Week 10, Term 3, 25th September
| Week 1 Term 4 | ||
| Sunday 11th October | 28th Sunday of the Year | |
| Monday 12th October | Day 1 |
Staff Development Day Pupil Free Day |
| Tuesday 13th October | Day 2 | Students return for Term 4 |
| Wednesday 14th October | Day 3 | Year 10 National Minimum Standards Test: Reading Period 1 |
| Thursday 15th October | Day 4 | |
| Friday 16th October | Day 5 | |
| Week 2 Term 4 | ||
| Sunday 18th October | ||
| Monday 19th October | Day 6 | |
| Tuesday 20th October | Day 7 | HSC 2020 Begins |
| Wednesday 21st October | Day 8 |
Year 10 National Minimum Standards Test: Numeracy Period 1 Years 7-9 PAT Test: Reading Period 1 |
| Thursday 22nd October | Day 9 | |
| Friday 23rd October | Day 10 | |
Congratulations Year 12 2020
On Wednesday we had the opportunity to bid farewell to our Year 12 Class of 2020. Together, and with families streaming in via video link, Year 12 celebrated a beautiful Mass where Father Peter shared with us the importance of faith, hope and love in our lives.
Mass was followed by the Celebration of Excellence Assembly where each student was recognised for their pursuit of personal excellence, their service and their contribution to the MacKillop College community. Congratulations to each and every student. Special congratulations to the Major Award recipients. Photos and award recipients are listed below.
On behalf of all the staff at MacKillop College I give Year 12 our best wishes for the HSC exams and for a life filled with love, learning and laughter. May you always be surrounded and supported by a network of friends and family. May you always carry in your heart the faith in Jesus, the hope of Mary MacKillop and the love and lessons of the MacKillop College community.
Year 12 2020 Major Award recipients
2019 Dux - Theo Last |
|
|
First place in subject |
|
|
Ancient History |
Abby Newman |
|
Business Studies |
Harrison Burton |
| Community and Family Studies |
Hannah Marsden |
|
Dance |
Lily Heath |
|
Design & Technology |
Patrick Lockwood |
|
Drama |
Georgina Saad |
|
Economics |
Lily Burgmann |
|
Engineering Studies |
Robert Cameron |
|
French Beginners |
Hannah Poppleton |
|
Geography |
Daniel Ward |
|
Industrial Technology Timber |
Thomas Osborne |
|
Japanese Beginners |
Ezrela Abraham |
|
Legal Studies |
Brooke Higham |
|
Mathematics Standard |
Lleyton Wall |
|
Modern History |
Cameron Bishop |
|
Music |
Taryin McIntyre |
|
Physics |
Isabella Pearson |
|
Software Design & Development |
Nicholas Goldie |
|
Studies of Religion 2 |
Aleigha Biron |
|
Textiles and Design |
Grace Kuhnell |
|
Visual Arts |
Anton Cornale |
|
Biology Earth and Environmental Science |
Monique Thompson |
|
English Standard Studies of Religion 1 |
Riley Marshall |
|
Food Technology Hospitality |
Halle Foster |
|
English Extension 1 English Extension 2 History Extension |
Malachy De Groot |
|
Chemistry English Advanced Mathematics Mathematics Extension 1 Personal Devlopment, Health & Physical Education |
Benjamin Brennan |
Academic Excellence AwardsAwarded to students who have been ranked in the top two places or top 10% in four or more of their courses. |
|
Benjamin Brennan |
|
Robert Cameron |
|
Malachy De Groot |
|
Lily Heath |
|
Patrick Lockwood |
|
Hannah Marsden |
|
Abby Newman |
|
Isabella Pearson |
|
Lleyton Wall |
Major Awards 2020 |
|
| Fr Donnelly House Cup |
Macquarie |
|
John Mullin Memorial Participation Award |
PC6 |
| Creative Arts Person of the Year Award |
Georgina Saad |
| MacKillop Community Service Award |
Hannah Poppleton and Daniel Ward |
|
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Award |
Phoebe Hiatt |
|
Quiet Achiever Awards |
Brooke Higham and Robert Moore |
|
MacKillop Academic Endeavour Awards |
Cameron Bishop and Hannah Marsden |
|
School Spirit Awards |
TJ Avery and Lily Burgmann |
|
St Agnes' Catholic Parish Youth Award |
TJ Avery |
|
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award |
Georgina Saad |
|
MacKillop College Student of the Year |
Benjamin Brennan |
|
James P. Hearle Memorial Award for Leadership and School Service |
Benjamin Brennan Georgina Saad |
We acknowledge those local businesses, organisations and families who have so generously sponsored awards and we express our sincere appreciation to each and every one of them.
Bale Defence
Briscoe Family
Fr Paul Gooley
HBL Business & Property Lawyers
Hertz Mid North Coast
Impact Environmental Consulting
Kenny Little’s Fruit & Veg
Lesley Williams MP
MacKillop Canteen
Miss Jess Inglis
Mr & Mrs Jim O’Brien
Mr & Mrs Michael Kelly
Mr Andrew Campbell
Mrs Patty Mullin
North Coast Fire & Security
Northcorp Accountants
Port Bus Charters, Tours & Rentals
Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Port Macquarie Triathlon Club
Prowse Family
Romer Locks
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Presbytery
St Agnes’ Food Services
St Agostina Fine Foods & Catering
St Joseph’s Convent
Stacks the Law Firm
Stitched ‘n’ Framed
Super Genie Carpet & Tile Cleaning
Touchwood Florist
Student Success
Congratulations to Year 12 Music students Taryin McIntyre, Robert Moore, Grace Pfab, and Francesca Plentinger who have been nominated for the prestigious ENCORE for their exceptional HSC Music performance, aswell as Lily Heath and Amelio Munro who have both been nominted for Callback for their exceptional dancing.
As you are aware Dr Sally Towns and Father Paul Gooley announced this week that I will be continuing in the role of Principal of MacKillop College. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents, staff and students who sent their best wishes as I undertook the application and interview process.
I recognise the enormous privilege it is to lead a team of wonderful staff and help you nurture and educate your sons and daughters. I especially recognise the honour to do so at an exceptional college such as MacKillop. I give you my full commitment that I will lead with love, compassion and dedication to ensure MacKillop College is a leading example of educational excellence.
Principal
Congratulations!! Co-Curricular Dance
Further to last week’s newsletter about Co-Curricular Dance we now congratulate the following teams who achieved outstanding results at the Everybody Sing and Dance Now Eisteddfod:
- High School Junior Years Own Choice:
1st - MacKillop College - Bollywood - ENSEMBLE 1 (Year 7)
- High School Junior Years Contemporary Troupe Small:
1st - MacKillop College - ENSEMBLE 2 (Years 7-9)
Stoney Aqua Park
Woo Hoo! What a great end to the term! So much fun was had by all! Thanks to all students for their exemplary behaviour and willingness to work in partnership with their teachers.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Emily Butt, Ishaan Jamnadas and Michelle McNaught.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Jenna Bryan, Adam Bryant, Emily Butt, Jackson Carney, Brayden Champion, Evie Dailey, Matteo Donati, Grace Hartley, Ishaan Jamnadas, Michelle McNaught, Erin Rapley and Emily Ryals.
Seasons for Growth Program
Recently our Student Support Worker, Amanda Thompson, introduced the Seasons for Growth program to the Year 7 cohort. Information outlining this Program is below.
Learning to live with change and loss
Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At MacKillop College we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce and related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively.
We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth which will commence in Term 4 (dates to be advised) and will be available for Year 7 students only, due to current COVID-19 restrictions. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss.
The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision making, effective communication and support networks. If you think your child would benefit from Seasons for Growth, we would encourage you to talk to him/her about participating in the program.
MacKillop College is pleased to be able to offer this important program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who request to be involved.
If you require further information or would like to express you and your child’s interest in the program please contact Amanda Thompson via email.
You can visit the Good Grief website which outlines the program in more detail.
Holiday break
Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. We look forward to our final term of Year 7. What a big year 2020 is proving to be.
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
The winter Term is always a time when enthusiasm, focus and positive outlook may ebb. Colder weather, shorter hours of daylight and increased sickness appear to be the main causes. In 2020, Term 3 has been just that little harder still, as a result of the effects of COVID-19 restrictions and the continuing spectre of lockdown. For some, it has been a hard Term.
The good news is that we have come to the end of both Term 3 and winter. Spring is here – warmer weather, longer hours of daylight and abundant signs of new life and growth. All contributors to positive outlook and wellbeing.
Students need this down time, as do their teachers, to recharge and to recreate and return in the final school Term with renewed spirit and enthusiasm.
I look forward to a busy and energy filled Term 4.
Congratulations 8F2 on the winning of the PC Touch Competition!
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
WOW! What a crazy Term. After Term 2 which was back and forth blended learning, students have done an amazing job to flourish. Many staff members have stated what a wonderful group of students Year 9 are.
We have had a few more opportunities for Year 9 to show their individual talents through the extended PC activities which has been great. A huge thank you to our year 9 SRC: Mosese Fineanganofo, Lennox Jensen, Evan Langstaff and Tia McGrath who have done an amazing job running the activities so effortlessly.
Stoney Aqua Park was lots of fun for students and the big kids (teachers), as well. It was great to see students relax and enjoy time together away from school.
I hope everyone has a safe, relaxing and restful holiday. I would encourage students to take the opportunity to get themselves organised for Term 4.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Congratulations
Congratulations parents, guardians and students in successfully (hopefully) navigating your preliminary year - that is Year 11 done! As I told the students this week during our Year meeting, I am super proud of the young men and women they have become, and the way they have carried themselves throughout the rollercoaster of our 2020 year.
We have spent a great few days together with school based activities on Wednesday, 23rd September, for our weAccomplish PC day where we played Roaming Pictionary, tested our brains and participated in a non Athletics Carnival. Thursday saw us all at Stoney Aqua Park swimming, relaxing and getting crazy on the equipment! It was excellent to see everyone having fun and enjoying each other's company without any academic stress whatsoever. They are about to move into the best holiday break of their schooling life - two weeks of no school pressure and it is well deserved. I hope that they live it large and enjoy it!
Friday was a day of mixed emotions with results being received for the last run of assessments and exams. As I told the cohort, celebrate your success and if you didn't go as well as you had planned, be disappointed but do not be disheartened or devastated. Everything is reset for the HSC year given those who want to improve, a fresh start and those who have gone well, the opportunity to continue.
I look forward to seeing them fresh and ready to go in Term 4.
Year 11 enjoy your break!
Have a great weekend.
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
Year 12 2020
It has been an honour to be a part of the lives of these beautiful young men and women. Over the past two years these students have shown empathy, compassion, a zest for life, an incredible desire for fun, adventure and above all else resilience. In a year where more than the usual challenge has arisen, they have united and supported one another to face each challenge with their heads held high.
This last week with Year 12 was lots of fun, we were able to take a break from the stress and pressure and truly celebrate their last few days of schooling. We painted ourselves into MacKillop history by starting a new tradition of imprinting their handprints in the tunnel. We shared memories and had class parties. The afternoon at Stoney Aqua Park was so much fun albeit exhausting. Just like everything else they have approached, they participated as a collective and the camaraderie amongst the group was lovely to watch.
Our Final Mass and Celebration of Excellence was a wonderful celebration. Although it was sad not to have parents and families share it face to face, every effort was made to ensure the parents felt connected and the students still felt their love and support. The Walk of Honour was a wonderful surprise for Year 12, many of whom expressed how amazing it was and how special it made them feel.
It was an enormous task to livestream the celebration and at the same time bring together the entire student body to farewell the Year 12 students whilst meeting all NSW Health requirements. A feat only achieved by an incredibly hard working team of people, both at the cold face and behind the scenes. A HUGE thank you to all of those involved.
Although we said our official goodbyes, the students of Year 12 will remain in contact with their Year 12 teachers for a number of weeks yet, as they approach their exams and continue to seek the guidance and support of their subject teachers. We look forward to sharing in the relief they will feel after their HSC is over and to celebrating again as best we possibly can at their Year 12 Formal.
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
Term 4 Ensembles
Please note that planning is currently underway to restructure the ensemble program in Term 4 pending COVID-19 relating restrictions remaining in place. Students will be informed of changes through the co-curricular music google classroom forum and through this newsletter.
Rehearsal Schedule Week 1
Upcoming Events
All upcoming events have been placed on hold and are to be confirmed.
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
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Co-Curricular Dance students who recently entered Everybody Sing and Dance Now online eisteddfod.
The students received glowing reviews from the adjudicator, and we thank Ms Angela Murphy for all her hard work with the students this year and choreographing the works.
Ensemble 1
1st Place in the Junior High School Own Choice section
Ensemble 2
1st Place in the Junior High School Small Contemporary section
Dance Company
Very Highly Commended in the Senior High School Large Lyrical section
Across all three sections the students competed against seven other high schools from New South Wales and Queensland.
The students are awaiting results from their next online eisteddfod Dance+ Schools hosted by Aimee and Neale Whittaker.
Leader of Creative Arts
Attention Year 9, 10 and 11
Discover Engineering is a free online forum for all high school students interested in learning about or considering a career into the wonderful world of engineering and will be held on Wednesday, 21st October at 4.30pm - invitation details for this webinar are via this link:
Discover Engineering provides the opportunity for high school students to hear real life experiences from young engineers across the various engineering disciplines who will share their career path and practical first-hand knowledge. University & TAFE NSW representatives will also participate in the Q&A session to answer questions on course information and subject selection. Upon registration, you will receive a link to access Your Virtual STEM Resource Kit!
Year 7
Year 7 will continue the Swim and Survive course from Term 1 in Term 4. From Week 5 students will participate in Beach Games at Town Beach and will be able to have a swim. Students will be required to bring a towel, hat, swimmers (no bikinis) and shorts to swim in. MacKillop will provide high visibility College rash shirts to swim in.
If students cannot participate due to injury or illness, they need to provide a note to their Sport Teacher outlining their inability to participate in Sport. If this is an ongoing issue, a doctor’s certificate will be required.
Year 8
Year 8 have an exciting Term of Sport ahead of them with the oppurtunity to experience a different Sport each week. Students will be required to bring a towel, hat, swimmers (no bikinis) and shorts for SUP, Learn to Surf and Beach Games. MacKillop will provide high visibility College rash shirts to swim in.
If students cannot participate due to injury or illness, they need to provide a note to their Sport Teacher outlining their inability to participate in Sport. If this is an ongoing issue, a doctor’s certificate will be required.
Year 9
Due to COVID-19 restrictions Year 9 were unable to complete their Surf Rescue Certificate. Students will continue this course in Term 4 with some slight variations due to continued COVID-19 restrictions. Students will complete 9 weeks of practical skills at the Beach with their Assessment Day scheduled for Tuesday, 8th December. If successful, students will receive their Surf Survival Certificate
This is a compulsory course run in conjunction with PDHPE. The theory component including First Aid and CPR was completed in Term 1 during PDHPE classes. This course is designed to provide opportunities for participants to develop surf awareness and self-rescue skills to safely participate in activities in the surf environment and to also provide an easier pathway for students to continue surf lifesaving as a patrolling member with a club while still meeting safety requirements for further study in surf related subjects.
The SRC is the entry level qualification to undertake patrols within surf lifesaving. The MacKillop College SRC program is run alongside Amanda Higgerson of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club; with support from Kel Pearce the community education coordinator for Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and James Turnham of the Australian Lifeguarding Services (ALS). Our program was nominated for a State Award in 2018 and made the finals recognising how important this course is.
If students cannot participate due to injury or illness, they need to provide a note to their Sport Teacher outlining their inability to participate in Sport. If this is an ongoing issue, a doctor’s certificate will be required.
If you have any questions regarding this course please do not hesitate to contact Erin Denham via email or by calling the College.
Year 10
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/
Australian Olympic Change-Maker Awards
‘Be the Change’
Each year MacKillop College can nominate two students from Years 10-12 as part of the Australian Olympic Change-maker program.
This prestigious award recognises students around the country that are making a difference in our school community.
They are not necessarily elite athletes, but those who embody the ideals of the Olympic Spirit, friendship, respect, leadership and teamwork. The theme for 2020 is ‘Be the Change’.
Congratulations to Benjamin Brennan and Alani Cockshutt for receiving this award, two extremely worthy recipients who continue to inspire their peers, Teachers, families and fellow competitors. Your determination to set a goal and achieve it is phenomenal, it is this drive that will see you both succeed in the journey of life and all that is has to offer you.
Thank you for representing your school with pride in the Sporting arena and for always displaying respect, humility, team work and leadership. You are both fantastic role models for our school and community.
Benjamin Brennan
Ben is a committed Rugby League player at both a school and community level. What is more impressive is Ben's ability to lead his fellow team mates but also as a Leader in our school as our College Captain. Ben has maintained an extremely strong academic record all while being an avid sportsman, role model and mentor for his peers. Ben embodies everything the Olympic Spirit stands for.
Alani Cockshutt
Alani's dedication to her sport, school and community is inspirational.
In Cycling she continues to train 15 hours a week and is competing at a State and National Level. She wants to race with a cycling team.
Alani's community work is outstanding. She works with NDIS Athletes and helps them to learn new skills (Swimming, Running, Triathlon and Cycling).
She is an active member of Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Community patrolling each season.
She has raised thousands of dollars for Cancer Charities - including Ronald McDonald House, Tour De Cure and most recently the Starlight Foundation. Alani inspires all who she is involved with.
Are you looking for something to do next term at lunch?
During term four we are running the MacKillop lunchtime Battle of the Best Sport Competition for ANY students that would like to participate.
Have a chat with your friends and enter a team.
For more information click on the email that you have received from Mrs Denham. We also need volunteers to help run this competition. Information is also in the link below.
To enter Teams go to the MacKillop College Moodle Page. Click on Student links, Representative Sport - MacKillop Lunchtime Battle of the Best.
There may just be an All Stars Staff Team in each competition as well. Watch this space!
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
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
Maths Tutorials with Mrs Robertson
Tuesday - Friday
7.45am - 8.30am
Room 12 Main College
Term 4 Daily Specials $3
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.
Canteen Coordinator