Week 7, Term 3, 4th September

  

A reflection on the reading from Mass this Sunday;

Code of Presentation – Emerging Issues

Following the email to parents this week, I would like to remind you of two emerging issues regarding the Code of Presentation.

1. Hairstyles: The current 'footy mullet' (mo-hawk) which is trending among sports stars is NOT considered an appropriate hairstyle for the standard of presentation expected at MacKillop College. Students have been given until Monday of Week 8 to ensure their hair does meet the standards of the Code of Presentation. If a student presents to school after Monday with this hairstyle they will be asked to return home until such time as the hairstyle has been rectified. 
   
   
2. Incorrect shoes: A growing number of students are wearing canvas or skate type shoes which are not all leather as per formal uniform guidelines, nor are they appropriate footwear to be wearing for sport or practical lessons. Students are also asked to have this rectified by next Monday please. 

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Technology Classes

This week saw the changeover for technology classes and students have moved on to enjoy yet another area of the Technology course. Some will find this change a challenge and for others, it will be welcomed. Regardless, it is key that students embrace the learning opportunities placed before them. Please note that this change may also require students needing to wear protective footwear, that is leather upper shoes. It is important that students get used to this change in their timetable to ensure no practical classes are missed due to inappropriate footwear. 

Pastoral Care Time

The focus this week in PC has been positive relationships. In light of our recent bullying survey where students listed a range of suggestions for making sure the College is a safe and caring place, PC's spent time and undertook a range of activities, continuing to build and maintain such an environment. 

Students suggested things such as: 

• Be nice
• Do not yell or swear at others
• Remind people to be respectful
• Be polite
• Show care for others
• Be kind
• Appreciate each other’s differences
• Stand up for each other
• Don't tease others
• Ask others to join in if they seem alone
• Check in with each other to make sure they are OK
• Do not judge others
• Think before we speak or act
• Use our manners
• Say positive things
• Be responsible and treat others as you would like to be treated
• Talk about our feelings with others
• Be alert and do not accept any bullying at school

Year Meeting

During this week’s Year meeting students gathered for the first time in weeks as a Year group, maintaining the requirement of coming together for less than 15 minutes as our number of students is over 100. It was wonderful to come together and we used the time to watch the performance of the Dance Ensemble 1 and 2, featuring a number of talented Year 7 students. Mr Adam Kelly, our Assistant Principal – Curriculum, also attended the meeting and spoke about Electives for 2021.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: MC Cameron, Georgie Healey, Cooper Lorger, Jamali Middlebrook, Cory Thiele and Alexander Toth.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Macey Arkinstall, Jamison Barlow, Ashley Bell, Jasmine Bewicke, MC Cameron, Ryan Cook, Isaac Freeman, Ethan Glover, Benjamin Goldie, Georgie Healey, Ishaan Jamnadas, Cooper Lorger, Oliver Marchant, Olivia McGahon, Jamali Middlebrook, Matthew Nottle, Saxon Ritter, Cory Thiele, Alexander Toth and Bindi Zimmerman.

Bronwyn Avery

Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care 

Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) is a national organisation, supporting and coordinating the efforts in schools, and beyond, to support and develop young people as disciples of Jesus. All secondary schools in the Diocese of Lismore offer students the opportunity to become members of a CSYMA ministry based Religious Education class. The entry point for this is Year 9.

On Friday, 11th September, Year 8 students will experience Catch The Wave. This mini retreat introduces students to a model of student discipleship supported by enrolling to the ministry focused Religious Education class.

Normally this is delivered as a full Year group whole day retreat, however Covid-19 restrictions have forced us to creatively adapt the existing Catch The Wave program into a two period experience that will be delivered in groups of around 75 students.

Following their Catch the Wave mini retreat, students will be invited to volunteer to the Ministry Religious Education class for Years 9 and 10. This is by no means the easy option. Students in this class follow not only the usual Religious Education curriculm, but experience additional ministry based units. Students in the ministry based (CSYMA) participate in a number of inside and outside of school hours ministry experiences.

This is a great option for any student wishing to nurture their faith or explore their curiosity about faith.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Shaun Baillon who has received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award.

God bless.

Peter Murphy

Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Congratulations

Congratulations to all Year 12 students, who have now finished their HSC trial exams and as such, have completed all school based assessments for their HSC. In addition to this the Timber, Textiles and Drama students have now all completed their major works. These projects have been four Terms in the making with a great deal of extra effort, and extra hours going into these projects. It is so wonderful to see the talent of these students and the final products are all amazing! I most enjoy watching the students experience the feelings of accomplishment, and relief, that has come from working so hard towards a goal and achieving it.

On Friday, we enjoyed a lunchtime concert from the Year 12 Music students who performed some of their pieces for their HSC. Again, I was in awe of the talents of our students. Good luck to these students as well as the Art students who still have their practical components to perform or hand in. 

Importance of the next few weeks

The next few weeks of school will be fundamental in the learning process for Year 12 students, as such attendance on all school days is compulsory.

History tells us that the most significant increase in HSC performance will occur over the next few weeks. This is a time where students have the opportunity to cement their learning and refine their skills for each subject. In subjects where the required content has been completed, teachers have constructed rigorous revision programs that will involve practice HSC questions, provide time for one-on-one feedback and ensure that your son/daughter is appropriately prepared for the HSC. They will also be involved in a review of their trial papers for each subject where areas of weakness will be identified and strategies devised to improve.

Each student will have ample work to do both at school and at home over the last few weeks of this Term. It is not the time for students to become complacent, it is time for them to use every resource and opportunity to ensure they are prepared for the HSC.

Fun and Games

We have plenty of fun activities planned at the College for the students to be involved, to help them enjoy the last part of this year. I will be sure to get photos and share them over the coming weeks.

Thank you

It has been a wonderful couple of years with this group of young people. The relationship with families has really made what could have been a tough 2020, much more bearable. Please trust that we are doing all we possibly can to make sure their farewell and rite of passage is as special as possible. I trust that you will have your own special plans to mark this milestone and that the students will still look back with fond memories of their final year of schooling.