Term 1, Week 2, 11 February

PRINCIPAL

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK PRAYER

Today we remember all those who are sick and suffering in our community. As we pray for those family members who are sick I remind all in our MacKillop community that you have our support and to please let the College know if we can assist you, and your family, in any way during the tough times.

HSC SUCCESS

MacKillop College Class of 2021 celebrated an outstanding year of HSC results. These amazing young men and women demonstrated the power of determination, resilience, hard work and teamwork in enabling them to achieve their goals. 

The College was ranked 8th best school in Regional NSW and an amazing 88th overall of all NSW schools. The College had three Top Achievers who ranked in the top ten students in NSW, with Kashia McGrath placing 1st in NSW for Studies of Religion 1 unit, Kimberley Palmer placed 4th in Mathematics Standard and Kashia who also placed 10th in Advanced English. 

Kashia and Kimberley also received the prestigious honour of being named the MacKillop College Dux and Runner-up Dux respectively for 2021. Kashia received an amazing ATAR of 99.85 and Kimberley a 98.25. 

Other highlights from our 2021 cohort included:

• Three All Rounders - received Band 6 in 10 or more of their units of study
• Kashia McGrath, Alyssa Ishchenko, Mirren Campbell
• 137 Band 6 Distinguished Achievers
• 32 students received an ATAR of 90 plus
• 18 first place in course for the Lismore Diocese 
• Ranked 88 in NSW School rankings for the 2021 HSC
• 60 students who placed on the Distinguished Achievers list
• 87% of courses above state average
• 60% of all results were a Band 5 or Band 6

Congratulations to all our 2021 HSC students and their amazing teachers, support staff and families who helped them achieve these amazing results.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS

At our Assembly last week I spoke to all students about what it means to be a MacKillop College student and the expectations of how we behave both for ourselves and our learning, and how we treat and interact with others. Below is a copy of the Code of Behaviour Expectations which can also be found on Page 10 of the College diary. 

PARENT SOCIAL MEDIA REMINDER

It is quite common for parents to establish social media groups or pages to share information or connect with other parents in your child’s class and school community. Please be reminded that it is not permitted to establish a social media presence using the school's name or logo without written permission from the Principal. Any permitted social media pages/groups/accounts must adhere to the schools and the Catholic Schools Office Diocesan Social Media Policies.

CATH EICHMANN
PRINCIPAL

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

This week students in Year 11 and Year 12 had the pleasure of listening to students from the class of 2021 on how they managed to successfully navigate the HSC. In order to further support our students, all Year 11 and Year 12 will attend seminars by Elevate Education on study skills and exam techniques later this month. As part of this program Elevate Education has offered a free webinar to our parents where they will discuss “How to get (and keep) your child motivated this year”. This is open to all parents and if you are interested in attending then join Elevate on Wednesday, 23 February at 6:00pm as they host a free 60-minute webinar for the Mackillop College community, walking you through how to get (and keep!) your child motivated this school year.

To register for the FREE 60-minute webinar simply click here!

Elevate is a global education organisation working with over 3,000 schools and 1 million students to improve their study skills and boost academic performance. You can learn more about them at www.elevatecoaching.info

CHRISTINE HARMER
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LEARNING AND TEACHING

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSION

I take this first newsletter for the 2022 school year to introduce myself and the new role that I fill at the College.

Some families may be somewhat familiar with me as the teacher who had responsibility as Pastoral Leader for the current Year 10 during their first three years at the College. For others, this may be more of a first introduction.

The Mission role is essentially a response to Jesus’ command to go and spread the good news to all the nations. Two prime focuses are to support the work of the Leader of Catechesis and the Leader of School Evangelisation. The role also focuses on the social justice call to care for the poor and marginalised. In our school, two groups that potentially fall under this banner are the students with additional learning needs and also our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. My role will work directly with the teams supporting these students.

Operating from a belief that faith is first caught and then taught, I will be endeavouring to complement and extend upon the good work of our Leader of Evangelisation in creating, promoting and supporting opportunities for students and staff to be actively involved in works of service and in actions to explore and develop their own spirit. Our College is staffed by people of immense good will. I hope to assist these people in becoming more deliberate and apparent in their Christian works of service. Our consistent message through staff prayer will be one of each person consciously being the face of Jesus for the young people in their classroom, sporting or other team, and even just in the school grounds.

Youth are rather idealistic and will often follow the lead of inspirational leaders. Teachers frequently find themselves in a position of great influence over the young people in their care. If our young people can clearly identify and observe these significant adults living daily according to the Christian values that they espouse, they may well be inspired and their faith ignited.

St Valentine Martyr (d.269)

Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends. – Jn 15:13

To the delight of florists, confectioners and greeting card companies, we celebrate the feast of St. Valentine on February 14. The association of St Valentine with pink hearts, chocolates and the exchange of romantic fancies has no intrinsic source in the character of life of the saint.

Valentine was apparently a Christian priest in Rome during the persecution under Emperor Claudius II. He was eventually arrested and sent before the prefect of Rome. When he refused to renounce his faith he was beaten and beheaded. Thus by offering his heart he proved himself a true devotee of the God of Love.

What is true always and everywhere deserves to be celebrated at a particular time and place. The setting aside of St. Valentine’s Day can at first, under the veil of marketing superficiality, seem trivial, gimmicky and shallow. However, the focus on love is never trivial or shallow. Love’s transformational effect heals, affirms and enhances our lives. We are nothing without love. Love is about priorities, commitment, perseverance and forgiveness. It is seen in the daily lives of mothers and fathers, boys and girls, friends and neighbours. Being ‘in love’ and loving others forces us to come out from ourselves and to make ‘the other’ person the focus of our attention. Love transforms and is essential to the quest for meaning in our lives. St. Paul, in his letter to the community at Corinth expresses this ideal:

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous.

Love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish.

It does not take offence and is never resentful.

Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth.

It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.

In short, there are three things that last:

Faith, Hope and Love; and the greatest of these is Love.

God bless

PETER MURPHY
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MISSION

PARISH NEWS

PAT TESTING

In Weeks 2, 3 and 4, all Year 7 students will be completing the Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) in Mathematics, Reading and Science. PAT allows us as a school to determine where students’ strengths and areas for growth exist. The testing will occur in Mathematics, English and Science classes in their given week, with the tasks being run by the classroom teacher and catch ups just being coordinated in class time, if needed.

PAT will take place:

• Math - Week 2
• English - Week 3
• Science - Week 4

These tests are online, therefore students must:

• Ensure their devices are charged
• Bring a charger to top up batteries if needed

If a student's device is not working, access to desktops will be made available but it is preferable that students have their own working device.

PAT does not require any study or preparation as it is just an opportunity for teaching and learning teams to gain a snapshot of a student's current knowledge. All students are asked to make a serious attempt at these tests as we measure learning growth and determine the most appropriate areas of support and extension into the academic year. Those choosing not to take these tests will be asked to re-sit the tests.

If you have any questions regarding PAT please feel free to contact me via email sarah.warby@lism.cathlic.edu.au

SARAH WARBY
LEADER OF CURRICULUM

YEAR 7

WELCOME

I am Nicole O’Connell and it is my privilege as the Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care to be working with your child’s PC Teacher with whom you spoke in the #weThrive conversations last week.

I am excited to engage with Year 7 and guide our youngest cohort through a smooth transition to our MacKillop community and secondary learning. Alongside your child’s PC Teacher, I endeavour to support your child’s wellbeing so they may rise to any challenge with positivity and resilience and flourish this year.

It is vital all parents and carers are familiar with our College Codes of Behaviour, Presentation and Use of Digital Technologies found in your child’s school diary, and sign the Parent Agreement on page 19 so that we can work in partnership as a College community. 

The College diary is one of our key methods of communication and diaries are to be signed on a weekly basis by caregivers. Teachers and students will use the diary to record tasks, reminders and important information. Carers are also encouraged to write, date and sign notes in the diary as a quick means of communication. Working together is key to assisting our young people to achieve their personal best. 

A GREAT START

Congratulations Year 7 for making such a positive start to your first year at MacKillop College! It was wonderful to see everyone smiling and welcoming each other over our first days together.

The transition into secondary school is a significant milestone for students and their families. At our first assembly, I challenged every student to embrace three challenges:

• Be friendly and kind - we have 223 students thus many possibilities to expand their friendship groups. I encourage each student to reach out to others and be open to working with new people;

• Be curious - there is a lot of new information so LISTEN well first then ASK any questions you have; and

• Be positive - high school life is new and interesting but there will be challenges. Together, we can figure anything out!

YEAR 7 PC TEAM

I am privileged to work with a caring Year 7 Pastoral Care team. If parents and carers ever need to alert your child’s PC teacher of any issues that impact their wellbeing, please email them:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our MacKillop Swimming Carnival is planned to be held at Port Macquarie pool next Tuesday, 15 February. Students are encouraged to attend school as usual in the morning, dressed in their house colours. Please note that students must wear a rash shirt and swimming shorts (board shorts or bike shorts are acceptable); covered footwear, a hat, and sunscreen are also requirements. Swimwear designed for competitive activity is permitted at the carnival. Whilst the canteen will be available for snacks, it is recommended that all students bring their lunch and a drink with them as there are limited opportunities to purchase at the canteen.

Please check your child does NOT bring their phone or device to the carnival. This is the best assurance to keep such expensive items safe. Photos will be available on the MacKillop Facebook page. Please ring the College Office if you need to get a message to your child throughout the day. This is a great community school event and our focus is on participating in swimming and cheering on peers to show House Spirit!

TIPS FOR PARENTS OF YEAR 7

Parents play a powerful role in helping each student make the transition to secondary school and settle into high school life. Please see these articles from experts to remind us all what it is like to move to a new, larger school at 12.

STUDENT PROCEDURES

MacKillop College values the support of the parents and carers of our students, recognising we work in close partnership to organise, communicate and set up each student for success.

It is vital that all students and families are clear about the following procedures:

What must I do if my child is absent from school?

Student attendance rolls are marked in PC every morning. 

If the College Office has not been advised that a student will be away, a text message will be sent to parents.  Parents can then reply to the text to inform the reason for student absence.

CSO mandatory requirements for attendance of every student is 85%. Parents and carers will be contacted if their child is not meeting this requirement. 

Students, parents and carers are reminded to please comply with the compulsory NSW Health and College requirements for Rapid Antigen Tests; the procedures for a positive result were emailed to families Saturday, 29 January.

What if my child is running late for school?

When a student arrives at school after 8:45am they must first present to the Office where they will be signed in and receive a late slip. Students then attend their timetabled class and hand the late slip to the class teacher.

What if my child has to depart school early?

It is strongly advised appointments are scheduled outside school hours so that students do not miss out on lessons and have to catch up on essential learning.

If there is an unavoidable reason for your child to depart from school before 3:10pm, please send them to school with a note (or write it in their diary). It is recommended that you check your childs’ timetable when making appointments, as classes are often off-site for sport, school events etc. It is requested that you make your child aware of the appointment, which will enable them to be at the Office waiting, ready for you to collect them.

Under current restrictions, when collecting your child during the school day, please remain in your car and call the Office when you have arrived at the College: 6583 2632.

Students will only be allowed to leave with their primary carers and emergency contacts listed in our records. If someone else is required to collect your child, please notify the Office with their details. 

If the time of departure is during class time, students attend class and at the time of departure, show the signed and dated note to their teacher, present to the Office, and are signed out. If the time of departure is during a lunch break, students are called over the PA system to the Office. 

Students must always present at the College Office to be signed out before leaving the grounds during school hours.

What if my child is unwell or injured during school hours?

If a student feels unwell or is injured at school, they are asked to attend the Front Office, where our staff  will place the student in sickbay. Parents will be called if the student needs to be collected. 

In emergency cases, college staff will call an ambulance and contact parents and carers.

Please note that staff are unable to administer panadol, antihistamines etc. to students. It is recommended that your child have some in their bag if it’s likely they may be required.

What is the school policy about contacting my child directly when they are at school?

It is College Code: Use of Digital Technologies, that students switch off their phones and messages on their device on arrival at school, until 3:10pm. Parents and carers are required to sign and date page 19 of the student diary in agreement with all MacKillop College Codes.

Therefore, students must not contact parents directly during school hours without explicit teacher permission. Parents and carers should not contact their child via message for a response or call students directly during school hours. 

If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the Office and a message will be given to the student directly.

What if I want to post on social media a photo of my child and other students at school?

Students and their families must be aware that photos should not be taken of a student in the school uniform. for protection of privacy reasons. 

Students, parents and carers are encouraged to follow the MacKillop College Facebook page instead, where photos are approved. 

The Catholic Schools Office has very strict guidelines regarding photos of students at school-related swimming events. Photos that CAN NOT be posted include:

• Full-length images and video of students in swimwear, includes students standing, sitting and diving into the pool
• Students in swimwear on the blocks
• Students without shirts (ie. students with swimmer pants and no shirt)

How can I protect my child’s property?

It is requested that all items be labelled. If items are dropped at the Office for a student, please ensure they are in a bag and clearly labelled.

What if I want my child to travel to or from school by bus?

If you need to apply for a bus pass or notify Transport NSW of a change of address, please use the following link: Transport NSW Bus Pass Application

May parents be involved at the school canteen?

Parents are invited to volunteer in our canteen. Please complete this form is you are available: College Canteen 

Canteen ordering is available via the Qkr! App, which can be downloaded using the following link: Qkr!
Cash and eftpos is also accepted at the Canteen.

CANTEEN HELP NEEDED

We are in need of some parent assistance for canteen. For more information and requirements on volunteering in the Canteen, or if you are able to volunteer, please follow this link. 

NICOLE O'CONNELL
YEAR 7 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

YEAR 8

Welcome back to the 2022 school year. It was great to see everyone smiling and ready to hit the ground running as Year 8 students at Mackillop College.

Our focus for Year 8 2022 is: #weConnect - Find happiness in making others happy

It is hoped that students will embrace this theme throughout the year and treating others the way they would like to be treated. 

CODE OF PRESENTATION

Students have been led through changes to operating procedures in terms of the Code of Presentation and the Code of Behaviour Expectations. I encourage families to sit down with their child and read these codes to become familiar with the expectations of the College. 

All students have been asked to have page 19 of the school diary signed by carers in the coming days, acknowledging support of these policies. 

Working together is key to assisting our young people to achieve their personal best. Please do not hesitate to make contact with your student’s PC teacher or myself at any time. 

INTRODUCING THE YEAR 8 PC TEAM

We have a wonderful Pastoral Care team who will continue to guide your child through their high school journey. If you have any questions or concerns/queries, please do not hesitate to email or phone them so that we can all work together to make school a positive environment for everyone:

GREG FINNEY
YEAR 8 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

YEAR 9

Welcome back to all students and families for 2022. I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable holiday break. Our focus and theme for Year 9 is: We have much for which to be thankful.

A quote from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. I hope that the students understand and embrace this theme during 2022. Mary MacKillop reminds us that we often need to pause and think about all that we have and how lucky we are to have these things in our lives.

GENERAL REMINDERS

The start of any year prompts us to remind students about the basics that are expected of them at school. It is a time to set standards and refresh our memories and to begin the year with the support of parents and caregivers.

DIARY

Please encourage students to use their school diaries. It contains valuable information which is quite often referred to. Students have been asked to sit and read the diary with their caregivers and to sign page 19, acknowledging support of these policies.

UNIFORM

The uniform has changed slightly this year with some new items of clothing. Students are expected to follow the Code of Presentation and wear their uniform with pride, and at an excellent standard. Some items such as shoes, jewellery, make-up, hair and sport uniforms need some focus as many students are not following the policy.

RESPECT

The Code of Behaviour Expectations provides a clear set of behaviours, expected of all, to enable self and others to thrive. Please sit and read this policy with your child so the expectations are set from day 1.

YEAR 9 PASTORAL CARE TEAM 2022

DANIEL O'DELL
YEAR 9 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE 

YEAR 10

Welcome to 2022!

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all Year 10 students on a relatively smooth transition so far. I would also like to introduce our Year 10 Pastoral Care team for 2022 (below). These individuals should be your first point of contact if you have any issues or concerns regarding your child throughout the year:

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me here at the school.

Best wishes

DAVID KENNEDY
YEAR 10 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

YEAR 11

Smiling faces, new uniforms and plenty of “Good morning Ms Bewicke, how was your holiday?” was how I was greeted by the new group of Year 11 students last week. After teaching many of the Year 11 students PDHPE over the past four years, it is with great pleasure that I have taken on the new role of Leader of Pastoral Care for Year 11 in 2022.

WELCOME TO YEAR 11

I would like to welcome our new students and their families to MacKillop College. I have no doubt they will be made to feel very welcome and an important part of the MacKillop College community. The final two years of schooling may be challenging at times but will also be filled with plenty of happy and memorable experiences.

UNIFORM

I have spoken to the students about the College’s Code of Presentation and my expectation is that as the leaders of the College they will wear our uniform correctly and with pride at all times. Every student has been made aware of the correct way to wear their uniform and our Code of Presentation can be found in the College Diary on Pages 12-14. Both students and their parents are asked to read through the diary and sign on page 19.

IINFORMATION NIGHT/VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, our Year 11 Information Night will not take place at the College as planned in Week 3. A virtual presentation will be emailed to all students and parents in Week 3 for you to watch with your young person. This is an important presentation so all can begin the senior years fully informed of the academic processes and practices as well as Pastoral Care strategies and support available at MacKillop College.

HOMEWORK CLUB

Homework club is one of the many supports we offer on the senior site to support students with their workload at school. Homework Club is held every Monday-Thursday in the John Mullin Centre from 3:10pm-5:00pm. I encourage all students to take advantage of this wonderful support available for our senior students.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Georgia Ryan who was named Young Citizen of the Year at the 2022 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australia Day Awards. Georgia is passionate about her work with Dyslexia Mid North Coast and has been a committed ambassador for the Go Red for Dyslexia awareness campaign since its inception two years ago. Georgia’s dedication to helping others with learning difficulties is an inspiration to us all. Well done Georgia!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your young person. Please call the College office on 6583 2632 or contact me via email tracey.bewicke@lism.catholic.edu.au 

TRACEY BEWICKE
YEAR 11 LEADER OF PASTORAL CARE

YEAR 12

Year 12 have hit the ground running and are well and truly back into the swing of things. As we began the year we addressed the themes which would guide us through the year to come. First and foremost is our Mary MacKillop theme from Mary MacKillop's quote “Be calm and full of hope”.

Through this quote Mary MacKillop guides us to 'Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.' (1891). For us as Year 12 students, this does not mean that we calmly hope what we want will land in our laps, it means that we need to work hard, access our support networks, give our best effort and then place our hopes, dreams and trust in God. We discussed that hope is an action oriented strength and therefore it should mean that we work towards our goals, try our hardest at everything we ever do, strive for the things we want and then hope that what is meant to be will be. 

The second theme is from our #weThrive program. It is #weLead. We discussed that these young men and women are now the leaders of MacKillop College and as such what they do, how they act, how they treat each other will all be something our younger students look up to and they will happily follow your lead. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Year 12 to show them what it means to be a MacKillop student. For some this may mean stepping out of their comfort zone, standing up for what they believe in, for others it can be less dramatic as leadership can come in many forms, it is seen in both actions and words in what IS said and what is NOT said. It is shown through camaraderie, and through the relationships with their teachers and peers.

The first two themes are themes that each and every Year 12 group follows, they are our College themes. However, the third theme is a personal touch that I would like to add. Too often we see the HSC as a competition, as a solo event. However, years of playing in this arena has taught me that it is far from a solo event. It is by far one of the strongest team events of a student's life. Yes, the focus is on the student and the one in the spotlight is the student and ultimately they are the ones who must DO the work required. But it takes a team to get them through it and their success (whatever that may look like) will be significantly impacted by the team around them.

So who makes up their team… Well firstly it is us, the teachers. Our work, and guidance, is what will get you there and the relationship you have with us as your teachers will be a great support to you. It is essential that you TRUST us and that you follow our lead and guidance.

YOUR FAMILY: they know you better than anyone, they know your strengths and your weaknesses and they will be the ones who recognise if you are struggling or if you are thriving. They will be instrumental in helping you to achieve a balance and remain calm and action oriented in your hope.

EACH OTHER: most importantly - as a year group we need to strive together… pick each other up when we fall, drag each other along when we are down, celebrate each other's successes, be driven and inspired by each other. 

Throughout the year I will continue to remind students of this notion of teamwork and I will call on them to step up for their team, whether it be in the classroom or in the College community. I ask all of Year 12 to treat the HSC not as a competition against one another, but as a goal that we all share and something that we can all achieve together.

COMING UP

• Swimming Carnival: In Week 3 we will enjoy the MacKillop Senior swimming carnival and Year 12 will have an opportunity to be leaders and teach Year 11 how much fun this carnival can be, if we all get involved.

• Retreat: In Week 4 we will be celebrating the Year 12 Retreat. I am so excited that this event is going ahead. We have put a Covid safety plan in place and are working hard to ensure the students are able to safely enjoy this amazing experience.

• Elevate: We will have Elevate education visiting to present a couple of workshops with Year 12 in Week 5. Notes will be going out shortly.

ANDREA HUXLEY
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

The role of the Co-curricular Music Program at MacKillop College is not only to provide musical enrichment to students, but to provide a service to the parish and to the community. Ensembles participate in local festivals and events, provide music for Mass, attend workshops, perform at College assemblies and participate in band tours and competitions both nationally and internationally. Through these experiences we hope to nurture a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, community, cultural and spiritual service and a pure love of making and sharing music with others. 

The music staff at MacKillop are excited to offer an extensive ensemble program. There are many proven benefits of learning a musical instrument relating to brain development. Playing music within an ensemble setting builds upon such benefits and reinforces social interaction, teamwork, discipline and goal setting.  Furthermore, it is imperative that students understand the importance of their ensemble membership. Ensemble members are expected to regularly and punctually attend rehearsals, participate positively and respectfully, understand their role as part of a team and participate to the best of their ability in performances. In order to maintain the positive growth of the music ensemble program at MacKillop College, students are asked to adhere to the expectations provided below:

ATTENDANCE

Ensemble members are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances, workshops and special events throughout the year. As a courtesy, students are required to inform their ensemble director of any planned absences prior to a rehearsal or event. Rolls are taken at all rehearsals, performances and workshops. Students with unexplained absences will be required to provide written explanations signed by a parent to the Leader of Co-Curricular Music. It is important that students arrive to rehearsal five minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure that time is not lost to setting up instruments. Students are to move as quickly as possible to lunch rehearsals from class.

Understandably, there will be times when students are late to rehearsals or performances for a wide range of valid reasons. Ensemble directors and the Leader of Co-Curricular Music will always keep this in mind when discussing absence with students and parents.

UNIFORM

Details related to uniform at performances, workshops and special events will always be outlined to students in written excursion information notes and provided verbally in rehearsal. All students participating in MacKillop College ensembles are required to purchase a shirt to wear at performances. This shirt will be worn with black trousers, white socks and white shoes at all performance events on request from the ensemble director.

Students are to see the music trainee at rehearsal or in break times in the rehearsal rooms or staff workroom to order a size. Sample shirts will be available. I encourage students to order a slightly larger shirt if in lower year groups. This performance shirt will be able to be worn across all MacKillop College and SAPSS Ensembles into the foreseeable future.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsal times for all ensembles are set out in the MacKillop College Rehearsal Schedule, which is made available to students through the co-curricular music google classroom page and is printed in the newsletter. Rehearsal schedules and other information is also posted on the music notice boards outside music classrooms and rehearsal spaces.

As a courtesy, students are required to inform their ensemble director and the Leader of Co-Curricular Music in writing if they are no longer able to commit to membership of an ensemble. This information will assist with future planning.

The ensemble timetable for Term 1, 2022 is included below to assist with organisation. Please read over this information and take note of times and venues.

MUSIC TUITION PROGRAM

Many aspiring music students of today often find “DIY” musical instrument teaching resources through online courses, apps and YouTube courses. Whilst such technology is a good aid for learning, research states that the best way to learn a musical instrument is through individual tuition from an expert teacher. Furthermore, the Stage 6 music curriculum requires students to perform for assessment on an instrument of their choice. It is therefore necessary for schools with an interest in music excellence to provide opportunities for students to learn an instrument. As part of the MacKillop College Co-curricular Music Program, students are provided with the opportunity to arrange private instrumental tuition directly with tutors at their homes or studios or at school in breaks or during class time.

Students wishing to join the music tuition program are invited to contact the Leader of Co-curricular Music by using the music tuition request form provided in the links and forms section below.

The Leader of Co-curricular Music will then contact a suitable tutor on your behalf to check availability. The tutor will then call you directly to confirm and arrange a suitable lesson time.

INSTRUMENTAL RENTAL

A wide range of band instruments are available for hire including trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone, violin, guitar and bass guitar. The cost for instrument hire is $70 per term (instruments can be rented to own upon request. This rental period is negotiable and will vary depending on the value of the instrument). These fees are invoiced to Subject & Activities statements each Term. As these fees are considered ‘extra-curricular’, this amount must be paid by Week 6 of each Term and must not at any time run into arrears.  Please advise the College if your method of payment is via Bpay so that it can be matched accordingly. The first term of rental is free to allow students time to “settle” with the instrument.

The College will be responsible for minor repairs. Accessories such as reeds, valve oil and strings will be the student’s responsibility.

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC GOOGLE CLASSROOM

All members of the co-curricular music ensemble program are required to sign up to the google classroom as it will provide important information throughout the year. It is also possible for parents to sign up to this classroom, providing you have google accounts. If you would like access to this classroom please follow the link below to sign up.

LINKS & FORMS

Music Ensemble Sign Up Form

Music Tuition Request Form

Co curricular Music Google Classroom

Senior Band STILE PAGE CLASS CODE X3JF9Y

Junior Band STILE PAGE CLASS CODE JSV9C8

The Collective Pop & Rock Praise Band STILE PAGE CLASS CODE G8V8S6

Saxophone Ensemble Google Classroom

Musical Theatre Company Google Classroom

Please contact Rob Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.

ROBERT DENHAM
LEADER OF MUSIC

SPORT NEWS

SWIMMING CARNIVALS

The annual MacKillop College Swimming Carnivals are being held during Week 3. The junior carnival is on Tuesday, 15 February and the senior carnival is on Wednesday, 16 February. Students and families are reminded that the carnival is a compulsory school day, and if your child is unable to swim due to injury or illness, they are to see Mrs Denham with a note explaining why they cannot participate.

• Students are allowed to wear their House colours to and from school, and are reminded to wear enclosed footwear and to bring their swimmers, rash shirt, hat, towel and sunscreen.

• Students are to come to school and will be transported by bus to and from the pool. If students wish to be picked up from the pool, a signed and dated note from their parent needs to be provided to their PC teacher in the morning.

• The 100m freestyle is swam during the senior carnival, however for the junior carnival the 100m freestyle will start prior to the Carnival. Students need to be at the pool at 7:45am ready for an 8:00am start. If your child wishes to participate in this event, they need to register online through the school Moodle site, Student Links, Representative Sport Registrations.

• Appropriate swim wear: The school has a policy on appropriate swimwear for any water activity. All students are requested to wear a rash shirt to protect them from the sun. Girls are ONLY permitted to wear full piece swimmers or two piece sports swimmers. Triangle bikinis are NOT permitted – if these are the only swimmers that your child has they will be required to wear a rash shirt or t-shirt over their swimmers on the day.

• Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions we cannot have parents spectators at the carnival.

Finally, the swimming carnivals are a highlight on our school sport calendar. This is a day where students can embrace our House spirit and get involved. All that we ask is that students get involved in either the competitive or novelty events, and support the House Leaders to make our carnivals fun and enjoyable.

TERM 1 SPORT PROGRAMS

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT, UPCOMING EVENTS, MACKILLOP COLLEGE EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

All registrations for MacKillop College sport teams will be completed by students via logging into the school Moodle page. Go to the Student Links tab on the left hand side and click on the Representative Sports Registrations link. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the google form.

Students will be notified through the morning notices of when to sign up, and when trials will occur.

Click on this link to register.

LISMORE DIOCESAN EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

Please note that the following sports are currently open for students to be able to sign up to or register their interest to trial. These sports have been advertised to students through morning notices over the past week.

Please click on this link below to register for the sports.

Below is information for students who wish to nominate for the 400m freestyle at the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Lismore on Thursday, 10 March 2022.

NSWCCC EVENTS AND REGISTRATION

NSWCCC 2022 Sport Registrations for pathway sports open on 1 February.

* Schools will be asked to nominate teams for the Triathlon Teams event - further communication to come.

Students MUST be registered for the event with parent and Principal approval (or Principal delegate).

Registration is through the CSNSW Sport portal. Details on how to register:   csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/article/198901765?src=584134009

Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal. For instructions on how to register go to:  Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Please note that the NSWCCC Sport registrations for individual nominations for 2022 selections are open for the following trials:

Swimming and Touch Football registrations are through the Diocesan/Association pathways.

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages: https://csnsw.sport/

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

DANCE

CANTEEN UPDATE

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. 

If your child is sick and you have ordered, please phone the canteen (6583 2632) to arrange a credit. 

Please note to change your child's year group when using the QKR! app to order lunch for 2022.

Now available: Gluten free pies $5.00 and gluten free sausage rolls $4.00; these items must be ordered.

Monday 28 February 
Paul Atkins and Patrick Corr

Tuesday 1 March
 Maggie Nash and Hahn Le 

Wednesday 2 March
Kate Perkins and Peta Clancy

Thursday 3 March
Rowena Beukers, Renee Bullock and Kelly Dingle

Friday 4 March
Pupil Free Day (No helpers required)

Monday 7 March
Sue Moore-Jones,  Mayo Brumby and Jodie Burge

Tuesday 8 March
Deborah Hallen and Chris Pees

Wednesday 9 March
Danielle Sen Gupta and Rox Brockhurst

Thursday 10 March
Heather Sheers and Help required

Friday 11 March
Kim Medland, Allie Tamanti and Carolyn Horan

CANTEEN HELP NEEDED

We are in need of some parent assistance for canteen. For more information and requirements on volunteering in the Canteen, or if you are able to volunteer, please follow this link. 

Maths Tutorials

Tuesday 7.45am-8.30am and  Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson

Homework Hubs