Term 1, Week 10, 31st March

Upcoming Events

Principal's Update

THE SEASON OF EASTER

Last Sunday we celebrated the beginning of Easter Week with Palm Sunday, representing Jesus’s arrival into Jerusalem. Over the coming week, and especially Holy Thursday through to Easter Sunday, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. For many people Easter, like Christmas, is an opportunity to renew our faith and reconnect with our Church. The recent weather event has highlighted just how our parish is a living example of the word and work of Jesus, through the Christ-like manner in which our parish and parishioners have supported those in need. I invite you to reconnect and be a part of this wonderful faith community. 

Below I have included a short three minute video that reminds me of the meaning of Easter. I also have included the Easter celebration and Mass times in our St Agnes Parish for those families able to attend. 

I’d like to wish all our families a happy Easter and a restful holiday break.

STUDENT SUCCESS

What a couple of weeks it has been, once again, for our school and local community. Yet again, our students made me very proud to be their leader. I witnessed our students, staff and families living out the words of Mary MacKillop ‘Never see a need without doing something about it”. 

From cooking and delivering food to the flood victims, washing and folding hundreds of socks and sporting uniforms damaged by the floods at Tuffins Sporting fields, assisting with RFS and SES, or providing food and toiletries items, the generosity and support has been overwhelming. 

The College received a lovely phone call from an RFS Firefighter to say five of our Year 12 students had been helping them handing out packs to flood victims and what a credit to our school and community they were. Great work Year 12!

Having spoken with many families impacted by the floods the last few days, I can sense the impact will be far beyond this week. Not just financially but emotionally the toil will be ongoing and I encourage those families not affected to continue your generosity and kindness over the coming weeks and months to those impacted.

PARENT PARTNERSHIP

Australia’s leading drug and alcohol researcher recently wrote an article titled 

What should parents say when their teen says "But it's not smoking" when they find out they're vaping?

I encourage you to have a read of the article as it offers helpful parent advice to deal with the very present Vaping fad that many of our students are experimenting with.

CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL

Evangelisation

EASTER LITURGY

On Wednesday, we celebrated our Easter Liturgy with the help of some wonderful student volunteers.

We were reminded of the importance of giving to Project Compassion, by reviewing some of the focus stories from during Lent. Thanks to students and families who supported this important appeal.

The Gospel story related to Holy Thursday, which involves Jesus washing the feet of Peter was presented in the spoken word and actions and we then asked what it means in our lives. We challenged students to serve others in order to be the hands and feet of Jesus for those around us

Focusing on service to others and the kindness of Jesus, we reflected on the flood damage in our Port Macquarie and surrounding areas, and how the community has reached out to help. Our school has been invited by the parish to donate toiletries and non-perishable foods. Please see pictures of these acts of kindness in the Principal's newsletter article. 

WELLBEING

With a focus on the wellbeing of our students at MacKillop College, we heard the story of a young man whose life has been severely affected by bullying while he was at school. We asked students to reflect on how they treat others in the school and whether the way they treat some students may be hurtful to them.

Easter is a time of new life, as a school community we are thankful all the blessings that we have and we pray that all within our school community takes this holiday time to renew and revive.

Here is the video that we shared with the students.

We wish everyone a Happy Easter and a restful Holiday. Please see below for Parish Easter liturgies.

MARG GOBIUS
LEADER OF EVANGELISATION

Year 7

THANK YOU AND WELL DONE

A big thank you to all Year 7 students and their families for the generosity and goodwill you have shown through your donations to the Project Compassion appeal, and in particular through your support of the Easter Raffle for Caritas. A big thanks also goes to Mrs Tanya Poppleton from our Junior Student Services who generously took on the huge challenge of gathering all the wonderful chocolate donations and organising them into wonderful prizes! There were a lot of very happy faces at the end of our raffle, with students showing outstanding school spirit in their fundraising efforts. Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you to everyone who contributed – your efforts will be a positive change in the lives of so many through Project Compassion.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

After a very different start to the year commencing with Covid-19 restrictions, right through to our community recently battling loss and change due to the flooding, water damage and subsequent clean ups, Year 7 have shown their resilience and strength in overcoming these challenges together. They have bound together as a caring community, shown support for each other, and have proved their willingness to keep moving forward!

Our first term together has definitely had its challenges, but there have been many rewards and highlights along the way too. Making new friends, learning to work together with new faces, finding their way around a very big school, having lots of new teachers, and undertaking a new variety of subjects are all achievements of which they can be proud. Cohort highlights have included celebrating our Mass and Belonging Day together, and of course, our fun community activities at Stoney Aqua Park, and I’m sure there have been many individual achievements and successes that will be milestones as well.

As the term draws to a close, I wish all students and staff a safe and relaxing Easter and holiday period – you have earned it. A reminder too, that all students will be required to return to school with their school tie when wearing their formal uniform, and it is also a good opportunity to address any uniform issues after no doubt some growth spurts, for example, skirt lengths and sport shoes. Many thanks for ensuring these things are addressed over the holidays.

ROUND CLASS CHANGES

Starting high school is a challenge for most students. Suddenly there is a timetable to follow, new campuses to navigate, a variety of new subjects, and having several different teachers a day – just to name a few of the changes from primary school. Of course, other significant changes are the challenges of meeting new friends and being in different classes with each other; sometimes these can be the greatest challenges in building a new community and having the opportunity for the greatest success at learning in the classroom.  

With the latter in mind, we have now experienced how our class communities are working together, both pastorally and academically. This settling in period allows us to make observations about individual learning needs and how students work together. Importantly, overall we have a picture of how the learning needs of all students within the year group are being met. With feedback from students, teachers and parents, this enables us to make some changes for the remainder of the year.

As was necessary this term with the change of Mathematics classes, Term Two will see several changes to some students’ Rounds Classes as well. These classes form the bulk of a student’s classes, but be assured that all students will continue with the same curriculum and assessment regardless of which class they are assigned to next term. Students will be advised of these changes at the commencement of the term and new timetables will be issued to those students affected.

Thank you for your understanding and support of these changes. They are not made lightly, and we believe they will give all students the best opportunity of successful learning in the classroom.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Lilly Blundell, Abbie Brennan, Ella Bucci, Emily Giudicelli, Sara Markovic, Ciarran McCallum, Ellen McManus, Jesper Robinson, Lucy Ryan, Charlotte Weatherley and Maddison West.

ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 8

As we head into the Easter break it is important to think back on what we have already achieved this year. It has been a challenging end to Term 1 and our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by the floods in recent times. It is so good to see the community come together during these times and give help where it is needed.

UNIFORM CONCERNS

As you would be aware, the uniform policy changed slightly this year. Our Code of Presentation now allows for two piercings in each ear and one ring, plus a watch - some students are now pushing the boundaries wearing multiple rings, necklaces, additional earrings and/or dangling or large earrings. Again, your support to keep students complying with the Code of Presentation is much appreciated. We will continue to apply consequences to deter, and speaking with students who continue to push these boundaries. There will be spot checks on particular items in Term 2 so be sure all items are in check each day.

The main change to the formal uniform in Terms 2 and 3 is students are to wear the College tie. The holidays are a good time to look for the tie and be sure it is ready for Day 1, Term 2.

Skirt and sport short length still remains an issue as many girls roll the tops of their skirts and shorts. Your support in impressing the need to stop this habit of rolling is appreciated, as is the task of dropping hems or purchasing new uniforms as your child grows. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Kimberley Manns who has received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award

One term down with three to go! I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and I look forward to working with you again in Term 2.

DANIEL O'DELL
ACTING YEAR 8 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 9

LOVE AND SACRIFICE (An Easter reflection)

A little girl was dying of a disease from which her eight year old brother had recovered some time before.

The doctor said to the boy, “Only a transfusion of your blood will save the life of your sister. Are you ready to give her your blood?”

The eyes of the boy widened in fear. He hesitated for a while, then finally said, “Okay, doctor. I’ll do it.”

An hour after the transfusion was completed the boy asked hesitantly, “Say, doctor, when do I die?” It was only then that the doctor understood the momentary fear that had seized the child – he had thought that in giving his blood he was giving his life for his sister.

(Taking Flight, Anthony deMello)

Like the boy in the story, Jesus knew the importance of his sacrifice. Jesus could have avoided death. This, however, would have meant to some degree abandoning the principles and ideals that he taught and lived. Jesus believed that these were worth the sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice was a conscious decision taken as a direct result of his convictions. Jesus was and is authentic. It was a necessary commitment in order to bring about the kingdom about which he so often spoke.

Without sacrifice there is no resurrection.

Nothing grows and blooms save by giving.

All you try to save in yourself wastes and perishes.

Andre Gide

YEAR 9 STUDENTS HARD AT WORK

He is Risen.

Wishing all Year 9 and their families a happy and holy Easter.

God bless.

PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 10

Drought, fire, Covid, floods - Year 10 have shown amazing resilience during their time at school to have these four major events impact on their personal life and their school life.

Year 10 Retreat has been postponed and a date for this will be finalised and parents will be advised of this as soon as the dates are confirmed.  

I understand that some families have been directly or indirectly impacted by all of the above issues and more recently the floods, if you require any assistance or support please do not hesitate to contact the school.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. It is important with the busyness of Year 10 that we take the opportunity to have a break, but also to get organised for Term 2 so that students do not feel overwhelmed when they arrive back at school.

GLEN LITTLER
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 11

Congratulations to Year 11 on a successful Term 1. It's been a busy start and Year 11 students have learnt that the Stage 6 curriculum is vigorous and fast paced. Thanks to those parents who attended the Learning Conversations this week and further supported the relationship between families and the College. I hope that you all have a happy and restful Easter. 

During the holidays, I encourage all of Year 11 to take up our Mary MacKillop theme of never seeing a need without doing something about it, and reach out and offer help to anyone around you who may need it. Recent events in our community have given us plenty of areas where we can help. All you have to do is be willing to offer.

ANDREA HUXLEY
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Wellbeing

We close the school term and are invited to spend some time with Jesus and mark the important milestone of our faith to celebrate Easter; Jesus’ resurrection and the salvation of humankind. 

Admittedly school holidays don’t necessarily hold the same appeal for working parents as it does for their children but school holidays are vitally important! The holiday break is a time for students to break from the stress cycle. New learning, new challenges, different teachers, different class dynamics, classwork and homework and study, assessments and dealing with flooding have presented challenges that impact students. A break from usual routines are an opportunity to gain perspective on their problems, relax and recharge, explore and share experiences which reconnect them more deeply with families and friends.

May you and your family have many shared moments of rest and recreation these holidays:)

Take care. 

NICOLE O'CONNELL
LEADER OF WELLBEING

SRC

MacKillop College actively supports National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. We invited our peers to voice their messages to their school community and the call for a positive school culture which values acceptance, inclusion and kindness was clear:

We Accept ALL

From the Mathematics Vault

Welcome to our weekly Maths Vault! 

We will provide a mathematics problem for solving, with the answer published the week after underneath a new problem. Good luck!

Music

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”- Martin Luther

TERM 2 ENSEMBLE CHANGES

Please note that the ensemble rehearsal schedule will change in Term 2 and 3 starting Week 2, Term 2. This change is to accommodate the College Concert Band rehearsal to take place on Friday mornings enabling senior students to be present.

Monday Mornings - Saxophone Ensemble

Wednesday Afternoon - Street Band

Friday Mornings - College Concert Band (Years 8 - 12)

MUSIC AND DANCE SHOWCASE

The music and dance showcase concert is scheduled for Thursday 15th July (Week 1 Term 3). This is the major performance event for the year. All ensembles will be working hard in Term 2 to prepare repertoire for this concert. It is therefore important for students to commit to rehearsal, practice and attendance throughout Term 2.

SHIRT ORDERS

All students in the ensemble program are required to order a performing ensemble shirt. This will be worn in performance at the showcase concert. Students are to contact the music trainee Alycia Lipovac to order a shirt as soon as possible. Term 2 order will be made in Week 3.

UPCOMING EVENTS

YEAR 7 2022 INFORMATION NIGHT

• Week 2 - Tuesday 27th April, 5:15pm - 6:15pm, College Hall , Junior Band and Street Band.

ANZAC TOWN GREEN PERFORMANCE

• Week 2 - Wednesday 28th April, 3:30pm - 5:30pm, Town Green (Horton Street) , SAPSS Marching Band.

Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.

ROBERT DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC 

Sport

YEAR 9 SURF SURVIVAL CERTIFICATE

Fortunately, Year 9 students were fantastic at sport this term completing the competencies required to complete the Surf Survival Certificate by Week 8. We have had two washed out Sport weeks due to poor weather. The great news is students that completed all of the skills during Weeks 1-8 will receive their Surf Survival Certificate.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A MACKILLOP COLLEGE SPORT TEAM

In the past, students have signed up to trial for a sport by writing their name on a paper list at the sports notice board. As of now all Registrations for MacKillop College sport teams will be completed by students by logging into the school Moodle page. Go to the Student Links tab on the left hand side and click on the Representative Sports Registrations link. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the google form.

Students will be notified through the morning notices when to sign up and when trials will occur.

Sports currently open for registration/ trials are:

• Bill Turner Boys and Girls Soccer
• Open Boys and Girls Soccer

Click on this link to register  http://moodle.pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/course/view.php?id=650

LISMORE DIOCESAN REGISTRATIONS

Please note that the following sports are currently open for students to be able to sign up to or register their interest to trial. These sports have been advertised to students through morning notices over the past week.

http://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/registration

NSWCCC Sport Registrations 2021 for Pathway Sports

Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal.

For instructions on how to register go to – Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport Website Sport pages.

https://csnsw.sport/

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY SPORT

If your child has achieved outstanding sporting results in their community sport, we would love to hear about it. Please email myself, or your child’s respective Leader of Pastoral Care, so we can acknowledge these achievements.  

If you have any questions regarding sport at MacKillop College, please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or phone at the College.

ERIN DENHAM
LEADER OF SPORT

Parish News

Come and spend time with Jesus this Easter.

Watch the personal invitation from Fr Paul where he invites you to celebrate Easter with us at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish this year.

EASTER MASS TIMES

Times for Palm Sunday and Easter Mass times across the Parish have been released and can be viewed here. 

Make sure you book into Mass and follow the COVID safe protocols. 

You can book in a number of ways: 

• Phone the Presbytery on 6583 1024 (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm, except Public Holidays)

• Book online line via the Parish Website (go to Mass Times then follow the 'Book into Mass here' prompts

Please refer to the Parish website (www.stagnesparish.org.au) for more details.

Canteen

Tuesday 20th April 
Vanessa Wilson, Sandy Green and Anthea Romer

Wednesday 21st April 
Heather Sheers and Stuart Ward

Thursday 22nd April 
Stuart Ward, HELP PLEASE 

Friday 23rd April
Bec Eakin, Sam Harrison, Priscilla Turnball, and Tracey Reddie 

The canteen always welcomes volunteers. Please ensure if you are volunteering you have supplied your volunteer Working With Children Check to the front office. 

If you would like to help please follow the link below or ring Maxine on  0432 179 365.  Help is needed from 11:00am to 2:00pm or for service from 11:00am till 11:30am or 1:35pm until 2:00pm.

To order from the canteen:
1. Orders can be written out at the canteen (bags supplied free of charge)

2. Orders can be written out at home and put in at the canteen

3. Download the QKR! app and order on line.

ALL ORDERS TO BE IN BY 8:30AM PLEASE

Please remind your child/children if you have ordered for them, and what their order is. We are currently having our volunteers spend quite a bit of time searching for students who have not collected their lunch orders.
If your child is sick and you have ordered, please phone the canteen (6583 2632) to arrange a credit. 

Homework Hubs

Homework Hub - Senior Campus

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday's and Thursday's

7:45am - 8:30am 

Room 12 Main College with Mrs Elizabeth Robertson