MacKillop Chronicles Term 4, Week 7

Thursday 28 November 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families,

Strategic Update 

It is at this time of the year that most schools begin reflecting on their strategic progress and it is important that we too reflect on all we have achieved as a school community. 

Learning & Teaching Achievements

• The new visioning for MacKillop to ‘Confident, Compassionate and Future-Ready students.'
• Development of the MacKillop Educational Model 
• MacKillop Strategic Plan 2024-2025
• Aspire Student Leadership Formation Program 
• Muse Digital Showcase for students with High Potential
• MacKillop Professional Learning Hub for Teachers
• Laptop Program from Year 5 onwards
• Review and re-writing of the Uniform Policy 
• Stepping Stones Orientation Program for Diverse Learners and their families
• Introduction of the College Diary for 2025 
• Introduction of Secondary Backpack for 2025
• Introduction of an OC class for 2025 in Year 7 
• Introduction of a talented team of teachers to lead initiatives across the College
• Initiation of Middle School Learning Experiences for Years 5 and 6 in Science and Japanese for 2025

Systems Achievement

• Formation of the MacKillop Budget Committee
• One-Stop Shop Policies and Procedures
• Critical Incident Response Procedure & Protocols
• Severe Allergies Protocols
• Gifts & Farewell Guidelines
• Organisational Chart for 2025
• Calendar Procedures re-developed
• Event Management Procedures re-developed 
• Commence Master Plan for Primary School Rebuild - late 2024 for 2025
• Development of a Digital School Magazine
• Cost Optimisation Plan for MacKillop in alignment with CSBB Cost Optimisation Strategies

Engagement with Community & Parish 

• Wednesday Pastoral Secondary school Mass Commitment 
• Grandparents Day 
• MacKillop Day celebration with Parish and Student Leaders
• Launch of the Shared Mission Principles with Parish Pastoral Council 
• Principal Chats Parent Engagement both face to face and over Teams
• Open Air Cinema Family Event 
• Re-Imagining MacKillop Committee
• Interview Chats for Year 6 students entering Year 7
• Combined Leadership Commissioning Ceremony for students in Secondary and their families
• Relocation of the Sr Marea's Second-hand Uniform Shop for 2025 

I take this opportunity to thank the staff, students, and our families for their support in the realisation of these initiates that have either commenced or will be engaged in the coming year.  I am so pleased with our progress, and we are on track to meeting our milestones and KPIs for 2024. 

Staffing Update

Introducing Peeta Gainsford in the role of HSIE Teacher

Peeta Gainsford joins the Secondary team as an HSIE Teacher with extensive experience from many years in the Primary and Secondary sectors. She brings a diverse skill set and a passion for fostering curiosity and critical thinking in her students and will undoubtedly be an asset to the team. Peeta is excited to inspire learners and contribute her expertise to the HSIE Department.

Introducing Craig Morley in the role of PDHPE Teacher

Craig Morley joins MacKillop as the new PDHPE teacher. With over 13 years of secondary teaching experience, he holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Education. He brings expertise and a deep understanding of student well-being. He is committed to creating an active and positive learning environment where students can thrive. Mr Morley looks forward to applying his seasoned experience as a Wellbeing Leader to enhance the learning of students at MacKillop. 

Introducing Wayne Wilkins in the role of Religious Education/TAS Teacher

Wayne Wilkins served in a temporary capacity at MacKillop in 2024 and now joins the team permanently as a Religious Education and TAS teacher. Deeply committed to creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, he strives to inspire his students' academic resilience and moral and spiritual growth. He is excited to continue contributing to the holistic development of the MacKillop community.

Farewell 

Maisie Tenev has been at the College for 15 years and has decided that it is time to seek a new challenge in her role as Youth Minister. She has inspired many students to engage deeply with their faith journeys and has led our community with dignity and authenticity.  We extend our gratitude and best wishes as she embarks on this new chapter in her professional life and give thanks for her efforts in establishing a dynamic foundation for Youth Ministry at MacKillop.   

Advent

The sacred season of Advent encourages us to remember and reflect on the salvation that comes to us through the birth of Jesus. The first Sunday of Advent, 1 December, marks the beginning of a new liturgical year as we herald the commencement of the Year of Jubilee in 2025. In this special year, our Holy Father Pope Francis reminds us all that we are pilgrims on this earth, united by our shared mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

As people of Hope, I encourage you to welcome the Holy Family into your homes and consider the role that we all play in expressing our faith. 

I offer you this prayer to support you as we start our Advent journey:

Loving and Gracious God, You call us to be people of Hope. As we enter this Holy Season of Advent, send down your spirit upon us. May our hearts be illuminated with the light of love made incarnate. Grace us with your patience, forgiveness, and love as we place all our trust in you. Give us the courage to stand up and raise our heads as we look to you as our guide and companion on the journey. 

Amen. 

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Primary Matters

First Sunday of Advent

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Lord, show us your beauty and love and grant us your salvation. Alleluia” Ps 84:8

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from Primary

This Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which is itself a translation of the Ancient Greek word Parousia.  This term means arrival, and theologically it generally refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time.

The Advent wreath is a symbol of the time of preparation as each week we move closer to the birth of Jesus, the first coming of Christ into the world. The greenery of the wreath suggests life, growth, and hope.  The circle with no beginning or end represents eternal life, won for us by Christ.

The four candles remind us of the light Jesus brought into the world.  Each candle represents one of the blessings of Christmas: hope, faith, joy and peace.  These are the true gifts of Christmas.

The purple candles represent hope, faith, and peace, the third pink candle gives Joy.  The white Christmas candle sits in the middle of the wreath and reminds us to live in the love of Jesus and each other. Each week the candles are lit as we get closer and closer to the birth of Jesus our Emmanuel.

As each candle on the Advent wreath is lit, we see the darkness disappear and a glimmer of hope emerge. This light grows as each candle on the wreath is lit, bringing us closer each week to the joyful celebration of Christmas.

With the birth of Jesus, new light and new hope enters the world.

Where do you need hope in your life today?

We pray:

Jesus, you are the source of our hope.

By your birth in Bethlehem, you brought hope to our messy world as the promises of God were fulfilled.

As we begin this Advent journey, help us to prepare our hearts to receive you in a new way at Christmas.

Awaken in us a new hope so that we can see the wonder of Christmas in the people and situations around us.

Give us the grace to be people of hope to others.

Amen.

Access to Sickbay

Sickbay provides a calm and safe place for students. They may come to sickbay because they are feeling unwell, have a minor bump, and receive daily medication. In most instances students spend a period of rest in sickbay and return to class. In serious or reoccurring occasions, some students are unwell to an extent that parents or a delegate must collect them and take them home or for further medical attention. A staff member is assigned to sickbay each day and monitors the students in attendance, calling parents if required.  When you or your delegate come to collect your child, please remember to wait in the Office Reception Area to be attended to.  Your child will be brought to you, or you will be accompanied by a member of staff into the area. 

For the protection and privacy of all, please do not enter the sickbay unaccompanied.

Broken Bay Stage 3 Touch Tag Gala Day

The Stage 3 Touch Tag Gala Day was held today at the Tuggerah Sporting Complex. MacKillop teams from Years 5 and 6 competed in humid conditions against every other Catholic school on the Central Coast in what was a fun-filled and action-packed day. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers and staff who worked hard throughout the day to ensure that our MacKillop students had the best day possible. 

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

Library Activities

Christmas time is here, and we are celebrating in the Library!!!

We will have fun activities for our primary students to enjoy during lunchtime each day until the end of term. This week, we have been creating LEGO Christmas ornaments, gift tags, and our ‘Australian 12 Days of Christmas’ story time and craft. There is more fun, games, and creativity to come!!

Jaqueline Crowe | Teacher Librarian

MCC Chess World Championship

The MacKillop Chess World Championship Grand Final was played today at lunchtime. Congratulations to Nicholas Beck from Year 6, who defeated his good friend and classmate, Saransh Khadgi, in a thrilling battle witnessed by many keen enthusiasts. 

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

Relocating in 2025?

As the calendar year draws rapidly to a close, families take time to consider their movement for the new year. Work contracts or family dynamics can sometimes lead to circumstances that call for change. If you are leaving the MacKillop community at the end of 2024, please remember to complete an Exit Form. This form provides valuable information about our services and allows the College to plan effectively for 2025.  We want to provide families on our Waiting List with adequate opportunity to formalise their child’s placement at MacKillop in the new year.

Blessings for a wonderful week 

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

YMCC Youth Group and Mass + Year 6 Community Mass Sunday 25 November

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Permanent Appointment – Head of Secondary

You may have read a communication from the Diocese last week announcing my permanent appointment to MacKillop.  I had the opportunity early this week to address our Secondary staff and discuss some of my reasons for wanting to stay on in a permanent capacity at MCC.  I’ll reiterate some of those reasons here for our wider community.

Having almost spent a year here now, I feel like I’m starting to get a good handle on the culture of the school.  I have a better understanding of the staff and what motivates them.  The students, what they like, what they dislike and what they want for their futures.  I also have a better sense of what MacKillop means to our parents and carers.  Even before I arrived, I knew that MacKillop was well-known and well-respected, both within our area and beyond.  It is a real privilege to be connected with the College and I look forward to contributing to its already rich history.

Another important consideration for me was the vision the Bishop and Director of Schools have for MacKillop.  They are so committed to ensuring the school is a flagship for the Diocese, their only K-12 school and one that will be at the forefront of an innovative new structure that will better serve the growing population on the Central Coast and meet the specific needs of our community.  It is such an exciting time for MCC, and I am thrilled to be part of the next stage of the school's growth and development that will position us as a real point of difference for our students and their families.

More important than anything else for me are the people.  I have so much faith in the people we have here at MacKillop, from the office staff to those in our classrooms.  It is so obvious to me that all of these people have a genuine care for and commitment to our students.  That is the foundation of any great school, and the College is blessed to have so many wonderful people who are dedicated to putting the children at the centre of all that we do.  I’m under no illusion as to what will make this school all that it can be; it won’t be some revolutionary new idea from me.  It will be the people, those on the frontline, those behind the scenes, the students in our care, the parents who support us, our Parishioners and everyone who is prepared to roll up their sleeves and do their bit to ensure we reach our potential.

Whenever a school grows and changes, there will inevitably be the odd bump in the road.  We are going to face challenges of our own as we move into this exciting new phase, not the least of which will be the building works that cause some level of dislocation as we enact the Bishop’s contemporary new vision for MCC.  I’m not naïve to these challenges, but I have the utmost confidence that we have the community to overcome them and thrive in this inspiring new era for the school.

I look forward to what lies ahead, and I’m grateful to be part of this amazing community.

Signing In and Out of the College

Please remember that any students who arrive late or leave early must sign in or sign out at the College Office. We appreciate that most parents put an attendance note on Compass, but this must be accompanied by the student signing in or out at the office.

This is particularly important in the event of an emergency when we need to access real-time rolls to check which children are accounted for onsite. Thank you in advance for your support of this important process.

Parents Accessing Sick Bay

In the event that you are called to collect your child from sick bay.  Check in at the reception desk first, and you will be given further directions there.  Please do not go through unannounced to the sick bay.  We appreciate and understand that you may be concerned for your child, but it's important that we maintain strict control of this process to ensure the privacy of all students who are accessing the sick bay.  Once you check in at reception, we will unite you with your child ASAP. Thanks for your support.

Newcastle University Visit

The Newcastle University experience at Ourimbah Campus provided students with an exciting and insightful opportunity to explore various academic disciplines in a hands-on and engaging environment. During the event, students were given a guided tour of the university, which showcased a diverse range of fields, including Social Sciences, Oral Health, Marine Studies, Finance, and Food Science.

Throughout the day, students were actively engaged, asking questions, participating in demonstrations, and absorbing new knowledge. The experience inspired many to think critically about their future academic and career pathways. Many students are now reflecting on the various courses available and are excited to explore which options best align with their interests and goals.

This event was a valuable experience for all involved, fostering curiosity and helping students gain a clearer understanding of the diverse opportunities available at Newcastle University. With newfound inspiration and direction, they are now enthusiastically considering their next steps."

Mrs Beeson and Mr Hodgson 

YMCC Update 

Praisefest - On November 15, around 20 YMCC students travelled to Chatswood after school to attend a Praise and Worship night at Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood. As soon as we arrived, we could smell the BBQ cooking and enjoyed an early dinner. Some students played basketball with students from other Broken Bay schools, and others were happy to eat and talk. The main event took place in the church, and the band was on the altar. As well as music, some speakers shared their faith and the importance of developing and growing in your faith. Fr Sam introduced and led Adoration, and there was also the opportunity to go to Reconciliation. Thank you to the students who attended and to Mrs Baxter, Mrs Price and Ms Gorman for supporting the students. 

Faith into the Future – Vocations Fair - 23 students from Years 10 and 12 attended the inaugural vocations fair ‘Faith into the Future’ at the Light of Christ Centre in Waitara on November 19. The event's purpose was for students to reflect and question their pathway in life. There were many chaplains for universities around NSW, including Macquarie, Newcastle and the Australian Catholic University. There were also religious orders there with representatives from the Jesuits, the Augustinians and more. Students were encouraged to talk to the representatives from all the stalls, and there was a Kahoot competition at the end of the event. Congratulations to Alyssa from Year 10, who won second place and received a free hoodie. There were a range of guest speakers, including Bishop Anthony, and we were all so proud of our very own Sr Jiji, who was part of the Q&A panel. Thank you to Mr O’Malley for driving us and to the students who represented MacKillop with much pride. 

Prep for Orientation Day - The students in the Year 10 Youth Ministry RE class have been a constant source of pride this year. They have worked hard to run Spirituality Days and other Mission-based events across the College and Parish. Most recently, students took time to prepare for the upcoming Year 7 2025 Orientation Day. The students involved will be part of the liturgy in the morning and will be running a number of icebreakers and games for the Year 6 students.  

Ignite Reunion - Earlier this week the students who attended the Ignite Youth Conference were invited to meet in the Ryan Centre to reunite and reflect on their Ignite experience. The theme for the meeting was ‘New Beginnings’. As a symbol of ‘new beginnings’, just as we begin each day with breakfast, the students were invited to help themselves to the cereal of their choice, and Coco Pops was the clear favourite. The students were asked to share their own new beginnings since the Ignite Conference. Some comments were that they pray more frequently, that they feel like they have grown stronger in their faith life and that they try to do better. Thank you to the students who attended, and we pray you will continue to grow in spirit and faith from this experience. 

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Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2024

Every year, our College community generously donates a range of items to fill baskets for our Christmas Hampers. We’ve had a strong start to the drive, and we thank those who have already contributed. But there’s still time to donate! Please refer to the graphic below as a guide on what to donate.

 House Points: Awarded to the most enthusiastic Pastoral Class!

God Bless,

Paul Lynch

Acting Head of Secondary

Please give what you can to help those in need of a little help this Christmas.

Youth Group and Youth Mass

Year 7 2025 Orientation Day - Tomorrow

Christmas Mass Times

Important Dates from the Finance Office

Uniform Fittings - Alinta Uniform Shop

A Message from Transport for NSW

2025 CAMP DATES

Mary's Faithful Wardrobe and Formal Closet

Term 4 Dates