wellbeing Week

Last week we celebrated Wellbeing Week, and despite the wet weather, teachers and students enjoyed a range of activities that opened up the conversation around self-care and prioritising healthy pursuits.  I want to send a big ‘shoutout’ to the Year 6 Wellbeing Leaders, Isabella and Hannah, who are always enthusiastic in their involvement and encouragement of these activities.

Winter Sleepout

Last Friday, 22 August, MCC hosted the annual Vinnie’s Winter Sleepout in support of our local chapter of St Vincent DePaul.  This year, around 40 Year 6 students joined the large Secondary group to play fun icebreaker games and listen to speakers who delivered information about the challenges of ‘living rough’ on the Central Coast.  Following a humble meal of soup or noodles and a bread roll, the junior students left for home.  Senior students stayed and shared stories, built cardboard shelters and enjoyed company over cups of warm Milo.  Finally, the students used the cardboard to create a bed and shelter for the night’s sleep.  As the sun rose on Saturday morning, we packed up the cardboard beds and headed home for the weekend.  Such experiences are a gift in that they provide authentic expressions of challenge and gratefulness.  I commend these young people for their willingness to face the challenges of homelessness.

Congratulations

On Friday afternoon, I had the great pleasure of attending the 2025 HALT Award Ceremony at the NSW State Library.  HALT stands for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher, and the certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers has three purposes:

• recognise and promote quality teaching
• provide an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their practice
• provide a reliable indication of quality teaching that can be used to identify, recognise and/or reward Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers.

At MacKillop, we currently have five teachers HALT-accredited or in the active phase.  In 2025, we congratulate Mrs Allison Passafaro for achieving this prestigious award.  We are blessed to have such high-quality teachers at MacKillop.

Public Speaking

On Monday, the Northern Cluster Public Speaking Semi-Final was held at St Brendan’s Lake Munmorah.  Each school from the participating cluster (St Brendan’s, St Mary’s, MacKillop, OLOR Shelley Beach, St John Fisher Tumbi Umbi, and St Cecilia’s Wyong) nominated two speakers to represent their school.  Each speaker delivered a prepared 3-minute speech and then was asked to create an impromptu speech lasting for 1 minute.  Some of the topics students used were ‘The benefits of a good night’s sleep’, ‘What you see in the sky’ and ‘If I were Principal for a day’.  Both prepared and impromptu speeches are adjudicated according to set criteria. The first and second place winners go on to represent the Northern Cluster in the Diocesan Final.  MacKillop’s representatives, Amelia and Isabella, both spoke very well, and Isabella was presented with a Second-Place medallion for her speeches on ‘The benefits of a good night’s sleep’ and ‘If I were Principal for a day’.  Congratulations, Isabella, good luck in the Final.

Debating

On Wednesday, the Year 6 Debating Team headed to OLOR Shelley Beach for the fourth Cluster debate.  The topic of this debate was “Sportspeople are poor role models,” with MacKillop arguing the opposing side.  On this occasion, MacKillop suffered a narrow loss in a hotly contested debate.  Both adjudicators commented on the strength of both teams' compelling arguments and the natural construction and delivery of their effective rebuttals—great job, Avah, Lyla, Laylah, Isabella, Hannah, and Elisha.

Dance Troupe

Tonight, our Dance Troupe will participate in the St Peter’s, CSBB Central Coast Dance Show. Featuring performances by students from St Peter’s, MacKillop, St Joseph's, St Brigid's, St Cecilia's, St John Fisher and Our Lady of the Rosary. This event showcases the exciting routines currently being developed in our dance programs. It is a special opportunity to connect with dance students from other CSBB primary feeder schools and secondary schools, as we come together to build a stronger, united dance community. 

The last two weeks have been jam-packed, and it is wonderful to see our students and teachers participating in a broad variety of events, exploring different ways to think and use the gifts and talents God has given them, to be the very best they can be.

Have a great weekend.

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

At MacKillop Catholic College, our mission is to live out the values of faith, service, and community through meaningful action. Recently, our students and families have come together to support those in need and strengthen our parish connections.

Last Friday, our Year 6 students participated in the Winter Sleepout, a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness about homelessness in our local community. The evening included activities and presentations from local speakers who shared the confronting realities faced by those without a safe place to call home. Students also participated in their own soup kitchen, serving warm soup and noodles lovingly prepared by members of our school community. It was a powerful experience that encouraged empathy, understanding, and a desire to make a difference.

We were also blessed to welcome Sr Marea Ross, a Josephite nun and founding member of our College, during Book Week. Sr Marea shared some of the stories she has published since her retirement, inspiring students with her passion for storytelling and her ongoing contribution to the Josephite mission.

Over the weekend, we celebrated another wonderful community Mass with our students and their families. The Youth Ministry team hosted games on the church grounds from 4:00 pm, bringing joy and connection before our beautiful 5:00 pm Mass celebration. Following Mass, everyone enjoyed a free sausage sizzle generously prepared by our Parent Engagement Coordinator, Lucy Marien, and her dedicated team of parent helpers.

These events are held on the fourth Sunday of each month and provide a wonderful opportunity to worship together, enjoy fellowship, and strengthen the bonds of our school and parish community. We encourage everyone to join us next month as we continue to live out our mission of faith in action.

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

FATHER’S DAY STALL (K–6)

Our Father’s Day Stall will be held on Monday, 1 September. All Primary students will visit the stall with their class and have the opportunity to purchase a gift for their dad or a special person in their life.

Students may purchase up to 2 gifts
All gifts are $5 each

Please send money in a zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child’s name to help them keep it safe and organised.

FATHER’S DAY RAFFLE (K–12)

We’re excited to announce our Father’s Day Raffle, which will be drawn on Friday, 5 September, during the Primary morning assembly. 

Tickets: $2 each or 3 for $5

Primary students can purchase tickets at the Father’s Day stall on Monday, 1 September.
Secondary students can buy tickets during break times at the COLA on Monday, 1 September.

Again, please send money in a zip-lock bag clearly labelled with your child’s name to help them keep it safe and organised.

All proceeds will go towards the new Primary School playground build.

Some of the Prizes include:

• 25L BCF Ice Box (valued at $89.99)
• Wanderer Premium Cooler Armchair (valued at $99.99)
• Bistro vouchers for The Dam Hotel
• Voucher from Donut King Lake Haven

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY & BREAKFAST (K–12)

We warmly invite all dads, carers and special male role models to join us for our Father’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast on Friday, 5 September.

Breakfast: 7:00 am–8:45 am at the COLA
Liturgy: 7:30 am in the Church
Primary classrooms will be open for you to visit following the morning assembly.

Please send a photo of your child with their father or special person to Mrs Farrell at zoe.farrell@dbb.catholic.edu.au to be included in the Liturgy slideshow by Wednesday, 3 Sep.

RSVP for catering by Monday, 1 September: https://forms.office.com/r/Nsty31W11D

We look forward to welcoming you on Friday, 5 September.

Warm regards,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

Secrets to Success

Coming to school, completing all your set classes, assessments, exams, homework and study.  It can seem like a lot. Let’s not sugarcoat it; it is a lot.  Having said that, almost everything worthwhile in life comes with some degree of hard work and sacrifice.  Education is no different; students who are prepared to work hard consistently are inevitably the most successful.

Our Year 12s are moving closer to the finish line of their secondary education, and most of them are experiencing the intensity that comes with that preparation.  Many of them still have part-time jobs to juggle, sporting commitments, family responsibilities, and so on.

In this article, I highlight a couple of elite athletes and a student who overcame enormous adversity to still succeed in their secondary education.  Whether you are about to sit your HSC or are halfway through Year 7, I believe the lessons we can learn from these three impressive young people are the same strategies that will enable our students to reach their full learning potential.  Please click on the links to read their inspiring journeys.

Nathan Cleary’s back-up plan if footy didn’t work out

Nathan Cleary is a four-time premiership-winning halfback, but he went to university before he got his start in first grade.

Matilda star’s tough call and ‘insane’ routine netted a perfect score

Amy Sayer tackled the HSC as she does her football career: head-on and single-mindedly.

Michael lost an arm in Year 12, but he was determined to finish his HSC

Learn from your mistakes, get teacher feedback, take regular breaks: HSC high achievers offer their secrets to exam success.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

As we approach the final weeks of Term 3, our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their school journey, while our Year 11 and Year 10 students begin preparing for their Yearly Examination program. 

Exams are an important part of developing the skills students need for success in the HSC. They provide valuable opportunities to learn effective study habits, refine writing techniques, and practise working under timed conditions. The upcoming exam blocks are designed to support students in building these skills and allow them to showcase their knowledge and understanding. 

Year 11 Preliminary Exams 

Year 11 exams will begin in Week 8. Students should now have received their exam timetable and notification. If they haven’t already started, it is essential that they begin preparing now. This includes: 

• Studying each night 

• Ensuring study notes are up to date 

• Practising with past papers and sample questions 

During the exam period, students must arrive at school at least 30 minutes before their scheduled exam. They are permitted to leave after their exam has finished but must remain for the full duration of the exam. Students are welcome to stay at school to study, which is highly encouraged as it helps build strong routines and supports their preparation for future exams. 

Year 10 exams 

Year 10 exams will be held in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. Students will receive their exam timetable later this term. Most courses will include an exam, and it is important that students begin preparing now. 

Teachers will provide exam notifications by Week 10, which will outline the content and expectations for each subject. During the exam period, Year 10 students will follow their regular school timetable and attend classes between exams. 

Year 12  

As we enter the final weeks of school, it’s more important than ever for Year 12 students to maintain consistent attendance. This is a critical time for preparing for the HSC, refining key skills, and ensuring all major works and projects are completed and submitted. 

Students are encouraged to arrive before the pastoral bell each day and attend every lesson. Being present and engaged in class plays a vital role in their success, not only in final assessments but also in building confidence and momentum heading into exams. 

Let’s finish strong together. 

 Alex Walters | Deputy Head Student Achievement 

As we start the new term of representative sport, the College will be busy competing in individual and team sports. The following sport will be played this term.

U13B/14G(9s) Rugby League 
Y7 & Jnr Girls Netball 
Y7-9 Boys Netball
Jnr & Inter Boys Basketball
Golf
Athletics 
14’s/16’s Boys AFL
Jnr & Inter Girls Basketball
14’s/16’s Girls AFL
14’s/16’s Boys Rugby 7’s

How can a student represent MacKillop?

Sign-ups will be sent via Compass, where the student will register. The Coach (teacher) will hold a meeting/trial/training to then select the teams.

What’s next?

The student will need to make meetings/selection trials/training sessions.

If a student’s behaviour at school has been ongoing, they will be less likely / to represent the College. Suppose a student is selected into a team and is unfortunately suspended from school (internally or externally). In that case, they will not be able to represent the College or the Pathway (CSBB or NSW CCC teams). This occurs in all schools; this is not just Mackillop. Thank you for your understanding.

CSBB SPORTS

Boys - Junior and intermediate Basketball

Congratulations to the Junior and Intermediate boys who competed at the CSBB gala day on Monday, 25 August.

Junior Boys

The boys took to the court in all games with enthusiasm. While results did not go their way, they kept the opposition teams honest and challenged them to the end.

They had one win, 1 draw, and 3 losses.

Intermediate Boys

The intermediate (9-10) boys team played some entertaining games. The boys won 2 matches, while narrowly going down in 3 other games.

NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC)

The first, via school representation, students will be selected into the College team, then selected to represent the CSBB Broken Bay team at the NSW CCC carnival, where an NSW Combined Catholic Colleges team will be selected.

The second way is for a student to register as an individual. This can be achieved by registering via the CSNSW Sport portal  https://csnsw.sport/ .

Duncan Black | PDHPE Representative Sports Coordinator

Reflections from the Josephite Colloquium

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Josephite Colloquium—an enriching opportunity to connect with fellow educators from MacKillop schools across Australia. The experience offered a profound exploration of the Josephite Charism and the enduring legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop.

Throughout the Colloquium, we delved into Mary’s unwavering commitment to human dignity and her vision for a more just and compassionate world. I was particularly moved by the immense challenges she faced in a patriarchal society—most notably her excommunication. Despite this, Mary never wavered in her faith or her mission. Her courage, perseverance, and Christ-centred approach continue to inspire.

A standout moment was hearing from Sister Susan, who passionately advocates for justice in West Papua. Her conviction and energy created a powerful shift in the room—she truly embodied Mary’s spirit of standing up for what is right.

There are many lessons we can bring back to our students. When faced with adversity, it’s easy to give up. But by holding firm to our values and vision, we can overcome obstacles and make a meaningful difference.

There will be times when people don’t believe in us or tell us that something can’t be done. But Mary’s legacy reminds us to 'never see a need without doing something about it'. We aren’t expected to do everything, but doing something can make all the difference. From picking up some rubbish when no one is watching to checking in on a friend, these types of actions live out Mary’s work. They are small but powerful ways we can continue her mission of compassion, justice, and dignity for all.

Luke Barry- Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

Greg Inglis is coming to Mackillop Catholic College! 2nd December 2025

One of rugby league’s greatest players, Greg Inglis, will be visiting Mackillop Catholic College to share his journey of triumphs and hardship after a glittering career. This is part of the Stick With It campaign, which encourages people to seek help during tough times.

Find out more about the campaign:

Watch the video

Exclusive Student Lunch with Greg Inglis!

After his talk, Greg will have lunch with a select group of students to discuss his experiences further.

Want to be in the draw? Here’s how to qualify:

 85%+ Attendance in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

10+ Merits in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

 No Afternoon Detentions in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

 Open to all Secondary MCC students

 Eligible students will be entered into a ballot and names will be drawn before the visit

"I want people to know that they're not alone, and it is OK to actually reach out."

— Greg Inglis

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

The purpose of Youth Ministry is to engage the youth with their faith. Often, this is achieved through exciting and engaging opportunities that resonate with the modern young person. Meaning that it is through activities that create excitement and give off high levels of energy, creating enthusiasm in the students. This form of engagement has been expressed so far this year through activities such as Praisefests, Connecting Catholic Coasties, and Ignite. Not only do these events engage students with their faith, but it also allows them to create a sense of belonging and community, not only with their fellow MacKillop students, but also through interacting with students across other Broken Bay schools. Many students sign up for these events with the knowledge that they will see the friends they created from the previous event.

However, one surprising thing I have noticed throughout my participation in these events is that once the students have had their fill of excitement, it is not that level of joy that keeps them engaged. What lies at the centre of all of these events, and in turn what tends to fill their cup the most, is their connection to tradition. Eucharistic Adoration is by far the number one activity that students mention as being their highlight of these types of events. Eucharistic Adoration is when the exposed Blessed Host is placed in a monstrance for public viewing, allowing Catholics to spend time in quiet prayer, meditation, or reading scripture in Jesus' physical presence. It is usually a time of silence, or with worship music being played in the background, but it is a time for individual contemplation, and often held after, or in the middle, of louder and more energetic activities. Each time I approach a student to inquire why this is their transformative moment, I am presented with a response that says, ‘Sir, it’s simple. It’s just me and God. Nothing else’.

Other forms of Catholic tradition also bring surprising levels of engagement beyond the energetic activities when students are together with other like-minded, faith-filled peers. The final Mass at Ignite this year sent chills through our students as they listened to the Bishop’s homily and engaged in the blessings and hymns. One way I am hoping to bring this sense of engagement with tradition back into the College is through the introduction of the Rosary. With Mary Mackillop as our patron saint, and Mother Mary so central to the Catholic tradition, I want to strengthen the feminine presence in our prayer life. Therefore, each Friday, during Break 1, the Rosary will be prayed in the church, and all are welcome to attend. If you have never prayed the Rosary or need a refresher, take a glance at the image below and feel free to either pray with us or connect with Mary on your own. In Youth Ministry, it is community that brings us to our faith, but it is tradition that keeps us there.

Dr Ashley Sadler | Youth Ministry Coordinator YMCC

Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents & Carers - a free 60-minute online webinar, delivered by a clinical psychologist from the Black Dog Institute.

Designed specifically for school communities, this session equips parents and carers with evidence-based strategies and insights to better understand and support their teen's mental health.

The webinar covers:

• Insights into adolescent mental health (from our Future Proofing Study)
• When to worry – signs a teen may need support
• Practical ways to connect and support teens
• How to have important conversations
• Where to find professional help and digital resources
• Promoting healthy habits around sleep, screen time, and connection

Available free to schools only until June 2026 (Currently funded by a limited grant).

If you’d like to book a session for your school’s parent and carer community, simply reply to this email or request a booking here: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/schools/parents/teen-mental-health-matters-parents-carers/

Prefer a public session? We also offer a community webinar format featuring both a Clinical Psychologist and a Lived Experience Presenter - a great alternative if a school-based session isn’t a fit.

Register for Public Webinars:  Register for Teen Mental Health Matters Public Webinars

We have delivered 44 of these webinars to over 5,600 parents and carers, so far.

With 97.7 % stating their likelihood of implementing ideas from the session.

Parent & Carer Testimonials:

“This webinar is a wonderful resource for all parents and caregivers. It covers the important topics in order for us to recognise when our teen is struggling and presents different ways in which we can support and nurture them. I have recommended this to friends and have already accessed some of the resources they provided. Thank you.”

“A very informative, practical presentation helpful for parents and carers. It helps reinforce and also add new ideas using current research and resources!”

“Highly informative and genuinely insightful. As a parent and carer to three boys, with the oldest now a teen, I went in feeling unsure and underequipped, and left an hour and a half later feeling at ease and armed with a wealth of encouraging, practical advice.”

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 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Tue 02 Sep - Sec CSBB Athletics

Thu 04 Sep - Sec CSBB 14/16 AFL

Fri 05 Sep - K-12 Father's Day Liturgy & Breakfast

Mon 08 Sep - Sec CSBB Jun/Int Basketball

Tue 09 Sep - Sec Yr 11 Exams Begin tbc

Thu 11 Sep - Sec - CSBB 14/16 AFL & Rugby 7’s

Mon 15 Sep – Wed 17 Sep - Sec - Year 9 Camp

Mon 15 Sep – Fri 26 Sep - Pri K-2 Swim Program

Tue 16 Sep - Pri Stage 3 Netball Gala Day

Mon 22 Sep - Sec Yr 12 Grad Rehearsals

Tue 23 Sep - Pri Stage 2 Netball Gala Day

Tue 23 Sep - Sec Yr 12 Charity Morning

Wed 24 Sep - Sec Yr 12 Grad Mass & Guard of Honour

Wed 24 Sep - Sec Yr 12 Awards Night

Fri 26 Sep - Sec Yr 9 PASS RAW challenge

Fri 26 Sep - K-12 Last Day of Term 3

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass

Counselling and support services | eSafety Commissioner

If there are any risk concerns regarding your child’s emotional state – please call one of the below numbers to seek help:

- Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

- Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

Crisis Support

If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

Suicide/self-harm

If you are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm, please call:

- Lifeline on 13 11 14 

- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467