Week 4, Term 3, 14th August
| Week 5 | ||
| Sunday 16th August | 20th Sunday of the Year | |
| Monday 17th August | Day 1 | HSC Trials |
| Tuesday 18th August | Day 2 | HSC Trials |
| Wednesday 19th August | Day 3 | HSC Trials |
| Thursday 20th August | Day 4 | HSC Trials |
| Friday 21st August | Day 5 |
HSC Trials College Photo Day Year 9 2021 Elective Forms due |
| Week 6 | ||
| Sunday 23rd August | 21st Sunday of the Year | |
| Monday 24th August | Day 6 | HSC Trials |
| Tuesday 25th August | Day 7 |
HSC Trials Year 10 Youth Ministry Visits at the Soup Kitchen 6.30am - 8.00am Ecumenical Care Centre |
| Wednesday 26th August | Day 8 | HSC Trials |
| Thursday 27th August | Day 9 | HSC Trials |
| Friday 28th August | Day 10 |
HSC Trials Catch up photo day |
Community Connections
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
Saint Francis of Assisi
I believe it is a really important aspect of any school to develop connections between our students and the wider community. As a MacKillop community, we also encourage all to live out the Mary MacKillop’s value of “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
The past couple of weeks, even despite our COVID-19 restrictions, the College has been able to provide assistance in areas of need throughout the wider community. Following strict COVID-19 guidelines, our Hospitality students have assisted with catering for the Aged Care facilities in the parish, and the Youth Ministry students have been working in a variety of local volunteer organisations to support the most needy in our Hastings community.
The St Agnes' Food Services staff at the Marian Centre are currently quite short staffed and the supervisor commented that having our students has been a blessing. He also commented that they have really been working at maximum capacity and he was impressed with their level of initiative and commitment.
What most pleased me about these experiences was how many of the students commented on what they took away from having helped others.
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Parent Partnerships
A number of parents have spoken to me about being unable to participate in the parent webinar with our 2020 School Improvement critical friend, Aam Voigt in Week 3.
Fortunately Adam has recorded this and is happy to share the presentation with parents. I encourage all parents to watch the webinar as it explores the current work Adam is doing with MacKillop College staff on building positive relationships and engaging students in their learning.
Whilst Adam’s presentation outlines the work he is doing with staff, he also gives some very helpful tips on how parents can incorporate the same strategies in their parenting.
I would welcome any feedback from those who attended in Week 3 or those who are able to watch the webinar via the link;
Adam Voigt Real Schools Parent Information Webinar
Meet the Experts
This week's Meet the Expert is Stewart Smith.
Name: Stewart Smith.
What subject(s) do you teach?
Junior Science, Biology, Chemistry.
What high school did you attend?
Trinity Senior High School, Wagga Wagga.
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
Macquarie University: Bachelor Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
UTS: Diploma of Education.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
The ability to get younger people inspired about Science.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
Seeing students in Year 10, 11 & 12 develop into effective adult learners and achieve results well beyond their expectations.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver.
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Effort is the best predictor of future success.
Favourite non-work related hobbie?
Playing music or brewing beer.
What do you love most about your work?
The ability to work with students and staff in so many different areas e.g. Science, music, sport.
Principal
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matt 25:35-36)
As we head into our Vinnies Winter Appeal, we are challenged to remember the fact that Jesus called us all to serve those who are less fortunate than us.
This week we started our Vinnies Winter Appeal and have invited students to bring in any warm clothing or blankets that may be able to help those who are struggling during this winter season.
Students can bring in the clothes and blankets to their PC any time.
MacKillop College Street Retreat in Daily Life 2020
Over the last two weeks, some of our Year 11 students participated in our first MacKillop Street Retreat in Daily Life, during National Homelessness Week.
Our focus for the retreat was taken from Peter 1:4-10 “Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s Grace in its various forms”.
The students shared their gifts of compassion, hospitality and love as they worked in various ministries within the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.
The event was a wonderful success with the students feeling that they had learned about what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, what homelessness really is, and how easy it is to get involved and serve the community. During this time the students were reminded of the fact that each person is special in God’s eyes no matter what circumstances they find themselves in and that spending time, listening to the stories of the many people they encountered was the biggest gift they could offer.
It was a joyous way to spend time with peers and it was really fun for both myself and the other participants to be a part of something like this. - Ashleigh Parkin
"Street Retreat has been incredible! I will try to continue this service into my life once the retreat is over." - Sienna Toohey
I think that the best part of this 'retreat in daily life' has been that we have been able to see the impact that these organisations are having in our local area. It is crazy to think that there are so many people living such different lives to us in such close proximity. This week has definitely been eye-opening for all of us and we have all gained a sense of appreciation for the local organisations helping those in need."
- Kashia McGrath
A reflection on the reading from Mass this Sunday;
Leader of Evangelisation
College photos for Years 7 - 10 will be taken on Friday, 21st August (Week 5 of Term 3).
Please see below for information on pricing and packs.
Students were issued photo envelopes during PC on Wednesday, 12th August.
Year 7 continue to work hard in class but they also like recess and 'hanging' with friends! Here’s a few snaps of Year 7 memories.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Emma Galvin, Grace Hartley and George Worner.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Ronan Barltrop, Belinda Bulger, M Cameron, Emily Castiglioni, Laura Clarke, Edward Coombes, Emma Galvin (x2), Benjamin Goldie, Grace Hartley, Ruby O’Bryan, Kahdia Radley, Jason Shuttleworth, Madeline Strong, Kory Toni, George Worner and Bindi Zimmerman.
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
A little black boy was watching the balloon man at the Country Fair. The man was evidently a good salesman, because he allowed a red balloon to break loose and soar high up in the air, thereby attracting a crowd of prospective young customers. Then he released a blue one and a yellow one and a white one. They all went soaring up into the sky until they disappeared. The little boy stood looking at the black balloon for a long time, then asked, “Sir, if you sent the black one up would it go as high as the others?” The balloon man gave the boy an understanding smile. He snapped the string that held the black balloon in place and, as it soared upwards, said, “It isn’t the colour, son. It’s what’s inside that makes it rise.”
The Prayer of the Frog (Vol.2)
Anthony de Mello
As part of our ongoing anti-bullying programme, all students will be surveyed in Week 5.
Whilst, for most of our students, it appears that bullying is a minor issue or not affecting them, those targeted can experience a very difficult time. The most common form of bullying at MacKillop occurs online. Too often, people will say things online about another person that they would never say to the person’s face. Why is this so? Perhaps it is because, in the online world, you cannot see the hurt and harm you are causing as when you look at a person’s face. Negative comments about appearance, personality, friendships, family, ability and more can do enormous harm.
The story above illustrates how much one’s self concept and self-esteem can be directed by what others say to us. It also presents the truth that what is important in this life is not seen from outside appearances, but revealed by our relationships.
People are like stained glass windows. Their true beauty is only revealed by the light from within.
We will continue to address bullying at the school and encourage students to use their words and actions to lift people up rather than to put them down.
At MacKillop College, we define bullying as:
- involving a misuse of power in relationships;
- repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour; and
- it is intended and its repeated use causes harm distress and fear.
Bullying can involve individuals or groups and can happen in person or online and be overt or covert.
Bullying will probably continue if no action is taken.
Bullying is not the same as conflict or social dislike, even though, in some cases, the outcome of both can be bullying.
Elective Selection Year 9 2021
Students have this week received their digital Elective handbooks and selection sheets. All students should have their Elective choices entered online by Friday, 21st August.
Parents are encouraged not only to sign the hardcopy of Elective Selections, but to engage in discussions about the most appropriate electives for their child. At its simplest, the electives chosen should be subjects where the child has interest and ability.
Code of Presentation
As mentioned last week, I am taking the opportunity over the next few weeks to remind families of the College expectations regarding uniform. My focus this week is hair and gum.
Hair
We expect that the hair styles of both boys and girls should be neat and tidy in appearance and should not be of an extreme type that will draw attention to themselves. Moderation in appearance is required. Hair should be clean, well-groomed and neat. Boys’ and girls’ long hair should be tied up if it is shoulder length or longer. All hair accessories must be of black, white or gold.
Students (boys and girls) should not use dye or blonding compounds in their hair, except for natural highlights that are natural to the individual student’s own hair colour. Hair should be cut in such a way that it does not hang over the student’s face. The Principal reserves the right to exclude students who disregard these requirements.
Boys must be clean shaven at all times.
Gum
Chewing gum is not permitted.
I request that parents review these expectations with their child.
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
In Week 3, students had an extended PC lesson where they had to work as a team and complete a riddle and then complete a challenge. Below are some photos of the challenges students performed. Congratulations to Mrs Thompson's 9I3 on winning this challenge.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Final Term for Year 11 students
Year 11 students have settled in nicely to their last Term of their Preliminary year! Really quite crazy how fast that time goes. Throughout this ten-week period there will be many assessments with a culminating exam block at the end of the Term.
We have had a Year group meeting to go through the rules for this period but thought it would be worthwhile to repeat some of them below.
Rules and expectations for the exam block are as follows;
- If there is a Hand in Task it must be submitted following the assessment instructions (that is online or in person) prior to 8.45am on the due date. If a student is sick, Hand Ins still must be submitted by the due date and time.
- Exams are split into two sessions, morning (9.00am commencement), and afternoon (1.00pm commencement), students should arrive at the College at least 30 minutes prior to their exam time to ensure they are ready to commence.
- Sport or normal uniform can be worn, however, whichever uniform is chosen, it must be worn correctly.
- Students are to bring all necessary equipment, for example, calculators, rulers, pens etc, equipment cannot be borrowed during exams.
- If bringing in a pencil case and/or water bottle into the exam room they must both be clear without any labels.
- Phones, smart watches and ear pods are not permitted in the exam room.
- Student ID/library cards need to be brought to exams and placed on their desk.
- Students are to have no written material with them unless permitted by the exam notification, and should have no writing on any part of their body - hands, legs etc.
- A serious attempt must be made to complete the exam. Failure to do so will result in a zero and the student re-sitting the exam. Regardless of subjects being dropped, 13 units must be completed satisfactorily or the student cannot progress into the final year of Stage 6.
- Students may leave the College once exams are completed, or arrive late in the day for an afternoon exam. If remaining at school between exams students must be in the John Mullin Centre (Library), or Study Centre.
- Students may go home between exams but they are not allowed to drive others home and back to the College.
- Anyone accessing Special Provisions will be contacted by Teacher Assistant Rosie Ross in regards to the venue.
- It is the student's responsibility to read the Exam Timetable. Misreading the timetable is not accepted as misadventure.
- If the student is sick on the day of an exam, they must ring the College by 8.45am to notify that they will not be attending the scheduled exam - a Doctor's Certificate MUST be obtained on that day and for subsequent days that they are absent from school (a Chemist Certificate will not be accepted). As soon as they are well enough to return to school they are to present to the office by 8.45am with the Doctor's Certificate ready to complete the missed exam.
- Additional assessment information regarding the College's Policy and Procedures can be sourced from our 2020 Assessment Handbook.
As stated we have gone over these rules with the students so they should be familiar. If you are unsure or would like clarification on anything please contact me to discuss.
Important dates for you to note for the end of this Term:
Monday, 14th September: Start of Exam Block
Tuesday, 22nd September: End of Exam Block
Wednesday, 23rd September: Celebration of Excellence
Friday, 25th September: Last day of term - Year 11 feedback day
I am looking forward to seeing the progress of our young men and women this Term.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
HSC Trial Examinations
I would like to wish Year 12 all the best for their upcoming HSC trial exams, which begin next Monday. It has been a busy Term completing the learning and refining the skills needed for each of their exams. Both the students and their teachers have been working very hard!
We have found some time in the past few weeks to enjoy each other’s company amongst the stress, with a mixture of Yoga, PC challenges and Year group sporting competitions.
Last week we managed to fit in a Dodgeball competition after our Year group meeting, and then played Basketball together on Friday. In addition to that, I have loved doing yoga with a group of the students every Tuesday morning. Year 12 have expressed that they love the time they get to spend together as a whole Year group, which is a lovely reflection on the positive relationships they share as a group.
I would also like to congratulate all the students of practical subjects who have been putting in many extra hours as the due date for their final product draws nearer. Congratulations to the students who studied Dance and who completed their HSC practical exam this Thursday. Best of luck to students who study the following subjects, and whose final HSC work is due very soon; Music, Timber, Textiles, Drama and Art.
The trial exam notification is attached below. Students are reminded of the importance of being at the exams at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time. This will alleviate any stress about arriving on time and will give them time to go through their personal preparation techniques. The trial exams are the final step in the school based assessment and for many this will be the first time they have sat an exam with a duration of three hours.
After the trial exams, Year 12 have a lot more fun to fit in amongst their hard work as we plan together to create the best possible farewell for this wonderful group of young people. I ask if parents could please help me out here by sending a toddler photo of your child to Jenny Hunt, Business Manager. Some of the students have already done this but others are either too shy or have been putting it off.
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care
“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
Rehearsal Schedule Term 3
Upcoming Events
HSC Lunch Concert
- Week 7: Friday, 4th September, 1.00pm - 1.30pm, Senior Campus, HSC soloists.
Junior Instrumental Lunch Concert
- Week 8: Wednesday, 9th September, lunch, Theatre, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Junior Band, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, String Ensembles and selected Junior Soloists.
Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College or visit the college website and click on the Creative Arts tab.
Leader of Co-Curricular Music
Term 3 Sport
Representative Sport
NSW Olympics Unleashed Motivational Talk
MacKillop College partnered with the NSW Olympics Unleashed Program. The Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Olympics Unleashed program, presented by Optus, has moved into the digital classroom, with more than 70 New South Wales schools signing-up to connect students with Olympians sharing lessons in resilience and goal-setting.
On Wednesday, 12th August, students in Years 9 and 10 were fortunate enough to hear from Rohan Browning, a 100m Sprinter that has represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games. Dylan De Domizio, Cayden Briscoe, Cian Cowdrey and Hudson Harmer asked Rohan some extremely relevant and thought provoking questions on achieving balance, team verses individual sports, and finding/getting the best from your coach (some he had never been asked before).
Rohan’s talk was very motivational as he spoke candidly with our students. His message was very powerful and he encouraged our students living in regional areas to continue to set goals and strive to achieve them. He provided a very realistic, humble and powerful insight into what it takes to be one of the best track and field athletes our Country has ever seen. A favourite quote of Rohan’s;
“If you can dream and not make dreams your master;
If you can think and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same”.
Rudyard Kipling
Rohan is the 3rd, fastest ever, Australian in the history of track and field with a Personal Best of 10.08 seconds. He narrowly missed out on a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games by 0.001second. Rohan grew up playing Cricket and Rugby Union and found a love of running as a late teen and has never looked back. Rohan’s message was about triumph verse disaster as an athlete and how sacrifice, balance, time management skills, resiliency and goal setting has allowed him to overcome injuries and performance setbacks to pursue a career as an elite runner. His Sporting heroes are Kurt Fearnley, Ellyse Perry and Peter Norman, all Australians. Rohan is also completing his studies to become a Lawyer.
To stay up to date with the latest changes in the school representative sport pathway click on the following links.
Diocese of Lismore Sport https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/
Catholic Schools NSW Sport 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 by email at the College.
Remember to stay active and healthy.
Leader of Sport
Maths Tutorials with Mrs Robertson
Tuesday - Friday
7.45am - 8.30am
Room 12 Main College
Our College offers two homework clubs for any extra time our students may need during the week.
Years 7 - 10 Homework Club is located in the Main College Library on Monday - Thursday: 3.15pm - 4.30pm
Years 11 - 12 Homework Club is located in the John Mullin Centre on Monday - Thursday: 3.15pm - 5.00pm
Canteen Helpers
In the current climate, Canteen volunteers will not be required until further notice.
Thank you for your understanding and take care.
Uniform Pool
Keeping with Covid regulations, if you wish to access the Uniform Pool, please phone the college canteen (via the college office) to check on the availability of the items you may require.
School ties
School ties are available for purchase at the Canteen for $20.00 each.