MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 4

Thursday 23 May, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

Strategic Update: Student Leadership Formation

We have had a number of staff across K-12 working on a new model for student leadership formation at the College. The team has worked diligently to develop a framework that distinctly represents a cohesive primary to secondary school experience for emerging student leadership across the College. To this end, new roles for students have been created to broaden opportunities to lead that enable shared leadership experiences.  This committee has also considered the need to provide students with greater student leadership development and built these into the framework. Our students and families have also requested greater transparency in relation to how students are nominated, and they want to understand how the voting process is enacted. In consideration of these matters, this committee has developed a handbook that will provide full transparency of these elements of student leadership.

I will continue to update you on these matters as the committee progresses their work.

Uniform and Grooming Expectations

This new policy provides a clean slate for all students across the College in terms of past infringements. It commences on Monday, 27 May, and this means that students have only one weekend to rectify their hair, nails, eyelashes, jewellery and any other anomalies. Thank you for the ongoing support.

MCC Uniform and Grooming Policy 2024

Pentecost & The Angelus

The event of Pentecost marks the beginning of the time when we, as the Church, proclaim Christ’s message in every language and witness to the presence of the Holy Spirit. This week, we also began The Angelus prayer in our community as part of our Diocesan Strategic direction to know Christ. This is an ancient prayer that originates from the 11^th Century and invites us to prayer and meditation. At our school, at 12.05, this will be performed across the College, K - 12. The only exception to this is during Assessment Tasks in the secondary school; these students will not be called to prayer. Students across the College are learning more about this method of prayer and its origin through their religious education classes.  

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Youth Mass and Youth Group

Primary Matters

Holy Trinity Sunday

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one God, who was, and who is, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

This Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Trinity.  Recognising the three entities of the Trinity is fundamental to our faith.  One of the first prayers our children learn is the Sign of the Cross, a physical prayer that engages the hands, the head and the heart.  Continuing on from our pondering on the ‘work of the Holy Spirit’ at Pentecost, we acknowledge that each ‘person’ of the Trinity creates a complete understanding of the dynamic love of one God.  The Triskileon, or triple spiral, is a wonderful Irish symbol that assists in the explanation of the Trinity with one line circling around itself to create three spirals.  Our students in K-2 will learn about the spirals in tracing and drawing in the coming week.  They will contemplate the mystery of God, present in the Blessed Trinity.

This Friday, 24 May, is the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.  In 1844, Father John Therry, one of Australia’s first priests built the first church in Australia and named it St. Mary’s. Our Lady Help of Christians became Australia’s patron.  We ask Mary to watch over us as our mother and protect us in times of trouble.  Mother Mary, Pray for us.

Celebration

In the last week, I had the opportunity to engage with some wonderful expressions of individual and community success.

The Athletics Carnival was a fantastic celebration of sport and physical activity. Students had an opportunity to run, jump, throw and try their very best.  The sun delivered a great day for both the athletes and spectators. I enjoyed chatting to many parents and grandparents in between watching and cheering. It was wonderful to see our Secondary students supporting the delivery of events and coaching the younger grades. Congratulations to Mrs Denneman and her team for delivering a highly organised and enjoyable carnival.

Many parents joined us at the Assembly on Friday to congratulate our athletes as Age Champions and House Team winners. Acknowledging student success in sports recognises the importance of physical activity in daily participation and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

I had the pleasure of attending Frozen Jr. The Musical on Thursday evening.  Students from across our K-12 community prepared for many weeks to bring this familiar Disney story to life.  The Creative and Performing Arts is a dynamic opportunity to express skills in music, drama and production design.  I was so inspired by the courage and creativity of our young performers and the supporting crew in delivering a fun and dynamic night. Thursday’s performance was part of a four-show season, culminating in a fabulous final performance on Saturday night. Bravo to Mrs Sharon Baird and her crew, including Mrs Leanne Schillert/Broadley and Mrs Allison Passafaro, in the creation of the show.

Community Mass

This Sunday, we have our May Community Mass at 5 pm. Primary school-age children are invited to come and enjoy faith and fun at 4 pm with our YMCC students in preparation for a family Mass at 5 pm

Following the Mass, there is a complimentary BBQ, so you don’t have to worry about cooking dinner!

I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings for a wonderful week.

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

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Primary Events

Family Reading and Pizza Night

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Work Ethic

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Stage 6 Awards Assembly last week, where I spoke to the students about the importance of having a strong work ethic. I’ve shared my message below; it applies to all students who want to be successful. Having been in education for many years, I have observed without fail that the students who do best aren’t always the most gifted, but they are inevitably those who are prepared to work the hardest.

Having a strong work ethic at school is extremely important for academic success and personal growth. It helps develop valuable qualities and habits that contribute to achievement in the classroom and beyond. Here are some key reasons why a strong work ethic is crucial for students:

1. Better Academic Performance: Students with a strong work ethic are more likely to complete assignments on time, study diligently, and put in the effort required to excel academically. This dedication and perseverance lead to higher grades and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

1. Development of Essential Skills: A strong work ethic fosters skills like time management, self-discipline, responsibility, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are invaluable not only for academic pursuits but also for future career success and personal life.

1. Building Character: Qualities like integrity, honesty, accountability, and resilience are inherent to a strong work ethic. Students who embrace these values develop a strong character that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

1. Reputation and Respect: Students with a strong work ethic gain respect from their peers, teachers, and potential employers. They develop a reputation for being reliable, responsible, and committed, which can open doors to future opportunities.

1. Preparation for the Workforce: The habits and mindset cultivated through a strong work ethic at school prepare students for the demands of the professional world. Employers highly value individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, as it translates to productivity and success in the workplace.

Having a strong work ethic at school is crucial for academic achievement, personal growth, character development, and future success. It instils valuable qualities and habits that extend far beyond the classroom, setting students up for a lifetime of accomplishments and fulfilment.

Developing a strong work ethic in school is crucial for academic success and future professional growth. Here are some effective strategies to cultivate a robust work ethic as a student:

1. Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable, and achievable academic goals for yourself. Having well-defined targets will help you stay focused and motivated.

1. Develop time management skills: Create a schedule that allocates dedicated time for studying, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Effective time management is key to balancing your workload and meeting deadlines.

1. Cultivate self-discipline: Develop the ability to stay on task and resist distractions. Self-discipline is essential for consistently putting in the effort required to excel academically.

1. Embrace challenges: Seek out challenging coursework or projects that push you beyond your comfort zone. Overcoming difficulties through hard work builds resilience and a strong work ethic.

1. Practice punctuality: Arrive on time for classes, meetings, and appointments. Punctuality demonstrates respect for others and a commitment to your responsibilities.

1. Seek feedback and mentorship: Actively seek feedback from teachers, advisors, or mentors to identify areas for improvement and develop a growth mindset.

1. Prioritise learning over grades: Focus on truly understanding and mastering the material rather than solely pursuing high grades. A genuine desire to learn fosters a deeper work ethic.

1. Celebrate small wins: Recognise and appreciate your efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can motivate you to maintain your strong work ethic.

1. Surround yourself with positive influences: Associate with peers and mentors who exhibit a strong work ethic, as their attitudes and behaviours can be contagious.

1. Reflect and adjust: Regularly evaluate your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to your approach and work habits.

By consistently implementing these strategies, you can develop a strong work ethic that will not only benefit you academically but also prepare you for future professional success.

God bless,

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

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