MacKillop Chronicles 2023 Term 3, Week 6
- Thursday 24 August, 2023
- First Holy Communion
- Year 12 Visual Arts Exhibition
- Little Lighthouse Playgroup
- Primary Matters
- Read, Grow Inspire - Book Week 2023
- Monthly Youth Group and Mass This Sunday
- School TV
- Secondary News
- Tuning Into Kids Parenting Program
- Disney Magic Trivia Night
- PARENT WEBINARS - ONLINE SAFETY
- Getting to know Mrs Cindy Noah
- Indigenous Literacy Foundation 2nd hand Book Sale
- COMPASS Sign-in Update
Thursday 24 August, 2023
On Thursday, 17 August last week, our MCC Troupes headed to Your Next Step Dance Challenge to compete against other Central Coast Schools. Results were a clean sweep across the board: Years 3/4 Jazz 1st and Overall Most Entertaining, Years 5/6 Jazz 1st and Overall the Highest Scoring Dance of the whole competition, Year 3-6 Lyrical 1st, High School Lyrical 1st and Overall Most Technical Troupe.
Save the date, Saturday 18 November, for our 20th Anniversary, adults-only, social event for members of the MCC community past and present. You can register your interest in attending here: 20th Anniversary at Wyong Leagues Club.
More information to follow, but the entertainment has been booked - Steamboat Hollow, so get set to dance!!
Father's Day Celebrations
The Primary Father's Day stall will be held at school on Thursday, 31 August. If you are available to help, please get in touch with Lucy Marien. Up to 2 gifts per student can be purchased for $5 each. To help our younger students, please place their money in an envelope with their name and the number of required gifts (up to two per student) clearly noted.
Then, on Friday, 1 September, the whole College K - 12 invites all significant male role models in our MCC community to come along to a special cooked breakfast and liturgy; RSVP for breakfast: https://forms.office.com/r/GXdtRe06ey.
Primary will invite Fathers / Carers to stay for the primary choir, open rooms and some Fathers / Carers v Year 6 sporting events. Year 6 families, please see Facebook Grade Page for more details and how to let us know you will be attending.
All families, please email a jpg/digital picture of our special men to Mrs Whitmore to be shown as a slideshow at the liturgy, catherine.whitmore@dbb.catholic.edu.au by Friday 25th August.
Important reminder to Year 9 parents/carers: please go to Compass and give permission for your child to attend Camp in Term 4. You will also need to log into the Urban Challenge and fill out their permissions: www.theurbanchallenge.com.au
The username and password will be posted on the Facebook Grade Page for Year 9 and COMPASS.
To help all our Primary sporting students up to date with Broken Bay events, a new subsite has been created, CSBB Primary Sports, https://csnsw.sport/brokenbay/primary/home. This is a subsite of the CSNSW Sport site and is an excellent source for parents to access up-to-date information on our sporting event programs, results, etc. It even includes an honour roll of students who have gained selection into further school pathway teams.
The athletics page is particularly popular at the moment: https://csnsw.sport/brokenbay/primary/sport/athletics, and there are tabs with the latest results, programs etc.
Book Week starts next week on Monday, 28 August; there are loads of activities, games and competitions happening during the week. There is an entire rundown of what is happening in the newsletter. Our parade is on Wednesday, 30 August, from 10.30 am in the Hall; all MCC families are invited.
Last week, our Primary students dressed in bright and colourful colours to help raise money to celebrate our Year 6 Graduation at the end of the year. Next week, Year 6 are holding a Cake Stall on Wednesday, 30 August. They are asking families to donate baked goods to go on sale to Primary. Goods will be sold for between 50c and $2 for each item, with all money going to the Graduation. Purchases will be cash only, and the stall will be located in the COLA. If there is anything left for Secondary's break, they are also welcome to indulge in some yummy treats.
Remember to check Compass for up-to-date news and information on events
and contact us on 7256 2116 for enquiries.
First Holy Communion
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
If your child is in Year 4 or older and you would like him/her to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (First Eucharist), a program is underway at St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish at Warnervale in August.
Sessions have started so if you would like your child to be included please contact the Parish office.
For more details contact the parish office 8379 1740 or email warnervaleparish@bbcatholic.org.au
Year 12 Visual Arts Exhibition
This is open to all MCC families and the extended community. Come support our HSC Visual Arts students and view some inspiring major works at this year's, Year 12 Visual Arts Exhibition - 'Artistic Impressions' this Monday 28 August from 5.30 pm in the MacKillop Arts Centre.
Little Lighthouse Playgroup
Little Lighthouse Playgroup happens every Friday during term time in our Primary Multi-Purpose Room from 9.30 am to 11.00 am. Little Lighthouse welcomes all families in the community with children aged 0-6 to have some fun together.
Our playgroup is a safe and friendly environment run by parent/carer volunteers. Please bring your own morning tea and sun hat.
This week, our Little Lighthousers will be bending and stretching during Yoga and creating some special Father's Day gifts during craft time. Bring a friend and connect with other families from MCC, the parish and the community.
For more information, please contact our Parent Engagement Coordinator, Lucy Marien
Primary Matters
Dear Community,
This Sunday, we will hear from the Gospel of Mathew. It includes the well-acclaimed phrase, "Upon this rock, I will build my Church." This phrase comes from a conversation between Jesus and His Disciples. Jesus asks them who they think He is, and Peter says He is the chosen one. Jesus replies that because of his strong belief, He will create His Church on strong foundation. In the literal sense, we might imagine that Jesus is referring to a physical church being built on a rock of the sedimentary sense. Others, we might imagine the rock being of the metaphorical sense, our Church being built on strong foundation. Both of which are referring to strength, solidness and stability. But what if? What if the "rock" is actually our faith? What if Jesus was referring to Peter's faith? If Peter's faith was as strong and solid and stable as a rock, is that not the perfect basis of the Church? And if that is the perfect foundation of the Church and we relate that to our own faith, how strong and solid and stable is our faith? As teachers of Religious Education at MacKillop, we constantly ask ourselves how we can further develop the knowledge and faith of our little people. We constantly strive to help our children develop the strength, solidness and stability in their faith of Jesus.
3 – 6 Curriculum Information Session for Parents
On Tuesday, 29 August, at 6:30 pm, parents of students in Years 3-6 are encouraged to come along to our school library and learn about how Maths and English are taught. At this session, you will get an idea of what daily learning looks like, assessment of these key subject areas and how you can support your child at home. Please register at https://forms.office.com/r/H17qHd7Erh
BOOK WEEK 2023 – READ, GROW, INSPIRE
We are extremely excited, preparing and planning for our Book Week in Week 7. Our Lovely Librarians have organised an assortment of activities for the children to coincide with the 2023 theme - Read, Grow, Inspire. Thank you!
Monday 28 August – Friday 1September
Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday 29 August
9:20 am - Kinder YANA Book Week Parade(Library)
Wednesday 30th August
9:20 am – Kinder YANA Book Week Parade(Library)
10:30 am - K-12 Book Parade Day (Hall)
Thursday 31st August
K-6 Book Week Speaker with Paul Macdonald https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/about-us/
Friday 1st September
Father's Day liturgy and BBQ Brekkie & Books from 7.00 am
9.00 - 10.30 - After the Father’s Day BBQ, The primary choir will be singing, Dads are welcome to visit their child’s class to read their favourite children's book and then our first ever Year 6 v Dads and Carers Soccer/Netball Match.
Do not forget Please email a jpg/digital picture of our special men to Mrs Whitmore to be shown as a slideshow at the liturgy, catherine.whitmore@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Year 6 Graduation Cake Stall
On Wednesday 30th August, Year 6 will be hosting a cake stall from 12:30 p.m. in the COLA. Treats will be available from 12:30 pm and dietary requirements will be catered for in the way of gluten-free and dairy-free.
Public Speaking Finals
Our Public Speaking Finals will be held in Week 8.
Monday 4 September
11:30 am – Kindergarten in the Library
12 pm – Stage 2 in the Church
Tuesday 5 September
10 am – Stage 1 in the Library
11:20 am – Stage 3 in the Church
We wish our Year 6 representatives, Dean and Malak, good luck as they present their “Interschools Public Speaking competition” speeches at St Mary’s Toukley on Monday.
Stage 2 Netball and Soccer Gala Day
Tomorrow 170 Stage Two students will head to Adcock Park to participate in the Netball and Soccer Gala Day. We wish them well in both sportsmanship and achievement. Thank you to Mrs Denneman, Miss Grace, the Stage Two teachers, as well as the parents for the effort and time they have given to create a wonderful experience for our children.
ICAS Assessments
Over the past two weeks, Mrs Karen Jones has facilitated the ICAS assessments for over 20 students across our K- 12 College. ICAS is an international initiative which offers children the opportunity to showcase their academic abilities in Writing, Science, Spelling, English, Digital Technology and Mathematics. Congratulations to all the students!
K - 2 Curriculum Information
Last Tuesday evening numerous K-2 parents joined Mrs Chris Shilling and Mrs Cathy Whitmore to learn more about the English and Mathematics Curriculum here at MacKillop. They found out about the specific strategies used at school, as well as some handy hints to support their children at home.
Tournament of Minds
On Sunday, we will be touring north on the freeway to the annual Tournament of Minds competition. Two very hardworking teams have been diligently working workings their challenges with Mrs Jodie Kessler and Mrs Bronwyn Sandeman.
Numeracy in Kinder Grevillea
The students in KG have been working very hard to understand the concepts of what a pattern is. They are learning, for there to be a pattern, it must keep on repeating. The students have been using pattern blocks, making colour patterns, picture patterns, number patterns and also sound patterns.
Kinder students are always trying their hardest to form their numbers correctly and also to build their 'number bond to 10' or 'friends of ten' knowledge. At home, parents are encouraged to support your children with how they are forming their numbers, without reversals and also what combinations of 2 numbers can add to 10. This concept is essential for their foundational mathematical knowledge of number and place value.
God Bless
Sherylyn Kenney
Acting Primary Principal
Read, Grow Inspire - Book Week 2023
BOOK WEEK 2023 – READ, GROW, INSPIRE
Term 3 Week 7
Get prepared, MCC; this week is going to be EPIC! Check out the inspiring activities carefully curated to grow your love of reading our library staff have planned for you.
Monday 28 August – Friday 1 September
Scholastic Book Fair - Book Fairs | Scholastic Australia
On display in the library all week before/after school and during breaks.
Books suitable for ages 0 - teens, Cash/EFTPOS welcome
Tuesday 29 August
Kinder YANA Book Week Parade
Library 9:20am
Wednesday 30 August
Kinder YANA Book Week Parade
Library 9:20am
K-12 Book Parade Day
Hall 10.30-11.55 (7-12 – join K-6 during B1 11.20-11.55)
Thursday 31 August
Book Week Speaker with Paul Macdonald https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/about-us/
9-9:45 Kindergarten in the library
9:50-10:35 Year 2 in the library
11:25-12:10 Year 3-4 in the Theatre
12:10-1:00 pm Year 5-6 in the Theatre
2:00-2:45 Year 1 in the library
Friday 1 September
Father's Day BBQ Brekkie & Books
9.00 - 9.30 - Celebrating Fathers’ Day and Book Week – After the Fathers’ Day Liturgy and BBQ, Dads/Carers can visit their child/ren’s class to read their favourite children's book. A special Fathers vs Children sporting event will also happen for our Stage 3 students. Stay tuned for more details.
Years 7 – 10 Book Week Speaker Paul MacDonald - all year groups in theatre
9:20-10:20 Year 7
10:20-11:20 Year 8
1:00-2:00 Year 9
2:20-3:20 Year 10
Monthly Youth Group and Mass This Sunday
Our next Youth Group & Mass is Sunday 27 August, so bring a friend and come along to have some fun! Youth Group starts at 4 pm, followed by the Youth Mass at 5 pm and BBQ after Mass. RSVP here: August Youth Group and Mass
This is open for all school-aged children K-12.
School TV
This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.
All our MCC families have access to this resource: Home Page SchoolTV | MacKillop Catholic College - Warnervale
This month on SchoolTV - Respectful Relationships
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month's edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition: https://mccwdbb.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationships
Secondary News
From the Secondary Principal
Prayer:
In the last month, we have experienced the loss of an ex-student and a mother of a family whose three children went through our College from K - 12. This is always so sad for us all, and we keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest.
The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Amen
RISK AND DARE (RAD): making our present and future count:
Thursday and Friday this week, 4 of our Senior Leaders have had the opportunity to attend the RAD Conference in Sydney. This is an amazing two days and here is just a taste of some of the talks and events they will be attending and the presenters:
RAD: MAKING OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE COUNT - John Falzon and Madeline Gleeson
9.00am – 9.15am 9.15am – 10.15am 10.15am – 11.15am | Passion and Commitment: Live performance RISK AND DARE: Using my voice and my vote for change Q&A: How can I influence policy? Lobbying workshops: Modelling possibilities | CaSPA Students with Hon members of NSW Parliament: Sophie Cotsis, Felicity Wilson, Jenny Leong Julie Macken, Joelle Sassine, Emilia Nicholas, Violet Cabral |
The main message was summed up in this quote:
“One voice can change a room. And if one voice can change a room, then it can change a city. And if it can change a city, it can change a state. And if it can change a state, it can change a nation. And if it can change a nation, it can change the world. Your voice can change the world.” Barack Obama 2008
Learning:
Science Week
During Science Week, students in Year 9 were entertained with a reptile show from the Australian Reptile Park. Ranger Mick engaged the students and let them handle snakes, alligators, lizards, turtles and tortoises.
Year 7 were enthused by Fizzics Education’s Big Science Big Fun show. Students witnessed experiments with liquid nitrogen, fire, sound, smoke, light and colour.
All junior science students got to do an ESCAPE ROOM during their science lessons with the theme Hydrogen: Fuel of the future addressed through experiments and challenges.
Ms Lees organised a Guess the Science Teacher “baby photo competition.” Students had a good crack at this, with several students matching correctly and winning prizes.
SCIENCE TRIVIA was back in the library, with The Year 11s and Year 12s taking out 1st prize.
EDUCATION PERFECT science competition ran over three days, with Josh Nicholls in Year 9 taking out 1st place in the Junior Division and Mr Herbert’s Year 10 class winning the school competition overall.
An exciting week was had by all the students.
University of Newcastle Year 10 Engagement Camp
Lily has been accepted into The Wollotuka student engagement camp through Newcastle University. The engagement camp is offered to 50 Year 10 students from schools across Newcastle (25) and Central Coast (25) from 4 - 6 September 2023 at Point Wolstoncroft Sport & Recreation Centre.
The camp has been designed to provide students with greater access to the University of Newcastle colleges and support services, increasing their understanding of higher education programs and pathways. It will also give students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and support programs through cultural activities such as dance, weaving and art workshops.
The camp will include a mix of learning, recreational and cultural activities promoting teamwork and cooperation through problem-solving, skill development and interactive hands-on learning opportunities.
Key focus areas include self-identity & self-awareness, goal setting and future planning, cultural learning and sharing, and education pathways; as well as leadership through peer-to-peer communication and stronger communities.
Well Done, Lily!!!
- HSC Art Exhibition:
Our Year. 12 Art students will have their work on display for the entire school, parents, and students, on Monday, 28th August: 5.30 pm - 7 pm.
Dance Eisteddfod:
On Thursday, 17 August, our MCC Troupes headed to Your Next Step Dance Challenge to compete against other Central Coast Schools. The atmosphere is always amazing, and everyone is so excited and supportive of each other.
The results were a clean sweep across the board:
- Years 3/4 Jazz 1st and Overall, Most Entertaining
- Years 5/6 Jazz 1st and Overall, the Highest Scoring Dance of the whole competition
- Year 3-6 Lyrical 1st
- High school Lyrical 1st and Overall, most Technical Troupe.
We were so excited and proud of all our students who danced their absolute hearts out in a very competitive eisteddfod. These students have shown commitment and passion, turning up every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 am to practice on top of full-day and half-day workshops.
A BIG THANK YOU to Mrs Chloe Brook for her amazing choreography and training with Primary and Mrs Rochelle Calder for our Secondary choreography and training. Also, a massive thank you to Mrs Allison Passafaro for drilling the troupes every week and a big CHOOKAS to the ever-amazing Mrs Baird, our Creative Arts Coordinator.
We can’t wait to see what comes next for these talented students.
School Photographs
A big thank you to all our families for supporting us so well to ensure all our students looked so impressive in their College pictures. The three days of photography are always very busy, but our students and teachers are so supportive and cooperative. We will distribute them to the students as soon as they are sent to us.
Book Week: READ, GROW, INSPIRE
Week 7, 12 August - 1 September
It's almost Book Week, and we are looking forward to a really fun week! There are many ways students can get involved.
Book Week Kahoot! Year 7-12, Break 1 @ the Library Tuesday 29 August
K-12 Book Parade: All students from Kinder - Year 12 come to school dressed as a favourite book character. Students can join the fun in the Hall during Break 1, Wednesday, 30 August
Reading Hour: BRING A BOOK to read @ 12pm for the beginning of P4 on Wednesday 30 August
Book Week Speaker Paul MacDonald @ the Theatre (Years 7 – 10; please check Compass for times) Friday 1 September Father's Day Liturgy and Breakfast
Year 7-12 Book Week Competitions - prizes to be won!
Haiku Competition Write a Haiku including one or more of the Book Week theme words, ‘READ’, ‘GROW’, ‘INSPIRE’.
Inspirational book quotes survey: Look for the QR code in the library and complete the survey with an inspirational quote from a book you’ve read. What does the quote mean for you? Add your name, book title, and author.
Scholastic Book Fair – Students can visit the library to browse and buy books during breaks every day during Book Week.
Important Dates for T3 Week 7:
- Mon – Fri – Book Week
- Mon- Year 10 Valid tests/5.30 pm HSC Art Exhibition
- Tues – Lockdown Drill postponed /Year 11, 2024 Subject selections with parents 4-7 pm
- Wed – Fri - 9 Indigenous Camp
- Wed – Book Week Parade at 11.20 for sec students / DEAR at 12 noon for the entire college / Year 11 EEC working with Kinder / Brainstorm Productions for Years 7 and 8 (P3 & 4)
- Thur – Year 8 Spirituality Day P1-4 / author talks in each period.
- Fri – Father’s Day BBQ and Mass / Assembly for Years 9-12 / Spelling Bee Years 7 and 8 P3
New Phone System:
Our new number is 72562116. 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.
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
Tuning Into Kids Parenting Program
Disney Magic Trivia Night
On Friday 15 September at 7 pm get set for a magical evening. It's the Disney Magic Trivia night. This is a fundraising event for our USA Tour students which will be a fun night filled with trivia, raffles, games and prizes between rounds as well.
Dress up as your favourite Disney Character! There will be tables of 10, so you can get a group together or join up with a family whose child is going to the USA.
This is always an awesome night full of laughter!
$10 per head, available on Qkr!
Refreshments will be available to purchase on the night, BYO dinner and drinks.
Thank you for supporting our students on this amazing adventure, USA Tour 2024.
PARENT WEBINARS - ONLINE SAFETY
Technology and online spaces are full of opportunities for connection and entertainment; however, they also come with risks and responsibilities. Live webinars from the eSafety Commissioner give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences.
Multiple dates in Term 3: Online boundaries and consent
Multiple dates in Term 3: Getting the most out of gaming
31 August 2023: Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting
Multiple dates in Term 3: Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
For more information regarding these webinars and to book, please visit eSaftey Parent Webinars
Getting to know Mrs Cindy Noah
Name: Cindy Noah, I am a proud Wodi Wodi and Yuin woman from the South Coast NSW.
Occupation: Aboriginal Support Teacher Tuesday and Wednesday.
Role responsible for: K-12 Improving educational outcomes for our mob. Providing pathway opportunities for successful transition into the working world. Teaching students to be strong in culture from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Implementing a yarn-up group across K -12. Guiding our MCC teachers to best practice when implementing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Hobbies/Interests: Netball - Melbourne Vixens, reading and having a cup of tea, and I love to have a yarn!
Hopes for the future: To see success in any way that makes our students happy.
Looking forward to MCC in 2023: Growth and success of all students.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation 2nd hand Book Sale
In Weeks 9-10 this term, Mini Macs and the Library will be hosting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation 2nd Hand Book Sale. We would like to ask parents to donate good quality 2nd hand books that we can sell to raise money for the foundation (all books will sell for 50c each).
Donated books can be sent to the Library anytime from now.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation will use the money raised to “help provide culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families living in remote Communities across Australia. Donations also support the publishing of books written by Communities, for Communities, in languages of their choice.”
COMPASS Sign-in Update
Download the app so you are always up to date with school events.
Remember to check Compass for up-to-date news and information on events
and contact us on 7256 2116 for enquiries.