Term 2, Week 7, 4 June
Upcoming Events
Week 8, Term 2 | ||
Monday 7 June | Day 6 | |
Tuesday 8 June | Day 7 | |
Wednesday 9 June | Day 8 | Yr 9 - 12 Elective Music Michael Dolce Performance, St Joseph's Regional College 11:00am - 3:10pm |
Thursday 10 June | Day 9 | |
Friday 11 June | Day 10 | MacKillop College Athletics Carnival Coffs Harbour and District Dance Eisteddfod, Coffs Harbour Education Centre 9:00am - 5:00pm |
Week 9, Term 2 | ||
Monday 14 June | Day 1 | Queen's Birthday Public Holiday - Pupile Free Day |
Tuesday 15 June | Day 2 | Year 11 and 12 Dance Workshop (Sydney Dance Company), Glasshouse 8:30am - 11:30am |
Wednesday 16 June | Day 3 | Year 8 Connect and Belong Day, College Hall Year 9 and 10 Drama Production, PAC 11:30am - 1:30pm |
Thursday 17 June | Day 4 | Year 11 Street Retreat Day 1 Year 9 Connect and Belong Day, College Hall |
Friday 18 June | Day 5 | Year 11 Street Retreat Day 2 Year 12 Ancient and Modern History Lectures, Coffs Harbour |
Principal's Update
STUDENT SUCCESS
SAPSS Drumline and Marching Band success
For many years, the SAPSS Drumline and Marching Bands have been a hallmark of the wonderful co-curricular music program in our St Agnes' Parish Secondary Schools. In the past two weeks the Bands have shown why; performing and receiving enormous praise at local events. Below is a beautiful email I received thanking the Bands for their performance at a recent event at Cassegrain Winery.
"Just WOW. I heard that so many times last night! The SAPSS Drumline provided an incredible start to our conference dinner. What a talented, lovely bunch of young musicians you have fostered. With over 200 delegates from all over NSW including a number of dignitaries, the performance really showcased the talent we have in Port Macquarie, and made us all very proud. When the event’s MC gave the drumline a shout out at dinner, they received a huge cheer of appreciation. It was such a highlight, and turned the event into something really special. Please pass on our thanks and gratitude to your students and their parents, and a big thank you to you for organising it all!"
Kind regards,
Kim Gallery
Destination and Cultural Development Officer
Strategy & Growth Port Macquarie Hastings Council
ROAD SAFETY
Due to the busy nature of our school and traffic conditions, please ensure you are familiar with the College road safety policy. The College has a carpark for parents and visitors located at the front of the College. There is also a pick up/drop off bay available for parents who are dropping off or collecting of an afternoon. We ask that all parents and visitors respect our drop off bay guidelines and do not use this as a parking space for an extended period of time. Staff and students have access to several car parks located behind the college.
Please see below for our Traffic Management Plan.
RECONCILIATION WEEK MASS AND MORNING TEA
Unfortunately I was away last Thursday at a meeting, so missed what I heard was a beautiful Mass and morning-tea in recognition of National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. Our indigenous students, family and local community are a very important part of our College community and it was wonderful to have them be such a significant part of the Mass and then able to share in a traditional indigenous morning-tea with staff and families.
A prayer of sorrow and of hope
Lord, for the times when we see people as not good enough, not our friends, as different…
We are sorry
May we see ourselves in others, as people with feelings, hopes and dreams.
Help us to view them through your eyes of compassion and justice.
Lord, for the times when we listen to and do not speak out against negative words and jokes about people whose race, culture or religion differ from ours …
We are sorry
May we remember that you reveal yourself as the Messiah to us in our everyday life.
May we listen to your words and act with your guidance.
Lord, for the times when we speak unjustly about others, judging them, gossiping, and mocking them …
We are sorry
May we have the courage to speak out against injustice even when that makes us unpopular and excluded. Give us the strength to always speak your truth.
Lord, for the times when we have hardened our hearts to the poor, the homeless, those on the edge of our own community and the world community…
We are sorry
May we have the insight to see that true reconciliation comes from a change of heart. Make our hearts anew, transform them with your love so that we may answer your call to be the change in our world.
Amen.
'THROUGH OUR EYES' MEMOIRS PROJECT
Forty-five Year 10, 11 and 12 students from MacKillop College visit St Agnes' Site for an hour each week after school to visit twenty-two residents. The students are interviewing residents about their lives, families, experiences and most memorable events and life lessons. The students are creating memoir documents to present to the residents involved later in the year.
Developing intergenerational connections is such an enriching experience for everyone involved. Students and their teachers are enjoying getting to know residents and seeing life through their eyes.
CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL
Evangelisation
RECONCILIATION MASS
This year Reconciliation Week was Thursday, 27 May - Thursday 3 June, and so we celebrated a whole school Mass last week 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, made an Acknowledgement of Country, in language, and then described the meaning of our beautiful new Aboriginal Cross, which was painted for our school by local Birpai artist Lori-Ann McKinnon.
Fr Peter reflected nicely on the story of the Good Samaritan and how each of us can choose not to walk past, but to serve everyone within our school and the wider community.
As a reflection on the theme after communion, four of our Aboriginal students, Leandre Menelet, Tyler Morris, Angus Oakeshott and Darius Windders-Sherring, participated in a dance that represented the importance of dance within Aboriginal culture.
A huge thanks to all who worked to make the Mass a wonderful celebration of our school culture and the Aboriginal Heritage within our Birpai Community.
We were excited to host some of the parents and Aboriginal students for a morning tea following the Mass.
This exciting conference is back again in September, starting on the first Wednesday of the school holidays. The Catholic Schools Office will be organising the 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 11 June.
Further details on the conference are below.
MARG GOBIUS
LEADER OF EVANGELISATION
Year 7
WELL DONE
During our Reconciliation Mass late last week, MacKillop students and staff were privileged to witness some of our Indigenous students performing a cultural dance around the theme of water and its connection to the Aboriginal peoples and to the land. Under the experienced guidance of our Indigenous Education Worker, Tristram Morris, the students presented a colourful, dynamic and engaging performance giving us an insight into traditional Aboriginal methods of hunting, gathering and fishing from Australia’s rivers and waterways.
Congratulations for giving us a truly deadly performance! Well done to Year 7 students Leandre Menelet, Angus Oakeshott, Darius Widders-Sherring and Year 8 student, Tyler Morris.
SEMESTER 1 AWARDS
Parents and Carers are invited to celebrate the achievements of Year 7 Students at our Semester 1 Awards.
The Awards will be held as follows:
Time: 9:00am
Date: Friday 25 June, 2021
Venue: College Hall
Students are required to wear formal school uniform on this day.
Please note normal classes will run on this day and thus Year 7 will return to classes after the Awards for the remainder of the day, and will need to have their books and equipment for Periods 2, 3, 4 and 5.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Abbie Brennan and Audrey Woolnough.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award Abbie Brennan, Amarni Francis, Phoebe Hagenbach, Ethan Kelly, Hudson McNeil, Austin Pettitt, Lacey Urquhart and Audrey Woolnough.
ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 8
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sophie Bryant who has received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award.
SEMESTER 1 AWARDS
Parents and Carers are invited to celebrate the achievements of Year 8 Students at our Semester 1 Awards.
The Awards will be held as follows:
Time: 10:00am
Date: Friday 25 June, 2021
Venue: College Hall
Students are required to wear formal school uniform on this day.
Please note normal classes will run on this day except for the lesson where their Semester 1 Awards occur.
DANIEL O'DELL
ACTING LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 8 & 9 Dance
THE LITTLE MERMAID
On Thursday 22 April, the Year 8 and 9 Dance classes travelled to the Port Macquarie Glasshouse to watch the Victorian State Ballet’s performance of ‘The Little Mermaid’.
Choreographed by Michelle Sierra, this widely known, well-loved story was brought to life on stage. Awash with beautiful colours and costumes, the audience was taken on a journey of the splendour of the underwater world. The technical skill and artistry of the dancers captivated the audience. For many students, this was their first time watching a live ballet performance, and everyone enjoyed the experience. By far the most memorable moment of this performance was watching two of our very own Mackillop College dance students, Lorelai Champion and Emily Chan, performing on stage with the company.
Some quotes from our year 8 dance students;
“I loved the fusion of ballet and contemporary dance performed by the ‘Sea Witch’” Emma.
“The performance of the ‘Sea Witch’ was strong and engaging, she really captured the audience’s attention” Erin.
“I enjoyed the experience of watching a live ballet performance” Sophia.
“I loved the mermaid costumes and all the different colours” Georgie.
“I liked that the dancers were all different ages – sharing their love of dance” Macey.
“The performance was inspiring, it really opened my eyes to how hard the dancers work” Blake.
JAMANDA EGGERT
DANCE TEACHER
Year 9
LOVED AND LOVEABLE
In the last week I was asked for assistance by a student whose school bag had gone missing after the Year 9 Assembly. She had searched all around the College Hall entry area and no bag was to be seen.
We did the check all over again and, although I suspected it to be a case of mistaken bag, I asked what I thought were pertinent questions:
‘Do any of your friends play games of hiding each other’s bags?
‘No, my friends have never hidden each other’s bags.’
‘Is there anybody who has been deliberately mean to you?
‘No.’
What about people who don’t like you or might even consider themselves to be your enemy?’
‘I don’t have any enemies. I’m loveable. I am kind and friendly to everyone I meet.’
It was upon hearing this last response that I had cause to pause. I was as certain that the bag must have been taken by mistake. I was also certain that the comment was made in all modesty and sincerity. Our brief interaction gave me far greater insight and understanding of Jesus’ response to the rich young man in the Gospel of Mark, 'Jesus looked at him and loved him…' (Mark 10:21)
What a different school, country and world we would have if each of us could genuinely state, ‘I’m loveable. I am kind and friendly to everyone I meet.’
(By the way, the bag was found at the next break from classes. It had been mistakenly taken by another student.)
SEMESTER 1 AWARDS
Parents and Carers are invited to celebrate the achievements of Year 9 Students at our Semester 1 Awards.
The Awards will be held as follows:
Time: 11:35am
Date: Friday 25 June, 2021
Venue: College Hall
Students are required to wear formal school uniform on this day.
Please note normal classes will run on this day except for the lesson where their Semester 1 Awards occur.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HARMONY MITCHELL
Harmony competed in an in-house competition on Saturday 29 May, at the Port Macquarie Gymnastics Centre and competed in Level 5 against Regional and National girls. She did extremely well coming 1st overall with a 2nd in Floor and 1st in Bars, Beam and Vault events.
God Bless
PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 10
SEMESTER 1 AWARDS
Parents and Carers are invited to celebrate the achievements of Year 10 Students at our Semester 1 Awards.
The Awards will be held as follows:
Time: 12:35pm
Date: Friday 25 June, 2021
Venue: College Hall
Students are required to wear formal school uniform on this day.
Please note normal classes will run on this day except for the lesson where their Semester 1 Awards occur.
GLEN LITTLER
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 11 & 12
YEAR 11 SEMESTER 1 AWARDS
Parents and Carers are invited to celebrate the achievements of Year 11 Students at our Semester 1 Awards.
The Awards will be held as follows:
Time: 2:10pm
Date: Friday 25 June, 2021
Venue: College Hall
Students are required to wear formal school uniform on this day.
Please note normal classes will run on this day except for the lesson where their Semester 1 Awards occur.
YEAR 11 & 12 PC CHALLENGE
This week the senior site comes together!
Year 11 and 12's newest PC challenge is a joint one.
We have created a MacKillop Seniors’ team for the June Push Up Challenge. Our 269 students, 12 PC teachers and two Leaders of Pastoral Care are determined to help raise awareness for mental health, in particular "put the spotlight on the 3,318 Australians who died by suicide in 2019" (https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/). Mental health is an issue that if it hasn't affected you directly it would have or is, unfortunately, impacting someone you know.
Removing the stigma of mental health and normalising the fact that it is a condition like any one that needs medical treatment and a lot of support is essential if we, as a society, are going to make inroads in helping those who are affected. This challenge fits in perfectly with our two year groups Mary MacKillop focuses 'never see a need without doing something about it' (Year 11) and 'be calm and full of hope' (Year 12).
This challenge not only raises awareness but it:
- helps you be physically active which has been proven to assist those suffering from mental health;
- gives us a mental health fact or tip everyday so we can become more educated on the problem and learn ways to help someone in need; and
- brings cohesion to the senior site, getting us working as a team and supporting each other.
Our focus and aim is about raising awareness, not to raise funds, however, if you do wish to donate to our 25 days of 3,318 push ups please go to https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/, search for MacKillop Seniors and donate to our team.
Every PC will get a push up target per morning where they will have to work out amongst themselves how it is going to get done throughout the day. We started our challenge off all together to complete the first day’s count of 130 per PC. Please enjoy a few photos of the action.
BIOLOGY EXCURSION
On Thursday 27 May, Year 12 Biology students were fortunate to attend a presentation about infectious diseases at the UNSW Medical School building. Dr Aiveen Bannan is an infectious diseases physician at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and a Lecturer at the UNSW Medical School. She spoke to students about the COVID-19 pandemic and Australia's response to the disease.
This was highly relevant to what students are studying as part of the HSC Biology course. Students got a real-life experience of being in a university lecture and attending a tutorial. Dr Bannan gave students a tour of the anatomy labs where they were able to see plastinated anatomy specimens and some anatomy models. Students also learnt that the TV series Grey's Anatomy is actually based on an anatomy textbook called Gray's Anatomy (by Henry Gray)!
RACHEL CLARKE
SCIENCE TEACHER
ANDREA HUXLEY & LISA KABLE
YEAR 11 & 12 LEADERS OF PASTORAL CARE
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
COLLECTIVE
The Collective rehearses every Wednesday morning and consists of a number of students from Years 7 to 11 who have an interest in making and performing music. These students rehearse as a Collective, and also in smaller groups from J16 music room, focusing on repertoire with a positive message. This repertoire is open and representative of any musical style or genre.
From this rehearsal students are invited to assist with music ministry here on college grounds, and within our parish community at Youth Mass. Other performances might include COLA lunch concerts, assembly performances and other college events.
Last week, the Collective provided music for Reconciliation Mass and on Sunday some members were able to assist at Youth Mass. On Wednesday the Collective performed ‘We are One’ at the Wednesday Lunch concert here at the college.
Future repertoire for rehearsal with the Collective includes ‘Learn to Fly’ by Surfaces.
The Collective rehearses every Wednesday morning in J16 from 8:00am to 8:40am. All students from all grades, who have an interest in music and performance are welcome to attend.
Please contact Rob Denham if you have any questions with regard to joining this ensemble.
SAPSS ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES
The SAPSS Ensembles performance season is well underway with a number of performances taking place in recent weeks and a few more on the horizon.
On Wednesday 19 May, the SAPSS Marching Band, Drumline and Colour Guard performed a show on Town Green to parents and the general public. This provided the students with the opportunity to perform repertoire that has been in rehearsal during this semester.
The Drumline performed at Cassegrain Winery on Thursday 27 May, to welcome the official party of the Local Government NSW conference dinner. All who attended were impressed by the spectacle of the ensemble and were keen to find out more about this unique group. The Drumline backed this performance up on Saturday 29 May, with the support of the Colour Guard at the Hastings Valley Vikings Rugby Charity round at Oxley Oval. Here the audience were spellbound and couldn’t believe the skill of the students performing with some in the audience exclaiming “How cool is that” and “I didn’t know a group like this existed in our town”.
It is clear that the SAPSS Ensemble performances have had an impact on our community.
Thank you to all students and staff involved in these performances. These are wonderful opportunities for our students and for our schools to contribute to the musical culture of our community.
The next performance for The Marching Band, Drumline and Colour Guard will be at the Ride the Wave Festival on Saturday 19 June, from 11:00am at Town Beach Skate Park. See you there!
MUSIC AND DANCE SHOWCASE
The music and dance showcase concert is scheduled for Thursday 15 July (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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HSC LUNCH CONCERT
- Week 8: Thursday 10 June, Lunch 2, Lochinvar Courtyard - Senior Campus, HSC music students.
RIDE THE WAVE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE
- Week 9: Saturday 19 June, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Town Beach Skate Park, SAPSS Marching Band, Drumline and Colour Guard.
CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC & DANCE SHOWCASE
- Week 1: Thursday 15 July, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. All Ensembles including the SAPSS Marching band, Drumline and Colour Guard.
NATIONAL PERCUSSION EISTEDDFOD
- Week 2: Friday 23 July - Monday 26 July, St Stephen’s College Gold Coast, SAPSS Drumline.
Please contact Rob Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.
ROBERT DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC
Sport News
YEAR 9 and 10 TERM 3 SPORT SELECTIONS
Students will be selecting their elective sport for Term 3 over the coming weeks.
Parents please be advised that your child will be unable to choose a fee-paying sport in Term 3 if their previous sport bills have not been paid in full.
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 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 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 8
MONDAY 7 June | TUESDAY 8 June | WEDNESDAY 9 June | THURSDAY 10 June | FRIDAY 11 June |
800m Catch up Senior Oval | SPORT ATHLETICS PRACTICE Year 9 and 10 | 1500m Catch up Senior Oval | ATHLETICS CARNIVAL |
MACKILLOP COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
If your child registers for a Representative sport at any level (School, Diocesan, NSWCCC) and can no longer attend can you please notify the relevant person so our attendance records are accurate.
- MacKillop College – Erin Denham (Leader of Sport) erin.denham@lism.catholic.edu.au
- Diocesan Team - John Coociola (Leader of Sport Lismore Diocese john.cocciola@lism.catholic.edu.au
- NSWCCC Trial or team – Robert Rush or Ann-Marie Miranda (CSNSW Sport) Robert.rush@csnsw.catholic.edu.au
HOW TO REGISTER FOR A MACKILLOP COLLEGE SPORT TEAM
To register to trial for a MacKillop College sport team follow the steps below.
- Log into the school Moodle page.
- Click on the student links tab on the left hand side
- Click on the Representative Sports registrations link.
- Click on the relevant sport and fill out the google form.
- Listen to notices and check your emails for relevant trial information
Sports currently open for registration/ trials are:
Click on this link to register http://moodle.pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/course/view.php?id=650
- Boys and Girls Hockey
- Diocesan Touch Football
NSWCCC Sport Registrations 2021 for Pathway Sports
Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal.
For instructions on how to register go to – Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>
For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport Website Sport pages.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sport | Event | Date |
Cross Country | NSWCCC Cross Country Eastern Creek | 8 June |
Athletics | MacKillop College Athletics Carnival | 11 June |
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 7 June
Mayo Brumby, Sue Moore-Jones and Jodie Burge
Tuesday 8 June
Debs Hallan and Roz Brockhurst
Wednesday 9 June
Chris Pees and Han Le
Thursday 10 June
Jo Sexton and Chris Jourdant
Friday 11 June
Allie Tomanti and Caroline Horam
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL!
There will be a BBQ at the Athletics carnival, Sausage Sandwich $2.00, Drinks $2.00, as well as other treats from 50c
NO QKR! ORDRS AVAILABLE
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 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
Community News
JHI offering Short Courses
Interested in working with people in need of care and prefer to work hands on?
If you want to learn the skills involved in this type of role JHI are running a number of nationally recognised short courses in June 2021 through which you gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to take on person-centred support roles.
View the available courses and express your interest here: Courses – John Henry Institute