MacKillop Chronicles Term 2, Week 5

We are still receiving applications for 2026 Waitlist Places across the College. Interviews for key year groups are almost complete, with offers being sent out. If you or someone you know is planning on joining the MCC community next year, apply now before it is too late!

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

Over the last few weeks, we have been hosting our Parent Engagement Talks, focusing on specific year groups across the Secondary school.  I would like to thank all our Parents and Carers who have taken the time to attend the talks thus far, and I hope that you have found them beneficial. 

We would love to hear from you!  Your feedback is truly valued, and we would be grateful if you would please take a minute to complete the following feedback form. 

https://forms.office.com/r/6hVLEuri1a

The Parent Engagement Talk for Years 8 and 9 will take place next Tuesday, 3 June.  This talk is focused on “Stepping Up”.  We will discuss the importance of assessment tasks, homework, and the high expectations we have for our students.  It will provide you with an understanding of where students in Years 8 and 9 should be and what they need to do to improve.  You can register for the session here:

https://forms.office.com/r/5mUXh4Uxuv

Many thanks,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

The Ascension of the Lord

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always until the end of the world." Mt 28:19,20

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

This Saturday, 31 May, is the Feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea, the Patroness of the Diocese of Broken Bay.  This is also the Feast of the Visitation, which celebrates the visit of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, with her kinswoman Elizabeth, who was also with child.  Both women shared the incredible joy of impending birth.  These women are Blessed, as were the children they carried. As our students recite and learn the Angelus prayer, the ‘Hail Mary’ becomes a meaningful devotion. The line ‘Blessed are you amongst women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus’ becomes real in this meeting.

Sunday is The Ascension of the Lord.  The Ascension signifies the return of Jesus to the Father in heaven.  Jesus tells the disciples that for them to complete their own ministry, he must leave them.  However, he promises to send them a special helper. The Advocate or Holy Spirit comes to assist them in sharing the Good News.  The Holy Spirit is made present to the disciples at the Feast of Pentecost - celebrated next Sunday - as fire and wind.  At this time, the disciples no longer follow Jesus but become teachers of the Word and begin to speak to people from many different lands in their native tongue.

Pentecost is often called ‘the birthday of the Church’ as the Apostles began the activity of the Early Christian communities.  The first century was not an easy time for Christians, but they struggled, persisted, and survived for over 2000 years, creating the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church we have today.

Kiss and Drop Gates

As a way of increasing security at the College, the Kiss and Drop gates will remain closed until 2.45 pm.  This measure will require some adjustments to ensure Mataram Road continues to move efficiently and safely during Dismissal times.  I advise families who currently attend the Kiss and Drop gates before 2 pm to postpone their journey until later.  We have been notified that the Ranger is aware of unlawful driving or standing, which may result in penalties if caught.  This procedure will begin on Monday, 1 June.

Please remember that Primary dismissal is at 3.05 pm, and if you wish to pick your children up before this time, they must be signed out at the front office.  When you or your delegate collects your child, they must present the kiosk slip to the teacher. 

Students must wait for their older siblings in the COLA after 3.20 pm, not gather in the Office undercroft.

The measures we put in place seek to ensure student safety during periods of intense traffic movement in and around the College. Thank you for your cooperation.

Pizza Night and Wellbeing Week

Our recent Library Reading and Pizza evening was a wonderful community event that brought parents and children together for dinner and a shared love of books. Thank you to our wonderful Library Teachers, Mrs Crowe and Mrs Martin, for hosting the community evening.

This week is also Wellbeing Week, and the SRC has provided many fun pop-up activities for students to enjoy during break times. Teachers have joined in the fun by wearing themed clothes each day, including black and white, colourful, State of Origin (Maroon or Blue), Sporty, and Crazy shirts.

Hyde Park Year 4 Excursion

I had an opportunity to travel to Sydney CBD on an excursion with Year 4 this week.  This year level is currently studying Early Australian Colonisation.  The Hyde Park Barracks are a wonderfully interactive exhibit that retells the story of convict times during the settlement period.  A walk through Hyde Park on a glorious autumn day was the perfect backdrop for lunch (with bin chickens).  We stopped at St Mary’s Cathedral before moving down to the Australian Museum.  We could have spent the whole day exploring this wonderful collection of artefacts from Australia and beyond.  Seeing and hearing the children's excitement and joy was heartwarming.  Opportunities to see the students outside of the classroom provide an insight into their thinking, learning and friendships.  A wonderful day.  Photos shared below.   

Blessings for a wonderful week

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

Honouring Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week at MacKillop Catholic College

This week, MacKillop Catholic College embraced the spirit of reconciliation through meaningful events marking National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. On Sunday, students celebrated a Community Mass together with the Youth Ministry group.

Monday morning, students gathered for a special liturgy led by our Indigenous students and guided by Aboriginal Support Teacher, Mrs Taylor-Lee Cheney. The ceremony provided a solemn space to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and reflect on the importance of healing and unity.

Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of activities aligned with the 2025 theme, “Bridging Now to Next.” These activities encouraged students to explore our shared histories, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and consider their role in shaping a reconciled future.

MacKillop Catholic College remains committed to fostering respect, understanding, and cultural awareness within our community. By participating in these events, students not only honour the past but also contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society in line with our Catholic Mission.

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

Practice Examination Block

Mrs Walters has recently communicated about the Practice Examination Block being offered to Year 12 students over the coming weeks.  These practice examination sessions are an invaluable opportunity to sit an HSC exam under formal examination conditions.

I appreciate that many of our senior students have part-time jobs, but it's imperative that they prioritise this opportunity to get the best possible preparation for the Higher School Certificate, which is not too far away now.  Sitting an exam under these conditions now can serve to minimise the level of stress experienced during the actual HSC, not to mention, it provides a good gauge of where students are at and allows them to gain great feedback from their teachers.

I know we have some students who have already signed up for these practice exams, and I thank them for their commitment to their studies.  I urge any other Year 12 students who have yet to sign up to do so as soon as possible.  Even if you can only get to three or four practice exams, it will be worth it.

I am very confident that those dedicated students who take up these opportunities will be right amongst our highest achievers when HSC results are released in mid-December.

This Practice Examination Block will be a firm fixture on our calendar moving forward, and I strongly encourage all students in our younger year groups to keep this in mind, plan accordingly and engage with this wonderful opportunity to prepare thoroughly for their HSC.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

Two fantastic events have occurred in the last two weeks: Theatresports Schools Challenge and the inaugural Central Coast Catholic Schools Performing Arts Showcase. 

The Intermediate Theatresports team made up of students from the Year 9 Drama class competed in the Schools Challenge. The performing arts staff are in awe of these students, whose improvisation skills are continually developing and who are always entertaining and engaging. This event was hosted in our very own theatre here at MacKillop and was made up of 10 teams from surrounding areas playing 1, 2 and 3 minute games and an open scene, all of which were made up on the spot. If you have never seen a Theatresports event, I encourage you to do so; it's such a fun and hilarious night out. The next Theatresports event will be with the junior team made up of Year 7 or 8 students (yet to be chosen) in November.

In the Central Coast Catholic Schools Performing Arts Showcase, five schools from Catholic Schools on the Central Coast combined to present two concerts combining Music and Drama performances from MacKillop, St Peter’s, St Brigid's, St Joseph's and the host school, St Edward's. Our choir sang beautifully, supported by Mrs Hale on keyboards and conducted by Mrs Caruana. Charlotte K performed her HSC Music piece On Brulera accompanied by Mr Finnane, Elise A and Abbey R from Year 10 performed ‘Yours’, and our Year 10 band rocked Bloom by Nirvana! 

Meanwhile, HSC students in Dance, Drama and Music are working solidly on their major works, compositions, projects and performances. In these subjects, practical major works and performances make up between 60% and 80% of their HSC mark. They are assessed by NESA markers in August and September, so it is very important that they are refining these works now and into Term 3. 

Looking ahead, our Primary and Secondary Dance Troupes are preparing for two eisteddfods in June and July, featuring jazz and lyrical routines. I would like to thank the choreographers for this year’s routines and the teachers who rehearse with them every week. Thank you, Mrs Brook, Miss Ryan, Mrs Calder and Mrs Passafaro.

Sharon Baird | Leader of Learning Performing Arts

At the heart of our commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning lies a powerful tool: educational learning walks. For the remainder of the term, our focus will be centred around how prayer is experienced and expressed in the Religious Education (RE) classroom and the transformative power prayer can have.

Why Learning Walks Matter?

Learning walks are structured opportunities for staff to observe classroom practice, reflect on pedagogy, and celebrate effective teaching. In RE, they offer a unique lens into how students engage with spiritual development, particularly through prayer.

Key benefits include:

• Professional growth through shared best practices.
• Reflective teaching, as educators consider new approaches to prayer and spirituality.
• Consistency in how prayer is integrated across year levels.
• Enhanced student engagement with spiritual practices.
• Support for SMSC development (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural), a cornerstone of holistic education.

What We Observed

During recent learning walks, several powerful examples stood out:

• Prayer spaces in classrooms and shared areas invite students to reflect, write prayers, or engage in quiet contemplation, which is a necessary part of the RE classroom.
• Routine classroom prayer can be an opportunity for students to contribute and lead moments of stillness and gratitude.
• There are many creative expressions of prayer, such as art, music, and movement, linked to RE themes like justice, compassion, and stewardship.

These practices not only deepen students’ understanding of faith but also foster a sense of belonging and reverence.

Key Findings and Language of Learning

Our observations highlighted the importance of:

• Prayer as pedagogy: More than a ritual, prayer becomes a teaching tool that nurtures empathy, reflection, and spiritual literacy.
• Sacred space: Classrooms that intentionally create calm, respectful environments see deeper student engagement in prayer.
• Student voice: When students are invited to shape or lead prayer, their sense of ownership and connection to RE grows significantly.
• Curriculum integration: Linking prayer to RE topics, such as forgiveness, hope, or sacred texts, makes it more meaningful and relevant.

Moving Forward

As we continue to nurture faith and learning, we encourage all staff to:

• Reflect on how prayer is embedded in their RE lessons and further into other KLA areas.
• Explore new ways to make prayer inclusive and student-led.
• Share successful strategies with colleagues to build a rich, school-wide culture of prayer.

Observing the Diocesan Common Assessment

During recent classroom walks, the Diocesan Common Assessment was observed in action, showcasing the dedication and expertise of our Year 8 teaching staff. This assessment, a standardised tool used across the diocese, ensures consistency and quality in evaluating student performance. It was a great opportunity to witness how different staff members deliver this assessment, adapting their approaches to meet the diverse needs of their students.

The Diocesan Common Assessment is a key component of our educational framework, designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of student learning. It includes various subject-specific terminologies that are crucial for both teachers and students to understand. These terminologies help in accurately assessing student knowledge and skills in specific subject areas, ensuring that the assessment is both rigorous and relevant.

In addition to observing the assessment in action, students were given the opportunity to complete a reflection. This reflection process is invaluable as it provides 'student voice', a critical aspect of our continuous improvement efforts. By incorporating student feedback, we can better understand their experiences and perspectives, allowing us to refine our teaching methods and assessment processes.

Overall, the classroom walks and the subsequent reflections have provided us with rich insights into the effectiveness of the Diocesan Common Assessment. We are committed to using this information to further enhance our educational practices, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education.

Michelle Baxter | Religious Education Coordinator 7 - 12

This term, our Year 10 students have been actively involved in developing their physical and personal potential through a variety of activities both on the court and in the classroom.

In Physical Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), students have just wrapped up a high-energy volleyball unit. Over several weeks, they built on fundamental skills such as serving, setting, and digging, while also enhancing their teamwork and game strategies. Our Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) students, who take sport as an elective, extended their skills by participating in a challenging Round Robin Team Challenge. This exciting competition allowed them to put their volleyball skills to the test in a dynamic and competitive environment. The sense of camaraderie and determination on display was truly inspiring. (Check out the pics below!)

Back in the classroom, the focus has shifted to “Future Success.” Students are currently exploring their passions, skills, and capabilities, helping them make informed choices about their futures. A key part of this process has been completing the Capability.Co survey, which aligns each student’s unique strengths with possible career options. This valuable tool is helping students better understand where their talents could take them and how to begin mapping a path forward.

With subject selections coming up early next term, this is a timely and important journey. At the heart of everything we do in PDHPE is a genuine care for our students’ growth and success. As we often say, “If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Our other favourite is the driving the car analogy - it’s hard to get lost if you’re chasing your own dreams instead of following someone else’s route.

We’re proud of the maturity and enthusiasm Year 10 students are bringing to these important conversations, and we’re excited to see where their journeys will lead.

Nicole Abel | Leader of Learning PDHPE 7 -12

Building Momentum in Vocational Education

As Term 2 unfolds at MacKillop Catholic College, our students continue to make meaningful progress in their Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways. The College remains committed to delivering real-world learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with industry practice, helping students stay inspired, motivated, and future-focused.

Deepening Vocational Learning in the Classroom
Aligned with the College’s Vision Statement for Teaching and Learning, ‘Value Learning’, our VET programs remain a cornerstone of practical and purposeful education. Students across a range of industry frameworks are building on the strong foundations laid in Term 1, actively developing both technical knowledge and transferable skills.

With the continued support of expert teachers, industry partners, and workplace mentors, students are gaining valuable insights into their chosen professions and setting goals for their future careers and studies.

Work Placements Rolling Out in Term 2
Term 2 also marks the rollout of structured work placements for students in Business Services, Construction, and Hospitality- Commercial Cookery. These placements provide students with the invaluable opportunity to apply their learning in real-world environments, under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Through these placements, students will:

• Gain first-hand experience of industry expectations and standards.
• Develop critical workplace skills such as teamwork, time management, and customer service.
• Build confidence and independence in professional settings.
  Strengthen their resumes and broaden their employment opportunities.
• Make connections that may lead to future apprenticeships, traineeships, or part-time work.

These experiences are a vital part of the VET journey, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and ensuring our students graduate with both knowledge and employability.

Ongoing Success with SBATs

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) continue to thrive at MacKillop. This term, students are deepening their commitment to both school and industry as they progress through nationally recognised Certificate courses in partnership with TAFE NSW and private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Their contributions are already being valued by employers in fields such as:

• 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 celebrate the determination and professionalism of our SBAT students, who are excelling both academically and in the workplace.

MacKillop Catholic College is proud to support students as they develop the confidence and competence to thrive beyond the classroom. We look forward to celebrating more milestones throughout Term 2 and sharing stories of success that reflect the strength of our Vocational Education community.

Yours sincerely

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

This term, students have continued to live out the spirit of service through the JUMP (Josephites Undertaking Mission Projects) program. A key highlight has been the ongoing partnership with Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, where students have helped unpack OzHarvest trucks and prepare food hampers for individuals and families in need. These efforts are a practical way for students to make a meaningful difference in our local community.

We’ve also seen an exciting response to the launch of JUMP Earth Care, a new initiative open to students in Years 7–12. Held every Wednesday morning during Pastoral time, this program invites students to care for the environment by improving and maintaining the gardens and green spaces around the school. The enthusiasm and dedication shown so far have been inspiring.

An upcoming initiative this term will see JUMP introduced to our Year 6 students. They will have the opportunity to learn more about the program's mission and values and participate in selected JUMP activities. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of service and social awareness from an early stage and build a stronger connection between our junior and senior students.

Looking ahead, the Winter Appeal Canned Food Drive is just around the corner. Families are encouraged to support this important initiative by donating non-perishable food items. Keep an eye on Compass for updates and collection details.

Thank you to all students and families who continue to support JUMP. Through these shared efforts, we are helping to build a more just, compassionate, and connected community.

Yours faithfully

James Hodgson | JUMP 7-12 Lead

We are currently lookin for 7 more host families to host students from Nihon Daiichi school. 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 such as a 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.

Mrs Barrett, a Year 2 parent, tells us about her family's experience being a host family:

'If you are considering hosting a Japanese student, I urge you to do it!! It’s the most wonderful experience for your child/ren and your family!! This is our third year doing it, and we can’t wait to meet them!!
 
The first year we had one student named Ikkei. Last year, we hosted two students, Hyunseok and Takumi. Unbelievable, it turns out, Ikkei and Takumi are best friends!!
 
We have formed the most incredible bond with these families!! In July, we are going to Japan, visiting Tokyo and Osaka. We are going to meet up with both of these families for a traditional lunch, which will be fabulous!!
 
The host students are very polite, respectful and eager to learn about the Australian way of life!! You become very close to the students, and they become part of your family, which is so lovely and rewarding!! Our son Ashton always asks about the students and has very fond memories of all of them!! Your heart will be so full of gratitude that you hosted a student, and your family will have a special connection to their beautiful country and culture!!'

If you are interested in hosting a student, please contact Mr Kilham. We still require 7 more families to host boys.  Students, please be aware that JUMP hours are awarded for hosting, as well as the opportunity for class exchanges, a Reptile Park visit with the Japanese students, plus a farewell party/festival during the stay. The Nihon University Daiichi Junior High School students will be visiting from Sunday, 27 July, until Sunday, 10 August 2025.

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.

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

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.

Thursday 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 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

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