Term 3, Week 3, 30 July
Principal
FAREWELL ADAM KELLY
Last Friday we farewelled Adam Kelly as he takes up a position with the Catholic Schools Office. Adam will be working in the CSO team until the end of 2023 before returning to Assistant Principal role at MacKillop for the 2024 school year.
Adam is a much-loved leader, colleague, coach and most of all teacher at MacKillop. He will be greatly missed but we know that his expertise, passion and commitment is going to be shared amongst our diocesan schools, enhancing the overall standard of education, learning and care in the Lismore Diocese.
We look forward to seeing Adam at the College in his new role.
USING OUR STRENGTHS TO HELP US SUCCEED AND IMPROVE WELLBEING
As part of our whole-school wellbeing program, the College is highlighting individual character strengths.
Below is an excellent article from Kelly Aluise as to why, and how, knowing and focusing on our character strengths can help us succeed and improve our wellbeing.
During Wedensday’s assembly, Nicole O’Connell our Leader of Wellbeing spoke of developing the strength of bravery and courage, and Bruce Smith our Leader of Pedagogy spoke of the characteristics of a successful learner.
Why Top Strengths are the Secret to Your Success:
Everyone possesses 24 character strengths in a different order, giving each person a unique character profile. While all 24 strengths are important, research shows your signature strengths are the most important. Signature strengths are usually the top 5 strengths. These qualities are central to who you are as a person and are natural and effortless for you to express.
Benefits of Using Signature Strengths:
1. Improves Happiness and Decreases Depression
Like many things in life, it’s easy to overlook or take your top strengths for granted. But, don’t get comfortable in this mindless routine. One of the most cited research articles in all of positive psychology (Seligman, et al. 2005) revealed that people who used their signature strengths in new ways for 1 week were happier and less depressed for up to 6 months!
2. Strengthens Relationships
Top strengths are the good parts of your personality that people admire and appreciate. They are the reason you’re sought out for advice (perspective), invited to a dinner party (humor), or asked to lead a project (leadership).
Finding ways to use your top strengths with others gives them more of what they love about you! This fosters stronger, more meaningful connections.
3. Boosts Achievement
It feels good to do something well. And since your top strengths come naturally, you are good at expressing them. If you think about the times you’ve been successful at something, chances are, you were using your top strengths. Use this as a reminder of what your strengths make you capable of!
Next time a challenge or opportunity arises, consider how your top strengths have helped you in the past and how they can set you up for success again.
BY KELLY ALUISE
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS
All parents and carers please note, we would love some assistance in the canteen during the school week. We are still able to have our wonderful volunteers on site so don't hesitate to contact canteen coordinator Maxine Stone at maxine.stone@lism.catholic.edu.au if you can offer some help.
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 Brent Lowrey.
Name
Brent Lowrey.
What subject(s) do you teach?
English.
What high school did you attend?
St John's College, Lismore.
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
University of Canberra - Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of International Studies.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
My love of the English language.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
A former Year 10 student's mother saying, "That's the first book my son has read and finished since primary school.
"What are you reading at the moment?
'Bridge of Clay' by Markus Zusak.
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
"Nulla Vestigia Retrorsum" (Never a backward step).
Favourite non-work related hobbie?
Probably a tie between reading for leisure and golfing for laughs.
What do you love most about your work?
The people, young and less young.
CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL
Evangelisation
VINNIES WINTER APPEAL
As part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal on Wednesday and Thursday of Week 2, we held two very successful cake stalls. On the junior campus, our Year 9 and 10 Ministry classes brought in a wonderful array of cakes, slices and other yummy snacks, which sold very quickly and where appreciated by many. On Thursday, our wonderful Senior Youth Ministry team supplied tasty snacks and also had great success – the money raised at these events will go to Vinnies to help them to assist the less fortunate within the Port Macquarie community.
As part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal, we encourage everyone to think about sorting through their clothes and decide what you could give to others (please ensure that they are clean and do not have any stains or tears).
When we give clothes to Vinnies, some go directly to people who need assistance with clothes, while the rest go into the Vinnies Shop, and the money made from their sale goes to assisting people with vouchers for electricity, rent and food.
We will also collect warm blankets if anyone has those to share.
This ministry is a really important one and so we ask everyone to carefully think how YOU can make a difference.
HOMELESSNESS WEEK AND ST AGNES' PARISH STREET RETREAT
The National Homelessness Week this year runs from 1 – 7 August. With this in mind, an enthusiastic group of our Year 11 students began their St Agnes' Parish Street Retreat with a launch night Thursday night, hearing from LIFELINE how they support those who are struggling, and one group on Friday evening assisting at the Port Outreach BBQ.
In Week 4, the students will work in groups to assist at both the Port Outreach events, and the Hastings Homelessness Committee Travelling Roadshows, which will serve the marginalised in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Lake Cathie and Laurieton.
Anyone is invited to donate a COLES gift card to be given to those who are being supported at the Travelling Roadshows and these can be dropped into the school offices or through your child to their PC teacher.
MARG GOBIUS
LEADER OF EVANGELISATION
Year 7
AMAZING EFFORT
Congratulations to several students who received their first Silver Principal’s Award from our College Principal, Cath Eichmann, last week during our Year Meeting. It was great to see these dedicated students receive the recognition they deserve for consistent effort, hard work, kindness and outstanding results. Students receive a Silver Principal’s Award when they have achieved three Leader of Pastoral Care Awards, each of these obtained after receiving five Merit Certificates.
Many of these students are already working towards their second Silver Award, and I’m sure they will be keen on earning a Gold Principal’s Award – which is the pinnacle of these yearly obtainable awards. Congratulations students. You otter be proud of yourselves!
UNIFORM CONCERNS – PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Whilst the majority of students take pride in wearing their uniform well and represent themselves and our College positively, unfortunately there is a growing complacency amongst Year 7 that I would appreciate your support to correct.
Students and their families have been made aware that some aspects of our College uniform will change next year. This is the result of a lot of planning, commencing last year when students across the Diocese where consulted and asked what they would like to change about their uniform and the way that it is worn. These discussions were fundamental in having the students who wear the uniform, take ownership of these decisions, and our current Year 7 students will benefit from these exciting changes. However, these changes do not come into effect until 2022.
I would be appreciative if you would find a few minutes of your time to read and discuss the College Code of Presentation in your child’s diary (pages 13-15) with your child at some point over the weekend. It has been disappointing to note that teachers are consistently speaking to often the same students, over their presentation this term. In particular, please note the days that your child is able to wear their sport uniform. Your child’s PC teacher will address uniform concerns with your child, but this is becoming an onerous task that should not exist.
I thank you in advance for your support. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at ellen.mckell@lism.catholic.edu.au
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Lilly Blundell, Lachlan Ford, Isobel Galvin, Emily Giudicelli, Megan Goldie and Mikayla Haste.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Chelsea Arnold, Hailie Attwells, Cooper Beukers, Lilly Blundell, Harley Cottom, Zac Fonyodi, Lachlan Ford (x2), Amarni Frances, Isobel Galvin, Emily Giudicelli, Megan Goldie, Mikayla Haste, Dallas Lacey, Emma McNaught, Leandre Menelet, Ruby Menin, Tully Paterson, Olive Phillis, Zsofia Rohr, Milla Swain, Catalina Toth and Audrey Woolnough.
ELLEN MCKELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 8
GOSSIP
Many of my conversations with students often involve the sentences: “John told me that he heard Jack tell James that Billy has a new girlfriend”, “Katie was giving me nasty looks and then Casey asked Jess to tell Kim to stop it” and “But I didn’t say that Sir, Alex told me about Adam but I didn’t tell Josh”.
GOSSIP, nothing good comes from it. Gossip causes friendship breakdowns, anxious students and parents, and nothing but worries amongst our Year 8 students. Please encourage our kids to only speak what is kind and remind them that healthy relationships are the ones that last.
I encourage students to T.H.I.N.K before they speak:
T – Is it TRUE?
H – Is it HELPFUL?
I – Is it INTERESTING?
N – Is it NECESSARY?
K – Is it KIND?
YEAR 8 SCIENCE, 8 TERM 2 TEST MEDALLISTS
Congratulations to the following students for their excellent results in the Term 2 Science Test.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sophia Speers who has received a Silver Principal’s Award.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Aidan Archer, Falyn Carle, Patrick Field, Matilda Jones, Makayla Mott, Sophia Speers, Alexander Toth
DANIEL O'DELL
YEAR 8 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 9
GRANDPARENTS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE
Last weekend, the church celebrated Grandparents Sunday. Not so coincidentally, this week was the feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. The Pope’s message for World Grandparents Day began with the words of Jesus, ‘I am with you always’, said to his disciples as he ascended to heaven. These words are true today, even in what may be our darkest and most difficult hours.
The long periods of isolation brought about by the pandemic have massive impact on all of us, but especially so the elderly, who may potentially become devoid of all social contact and engagement. Jesus' message, ‘I am with you always’, can be reality through deliberate contact from “angels” in the form of grandchildren, sons and daughters, relatives, and people who just reach out to connect.
In our modern society there has been a tendency for many people to operate in their own silo, neighbours often not knowing neighbours. Perhaps one learning through this most difficult time in our world is the importance of connecting and reconnecting; the importance of family, friends and community; and the importance of going beyond self and entering into the lives of those around us.
We are fortunate, so far, in Port Macquarie as we have not experienced the virus directly in our community since it arrived, in March 2020. Not all Australians are so lucky. Many are hurting. I encourage all families and especially the students in Year 9 for whom I have direct responsibility, to stop and consider who might be in need of a friendly conversation. Once determined, it is a matter of reaching out – either physically or through the technologies that allow us to speak face to face even when we are thousands of kilometres apart.
We can be Jesus’ presence in the world today.
God bless.
PETER MURPHY
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 10
RETREAT
After some careful consideration, Retreat has been rescheduled for Week 7 Term 3. Year 10 Retreat Week will be held from Monday 23 August to 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.
Students have been advised of the days and venues that they will be attending.
This is a compulsory event that students will thoroughly enjoy however if students are unable to attend they will need to email our Principal, Cath Eichmann, 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.
CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE
We have had several students that have spoken with Jo Pilgrim and taken up the opportunity to complete work experience in the fields of Air Conditioning, Electrical, Carpentry/Building and Greenkeeping. It is great for some of these students to take ownership of their own future and go out and seek work experience opportunities. Well done and good luck.
If this is something that may interest you, please speak with Jo Pilgrim our Years 7 - 10 Careers Coordinator.
Thanks to our local business for supporting our young adults on their career journey. If you would like to help by taking a work experience student, please contact Jo Pilgrim via her email - jo.pilgrim@lism.catholic.edu.au
GLEN LITTLER
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 11
Students have been busy making lots of choices these past few weeks. They have nominated the people they want to represent them, and the voting process is well underway. They have chosen their Jersey for Year 12, 2022, and many have made choices regarding their time management with many choosing to utilise the John Mullin Centre in break times and after school to complete their homework.
I sympathise with students who have been unwell in recent weeks. It is a difficult time in the world to have cold and flu symptoms. I thank those students who are staying home when they feel they may pass on germs. I remind them all to access their online platforms for the classes they miss, and to ensure they have a buddy in each subject who can relay any information that will ensure they do not fall too far behind while they are away.
Mental health continues to be a source of concern for many young people. I encourage all Year 11 students to get outside in the fresh air, even though the mornings are cold and the days are short. Exercise, whether it be vigorous or a calm walk with a friend is good for your body and your mind. I also remind you all to reach out, speak up and seek support. There are many supports available, and you do not need to suffer alone or in silence.
Please contact me or your PC teacher if you are concerned about how your child is handling the stress of school or if there are issues that we can help with.
ANDREA HUXLEY
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Year 12
Important information was sent to all students and families last week, outlining the date changes to HSC exams and practical subjects. This news was being received with mixed emotions.
- For those students who were upset: I allowed them a short period of time to be that way and then pushed them to move on. We spoke about how it was affecting everyone equally and as stated last week it's really just same, same but different! It is outside of our control and the focus needs to be on what we can do.
- For those students who welcomed the extra time: I advised them not to waste it and to put their heads down and work hard, treating the additional time as a gift not to be wasted.
One more week to go and then our trials begin. It is the responsibility of each student to be here on time for their exam and to know their exam timetable. Please encourage your son or daughter to stick on the fridge, diarise, or follow whatever system they have to ensure that nothing is missed. Trials are hard, first time doing three hour exams and all the exams are squished together into a really tight timeframe. To the students I say organisation and sleep is key and to the parents, my advice is to hold on you will make it through!
Have a great weekend.
LISA KABLE
YEAR 12 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE
Wellbeing
I invite all families to know about The BITE BACK MENTAL HEALTH FITNESS CHALLENGE which operates on the premise, we need to build up our mental health fitness as we do our physical fitness.
BITE BACK is an online resource for educators created by the Black Dog Institute to engage students in activities that build their mental health fitness. The activities can be completed online or downloaded. These activities are designed to be fun, but they are also research-driven, evidence-based activities to help young people feel better about themselves, build resilience and wellbeing.
Watch Youth Mental Health Challenge - our WHY to know the need for helping students this way.
Mental Health Challenge: Week ONE - GRATITUDE
Great to watch with your young person
Gratitude is the positive feeling we get when we stop to notice and appreciate things in our life. Gratitude is not just saying the words ‘thank you’; it’s actually all about the positive feeling that comes with being grateful.
So, there’s a deeper reason why we grew up being told to say “thank you” for almost everything. And it’s not just to have manners - it’s all about habits. If we get into the habit of noticing the things to be grateful for in our life, we’ll begin to see more of the brighter side.
It’s great to know about all the benefits of practising gratitude, but unless we find a way to build it into our everyday life, it will probably just find its way onto our list of ‘things-you-know-you-should-do-but-really–never-get-around-to-doing’.
The trick to becoming more grateful is simply to pay attention to the big AND little things in our life we can be grateful for. It could be a funny moment, hearing our favourite song, a cool breeze or a delicious snack! Whether it’s something small like a nice sunny day, or something bigger like going on a holiday – the more we appreciate the good, the more we will start to see and feel the good.
Parents sharing what they are grateful for and encouraging your young person to do the same is a great practice for building well-being. Apart from the obvious positive and wonderful feelings they’ll get from experiencing gratitude, experts have found that it can also improve our overall happiness. So, those feelings aren’t just for the warm and fuzzy effect – they’re much more powerful than we might think.
When we tap into those positive feelings of gratitude, we can use them to help us become closer with friends and family, lower any negative emotions such as anxiety, and fight off the black dog (depression). We will also find it easier to bounce back from difficult moments, and have space to enjoy the important stuff in life.
Maybe Take some grateful photos. Take a photo each day of something you appreciate. Hailey Bartholomew from the 365 Project, took a photo a day for a whole year and began to notice many things in her everyday life that she otherwise would have missed…
Take care.
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
ROBERT DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC
Sport News
TERM 3 SPORT PROGRAMS
Please see below each year group sport program for this term. After this week these can be found underneath 'Sporting Information' on the side panel of each newsletter, or on our college website.
YEAR 7
Students continue their intensive Tennis Program this week at Westport Tennis Club under the expert guidance of Goodwin Tennis.
Students in Year 7 have sport every even week (Weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10).
YEAR 8
Year 8 students have started the term extremely well at Sport. Most classes have now engaged in an Indoor games lesson and Touch Football this week.
Students in Year 8 have Sport every odd week (Weeks 5, 7 and 9).
YEAR 9 and 10 TERM 3 SPORT
Year 9 and 10 continue to have fun at elective sport on Tuesdays.
UPDATE: COVID RESTRICTIONS – SPORT
The current position for all schools in the Diocese of Lismore is that no external school activities can take place outside your Local Government Area (LGA). This is determined by the Local Council boundary (i.e. Ballina Shire, Tweed Shire, Nambucca Shire etc.). To be clear, there are no exceptions to this restriction.
Travel for sport can only occur within the school’s LGA. Interschool visits, including all sporting activities, are only permitted where both schools are located in the same LGA and providing that:
- Mingling of students is minimised where possible.
- COVID safe check in requirements are followed.
- Mask wearing requirements (for all aged over 12 years old) are followed.
These restrictions are in place until 28th August 2021.
The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is taking a risk averse approach to this in a measure to keep our students and staff safe and our schools open. Measures such as these will protect the wider school community should a venue of high concern be declared in our Diocese. This will be achieved by limiting the movement of students and staff around the Diocese. These measures are in line with advice from Catholic Schools NSW.
The following events have been postponed to dates yet to be decided:
- Diocesan Secondary Junior Basketball (3-4 August), Coffs Harbour
- Diocesan Secondary Athletics (12 August), Coffs Harbour
These events have been impacted greatly by COVID-19 restrictions and the Queensland and New South Wales border closure which came into force on Friday 23 July, 2021.
While we understand that these restrictions can be disruptive to the school routine, they are deemed a necessary measure to ensure the safety of staff and students.
2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS – Ex Students recognition
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics CSNSW has seen some great sporting successes with our Australian Olympians coming through our pathway. Of this year’s Australian Olympic team, an astounding 30 members came through the CSNSW pathway, with 1 further past student representing another Country.
It is great to see ex-students Ryley Batt (Wheelchair Rugby) and James Magnussen (Swimming) recognised in the distinguished list of ex Catholic students that have represented Australia at the Olympics.
(Exerpt from the CSNSW Website)
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sport | Event | Date/Status |
Cross Country | NSW All Schools Cross Country | Postponed |
Hockey | NSW All Schools Hockey Tri Series | Postponed |
Touch Football | Diocesan Touch Football Championships | Cancelled |
Touch Football | NSW All Schools Touch Football | Postponed |
Rugby League | Katrina Fanning Cup | Postponed |
Rugby League | Under 14 Cochrane Cup | Postponed |
Basketball | Junior and Intermediate Diocesan Basketball Championships | Postponed |
Athletics | Diocesan Athletics | Postponed |
COMMUNITY SPORT
Water Polo success – Zac Frankham
Zac was due to represent the NSWCCC Water Polo team against QLD but unfortunately this was cancelled and changed to a tournament in Wyong that included NSW CCC/CHS/CIS. This was postponed due to the current COVID outbreak.
On a positive note Zac, was selected in the Hunter Hurricanes (Newcastle Representative team where he attended the Regional Academy of Sport training and then from there attended a two day camp last month, in Sydney. From this camp Zac was selected for the NSW squad (2 teams or top 26 players).
He now has 3 training camps for selection to go to tournaments in either South Australia or Queensland all going well with COVID restrictions.
Congratulations Zac, this is a great achievement especially given the current state of play with Sport and the restrictions that need to be put in place to protect our communities against COVID.
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
Parent News
All parents please be welcome to make use of this fantastic opportunity from Parent Assembly.
Canteen
Monday 2 August
Mayo Brumby, Sue Moore-Jones and Jodie Burge
Tuesday 3 August
Maggie Nash and Nicole McIlroy
Wednesday 4 August
Jaci Zimmerman, Peta Clancy and Kate Perkins
Thursday 5 August
Rowena Beukers, Melinda Scriven, Renee Bullock and Jackie Jovanic
Friday 6 August
Michelle Butt, Leanne Hatherly and Mel Carroll
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 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 handed 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
