MacKillop Chronicles 2023 Term 1, Week 10

Thursday 6 April 2023

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Primary Matters

Dear Community,

He is Risen – Alleluia!

“Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” John 20: 1 – 9.

Our very existence as Christians is based on the events of Easter. Without Easter, we do not have a faith. To believe in the risen Christ means we are Easter people. I personally do get in trouble with church officials from time to time, because I simply do not get the need for some of the bells and smells associated with our faith. I genuinely mean no disrespect, but for me, the whole concept of being a Disciple and being faithful is because of a belief in Easter! Everything else to me is not as important. Our faith gives us hope to live eternally if we believe in Jesus and follow his ways. Jesus cheated death by rising from the dead, on Easter Sunday. Happy Easter everyone. Rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord. Alleluia.

Stations of the Cross – Holy Week

Today the students across the college gathered in the hall to view the re-enactment of Jesus’ final days. This is very important for all in our school to watch, listen, learn and understand the meaning of Easter and why it is the bedrock of our faith. My thanks to the staff and students who were able to role-play for students and spread the message that Jesus gives hope to all humanity.

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Holy Week Events

If you can get to the church today, tomorrow and Easter Sunday then you are a true witness to our faith. I would encourage all parents who have taken the time to enrol their child/ren in a Catholic school to spend a small amount of time and get to church to remember Jesus and to rejoice in the risen Christ on Sunday.

Teaching Arrangements 4 Wattle

We welcome Ms Bridie Cartwright who will join Mrs Whitmore as the teachers for 4 Wattle from Term 2 onwards. A time will be made early in the term for parents to meet the teachers. Bridie met the children today and I know they are all very excited!

Welcome Back Year 6 from Canberra

Some bleary-eyed teachers and students rolled into school today after a few days in our nation’s capital. I would like to thank the Parliamentary Education Office for subsidising our trip to Canberra. The students took part in visits to Parliament House, the Australian Electoral Commission and other key Democracy venues to learn about our democratic values, rights and responsibilities. My thanks to the staff who gave up their family life this past week to stay with the children as they learn about the importance of Canberra as our national capital.

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Reminders for Term 2

As we head off into the break there are some timely reminders in readiness for Term 2. The official changeover into winter uniform is Monday Week 3 of Term 2. If however, it is cold before this time then parents are encouraged to send children dressed in their winter uniform, but not a mix of summer and winter. Girls are asked to return with no fake, polished or acrylic nails, no hair dye or makeup. Hair for both boys and girls must be tied back and neat, and tidy, and only one pair of earrings is allowed. Hair ties must be the colours of the school or natural hair colour and no mohawks, zig-zag lines or undercuts for the boys.

Please ensure school shoes are black and polished and that the children wear joggers that are white or predominantly white. It goes without writing that all items such as jackets and hats must have names on them, otherwise they will end up in the second-hand clothing store. Parents are also asked to check that children are not coming to school chewing gum and that all children have the necessary items for their learning.

Social media and chat rooms please be vigilant! The number of incidences involving children and the misuse of social media is becoming an avalanche for those who are left having to deal with the consequences. A scenario that plays out repeatedly and despite the numerous amounts of warnings, parent education offerings and general communication many children are the subject of online bullying, grooming and exposure to inappropriate material. This happens out of school time and yet the common thread is that it usually involves other children from the school and therefore becomes a school issue. My simple advice especially for parents who believe they have a full grip on their child’s virtual footsteps is to demand for passwords and ask to be a part of the chat rooms and really get to know what is happening.

Anzac Day Commemoration

The primary students will observe a minute’s silence and be involved in a prayer ceremony remembering the people who have served or are currently serving in our military services. This will take place on Wednesday 26^th April when the students return for day 1 of Term 2.

Enrolment for Kindergarten 2024

At this stage, we have filled three classes for kindergarten in 2024 and are almost complete for the fourth class. So if you know of anyone wanting to come to our school for kindergarten in 2024, then they must submit their applications now to avoid disappointment. Interviews will continue to be held early in Term 2.

Enjoy the Easter Break and Thank You

Wishing all families a wonderful Easter break. May the love of the risen Christ reach you all and that you stay safe and enjoy the time with family and friends.

A thought for the Week…

“I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun – not because I can see it, but by it, I can see everything else.” C S Lewis.

God Bless,

Frank Cohen

Primary Principal

Secondary News

Prayer: Holy Week

Holy Week stands at the head of our Catholic calendar, the holiest week of the entire liturgical year. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and continues until Easter Sunday. It celebrates the Paschal Mystery, the passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and his victorious resurrection, his triumph over sin and death and his glorification by his Father.

'Almighty Father, who sent your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin, show me how I can honour you and bring glory to your name, by walking in the way of Jesus. Give me grace and mercy as I try and fail, guidance when I'm not sure which way to go, and wisdom to trust you in all things.'

AMEN

Learning:

• NAPLAN:

Years 7 and 9 completed NAPLAN tests between the 15 and 23 March. There were over 1200 individual NAPLAN tests completed. Many were sick during this period but managed to attempt the tests during the ‘catchup days’ at the end. 

The writing component was completed using the desktop keyboard which was easier for typing. The genre for writing this year was narrative. The open nature of the stimulus allowed students to take many different approaches to their stories. It was pleasing to see students planning their stories and allowing time for thorough proofreading. For a few students, the openness of developing a story was problematic and time was wasted procrastinating over their response.

The other three tests were undertaken in the hall on student iPads. A couple of minor technical issues delayed the start by a few minutes. Once the tests commenced, they ran smoothly, and the iPads were a great tool to use. Students are to be commended for their focus and application to the questions. Most students finished the tests early and spent time reviewing their answers. Disappointingly, over 30 students came without their headphones for the Conventions of Language test, so these had to be rescheduled.

We now wait for the results, and we will have them so much earlier this year which means the data can be studied and learning strategies can be introduced to assist students where they require it in a more timely manner 

• Congratulations Year 12:

Well done to all our Year 12 who just completed their ‘Ace Your Exams’. These exams do not count towards their ranking or assessment marks but are completed to help Year 12 have further experience in time management in their HSC as well as to test themselves on what they know and do not know at this stage of their HSC year. This will also inform the teachers of their progress and to adapt their teaching and learning plans.

We were very impressed with how our Year 12 approached these exams and we thank all our Year 12 teachers and especially Mrs Phillipson who continually supports her year group. Also, to Mr Jones, our Leader of Curriculum, who organises these exams.

• Vertical Pastoral Survey:

Last Friday we surveyed Years 7 to 11 on their feelings after only one term of the new system. The findings were interesting and will be looked at carefully by the staff to continue to improve and assist our students to learn. From the survey, we can identify students who are struggling, and we will be able to follow up with these students next term.

We also found that students, like most people, find change difficult. Most appreciate the 30 minutes of study and reading time, but many miss the Pastoral Classes that were of students all in the same year group. Change takes time, as does a cultural shift but, as time goes on, we feel they will start to see the benefits of a Vertical class.

VP pie graphs Sem 12023.docx

ANZAC Day Ceremony:

On Monday 3 April, we held our annual ANZAC Day commemoration service. All students from Years 7 to 11 were present and several of our Year 12 students joined us between exams. This is our opportunity to stop and reflect on the ANZACs, but also to honour the service of Australians in conflict and peacekeeping operations since World War One as well as those currently serving.

Several members of the Toukley RSL Sub-Branch joined us on the day, their involvement is greatly appreciated and helps the MacKillop community to connect with the broader community. The theme this year was ‘Remembering’. The service was led by Josie Rogencamp and Elliye Pearce-Sauvao from Year 11. Their address centred around the words of His Excellency General, the Honourable David Hurley.

“A single day in the calendar cannot ensure we remember but it can remind us of who we were, who we are and who we aspire to be.”

The service was also made special by the inclusion of our Year 9 students, Thomas Byrn, Nicholas Wasley and Conor Collier. These students helped prepare and lead the procession of flags and the reflection during the minute silence. All students were respectful and focused during the service and their involvement added to the moving gathering of staff, students, parents, and special guests.

Lest We Forget.

ANZAC Day Luncheon:

Last Monday our Yr 11 and 12 Parliament Leaders had the privilege to have lunch with our special guest, Damien Thomlinson, who was our Keynote Speaker for the ANZAC Ceremony. This was such a wonderful opportunity to learn from such an inspiring man and our leaders, although a little overwhelmed by him at times, asked some excellent questions and were involved in a great conversation. This amazing man has such a story to tell and here is the website where you can read about him.

https://www.damienthomlinson.com/new-page-3

We thank Mrs Boyd for making this opportunity occur and we especially also thank our Hospitality teachers and class for catering a 2-course meal for this luncheon. It was truly a highlight for all involved.

ANZAC Day March:

 We would like to continue our involvement in the community acknowledgment of Anzac Day. Our Australian community commemorates Anzac Day this year (Tuesday 25th April) with special marches in all the towns. Each year we take part in the Toukley Parade, and this is a very special time for all those involved. If you would like your child to march with the College, please just follow the meeting instructions below. Staff will be attending on the day, to march with the children. All Parliament students are expected to attend. The details are:

Toukley RSL Morning Service

• Meet at 9.30 am at The Village Green which is near the car park for Coles at Toukley
• March to commence at 9.45am
• Students are to wear – full summer uniform and a College hat.
• If it is cold – the Winter uniform with blazers and/or the college jumper is to be worn
• If it is raining the students need to wear a rain jacket and/or bring an umbrella.
• Students need to bring a full water bottle.

Students will receive JUMP hours, House points and merits for attending.

Holy Week Liturgy:

Today, Holy Thursday, we ended the term as a College community by attending an Easter Liturgy. Students from Kindergarten to Seniors, parents and staff gathered in the hall to watch the dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross. A reflection was given afterwards by Mrs Tenev about how Jesus' death and resurrection is a story of hope, and how we can be people of hope if we open our hearts to Him. A liturgical dance closed the liturgy, and we are so proud of the students who gave up their lunch times to rehearse and put this together. Thank you to the readers, the actors, the dancers, the singers, the musicians and the teachers who supported them.

Winter Uniform:

Just a reminder that we commence Winter Uniform on Monday, Week 3 of Term 2 to allow for the heat that sometimes accompanies the beginning of Term 2.

So, on Monday, 8 May every Secondary student must be in full Winter uniform.

Girls Year 7 to 12 in blue tights / The Junior boys in their chambray button up shirt and long College blue trousers / all students in the College Blazer / if a Jumper is needed it must be the College blue jumper for Juniors and the red jumper for Seniors.

No undershirts or hoodies or any foreign jumpers.

Blue, red or white scarves can be worn. No beanies.

Please check blazers now for dry cleaning or replacing.

Important Dates for Term 2 Week 1:

Mon 24 April: Pupil Free Day for K-12

Tues 25 April: ANZAC Day – Public Holiday. ANZAC March at Toukley

Wed 26 April: All students return

Final Word

If you have any questions or concerns always, please contact the College.

Remember to check COMPASS, our website and, our Facebook pages for information.

God bless.

Debra Ferguson

Secondary Principal

Year 7 Taster Day