MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 7

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.

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

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 construction of the new Primary School playground.

Some of the Prizes include:

• Shelly Beach Golf Club Voucher (valued at over $200)
• 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
• Gift Hampers
  

Warm regards,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

Book Week was a wonderful celebration across our school community.

Our much-loved Book Parade was a highlight where students and staff shared their favourite characters and stories in a fun-filled extravaganza.  Our Book Fair was a huge hit, with students eagerly browsing and choosing new treasures to add to their bookshelves at home. Thank you to our families for supporting both events.

We were delighted to welcome three special author guests: Tanya Pike, who inspired our K – 4 Primary students with her storytelling and creative process, Kate Foster who inspired our Year 5 – 9 students by sharing her own writing journey, encouraging them to find their voices and tell their stories with courage and creativity, and Sr Marea who delighted our Primary classes by sharing readings from the wonderful books she has published.

Throughout the week, Secondary staff and student leaders became guest readers, visiting every Primary class to share stories and encourage a love of reading. Students also enjoyed the Perform Education Live Stream – Treasure Hunt, connecting theatre and literature in an exciting way, and tuned in to virtual author sessions from the State Library, expanding our Book Week celebrations beyond the school gates.

Our Books and Buddies event brought Year 5 and 6 students together with their Kindergarten and Year 1 buddies for a special reading time in the library. The older students shared favourite stories, inspiring a love of books and building connections across year levels.

A range of competitions kept students engaged and creative, including Writing and Art challenges, as well as the I SPY Challenge! Guess the Book Character Silhouette, as well as Kahoots and Blookits to test book knowledge in a fun, interactive way.

Book Week truly brought our community together, sparking imagination and reminding us all of the adventures to be found between the pages of a book.

Jacquiline Crowe | Teacher Librarian K - 12

Our Students

One of the highlights of my week is accompanying a group of our secondary students to sports on Thursdays.  Whilst the role of a teacher contains many components, I think most would agree that being around the kids is the most enjoyable part.  The opportunity to not only teach them but also to guide and support them is a real privilege for any teacher.  I firmly believe that the relationship between the student, the teachers and the parents has the potential to impact that child’s life in such positive ways.

In my role, I’m always looking for signs of how we are tracking as a school.  Academic results are important to me, I will never deny that, but other markers include student behaviour, pride in our uniform, engagement with College events, attendance, supportive community, social interactions, etc.  One marker I care deeply about is how our students are viewed in the public sphere.  What is their reputation in the community when they get on the bus to travel home, when they go to the local shops, when they interact with older adults, when they play sport on the weekends, when they go on camps and excursions, or when they undertake their part-time jobs?

All of these things count in my book, but nothing warms my heart quite as much as when I hear members of the public praising our students.  They have no obligation to do that, and it speaks volumes when they will go out of their way to write me an email or make a comment.

At sports this week, the bus driver pulled me aside and said, “Those kids are the most delightful, well-mannered kids I’ve ever had on my bus”.  Far be it from me to guess the bus driver's age, but rest assured, he has driven more than his fair share of kids around during his lifetime.

That comment made my day and reinforced how fortunate we are to work with so many wonderful students at MacKillop.  Students who do their families proud on a daily basis.  I will never apologise for maintaining high expectations for our students, and we will continue to raise the bar for them.  Of course, they will fall short on occasion; that’s all part of growing up. However, what I do know is that we have an amazing student community, made up of wonderful individuals who will leave this school one day better for their time here.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

The TAS department has made excellent progress throughout Term 3, with students engaging in a wide range of creative and practical learning experiences. Stage 4 students developed strong design thinking skills through hands-on projects, while Stage 5 classes produced high-quality outcomes in timber, food, graphics, computing and engineering. Year 11 Design and Technology students advanced their research and prototyping skills, whilst Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber students have been finalising their industry study. Year 12 students refined their major projects in preparation for submission.

Congratulations to all the students and teachers on the excellent submissions. Staff have continued to implement the new Stage 4 syllabus, embedding STEM-focused practices and innovative teaching strategies. Overall, Term 3 in the TAS department has showcased growth, collaboration, and inspiring student achievement.

On Tuesday, 26 August, the 2 Unit Studies of Religion HSC students visited the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque and the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA).

The mosque visit was led by Brother Urgan, who guided the students through the features of the mosque, taking into account the content of the Preliminary and HSC Islam courses. The students got to see the exquisite architecture and features of the mosque as well as hear first-hand witness on what it is like being a Muslim in Australia.

This immersion is key to students' understanding of the lived expression of a religious tradition like Islam, which is needed for both the Prelim and HSC courses.

The students then attended an HSC Revision seminar led by Samiha Uddin, the Studies of Religion Coordinator at ISRA.

This excursion not only assists our students in their understanding of the Studies of Religion course but also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue in our current climate. As the late Pope Francis instructed;

“One fundamental human right must not be forgotten in the journey towards fraternity and peace. It is religious freedom for believers of all religions §279”. Hence, the ‘room for Dialogue must always exist” §214.

We hope to continue the must needed dialogue by ensuring that we offer this excursion to all our Studies of Religion students in the future.

Blessings,

Chrystal Price | Deputy Head: Evangelisation and Catechesis

This Term has been an exciting one for House activities, with students from all Year groups showing outstanding spirit, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

MacKillop Day Celebrations

MacKillop Day, our school’s feast day, was a true highlight of the term. The celebrations brought the whole community together in a day filled with energy, laughter, and friendly competition. Students participated in a variety of activities, including the classic egg-and-spoon race, basketball matches, netball games, table tennis challenges, and even a Just Dance competition that had everyone on their feet. The Open Mic session provided a creative outlet for students to showcase their musical and performance talents, adding a vibrant and joyful atmosphere to the day.

Oztag Competition

Another highlight of the Term was the inter-house Oztag competition. After weeks of fierce competition, Temuka and Kincumber faced off in a thrilling grand final. In a hard-fought contest, Temuka emerged victorious, claiming the Oztag shield with a strong team performance. Both sides displayed determination and sportsmanship, making it a memorable conclusion to the tournament.

Reflection

These activities not only provided opportunities for fun and competition but also strengthened the bonds within our House system. The sense of unity, encouragement, and participation shown throughout the term reflects the values of our community and the spirit of MacKillop.

Alex Langbridge | House Coordinator 

Earlier this Term, I had the privilege of taking part in a workshop with Matt Cogin. The session gave me a chance to reflect on my role as a student leader, build new skills, and think about how I can contribute more meaningfully to our College community.

Matt challenged us to see leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility. Through practical activities and group discussions, I explored what it means to lead with integrity and purpose, while also recognising the importance of self-awareness. Understanding my own strengths and areas for growth was a key focus, as this forms the foundation for leading others effectively.

One part that really stood out to me was Matt’s focus on communication and the way we present ourselves. He encouraged us to approach situations with confidence, even when we feel uncertain, and reminded us that the way we communicate can have a powerful influence on others. I found this especially helpful, as it’s something we can put into practice every day when working with peers or speaking in front of groups.

The workshop left me feeling motivated and inspired. I walked away with practical strategies to use in my leadership role, as well as a renewed sense of purpose in supporting my peers. Opportunities like this are invaluable, and I am grateful to Matt Cogin for sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with us.

Sahibjot I | Year 11- Culture Leader

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

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the College community. My name is Salina Mayall, and I am honoured to serve as the Director of Learner Diversity K–12. It is a privilege to support the diverse learning needs of every student here at MacKillop, alongside my capable, compassionate, and dedicated Learner Diversity team.

In my role, I will work closely with staff, families, and students to ensure that each learner is known, valued, and provided with opportunities to thrive. Together, we celebrate the unique strengths of our students while also providing the necessary adjustments and supports to help them achieve their God-given potential.

I look forward to partnering with you as we continue to nurture an inclusive and supportive learning environment across our College. If you would like to get in touch, please do not hesitate to contact me at salina.mayall@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

Many blessings,

Salina Mayall | Director of Learner Diversity K - 12

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