MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 3

Thursday 8 August, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families

AI- Help or Hindrance?  The Role of AI in Learning at MacKillop

What is AI? 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. On its own or combined with other technologies (e.g., sensors, geolocation, robotics), AI can perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence or intervention. Digital assistants, GPS guidance, autonomous vehicles, and generative AI tools (like Open AI's Chat GPT) are just a few examples of AI.

The Benefits

There has been a mixed response to AI and its use in the classroom setting. From my perspective, I see many advantages when it is used in an ethical manner to support the learning of students and help busy teachers. I encourage you to watch the following YouTube TEDx Talk by Paul Matthews, which highlights some pragmatic advantages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgqiGuIV6-Q AI Cheater or Tutor?

Connection to Learning and Teaching

Personalised learning content and experiences offer solutions to the challenge of catering to diverse student needs and enabling tailored educational journeys for each learner.

Optimisation of teacher roles through augmentation and automation of tasks, alleviating administrative burdens and empowering educators to focus more on personalised instruction to support face-to-face learning.

Integration of AI into educational curriculum areas presents an opportunity to teach both with and about AI, equipping students with essential skills, discernment, and knowledge for the future.

The World of Tomorrow

Educational institutions must adapt to prepare young people for tomorrow’s technologies and help students learn alongside emerging technologies. Promoting the needs of the future and improving education outcomes will consist of four sets of skills that will be needed in the future. This includes: global citizenship, innovation and creativity, technology, and interpersonal skills. As well as this, it will also include four sets of learning experiences:  personalised and self-paced learning, accessible, problem-based and collaborative, and lifelong and student-driven learning. Teaching and learning that incorporates technology, particularly AI, can not only help students achieve better outcomes on technology skills but can also facilitate and enable success in other areas of their learning.

Where are we heading at MacKillop?

Firstly, Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) is spearheading this emerging technology and considering the implications of its usage. We are fortunate to have two educators on the committee who will support this group and all schools in our diocese. Secondly, I have begun the process of recruiting a team of teachers from the Primary and Secondary school who will begin developing our 4 year Technology Strategic Plan. Our vision needs to support digitised learning, teaching and school operations that are student-centric, digitally responsive, efficient, seamless, and maximise opportunity while mitigating risk to our staff and students.  This plan will consider many agendas, such as:

• The integration and teaching of new technologies to support the NSW Australian Curriculum.
• Ethical implications of when using AI and other emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality etc.
• The professional learning implications for staff.
• Protocols, policies and guidelines for ethical and responsible usage.
• Effective usage in personalised student learning, assessment practice and reporting. 
• We look forward to updating you on our progress.

Thank you for Hosting Japanese Students

I would like to thank the many families who have hosted Japanese students at the College. It was delightful watching our students buddy up with their international students. Thank you for opening your homes and hearts and offering hospitality.

We are delighted to be offering the study of Japanese to Year 5 and Year 6 students from 2025 and hope that this will lead to many exciting opportunities.

Overseas Excursions, Tours and Opportunities

Shortly, I will begin the process of mapping out all the international tours that are expected over the next 4 years (2025-2028). I hope that having this information in advance will help families with their budgeting needs. Please stay tuned for more details.

Invitation to all Families- Celebrate Mary MacKillop of the Cross with our Parish

Please join us in celebrating MacKillop Feast Day on Sunday, 11 August, with our Parish community. Mass will commence at 10 am and will be followed by a shared lunch in the COLA area. Please bring along a plate of food to share with others. We take the opportunity to also congratulate Father Philip, who will be ‘officially’ installed as our Parish Priest on this same day. We are also lucky to have Bishop Anthony Randazzo celebrating with us too! Please come along and enjoy the festivities and Mass.

Poor Behaviour Related to Bathrooms

I am disappointed to report that we have had to close some bathrooms temporarily as we repair the damage that has come about as a result of destructive behaviours. I find it hard to imagine why such reckless behaviour could occur in a school setting, but I expect that only a minority of students are carrying out these acts of vandalism and destruction. We have put in place some mitigating strategies to tackle the problem and this has included external CCT cameras to monitor bathroom usage to identify culprits. It is important to note that such behaviour is not tolerated at the College, and consequences are swift.  Students engaging in such behaviour have no place in our school community.  Please be advised that all students have access to alternate bathroom use during class time and that bathrooms, unless under repair, are not closed at main breaks.

A Novena for Mr Todd

Mr Steve Todd, MCC's second College Principal, has recently been diagnosed with cancer and will begin his treatment this coming Thursday, coinciding with our Feast Day. Today, as a community, we prayed in support of Mr Todd, his family and friends, and for his medical journey.

Below is the Novena prayer Mrs Power prepared so that we, as a MacKillop community, can pray together.

A Novena, derived from the Latin word for nine, consists of prayers said over consecutive days for a special intention. These prayers can be offered privately or publicly. 

Let us keep Mr Todd in our prayers during this challenging time. As a man of faith with a Josephite heart.

Novena Prayer

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

and to be constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely, sick or needy.

With confidence in Your generous providence

we join with Saint Mary MacKillop

and ask that You grant our request for

Steve

May our faith and hope be fired afresh

by the Holy Spirit so that we, too, like

Mary MacKillop may live with courage,

trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

18^th Sunday on Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“No one lives on bread alone, but on the word that comes from the mouth of God.” Mt 4:4

Message from the Principal

The feast of our Patron, Mary MacKillop, is the highlight of our MCC Calendar.  The day is filled with fun, a sense of community, House Spirit and a deepening understanding of the life of Mary MacKillop, who was an ordinary woman who changed the lives of those she met and continues to shape us as MacKillop people. It is the one day when we can focus on Our Story by attending Mass and joining together as a community of faith. We can also see what our values reveal about the actions we want to see in ourselves if we truly “follow in the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross”. Mary never imagined she would become a saint; she just did the best she could to bring smiles and safety to children, elevate the lowly and bring dignity to those who were marginalised. It is a celebration of our continuing role in the life of Mary MacKillop.

Mary MacKillop is a dynamic leader in Australian History.  She is our ‘homegrown saint’ and an inspiration to many in both religious and secular contexts. I have included a link to the Sisters of St. Joseph website for those of you who would like to know more about the life of our patron.  My hope is that your children have come home recounting the faith and fun they shared with their classmates and their ‘House family’ across our K-12 community.  The story of the Houses allows Mary’s life to come alive as it follows her life from her birth in Fitzroy in 1842, to her first humble school in Penola, her fruitful prayer in the Gesu Church in Rome, to schools in Temuka and the boys home in Kincumber, finally to rest in peaceful death at Alma Cottage, North Sydney on August 8^th 1909. A Feast Day for a saint is celebrated on the day they died because that is the day they enter Heaven. Through our baptism, we are all called to be saints, Christ’s sisters and brothers.

The Story of Mary MacKillop

Safety of Our Children in and around the College

I want to again present in the most emphatic manner that the safety of our children is paramount!

It is with disappointment that I need to ask parents and carers to consider their movement in and around Mataram Road and the Kiss & Drop areas. We have been in communication with Central Coast Council regarding the behaviour of drivers that we deem to be unsafe. Whilst we await enforcement in these matters, I implore you to be safe in speed and parking matters.

Sunday Parish Mass of Celebration

This Sunday, August 11, Bishop Anthony Randazzo will celebrate the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop with Mass at 10 am. The Parish and College Community will also congratulate the installation of Father Philip Tottenham as our Parish Priest. Following Mass, a shared lunch will provide a wonderful opportunity for the community to give thanks for our shared faith and mission.  We ask student leaders attending to wear the College winter uniform.

Fundraising for the CatholicCare Homelessness Appeal

Winter is a challenging time for many in and around our community. Bishop Anthony requests our support in assisting those in need through the Winter Homelessness Appeal. Mary MacKillop and her Sisters were such powerful advocates for the dispossessed and hungry that the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross is a natural time for us to be called to support those in need.

We are so grateful for the various methods of support delivered by our MCC family and acknowledge the gifts of all sizes you currently contribute.

I have included Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s letter to our Parish community for your information and if you are able, support.

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

Primary Events

Little Lighthouse Playgroup

Secondary News

Dear Community,

MacKillop Day

This Thursday was my first experience of MacKillop Day, and it lived up to all my expectations.  In schools, there is a consistent pressure to keep moving through the curriculum, a big focus on teaching and learning, deadlines to meet, assessments, exams, reports, etc.  All of these things are important and rightfully deserve a place of high priority at the College.  It is equally important that school is a place where we can observe important religious celebrations, and we should never forget that school should also be a place of fun, a place for socialising, navigating friendships, building community and belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves.

MacKillop Day holds a significant place in our College calendar.  Saint Mary MacKillop's Feast Day, celebrated on August 8, serves multiple purposes centred around her legacy of education, social justice, and compassion.

Our Feast Day honours Mary MacKillop as Australia's first saint, recognising her significant contributions to education and the welfare of marginalised communities.  She co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and established schools in remote areas to provide education to underprivileged children, regardless of their background.  This commitment to education and social reform is a central theme of the celebrations.

The day encourages our students and staff to embody Mary MacKillop's spirit by being "fierce for fair," advocating for justice and support for those in need.  It serves as a reminder to stand against adversity and work towards equity, reflecting her belief that one should never see a need without taking action.

Our MacKillop Day celebrations include community gatherings, prayers, and reflections on her teachings and values, inspiring people to continue her mission of love, compassion, and service. Students and staff are invited to contemplate how they can contribute to making the world a better place, following her example of courage and charity in the face of challenges.  This day also provides wonderful opportunities to build community by engaging in a wide range of organised activities, including a picnic lunch, K-12 Relay, Basketball, Oz Tag, Chess, DJ, Music, Netball, Table Tennis, etc.

In summary, Saint Mary MacKillop's Feast Day is not only a celebration of her life and achievements but also a call to action for individuals to engage in acts of kindness and justice, continuing her legacy in contemporary society.  I thank all the staff and students who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this day such an outstanding success; your contributions are much appreciated.

God bless,

Winter Sleepout 2024

On Friday, August 23, we are having our annual Winter Sleepout. This event brings us together as a MacKillop community, allows us to hear from guest speakers about the realities of being homeless, and allows us to participate in activities that help raise funds for the Vinnies Appeal. 
 
If you are interested and in Years 7-9, you have the option to attend the event from 5:30-9 pm to participate in guest speakers and games, or if you are interested and in Years 10-12, you have the option to attend the event from 5:30 and rough it for the night, leaving at 6 am on Saturday 24 August.

 If your child is interested, please complete the attached form.

Complete this form to register your interest. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Beeson: michellie.willner1@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Sister School relationship with Nihon Daiichi Junior High School 

This week the students have been involved in Indigenous activities, English lessons, cooking lesson, Japanese cultural exchange lesson, visits to primary and teaching them some fun games. The Nichidai students have also visited Glenworth Valley for some horse riding.  Students were also involved in MacKillop day and performed their Japanese dance in front of the whole school, called Soran Bushi.

On Friday the host students and the Nichidai students will be attending a farewell assembly where they will receive a certificate, read their Thank You letters to their host families and watch a highlight video of their visit. Friday afternoon they will have a luncheon with their host families that will be catered by the hospitality students and take part in a Japanese festival. 

The students will leave MacKillop Catholic College on Sunday morning and return to Japan. 

We are very grateful to our host families who open their homes and hearts up to the students for the two weeks. Without their kindness we would not be able to have such a successful relationship.  We enjoy seeing all the friendships flourish. 

We are looking forward to the continued success of the Sister School relationship.

- Helen Beech | Leader of Learning and Teaching – Japanese

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MCC Represent!

Congratulations to Cooper B of year 10 on representing Australia in the Under 16 Oztag team.

Congratulations to our U14 Girls Rugby League Teams. MacKillop had 28 girls playing at the CSBB Rugby League Gala at Wyong League Club. All girls have been dedicated to their training and the rewards are paying off. 

The Red team have now Won the Central Coast All Schools and CSBB Gala days. A number of these students will be contesting the NSW All Schools Oztag Championships.  

- Duncan Black

Year 9 Chemistry

Year 9 students are learning about Chemistry this term and are currently exploring atomic structure. 9B completed these amazing models during class this week. Students had to research the atomic structure, history, and use of their chosen element and showcase their learning in a creative way. 

Next week, it is time to put on your lab coats. It is SCIENCE WEEK. Each day, there will be fun activities in class and online, including a special visit from the Reptile Park. 

- Bev Mylchreest

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Pathways in Entertainment

Our Entertainment students took part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Art House this week. The Year 11 and 12 students had a unique opportunity to see a show, participate in a post-show Q&A with the cast and have an exclusive sneak peek tour of the Art House a Wyong. It was a unique experience to extend their classroom learning and to get a better understanding of all of the behind-the-scenes components that go into bringing a stage show to life.

-  Shana Kuziow | Pathways and Partnerships Leader/Student Achievement

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

MCC Presents: Starlight Cinema

Free Webinar for Parents and Carers

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2024

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Mary's Formal Closet

Term 3 Dates