Term 2, Week 6, 2 June

Upcoming Events

Principal's Update

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY - 3 JUNE

Over the past week, the College has held a number of events and activities to recognise National Reconciliation Week; a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia in our daily lives. 

I would like to especially thank our Indigenous Education Workers (IEWs), Sarina Hickson-Flisinger and Monique McKean for coordinating so many meaningful experiences to recognise and acknowledge our indigenous students and families and to raise awareness for ongoing reconciliation, understanding and unity. 

I would also like to acknowledge the indigenous students who took the time during the week to chat with me about their experiences as young Aboriginal people, both in the wider community and in our school environment. Below are the words  Year 11 student Derani Hitchings shared during the Sorry Day Mass:

“National Sorry Day, for me personally, is a remembrance of culture and an acknowledgment of suffering within Indigenous communities. It recognises the grief present in Australian history, the loss of culture, stolen generations, massacres, cultural genocide, generational trauma and the marginalised Indigenous communities that still struggle as a result of the institutionalised racism that persists in Australian society today. It’s the beginning of reconciliation for the injustice of colonisation, for the lives lost, showing respect for Aboriginal elders and future generations of Aboriginal people as we bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, a push for cultural and social change so that we can unite for a better tomorrow.”

Below are some photos celebrating the wonderful activities of the past week:

Friday 26 May - National Sorry Day Mass

Monday 29 May - Face dot painting

Tuesday 30 May - Story time with Uncle Bill O’Brien

Wednesday 31 May - Story time with Tristram Morris

Thursday 1 June - Reconciliation Breakfast

Friday 2 June - Storytime

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Survey - Mental Health Commission – How is digital technology impacting young people's mental health?​​​​​​​ (Ref: 96/23)

The National Mental Health Commission is looking into how digital technology affects young people’s mental health. We know that digital technology can affect young people’s mental health and wellbeing in both good and bad ways. We want to develop ideas that will encourage the benefits of digital technologies and decrease harmful impacts on young people.

The survey aims to understand better how young people use digital technologies and how this can impact them. This will allow us to build the evidence base, identify practical solutions and advise the Government and the mental health and suicide prevention sectors on what can be done to support young people in an increasingly digital world. The last date to complete the survey is 22 June 2023. Complete the survey by clicking here.

Cath Eichmann
Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

This week we joined in the celebration of National Reconciliation Week. Well, actually, we commenced early with a play depicting the 1967 Referendum at our Week 5 Assembly and followed this up with an exceptional Eucharistic celebration to recognise Sorry Day.

Across National Reconciliation Week, the College has had all-period change bells play music by indigenous Australians; a subtle musical reminder of reconciliation twelve times each day. We have also had story time held each day in the College library. A highlight of story time was the visit by Uncle Bill O’Brien on Tuesday. He told many of his personal stories, stories of the local area and a number of stories from the dreaming.

Thursday morning saw a reconciliation breakfast at the Theatre foyer. PC each morning commenced with a prayer for reconciliation, bringing our hopes and aspirations for reconciliation to God.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967: On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992: On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A Brief History

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.

In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week.

In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.

In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns to show their support for reconciliation.

Check out our factsheet on National Reconciliation Week.

Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

Peter Murphy
Assistant Principal - Mission

Wellbeing

When people ask me what my job title is, I take a deep breath and say “Well, I’m a teacher but also the Leader of Wellbeing”, here people start to comment but I continue - “Leader of Wellbeing - Social and Emotional Support” and 95% of the time I hear “Well, that’s quite the title!” Which, let’s face it, is quite the title!  

Wellbeing is seemingly not out of place in a list that includes words like ‘deep dive’, ‘unpack’, ‘journey’, ‘big data’, ‘think outside the box’, ‘moving forward’, or ‘game changer’ - viewed by many as a catch cry that will come and go. Is wellbeing a new business buzzword? Absolutely BUT it is here to stay and it is significantly important.

“Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It's a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.”

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/wellbeing 

It has to be a focus for our young people. Those who have good wellbeing are resilient, form positive relationships, feel like they belong and emerge from adversity stronger than before - basically, they thrive. 

It is hard to measure the wellbeing of the entire school, what data do you collect, and what questions do you ask? How do you go beyond “the vibe” (thank you Dennis Denuto)?  That’s one of the things we work on but importantly we find areas of need, whether it is; an individual student; a small group; an entire cohort; or a topic area and we work there.  Improving any aspect of the individual or collective is going to positively impact the “life satisfaction” of all.

So today it’s a topic area - anxiety. Our school data and national research show unequivocally that the instances of anxiety are increasing, and in some areas of society rapidly increasing. Recently I have been reading articles that have asked me to change my perspective on anxiety which I have found very useful and thought you might like to hear about it too. 

It asks you to look at anxiety as not necessarily a bad thing, it’s a warning sign that something might go, or could be wrong. Giving you time to think, prepare and be ready.  Which is pretty helpful, who doesn’t love to be prepared? It’s when we focus on the warning and/or catastrophise all the possible outcomes that anxiety can become debilitating. When you feel anxious why not heed the warning? Thank your body for being amazing and giving you the heads up. Then let yourself know the message has been received, acknowledged and you are ‘parking’ it to deal with later. Is it as easy as that?  No, but it’s an interesting thought and worth some more investigation, it certainly resonated with me.  

I am not a psychologist - I am a teacher, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a niece, and a friend. I am constantly looking to fulfil all of these roles better. When I find something that works for me, both personally and professionally, it’s great to pass it on and that is what I am doing here. Let’s flip the perspective and get anxiety to work for us!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa Kable
Leader of Wellbeing - Social and Emotional Support

Creative Arts Nest

Have you voted for your favourite artwork?
With over 450 entries in 2023, the A4Art Competition is the biggest art competition in the region! Our online voting for the Community Choice Award from our shortlisted artworks has set the internet ablaze with more than 4,200 votes already cast! Visit our online gallery at www.artsnest.com.au to cast your vote. The winner gets a Family Pass to Stoney Park!
The A4Art competition is run across all St Agnes’ Parish Schools and there are entry categories from Kindergarten students all the way up to Year 12 and Staff. Artists had to create an artwork by using just ONE A4 size piece of paper. Draw, paint, scribble, fold, sculpt, cut, mould, shred, or even write on the paper – anyway the artist envisaged!
SAVE THE DATE! Back for a second year, the 2023 A4Art Prize Touring Exhibition will once again be inflated and showcased on Town Green East during ArtWalk Port Macquarie, 9th June 5 pm-9 pm. This year feel free to tour through this fun and immersive pop-up exhibition of 160 artworks and be sure to cast your vote, in person for your favourite finalist. Shortlisted artworks will once again be projected for the community to see.
We are also excited to announce St Agnes’ Education will once again be featured at ArtWalk musically with the St Agnes’ Drumline along with various ensembles. A list of locations and times will be provided closer to the date.
All winners of the 2023 A4Art Prize will be announced at a finalist event on June 22nd with an invitation coming soon.
This year's competition is sponsored by...  Sunset Framing & Gallery, The Seed Creative, Wauchope Creative Hub, Affinity Helicopters, Stoney Park, Innervision Surf & Skate, Alice In Paperland, Drawn To Art, Arthouse Industries, Eckersley's Art & Craft, Agostina, Cassegrain, Wildnets Adventure Park & St Agnes Education.

Changes to Busways Services

Please see attached letters advising of changes to some School Bus Services as a result of the temporary closure of Little Morton’s Creek Bridge on Mortons Creek Rd, commencing Monday, 12 June 2023.

Year 7

There is a strong correlation between wellbeing and high school success. When students experience a sense of positive wellbeing, emotional stability, connection and overall life satisfaction, they are more likely to perform better academically and achieve success in various aspects of their high school journey.

Positive coping strategies provide adolescents with constructive ways to cope with everyday pressures and setbacks. By encouraging our young people to explore and adopt these coping mechanisms, we can help students handle stress, regulate their emotions, and develop a strong sense of self. Moreover, positive coping strategies contribute to the development of resilience, allowing adolescents to bounce back from adversity, build confidence, and foster a positive mindset.

In a world where mental health is gaining recognition as a vital aspect of overall wellbeing, teaching students positive coping skills is an investment in their future. By cultivating these strategies, our young people are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, maintain their mental health, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The article below by ReachOut serves as a good conversation starter with your young person to help develop these essential skills.

https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/wellbeing/things-to-try-coping-skills-and-resilience/teach-your-teenager-coping-skills-for-wellbeing

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Liam Ayres, Sarah Chamberlain, Harry Creighton, Bailey Haste, Sam Hewens, Alexander Madeley, Abby Moloney, Tom Sharman, Mackenzie Trimmer, Aleisha Van Lint and Jaysen Wei.

I know there are many more students yet to hand in their merits and I look forward to celebrating their success soon.

Best wishes.
Adam O’Brien
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

These photos of Year 8 this year capture the joy and sense of community when together, and it is this sense of connection and happiness that we at MacKillop want to nurture and sustain so our young people may thrive.

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Last week every student completed an anti-bullying survey to use their voice so staff can have real data to identify any bullying behaviours at our school, address areas of concern and secure a culture of respect and connection. I will address the survey results to students in our Year Assembly and carers in upcoming newsletters. 

A sense of connection is crucial to our life satisfaction, happiness, mental and physical health and even longevity. It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. Research shows that loss of connection often adds stress and decreased wellbeing. Without a strong sense of connection, it’s easy to feel lost and alone. Which is a pretty scary place to be at school, especially when you are 13 or 14.

The theme of our upcoming Year 8 Retreat Day is CONNECT.

On Thursday, 15 June all of Year 8 will be attending a one-day retreat, in the College Hall, called “Connect and Belong”. This Retreat will be run by leaders from “UNLEASHING PERSONAL POTENTIAL” and small group leaders will be Year 8 RE class teachers.

The Retreat Day is designed to offer students the opportunity to explore what it means to connect and belong; it also endeavours to help all students access the messages of connection, faith, belonging, gratitude, scripture, forgiveness, fun and relationship in an authentic way.

This is a variation in routine to a normal school day, and all students are expected to attend.  Students are required to wear their full sports uniform for comfort and bring their usual lunch and snacks and pencil case. NO DEVICE is necessary on this day.

I look forward to walking with our great young people in these events that invite God and each other to closer, positive connections.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Evie Bullen, Ethan Carey, Ayla Cross, Peter Duffy, Phillipa Eakin, Paige Goldie, Eli Hudson (x2), Seth Maggs, Darcy Middleton, Zoe Mizzi, Neha Philip, Marley Thick, Faith Urquhart and Aidan Wadwell.

Nicole O’Connell
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

It’s been another very busy period for our Year 9 students over the past fortnight or so with them completing multiple assessments. A number of students have also been representing the school in multiple sporting, academic and co-curricular activities whilst juggling their academic commitments. The feedback I have received from the teachers responsible for supervising these students has been overwhelmingly positive, so take a moment to pat your child on the back if they have been representing the College of late.

As many of our students have already or will be turning 15 in the near future, many of the conversations our pastoral team are having with them centre on their changing relationships with their peers. Below is a link to an article that provides advice for parents about how to encourage your kids to have healthy relationships and how you as a parent can facilitate conversations with them about what healthy relationships look like.

https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/wellbeing/things-to-try-romantic-relationships/help-teenagers-have-respectful-relationships

David Kennedy
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

Exams, Study and Distractions

“If you’re the parent or carer of a teenager facing exam time, knowing how to help them access practical ways to reduce the distractions is important.  When you understand some easy ways to help them stay on track, it makes a huge difference to their state of mind – and, potentially, their exam results.”

Year 10 has had a number of exams and assessments of late. I often speak with the students about how they prepared for the exams or how they study at home. The above is from a helpful website I found that you may want to take a look at.

7 ways to help your teen avoid study distractions

Mid Coast Careers Market

Year 10 attended the Mid Coast Careers Market last Tuesday at the Port Macquarie Racecourse. It was a great opportunity for the students to gain a broader awareness and understanding of locally available career pathways, employment and training opportunities.

The event provided a ‘one-stop shop’ for information about local businesses and training providers information on industry-specific employment and training requirements, details on locally available job opportunities, practical demonstrations and hands-on activities for students.

Daniel O’Dell
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 11

A very busy time at the moment for Year 11, with assessment tasks on the horizon. Weeks 8 and 9 are particularly packed with assessment tasks, so now is the time to be putting a shoulder to the wheel and making the most of study time and revision.

One of our early mantras this year was “Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly”, which serves to remind us that we have to gather the skills required and practice these skills before they become part of how we do things. It is then that we can habitually use these skills and talents to forge the future we want for ourselves.

Many students in Year 11 are already at the “Wear Cape” stage. Their study habits and work ethic are well formed and they are developing organisational skills to cope with the steady stream of demands that the HSC puts on them.

Many too, are still working out what habits they need to get where they want to go. Some are slow to adopt a new senior school mentality or a consistent regime of revision.

And that’s OK… we’re all different. But what we must not do is stagnate. Or stop. We must keep moving to try and be better than we were yesterday, we must keep looking to get hold of that “Cape” and put it on.

Without it, we can’t fly.

Congratulations

• To Melesse Mallyon, who received an award for HSC Dance at the Year 12 Award Ceremony. Melesse is completing her HSC in Dance this year.
• To Tom Ryan and Aiden Moore-Jones who received the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Awards. Congratulations to both of you.

Bruce Smith
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 12

Congratulations

Year 12 student Veronica Keelan-Slight received an honourable mention in the Little Stories Big Ideas flash fiction writing competition for Australian secondary students. Veronica was recognised as one of the best young writers in the country when she submitted a piece about love. Each term the national competition invites students from Years 7-12 to submit a short imaginative piece of no more than 100 words to fit a specific theme. Veronica wrote about the potential for people to use violence (interpersonal and global) in the misguided name of love.

Clare Hayes
Leader of Learning - English

Careers Corner

Applications are now open to secondary students and teachers from around Australia to attend an all-expenses paid trip to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp in the United States.

What an awesome opportunity you cannot miss. For more information click on the link below.
https://www.indopacificexpo.com.au/program/the-astronaut-al-worden-endeavour-scholarship/

Creative Arts News

Sport Update

Wheelchair Roadshow

Year 8 recently had a visit from Robert from Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT. Robert lives with a disability and is a representative athlete for Wheelchair Basketball NSW. He attended with a class set of wheelchairs for two days. Students participated in a presentation from Robert on disability awareness and road safety followed by a game of Wheelchair Basketball. The students gained a lived experience of something new, as well as giving them an idea of what it is like to be in a wheelchair. This will be beneficial for later in the year when they investigate effective strategies to promote inclusivity, equality and respectful relationships.

Pre-Events MacKillop College Athletics Carnival 2023

Students have been signing up for the Athletics Pre-Events 400m, 800m, 1500m & High Jump through Moodle. ONLY students that have registered have permission to attend the events listed below.

If your child is competing in the High Jump event they are required to return a signed permission note if they wish to do the Fosbury flop. The notes are located on the Sports Noticeboard.

Information regarding the carnival on Tuesday, 20 June (Week 9) will be published in the Week 8 newsletter.

Week 7 – Tuesday 6 June

High Jump – Junior MPC

Week 7 – Wednesday 7 June

400m – Senior Oval

Week 7 – Thursday 8 June

800m – Senior Oval

Week 8 – Tuesday 13 June

1500m – Senior Oval

Representative Sport, Upcoming Events, Mackillop College Events and Registration

More State selections…

Mr Littler and I recently travelled to Penrith to assist the Northern Rugby League teams compete at the NSWCCC Under 18 (Boys & Girls) and Under 15 Boys Rugby League Trials for the NSWCCC Rugby League teams.

Congratulations to Tess McWilliams and Angele Field who made the Under 18 NSWCCC Team. The girls were a part of the inaugural selections and were treated to a tour of the NSW Rugby League headquarters. Gavin Badger (NRL Referee) took the girls on a tour with Ruan Sims finishing with a motivational talk on her journey of success as the first female Rugby League player to be contracted.

We wish the girls every success as they represent NSWCCC at Redcliffe later in the year.

NSWCCC Football Championships and Selection Trials.

Congratulations to Mason Swain Liam Mercer, Liam Hancock, Grace Davies, Sophie Gallagher and Chelsea Gallagher (injured) who recently travelled to Sydney to represent the Lismore Diocese Open’s Soccer teams at the NSWCCC Football Championships at Valentine Park.

It was great to hear that the level of soccer played was of a high standard with all the boys displaying great sportsmanship, and the team putting in a competitive effort in every match.

The girls had a great time but unfortunately, only come away with one win after Sophie Gallagher found her way to the back of the net. 

Well done to all of our students who represented the Diocese with pride. 

SCHOOLS CUP NETBALL

Year 7 & 8 Girls State Cup Netball – GOLD TEAM

Congratulations to MacKillop Gold on an outstanding day of netball. The team consisted of Olivia Edmund, Gemirah Fernando, Indie Gardoll Marjoribanks, Bianca Harrison, Charlotte McEnytyre, Milla Pieren, Tilly Sinclair, Zoe Townsend & Ruby Winters.

The girls played 3 competitive games in their pool and then a crossover final.  They demonstrated great team spirit, played some great netball and won each game convincingly. Every player contributed to the wins and should be proud of their efforts. We now progress to the next level and will play again in August.

Nicole Thompson (Coach)

Year 7 & 8 Girls State Cup Netball – Black Team

The 7/8 MacKillop Girls Black team had a sensational day. Consisting of Mia Zvirzdinas, Abby Maloney, Gia Hudson, Ruby Williams, Evie Hewens, Ally Newton, Tahlia Sutherland and Lani Warren. 

Starting with a social game against SCAS White they won 16 to 7. Then in their first-round game against Wauchope High School, they won 30 to 1. In their second game, they played Kempsey Adventist school with a convincing win of 35 to 1. Coming up against SCAS White again they won 15 to 10. Making them the winner of the SWIFTS pool. 

Our crossover game with the other pool was up against SCAS Blue, who were second in their pool. The girls played with all their hearts and pushed right to the end but unfortunately went down 20 to 3 in the final. 

Special mentions to our goal-scoring machine Gia and our intercept queen Lani.

It was a pleasure to coach these girls, who showed great sportsmanship and positivity throughout the day. I hope I get the chance to coach these girls again one day.

Ebanie Green (Coach)

Year 7 & 8 Boys Netball - Black team

Congratulations to all the boys that played in the 7/8 Boys Schools Cup Netball Black team. All students had a fantastic day with every player improving throughout the six games that they played. 

The team consisted of Eli Hudson, Jack Robb (Shooters), Bailey Rowlatt, Jake Riches, Lachlan Walters, Joey Thompson (Centre Court), Manni McGarth and Riley Garel (Defence). Jude Vasilescu was absent on the day. 

Well done to all of the boys, they displayed outstanding sportsmanship and enthusiasm every game. 

 A special mention to Manni McGarth who was the Best and Fairest on the day. 

Tahnee Johnston (Coach)

Year 7 & 8 Boys Netball - Gold

Congratulations to the year 7/8 Boys Netball Gold Team who went through the day undefeated at the Netball Schools Cup and will progress through to the Regional level next term. The team went extremely well considering 5 of the 9 boys have not played netball before. Jack McGrath kept our ‘Against’ points low with his incredible agility down the defensive end. Notable mentions go to Patrick Green's precision feeding of the ball into the goal circle and Ben Romer's shooting skills.

Overall, all the boys showed great teamwork and sportsmanship in representing MacKillop College. The team consisted of Ben Romer, Noah Pociask, Arthur Schmude, Flynn Daly, Rafferty Gordon, Patrick Green, Rocky Mann, Vilius Philp and Jack McGrath.

The best and Fairest on the day goes to Patrick Green. Well done Boys!

Amber Mann (Coach)

Year 9 & 10 Boys Netball

Thank you to all boys who trialled for the 9/10  boys team this year. It was a hard selection but our team certainly did a great job representing the school at the local carnival. The boys were faced with the challenge of a very busy schedule this year resulting in clashes with other sporting commitments. We are very lucky to have a depth of talent and players who were willing to fill in and represent on the day of this carnival. They played hard and rallied as a team, responding very well to the coaching and feedback that was given to them in order to progress to the North Coast Regional Finals, to be held in Term 3.  All boys were fine ambassadors for MacKillop, playing with determination and displaying good teamwork and sportsmanship. 

The boys who played in the 9/10 team at this local carnival were Blake Collins, Malachy Kelleher, Jack Merrick, Flynn Burrage, Noah Gunn, Blake Romer, Harley Cottom, Jack Ryan, Matthew Firkin

The best and Fairest for the day goes to Blake Romer.

A special thank you always goes to our umpires who did a fantastic job all day. Without them, we cannot attend these events.

Our umpires were Molly Kirk, Makayla Mott, Emily Butt, Makya Carney, Madeline Strong and Ally Newton.

Finally, thanks to all the parents who came down to support the boys. It was a new venture for some of these players and we hope they enjoyed the day!

Michelle Marino (Coach)

Year 7 & 8 Boys Touch Football

The team made it to the semi-finals and got up in a drop-off. Then we came up against a red hot Regional team again (was 2-2 in our round game) and went down in a drop-off.

The boys were an absolute pleasure to coach. They were respectful and super engaging. They were competitive but also played with great sportsmanship. I think they have the potential to do really well. 

Anna Gleeson (Coach) & Mackenzie Murray (Coach)

Year 7 & 8 Girls Touch Football Team

The day started with strong winds and heavy rain which made for a very wet and cold start to our campaign. The girls put on a brave face and took the field against a visiting team from Hunter Sports High in round 1.

Led by Darcie Gleeson and Claire Morris, the girls showed teamwork and impressive skills but unfortunately went down in a very tough match. The girls learned a lot from this loss and showed resilience, high-quality skills and speed to go on and win their remaining round games convincingly.

We then faced Manning Valley in the semi-final who were undefeated in their pool and the girls played their best game of the tournament to win 7-2. This meant we would face Hunter Sports High again in the grand final. The girls made a valiant effort to improve significantly in their first-round game but unfortunately lost in another tough match. Finishing runner-up on the day means we now progress to the Sydney champs in August. The girls were an absolute pleasure to coach and I am extremely proud of what they achieved in such a small period of time. Congratulations to MVP of the day Claire Morris.

Jamie Cartwright (Coach)

Junior Girls Hockey Team

We had an incredible few days in Bathurst with the junior girls' hockey team. Despite the challenging weather conditions during our first early morning game, where the cold swirling fog made it difficult to see, the girls gave it their all against James Sheehan, Orange. It was a hard-fought match, and although we lost 3-0, it was a remarkable result considering we had six players who were new to hockey and it was our first game as a team.

As the sun emerged and the fog lifted, the girls regained their spirits and secured a fantastic 1-0 win on the grass against Monte Sant’Angelo. The goal scored by Sienna Neumann was impressive. Our final game of the day was against Trinity Catholic College on the grass field, and although the girls put up a valiant effort, we, unfortunately, lost 4-0, placing us third in our pool.

On day 2, the girls rallied together and delivered the best performance of the trip during the playoffs. With a goal from Sienna Neumann and a second goal from Sophie Holmes, we emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes. The girls were elated by this triumph.

Finishing fifth overall, our junior girls displayed commendable sportsmanship and remarkable growth throughout their games. They displayed skill, determination, and outstanding teamwork in their victories and approached their losses with resilience and a positive attitude.

Coach's Award: Caitlin Nottle

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Lily Rowlatt

Players' Player: Daisy Pees

We commend all the players for their dedication and hard work. Their performance was truly inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate their return next year.

Rachel Clark (Coach)

Junior Boys Hockey Team

MacKillop College Junior Boys team booked a finals showdown against Red Bend Catholic College (RBCC). Captained by Ajay Sengupta, the team showed amazing defence and composure to keep the rampaging Red Bend scoreless in the first half. 

The boys played valiantly, in the second half. A quick succession of goals against us took the momentum away from our attack. With the grand final whistle blown, MacKillop College Junior boys were awarded a CCC Silver Medal. 

Rhys Jones (Coach)

Open Girls Hockey Team

Bathurst turned on the blue skies for a 15-team Open Girls CCC tournament this year.

The girls trained well in the lead-up to the competition and were excited to play our first game and come away with a 4 – 0 win. Nerves settled and play started to flow in the second game where we couldn’t convert our hard work on the field into a goal. A nil-all draw closed out the first day of play. Wednesday morning presented us with a must-win game to progress to the semi-finals, and we had a hard-fought and even game with Trinity, Goulburn. A nil-all draw saw Trinity progress and our girls meet McCarthy College, Tamworth in the playoffs. Another hard-fought game held to nil all until the last 2 minutes and McCarthy converted. The girls finished 7^th in the competition and had a wonderful tournament. Farewell to our Year 12’s Zara, Darcee & Rosie. Thank you for your dedication to MacKillop Hockey. Thanks so much to all girls for participating, see you next year.

Coaches Award: Sally Temple

Most Valuable Player: Quinn Doolan (St John Paul College – Coffs Harbour)

Players Player: Zara Ferguson.

Alison Montgomery (Coach)

Open Boys Hockey Team

Open Boys topped their Pool Division and secured a spot in the semi-finals. Captained by Charlie Ford, the veteran defender showed masterclass in leadership for the Championship competition. A convincing win against Trinity Catholic College had the boys pumped up for a 'Clash of the Titians' grand final against RBCC. The rivalry between MacKillop College and RBCC is undeniable. MacKillop College made the first strike and put RBCC on the back foot. The outstanding defence shut down any attack.  Outstanding goal Keeping from Flynn Slade frustrated the opposition.  MacKillop went into halftime leading with the only goal. 

The second half saw RBCC aggressively seek to level the score out. Two well-placed shots saw RBCC take the late lead. The boys fought hard to tie the game up, however, a questionable goal awarded to RBCC in the closing minutes dashed that hope. Congratulations to MacKillop College Open Boys CCC Silver medalists for 2023. 

Rhys Jones (Coach)

NSW Open Boys Basketball

The Open Boys Basketball team recently competed at the NSW Schools Basketball Tournament in Penrith. Over 60 schools competed at the event, each battling it out to be the winning school. The MacKillop team were drawn into the top division (Division 1).

The boys started the 2-day tournament strongly, defeating St Gregory’s College Campbelltown (51-45). Next up was Emanuel School, Randwick. The team again played strongly to defeat Emanuel 49-39. This placed us up against SEDA College from Sydney in the semi-final. In an extremely close game, the MacKillop boys held their nerve to win 30-29 and gain a place in the final, against St Dominic’s College Kingswood. In another tough game, the team stuck with the opposition until the last minutes of the second half, going down 39-26.

Congratulations to the boys on winning the silver medal in the tournament. The team included Jesse Blain, Will Pamplin, Sam Blain, Toby Harper, Riley Harmer, Kaden Lawler, Blake Collins, Blake Romer, Lucas Scott and Malachy Kelleher.

Ryan Adams (Coach)

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT, UPCOMING EVENTS, MACKILLOP COLLEGE EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

All registrations for MacKillop College Representative Sport teams are completed by;

1. Logging into the school Moodle page (Chrome browser).
2. Click on the Student Links tab on the left-hand side
3. Click on the Representative Sports registrations link
4. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the Google form.

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

Click on this link to register.  Sports currently open for registration are;

• 7/8 Basketball – Boys and Girls
• 9/10 Basketball – Boys and Girls

LISMORE DIOCESAN EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

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.

Please click on the link below to register for the sports.

NSWCCC EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

Students MUST be registered for the event with parent and Principal or Leader of Sport approval.

Registration is through the CSNSW.sport portal. Details on how to register – Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Please note that the NSWCCC Sport registrations for individual nominations for 2023 selections are open for the following trials:

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages. https://csnsw.sport/

NSW ALL SCHOOLS – EVENTS

The selection for these events is a result of the NSWCCC events.

COMMUNITY SPORT

Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Congratulations to Charlie Ford from Tacking Point Thunder Hockey Club.

While only a Junior himself, Charlie has designed and implemented a Junior Umpire Mentoring Program. He has taken the initiative to upskill himself to provide education and feedback to his peers in order to help improve their cohort as a whole. As an umpire himself, he is always volunteering to umpire games from juniors all the way up to our Premier League men.

"He is conscientious, polite and highly regarded by the whole hockey community. Charlie has a massive future ahead of him and this recognition would be hard earnt." - nominator of Charlie.

Charlie will receive 2 nights' accommodation at a Rydges hotel and an NSW Pride Membership and Merchandise Pack. Congratulations and thank you for everything you do Charlie!

Food for Thought…

“People always asked "Why do you pay so much money for your kid to do sports”? Well I have a confession to make; I don't pay for my kid to to do sports. Personally, I couldn't care less about what sport she does.

So, if I am not paying for sports what am I paying for?

- I pay for those moments when my kid becomes so tired she wants to quit but doesn’t.

- I pay for those days when my kid comes home from school and is “too tired" to go to her training but she goes anyway.

- I pay for my kid to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.

- I pay for my kid to learn to take care of her body and learn how to correctly fuel her body for success. 

- I pay for my kid to learn to work with others and to be a good team mate, gracious in defeat and humble in success.

- I pay for my kid to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don’t get that placing or title they'd hoped for, but still, they go back week after week giving it their best shot.

- I pay for my kid to learn to make and accomplish goals.

- I pay for my kid to respect, not only themselves but others, officials, judges and coaches.

- I pay for my kid to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.

- I pay for my kid to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long-term goals.

- I pay for the opportunity my child has and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of her achievements as I am.

- I pay so that my child can be in the gym instead of in front of a screen...

- I pay for those rides home where we make precious memories talking about practice, both good and bad. 

-I pay so that my child can learn the importance of time management and balancing what is important like school and keeping grades up 

...I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provides my kid with to develop attributes that will serve her well throughout her life and give her the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far I think it is a great investment!”

Author: Anonymous

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

Canteen Update

Monday 5 June
Mayo Brumby & Kate Perkins

Tuesday 6 June
Emily Duffy & Jodie Buttsworth
Natalie Junger  (Lunch 2)

Wednesday 7 June
Peta Clancy & Clarissa Morris

Thursday 8 June
Chris Jourdant & Jo Sexton

Friday 9 June
Carolyn Horam, Allie Tamanti, Hana Smith & Leanne Hatherly

Monday 12 June
PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Tuesday 13 June
Jenny Murray & Julie Tipper

Wednesday 14 June
Roz Brockhurst & Danielle Sen Gupta

Thursday 15 June
Help Please

Friday 16 June
Sam Harrison, Jane Keegan, Christine Brumby & Hannah Temple

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 handed in at the canteen.

3. Download the Qkr! app and order online.

All orders are to be in by 8.00 am, please.

There is hot food available over the counter to purchase, however, to avoid disappointment it is best to order.

Please remind your child/children if you have ordered for them, and what their order is. 

If your child is sick and you have ordered, please phone the canteen (6583 2632) to arrange credit. 

Please note to change your child's year group when using the QKR! app to order lunch for 2022.

Now available: Gluten-free pies $5.00 and gluten-free sausage rolls $4.00; these items must be ordered.

Canteen Help Needed

The canteen is desperately seeking volunteers for one hour per month. No cooking, cleaning or stocking needed, just serving our lovely students. Even if you can only do one half hour shift it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all of our current volunteers, we appreciate your help.

Sign up and receive a Welcome Pack (coffee voucher, chocolates, voucher for your child to use at the canteen).
Please contact Maxine at the College 6583 2632 or via email maxine.stone@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Indigenous Marathon Foundation

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday 7.45am-8.30am and  Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson