Term 4, Week 4, 29 October
Principal's Update
Year 12 Final Lessons
Over the last week I had the pleasure of sharing with Year 12 their final school days. Whilst we were unfortunately unable to have the formal, or our whole-school traditional graduation events, Year 12 were able to enjoy and celebrate with each other, the end to thirteen years of lessons.
Our indigenous graduating student lunch, class parties, PC activities including luncheon, informal fun awards, water slides and colour runs, all made for smiling faces as a final farewell. The day culminated with one final walk through the College grounds to the (COVID safe) cheers and applause of the rest of the student body and staff in a Guard of Honour.
Year 12 now moves into their study period in preparation for their HSC exams commencing on November 9th.
Drumline National Success
Congratulations to the SAPSS Drumline, led by the very talented Director Mark Spence and supported by a team of St Agnes' Parish Schools staff. The DRUMLINE have been named National Champions for the fourth year in a row. You can read more about this in the Music article of today's newsletter.
Teenage Party Season
As I so often speak of the partnership with parents in ensuring the best for our young people, I thought it pertinent at this time of year to remind parents, especially for Year 8 and 9 students of the risk of summer partying, especially Beach parties. I am hearing that with the warmer weather, and the opening up of social opportunities after a year of missing out, some students are partying on weekends at local beaches. My experience is that beach parties are often not disclosed to parents and often disguised as sleepovers at friends homes etc. These parties are usually without any adult supervision and often also open to the uninvited, and involve drugs and alcohol. A dangerous recipe for our young people.
I encourage all parents (even our perfect children, if there really is such a thing! make mistakes), to have conversations with your teenager about the risk of unsupervised parties, always speak to the parents of friends your child is staying with and when they tell you “Everyone is allowed to except me” let them know Mrs Eichmann said that is just not true.
School Sport offsite and Vaccinations for over 16 Year Olds - Return of School Sport
We have been advised by NSW Catholic Schools and the Lismore Catholic Schools Office of changes to school sport from November 1. School sport onsite and at off-site venues will be permitted under the strict guidelines. These guidelines can be found in the sport edition of today’s newsletter.
Parents are asked to particularly note the vaccination rules for students aged 16 or older.
- Students aged 16 and older (and staff), must be fully vaccinated to enter public indoor recreation facilities until 1 December and will be required to show proof of vaccination status to school staff prior to boarding a bus and to facility staff on arrival. Students 16 and over that are NOT fully vaccinated will NOT be permitted to go off site as per COVID regulations. Alternate sport arrangements will be in place for students at school to participate in sport.
Cath Eichmann
Principal
Evangelisation
Final Prayer for Year 12
Monday was the last official day for our Year 12 students, and so our Prayer to begin the day was a reflection on how each one of our students can be a light to others. Each student was given a candle with their name and the school logo on it as a reminder of this challenge.
We played this song as the students held up their candle : Go Light Your World – Chris Rice
We are so thankful for the gift of each of our students and pray that as they head towards the HSC exams they experience God’s love, his understanding and wisdom.
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: St Agnes' Parish
Or you can to spend some time reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, using the link below.
Marg Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation
Year 7
Congratulations
Congratulations to Charlotte Memmott who has received a Silver Principal’s Award.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Riley Bates, Ryan Campbell, Cooper Evans, Claire Flynn, Mikayla Haste, Asha McLean (x2), Charlotte Memmott (x2), and Ruby Menin.
Greg Finney
Year 7 Acting Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 8
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Belinda Bugler, Niah Evans, Lucy Fitzgerald, Makayla Mott and Layla Stewart.
Daniel O'Dell
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 9
Congratulations to Ethan Tombs who has been selected to attend the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews Summer Squad. Over the next eight weeks, Ethan will train two to three times per week in Newcastle. At the end of this period, Ethan will find out if he is selected to the team for the next football season.
Community Service
I am aware of our young people doing both ordinary and extraordinary acts of service. Without students submitting their record of service, we are not in a position to give due recognition in the form of a Community Service Award.
There are around forty students from Year 9 completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme - Bronze Award. Part of the criteria to be met for the award includes hours of community service. All of these students are also eligible for recognition through the College Community Service Award.
Any student who contributes a minimum of 10 hours’ community service in Terms 3 and 4 is eligible for a Community Service Award. I encourage parents and students to make use of this opportunity for recognition. Seeing people doing good works can be the inspiration for others to do the same.
God bless.
Peter Murphy
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 11
It has been a busy couple of weeks as Year 11 got into their HSC work. As the pressure of the workload increases, we have attempted to keep the pastoral care action happening, and have begun a series of PC challenges. The idea behind these challenges is that we recognise the talents and strengths of our peers, and we each take responsibility for a challenge. So far we have held the Maths challenge, the speed challenge and the Science challenge. Results from each challenge are added to an accumulative tally which will result in a winning PC at the end of term.
By now most students have dropped one of their subjects and will complete the HSC on either 10 or 11 units of work. This means that they now have seven more study periods across the fortnight. This equates to seven more hours to use as study and help support them going forward. Our Study Centre is supervised by Karen Faichney and Kim Porter. Both ladies are very experienced, and provide a great atmosphere and excellent guidance. They help with organisational skills and creating study timetables. They can help source content and review activities and are full of great ideas to help students who may be lacking motivation. The ladies in the Study Centre work very closely with myself and the classroom teachers, to help provide the students with as much support as possible. It is incredibly important that students use their time wisely in the Study Centre. This can be an excellent way to free up time at home and allow for the extremely important yet somewhat elusive “work life balance'' we all aspire to. I have been saying to the students all throughout Year 11, you can do it all, within reason. You just need to be organised!
I am so happy to see how many students are out on the oval being active at lunch times. This is so important and good for the students. Unfortunately, we have all become a little relaxed with sun safety. I have asked students to find their school hats and make sure they bring them. I will be ensuring this rule is being followed. I ask for parents' continued support in encouraging their child to adhere to the uniform policy with special attention to sun safety. Other areas of concern of late are appropriate footwear, nose piercings and sports uniforms on the wrong days. Senior students are permitted to wear their sports uniform on Tuesday’s and Friday’s.
Jersey’s arrived this week and the students were ecstatic to receive them as we gathered in PC classes. Many managed to find the time to wear them even though the weather probably didn’t warrant it. The 2022 jerseys look fantastic, a huge thanks to the committee who dedicated many lunchtimes to coming up with designs and creating a unique jersey for our year group.
Andrea Huxley
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 12
Monday saw the end of official lessons and I have to say the most enjoyable day I've had in the last three years, a fitting finale to a rollercoaster of a year. Thank you to every young man and woman who made the day a day full of laughs, fun and gratitude.
I'm going to let the pictures tell the story.
Lisa Kable
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care
Music News
“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”- Martin Luther
St Agnes' Catholic Parish Secondary Schools Drumline makes it 4 in a row!
On Sunday, October 24, the St Agnes' Catholic Parish Secondary Schools Drumline, competing as the Port Macquarie Vanguard, took out their 4th consecutive national title in the Optimum Percussion Australian Drumline Competition. Current COVID restrictions meant the competition was both delayed and via livestream, and despite numerous challenges throughout the year the members of the drumline and colour guard captured a performance that won the day with their technical dexterity and clarity, visual precision, and impassioned presentation.
This year's show was titled "Across The Sky", an original piece written and visually arranged by their instructor Mark Spence. It interprets the universal elements and myths of humanity through rhythm and movement, and is a tour de force of storytelling through modern marching percussion. The drumline also performed a Test Piece titled "Shishkabob", which was written by adjudicator Julie Davila and performed by all of the Division A drumlines, and was included in the final scoring tabulations.
This year's competition was the closest yet, with a very small margin separating the top three drum lines, and all performers and instructors should be commended on a job well done, (especially in these trying times.) In addition to being crowned Champion Drumline, the Port Macquarie Vanguard also earned the award for Best Snare Section in the caption awards.
Members of the drumline and colour guard are rightfully proud and excited to capture a 4th consecutive national title, and are already hard at work on next year's show. Huge thanks to all the support that the leadership, teachers, and staff of St. Joseph's Regional College, MacKillop College, and the entire St Agnes' Catholic Parish have shown the drumline over the years as well. This would not be possible without them.
Acknowledgement of the dedication, energy and skill that Mark Spence brings to this ensemble as Director is also important to recognise. Thank you Mark!
The Hope Project
During the lockdown in Term 3, a number of students participated in the Hope Project whereby students composed a hymn with a theme of ‘Hope’.
Congratulations to Tess McWilliams who composed ‘If I Stay’ and the song writing duo Lara Inman and Jiya Jamu who composed ‘You Came For Us’.
These hymns are currently in ‘pre-production’ where they are being mixed and arranged to enable the college Collective Pop and Praise Band to put together a live recording to share with the college community and for potential use at Mass and Liturgies in 2022!
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 health advice 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
Upcoming Events
YOUTH MASS
- Week 4 - Sunday 31 October, 4:15pm - 6:00pm, St Agnes' Parish Church, Collective Praise Band.
YOUTH MASS
- Week 10 - Sunday 5 December, 4:15pm - 6:00pm, St Agnes' Parish Church, Collective Praise Band.
Please contact Rob Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.
Rob Denham
Leader of CoCurricular Music
Sport News
Term 4 Sport 2021
Please refer to the College website for the Sport Programs for Year 7-10 Term 4 Sport.
Return of School Sport
We have been advised by NSW Catholic Schools and the Lismore Catholic Schools Office of changes to school sport from November 1. School sport onsite and at off-site venues will be permitted under the following guidelines. Parents are asked to particularly note the vaccination rules for students aged 16 or older.
- Organisers must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place including plans to minimise mingling and mixing between cohorts entering and exiting the location where the sport is taking place.
- The school must maintain a list of all students and staff that participate and attend each session for contact tracing purposes.
- Schools are discouraged from enabling students to participate in sports across different school cohorts, and are not permitted to enter into inter-school competitions during school hours until 2022.
- If transport is required masks are required on buses for staff and students in Year 7 and above.
- Students aged 16 and older (and staff) must be fully vaccinated to enter public indoor recreation facilities until 1 December and will be required to show proof of vaccination status to school staff prior to boarding a bus and to facility staff on arrival. Students 16 and over that are NOT fully vaccinated will NOT be permitted to go off site as per COVID regulations. Alternate sport arrangements will be in place for students at school to participate in sport.
- Students in Year 7 and above (and staff) must wear masks indoors at all times when not exercising, including change room and bathroom facilities.
- As much as possible, schools should negotiate to have sole use of the recreation space for the time required and minimise use of shared spaces including change room facilities.
- Indoor and outdoor pools are permitted to be used with the above requirements, including for swimming carnivals.
- Inter-school sport activities
Inter-school sport trials, training and competitions, Inter-school representative sport, and grade sport training and competitions will not proceed during school hours in Term 4, 2021 so schools can focus on learning during the school day. Subsequently all diocesan Term 4 representative sports trials will not proceed.
Year 12 Sport Awards
The Year 12 Sports Awards for 2021 provided an opportunity to acknowledge the sporting performances of our athletes that have represented MacKillop College, the Lismore Diocese, NSWCCC and NSW All Schools teams or events over the past year.
2021 has been a disrupted yet successful year of Sport at MacKillop. This week, we acknowledged and congratulated those students who have represented the school across a wide range of individual and team sports.
Australian Olympic Change-maker Award
The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program recognises and rewards students who are demonstrating the Olympic spirit through leadership and driving positive change in their communities through Sport.
Congratulations to Sienna Toohey and Jared Humphreys who were awarded this prestigious award in 2021. Both students are gifted athletes who love their sport, lead by example and continually contribute to their respective Sports here at School and in the Community. Jared was selected in the NSWCCC Open Boys Cricket team this year and Sienna was selected in the NSWCCC Open Girls Hockey team.
Unfortunately, both of these sports were disrupted at a NSWCCC level not allowing Jared and Sienna the opportunity to experience and enjoy representing the State in their final year of High School.
Outstanding Involvement
To receive this award, a student has represented MacKillop College in 2 or more sports. The number of sports has been reduced this year due to the lack of sporting opportunities because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Excellence in Sport
This award acknowledges athletes who have performed exceptionally well in their sport throughout the year. To receive an Excellence in Sport award a student must have represented NSWCCC, NSW All Schools, an Australian team OR received a medal at NSWCCC or higher.
Jared Humphreys: Represented the NSWCCC Open Boys Cricket Team.
Grace Kranitis: Represented the NSWCCC Cross Country Team.
Sienna Toohey: Selected in the NSWCCC Open Girls Hockey Team.
Year 12 Sportsperson of the Year
Sportsperson of the Year is the most prestigious sporting award to be presented. It is awarded to the athlete who participates in a range of sports at a competitive level. The student must also conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates outstanding school spirit, sportsmanship and a dedication to training and competition. The students participation is tracked for every event and recorded based on a point score system.
The Year 12 Sportsperson of the Year for 2021 is awarded to Grace Kranitis.
Congratualations to Grace. Grace represented our School, Diocese and was set to represent the NSWCCC Cross Country team at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships that were cancelled. Below Is Representative Sport profile.
Cross Country
MacKillop College’s Country Age Champion
Runner Up at the Diocesan Cross Country
Made the Diocesan Cross Country Team
Placed 8th at CCC Cross Country
Made the CCC Cross Country Team
Athletic
MacKillop College’s Athletics Carnival Runner Up
Football
Trialed for the Diocesan Open Girls Football team
Represented MacKillop College in the Open Girls Football team
Congratulations Grace – you have achieved outstanding results over the past 12 months. You have put in a lot of hard work and it has paid off, as shown through your success at Cross Country. You are certainly leaving a strong legacy behind at MacKillop for others to follow in your footsteps. You are a fine ambassador for Mackillop College and such a positive role model for students to aspire towards.
You should be so very proud of your achievements and deserve every accolade that you have received.
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
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
Lost Property
There is currently a large number of unlabelled items in our College lost property including College jumpers, caps and jackets.
Items that not claimed by the end of the Week 6 will be donated. New lost items from this week are pictured below. Please claim from the office.