MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 4

Family is important to our MCC community, so if you have younger children ready to start their education at MCC, now is the time to get your applications in. We are accepting applications for all year groups and are filling up fast for 2026.

For more information about enrolments, please contact Mrs Farrell or Mrs Scarcella on 7256 2116 or via email smccwenrolments@dbb.org.au

Do you know anyone with children eager to join our wonderful College community? We're excited to invite them to our Open Day on Wednesday, 12 March. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the College through the eyes of our enthusiastic students. They’ll guide you through our vibrant classrooms and the beautiful Parish Church and showcase our outstanding facilities. Enjoy inspiring performances from our talented students, spanning from Primary to Secondary. 

Our dedicated team, including Mrs Appleby, Mr Lynch, and Mrs Powers, will be there with valuable information about the enrolment process, our exciting building projects, and the various pathways available from Baptism to Post School Life.

Please share this invitation—MCC is genuinely the place to be! We can’t wait to welcome future students and families to our dynamic community!

Registrations are now open: CentralCoastOpenDays.com.au

8th SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

Gospel Acclamation: 

Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life. Phil2:15-16

Dear Parents and Carers,

Head of Primary

As the weather begins to change, and the season of Autumn is upon us, it is also time for the Liturgical Season of the Church to change.  Next week, we move from Ordinary Time, which is green, to the Season of the Church called Lent, which uses the colour purple.  This is a sacred time for Catholics as we begin the journey toward Easter.

Pancake or Shrove Tuesday ends this period of Ordinary Time as we have the final treat of sweets before we abstain during Lent, which begins the next day. 

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and over the next six weeks, our hearts and classrooms will be filled with the language of our faith. Sin means to engage in activities that turn us away from God.  Instead, we are encouraged to be intentional in our behaviour that is like Jesus. We are also encouraged to forgive those who may have offended us. Fast means to abstain or forego things we enjoy.  When we Fast, we think about the sacrifice Jesus made to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. Adults are encouraged to Fast if they are able on Ash Wednesday and to forego meat on Fridays during Lent. Fish and other seafood are a popular choice during Lent.  Almsgiving is all about charity, we think consciously about the coins we give and who they are supporting.  We are also encouraged to speak the words of justice in advocacy for those affected by poverty and war. Spending more time in Prayer during Lent encourages Catholics to focus on the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, which will be revealed during the events of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. 

I ask you to consider adding the language of Lent to your home as we journey toward Easter.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

As part of our PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) focus, our students will be reminded to respect our environment. A famous quote from Mary MacKillop is, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”  Our students are reminded to think about their own behaviour in relation to the environment and to take responsibility for the spaces and equipment they share.

Respecting our environment is one of our school rules at MacKillop! As a community, we are called to:

• Keep our school clean.
• Use equipment responsibly.
• Care for our surroundings.

Clean Up Australia Day is always scheduled for the first Sunday in March, so our commitment will echo the work of the broader community. You may want to consider a common space that your family would like to beautify over the coming weeks.

As we prepare MCC for Open Day. It will be wonderful to welcome visitors into the College and present our community with pride.  As we focus on our personal and communal responsibility to care for our Common Home, we reflect on our continued focus for the week.

Student Dismissal

Thank you for your patience during our new dismissal procedures.  As Kindergarten joined the rest of the school at the end of the day, I was impressed by how easily the youngest members of our school learned to adapt to the busy life of school.  They learn to understand that procedures keep them and others safe.

I have included the NSW Road Safety material in this week’s Newsletter for you to review your personal responsibilities regarding child safety in and around vehicles and particularly in navigating roads safely.

On Friday, the Year 6 Aspire Leaders were commissioned into their leadership portfolio roles in the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Church in a Mass attended by all Year 6 students.

The Mass was presided by Parish Priest Fr Philip and Ass Priest Fr Josey and included a blessing of the students and their portfolio badges.  The students recited a pledge to serve the community with honour and respect in 2025.  They received their badges and parents were invited to pin the badges onto their children.  Following the Mass, the Leaders attended an induction with the Head of Primary, Mrs Kerry Power, who introduced the Leaders to key images and symbols in the Office Foyer, highlighting the story of Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tennison Woods, the importance of the Nora Head Lighthouse and the foundation story of the Year 6 Indigenous shirt design. Leaders received a message and Prayer Card and enjoyed a morning tea hosted by Mrs Power and attended by College Principal Mrs Tanya Appleby, Deputy Head of Primary Mrs Sherylyn Kenney, Religious Education Coordinator Mr Tim Snelling and Fr Philip.

It was a lovely way to introduce these young leaders to an important role in our MCC Community.

Blessings for the week ahead,

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

Welcome to the New Year at MacKillop Catholic College!

As we step into this new year, I am excited to extend a warm welcome to all our new families joining the MacKillop Catholic College community. We are thrilled to have you with us and look forward to walking this journey together, surrounded by the energy of our vibrant school and parish life. This year promises to be one filled with growth, learning, and deepening faith.

Last Sunday at 5 pm, more than 300 families from our school and parish gathered for our Welcome Mass. It was a heartwarming occasion as we celebrated the newest members of our school family. Our Kindergarten students shared a beautiful reflection after Communion, and all students from Kindergarten and Year 7 received a special gift from the College to mark the beginning of their unique journeys at MacKillop. It was a truly special way to start the year in prayer and community.

On Friday, we also had the privilege of formally commissioning our Year 6 leaders during a special Mass. These young students were warmly welcomed by our parish community and are now stepping into important leadership roles, guiding their peers with faith and responsibility.

We are also excited to kick off our Sacramental Program this year, beginning with the preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for our Year 4 students and above. The first session will take place this Sunday, March 2nd, at 10 am. Please keep these students in your prayers as they take significant steps in their faith journey.

We look forward to a blessed and successful year ahead. May God’s blessings be upon you and your family as we embark on this new school year together.

Tim Snelling | Religious Education K - 6

Dear Families, 

Christ our Light Afternoon Tea
 
On Tuesday this week, we hosted our “Christ our Light” Afternoon Tea for our senior students. This is a wonderful opportunity for our seniors to attend Mass together before they make their way to the hall for some presentations, speeches and an afternoon tea.
 
One of the purposes of this afternoon is to recognise a number of students from our 2024 HSC graduates who achieved outstanding results. We honoured those students with the Top 5 ATAR’s, those who placed first in the Diocese and our overall Dux of the College.  It was great to see those students again, and it is always moving to hear about their chosen pathway after graduating from MacKillop.
 
Another big purpose of this afternoon is for our current Year 12s to listen and learn from those who have already walked the road they are embarking on as they head toward their own HSC.  We were so fortunate to hear inspiring stories from Ryan Jaison, our College Dux and two former students who now teach at MacKillop, Alex Langbridge and Michellie Beeson.
 
I sincerely hope our current Year 12s take on board the words of wisdom provided by Ryan, Mr Langbridge and Mrs Beeson.  They spoke of their own personal journeys, but common themes were the need for consistent commitment to study, clear goals, being organised, having a strong work ethic, making some short-term sacrifices, etc.  Perhaps, more meaningful than anything else should be the fact that these three highly successful graduates aren’t any different to those who are set to sit their HSC later this year.  With hard work and commitment to the task at hand, I have no doubt they can be just as successful if they truly want it.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

NAPLAN Locked down Browser Instructions

In preparation for NAPLAN in week 6, all students in Years 7 and 9 need to download the NAPLAN Locked down Browser to their devices.

Windows devices - Download for Windows 10 or later (.msi)
Mac devices - Download for MacOS 12 or later (.pkg)
iPads – “NAPLAN Locked down Browser” App in the App Store.
The instruction guides have been attached.

Overview
All students taking part in NAPLAN Online tests must install a locked down browser app suitable for their device. This also applies when schools have a ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) policy. Locked down browser applications are available for devices that meet the minimum device requirements. Android devices are not supported. Students with appropriate disability adjustment codes (DACs) do not require a locked down browser.
What is a locked down browser?

• A locked down browser is a secure test player in which students take NAPLAN online tests. It is designed to prevent access to all other applications, tools such as spellcheck, web pages or software while the student is taking the test.

• Locked down browsers can accommodate disability adjustments and make use of assistive technology for students if required.

• The locked down browser application does not contain test content. Test content is only available to the student within the locked down browser while they are in a test session invigilated by a Test Administrator.

Instructions:
Step 1: Check that student devices meet minimum device requirements (for Windows, Mac, iPad or Chromebook). 
Step 2: Download the locked down browser app and user guide relevant to the student device from the table below. Check the Locked down browser guide for device issues and advice for schools.
Step 3: Install the locked down browser on the student device in preparation for NAPLAN online testing.

 
Locked down browsers and user guides
Windows 
Application - v5.9.2 (Updated: 20-Feb-2025) - Download for Windows 10 or later (.msi)
User guide - Windows - Locked Down Browser Guide - PDF-1.29 MB-v3.06-Last updated: 20 Feb 2025 -  View-- Download

Mac 
Application - v5.8.38 (Updated: 28-Nov-2024)  - Download for MacOS 12 or later (.pkg)
User guide - MacOS - Locked Down Browser User Guide - PDF-2.98 MB-v3.06-Last updated: 28 Nov 2024 - View-- Download

iPad 
Application - v5.8.23 (Updated: 28-Nov-2024) [Download from App Store]
User guide - iPadOS - Locked Down Browser User Guide - PDF-3.32 MB-v3.06-Last updated: 19 Dec 2024 -  View-- Download

 Locked down browser - Windows v3.06
 Locked down browser - MacOS v3.06
 Locked down browser-iOS v3.06

Amelia Goodwin  | Digital Enablement & Innovation Lead 7-12

Our PDHPE Faculty is off to a great start, encouraging all students to get moving, build skills, and stay engaged during their 60-minute practical lessons. Through fun, interactive sessions, students are developing fundamental movement skills while enjoying the benefits of physical activity. To participate, students must wear their full sports uniform, including joggers. 😊

In weekly theory lessons, each year group explores key themes that promote physical, emotional, and social wellbeing:

• Year 7 – Coping with change, building resilience, and navigating high school with confidence.
• Year 8 – Fostering positive relationships and eliminating bullying through teamwork and discussion.
• Year 9 – Engaging in the Get Active, Stay Active unit, promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy habits in preparation for the College Cross Country.
• Year 10 – A jam-packed term! They will explore respectful relationships, diversity, and inclusion, leading up to our Harmony Day celebration. They’ll also participate in Love Bites, a program promoting healthy relationships, consent, and respectful communication. Later, students will attend the Careers Expo to explore future pathways, continuing in Term 2 with career planning, goal setting, and life skills.

We look forward to seeing students embrace these activities, challenge themselves, and develop skills for life. Stay active, stay positive, and have a fantastic term in PDHPE!

Nicole Abel | Leader of Learning PDHPE

Dear Readers,

A few years ago, the concept for The Bluebard was born, one which saw a completely student-run team responsible for the publication of our college’s first literary magazine. We are exceptionally proud of the success of this magazine, as well as the creative vision and talent demonstrated by our students. The Bluebard hasn’t sung its last song though, it has simply transformed.

The BlueBard 
Welcome to Issue One: Click here to read The BlueBard: Issue 1    
 

Our newly titled student website, The M.U.S.E, launches this term with a small group of brilliant students who will put their creative and intellectual stamp upon the website. It takes inspiration from its original counterpart, The BlueBard, which published student art and literature; however, it has been reimagined to include the entire college from K-12, and the new website platform gives us plenty of scope to grow and evolve alongside the College.

The M.U.S.E will expand beyond the literary world and include showcasing the talent and passion of MacKillop students, each gifted in their respective fields of interest from age six to eighteen. Our team of writers and journalists will put the spotlight on a myriad of talents all the way from literature to art, music and sport.

When one reads the word ‘muse’, we think of dreaming and inspiration, and we hope that this publication will inspire students across the College to pursue their interests, their talents and their potential; we want to encourage them to build castles in the air until they begin to take a tangible shape.

The M.U.S.E also serves another grander purpose which is to uncover the untapped talents of many of our gifted and high-potential students - to give them a platform to share their excellence, nurture it and be rewarded for it. This idea is buried within the acronym which stands for: MacKillop Unveils Students of Excellence.

All students across our campus from K-12 are warmly encouraged to show their excellence off to the world - or at least our small part of it - and submit what they are most proud of to be considered for publication. In addition to this, our teachers will identify this talent across all faculty areas and collaborate with The M.U.S.E publishing team. If a student is passionate about joining the publication team, they are more than welcome to register their interest with either myself (Miss Mulder) or Mrs Karen Jones in primary.

The renowned artist Frida Kahlo once declared: “I am my own muse. The subject I know best. The subject I want to better.” Our team of talented students here at the publication hope that -if nothing else- we can be the students’ muse, until the day comes along when they find their muse staring right back at them in the mirror.   

Shannon Mulder | Editor The M.U.S.E, English Teacher                                                                                                                                                                                    

Our Scholastic Book Fair is nearly here! It will start in Week 6 this term, Monday 10 – Thursday 13 March in the library, so come along and support our school whilst getting your hands on the best new children’s books! Cash or card is welcome!

Jacqueline Crowe | Information Services K - 12 Teacher Librarian

Catechists Volunteers Needed

You might ask what is a catechist? Catechists are people from all walks of life who teach Special Religious Education to Catholic kids in our State Schools. Catechists in our parish go to Warnervale and Woongarrah Schools to share our Catholic faith and the love of Jesus with the children using the Walking With Jesus programme.

The necessary training for authorisation to teach is provided free of charge. Teacher’s Manuals contain easy to follow lesson plans with Power points to support each lesson.

For more information, please contact Kerrie Dedera, Parish Catechists Coordinator on 0402815633 or email kerrie.dedera@bbcatholic.org.au

Sacraments

Students who are in Year 4 and above will begin their preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in February.

Information letters from the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish will go home with Year 4 students this week.  If you would like to enrol your child in the Sacramental Program, please attend the Information Session on February 20.

Parent Information Session: Thursday, 20 February 7pm in the Parish Church. Please contact Kim in the Parish Office at 837 9170 [Tuesday-Friday] if you have further questions.

Authentic Connection for Parents and Carers Webinar is on Tuesday 11 March, 6:30-7:30 pm (60 minutes) AEDT. 

The biggest impact happens when we work together. This one-hour session combines cutting-edge research with candid storytelling to help parents and carers understand the benefits of letting go of shame, perfection, ego and control.

You can individually register for the webinar using this link

Registration for our Term 1 Parenting Courses are now open!

Our courses are free for eligible parents and carers on the Central Coast. To register for a Term 1 parenting course, please visit www.ccfss.org.au/course-work-programs/ or for more details call us on 4340 1585.

Upcoming Parenting Programs
Circle of Security
Triple P Parenting Program
CHIME Project | Triple P Parenting Program
123 Magic & Emotion Coaching

Dream Big

A free online webinar for parents and carers of primary school-aged students
Presented by Beyond

Help your child find their passion and pathway:

• How to encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence in your child
• Practical tips on introducing the idea of careers early
• Helpful resources

Wednesday 5 March, 12:30pm – 1pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Algorithms and Adolescents

For parents and carers of upper primary and secondary school students
Find out about the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people

Presented by the eSafety Commissioner Team

Wednesday 19 March 2025, 7 pm – 7.30 pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Camps are an integral part of school life. Away from the daily classroom, teachers and students have an opportunity to engage in new experiences and master new skills.

Listed below are tentative camp dates for 2025. Please consider these dates when booking holidays or other leave requests to take your child/ren out of school. As camps are compulsory school events, we are unable to credit or refund camp costs for non-attendance.

Year 5                 29 October to 31 October 2025

Year 6                 7 April to 9 April 2025

Year 7                 14 May to 16 May 2025

Year 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Friday 31 January  – Student Free Day/ Staff Development Day
Monday 3 February – Year 7 and Year 1-6 First Day back at school. New students Years 8-11 (morning session) Kindergarten Assessments
Tuesday 4 February – Year 8-12 First Day back at school.  Kindergarten Assessments
Wednesday 5 February – First Day Kindergarten
Friday 11 April – Last Day Term 1

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass