MacKillop Chronicles Term 3, Week 9

Dear Parents, Carers and students,

CSBB Digital Enablement has advised us that Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 15, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive essential security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

To ensure students can continue to learn safely and effectively, it is highly recommended that all families check their child’s device and take action before this date.

What families need to do

• Check if your child’s Windows device can upgrade to Windows 11.
• Most newer devices will support Windows 11.
• If the device is too old, you may need to consider an alternative supported device (where possible).
• Microsoft has provided step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade here

• Check apps and programs.
• Before upgrading, please confirm that any personal apps or software used by your child are compatible with Windows 11.

Why this is important

• Upgrading ensures your child’s device remains secure, supported, and able to operate current learning tools and applications.
• Not upgrading means the device could become more vulnerable to viruses and may lose access to required apps in the future.

We ask that families complete this process before October 15, 2025, so that students do not experience disruptions to their learning.

Thank you for helping us keep student learning safe and supported.

Amelia Goodwin | Digital Enablement Lead 7-12

On Friday, 19 September, we invite our K-12 community to bring in a gold coin to support Catholic Mission for Socktober. On this day we also encourage our students who bring a gold coin to wear full summer uniform, with 'crazy socks' to commemorate Socktober.

Year 9 Camp

I’m writing my article late at night from Year 9 Camp this week.  As a teacher, it is a real privilege to accompany students on camp.  It’s a chance to escape the usual confines of school and enjoy each other’s company as the kids undertake a range of activities designed to test their courage, commitment, teamwork, patience, problem solving skills, endurance, etc.

On Tuesday night, the kids were involved in a Trivia competition.  The spirit of fun and enjoyment in the room was uplifting.  For anxious parents who might sometimes question the value of school camps, I can assure you that five minutes spent in this room would immediately erase any concerns you might hold.

The kids were engaged in the questions, competitive without crossing the line, laughing, actively volunteering for challenges and without doubt, my favourite moment was watching many of them belt out some classic tunes from the 80’s and 90’s.  There is something so impressive about seeing kids born around 2010 knocking out “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley.

Spending time with staff at camp is always a highlight for me as well.  In the busyness of the day-to-day, it’s often difficult to spend quality time getting to know people more deeply, but camp provides that opportunity.  Sitting with staff on Tuesday night just further reinforces to me how fortunate these kids are to have such passionate, caring and committed teachers.  Their genuine interest in your children and their desire to see each of them reach their potential is truly admirable.

One of the best things to behold at camps is watching the kids enjoy free time without a phone in their hands.  Something that many of them would have seen as incomprehensible just a few days ago.  Watching these young men and women talk to each other face to face, playing games together, simply being present (truly present) in each other’s company was a powerful reminder of what camp is really all about.  It’s a time to disconnect and go back to basics, to simplify our lives for a moment and simply be, with those around us.

I trust that Year 9 have grown personally from this experience, I hope they have come to know their peers more deeply, and I pray that this brief respite from the intensity of daily life might be something they pursue more regularly.

Finally, I thank Year 9 for their active involvement in camp and for the respectful way in which they conducted themselves throughout the three days.  You represented MacKillop with great distinction, and I am so glad to have you as part of our Senior School in 2026.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

At MacKillop Catholic College, we continue to prioritise student wellbeing through meaningful, authentic experiences that promote connection, conversation, and presence. Two recent events RUOK Day and the Year 9 Camp, highlight our commitment to building a mentally healthy and socially connected school community.

RUOK Day: Starting Conversations Over Coffee

Last Friday, our school café became a hub of connection as we celebrated RUOK Day. This national initiative encourages Australians to check in with one another and ask a simple but powerful question: “RUOK?”

Rather than taking an intrusive approach, our celebration focused on gentle, conversation-driven engagement. Student leaders played a key role in this initiative, designing personalised coffee cups adorned with conversation starters and uplifting messages. These small but thoughtful touches helped spark meaningful dialogue and set a positive tone for the day.

Mental health literacy is an area we are committed to strengthening. By embedding wellbeing into everyday moments, like a morning coffee, we create safe, supportive spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Year 9 Camp: The Power of Presence

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of joining our Year 9 students at camp from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. While Mr Rickards will provide a full review of the experience, I’d like to offer a personal reflection.

One of the most striking aspects of the camp was the absence of digital devices. In our daily routines, it’s common to see students sitting side-by-side, each absorbed in their own screen, what could be described as “parallel play.” But at camp, something shifted. Without phones, students were fully present laughing, chatting, and engaging with one another in a way that felt both natural and refreshing.

This experience served as a powerful reminder: when we disconnect from devices, we reconnect with each other. The benefits of presence, genuine conversation, shared laughter, and real connection were on full display.

Looking Ahead

As we move toward 2026, we remain focused on promoting genuine connection and reducing digital distractions. Events like RUOK Day and Year 9 Camp are more than just calendar highlights. They are opportunities to live out our values and nurture a culture of care, presence, and community.

Warm regards,

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago.

This year, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne will host ACYF from 30 November to 2 December 2025.

ACYF is a festival that invites young people from all over Australia to connect and deepen their faith. It also offers various opportunities for faith formation and empowers young people to immerse themselves in the Catholic tradition.

Each day, the young people who attend will engage in workshops from Priests, Bishops, musicians and other Catholic speakers. They will participate in catechesis and varied prayer experiences as well as live concerts, games and an interactive social justice expo.

This year, Catholic Schools Broken Bay will be travelling to Melbourne with selected staff and students to participate in ACYF. We are so excited that a small group of MacKillop students get to participate and immerse themselves in this type of faith formation. Accompanied by our Youth Ministry Coordinator Mr Ashley Sadler.

Please join me in praying for our staff and students who will be preparing themselves for this special opportunity in the weeks ahead.

Blessings,

Chrystal Price | 

Over the past two terms I have shared different study strategies and structures to help students improve their learning.

As Year 11 currently sit their exams and Year 12 finish their last classes before the HSC, it’s worth remembering that real learning isn’t just about what you know, it’s also about how you think about your learning. Two powerful habits to build now are reflection and thinking about your thinking.

Reflection: Looking Back to Move Forward

Reflection means pausing to think about your experiences. After each exam or study session, ask yourself:

• What worked well in my preparation?
• What caught me by surprise?
• What would I do differently next time?

These small questions turn challenges into lessons and successes into habits you can repeat.

Thinking About Your Learning

Being aware of how you learn is like being the coach of your own brain. It’s about noticing what works, spotting what doesn’t, and adjusting your approach. For example:

• If re-reading notes didn’t stick, next time try self-quizzing.
• If you remembered details but struggled with timing, practise under exam conditions.

Why It Matters

When exams are over, the most valuable takeaway isn’t just your mark, it’s the insight into how you learn. Building these habits now gives you tools not only for the HSC, but also for university, work, and life.

Erin Sullivan | Professional Growth Lead

The Maths Faculty has had a busy term with a priority on supporting our Year 12 HSC students to complete their courses and continue with a study routine built around engaging with past exam papers. They have all been a delight to work with, and we wish them well over the final weeks of their secondary schooling.

Learning occurs more readily when students are well prepared for lessons, and we encourage them to ensure they bring all necessary equipment to lessons. This includes their own Calculator. Our preferred model is the Casio 82 AU PLUS II. A well looked after calculator should serve a student right through their time at MacKillop.

We are continuing to promote 21^st readiness for our students with the consolidation of the new NSW syllabus. This is presented through the Maths Pathways platform in Years 7 and 8, where students complete a cycle or unit assessment every 2 or 3 weeks, respectively. Parent support in encouraging their children to complete the required number of modules is greatly appreciated. 100% growth in each cycle is our target number for each and every student.

Years 9 and 10 are continuing to use Cambridge GO for their longer-term goal of setting a solid base for Stage 6 mathematical learning in the not-too-distant future.

Year 11 students are in the midst of exam week, and we hope they have been able to showcase their knowledge and understanding.

A reminder that Maths Help is still available and has been consolidated for all levels to Wednesday morning from 8 am to 8:40 am in S2. Everyone is welcome!!

Thank you all for your continued support.

Graham Taylor| Leader of Learning and Teaching Maths 

This term has been an exciting one in the Science Faculty, with students engaging in a wide range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

National Science Week was a major highlight. Year 9 students enjoyed a special incursion from the Australian Reptile Park, where they learned about biodiversity, animal adaptations, and the importance of conservation. Years 5, 6 and 7 took part in the “Tick Tock Boom” chemistry incursion, which brought chemical reactions to life in an interactive and memorable way. In addition, students across all years participated in classroom-based challenges, including Science escape rooms and the Education Perfect online competition, testing both their knowledge and problem-solving skills in fun and engaging formats.

Classroom learning has also been rich and varied this term. Year 10 students have been delving into genetics and evolution, exploring how traits are inherited and how species adapt over time. Year 9 has been investigating the global issue of plastic pollution, considering the science behind the problem and possible innovative solutions. Year 8 has put physics principles into practice by designing and building solar ovens, applying their understanding of energy transfer to create sustainable cooking devices. Meanwhile, Year 7 has been busy learning about cells and classification, developing foundational skills in scientific observation and categorisation.

Our senior students have also had a busy term. Year 11 students prepared for and undertook their Preliminary examinations, which marked an important milestone in consolidating their learning and preparing for Year 12. For our HSC Science students, this week marks the end of their formal classes before they move on to their final exams. We commend them for their effort and dedication throughout their courses and wish them every success as they approach this next important stage of their academic journey.

Together, these experiences highlight the breadth of Science learning at our school—combining theory with practical application, encouraging curiosity, and challenging students to think critically about the world around them.

We are proud of the enthusiasm shown by our students across all year levels and look forward to continuing to foster their passion for Science in the months ahead.  Please see some of the photos of our students in action below.

Cass Lees | Assistant Leader of Learning and Teaching Science

Greg Inglis is coming to MacKillop Catholic College! 2nd December 2025

One of rugby league’s greatest players, Greg Inglis, will be visiting MacKillop Catholic College to share his journey of triumphs and hardship after a glittering career. This is part of the Stick With It campaign, which encourages people to seek help during tough times.

Find out more about the campaign:

Watch the video

Exclusive Student Lunch with Greg Inglis!

After his talk, Greg will have lunch with a select group of students to discuss his experiences further.

Want to be in the draw? Here’s how to qualify:

 85%+ Attendance in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

10+ Merits in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

 No Afternoon Detentions in Term 3 & 4 (From Week 3)

 Open to all Secondary MCC students

 Eligible students will be entered into a ballot and names will be drawn before the visit

"I want people to know that they're not alone, and it is OK to actually reach out."

— Greg Inglis

Luke Barry-Donnellan | Director of Wellbeing K - 12

For parish Mass times and the latest bulletin, please visit: www.bbcatholic.org.au/warnervale

Enrolments are now open for CatholicCare’s September/October Vacation Care Program at your school.

CatholicCare's Vacation Care programs offer a variety of activities tailored to children of different ages, interests, and abilities. We also organise local excursions to further enrich the experience.

We provide a stimulating and enjoyable environment, with activities designed to engage the children’s strengths and interests, while also offering time for rest and leisure.

To register please head over to their website: 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 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Mon 22 Sep - Sec Year 12 Grad Rehearsals

Tue 23 Sep - Pri Stage 2 Netball Gala Day

Tue 23 Sep - Sec Year 12 Charity Morning

Wed 24 Sep - Sec Year 12 Grad Mass & Guard of Honour

Wed 24 Sep - Sec Year 12 Awards Night

Fri 26 Sep - Sec Year 9 PASS RAW challenge

Fri 26 Sep - K-12 Last Day of Term 3

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass

Counselling and support services | eSafety Commissioner

If there are any risk concerns regarding your child’s emotional state – please call one of the below numbers to seek help:

- Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

- Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

Crisis Support

If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

Suicide/self-harm

If you are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm, please call:

- Lifeline on 13 11 14 

- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467