MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 6

Thursday 6 June, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

The Future of Education in the MacKillop Context

Developing operational structures that are responsive to the needs of a fast-paced world requires our learners to be agile, creative and critical across a range of learning domains. In addition, it also requires our students and staff to strengthen their resilience in the face of change.  In contemplating the future direction of the College, it is necessary to reflect on many things, including but not limited to our shared Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) goals, vision and mission, the current operational structures of the College, consider the skills of the current scope of workforce skills and the place of governance as we move forward.

To support my thinking, I have considered varied scenarios that are driven by key objectives such as:

• Departmental organisation
• Role of Leaders as drivers of improvement & change
• Improvement in learning outcomes
• Reporting line structures
• Consistent application of allowances or points
• Succession planning
• Operational structures to facilitate a unique K-12 learning context with future realised opportunities to support Middle School learning experiences
• Cost optimisation
• Scope of Workforce skills
• Risk Vs benefits and, of course, the place of students, staff and families at the heart of this faith-filled educational community.

To this end, I have engaged in consistent collaboration through face-to-face discussion and have valued the communication with stakeholders.  Information about strategic progress has been delivered through the newsletter, meetings with parents, staff and students and through strategic updates delivered in writing to our teaching and non-teaching staff. The College has also engaged in extensive survey engagement with stakeholders between February to June, 2024 to ascertain the current status quo of the College and helped me gauge preparedness for change and new imagined roles. I have also immersed myself in futurist educational thinking and research that has supported my reflections, evaluations and also projections for a re-imagined College that will be future-ready, robust and sustainable. 

Much has been already achieved in relation to our strategic direction, and I am proud of the efforts made by staff in these areas:

MacKillop Strategic Plan

We now have a two-year focused strategic plan that aligns with CSBB Goals and will deliver key KPIs to consolidate, improve and extend our progress in learning, faith formation and systems improvements.

Strategic Plan – Towards 2025 – MacKillop Catholic College (mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au)

Members of the College Leadership Team have engaged in professional learning to support their understanding of strategic leadership and management across their respective spheres of influence. They are the drivers of change and improvement and I am delighted in their improved capacity to lead with greater confidence.

MacKillop Educational Model

The Educational Model was a very collaborative process that required teaching and non-teaching staff involvement to define key areas of educational focus. I am delighted with the outcome of the Model, which will serve our community well into the future as we develop and inspire our students to be confident, compassionate, and future-ready individuals. The Educational Tenants serve as non-negotiables as we strive for continuous improvement.

Educational Model – MacKillop Catholic College (mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au)

MacKillop Talent Pool of Teachers

At the start of the academic year, I asked staff to volunteer their skills to develop passion projects that enabled them to explore, experiment and create new or refine previous learning opportunities. I was delighted with the large number of staff who took the challenge, and we are beginning to see the fruits of their labour as they work on their projects. There will be more on this front later as the projects across the College become realised and acknowledged.

Feedback and Contributions of Many

I thank the College community for their extensive contributions, advice, parent, staff and student feedback, collective and shared wisdom. I especially thank the College staff for their infinite support and Father Philip for his prayers and confidence in each of us. 

Business Case and Discernment

Shortly, I will present a business case to Mr Danny Casey, CEO of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, with a proposal for a reimagined College structure. I ask for your prayers as we move into a period of discernment to consider this exciting next phase for MacKillop Catholic College. For most teaching staff and for students and families, it will be business as normal, but change is afoot in terms of what we can deliver and how. I am excited about what can be imagined at MacKillop - a school of much potential.

As always, I will keep you all updated about the outcome of this meeting with Mr. Casey and the next steps in our evolution.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

Sacred Heart Sunday

Gospel Acclamation: 

"The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth, I  will draw all to myself, says the Lord." Jn 12:31,32

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

The Sacred Heart: Symbol of God's love for humanity

"In biblical language, 'heart' indicates the centre of the person where their sentiments and intentions dwell," it is said. "In the Heart of the Redeemer, we adore God's love for humanity, His will for universal salvation, His infinite mercy." Pope Benedict XVI

Friday, 7 June, represents the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The Feast of the Sacred Heart celebrates the love of Jesus, and the symbol of His love is His heart. He poured out His heart to everyone He met.

Jesus spent His time on earth with the poor and suffering, whom He loved in a most special way. We offer our prayer today for those less fortunate than ourselves, especially the homeless, who often lack warm clothing, food, and shelter during the cold months of winter. We especially pray for the work of St. Vincent de Paul, who provides care and support during this time through their Winter Appeal.

Our own Mini Macks have committed the next few weeks to promoting support for local charities on the Central Coast. TFC, Mary Macs and Coast Shelter are non-profit organisations assisting people in need and families on the Central Coast. Many of our students and teachers give time to work in the kitchens of Toukley Neighbour Hood Centre and Coast Shelter. Mini Macks are asking our MCC community to provide non-perishable items to fill the pantry of these caring community groups. Each class has a basket that students try to fill each week. Let’s commit to a sense of charitable work via a donation of goods, especially during these challenging winter months.

Primary Semester One Reporting 

In response to New South Wales curriculum reform, Catholic Schools Broken Bay has reviewed student reporting processes. This review aims to align reporting with the updated outcomes in NSW Syllabuses and promote consistency within and across schools.

Recognising the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers, CSBB reporting practices include:

• providing written reports that inform parents and carers about their child’s learning progress.
• providing opportunities to engage with parents and carers about their child’s learning.

The Common Grade Scale 

Reporting of student achievement is a legislative requirement. Schools are required to use the A to E Common Grade scale, which summarises the standard of achievement for each grade, indicating the depth of knowledge, understanding, and skills expected from students at that level. A standards-referenced approach makes assessing and reporting student learning clearer and more consistent. By comparing each student's progress to established standards, it provides transparent and consistent feedback to students and their families.

This semester, your child’s written report will reflect learning from the first two Terms. Grades are allocated based on student achievement of the learning in which they have participated during Term 1 and 2. 

Teachers use quality assessment data and their own observations to make professional judgments regarding student achievement against the state-wide syllabus standards, focusing on specific outcomes and content outlined in the syllabus.

Decisions about reporting for students with learning outcomes from a different Stage to their peers are made in consultation with parents/carers through the Collaborative Curriculum Planning process. Reporting (written report and parent-teacher interviews) will focus on the personalised goals and outcomes outlined in the Individualised Learning Plans (ILP) and/or Personalised Plans for Students with Disability (PPSD).

Reports will be sent home via Compass on Friday, June 28

Your ongoing support in your child's education journey is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher. Parents will be invited to meet with their child’s teacher in an interview in Week 10.

New Eileen O'Connor Catholic School support classes in 2025

Catholic School's Broken Bay are delighted to announce that next year, we will be opening an additional four Eileen O'Connor Catholic School support classes:

St Martin's, Davidson - adding a 3-6 class

St John the Baptist, Woy Woy - adding a K-1 class

St John the Apostle, Narraweena - adding a K-2 and 3-6 class

The diocese is also exploring the viability of an additional north shore class for 2025.

ACTION Survey - Eileen O'Connor Catholic School

As part of the evidence of consultation for the new building at Tuggerah, it has been requested that all schools across CSBB send out a community survey via Compass to all families.  This was included in last week's newsletter. Here is the link again if you missed it.

Eileen O’Connor Catholic School Parent and Student Survey, Catholic Schools Broken Bay Vision of Learner Diversity

Representative Jumpers

I recently gave permission for students who were selected into representative teams for Diocesan, Interdiocesan, and State to wear related apparel. However, after consulting with the Leadership Team and responding to the K-12 Uniform Policy, students will no longer be able to wear these jumpers. The representative badge is allowed to be worn with pride. I apologise for any confusion.

Enrolment 2025

The kindergarten enrolment process is coming to a close. If you know of family or friends who are seeking enrolment for Kindergarten—or other grades—in 2025, please contact the enrolment officer by submitting their application via email to smccwenrolments@dbb.org.au or by completing the online Enrolment Enquiry Form to secure a place.

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,

Student Leadership

I felt privileged this week to attend our Secondary Assembly, where our prospective student leaders delivered speeches on their vision for what they would bring to the College. I was thoroughly impressed by the young men and women who were not only passionate about leadership but so obviously passionate about their school and its community.

Prior to the students delivering their speeches I spoke to them about the challenges that come with being a leader but also the benefits that come from taking on a leadership position.  My message to the students is outlined below, and I hope that it might resonate with our parents, who play such a crucial role in encouraging their children to step outside their comfort zone and embrace challenges in their lives. There are a variety of leadership positions available to our students, and I urge all parents to discuss this at home and encourage their children, where appropriate, to strive for these opportunities.

Being a student leader is challenging; being a great student leader is really hard.

In essence, the hardest aspects of leadership revolve around making difficult decisions that impact others, being misunderstood, holding people accountable, handling overwhelming responsibilities, navigating team dynamics, and keeping everyone motivated - all while upholding one's principles and vision.

Why would any students want to be student leaders at all? There are several compelling reasons to become a student leader:

Gain Valuable Leadership Experience

Serving as a student leader provides hands-on experience in leading a group of peers and developing essential leadership skills like decision-making, delegation, communication, and conflict resolution. This leadership experience is highly valued by employers and can give you a competitive edge after graduation.

Shape Your School Community

As a student leader, you have a voice in how MacKillop Catholic College is run. You can influence positive changes, plan events, and ensure the needs of the student body are represented. This allows you to leave a lasting impact on your school community.

Develop Important Life Skills

Student leadership fosters the development of crucial life skills such as time management, public speaking, teamwork, goal-setting, and problem-solving in a supportive environment. These transferable skills will benefit you in future academic and professional pursuits.

Build Your Network

Student leaders interact with teachers, students and the community as well as other student leaders, providing valuable networking opportunities. Building these connections can lead to mentorship, advice, and future professional contacts.

Gain Personal Growth

The process of delivering these speeches today and serving as a leader helps you better understand your strengths, values, and passions. It builds confidence, allows you to practice your leadership style, and provides a sense of achievement when your efforts lead to successful events or initiatives.

In summary, becoming a student leader equips you with practical leadership experience, important life skills, a stronger network, and personal growth opportunities that will give you a significant advantage in your future endeavours.

I am so grateful to the students who are willing to put themselves up for consideration as leaders. Your contribution is so important to the future of our College.

Year 7 Camp Message from Mrs Elcoate

Our vibrant Year 7s had a wonderful experience at the Great Aussie Bush camp at Kincumber. Students were challenged across a range of outdoor recreation activities, which included Archery, Frisbee Golf, Bushcraft, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, High ropes, giant swing and the leap of faith. They engaged in a fun game of spotlight at night, known as Commando, and they danced their little hearts off at the glow disco. The camp provided students with the opportunity to connect and build on friendships, challenge themselves in activities they haven't experienced before, but, best of all, just have fun together.

They were fantastic representatives of the College and we hope they cherish the memories they created for a long time.

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Winter Appeal

Term 2 is our annual St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, run by our Mini Vinnies. During weeks 8 and 9, students will be invited to fill a basket of non-perishable items in their Pastoral groups. 

The charity organisations we will support are;

• Vinnies WYONG
• Mary Mack's, Woy Woy 
• Toukley Food Care

These organisations have provided a list of items that they desperately need, including long-life milk, cereals, breakfast spreads, pasta and sauces, instant noodles, and canned soups.

More information and a list of items will be sent out over the coming weeks in preparation for Week 8.

HUGE HOUSE POINTS are also up for grabs!! 

JUMP @ Coast Shelter

Our JUMP students continue to serve our community by lending a hand at Coast Shelter. Their current focus is ensuring that our most vulnerable, and those who are doing it tough, particularly as Winter sets in, are supported with food and winter essentials. We were able to further support the clients with a bag of hand-knitted beanies and scarves provided by our local MCC community and Loreto Nursing Home, as well as a huge bag full of toiletry and sanitary items. Well done, JUMP students, and a huge thank you to our MCC community!

Pathways in Food Technology

Year 12 Food Tech students extended their learning with a visit to Eastcoast Juices. Recently, our students were given a unique opportunity to visit the orchard and factory of this local icon on the Central Coast. In this behind-the-scenes experience, students saw what they had learned being applied in a real-world application to this FMCG beverage manufacturing and distribution business. They also heard about some of the pathways employees take to be employed in the industry. Thanks so much for taking the time to host us, Daniel and Kez!

Youth Group and Youth Mass

At the end of May, we held another Youth Group and Youth Mass, and it was great to see so many families from Primary and Secondary there. For Youth Group, we played some games, had a paper plane throwing competition, and talked about the importance of the Holy Trinity. Thank you to the students who served during the Mass. The next one is on Sunday, June 23rd, and all are welcome to attend!

Shine Youth M Day

On Friday of week five, over 40 students from Years 8-12 spent the day at St Peter’s, Tuggerah, for the Shine Youth Ministry Day. There were over 300 people there from the Broken Bay Diocese. The theme for the day was ‘Don’t be a photocopy; be your true authentic self’. The students listened to a range of speakers, participated in workshops and enjoyed the music of the Broken Bay band. Well done to the group of YMCC students who performed a skit in front of all the participants. Thank you to Sr Jiji, Mr Mace and Mr Price for being there with us.

Coming up in YMCC....

Youth Group and Youth Mass

Everyone is invited to the next Youth Group and Youth Mass next Sunday, June 23. Youth Group starts at 4pm, Youth Mass is at 5pm, and there will be a free BBQ dinner afterwards.

Ignite Youth Conference

At the end of Term 3 we are hoping to attend the 2024 Ignite Youth Conference. The theme for this year is Rise Up! There are two options on offer for students this year. The first is the full conference, which is for four days and three nights. If students are unable to attend the full conference, they can attend for one day. Mrs Tenev has posted on Compass to register your interest, or you can email her for more information:

Maisie.tenev@dbb.catholic.edu.au

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Worlds Greatest Shave

One of our Year 10 students, Alyssa, has signed up for this fantastic fundraiser.  She has decided personally to support the Leukemia Foundation by cutting her hair.  Alyssa is known for her long hair (she beautifully ties it back each day), which is roughly 80cm long; she has pledged to cut more than half the length off approx. 50cm.  She is planning to donate the hair and raise money via the WGS.  Cut day is  September 6.  Click here if you are able donate

It makes us so proud to see our students showing initiative and striving to make a difference; well done, Alyssa.

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

Host Family Opportunities K - 12

Go4Fun

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2024

Screen Smart Parenting: Navigating the Digital World Together Workshop

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 2 Dates