MacKillop Chronicles 2023 Term 2, Week 6
Thursday 1 June 2023
On Tuesday Year 1 travelled up past Maitland to visit Tocal Homestead as part of their History Unit ‘Past and Present Family Life’. The students had an amazing day experiencing what life would have been like for children 150 years ago. Just a little bit different ... no device!
Last Friday, Year 11 Visual Arts worked with artist Timm O'Regan in a HSC Body of Work Practical workshop. Students explored the HSC requirements, art express students' artworks, artist practice, meeting criteria and curating HSC artworks for exhibition. The students completed two practical workshops - photo collage onto clay/ wood and clay mechanical sculpture.
Friday is the last day to nominate for 23/24 Secondary Leadership role. If you are considering nominating please don't miss out, you could be exactly what our leadership and school community needs.
This Sunday is our second Confirmation session for children Year 3 and above please contact the parish if you would like your child to take part.
Community Feedback: Uniting provides a range of services, programs and family-based centres. They are seeking your feedback to help shape the Warnervale Family Project funded by the Department of Social Services for the next 3 years. Please take a moment to provide your valuable feedback about what is needed for families in the Warnervale area to help shape this project and provide help to those in need. https://forms.office.com/r/DcgUU2BbqX
Congratulations to the Intermediate Theatresports team who played in the semi-final tonight and came a very respectable 4th place. Well done!
Remember to check Compass for up-to-date news and information on events
and contact us on 7256 2116 for enquiries.
EALD Survey - We need your help
This is an important survey that we are asking all families from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the College, regardless of background, to complete. If you know of a family where English may be a second language and they may need assistance completing this survey please reach out. The need for this survey is to provide additional support to these families and students.
Please complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/6Fb8Ggu9XC
Little Lighthouse Playgroup
Little Lighthouse Playgroup is so much fun and for everyone not just MCC families. Invite your friends, bring some morning tea and enjoy some quality time with your child/ren, while connecting with other parents in the community.
Primary Matters
Dear Community,
Sunday’s Gospel Account – Trinity Sunday
On Sunday we will celebrate Trinity Sunday. Understanding the significance of Trinity Sunday can be as simple as one-two-three. It begins with God the Father – who gave us his only begotten Son; Jesus – who in turn promised that he would send us the Holy Spirit. Hence, God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.
All of that is declared every time we sign ourselves, saying “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Yet, the mystery of a triune God equally confounds the simple child and the wise old man as the well-known story of St Augustine teaches us. One day while walking along the seashore, pondering the Trinity, Augustine encountered a boy pouring ocean water into a hole in the sand. The boy explained: “I am going to put the entire ocean into this hole.” St Augustine told him that it was impossible. The hole in the sand was too small to contain all of the vast ocean. Surprisingly, the boy replied, “And neither can you fit the Trinity into your little brain.” We continue to walk by faith, affirming the Trinity every time we make the sign of the cross... A little prayer within itself.
Teacher Learning
This week, every teacher at MacKillop had the opportunity to work with our school counsellors, Angela and Jade, to further develop awareness around their autonomic nervous systems and those of the children they work with within their classrooms and on the playground. During the sessions, the teachers were able to map their stress responses and identify ways of connecting with themselves and those around them. This will lay the foundations for a more open and attuned learning space that has a shared sense of harmony. The basis of this work is from Dr Stephen Porges, the world-acclaimed neuroscientist, who developed the Polyvagal Theory.
Kindergarten Enrolment for 2024
We have had the opportunity to meet many new families and greet existing families with their 2024 Kinder children. If you have a potential 2024 Kindergarten child or you know someone that does, please remember to submit your forms and remind them to submit theirs too, as places are filling fast.
Semester 1 Reports and Conferences
Our teachers are very busy assessing and reporting on your children’s learning by the way of summative assessments and Semester 1 Reports. These will be available to you on COMPASS by the end of Week 8. We will be offering Parent/Teacher interviews in Week 9. Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 have a two-way conference between the teacher and the parent/s while Stage 2 and Stage 3 have a three-way conference between the teacher, parent and student. We look forward to sharing your child’s academic, spiritual, social and behavioural learnings with you.
Year 6 Great Debate
Congratulations to our Year 6 debaters who won Round One against St Brendan’s at Lake Munmorah. We are extremely proud of them! Thank you Mrs Dacey and Mrs Shilling for ensuring they were well-prepared!
Calling All TimesTable Challenge Champions and Champions to Be…
From Year 3 to Year 6 we are having a blitz on Times Tables. Rote learning by choral singing may be a thing of the past, but learning one’s times tables is a fundamental and practical skill that can be used in all aspects of life. Let’s go MacKillop and get our Times Tables on!
Stage 3 Basketball at Penrith
Today in Penrith, we entered the first-ever MacKillop primary girl's basketball team in the NSW Primary Schools Cup. They surprised a few teams on the court as they played so well as a team you couldn't tell that most had never played basketball before. We just scraped into the finals and surprised everyone by progressing to the Grand Final where we came second to St Catherine’s in Queanbeyan. We were lucky enough to meet Australian Opal Shayla Heal and Opal’s team mascot Karla the Kangaroo. The girls played so well, representing the school with pride and integrity. Congratulation Georgia H, Teleah G, Ella G, Alyssa McC, Aapti D S, Danika McG, Ava F, and Charlotte K on a stellar debut.
MCC was represented by the Primary Stage 3 Boys Basketball Team in Penrith also. After a very cold and early start, the boys hit their straps to claim an 18-4 win in their first game. Ayden G and Henry K lead the scoring with 6 points each and Bailey L had the key locked down with some huge blocks and rebounds.
Our second game saw the boys competing against a team with over 15 players at their disposal but the fast hands of Ethan S, Callum C and Byron K F kept the ball out of their possession and going into our net for a 26-6 win.
A fast start to our Semi-Final caught us off guard and saw us playing catch-up basketball. Lochie F and Cruz C dug deep to claw us back into the game but sadly it was not enough, seeing us bow out in a 27-19 loss. The boys were gallant in defeat, however, represented our school proudly and showed excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.
A huge thank you to Mr Garcia for officiating the bench for us and all the parents that came along to cheer the boys on. It was greatly appreciated!
A Thought for the Week…
“Never forget the difference you make!”
God Bless,
Frank Cohen
Primary Principal
Secondary News
Prayer; Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday:
The Feast of Holy Pentecost is celebrated each year on the fiftieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Easter) and ten days after the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The Feast is always celebrated on a Sunday. The Feast commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, a feast of the Jewish tradition. It also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost to honour the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Lord, we thank You for the transforming work of Your Holy Spirit in our lives and through our lives toward others. We thank You that You have given us the boldness to proclaim the Gospel. Remind us to use Your power to do the work You have given us.
AMEN
Reconciliation Week:
This is Reconciliation Week, and it needs to be recognised by all as a very important week for all Australians. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year is Be a Voice for Generations.
Learning:
- Sydney University Winter School Tahgara.
Please join us in celebrating our amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have been successful in their applications to attend the Sydney University Winter School Tahgara. The following students were each selected from a large pool of applicants which saw only 60 selected Australia-wide. We are very proud to see our students representing MacKillop. Taalirah G and Stephanie K well done!
These students will be experiencing University life, undertaking subject-specific tutoring for their HSC subjects and expanding their cultural knowledge and understanding on campus and throughout the city from the 10th-14th of July.
- Japanese Speaking Rehearsal Day:
Tomorrow our school is hosting a day for the diocese for all students who are studying Japanese to be able to work together to improve their skills.
On Saturday, all our HSC Japanese students will attend a speaking rehearsal day to prepare for the oral exams in Term 3.
Year 10 Retreat to Collaroy:
This morning, all our Year 10 students departed for Collaroy for their Year 10 Retreat. Next week we will share some pictures and information about the 2 days. These days are very important in the faith and personal development of our students.
Theatresports:
The Senior TheatreSports team walked out smiling after an entertaining semi-final played at Tara Anglican School on Thursday 25th May. The team competed in a senior competition even though they are all Year 10 students. Mrs Baird was so proud of these students, two of whom have never competed before and were now faced with playing against seasoned teams who had already won their Sydney heat. Moreover, all the opposition teams were from Years 11 and 12. MacKillop's team played highly engaging and well-scoring games of "I Love You", "Genre Replay", "Open Scene" and "Soap Opera". They received excellent feedback from the judges and stirred the audience's emotions with their improvised scenes. Congratulations Charlotte, Jacob, Jarrod and Lachlan.
Student Leadership:
Our Year 11 nomination forms for leadership 2023/24 are due tomorrow to Mr McNamara. Next week in assembly, all the nominees will speak in front of the entire Secondary school and staff to introduce themselves and explain why they are running for leadership. This is always a highlight, and all parents are warmly welcome to attend this at noon.
Biggest Morning Tea:
The MacKillop community celebrated the Biggest Morning Tea together last week in the library. This is the 12th year we have joined together to raise awareness and much needed funds for the Cancer Council. The students, parents and staff were all smiles enjoying a warm drink and some scrumptious treats. A big thank-you to our bakers who made beautiful cakes and slices for us and thank you to every person who donated. Together, we raised $869 for this worthy cause.
Staff Wellbeing Week:
Every Week 5 our Staff make a point of ensuring that their own wellbeing is being nurtured. It is impossible for them to assist their students if they are not well.
In Week 5 all meetings are cancelled, and all staff are asked to be off the grounds by 4pm and to try and do something special for themselves during the week.
Staff also organise special treats throughout the week to also boost each other's energy and enjoyment.
We are blessed with a wonderful group of teachers who work really hard for your children and this week recognises their dedication but also their need to care for themselves.
Wellbeing Week for Students:
The Year 12 students are organising a well-being week for the students in Week 8. They will raise money for various charities concerned with mental health and homelessness. Some of the events include:
- Trash and Treasure each day
- Pyjama and Oodies Day on Friday - gold coin donation
- The Winter Sleepout for all students in Years 7-12. Years 7-9 stay till 9.30 pm and Years 10-12 sleep rough for the night - $5 ahead.
More information to come.
New Phone System:
Our new number is 7256 2116. We do expect issues and problems may arise for the next few weeks so please be patient whilst we work through any hiccups with the new system.
Important Dates for Term 2 Week 7:
- Mon – Year 11 Drama Production 7 pm
- Tues – Junior soccer / Evac Drill from the playground in Break 1 / WYD Pilgrims at MCC
- Wed – 14 Rugby League
- Thur – U/18 Netball / No sport, Sec school finishes 1 pm for Safeguarding Training 1.30-4.30 pm
- Fri – Assembly –Leadership speeches at 12noon
Heads Up for Events this term:
- Our Winter Appeal:
Every year we support the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, and we make the collection of items as part of the Mini Vinnies and Mini Macs program.
Please keep an eye out for the products and foods that are being asked for by our local charities. Primary and Secondary will be asked for different products and each House in Secondary will be asked to supply specific foods etcetera.
Secondary will be asked to donate their items in Pastoral up until Friday Week 7, 9th June.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings:
Just a heads up that Semester 1 Reports will be sent home soon and then Parent Teacher Meetings will be held on Thursday, 22 June from 1.30 pm to 8 pm and all-day Friday, 23 June from 8.45 to 3.30 pm. COMPASS is now open to make interview times for our Years 11 and 12 students. Directions on how to make the interviews are on COMPASS.
Interviews will be open for our Juniors from Monday 5 June.
- Staff Training in June
All staff in our Diocese must undergo Safeguarding Training this year. For the Secondary Staff, this has been organised by Catholic Schools Broken Bay on Thursday 8 June from 1.30 to 4.30 pm. Therefore, there will be no Sport this Thursday and all students, 7-12 will be able to go home at 1 pm. We will have supervision for those who cannot arrange to leave at this time.
- Last Day of Term
The last day for this term is Thursday 29 June. On Friday 30 June our staff along with every other diocesan school, 44 in total, will be attending a Professional Learning Day.
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
Getting to know Mrs McGuinness
Name: Mel/ Melaney McGuinness
Occupation: Secondary Assistant Principal
Hobbies: playing the piano, singing, reading, cooking, baking, watercolour painting and spending time with friends and family.
Hopes for the future: I look forward to inhabiting a world where all people are respected and valued. I see this as important work that we as teachers can influence. We as teachers are gifted with an absolute privilege to nurture the generations to come, and through this we not only hope for a bright future for our children and grandchildren; we also are actively participating in building this future. So my hope is that every student will have belief in their ability to succeed, that they will be challenged to grow emotionally, spiritually and academically and to become contributing members of society and the world. I truly wish to see our students being intentional about building and nurturing their own growth as humans.
Most looking forward to at MacKillop in 2023: To continue to serve the MacKillop community with positive regard for the dreams and aspirations of all. To see our staff and students flourish as we grow together and realise our potential to be compassionate, empathetic, courageous and open to ongoing growth throughout this one and only gift of life we have.
How I journeyed into teaching and landing at MCC:
I arrived in Australia in September 1989 from South Africa. I had been teaching at a Secondary school in Durban prior to arriving in Australia. On leaving school my plan was to become a doctor and this was prevented by the restriction of access to some Tertiary institutions because of the apartheid system. After swapping from Sciences to a Bachelor of Arts and a Higher Diploma in Education, I began my career as a teacher in 1985. In October 1990 I began working for Westpac Banking Corporation while awaiting approval of my teaching qualifications. A year later I arrived home to a telegram; “start Monday Blacktown Boys- stop”. Yes, a telegram-no emails back then! So start Monday is exactly what I did.
In 1995 we moved to the Central Coast and I transferred to Gorokan High. Whilst at Gorokan High I had the opportunity to take up a teaching role in Hong Kong for two years - so off we went. After two years and an offer of contract renewal, I needed to return home as our daughters were about to commence High school. A day after arriving home I was asked to do a day of casual teaching at St. Peter’s Tuggerah. One day became two and this became a full term 4. After that term, I was offered a permanent role and thereafter English Co-ordinator. In 2012 I was appointed Leader of Pedagogy and remained in this role until my appointment to MacKillop at the start of 2016. Throughout this time I undertook postgraduate studies whilst raising my girls and staying true to my keen desire to learn and learn and learn.
I have been a parishioner at MacKillop since the parish began and have always felt called to serve this community, so when my current role was advertised it felt like a natural fit.
Counselling and Wellbeing Services Survey
Catholic Schools of Broken Bay are asking all Parents in our school community (primary and secondary) to please complete this brief survey to get a better understanding of the needs in our community.
Please complete the 10 min Parent Survey here: School Counselling and Wellbeing Services Survey
Go4Fun - FREE 10wk healthy well-being program
Go4Fun is a FREE 10-week healthy well-being program for children aged 7 to 13 to enjoy along with their families. Please contact 1800 780 900.
Run by top-trained health professionals, it’s a fun way for kids to build self-esteem and learn about eating well, staying active and living a healthy life.
Term 3 programs will take place at:
Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Tuesdays 4 pm–6 pm (Aboriginal program for everyone run by Bungree)
Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool, Wednesdays 4 pm–6 pm
Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Thursdays 4 pm–6 pm
To register, visit go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900
Healthy Eating and Active Living
SOS - No Age Limits
Addressing the growing epidemic of Adult Cyber Bullying. Join us for this engaging and informative webinar to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively handle cyberbullying and promote a safer online experience for adults.
June 8, 7.00 - 7.50 pm
Register your interest here: Safe on Socials Webinar - No Age limits
