MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 5

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

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.

Preparing for NAPLAN: A Targeted Approach to Learning

Learning happens as a result of thinking, and this is at the heart of our approach to Preparing for NAPLAN. Our dedicated Curriculum leaders;  Mrs. Kenney, Mrs. Shilling, and Mrs. Whitmore, along with the Year 3 and Year 5 teachers, have been working hard to ensure students feel confident and ready.

Through small group learning, students engage in bespoke, targeted activities designed to support their literacy and numeracy skills. These groups provide an engaging and fun learning environment where students receive personalised guidance and opportunities to deepen their understanding.

One of the key learning opportunities that we use, is Learning Sprints—short, focused bursts of learning that allow students to build skills, reflect on their progress, and make meaningful improvements. These sprints are tailored to address specific areas, ensuring that each student gets the support they need to excel.

Our goal is not just to prepare students for NAPLAN but to foster a love for learning and critical thinking skills that will benefit them beyond the test. We encourage families to support their children by creating positive learning environments at home, reinforcing that effort and progress are just as important as results.

With a targeted, engaging, and fun approach, we are confident that our students will approach NAPLAN with enthusiasm and self-assurance. 

Let’s continue working together to help our students thrive!

Sherylyn Kenney | Deputy Head of Primary

Ash Wednesday

The Kindergarten to Year 3 students gathered for a beautiful Ash Wednesday Liturgy led by Father Joshy and the Head of Primary, Kerry Power. The Liturgy focused on the themes of repentance, renewal, and the significance of Lent. Children participated with reverence as they received their ashes, symbolising their commitment to growing closer to God. The meaningful ceremony was a wonderful way for the younger students to begin their Lenten journey with reflection and prayer. 

Tim Snelling | Religious Education K - 6

Student Diary 

This year we have reintroduced the College Diary for students in Years 5-12. We believe that the diary is an important tool that will enable students to stay organised, manage their academic workload, and develop essential skills for success. 

Young people today juggle many commitments throughout the school week, including sports, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. The diary serves as an important tool to help them complete their homework, prioritise assessment tasks, and stay on top of deadlines. By giving students, a clear, visual overview of their academic responsibilities, it can reduce stress and keep them motivated and focused on what needs to be done. 

Furthermore, using a diary improves organisational skills, time management, and fosters the development of positive habits that will set students up for success in their academic journey. With a consistent approach, the diary provides a structured way for students to plan their learning, track progress, and achieve their goals. 

In addition to its academic benefits, we view the diary as an important communication tool between home and school. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in discussions with their families about homework and upcoming assessment tasks. This form of communication is essential for reinforcing learning and supporting students in self-discipline and accountability. 

To ensure that students make the most of their diaries, teachers will remind them to have their diaries in each lesson. They will encourage students to record important classwork, homework, and any relevant information that is required for future lessons. Pastoral teachers will also play a key role by reviewing diaries weekly and supporting students with effective time management and task organisation where required. 

Our expectation is that students bring their diary to every lesson, actively use it to record homework and key class information, complete their tasks on time, and engage in discussions with their families about their home and classwork regularly.  

It is important that we can work together to help students build the habits and skills necessary for their life at school and beyond. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these practices at home. 

Alex Walters | Deputy Head of Secondary - Student Achievement

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Setting Up for Success in 2025

It has been a busy and exciting start to the school year at MacKillop. I am thrilled to have stepped into my new role as Digital Enablement and Innovation Lead 7–12, and I look forward to supporting our students in making the most of their digital learning experiences.

Connection Days

The excitement started on the first day with our Family and Student Device Connection Days. It was lovely to meet so many families new to the school and see how enthusiastic the students were about their new devices. This year we have moved into a hybrid model of devices as we transition to laptops by 2027. Years 5, 7, 11 and 12 are using laptops, while Years 6, 8, 9 and 10 have a mixture of iPads and laptops.

Year 7

Year 7 students have been learning how to navigate the digital landscape and spent their orientation day completing technology training where they learnt to navigate Compass, Microsoft Teams and communicate with their pastoral teachers via email. As they progress throughout the year there will be more opportunities for them to build on these skills and ensure they have a strong foundation.

Safer Internet Day

In Week 2, we celebrated Safer Internet Day. In pastoral, students discussed how they are being safe online. I encourage families to continue these conversations at home. The eSafety Commissioner has a range of useful resources targeted at being safe online for parents.

Set up your device for the new year

As we are now in Week 5 of Term 1, I encourage all students and their families to take the time to set up their devices for the school year ahead. Below are some starting tips:

• Ensure your child has folders for each of their subjects and are storing their files neatly. By setting up folders in OneDrive, students are able to access their work on any device and are less likely to lose work as it is saved in ‘the cloud.’
• Customise device settings. Explore the accessibility and user settings unique to their device to enhance productivity. If they have a Macbook or iPad, explore ‘Focus Modes.’ As most students use their devices for home and school, they can personalise their device to have a separate mode for home and school.
• Bookmark key websites that students use every day, like Compass.

By taking these simple steps, students can build strong digital habits that will support their learning throughout the year. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students navigate the digital world with confidence and success.

Warm regards,

Amelia Goodwin | Digital Enablement and Innovation Lead 7–12

From the HSIE Coordinator

As we move into a busy assessment period, we encourage all students to stay organised and focused on their learning. Year 10 assessments will commence next week, marking an important stage in their academic journey. Year 9 students will also be undertaking assessments in week 8 and week 10 this term across both compulsory and elective HSIE courses. We encourage families to support students in managing their study time effectively and to reach out to teachers if additional guidance is needed.

For our Preliminary students, this is the first opportunity to showcase their understanding in formal assessments. It is important that they engage fully with their coursework, refine their study techniques, and manage their time efficiently. We encourage students to take advantage of the resources available in their class platform, including teacher feedback, study guides, and revision lessons.

Beyond academics, we are preparing for the College ANZAC Service, which will take place on Monday, 7 April, during Lesson 3. This is a significant occasion where we come together as a school community to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand military personnel. If any students would like to be involved in the service, please see Mr Mace or send him an email andrew.mace@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Additionally, the College will be participating in the Toukley RSL ANZAC Day march. We invite students to join us in this meaningful event. More information on the march will be distributed in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support in both academic and community initiatives. Together, we can make this a successful and rewarding term for all.

Mrs Monica Boyd | HSIE Coordinator

Mission update

This Wednesday, 5 March, was Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent in our liturgical calendar. On Wednesday we gathered as a College community for the receiving of Ashes as well as shared in the Eucharist at our Opening College Mass.

Lent is a solemn period of preparation and reflection. As Catholics we are called to reflect on our faith, our interactions with others and on how best to improve our relationship with God and self. Ash Wednesday also marks the launch of Project Compassion, which is an initiative run by Caritas Australia. Lent is also a time for alms giving. We are asked to give of our time, advocate for the less fortunate as well as donate to charity if we can. Throughout the term, there will be opportunities for our students to donate to Project Compassion.

We thank our staff, students, and families for your support so far for Project Compassion by buying pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and by donating a gold coin at the swimming carnival.

Chrystal Price | Deputy Head: Evangelisation and Catechesis

VET Newsletter 

A Fresh Start to 2025 in Vocational Education
The new year has begun with exciting opportunities for students at MacKillop Catholic College as they embark on their Vocational Education and Training (VET) journeys. With hands-on learning experiences and industry engagement, our students are setting the foundation for their future careers while completing their HSC.

Vocational Education in the Classroom
MacKillop Catholic College proudly supports the College’s Vision Statement for Teaching and Learning: ‘Value Learning’. By fostering a stimulating and dynamic educational environment, we ensure students have access to high-quality teaching, collaboration with industry professionals, and meaningful connections to workplaces. Our VET Faculty is committed to providing students with the knowledge and experience needed to excel.

Students are undertaking specialisations in the following frameworks:

• Business Services
• Construction
• Entertainment Industry
• Hospitality – Kitchen Operations
• Fitness

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)
In 2025 many students have commenced School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, allowing them to balance school studies with real-world industry experience. These students are undertaking nationally accredited Certificates in their chosen fields through TAFE or private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). SBAT courses include:

• Human Services (Allied Health Assistant)
• Salon Assistant
• Automotive Body Repair Technology 
• Animal Care 
• Business Services (Real Estate)
• Electrotechnology Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
• Early Childhood Education and Care

We congratulate our dedicated students and wish them all the best as they engage in their chosen pathways developing essential skills for their future careers.

Meeting Industry Demands in NSW
The workforce landscape in NSW is evolving, with employers seeking skilled, adaptable, and job-ready individuals. Key industry trends indicate a growing demand for expertise in trades, business services, healthcare, and technology-driven roles. Vocational Education at MacKillop Catholic College directly addresses these needs by equipping students with:

• Industry-recognised qualifications
• Practical experience through work placements
• Essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
• Pathways to further education and employment

Through our commitment to Vocational Education and Training, we are preparing students to meet workforce demands with confidence and competence. We look forward to seeing their continued success in 2025 and beyond and sharing their success stories throughout 2025.

Yours Sincerely

Dennis Gasparotto | Leader of Learning Vocational Education and Training and Careers Adviser.

What an exciting, yet busy start to 2025! We have welcomed new staff, attended excursions, commenced choir and music tuition as well as host representative auditions and training in Dance and Theatresports. 

Mr Tobin Finnane joined the Secondary Performing Arts team this year. He is an experienced Music and Entertainment teacher with a special interest in rock, classical, flamenco and jazz guitar. In Primary, Mr Luke Bondfield is quite well known to the children having been a teacher at MacKillop for some time. Mr Bondfield will be teaching the specialist Music and Drama classes in Primary and will be running Primary choir and a small guitar ensemble.

Earlier this term, our Year 12 performing arts students had the amazing opportunity to visit the Seymour Centre. They were truly inspired by last year's remarkable HSC students at the Callback (Dance) and Onstage (Drama) showcases, featuring outstanding performances from the 2024 HSC Practical Dance and Drama examinations. It was a fantastic experience that really highlighted the high standards needed to achieve exceptional results in their practical assessments.

We are looking forward to showcasing some of our talented students at Open Day and throughout the remainder of the year.

Sharon Baird | Leader of Learning Performing Arts

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

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

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