MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 8

With the conclusion of our Open Day and Kinder Connect morning, we want to remind you that our enrolment season is now underway. Currently we are accepting applications from families outside the MCC community, and it’s crucial to act quickly as interviews will be conducted in the coming weeks for all year groups beginning at MCC in 2026.

If you have other children in your family who you wish to enrol at the College, now is the time to submit your applications to secure their places. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

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

We invite all Year 6 students to attend our Year 7 Taster Day on Monday 31 March. This is a hands-on, a day in the life, experience. All MCC students will attend this day, but if you know anyone with children ready to start Year 7 in 2026, share the below link so they can register for our Taster Day today.

Registrations are now open: https://forms.office.com/r/NTTx8QAFYU

School Photo Days will be Wednesday, 2 April for Secondary, Thursday, 3 April for Primary and K-12 Family Photos will be Friday, 4 April.

Photo packs can only be pre-ordered online at newcastleschoolportraits.com

Ordering doesn't close so you can order up to the days or even after. Just make sure students are dressed in their full summer uniforms and ready to smile.

The MCC School Shoot Code is 520234

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Gospel Acclamation: 

“I will rise and go to my father and tell him; Father I have sinned against you.” Lk 15:18

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from the Principal

This week is Harmony Week! Traditionally Harmony Week is celebrated on the 21st of March which is recognised as The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  Whilst Harmony Week celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Australia it is important to focus on the urgency of combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises.  Discrimination is not a natural part of the human condition, unfortunately it is learned and expressed as hate and intolerance against difference.  We must continue to pray for harmony and peace in our world.

At MacKillop we echo the diversity of our nation.  We welcome languages and cultures from many parts of the world and together our community is better for it.  We are celebrating this year with a Colour Run which will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Harmony Week, MCC House pride, as well as raising money for our Lenten charity Project Compassion.

During this week you may want to try some food from another culture or a game that is played in another part of the world.  You could read a folk story, look at art or watch a movie in another language - with subtitles to assist. 

Student Leadership

This week the final pieces in the Aspire Leadership framework became complete with the appointment of our House Captains, Youth Ministry (Pharus), Social Justice and Year 5 Culture Leaders.

The parents of these students were invited to join Stage 3 at a badging ceremony in the Church on Thursday afternoon.  We thank these young people for their willingness to serve our community.  These leaders hold their positions until the end of the school year in December.

Congratulations to our House Leaders

Year 6:
Alma: Evelyn D and Adam P               Gesu: Abigail C and Millie P                                                  
Penola: Sophie N and Daizy O             Kincumber: Jax J and Ella M   
Fitzroy: Leilani O and Rohaan A           Temuka: Charlise S and Elsie H

Year 5:
Alma: Mackenzie D and Guilia C          Gesu: Caoimhe T and Hudson C
Penola: Alex H and Regan M               Kincumber: Fenn B and Connor E
Fitzroy: Logan P and Mia D                 Temuka: Isla D and Innika B

Social Justice Leaders:
Year 6: Georgina L and Mia F, Year 5: Sophie Q and Addison B Year 4: Jorge C and Emeline K

Youth Ministry (Pharus – the light beams from a lighthouse): Bethel G and William A

Year 5 Culture Leaders: Amelia N and Eliora D

ANZAC Day March, 25 April

ANZAC Day is a significant cultural event on the Australian calendar. The alliance between the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps is a deeply held remembrance of friendship and love between our two nations in times of war and peace.  The MacKillop Community has committed to involvement with the Toukley Branch of the RSL for many years.  In 2025 students are once again invited to march along with many others from the wider community.  The march begins at the Toukley Mall, and moves down main street to the Garden of Remembrance at the Toukley RSL. 

Anzac Day is on the last Friday of the school holidays. We ask that students gather in their uniform at 9.30am for a 9.45am start.  College leaders in both Primary and Secondary are expected to attend and lay a wreath at the Toukley cenotaph

Please consider joining us for this significant cultural community event. Further details are available through COMPASS.

Please remember that Term 2 begins on Wednesday, 30 April, as Monday, 29 April and Tuesday, 29 April are Staff Development Days.

Blessings for the Easter Season and a happy and restful autumn break

Kerry Power | Head of Primary

This week, our school has been celebrating Harmony Week with engaging activities across all classes, promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity. The celebrations are leading up to our highly anticipated whole-school colour run on Friday, where students will have fun while embracing the spirit of unity.

Throughout the term, our students are also participating in the Parish Mass, attending with members of our local parish community. These Masses offer a meaningful opportunity for our students to grow spiritually and strengthen their connection to the Church.

This week, Kindergarten and their Year 5 buddies attended Mass on Thursday, where they focused on learning about appropriate Mass behaviours and the importance of reverence during the service. The students were guided in how to participate respectfully and with attentiveness, strengthening their understanding of the significance of the Mass in the school community.

God Bless,

Tim Snelling | Primary REC

With the school holidays fast approaching, we thought it timely to mention online gaming and safety.

The e-safety commissioner has some helpful hints for parent and carers with discussions about online safety and online gaming. We have attached some information sheets on both for discussion with your family members.

Parent resources | eSafety Commissioner

It is important to discuss with your child about sharing passwords for their games and platforms for creating games. With sharing their password, or the password of others, the students are opening themselves up for others to access their games and game development sites. Establishing good online safety practices in the younger years is essential.

Mrs Karen Jones | Digital Enablement and Innovation K - 6

At MacKillop, we believe that every student deserves the best possible learning experience, and that starts with the teachers who support them. One of the key strategies we're using to strengthen teaching and learning is Collaborative Coaching.

Collaborative Coaching involves teachers coming together each week with a coach to review student progress and performance data. We are fortunate to have three Collaborative Coaches, Mrs Kenney, Mrs Whitmore and Mrs Shilling, who work with the teachers. By examining this information closely, teachers are able to identify specific areas where students may need additional support or where further challenges could be beneficial. This data-driven approach allows for targeted teaching, meaning that lessons can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. In 2025, MacKillop is working on two key areas: spelling and place value.

While the teachers meet each week, students are taught by our dedicated PDH specialist teachers, focussing on Social and Emotional skills and health.

Collaborative Coaching empowers teachers to be more effective in their classrooms, which ultimately leads to better learning experiences for our students. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it continues to have on both student success and teacher development. 

Chris Shilling | Curriculum Lead Early Stage 1 and Stage 1

Taster Day – MacKillop Catholic College

On Monday we will host a “Taster Day” for a wide range of students who are looking to join the College in 2026.  Taster Day is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students to come along to MacKillop and experience a day in the life of a High School student, perhaps it’s a fair bit more fun than an average day though with lots of exciting activities lined up for them to experience.

I thank Mrs Kathleen Black for her organisation of this day along with all the staff who will be hands-on in providing a range of activities.  It is apparent how much our teachers enjoy welcoming new students to the school, and I have no doubt that Monday will provide a great opportunity for our prospective students to meet teachers, make new friends, learn new things, have lots of fun and generally get a good feel for what it will be like to join this great school.

I am not naïve to the fact that the College has experienced some significant change in the last twelve months, with an entirely new leadership team.  With that, comes a period of adjustment and I know that many in our community will be looking closely at the future direction of MacKillop.  After spending a year here in 2024 in an acting capacity, I am grateful to be here permanently now.  I am completely committed to MacKillop and helping this school be all that it can be, and I know that we are starting to make some positive strides forward.

There will be challenges ahead and I know that there will be times where we make decisions that don’t appeal to everyone, but I can assure you we will be a school that holds high expectations for our students.  High expectations for academic excellence, spiritual and moral development, character formation, holistic growth, community engagement, discipline and behaviour and independent thinking.

I know that the best advertisement for this school is our community.  My words count for little unless it translates into action and is experienced by our students and those in the community.  I trust that Monday will be a fun-filled day for all prospective new students but I’m mindful that our focus must remain squarely on all those in our care, those coming to the College, those who are here already and those who are in their very last year.  I have the utmost faith in where this school is heading and I’m excited to welcome a new group into the high school next Monday who will eventually join us on that journey.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

Teachers commonly use recall tasks, in-class tests and examinations to assess student knowledge, understanding and skills. To succeed in these settings, students must regularly practice retrieving and applying information under timed conditions both at home and in lessons.

Mastering Good Study Habits

How to Study for Exams with The Pomodoro Technique

We know that strong study habits are essential for academic achievement and motivation.  Developing effective study techniques early on will support students' ability to retrieve information for these tasks.

 A powerful study technique is the Pomodoro Method, which involves focused study intervals with breaks to enhance motivation and understanding of content. This techniques is effective for all students 7 to 12. To implement this, students should choose a topic, like reviewing science notes from term 1 and then set a timer for 25 minutes (this is known as one Pomodoro). During this period, students need to focus entirely on their topic without distractions. When the time ends, students take a 5-minute break to stretch, relax or grab a snack. This is not a time to pick up the phone or watch TV, it is a time for your brain to take a break. After completing two to four  Pomodoro's, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

This structured approach will help prevent burnout and supports efficient memorisation, helping students manage large topics by breaking them into smaller chunks. This is a great one for students to try at home and and see how it supports engagement and motivation in consolidating knowledge.

Study Notes and Palm Cards

Study notes and palm cards are excellent tools for recall-based tasks and examinations. Study notes should condense and consolidate key concepts, reduce cognitive overload and enable focused revision. Using color coding, clear examples, and concise summaries further simplifies the material, making it easier to understand and retain.

Palm cards are ideal for active learning. Write questions or facts on one side and answers on the other. Then, use these cards for self-quizzes to reinforce memory and identify areas needing improvement. For example, palm cards can help students recall dates, formulas, or definitions quickly, which is vital during exams. This can also be used with other students or family members for testing and recall skills.

Combining techniques like the Pomodoro Method with study notes and palm cards can provide students with a more efficient, organised and engaging study routine. Students should use these methods throughout the school year, not just before assessments. Regular practice builds confidence, ensures thorough understanding, and prepares students for in class and examination style tasks.

Alex Walters | Deputy Head Student Achievement 

The last 2 weeks have seen students represent the College with pride. We have had the College Swim team, Open Boys and Girls Touch and Open Boys and Girls Basketball.

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 / trials / training to then select teams.

What’s next?

The Student - will need making 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, Athletics and Cross Country) have not all been completed, and our Age groups champions and house champions yet to be known. This will be finalised by end of Term 2.

CSBB (Catholic schools Broken Bay Sport)

Over the coming weeks the students will represent the College Individual Rugby League Trials, U15 Netball Open Soccer teams (term 2).

While individual students will have the opportunity to trial as individual’s for Under 15 Boys and Under 16 girls Rugby League teams and under 15 girls Netball. While at these tournaments / selections, the students can have the opportunity to be selected into Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) teams, New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) teams.

Open Touch

Congratulation to our Boys and Girls Open touch teams. The games were played at very high standard with games in both teams either won or lose by a try. We had 3 students selected for possible / probable’s teams. Congratulations to these student Katie A, Tyler Blackhall, Cooper B from Year 11. Tyler B and Cooper B were selected into CSBB Open’s Touch team. Thank you to our teachers Mr Langbridge.

NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC)

Throughout the year, students will have the more opportunity to be selected into NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) teams. There are 2 ways on being selected into these teams.

The first, via school representation students will be selected into the College team then selected to represent 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

Most selections start at age 15.

Congratulations to the following students on their selection into the following CSBB and NSW CCC teams.

CSBB

Krystal L – Swimming

Lauren B - Swimming

Touch Football – Tyler B

Touch Football – Cooper B

NSW CCC

Baseball – Cameron B

Golf – Ava P

Golf – Levi P

CSBB Calendar

Duncan Black | PDHPE and Representative Sport

This term at MacKillop Catholic College, our community has come together to support Project Compassion through various fundraising initiatives. Project Compassion is an important cause that aligns with our values of compassion and service, and we are proud of the generosity shown by our students, staff, and families..

So far, we have held several successful fundraising events, including the gold coin donations at our Swimming Carnival and the much-anticipated Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser. These events not only raised much-needed funds but also brought our community together in a spirit of giving and generosity.

This week, we are celebrating Harmony Week, a special time dedicated to embracing Australian multiculturalism, fostering inclusiveness, and reinforcing a sense of belonging for all. As part of our celebrations, we are hosting a Harmony Day Celebration this Friday. This exciting event will feature a variety of activities focused on mission and inclusion, highlighting the beauty of our diverse community.

The highlight of the day will be our Colour Run, where students will have the chance to take part in a fun and vibrant experience while supporting a meaningful cause. All proceeds from the Harmony Day Celebration and Colour Run will be donated to Project Compassion, ensuring that our fundraising efforts make a real impact.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these initiatives so far. Your kindness and generosity continue to make a difference. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive as we work together to support those in need!

 
James Hodgson | Religious Education and JUMP Lead

Our curricular and co-curricular Performing Arts programs are well underway now and important event dates have been set.

Dance Troupes in Primary and Secondary have been formed and they have been busy rehearsing this term. There are two Primary Dance Troupes who meet before school each week to prepare for eisteddfods next term. The lyrical troupe are preparing a new lyrical routine with choreographer, Miss Makayla Ryan, whilst the jazz/musical theatre troupe are refreshing ‘Friend Like Me’. The Secondary Dance troupe is also rehearsing a lyrical routine to add to their competition repertoire. Students in these troupes are required to pre-order the new representative polo shirt which is available on Qkr! (available until 1st April). 

I was privileged to be at the most recent Secondary Vocal Group rehearsal to witness the amazing progress being made here. The group sounded absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to hear them perform. 

The Theatresports Schools Challenge and the Junior Theatre Festival are also continuing in 2025. These external events are fun yet competitive and MacKillop has been involved in both for many years. We will be forming an Intermediate Representative Theatresports team, and we will also be hosting a combined Intermediate/Senior Heat on Monday 12 May. Audiences are welcome to this event. A Primary Theatresports team will also be formed and will compete much later in the year. 

2025 is the 10th anniversary of JTF (Junior Theatre Festival) and I am sure this will be a huge celebration of musical theatre. Rehearsals for JTF will commence in Term 2. Parents who wish to attend JTF to see their children perform must be part of the group that is registered and will need to pay the fee as well. No persons outside of the group will be admitted once registrations are complete (August). Students in the JTF troupe are required to pre-order a Performing Arts T-Shirt from Qkr! (available until 1st April). 

Dates for the Diary:

Monday 12 May - Theatresports Schools Challenge Heat - MacKillop Theatre 

Saturday 28 June - Dance X - Laycock St Theatre 

Sunday 27 July - The Movement Dance Challenge – Mingara Recreation Centre

Sharon Baird | Leader of Learning and Teaching, Performing Arts

Learner Diversity teachers have an indispensable role in the classroom in the areas of co-teaching, case managing and supporting class teachers to access resources and adjust class work to cater for the diverse needs of the students. MacKillop Catholic College provides inclusive education in a mainstream setting. In this model of teaching, Learner Diversity teachers work as co-teachers within the classroom, scaffolding and adjusting classwork to support students with disabilities and learning difficulties. On some occasions, students work with Learner Diversity teachers in targeted small groups. We liaise with parents as well as external support agencies and allied health professionals as needed. Learner Diversity teachers attend camps, excursions, and retreats where we aim to support and strengthen student-teacher relationships. 

Prior to the August Census each year, the Learner Diversity teachers complete the enormous job of collecting and collating information for the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD). This annual collection of information enables schools, education authorities and government to gain a better understanding of the needs of students with a disability and how they can be best supported.at school.

Maryellen Lowe | Learner Diversity K - 12

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.

The Vacation Care programs offer a wide range of activities catering to children of different ages, interests and needs. We also head out and about on a range of local excursions.

They provide a stimulating environment that is filled with enjoyable activities that harness the children’s interests and strengths while respecting their need for leisure.

To register www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/vacation-care

Camps are an integral part of school life. Away from the daily classroom, teachers and students have an opportunity to engage in new experiences and master new skills.

Listed below are tentative camp dates for 2025. Please consider these dates when booking holidays or other leave requests to take your child/ren out of school. As camps are compulsory school events, we are unable to credit or refund camp costs for non-attendance.

Year 5                 29 October to 31 October 2025

Year 6                 7 April to 9 April 2025

Year 7                 14 May to 16 May 2025

Year 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Friday 31 January  – Student Free Day/ Staff Development Day
Monday 3 February – Year 7 and Year 1-6 First Day back at school. New students Years 8-11 (morning session) Kindergarten Assessments
Tuesday 4 February – Year 8-12 First Day back at school.  Kindergarten Assessments
Wednesday 5 February – First Day Kindergarten
Friday 11 April – Last Day Term 1

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass