MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 2

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Gospel Acclamation: 

“I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from Head of Primary

Welcome back to Term 2 and Happy Easter! Even though the holy days of Easter occurred several weeks ago, we are still in the Easter Season.  Often, the Church will describe believers as ‘Easter people’, those who believe that the resurrected Jesus rose to bring us new life.  Easter lasts until the Ascension, followed by the celebration of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter Sunday.

At this time, the Gospel readings come from John, who provides the divine image of Jesus as the ‘Son of God’ who came to bring light into the world.

Like many Catholics who watched the funeral of Pope Francis, I was comforted by the familiarity of the ritual and inspired by the inclusion of many languages.  The motorcade through the streets of Rome was a wonderful opportunity for a final farewell to ‘the people’s pope’.  During his papacy, Pope Francis wrote many inspiring letters to Catholics all over the world.  Laudato Si or ‘Care for Our Common Home’ was written in 2015.  Pope Francis wanted to inspire Catholics around the world to protect all elements of creation, human, animal, and plant, as well as waterways, air and land.  If we are true stewards of creation, we think about the planet and all it provides as something we must care for and protect.  In the coming weeks, I will ask our MCC House Leaders to encourage their House groups to care for parts of the campus by making sure it is clean, tidy and undamaged.  This will instil House pride and encourage our young leaders to guide their people to positive action for the Common Good.

The Papal Conclave- as the Church considers a new shepherd, I have included a brief explanation of the process that will occur over the coming days. We pray that the Holy Spirit will assist our Church leaders to provide us with a shepherd for the future.

After a pope dies or resigns, the governance of the Catholic Church passes to the College of Cardinals. These cardinals, who were chosen by previous popes, gather at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to elect a new pope. At first, they pray together and meet to discuss the current issues in the Catholic Church, especially seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the conclave begins, they meet in the Sistine Chapel to conduct a secret ballot. Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Four rounds of ballots are taken per day until someone receives a two-thirds majority of the vote. The ballots are burned after each round, and the smoke can be seen outside. Chemicals are added to change the colour of the smoke: black to indicate that the conclave continues, and white to signal the election of a new pope. If someone receives a sufficient number of votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks if the elected individual will accept the results. If he does, then he selects a new papal name and begins to dress in the pope’s white vestments. The senior cardinal deacon announces from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, “Habemus Papam!,” which means “We have a pope!,” and the new Holy Father emerges to greet the world. (thereligionteacher.com)

Staff Updates

I would like to announce some important changes to staffing in the Primary school.  Mrs Sherylyn Kenney has been appointed by CSBB Director, Mr Danny Casey, as Acting Principal at St Cecilia’s, Wyong for Semester 2.  This temporary, caretaker role is a wonderful opportunity for Mrs Kenney and will allow her to develop as a leader and build upon her experience as the head of a community.  Whilst Mrs Kenney is away, Mrs Chris Shilling will assume the role of Acting Deputy Head of Primary for Terms 3 and 4.  Mrs Shilling brings great skill, knowledge and experience to this role, and as a Highly Accomplished Teacher and leader at MacKillop for over a decade, she understands the unique needs of our College.  We wish both of these outstanding educators a hearty congratulations and pray thanks for their willingness to grow and serve as leaders in our community.

Medical Action Plan including a Risk Assessment

If your child experiences an injury that requires crutches, moonboot or a wheelchair whilst they are at school, we are required to complete a Medical Action Plan including a Risk Assessment and PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan).  The Medical Action Plan and Risk Assessment provides a plan for the safe movement of your child in/out and around the College, including playtime and bathroom visits.  The PEEP is required in the event of an emergency that would require the action of others to assist the injured person to evacuation areas.  We ask that you please communicate with the College prior to your child’s return to school.  Information from your doctor or physician can assist us in preparing the necessary actions around your child during this challenging time of personal injury. Thank you in advance.

Mother's Day

I want to take this opportunity to wish all mothers and those who show the care and love of a mother a very happy Mother’s Day.  We can turn to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for guidance and inspiration in the joy and challenge of motherhood.

Good and gracious God,

We thank you for all mothers - the women you have called to bring forth new life, and women who provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those entrusted to their care.

Give them the courage to raise children filled with hope, through happy and difficult times and wisdom to guide their children on the path to eternal life.

Fortify them through your Word and Sacraments to endure the challenges and trials of motherhood.

Fill them with joy and delight as they accompany their children through the years.

Shower them with care and support from their family and friends.

Comfort those mothers who have lost their children and those children who have lost their mothers.

In your charity, entrust all mothers to the tenderness of your own Mother, Mary.

We love our mothers, Lord.

We ask for your blessing upon them this day and always.

Amen!

Blessings for a wonderful week

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

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.

Curriculum Reform

The New South Wales curriculum is undergoing its most significant reform in over 30 years, aiming to better prepare students from Kindergarten to Year 12 for their futures by providing clearer, more focused, and knowledge-rich syllabuses.

Key features of the reform include clearer, more focused syllabuses.  The new curriculum streamlines content to focus on essential knowledge and skills, reducing unnecessary complexity and "clutter" in syllabuses.  The curriculum will be knowledge-rich and evidence-based, emphasising explicit, knowledge-based approaches, particularly in the early years, to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.  There is a greater focus on core facts, concepts, and principles.

Our teachers engaged in two days of professional learning around Curriculum Reform in the first two days of this term.  On these days, they heard from our own experts from within Catholic Schools Broken Bay, but also from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which is the statutory body responsible for developing, approving, and monitoring the curriculum for all schools in New South Wales from Kindergarten to Year 12. 

I believe the curriculum reform comes at a great time for all of us here at MacKillop.  We are currently working on our own response to the reform and how that will look in the classrooms for your children.  The focus on explicit teaching is particularly exciting for us, and I’m confident that this evidence-based strategy is a huge step in the right direction.

We will keep you informed and up to date as we navigate this response to curriculum reform, here at MacKillop.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

Faith formation of staff and students is integral to our Mission here at MacKillop. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to attend spirituality days, reflection days and overnight retreats. On these occasions, our Youth Ministry Coordinator, along with the Deputy Head of Evangelisation and Catechesis, work with our students on building their capacity to take time out to pray, to reflect and respond to various themes. Students are also given opportunities to have time out for activities that nurture their wellbeing and build house spirit. Attendance at these events, as well as whole school Masses, is critical to supporting our Catholic identity, but it also assists us in forming your children holistically. As part of the enrolment process, families agree to support the Catholic ethos of the College, and we hope to see our students attend these worthwhile events.

Blessings,

Chrystal Price | Deputy Head: Evangelisation and Catechesis

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.

If you would like to purchase Mother's Day Raffle tickets, you can still buy them at the breakfast tomorrow.

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 Donuts Tuggerah, Shoes from The Athletes Foot, Tuggerah and a 5 session pass fromh Urban Yoga at Toukley.

Our Raffle is open for all families, K-12, to purchase tickets. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and will be drawn at the Primary morning assembly on Friday, 9 May.

Breakfast and Liturgy

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. Mums, Stepmothers, Grandmothers, Aunties and Carers, this morning is to celebrate all the special women in our students' lives and to give thanks for all you do.

Best regards,

Lucy Marien  |  Parent Engagement Coordinator K- 12

Representative Sports

Term 2 has started with a flurry. This term, the College will have our Soccer, Rugby League, Cross Country, Netball, Oztag, and Tennis teams compete in the CSBB and regional gala days. We also have our Athletics Carnival. Already this term, we have had six students selected into CSBB teams.

How can a student represent MacKillop?

Sign-ups will be sent via Compass, where the student will register. The Coach (teacher) will hold a meeting/trial/training to then select teams.

What’s next?

The Student will need to make meetings/selection trials/training sessions

If a student’s behaviour at school has been on going there will be less likely for him/her to represent the College. If a student is selected into a team and is unfortunately suspended from school (internally or externally) they will not be able to represent the College or the Pathway (CSBB or NSW CCC teams). This occurs in all schools, this is not just Mackillop. Thank you for your understanding.

The College’s major carnivals, Swimming (completed), Cross Country (completed), and our College Athletics will be held on the 18 June 2025 at Mingara Athletics Centre.

The Age champions and house champions are yet to be known. They will be finalised by end of Term 2 and announced at an assembly in the term.

CSBB (Catholic schools Broken Bay Sport)

Week one saw students represent the College as individuals at touch at the NSW CCC tournament. Both sides played extremely well. Congratulations to Tyler B (Yr 11), Cooper B (Yr 11) and Mollie F (Yr 9).

The Opens soccer teams played with outstanding results over the day. Both teams finishing runners up on the day. With 6 students being selected into the CSBB team to play at the NSW CCC Football tournament on 27^th / 28^th May. Ms Ryan and Mr Morley were very impressed by the behaviour and team spirit of the students.

Rugby League

The Open boys (Catholic Independent Cup) and U14 Boys (Cochrane Cup) Rugby League teams played on Wednesday at Gumbuyah Oval, Lake Munmorah. The Open team played Green Point Christian School in the first round, winning 18 – 12, drawing with St Peter's and losing to St Edwards.

The Under 14 boys team is small in size, though courageous in heart. The boys did not stop trying all day against much bigger teams. Overall, the boys improved throughout the day and encouraged each other.

NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC)

Throughout the year, students will have more opportunities to be selected into NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) teams. There are two ways of being selected into these teams.

The first, via school representation, students will be selected into the College team, then selected to represent the CSBB Broken Bay team at the NSW CCC carnival, where a NSW Combined Catholic Colleges team will be selected.

The second way is by a student registering as an individual. This can be achieved by registering via the CSNSW Sport portal https://csnsw.sport/ 

CSBB and NSW CCC Team Representation News CSBB Football

Rahni D (Yr 9), Shelby M (Yr 10), Jasmin F (Yr 12) Maya R (Yr 12) – Girls Football

Seth G (Yr 11) and Markus W (Yr 12) – Boys Football

Duncan Black | PDHPE and Representative Sport Coordinator

Homework plays a vital role in consolidating students’ understanding of previous lessons and preparing them for future learning. Teachers use homework tasks to assess comprehension and encourage good study routines, such as retrieval practice and recall exercises. 

Throughout the term, students will also need to complete assessment tasks. At times, these assessments may take priority over homework, and teachers may ask students to focus solely on them to ensure they perform at their best. 

To support their learning, students are encouraged to create study notes throughout the year. These notes serve as valuable revision tools, helping them prepare for upcoming exams and in class tasks. 

For students in Years 10–12, formal exam periods are an important milestone. Year 10 students will sit 1-hour exams, Year 11 students will have 2-hour exams, and Year 12 students may complete exams lasting up to 3 hours. Those who consistently create and maintain study notes throughout the year will be better equipped to revise effectively when preparing for these exams. 

Importantly, we recommend Year 11 and 12 students complete study notes on a weekly basis to build strong study skills and ensure they are ready for their final assessments.  

Use of a Diary 

At Mackillop, we believe that developing strong study habits is essential for student success. To support this, students will be expected to regularly use their diaries to record homework tasks. This helps build responsibility and organisational skills, ensuring they stay on top of their learning. 

In some cases, students will need to complete their homework by the last lesson of the week for review. If homework is not completed, an entry will be made on Compass, so parents and teachers are aware. This system allows us to work together to support students in meeting expectations. 

By setting high standards in the classroom and encouraging students to use their diary effectively, we aim to equip them with the routines and discipline that will set them apart academically. Your involvement in monitoring and encouraging these habits at home will be invaluable to their success. 

 Mid Semester Reports 

Year 7 to 11 students should have available via Compass the mid semester reports. As mentioned in my last newsletter item, students have been working towards learner dispositions. Please see the details of this newsletter for more details on the profiles. Mrs Winkler also provided communication to families yesterday. These are an important snapshot in time for students and should provide students and families with where students are with these dispositions.  

 2025 HSC Timetable  

The 2025 HSC timetable became available on Friday for the Year 12 students. Please see the following link for the timetable and relevant information for students and families. This has also been sent through to the students.  

2025 HSC Timetables Released | NSW Government 

Alexandra Walters | Deputy Head of Student Achievement 7-12

Nihon Daiichi JHS Visit Celebrating Japanese Study at MCCW

Our MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale community is in the fortunate position of welcoming Nihon University Daiichi Junior High School from Tokyo, Japan. As part of the upcoming visit from Sunday, 27 July until Sunday, 10 August, 2025, our community is needed to help host Nihon Daiichi students for the duration of their stay. We will host 25 students in total (this year’s group consists of 17 boys and 8 girls).

Throughout the two-week visit, host families would be kindly asked to provide accommodation and meals for their Nihon Daiichi students. In addition, Japanese students would travel to and from school with their host brother or sister, using an appropriate mode of transport, ie, school bus, car, etc.

The Nihon Daiichi students will attend a variety of in-school programs and participate in excursions outside of the school. On weekends, students can accompany host families to regular weekend activities to allow them to experience the Australian way of family life, such as going to netball, watching soccer practice etc.

If you and your family are interested in this wonderful cross-cultural opportunity, please email me at

andrew.kilham@dbb.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible. Preferences will go to families who respond early.

Yours faithfully,

Andrew Kilham | Leader of Learning and Teaching Language, Japanese

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

This Friday, 9th May, our school will be recognising Do It For Dolly Day, a national day of awareness aimed at preventing bullying and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

To show our support, students are encouraged to wear a blue accessory on Friday—such as a ribbon, scrunchie, wristband, or socks. Blue was Dolly’s favourite colour and has become a symbol of the movement for change.

Please note: No donations are required—this is a day for reflection, awareness, and unity.

Thank you for your support, MCC Student Parliament 

CSBB are coordinating a series of Family Journey consultation sessions with parents and carers across our system. These sessions will support the ongoing development of our shared vision for the future of Catholic Schools Broken Bay. 
 
The parent/carer consultations will take place over the next three weeks. Hearing from you, the parent community, is essential as we seek to deepen our understanding of the family experience across our schools from Baptism through to Post-School, and co-create a journey that is welcoming, connected, and responsive to the needs of our communities. 
 
To support meaningful dialogue, sessions have been organised by geographic precinct.
 
Session Details: 
 
Precinct: Northern Central Coast Catholic Schools Precinct
Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025
Time:  6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Location: St Brigid's Catholic College, 48 Carters Road, Lake Munmorah
Coordinator: Adam Murdoch    
  
Action Required: 

We encourage all families to take part and share your voices; please RSVP to this event using the link below.
 
Together, Let’s Shape the Future of the Family Journey Experience

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