MacKillop Chronicles Term 4, Week 8

Thursday 5 December 2024

A Message From Our College Principal

Dear Families

“Prepare the way of the Lord make straight his paths: All the people shall see the salvation of God.” Lk3:4,6

Advent 

As we approach the second week of Advent and engage with the Gospel readings for this time, it is important that we continue to show faith and trust in others and in God. As a Catholic community, we await the coming of Christ and remain ever trusting in God's promises and the truths that will be revealed to us. The season of Advent reminds us that we are required to play a role by encouraging and inspiring others to trust in God. 

I encourage our families to reflect on how each of us prepares the way of the Lord. I invite you to say this prayer with your families. 

Loving and Gracious God, 

You call us to be people of faith and the truth so that we may prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. 

Open our eyes to your creation, our ears to your Word, and draw us more fully into the wilderness so that we may emerge into the true light of Christ's presence. 

Amen. 

NAPLAN Data

Over 10,000 schools across Australia now have access to the 2024 NAPLAN data. This data offers a snapshot of performance in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. The results that are of greatest significance to us are those that demonstrate a like-for-like comparison. This means schools that are like us in terms of social and educational makeup. 

I am providing this data to families so that we can celebrate the improvements we have made in NAPLAN. This shows that MacKillop has now increased the trajectory of improvement, and we are moving in the right direction. 

What does this mean for the future? 

It means that teachers need to continue to work hard to increase the skills of students across each of the domains that are assessed.  It also means that students need to' knuckle down' and ensure that learning is their priority and complete homework as part of their everyday routines of learning. They also need to ensure that they give their individual best across each domain of learning.  

Creating a culture of continuous improvement is a collaborative effort. It takes time, skilled educators and receptive students with families who support the strategies that we will put in place to improve our academic results. Next year students from Year 5 onwards will receive a school diary.  Some people may think these diaries are a little old-fashioned, but sometimes the 'old ways' are the best ways. Each student will be charged with the responsibility of completing regular homework. Please ensure that you have created a learning space for your child at home. They need a desk or table where they can work. They need a timetable in front of them to keep them on task and a diary to help them get organised. 

I look forward to watching our school results improve and am keen that all students are encouraged and challenged to strive for improvement. 

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Primary Matters

Second Sunday of Advent

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Prepare the way of the Lord make straight his paths: All the people shall see the salvation of God.” Lk3:4,6

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Head of Primary

It was wonderful to attend the swimming carnival on Tuesday and watch the way the students put in so much effort in to achieve their personal best.  It was inspiring to see such little people trying to perfect their strokes and coordinate their bodies to make their way through the water. I can only imagine the nerves and anticipation as they stood on the blocks, looking down the length of the pool. The secondary student helpers were on hand to assist as required and offered their support to ‘swim on’, which was very encouraging.  They were all sensational! It was lovely to see so many families lining the pool deck and cheering all the children on.

This Sunday marks the Second Sunday of Advent.  The Second Sunday marks the gift of Faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11.1).  Faith provides us with a foundation for our hopes and convictions and provides us with the ability to trust in the work of God’s plan for our lives. What God asks in return is a relationship that can allow the love of God to work through us for the good of others and the world.

We pray:

Jesus, as our Advent light increases with the lighting of this second candle,
increase in us the gift of faith.

Give us patience in our waiting, and where we are doubtful, give us a trusting heart
and confidence in Your love for us.

Let our faith burn brightly within us so that we can be a light to others,
sharing with them the Good News that Your birth inaugurated in the world.

Amen

Head Lice

Head lice are an unfortunate but common occurrence in Primary School students. Maintaining a short hairstyle for boys and high ponytails and braids for girls, are excellent options for reducing outbreaks. For many years in my own home, Sunday evening was a thick conditioning treatment with a fine-tooth comb. One of my daughters rarely had them, and the other seemed to get them often.  It was a total mystery! If you do discover lice in your child’s hair, there are many treatments available to assist the whole family.  Please let your child’s teacher know so that classmate’s families can be informed. Thank you for your cooperation. Here is some advice from DoE.

Treatment for Head Lice

Christmas Carol Visit Loretto Nursing Home

On Wednesday, the Mini Macs, along with the high school choral students, went on a small excursion to visit the residents of the Loretto Gardens and spread some Christmas cheer. We sang and gave them cards made from artwork created by students across the College. They loved the songs and singing and wanted us to say thank you to the entire MacKillop community. 
 

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

2024 Swimming Carnival 

Congratulations to all the Primary children who participated in the 2025 Swimming Carnival on Tuesday at Mingara. It was great to see so many competitive swimmers with multiple heats in many events across all age groups. Many personal best performances were seen in the pool, and ribbons were awarded for places in every heat. Special thanks to the Year 6 and Secondary PASS Helpers for making the day run so smoothly!

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

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Vacation Care with CatholicCare

CatholicCare has released its Vacation Care Program for the upcoming term break. Programs are designed to keep your child active and engaged whilst maintaining the need for a well-earned holiday break. To find out more about CatholicCare's Vacation Care, please visit: Vacation Care - CatholicCare

Or by phone 0409 758 603 and email oshc.warnervale@catholiccaredbb.org.au

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.

2025 Stationary Lists

For those of you wanting to get extra organised so you can maximise your Christmas Break or even take advantage of the sales. Here is the most recent stationary list for each year group. 

Blessings for a wonderful week 

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

Secondary News

Dear Community,

Year 10 Formals – Are they still relevant?

As most Year 10 students transition to Year 11 these days, some argue that the necessity of such formals is diminishing.  The focus could shift towards fostering a broader range of friendships and family connections instead of adhering to social pressures related to extravagant celebrations.

Year 10 formals as official College events haven’t existed at MacKillop for many years now. We acknowledge that for some, they are seen as a rite of passage. With this in mind, we are aware that functions are organised for our students to attend, but unlike our Year 12 Formal, they are not sanctioned by the College.

Year 10 formals hosted by individual schools are increasingly rare.  The cost of living alone is a big consideration and having one formal rather than two supports this.  Students face intense social pressure to participate in increasingly elaborate events.  Parents often spend considerable money on expensive clothing and transportation creating financial strain.  Formals have the potential to become a high-stakes social event where students feel compelled to conform to expensive expectations.

In New South Wales, students are required to complete Year 10 and continue in education or training until they turn 17.  As most Year 10 students transition into Year 11 at MCC, the necessity of a formal event becomes less clear.  With many students continuing their education, the focus could shift towards fostering broader social connections and academic pursuits rather than engaging in an extravagant celebration that may not hold significant meaning in their future educational journey.  Keeping in mind that for the vast majority of our students, there will be a Year 12 Formal.

In conclusion, while Year 10 formals are seen as significant by many students, there is a growing argument that they may be more of a source of unnecessary pressure than a meaningful rite of passage.  At MacKillop, our focus is unapologetically on each child’s educational journey; we will absolutely celebrate that journey’s conclusion with their Year 12 Formal, but prior to that, our attention will be squarely focused on helping them reach their potential.

The Science of Nature

Mrs Lees' Year 10 students have been enthusiastically building volcanoes as part of their Earth and Space unit, diving into the fascinating world of natural disasters.

YMCC Update 

Connecting Catholic Coasties Christmas Party 

On Friday 29 November, thirty-four students from Years 7-12 attended the final Connecting Catholic Coasties (CCC) for 2024, which was hosted by St Peter’s, Tuggerah. The students were treated to a free BBQ and had the opportunity to play some games, purchase Christmas merchandise or use the Christmas photo booth. 

Once everyone was in the hall, the two MC's did a great job of hosting the event. The students were put into teams and given a variety of challenges, including reverse charades. There was an epic rap battle, karaoke, and lots of dancing, and it was wonderful to see the students interact and socialise together.  

Thank you to Ms Gorman, Mrs Beeson, Mrs Price and Ms Goodwin for attending CCC, supporting the students and joining in the festive spirit! 

Maisie Tenev | Youth Ministry Coordinator 

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.

Year 7 2025 Orientation Day

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BYOD - Enrolling your new device for 2025

Parish invitation to Carols by Candlelight

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