Term 4, Week 8, 4th December
| Week 9 | ||
| Monday 7th December | Day 1 | Year 9 (9MST2) Marine Studies Excursion, Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay |
| Tuesday 8th December | Day 2 |
Year 10 Retreats, St Francis Retreat Bonny Hills Year 9 SRC Assessment (Town and Flynns Beach) |
| Wednesday 9th December | Day 3 | Year 10 Retreats, St Francis Retreat Bonny Hills |
| Thursday 10th December | Day 4 | Year 10 Retreats, St Francis Retreat Bonny Hills |
| Friday 11th December | Day 5 | Year 10 Mass and Celebration Day |
| Week 10 | ||
| Monday 14th December | Day 6 |
Year 10 Community Day, Pilot Beach Year 11 HSC Learning conversations, Lochnivar Centre, 4.00pm - 7.30pm |
| Tuesday 15th December | Day 7 |
MacKillop End of Year Mass, College Hall, 9.15am Year 7 - 11 Academic and Service Awards, College Hall, 11.15am Year 10 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 1.45pm Year 11 Assembly, Lochinvar Centre, 1.45pm Final day of attendance for Years 10 & 11 |
| Wednesday 16th December | Day 8 |
Year 9 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 9.30am Year 8 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 11.00am Year 7 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 12.30pm Last day of school for Term 4 |
| Thursday 17th December | Day 9 | |
| Friday 18th December | Day 10 |
ATAR Student Results Release Day |
2021 Student Return dates
| Friday, 29th January | Years 7 and 12 return |
| Monday, 1st February | Year 11 return |
| Tuesday, 2nd February | Year 8-10 return |
VALE Jeanette Reynolds and Rosemary Saunders
It is with a sad heart I inform the MacKillop community of the loss of two St Agnes’ Parish primary teachers this week.
Jeanette Reynolds, much loved wife of MacKillop teacher Mark, passed away last weekend. Jeanette had worked at St Agnes’ Primary for many, many years and was a very popular teacher of a large number of current and former MacKillop students.
Rosemary Saunders, a current teacher at St Joseph’s Primary passed away last Monday evening. Rosemary had been teaching in St Agnes’ Parish for 40 years and was also well-known and loved by many MacKillop students and their families.
Your prayers are requested for Jeanette and Rosemary’s families during this difficult time. I also ask that you keep staff and students in our parish schools in your prayers as they support each other, as well as Jeanette and Rosemary’s family and friends.
A Special Prayer
Jesus, we pray that you console the families and friends of Jeanette Reynolds and Rosemary Saunders, who passed away this week.
We thank you for the blessing each of these ladies were, in the love and care they showed to students, staff and families while teaching at two of our St Agnes Parish' primary schools.
We ask that those who are struggling with this loss be comforted in the remembrance of Your promises. Give to those who mourn, peace, in the midst of their tears.
We ask this in Jesus name.
AMEN
UNIFORM 2021 - Important information
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to speak to all Year 7-10 students regarding uniform for 2021. I will be speaking with Year 11 in Week 10.
I thought it pertinent to share this information with parents as we approach that time of year when items may need replacing. I ask all parents to be aware of what our expectations and acceptable items of uniform are, prior to purchasing new items for 2021.
As you are aware the parish has been reviewing the uniform and are hoping to implement some changes from mid-2021 and the start of 2022. There will, of course, be a long ‘change-over phase’ for any significant changes in items.
At MacKillop however we have reviewed our Code of Presentation for 2021. Below I have also included some images of what the standard of uniform should be and also some acceptable and unacceptable items.
Girls’ formal uniform CORRECT skirt length and shorts option (Note longer pant option available)
Boys’ CORRECT formal uniform worn with belt. (Note longer pant option available)
Shoes worn with the formal uniform must be all black, polishable lace-up leather shoes (no high tops, boots, skate type, buckle or open top shoes).
Leather shoes with no branding or black branding is PERMITTED
Leather shoes with a RUBBER toe or any Canvas are NOT PERMITTED.
The sports shorts must be mid-thigh length or longer.
Sport shoes must be lace-up jogger or cross trainer styles suitable for sport. Sport shoes must have arch and heel support.
No canvas shoes, gym boots, skate shoes or other casual footwear are permitted.
YEAR 7-11 ACADEMIC AND SERVICE AWARDS - SPONSORSHIP
Thank you for the generous support we have received for sponsorship of our Academic and Service Awards to be held on Tuesday, 15th December. We continue to seek sponsorship for these awards. The cost of sponsorship is $50 per award. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the school newsletter and on the program booklet.
If you are in a position to assist, please contact the College office (65 832 632).
Meet the Experts
This week's Meet the Expert is Drama and English teacher Chantelle Seears.
Name: Chantelle Seears.
What subject(s) do you teach?
English and Drama.
What high school did you attend?
Westport High School.
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
Melbourne University: Bachelor of Early Childhood.
Newcastle University: Post graduate studies in Special Education.
Charles Sturt University: Bachelor of Primary Education.
Southern Cross University: Bachelor of Secondary Education with English as a specialisation.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
My high school English teacher in Year 8. She was so passionate about literature and had the most amazing ability to encourage students to believe in themselves.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
A dissatisfied and disillusioned boy from a tough background said 'thank you for believing in me'.
What are you reading at the moment?
Eggshell Skull - a 2018 non-fiction memoir by Australian author Bri Lee.
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
"You will make a difference for someone someday".
Favourite non-work related hobby?
Fitness and cooking.
What do you love most about your work?
The diversity and uniqueness of students.
Principal
1st Week of Advent - HOPE
On Sunday we began the Church season of Advent. This Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights and materialism which can be associated with Christmas.
Advent begins a period of preparation in anticipation of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and minds for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time to remember what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is.
Each week of Advent focusses on a different theme. HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE
During our assembly prayer on Wednesday, our senior students lit the candle of HOPE, on our Christmas wreath, and reminded us of the hope that we, as a community, have offered to struggling families within the Port Macquarie community through our Christmas Hampers.
“Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” (Matt 14:19-20)
Last Friday, as I was putting the final touches on the 23+ MacKillop College hampers in order for them to be ready to be moved to the Parish, I was reminded of the story of the loaves and the fishes, because the hampers were all filled with what was asked of us and there were items and money left over which were given to the Parish in order to purchase at least three more hampers. Miracles are not always fancy – just people all working together to achieve an amazing feat.
The committee was so thankful for all the effort that staff, students and their families have again put in to making the difference in the lives of some of the marginalized people within our Port Macquarie community.
A huge thanks to all those who have supported us in being able to offer this beautiful gift. The generosity of so many families and staff has meant that, as well as the hampers we had promised to complete, we are able to offer the parish the ability to make up quite a few more.
"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
Year 11 (HSC 2021) Learning Conversations
Learning Conversations (formerly known as Parent/Teacher interviews) will be held from 4.00pm to 7.30pm on Monday, 14th December for families with children in Year 11 in the Lochinvar Centre and the John Mullin Centre (Senior Library).
If this date does not suit, I encourage you to make contact (phone or email) with your child’s teachers.
As per all conversations in relation to our students’ learning we encourage your child to also attend the evening. These interviews are one part of the very important process of our students gaining the most from their schooling and provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet to ensure open and collaborative communication which assists students not only in their learning but in their growth as young men and women.
You can now book interviews at times that suit at www.schoolinterviews.com.au - follow these simple instructions.
Please ensure you provide your full name, and your child’s full name, when entering your details.
When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately.
Interviews are strictly 5 minutes and spaces are limited. If you require more time, please contact teachers directly to make alternative arrangements.
Parents can change their interview bookings, any time prior to the closing date, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website, and using the event code. Remember to use the same name and email address you used when you made your original booking.
Please note BOOKINGS CLOSE on the evening of Thursday, 10th December.
CONGRATULATIONS
To the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Emma Galvin, Felix Hurdle and Max Robb.
To the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Belinda Bugler, Emma Galvin (x2), Felix Hurdle, Emily Kirkpatrick, Hunter Mayes, Byron Preston and Max Robb (x4).
END OF YEAR DATES
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term:
Week 10
Tuesday, 15th December
9.15am Christmas Mass
11.15am Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards
Wednesday, 16th December
12.30pm Year 7 Awards
Parents are welcome to attend these end of year celebrations.
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday, 15th and Wednesday, 16th December.
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
The Contented Fisherman
The industrialist was horrified to find the fisherman lying beside his boat,
listening to the ocean and reading a magazine.
“Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the industrialist.
“Because I have caught enough fish for the day.”
Why don’t you catch some more?”
“What would I do with it?”
“Earn more money. Then you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go
into deeper waters and catch more fish. That would bring you money to buy
nylon nets, so more fish, more money. Soon you would have enough to buy two
boats… even a whole fleet of boats. Then you could be rich like me.”
“What would I do then?”
“Then you could really enjoy life.”
“What do you think I am doing now?”
Which would you rather have: a fortune or the capacity for enjoyment?
+++++++++++++++++
So many of the messages we receive daily tell us that in order to be happy we must pursue more and bigger and costly possessions. We live in a highly materialistic world and it is very easy to be caught in this flow. The materialist approach says “If only I can have this, then I will be happy.” Unfortunately, the promise is often an empty one and the list of wants can become endless. The pursuit of wealth and possessions can become an end in itself without ever delivering the enjoyment that is sought. Mohandas Gandhi is often cited as stating that, “there is enough wealth in the world for everyone’s need, but there will never be enough for everyone’s greed.”
There is nothing inherently wrong with industry. Indeed, the Parish of St Agnes is a positive model of industry. The model followed at St Agnes develops, not personal wealth, but a network of care and support for the benefit of the whole community. For the materialist all industry is focused on the self. If we allow our industry and effort to go beyond self-serving and through to the service of others, then we can readily see the good that has been created by our actions. In doing so each may achieve real happiness.
At the simplest level, it is always good, for the mind and soul, to enjoy what we have and to praise to God for these gifts.
As we come to the end of the first week of Advent it is timely to pause and consider the question, “What am I doing to prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas?” One simple first step is to give to those in need. In a modern society, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of giving, in terms of both money and time. Some people are content with what they have. Others are in despair because they have so little. Through giving, we help to bridge the gap. At school and in the Parish, families have one such opportunity through donating to the Christmas Hampers. It is pleasing to note the generous response across the Pastoral classes to this initiative.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Jiya Jamu who has received a Silver Principal’s Award.
To the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Emily Chan and Jiya Jamu.
END OF YEAR DATES
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term:
Week 10
Tuesday, 15th December
Christmas Mass: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards: 11.15am
Parents Welcome
Wednesday, 16th December
Year 8 Awards: 11.00am
Parents Welcome
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10.
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
END OF YEAR DATES
As the end of the school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term. Parents are welcome to attend all of these end of year celebrations.
Week 10
Tuesday, 15th December
Christmas Mass: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards: 11.15am
Wednesday, 16th December
Year 9 Awards: 9.30am
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Upcoming Dates
|
Week 9: Monday 7th - Friday 11th December |
||
|
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 - Wednesday 16th December |
||
|
Monday 14th December |
Community day |
Pilot Beach, Dunbogan |
|
Tuesday 15th December |
Christmas Mass 9.15am - 10.15am Years 7-11 Major Awards 11.15am- 12.45pm Year 10 Excellence and Application Awards 1.45pm (students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards. Final day of attendance for Year 10 Full School Uniform (no tie) - no Sport Uniform. |
MacKillop College (Parents Welcome) |
Students should now be aware of their specific groupings for Retreat and our rotation of activities at school for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8th-10th December. 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.
Students are now encouraged to wear comfortable, appropriate clothing on their Retreat grouping rotations in lieu of sport uniform (Tuesday 8th – Thursday 10th December). Please consult the diary for correct out of uniform guidelines. Students will require enclosed shoes and a hat as well.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday, 15th December.
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care
Exam Time has started and will soon be over!
May God bless you and keep you strong and help you in your anxieties. Mary MacKillop
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10: 27
HSC Music
Congratulations and a huge thank you to the HSC music group for entertaining us last Friday. It was an enjoyable interlude in our busy times and we all hope you can do an encore for us not too far into the future!
MOVEMBER
Movember has ended and it is time to get the razor and shaving cream out and remove those very manly moustaches. Congratulations to the students who participated in Movember, a very worthy cause for men’s health.
STUDY TIP
Remove ALL distractions from your sacred study place and organise your study time to help you prepare for your examinations.
END OF YEAR DATES
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term:
Week 10
Tuesday, 15th December
9.15am Christmas Mass
11.15am Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards
Parents are welcome to attend our end of year celebrations.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday, 15th December.
Acting Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
At this stage I believe that most students have enjoyed or are enjoying a well-earned break. Hopefully all of those who have travelled for a holiday are back safe and sound. I have been seeing many students around town working in their casual jobs and building up their savings as they head into the big wide world.
Mr Michael Kelly has sent Year 12 a newsletter every week for the past 12 months with important details and reminders about many opportunities. This week’s newsletter is particularly important as the ATAR and HSC results are both released on Friday, 18th December. The newsletter has reminders of what students will need in order to access their ATAR results and also how to change their UAC preferences if need be, once they receive their ATAR results. I remind parents and students to check the newsletter and make sure they are prepared.
Good luck and I look forward to sharing a breakfast with the students at the College on Friday, 18th December - 9.30am-11.00am.
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care
Please see list of Student Requisites below. One for Years 8, 9 and 10 and one for Year 11. Both of these lists have two pages and include Technology requirements.
“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
End of Year Ensemble Rehearsals
Ensemble rehearsals will slowly wind up over the coming weeks. It is important for ensemble members to check with their directors details for the end of year and take note of the schedule published below.
Rehearsals will resume again in week three term one 2021.
CoCurricular Music and Dance Digital Presentation
In place of the annual showcase and awards performance and assembly we have put together a video presentation celebrating award recipients and the music and dance ensembles operating in 2020. ALL music and dance students wanting access to this video presentation MUST sign on to the google classroom using the link provided below in order to view and download the presentation.
The video contains a number of video and audio excerpts from all ensembles and an assortment of photos of performances and rehearsals throughout the year.
Click here for google classroom invitation link.
Thank you to all parents, students and families for your support of the music and dance ensembles throughout what has been a difficult year.
Upcoming Events
MacKillop College Christmas Mass
- Week 10: Tuesday 15th December, 8.30am - 10.30am, The Collective Pop and Praise Band & Brass Ensemble, College Hall
Year 7 - 11 Academic and Service Awards
- Week 10: Tuesday 15th December, 11.15am - 12.45pm, Saxophone 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
Year 7
Year 7 continue participating in the Basketball and Touch Football Program run in conjunction with Sporting Schools Australia. The boys are participating in Basketball while the girls are participating in Touch Football delivered by local coaches from the Touch Football and Basketball Associations.
Students are required to bring their swimmers, towel and rash shirt for weeks 9 and 10 as they are participating in beach activities at Town Beach.
Click here for Year 7 Sports details - Term 4
Year 8
Students will be required to bring a towel, hat, and swimmers (no bikinis) for Weeks 7, 8 and 9. Students are completing their pool swim and Run, Swim, Run in preparation for the Surf Survival Certificate that students will complete in Term 1, 2021 as part of the PDHPE and Sport Program.
If students cannot participate due to injury, illness or are an extremely weak swimmer a note needs to be provided to their Sport Teacher outlining their inability to participate in Sport. If this is an ongoing issue, a doctor’s certificate is required.
Pool Swim – Students need to complete a 150m continuous swim in the pool, a run, swim, run, (100x100x100m) at the beach and a 3 minute float in preparation for the Year 9 Surf Rescue Certificate.
Please note: Students need to get changed in their break time at school NOT at the venue.
Click here for Year 8 Sport details - Term 4
Year 9
Year 9 continue their Surf Survival Certificate for Weeks 8 and 9.
Assessment Day - Tuesday, 8th December
In week 9 students that have been participating in the water activities each week will be doing their practical assessment day coordinated and assessed by our PDHPE Teachers, Surf Lifesaving NSW and the Australian Lifeguarding Service.
This will involve students being assessed on;
- Tube rescue,
- Body board rescue
- Unaided rescue
- Run, swim, run
- Signals and Communications
- DRSABCD
If students cannot participate due to injury or illness, they need to provide a note to Mrs Denham.
Students that have NOT been completing the course will remain at School and go to their normal lessons for the day. During the Sport double they will participate in practical activities at School. If a student has missed several weeks of Sport due to no gear they will NOT be permitted to participate in the assessment day and are to remain at school for normal lessons.
Click here for Year 9 Sport details - Term 4
Year 10 Elective Sport Term 1, 2021
Year 9 Students have been notified of their online Sport selection for Year 10, Term 1 2021. Please note that it is a priority that the digital parent permission form is filled in by parents to ensure the student's position in that sport. Now that students have selected their Sport changes will not be allowed.
Battle of the Best MacKillop College Sport Competition
Over the past four weeks, our students and staff have participated in the Battle of the Best Lunchtime Sport Competition. Students in Years 7-11 competed in Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and Touch Football. Each week finished with the best teams from each grade taking on the Staff Team. The fun, rivalry and atmosphere over these lunchtimes has been a much welcomed relief from the constraints that COVID has placed on Sport in 2020. Staff took out bragging rights in Volleyball and Touch Football.
Thank you to all of the students and staff who embraced this competition so enthusiastically. Special thanks to Tom Bauer who gave up his time to capture some great photos and videos
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 Sporthttps://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
Headspace Port Macquarie
Headspace has a one off ArtSPACE Xmas special on 22nd December - a 3 hour workshop
Online Yoga Wednesday, 23rd December via zoom - all ages family & friends class.
Note: There’s only space for 8 young people at our in-house groups so first in best dressed, any extras will be put on a waitlist.
.
Holiday Trading Hours
Uniform Store last day of trading for 2020 is Saturday, 19th December.
After the Christmas break we will re-open on 4th January, 2021.
Trading hours for January (4th - January 30th):
Monday to Friday - 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday - 9.00am - 12.00pm
Our trading hours revert back to our normal hours from 1st February which are:
Monday to Friday - 12 noon - 5.00pm
Saturday - 9.00am - 12.00pm
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.
Canteen Roster
If you are looking to assist us next year with the canteen, please click the below link and fill out our volunteer's form.
We will be able to have our wonderful MacKillop College families contribute again and are looking forward to seeing you!
2021 Canteen Volunteers
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