MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 8

Thursday 20 June, 2024

Primary Matters

12^th Sunday on Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.” Lk 7:16

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

Over the last week, I accepted the opportunity to attend some experiences with our Secondary students.  Last week, I travelled to Collaroy to attend the Year 10 Retreat, and on Tuesday, I drove to Kincumber to attend the 2025 Student Leadership Retreat. Retreats differ from a camp in that the focus is on breaking away or retreating from the demands of eveyday life and exploring thinking and building relationships that stretch beyond our regular experience.  Retreats also introduce a spiritual realm that often requires courage and maturity.  After enjoying a meal with the cohort, I participated in a Communion Service with Year 10. During the reflection element, students were invited to engage in different forms of prayer and response. I was so proud of these young people and the deep sense of connection I felt as many students welcomed me with warmth and kindness.

The 2025 MCC Student Leaders took time on retreat at St. Joseph’s, Kincumber.  This wonderful spirituality centre is home to the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the story of Mary MacKillop feels alive in its walls.  It seemed a fitting place for these young leaders to tackle the challenges that leadership will present them as role models for their peers. I was inspired by their honesty and genuine pride in the MacKillop community and their willingness to serve and represent the student body in 2025.

At MacKillop, we strive to create confident, compassionate and future-ready citizens.  Confidence can be revealed in words and actions and an understanding of yourself as an independent and autonomous being. Compassion provides an opportunity to respond to the needs of others in care, cooperation, collaboration and relationship. Preparing yourself for the future requires time to think openly, honestly and humbly about the ways you can contribute to the world. It requires an ability to transcend your current experience and dream big!  Finding out who you are and who you will become requires time and space for the Spirit to respond.  Sometimes, the answers to life’s big questions can only be found when given the opportunity to retreat from the everyday.

Confirmation & Community Mass

This Sunday, our Confirmation candidates complete their final lesson before Bishop Anthony Randazzo celebrates Confirmation with them on Saturday, 29 June at 11 am. This final lesson begins at 4 pm in the church and includes a rehearsal of the ceremony so the candidates know what is required of them at the ceremony.  Candidates and their families are then invited to join other Year 3 students and MCC families for the YMCC Mass at 5 pm.  Following Mass there will be a free Sausage Sizzle presented by the Parish.  Our Community Mass is a wonderful way for our entire Warnervale MacKillop Community to join together for a celebration of the Eucharist. Please come and join in!

Techmatics Day @ St Peter's Catholic College

Eleven MCC students from Years 5 and 6 joined students from other Broken Bay schools on the Central Coast for an exciting technology enrichment day held at St. Peter's Catholic College, Tuggerah. Using Technology, such as Spheros, Lego We-Do's, Code 4 Fun, and the Halo AR App, they worked together in small groups to find solutions to each challenge. The students had a great day, learning how to problem-solve with other students using technology in a fun and rewarding way.

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Sr Marea Visit

We were lucky to have Sr Marea Ross visit the primary school on Monday. She came to the Mini Macs meeting, a group she founded when the school began in 2003.  Sr Marea then visited all of the kindergarten students to share a story she authored, "Jack's Boots,". Copies of Jack's Boots are available from the MCC Library.

Allergies

MacKillop is concerned for the safety and well-being of all our students. Many of you will know someone who is affected by anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Our school does its best to be an allergy-aware school. Staff have had training in severe allergy management, and we have implemented lots of strategies to help keep students at risk of anaphylaxis as safe as we can. We have several students who live with the risk of anaphylaxis to foods and insect stings. Whilst these children are being taught to care for themselves at an age-appropriate level, we ask that you help us educate your child on the importance of not sharing food with others, washing hands after eating and calling out to an adult if they think their friend with allergies is sick. With increased awareness and understanding of anaphylaxis, you will be able to help protect those around you.

A food allergy is an immune system response to a normally harmless food protein that the body believes is harmful. When an individual eats food containing that protein, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, triggering symptoms that can affect a person’s breathing, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and/or heart. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life-threatening. It must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment and urgent medical attention.

It is estimated that up to 400,000 (2%) Australians, including 1 in 20 children suffer from food allergies and some of them will experience a life-threatening (anaphylactic) reaction.

Symptoms of food allergy can include:

Mild to moderate allergic reaction

• Tingling of the mouth
• Hives, welts or body redness
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyes
• Vomiting, abdominal pain (note these are signs of a severe allergic reaction if the person has insect allergy)

Severe allergic reaction - ANAPHYLAXIS

• Difficult/noisy breathing
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling or tightness in the throat
• Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
• Wheeze or persistent cough
• Persistent dizziness or collapse
• Pale and floppy (young children)

9 foods cause 90% of food allergies. These foods are:

• Egg
• Sesame
• Milk
• Soy
• Peanut
• Fish
• Tree nuts (cashew, almond, pistachio etc)
• Crustacea (prawns, lobster, crabs etc)
• Wheat
• Peanuts

Peanuts are the leading cause of severe allergic reactions, followed by tree nuts, shellfish, fish and milk. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions and can be administered via an injector.

To learn more about anaphylaxis and food allergies, go to www.allergyfacts.org.au and www.allergy.org.au

As the only way to manage a food allergy is avoidance, the school has implemented several strategies to help prevent a severe allergic reaction. We can never totally eliminate the risk of anaphylaxis, but we can all do things that will help lessen the risk. Please consider the children with food allergies when packing your child’s lunch or when sending in food for any occasion, including school excursions. The school canteen can provide information about the food that is available for students who suffer from allergies. Foods that ‘May contain traces of xx or xx’ are fine for nonallergic students to consume at school as long as they do not share food. Students will be learning about allergies, including severe food and insect sting allergies, during their PDHPE classes.

We also ask that when your child is celebrating a birthday, you consider an alternative to cupcakes.  Lollypops, stickers and Zooper Doopers provide an opportunity for all children to share in the celebration. Please contact your child’s teacher if you require more information about birthday celebrations.  I will also communicate with the canteen to see if they would consider assisting by offering a ‘Class tub of Birthday Zooper Doopers’. Please help us to walk together in the safety of all our precious children.

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 Retreat

This week, I had the absolute privilege of attending the Student Leadership Retreat.  Watching these young leaders interact with each other and complete a range of different tasks gave me great confidence for the future.  These 12 students are wonderful ambassadors for the College and I was so impressed by their obvious passion for MCC and the welfare of the students they represent.  I look forward to their speeches on Wednesday next week and wish them all well as they vie for the different roles that exist within Cabinet.

Year 10 into 11 Information Evening

On Tuesday evening, we had our Year 10 into 11 Information Evening, and I was so pleased to see so many parents and their children venture out on such a cold winter evening to hear about the start of the HSC journey.  I am grateful to all parents and carers who actively engage in this process, and I trust that the evening was informative. 

My main message to all students and their families is to choose subjects wisely. The appropriate pattern of study for your HSC can truly make all the difference in determining an HSC result that befits your academic potential.

Choose subjects that align with your interests and strengths.  Selecting subjects you enjoy and excel at will make studying more engaging and increase your chances of achieving higher marks.  Passion for a subject motivates you to put in the necessary effort and time required to succeed.

Balance your workload. Some subjects are more demanding than others. Considering each subject's workload allows you to manage your time effectively and avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Seek advice from your teachers to understand what subjects are suitable for you and how your subject choices might align with different career pathways and university courses.

Your choice of HSC subjects can help you set a good foundation for achieving your future career goals. However, you should never forget that they are just HSC subjects.  While it is essential to select suitable subjects, they don’t define your life or your success in the end.

Community Feedback

I would like to share some feedback I received yesterday from a commuter who took the time to let the College know how impressed they were by our students who travelled to Sydney on the train. 

'Just wanted to write to commend the behaviour of the students who caught the train at Warnervale and travelled to the city this morning. I sat in the end carriage to get on with some work during my commute, and I have to say that the MacKillop students were not only respectful of us commuters in the quiet carriage, but they also engaged with each other really nicely.
I know people are quick to complain about school students, which is why I thought it important to write this: They represented the school really well.'

You have done both yourselves and the College proud; well done.

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 Place, Woy Woy 
• Toukley Neighbourhood Centre

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!! 

Year 8 Chemistry

Mrs Mylchreest gave us access to LAB 1 today for Year 8 Chemistry. Students conducted two experiments in filtration and chromatography to prepare for their assessment task. 

In their first experiment they had to investigate the process of filtration. In small groups, they prepared, observed, and recorded the results of pouring muddy water through filter paper into a beaker. Although the water looked much better, they were quick to admit that drinking it was not an option!

Next, they performed a method of separation called Chromatography. This time, they again used filter paper and a beaker but instead of muddy water, the student took four different markers and made a small swatch of colour on the paper. Slowly, a liquid solution was added to the paper, and as the liquid moved across the filter paper, they watched and recorded the reaction.  

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Central Coast Oz-Tag Gala Day

On Tuesday, 18 June, some of our Years 9 - 12 students attended the Central Coast Oz-Tag Gala day at Tuggerah Sporting Complex. There were approximately 20 teams in each division from all over the Coast competing, making for some tough competition! Our Girls' 9/10 team performed very well, making it to the Finals. Unfortunately, they went down to St Peter's by two tries. All students should be extremely proud of their performances!

Breaking News - our Years 7 and 8 Oztag team have made it through and are going to state!

YMCC - Life Essentials 

This Wednesday, we explored the topic of ‘Is there more to life?’ The students discussed some of the challenges we experience and how our faith can help us overcome the difficulties of life. The students also shared some of the dreams that they have for the future and why they are passionate about their dreams. Thank you to Evangeline, Eleanor and Hailey from Year 7 for leading the session and small group discussions! 

 Youth Ministry RE Class Assessment Task 

On Wednesday, 19 June, the Year 10 Youth Ministry RE class completed the first part of their assessment task for the term. The students worked in groups to plan and create a Youth Ministry session and had to run their session with Year 6 students. The groups chose between Reconciliation and Forgiveness, Care for Creation and Discipleship. There were a few nerves, to begin with, but by the end of the lesson, there were lots of smiles and laughter. Well done 10 Blue and thank you Year 6, we hope you had fun! 

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Youth Group and Youth Mass

Please join us on Sunday, 23 June, for our monthly Youth Group and Mass starting at 4 pm. There will be games and a chance to catch up with friends, and then after Mass, there will be a sausage sizzle. Our Year 3 community has been invited to join the Mass, as have our families attending their final preparation session for communion. It is going to be a great coming together of our community. See you all there!

Enterprise in the Community (EiTC)

Calling All Parents and Alumni! 

We're excited to launch this year’s Enterprise in the Community program and need your expertise!

What’s the Program About?
Industry professionals collaborate with our students to tackle real-world business challenges, offering practical experience and valuable connections.

How Can You Help?
We seek enthusiastic parents and alumni to:

• Present real-world business problems
• Offer guidance and mentorship
• Share industry insights
• Help develop innovative solutions

Why Volunteer?

• Inspire the next generation
• Strengthen your school connection
• Contribute to students' career readiness
• Network with professionals

Interested? Comment below, message us, or email shana.kuziow@dbb.catholic.edu.au or complete this Pathways Volunteer Form

Together, we can empower our students!

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

Only 7 more Host Families Opportunities - We Need You!

A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence

School Holidays

Library - Be Kind to Our Books

Drawing Democracy workshop at NSW Parliament House

Free fun workshop with the Parliament of NSW in the July school holidays

Parliament House invites you to attend this free hands-on workshop led by illustrator and children’s book author David Conley in the beautiful Jubilee Room at the Parliament of NSW.

July 17, 9.15-3 pm for children 8 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookings via Eventbrite. 

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2024

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 2 Dates