Term 3, Week 10, September 27

Upcoming Events

Principal

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care 2025

It is with mixed emotions that I share with the college community that our Assistant Principal Pastoral Care, Jennifer Campbell, will be stepping down from her role and taking some well-deserved leave from the end of 2024. It is a very exciting time for Jennifer, as she looks to enjoy new hobbies and time with family and friends. However, we will be sad to see her go; Jennifer works as hard as anyone I have ever known and brings an immense amount of love and compassion to her role. We look forward to celebrating, later this year, Jennifer’s amazing contribution to MacKillop College over the past 28 years.

Over the last six weeks, a nationwide recruitment process was undertaken by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools to find Jennifer’s replacement. It is with pleasure that I announce that Mr. Stephen Roberts will step into the role of Assistant Principal Pastoral Care at MacKillop College from the beginning of 2025. Stephen brings with him 15 years of leadership experience in Catholic schools across Sydney, including Assistant Principal at Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. Stephen’s most recent role is the leader of Pastoral Care at Newman Senior Technical College, having moved to our beautiful region in December 2023 with his wife and children.

Year 12 Graduation 

On Wednesday, we had an amazing day celebrating the Year 12 Class of 2024. The day began with a beautiful Mass and was followed by morning tea with our Year 12 students and families, the traditional Guard of Honour, and then our Celebration of Excellence Assembly. Congratulations to all Year 12 students, and special congratulations to our major award winners. The theme of the day was very much one of love, from our readings at Mass to the love felt at the conclusion of the celebration when students, staff, and parents gathered. We wish all our Year 12 students much love as they prepare for their upcoming HSC exams.

2024 - 2025 Student Representative Council

Congratulations to our 2024/2025 Student Representative Council. The Commissioning Ceremony for these students will take place on Wednesday 16 October.

Tournament of Minds

Last weekend, Mrs. Amy Ryals had the pleasure of taking some wonderful students to the NSW Tournament of Minds State final held at UNSW in Sydney. Read below for a breakdown on the event.

Our two teams, STEM and THE ARTS, had some great preparation for this tournament, with a practice 3-hour challenge being held at school on Wednesday, 18th September! We are very grateful for Mr. Andrew Evans accompanying us to drive us safely to and from Sydney. A big thank you to Mrs. Christine Harmer, who also came to facilitate a long 3-hour room supervision for another school. She particularly enjoyed listening to the ukulele being played for most of that time!

We had a special day for one of our students who had a birthday on Saturday, and all the students were very grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Morris, who provided us with the most delicious ice creams at Darling Harbour. Thank you! Our STEM team consisted of Kavi Mohanoranjan, Ben Ryan, Lucas Morris, Paige Goldie, Paige Causley, Olivia Gridely, and Tori McGrath. Our Arts Team consisted of Anna Harmer, Evie Bullen, Sarah Gleeson, Zoe Mizzi, Angelina Mifsud-Scriven, and Lila Karam. We had a delicious dinner in Darling Harbour on Saturday night and were treated to wonderful fireworks on the harbour along with the rest of Sydney. The day started early at 8.20am at UNSW, and each team met in a theatre for their brief before being sent to rooms for a 3-hour-long challenge. The teams said they enjoyed their 3-hour challenge, and some mentioned that it was a rush for time. The challenges were difficult at times, but watching both of our teams perform, we knew they were most certainly up for the challenge. The arts team were so pumped to do their performance, with all of them saying they had nothing to lose but to have fun!

A very big thank you to Mrs. and Mr. McGrath for organising, buying, and preparing our lunch for the Sunday TOM day at UNSW. We only had 1 hour, and this was just such a great help. Thank you for your support throughout the TOM months as well. Milly McGrath and Miya Freeman of year 11 also deserve a big thank you for their time given up to help train and support our TOM teams. Lastly, our amazing ex-student, Kashi McGrath, thank you for all of your wonderful help and encouragement along the way! Unfortunately, at NSW State TOM, we did not place, but I was so proud of all of our teams and their performances. So much strength in each team! We cannot wait to do it all again next year, with even stronger teams! 

Amy Ryals
Enrichment Teacher

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 11

Next

Term 4 Uniform

Can I please ask that all families ensure uniforms are correct at the commencement of Term 4. I ask particular attention be given to shoes, socks and the length of skirts and sports shorts as these items often need updating as students grow throughout the year.  

Holiday wishes

Wishing all our families a safe and restful Spring break.

Cath Eichmann
Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Year 7-10 Christian Outreach Programme

Commencing Term Four, the college will be trialling a Christian Outreach Programme with Year 7 students.

Purpose (Why are we doing this?)

Our college mission is to ‘enable students to experience the fullness of life. (John 10:10). Three of the most natural expressions of Christian fullness of life are revealed in faith that is embodied in worship, service, and community. The Christian Outreach Programme seeks to build student experience in each of these three areas.

The following actions are identified as priorities through the college review that formed our school improvement plan and school annual improvement plan.

• Develop a year-group-based community service programme.
• Explicitly promote school, parish, and community-based service opportunities.
• Actively promote and share opportunities for participation in worship for students, staff, and families at both school and parish celebrations.
• Provide and promote opportunities for students to meaningfully engage in activities to connect with others.
• Embed the college's core values.
• Explicitly teach the connection between religious education and service.
• Explicitly teach the connection between religious education and worship.

Process (How and when will we do this?)

Model: This is a pastoral, class-based approach incorporating:

• Community service through existing St. Agnes’ Parish entities
• Worship at St. Agnes’ Parish Friday mass
• Hospitality for parishioners after mass
• Pastoral activity (Ten Pin Bowling)

In operating the programme, we hope to reinforce the college's core values of faith, community, compassion, excellence, integrity, and respect.

Each Friday in Term Four, a different Year 7 Pastoral Class will be involved in Christian Outreach. We expect a positive experience through the trial, and the programme will be incorporated across Years 7–10 in 2025. The proposed sequence across the year groups appears below.

• Term 1: Year 7
• Term 2: Year 9
• Term 3: Year 8
• Term 4: Year 10
• Students will complete their experience during a school term that links directly with the Religious Education curriculum.
• RE teachers will explicitly link classroom learning and teaching with students’ experiences of service and worship

I am excited that the college is introducing another opportunity for students to experience life lived out of a Christian worldview.

God Bless
Peter Murphy
Asistant Principal - Mission

“Whatever you did this for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40-41

Year 7

Extended PC

In our Extended PC in Week 9, Year 7, we focused on Respect. Students explored the concept of respectful relationships through interactive lessons and activities, learning about healthy communication and strategies to build and maintain positive relationships.

These experiences have not only enriched the students' learning but also fostered their personal and social development as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of secondary school. As Year 7 looks forward to Term 4, they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue their journey at MacKillop College.

Term 3: That’s a wrap!

As Term 3 at MacKillop College comes to a close, Year 7 students have had an eventful period filled with memorable activities and celebrations. The Mary MacKillop Feast Day was celebrated with a whole-school Mass, followed by engaging activities that fostered community spirit and reflection on the values of St. Mary MacKillop. Throughout the term, Year 7 also focused on core values during our Year assemblies, particularly emphasising respect for oneself, others, and the environment. These experiences have not only enriched their learning but also strengthened their sense of belonging within the school community as they look forward to the challenges and opportunities of Term 4.

I would like to wish all students and families a great break and enjoyable holidays, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school next term.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Principals Award: Sophie Donohoe, Sienna Furney, Jemma Kowaleski, Torie Matheson & Amelia Williams.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Summer Baker, George Conway, Xavier Dare, Ruby Davies, Zarley Groth, Natasha Pirnie, Riley Richards, Samuel Tarbox & Zachary Thomas.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Mahalia Anderson, Adrienne Arce (x2), Geordie Baird, Summer Baker, Riley Batman, Harrison Bemmann, Patrick Blackman, Christopher Bullock, Breanna Butt, Mason Caltabiano, Judd Charet, Olivia Chung Tian Lan, Benjamin Clarke, George Conway, Tahney Cross, Xavier Dare, Johnny Davidson, Ruby Davies, Sophie Donohoe, Alice Eakin, Drew Evans, Salvador Fairley, Jack Fennell, Lachlan Forbes, Sienna Furney, Zarley Groth, Mitchell Hagenbach, Angus Hawken, Francesca Healey, Lachlan Hilkemeijer, Liam Holding, Cooper Hollis, Brady Keane, Airlie Kearns, Samuel King, Jemma Kowalewski, Jacob Lane-Rowsthorne, Asha Maher, Noah Marchant, Torie Matheson, Trinity McIlroy, Archie McKeough, Sofia McNeil, Charlotte Miles, Karsanth Mohanaranjan, Xavier Morrison Joshua Mullen, Dominic O'Brien, Charlotte Pascua, Levi Pees, Natasha Pirnie (x2), Jacob  Pope, Riley Richards, Nathaniel Sun Zhong, Braxton Sutherland, Samuel Tarbox, Zachary Thomas, Piper Trindall, Joslyn Wake (x2), Sophia Ward, Amelia Williams & Cody Winter.

Ryan Adams
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

Extended PC

One of the core values we have here at MacKillop College is respect. In Week 9’s Extended PC session, Year 8 students delved into the theme of respectful relationships. The session kicked off with a graffiti wall activity where students expressed what respect means to them by writing or drawing their ideas on butcher’s paper. This was followed by an exercise exploring what respect looks like, feels like, and how to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships.

Students then engaged in discussions about “crossing the line,"  identifying behaviours that violate respect, while learning strategies to manage disrespectful or unsafe relationships. Students were asked to reflect on their own relationships and think about what acceptable behaviours look like in their lives. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Year 8 PC teachers who facilitated the Extended PC session on respectful relationships. Your ongoing support, patience, and commitment to guide students through these important life lessons is invaluable.

Happy Holidays

Schools are busy places, which means that students and teachers are feeling somewhat weary at this stage of the term. It is important for all to have some well-deserved rest and relaxation so that we can return and perform to our personal best across Term 4. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our students, their teachers, and their families a safe, happy, and restful break.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Principals Award: Annabelle Ashton & Tilly Sinclair.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Baxter Allison, Mira Arnold, Grace Ashton, Liam Ayres, Milana Baker, Darcy Bird, Abigail Byrne, William Coombes, Aaron Cotovich, Layla Fel, Jack Franklin, Astrid Livingston, Taylor Munday, Oliver Parker, Amelia Pettitt, Jake Riches, Rocco Robinson, Fallon Ryan, Jakob Schmidt, Lalita Sen Gupta & Aleisha Van Lint. 

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Baxter Allison, Mira Arnold, Grace Ashton, Annabelle Ashton (x2), Jayden Atkins, Liam Ayres, Milana Baker, Darcy Bird, Angus Browning, Charlie Bryant, Siena Button, Isaac Buttsworth, Grace Byrne, Abigail Byrne, Patrick Byrne, Javier Carle, Sarah Chamberlin, Emily Cook, William Coombes (x2), Aaron Cotovich, Ruby Cramp, Harry Creighton, Tyler Dickson (x2), Lila Duncan, Harrison Ebbs, Aidan Esson, Layla Fel, Jack Franklin, Indie Gardoll-Marjoribanks, Lucas Garnett, Isaac Green, Sam Hewens, Leela Hill, Josette Hoffman, Kajus Horan Juzenas, Wilson Huang, James Hunt, Jayden Jamnadas, Tia Judge, Maxwell Karam, Amelia Konstantas, Elijah Kyan, Tobi Lawler, Astrid Livingston, Indy Lorger, Dominic Mamo, Manni McGrath, Taylor Munday, Oliver Parker, Maya Perry, Amelia Pettitt, Nathaniel Pohlmann, Maya Pryce-Boylan, Chloe Ribot  De Bressac, Jake Riches, Rocco Robinson, Jaye Rutishauser, Fallon Ryan, Jakob Schmidt, Lalita Sen Gupta, Tom Sharman, Tilly Sinclair, Sophia Sivell, Tahlia Sutherland, Eli Tink, Troy Towers, Zoe Townsend, Mackenzie Trimmer, Aleisha Van Lint, Aria Varghese & Cody Williams.

Adam O’Brien
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

In Week 9, students participated in extended PC activities focused on the concept of balance: as they grow older, students have to prioritise personal, family, class work, and social commitments; our premise was to remember the value of each as their motivation for ‘why do it?’. Students were confronted with the challenge of racing forwards and backwards balancing bean bags on a body part that wasn’t their hands. It was great to see young people working together within their PCs to achieve a common goal. Congratulations to 9M1, who won the PC Cup for demonstrating balance most efficiently.

It has been a great term, with students persisting in their studies and developing their strengths in the classroom, sporting arena, community, and extracurricular activities. Many are taking ‘a leap of faith’, challenging themselves to ‘do better’ and discovering more of their potential. I feel very fortunate to witness the continued growth and progress of individuals and the cohort.

Schools are busy places and I understand that students are feeling somewhat weary at this stage of the term. It is important to have some well-deserved rest and relaxation so that we can return and perform optimally across Term 4. On behalf of the Year 9 Pastoral Care Team, I wish our students and their families a safe, happy and restful break.

Happy holidays Year 9, take care and take care of your family.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Principals Award: Ayla Cross & Darcie Gleeson.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Zachary Bibel, Ethan Carey, Joshua Freeman, Leah Hanson, Ewan McAllister, Declan McWhirter, Claire Morris, Milla Pieren, Archie Spitzer, Imogen Thompson, Luke Westman & Stirling Wickham.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Diarmuid Barltrop, Zachary Bibel, Analiese Bishop, Annabelle Broderick, Ethan Carey, Max Choi, Joseph Chung Jun Hock, Hunter Clark, Ayla Cross, Frieda Dudfield, Xavier Dunn, Joshua Freeman, Darcie Gleeson, Olivia Gridley, Leah Hanson, Olly Henry, Owen Hilkemeijer, Dylan Keane, Eva King, Eleanor Letters, Ewan McAllister, Charlotte McEntyre, Tori McGrath, Declan McWhirter, Sharlotte Meani, Claire Morris, Caitlin Nottle, Ella Oliver, James Owen, Milla Pieren, Noah Pociask, Ava Ribot  De Bressac, Jack Robb, Lacey Ryan, Noah Sanders, Nate Sheldon, Bailey Speechly, Archie Spitzer, Imogen Thompson, Aidan Wadwell, Lani Warren, Luke Westman, Stirling Wickham, Isaac Woolfe & Henry Wootton.

Nicole O’Connell
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

PASS First Aid Certificate

On Monday, 110 Year 10 students successfully participated in their First Aid Certificate assessment, delivered by Royal Life Saving. This assessment day was the culmination of the knowledge and skills they have been developing throughout the term. Earning this certificate not only boosts their CVs, but it also equips them with the vital ability to potentially save lives—an invaluable life skill. The attitude and effort displayed by our students during the assessment were exceptional, and they should be proud of their achievements.

Wishing you a well-deserved break

Term Three has been incredibly busy, marked by key milestones and challenges. The cohort began by making important decisions about their future pathways, and we supported them by providing opportunities to make informed choices during our information days. More recently, students have been working through a significant number of assessments, navigating what can often be a stressful period with great resilience and focus.

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to wish our students and their families a restful and well-deserved break. I hope that everyone returns in Term 4 with renewed energy and motivation, ready to continue their learning journey.

A reminder for our return to school...

As we prepare to return for Term 4, please ensure that all students adhere to our College Code of Presentation. Occasionally, decisions made over the holidays—particularly regarding hairstyles and acrylic nails—can affect a student’s readiness for the new term. We kindly ask that these choices align with our school’s guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful transition back to learning.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Samuel Campbell, Laura Norris, Lucy Randall & Milla Swain.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Mia Bailey, Samuel Campbell, Daisy Duncan, Lenni Gosling, Ashleigh Heal, Gabriella Horan Juzenas, Lane Jordan, Zachary Madeley, Connor McAusland, Daniel Mercer, Noah Nelson, Laura Norris, Kody Peklar, Lucy Randall, Mia Ryall, Milla Swain, Lewis Tebbutt & Hannah Vinter-Forth.

Tom Salter
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 11

Congratulations, Year 11! You’ve successfully completed the preliminary course, and the preliminary examinations are behind you. It’s inspiring to see how each of you showed up on time and fully prepared, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly be reflected in your results.

This year has been a significant transition, moving to the senior site and navigating the demands of more rigorous courses and formal examination blocks. It is understandable that this shift has felt overwhelming at times. However, your mature and respectful approach to the exams has truly set you apart.

Now, it’s time for a well-deserved break! Take this opportunity to relax and recharge before diving into the HSC course in just two weeks. This short pause is essential for both students and their supportive parents and carers. Enjoy this time to breathe, reflect, and appreciate all you’ve accomplished so far. Remember, the journey ahead is just as important as the destination, and you’re well on your way to achieving great things!

Year 12 Mass and Celebration of Excellence

I want to extend my gratitude to the Year 11 students for their attendance and reverence at the Year 12 Mass and Celebration of Excellence this week. Your presence truly reflects the sense of community, excellence, and respect you have for our Year 12 students as they celebrate 13 years of formal schooling, and it was wonderful to share this special occasion with them.

We look forward to 2025 and being able to celebrate this occasion ourselves. 

Retreat - Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 November

The senior retreat is on Term 4 Week 4. Permission forms and information has already been sent out via COMPASS. Students, parents and carers are reminded to check the information on COMPASS. Groups and venues will be organised early Term 4.

The Year 12 senior retreat is a pivotal experience for MacKillop senior students, fostering deep personal reflection and strengthening their bonds with one another. It provides a unique opportunity to explore their values and faith, helping them prepare for the transition to adulthood and future challenges.

Daniel O'Dell
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 12

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Marten Coetzer, Tallara Duck, James Ferguson, Melesse Mallyon, Tehya Nash, Alira Neale, Tahlia Reed, Marni Ryan & Abby Wagner.

Bruce Smith
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care

Wellbeing

Health Concern

We want to bring your attention to a concerning trend that has recently emerged within our community—specifically, the rising popularity of “double-pronged nostril energy sticks.” These products, which are marketed as nasal inhalers that boost energy and alertness, have become increasingly prevalent among our students. Advertised via social media platforms such as TikTok, students have been purchasing them online from sites like Temu and AliExpress.

Originating from China, these energy sticks are being advertised with claims that they can enhance focus and vitality. However, as the trend gains momentum, we feel it is essential to highlight the potential health risks associated with their use. Currently, there is limited information regarding the safety and efficacy of these devices. The ingredients used in these inhalers are often not fully disclosed, raising significant concerns about what our students may be inhaling.

One of the most pressing issues is, as they are purchased directly from overseas online platforms, that these products are unregulated. This means there is no guarantee of their safety, quality, or effectiveness. Additionally, many students have been sharing these devices among peers, which poses a serious risk of spreading bacterial infections. This is particularly concerning in an environment where we prioritise health and safety.

In light of these concerns, MacKillop College has made the decision to prohibit the use of “double-pronged nostril energy sticks” on school grounds. We urge all students to refrain from bringing these devices to school, as they will be confiscated. Our primary goal is to ensure the health and well-being of all students, and we believe this approach is a necessary step in protecting our community.

We encourage parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about these products and to emphasise the importance of making informed choices regarding health and wellness. It’s crucial for our students to understand the potential dangers of using unregulated products and to feel comfortable discussing any questions or concerns they may have.

Warren Lorger
Leader of Wellbeing - Behaviour

Sport News

Term 4 Elective Sport Choice Year 9 & 10

Year 9 and 10 students have completed their Term 4 Elective Sport choices for Term 4 and have been confirmed. Please do not request changes, as businesses have been notified of numbers. 

Sport commences on the first Tuesday back. Parents/Guardians need to have provided consent and payment for Sport prior to Week 1. Students are NOT permitted to attend Sport without consent. Thank you to parents for your assistance in meeting this legal requirement.

Representative Sport Reports

NSWCCC Athletics

A team of 17 athletes represented MacKillop College and the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC athletics event at Homebush on 17 September 2024. It was wonderful to be able to compete this year due to the late cancellation of the event in 2023. The students were great ambassadors for themselves, their families, MacKillop College, and the Lismore Diocese. 

For some, it was the first time visiting the venue and having the experience of competing in Olympic-standard facilities. Our sprinters were, in particular, compelled to use the starting blocks on the tartan track. This was in many cases the first time they had touched the blocks, let alone used them. Several commented on their ability to produce personal bests even though there was quite a head wind.

For our field athletes, the size of cages for the throws and layout of the arena provide their own challenges. The jumpers had to adjust to very different runups on the tartan. These students had to adjust to the experience of having each jump and/or throw scrutinised, measured, and recorded by the officials from NSW Athletics.

It was wonderful to congratulate medal winners:

• Flynn Burrage: 3rd (bronze) in 16-Year Long Jump (5.80 metres)
• Sienna Furney: 2nd (Silver) in 12 Years High Jump (1.43 metres)

It was a delight to look after these students at such a high-calibre event.

Ann Palmer
Lismore Diocesean Manager

Rugby 7’s State Finals

Under 14 Girls

The MacKillop College U14 Girls Rugby Union 7's team recently competed in the NSW State Finals held in Sydney, showcasing their growth and resilience throughout the tournament.

• First Game: St. Johns College Dubbo
  In their opening match against St. Johns College Dubbo, MacKillop faced a well-drilled team that dominated the field. St. Johns secured a decisive victory with a score of 42-14, demonstrating their superior tactical execution and physicality.
• Second Game: Hunter Sports High
  The second game proved to be another challenging encounter for MacKillop as they went up against Hunter Sports High, a team known for its experience and strength. Hunter's size and skill overwhelmed MacKillop, resulting in a lopsided score of 49-0. Despite the loss, MacKillop's players showed determination and began to adapt to the high level of competition.
• Third Game: Warialda High
  In their third match against Warialda High, MacKillop continued to improve but faced another tough opponent. Warialda's experience in the breakdown was evident, allowing them to outmuscle MacKillop and win the game 42-0. This match further highlighted the learning curve for the young team as they faced increasingly skilled rivals.
• Final Game: Bulli High School
  In a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, MacKillop faced Bulli High School. Drawing upon their experiences from earlier matches, the team delivered an impressive performance characterised by open and flowing rugby. In a nail-biting finish, MacKillop managed to secure a last-minute victory with a try on the buzzer, winning 32-30. This victory not only showcased their resilience but also reflected their growth as both individuals and a cohesive unit throughout the tournament.

Jason McRae
Coach

Under 14 Boys

The U14 Boys Rugby 7’s team arrived at Riverwood Park in Sydney ready to play some entertaining rugby after a long day of travel on Tuesday. They knew that they needed to win at least two of their three pool games to advance to the semifinals.

of the state finals. Game 1 saw the team comfortably defeat a spirited Lindisfarne 35-5. The team played some great and expansive attacking rugby and defended very well to ensure they limited the opposition to only a single try in the corner.

Game 2 was against a well-drilled Kiama High School side. Sadly, the team played well below their best, which saw Kiama score a try with the last play of the game to win 22-21.

Game 3 saw MacKillop take on Edmund Rice College, who had travelled up to Sydney from Canberra. Our attack was very strong early, which led to us racing to a 19-0 lead in the first half. In a game of two halves, Edmund Rice clawed their way back to a 19-17 deficit with a minute to go. Thankfully, the MacKillop team defended well to win the game, with the score remaining the same, which earned them a spot in the semi-finals.

MacKillop met a very organised and skilled Hunter Valley Grammar School side in the semi-final. The boys worked incredibly hard for each other and defended fearlessly; sadly, they weren’t able to stop the HVGS team from scoring three early tries and racing to a 19-0 lead. The team mounted a comeback, however, simply weren’t able to repel their attack, seeing them run out 31–21 winners. HVGS’ knowledge around the breakdown was evident throughout the game and eventually proved the difference.

Every single player gave their all in every game and can be so proud of their efforts to get to the semi-finals of the state rugby 7’s championships. Thank you to Shane Joyce for his assistance with this team. 

MVP: Jack Lacey

David Kennedy
Coach

Under 16 Boys

After coming first in the Mid North Coast Rugby 7's, the Under 16’s boys travelled to Sydney to represent Mackillop College in the Rugby 7’s State Finals. We were able to hold our own against much bigger teams with some great defence. In attack, the boy’s skills were on display, and with teamwork, we were able to ensure the pool games were evenly matched. Unfortunately, we conceded a late try in two of our pool games against Edmund Rice College and Central Coast Sports High. Which meant we were unable to progress to the finals. We had a good win in our second game against St. Pius X. We played Dubbo in our last pool game, and despite never giving up, they proved to be too strong for us.

Thank you to those who have participated throughout the year; all members acted maturely and represented our college well both on and off the field. Jack Healey was voted MVP.

James Way
Coach

Rugby League Harry Wells

Girls Under 14’s 

Thursday, September 19, MacKillop College participated in the Harry Wells rugby league competition. The under-14 girls team played well in the round games, facing up first against Hastings Secondary School. They had a convincing win with 32 points to 16, scoring 6 tries and 4 conversions. This was a great opening game for the day after many of the girls had returned late Wednesday night from playing rugby union in Sydney.

The second game was against Kempsley High School. This was a close game going try for try. In the dying minutes of the game, MacKillop scored to secure the win 20-14, giving them a good chance to finish top in their pool. During the third game, the heat of the day and tiredness started to set in. A slow start but again a win to secure a spot in the grand final against Camden Haven. They had unsuccessfully played against this strong team earlier in the year on another gala day. 

The Camden Haven High School team was well drilled, with a lot of the girls playing together in the group 3 local competition. Their defence and attacking moves were well drilled, and MacKillop had a few attempts to try and break through their line. At halftime, MacKillop were down by 3 tries. They went back out and lifted the intensity and scored two tries in the second half. Unfortunately, this was not enough, as Camden Haven broke through again and scored, winning the grand final. 

It was a great effort to make the finals, and all the MacKillop players showed great sportsmanship for each other, the other teams, and the referees the whole day. Well done to everyone. 

Team: Frankie Healy, Sophia, Amelia Pettitt, Emily Cook, Grace Bryne, Millie Bryne, Zy Hogan, Ayla Vonbun, London Curtis, Asha Maher, Ellie Howard, and Annabelle Wickham. 

MVP: Frankie Healy and London Curtis

Kate Cowan
Coach

Girls Under 16’s

Last week the Under 16s girls got to compete in the Harry Wells 9s Rugby League tournament in Port Macquarie. The girls began the day strong with a convincing win over a Barbarians team (a mixture of local schools). Their second game they came up against Chatham, and again the girls were victorious. The third and final game of the day was the final versus St. Clare’s Taree, which would determine the winner for the day. The girls started strong and were overall winners. MVP of the day went to Ella Oliver (Year 9) with her strong runs and outstanding defence. The girls are to be congratulated on the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field. The team now progresses to the region finals in Week 2 Term 3 in Coffs Harbour.

MVP: Ella Oliver

Laura Cudmore
Coach

Boys 14’s

The team delivered an exceptional performance throughout the day, even after a demanding week for most of the players. Our first match was against Camden Haven, where we dominated and secured a convincing 16-0 victory. Our second game, against Kempsey High, proved to be more challenging. However, we managed to grind out a well-deserved 20-8 win. With these strong results, we topped our pool and advanced directly to the final. In the finals match, we faced a formidable St. Claire’s High School from Taree, who were in red-hot form. Despite coming close to scoring on several occasions, we were unable to convert our efforts into points and ultimately fell 14-4.

There were several standout players on the day: Rocky Mann, who made some powerful, barnstorming runs; Jack Lacey, whose speed kept the opposition on edge; and Eli O’Bryan, whose leadership was instrumental throughout the tournament. Overall, it was a commendable effort by the entire team, and there’s plenty to build on for future competitions.

MVP: Rocky Mann

Glen Littler
Coach

U16 Boys

The MacKillop U16 Boys played a very disciplined and resilient approach to each of the 4 games played at the Harry Well’s 9’s tournament last Thursday. They now progress to the inter-regional competition in the second week of term 4.

The team played Hastings College in the first game with a one-point difference at the conclusion. Both teams played aggressive and well-disciplined football. Hastings College and MacKillop went through the remainder of the day undefeated and drew each other in the grand final. Another very hard-fought contest concluded with Sam Ayton scoring a try on the buzzer, which took the final scoreline to 14-10 in favour of MacKillop College.

The standout feature for the day was MacKillop’s one-on-one defence, so critical in a Nines competition. Max Clifton and Paxton Blake featured as rugged yardage takers in the middle, while Sam Ayton, Kye Smith, and Max Mosley were more dangerous in wider spaces. A very motivated team execution in defence and attack. The team included: Max Clifton, Paxton Blake, Sam Ayton, Lachlan Brazel, Kye Smith, Max Mosley, Jesse Andrews, Cruz Lewis, Bailey Partridge, Cohen Harris, Sam Young, Harrison Foster, Bailey Rowlatt, Luke Jones, and Hudson McNeil. Thanks goes to Lewis Shipway, Macleay Borger, and Mckenzie Murray, who provided very beneficial individual and team insights assisting 

Geoff Leary
Coach

MacKillop College Events and Registration

All registrations for MacKillop College sports teams are 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 of when to sign up and when trials will occur.

The following sports are open to all boys and girls in each sport to register for trials:

• Boys and Girls Cricket
• Boys and Girls Water Polo

Log in to Moodle. Scroll to the student links on the left-hand side. Click on the Representative Sport link to register. Please read the daily notices over the next week for trial dates and times. 

If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Denham. 

Click on this link to register: MacKillop College Representative Sport Registration Link. 

Lismore Diocesan Events

NSWCCC & NSW All Schools Events and Registration

NSWCCC CALENDAR 2024

All individual sports registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT website. The parent must have an account and add their child to have access. (Sport Registration HELP available on sport info page) SEE BELOW sports open for registration.

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

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 all close dates are firm dates. No registrations will be permitted after the close dates.

NSWCCC CRICKET SELECTIONS - EOI

We are pleased to announce that the Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for students wishing to be considered for the NSWCCC Cricket 15 Years & Under Selections.

Please note that this EOI is not a registration to attend the NSWCCC Selections, but rather a submission to be considered for participation. Following the close of EOIs, a paper selection of student registrations will take place to determine those eligible to attend the trials.

• EOI Closing Date: Friday, 27 September 2024, by 5.00pm
• Notification: Students will be notified by email regarding the outcome of their EOI (successful or unsuccessful) by 14 October 2024.
• Selection Trials Venue: Lance Hutchinson Oval
• Time: 8.00am – 4.00pm
• Date: Mid-October 2024

If you are interested in being considered for the NSWCCC Cricket Selections, please ensure you submit your EOI before the deadline – late registration requests will NOT be accepted.

Community Sport

Football State of Origin

Best wishes to Sebastian De Somma and Nikita Poltorasky from Year 7 who are representing Northern NSW Football at the State of Origin Championships in Maroochydore this coming weekend.

This is a fantastic achievement for the boys to be selected from all regions in Northern NSW, which covers all football from Newcastle to the QLD border. Have a great tournament, boys.

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

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.

Attention all QKR users!

Cut-off time is 8.00 am.

Any orders placed after 8.00 am default to the following day. It is very time-consuming for canteen staff to have to check all late orders every day and then contact parents about their order. 

If you make a mistake, please call the office or send your child to the canteen.

There have also been new gluten-free items added to the menu.

Canteen Help Needed

The canteen is desperately seeking volunteers for one hour per month. No cooking, cleaning or stocking is 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 at maxine.stone@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Homework Hub

Maths Tutorials

Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson

Community News