MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 5

Thursday 30 May, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

Aspire Student Leadership Formation

As part of the 2024 Strategic Plan, we have focused our attention on building a new student leadership framework designed to offer greater scope and responsibility to emerging leaders across the entire school. I am delighted to share the new student leadership structure with you. I would like to thank the Primary and Secondary staff who have been working so diligently to develop a comprehensive handbook to explain all aspects of the student roles and the voting processes. I would also like to thank the current Student Leadership Cabinet for their feedback and words of wisdom.

Uniform and Grooming Policy

A huge thanks to all the parents who took their children to cut haircuts over the weekend. I thank you for the many emails of support that Mr Lynch and I have received about the recent changes. I also thank the students who have chosen to wear their uniform with pride and for always doing ‘the right thing’. You are a credit to the College!

Secondary Staffing Update

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that Ms Lia Camilleri has resigned from her position as an RE teacher at the College to take up a new role as an RE teacher at a Sydney school.  We thank Ms Camilleri for her 20 years of committed service to the College and her genuine passion for the students in her care. We also bid farewell to Ms Jennifer Walters has taken a new role outside of the Diocese.  We thank Ms Walters for her committed service to the College and to Catholic Education more broadly, where she has worked within the Diocese for the past twelve years.

Mr Lynch has begun the process of employing new staff to ensure the continuity of teaching due to these vacancies

Camps and Costs

This is just a reminder that if your child misses camp for any reason, they will require a medical certificate for the family to claim costs.

Parent Communication

As outlined in the Catholic Schools Broken Bay Parent Charter, building positive relationships between all stakeholders in a child’s education is based on mutual respect and trust that results in supporting the improvement of student learning.  I have been disappointed to read some inappropriate comments written by parents on our digital platform that undermine the principles of respectful communication and do not align with our College values.  I am especially disappointed to read disparaging comments regarding our Catholic faith, our staff, and the Diocese of Broken Bay. In sending your child to a Catholic school, such as ours, means that prayer, eucharistic celebrations, liturgy and traditions associated with the Catholic Church remain central to our vision and mission and to the education of our students.

While we continue to recognise the importance of providing avenues for families to support open dialogue, it is important that all communication remains respectful of diverse opinions. Online behaviour should reflect the same standards of respect and consideration used in face-to-face interactions and also be in accordance with our values. We have continued to welcome open communication in the spirit of parent engagement and look forward to continuing our Morning Coffee Chats and Zoom Evening Chats with parents and Principals. If you would like to discuss any matter regarding the education of your child, then you will find us receptive to personal meetings with any of the Principals.  

I thank all families for their ongoing support and commitment to our College community. I am affirmed that we will move forward from this matter that only represents a minority and that respect and goodwill will prevail.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

Corpus Christi Sunday

Gospel Acclamation: 

“I am the living bread from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jn 6:51-52

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

Friday, 31 May, is the Feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea, the Patroness of the Diocese of Broken Bay.  This is also the Feast of the Visitation, which celebrates the visit of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, with her kinswoman Elizabeth, who was also with child.  Both women shared the incredible joy of impending birth.  These Women are Blessed, as were the children they carried. As our students recite and learn the Angelus prayer, the ‘Hail Mary’ becomes a meaningful devotion. The line ‘Blessed are you amongst women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus’ becomes real in this meeting.

This Sunday is the Feast of Corpus Christi, where the focus is on the Blessed Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. When Jesus spoke to His disciples at the Last Supper, He told them that He would always be with them when they gathered to break bread. From this Sunday’s Gospel, according to Mark, ‘While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many' (Mark 14:22-24). ‘Do this in memory of me.’ This feast day reminds us to recall the joyous aspect of Holy Thursday, as Jesus, in his own words, by instituting the Holy Eucharist, gave to the Church her greatest treasure, one which we share at Mass.

1 Banksia Displaying Their Pentecost Artwork

Kiss and Drop Gates closed at 9 am

As of Monday, 27 May, the Kiss and Drop gates are closed at 9 am. This measure is in place to address concerns regarding student safety. If you arrive after this time, we ask that your children enter the College via the Main Entrance and sign in via the student kiosk in the student office. Thank you for your cooperation.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the students who represent the College with pride in a variety of sports. Already in a few short months, we have seen swimming, netball, cross country, hockey, athletics and all codes of football, AFL, Rugby League, Union, Touch and soccer. Many students participate in gala days for fun and friendship, while others continue through rarer experiences of intense competition.  Some students shine in their chosen field, and others are brave enough to ‘give it a go’.

Our Year 4 students have enjoyed the company and leadership of our Year 11 students. All of these experiences are a chance to be involved in teamwork, cooperation and collaboration. Thank you for encouraging your children to participate with a fair and grateful spirit. Congratulations to Mrs. Denneman and the PE Team, who work so hard to provide opportunities for our students to find joy in the freedom and physicality of human movement.

Wellbeing Week 

Each term we take time to recharge our batteries for learning with some fun activities. This term our SRC students have been running activities for the students at recess and lunch; they also organised a colouring-in competition.

Activities have been run during break time, which included Skipping, chalk drawing, obstacle course and handball.

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Debating Success for Year 6 Team

We're thrilled to share the exciting news of our Year 6 debating team's recent triumph! In a riveting contest against St. John Fisher, our debaters showcased their eloquence, critical thinking, and teamwork as they tackled the topic from the negative side. It was a closely fought battle, with both teams displaying impressive skills and dedication.

After a spirited exchange of arguments, rebuttals, and counterpoints, we're proud to announce that MacKillop emerged victorious! Their hard work, preparation, and determination paid off, earning them a well-deserved win.

Congratulations to our Year 6 debaters, Bindu, Nate, William, Katherine, and Annabelle, on their outstanding achievements!

Blessings for a wonderful week.

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

Primary Events

Eileen O’Connor Catholic School Parent and Student Survey.

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Attendance / Signing Out

In the event that you need your child to leave the College during the school day its vitally important that the following process is followed.

• The parent enters a note on Compass for their child to leave early.
• The student must sign-out on departure at the Front Office or the parent on arrival to collect their child signs them out
• It is also advantageous if parents email the College, call or do a handwritten note to indicate the need for their child to leave early.

When students fail to sign out using the process described above, it can have serious impacts during lockdowns and evacuations. 

Year 7 Camp

I’m writing this note just minutes before I head off to Year 7 Camp for the night and tomorrow's activities.  Camps are such important events on the College calendar for a variety of reasons.

Social and Emotional Benefits

• Fosters peer bonding and strengthens friendships through shared experiences and teamwork activities.
• Develops social skills like communication, empathy, and collaboration by working together towards common goals.
• Builds self-confidence and resilience by stepping out of comfort zones and overcoming challenges.
• Promotes independence and responsibility by being away from parents and making personal choices.

Physical and Outdoor Benefits

• Encourages physical activity through outdoor pursuits.
• Provides a screen-free environment and digital detox from technology.
• Allows students to connect with nature and develop an appreciation for the environment.
• Exposes students to new experiences and activities they may not get otherwise.

Educational Benefits

• Reinforces classroom learning through practical outdoor activities and problem-solving challenges.
• Facilitates stronger student-teacher relationships in a different setting.
• Offers opportunities for personal growth, character building, and life skill development.

In summary, school camps provide a unique setting for students to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and educationally through immersive outdoor experiences. These experiences foster personal growth and create lasting memories. Apart from all those reasons, camps are simply great fun.

Finally, a huge thank you to the teachers who supported the students at Year 7 Camp. I appreciate that these teachers are taking time away from their own families to give our kids at MCC such a wonderful, worthwhile opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful for that.

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Using Our Voices Seminar

Our Year 9 Parliament attended the ‘Using Our Voices' seminar run by the Josephite Justice Network. These students engaged in a variety of opportunities and learnt how they, as young leaders, can express their opinions and make real changes within their community. They also learnt, in particular, how they can approach local MPs, which they intend to do regarding the upcoming Winter Appeal to discuss issues surrounding homelessness and the housing crisis.

2024 Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expos Central Coast

Students in Years 10, 11, and 12 looking at a career in a Trade need to save this date: Tuesday,  13 August from 3 pm to 7 pm. The 2024 Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expos Central Coast will be at Mingara Recreation Club. It's free entry and is the perfect opportunity for students, parents, and job seekers to speak with potential employers and training providers.

Aspire Student Leadership Formation

Our 2023/2024 Student Parliament Leaders had the opportunity to work with Mrs Appleby and Mr Lynch to define the leadership team's role and responsibilities for future students at MCC. This experience gave them insights into developing job descriptions and organisational flowcharts, an experience that will leave a legacy for their term in parliament at our College.

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

Host Family Opportunities K - 12

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2024

Free Parenting Training and Support

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 2 Dates