Term 1, Week 5, 26th February

Upcoming Events

Save the date; St Agnes' Primary School Golf Day Sunday, 16th May 2021!

Principal's Update

SWIMMING SUCCESS

Congratulations to the students below who received their awards for Swimming Age Champion and Runner-Up at our College Assembly on Wednesday. Not only does it recognise the success of these young men and women but more importantly their commitment to working hard, setting goals and putting in the effort through training and practice. I wish all of our swimmers who have qualified for the Diocesan Carnival all the best.  

JUNIOR CARNIVAL

SENIOR CARNIVAL

A BICENTENARY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION 

2021 marks the national  Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia. Throughout the year, here at MacKillop College, we will celebrate how lucky we are to have been part of the past 200 years. With a history dating back to 1988, MacKillop College has played a rich role in the service of Catholic Education and to this day is part of the Catholic parish which educates more young people per capita than any other parish in Australia. We are certainly proud to be a leading light in excellence in Catholic Education in Australia. 

National Catholic Education Executive Director Jacinta Collins described Catholic Education saying “Over 200 years, Catholic schools have educated millions of Australian students. We have grown alongside the government sector in ensuring the education of generations of young people, and have contributed to the development of individuals, local communities and the economic and social fabric of this nation.

Australian Catholic schools have a long and proud tradition of delivering high-quality, faith-based education. Our graduates have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution in business, civic and public life, sport, performing and creative arts, community services, and all facets of society. 

The bicentenary is an opportunity to celebrate those who have served in Catholic Education since its earliest days; the contribution of religious institutes, clergy and lay people in the foundation of schools in cities, rural and remote parts of Australia and the continuity of this mission with the leaders, staff, families and the wider Church community today. We look forward with great hope and faith in the future of Catholic schools by continuing to respond to our mission of meeting the educational and spiritual needs of young people and our communities.

As we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia, we recognise and pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians and first educators of this land. They have educated their children for tens of thousands of years and make a significant and valued contribution to our school communities and the cultural and spiritual heritage of Australia.

We also acknowledge that throughout our 200-year history we have not always lived up to our mission to safeguard the wellbeing of the children and young people in our care. We recognise these failings and are committed to ensure Catholic schools are safe and life-giving places for all students.”

MEET THE STUDENT LEADERS

I know in previous newsletters we have introduced our Student Leaders, however I thought it would be nice for you to meet them in person (virtual) through the video they produced at their recent Leaders training workshop. The video was created and produced by the student leaders themselves. Enjoy the introductions. 

MEET THE EXPERTS

Each week throughout the Year I will introduce to you some of the expert staff we are so fortunate to have working for your children here at MacKillop College. This week I would like to introduce Tessa Stillman. 

Name

Tessa Stillman

What subject(s) do you teach?

Textiles and Design, Technology Mandatory (Engineered Systems and Timber)

What high school did you attend?

MacKillop College Port Macquarie

What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?

University of Technology Sydney: Bachelor of Fashion and Textile Design & Bachelor of Secondary Education

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

Being able to keep learning for life

What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?

In 2019, two of my HSC Textiles Students were awarded 2nd and 4th in the State for Textiles and Design

What quote best describes your approach to teaching?

Project-based learning - knowledge supported through making.

Favourite non-work related hobbie?

Planning my renovation on Pinterest and going to the beach with my family

What do you love most about your work?

I get to create everyday

Cath Eichmann

Principal

Parent News

Evangelisation

Each year during Lent, MacKillop College commits to supporting the incredible work done by Caritas through Project Compassion. Caritas have programs within Australia and throughout the world supporting the poor and marginalised. Each week during Lent Project Compassion focuses on the life changes offered to one person through the funds raised.

We ask our students to put money into the Project Compassion boxes in their PC rooms during this Lenten Season.

This week, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Margret’s story is featured by Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.

Margret, 39, is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment.

With Caritas Australia’s support, Margret’s school installed eight large water tanks and provided cyclone-proof materials to repair the damage of a drought and cyclone damage during 2020. It also helped the school to implement COVID-19 prevention measures, providing fabric for students to make face masks.

Margret’s school now has enough safe water to supply the school’s population of 150 and has the capacity to cater for more students. It plans to boost food security, by increasing its agricultural production. This will improve nutrition and boost the school’s income, while building resilience to future disasters.

Margaret advised, “I am proud that our school community works together with Caritas Australia as our partner in ensuring that we live in a healthier environment,”.

YEAR 11 - 12 KAIROS RETREAT 2021 

Monday 29^th March (after school) – Thursday, 1^st April at Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills.

St Agnes' Parish Secondary Schools have embarked on an exciting initiative in the delivery of senior student retreats by offering Kairos Retreats in our area. 2021 will be the sixth year that we have been able to offer this opportunity to our senior students.

A Kairos Retreat is a faith based retreat which invites the participants to explore their own spirituality, and is significantly different from other school retreat experiences. It is smaller, consisting of 20 participants, five YMO leaders, four staff leaders and a Priest. It is unique in that the retreat is led by youth themselves. These youth leaders have participated in a Kairos Retreat themselves, and then take on the challenge and privilege of leading a retreat for their peers.

As mentioned the Kairos Retreat will be led by youth leaders who completed their first Kairos Retreat in 2020. Student leaders invest a great deal of time in preparing to lead the retreat, and are supported and accompanied by staff for the entire process.

Any student who has an interest in being part of these experience should contact Mrs Gobius ASAP at marg.gobius@lism.catholic.edu.au

LEAD 2021

Our senior students, along with our two YMO’s, are invited to attend the CSO funded LEAD conference in Grafton on Thursday and Friday of Week 7, with many other young Christian leaders from throughout the diocese.

These students are offered a wonderful opportunity to further develop their leadership skills within our school in relation to Mission and Evangelisation.

The Youth Ministry Officers of the Diocese support these students from Year 11 and 12, offering insight and inspiration with their personal reflections and testimonials.

Following this event we welcome our LEAD students back to MacKillop College with the anticipation of the wonderful ministries they will be able to share with their peers over the next 12 months.

Marg Gobius

Leader of Evangelisation

Immunisation Information

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

In 2021 the following vaccines will be offered:

Year 7 Parent Information Kits that include an information sheet, consent form and privacy statement were sent home with Year 7 students last week. Year 10 Parent Information Kits will be sent home closer to the Year 10 Vaccination Day. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:

• read all the information provided
• complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive
• return the completed consent form to their child’s school
• ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.
• students are asked to wear their sport uniform on Vaccination Day for ease of access for vaccination.

Please note that, to improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses during Year 7 or 8 (for HPV and dTpa vaccination) and during Year 10 or 11 (for Meningococcal ACWY vaccination).

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic either as  a physical card or a text message sent to the mobile number recorded on the consent form. Details about vaccinations given at school will also be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to support complete vaccination histories. Please note that MacKillop College does not keep any Vaccination records.

Year 7

STONEY AQUA PARK

Congratulations Year 7 on your teamwork, cooperation and enthusiasm during our community building day at Stoney Aqua park on Tuesday. Despite experiencing less than ideal weather, all students brought their smiles, cheers and laughter to the day, and the rain did not dampen anyone’s spirits! Students undertook a round robin of both land and water challenges during the day, and there was an opportunity for free play on the water obstacle course at the end of the session.

There was an abundance of community spirit with teamwork, cooperation and fun the flavour of the day. Well done to 7 Oxley 1 who came first in the timed water challenge and to Chase Thompson who was fastest overall. No doubt Chase’s efforts helped his PC take the crown! Thank you to all staff for their positive energy and enthusiasm in running the events as well – it wouldn’t have been a success without you.

IMMUNISATIONS

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

On Monday, 1st and Tuesday, 2nd March, Year 7 students will receive the HPV and Whooping cough vaccine. Permission forms were sent home last week. Students unable to have their vaccine at school are recommended to access this via their family doctor.

BELONGING DAY

On Thursday 4th March, all students will travel by bus to St Agnes' church to begin our day with a celebration of a narrated mass. This is a unique opportunity for students to hear the reasoning and function of the ritual of the mass, where things are explained by the Priest as the mass progresses. This is followed by various activities over the remainder of the day where students can explore our themes of belonging and kindness.

Students are to wear sport uniform and to ensure that they bring their hat, water bottle and food for the day. Students will arrive back at MacKillop College in time for the afternoon buses.

Ellen McKell

Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

STONEY AQUA PARK

Wet and awesome: two words that encapsulate this community building day on Wednesday. Students had fun playing on the aqua course, participating in PC games and generally hanging out with one another and their teachers. One thing of note was the great attitude to have a go and get involved with all the activities. I wish to express my gratitude for the fantastic crew of staff, both in the water and running fun activities. 

BRAINSTORM PRODUCTIONS - CYBERIA

Today, Year 8 students experienced the renowned Brainstorm Production, Cyberia. Linked with the PDHPE curriculum, students will continue learning about online safety and mental health, encouraging positive relationships and help-seeking. An interesting conversation to have with your teenager over the weekend. Can they relate or see a practical application in their own lives? 

REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS 

Have you had your diary signed for the week? This is a vital way teachers communicate with home. Please put a reminder in your phone, or on the calendar to assist your child as they find a rhythm in their school year. 

Bronwyn Avery

Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

As many of you will already know, I subscribe to ‘Parenting Ideas’, an online resource for parents and schools (it’s free). The parenting blog is by Michael Grose and offers regular advice on pertinent and current issues. Below appears what Michael calls "A Simple Formula for Parenting". It is both simple and achievable.

Show kids how to behave.

Keep pets to develop nurturance and responsibility.

Be the adult in the parent-child relationship.

Cultivate good manners.

Build character daily.

Catch kids being kind, gentle and strong.

Establish healthy habits early.

Stick to routines.

Have fun.

Eat together every day.

Focus on excellence, not perfection.

Spend individual time with each child each week.

Expect kids to change.

Keep an adult only place at home.

Admit it when you’re wrong.

Choose time and place to deliver big messages.

Keep the meal table free from arguments.

Prepare for tomorrow the night before.

Expect children to help.

Encourage siblings to apologise.

Send kids to school with breakfast, a kiss and a smile.

Celebrate success as a family.

Spend time in nature together.

Let go.

I consider this an excellent set of recommendations. Not the comprehensive, cover all possibilities presentation, but great for what it offers. I intend to try to take it myself.

Peter Murphy

Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

RETREAT

There is a list of whole school events in the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter but one key date we would like you to remember is our Year 10 Retreat/Activities which will be held from Monday, 22nd March to Friday, 26th March (Term 1, Week 9).

Retreat Week is one of the most important compulsory events in the Year 10 calendar, and is always a highlight for the cohort; where friendships are strengthened, reflection and growth occur and positive memories are made. 

Students will be split into four groups of approximately 55 students, allowing for a more personal two-day retreat experience, and will either attend the Francis Retreat or Stuarts Point Convention Centre on Monday and Tuesday OR Wednesday and Thursday during this week.

To complete the week, Friday will be a Mass and Community Day for Year 10.

Organisation for retreat is well under way with students starting to pick their retreat groups on Wednesday.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask your child's PC teacher, Marg Gobius or myself.

Glen Littler 

Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

From the Mathematics Vault

Welcome to our weekly Maths Vault! 

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

Year 11

YEAR 11 RETREAT

On Monday, Year 11 will be involved in a retreat day. The day involves a year group liturgy, some team building activities, a shared PC lunch (Covid safe) and a seminar on respectful relationships. I am very much looking forward to spending the day with Year 11. Students are required to wear their full sport uniform, bring something to share for morning tea which will have been arranged with their PC groups. They will need their own food for lunch however the canteen will be open. 

This is a compulsory day which all students are expected to attend.

PARENT WEBINAR

This resource came across my desk and as a free resource for parents I felt it would be an excellent  support for parents of the young men in our lives. Please feel free to take up this opportunity. The details for the Communicating with Teenage Boys by Maggie Dent webinar are located in the Parent News section of this newsletter.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Well I went home with my ears ringing and my face tired from smiling and laughing. Year 11 were amazing, they did exactly what I expected of them. They turned up, stepped up, got involved, swam and HAD FUN! What a day! This day really set the scene for the kind of culture we can all look forward to enjoying over the next few years together. 

Andrea Huxley 

Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 12

Last week's Swimming Carnival was an extremely enjoyable day with only 12 people away from our cohort on the day!!  It was awesome to see everyone so dressed up and participating in all of the events.  Our young men and women led with enthusiasm and vigour.  Every day I am finding that the year group is giving me something to smile or be proud about.

With the halfway point of the term reached I hope that you are finding your child is organised for what's coming up and are committing a couple hours each night and on the weekend to their studies. It is hard to put in the effort required in this last year, but this is when it is needed the most. In less than nine months they will be sitting their last HSC exam, ready to embark upon a new chapter. Nine months is not long but when you think about the kind of things that can be accomplished in that short timeframe (for example the miracle of life!), you realise that it's at least enough time for them to do what they need to do in order to achieve their best.

I would like to express my gratitude and congratulations to our school SRC leaders, they have been doing amazing things lately. They are coming up with some great ideas, jump in at any moment to help and are really showing by example what an individual can do. Special mention to Sienna Toohey for putting together the SRC introduction video which we saw at our Assembly on Wednesday. If you wish to watch the video it is included in the Principal’s newsletter item. A fantastic job well done Sienna!!

As always, have a great weekend.

Lisa Kable

Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care

Wellbeing

For children and adults alike, curiosity has been linked with psychological, emotional, social, and even health benefits.

Curiosity pushes people toward uncertainty and allows them to approach it with a positive attitude. Curiosity is not only linked to success because it leads to creativity and discoveries, it also helps you develop meaningful relationships that enrich your personal and professional life.

At assembly, the SRC challenged the whole school’s curiosity in a trivia game. See some of the questions and perhaps play at home - what is the family’s reaction?   

For families: Who's the cleverest at home? 

Nicole O'Connell

Leader of Wellbeing 

Music News

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

ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WEEK 6

ENSEMBLE PROGRAM UPDATES

Junior vocal Ensemble - this ensemble rehearsal has been placed on hold for the remainder of the term and will be reassessed in Term 2. Rehearsals will resume in this term pending more interest by students.

Choir - The College choir is up and running and adhering to COVID safe guidelines by rehearsing outside J14 music room. ALL STUDENTS WITH A VOICE are invited to attend. Whilst the choir is currently unable to perform a recording schedule will be planned for term 2.

Junior Band - All students in Years 8 and 9 who played in the Concert Band in 2020 are required to attend rehearsals with the Junior Band on Thursday mornings during Terms 1 and 4 this year. This ensemble is also open to ALL Year 7 students who play a band instrument. This ensemble is rehearsing for a college assembly performance in Week 9 and for the Year 7, 2022 Information Night early in Term 2.

Street Band - ALL students in Years 10 and 11 who played in the Concert Band in 2020 are invited to attend this rehearsal. This ensemble is designed to be ‘mobile’ and will focus on altered marching band style charts that features improvisation. Furthermore, the ensemble is providing a way to extend senior band musicians and further develop their skill at an appropriate level.

During what has been a very busy start to the year rehearsal numbers have been unreliable at best. The first note for most rehearsals will be at 8:00am sharp. The process is for students to inform the ensemble Director in person or by email BEFORE the rehearsal if they are unable to attend.

It is important to understand that ALL ensembles are rehearsing to provide a service to our college community. There is ALWAYS a performance that we are working towards. With this in mind ensemble directors aim to encourage students to work together towards these performance goals in a positive and enjoyable environment.

Please find below details for upcoming events. I expect this list to grow throughout Terms 2 and 3 as more events are brought back on to the calendar. Please take note of this information for your own family planning.

UPCOMING EVENTS

YEAR 7 MASS

Thursday, 4th March: Period 1 and 2 St Agnes Parish Church , Collective Praise Band

CARITAS LUNCH CONCERT (Junior)

Thursday, 18th March: Lunch 1 COLA , Percussion Ensembles, Street Band and Saxophone Ensemble

CARITAS LUNCH CONCERT (Senior)

Friday, 19th March: Lunch 1 Lochinvar Centre outdoor stage, HSC Music soloists

COLLEGE ASSEMBLY

Week 9 - Wednesday, 24th March: Period 1, College Hall , Junior Band

ANZAC ASSEMBLY

Week 1 - Wednesday, 21st April: Period 1, College Hall , Brass Ensemble

ANZAC DAY MARCH

Week 1 - Sunday, 25th April: time TBC, Town Green (Horton Street) , SAPSS Marching Band

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

Robert Denham
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

Sport News

SWIMMING CARNIVALS WRAP UP

Last week we hosted our annual swimming carnivals. The carnivals are always a great way to start the year, allowing us to come together as a school, foster house spirit, embrace a healthy camaraderie between houses and showcase the extraordinary ability of our many talented swimmers.

We kicked off with the Senior Carnival on Wednesday, where students turned up in droves with loads of House spirit and every possible flotation device known to mankind. The senior carnival was a great balance between competition and fun with Lacy Williams (Innes) and Jared Humphreys (Oxley) taking out the coveted Belly Flop competition. Oxley stormed the pool in the five minute House Challenge leaving every other house in their wake.

This year we experienced exceptional weather circumstances that meant we had to make the difficult decision to move to a competitor only carnival for the Juniors. While this was not ideal, we had 150 students compete on the day. I was impressed by our student’s participation and willingness to adjust to the change in program. It was pleasing to see every competitive race contested with many tight finishes at the end of the pool. What we lacked in House spirit was made up for in exceptional racing.

Thank you to the House Captains, SRC and Year 10 and Year 12 students who led by example and generated a great vibe.  To all of the staff that ensured the carnivals ran smoothly – your efforts are appreciated.

Congratulations to Alani Cockshutt and Tess McWilliams who led their respective houses to victory. 

WINNING JUNIOR HOUSE INNES

WINNING SENIOR HOUSE OXLEY

OVERALL WINNING HOUSE OXLEY

Congratulations to the following students who swam exceptionally well and as a result were awarded Age Champion or Runner Up.

JUNIOR CARNIVAL

SENIOR CARNIVAL

We wish all the competitors a safe journey to Lismore for the Diocesan Swimming Carnival next Wednesday and look forward to publishing their results over the coming weeks. 

2021 Swimming Carnivals

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 19

Next

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A MACKILLOP COLLEGE SPORT TEAM

In the past, students have signed up to trial for a sport by writing their name on a paper list at the Sports notice board. As of now, all future registrations for MacKillop College sport teams will be completed by students via 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.

Sports currently open for registration/ trials are:

• Bill Turner Boys and Girls Soccer

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

LISMORE DIOCESAN REGISTRATIONS

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

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

NSWCCC Sport Registrations 2021 for pathway sports open on 1 February.

Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal. For instructions on how to register go to –

Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Term One Individual Nominations Sport Registrations

• Volleyball – Boys & Girls – 10 March - Close 5 March
• Water Polo – Boys & Girls – 15 March – Close 11 March
• Hockey – Open Boys & Girls, 16s Girls – 22 March – Close 15 March
• Diving – Boys & Girls – 29 March – Close 19 March

Swimming and Touch Football registrations are through the Diocesan/Association pathways.

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

https://csnsw.sport/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

COMMUNITY SPORT

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

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

Erin Denham

Leader of Sport

Canteen

Monday, 1st March
Mayo Brumby, Sue Moore-Jones and Jodie Burge

Tuesday, 2nd March
Maggie Nash and Nicole McIlroy

Wednesday, 3rd March
Jaci Zimmerman, Kate Perkins and Peta Clancy

Thursday, 4th March
Rowena Beukers, Renee Bullock, Mel Scriven and Jacki Jovanic

Friday, 5th March
Michelle Butt, Mel Carroll and Leanne Hatherly

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

If you would like to help please follow the link below or ring Maxine on  0432 179 365.  Help is needed from 11am to 2pm or for service from 11am till 11.30am or 1.35pm till 2pm.

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

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

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

ALL ORDERS TO BE IN BY 9AM PLEASE

Homework Hubs

Homework Hub - Senior Campus

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday's and Thursday's

7:45am - 8:30am 

Room 12 Main College with Mrs Elizabeth Robertson