MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 1

Thursday 25 July, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families

Welcome back to Term 3, which is notable for being fast and furious in nature. I hope that you and your families have had a lovely break and that this has afforded everybody a well-deserved break.

Grandparents Day – Celebrating the value of our Grandparents at MacKillop

This week, we welcome our wonderful grandparents to the College to share in a Liturgy and a cuppa as they wander through the Primary school. It is important to remember the critical role that is played by grandparents in our communityy. According to a survey conducted by the Sydney Morning Herald (2022), one in four grandparents look after their grandchildren at least once a week, and there is no doubt that grandparents are also helping with school fees, homework and even chores around the house to help their loved ones. For me, grandparents are the centre of wisdom and love, they have lived through much and bring great wisdom to the world of children. Often, our grandparents remind their grandchildren about the things that matter, like manners, working hard at school, respecting elders, and always providing unconditional love.

We welcome them wholeheartedly into our community!

Prayer for Grandparents

Lord God,

Bless our grandparents for a long life, happiness, and health.

May they remain constant in your love and be living signs of your presence to their children and grandchildren,

We ask this Christ our Lord,

Amen.

MacKillop Parish Feast Day Celebrations - Sunday 11 August

You are all welcome to attend Mass on 11 August starting at 10 am in our parish. We are fortunate to have Bishop Anthony with us on this very special occasion. Following Mass, you are all invited to participate in a shared lunch celebration in the COLA area near the library, and we ask that you bring a plate of food to share.  Student Leaders (Secondary) are expected to attend this function in full school uniform with their blazers.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary- 15 August

Blessed are you amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb’- Luke 1: 42

On Thursday, 15 August, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this Feast, Catholics celebrate Mary going into heaven body and soul, after her life on earth had come to an end. I encourage each family to attend this solemn occasion to recognise and celebrate this holy day of observance.

MacKillop Green Travel Plan (GTP, 2021)

We have had the opportunity to conduct an initial study on the traffic congestion impacting the college and our neighbours and families. I thought it was worthwhile sharing this with our families and staff.  As part of this process, the Diocese invested in the following study to ascertain the challenges and benefits of a Green Travel Plan to support a growing school community.  In 2021, the Urbis Group were contracted and finalised this report I included for your reading. As part of our new plans moving forward, we have requested an update to this data due to our rapid increase in enrolments and growing neighbourhood, along with the expected relocation to Warnervale Station.  As we await the next report to be finalised, it is worthwhile looking at some of the proposals put forward by Urbis as a way of promoting a more sustainable ‘green’ approach to travel to and from MacKillop. Moving forward, we continue to lobby for safer access for our students to cross Sparks Road, along with other points of congestion in the local area surrounding MacKillop. I look forward to hearing from our parents about the challenges of dropping off and picking up their children. Perhaps the upcoming Parent Forum is on Wednesday, August 7.

Staffing Update

Kath Ardern- Retirement

Over the holiday period, we received notice from Mrs Kath Ardern intending to retire from teaching in Term 4. We are both so very sad to see her leave but are equally delighted that she can finally have time to devote herself to the care of her loved ones. Mrs Ardern has demonstrated consistent expertise in the area of Pastoral Care, extending over 17 years. She has high levels of experience in Restorative Justice and has been a committed leader to her Pastoral Team and has also been a member of the College Executive Team. Mrs Ardern has demonstrated professionalism in her interactions with staff, students and their families. She has a calm demeanour and a generous spirit and is infinitely passionate about the care delivered to students. Mrs Ardern has also been a wonderful asset to TAS Department and has shared her expertise in this area of the curriculum.

Congratulations, Mrs Ardern, and wishing you all the very best! We hope you now have time for your many loved ones, including your new grandchild in Melbourne.

Chrystal Price - Acting Assistant Principal Secondary

We congratulate Mrs Price on her temporary appointment to the role of Acting AP Secondary until the conclusion of Term 4, 2024. Mrs Price comes to this role with a breadth of expertise in faith formation and evangelisation. She has growing expertise in the management of Pastoral Care of students and has a keen interest in the area of curriculum reform. In this role, she will work closely with all middle leaders, including Mr Lynch, the Principal of the secondary school. We are delighted that she has accepted the position, and we look forward to her joining the current College Leadership Team tasked with delivering the College's strategic direction. Congratulations Chrystal! 

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

17^th Sunday on Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

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

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

July 26 is the Feast of Sts: Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Saints Anne and Joachim are traditionally believed to be the parents of the Virgin Mary. According to apocryphal writings, Anne (Hebrew: Ḥannah) was born in Bethlehem and married Joachim. Despite their wealth and devout life, they were childless. Joachim reproached for his sterility, retreated to pray, while Anne promised God that if given a child, she would dedicate it to the Lord’s service. Both received a vision of an angel, announcing that Anne would conceive and bear a wondrous child. They rejoiced at the birth of their daughter, whom Anne named Mary. The story parallels the Old Testament account of Hannah and Samuel. The Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne is referred to as ‘the feast of grandparents’

Pope Francis established the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly as the fourth Sunday in July. This special day recognises the wisdom and contributions of older generations. 

The voice of the elderly is considered precious because it preserves people's roots and sings the praises of God. Pope Francis emphasises that old age is a gift, and grandparents play a crucial role in passing down their life experiences to the younger generation. Sometimes, the love and care of the elderly are overlooked as our lives become busier. May this celebration of the elderly provide an opportunity for us to reach out to those in our world who have lived a rich life and inspire our future with their wisdom.

100 Days Celebration

Kindergarten students were very excited today as they participated in their 100 Days of School Celebration. It was a day filled with joy, learning, and imaginative exploration as our youngest learners marked this special milestone.

The highlight of the celebration was seeing our students dressed up as charming centenarians, complete with grey wigs, glasses, cardigans and canes. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

During the celebration, our Kindergarten students engaged in a variety of fun activities, with one of the most exciting being the creation of their own 100-day crowns. The children also shared their amazing 100-day projects that they created at home using 100 items. The day was filled with activities and games that reinforced the concept of 100 in a playful and interactive manner. Our students demonstrated their growing understanding of numbers and patterns as they celebrated their achievements over the past 100 days of learning and growth.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and carers who supported the students in making this day special and creating lasting memories for our students. Special thanks also must go to our wonderful Kindergarten teaching team for all their efforts in preparing a fun and educational day.

Chris Shilling | Leader of Literacy / K-2 Co-ordinator

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Year 6 Cake Stall and Raffles

Thank you to all the wonderful Year 6 and 5 families that donated cakes and prizes for today's Year 6 fundraiser. There were so many sweet treats to choose from that everyone in the College, including our grandparents guests, were able to indulge for a fun cause. The proceeds raised today will help our Graduating Year 6 class of 2024 celebrate at the end of the Year.

Our volunteer parents, students and Mrs Marien, ensured everyone was served during the day and no one missed out. 

For families that have purchased a raffle ticket, the prizes will be drawn at tomorrow's assembly at 1.20 pm, which you are welcome to attend.

Japanese Sister School Nihon Daiichi Junior High

On Sunday, 28 July, MacKillop Catholic College looks forward to the arrival of the visiting students and staff from our Japanese sister school, Nihon Daiichi Junior High. The students have a busy two weeks ahead of them organised by our wonderful Japanese staff, Mrs Helen Beech and Mr Andrew Kilham, which will include English lessons, excursions to see local sights, and many activities providing the opportunity for cross-cultural learning. We look forward to sharing these beautiful experiences with you along the way and thank the many wonderful families who will open their homes to these students.

Sherylyn Kenney | Assistant Principal Primary

Grandparents Day: Significant Elder Portrait Exhibition

As part of the Grandparent's Day celebrations, Year 6 were invited to be a pilot for a Pathways project by our Secondary colleagues where students could look at skills needed when looking for careers in future years. The Year 6 students were given the opportunity to look at skills such as problem-solving, literacy and organising. As a year group, the students had the opportunity to explore careers when designing and organising an exhibition.

The Year 6 students were given an explicit lesson on portraits and what a portrait is, and then they were treated to a Zoom class held by the Educational leaders at the Art of NSW, which was organised by Shana Kuziow (Pathways and Partnership Leader). During this session, the students were able to go step by step through career possibilities, skills, and knowledge needed for jobs, as well as the design and making of their significant elder portrait.

The portraits on display have been created with love and passion. A range of mediums have been used and many students have included a small passage about the person their portrait is of and why they are significant to them. 

Included here is a link to most of the portraits MacKillop-Year 6-portraits so you can see the talented young students' portraits of their significant elder.

We hope you enjoy the creative passion and flair shown by our Year 6 students. Our students should be very proud of their portraits. They look amazing!

Cathy Whitmore | Leader of Learning - Numeracy /Stage 3 Co-ordinator 

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

Primary Events

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Welcome Back

A warm welcome back to all of our students and their families for another busy term at MacKillop.  It's great to be back as we begin this fresh academic period; it's an exciting time filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and new experiences.  I’m a realist, and I know that not everyone is bouncing out of bed desperate to get to school, but here are a few positive thoughts to kick off the new term:

1. New beginnings: Each term offers a chance to start anew, set goals, and strive for personal and academic growth.
2. Learning opportunities: There will be new subjects, topics, and skills to explore and master.
3. Social connections: It's a great time to reconnect with friends and potentially make new ones.
4. Personal development: School isn't just about academics; it's also about developing life skills and character.
5. Future preparation: Every day of learning is a step towards future success and opportunities.

I look forward to what the remainder of this term will bring and encourage all of our students to apply themselves to their learning and prepare well for upcoming assessments and examinations.  It is so crucial that you develop good habits now that will serve you well in the future.  Parents can play an active role here as well; please take the time to engage with your child’s education, be inquisitive about what they are studying, ask questions and offer support where necessary.

Whether you're a student, teacher, or parent, I hope this term brings fulfilment, achievement, and enjoyment.  Remember, a positive attitude can make a significant difference in your school experience.

Best of luck for a successful and rewarding term ahead!

Representative Sport

Congratulations to Alana M, Emma J and Emma B on representing NSW CCC Open Girls Hockey in Newcastle. Extra congratulations goes to Alana M and Emma J on their selection into the NSW ALL SCHOOLS Open Girls Hockey Merit Team.

MCC Secondary students Ava, Year 8, and Willow, Year 7, have been selected for the Central Coast Academy of Sport's six-week emerging athletes program. This opportunity is well deserved. Congratulations, Ava and Willow!

JAG | Josephites Action Group Conference

Last week, Olivia and Noah from Year 11 attended the 3-day Josephite Action Group Conference (JAG) at St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre in Baulkham Hills. Take a look at what our students got up to…

We got to attend workshops, brainstorm ideas to better our community, learn how to communicate effectively, attend Mass, participate in prayer, reflect and listen to guest speakers. Guest speakers over the days consisted of Andrew and Janelle, who were part of the original JAG team and helped create this experience for young people. Dominique, Steven and Cheryl, Thomas Drake (ex-MacKillop student who is still involved!) and Maddie, amongst several other guest speakers, shared their passions and experiences with JAG to the students attending this retreat. We thank everybody who has taken part in creating this amazing experience for us all!

Olivia | Year 11

Year 11 Drama presents

On Friday, 26 July, Year 11 Drama will present a contemporary Australian play, The Turquoise Elephant, by Stephen Carleton. This wickedly funny play is part of Year 11 Drama's Major Production unit. In Year 11 Drama, students explore many areas of theatre and drama, including theatrical traditions and elements of production in performance. This class has worked extremely hard throughout Term 2 to bring you this full-length satire on the state of action, or rather inaction, on climate change. Filled with larger-than-life characters and fuelled by family conflict, this play is well worth seeing. Tickets will be available at the door for $10.

Subject Market and Information Session - Stage 5 2025/26

Students currently in Year 8 are invited to attend the subject market being held in the Library on Monday, 5 August, from 4 pm to 6 pm. During this time, all faculty will be available to explain Stage 5 courses, answer any questions, and assist with elective selections.

There will be two opportunities to attend an information session: at 4.30 pm and again at 5.30 pm. For students and parents of students in Year 8, this evening is mandatory.

Students in Year 10 may also wish to attend the subject market to ask any questions regarding their electives before finalising their choices.

For more information regarding the Elective selection process, please refer to Mr Jones's letter sent home via Compass.

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

The Turquoise Elephant - Year 11 Drama

Grandparents Day Photo Gallery

Central Coast Kids Day Out

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2024

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 3 Dates