MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 6

Thursday 14 March, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families

I am delighted to share with you the MacKillop Educational Model. This model will inform our learning and teaching at the College and is underpinned by 6 educational tenets. The educational tenets serve as practice principles that articulate how teachers can deliver the curriculum and engage students. The explanation of the model provides information on how students can demonstrate their competency and capability on a learning continuum from Kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond. This Educational Model has been developed through strong consultation that has involved a cross-section of our community. I thank the many people who have contributed to this significant document.

The MacKillop Educational Model

Educating Confident, Compassionate and Future-Ready students in the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

Underpinning Educational Tenets

1. All students can learn and improve.
2. All students have the opportunity to know Christ in their lives.
3. All students can access learning and care through an inclusive and differentiated curriculum.
4. All students can contribute to building a safe, diverse and positive learning environment.
5. All students will receive quality feedback on their learning.
6. All students can access their own data to support their learning progression.

Explanation of Educational Model

Confident students learn with courage and commitment, and this is demonstrated through their ability to:

• contribute to building a culture of high expectations and a positive learning environment;
• respond to people and situations with emotional awareness and self-regulation;
• courageously seek ways to improve their learning and achieve goals;
• seek and apply feedback, reflect on their learning, and
• commit to a growth mindset when responding to challenges and new situations.

Compassionate students learn with their hearts and minds, and this is demonstrated through their ability to:

• activate Gospel teachings and College values in varied situations;
• use their voice and agency to serve The Common Good;
• be compelled to act where there is a social and ethical need and
• activate their social and ethical awareness of people, situations and communities;
• show kindness, honesty, gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and build inclusive, respectful relationships;

Future-Ready students are prepared for a changing world, and this is demonstrated through their ability to:

• show strong character formation by activating Gospel teaching and College values;
• develop a range of digital and financial literacy skills;
• commitment to positive digital citizenship;
• build respectful relationships;
• plan, prioritise, organise and engage in independence;
• think creatively, critically and reflectively and respond to new situations with agility and with a growth mindset;
• communicate effectively across a range of diverse situations;
• activate strong literacy and numeracy skills;
• activate strategies to support positive well-being and mental health, and
• activate a career pathway to support their future.

This document will be made available on the College website in the coming days.

In the meantime, take care and God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

SUNDAY  

5^th Sunday of LENT

Gospel Acclamation: 

John 12:26 “If you serve me, follow me, says the Lord; and where I am, my servant will also be.”

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Saints are ordinary people who lead extraordinary lives in the name of Jesus!  Next week, we celebrate the feast days of two important saints.  For those Australians who come from an Irish background St. Patrick is a very important person in faith and action.  Green ribbons, Irish flags and parade attendance form part of our formed tradition. The circumstances of Patrick’s life saw him inspired to lead the Irish people to a relationship with God and the Holy Trinity through the use of a simple Shamrock. St. Patrick’s Feast Day is March 17, but due to this falling on a Sunday, we acknowledge the feast on Monday, March 18.

St Joseph is the patron of the order of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Mary MacKillop and Fr. Julian Tennison Woods were inspired by the love and guidance of St. Joseph.  I have included this extract from their website.

As we celebrate the feast of St Joseph (19 March) – Patron of the Universal Church and the Sisters of Saint Joseph – in this year dedicated to prayer and the synodal pathway, we are called to live and respond with a contemplative heart to what the Spirit is asking of us in the midst of the reality of our lives.

It is about being attentive to the signs of this time, calling us to new pathways and ways of being Church.

As the Church, the people of God, prepare our hearts and minds for the next stage of the Synod on Synodality, let us call on the wisdom and humility of St Joseph to guide the process and lead us to new life for the Church today.

Above all, Joseph was a deep listener with a contemplative heart. The process chosen for those involved has been one of ‘deep listening’ through what is known as ‘Conversations in the Spirit’. This means taking time to listen to the ‘whisperings of God’ to each one’s heart through attentive listening and responding.

In the life of Joseph, we see these elements interacting – Joseph first takes note of the reality of Mary’s pregnancy – perhaps somewhat disturbing. He ponders what this could mean for their relationship. He listens to the voice of the angel in his dreams – take Mary as your wife. He responds with a compassionate action. This cycle continues in the recorded stories in the gospel. In obedience to the law, he needs to go to Bethlehem for the census. Here he finds that there is no room in the inn. He ponders what this means and finds safety in the stable. He sees the shepherds approaching – what will this encounter mean? Whose voice do they represent in this synodal journey?

Four times Joseph is called to listen to the invitation of the Spirit in his dreams. Each response is risky, yet Joseph steps out in faith having heard God’s call in his moments of contemplation. May Joseph teach us in the year dedicated as the Year of Prayer, to bring a contemplative mindset to all our responses and actions.

Inspired by the contemplative heart of Joseph, may we be people who take time amid the hustle and bustle of life to listen deeply to our good God, to the needs and voices of our neighbour and world, and to respond as Joseph did with a generous heart. It means at times, taking a significant risk and stepping out into an unknown reality, trusting God who walked with Joseph in each situation.

In a time when our Church and our world is living in uncertain times, we take courage from Mary MacKillop who reminds us, like Joseph’s noble and generous heart, we must be burning with zeal in the service of God:

Happy feast of St Joseph.

Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader

Bishop Anthony Randazzo is leading our Diocese of Broken Bay through a process of discernement on the The Synod on Synodailty. As MCC Principals, Mrs Appleby, Mr Lynch, and I will participate in a review of the Synod so we may express the recommendations to you.  We are attending our first session of the review this weekend. Please keep us in your prayers as we listen to the recommendations of the Synod to better inform our leadership at a local level.

NAPLAN

This week, our students began the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). It is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

It is a nationwide measure through which parents/carers, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine whether or not young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.

NAPLAN results allow parents/carers and educators to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time – individually, as part of their school community, and against national standards.  

The tests support monitoring and evaluating of the performance of schools and school systems in these fundamental capabilities. They also provide schools, states and territories with information about how education approaches are working, areas to be prioritised for improvement, and those schools requiring support in the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy.

The results can assist teachers by providing additional information to support their professional judgement about students’ levels of literacy and numeracy attainment and progress.

NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance. Each teacher will have the best insight into their students’ educational progress. Parents/carers can use NAPLAN reports, along with other school assessment reports, to discuss their child’s strengths and areas for improvement with their teacher. 

NAPLAN results do not measure overall school quality.

The assessments are undertaken nationwide every year. From 2008 to 2022, NAPLAN tests were held in May. From 2023, education ministers agreed NAPLAN tests will be held in March. 

Harmony Day

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ People are encouraged to wear orange to show support.

Harmony Day is an annual event that occurs around the date of March 21, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

MCC will celebrate Harmony Week in Week 9.  Please refer to COMPASS for further information and instructions about participation.

The BIG Vegie Crunch

What is Vegetable Week & The Big Vegie Crunch all about? 

The Big Vegie Crunch & Vegetable Week promotes healthy eating in NSW primary schools. For The Big Vegie Crunch, students across NSW crunch together on vegetables to learn and build healthy eating habits. 

The Big Vegie Crunch & Vegetable Week:
* promote veggies in schools
* promote healthy eating
* provide teachers with curriculum-aligned resources about healthy eating
* allow schools to include students, families and the community in a fun and healthy event

Students will be awarded House points for their class for choosing to explore different vegetables for the ‘Crunch and Sip’ (Fruit & Water) break in Week 7. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Our focus for this two week period is about intentionally attending to our actions and behaviours and how they affect others, including the community to which we belong.

Respect ourselves and others is one of our school rules at MacKillop.

As a community, we are called to:

• Be in the right place at the right time.
• Include others and be fair.
• Use kind words and actions.
• Care for our appearance and belongings.

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

Primary Events

Next LL Playgroup Thursday, 28 March

PEC - Paint & Sip Thursday, 4 April

Secondary News

Dear MCC Community,

This week, I would like to discuss the importance of learning and education.

Adolescents can sometimes lose touch with why they need to not only attend school but also why they need to value their learning. In a constantly evolving world, learning isn't just a necessity; it's the cornerstone of growth and development. The importance of learning cannot be overstated. It is the key to unlocking new opportunities, broadening horizons, and enriching our lives in countless ways. Adolescents can easily overlook this aspect of learning and education. Yet, the point stands: a good educational foundation sets us up in numerous ways to be positioned to enrich our lives and that of our families.

At its core, learning is about adaptation. It's about acquiring new knowledge, skills, and perspectives that empower us to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world. Every new piece of information we absorb opens doors to new possibilities. In our contemporary digital age, the ability to learn quickly and effectively has become more valuable than ever before.

By staying curious and committed to growth, young people can remain agile in the face of challenges and seize opportunities when they arise. Furthermore, learning fosters innovation and creativity. Exposing ourselves to new ideas and experiences expands our mental toolkit and develops the capacity to think outside the box. The ability to innovate is invaluable, especially in a rapidly changing world that is increasingly connected on a global level.

Moreover, learning promotes adaptability and resilience. In an era of rapid technological advancements and economic uncertainties, those who embrace lifelong learning are better equipped to navigate change and thrive in diverse environments. By nurturing a growth mindset, young people can approach challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles, and this develops grit and resilience, too.

Learning also enhances our overall well-being. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities has been linked to improved cognitive function,  mental health, and even longevity. Whether exploring new hobbies, delving into literature, or pursuing higher education, pursuing knowledge enriches our lives and brings a sense of fulfilment.

In the current knowledge-driven economy, learning is not just a means to an end; it's a lifelong journey of discovery and self-improvement. By embracing learning as a fundamental aspect of our lives, we open ourselves to a world of opportunities and possibilities. It is, therefore, imperative that we commit ourselves to learning, exploring the unknown, and unlocking the boundless potential that lies within each of us. In the words of the esteemed Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". 

Mel McGuinness

Assistant Principal Secondary

Year 9 ANSTO Excursion

This week, some of our Year 9 students had the opportunity to visit Australia's only nuclear reactor as part of a Science Alliance. The students could see some aspects of their current studies in action. They worked together on identifying atoms, what they are composed of, their size and their symbol.

They learnt about the impact of various science, engineering and technology bodies working together to advance low-emissions electricity generation and reduce atmospheric pollution.

Pathways and Partnerships - Business Services Students

On Thursday, 7 March, the Year 12 Business Services class visited international firm KPMG’s offices in Barangaroo, Sydney, to see a real-world practical application of several HSC units they are studying this year. This amazing opportunity was organised via CSBB Pathways and Partnerships.

Students were taken on an office tour of the International Building and learnt about some sustainable practices the building employs, such as an underground maggot farm to reduce food waste and the use of water from Sydney Harbour to run the air conditioning in the building. We learnt about the organisational structure of KPMG and how their Wellbeing and Inclusion policies and procedures assist their diverse workforce to have the opportunity to succeed. We were lucky enough to attend an International Women’s Day event, where the students were exposed to an international panel of women leaders, including Michelle Bullock, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

This excursion gave Year 12 students a practical application of the theoretical content learnt in classes, and they can use this experience as a case study in their upcoming Business Services Trial and HSC examinations.  

House Challenge - Touch Football

Today was the first round of our House Touch Football challenge during break 1.

This is open to students from all year groups and what a fantastic show of participation and support it was.

The houses playing in the first round were Gesu vs Kincumber and Penola vs Fitzroy

Year 7 Immersion and Spirituality Days

In Week 5, our Year 7 students participated in an immersion experience at the St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre Kincumber and the Spirituality Day at North Entrance Surf Club. These two excursions occurred simultaneously, with half of the year group attending one venue (Kincumber) and the other half travelling to North Entrance Surf Club. The students then attended the venue they did not visit the next day.

The Year 7 immersion experience at St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre, Kincumber, is co-facilitated by the Leader of Youth Ministry and Outreach coordinator to assist with fostering the faith formation of the Year 7 Students at an important historical site. The students participated in various activities throughout the day that explored the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the history of her work on the Central Coast. Students also participated in a guided tour of the museum as well as activities, which ended with a walk-through of the site itself. Here, students learnt about the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the work of the Sisters of St Joseph, as well as deepened their knowledge of our House System and Values.

Year 7 also participated in their Spirituality Day at North Entrance Surf Club. This day was co-facilitated by the Religious Education Coordinator and pastoral team who all worked together to further develop opportunities for spiritual formation and deepen their connection to our Josephite charism.  The development of the students’ spirituality is part of the core work we do here at the College, and it is vital that the students have the opportunity to experience their faith with one another.

Both excursions are also integral to the current topic of study in Religious Education, ‘Belonging to our Catholic Community’.

The Resilience Project Survey

Resilience and well-being are key factors to ensure a happy and fulfilling future for our young people.

We are proud to partner with The Resilience Project to assist our students in their well-being journey. To gain an accurate understanding of our student’s strengths and challenges, we will conduct a resilience survey developed by Resilient Youth Australia and the University of South Australia. In recent years, they have surveyed more than 500,000 Australian school students.

We will administer the Resilience Survey this year online in class time. Students typically take 30-50 minutes to complete the survey.

More information will be coming home soon regarding the survey, which will take place in Week 8.

God bless,

Paul Lynch 

Acting Principal Secondary

A Word from the Office

Harmony Day - Pre-Order on Qkr

Siblings enrol now!

Australian Stem Video Game Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge 2024

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 1 Dates

COMPASS Sign-in Update

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