MacKillop Chronicles 2023 Term 1, Week 5
Thursday 2 March 2023
Teams and Tutu's Mufti Day, the first fundraiser of the year for our Year 6 Graduation was a roaring success. We had many combinations of the theme even a superhero was spotted in the playground. Thank you for supporting the day with a gold coin donation and the amazing outfits!
Ashleigh J, Year 11 has recently shared some incredible news with Mrs Ferguson. Ashleigh has been accepted under the Gifted and Talented program to study Critical Thinking at Macquarie University, starting later this year. This course will open opportunities for further studies. Congratulations Ashleigh!
Secondary Swimming Carnival Friday 3 March, Students are to wear their full sports uniform to school. Please remember though to bring a costume to change into once at the Wyong Pool. House Points going to Best Dressed!
Also on tomorrow, Primary Cross Country Carnival, students from Years 2 - 6 will walk to Hamlyn Terrace Oval. Parents are welcome and students participating will receive an icey reward for their efforts.
Youth Ministry will be attending Venio Retreat, from Friday 3 March to Sunday 5. Students from across the Broken Bay diocese will engage and participate in workshops, discussions, listen to speakers, and learn more about Catholic traditions, rituals and forms of prayer and worship.
Harmony Day 21 March - ‘Everyone Belongs’. On Tuesday in Week 8, we will celebrate our cultural diversity, and promote inclusivity, respect and belonging. There will be a $5.50 sausage sizzle meal deal available for both Primary and Secondary, preorder on Qkr by March 15. While there order your limited edition MCC Harmony Day Tote for $20 with proceeds going to Project Compassion.
Remember to check Compass for up-to-date news and information on events and contact us on 4392 9399 for enquiries.
Open Day 2023
Wednesday 8 March, 4 pm - 6 pm student-led tours, classroom demonstrations, and performances. Enrolment for 2024 Kindergarten and Year 7 Information sessions 6 pm - 7 pm
The Open Day is the perfect opportunity for new families to hear about MCC life straight from the students. Encourage family and friends that might be interested in attending to register today
Primary Matters
Dear Community,
Second Sunday of Lent Gospel Account
"Rise, and do not be afraid. "And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.” Matthew 17:1-9. This week’s Gospel account is The Transfiguration. On the mountain top prophets appear, but moreover, God’s thunderous voice can be heard from on high claiming for the Disciples to listen to Jesus for he is my son. This event emphasises the need to follow Jesus and understand that his pain and suffering and eventual death and resurrection is about following and believing. Lent is the time to get the house in order for the coming high season of Easter. We do this through almsgiving, asking for and showing forgiveness and prayer for the intentions of those who are worse off than ourselves. Help the children understand that Jesus modelled for us that the greatest commandment is to love God and one another. Encourage them to give pocket money to Project Compassion and to pray for people they know who are struggling in some way.
Door Stop Meetings with the Teacher
The love of a parent for their child is something to beholden. Sometimes we love our children so much that we want to hover around them and in some cases clear their paths so that they do not experience any discomfort. Some of us want to speak to teachers every day to get updates and to ensure messages are delivered. Some have been getting to school and then wanting the attention of your child’s teacher, which on the one hand is harmless, but it really is not fair on the teacher setting up for the day of learning. Please respect their time and drop kids to school and leave as soon as practical. If something is urgent use Seesaw, Compass, email or ring the office and ask for an opportunity to speak to the teacher. Please respect their role and the work they do.
Afternoon Traffic
It is no secret that one of the biggest drawbacks of our school is the pickup in the afternoon. Up until recent times, it was almost unheard of for parents to get their child delivered into the car and yet every school now has this in operation. There is no quick fix and studies have been done on how best to relieve the congestion. Until Mataram Road is opened at either end there will not be any significant changes. What we can do is be good at what we are currently asked to do. There is not a day that goes by without at least 6 or 7 cars not having the child’s name displayed on the passenger side. Do not expect that by now the staff on the microphone calling out names will be familiar with your car. It certainly helps the person on the microphone clear the congestion quicker if the sign is displayed as requested. If relatives are collecting your child, then please make them do a sign too!
Please consider allowing your child to walk or ride or catch a bus. This develops great independence. If there are a number of you, who live on the same street, then consider carpooling or take it in turn to create your own travelling bus. This means waiting at school and walking the children to another nearby street and thus delivering the kids to waiting for cars nearby.
Do not get out of your car to place a child in their seat, this slows the traffic even further. Please teach your child to place the restraint on themselves and ensure baby seats are on the driver’s side or middle of the back seat to allow the child to enter via the passenger side. I honestly understand your frustration, but if we all did our little bit, things can get better while we wait for the roads to become open.
Open Afternoon, Principal Information evening and Kinder Connect
It is that time of year again when we open our enrolment intake for 2024. If you know of any families wishing for their child to come to MacKillop for Kindergarten 2024, please inform them to come along to our open afternoon next Wednesday 8 March between 4- 6 pm. Classrooms will be open across the campus and there will be displays in the hall as well as performances from the children. Our Year 6 leaders will function as tour guides and can be asked questions about life at MacKillop. I will hold an information session in the library between 6-7 pm and the following morning, Thursday 9 March children aged under 6 starting kinder in 2024 can come along for a fun morning of Kinder Connect. Enrolment packs can be collected from the office beginning next week or are available to be downloaded from the website.
Enrolment demand for our school is exceeding expectations. Please do not delay if you have another child starting next year or know of families who do. We simply do not have any space left in our primary grades and we are anticipating the intake for 2024 will be like this year.
NAPLAN and My School Website
Recently a journalist from the Daily Telegraph contacted the school and was making enquiries into how our results as measured through NAPLAN have improved to be one of the highest-performing primary schools on the Central Coast. If you go to the My School website and type in our school and other schools in the local area (15 in all) we are at the top on all measures. We have changed the way we teach, and we have invested heavily in teacher development and coaching to ensure all children receive the best chance of success in these assessments.
Moreover, we are trying hard to ensure little or no bullying and to develop in each child social, emotional, and personal development skills where each child is valued, cared for and known. I know that we do not always get it right for each child, but I can assure you we try our best to deliver the absolute best.
By now all families should have been notified that the NAPLAN testing period is soon upon us commencing March 15 and March 27. If you are a parent of a child in these grades with any questions or concerns about the tests then please contact Chris Shilling, Cath Whitmore, Sherylyn Kenney or myself.
Cross Country Carnival this Friday
Children from Years 2 – 6 will walk to and from Hamlyn Terrace Oval to participate in the annual school’s cross-country carnival. We welcome parents and friends to come along and watch the children compete. Upon return to school, all children will receive a free Zooper Dooper as a simple gesture of thanks for their involvement and efforts.
Harmony Day Tuesday 21 March
Information will be sent home soon about our College Harmony Day which is about celebrating acceptance and diversity. The children will be engaged in their tribe activities for the day and will learn about tolerance, inclusion and acceptance.
Social and Emotional Learning
International Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day is held on March 10 every year. SEL Day celebrates the significance of social and emotional learning, a central part of education programs. SEL is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, achieving success, and navigating society. These skills enable people to cope with challenges, problem-solving, self-discipline, emotion management, etc. It has been proven that SEL enhances academic success, improves relationships and communication skills, and prepares students for life. SEL however, is terribly lacking in many parts of the world!
Here at MacKillop, we are learning about SEL in our Second Step lessons each fortnight. We will celebrate International SEL Day, in conjunction with our Second Step lesson next week. At MacKillop, we have a school rule about Respecting ourselves and others. Our whole school focus this fortnight is Being Safe. Safe actions keep everyone’s bodies from being hurt. When we act in safe ways, we keep our hands to ourselves and don’t use them to touch others in hurtful ways. When we use safe words, we make sure nobody’s feelings are hurt. Safe words are kind and respectful. This week, think about how you can act and speak in safe ways in the classroom, hallway, and lunchroom and out at recess. Children are collecting house points for demonstrating safe behaviour when moving around the school.
Here is what the kids have said about Second Steps last week:
- “Empathy is about being kind and caring towards others, looking at how they are feeling.” Isabelle even did homework about Empathy. Isabelle F. 4B
- “Miss Owen tried her very best to distract us, but we used Self Talk to ignore the noises she was making. She was a real pest.” Giulia. C and Sienna. P, 3G
We hope parents have been able to access the Second Step platform, using the activation codes from last fortnight's newsletter, we will have a Parent Information session later in the term for parents to attend and find out more about this platform.
Christine Owen and Kellie Denneman
SEL Coordinators
A Thought for the Week…
“It is only an illusion that you do not have what you want.” Roman
God Bless
Frank Cohen
Primary Principal
Kinder Connect
Thursday 9 March, 9.15 am to 10.45 am
See details below and although it isn't necessary if you would like to register your attendance please do so here https://forms.office.com/r/cNHkSRE0E0
A reminder on:
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Mental health is the way children think and feel about themselves and the world around them. It affects how children cope with life’s challenges and stresses.
- Good mental health helps children develop socially, emotionally, mentally and physically.
- Learning to manage feelings is important to mental health.
- Physical activity, healthy eating habits and quality sleep are good for children’s mental health.
Children with good mental health feel loved, safe and secure in their environments. They feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time. They’re kind to themselves during tough times or when things don’t go the way they expect. This helps them to feel OK about trying new or challenging things. It also means they can manage sad, worrying or angry feelings and bounce back from tough times.
Find more information and ideas at Raising Children https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age
Looking after yourself: why it’s important to children’s mental health. This means trying to stay physically, mentally and emotionally well. It is good for you, and also important for your child. You set a good example of self-care for your child, and you’re better able to give your child the warmth, care and attention they need to grow and thrive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed or you’re struggling with your mental health, parenting or relationship, getting professional support is a very good idea. You could start by talking to your GP.
We have 2 new Primary counsellors who can offer additional advice to support your child’s mental health, or recommend a counselling referral if needed. Our school counsellors are available to talk to you if you have any concerns about your child’s mental health.
Secondary News
Prayer:
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (giving to charity) that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
Dear Lord,
Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you. Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.
In your name, I pray, Amen.
Learning:
Between now and the end of the term all our students will be instructed in Cornell Note-Taking. So, what is this?
Cornell note-taking is an effective note-taking method for taking, organizing, and summarizing notes. This method typically results in better overall comprehension.
This note-taking method was invented by Professor Walter Paul of Cornell University in the 1950s.
Cornell notetaking is seen as effective because they allow for the following:
- Active summarizing. To summarize a topic, you need to have a certain level of understanding. This note-taking method prompts you to get there.
- Intentional note-taking. Cornell notes encourage mindfulness and focus when taking notes. You must pull out key points and reflect on the material, instead of simply writing every little thing down.
- Revision-ready notes. When it comes time to revisit your notes, they’re logically written and arranged
For more information, you can find this on the link below.
https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/taking-notes/cornell-note-taking-system/
No Stress Book Club
This message was sent out to all our students last week by Ms Higgins. This is a wonderful idea. If your child loves reading or you are encouraging your child to read, please discuss this venture with your child.
Attention all book lovers. You are invited to join Miss Higgins in her no-stress/no-commitment Book Club.
As an honorary member of this club, you will be given an opportunity to share your reading journey or simply support your peers by listening to their journeys. This is a no-stress, no-commitment Book Club in which you are provided a safe space to either indulge in your love for reading or to ignite a passion for reading.
Avid reader? Late bloomer? That’s no problem! This is just a way to get the conversations rolling in a casual, no-stress setting.
The proposed meeting times are (beginning in Week 6):
Wednesday (Week A and B) - break 1a and b - in T5. Bring your lunch and curiosity.
Please fill out the expression of interest Google form here: https://forms.gle/sENaW77mT8N8Pk9Z6
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss.’
Youth Ministry Equipping Schools, Canberra
Over the weekend, Noah from Year 10 and Ryan from Year 11 travelled with Sr Jiji, Mrs Price and Mrs Tenev (and other Broken Bay students and staff) to Canberra for the annual Youth Ministry Equipping School in Canberra. The students and staff participated in various workshops, listened to speakers, attended Mass and had the opportunity for Reconciliation, Adoration and reflection. It was a powerful formation experience for all involved and we thank the staff for giving their weekend to accompany the students.
This Week for Year 7:
This has been a very big week for Year 7 and their teachers. Tuesday and Wednesday were their Spirituality Days at North Entrance Surf Club and at the Kincumber Spirituality Conference Centre.
On Thursday they all travelled to a Diocesan event called the ‘Great Race of Faith’.
In next week’s newsletter, we will have more information.
Open Day 2023:
Our Open Day K-12 will be held on Wednesday in Week 6, March 8th. This will commence at 4 pm with many rooms in the College open with displays and demonstrations culminating with a showcase in the Hall.
Parents are asked to register if they will be attending—details are on our website.
On the day all families will be asked to register or have their names ticked off at the Office and students will then escort parents on tours answering questions and informing parents about our college. There will also be performances throughout the afternoon and snacks provided by our talented hospitality students.
At 6 pm, in the Hall, will be an Information Night for Year 7, 2024 students but all new families interested in attending this meeting for all year groups in secondary are welcome.
Enrolment forms will be available on the night and accepted from Friday 10 March until the end of May.
Swimming Carnival:
Tomorrow is our first Swimming Carnival not affected by COVID since 2019. We are all looking forward to this day as it is always so much fun. Here is some information about this day again:
- A compulsory school day. The morning consists of races for those who wish to compete. The rest of the day has novelty races for those who wish to get wet but not race. Students who do not wish to go in the pool need to be present to support their House, and their peers. There will be plenty of jobs for which they could volunteer.
- Year 11 and 12 with licences may drive to and from the venue (Wyong Pool) but must arrive by 9 am and may not leave till 2.30 pm.
- All other students are to meet in the Science area by 8.45 am in full sports uniform including the College hat for EVERY student. A roll call will occur.
- All students are to bring a gold coin to go to Project Compassion.
- When students arrive at the pool, they can change into House colours and costumes. Big House points for best dressed. (no zinc cream or streamers - banned by the pool)
- Students are to wear suitable swimmers for swimming and a school carnival. All 2-piece swimmers are to be covered by a long t-shirt.
- Students need to bring water bottles, sunscreen and food. The canteen will be open but not all day.
- Parents are welcome but please do not ask to take students early. The big House Cheer Off will be around 2 pm and students will not be dismissed till 2.30 pm.
- Students are to sit in their House groups, not with their parents.
MAY THE BEST HOUSE WIN.
Important Dates for Week 6:
Tues – Love Bites – Year 10
Wed – Open Day 4-6 pm / Year 7 2024 Information Night 6 pm
Thurs – Year 11 First Aid / ANTSO Science Alliance Excursion
Sun – 3rd Sunday of Lent
Final Word
If you have any questions or concerns always, please contact the College.
Remember to check COMPASS, our website and, our Facebook pages for information.
God bless.
Debra Ferguson
Secondary Principal
Host Families Needed
Beech Sensei and Kilham Sensei are very excited to announce that our Sister School from Japan: Nihon Daiichi Junior High school will be visiting from Monday 24 July until August 6. It will be so exciting to see them after many years. There will be 20 exchange students coming and they will need to be hosted by our families. If anyone is interested please contact Beech Sensei Helen.beech@dbb.Catholic.edu.au
Youth Coordinator - casual position
The Wyong Catholic Parish invites you to join their team as a casual Youth Coordinator working up to 4 hours per week. The role does allow for flexibility with the working schedule, however, you’ll need to have availability for weekends and evenings.
This is an exciting role where you will build and maintain a parish youth group, encouraging young people to engage and participate in parish youth activities, ensuring a sense of fun, community, belonging and faith for the youth and young adults in the parish. The role works with the Parish team to build a strong youth network, encouraging, supporting and assisting volunteers to assist in the youth ministry.
Please apply by sending a CV and brief cover letter addressing role requirements via email to wyongparish@bbcatholic.org.au
Applications close Friday 17 March.