Upcoming Events

Principal's Update

PARENT PARTNERSHIP - Vaping and e-cigarettes: A risk to young people
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol or mix of small particles in the air. Using an e-cigarette is called VAPING. Unfortunately vaping has made its way into the College and we are being made aware of many students from our school and other local schools using, buying and selling vapes. 

The College is working with other local schools and local police to try and ensure the safety of all young people. 

This Vaping is not acceptable at the College for a number of reasons:

* e-cigarette devices and liquids are illegal for any person in Australia under the age of 18 to possess, buy or sell.

* most  e-cigarettes contain the drug nicotine, which is highly addictive.

*E-liquid also contains toxic chemicals such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin base, heavy metals and diacetyl. When inhaled, these chemicals and toxins can cause damage to the lungs and body. NB. many young people are under the impression they may be using "water" vapes, however, this is untrue.
Unfortunately, many e-cigarettes are now sold online in an unregulated space, making it easier for our young people to obtain them. They are also sold in brightly coloured packaging and flavoured, making them more appealing and desirable. If you are unsure of what they look like, I recommend searching "vapes" in your internet browser.
As a College, we will be doing what we can to educate our staff and students on the impacts of e-cigarettes, however we encourage you as parents to have open, non-judgemental conversations with your child around the topic. This includes educating them on the health impacts and empowering them to make their own, safe decisions.

STUDENT SUCCESS
Best wishes to Year 12 student and College Vice-Captain, Jarad Humphries as he prepares to represent NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Cricket team next week.

A SPECIAL DAY FOR JAKE
On Tuesday this week, the staff of MacKillop College were able to give Year 10 student Jake Spurdle the opportunity to realise one of his ‘Bucket List’ activities, a swim with a dolphin. 

As you know Jake has been battling terminal cancer and after recent results decided to make his ‘List’. A very brave, courageous and positive young man, Jake, his mum Nyky and friend Samantha were driven to the Coffs Harbour Dolphin Park by teacher Mrs Jo Pilgrim and experienced the wonder of being in the water with the majestic dolphin before meeting the friendly sea lion and watching the dolphin show. We are so glad you had a great day Jake.

MacKillop families are asked to keep Jake in your prayers. 

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 Courtney Charge. 

Name
Courtney Charge.

What subject(s) do you teach?
PDHPE.

What high school did you attend?
MacKillop College. Though the Junior site used to be called St Paul’s High School.

What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
The University of Newcastle to study a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of PDHPE & a Diploma in Languages.
As well as, the University of Southern Queensland to study a Diploma in Science.

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
Teachers that have had an impact on my life. Some of which are still teaching here at MacKillop College. I am very fortunate to have had such wonderful relationships with most of my teachers in my 13 years of schooling. I had always wanted to be a teacher and they always encouraged me to pursue that dream.

What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
When I randomly see an ex student outside of school and they share their fondest memories from our class time together. I also love to hear what they’re doing with their lives - you can’t help but feel so proud to witness how much they’ve grown!

What are you reading at the moment?
The River of Consciousness - Oliver Sacks.

What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

Favourite non-work related hobbie?
Surfing, hiking, yoga, cooking, reading and quality time with family, of course.

What do you love most about your work?
The relationships you get to build with students. Helping them realise their potential and putting that into action, is one of the most humbling feelings in the world.

CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL

Parent News

Evangelisation

YEAR 7 MASS

On Thursday, 4th March, our Year 7 Belonging Day began with a scripted Mass in the St Agnes' Church.
This offered the students a little more explanation of what happens during each Mass, and the opportunity to be in our beautiful Parish Church.
The students participated beautifully and we were very thankful to all the wonderful student volunteers. These students added so much to the celebration.

PROJECT COMPASSION

Our MacKillop College community are blessed and fortunate in comparison to the following Project Compassion story. Certainly makes us all realise how we take simple things in our home for granted.
This week Arsad’s story is featured by Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet in his home, so he had to walk into the forest to the open defecation area, even at night or in the rain. Around 17 percent of Indonesia’s rural population practice open defecation, with many unaware that it contributes to spreading diseases.
Arsad’s family was often sick and open defecation caused neighbourhood disputes. With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner, Laz Harfa, he took part in hygiene, sanitation and financial management training. He decided to fund the building of a toilet in his house and facilitated others in his neighbourhood to save up for toilets.
Arsad has inspired his neighbourhood to ‘Be More’.

“We help each other, the ‘togetherness’ is growing. Our solidarity has increased,” Arsad says.

MARG GOBIUS
LEADER OF EVANGELISATION

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR - RESOURCES

Two weeks ago, we advertised the latest Elevate Education Webinar that focused on the positive use of technology and how it can be a help and not a hinderance. A number of people on the webinar stream asked for access to the resources referenced throughout the session. Families are encouraged to use this link for the 'Breaking the Habit' resource or this link to the replay of the webinar for those who were unable to attend on the night. Elevate provided great resources for families who are wanting to support their children through some of the challenges that contemporary education presents.

YEAR 11 LEARNING CONVERSATIONS

Learning Conversations will be held from 4:00pm to 7:30pm on Monday, 29th March for families with students in Year 11 in the College Hall (junior campus).

If this date does not suit, I encourage you to make contact (phone or email) with your child’s teachers.

As per all conversations in relation to our students’ learning, we encourage your child to also attend the evening. These interviews are one part of the very important process of our students gaining the most from their schooling and provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet to ensure open and collaborative communication which assists students not only in their learning but in their growth as young men and women.

You can now book interviews at times that suit at www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow these simple instructions:

Please ensure you provide your full name, and your child’s full name, when entering your details.

When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately.

Interviews are strictly 5 minutes and spaces are limited. If you require more time, please contact teachers directly to make alternative arrangements.

Parents can change their interview bookings, any time prior to the closing date, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website, and using the event code. Remember to use the same name and email address you used when you made your original booking.

Please note BOOKINGS CLOSE on the evening of Thursday, 25th March.

ADAM KELLY
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LEARNING AND TEACHING

Year 7

HOMEWORK HUB
Homework Hub is available in the junior Library from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
It provides a great oppurtunity for students to have a quiet place to work, or to get some help with homework and assessment tasks, so they can rest their brains at home! No need to book in – students can simply just turn up.
Regardless of whether students would benefit by having some help and guidance with their work, or would simply like to improve their organisation or time management, Homework Hub can help. And it’s free!

YEAR 7 BELONGING DAY
Last Thursday we spent the day in town on our Belonging Day. Year 7 began the day in celebration with a narrated Mass which explained the symbolism, ritual and tradition of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Afterwards, students joined a round robin of activities that focused on celebrating kindness, belonging, collaboration and community spirit.
Thank you to all students for your enthusiasm, respect and positive spirit. Thank you also to Mrs Gobius and team for organising our special Mass and activities.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Marli Connerty, Ruby Menin, Marley Nasso, Audrey Woolnough and Mitchell Yates.

ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 8

It is great to be working with Year 8 again this year after seeing them off at the Awards Assembly at the end of 2020. Mrs Bronwyn Avery is taking some well-deserved leave for the remainder of the Term, and I will be looking after Year 8 as Leader of Pastoral Care until the end of Term 2.
If I can assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me via the college office phone number or via email daniel.odell@lism.catholic.edu.au

HOMEWORK HUB
Homework Hub is available in the junior Library from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
It provides a great oppurtunity for students to have a quiet place to work, or to get some help with homework and assessment tasks, so they can rest their brains at home! No need to book in – students can simply just turn up.
Regardless of whether students would benefit by having some help and guidance with their work, or would simply like to improve their organisation or time management, Homework Hub can help. And it’s free!

DANIEL O'DELL
YEAR 8 ACTING LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 9

TEAMWORK
As you are surely aware, Year 9 students participated in an activity based day at Stoney Aqua Park last week. Whilst intended to be a lot of fun, and it was, the day involved much more than simply providing play and relaxation. Throughout the time at the park, the students participated in a series of game based activities specifically chosen to encourage and build teamwork.

BENEFITS OF TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
When done well, the benefits of teamwork are both immediate and potentially long reaching. Some of the gains hoped for include:

• Build trust
• encourage communication
• establish and enhance friendship
• increase engagement
• create happy students
• improve mental health
• improve physical health
• increase motivation
• shape culture
• improve group dynamics
• strengthen morale
• identify strengths and weaknesses
• discover hidden potential
• identify and establish leadership
• encourage considered risk taking
• create respect
• promote creativity
• break down barriers
• encourage responsibility
• encourage collaboration
• increase confidence
• fun (and school ought to be fun).

Please see below some of the images taken. I believe that the pictures tell the story of a highly successful day of team building.

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HOMEWORK HUB
Homework Hub is available in the junior Library from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
It provides a great oppurtunity for students to have a quiet place to work, or to get some help with homework and assessment tasks, so they can rest their brains at home! No need to book in – students can simply just turn up.
Regardless of whether students would benefit by having some help and guidance with their work, or would simply like to improve their organisation or time management, Homework Hub can help. And it’s free!

God Bless 

PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 10

RETREAT

Year 10 Retreat Week will be held from Monday, 22nd March - 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, on Friday there will be a Mass and Community Day for Year 10.

This week students should have found out what days they will be attending.

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

Congratulations

Congratulations to Kai Fuller who during Year 10 sport at Hydro Golf last week, managed to hit his ball into a net and win a pizza.

HOMEWORK HUB
Homework Hub is available in the junior Library from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, Monday to Thursday.
It provides a great oppurtunity for students to have a quiet place to work, or to get some help with homework and assessment tasks, so they can rest their brains at home! No need to book in – students can simply just turn up.
Regardless of whether students would benefit by having some help and guidance with their work, or would simply like to improve their organisation or time management, Homework Hub can help. And it’s free!

GLEN LITTLER
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 11

As we end Week 7, I have spent much of the past two weeks interviewing Year 11 students one on one. It has been lovely to spend some time with each of them and learn a little more about who they are and what makes them tick.

I am very pleased to hear that their attitudes are overwhelmingly positive in regard to their new classes and new environment. Most students mentioned the increase in workload as a challenge they have had to get used to, and many feel that they are developing great routines and are managing to balance their new commitments with their old. A common thread has been that infamous work life balance which I am sure we all struggle with at times.

In response to this we spent some time during our Year meeting focusing on some of the things that support that balance:

• Sleep - We focussed on how important it is and how much we need. What are the things that steal our sleep from us and how do we steal it back?

• A concept I call 'have it all, do it all - within reason'. For students in the senior years it's vitally important that they still get to 'have a life' which may entail; working at their part time job, spending time with their friends, playing their sport or doing their hobby and keeping up with their school work. Let’s not forget about helping around the house a little - or a lot! With good time management skills and some selective prioritising, a young person doesn't have to feel chained to the desk in order to get great grades; and

• Study Concepts - which looked into the simple strategies and things we sometimes overlook. Like our environment, the room we study in, the time of day that suits each person best, when are we most productive, how do we make efficient and effective use of the time. Work smarter, not harder!

It’s a work in progress but I am pleased to say that overall, Year 11 is settling in very well and are establishing some great routines that will support both their learning and their health.

ANDREA HUXLEY
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 12

Over the past two weeks I have been meeting with the Year 12 students one on one to have a chat about how they are going with school and life in general. It has been lovely to take the time to do this as given the nature of the school environment it is difficult to get time to see everyone and have a meaningful conversation. I would say that there is a general theme appearing already from the last two weeks which is stress levels are rising in anticipation of upcoming assessments. We discussed in our Year meeting this week about the things that students can do to alleviate this stress, and they received a handout all centred around five main areas:

-    Sleep:  Getting enough hours and having a sleep routine;

-    Environment:  Where are you studying?

-    Organisation:  Getting sorted, working out what needs to be done to successfully complete your assessments;

-    Study Skills:  How do you study? and

-    Time:  When is the best time of the day to study?  How long should you study for?

It would be very beneficial if you had open conversations with your children about these five areas and encourage them to seek out help from me or another teacher if they are unsure in any of these areas. I aim to have spoken to every Year 12 student by the time this Term ends, but students are encouraged not to wait to speak to me if something is urgent.

HIM IN HEELS
We are very lucky to have on staff a passionate person who advocates tirelessly for victims of domestic violence, Mrs Nicole Bailey. Him in Heels is a fundraising event organised by Hastings Business Women's Network where the boys do a short walk in a women's shoes. With Mrs Bailey's encouragement, MacKillop College was extremely well represented with our young men in Year 12 and Year 11 braving the high heeled walk, our girls attending to support them and many members of our school community (students, teachers, parents and friends), all donating for this important cause.  I am always so impressed by the altruism displayed by this Year group; congratulations to you, the parents and carers, for raising such socially aware and generous young men and women.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

Alani Cockshutt has tasted recent success at the National Championships racing for the first time in the Senior Ranks (U19).  There were three different races she was entered into: Individual Time Trial Event (18km), a Crit Race (A race around a small race track - in this case around a couple of blocks in the middle of Ballarat) 15 laps, and a Road Race (60km).

In the Individual Time Trial, she came 2nd in NSW and 14th Nationally.  The Crit Race was going well until the last two laps when there was a medical concern, Alani managed to finish the race but was significantly impacted and had to really work to get in the right space for the Road Race on Saturday. In the Road Race she had an incredible run - the first eight broke away and she stayed with the next group of cyclists and won the bunch sprint to come 9th at the National Championships. 

Alani, as always super proud of what you have achieved - well done!

Have a great weekend! Take care of each other.

LISA KABLE
YEAR 12 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Music

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

CARITAS LUNCH CONCERT (Junior)

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

CARITAS LUNCH CONCERT (Senior)

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

COLLEGE ASSEMBLY

• Wednesday, 24th March, College Hall: Period 1, Junior Band

ANZAC ASSEMBLY

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

ANZAC DAY MARCH

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

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

ROB DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC

Sport

Year 9 students only have two more weeks where they can successfully complete all of the practical skills for the Surf Survival Certificate at the beach. It is crucial that students come prepared on Tuesday with their towel, shorts and swimmers.

It has been disappointing over the past two weeks to see the number of students that are disorganised and do not have the correct equipment to swim. A reminder that students must provide a note with a reason as to why they cannot swim. This needs to be handed to Mrs Denham during PC on Tuesday morning.

I hope that we can return to how we started the term Year 9 as you were fantastic for the first four weeks. Let’s finish on a good note and have some fun at the beach in Week 10 as a celebration of completing the course.

TERM 2 SPORT ELECTIVES 

Year 9 and 10 Sport elective choices go live on Monday, 15th March at 9:00am. The selections close at 9am Thursday, 18th March. The survey gives priority  based on the time that each student completes the survey. 
Students can only access the survey via a unique code sent to them via their email. Click on the link to complete the survey. The selection may be placed in jeopardy if the digital parent permission form is not completed, or there are outstanding fees. 

MACKILLOP COLLEGE CROSS COUNTRY

The MacKillop College Cross Country is not a compulsory event and is for students that want to run competitively. This means that you must be at the very least attempting to run the entire distance.

Students MUST have nominated on the registration form located on the School Moodle page no later than Friday, 12^th March. Cross County will take place on Tuesday, 16^th March at MacKillop College during PC and Periods 1-3 for all students in Years 7-12 that have nominated. If we have to postpone the Carnival due to weather students will be notified via email.

Students who are running are to wear their sport uniform on Tuesday. Students are permitted to change into appropriate running attire prior to their race. It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes and towel as the track is still quite muddy.
The restrictions regarding parents being allowed onto school grounds were lifted on Monday, which is perfect timing for our Cross Country. We would love to hear from any parent helpers that may be able to assist with time keeping and recording next Tuesday between 9:00am and 12:00pm.

Students are to meet Mrs Denham at the JUNIOR BASKETBALL COURT according to the schedule below.

Year 9 and 10 students can attend their normal Sport session.

SCHEDULE

2km Course

1.5km Course 

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A MACKILLOP COLLEGE SPORT TEAM

In the past students have signed up to trial for a sport by writing their name on a paper list at the sports notice board. As of now all Registrations for MacKillop College sport teams will be completed by students 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
• Open Boys and Girls Soccer

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

LISMORE DIOCESAN REGISTRATIONS

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

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

NSWCCC Sport Registrations 2021 for pathway sports 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

• Water Polo – Boys & Girls – 15th March – Close 11th March
• Hockey – Open Boys & Girls, 16s Girls – 22nd March – Close 15th March
• Diving – Boys & Girls – 29th March – Close 19th March
• Triathlon - Closing date 15th March Selections 30th March at Penrith

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

Congratulations to Sam Blain and Blake Collins who were recently selected in the Under 16 Basketball Country Squad. We wish them all the best for final selection in the team that will compete at the 2021 Under 16's Australian Junior Championships in Perth in July.
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

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!

Parish News

Come and spend time with Jesus this Easter.

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

EASTER MASS TIMES

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

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

You can book in a number of ways: 

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

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

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

Canteen

Monday, 22nd  March
Paul Atkins and Patrick Corr

Tuesday, 23rd March
Jane Keegan, Kristine Fallon and Elizabeth Jardine

Wednesday, 23rd March
Kaylene Monckton and Verena Grandy

Thursday, 24th March
Stuart Ward, HELP PLEASE

Friday, 25th March
Bec Eakin, Sam Harrison, Priscilla Turnbull, and Tracey Reddie

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

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

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

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

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

ALL ORDERS TO BE IN BY 9:00AM PLEASE

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

Homework Hubs

Homework Hub - Senior Campus

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday's and Thursday's

7:45am - 8:30am 

Room 12 Main College with Mrs Elizabeth Robertson