MacKillop Chronicles Term 4, Week 4

Thursday 7 November 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

E-Safety and Our Children

In September, the Australian government announced that they intend to introduce legislation to mandate the minimum age for access to social media to better protect our young people from online harm. As College Principal, I endorse the intent of this legislation that holds online platforms accountable to their users and any measures that are put in place to protect the young and the vulnerable.  In our school context, we often see the harmful impact of addiction to social media and are required to teach our young people about the dangers of online environments and make them aware of potential predatory people who may lurk in online environments posing as young people or befriending them.

The office of the e-Safety Commissioner said it will continue working with stakeholders across the community to refine Australia’s approach to online harm.

For more information related to E-Safety and ways to protect your children, please visit the following website link. I have provided a link to a specific webinar for parents.

https://www.esafety.gov.au

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

MCC BYOD Drive

Preparing our students for the world of tomorrow requires the College to focus its attention on upskilling our students in multiple areas across a range of digital devices. Their ability to use technology as a tool is critical to a world that needs our young people to become content makers and creators. From 2025, we will engage in building the skillsets of Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) students to ensure their successful transition into secondary school.

For information related to the technology transition process, please refer to the following link.

Opportunity Class For Year 7, 2025

From 2025, we will be giving students in Year 6 the opportunity to join our very own MacKillop opportunity class in the secondary school.

What is an Opportunity Class?

• Opportunity classes are for intellectually gifted and high-potential students.
• Enables students who have high potential and giftedness to learn with like-minded students.

Knowing what is right for your Child

Being in the Opportunity Class is not for everyone. In fact, some families may specifically choose not to have their child sit the test for a range of reasons and this may be in spite of the high potential or giftedness of their child. Please know that each family has choice and that we respect your decision.

High Expectations for All

Irrespective of where your child is placed in a class, the expectations that they will commit themselves to their learning is exactly the same for all students at MacKillop. All children are required to work diligently and are encouraged, supported and challenged to extend their learning capacity.

Entry test to the MCC Opportunity Class

All students who would like to be considered will be required to sit for a test on a particular day and a set time. This test will require no additional study or revision of schoolwork. The test is made up of a series of Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), which are standardised assessments designed to provide data on a student’s skills and understanding. Families can then either accept the position or not accept the position in the class.

It is important to remember that these students will be specifically extended at a higher pace and rate of learning. For more information on the PAT Tests, please refer to the link below. The College will provide you with more information on this shortly.

https://www.acer.org/au/pat/progressive-achievement

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Primary Matters

32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Happy are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Mt 5:323

Dear Parents and Carers,  

Message from Primary

November is significant in the Catholic faith in remembering those we love who have died. November began with the two holy days of All Saints and All Souls. November 11 is a day of Remembrance for those lost in times of war.  During the month of November, our community can spend time in grace contemplating the love we hold for those who are no longer physically on earth but remain in the complex space beyond our human comprehension that is heaven. As a family you may create a sacred space or prayer table that honours the life of family members who have died, share stories about your own family tree or stories you remember from your grandparents. The Church can be a lovely place to pray, and the electronic candles – coin generated- can be a place for quiet contemplation, dedication and prayer. During the month of November, you can offer a Mass to a family member or write a message to be placed on the altar.

On Thursday, 14 November, Parent Engagement Coordinator Lucy Marien and I will host a Mass for the Parish and College Community to commemorate the loss of a child, the most devastating grief any family can endure. In 2011, my own family was touched by tragedy in the accidental death of my great nephew Liam as a toddler. Connection and understanding provide a loving balm in difficult times. Our faith provides a beautiful hope for those who grieve, and enduring the pain of suffering is part of what it means to be human.

Beach Safety

The need for Surf Safety and Water Awareness was never more acute following the devastating incident at The Entrance last weekend.  It is a timely reminder to all to please be aware of the dangers of water-based activities as the weather begins to warm up. Our Practical Surf Safety sessions have been rescheduled for Years 3 and 6, so please watch out for these notifications via Compass.

Year 5 Beach Safety Session

Year 5 had their surf education session today and had the best time. The rain held off, and we enjoyed a range of activities in the water and on the sand to practically support the beach safety program our primary students have been undertaking during their PE lessons. Here is some of the feedback from our Year 5 students who attended today:

Georgina and Isabelle from 5G said, 'We loved going in the water, playing ball games in the water, and learning how to use the tubes to rescue people.' 

Charlie and Mackenzie from 5W said, 'The best thing about the beach was seeing dolphins, playing games with friends, going on the nipper boards, and getting dunked in the sand. It was good to have a laugh with friends. ' 

Sophie from 5B said, 'The boards were the best part.' 

Jessica Hordern | Primary Teacher

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Wellbeing Week

Week 5 is recognised as Wellbeing Week for both teachers and students. Teachers will have a shared Morning Tea celebrating November and December birthdays, special shakes and lunch.  Students will engage with the Body Bright resources, enjoy colouring competitions, chalk drawing, obstacle courses, games, bracelet making and a whole school Kahoot. Wellbeing Week provides an opportunity to practise and celebrate wellbeing strategies, self-regulation and self-care. During this week, I invite you and your family to recognise a wellbeing practice such as having a board game evening, turning off your devices, watching a favourite movie or taking a walk/run/ride together.

Happy Wellbeing Week!

Athletics Fun Day Thursday 21 November Kindergarten and Year 1

We invite parents & friends of our Kindergarten & Year 1 Students to join us here at MacKillop for our Athletics Fun Day on Thursday, 21 November.  The children are completing a Mini Athletics Unit in Physical Education this term & get a chance to showcase their skills in a Mini Athletics Carnival on this day.  See attached for a Run Sheet of Events & timings for the day.  The children will participate in heats and finals in an effort to win Ribbons in the Rotation of events before Recess (Running & Throwing).  The activities after recess will be fun team-based activities without Ribbons.  We would love for you to come and share all the fun on this day.  Weather permitting, activities will be held on the school oval.

Compass and Events Calendar

The weekly schedule of events will no longer be displayed in this space as we continue to encourage our community to use Compass as the source of calendar information. Please contact us if you have trouble accessing the Compass Portal. Thank you for understanding.

Blessings for a wonderful week 

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

Secondary News

Dear Community,

HSC 2025 Information Evening

A huge thank you to the parents who attended the HSC Information Evening. Your participation is greatly appreciated and plays a vital role in supporting your children as they navigate their educational journey.

During the evening, we covered essential topics such as:

• The HSC: Guidance on how the HSC is conducted, including how subjects are assessed, and results are moderated.
• Pathways to University: Information on various pathways available for students, including alternative entry options and scholarship opportunities.
• Study Strategies: Effective study habits and goal-setting techniques to help students prepare for their exams and assessments.

We hope that you found the information valuable and that it will assist you in making informed decisions regarding your child’s HSC studies. If you have any further questions or need additional resources, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for being part of this important event!

Seniors Retreat at the Collaroy Centre

On Wednesday, 30 October, Year 12 headed off to Collaroy for their Retreat. It was an early start, with buses packed and on the road by 8 a.m. The students were extremely excited as it was the last time that the whole Year group would be away together overnight.

The retreat theme was “Vocation,” which means God's invitation to each person to love and serve Him and His Church in a particular state or way of life. The theme focused on how Year 12 continues to serve and love God and others, now and when they leave the College.

The students participated in a variety of sessions, which included adoration, trivia, affirmation writing, spontaneous prayers, and many other activities. The outdoor group activities required teamwork and the overcoming of some personal challenges.

The Collaroy staff were once again impressed by the way our MacKillop students conducted themselves in a public forum. The highlight of the retreat was the beautiful Mass on the last night which was designed specifically for Year 12. We celebrated the Eucharist, and then the students had opportunities to participate in a variety of prayer stations, enabling them to be honest and show appreciation for others.

It allowed the cohort to mend and strengthen their relationships as they move into their final HSC year. I was extremely proud of how the students embraced and conducted themselves throughout the Retreat. Well, done Year 12.

Mr Glen Taragel | Year 12 Pastoral Coordinator

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Representative Sports Report

MacKillop has been highly involved across CSBB and Regional Sports in Terms 3 and 4.

Our junior girls (7 / 8) have been dominating in several sports this year, and this has continued in term 3.

The girls played in Under 14 ‘s CSBB Rugby League 9’s, taking out the day against St Peter’s in the dying seconds of the final. A couple weeks later the girls went on to play AFL in Sydney in the CSBB AFL championships. They once again played in the final, though they went down by a couple of goals.

Our Athletics team travelled to SOPAC (Homebush) with some outstanding results. Congratulations to the following students who placed in their respective events.

Ethan AG, Ashlyn F, Ava F, Susie B, Katie A, Lara S, Demi K

Special Mentions to Ethan A-G for qualifying for the CSBB team in the 100m Sprint and Ashlyn F for breaking the record in the 12 – 14 years Shot Put.

We also had some success at the recent CSBB Golf Championships at Gosford. Two students, Levi P. and Ava P., both in year 9, participated.  Ava P had a great event taking the Open Girls Division.

Term 4 has seen our U13 Boys' and Girls' Touch teams play in the Touch Football Championships at Doyalson Playing Fields. Both teams played well throughout the day and improved with each game.

A big thank you to the teachers who have been taking teams throughout the year. We greatly appreciate their dedication to ensuring our students have every opportunity to participate in these events and compete at every level.

Duncan Black | PDHPE Representative Sport Coordinator 7 - 12

Singing for House Pride

This week was the first 'Lunchtime Karaoke' event hosted by the Culture Leaders of our student parliament. Karaoke was an initiative to develop house pride and provide some break time fun as we head towards the end of the school year. Students were invited to come to the Theatre at break 1, choose a song from the karaoke list and simply have fun whilst earning house points. It was hugely popular, and a great time was had by all. Congratulations to the Culture leaders, especially Charlotte K, La'igi B and Sahibjot I, who created the materials needed and organised it all with the help of Mrs Baird and Mrs Crowe. Thanks also to Miss Higgins and all the staff who attended and helped supervise. 

Sharon Baird | Leader of Learning Performing Arts

Thursday Sport - Walk and Talk

Our Thursday Sports Program gives students a chance to experience many different sporting activities and, for the non-sports-minded, the opportunity to participate in the JUMP program.

This week's weather didn't stop our 'Walk and Talk' students.

'We survived our walk-and-talk in the heat today. Walk-and-talk Thursday sport is an opportunity for students to get out and walk amongst nature while talking with their peers, promoting physical activity and social interaction'. 

Amber Sharpe | Secondary Teacher

Year 9 Camp - The Urban Challenge 23rd - 25th October 2024

Just two weeks ago, 138 Year 9 students and 11 MCC staff embarked on a journey to Sydney by train. About now, they were settling into their accommodation in the city for the night after a big first day walking all over the city. Students and staff arrived full of excitement, faced challenges, developed friendships, and shared new experiences.

In 10 groups, students were pushed out of their comfort zones, having to carry everything they needed for the three days and two nights on their own backs. They worked in these groups to complete challenges and collect points to hopefully be crowned the winner! Some came dressed in theme, some completed every single challenge they could, and all had a great time! With life experiences shared and memories created, you can tell by looking at the photos the students captured the excitement and joy they had.

I would like to thank the students who made each moment memorable and the staff who made this adventure possible.

Julian Legge | Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care, Acting K-12 Leader of Learning Support

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God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Head of Secondary

Parish Community Dinner and News

The Young Carer Bursary Program

2025 CAMP DATES

headspace

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Formal Closet

Term 4 Dates