MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 1

We have received many applications already for 2026 and have begun interviewing for key Year groups, so it is vitally important that if you or someone you know is planning on joining the MCC community next year, they apply now before it is too late!

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

Dear Families,

Welcome
A warm welcome back to the MacKillop community – students, parents and our returning staff – and a special welcome to those joining our community in Term 2. We hope that you settle in quickly and please know that we are here to support your child’s gentle transition into the College.

To those returning, I hope that this break provided you and your loved ones with some ‘down time’ and peace over Easter.

The Death of Pope Francis

It is with great sadness that we, like millions of others across the world mourn the passing of The Holy Father, Pope Francis. Pope Francis was a courageous and insightful leader of the Catholic Church. As the first Jesuit Pope, he strongly valued the importance of academic rigour particularly in the teaching of Religious Education. Throughout his papacy, he lived a humble life choosing to reside in a small apartment and often used public transport to get to work. Much can be learnt from this gesture alone and it inspires us to live more simply.

Pope Francis is remembered as a man who dedicated himself to youth, the poor and those who live on the margins of society. His unwavering commitment to justice, peace and hope encourage us to continue the Mission of the Church and build bridges of understanding at every opportunity. May we all find strength in his teachings and dedicate ourselves to being Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year.

As a faithful Catholic community, we will respond to the period of mourning and pray that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, receive Pope Francis into heaven. Over the coming days, please expect a daily reminder across our social media platform inviting you to pray and reflect on this remarkable leader.

The College will also have our flags at the half-mast during the nine-day mourning period. All photographs of the Pope are also removed as sign that we are entering a period of transition, until a new leader of the Catholic Church is named. During this time, we will also take opportunity to explain to students, the Catholic rites and traditions that are associated with the death of a Pontiff and the process of election to ground their understanding of what is occurring at this time.

Let us pray:
We thank you for the life of your faithful servant, Pope Francis. May he forever rejoice at the banquet table of heaven. Let us pray to the Lord: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

Community Survey
A sincere thank you to staff, students, parents, and Pastoral Parish members who engaged with our community survey. The data is now being analysed, and I hope to share some learning with you in subsequent newsletters and other opportunities.

Why is this data important?
This data is very important as we begin the development of a new 2026-2027 College Strategic Plan. Many of the insights provided by the survey will also position the reimaging of MacKillop that may involve: a possible change of school structure, some changes to existing reporting lines, re-focused role descriptions and new appointments to position a vision of Baptism to Post School Learning. It will also indicate what is valued within our educational community. In other words, it will provide direction on what we need to do to better position the College for the future. Much of the information from this survey will go hand in hand with the work of the Reimagining MacKillop Committee.

The Work of the Reimaging MacKillop Committee (RMC)
I sincerely thank the consultative work of the RMC members who began collaborating in late Term 4, 2024. The work of this committee will conclude in Term 2 with final recommendations made to the Diocese about structural changes to the College to deliver a Baptism to Post School Learning vision.
I will also finalise my community reports and circulate this information across the College for your perusal.

Next Steps
The RMC recommendations, along with the concurrent work of other projects impacting MacKillop, will go to the CSBB Board of Directors for consideration. Our proposed structural recommendations will be cost assessed in line with our growing enrolment projections and learning objectives to ensure that we can deliver a sustainable and financially viable College from 2026 onwards.

When do we anticipate these changes taking place?
We anticipate that these changes will be put in place for the start of the 2026 academic year. It means that we will use the latter part of this year, to prepare for change.

Thank you for your Anzac Day Involvement
I am always uplifted to see the many families and students who attend their local marches to commemorate the ANZAC tradition. I was so pleased to see many represent the College at the Toukley march last week.

It is a solemn time to acknowledge the service of all men and women, those of the past, and those who current serve in foreign lands and at home. We owe each veteran and service person an incredible debt. Lest We Forget.

Severe Allergies
It is important that we remind you to talk to your children about not sharing food. There are some children in our community who have severe allergies and require medical intervention and hospitalisation when they encounter or consume potentially life-threatening foods. Some of these children are very young and are still learning how to navigate this challenge in their lives. Please also ensure that you speak to the respective class teacher about special celebration foods, e.g. birthday cakes, etc. We ask for your help and consideration on this matter.

Just a reminder, if your child’s health plan requires updating, please contact Mrs Natalie Lea, Learner Diversity Administrator, on Natalie.lea1@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Access to Allied Health Professionals
Just a reminder that it is time to book in your Term 2 Allied Health Professional visits through Mrs Natalie Lea on alliedhealthbookingsMCC@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Year 6 Transition Talks Bookings are Now Open
Shortly, Year 6 parents/carers will receive a letter inviting you to book your Transition Talk. This talk will be with a key Secondary School staff member who will be preparing to transition your child into Year 7, 2026. This informal meeting is extremely helpful in supporting your child’s needs (social, emotional, learning, health, sporting, wellbeing, leadership, etc). The talk also offers your child an opportunity to ask questions about the secondary school. Please note that this is not an enrolment interview as your Year 6 child is automatically enrolled into Year 7, unless you advise us otherwise.

Enrolments
MacKillop enrolments continue to grow rapidly, and we are reaching our thresholds very quickly. The months of May-June are reserved for enrolment interviews and Transition Talks (Note: Transition Talks are only for Year 6 MacKillop students).

Please be advised that we are currently full in Year 8 (2025) and have begun a waitlist. This will also impact Year 9, 2026 enrolments.

We are also reaching capacity in Kindergarten and Year 7 in 2026, so please ensure you encourage your friends and family to get their applications in as soon as possible. Please do not assume your child has a place in Kindergarten unless you have this in writing.

Curriculum Reform: Building Strong Foundations for Every Learner
Over the past two days, our K - 12 teachers, alongside colleagues from the 43 other Broken Bay schools, have been engaged in professional learning about the Curriculum Reform. We are excited to be part of this important change because every child is entitled to high-quality education that builds strong foundations for success.

The new K-6 and Secondary syllabi have a focus not only on developing skills but also on developing deep content knowledge. Students will gain a stronger understanding of what they are learning and why it matters, preparing them more effectively for future learning.

A priority of the reform, is strengthening the transition from Year 6 to Year 7, ensuring students feel confident, capable, and excited as they move into Secondary School.

For Years 7–10 students, there is a stronger focus on writing, with students developing skills in creating written texts across all subjects. Not only is the focus on the content, but the skills of writing texts to include the content of the subject.

Importantly, teachers have been learning new ways to teach while also deepening their understanding of the content itself. Strong teacher knowledge is key to inspiring, challenging, and supporting every learner.

As always, we are committed to planning, analysing, reviewing, and acting to implement these changes thoughtfully and effectively.

Important Dates
Mon 28 Apr - K-12 Pupil Free Day
Tue 29 Apr - K-12 Pupil Free Day
Fri 02 May – Interim Reports Yr 7-11 & Yr 12 Reports Released
Sun 04 May – 11.45AM - 12.45AM - Pri Yr 4 Holy Communion
Tue 06 May - Pri – Mother’s Day gift stall
Fri 09 May - 07:00AM - 08:45AM K-12 Mother’s Day Breakfast
Fri 09 May - 08:45AM - 09:30AM Pri Open Classrooms
Mon 12 May - K – 12 all students to wear full winter uniform from today
Wed 14 May - Pri 2-6 Athletics Carnival
Wed 14 May – Fri 16 May - Sec - Year 7 Camp
Sun 25 May - 05:00PM - 06:00PM Parish Youth Mass
Tue 27 May - K-12 Family Reading and Pizza night
Wed 28 May - Pri Yr 4 Excursion to Hyde Park Barracks
Fri 30 May – Year 11 Reports Released
Mon 09 Jun - Kings Birthday Public Holiday
Thu 12 Jun - 07:00PM - 08:00PM Pri Yr 3 Confirmation Parent Information & Enrolment meeting
Wed 18 Jun - Sec Athletics Carnival
Sun 22 Jun - 10:00AM - 11:00AM Pri Yr 3 Confirmation Session 1
Thu 26 Jun - 02:00PM - 08:00PM Sec Parent Teacher Interview Evening
Thu 26 Jun - 03:30PM - 06:30PM Pri Parent Teacher Interviews Evening
Fri 27 Jun - 08:45AM - 03:00PM K-12 Parent Teacher Day
Sun 29 Jun - 10:00AM - 11:00AM Pri Yr 3 Confirmation Session 2
Fri 4 July - K-12 Pupil Free Day & Year 7-11 Report Released

Change of Uniform and Expectations
The transition to Winter uniform will occur on Monday,12 May. The general rule of thumb used by most schools is that the change of uniform goes from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. This may be a helpful guide for families to remember as we move forward. The weather, of course, can be a little tricky during these coming school weeks and may require us to adapt.
Just a reminder that our Uniform Policy is available on the College website. Below is a snapshot of College expectations:

Hairstyles
All hairstyles must adhere to a conservative and tidy style for females and males. Hairstyles may be braided, provided they are neat and culturally appropriate. Hair that is clipped on the sides and back should blend seamlessly with the hair on top.
The following are not permitted:

 • Mullets, undercuts, close-side cuts, dreadlocks, rat tails, mushroom styles, skin fades, "skinhead" styles, or any tracks/lines, including eyebrow tracks or lines.

 • Dramatic layered styles or levels, as well as any overhanging hair on the sides and back.

Earrings
Earrings should be limited to one per ear, worn in the lower ear lobe. Acceptable styles include:

 • Plain gold or silver round ball studs, with a diameter of 5mm or less.
 • Sleepers or small hoop earrings, with a maximum diameter of 1.5cm. Sleepers and hoops  must sit close to the lobe, without dangling adornments.

Other earring styles, including diamond studs, pearls, nose rings, and facial piercings, are not permitted. However, clear studs are acceptable.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that these standards are met. By encouraging consistency and pride in our appearance, we foster a sense of community and belonging that reflects the values of the College.

Thank you for your continued support in helping MacKillop maintain these important expectations.

Attendance
Attendance is critical to learning and if your child is absent from school then they are missing their opportunity to learn. Please be advised that attendance is strongly monitored. Students in Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) must be particularly careful of their attendance as this may impact on their achievement and ability to fulfil NESA expectations.

Parent Engagement Talks Term 2
In Term 2, the focus for Parent Engagement will be on Learning. We offer parents the opportunity to learn about what is happening in the classroom and provide strategies on how parents can support the learning of their children. These meetings will be provided on a face-to-face basis during the School day and via Teams in the early evening.

Tuesday 13 May – Year 7 Focus: Where should students be at? Information regarding assessment, feedback and homework. Only offered as an evening online session via Teams.

Tuesday 20 May – Year 11 & 12 Focus: Senior Study: Where should students be at and what do they need to do to improve? This focus session will only be for all students considering or currently on an ATAR Pathway. Useful resources will be provided to parents who attend this session.

Tuesday 27 May – Year 10 Focus: Why choices and pathways are important: Preparing your child for subject selection.

Tuesday 3 June – Years 8 & 9 Focus: Stepping up: Where students should be at and what they need to do to improve. Only offered as an evening online session via Teams.

Registration for these events will be communicated via Compass from our Parent Engagement Coordinator, Lucy Marien.

Staffing Update
The following staff are returning from leave: Julian Legge, Lee Wilkins and Mark Webster.
Mrs Maryellen Lowe has decided to resign from her teaching position at the College after stepping down from her role as Learner Diversity Lead last term. We take this opportunity to acknowledge her 9 years of dedicated service to Learner Diversity and she will be sadly missed.

In the interim, Ms Sherylyn Kenney will step into the role of Learner Diversity Lead K-12. Ms Kenney is a qualified Learner Support educator and has the capacity to serve across the College and will provide a seamless transition to students in Mrs Lowe’s caseload. This is a temporary position, and the College has begun the process of recruiting a permanent staff member for this position.

Congratulations to Ms Sherylyn Kenney on her appointment as Acting Principal of St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary, Wyong for Terms 3 and 4, 2025. Sherylyn will be returning to MacKillop in Term 1, 2026. For more information regarding this appointment, please refer to the attached letter from Mr Danny Casey, Director of Schools.

From the Business Manager
Payments / Due Dates 2025 School Fees Statements are emailed monthly by CSBB. Instalments are due on the 21st of each month, with final payment due on 21 November 2025. For questions related to fees, please contact the School Fees Liaison Team via email schoolfees@dbb.org.au or phone 02 7256 2888. If you are experiencing financial hardship, CSBB has a number of fee relief options available to assist you. Please contact the School Fees Liaison Team.

2025 Camp Dates
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.
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 October 29 to 31
Year 6 Occurred in Term 1
Year 7 May 14 to 16
Year 9 September 15 to 17
Year 10 July 28 to 29
Year 11 November 3 to 5

Yours sincerely,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal   Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary Kerry Power | Head of Primary

Winter Uniform

Please be aware that all students will move to Winter uniform the day after Mather’s Day (Monday 12^th May).  Winter uniform is to be worn from Mother’s Day through to Father’s Day unless otherwise instructed.  Please consult the  Uniform and Grooming Policy for Winter uniform details.

You can purchase any items needed via the online portal of the Alinta uniform shop. Or visit the College uniform shops in Week 1 Term 2.

Dear Families,

Our annual Mother’s Day Stall will be held on Tuesday, 6 May. Primary students attending the CSBB cross-country event will be contacted directly with instructions on how to take part.

Just a reminder that the stall is CASH ONLY.  I recommend sending the exact money in a zip lock bag with your child’s name on it for their gifts. 

If you would like to purchase Mother's Day Raffle tickets, a separate zip lock bag with this money is a good idea, so it doesn’t get confused with the gift money.

We have some AMAZING prizes for our raffle this year, including a voucher and products pack from Wildfire Day Spa at Kooindah Waters valued at a total of $174, a $250 gift voucher from Silver & Stone for a jewellery workshop, Bunning lake haven $50 gift card, Coffee and Cake vouchers from Three Peas Eatery, 2 x six pack of doughnuts Brooklyn Doughnuts Tuggerah and Shoes from The Athletes Foot, Tuggerah.

Our Raffle is open for all families, K-12, to purchase tickets.

If Secondary students would like tickets, please purchase them from the COLA on Tuesday, 6 May, during Break 1; again, this is cash only for $2 each or 3 for $5.

The Raffle will be drawn at the Primary assembly on Friday, 9 May.

Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy on Friday, 9 May.

All families K - 12 are invited to attend our Mother's Day celebration. Breakfast will begin at 7 am in the COLA.  The Liturgy will be held in the Church at 7.30 am.  Breakfast will continue after the Liturgy.  Primary school classes will be open for families to visit after the morning assembly.

We would love all our mums and mother figures to be part of our Mother’s Day slideshow, which will be shown during the Liturgy.  Please forward a digital photo (jpg or png) of you and your child/children to zoe.farrell@dbb.catholic.edu.au. All photos must be received by Friday, 2 May, to be included in the slideshow.

Please confirm your attendance for catering purposes here: Mother's Day Breakfast RSVP

Best regards,

Lucy Marien  |  Parent Engagement Coordinator K- 12

First Holy Communion

With First Holy Communion just around the corner, I’d like to share Mary’s Faithful Wardrobe with the community. We offer a beautiful collection of sacramental garments that are available to borrow for your child’s special day. If you’re in need of a garment, please see the details below.

Blessings,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

The fabulous new MCC backpacks have arrived. Preordered backpacks should have been received now but there are a large number ready and waiting to be purchased from the Uniform Shop for $100. They are ergonomically designed to distribute the weight of books and laptops as well as last for the years of schooling ahead.

Following is information and a link to register for a webinar targeted to students with ADHD in Year 12. This may be beneficial to students at your schools.

Monday 21 or Tuesday 29 May 7:00-8:30 pm AEST

This webinar will share insights and practical solutions for managing this critical year and beyond and making meaningful career decisions. If students cannot make it a recording will be sent to all ticket holders. Although it is interactive, students will remain anonymous on the webinar.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Redefining success- What is it to YOU?
2. Finding and owning your ADHD strengths
3. Discovering what careers are aligned to your strengths
4. Understanding the options for tertiary studies based on your interests and strengths
5. Exploring the pathway options available and ways to get there using Action Plans
6. Early Entry Considerations
7. Quick guide to Educational Access Schemes (EAS) and adjustment points
8. What is Procrastination- and how to tackle it?
9. How to deal with stress and staying calm
10. How to use technology to your advantage with ADHD
11. Q&A

There is a cost of $42.

https://events.humanitix.com/year-12-and-beyond-with-adhd-student-webinar

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

Mon 28 Apr - K-12 Pupil Free Day
Tue 29 Apr - K-12 Pupil Free Day
Fri 02 May – Interim Reports Year 7-11 and Yr 12 Reports Released
Sun 04 May – Pri Year 4 Holy Communion
Mon 12 May - K – 12 all students to wear full winter uniform from today
Wed 14 May – Fri 16 May - Sec - Year 7 Camp
Sun 25 May - Parish Youth Mass
Tue 27 May - K-12 Family Reading and Pizza night
Fri 30 May – Year 11 Reports Released
Mon 09 Jun - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Thu 12 Jun - Year 3 Confirmation Parent Information & Enrolment meeting
Sun 22 Jun - Year 3 Confirmation Session 1
Thu 26 Jun - 2:00PM - 8:00PM Sec Parent Teacher Interview Evening
Thu 26 Jun - 3:30PM - 6:30PM Pri Parent Teacher Interviews Evening
Fri 27 Jun - 8:45AM - 3:00PM K-12 Parent Teacher Day
Sun 29 Jun - 10:00AM - 11:00AM Pri Yr 3 Confirmation Session 2
Fri 4 July - K-12 Pupil Free Day and Year 7-11 Report Released

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass