MacKillop Chronicles Term 4, Week 1

Dear Families,

Welcome from the College Principal

Welcome back after the holidays. I hope it was a time to renew yourselves and spend time with your loved ones. Term 4 is always filled with energy and enthusiasm especially leading to Christmas.

Parent Engagement Talks

We have several Parent Engagement Talks booked in for Term 4 directly addressing what is happening across the school next year in the Junior, Middle and Senior School at MacKillop. Closer to the time, we will release the dates and topics for discussion.

Parent Consultation on Policy Development

Throughout Term 3, we have been working with staff on the development of two significant policies that we hope to release following consultation with parents. These policies are namely, the mobile phone policy and the Behaviour Management Policy that are currently in draft form. It is critical that as a K-12 school that we operationalise these key policies in ways that offer, consistency of language, consequences that are age and stage appropriate and manageable for staff and students. Part of this work has also required us to review our College expectations or rules.

We look forward to hearing your ideas in Term 4 and we will engage with you through the Parent Engagement Talks.

Gates

The College gates went live today and am thankful that it went as well as predicted. I am especially thankful to the parents who offered to assist our team in the development of the Gate Protocols. Just a reminder that this information is located on the College website.

Please be aware that parents are not permitted to be on College grounds unless they have signed in at the front office and are here for a specific purpose. Parents are expected to wear their Visitors lanyard so they can be identified by our staff as visitors and not intruders.

Late Student Arrivals

A student is considered late for school after 8:45am. If you are dropping off your child after this time, the only place accessible is through the main car park and the front office reception area. Please note, all gates will be closed after 8:45am and the only access into the College is via the Front Office.

Student Drivers

An email containing a pin was sent last term to students in Year 11 and 12 undertaking exams. This gives these students flexibility to enter and exit the car park based on their exam timetable. Just a reminder that the overflow car park gate Number 18 will be automated between the hours of 8:20am and 8:45am and between 2:45pm and 4:00pm to facilitate flowthrough traffic. This gate will open on approach when exiting the car park.

Illegal Parking

Please know that we are fully aware of the traffic congestion around the College. We have also raised our concerns with council, local police and with the Diocese. I am, however, worried about the number of parents parking illegally around the College perimeter and near the church. Please know that you do this at your own risk and the police have booked people in the past.  Also, please avoid parking in the Secondary Kiss and Drop area as this is adding to the congestion.

Farewell Year 12 Graduates of 2025 and Good Luck

Please keep our Year 12 graduates in your prayers as they commence their HSC Examinations.

Senior Retreat- Week 4

Just a reminder to families that the Senior Retreat is scheduled for Week 4. This is a compulsory event and critical to the formation of our Seniors students.

Christmas Appeal- Week 5

We kick off the Christmas Appeal in Week 5 so please start putting aside non-perishable food for our hampers.

Pilgrims in the Year of Jubilee

Paul, Kerry and I returned from our pilgrimage to Poland and Rome a day before the start of Term 4, full of the joy of the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful opportunity for devotion and prayerfulness as we walked a pilgrim’s journey engaged in daily Eucharist celebration, rosary and time in contemplative prayer. Our learnings are described as profound and transformational, and we hope to enact them as part of our strategic visioning for 2026.  I am sharing an extract from one my journal entries with you:

 ... I am drawn deeper into prayerfulness as I think about Our Lady because she possessed qualities that cut against the human impulse of self-determination. That is, she epitomises the grandeur of soul that surrenders itself wholly into the will of God and in this she reveals the most compelling form of evangelisation through her largeness of heart that surrenders completely when she said “Yes” to God...

Pilgrimage is an experience of conversion and ultimately, requires us to conform to the holiness of God’s will.

Wishing you a wonderful start to Term 4!

God Bless

Important Term 4 Dates

Mon 13 Oct K-12 Pupil Free Day

Wed 15 Oct Sec year 10 Exams begin

Thu 16 Oct Sec HSC NESA Exams begin

Fri 24 Oct Pri Beach Safety Talks

Sun 26 Oct Youth Group & Mass

Mon 27 Oct Sec Year 12 2025 Info night

Wed 29 Oct – Fri 31 Oct Pri - Year 5 Camp

Sat 01 Nov All Saints Day

Mon 03 Nov – Wed 05 Nov Sec - Year 11 Retreat

Mon 03 Nov Pri Yr 3 Surf Safety Day

Tue 04 Nov Pri Yr 6 Surf Safety Day

Tue 04 Nov Pri Kinder Yana Transition

Wed 05 Nov Pri Year 4 Future Pathways

Thu 06 Nov Pri Yr 5 Surf Safety Day

Fri 07 Nov Pri Yr 4 Surf Safety Day

Tue 11 Nov Year 12 Formal

Tue 11 Nov Pri Kinder Yana Transition

Thu 13 Nov Year 9 Catch the Wave Spirituality Day tbc

Fri 14 Nov Sec - CSBB Volleyball

Tue 18 Nov Pri Kinder Yana Transition

Thu 20 Nov Pri Advent Concert

Sun 23 Nov Youth Group & Mass

Tue 25 Nov Sec Year 7 2026 Parent Info Evening

Thu 27 Nov Pri Stage 2 touch/tag gala day

Thu 27 Nov Sec Gold Day tbc

Fri 28 Nov Year 7 2026 Orientation Day

Tue 02 Dec Pri Swimming Carnival

Wed 03 Dec Pri Yr 6 Graduation Mass & Disco

Thu 04 Dec Pri K-5 Step up day and new Yr1-6 2026 students

Fri 05 Dec K-12 Thanksgiving Mass

Mon 08 Dec Pri Awards

Mon 08 Dec Pri Year 6 Crossing the Bridge

Wed 10 Dec Sec Awards

Fri 12 Dec K-12 Last day for students

Mon 15 Dec Staff Development Day

Tue 16 Dec Staff Development Day

Wed 17 Dec Last Day for Staff

Thu 18 Dec HSC Results Released

Head of Secondary

Welcome back to Term 4. I trust that all our secondary students enjoyed a well-earned break and are returning refreshed, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with the final term of the year.

A special thought goes to our Year 12 students, who are about to embark on their HSC examinations. This marks a significant milestone in their educational journey, and we wish them every blessing as they apply themselves with focus and determination. Their efforts, resilience, and dedication over many years will now come to fruition, and we are confident that they will represent themselves and our College with distinction.

Our best wishes are also extended to Year 10 students as they prepare for their end-of-year examinations. These assessments provide an important platform to reflect on learning achieved and to set strong foundations for the senior years ahead.

As we move through the final term of the year, I encourage all secondary students to commit themselves fully to their learning. By working diligently in class, completing assessments with genuine effort, and approaching examinations with confidence, each student can finish the year with a real sense of achievement and pride.

With the return of warmer weather, I also remind students of the importance of correct presentation in summer uniform and maintaining high standards of grooming. Taking pride in appearance reflects self-respect and demonstrates a shared commitment to the values and expectations of our College.

Let us approach this term with purpose, positivity, and determination. I encourage every student to finish the year well, striving for personal bests and contributing positively to the learning community we share.

Head of Primary

I hope that all our students and families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break and are returning ready for the busy and exciting final term of the school year. It is always a joy to see the enthusiasm and energy our students bring back after the holidays, eager to learn, reconnect with friends, and take part in the many opportunities ahead. This term promises to be both productive and memorable, with a range of engaging learning experiences and community events planned.

Our Year 5 students will begin preparing their applications for 2026 leadership positions and will also look forward to their camp in Week 3 of this term. We are delighted to welcome our 2026 Kindergarten students as they continue their transition to “big school” through our Kinder Yana Orientation program. Students in Years 3 to 6 will participate in Surf Education sessions at Toowoon Bay Beach, and all students will enjoy a visit from the Healthy Harold van to support learning about health and wellbeing.

A special mention goes to our Year 6 students, who begin their final term of primary school before they “cross the bridge” to secondary next year. This is a time filled with excitement, reflection and anticipation, as they prepare to take the next step in their learning journey and make lasting memories with their peers.

As the weather warms up, I remind families of the importance of correct summer uniform and the pride we take in representing our College well. Taking care in appearance and behaviour reflects the values we hold as a community and the respect we show for ourselves and others.

This term is always filled with energy and celebration as we acknowledge the growth and achievements of our students. I thank our families for their continued partnership and support and look forward to a term that reflects the joy and community spirit that define MacKillop.

Wellbeing- Bullying QR Code

We have launched a Bullying QR code in recent months to assist with the reporting of bullying that can occur for students at MacKillop Catholic College. Research from Bullying No Way highlights that students are more likely to tell their parents about bullying rather than teachers due to a lack of trust in school systems. By building an anonymous reporting system, we can provide a safe and trusted process for students to notify key wellbeing staff about issues that’s happening to them or others without retribution. Students can access the code on Compass and around the school.

Student Compliance – Uniform & Grooming

As we return for another term, some students appear to bring holiday habits back to school, particularly in relation to jewellery and hairstyles. We are committed to applying our uniform and grooming policy consistently, and your support is vital in making that happen.

• Jewellery: Students found in breach of our policy may be asked to hand over certain items. As a blanket rule:
  • Items may be collected by a parent from the office at the end of the day
  • Alternatively, items will be returned to students at the end of the term
• Hairstyles: These will be reviewed by class teachers and referred to the relevant Leader of Wellbeing in Secondary and the Head or Deputy Head in Primary.
  • For all cases, the final decision rests with the Director of Wellbeing

While these measures may seem minor, we believe attention to the ‘little things’ enables students to achieve the ‘big things’. Uniform standards set a tone of equality, readiness, and respect—offering every student the opportunity to thrive.

We remain committed to helping your child make the most of their time at MacKillop Catholic College. If you’d like to discuss any aspect of the policy, please feel free to contact Mr Luke Barry-Donnellan at the College by phone or email – luke.barrydonnellan@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

Staffing Updates

We have now finalised our appointments at the College for all new leadership roles in preparation for 2026. We have been delighted by the number of applicants that our school has attracted and by the current staff who are professionally aspirational. Please join me in congratulating the following staff:

Catherine Brown in the role Wellbeing Lead EL to Year 4, Commencing in 2026. Catherine demonstrated a strong understanding of policy, safeguarding and procedures at her recent interview. She is keen to work with others to develop a range of K-12 practices to support the wellbeing of students. 

Tayla Roig in the role of Digital Enablement Lead, commencing Term 4. At her interview, Tayla offered a strong vision of continuity and innovation that she could draw on from her vast ICT/STEM experiences that she has led in a range of contexts. She is looking forward to working closely with the English Department in the first instance, and thereafter, across the College supporting digital enablement. 

Nichole Attard & Ashlee Hanson - Capability and Enablement Leads. Nichole and Ashlee will share one point each as leaders in this role. Nichole offered a well-crafted and strategic suite of professional learning on the topic of coaching as part of her interview process. Ashlee spoke strongly to the alignment between coaching and capacity building in the context of learning and teaching and the AITSL Standards and MCC Strategic Direction.  Commencing in Term 4, 2025. 

Chemane Fairleigh in the role of Wellbeing Lead Years 5-8, commencing 2026. Coming from a senior K-12 leadership role at her previous Independent school, Chemane brings expertise and experience in curriculum, wellbeing, Learning Diversity along with policy and practice to the role. She is very excited about building strong connections in the Middle School and is currently working as a casual teacher at MacKillop. 

Jess Higgins as Acting Leader of Wellbeing. Jess will join the Wellbeing Team whilst Michellie is on maternity leave.  Jess will resume her role as a year coordinator following a previous stint acting in this position. Jess is passionate about student wellbeing at MacKillop and driven to provide high expectations for our students.  Jess’s skill in building strong relationships with staff and students will provide a firm foundation for her success over the coming months.

Kim Fisher for the role of Learner Diversity Lead EL-Year 4 commencing in 2026. Kim brings vast international and local experiences in the area of Learner Diversity. Now having established her life closer to her family in the Central Coast, Kim looks forward to meeting her new community and supporting families and children with disabilities. 

From the Business Manager

Payments / Due Dates
2025 School Fees Statements are emailed monthly by CSBB. Instalments are due on the 21^st of each month with final payment due on 21 November 2025. For questions related to fees please contact the School Fees Liaison Team via email schoolfees@dbb.org.au or phone 02 7256 2888.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, CSBB has a number of fee relief options available to assist you. Please contact the School Fees Liaison Team.

2025 Camp Dates
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.

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 October 29 to 31

Year 6 Occurred in Term 1

Year 7 Occurred in Term 2

Year 9 Occurred in Term 3

Year 10 Occurred in term 3

Year 11 November 3 to 5

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

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 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Monday 13 Oct - K - 12 Student Free Day / Staff Spirituality Day
Tuesday 14 Oct - All Staff and Students return for Term 4
Monday 13 October – Student Free Day/ Staff Spirituality Day
Friday 12 December – Last Day Term 4

Monday 15, Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December – Student Free Days / Staff Development Days

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