Term 4, Week 6, 20th November
| Week 7 | ||
| Monday 23rd November | Day 1 |
Year 9 Mathematics Pathway 3 Exam, Periods 3 - 4, Lochinvar Centre Year 10 Mathematics Pathway 3 Exam, Periods 5 - 6, Lochinvar Centre |
| Tuesday 24th November | Day 2 | |
| Wednesday 25th November | Day 3 | Year 10 PASS First Aid Practical Assessment Day, PAC and Lochinvar Centre |
| Thursday 26th November | Day 4 | Year 10 Writing Enrichment Day with Hayley Lawrence, Junior Library |
| Friday 27th November | Day 5 |
Year 8 Drama Task, Periods 1-4, Theatre HSC Music Lunchtime Concert, 12.50pm, Senior Campus |
| Week 8 | ||
| Monday 30th November | Day 6 | |
| Tuesday 1st December | Day 7 | |
| Wednesday 2nd December | Day 8 | SAPSS Marching Band Primary Schools Tour |
| Thursday 3rd December | Day 9 | Year 11 SORI and SORII Exam, Lochinvar Centre, Period 5 -6 |
| Friday 4th December | Day 10 |
Year 11 Exams Shine: Year 10 Youth Ministry Class |
Student Success
Congratulations to HSC student Sierra Cummins whose HSC Major Artwork has been selected from the best works of 2020 to be exhibited at ARTEXPRESS. ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in visual arts in NSW. This is a huge achievement for any student and we are extremely proud of Sierra and grateful for her wonderful Art teacher Mr Lincoln Beddoe. Below you can see the beautiful respect both student and teacher have for each other.
When contacted this week, whilst holidaying with some friends Sierra sent the following message...
"To be honest it feels quite surreal to have been selected as I never considered it to be on the cards, I’m now ‘one of those people’ who I admired on my own excursion to art express! I put in a lot of hard work and time but at the end of the day I enjoyed the process because it was kind of my calm amongst the storm of other HSC stress. I would not have reached this point in my art without the inspiration and nurturing from Mr Beddoe over what has now been four years of art with him. He is one of those teachers that you can just tell genuinely loves what he’s doing and that reflects in his students. So a big thankyou to him. I will take this achievement as a motivation to embrace this passion I have and my apparent talent. I think watercolour will remain as something special to me throughout my life".
Mr Lincoln Beddoe, Sierra’s Art teacher spoke highly of Sierra saying...
Sierra should be so proud of her achievements in Art this year and in particular her selection for Art Express, which is an amazing state-wide recognition of the quality of her work. Sierra's approach to artmaking this year was as simple as it was effective. She chose a medium she was comfortable and skilled in and an idea that she felt strongly about and was current. Sierra made the most of her study periods, lunchtimes and class prac lessons to chip away at the resolution of her idea. She overcame significant issues along the way and with her flawless dedication was able to produce this stunning watercolour study. I recall at the end of the course Sierra said to me how much "she loved the whole year in Art'. She was able to "switch off from the demands of the HSC and lose herself in the painting". All I can say is well played Sierra! That's how it's meant to be! Congratulations and I can't wait to see the work on exhibition in Grafton and Armidale in 2021.
Title: Resilient. Watercolour on Paper.
Sierra's work explores the impact of recent fires on the landscape. There are elements of strength, destruction, regeneration, regrowth and beauty enduring the elements. I feel there is perhaps an unintentional metaphor evident in Sierra's work, in that the Year 12's of 2020 have also had to have a degree of resilience, given what they have gone through with the bushfires and now COVID affecting their senior years.
Year 12 Graduation Dinner 2020
Last Friday night the College celebrated our Year 12 HSC students. It was a wonderful evening where, for the first time this year, parents, staff and students could gather as a community. To each and every staff member who made the evening the wonderful success it was I pass on my sincere gratitude.
To our College Office Manager Wendy Kelly, for her outstanding coordination of the evening, to Mark Nunan and to the staff of Newman College an extra special thank you. As Mr Stephen Pares said of the three Graduations held in the marquee on Newman grounds;
“We should never forget what is possible when we work together and the possibilities that we can provide for our students and families when we bring the full weight of our St Agnes’ Parish system of schools to bear on tasks such as these.”
We are extremely blessed to be part of such a wonderful parish.
Year 7 - 11 Academic and Service Awards
A special occasion for our students is the Year 7-11 Academic and Service Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Tuesday, 15th December at MacKillop College. This is an opportunity to acknowledge students who have excelled in academic and cultural areas. These students receive a trophy or a book voucher as a symbol of their involvement and achievement in a particular area.
It has become a tradition that these awards are sponsored by families or businesses in our College community. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the program booklet and in the College newsletter. If you are interested in sponsoring an award we would love to hear from you. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. The cost of the sponsorship is $50 per award.
If you are in a position to assist, please contact the main College office (6583 2632).
More details on Award ceremonies, Christmas Mass and parent attendance will be included in next week's newsletter.
Meet the Leaders
Welcome to the introduction of some of our 2021 College Leaders.
Today I would like to introduce Student Representative Council members, Alani Cockshutt and Cian Murtagh.
Alani Cockshutt
Name
Alani Cockshutt.
Character strength and when/how you use it?
Honesty - I'm striving to always demonstrate this in everyday life and in all my interactions.
What hobbies do you have that help you relax?
Sewing, cycling and beach days.
What times of the day or the week are hardest for you?
Tuesdays and Wednesday (7 period days).
What's the most generous act you've seen recently?
Mackenzie paying forward at the canteen.
What's giving you hope right now?
Friends and family.
What's the best thing that happened to you this week?
Receiving the Olympic Spirit award.
Who or what inspires you?
My parents.
What do you need more of? Less of?
More time and less worries.
What is your all-time favourite book?
‘Once’ by Morris Gleitzmann.
What's something new you've learned lately?
If you jump on top of a train you move to a different spot but if you jump in a train you stay in the same spot.
What new skill would you like to master?
Juggling.
For me, the three most important things in the world are...
Family, friends and bikes.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, generous and funny.
If I could be, do, have everything in the world, I would...
I would travel the world and do the things I love.
Favourite subject at school?
Aboriginal Studies.
Post-school plans?
Travel the world and become a pro cyclist.
What hidden talent do you have?
I have a double jointed thumb.
What movie could you watch over and over?
After We Collide.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Read minds.
What do you look for in a friend?
Someone who is loyal, genuine, trustworthy and adventurous.
What makes you laugh the hardest?
Being around friends.
Cian Murtagh
Name
Cian Murtagh.
Character strength and when/how you use it?
Humour - use it to create an enjoyable and fun environment for everyone.
Favourite Netflix series/song in 2020?
Impractical Jokers.
What hobbies do you have that help you relax?
Surfing.
What times of the day or the week are hardest for you?
3rd period on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
What's the most generous act you've seen recently?
I saw someone buy someone else lunch who didn't have any -so inspirational!
What's the best thing that happened to you this week?
Pizza rounda from the junior canteen.
Who or what inspires you?
Roberto Firmino.
What do you need more of? Less of?
More good surf conditions; less global warming.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth.
What's your favourite app on your phone?
Flying Gorilla game.
What's something new you've learned lately?
How to do a flip reset.
What new skill would you like to master?
An aerial on a surfboard.
For me, the three most important things in the world are...
- The current economic situation of the world surrounding COVID-19.
- Finding President Obama's last name.
- Global Warming.
Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, Kind, Fun.
If I could be, do, have everything in the world, I would...
Have lots of money so I can buy lots of cool stuff like a car and maybe Xbox live.
Favourite subject at school?
Timber (shoutout Mr O'Dell).
Post-school plans?
Not sure, maybe a neurosurgeon.
What hidden talent do you have?
My eyes change colour sometimes.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Well I'm already really fast so probably time/space travel.
What do you look for in a friend?
A sense of humour.
What makes you laugh the hardest?
Everything really.
Meet the Experts
This week's Meet the Expert is Science teacher Rob Mahon.
Name: Rob Mahon.
What subject(s) do you teach?
Science.
What high school did you attend?
Saint Stanislaus College Bathurst.
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
Australian Catholic University - Diploma of Teaching.
Macquarie University - Bachelor of Education.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
Good teachers.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
Having ex-students tell me they are in the career they are in now because of what they learned and how they felt whilst in my class.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Master and Margarita.
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Passionate about science with a focus on not only what to learn but HOW to learn.
Favourite non-work related hobby?
Hiking and Tennis.
What do you love most about your work?
I get to nurture and positively impact the future of our nation.
Principal
St Agnes' Parish Christmas Hamper Appeal
For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me (Matt 25:35-36)
Here at MacKillop, we are in our last week of putting together our St Agnes' Parish Christmas Hampers and so Sunday’s Gospel is very apt for what Jesus is asking of us.
Imitating the compassion of Jesus and being a Christian example to others, MacKillop College will provide a total of 23 Christmas Hampers as part of the St Agnes’ Christmas Hamper Collection to help families celebrate Christmas.
We are asking that PC groups have their hampers completed by Tuesday, 24th November, so any last minute items should be in by Monday morning.
Thanks to all those who have and are planning to support us in this beautiful gift.
"Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” (Isaiah 58:10)
A reflection on the reading from Mass this Sunday;
Leader of Evangelisation
Staying practical…
Last week on one of my many wanders through the school, popping into classrooms and touching base with students, I was blessed to witness so many examples of students learning through practical tasks. Here are a few snaps from the day.
The things that stand out to me as I reflect on the year that has been:
- so many new friendships have formed, many students have bonded in ways they may never have expected;
- students have embraced new skills, teachers and ways to learn;
- bringing equipment and getting organised for the day contributed to it's success;
- students worked side by side, as peers, and as co-learners, showing appreciation for one another;
- teachers and students had gotten to know each other as specialists in their field, imparting knowledge that will last a lifetime; and
- a lot of fun was happening!
As the year continues and lessons have been learnt, I encourage everyone to take the time to voice their appreciation for the many wonderful things that have happened in 2020.
Touch Footy PC Competition
Our PC competition continued with rounds 4, 5 and 6. Again, lots of healthy competition on a beautiful Wednesday morning. Congratulations to all, students demonstrated character strengths of teamwork, fairness, honesty, humour, zest, social intelligence, leadership and even bravery (for those not so experienced in the game). The competition is alive and well between all sport houses and PC groups as they head toward the final rounds in a fortnight.
SRC 2021
Students have had an opportunity to nominate their peers to hold a position on the SRC for Year 8. Before nominating, PC teachers emulated Mrs Nicole O’Connell’s message from our Year Meeting last week, that they need to consider the many elements that make an effective leader. This is very important as we, as a College, elect our formal student leadership group who value the perspectives and opinions of their Year group and take action that shapes learning and decision-making. We look forward to the announcement of these elected students during our Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 15th December.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Cara McIlroy who has received a Gold Principal’s Award.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Macey Arkinstall, Libby Matthews and Tobey Pol.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Macey Arkinstall, Alannah De Groot, Grace Hartley, Emily Kirkpatrick, Libby Matthews, Cara McIlroy (x3), Abigael Murfitt, Tobey Pol (x2) and Sophie Taylor.
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
As many will know, I subscribe to parentingideas.com.au, the blog of parenting educator, Michael Grose. This week’s blog, entitled Making Caring Common, presents a rather worthy ideal. Although not written for a Christian community, it promotes many of the values and practices espoused at MacKillop.
In this same week, students have been asked to nominate for the Student Representative Council of Year 9 2021. It is clear to me that the most frequently nominated students are not just popular, but are recognised as young people for whom caring and getting involved are already part of their personality.
If, as a parent, you would like to do more towards growing a caring and compassionate young person, the below exerpt from Michael Grose’s blog may help;
Make caring common
Caring or successful? Which would you choose for your child?
Fortunately, the two aims aren’t mutually exclusive, but it’s an interesting question as your answer will demonstrate your values.
Are you more likely to encourage kindness or effort in your child? Are you more likely to recognise a child’s words of encouragement to a sibling or their clever turn of phrase?
I suspect most parents rank a sense of caring for others as a high priority. Few parents want to raise a mean-spirited, self-centred child with little empathy or care for the welfare of others. But looking out for others doesn’t come easily to all children, particularly when families are small and child-centric.
Caring is important for community wellbeing
If the basic task of parents is to socialise children, then a focus on caring for others should be a higher priority than individual success. The wellbeing of our community depends on the first rather than the latter.
Author Anthony D’Angelo wrote, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” Families and schools are better places when care takes priority over attainment. They are both toxic when caring for others is not valued or encouraged.
Caring for others sits with community development and individual competency as essential leadership qualities to develop in children and young people.
Caring for others is also a quality that you can encourage at home. These strategies will help you get the ball rolling.
Put caring into words
Families have their own proprietary language. That is, they develop meaningful words and phrases that reflect their values and activities. In my family, the term ‘non-negotiable’ has specific meaning, referencing a ritual such as mealtime that everyone is expected to attend. Its ‘non-negotiable’ nature reinforces our core value of family connectedness. Similarly, regular use of caring language such as encouragement, words of kindness and phrases of appreciation can become an integral part of your family’s vernacular.
Making kindness normal
Kindness is caring in action. It’s impossible to be kind to another person and be selfish at the same time. A smile, a small gift, an offer of assistance are simple acts of kindness that display caring and connection to others. You can promote kindness in your child through encouragement, modelling and recognition.
Practise concern for others
Three-year-old Grace fell heavily from a table, giving herself a shock. Five-year-old Ruby immediately reached for her sister, hugging her until she calmed down. Ruby’s immediate concern was for her sister’s wellbeing, which was acknowledged by her grateful parents.
Help at home, without being paid
Children in families that place a high value on caring for others generally perform household chores without the lure of money. They do so because they’ve been taught that helping is a caring activity. “We help each other because we care for each other” is the unspoken code here. Kids who care for others think “what’s in it for we” rather than “what’s in it for me”. The latter is a self-centred approach to life.
In closing
Caring is a higher-level quality that needs nurturing. It doesn’t always occur naturally. Studies have shown that caring is kick started earlier in children who belong to large families presumably because children are put in a position to care for and look out for siblings in quasi parenting roles. Being raised in small families doesn’t deny altruism development in kids. It does mean that you may need to work a little harder to awaken caring in your child.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Jake Olsen who has received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award.
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
Congratulations to Tia McGrath who has received a Pastoral Coordinator Award.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Upcoming Dates
Permission forms for activities have been emailed, and were due this week.
|
Week 9 |
||
|
DAY |
ACTIVITY |
LOCATION |
|
Monday 7th December |
Final day of formal classes for Year 10 |
MacKillop College |
|
Tuesday 8th December |
Retreat OR below |
Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills |
|
Wednesday 9th December |
Love Bites / All My Own Work OR below |
MacKillop College |
|
Thursday 10th December |
Adulting 101 OR above |
MacKillop College |
|
Friday 11th December |
Mass and celebrations |
North Brother Mountain, Laurieton |
|
Week 10 |
||
|
Monday 14th December |
Community day |
Pilot Beach, Dunbogan |
|
Tuesday 15th December |
Christmas Mass and Year 7-11 Major Awards |
MacKillop College |
|
Wednesday 16th December |
Year 10 Excellence and Application Awards Final day of attendance |
MacKillop College |
Above you will find groupings for Retreat and our rotation of activities at school for Week 9. As a reminder to parents, on their specific Retreat day, students will be required to attend school outside of regular schooling hours; please refer to specifics in your email.
Reflection Day
Today students participated in a YMO Reflection Day. They focused on their journey through high school thus far, as well as exploring the challenges of beginning a new journey in Year 11. Students were engaged and enthusiastic overall in the day, and appreciated the opportunity to reflect before looking forward.
Jasper Jones
Last week saw the culmination of many, many weeks of planning, rehearsals and hard work for the Year 10 Drama class in presenting the play Jasper Jones to several audiences, both online and in person. An outstanding cast were directed very ably by Pauline Cain, and presented a wonderful production of a gritty and at times confronting story line. Both the cast and those students and staff behind the scenes in production roles should be suitably proud of their achievements. It will truly be a highlight for Year 10 in this challenging and unforgettable year.
Well done Mrs Cain and Year 10 Drama!
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care
Jasper Jones
Friday 6th November 2020
Review by Chantelle Seears
Jasper Jones is a contemporary Australian drama adapted by Kate Mulvany from Craig Silvey’s novel. MacKillop College’s 2020 production of Jasper Jones certainly brought the country town of Corrigan to life, depicting the secrets and struggles faced by its residents.
This Australian experience is shaped by the adventures of 14 year old bookworm Charlie Bucktin after he is visited during the night by Jasper Jones, which triggers Charlie’s rough journey into adulthood. An audience is invited to interpret a tangled story of intrigue, interwoven with themes of misplaced loyalty, friendships, lies and deceit and the adversity of living in an insular, conservative, yet racially diverse town in the mid 1960s.
The small details of this play shone under the direction of Pauline Cain. Working without set changes, she had the vision of a hand drawn chalk tree, and the symbolic use of a ladder for Laura in the dream sequences. From authentic wardrobe and styling choices, to vintage props and accessories, every moment created a production that moved smoothly between scenes and sustained the metaphors for many of the play’s thematic issues that need to be confronted by us all.
Nicholas Bridle as Charlie Bucktin consistently demonstrated a strong sense of character: charming and moving. He embodied his character with warmth and humour, moving the production along at a cracking pace from beginning to end. Bridle’s significant growth and development as an actor is evident, with no doubt a promising future in theatre.
Xavier Kyan brings an edge to the character of Jasper Jones. His commitment to the role was felt in his delivery and his defined performance, giving Jasper an unsettled feel, which made us believe that he could be dangerous if he wanted to be. In key scenes shared with Bridle, Kyan’s connection to the intense friendship between the two characters is to be commended; his focus and attentiveness to character was palpable.
Livia Bailey transformed into Charlie's mother, portraying an often angry, cold woman who hated her life in Corrigan, who wished she were living with her wealthy family, far from Charlie and Mr Bucktin. Bailey as Mrs Bucktin effortlessly morphed into a character who is more concerned with the appearance of normality than with either Mr Bucktin or Charlie as people, and she put enormous effort into seeming as decent and well-to-do as possible to the other townspeople. Samantha Thresher played Mr Bucktin with a quiet, sensitive touch saying very little and punctuating the soundscape with the rhythm of the typewriter.
Lucy Kay as Jeffrey was endearing and very amusing. Poor old Jeffrey is really the butt of everyone’s jokes and we all know and love a Jeffrey! Isobel Pares as Eliza Wishart and Maddi Reed as Laura Wishart were effective in their interpretation of two different sisters challenged by the environment they find themselves trapped in. The circumstances the two young women have to survive make the story challenging and sometimes harrowing to experience. Some of Pares’ lighter moments allowed us to form a bond with her, which made her eventual challenge all the more heartbreaking.
Olivia Nichols’ versatility as ‘Mad’ Jack Lionel was particularly effective; she showed her range and depth of acting and singing skills with her acoustic set at the commencement and interlude of the play. Amelia Giumelli as Mrs Lu, provides some humour but also reminds us of the racism that still exists in this country. Mahali Pemberton’s casting as Warwick was ideal for her. Pemberton rose to the part in all her glory, accompanied by her sidekick, Clarry, played quietly by Giselle Brennan. Connor Mitchell and Luka Quinn played the police officer and detective, and along with the cast appeared, in many dark and comic ensemble moments - on the cricket field and the streets of Corrigan.
Jasper Jones is a recommended play script as part of the Stage 5 Australian Drama unit at MacKillop College, and Craig Silvey’s novel is a popular choice to study concepts including adversity, conflict and Australian identity. This production was a perfect way for students to come to grips with the story. The sensitive direction by Pauline Cain and the efforts of all the cast and production team made this heart-warming yet challenging story an unforgettable theatrical experience.
HSC Students
Exam time is approaching! Be calm and full of hope.
Let the “Mud” Settle!!! (Study Tip)
If you start to get tangled up, confused or overwhelmed while studying for assessment tasks, take a short break and “let the mud settle”.
The best way to do this is to force your brain to think of something else completely different. When you have spent too much time on what you planned to study, or if you have completed a “practised” written response, reward yourself with a favourite thing, eg a banana, chocolate, a chat with mum and dad, do some washing up.
Once the “mud” has settled and you are feeling less anxious go back to your study and refocus your brain back to the task at hand. (Please Note: this does not work when cramming for exams or when you have not being doing regular study)
Standard English Workshop
On Friday, 13 November, Year 11 Standard English students had the opportunity to attend a workshop to enhance their understanding of important themes in their first HSC novel Past the Shallows. The students’ prescribed text addresses aspects of Australian culture including domestic violence and gender stereotypes.
Looking Good
A sign that the 2021 HSC is well under way is when our HSC students received their Year 12 Jerseys. God bless you, your teachers and parents through this exciting journey!
Acting Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
Australian Geography Competition
Year 11 and 12 Geography students tested their geographical skills and knowledge against students from all around Australia in the 2020 Australian Geography Competition.
We had a significant number of student geographers at our school perform to a very high level in the competition this year. Overall four students achieved high distinctions, six distinctions and eight credits.
Over 65,000 students from 743 schools across Australia entered the Australian Geography Competition so the results give us an external benchmark as to how our students are going in certain aspects of geography.
Kath Berg, the competition’s national coordinator, said; “The competition aims to encourage student interest in geography and to reward student excellence”.
“Geography is an important subject which develops a student’s understanding of the spatial and temporal relationships of people and place. It helps students appreciate the complex nature of local, regional and global social, economic, and environmental interactions,” said Ms Berg.
Congratulations all of the students who participated in the competition and they are commended on their outstanding results. The award recipients are as follows.
Year 12
High Distinction
Harrison Burton, Patrick Lockwood, Daniel Ward
Distinction
Alexander Horder, Erin Whalen
Credit
Emily Fletcher, Tom Osborne, Savana Sumsky
Year 11
High Distinction
Mirren Campbell, Grace Kranitis, Ben O’Brien, Vaughan Lickley
Distinction
Jack Fallon, Kathrina McCllure, Ben Natsuda, Ashley Ritter, Ethan Sajko, Ella Sorensen
Credit
Zac Burge, Madison Cutajar, Sarah Hatherly, Paris Huender, Sam Kennedy, Cian Murtagh, Ashleigh Parkin, Sam Poulton
Geography Teacher
Being both a parent and a teacher with a vested interest in young people’s wellbeing, I welcome professional advice about how to nurture positive connections with teenagers.
I recently signed up to Parenting Ideas expert Michael Grose’s webinar Parenting Like A Cat or Dog? and found his insights into effective parenting styles thought-provoking and valuable.
Michael uses the metaphor of cat-like and dog-like behaviour to describe how parents can best respond to their teenage son or daughter and maximise the opportunities available to strengthen family relationships.
His cat and dog metaphor:
When we parent like a dog, we exhibit the same characteristics of dog behaviour, a warm and approachable style. This is when we are showing compassion for our child, in play and having fun and it helps build positive connections with our son or daughter.
When we parent like a cat, we exhibit the characteristics of cat behaviour, a credible style. This mode is used most often when we set clear expectations and want to manage behaviour. It teaches our children to be more independent.
The most effective parenting style being: Best to nurture like a dog and manage like a cat.
Attached are my own notes from this webinar which describe what parenting like a cat or dog looks like in real family life situations. I invite you to read and consider Michael’s ideas, hopeful you may find it a useful tool to help navigate and enjoy living with teenagers - our remarkable gifts.
Leader of Pastoral Care: Wellbeing
“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
Marching Band Update
Marching Band rehearsal resumed last week. Wind players are NOT required to attend rehearsal for Marching Band during weeks 3 to 5. Full rehearsals will resume week 6 and 7.
Band Performance Tour
We are happy to announce that there will be a performance to celebrate this Term and a tour of sorts! All students in the SAPSS Marching Band and College Band are invited to attend a Primary Schools Tour and Town Green Performance taking place on Wednesday, 2nd December. All students in these ensembles would have received an invitation and information note and responded with payment by Friday.
Students will meet at 8.00am on Wednesday, to pack the bus with instruments and head off to St Joseph’s Primary School Laurieton for a performance, then we will move to St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie via lunch at the doughnut and then to Town Green for a public performance from approximately 3.30pm. Students are to be collected by parents at the conclusion of this performance at approximately 4.40pm.
In addition, all students attending this performance tour are invited to attend the Marching Band rehearsal Week 7 from 3.30pm - 5.00pm to brush up on performance repertoire for the tour.
Please contact Mr Denham, Mrs Adams or Mrs Jones if you have any questions or concerns.
Upcoming Events
HSC Lunch Concert
- Week 7; Friday, 27th November: 1.00pm - 1.30pm, HSC Music soloists, Lochinvar Stage
Percussion Fever Lunch Concert
- Week 8; Tuesday, 1st December: 1.10pm - 1.40pm, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Outdoor amphitheatre
MacKillop College Christmas Mass
- Week 10; Tuesday, 15th December: 8.30am - 10.30am, The Collective Pop and Praise Band & Brass Ensemble, College Hall
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 to the Co-Curricular Dance students who recently entered Dance+ Schools online eisteddfod adjudicated by Aimee and Neale Whittaker.
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 – GOLD AWARD in the Junior High School Dance section
Ensemble 2 – GOLD AWARD in the Junior High School Dance section
Dance Company – GOLD AWARD in the Senior High School Dance section
The students competed against other high schools nation-wide. Congratulations on a fantastic year of Dance!
Year 7
Year 7 continue the Swim and Survive course. Students will be required to bring a towel, hat, swimmers (no bikinis) and shorts to swim in. MacKillop will provide high visibility School 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 is required.
From Weeks Five to Eight students will participate in a Basketball and Touch Football program run in conjunction with Sporting Schools Australia. The boys will participate in a Touch Football program while the girls participate in a Basketball program delivered by local coaches.
Click here for Year 7 Sports details - Term 4
Year 8
Year 8 continue with their elective sport taster lessons. 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 is required.
Click here for Year 8 Sport details - Term 4
Year 9
Year 9 continue their Surf Survival Certificate for the remainder of the term.
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 is required.
If you have any questions regarding this course please do not hesitate to contact Erin Denham via email or by calling the College.
Click here for Year 9 Sport details - Term 4
Year 10
Click here for Year 10 Sport details - Term 4
Representative Sport
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
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
MacKillop College Canteen is offering online ordering with the Qkr! app please follow this link to view instructions.
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.
Canteen Coordinator