Term 2, Week 9, 18 June

Upcoming Events

School Holidays 26 June - 12 July

Principal's Update

STUDENT SUCCESS

The past week has reminded me just how lucky I am to work with young people. Last Friday we had a fantastic day at our athletics carnival where the weather did a full 360 degree change from the freezing weather we experienced on Thursday, to the magnificent balmy day God gave us on Friday. I, and many others, started the day in no less than three layers of clothing, commensurate with standing on a snow field but before the first discus was thrown (my duty was Discus official for the morning), I was down to just a long-sleeved t-shirt. 

Super congratulations to all our students who showed up, stood up, and gave it their best go. Special congratulations to our Age Champions and Runners-up (see our Sport article), and a huge thanks to Erin Denham and her team who put in an enormous amount of effort to make days like this the success that they are. That success only comes with many hours of planning and preparation. Also thankyou to all staff who worked tirelessly on the day, joined in and made the day the fun that it was.

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PUSH-UPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

The other event that has made me really proud of our students this week has been the Year 11 and 12 students' involvement in the Push-up Challenge to raise awareness for mental health. Wednesday morning this week saw the two year groups, their teachers and support staff line Ocean Drive to complete their daily push-ups and raise awareness. Thank you to Andrea Huxley and Lisa Kable (Year 11 & 12 Leaders of Pastoral Care), who coordinated the event.

MEET THE EXPERT

Each week throughout the year I will introduce to you some of the expert staff we are so fortunate to have working with your children here at MacKillop College. This week I would like to introduce Susan Eichorn. 

Name
Susan Eichorn.

What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach senior and junior English and this year I am helping out with Learning Support. I've done lots of jobs over the years- ESL teacher, Pastoral Care Coordinator, English Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator; I've job shared, been a debating coach and am a private English tutor. My favourite jobs are classroom teacher, and mother.

What high school did you attend?
St Vincent's College, Potts Point. I boarded for two years and then we relocated from Port Macquarie to Sydney and I became a day girl. The Sisters of Charity are a great bunch of inspirational women. Mother Mary Aikenhead was the founder of the order and I still appreciate the pun when I see the 'Aikenhead' building at St Vincent's Hospital in Darlinghurst.

What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
I attended UNSW where I completed my Bachelor of Arts & Education degree majoring in Linguistics and French. For the third year of my degree, I attended l'Universite d'Aix-Marseille in the south of France which was a lot of fun! I completed my Masters in Educational Leadership through the Australian Catholic University.

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
Most people in my family are either teachers or lawyers! I was inspired by many people including my maternal grandfather, Grandfather Les, my Year 4 teacher here at St Josephs Primary, Mr Cummins, and I continue to be constantly inspired by my beautiful Mum and Dad.

What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
I am proud of all of my students every day as I live by the theory that everyone does the best they can with the emotional and intellectual skill set with which they are blessed. I am particularly interested in how to best personalise learning for each student to experience success.

What are you reading at the moment?
The beautiful poetry of Kirli Saunders, 'Kindred'. Ms Saunders was awarded 2020 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. I'm also reading Trent Dalton's 'All our Shimmering Skies'.

What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Never give up! Never surrender!

Favourite non-work related hobbie?
My most favourite activity, besides hanging out with my husband and four boys, is ocean swimming. I am a proud member of the Port Macquarie pod of 'Can Too'. We ocean swim and raise funds for cancer research. I am also heavily involved with 'Spirituality In the Pub', a forum for conversation about important issues and contemporary life topics. I am in the process of starting up a SIP here in Port Macquarie, so watch this space!

What do you love most about your work?
Being in the classroom working with your beautiful children. I also love seeing students improve their reading and writing skills. Literacy is key to expression, community involvement and personal agency.

CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL

Community News

PARENT SEMINAR - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

This evening will be a great opportunity for professionals and parents to meet Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on the evening of Monday 12 July at Port Panther's. Cost is $10 per person which is substantially subsidised by the Hastings Valley Community of Schools. Dr Carr-Gregg will take questions from the audience during his session.

Tickets can  be purchased on Eventbrite - Click Here

Year 7

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Marli Connerty who has received a Silver Principal’s Award.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Summer Bink, Alexandra Bransdon and Marli Connerty.

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.

ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 8

CONGRATULATIONS

Liam Poppleton and Lincoln Saunders competed in the AMAC (Australian Martial Arts Competition) in Coffs Harbour last month.

Both boys took out a first place trophy and many second place medals for the points sparring, contact points and continuous points sparring. It was the first time that either of them have ever participated in a tournament. Tournaments run all around NSW and it is a great achievement for both and demonstrates enormous courage to give it a go.

Congratulations boys!

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 YEAR 8 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 9

An error doesn’t make a mistake until you refuse to correct it - O.A. Battista

For as long as there are kids in schools, some of them will occasionally do the wrong thing. This is natural and to be expected, but it cannot go unattended. In all such cases, the ultimate role and responsibility of the school is to do its best to ensure that the boy or girl learns something positive from the experience.

I regularly find myself working with parents, teachers and the young person at the centre of the situation. The focus is primarily one of, “What can be done to make things right?” We come together with this as our common aim and approach the whole situation as partners working in the best interests of the young person. Most often the answer is as simple as the young person standing tall, admitting error, and working to repair the damage done. Forgiveness and repair of relationships are fundamental to the Catholic school’s approach to helping avoid turning error into mistake.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

I was fortunate to be able to spend last Friday rotating through the athletics competition and novelty events with the 15 years’ boys. Almost all these students are from Year 9. Whilst this may not be everybody’s idea of a great day out, I was delighted to have this opportunity. The boys were enthusiastically active in their involvement, and impressively cooperative. They were both encouraging, and affirming of each other and thanked the members of staff who were conducting various activities and events. I found my experience to be both relaxed and uplifting. I am told that a similar response was demonstrated by our Year 9 girls. Thank you, and well done, to the students from Year 9 participating at the Athletics Carnival.

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.

PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Year 10

Last week, Assistant Principal Adam Kelly spoke to all of the year regarding the Year 11 MacKillop Information Booklet. Students received a hard copy of this but they also received a digital copy. If you did not receive your hard copy please ask your child to speak to their PC teacher or Megan Thomas at the staff workroom for a copy.

Adam spoke to students about making the right decisions regarding where they are going next year, and the choices that they make based on their needs, and not the needs of their peers. 

It is also important that students focus on the here and now! Many students will focus on what they want to do in the short term, and not look to the future. If trends continue, this generation will change their careers more than any other generation. While this is great and exciting for them, they need to ensure they are learning as many different skills and expanding their knowledge now, so that they keep their options open for later. They are always able to upskill later but if they develop some of these skills now, it will be that much easier for their future.

As you plan, this website may be beneficial https://joboutlook.gov.au/careers/future-outlook/ 

RETREAT

After some careful consideration, Retreat Week has been rescheduled and will be held from Monday 23 August - Friday 27 August (Term 3 Week 7). 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.

The same process will happen for this retreat as it did for the last retreat. Students will be asked to organise their groups and then will be allocated a venue. This is a compulsory event that students will thoroughly enjoy however if students are unable to attend they will need to email the Principal, Cath Eichmann cath.eichmann@lism.catholic.edu.au, explaining why your child is unable to attend. 

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 2

Week 10, Wednesday 23 June 9:00am - 10:00am: Visit from Newman Senior Technical College

Term 3

Week 1, Wednesday 14 July 12:00pm  - 3:00pm: Visit to Newman Senior Technical College. 

National Minimum Standards testing for the remainder of the day. Students received an email about this last week and will need to download the relevant apps. 

Week 3, Monday 26 July All day: MacKillop Subject Information Day

Week 3, Thursday 29 July: Subject Interviews (done individually during class time).

Week 7, Monday 23 August, to Friday 27 August: Retreat 

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

ATHLETICS

The Athletics Carnival turned out to be a beautiful day and those of us who were there, had a great time. As always I was inspired by both the competition and the participation. Athletics is not for everyone, it's a sport that requires dedication, training and commitment and we see all of that reflected in the high quality performances of the athletes at the carnival. However, that’s not all we saw at the carnival. I was witness to amazing sportsmanship and support of each other, there were loads of laughs, plenty of silliness and most importantly a sense of community. I sincerely praise all of those students who came to the carnival and made the most of the day, whether you were an active competitor or an eager participant. Your faces were noticed and your smiles greatly appreciated!

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#WELEAD

Our senior students have been raising awareness for mental health through the push up challenge. On Wednesday we shared a BBQ breakfast and then raised some awareness about mental health in our community by doing push ups near the lights on Ocean Drive. I have been encouraging Year 11 to step outside their comfort zone and to do things for the good of others. They were certainly challenged by this activity as many felt embarrassed about doing the push ups in such a public domain. I am proud to say that they overcame these barriers and stepped up to the challenge. It was a fun way to do something as a group of senior students and show that we care about such a significant issue in our age group. Mental health is an issue that is all too close to many of our hearts and minds and if we can do anything to support others then we should! Well done Years 11 and 12!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO A HUMBLE YOUNG MAN

Humility is a character strength of many of the students in Year 11. It is taking me a while to recognise all of those who have humility (because they don’t let me know when they achieve something special…obviously!) The most recent humble achievement was by Jabyn Beddoe who at 16 years of age has gained his pilot's licence. He can’t yet drive on the road by himself but he can fly a plane solo! A few more hours and he can take his family on a holiday. This is an amazing achievement Jabyn; I admire your courage, your determination, your commitment, your skill and above all your humility!

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.

ANDREA HUXLEY
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

Wellbeing

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

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 have been working hard during Term 2 to prepare repertoire for this concert. It is therefore important for students to commit to rehearsal, practice and attendance throughout Term 2.

SAPSS MARCHING BAND, DRUMLINE & COLOUR GUARD NEWS

Please note that the Drumline and Colourguard are required this weekend to perform at the Ride the Wave Festival NOT THE MARCHING BAND. Details for this performance are below.

Only the Drumline will rehearse in Term 3. No marching band or colourguard in Term 3.

UPCOMING EVENTS

RIDE THE WAVE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE

• Week 9: Saturday 19 June, 10:30am - 12:30pm Town Beach Skate Park, SAPSS Drumline and Colour Guard.

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC & DANCE SHOWCASE

• Week 1: Thursday 15 July, 6:00pm - 8:00pm. All Ensembles including the SAPSS Drumline and Colour Guard.

NATIONAL PERCUSSION EISTEDDFOD

• Week 2: Friday 23 July to 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

Last Friday we hosted our Annual Athletics Carnival. Considering how cold it was on the Thursday, we were blessed with a beautiful day. The day ran smoothly with students showcasing their athleticism and having a great time at either the competitive or novelty events.

In the four weeks leading up to the carnival over 100 students participated in the pre events including 1500m, 800m, 400m and High Jump. The comradery among the students competing in the pre events was really nice to witness. Congratulations to all place getters, record breakers and students that finished the carnival as Age Champion or Runner Up.

Congratulations to the Champion House FLINDERS who were crowned the Champion Athletics House for 2021 well lead by their House Captains Vaughan Lickley and Lennox Jensen.

Thank you to all staff that ensured the day ran smoothly in particular to Noel Stevenson, Chris Gridley and Brooke Higham for their help assisting to prepare the carnival. It was great to see parents and grandparents spectating on the day. Sincere thanks to Richard McGrath for helping at Shot Put and Discus.

AGE CHAMPION and RUNNER UP

RECORDS BROKEN

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.

1. Log into the school Moodle page.
2. Click on the Student Links tab on the left hand side
3. Click on the Representative Sports registrations link.
4. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the google form.
5. Listen to notices and check your emails for relevant trial information

Click on this link to register for current sport programs available.

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.

https://csnsw.sport/

NSWCCC CROSS COUNTRY

Congratulations to our 25 students that represented the Lismore Diocese last week at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships held at Eastern Creek.

It was very pleasing to see so many students represent our College and Diocese and to do so well at this level.

Special congratulations to Ryan Binskin who won the 17 Year Boys division. This is a massive achievement and I know means a lot to Ryan. Also, to Grace Kranitis who finished 8^th in the 18 Year girls and will join Ryan as part of the NSWCCC Cross Country team that will compete at the NSW All Schools Cross Country.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

COMMUNITY SPORT

2021 Jetblack NSW MTB Championships

Congratulations to Sam Harris and Levi Robinson who competed in the "JetBlack NSW MTB Championship" at the Yellomundee Mountain Bike Track in Sydney on Sunday 6 June 2021. This event was hosted by the Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club.

The boys formed a team with some mates from St Joseph's Regional College, Tom Jenkins and Tom Spiilsbury and they raced under the name "JetBlack Port Macquarie Team". The boys were shown around the track by Western Sydney MTB Club on Saturday and they knew they were in for a fast and frantic four hour event the next day.

Such a great achievement for the boys to finish 2nd in the event with so many Sydney teams in attendance.

Well done!

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

Lost Property

There are currently a large number of unlabelled items in our College lost property including College jumpers, caps and jackets.

Items that are not claimed by the end of the term will be donated.  New lost items from this week are pictured below.  Please claim from the office.

Canteen

Monday 21 June

Natasha Day, Sandy Green and Amanda Lorger

Tuesday 22 June 

Jane Keegan, Elisabeth Jardine and Katrina Bates

Wednesday 23 June 

Kaylene Monckton and Verena Grandy

Thursday 24 June  

Jason Garland and Stuart Ward

Friday 25 June

Rebecca Eakin, Sam Harrison, Priscilla Turnbull and Tracey Reddie

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!

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