Term 2, Week 6, 28 May
Upcoming Events
Week 7, Term 2 | ||
Monday May 31 | Day 1 | Kids Lit Quiz, College Library 9:30am - 2:00pm Year 8 Liberty Incursion, Day 1 |
Tuesday June 1 | Day 2 | Years 10 & 11 Drama Workshop, Glasshouse Port Macquarie 12:30pm - 2:30pm Year 8 Liberty Incursion, Day 2 |
Wednesday June 2 | Day 3 | Years 9 - 12 Drama Performance, Glasshouse Port Macquarie, 10:00am - 1:00pm |
Thursday June 3 | Day 4 | |
Friday June 4 | Day 5 |
Week 8, Term 2 | ||
Monday June 7 | Day 6 | |
Tuesday June 8 | Day 7 | |
Wednesday June 9 | Day 8 | Yr 9 - 12 Elective Music Michael Dolce Performance, St Joseph's Regional College, 11:00am - 3:10pm |
Thursday June 10 | Day 9 | |
Friday June 11 | Day 10 | MacKillop College Athletics Carnival Coffs Harbour & District Dance Eisteddfod, Coffs Harbour Education Centre, 9:00am - 5:00pm |
Principal's Update
STUDENT SUCCESS
As you know, MacKillop has many amazing young people doing super amazing things. Year 8 student Emily Kirkpatrick is one of those students. I encourage you to have a read of Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care Mr Daniel O’Dells story on this amazing young lady in the Year 8 section of today’s newsletter. Emily's Story
200 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION CELEBRATION
Last Monday, I had the honour of joining our College Captains Jack Fallon and Kashia McGrath, and Vice Captain Sienna Toohey in representing the College at Mass in St Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore to Celebrate 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia. The Mass was a beautiful celebration of catholic education in Australia, and in particular its role in the Lismore Diocese since 1868. The captains and I were honoured to be joined by MacKillop’s founding Principal Mr Jim O’Brien and former MacKillop Principal, and now Lismore Diocese Board member, Mrs Anne O’Brien for the Mass. Special mention to Mr Peter Farrugia who also joined us, and our SAPSS colleagues, driving us up on the College mini-bus on Sunday.
PARENTING TIPS FOR CYBERSAFETY
At the recent Safe on Social presentation by Kirra Pendergast she summarised her top tips as follows:
- Talk to children about online privacy issues, making sure they know to never identify their name, school or city/state in which they live;
- Respect people’s privacy, don’t share anyone else’s personal information;
- Understand the importance of passwords;
- Ensure you can recognise a scam;
- Make sure the apps and games are age appropriate;
- Make sure they know that under no circumstances they should go and meet up with anyone they meet online. Stanger Danger rules apply because they are now literally on digital steroids;
- Ban devices from the bedroom from as young as possible;
- Share pictures and videos only with consent;
- Don’t do, say or repeat anything that you wouldn’t say if the person was standing right in front of you; and
- Recognise that other people’s opinions may be different to their own.
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 Ryan Adams.
Name
Ryan Adams.
What subject(s) do you teach?
PDHPE and Mathematics.
What high school did you attend?
Port Macquarie High School.
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
University of Newcastle - Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor Health and Physical Education.
CSU - Graduate Diploma of Mathematics.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
The many awesome teachers that I was lucky enough to have growing up.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
Coaching the Year 9 and 10 Boys Basketball team in 2018 who became NSWCCC Champions & came in 4th place at the Australian Schools Championships.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly.
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Firm but fair.
Favourite non-work related hobbie?
Basketball.
What do you love most about your work?
There's too many to name - the 'lightbulb moment' is one that sticks out.
CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
ELEVATE WEBINAR - IMPROVING YOUR MEMORY
Families are invited to use the below video for Elevates latest study skills webinar on Memory Mnemonics.
Elevate work in partnership with our College in the delivery of modern and up to date resources that work.
This webinar covers:
- How to overcome reliance upon rote learning.
- Semantic learning techniques for higher level memorisation.
- The role of attention in memory and managing distractions.
ADAM KELLY
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LEARNING AND TEACHING
Evangelisation
RECONCILIATION MASS
This year Reconciliation Week is Thursday May 27 - Thursday June 3, and so we celebrated a whole school Mass on Thursday with a focus on the National Reconciliation week theme: “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action”.
During our Mass Tristram Morris, one of our Indigenous Education Workers described the meaning of our New Aboriginal Cross, which was painted by a Birpai artist for our school.
Here is the message that Tristram shared in order to tell the story of our beautiful new cross:
“Our reconciliation Mass is a great example of taking action to celebrate our Aboriginal culture.
MacKillop College is very lucky to have had local Birpai artist Lori-Ann McKinnon, create a wonderful Aboriginal art cross for us.
The art on the cross is themed with our MacKillop colours. The very centre of the cross represents the Birpai story of the three brothers, Dooragan (north brother), Mooragan (middle brother) and Booragan (south brother).
Around this, it displays all seven of the Birpai totems: the crab, wedge tail eagle, dolphin, stingray, shark, bass and the kangaroo.
The images at the end of each part of the cross represents the sharing of knowledge, showing symbolism for knowledge holders and learners.”
This exciting conference is back again in September, starting on the first Wednesday of the school holidays. The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from MacKillop College in Years 10, 11 and 12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $245.00. This cost will contribute to travel, accommodation, registration and most meals and is the equivalent of the registration fee alone.
Registration as a group will be completed once an idea of numbers is known, all interested students please add your name to our sign up sheet located in both the college offices.
Once we have our list, in order to secure your registration for Ignite, parents will need to complete the permission note online, and provide payment of $245.00 (non-refundable) by Friday June 11.
Further details on the conference are below.
MARG GOBIUS
LEADER OF EVANGELISATION
Year 7
MESSAGE TO STUDENTS
Unfortunately, over the last few weeks it has been necessary to remind Year 7 of some ways to show respect for themselves, others, and our school environment. It would be wonderful for parents to show your support by discussing what ‘respect’ looks like in different settings with your children; on the sporting field, within the home or in the community in order to reinforce our message of what respect looks like at school. Students have been discussing this in their PCs and some of the reminders were as follows.
Students and staff alike are very lucky to learn and teach in such a wonderful school. We are blessed with great facilities and welcoming gardens, kept this way by very hardworking grounds staff.
What is very disappointing then, is to hear reports of many Year 7 students who are showing our school environment or our staff very little respect. So that we can all enjoy and appreciate our lunch time with our friends and let our brains have a well-earned rest throughout the day, please be mindful of the following whenever you are at school:
- If you have left over food wrappers or fruit skins or rubbish of any kind - please put them in the bin or take them home with you.
- Gardens are for plants and insects - please stay on the grass, paths or cement areas.
- Tables and benches are for sitting on - please keep your feet off them and leave them clean when you have finished using them.
- Trees and shrubs give us shade and oxygen - please leave them alone and don't swing on their branches or pull off their leaves.
- Artificial turf has been laid in front of the Science rooms to give you more area to sit and relax - please treat the area with respect.
- Our 'Hands off' rule is there to protect you and keep you safe - please keep your hands and feet to yourself at all times.
- Show how respectful you are to others: you do not have to be friends with everyone, but you do have to be friendly to everyone.
- If playing a game on the oval – please remember to listen to teacher instruction, move on the first bell, and be appropriate with the level of enthusiasm you use in the game.
Whether you are in the yard, at sport, at the canteen, at the office, in assemblies or in the classroom, try to remember your teachers and staff are here to guide you and help you flourish to become socially responsible, educated, caring and kind young adults. Please remember that they are here to help you - please show them respect and do not ignore instructions, do what is asked of you the first time, and always be polite. A smile, a please, or a thank you are always gratefully received.
Thank you for showing your respect and understanding and for keeping our school grounds a welcoming, clean and relaxing environment.
CONGRATULATIONS
Oliver Wootton of 7F1 became an Australian citizen last week with his family. Oliver is excited to officially be able to call himself an Aussie and is proud to call Australia home. Congratulations to Oliver and his family on this wonderful occasion and welcome!
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Sean Anderson, Bridie Baird, Jesper Robinson and Zac Yule.
ASSESSMENTS
A reminder that parents and students are able to access information about upcoming tasks under the “Assessment” tab in Moodle. From here, you can see the term Assessment Calendar for each year group, and can also see any specific subject notifications, or forms required for absences during an assessment. As the calendar itself is a dynamic document which may need to change due to various circumstances, it is a good idea to check this on a regular basis.
Of course, parents should be aware that students may need to prepare for these tasks as instructed by their teacher for upcoming tasks, which can take the place of regularly assigned homework. If you have concerns that your child is not receiving or doing any homework on a regular basis, please contact the subject teacher to discuss this; an email may be effective here given the nature of a teacher’s timetable. If you are unsure of a specific email address, your PC teacher will be able to advise, however, most likely it will be as the following example: firstname.lastname@lism.catholic.edu.au
ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 8
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS AWARENESS MONTH
The month of May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. NF is a set of three complex genetic conditions that cause tumours to form on nerve cells throughout the body, including the spine and brain. NF affects more than 10,000 people in Australia.
The aim for the month is to improve understanding of the signs and symptoms of NF, share the stories of real people affected by the condition, and to educate Australians on the diagnosis and treatment. The hope is to bring NF out of the shadows this May!
Emily Kirkpatrick in Year 8 was diagnosed with NF when she was just a baby.
She has been living with the condition all her life.
This is Emily’s Story
At our last Year 8 meeting we gathered in the College Hall to learn about Emily’s journey, and to take some time to hear about how NF affects different people. Emily is such a brave young lady who enjoys telling her story and promoting awareness of NF. She got up in front of the year group and answered some questions about NF.
What are some of your interests and what is something you are looking forward to?
I love painting and drawing and I am looking forward to my new bike from freedom wheels which has supports to help me ride it. I also love speaking and talking to people about being different, and how it is ok to be different.
How do you live with NF?
I have epilepsy, delayed learning and I get shock pains in my leg.
Is there a cure?
No there isn't yet, but we are hoping to raise money to find one!
Why is it important to you that people know about it?
Because people can misjudge, and think that you cannot do some things. Symptoms can be misjudged, it's in our community and closer than we think.
What can people do to help?
Donate to the cause, raise awareness, learn more by checking out the website and reading the other stories. Participate in fundraisers like the ‘Undie Run’ around valentine’s day.
If you would like to find out more about NF, to donate or to purchase some merchandise then please visit the Children’s Tumour Fundraiser Website.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ishaan Jamnadas who has received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award.
DANIEL O'DELL
ACTING YEAR 8 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 9
Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of Pentecost. This commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit, the paraclete - the counsellor, helper, encourager, and advocate. In many ways, Pentecost also commemorates the birth of the Church. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples were empowered to fearlessly proclaim ‘The Way’ of Jesus.
The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen. Together, our vision widens and strength is renewed. (Mark Morrison-Reed)
In a recent discussion with a past student (now 31 years old), I described some of my weekend activities. Amongst these was participation at the 5:00pm Sunday evening mass. This young adult’s response was that the walls of the Church would probably fall in if they ever entered the Church. Whilst, no doubt, an overstatement of their feelings and perceptions, the comment indicated at least two things. Firstly, they had not been to mass/Church for a considerable time and secondly that they felt unworthy. My pithy two sentence response, “The Church is for sinners. We all fit the mould.”, was accurate but incomplete.
I was raised in a family where regular Church attendance was practiced. I still recall, not too fondly, being dragged by my mother to complete novenas (nine masses in a row over nine days) during school holiday periods. In spite of this, many of my siblings and their children, and even my own children, choose not to come to mass. I sometimes wonder why this is so?
Some young people ‘drop out’ of organised religion during their teens. They question many things. (Parents of adolescents already know this first hand.) In their limited and highly idealised view, the Church may come up lacking. True, the Church is made up of imperfect people; some saints, and some who have committed great evil. Students in my Year 9 classes are highly aware of some of the evil perpetrated by people supposedly acting for the Church. They are, unfortunately, far less aware of the good works of the Church and the community support structures that exist because we live in a predominantly Christian country. For all this, ‘The Way’ of Jesus remains true and vital for anyone who has ears to hear.
It is a great pity that many who opted out of the Church and organised religion as teens, are now adults who may have not have taken the time to give their choice a serious second consideration.
Doubt is part of all religion. All religious thinkers were doubters. (Isaac Bashevis Singer)
It’s healthy to challenge our own beliefs and good to explore spirituality. Perhaps the celebration of Pentecost invites us all, young and old and in between, to revisit our doubts and struggles with faith and with Church. A simple openness to the Holy Spirit can be the starting point to renewing one’s relationship with Father, Son and Spirit, and their Church.
Whether you’re a ‘firm believer’ or a ‘struggler’, saint or sinner, the Church welcomes you.
God bless.
PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 10
As we hit the halfway mark of another term, it is important for students to re-evaluate their goals. Whether those goals have been formalised, or through the informal conversations we are having about what we hope to achieve. It is important that students check to see if they are on target to achieve their full potential, not only academically but also in all aspects of school life.
Year 10 are now starting to be asked what they will do next year and for some this is a difficult decision. It is vital that whatever they choose to do, they also focus on the here and now and put their best foot forward. This ensures that when making the decision about where they will go they have choices because of the work they have put in.
GLEN LITTLER
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 11
Last week, we enjoyed an extended PC where Year 11 participated in a PC sports competition. The Pastoral Care classes were divided into two teams and worked through a round robin of a variety of sports and physical challenges. It was a great fun morning and was lovely to see the teams working together.
ANDREA HUXLEY
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 12
One important message I think that needs to be given to all of my Year 12 students this week, is that it's okay to not be okay. Our young men and women are on a rollercoaster at the moment and emotions are frayed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, a little fragile or exhausted, that's alright and to be honest, perfectly understandable and it is okay. Best thing to do is acknowledge that this is where you are at and try the following things:
- Take some time for yourself, go for a walk, have a nap, go to the gym, read something just for enjoyment (weird!), watch a show etc. I know that this is taking away precious time but it is pointless to try and work effectively when you are in this state.
- Talk to someone - friend, family member, teacher, me. A burden shared is a burden halved.
- Get organised (we can help with this if you need, just ask). Write everything you have to do into a list and do the worst thing first, then enjoy the satisfaction of crossing it off.
- Be kind to yourself and have reasonable goals and expectations. There is only so much time in the day just do your best.
Remember we are a team and we are all going through this together.
Below are some photos of last week's physical activity, enjoy.
Have a great weekend.
LISA KABLE
YEAR 12 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
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
MUSIC AND DANCE SHOWCASE
The music and dance showcase concert is scheduled for Thursday July 15 (week 1 term 3). This is the major performance event for the year. All ensembles will be working hard in term 2 to prepare repertoire for this concert. It is therefore important for students to commit to rehearsal, practice and attendance throughout term 2.
RIDE THE WAVE FESTIVAL
There is a wonderful opportunity for local amateur bands to enter the Ride the Wave Festival Battle of the Bands competition. Prize packs from local music stores and the opportunity to perform a set live at the event available to winners. If you are a solo acoustic musician, DJ or member of a rock band follow the details below to enter the competition. Don’t miss out!
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLA CONCERT
- Week 7: Wednesday June 2, Lunch 2, COLA - Junior Campus, auditioned and invited ensembles and soloists.
HSC LUNCH CONCERT
- Week 8: Thursday June 10, Lunch 2, Lochinvar Courtyard - Senior Campus, HSC music students.
CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC & DANCE SHOWCASE
- Week 1: Thursday July 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.
ROBERT DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC
Sport News
TERM 2 SPORT 2021
To view the Sport Programs for Year 7-10 Term 2 Sport, please visit the link below located on our website.
MACKILLOP COLLEGE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our Annual College Athletics Carnival is on Friday, 11 June. This carnival is a compulsory day for all students in Years 7-12 and is a real highlight of our sporting calendar. It is an opportunity for students to embrace their House spirit by dressing up in house colours and getting involved in all events whether it be the competitive or novelty events.
If students are unable to participate due to injury or illness a note outlining this needs to be handed to Mrs Erin Denham. Often these students can still positively enjoy the carnival by offering assistance at the events.
The canteen will operate with a BBQ, sweets and drinks on the day. Bring your money along, you will not be able to order from the QKR! app.
We welcome all parents and guardians of our students to come along and support their children at this event and also welcome any parents that can give any assistance on the day. Please email Mrs Erin Denham erin.denham@lism.catholic.edu.au if you are able to assist us.
PRE-EVENTS MACKILLOP COLLEGE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The schedule for the pre-events leading into the Athletics Carnival is below, pre – events will take place Lunch 2.
WEEK 7
MONDAY May 31 | TUESDAY June 1 | WEDNESDAY June 2 | THURSDAY June 3 | FRIDAY June 4 |
7/8 All Schools Touch Football 7-10 Soccer | 9/10 All Schools Touch Football | 400m Catch up Senior Oval Bill Turner Boys & Girls |
WEEK 8
MONDAY June 7 | TUESDAY June 8 | WEDNESDAY June 9 | THURSDAY June 10 | FRIDAY June 11 |
800m Catch up Senior Oval | SPORT ATHLETICS PRACTICE Year 9 and 10 | 1500m Catch up Senior Oval | ATHLETICS CARNIVAL |
HIGH JUMP
- If students wish to do the fosbury flop in the HIGH JUMP parents MUST fill out the parental permission form (found at the Sports notice boards) and hand it back to Mrs Erin Denham.
MacKillop College Representative Sport - LINKS & REGISTRATIONS
Upcoming Sporting 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 May 31
Lindy Frost & Robyn Hunt
Tuesday June 1
Maggie Nash & Nicole McIlroy
Wednesday June 2
Jaci Zimmerman, Kate Perkins & Peta Clancy
Thursday June 3
Rowena Beukers, Melinda Scriven, Renee Bullock & Jackie Jovanic
Friday June 4
Michelle Butt, Mel Carroll & Leanne Hatherly
PLEASE HELP
If you can spare one hour once a month to help at the canteen it would be greatly appreciated, please follow the link below, or ring Canteen Coordinator 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 8:30AM 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.
School ties are available to purchase from the canteen for $20.00
Homework Hubs
Homework Hub - Senior Campus
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!
Maths Tutorials
Tuesday's and Thursday's
7:45am - 8:30am
Room 12 Main College with Mrs Elizabeth Robertson