MacKillop Chronicles Term 4, Week 2

Dear Families,

Gates 

After the first week of the gate protocols being in place, I am pleased to announce that things have run as smoothly as possible. I want to thank all the families that have made adjustments to support the effective implementation of the gate protocols. 

Drop Off Zones

Please be aware that Primary families may access the Secondary Kiss and Drop zone on Tenison Woods Close if they are unable to access the Mataram Road Kiss and Drop area. Just a reminder that the Protocols can be accessed on the website HERE. 

Why do the gates open at 8:20 am?

The College gates open at 8.20 am in line with when staff begin their playground duty. Prior to 8:20 am, your family has the duty of care for your children. 

Early Bird Students & Early Access to the College Site

Early-bird students who require access to training, tutoring, or examinations may access the office at 8 am when the office opens, or earlier in the event of an early sporting event or excursion. Staff will communicate via Compass regarding the specific timing of arrival for these events and which gates will be open. 

Car Park Safety

Families are reminded to not drop off children in the bus lane as this puts your children at risk. Please use the pedestrian walkways to access the crossing on Tenison Woods Close side of the College. Last week, all Secondary students were reminded about road safety, and it is worthwhile for every family to speak to their children about how to cross a road safely. Please do not let your children alight from your car in the middle of the car park, or take any risks that may endanger their safety. Ultimately, each driver must take personal responsibility for their own driving and for the child or children that they allow to alight from their car. Please prioritise the safety of all children. Please speak to your children and tell them not to wear headphones or use phones while they are crossing a road or walking in the car park. 

Road Safety Resources

Here are some useful resources to help teach your children about road safety:

1. How To Cross The Road Safely With Ozzie | Stop, Look, Listen, Think | Road Safety For Kids

Strategic Planning for 2026

Staffing has been finalised for all new leadership roles, and most other roles have also been filled. I will put the MacKillop Organisational Chart on the College Website in the next few weeks. 

Allergy Awareness

Just a reminder that many students have allergies, and I encourage you to speak to your children about not sharing food. Also, be mindful of birthday treats brought into school, and speak to the class teacher to ensure lolly bags or other treats are suitable. 

Stepping Stones Orientation Program - Year 6 entering Year 7 in 2026

This program is specifically designed for students who are anxious or neurodiverse, or those who just need a little gentler approach in a smaller group transition to Secondary School. Please be expecting an email in the next few days so that you can book yourself and your child into the program. 

Please note that the 'regular' orientation program for Year 7 2026 students is on Friday, 28 November. 

Laptop Information

Please be advised that laptop information has been sent out to families whose children are in Year 4 in preparation for Year 5, and to all Year 6 to Year 11 students. 

Staff Announcements

Rochelle McArdle will commence in the role of Leader of Learning & Teaching VET in January 2026. Rochelle is a highly experienced leader of learning, and her last two appointments have been in independent schools. Rochelle has held various leadership positions, including Acting Head of Campus. She is very excited about joining the team and looks forward to working closely with staff and students. 

Shae Martin will commence in the role of Leader of Learning & Teaching STEM in January 2026. Shae is an experienced Head teacher with experience in teaching mathematics and music. She is an experienced HSC marker and has led the Department of Education's statewide team for the Chemistry Research Practitioners program. She looks forward to leading both the Mathematics and Science departments. 

Thank you again for your support.

God Bless.

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Living the Mission at MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale

At MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale, we are guided by our mission to be a community inspired by Christ, nurturing faith, learning, and love. This mission came to life in the Primary already this term through our connection with Catholic Mission. Year 5 students participated in an engaging workshop titled Dramatic Pictures, where they explored the lives of children around the world and reflected on how they can bring hope and compassion to others.

Our Year 6 and High School Mission Leaders also attended the beautiful Mission Mass in Waitara, joining with Catholic schools from across the Diocese of Broken Bay in prayer and celebration.

Through these experiences, our students continue to show what it means to live out the Gospel—caring for others, working for justice, and taking responsibility for our common home.

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

Every day, the staff at MacKillop go the extra mile. Their dedication is what makes our school such a special place. From our Front Office and Teaching Staff to School Services, Executives, Maintenance, Finance, and everyone in between, each person plays a vital role in the smooth running of our College and in supporting your child’s learning journey.

To show our heartfelt appreciation, we’ll be hosting a special Staff Morning Tea on Thursday, 30 October.

How can you help?

We’d love your support through donations of cakes, baked treats, or store-bought goodies— sweet or savoury. All contributions are warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off at the Front Office to Lucy Marien (PEC) on Thursday, 30 October, in the morning.

If you’re able to assist, please email Lucy at lucy.marien@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

Staff Spirituality Day

On Day 1 of Term 4, our staff engaged in our annual Staff Spirituality Day.  A staff spirituality day in a Catholic school is an essential opportunity for educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the spiritual heart of their vocation.  Amid the busyness of teaching and leadership, such a day helps staff refocus on the mission of Catholic education, to form students not only academically but as people of faith, meaning, and compassion.  It allows teachers and support staff to deepen their personal relationship with God, renew their sense of purpose, and strengthen their understanding of the Gospel values that underpin their work with young people.

Beyond personal renewal, a spirituality day also fosters community and shared mission among staff.  It provides a sacred space for colleagues to pray together, engage in meaningful dialogue about faith and life, and discern how they can better witness to Christ’s presence in their everyday roles.  This collective experience builds unity and trust, reminding all staff that they are co-creators in a vibrant faith community.  When staff are spiritually nourished and grounded, their joy and faith naturally flow into classrooms, shaping a school culture where students encounter genuine hope, love, and a sense of belonging.

I appreciate that staff development days can have an impact on our families, particularly where care needs to be organised or alternative arrangements made.  I want to publicly thank our community for supporting this time for staff to grow and develop spiritually.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary 

Term 4 is always an exciting time, as students consolidate the skills they have developed throughout the year and begin preparing for the year ahead.

Year 7 students are completing a film study on Coco, directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina. This Pixar film follows a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician and accidentally finds himself in the Land of the Dead, uncovering truths about his family and identity. The film explores themes of family, memory, and loss, and students will discuss how film techniques are used to shape meaning. They will continue developing their essay writing skills by learning to analyse film and compose structured responses using their understanding of cinematic techniques.

Year 8 students are studying Kings and Villains in Shakespeare, an engaging introduction to the world of William Shakespeare. Through the study of key characters and themes across his plays, students will develop an appreciation for Shakespeare’s enduring influence on literature. Alongside this, they will continue to strengthen their narrative writing and grammar skills through explicit instruction and practice.

Year 9 students are studying Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald and exploring a range of fairy tales. Stories in the Dark follows two teenagers who meet in a war-torn city and share stories to find comfort and hope amidst chaos. It explores themes of violence, survival, friendship, and compassion. Students need a copy of this text and must bring it to class each lesson. Building on their understanding of drama texts from Romeo and Juliet last term, students will further explore how stories are constructed and the role of storytelling in reflecting and shaping society.

Year 10 students, having recently completed their yearly examination, are beginning a new unit on representations of Australia. This unit is designed to prepare students for Stage 6 English by developing the key analytical and compositional skills required for senior study. Throughout the term, students will engage with a range of mentor texts and experiment with a variety of writing forms, including analytical, creative, informative, reflective, and discursive responses.

Year 12 students have begun the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences, a unit studied by all HSC students this term. Texts and Human Experiences explores how both individual and collective experiences are represented in literature. Through this module, students examine how language shapes our understanding of humanity, emotion, and the world around us.

• English Studies students are analysing the documentary series Go Back to Where You Came From, which follows Australians as they retrace the journeys of refugees and asylum seekers. The series explores themes of displacement, prejudice, empathy, and resilience, encouraging students to reflect on diverse human experiences.
• English Standard students are studying The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a play set during the Salem witch trials that mirrors the hysteria and persecution of McCarthyism in 1950s America. The text explores fear, integrity, justice, and mass paranoia, and contains moments of intense emotional and moral conflict. Students require a physical copy of the play and must bring it to class each lesson.
• English Advanced students are exploring selected poems by Kenneth Slessor, an Australian poet whose work captures moments of beauty, memory, time, and mortality. Some poems address war, death, and human fragility through reflective and evocative imagery.

This module will be assessed later this term and will reappear in Paper 1 of the HSC examination next year. Students are encouraged to organise their notes carefully, as they will revisit this material in preparation for the Trial HSC in Term 3 and again for their final HSC exams.

Engaging with challenging themes is an important part of studying literature, helping students think critically about the world and their place within it. We encourage families to talk with their children about the ideas being discussed in English this term and to contact us if you have any questions about the texts being studied.

We are looking forward to another exciting and productive Term in English.

Kind regards,

Amelia Goodwin  | Leader of Learning and Teaching English and Digital Enablement & Innovation

From December 10, 2025, a landmark shift in digital regulation will take effect across Australia: individuals under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to hold accounts on major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). This new law, part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, is designed to protect young people from the well-documented harms of excessive screen time and exposure to potentially harmful content.

While this change may feel confronting for many students who rely heavily on their phones for connection and entertainment, it also presents a critical opportunity to refocus on learning, wellbeing, and attention. Research continues to show that excessive phone use can significantly disrupt concentration and academic performance—even the mere presence of a phone in a learning environment can reduce focus and cognitive capacity.

At MacKillop Catholic College, we are committed to supporting our students through this transition. In 2026, we will be launching a revitalised mobile phone policy that aims to:

• Build student accountability and agency in managing their digital habits.
• Promote deeper engagement in learning by reducing distractions.
• Support wellbeing through healthier boundaries around technology use.

This policy will be supported by our Wellbeing Team, who will work closely with students and families to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of this shift. We understand that for many young people, social media is a key part of their identity and social life. Our approach will be compassionate, educational, and focused on empowering students to thrive in a more focused and connected school environment.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing more details with our community, including opportunities for feedback and collaboration. Together, we can support this critical step forward in enhancing student learning and wellbeing.

In the meantime, I encourage you to familiarise yourself with the information on the law changes via the eSafety Commissioner’s website:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions

Warm regards,

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

With Mrs Sullivan moving into her new role as Leader of Learning and Teaching (HSIE), Mrs Attard and Mrs Hanson, secondary English teachers, are now looking after Capability and Enablement. As educators, all teachers want the very best for their students. At MacKillop, we are prioritising improving teaching and learning so that all students are engaged, active learners.

There is extensive data (nationally and internationally) that proves what many teachers already know: students learn best through explicit teaching strategies, active participation and effective, timely feedback. Mrs Attard and Mrs Hanson are committed to ensuring every class is learning through the fundamentals of explicit teaching practice: Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, Check for Understanding, Daily Review, and 100% participation. This means every student, every lesson, is thinking, participating, learning and improving. Our continued focus on improving teaching and learning aligns with the curriculum reform, but more importantly, it is about maximising the learning growth of your children so that they can leave school with knowledge, skills and confidence. 

To see how we, as a College, are progressing with embedding explicit teaching strategies, we are asking for students (with the help of a parent/carer) to fill out this quick survey: https://forms.office.com/r/XXB8ibhAhv

If you would like to read a little bit more about Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, click here.

It is an exciting time for teaching and learning at MacKillop. We are looking forward to sharing the success.

Ashlee Hanson | Capability and Enablement

As we approach the final assessment period for the year, the principle “start where you wish to end” resonates more strongly than ever. It reminds us that clarity of purpose and intentional effort from the beginning of the year will lead to meaningful outcomes. Right now, students across multiple year levels are engaging in final assessments and exams, each step reflecting the goals they set earlier in the year. 

At this time, it’s important to have regular conversations with your children to ensure they are staying on top of their work and are coping with the demands of final term assessments. Your support and encouragement can make a significant difference in helping them manage stress and maintain focus. 

Year 12 students are deep into their HSC exams, demonstrating the focus and preparation that began long before October. With each exam, they are settling into routines and applying themselves with determination to make the most of this important time.  

Year 10 students are completing exams that contribute to their Record of School Achievement (RoSA), a key milestone in their academic journey. They have approached this period with diligence and maturity, putting their best foot forward. For many, this is their first experience of a formal exam period, and we believe it will serve as a valuable foundation for their future senior studies. 

For Year 11, this is a pivotal moment. Students are receiving their final course reports and beginning to reflect on their aspirations for the end of Year 12 and beyond. Now is the time to set a clear focus and work towards those goals. From day one, it will be important to establish an effective study timetable, create a productive study environment, and maintain up-to-date notes and coursework. 

Looking ahead, we are preparing to welcome families to the Year 12 2026 Information Evening next week, on Monday at 6 pm in the Theatre. This evening will outline the journey for the graduating class of 2026, including NESA requirements, our assessment handbook, and the support structures in place to guide students through their senior year. It’s a reminder that success begins with clarity of purpose and a commitment to the process. We strongly encourage both parents and students to attend. 

Alex Walters |

It is important as a community to understand the basics of what an allergy is — an immune system response to Food proteins (or other allergens, such as medications, pollens, dust, etc), that the body mistakenly believes are harmful. Reactions to these allergens can range from mild to severe, which in some cases may require medical intervention and hospitalisation.  By discussing this in the home with your children, they can support each other during the school day to avoid mistakenly coming into contact with or consuming an allergen.

When a person eats food containing the allergen, the immune system releases a large amount of chemicals, including histamine, that lead to signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.

An allergic reaction can involve the gut, skin and breathing and/or heart systems. Symptoms of food allergy can range from mild to moderate to severe (including anaphylaxis). 

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency. Hospital presentations for anaphylaxis have increased for all age groups in the past 30 years, with food being the major cause of anaphylaxis in the 0-4 age group.

Have you ever wondered what happens inside your body that leads to you developing allergies? It is normal to wonder why you or a friend has a food allergy when others do not.

This short animation provides a simple explanation about how we develop allergies and also what happens in our body to cause symptoms of an allergic reaction.

This video explains: How Allergies Work

This information was sourced from Food allergy - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia    and   ALLERGY 250K

If your child has an allergy, please ensure you provide the College with an up-to-date action plan so we can provide the appropriate support in the event of a reaction.

Term 4 registrations are open for CCFSS parenting courses. Courses for the next period include;

• 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching - Inclusive Adaptation
• Triple P Positive Parenting program
• Tuning In To Kids - Young Parents

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 call on 4340 1585 for more details.

Dear Parents, Carers and students,

CSBB Digital Enablement has advised us that Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 15, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive essential security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

To ensure students can continue to learn safely and effectively, it is highly recommended that all families check their child’s device and take action before this date.

What families need to do

• Check if your child’s Windows device can upgrade to Windows 11.
• Most newer devices will support Windows 11.
• If the device is too old, you may need to consider an alternative supported device (where possible).
• Microsoft has provided step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade here

• Check apps and programs.
• Before upgrading, please confirm that any personal apps or software used by your child are compatible with Windows 11.

Why this is important

• Upgrading ensures your child’s device remains secure, supported, and able to operate current learning tools and applications.
• Not upgrading means the device could become more vulnerable to viruses and may lose access to required apps in the future.

We ask that families complete this process before October 15, 2025, so that students do not experience disruptions to their learning.

Thank you for helping us keep student learning safe and supported.

Amelia Goodwin | Digital Enablement Lead 7-12

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

For parish Mass times and the latest bulletin, please visit: www.bbcatholic.org.au/warnervale

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

Fri 26 Sep - Sec Year 9 PASS RAW challenge

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

Term 4 starts Tuesday 

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