MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 10

Thursday 26 September, 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

Devices for Years 5-12

We have finally had all boxes ticked off and now have been able to release the BYOD Guidelines document that is designed to support our transition over a three-year period. Much time has gone into considering the impact that this will have on our community, especially how learning will be delivered and the upskilling of our students. This gentle transition will also support families as they balance financial commitments and choose to retain existing technologies or migrate at a time that better meets their needs.

Please find a copy of the BYOD Guidelines for your reading below and on our website.

Please also be advised that as part of the move to a laptop device, we have made initial inquiries about a secondary school backpack with a built-in padded sleeve to protect the device. These secondary school backpacks will be compulsory over a period of transition and are not currently available for purchase. I will provide you with updates as I have more information.

Stepping Stones into Secondary Schooling for Students with Diverse Needs

Parents of students who have diverse learning needs or diagnosed disability in Year 6 should expect an invitation to a purposefully designed adjusted orientation program that will take place at the College. This Stepping Stones Orientation Program should not be confused with the regular Orientation Program that will encompass all students in Year 6 and new enrolments. Many of the skills outlined in the program will be repeated during the regular Year 7 Orientation Program. It is imperative that families who are interested in the Stepping Stones Program book their place.  Here is a copy of the invitation.  

Starlight Cinema

A special thanks to the following fathers who volunteered their time at the Starlight Cinema and assisted with car parking and other odd jobs: Chris Busa, Matt Cottee, Kevin Curtis, Lachlan Heath, Matt Dacey and Simon Falconer.

A very big thank you to the following staff members who joined us to help on our MCC Lolly & Glow Stalls along with our amazing volunteer students; Karen Dacey, Helen Beech and Georgina Martin.

Rest and Recreation

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and hope that this provides families and students with the opportunity to rest and indulge in recreational activities that give each of you respite from our busy lives. On return to school, I ask that all families ensure that their children are well presented for the start of Term 4 with polished school shoes, neat and conservative haircuts, and freshly ironed uniforms. Our uniform policy sets high standards of dress and grooming, and adherence is compulsory. You may access this document on our website should you require a point of reference.

Special Blessing for our Year 12 students and their families

A special blessing to Year 12 students who officially leave us this week. We ask that we all pray for them as they transition from MacKillop into the broarder community. May they always remember the many lessons that this school has taught them and may God always prevail in their lives as a touchstone to their choices, direction, values and in building their futures.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby,

College Principal

Primary Matters

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Your Word, O Lord, is truth: makes us holy in the truth.” Jn17:17

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Head of Primary

It is with great gratitude and pride that I was able to attend this year’s Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Evening this week.  Many of the young people present were once in my Year 6 class of 2018.  In that same year, my youngest daughter graduated from MacKillop, and the 2024 Year 6 students were in Kindergarten! One of the great joys MacKillop’s K-12 Community provides is an opportunity to see our students grow from the very beginning to the conclusion of their school journey.  We walk with students and their families through the rough and the smooth, the challenges and triumphs, the learning and mistakes. Creating effective adults and enabling our young people to become the best they can be. I have felt so blessed to catch up with these young people as they embark on the next chapter of their glorious lives, knowing that as they go, they take with them a piece of MCC in their hearts. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and blessings to the teachers who formed and encouraged them on their life journey.

World Day for Migrants & Refugees

This Sunday, September 29 is an opportunity to recognise the virtue of migrants and refugees and to highlight their plight around the world.  Unfortunately, in Australia and around the world, many people are forming hostile views about migration and the plight of refugees. In his 2024 message, Pope Francis emphasises our link as Catholic Christians with people forced to leave their home country and the story of holy people throughout history. The Church is on a pilgrim journey towards the Kingdom of God, and as believers, we accompany each other toward a spiritual homeland. Our role in the work of the Holy Spirit is to act and activate advocacy for the homeless, including those who seek peace in times of turbulence and distress. To offer people who seek shelter and safety a place of peace.

Prayer

God, Almighty Father,
we are your pilgrim Church
journeying towards the Kingdom of heaven.
We live in our homeland,
but as if we were foreigners.
Every foreign place is our home,
yet every native land is foreign to us.
Though we live on earth,
our true citizenship is in heaven.
Do not let us become possessive
of the portion of the world
you have given us as a temporary home.
Help us to keep walking,
together with our migrant brothers and sisters,
toward the eternal dwelling you have prepared for us.
Open our eyes and our hearts
so that every encounter with those in need
becomes an encounter with Jesus, your Son and our Lord.
Amen.

Rome, Saint John Lateran, 24 May 2024, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians
 FRANCIS

Stage 3 Exploring Algebra

Over the last few weeks, some year five and six students have been delving into the world of algebra. We have been using algebraic tiles to learn the concepts of positive and negative integers and how we can use letters to replace miners when creating equations. The students had great fun while learning this complex skill.

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

BODY BRIGHT - Year 5 and 6 Student and Parent Presentations

We are delighted to be launching Body Bright at MacKillop next term.  This positive body image awareness and education program from Butterfly Foundation will be delivered across all Years K-6 during Wellbeing Week.  Years 5 and 6 are lucky to be involved in a launch event in Week 2.  Students will participate in a face-to-face presentation by Body Bright facilitators at 11:30 am on Monday, 28 October; parents are invited to attend a Zoom Presentation from 6:30 pm that night.  

Please see attached a Parent Information letter with more information about the program.
Also attached is a Flyer/Booking Form for the Parent Zoom Session with a digital link to register.
Parents must register in order to get the Zoom link & specific information for the evening Seminar.

 Parent letter

 Body Bright Zoom 

- Kellie Denneman | Leader Primary PDHPE, Sport and Wellbeing

MCC Represent - NETBALL NSW CUP

Congratulations to our Year 5/6 Netball Team, who represented the College at the Regional Finals of the Netball NSW Cup in Maitland last Friday.

A drawn game stood between our girls and a top-of-pool finish. It was such a great day, and our team played some amazing games!

- Kellie Denneman | Leader Primary PDHPE, Sport and Wellbeing

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

Happy Spring break

The September Spring break is upon us and the beautiful scent of new growth is in the air.  I hope that the holiday break will provide an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your family and loved ones.

Please remember that the first Monday of Term 3 is a Staff Spirituality Day and no staff will be onsite.  We look forward to welcoming you back to Term 4 on Tuesday, October 15.

Blessings for a wonderful break,

Kerry Power | Head of Primary K - 6

Primary Events

Starlight Cinema Shines Bright

Our inaugural Starlight Cinema event captivated audiences this past Saturday night with its enchanting outdoor movie experience. Held under a clear, starry sky, the event featured a screening of the action-packed family movie, DC League of Super Pets.

Families and friends gathered on blankets, lawn chairs and bean bags, enjoying the perfect blend of cool evening breezes and warm community spirit. The atmosphere was electric.

Food trucks lined the perimeter, offering a variety of delicious treats, from gourmet pizzas, gozleme, burgers, and chips on sticks to ice cream and snow cones. Our very own Lolly Stall and Glow Stall were a huge hit, bringing joy and excitement to everyone.

Overall, Saturday night's Starlight Cinema was a resounding success, bringing people together for a memorable evening of entertainment and camaraderie. If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar for the next event—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported this event, especially those families who could lend a hand with a few jobs.

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator (PEC)

Secondary News

Dear Community,

End of Term 3

At this time of year in schools, I always reflect on the contribution our Year 12s have made during their time at the College. This past week, they have participated in a number of gatherings to celebrate their journey at MacKillop. We had Charity Day for them on Tuesday (fun for them, not so fun for staff). On Wednesday, we had a Graduation Mass in the morning and an Awards Ceremony in the evening. 

Mr MacNamara challenged them to embrace the week and all it held for them but most importantly, he asked them to graduate with class.  They certainly delivered on this.  I could not be prouder of our departing Year 12’s, this week they have exemplified all the qualities I would hope to see in a MacKillop student.  We are going to miss them immensely, so many different personalities, but, at the same time, a genuinely connected group with a united goal of an HSC.

Such is life in a school, that as one group departs, another comes along to take their place and our Year 11’s will soon fill that void as they commence their HSC year.  This group is ready to carve out their own path with many lessons learned from the Year 12s who came before them.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge our outgoing student leaders. You have been wonderful ambassadors for our College and leave behind a lasting legacy. I love this quote from John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”  I feel like our outgoing leaders certainly lived up to these ideals and have laid a wonderful platform for our incoming leaders.

As we round out another term, I want to thank all our students for their contributions to MacKillop.  I have the absolute privilege of seeing so much good happening on a daily basis in our community, and it’s a real honour to walk beside you in your high school education.

I also seize this opportunity to thank the outstanding teachers and support staff we have here at MacKillop.  This week alone highlights all that is good in this group, I’ve watched staff arrive at school well before the sun comes up to supervise Charity Day, and I’ve seen our groundsman, office staff and teachers adapt and adjust to ensure that our Year 12’s are sent off in style, I’ve watched countless staff volunteer to assist with Year 12 events, I’ve seen teachers step in for parents who were absent and I’ve witnessed our staff with the utmost care tend to the needs of our kids.

Thank you to our parents, carers and friends of the College.  This is a strong community that is very much reliant on your ongoing loyalty and support.  I sincerely appreciate the faith you have shown in the College and I trust it is providing a wonderful environment for your child to flourish.

Thanks again for another productive term.  Enjoy the holidays, I look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

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Spring Cleaning? Don't throw it away!

If anyone does a Spring Clean over the holidays and is getting rid of old white sheets or preloved denim items, the Stage 5 Textile students are going to be doing a recycled project next term and they will be happy to take them off your hands.

Jane Edwards

JUMP Hours 7-12

The College acknowledges students for their outstanding efforts in community service. As such, the following indicates the awards and associated hours. 

Bronze Award        25 hours 

Silver Award          50 hours 

Gold Award           100 hours 

________________________________ 

St Mary of the Cross Medallion - 100 hours 

St Mary of the Cross Honours - 3 consecutive years of 100 hours service 

In 2024, students who complete 50 hours of service will be invited to the Silver BBQ in Term 4 to celebrate their commitment to service and outreach. Additionally, students who log over 100 hours will be invited to both the Silver BBQ and an invitation to attend Raging Waters later in Term 4.

Please note: Students who have logged hours will also be expected to complete their reflections and ongoing evaluations, linking all service and outreach activities to Gospel values during their RE lessons over the course of the service program and awards year (Term 4 — Term 3).

Michelle Baxter | Acting Religious Education Coordinator - Curriculum 

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Principal Secondary

Lifeline Skills-for-Life Training

Vacation Care Term 3 Break

Glorious Lives: Mary MacKillop Australia's First Saint

Registrations Open for Go4Fun Term 4

Craft and Games School Holiday Event

2025 CAMP DATES

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Formal Closet

Term 3 and 4 Dates