Term 4, Week 3, 22 October
Principal's Update
Tournament of Minds International STEM Champions
Congratulations to Mandy Palin, College Enrichment and High Potential Learning Coordinator, and the MacKillop STEM team who competed last weekend in the Tournament of Minds (TOM) International Finals.
At the completion of the competition the team was crowned Tournament of Minds International STEM Champions! What an amazing achievement.
Mandy and the students have put in an enormous effort, during their own time, to adapt to a new online format and worked together for many weeks to achieve this amazing result. Their efforts did not go unrecognised by the organisers with a message received this week saying:
“Congratulations on your team’s win. Fabulous for you all and another win for the MNC. Please pass on to your team my congratulations. Ongoing feedback throughout this years competition on every level was how amazing your team was. So well done. Bring on 2022.”
As a highly esteemed international academic competition TOM allows gifted and talented high potential learners to showcase their knowledge and problem-solving skills. The MacKillop students have certainly demonstrated that living in a regional area is no disadvantage when competing against city private and selective schools or schools from all over the country and world.
Congratulations once again to Mandy Palin and team members, Molly Bridle, Milly McGrath, Tia McGrath, Jessica Miles, Georgia Ryan, Catalina Toth and Elliot Worner.
Dystinct
Last Friday, as part of Dyslexia Awareness Day, Year 10 student Georgia Ryan presented the College with the recently published book, Dystinct. The book celebrates the achievements of those with the learning disorder which affects people’s ability to read, despite normal intelligence and vision.
Georgia is an outstanding student, a member of the recently crowned International TOM champion team from MacKillop. Not only was Georgia asked to contribute her personal story to the book but also received the amazing honour of writing the forward to the book.
Below is a photo of Georgia donating a copy of the book to College Leader of Diversity and Inclusion Jessica Prussing.
2022 Regional Youth Taskforce
The Regional NSW Youth Taskforce is a Ministerial advisory group that advises the Minister for Regional Youth on issues that affect young people living in regional NSW. The Taskforce provides young people from all corners of rural and regional NSW with a unique opportunity to meet with government and inform decision making that will have flow-on benefits for their peers, communities and hometowns.
The Taskforce is comprised of 18 diverse members, aged 12-24, with two members representing each of NSW's nine regions. The Taskforce will meet four times throughout the year, either online or in person. Travel costs and accommodation will be covered for Regional Youth Taskforce members travelling across NSW for meetings.
The Taskforce is an initiative by the Deputy Premier and Office for Regional Youth, headed by the State's first-ever Minister for Regional Youth, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor. The Office for Regional Youth is responsible for delivering a broad range of strategic programs to address regional youth issues and ensure young people have every opportunity to live, work and thrive in regional NSW.
If you want to make a difference to your community, we encourage you to apply. Being part of the 2022 Regional Youth Taskforce connects young people and will engage you on issues such as entering the workforce, mental health and public transport in the regions. The Taskforce will provide you with the ability to influence important decisions the Government makes on these topics and many more.
Applications are open now and close at midnight, Sunday 21 November 2021 and young people aged 12-24 from regional areas are eligible to apply. The third Taskforce will be appointed from January 2022 until 31 December 2022.
To find out more or apply, visit nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.
Cath Eichmann
Principal
Evangelisation
Praying the Rosary as a school for unity and peace
On Wednesday, 20 October each PC prayed the Rosary within their PC classroom, as a response to a challenge to ask that ‘One Million Children’ pray the Rosary for World Wide Unity and Peace by an organisation called The Aid to the church in need.
What is the Rosary?
The rosary is a form of meditation and is the story of the New Testament.
Each decade of the rosary allows us to focus on an important event in the life of Jesus Christ.
Like we ask others to pray for us at important times in our lives, in the rosary we ask Mary to pray for us as well.
During the Rosary on Wednesday, we remembered when Mary was asked to be the mother of Jesus. Mary said “Yes”, even though she was afraid of what that might mean in her life.
Through our Eyes – Aged Care Project
Prior to restrictions in Term 3, students from Years 9, 10, 11 and 12, attended our nearby St Agnes' Parish Aged Care Facilities, with the aim of spending quality time with them and creating a memoir book from the memories and photos they shared.
This year we had 44 students who took part in the activity, creating 19 beautiful books for their friends and their families to enjoy, most of which have been printed and are ready to share.
If anyone is interested in sponsoring the books ($50.00 or part there of), please contact the school Office on 6583 2632 to get involved. It would be greatly appreciated.
Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection
Mass is being held in St Agnes' Parish, though there is a limit of 100 people to attend at each Mass, and masks are mandatory.
Please check the link for COVID precautions:
Or you can to spend some time reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, using the link below.
Marg Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation
Year 7
I am a big believer in “doing the little things right”. For students, this relates to completing the tasks that they might regard as pointless or unimportant.
Ask your child this weekend, “Are you doing the little things right?"
- Bag packed with required equipment – pens/pencils, books, diary, device etc.
- Diary – signed by parents/carers, subjects written out for week ahead.
- Device (iPad/laptop) charged ready for the day’s lessons.
- Uniform – correct for that day, shirt, hat, shoes, socks - all correct.
- Arrive to class on time.
- Be a learner – strive for excellence, contribute to a positive learning environment.
- Be respectful – speak and act courteously, follow all staff instructions.
Completing these tasks, as simple as they are, sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
Remember Year 7
weBelong - Be kind, be very kind
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Cooper Beukers, Paige Clancy and Armani Francis.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Mia Bailey, Cooper Beukers, Lilly Blundell, Paige Clancy, Jarrod Dingle, Armani Francis, Willis Jensen, Catalina Toth and Audrey Woolnough.
Greg Finney
Acting Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 12
This week was really enjoyable on the senior site. Where our 'choose your own adventure' learning came to an end, and normal lessons resumed. We had themed dress up days - Fun Sock Friday, come as something that starts with the first letter of your name, and come as what you want to be when you grow up. There were some amazing and creative efforts as everyone in the year group embraced the themes, and fun, yep fun, was had at school. A hard core game of Roaming Pictionary was won by PC13, however there is an investigation into this result after allegations of some questionable tactics! It is weeks like this when I am reminded about how much joy I get from my job, and how lucky I am.
In addition to all the enjoyable moments there was one that was definitely not enjoyable, and that was hearing the news that our Graduation Mass and Celebration of Excellence that were to be held next Wednesday have been cancelled.
Our kids dealt another blow.
Seeing your child graduate has been a 13 year event in the making, so I am sure the cancellation of this is upsetting for all. I am going to do my absolute best to ensure that Monday ‘our informal graduation event’ is as fun and meaningful as possible. Then the team and I will turn our efforts to doing the same for the formal dinner.
On Monday we aim to do some of the Rite of Passage things such as a Final Roll Call, however the emphasis will just be enjoying our year group. Students will need to wear something that will definitely get wet and messy, my advice is perhaps a cheap light coloured shirt would be advisable. Your child should also bring a towel.
Now more than ever we need to take to heart the words of Mary MacKillop "Be Calm and Full of Hope".
Thank you for your continued support.
Have a great weekend.
Lisa Kable
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care
Wellbeing
Student Representative Council
In Australia, Women’s Health is given national attention in October and Men’s Health awareness is raised in November.
We all recognise the importance of HEALTH for ourselves and family members as fundamental to our wellbeing.
The SRC 2021-2022 invite all students of MacKillop College to show gratitude for HEALTH by participating in an Out of Uniform Day next Friday Week 4, 29 October.
Students who choose to show an appreciation of their own HEALTH and those of the men and women in our lives are asked to visibly wear pink and/or blue on this day and bring a gold coin donation which will go to the College Mary MacKillop Fund; a fund which helps families of our school who are struggling - including families who are dealing with the loss of income or expenses due to health issues of a parent or child.
It is important students who will be out of uniform to support this day, must comply with the OUT OF UNIFORM Code of Presentation:
- All clothing worn on out of uniform days must be appropriate: shoulders and torso must be covered; shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh length; shoes must be enclosed; all text and graphic designs must be respectful to College values.
- All students must wear a hat or cap as per normal College rules.
- The College Code of Presentation for hair (except for accessories), jewellery, makeup, nails applies.
- If students do not meet these standards parents will be contacted and the student will be required to rectify the matter.
Otherwise, students may wear their normal school uniform.
Thank you in anticipation for your support of this SRC initiative.
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
National Percussion Eisteddfod Update
On Sunday, 24 October students of the St Agnes' Catholic Parish Secondary Schools drumline (competing as the Port Macquarie Vanguard) will have their 2021 National Drum Line Eisteddfod entry broadcast and adjudicated via Facebook live stream. Competing against 11 other schools across Australia, the drumline hopes to claim their fourth consecutive national title. The competition consists of two components: a Test Piece which is performed by all drumlines, followed by an own choice selection/presentation, (often referred to as a "floor show"). This year their floor show is titled "Across The Sky". Composed by their Director Mark Spence, it interprets the universal myths & legends of humanity through rhythm & movement.
Those wishing to watch the action unfold live are invited to click the link below to tune in on Sunday at 10:00am (the competition is expected to last 90 minutes in total), or check back in next week's newsletter when we can finally share the performances as well as the final results.
Facebook event link is - https://fb.me/e/2D2MaW1n2
In addition to the drumline competition, Year 10 student Callum Pender-Buchan submitted his entry in the Marching Snare Solo section and we are pleased to announce that he has taken out 1st Place with his solo titled "Water Hammer". This is a fantastic result for Callum in his first ever Eisteddfod entry, and speaks to the hard work and dedication required to compete at this level. Check out his performance below and join us in congratulating Callum on a job well done!
Ensemble Rehearsals Update
Whilst Level 3 restrictions are in place, most music ensembles will be focusing on recording repertoire with assistance from their Ensemble Directors. These recordings will adhere to Level 3 restrictions with regard to safe practices and distancing. The goal is to keep making music and hopefully put together something tangible before the end of the year.
All ensemble members are to contact their Ensemble Directors to confirm recording times and repertoire details. This can be done by checking the ensemble google classroom or emailing Ensemble Directors directly (details are provided below).
Please note that face to face full ensemble rehearsals cannot recommence until Level 3 restrictions are lifted.
Ensemble Director Emails
Saxophone Ensemble - cara.stewart@lism.catholic.edu.au
Choir - samantha.adams@lism.catholic.edu.au
Percussion Ensembles & Drumline - mark.spence@lism.catholic.edu.au
String Ensemble - lynda.young@lism.catholic.edu.au
Jnr Band, Snr Band, Collective & Snr Vocal - robert.denham@lism.catholic.edu.au
Links & Forms
MacKillop College Music Tuition Request Form
Saxophone Ensemble Google Classroom
Junior Percussion Ensemble Google Classroom
Senior Percussion Ensemble Google Classroom
String Ensemble Google Classroom
Collective Pop & Praise Band Google Classroom
SAPSS Drumline Google Classroom
Senior Vocal Ensemble Google Classroom
Please contact Rob Denham with any questions relating to the CoCcurricular music program at MacKillop College.
Rob Denham
Leader of Music
Sport News
Please refer to the College website for the Sport Programs for Year 7-10 Term 4 Sport.
At this stage we are still in Level 3 restrictions until 1 December and alternative arrangements have been made to accommodate these restrictions at school.
Year 7
WK 2
| MON/WED 9:00 - 9.40am 9:40 - 10:20am 10.20 - 11:00am | FRI 11:35am - 12:15pm 12:15 - 12:55pm 12:55 - 1:35pm |
WK 4
| MON/WED 9:00 - 9.40am 9:40 - 10:20am 10.20 - 11:00am | FRI 11:35am - 12:15pm 12:15 - 12:55pm 12:55 - 1:35pm |
WK 6
| MON/WED 9:00 - 9.40am 9:40 - 10:20am 10.20 - 11:00am | FRI 11:35am - 12:15pm 12:15 - 12:55pm 12:55 - 1:35pm |
WK 8
| MON/WED 9:00 - 9.40am 9:40 - 10:20am 10.20 - 11:00am | FRI 11:35am - 12:15pm 12:15 - 12:55pm 12:55 - 1:35pm |
WK 10 | MON/WED 9:00 - 9.40am 9:40 - 10:20am 10.20 - 11:00am | FRI 11:35am - 12:15pm 12:15 - 12:55pm 12:55 - 1:35pm |
Year 8
Students in Year 8 will participate in a Physical Activity Program in their PDHPE classes for the first 4 weeks of term. The program for Year 8 will be updated for Week 5, 7, 9 and remain onsite.
Year 9 and 10 Term 4 Elective Sport Selections
Due to Level 3 restrictions still being in place, Year 9 and 10 students are not permitted to go off site for Sport.
Students will participate in physical activities at School on Tuesday’s in their PC classes for at least Weeks 1-4.
Year 9 Physical Activities
- Students meet your designated PC Teacher at the venue listed below.
- Each game/round will be approximately 20 minutes with 10 minutes for movement time (drink).
- Round 1, 11:35am - 11:55am.
- Round 2, 12:05pm – 12:25pm.
- Round 3, 12:35pm – 12:55pm.
- Round 4, 1:05pm – 1:25pm.
PC Supervisor
PC | Teacher | PC | Teacher |
9F1 | Courtney Charge (D2) Kate Cowan (D7) | 9M2 | Jamie Cartwright (D2) Lisa Kable(D7) |
9F2 | Tess Minett (D2) Dave Pugh (D7) | 9M3 | Brett Lowrey (D2 8 D7) |
9I1 | Alexa Harvey (D2) Danny Murphy (D7) | 901 | Tash Jones (D2) Cara Stewart (D7) |
9I2 | Renae Bignell (D2 8 D7) | 902 | Sam Adams(D2) Amber Ford (D7) |
9M1 | Andrea Huxley (D2) Warren Lorger (D7) |
Activities
Activity | Venue | Activity | Venue |
Rounders (1) | Double courts | Oz tag (6) | Jnr Oval |
Bubble Soccer (2) | Jnr Oval | AFL (7) | Jnr Oval |
King’s Volleyball (3) | Outdoor Court | Spike ball (8) | Behind MPC |
Mat Soccer (4) | MPC | Dodgeball (9) | Double courts |
Baseball 5 (5) | Single Court |
Year 10 'Activities' Term 4
- Students meet your designated PC Teacher at the venue listed below.
- Each game/round will be approximately 20 minutes with 10 minutes for movement time (drink).
- Round 1, 9:00am - 9:20am.
- Round 2, 9:30am – 9:50am.
- Round 3, 10:00am – 10:20am.
- Round 4, 10:30am – 10:50am.
PC Supervisor
PC | Teacher | PC | Teacher |
10F1 | Dave McMahon (D2 8 D7) | 10M1 | Lisa Wilton (D2 8 D7) |
10F2 | Rachel Clark (D2 8 D7) | 10M2 | Brad Vergano (D2 8 D7) |
10I1 | Steph Connor (D2 8 D7) | 1001 | Jamie Cartwright (D2) Megan Verdon (D7) |
10I2 | David Kennedy | 1002 | Col Coelho (D2 8 D7) |
10I3 | Ali Montgomery (D2) Glen Littler (D7) |
Activities
Activity | Venue | Activity | Venue |
Rounders (1) | Double courts | Oz tag (6) | Jnr Oval |
Bubble Soccer (2) | Jnr Oval | AFL (7) | Jnr Oval |
King’s Volleyball (3) | Outdoor Court | Spike ball (8) | Behind MPC |
Mat Soccer (4) | MPC | Dodgeball (9) | Double courts |
Baseball 5 (5) | Single Court |
Community Sport
Mid North Coast Women & Junior Girls Rugby Union Academy
Please see attached flyer which details the upcoming partnership between the MNC Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs in the development of a Womens & Junior Girls academy on the Mid North Coast.
This program is open to all female athletes who are turning 14 or over in 2022, and is also open to all sporting backgrounds.This is an exciting opportunity for development with clear pathways to representative teams and so many outstanding opportunities through Rugby Union around the world. Being an Olympic sport, the game is continuing to grow and this program offers many experience not previously available to regional athletes.
I ask that you please circulate this flyer to your female student population, if it changes the direction of one student then it is a worthwhile exercise.
Anyone interested should complete this registration form to receive further details.
Joey de Dassel
Development Officer – Mid North Coast
If your child has achieved outstanding sporting results in their community sport, we would love to hear about it. Please email myself, or your child’s respective Leader of Pastoral Care, so we can acknowledge these achievements.
If you have any questions regarding sport at MacKillop College, please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or phone at the College.
Erin Denham
Leader of Sport
From the Mathematics Vault
Welcome to our weekly Maths Vault!
We will provide a mathematics problem for solving, with the answer published the week after underneath a new problem. Good luck!
Parent News
FREE PAUL DILLON VAPING WEBINAR
Mid North Coast Health and Northern NSW Local Health districts are hosting another FREE online educator wellbeing webinar on vaping for school staff and parents. See below for details.