MacKillop Chronicles 2023 Term 4, Week 5

Thursday 9 November, 2023

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Primary Matters

Dear Community,

Sunday Gospel Account

"Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." Matthew 25: 1 – 13. The oil in the lamps represents living and obedience. We each fill our own lamps by the way we live and conduct our lives. Jesus' second coming is about allowing those who are living in obedience to be rewarded with eternal life. Those living in disobedience will be denied. As people of faith, we need to be aware of our earthly responsibilities, which will largely determine what happens after.

Snapchat, Messenger and Parental Supervision

There has been a proliferation of misuse by students as young as Year 2 and their use of smart devices and social media. At the College, we have a firewall and rules and regulations around safe technology usage, and yet there is not a week that goes by where the school has to sort through the murkiness of unsupervised usage of social media that takes place in the home.

When I contact parents, most are mortified at what I tell them and equally perplexed that it is their child who is involved. The main message is that all parents, even the super vigilant ones, must know what their child is doing on devices and social media. As a parent, are you aware of what your child's usage is? As a parent, do you know your child's access credentials? Have you discussed as a family social media usage and the potential issues that may arise? Please take the time and go to www.esafety.gov.au for helpful hints and tips on how to effectively monitor your child's virtual footprint.

Andrew Chinn Christmas Concert

This year we are excited to have Andrew Chinn hosting our Christmas Concert. Andrew Chinn is an educator and musician who has been a close friend to MacKillop for several years, having written and recorded our school song, "Christ Our Light." His music has been a feature of many liturgies and Masses over the years.

This year, Andrew will be performing with all MacKillop K – 6 students in one exciting Christmas concert.

Time: 5:00 pm for a 5:30 start

When: Monday 4 December

Where: Our school Hall (Aitken Hall).

What to bring: Christmas Spirit. As we get closer to the performance, we will find out more about the songs and outfits we will wear. There will be a sausage sizzle provided.

Awards Assembly Postponed till Tuesday 14 November @ noon.

Our normal fortnightly awards assembly on Fridays cannot take place this week as we have Year 5/6 at a Touch gala day and Year 4 at Surf Ed. It will be held in the hall on Tuesday at noon for those parents wishing to join us.

Instructivism versus Constructivism

Two educational terms all parents should know about refer to styles of learning and teaching. For the past 20 years, students have learned through and by constructivism. By this, they build upon their prior knowledge to discover and learn more about concepts and ideas. This style of learning has been particularly suited to motivated students, average to above-average intelligent students and those who can work in a social construct to devise understanding and knowledge. The students who have not done so well based on data from longitudinal studies have been those with lower intelligence, students with specific learning challenges, new arrivals and EaLD students who are picking up English as their second language. In many respects, constructivism is about the teacher stepping back to allow the student to be the driver of the learning.

At opposite ends of the educational theory spectrum, instructivism – or direct instruction – involves the teacher-directed delivery of a planned curriculum, with the teacher making the decisions about the content and sequence of the learning. The focus here at MacKillop over the past few years has been about teacher-directed instruction, where all students are provided with direct instruction. Intertwined with this has been the need to upskill the teachers to get credentials in gifted and high-potential education so that those students who can already self-direct are able to do so with less teacher intervention.

Today's diet of education is about ensuring all students achieve based on their ability levels, but that there is little left to chance by student self-discovery when fundamentals have not been mastered. At MacKillop, our academic credentials, as measured through NAPLAN and other diagnostic measures, are the best they have ever been. We are fortunate to have Mrs Shilling and Mrs Whitmore, who recently received their (HALT) Highly Accomplished Learning Teacher accreditation in an awards ceremony at Parliament House. They are two of a very select bunch of teachers throughout NSW who have achieved this level. It is through their coaching of our teachers, along with the good work of staff, that we have been able to achieve such learning gains.

Staff Movements for 2024.

Mrs Christine Owen and Mrs Alicia Hanson will be leaving MacKillop at the end of the year. Mrs Owen has attained a permanent coordinator's position in the Maitland Newcastle Diocese, and Mrs Hanson is on loan for a year to St Patrick's East Gosford. We wish them well and thank them for their wonderful contributions to our school community.

As you are now aware, Mrs Kerry Power will be the Acting Primary Principal for 2024, and she will be here at school on Wednesday, 15 November, to meet with staff and students.

Enrolments are Full

If any family is considering leaving MacKillop at year's end, could you please alert the office as soon as possible? We will begin 2024 with Kinder and Year 1 at four streams and Year 2 – 6 with every class full. We are still experiencing enrolment enquiries from students already in other local schools as well as new families moving into the estates. We have waiting lists in all grades.

A Thought for the Week…

"The measure of mental health is the disposition to find good everywhere." R. W. Emerson.

God Bless,

Frank Cohen

Primary Principal

MacKillop Portrait Prize

Little Lighthouse Playgroup - See you Friday!

Secondary News

Prayer: This week, we celebrate Wellbeing.

Once a term, the staff recognise the importance of their own wellbeing by having a wellbeing week where a number of activities are organised for staff.  They constantly work hard to support their students, but this week also allows them to remember they also need to take time for their own wellbeing. We pray this week for the wellbeing of all.

Lord,

You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me.

Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all;  touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise.

Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs, and help me to lead others to You by my example.

Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.

Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever.

 Amen.

Learning:      

Year 10 Exams:

All Year 10 have been completing their end-of-year exams under similar rules to that of the HSC, allowing them to start to experience expectations and familiarity with what will occur for Stage 6.

The supervising teachers have been very impressed with the behaviour, cooperation and efforts of all the students. Well done, Year 10!

Hair and Beauty VET Pathways:

On Wednesday, 1 November, 2 students went down to Gosford TAFE to experience a Hair and Beauty VET Pathways Day. This program provided students to gain hands-on experience in hair and beauty from industry experts. They learnt about the pathways and courses in this industry as well as got the opportunity to practice their skills.

This opportunity was provided by Regional Industry Education Partnerships. Students nominated themselves after responding to the email Mrs Pearce sent out about the opportunity. Well done to Jordan P and Angelina H.

Battle of the Business Assistants:

On Wednesday, 8 November, Catholic Schools Broken Bay held its annual Battle of the Business Assistants at Pennant Hills. Schools from across the Diocese competed in this event, where Year 12 Business Services students compete in a simulated office environment.

MacKillop was proudly represented by two teams – Kavai F and Tamika G, who competed alongside Ryan W and Corey W. The competition required our teams to complete tasks and create professional documents that met organisational standards and deadlines.

We are proud to announce that Ryan and Corey placed second in this event, and Kavai and Tamika placed fourth.

We are so proud of how these outstanding students represented themselves and our college, and we congratulate their achievements in this highly regarded Diocesan competition. We also thank Mrs Patil, who teaches and trains these students in the VET Business Services Course.

Macquarie Observatory Excursion

On the evening of Thursday, 2 November, an excited bunch of Year 9 and 10 students visited Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory. The journey began at 6 pm followed by a 7 pm stop at Maccas for dinner. We arrived just after 8 pm, where students were guided by the knowledge of numerous astronomy graduate and undergraduate students.

Our students were able to view planets, moons, binary stars, star clusters, the international space station and nebulae through the 12-inch and 16-inch professional in-dome and portable telescopes. They were also able to take photos of objects using their phones through the telescope lens.

Students got to see astrophysicists and astronomers at work using state-of-the-art computer equipment and complex mathematics in the observatory laboratory. Many students asked complex questions driven by their overwhelming curiosity. A memorable and inspiring experience was had by all.

Extra- Curricula:

Year 12 Formal:

Last Monday night, we celebrated the end of 13 years of education and the end of HSC with our Year 12 Class of 2023 at Mingara for their end-of-year Formal. This night is a celebration with the students, their parents and their teachers to recognise this wonderful achievement.

As always, the young ladies looked beautiful and classy, and our young men looked dashing in their suits.

During the night, each Year 12 student was presented with their Graduation Certificate and College Reference and a gift from the school. Mrs Phillipson spoke of her honour to have been their Pastoral Leader, and the College Captains addressed all present and cut the College Graduation cake. Dancing, many photographs, fun and conversations followed.

We now confidently watch and wait to see what each of these graduates will do with the rest of their lives.

Our Christmas Appeal:

Secondary Vinnies Christmas Appeal is being held during Weeks 6 - 8, with the last day for donations being Friday, 1 December.

All students from 7-10 are asked to please bring in an item allocated by their Pastoral teacher. Our senior students are kindly asked to donate an unwrapped toy suitable for a girl or boy aged 1 - 15.

We will also be having a Christmas-themed mufti day on Friday, 24 November, for a gold coin donation and during weeks 7 and 8, the Mini Vinnies will be selling Christmas earrings and ornaments too!

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All money raised will go towards purchasing vouchers to go towards our hampers to purchase fresh food, veggies and meat.

There will also be HOUSE POINTS given to the most enthusiastic house!!

Here are some suggestions for what might go into the hampers. You might also add Christmas tablecloths, bonbons, etc, for a festive table.

Item: 250g Pkt Of Chips, 100g Pkt Of Rice Crackers - Chicken Or Bbq, 360g (6pk) Fruit Mince Pies, 100g English Breakfast 50pkt Teabags, Lime Flavour 85g Jelly Chrystals, 825g Tin Fruit Salad In Juice, 425g Sliced Beetroot Tin, 700g Plum Pudding, 2 Litre Kanga Koolers Lime Cordial, 500g Jar Pasta Sauce - Bolognese, 450g Tin Deli Style Leg Ham, 500g Strawberry Conserve Jam, 400g Choc Hazelnut Spread, 375g Maple Flavoured Syrup, 375g Pancake Shake Mix, 100g Gold Coffee Jar.

Loreto Nursing Home Visit:

Our JUMP Variety students are so excited to take part in the Intergenerational Program with residents from Loreto Gardens Nursing Home. Through this program, students engage and spend one-on-one time with residents every Thursday during Sport time. There is a different activity designed for each week based on the individual interests of the residents. Last week we played bingo which was a huge hit, and also helps residents with their memory and fine motor skills.

At the end of the program, students, staff, and residents will celebrate their time together with an afternoon high tea held in the Dreaming Cafe.

We look forward to sharing more of our time together over the coming weeks.

Diocesan World Youth Day (WYD) Reunion 

Last Friday night, the WYD pilgrims travelled to Sydney after school for the Diocesan WYD reunion. Pilgrims from the four bus groups were welcomed with dinner before heading into the hall for some prayer and reflection. The group took some time to pray about the ‘mountain top experience’ and how to keep the spirit of WYD going in our own community. There were also a few pilgrims who shared their testimonies and experience of WYD and how their life has been impacted by the pilgrimage. After some small group discussions, the night ended with the theme song ‘Magnify’. Thank you to the teachers who supported the students and the student pilgrims who represented MacKillop with so much pride.

Connecting Catholic Coasties (CCC) - A Very CCC Christmas Party!

2023 has been a great year for CCC, and this year, MacKillop is hosting the Connecting Catholic Coasties (CCC) - A Very CCC Christmas Party! Students from St Brigid’s, St Peter’s and St Joseph’s have also been invited. The YMCC team are well underway in preparing for the CCC Christmas Party on Friday, 24 November. There will be music, food, singing and dancing, games, and lots of festive fun! All students are invited to attend and need to RSVP by Friday, 17 November (the link is on Compass). Please see Mrs Tenev for more details or if you have any questions.

Peer Support Training:

This Wednesday and Thursday, our 41 Year 9 volunteer students will be trained in Peer Support. The Peer Support Program is a whole-of-school approach to support students’ mental health and wellbeing. It’s a student-led program that is backed by research and endorsed by state education departments.

The program involves Year 9 students being trained as Peer Leaders and leading small groups of Year 7 students in weekly structured sessions.

Participating in the program equips students and young people with the skills and tools to build strong relationships and positively navigate life. Students learn the social and emotional literacy skills to better manage life’s ups and downs, as well as assist Year 7 to know more about their new school and how to belong.

Schools can select from a range of modules, including resilience, relationships, optimism, and anti-bullying. Each module is run weekly over an 8-week period using the resources provided by Peer Support Australia.

We are so proud of all the students who wished to be part of this training.

Year 5/6 Touch Gala Day and Yr 9 PASS:

One of the lovely advantages of being a K-12 school is that we can assist across year groups. This Friday, our Year 5 and 6 students are attending a Touch Gala Day. Our Year 9 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) classes will be attending to assist with supervision and refereeing. A great opportunity for all

School Counselling:

The following is from our Secondary Counsellors. They are 2 wonderful psychologists who assist our students every day. This is written by Abbey Smith. This information may assist parents with finding the help their children may require.

“Both Maryanne Baker and I are fully booked now for the remainder of the term and are closing off to new referrals to ensure we are able to see the current students. Should any students feel they would benefit from counselling, we ask that they be referred to external agencies and support services until we recommence next year.

Some options for accessing external counselling support face-to-face include:

• Accessing a psychologist in a private practice via a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This will require an appointment with a GP in the first instance to access the Medicare rebate, and there are fees involved in these services. https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Medicare-rebates-psychological-services/Medicare-FAQs-for-the-public
• Headspace (locations at Lake Haven, Wyong or Gosford). Headspace offers a bulk-billed (free) service. 
• Lake Haven https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/lake-haven/
• Wyong https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/wyong/
• Gosford https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/headspace-gosford/
• Youth Health Counsellors who operate out of Community Health Centres and are a free service. They have locations in Wyong, Lake Haven, Long Jetty, Woy Woy, and Kincumber. http://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/youth-services/youth-health/counsellors/

The following are some excellent options for telephone, online, or webchat options to speak with a counsellor. These websites also all have some really helpful information relating to mental health difficulties that is freely accessible without requiring you speak to someone:

• A 24-hour crisis support service. Access either by phoning 13 11 14 or via their website for online webchat https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/
• Kids Helpline. A 24-hour crisis support service for ages 5 through to 25 years. Access either by phoning 1800 55 1800 or via their website for online webchat https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling/
• Beyond Blue. A 24-hour crisis support service. Access either by phoning 1300 22 4636 or via their website for online webchat https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor 

Thank you for your support, and should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact myself or Maryanne." 

Other Items:

Attendance:

It is so important that all students attend school every day to enhance their learning. Please strive for the 92% attendance that NESA suggests at least and please encourage and assist your children to be resilient. Of course, they should stay home if they are ill, but they need to be in a good routine to be able to be successful and committed to their education.

It is also important that they are at school every day, including the very last day on Tuesday 12 December.

Important Dates for T4 Week 6:

Mon onwards – Christmas Appeal- all students, where possible, bring donated items.

Mon – College Captains at Year 5 Leadership Day / Year 12 Student Cabinet Meeting

Tues – Battle of the Builders

Thurs – Year 12 Leaders Day with Mr Danny Casey / Year 9 & 10 Leaders Sport & Human Rights Conference / Aboriginal students to St Edwards for the Day

Fri- Year 7 Orientation Day / Parliament Meeting at Break 1

A Heads Up:

COMPASS Notification:

From this term, parents are not able to download and print a hardcopy consent form from COMPASS.  Instead, all parents need to use COMPASS to both give digital permission and make any payment(s). Please refer to the Notice on COMPASS that has this information and an attachment that instructs you on how to complete these forms digitally.

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

Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser - Buy a snag

Getting to know: Jacqueline Crowe

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Our amazing PEC (Parent Engagement Coordinator), Lucy Marien, in collaboration with our Parish, have developed a community wardrobe for families to borrow special outfits for their child's sacrament celebrations.

Mrs Marien is also starting a Formal version for our Secondary students looking for a special graduation dress or suit.

We are currently looking for donations to get the clothing library started. We are asking the community to go through their wardrobes and consider giving your forgotten good-quality items a new purpose.

For full details, please see the flyers below.

One Talk at a Time

CHIME After-School Art Workshops!

NSW and ACT Pathways to Post School Life

Term 4 Dates

COMPASS Sign-in Update

Download the app so you are always up to date with school events.