MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 9

Thursday 19 September, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

Year 12 Charity Day and Impact on College Community and Traffic -24 September

Many of you may remember the old days of the Muck-Up Days, which generally saw Year 12 students misbehaving intentionally, often causing damage and inflicting mayhem on their schools. I am very proud to acknowledge that our Year 12 students do not engage in this type of recklessness and anti-social behaviour but rather put their efforts into considering the needs of the disadvantaged, while still having a little fun.

Part of the rite of passage at MacKillop for our Year 12 students, is the tradition of the Year 12 Charity Day taking place on Tuesday 24 September between 7-9 am.  This is a day when graduating students select a dress-up theme and have a little ‘controlled’ and supervised fun. It is a time when they ‘take over’ various areas including Mary MacKillop Drive, Tension Wood Close and Mataram Road entering into the College grounds. Year 12 students will charge those wishing to enter onto College grounds and they will likely ask you to contribute by way of a gold coin donation to their charity of choice - The Ghana Appeal.  I also wish to advise you that there may also be shaving cream, some water play and lots of loud music. 

I urge families to take this activity in good humour and anticipate traffic congestion with delays. You may also consider dropping off your child in a different nearby location and walking them to school on this morning to help you not get caught in the traffic jams. Also, please consider sending your son or daughter with a little loose change to contribute to the Ghana Appeal.

Year 12 Week of Final Activities Summary

Device Update Years 5-10

I apologise for the continued delay, but the portal link is still not operational and, therefore, we are unable to release the information regarding the new devices. I regret that the link problem cannot be resolved from the College end. I will continue to keep you abreast of matters.

Alignment and CSBB Cost Optimisation Project

As part of the Cost Optimisation Program, all schools including MacKillop have had to review their budgets and expenditure in light with the parameters provided by the Diocese. The College is also required to fall into line with other schools and the CSBB cost optimisation objectives. As a result of this, the College staff have worked very hard over the last few months consider what is within and beyond the budget expectations for a K-12 school. As a result of this, we have been required to strongly consider what is a College-funded expense, and what is a parent-funded expense. It is understandable that some things that were once free, will no longer be free of charge any longer. It is also important that all schools in the Diocese live within their means and prioritise their learning objectives and resources. Much market research has taken place around what neighbouring schools provide as gratis and what is a charged expense. I expect that this will result in new inclusions added to stationery lists particularly in the Primary school,  and other costs added in the Secondary School. We are currently awaiting further information regarding our 2025 budget forecast.

There is no doubt that some families are feeling the pinch of interest rates, petrol costs, affordable housing and mortgages. We are also trying very hard at MacKillop to take this into consideration with regard to what are parent expenses. Many of you may or may not be aware also of the impact that government funding is also having on Catholic schools such as our own, and we appreciate that we are living in challenging times.  If any family is encountering financial challenges, then please speak confidentially to either Mrs Power, Head of Primary or Mr Lynch, Head of Secondary. CSBB offers families fee concessions that are means-tested and evaluated on an individual basis.

Staff Farewell

We bid farewell to Ms Skye Sadler who has served MacKillop dutifully. She has worked in the Learning Support area of the Secondary school and has shown true dedication to the students in her care. Skye successfully applied for a role in an Independent school and this will see her continue her work in the area of learning diversity in Sydney. We take the opportunity to wish her well in her new endeavours.

Employment Opportunities

As we continue to grow in size, we will also require additional staff to supplement our school needs. I expect that we will have a number of jobs coming up shortly that may appeal to those working in education. I urge you or your friends to look at the careers section of our MacKillop website for employment opportunities at Mackillop.

Enrolments for 2025

MacKillop is near on capacity now as we move into wait lists for future enrolments in Kindergarten, some areas of the Primary and Secondary school. If you or a friend would like to seek further information on our enrolments, please contact Ms Zoe Farell on 7256 2116 or via our online enquiry form.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Year 12 Charity Day

Primary Matters

25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“God has called us with the gospel to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

Peace be with you! This greeting from the Catholic Mass is well known in faith circles, it causes me to ponder, what does peace look like in my life?

International Day of Peace (21 September) and International Day of Non-Violence (2 October) are timely in this period of our history where war, political and domestic violence are so prevalent in our world. Pope Francis and Bishops from around the world are using this time to reflect on a shared message through their annual message in the Bishop’s Social Justice Statement which was released in August called, ‘Truth and Peace: A Gospel in a Violent World’. As active participants in the world, we should tell ourselves that we must seek peace. In recent times, we have become more aware of how violence can affect people.  We have learned how childhood experiences of violence can have lasting traumatic effects on children and lead to similarly violent behaviour in later life. We also recognise the extent to which violence directed against women can damage the body and spirit. We must learn to advocate and defend against acts of violence when we see them and provide guidance or help in times of trouble or distress.

World peace begins at home, in the quiet strengths of personal relationships.  They are the virtues of patience, readiness to forgive and respect for others.  This is the soil in which peace can grow.

As educators in Catholic schools, we seek to create environments where peace is the dynamic activity of daily relationships. This extract from Truth & Peace: A Gospel in a Violent World highlights the importance of education in developing peace in a complex world.

EDUCATING FOR PEACE

Peace does not just happen or fall from the sky. Its fulness may be God’s gift, but on the way to that fulness, peace-making can and must be taught and learnt. Therefore, education is vital for building a culture of peace, teaching the art and architecture of peace”, how to shape a culture of dialogue based on encounter.

Teaching and education are, says Pope Francis, “the primary means of promoting integral human development; and they are essential for the defence and promotion of peace. In a word, teaching and education are the foundations of a cohesive civil society”.

Recently the Pope gathered 6,000 children from the Italian Network of Schools of Peace at the Vatican and encouraged them to be “artisans of peace”, not warmongers but peace-mongers, urging them be active in promoting their dream of a new vision for the world. The Network is committed to educating the young people of Italy about peace, justice, human rights, citizenship and responsibility, and it may have something to offer here in Australia.

Promoting cohesion has been a strength of Catholic education in Australia for over 200 years, and our schools provide a unique opportunity for the teaching of peace and educating in what “the architecture of peace” requires. Given the urgency of the task, it is worth asking, how might our schools be more focused and creative in teaching the way of truth, trust and peace? No doubt this is already happening in the schools in many ways, direct and indirect; but as the world grows more violent, might still more be done?

May we continue to pray for peace in our community and the wider world.

Stationery Lists

As mentioned in a recent Newsletter, Class Stationery Lists for 2025 are now available on the MCC website.  The attached rationale provides an explanation for the introduction of this resource list in 2025. I hope that this Term 3 notification provides adequate opportunity to purchase these resources over time. Please direct any questions regarding your Class Stationery List to the Stage Coordinator responsible for your grade.

Donate used books for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Indigenous Literacy Foundation 2nd Hand Book SaleThe Indigenous Literacy Foundation 2nd hand book sale is on now in the Library. All books are 50c each or 3 for $1.

Hundreds of books for all ages – picture books, junior and teen chapter books and adult reads. Buy for your kids, your classroom or yourself! All money raised helps the Indigenous Literacy Foundation provide culturally relevant resources for students in remote areas of Australia.

https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/

Learn to Swim Program K - 2

This week our Learn to Swim Program for students in Kinder, Years 1 and 2 began. The Intensive Swim Program forms an integral part of the PDHPE curriculum and is essential skill development for our children.

There has been much excitement and lots of smiling faces as we head to the Swim School each day for our lessons. Please remember to pack a little extra food next week for their post-swim hunger and ensure all your child's items are clearly labelled so missing items can be returned.

- Kellie Dennerman | Primary PDHPE

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Sneak Peak at Healthy Harold

Students have welcomed Healthy Harold to MCC again this week.  If you haven't heard about Healthy Harold it is a program that offers a unique, curriculum-based program empowering children to make safer and healthier choices through education.

The lessons cover a range of topics across the three core areas of physical health, safety and social and emotional wellbeing. 

Our primary students have looked at the following areas of health and well-being with Harold:

• Develop life skills relating to their health and wellbeing
• Understand how to make healthy choices
• Gain knowledge about health and their bodies
• Develop self esteem and a positive understanding of themselves
• Develop strategies for relating to others

- Sarah Shorter  | Primary Teacher and Wellbeing

MCC Represent

Polding Athletics

It was a great effort by all 11 of our MacKillop competitors at Polding Athletics on Friday. Everyone pushed to beat their personal best and did themselves and MCC proud!

Congratulations to our medallists:

Ellis - Silver in Junior Girls High Jump (as a 9-year-old!!!)

Senior Girls Relay - Bronze, narrowly missed out on silver by 0.002 seconds.

- Kellie Dennerman | Primary PDHPE

At the Zoo with Year 4

Our Year 4 cohort had a great time at the Zoo on Monday. They got to look at the animals through a new lens as they explored their visual art subject topic  "Traditional Indigenous Art". Sydney Zoo has many Indigenous artworks throughout the park and enclosures.

Students took part in the Bungarribee Dreaming tour, while walking the zoo trail their guide shared knowledge about ' The people, places, and colonisation. They explored the deep attachment and bond Aboriginal people have to Country, family and people. They also looked at the effects that colonisation brought upon Aboriginal people. Delivered in a culturally sensitive and respectful way the guides led the students through a thoughtful and reflective discussion'.

It was a fun (and educational) day for our Year 4s; Sydney Zoo was an amazing source of knowledge and wonder!

Art House Year 3 Excursion

Year 3 went to the Art House last Friday to see a physical theatre play, Beetle.

An instant Australian classic, Beetle tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for the now elusive Christmas Beetle.

The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.
A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. .

Year 3 enjoyed being able to explore topics such as friendship, community and the cycle of life through theatre.

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,

Farewell to Year 12

As Year 12 students approach their final week of school, reflections on their experiences are abundant.  This transitional period is often filled with a mix of nostalgia, anxiety, and excitement as they prepare to leave behind their high school years.

Many students express a sense of gratitude for the friendships and memories forged during this time.  Other students noted that despite the challenges of Year 12, including the stress of exams and the pressure of achieving high scores, the bonds formed with classmates are invaluable.  They emphasise the importance of cherishing these last moments together, as life will inevitably change post-graduation.

The significance of the Year 12 experience is often highlighted through various College events and celebrations.  At MacKillop we have a number of great traditions to honour our graduating Year 12’s, such as special assemblies, a farewell Mass, and fun activities like Charity Day.  These events provide students with opportunities to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their growth throughout the last six years of high school.

Additionally, many students have participated in retreats or reflection days that encourage self-discovery and spiritual growth.  These experiences allow them to step back from academic pressures and consider their personal journeys, relationships, and future aspirations.  These experiences allow our students to form stronger connection to themselves and their peers and will undoubtedly be lifelong memories for our graduates.

As they prepare for the next chapter in their lives, students are reminded that while academic results like ATAR scores are important, they do not define their worth or future success.  The skills they have developed – resilience, time management, and collaboration are equally valuable as they transition into adulthood.

The final week of Year 12 is a poignant time for reflection on personal growth, friendships, and the journey ahead.  Students are encouraged to embrace this moment, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to new adventures beyond high school.

Bullying

You may have heard about the tragic case of Charlotte O'Brien, a 12-year-old student at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, Sydney, which has sparked widespread concern and discussion about bullying in schools.  Charlotte, a Year 7 student, took her own life last week after allegedly enduring relentless bullying for two years, both at school and on social media.  In a heartbreaking goodbye note, she specifically mentioned the bullying she experienced at the school.

These cases are becoming far too common and I sincerely hope that as a MacKillop community, we can work together to address this problem so that we never experience something similar here.  Below are some key strategies for parents to teach their children about bullying:

Explain to your child that bullying can take various forms:

• Physical bullying (pushing, hitting, etc.)
• Verbal bullying (name-calling, teasing)
• Social bullying (excluding others, spreading rumours)
• Cyberbullying (online harassment)

Encourage your child to be kind and empathetic towards others:

• Introduce them to different cultures and perspectives
• Discuss the importance of accepting differences
• Model respectful behaviour in your own interactions

Teach your child how to stand up for themselves and others:

• Practice saying "Stop" or "Leave me alone" firmly
• Role-play scenarios to build confidence
• Encourage them to tell an adult if bullying persists

Create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you:

• Ask open-ended questions about their day
• Listen without judgment
• Reassure them it's not their fault if they're bullied

Help your child build confidence and resilience:

• Praise their efforts and accomplishments
• Encourage them to pursue their interests
• Teach them to focus on their strengths

Discuss safe ways to help others being bullied:

• Speaking up against bullying behaviour
• Befriending other students who are being targeted
• Getting help from a trusted adult

Model kind and respectful behaviour in your own life:

• Treat others with courtesy
• Resolve conflicts peacefully
• Stand up for those who need help

By teaching these skills and concepts, parents can help their children understand, prevent, and respond to bullying effectively.  Remember to keep the lines of communication open and provide ongoing support as your child navigates social situations.  If we work together to address bullying and provide education, we have a much better chance of minimising its obvious harm.

Socktober Fundraiser for Catholic Mission

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful MacKillop community for your incredible support of the Socktober fundraiser for Catholic Mission. Together, we raised an impressive total of $2,107! We were also fortunate to be selected by Star 104.5 to host a live broadcast of the *Gina and Matty Show*.

Our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the lively interactions throughout the event.

It was fantastic to see the creativity on display with fun and fabulous socks, wild hairstyles, and the vibrant energy shared by all who attended. The day truly highlighted the spirit of our community!

Rachael Elcoate | Acting REC - Evangelisation & Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 7 

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Year 10 Visual Art Sneak Peak - painting study of cars.

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

MCC Presents Starlight Cinema this Saturday! Get your Tickets!!!

Asthma Update

Little Lighthouse Playgroup

Nominate a local hero for the 2025 Australia Day Awards!

Lifeline Skills-for-Life Training

Vacation Care Term 3 Break

Glorious Lives: Mary MacKillop Australia's First Saint

Reclaim the Night Festival

Registrations Open for Go4Fun Term 4

Craft and Games School Holiday Event

2025 CAMP DATES

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Formal Closet

Term 3 Dates