MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 8

Thursday 12 September, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families

Strategic Update: Laptop Devices

We have now received authorisation from CSBB to transition to laptop use from Year 5 onwards. We intend to release the information next week to families, once CSBB ensures that the parent portal is fully operational. This document will contain all the information that is required for parents to begin the process of acquiring a suitable laptop. All Year 4, 5 and 6 students will receive a hard copy of the information to take home, and it will be available on the College website for your reference. All new enrolments will have the information sent to them by email.

Engaging Hands-on Support from 2025

In late January 2025, CSBB will be offering two ways for students to enrol their devices onto the College Wi-Fi network. The first option will be through a 'self-help' model of watching a video tutorial. I encourage parents to watch these videos to help their children. The second option will provide hands-on face-to-face help in late January 2025 or early February 2025.  Students will receive personalised assistance from a Digital Enablement technician to assist them. Parents will not be required to be present as this will occur during the school day. I will provide you with further information closer to this time.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“My only glory is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” Galatians 6:14

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

This week, the Federal Government will seek to introduce legislation to manage the use of social media for young people under the age of 14.  This is timely for our MCC community as students grapple with the use of this mature and largely unregulated tool.  Amazingly, the instigation of this legislation comes twenty years after the introduction of Facebook, meaning that the makers of these billion-dollar industries have been allowed to continue largely unregulated for nearly a generation.  The proliferation of online platforms has occurred at such a rapid pace that it is no wonder that adults, and specifically parents, often feel helpless in the face of pressure from their children to connect to these platforms, which limits rather than increases social cohesion. Online harassment, bullying and inappropriate content are elements users are exposed to, often unwittingly.  A recent webinar with popular digital safety analyst, Kirra Pendergast, it was suggested that the appropriate age for a TikTok user is 26! This is because the human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. My belief is that knowledge and understanding can develop a responsible and critical understanding of how social media can work for individuals and communities. We should encourage our children to respond to material that makes them feel uncomfortable or uneasy by telling a trusted adult.  We should model a desire to disconnect for personal health and wellbeing for our children. We should assist our children to exercise caution, security and responsible activity that keeps them and others safe online as well as off.

There have been several fake MCC pages on TikTok, these pages use the MCC logo and brand illegally and bring the College into disrepute. They also use images that are inappropriate and malicious. Please take some time to check the security settings of your children’s device to ensure ongoing responsible use of technology.

Compass Events Closures

In 2024, we have encouraged parents to access Compass regularly as a source of information, communication and event status. Parental permission for excursions and events is an important element of participation.  If a deadline is posted, it is essential that this is adhered to, and any necessary payments made to ensure smooth attendance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Kinder Yana

Over the last three weeks, we have welcomed 106 new students and their families to MCC through our Kinder Yana transition-to-school program. They have each attended 3 sessions, filled with engaging activities led by our dedicated teachers. The program offers a wonderful opportunity for students, parents and carers to form connections, meet our MCC team, and receive information about the upcoming year. Session four will be held next term, and we look forward to seeing all your smiling faces then.

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R U OK Day

Today, Primary students participated in activities to promote quality connections in their social and peer groups as part of acknowledging RU OK Day. 

Primary student activities were:

• Presentation in the morning by leaders
• Activities in class groups with take-home bracelet
• K-2 Colouring in Competition - prizes per year group
• 3-6 Design a Friendship Poster - prizes per year group
• Partner Limbo @ Recess
• Partner Skipping @ Lunch
• Buddy R U OK activities on Friday 

To find out more about the work RU OK does in the community, visit their website  https://www.ruok.org.au/

Donate used books for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Please consider donating books your family no longer needs to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation.  The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote Communities across Australia. They are Community-led, responding to requests from remote Communities for culturally relevant books, including early learning board books, resources, and programs to support Communities to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice.

Please bring your books to school in Week 8 and they will be sold in Weeks 9 and 10 with proceeds going towards ILF. Mini Macks will leave tubs in classrooms for this book collection.  This is a wonderful and sustainable way to support educational outcomes and rehome pre-loved books.

MCC Represent

NSWPSSA Softball

Congratulations to Aoibhinn and MacKenzie who last week represented Polding at NSWPSSA Softball held at Cronulla along with Mrs Denneman as Coach. The team played 12 games across 3 days finishing 5th place in the state. What an amazing few days of play and our students were outstanding in their contribution to the team, so too was Mrs Denneman, an inspiring coach!

OzTag Gala Day Stage 2 and 3

On Thursday, Week 7, 60 students from Stage 2 and Stage 3 represented our school at the OzTag Gala Day held at Doyalson. It was a fantastic day, with everyone playing with a smile on their face, showing outstanding sportsmanship, and even delivering some incredible team and solo efforts on the field.

In terms of results:

• The Stage 2 Boys finished 5th in their pool.
• The Stage 2 Girls made it all the way to the Grand Final but, unfortunately, lost in overtime. A valiant effort!
• The Stage 3 Girls finished 3rd in their pool but were edged out in the semi-final.
• The Stage 3 Boys dominated their pool, finishing 1st, but also fell short in the semi-final.

A huge thank you to all the parents who came along to cheer on the teams. Your support was greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Mrs Denneman for organising the day and to Mr Colton, Mr Field, Ms Cartwright, and Ms Grace for coaching and supporting the teams. Congratulations to all our players!

- Brian Colton  | Primary Teacher 6G 

Central Coast Northern Cluster Public Speaking Final

Year 6 students Amelia G and George H recently competed in the Central Coast Northern Cluster Public Speaking Final held here at MCC. Amelia and George, along with students from St Cecilia's, St Brendan's, Our Lady of the Rosary, St John Fisher and St Mary's, presented 2 speeches ( one prepared and one impromptu) in front of our Year 6 cohort parents and school representatives in the parish church.

Although they didn't take home the top prize, their performances were outstanding and highlighted their impressive skills and preparation. We applaud Amelia and George for their dedication and the confident, articulate presentations they delivered. Well done to both of you, for representing us so admirably!

- Chris Shilling | Leader of Literacy

2024 MacKillop Portrait Prize

This year the MacKillop Portrait Prize is centred around a person who is special to you – someone who is known to you and who knows you and plays a significant role in your life.

You will need to include a small paragraph as to why this person is special to you. (A template will be provided, for this as well as your name etc.)

The artwork this year MUST be on paper or a flat board, either A3 or A4 size. You can use mixed media, paint, pencil, watercolours, and pastels, however, you can not use photographs. It is hoped that some children’s artworks could also be selected by Mrs Young to be entered into the Young Archie’s exhibition held in Sydney next year (Young Archie 2024 | Art Gallery of NSW examples).

The artworks will be due early in Term 4 and they need to be handed to Mrs Whitmore. More information on the last day to hand in will be announced in Term 4.

If you have any questions, please email me at catherine.whitmore@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal

Primary Events

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Preliminary Examinations

 It is another important milestone for our Year 11 students this week and next as they complete their Preliminary HSC Examinations.  I take this opportunity to wish all of our Year 11’s well, as you enter your exams on Friday, I want you to know that we believe in you and your abilities.  You have worked hard to prepare for these exams, and we are confident that you will do your best.

Remember that the results of these exams do not define you but be very clear on this, your effort does define you.  There are many more things about you that will determine the life you have.  They can’t test the person you are, your creativity, your courage, your wisdom, and your potential.  So, give it your all, but know that your worth is not measured by these exams.

I want to wish you the best of luck with your examinations!  You can accomplish your objectives if you keep believing in yourself.  Ignore your nerves and concentrate on all the positive things and your thorough understanding of the subject.  You have all the resources that you need for passing the exams.

I hope that these words of encouragement and support will help you feel confident and motivated as you sit your exams.  Remember that we are behind you, supporting you, no matter what.

Good luck and God bless!

Year 11 SLR Snow Trip to Perisher: A Huge Success!

We are excited to share that our first-ever Year 11 Snow Trip to Perisher was a fantastic success! From August 28 to 30, students had a memorable experience on the slopes, with many beginners showing impressive progress.

Students had the opportunity to experience both skiing and snowboarding, benefiting from professional lessons each morning. These expert instructors provided invaluable guidance, helping students to develop their skills and confidence on the slopes. The afternoons were dedicated to supervised practice, allowing students to build on what they had learned and enjoy their newfound abilities.  

A special shout-out goes to our amazing staff—Lee Wilkins, Jackson Bonner, Kathleen Black, and Rachael Elcoate—whose support and enthusiasm were crucial in making the trip run smoothly and ensuring a fantastic experience for all.

Students have expressed their deep gratitude for the opportunity and the exceptional experience. With so much excitement and growth, we can’t wait for next year’s snow trip!

- Nicole Abel | Leader of Learning PDHPE

Year 9 Visual Art Sneak Peak

Year 9 have completed their painting studies of flowers in a unit called ‘Flower Power Fantastic!’. It a study in colour mixing and technical skills.

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A Happily Ever After

Earlier this week, the Year 11 Drama class invited 6 Wattle to be an audience for their devised performance. The High School Drama students developed a new, original fairy tale using improvisation and play building skills and familiar tropes from the fairy tale genre.  This play included characters such as a narrator,  evil characters who plotted to foil the hero and heroine's quest for love, and of course fantasy characters such as an old wizard and a talking goose. They also taught 6 Wattle some new drama games. 

- Sharon Baird | Leader of learning Performing Arts

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

MCC Presents: Starlight Cinema

Indigenous Book Fair

Asthma Update

Little Lighthouse Playgroup

Free Webinar for Parents and Carers

Registrations Open for Go4Fun Term 4

Craft and Games School Holiday Event

Adam Liaw’s Multicultural Family Lunchboxes

SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK?Day

2025 CAMP DATES

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Formal Closet

Term 3 Dates