Term 3, Week 10, September 26

Upcoming Events

Principal's Update

Tell Them from Me

One of our key goals for 2026 will sit in the space of parent engagement. I am pleased to see that in our 2025 Tell Them From Me data, we have achieved a 12% increase in the number of parents who believe our teachers treat their children with dignity and respect. The work of Mr Steve Roberts and his pastoral team has really shifted the focus on positive relationships across the college this year.

Mobile Phone Use

As many families know, we have had a significant push throughout 2025 to reduce mobile phone use across the college. This initiative aligns with state government legislation prohibiting mobile phone use in educational settings. We are working very hard to ensure that students are not engaging with their mobile phones whilst at school, and I thank parents for their ongoing support in this space. The biggest challenge remains in using mobile phones to purchase things from the school canteen, and in Term 4, we will be actively asking parents to support us in this area and encourage students to either pre-order their lunches or come to school with a debit card.

In a recent article published by Education HQ, I was reaffirmed to see some research into the mental health benefits of school phone bans. Some of the information is presented below, and I do not doubt that this trend will continue as more and more schools adopt a no-mobile-phone policy.

“Together, the two studies highlight that phone-free schools provide students with a valuable ‘digital break’ that supports both mental health and learning.”

“The results showed a clear link between phone bans and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, while students also reported fewer negative effects tied to problematic phone use, such as fear of missing out, risky behaviour, and social comparison.”

“Students in the study talked about perceived positives, particularly in academic engagement. In class, they said they were less distracted and more engaged in learning.”

Bike Safety

As spring begins to shine and the weather improves, several students opt to ride bikes to school. While we want to support this trend, the school traffic zone can be pretty chaotic at times, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please encourage all students to ride carefully and obey all traffic and pedestrian signage. Several cases have been reported where students are riding against oncoming traffic and between moving vehicles.

Student Success

Steele Cottom

Congratulations to Year 7, and Kangaroo House student Steele Cottom. Steele is the first student in the college to receive a Gold Principal's award for his outstanding effort and application across his schooling, collecting 70 merits. I look forward to shouting Steele and other Gold recipients' lunch as the year draws to a close.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Award for receiving 50 Merits:

Stage 4:

Eden Barnes, Charlotte Dunn, Sienna Furney, Maddox Hamlin, Emily Lonergan, Beth Lucas, Hannah Ryan, Hailey Venter and Felicity Wallace.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Bronze Award for receiving 30 Merits:

Stage 4:

Millie Andrew, Hugo Blume, Summer Buckley, Piper Chippendale, Sebastian De Somma, Angus Downie, Indigo Duncan, Tallis Dunsby, William Everson, Madison Flowers, Willow Giddins, Amira Grech, Mitchell Hagenbach, Charley Kaddatz, Emily Kelemec, Thomas Magill, Indigo McLean, Ivy Morrin, Xavier Morrison, Dominic O'Brien, Marielle Obeid, Charlotte Pascua, Nikita Poltorasky, Hayden Ribot De Bressac, Chloe Robertson, Georgia Robinson, Max Schneider, Amelia Varcoe, Ella Welsh and Brooke Young.

Stage 5:

Bianca Harrison and Taylor Munday.

Max Choi

On Monday, Max competed at the CCC athletics carnival in Homebush for the multiclass division for shot put & discus. Max managed to throw 4.61 m for shot put and 11.10 m in discus, smashing his personal bests by over 2m and placing 4th & 5th, respectively. This endeavour was well supported by our Leader of Sport, Mrs Erin Denham; Learning Support Officer, Mr MacKenzie Murray; and Team Manager, Mrs Ann Palmer. Max and a raft of other athletes performed exceptionally well at the state championships, and as a college, we are very proud of their achievements.

Year 12 Celebration of Excellence

On Wednesday, MacKillop College proudly celebrated our Year 12 student body at the Celebration of Excellence. This celebration is a formal assembly every year, in the final week of school, for our Year 12 students. It is an occasion to recognise and reward the students for their efforts and contributions to the college over the past 6 years. This year, we were fortunate enough to witness a fantastic group of graduating students and participate in their final college celebrations before they commence their HSC—special congratulations to our graduating class of 2025 and our major award winners. I extend my sincerest gratitude to the families of our Year 12 students, and thank you all for the encouragement and support of your child’s senior school journey.

On behalf of the MacKillop College staff and community, we wish Year 12 all the best for their upcoming HSC and future endeavours.

Adam Kelly
Principal

St. Joseph's Kangaroos: Head of House Report

What an incredible Term 3 for St Joseph's House!

Let's hear it for the Kangaroos! We are ending the year on a high note, feeling incredibly proud of all our students. We gave it our all in the Father Donnelly House Cup, and while we finished in a very close second place, our spirit was a perfect ten! A massive shoutout to our amazing Year 12 Kangaroos who are leading the way, and a special thank you to our pioneer graduates!

A massive round of applause for the incredible leadership of Charlee Bailey and her powerhouse team of house leaders: Estelle Williams, Paige Goldie, Will Coombes, Drew Evans, and Lila Karam. You all did an absolutely stellar job representing the true values of St Joseph's.

And the celebrations don't stop there! Let's give a huge cheer to the students who earned the most points for St Joseph’s House this year so far. These points were earned through pure hard work, from excelling in class and representing our school in sports, culture, and academics to volunteering at community events.

Our Top Kangaroos of 2025

Congratulations to our top five Kangaroos for 2025:

• Hunter Davis

• Freycin Hostettler

• Paige Goldie

• Samrina Adhikari

• Lani Warren

Shout Out to Our Merit Superstars!

Let's celebrate the incredible achievement of these students who topped the merit counts for their year groups. You've truly set the bar high!

• Year 7: Steele Cottom

• Year 8: Erika Collins-Jones

• Year 9: Indy Lorger

• Year 10: Isaac Woolfe

• Year 11: Angus Saidey

• Year 12: Bindi Zimmerman -It's fantastic to see our vice captain leading the way!

Celebrating Our St Joseph’s Spirit Superstars!

We must give a massive, well-deserved shoutout to these outstanding students who embody the unstoppable St Joseph's spirit and have gone above and beyond!

• Charlee Bailey, Edward Coombes, and Cooper Sheldon, fantastic work on your Industrial Technology Timber SHAPE Nominations!

• Bindi Zimmerman: Congratulations on your selection for On-Stage for your HSC Drama performance!

• Freycin Hostettler, Diamuid Barltrop, Liam Holding, Sienna Furney, Tobias Rowlatt, Charlie Haddon, Henry Burt, and Will Witherow, you all were part of the winning Lismore Dio Athletics team and went on to represent MacKillop at the NSWCCC Athletics!

• Paige Goldie: Her short film was selected as a finalist for the NSW Parliament 2025 Parli-Flicks Award!

• Hannah Gresswell: Hannah has been selected to play Futsal for RFA Liverpool FC in the UK!

• Steele Cottom: He is MacKillop College’s very first recipient of the Gold Principal’s Award! Outstanding

The St Joseph's spirit is alive and absolutely thriving! Let's keep this incredible momentum going and continue to shine brightly in everything we do. I can't wait to work with our new Student Representative Council for 2025-26: College Captain Jack Merrick, Vice Captain Flyn Burrage, and House Leaders Lucy Hope, Hunter Davis, Tianah Wehlow, Nathaniel Sun Zhong, Madeline Goldie, and Joseph O’Brien.

What an incredible term! Go Kangaroos!

Andrew Evans
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Head of House - St Joseph's Kangaroos

St. Paul's Stingrays: Head of House Report

Stingrays Make History as Inaugural House Cup Champions!

It was a momentous moment for the St Paul’s Stingrays as they etched their name into college history, becoming the inaugural winners of the new house structure and taking home the prestigious Father Donnelly’s House Cup. In a thrilling moment for the Stingrays, House Captain Will Abell proudly raised the trophy in victory at the Year 12 Celebration of Excellence, celebrating the achievement in front of the entire college community.

This historic win was a testament to the collective effort of every single student and staff member. The victory was narrow, proving that each individual doing the "little things right" truly made a big difference. It was this unified spirit and commitment that led to our triumph.

Congratulations to every member of the St Paul's Stingrays for their contribution to this incredible achievement. Your legacy is now forever cemented, as the Stingrays will be known as the first house to win the House Cup under the new structure. What an outstanding effort by all!

Term 3 was a fantastic but busy term for our Stingrays! It's been great to see so many of our members getting involved in a wide variety of activities. From sporting teams and community connect days to Duke of Edinburgh, reflection days, and Feast Day, the term was packed with opportunities for our students to learn and grow.

A huge congratulations to the following Stingray members who have earned well-deserved awards for their hard work and dedication.

We are so proud of all their achievements!

I hope everybody enjoys the well-deserved holiday break and a reset in preparation for the last term of school for 2025.

Stephen Roberts
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Head of House - St Paul's Stingrays

School Vaccination Program 2025

Catch Up Day

We are pleased to inform you that the catch-up day for student vaccinations is scheduled for Term 4, Thursday, October 30. This session is specifically for any students who have missed previous screenings.

To ensure your child’s participation, if you have not done so already, please complete the consent form by scanning the QR code below. 

If you have any questions or require further information, feel free to contact NSW Health or the college office on 6583 2632. Thank you for your cooperation.  

Music News

“Music is a universal and immediate language that requires no translation or elaborate explanation. Music creates harmony, thereby reaching everyone, consoling those who suffer, rekindling enthusiasm in the downhearted, and bringing forth wonderful values such as beauty and poetry, which reflect God’s harmonious light.” Pope Francis

Entries for the annual VOICE CONTEST are now open - follow the links below for more information.

SOLO + DUET KARAOKE ENTRIES - Closed.

PC CLASS COMPETITION ENTRIES - Close Monday 10 November!

This year, the theme is Masked Singer - with proceeds contributing to the college Mary MacKillop Fund.

The finalist will perform on stage in the theatre on November 12 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
Audience members will vote on the night by donation to award the winners! See you there!

Ensemble Rehearsals

• Concert Band (directed by Ms Stewart) Monday - 7.45am - 8.30am, J16 Music Room 
• Pop Choir (directed by Mrs Adams) Tuesday - 7.45am - 8.30am, Theatre 
• Senior Vocal Ensemble (directed by Mr Josh Salter) Monday - 3.15pm - 4.00pm, Theatre
  
• SAPSS Jazz Workshop (directed by Mr Horne) Tuesday - 3.30pm - 4.30pm (alternate weeks), J16 Music Room
  
• SAPSS Junior Drumline (directed by Mark Spence) Tuesday 3.30pm - 5.30pm, College Hall 
• Collective Praise Band & Singers (directed by Mr Denham) Wednesday - 7.45am - 8.30am, Chapel 
• Junior Percussion Ensemble (directed by Mark Spence) Wednesday - 7.45am - 8.30am, J16 Music Room 
• SAPSS Senior Drumline (directed by Mark Spence) Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.30pm, College Hall 
• Senior Percussion Ensemble (directed by Mark Spence) Thursday - 7.45am - 8.30am, J16 Music Room 
• String Ensemble (directed by Michaeli Witney) Friday - 7.45am - 8.30am, J16 Music Room 
• Stage Band (directed by Mr Denham and Mr Horne) Friday - 7.45am - 8.30am, Theatre 
  

Links & Forms

Music Ensemble Sign Up Form 2025

Music Tuition Request Form 2025

Instrument Rental Agreement 2025

Upcoming Events

• Junior Music Recital - (Theatre) Week 1, Term 4 - Thursday October 16, 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Student soloists as nominated by their music tutor.
• The Voice Song Contest Technical Rehearsal - (Theatre) Week 5, Term 4 - Wednesday November 12, lunch 2 - period 5, Pop Choir, Stage Band, Year 9 Elective Music and karaoke finalists.
• The Voice Song Contest - (Theatre) Week 5, Term 4 - Wednesday November 12, 6.00pm - 7.30pm, Pop Choir, Stage Band, Year 9 Elective Music and karaoke finalists.Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the cocurricular music program at MacKillop College.

SPARK! (St Agnes Parish Combined Schools Showcase Performance)

1. Technical Rehearsal - Wednesday November 19, 9.00am - 3.00pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
2. Matinee - Thursday November 20, 12.00pm - 1.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
3. Glasshouse Stage Performance #1 - Thursday November 20, 4.00pm - 5.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
4. Podium Stage Performance#1 - Thursday November 20, 5.45pm - 6.45pm, Bleu Wave, Stage Band
5. Glasshouse Stage Performance #2 - Thursday November 20, 4.00pm - 5.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
6. Podium Stage Performance#1 - Thursday November 20, 8.45pm - 9.15pm, selected students TBC

• Christ The King Parish Celebration - (St Joseph’s Regional College) Week 6, Term 4 - Sunday November 23, 9.30am - 1.30pm, Praise Band & Singers, Stage Band and Drumline. 
• Co-Curricular Awards Assembly - (College Hall) Week 7, Term 4 - Wednesday, November 26, Period 1, Stage Band, Pop Choir.
• St Peter's Performance - (St Peter's Primary School) Week 7, Term 4 - Thursday, November 27, 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Concert Band.
• Summer Session Lunch Concert - (Senior Campus - Lochinvar Courtyard) Week 8, Term 4 - Thursday December 4, Lunch 2, Year 11 Music.
• Wauchope Rotary Christmas Carols - (Bain Park, Wauchope) Week 9, Term 4 - Friday December 12, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Junior & Senior Drumline.
• Youth and Family Mass - (St Agnes Parish Church) Week 9, Term 4 - Sunday December 14, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Praise Band and Singers.
• Academics Awards Assembly - (College Hall) Week 10, Term 4 - Monday December 15, Period 1 & 2, Concert Band
• MacKillop College Christmas Mass - (College Hall) Week 10, Term 4 - Tuesday December 16, Period 1 & 2, Praise Band and Singers.

Robert Denham
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

School Sport

Term 3 Sport Programs

Andrea Huxley
Leader of School Sport

Representative Sport

U14’s Girls Take on the Northern State Final

The MacKillop Under 14s Girls Rugby League team travelled to Coffs Harbour on September 11th to compete in the Northern State Final, testing themselves against some of the region's strongest school teams.

The day started with a tough challenge against Rutherford Technology High. Despite a determined effort, the girls went down 30–8 in the opening match.

In their second game against St Mary’s Casino, the team showed great resilience, lifting their intensity and executing some excellent passages of play. They crossed the line twice and worked tirelessly in defence, but St Mary's ultimately won, 26–10.

Their performance is so impressive that over half the team does not play rugby league outside of school. They showed enormous courage and skill competing against highly experienced sides, gaining invaluable experience for their development.

MVP: Amiree Roberts – Outstanding effort and consistency across the tournament.
COACHES: Laura Cudmore and Anna Gleeson

U16's Rugby League Girls Punch Ticket to Country Cup Final

The MacKillop U16s Schoolgirl Trophy team secured their spot in the Country Cup Final after a brilliant run at the Northern Finals in Coffs Harbour on September 11th.

Having received a wildcard entry following a nail-biting qualifying game earlier this year, the girls showed they deserved their place. After watching Camden Haven win their first match, MacKillop took to the field in Round 2 against Trinity College Adamstown.

It was a tight contest, with MacKillop securing 3 tries and 2 successful conversions. Trinity matched them with 3 tries but only converted once, allowing MacKillop to clinch the thrilling victory, 16-14. The successful conversions proved to be the winning difference!

The final round was an anticipated rematch against Camden Haven High School. With both teams boasting strong defence and experienced players, it was destined to be close. Again, MacKillop rose to the pressure, winning 10-8. Each team scored 2 tries, but MacKillop’s accurate kicking made the difference.

By winning both their tournament games, the U16s have earned the right to travel to Bathurst to compete in the 2025 Country Cup Final against St John’s Dubbo on September 24th!

Well done to the winning team: Arliah Morris, Evie Evans, Siena King, Millie Byrne, Grace Byrne, Darcie Gleeson, Lily Mosely, Lainey Fenton, Isabella Hawkins, Ellah Armitage, Ella Oliver, Sophia Wilmot, Evie Tenana, and Asha Maher.

MVP: Lily Mosely
COACHES: Kate Cowan and Erin Denham

MacKillop College Crowned NRL Schoolgirls Trophy Champions! 

MacKillop College has achieved a historic victory, claiming the NRL Schoolgirls Trophy after edging out St John’s Dubbo 12–10 in a thrilling, hard-fought final in Bathurst! The triumph showcases the team's incredible resilience, skill, and determination on the biggest stage in school rugby league.

The Grand Final Showdown

The match was an intense arm wrestle from the opening whistle. Despite the opposition scoring in the very first minute, the girls refused to be rattled. Both sides displayed bone-crunching defence and hard running, with St John's holding a slender 6-0 lead at halftime.

The momentum shifted early in the second half when Darcie Gleeson took on the line and scored! Lily Moseley, earning the nickname 'Golden Boot', slotted the conversion to lock the scores at 6-6 with 15 minutes left.

St John’s quickly hit back with an unconverted try, taking the score to 10-6. With tension mounting, MacKillop capitalised on a late opportunity, and with just three minutes remaining, Moseley's successful conversion gave the girls a slender two-point lead, 12-10!

St John’s pushed hard in the dying seconds, but MacKillop’s scrambled defence, featuring a critical sideline tackle by Ella Oliver, held firm until the final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation.

Legacy and Next Steps

The team's plan to "win the ruck and counter-attack" worked perfectly, with their relentless effort in defence creating the platform for key moments in attack. This 12–10 triumph cements MacKillop's reputation as a rising force in schoolgirls rugby league. It’s a rewarding victory for months of dedication, teamwork, and belief!

A special mention goes to Year 11 students Matilda Medlin and Lenni Gosling, who made the long trek to Bathurst immediately after completing their exams to compete in the final.

The girls now progress to the City v Country game early in Term 4.

MVP: Darcie Gleeson
COACHES: Erin Denham & Kate Cowan
TEAM: Evie Evans, Siena King, Millie Byrne, Grace Byrne, Darcie Gleeson, Lily Moseley, Lainey Fenton, Isabella Hawkins, Ellah Armitage, Ella Oliver, Sophia Wilmot, Matilda Medlin and Lenni Gosling.

Year 9 & 10 Girls Compete at Touch Football State Final

The MacKillop College Year 9 & 10 Girls Touch Football Team competed against strong, high-quality opposition at the NSW All Schools State Final in North Manly.

Despite facing tough competition, the girls displayed determination and growth throughout the day. In their opening match, MacKillop lost 3–1 to St Peter’s Tuggerah.

After several local tournament postponements, the team relished playing in the sunshine despite the hot conditions. Although they narrowly missed out on progressing to the finals, the team finished their campaign strongly with a spirited 3–3 draw against Cheltenham High.

The girls deserve recognition for their commitment, which included multiple early morning training sessions before school.

MVP: Grace Byrne – Outstanding defensive efforts throughout the competition.
COACH: Anna Gleeson

U14 Boys Shine at State Cup Rugby 7s, Undeterred by Wild Weather

The MacKillop College Under 14 Boys Rugby 7s team showed exceptional resilience and spirit at the State Cup competition on the Central Coast, braving icy winds and sideways rain that made conditions far from ideal.

Dominating the Pool Stage

Drawn into a challenging pool, MacKillop delivered a clinical 32–0 victory in their opener against Mitchell High School, with Liam Holding outstanding after slicing through the defence for three tries.

Their second match was tougher, ending in a hard-fought 15–15 draw where Judd Charet and Sonny Shipway stood tall with powerful runs.

MacKillop then surged to a 45–0 win in the final pool match against Hunter Sports High. Hudson Sprague led the charge with explosive runs, clever offloads, and a brilliant solo try.

Despite finishing in equal top, the boys placed second on points differential, progressing to the Plate playoff.

Plate Final Run

In their semi-final against St Paul’s Joseph, MacKillop rallied from an early deficit to secure a 17–10 win. Crucial defensive efforts came from Hudson Peir, Flynn Cloake, Mason Joyce, and Declan Jones, while Harry Blackman’s composed leadership steered the team.

The Plate Final brought a familiar rivalry with St Paul’s Kempsey. MacKillop started strong, but two late tries saw the match slip away, ending 30–19.

The entire squad is to be congratulated for their grit, teamwork, and exceptional sportsmanship. They represented their families and school with pride and impeccable behaviour on and off the field.

MVP: Liam Holding
COACH: Jason McRae

Athletics NSWCCC

On a perfect day for athletics, 20 students from MacKillop College competed in many varied events on the track and in the field alongside their diocesan counterparts. The students dealt with the nerves and excitement of competing at the intimidating arena, which was the warm-up track for the 2000 Olympics, 25 years ago! They also contended with a big jump-up in the standard of participation that is required at the NSWCCC level.

While not everyone can medal, many students reported having competed near or improved on their personal bests. One student in particular who improved through his events was Max Choi. He used the modified seating platform as a multi-class competitor. Considering he was using this kit for the first time, he adapted to it and relished in the experience. Thank you to all the liaisons for making this happen for Max from Erin Denham at our end and Anna Turnbull from the Sydney Diocese.

Mackenzie Murray was an outstanding support for Max as his on-field carer for the day. Max placed 4th in shotput and 5th in discus!

Congratulations to Freycin Hostettler and George Worner for completing their school sporting journey at this event. They did so with style and grace. Well done, gentlemen.

COACH: Ann Palmer

U14 Boys Crowned Harry Wells 9’s Champions!

The MacKillop College U14 boys delivered an impressive, undefeated performance at the Harry Wells 9’s Rugby League tournament in Port Macquarie on September 23, 2025. After weeks of dedicated lunchtime training, the boys shone in a tough competition against 15 strong schools.

Dominance Through Pool Play

MacKillop set the tone immediately, overcoming a tough, aggressive Chatham side with a commanding 30-4 victory, with superior fitness and teamwork proving decisive. Key contributors included Sonny Shipway, Judd Charet, and Jacob Lane Rowsthorne.

The team then unleashed an attacking masterclass, securing back-to-back shutouts: a flawless 42-0 win against Melville, and a 26-0 victory over their first St Paul's opponents. Kyan Von Bun and Flynn Cloake spearheaded the attack with flair, while Hudson Pier, Sam Dicker, Liam Holding, and Josh Bell delivered hard running and smart angles.

They wrapped up the pool stage with a strong 32-0 team effort against another St Paul's side, with Tuaka Smith, Harvey Gosling, and Hudson Sprague standing out defensively and offensively.

Grand Final Triumph

Finishing top of their pool with four straight wins, MacKillop continued their ruthless form into the semi-final, dominating Camden with another 32-0 victory. Oliver Bell was exceptional in his new hooker role, providing strong service and leadership.

The Grand Final pitted MacKillop against a big, mobile Taree High School team. MacKillop’s teamwork and passion shone through as they powered to a decisive 38-0 victory!

Their defence throughout the entire tournament was outstanding, conceding only one try! The U14 boys demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, skill, and dedication and will now progress to the next round of the competition in Coffs Harbour in Term 4.

MVP: Flynn Cloake
COACH: Mr McRae

U16 Boys Dominate Pool Play at Harry Wells Tournament

The MacKillop U16 Boys put in a massive effort at the Harry Wells Tournament, with every player stepping up to the challenge, including a special mention for the younger boys in the squad.

The team convincingly won Pool A, securing all three matches to advance straight to the final against a strong regional outfit.

The final was a nail-biting, low-scoring affair that ended in an 8-8 draw. Unfortunately, MacKillop was edged out based on a tie-break rule (the opposing team having scored first).

The coach was immensely proud of the team's strong play and fight throughout the day.

Top Scorers: Rocky Mann and Stirling Wickham
MVP: The entire squad for a great team effort.
COACH: Mackenzie Murray

Representative Sport, Upcoming Events and Registration 2025

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

1. Logging into COMPASS (Chrome browser).
2. Click on the Star button 
3. Click on the Sport - Representative 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.

Sports currently open for registration are;

• Rugby League - Boys U14 & 16s Boys Harry Wells
  

** NOTE: To register for the Diocesan Trials students need to complete the forms that can be found on the Lismore Diocesan Sport page. Click on the REGISTRATION tab.

 Upcoming MacKillop College Events 2025

NSWCCC & NSW All Schools Sporting Representation

Families with students who wish to nominate for trialling in a sport at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) level should make themselves familiar with the Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Sport website https://csnsw.sport/.  Parents/carers will need to create an account to be able to register their child.  Once a parent registers their child to attend an event on the CSNSW Sport portal it will send the registration to me for College approval to attend the event. 

Some sports allow students to register directly through the CSNSW Sport portal without having to go through the Diocesan Pathway. E.g. Individual Triathlon. In other instances, students will be required to travel to a Diocesan trial and if selected continue to the NSWCCC selection trials and communications for these teams will be sent through our Sports Desk.  

Please be prepared to travel if your child is accepted.  Parents have the responsibility to register their child on the NSWCCC portal, please make note of the registration closing dates based on the calendar on the CSNSW Sport website.

NSWCCC CALENDAR 2025

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.

Community Sport

Northern NSW Premier Youth League competition. 

It is fantastic to see so many of our students feature in their respective finals for their community sport teams. 

Congratulations to Sebastian De Somma, Nikita Poltorasky, Tom Allen, Mitchell Hagenbach, Flynn Pociask, and Tyler Smyth, who recently played in Newcastle. The MidCoast FC U14S squad won their grand final against New Lambton 1-0 in the Northern NSW Premier Youth League competition. Six of the squad members also attend MacKillop, all in Year 8. It was a fantastic way to finish their season.

Scarlett Brook Shreds the Slopes, Qualifies for Nationals!

Huge congratulations to Scarlett Brook, who recently competed at the prestigious Inter-Schools State Snowboarding Competition!

Scarlett delivered a fantastic performance on the mountain, demonstrating skill and speed to finish an impressive 15th overall in NSW. This outstanding result places her among the very best young snowboarders in the state and has secured her a coveted spot to represent MacKillop College at the National Championships!

It's a testament to her hard work and dedication. We wish Scarlett the very best of luck as she prepares to take on the nation's top talent at this elite level!

Athletics: Max Choi Shines at NSWCCC Championships

Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Australia's sporting DNA. It's more than just a sport—it’s a universal language and the most-watched event of the Olympics. The magical thing about Athletics is that it invites everyone in, celebrating the joy of running, jumping, and throwing while also promoting physical and mental well-being.

Outstanding Results for Max Choi

This inclusivity was on full display at the recent NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Athletics Championships, where Max Choi produced outstanding results in the Multiclass division.

Max delivered a powerful throw of 4.61 metres in the shot put, placing fourth, and an impressive 11.10 metres in the discus, earning fifth place. What makes these results even more remarkable is that Max smashed his personal bests by more than two metres in both events—a significant achievement that speaks volumes about his determination and growth as an athlete.

Para-athletics opens the door for athletes with physical, intellectual, or vision impairments to compete, and Max’s success is a shining example of how sport fosters opportunity and inspiration. His achievements are not only a personal triumph but also a celebration of athletics’ inclusive spirit.

Max, we are extremely proud of you and your achievements!

Sincere thanks to MacKenzie Murray for supporting Max at the championships.

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 Representative Sport)

Canteen

ATTENTION ALL QKR USERS

The cut-off time is 8.00am SHARP. Any orders placed after 8.00am will default to the next day.

If you miss the cut-off or make a mistake with your order, you MUST call the school immediately or have your child go directly to see the canteen managers.

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.

Need Some Study Help?

Community News

Information Links for School Bus Services 2025

1. Timetable information - busways.com.au or transportnsw.info
2. School bus travel pass - School Student Travel Scheme

Help Navigating the NDIS – Participant & Carer Webinar

nibThrive is a local Port Macquarie based team that works with families as they nativagte NDIS, offering a free upcoming webinar designed to support parents and carers of children with disability who are new to the NDIS. We specialise in NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination – meaning we help participants establish supports, connect to providers that will help meet their goals and manage their plan funding.

 Help Navigating the NDIS – Participant & Carer Webinar

When: Wednesday 17 September & Wednesday 24 September – with a view to have weekly ongoing sessions at the same time
Where: Online (free registration via Eventbrite)
Register here: Eventbrite Link

What the webinar covers:

• Understanding NDIS roles and how they support families
• How to read and manage an NDIS plan
• Tips for engaging providers and managing funding
• What to do when circumstances change