Term 2, Week 4, 24 May

What's On @ MacKillop

Principal

MACKILLOP COLLEGE CORE VALUES

A VALUES-BASED EDUCATION

One of the defining features of a Catholic education is that it is a values-based education. Central to this is that these values must

1. reflect our Catholic foundational beliefs and practices,
2. align with the gospel message and
3. A Values-Based Education enables us to achieve our mission as a Catholic school, “to enable every student to achieve the fullness of life” (John 10:10)
4. be visible in all we do and say, in our decisions, our behaviours, and our interactions as individuals and as a school community.

What must be done in order to come closer to the genuine achievement of this mission?

Throughout 2022 and 2023, students, parents, and staff were consulted to determine MacKillop College’s core values. Our starting question was simply, ‘What are the most important values we wish for a graduate from Mackillop College to have learned and lived?’

From this broad question, many important values were identified. The process then progressed to prioritise and discern a top set of six core values. Love emerged as a very strongly held value. Love, however, encompasses all values; all other values are, in essence, ways of expressing love. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching, where he explains that the whole of the Ten commandments can be contained in the commandment to love—love God and love your neighbour.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart. 

and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 

(Matthew 22:36-40)

From this understanding, it was decided to introduce each of the six core values under the single banner of love.

The MacKillop core values are: 

• Love nourished by faith and love grown in community
• Love is demonstrated through comparison. Love empowered by Excellence
• Love as unfaltering integrity Love embodied in respect

Each of the six core values is supported by:

• A scriptural quote to link value with the gospel message
• A unique definition
• Seven or eight observable attitudes and behaviours would show that value is lived in our MacKillop community.

Each year, the college will focus on one of the core values. Faith has been chosen as the focus value for 2024. 

Our mission, vision, and core values are the foundation for all of our college actions.

• Our merits are awarded in accordance with recognising our lived core values.
• The Code of Behaviour Expectations aligns directly with our core values.
• The Values Sleepers at the bus bay will soon be replaced to display our new core values.
• Core values will appear in every classroom.
• Support materials are being developed over the next three years to ensure that core values become embedded at the college.

A MacKillop College Core Values booklet has been developed. Incorporated into this are icons to represent each of the core values. The six icons contain the common thread of a heart, representing love, which binds us together. 

The Core Values Booklet will introduce you fully to the MacKillop College Core Values.

PROCLAIM LISMORE STAFF EVENT

As staff working in Catholic Education it is important that they are provided opportunities to renew their faith.

Friday, May 31, will be a student-free day as staff gather with over 600 colleagues to renew their faith and celebrate Catholic Education.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Year 9 student Olivia Gridley, the runner-up in this year’s state-wide Harmony Day poster competition for the Year 9–10 category. The winners and runners-up will be announced at the NSW Parliament House Theatre award ceremony on June 20th. What a wonderful achievement, Olivia.

Congratulations also to Year 12 student Tom Ryan who recently represented NSW AFL against South Australia in the U18s Sydney Swans Academy.

EMMAUS VILLAGE OPEN DAY

St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is hosting an ‘Open Day’ at the new Emmaus Village (co-located with Emmaus Home at 16 Colonel Barney Drive, Port Macquarie) on Saturday, June 1, from 10.00am - 2.00pm.  There’ll be info sessions, tours, stalls, live performances, face painting for the kids, sausage sizzle, and more - the onsite café ‘Breaking Bread Café’ will also be open for those who love a good coffee. Everyone is welcome to join the Open Day celebrations. Find out more by joining the event page https://bit.ly/3y9tS6T or visiting the Emmaus Village website https://bit.ly/3wHGS36.

Cath Eichmann
Principal

Year 7

RESPECT

We have been speaking in our Year Assembly in the last couple of weeks about a number of MacKillop's core values. One of these values is RESPECT. At our College, we hold the core value of respect in the highest regard, and we believe it shapes the foundation of our community. Respect means treating everyone with kindness and consideration and recognising the inherent worth of every individual. As our Patron Saint Mary MacKillop wisely said, "Be kind, be very kind," a reminder that kindness is at the heart of respect. 

When we show respect, we create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. By embracing this core value, we build stronger relationships and foster a school culture where everyone can thrive. Let's all strive to live by Mary MacKillop's words and make our school a place where respect and kindness are always abundant.

Unfortunately, some Year 7 community members have not been able to show respect to one another, and discussing this is a reminder that we need to put this core value at the heart of everything we do.

We have recently had a number of issues arise outside of school hours due to the inappropriate use of mobile phones. It is important to remind Year 7 about the responsibility of appropriate phone use. It is also important to note that, as per our Code of Digital Technology, the MacKillop name should not be used on social media, including in group chats. It would be appreciated if you could discuss this with your young person. 

Kira Prendergast from Safe on Social offers several free resources on using mobile phones and social media.

https://www.safeonsocial.com/parents-free-resources

Some of the top tips to keep your child safe online (from Safe on Social)

• If your child is hassling for a phone, make sure that you get them to do a little presentation or write a small project sheet on a topic of cyber safety every week in the lead-up to getting their phone.

• Think about the age recommendations; it is not illegal for a child to use social media under the age of 13 with their parents’ permission. But they need to remember to update their age on any site that has asked for it when they turn 13 years old. Like Facebook, for example. This way, the app will not think they are older. As an extreme example, if your child signs up to use Facebook when they are 10 years old and they have to lie and say they are 13 years old, So by the time they are 15 years old, if they haven’t adjusted the year they were born, the app will think they are 18 years old. Then, they can get a Tinder account, which relies on Facebook for verification.

• Teach your kids to think twice before they accept a friend request. Just because someone is a friend of their big brother, sister, or cousin who goes to another school does not mean they should let them into their life. 

• Engage with them about their favourite social media app and get them to teach you about it so you can at least know the basics. Get them to show you how to block and report so you can be sure they know how to. 

• Be a good role model. Keep your screen time in check. Banning phones from bedrooms is no use if you go to bed with yours each night, for example. 

• Help them check and manage their privacy settings. You can do this together when they are younger by making it a shared experience.

• Think twice before “sharing.” Do not post photos of your kids in school uniforms, at school events, or holding certificates with their full name and school name on them. You are letting the whole world know where they go to school. This can happen by “checking in” or geotagging a school. 

• Ask them first when you are about to share their photo. As young as possible, let your kids be involved in the decision-making process about whether they are okay with you posting a photo of them. This will teach them to ask others before posting pictures as they grow up. 

• Put healthy boundaries in place. Don’t ban them from their device if they forget to do a household chore or are naughty for something unrelated to their device. Do not take it off them if they speak up about something that has happened online because you are scared, either. This is the quickest way to drive all the conversations you want to have underground. Instead, if you have a healthy boundary like all devices being banned from the bathroom or bedroom, then if they are caught with their device in either place, you ban them for a week. This way, they will learn that it is safe to speak up about what is going on online without punishment unless they break the rules about device use. 

• Respect the classifications. The average age of a gamer is 35. Classifications are there for a reason. It is not okay for a child under the age of 18 to be playing R-rated games, even with their parents!!! Set healthy boundaries around playing time if your child is playing online games. All of the other tips above also apply to gaming.

SCIENCE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the 7 Science Round 3 and 7 Science Round 8 Topic 1 medalists. Keep up the great work!

BIOBLITZ

On Thursday, 16 May, several Year 7 students participated in the second annual Port Macquarie BioBlitz. This programme, coordinated by Rotary, aims to survey the natural environment and monitor the number of species found in various ecosystems. 

Our group spent half a day at Shelley Beach participating in various programmes, including a rock pool survey, a study of microinvertebrates in beach sand, and a presentation from the NSW DPI Sharksmart Ram. All the students involved were highly engaged and gained a lot from the experience. 

Thanks to Mr. Nancarrow and Mr. Smith for facilitating this excursion.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Millie Andrew, Harrison Bemmann, Patrick Blackman, Mia Bringans, Judd Haret, Erika Collins-Jones, George Conway, Sonny Cowan, Tahney Cross, Sophie Donohoe, Indigo Duncan, Sienna Furney, Elise Grein, Angus Hawkes, Jemma Kowalewski, Riley Martino, Torie Matheson, Charlotte Miles, Karsanth Mohanaranjan, Keira Moore, Alina O'Brien, Grace Pulham, Ranuki Ranasinghe, Hannah Ryan, Samuel Tarbox, Charles Trotter, Amelia Varcoe, Lincoln Wells & Violet Wilton.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Millie Andrew, Adrienne Arce, Victoria Awad, Geordie Baird, Stephanie Banham, Kade Bartlett, Riley Batman, Harrison Bemmann, Patrick Blackman, Mia Bringans, Lydia Buttigieg, Paige Causley, Judd Charet, Benjamin Clarke, Sam Clifton, Oscar Collins, Erika Collins-Jones, George Conway, Sonny Cowan, Tahney Cross, Sophie Donohoe, Indigo Duncan, William Ebbs, Lachlan Forbes, Sienna Furney, Grace Gallery, Amira Grech, Elise Grein, Maddox Hamlin, Angus Hawkes, Lila Karam, Benjamin King, Jemma Kowalewski, Jacob Lane-Rowsthorne, Chloe Lentz, Michael Mackie, Riley Martino, Torie Matheson, Julius McNee, Charlotte Miles, Mikaela Moffatt, Karsanth Mohanaranjan, Keira Moore, Alina O'Brien, Lotte Paterson, Flynn Pociask, Jacob Pope, Grace Pulham, Ranuki Ranasinghe, Riley Richards, Hannah Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Akshara Sanaw, Isla Scaysbrook, Samuel Tarbox, Ethan Thompson, Charles Trotter, Amelia Varcoe, Ari Waite, Oliver Walters, Lincoln Wells, Ella Welsh, Edith White, Amelia Williams & Violet Wilton.

Ryan Adams
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

ORGANISATION

With the move to Compass last year and the dropping of the traditional school diary, it is more important than ever for students to find ways to stay organised at school.

Effective organisation helps students manage increasingly complex schedules, balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and their social lives. As Year 8 moves towards Stage 5, they must develop strategies to stay on top of their increasing commitments.

Staying organised can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a clear structure for tackling tasks. Furthermore, developing strong organisational skills in high school prepares students for the demands of college and future careers, setting them up for long-term success.

Compass has an in-built feature called ‘My Tasks’ that appears on the student dashboard and can help students stay on top of their schoolwork.

The article below from Matrix Education also has some good tips for students on how to stay organised:

https://www.matrix.edu.au/5-ways-to-get-organised-for-high-school/

$20.00 BOSS

Year 8 Enterprise students are diving into an exciting $20 Boss project for their upcoming assessment. The $20 Boss programme is an innovative, hands-on initiative that empowers students to develop, recognise, and articulate essential business skills. Each group of students has brainstormed a unique product or service to sell to MacKillop College, turning their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. 

Products and services on offer include: cakes, lollies, wooden mobile phone holders, soft drinks, hot chips, fishing lures, ice cream, and spiders (don’t worry, not real ones).

On Friday, June 21st, students will sell their products or services in the Cola area during lunch. Please bring money and support our innovative eighth-grade students.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Mira Arnold, Milana Baker, Jonah Barnes, Callum Clancy, Ruby Comer, Emily Cook, Bethany Folkes, Milla Kelly, Tobi Lawler, Nathaniel Pohlmann, Xavier Pye, Jakob Schmidt, Evie Thomson, Mackenzie Trimmer & Maya Williams.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award:  Samrina Adhikari, James Allen, Jasmine Anastas, Mira Arnold, Annabelle Ashton, Milana Baker, Jonah Barnes, Kayla Bayer, Jacob Bell, Caleb Bilson, Darcy Bird, Charlie Bryant, Isaac Buttsworth, Lily Castiglioni, Sarah Chamberlin, Callum Clancy, Ruby Comer, Emily Cook, Harry Creighton, Lila Duncan, James Dwyer, Harrison Ebbs, Evie Evans, Bethany Folkes, Samuel Hancock, Bianca Harrison, Leela Hill, Nate James, Jayden Jamnadas, Max Jordan, Milla Kelly, Evie Kuchling, Elijah Kyan, Tobi Lawler, Willow Lewis, Thomas Loveday, Gene Lucas, Tasman Maggs, Rocky Mann, Manni McGrath, Isla McNeil, Lillie Merrell, Aidan Miles, Jeremy Mills, Nathaniel Pohlmann, Xavier Pye, Fallon Ryan, Jakob Schmidt, Tilly Sinclair, Lenny Spitzer, Spencer Stewart, Tahlia Thompson, Evie Thomson, Mackenzie Trimmer, Melody Waller, Jaysen Wei & Maya Williams.

Adam O’Brien
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

PC CUP PUSH-UP CHALLENGE

Year 9 participated in their push-up challenge for our prized PC Cup in preparation for the whole school push-up challenge. Each PC tested how many modified or full pushups they could do in one minute as a collective. 

It was so pleasing to see the results.

• almost everybody ‘had a go’, and there was evident teamwork;
• some groans, but lots of giggles, a
• Everyone persevered even when one full minute was becoming challenging. 

And that was the lesson I hoped they would learn about mental health: to keep pushing through the tough times and support each other to make it easier. Well done, Year 9, and congratulations to 9M1 for the most push-ups made possible by the most participants. 

YEAR 9 MASS 

All Year 9 will gather at St Agnes’ Church Week 7, Wednesday, 12 June at 9.15-10.15am to celebrate Mass. Parents, carers and grandparents are most welcome to join us. 

Our theme is “We have much for which to be thankful”.

We live in a culture that incessantly prompts us to want more and more of what others have – and INSTANTLY! Temptations are thrown in young people’s paths relentlessly, and they are provided many opportunities to lose perspective on their blessings. 

As Christians, living a life grounded in gratitude is essential to growing in our faith, and prayer impacts our perspective! This Mass will be a special time for students to take time for prayer and petition and, with thanksgiving, make their requests known to God. 

As Saint John Paul II reminded us:

Remember the past with gratitude … live the present with enthusiasm and … look forward to the future with confidence. (Novo Millennio Ineunte, At the Beginning of the New Millennium, 1)

When we look to the past with gratitude it not only creates beautiful memories but helps us navigate our life.

YEAR 9 SINGLE DAY RETREAT 

Our society is longing for meaningful connections. Everything belongs. Our Connect & Belong retreat in Week 7, Friday, 14 June allows all students in Year 9 to access the messages of connection, faith, belonging, gratitude, scripture, forgiveness, fun and relationship in an authentic way.

"Connect and Belong" single day retreat program is facilitated by presenters from “Unleashing Personal Potential” on our school site. 

UPCOMING EVENTS and ASSESSMENT

Week 5          

• Monday 24 May - Sorry Day Mass 9.15-10.15 am
• Wednesday 29 May - French (IC), Food Tech 1, 2 (IC)
• Thursday 30 May - Shakespeare Performance 9.00 am, Food Tech 3 (IC)
• Friday 31 May - Pupil Free Day: Staff Proclaim

Week 6          

• Monday 3 June - Geography (IC), Spanish (IC) & Italian (IC)
• Wednesday 5 June - Textiles (HI) & Science (IC)
• Friday 7 June - Mathematics Path (IC) & Mathematics Core (IC)

Week 7

• Monday 10 June - King’s Birthday
• Wednesday 12 June - Year 9 Mass
• Thursday 13 June - Dance (IC)
• Friday 14 June - Year 9 Connect & Belong Day

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Isaac Archer, Oliver Bryant, Meela Castle, Hunter Davis, Matilda Elford, Toby Fraser, Darcie Gleeson, Patrick Green, Amarlie Gregory, Leah Hanson, Jack Hartley, Archie Hawken, Ameli Heery, Jackson Hollis, Caitlyn Inman, Madeline Innes, Dylan Keane, Layley Lewis, Lucas Manning, Sviatoslav Mashliatin, Poppy Mason, Rocco McCallum, Charley McGuigan, Jessica Moore, Claire Morris & Benjamin Spencer.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Zeke Anderson, Isaac Archer, Tameah Baird Moran, Eliana Ballard, Oliver Bishell, Freya Briggs, Oliver Bryant, Lionel Carney, Meela Castle, Jonathan Choi, Joseph Chung Jun Hock, Hunter Clark, Finn Cole, Blaze Colthorpe, Hamish Conaghan, Toreno Crepaz, Ayla Cross, Riley Dailey. Flynn Daly, Hunter Davis, Taj Davis, Preston Davis, Frieda Dudfield, Philippa Eakin, Matilda Elford, Peter Field, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Toby Fraser, Darcie Gleeson (x2), Paige Goldie, Patrick Green, Amarlie Gregory, Olivia Gridley, Leah Hanson, Jack Hartley, Archie Hawken, Amelia Heery, Olly Henry, Owen Hilkemeijer, Jackson Hollis, Logan Howard, Caitlyn Inman, Madeline Innes, Dylan Keane, Jedda Lenton, Eleanor Letters, Layley Lewis, Lucas Manning, Sviatoslav Mashliatin, Poppy Mason, Rocco McCallum, Patrick McDonald, Tori McGrath, Charley McGuigan, Angelina Mifsud-Scriven, Zoe Mizzi, Jessica Moore, Claire Morris, Caitlin Nottle, Valentina Piccolruaz, Ava Ribot De Bressac, Jack Robb, Lily Rowlatt, Emily Ryan, Noah Sanders, Nate Sheldon, Jack Shuttleworth, Lara Smith, Benjamin Spencer, Marley Thick, Aidan Wadwell, Summer Waite, Lani Warren & Jaxon Waser.

Nicole O’Connell
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

MIDCOAST CAREERS EXPO

The Mid Coast Careers Market provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to liaise with local industry, training organisations, and tertiary education institutions. 

The event was certainly an eye-opener for our Year 10s and helped them gain a broader awareness and understanding of locally available career pathways, employment, and training opportunities. 

The students enjoyed what these local organisations had to offer, and they engaged very well with the hands-on stalls. 

Staff at the venue passed on their praise for the way our students conducted themselves and the polite manner in which they engaged with the stalls. 

Careers Expo

TEXTILES FUN

Over Term 1, Year 10 Textiles students explored the focus area of furnishings.

We were treated to a very inspiring talk and display of quilts from Julia Jenkins, a member of the local Timeless Quilters group. We experimented with ice dyeing, free-motion quilting, and patchwork techniques in class. Year 10 designed and created some amazing table runners, cushion covers, and quilts. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS

The busyness of Term 2 is starting to ramp up. Please know that Year 10 is approaching some Assessment Tasks and Minimum Standards testing. 

For specific dates with regard to all of the upcoming assessments, please access the Assessment information page, which has a live assessment calendar.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who received a Silver Principal’s Award: Isabella Dunn, Angelina Harrison-Park, Jack Healey, Gabriella Horan Juzenas, Ellen McManus, Micaela Mitchell, Ume Ryan, Maddison Whitton-Howell, Estelle Williams, and Oliver Wootton.

Congratulations to the following students who receive a Leader of Pastoral Care Award:

Tom Salter
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 11

HOW DO YOU EAT AN ELEPHANT?

St. Francis of Assisi is (dubiously) credited with the answer to the above question: "There is only one way to eat an elephant. One bite at a time."

I've been chatting with a number of Year 11 students who have started feeling very conscious of and stressed by the workload of their five-plus subjects, with more assessments on the horizon. With lots of exciting family and social events, part-time work, sports, creative arts endeavours, getting sick, etc., happening on top of their school work, students' lives are full, and they can find it hard to shake the feeling of being overwhelmed—the proverbial elephant in the room that they can't seem to get rid of.

Students are very lucky to have a number of supports available to them that can help them eat the elephant. PC and classroom teachers are their first port of call and are experienced at assisting students in breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks (or bites, if you will) that can be completed. Some would argue that the feeling of ticking something off a "to do" list is one of life's great pleasures. These bites fit nicely into a visual weekly/fortnightly planner, which, when printed and placed about a student's study space, can be more easily prioritised, tracked, and digested.

Students also have access to the JMC Study Centre before and after school as a workspace that doesn't hold the distractions they may have in their home study environment. It is an excellent place to collaborate with other students and use the momentum of their school day to chew through their homework and study. In the study centre, they also have Mrs. Porter's support to assist them with their organization.

Our school counsellors, Andrew and Amanda, spoke at a year-end meeting about a "Study Without Stress" programme they have developed that students have been able to sign up for through the morning notices. Their expertise in stress management techniques is extremely worthwhile for students who feel like they have too much on their plate. If there are any students who have not expressed interest but would like to, they can speak to or email me, and I will pass their names on.

NEVER SEE A NEED WITHOUT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT

I was proud to hear that the Year 11 prayer service in Week 3 went as well as it did, with a large number of students volunteering to take on a role in the service. Thank you to families who were able to donate warm clothing and blankets for the start of the Vinnies' Winter Appeal.

Year 11 will continue to assist those in our community who are doing it tough by donating food and toiletry items to Our Place, a St. Agnes' Parish initiative as part of the Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Collective. Thank you to all those who have been able to give so generously already, and thank you in advance to those who will do so over the next week or so.

EXCELLENCE IN ACTION

A massive congratulations to our Year 11 Girls’ Team of Miya Freeman, Milly McGrath, Sophia Horan-Juzenas, Jamali Middlebrook, Ava Hughes, Sophie Bryant, Cara McIllroy, and Rachel Nichols, who recently won the da Vinci Decathlon competition held at SCAS. The team won the Science, Creative Producers, and English sections of the competition and placed second in Ideation, Art & Poetry, and Code Breaking. These results mean they were the overall winners, beating the second-place team by 400 points. This is an enormous achievement, and we couldn't be prouder.

AND FINALLY, IT'S A GIRL!

A massive congratulations and best wishes to the O'Dell family, who have welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world since our last newsletter. Year 11 was very happy to hear the wonderful news, and we look forward to seeing photos from Mr. O'Dell on his return.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Aidan Archer, Macey Arkinstall, Falyn Carle, Sophie Folkes, Miya Freeman, Cooper Lorger, Milly McGrath & Alexander Toth.

Michael Peck
Acting Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 12

GRADUATION DINNER

The Year 12 Graduation Dinner will be on Wednesday, November 13, at Panthers, Port Macquarie. 

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There is a lot of water to go under the bridge before then.

REPORTS

I’m very proud of Year 12 for a number of reasons; however, after reading their reports, I’m particularly proud. It is evident throughout the report comments that our year group is made up of hard-working, dedicated learners who have a very competitive edge in a tough environment. Teachers spoke about the commitment to learning of many individuals and the drive to understand all parts of the curriculum. More importantly, they spoke about a willingness for our students to be an active part of our community, to be leaders, to be great role models, and to point out that they are happy, caring people. I knew everything I knew about this group, but it’s nice to have it confirmed by so many teachers.

FUNDRAISING FOR LEGAL JUSTICE FUND

Last week, students raised money for the college’s Legal Justice Fund. Year 12, true to their nature of looking out for those in need, certainly jumped on board for this great cause: wearing white, donating money, cooking for the cake stall, and helping out with sales and promotion. 

A wonderful school initiative backed by a wonderful group of students.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Jiya Jamu, Maeve Kinchington, Tara Mitchell, Jack O'Connell, Sally Temple, Abby Wagner.

Bruce Smith
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care

Wellbeing

CHARACTER STRENGTHS

This term’s character strength is teamwork. Teamwork is about joining with other people and committing to contributing to the success of those people. It could be a school project, a workgroup, or a sports team, but it could also refer to personal relationships, from friends to partners to families. Teamwork then further extends to being a good member of every community we are a part of and, even more broadly, to a sense of social responsibility to all of humanity!!  It’s a big deal!!

Teamwork within schools is so essential. A school is a significant community within your child’s life, and it is imperative that everyone in our MacKillop community feels like they belong. With belonging to our community comes the desire for students and staff to join together in order to achieve community goals, which at MacKillop is the ultimate goal of every student achieving the fullness of life.

This term, we will once again join the Push Up Challenge, which is perfect for our term’s character strength focus. It’s a practical activity that will get us working as a team, developing our ability to cooperate and contribute to the dual team goals of lifting the profile of mental health through completing a set number of pushups (3,249) over the next 24 days.

Students will work in small teams (PCs), and these small teams will join a larger team (houses or year groups) and the goal cannot be reached unless every team member plays a part or every student commits to this community target. I’ve seen great things happen here in this school community, and I know that we can do this. Please encourage your child or children to start practising their push-ups (or squats or sit-ups; everyone can contribute regardless of ability), and let's go team!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Lisa Kable

Music News

“Music, great music, relaxes the mind, awakens profound sentiments, and is, as it were, a natural invitation to raise one’s mind and heart to God in every situation of human existence, both joyful and sad. Music can become prayer.” Pope Benedict XVI

Ensemble Rehearsal Timetable: Term 2

LINKS & FORMS

Music Ensemble Sign Up Form 2024

Music Tuition Request Form 2024

Instrument Rental Agreement 2024

Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SORRY DAY PRAYER SERVICE

(College Hall) Week 5  - Monday May 27, Period 1, Collective Praise Band & Singers

ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE

(College Hall) Week 5  - Wednesday  May 29, Period 1, Senior Percussion Ensemble, Collective Praise Band & Singers

Please get in touch with Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College.

Robert Denham
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

Sport News

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9

YEAR 10

TERM 2 ELECTIVE SPORT SELECTION

Students in Years 9 and 10 should have selected their elective sport by Tuesday, 3.00pm, Week 4 for Sport Weeks 6–10 of this term. Students who did not complete the form on time have been placed in school sports. 

The consent form and payment form will be sent to parents via Compass. This is a legal requirement that must be completed by Friday, Week 5. 

Please note that there is NO CONTRACT SPORT option available in Term 2.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT REPORTS

NSWCCC Open Boys Basketball Selection Trials

Blake Collins made the NSWCCC Open's basketball team this week. The trial saw over 90 players vie for the ten positions on the coveted state team. We are extremely proud of Blake and wish him all the best as he represents the NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Championships later in the year.

NSWCCC AFL

Congratulations to Oto Ryan, who recently travelled to Wagga Wagga to represent the Northern NSW AFL team at the NSW AFL Selection Trials and Championships. Oto had an incredible time. Even though the selection trials are about viewing individuals, Oto’s team's first efforts and attitude ensured the Northern team went undefeated throughout the games. The other more established AFL regions of South West, Northern Riverina, and Southern Riverina were overpowered by the fitness, connections, and communication the Northern team had over the games. 

As a younger competitor, he gelled well with the other players from the Northern team and forged some strong bonds for future competitors and trials. He had many possessions and a lot of marks and kicked around five goals in four games to post an impressive performance and position himself on the radar for next year. Even though he didn’t make the squad, his efforts went a long way in securing the position for most senior players in his team, making the NSWCCC AFL squad.

Well done, Oto. It sounds like you performed exceptionally well, putting you in good stead for future selections.

BASKETBALL NSW CHAMPIONSHIPS

U16 Boys

The Under-16 boys basketball team recently competed in the Basketball NSW Schools Regional Tournament in Coffs Harbour. The boys started the day strongly against Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour, winning by 2 points in an extremely close game. The boys then had a tough game against St. Columba Anglican College, going down by six after leading in the first half. The team then had a thrilling 1-point loss against Ballina Coast High School in a game that could have gone either way. The boys finished the day with a loss against McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth.

Congratulations to the team on a great day out! The team included Vilius Philp, Oliver Bryant, Nate Sheldon, Darcy Middleton, Lucas Merrick, Ben Romer, Manni McGrath, Tallin Morris, Maddyx Grey, and Sonny Cowan. Thank you to Mr. King for driving the bus. MVP Ben Romer.

Ryan Adams
Coach

U16s Girls

Our team of 10 wonderful players headed off to Coffs Harbour early on Wednesday. May 8th, to participate in the BNSW Competition. The team played three games throughout the day. The first game was lost to Bishop. Druitt and the girls worked hard to find their rhythm as a team. In the second game, we were victorious in a win against Nambucca. The girls won. Convincingly, they began to hit their stride as a team. The third game was lost to McCarthy College from Tamworth, who went on to compete in the finals.

The girls played strongly and held their own against a robust opposition. All players should be extremely proud of how they played with the majority of the team. Coming from Years 7, 8, and 9. This meant they were facing older and more physical players on the day. This holds the girls in great stead for next year. The girls should be congratulated on the spirit in which they played each game and their conduct both on and off the court. Thanks to Matt King for all his help on the day, including driving the minivan and supporting the team, as well as the family members who were able to come and cheer on the girls.

Stephanie Connor
Coach

NSWCCC Netball Selection Trials

U15 Girls

Three of our MacKillop girls were selected for the first Under 15’s Lismore Diocesan Team to trial at the NSWCCC Netball Selection Trials held in Sydney on May 7.

Tilly Sinclair, Charlotte McEntyre, and Zoe Townsend were successful in gaining a place in the team of 10, out of 150 girls who were nominated to trial.

The day was a success, with Lismore Diocese winning three of the five games, with the highlight being beating a Sydney team.

The girls were outstanding in their netball, with Tilly making the possible and probable at the end of the day, unfortunately not making the final team of 10.

We were so proud of the girls and how they held themselves throughout the day. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! MVP - Tilly Sinclair.

Amy Ryals
Coach

Tegan Berry Rugby League 9’s

U16 Girls

Last Friday, the Under 16s MacKillop girls competed in a local Rugby League 9’s tournament. The girls began the day with a convincing win over Gloucester High 26-0. Our second game proved more difficult coming up against a well-drilled Great Lakes College. The girls went down 14-10 in the last minute of the game. Our last game was against Hastings Secondary College, where the girls won comfortably. The team is to be congratulated on the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field. The skill shown was beyond expectations, particularly for the girls who hadn’t played Rugby League before. MVP of the day went to Ella Oliver, the tackling machine, who consistently set the standard for the rest of the girls in defence. Bring on the next tournament later in Week 8! MVP - Ella Oliver.

Laura Cudmore
Coach

U14 Girls

On Friday, May 17th, MacKillop College entered two teams into the Holli Wheeler 9s tournament. The under-14 girls team consisted of Shannon Lusung, Siena King, Millie Byrne, Amelia Pettitt, Grace Byrne, Frankie Healey, Ayla Vonbun, Asha Maher, Zy Hogan, Emily Cook, Chloe Owen, Annabelle Wickham, Ellie Howard, and Isabella Hawkins. With some experienced players and some new players to the sport, we have had the help of NRL officers to coach and teach the skills required for tackling. 

Their first game was forfeited against Wingham High School; after a quick shuffle of the draw, we played against Hastings Secondary Schools. The MacKillop girls played a strong attacking game and won the game convincingly with tries from Ayla x2, Frankie, Shannon, and Zy down the middle of the field, and Amelia and Grace scoring on the wings. Their first game finished with a whopping 28-0 score. 

The next game, the girls competed against Chatham High School. This game was a little closer, but tries from Asha, Zy, and Ayla and a conversion from Frankie allowed the girls to secure the win 16-8. 

The last game of the round was against Melville. Unfortunately, Melville got up to an early lead, scoring three quick tries. MacKillop tried to come back with a late surge and score two tries, but it wasn't enough, with the score resulting in 14–10. No finals were played, enabling MacKillop to finish second in their pool. We look forward to continuing to train for the Girls Country Cup on Wednesday, June 19. MVP - Frankie Healey.

Kate Cowan
Coach

Lismore Diocesan Secondary Cross Country Championships 

On Friday, May 17, students travelled to McAuley College, Grafton, for the Diocesan Cross Country. After a prolonged period of rain, the course condition was soft, with a modified track set to avoid the most muddy locations. As is always the case, all the races were very competitive, but our students acquitted themselves well.

The following students achieved outstanding results: 

• Claire Pieren, 1st U17 Girls
• Freycin Hostettler, 1st U16 Boys 
• William Coombes, 2nd U13 Boys
• Oto Ryan, 2nd U14 Boys

The following students placed within the top 6 in their races: Freycin Hostettler, Claire Pieren, William Coombes, Edward Coombes, Noah Pociask, Oto Ryan, Johnny Davidson, Lily Taylor, Zoe Townsend, and Indigo Duncan. 

All students mentioned are eligible to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country in Week 6 of this term. All of the students were excellent ambassadors for our college on the day and should be commended on their competitive spirit and willingness to assist on the day.

Erinn Smith, Stewart Smith, and Jo Pilgrim
Coaches

Open Girls Soccer

The Open Girls Soccer team travelled to Coffs Harbour in week two to play Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, the Northern Winner of the Diocese. The conditions were not great, with the skies opening just before halftime. 

The girls were locked in a tight contest, with end-to-end soccer being played in the first half. Plenty of goal-scoring opportunities were presented, with neither team being able to capitalise going into halftime. 

The message at halftime was a simple one: the team with the most patience would win the game. Our backline, as usual, continued to hold the opposition at bay, allowing our midfield and attacking players the freedom to run with the ball. This started to unnerve the opposition with Hannah calm as Gresswell scored a goal with 10 minutes to go. This proved to be enough, with the girls winning 1-0. 

The girls are to be commended for persevering in tough conditions to secure a win; they play with such a great attitude, always have fun, and are an absolute pleasure to coach. 

The girls were crowned Diocesan winners and will now play the winner of the Armidale Diocese on June 26. MVP: Matilda Medlin.

Erin Denham
Coach

Bill Turner Girls

The Bill Turner Girls team had a bye in the first round. After stellar results in 2023, the girls were keen to start strong in round 2 against St. Paul’s, Kempsey. 

The conditions were once again wet underfoot, with the girls struggling to find their usual passing game. Hannah Gresswell had several shots on goal, with one finally skimming over the keeper's head to find the back of the net. The girls led 1-1 for the next 5 minutes until St. Paul’s fought back with a quick goal, levelling the scoreline 1-1 going into halftime. 

In what was an evenly balanced match, we started to find a bit of space up front, with Charlotte Taylor scoring our second goal off a neat left-foot touch. 

The girls held out, securing a 2-1 win. Congratulations girls. MVP: Ziva Balkin.

Erin Denham
Coach

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

All registrations for MacKillop College sports teams are completed by students by logging into the school Moodle page. Go to the Student Links tab on the left-hand side and click on the Representative Sports Registrations link. Click on the relevant sport and fill out the Google form.

Students will be notified through the morning notices of when to sign up and when trials will occur.

There are currently no sport trials.

If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Denham. 
Click on this link to register: MacKillop College Representative Sport Registration Link.

Lismore Diocesan Events

NSWCCC & NSW All Schools Events and Registration

NSWCCC CALENDAR 2024

All individual sports registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT website. The parent must have an account and add their child to have access. (Sport Registration HELP available on sport info page) SEE BELOW sports open for registration.

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages. https://csnsw.sport

Students MUST be registered for the event with parent and Principal or Leader of Sport approval.

Registration is through the CSNSW.sport portal. Details on how to register – Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>. 

Please note all close dates are firm dates. No registrations will be permitted after the close dates.

CSNSW Sport - Upcoming events open for entry

Individual registrations via CSNSW. Sport portal.

• NSWCCC 18 Years Boys Rugby – Close date 28 May

18 Years Boys – 3 June. Rowland Park, Daceyville.

• NSWCCC 16  & 18 Years Girls Rugby Selections – Close date 28 May

16 & 18 Years Girls – 4 June. Rowland Park, Daceyville.

• NSWCCC Opens Basketball Championships -School Based – Close date 3 June

School based competition – Diocesan Champion teams only – entry by School Sport Coordinator. Boys & Girls Open divisions (Yrs 7-12)  19 & 20 June – Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre

NSW ALL SCHOOLS – EVENTS 

The selection for these events are a result of the NSWCCC events.

A huge congratulations to Tobias Toohey for his recent selection in the U18 National Hockey Championships set to be played in the Gold Coast, QLD, on July 3–11.

We wish you all the best with the Blues team, Tobias.

ERIN DENHAM
LEADER OF SPORT

Canteen Update

Monday 27 May
Renae Bullock & Jo McLaren-King

Tuesday 28 May
Anthea Romer, HELP PLEASE

Wednesday 29 May
HELP PLEASE

Thursday 30 May
Chris Jourdant

Friday 31 May
No Students - Staff Development Day


Monday 3 June
Paul Atkins & Kate Perkins

Tuesday 4 June
Judy Ryan & Michael Richards

Wednesday 5 June
Peta Clancy

Thursday 6 June
Michelle Maher & Laura Mayes

Friday 7 June
Rowena Beukers, Kelly Dingle, Vicki Hamlyn & Ronnel Skea

To order from the canteen:

1. Orders can be written out at the canteen (bags supplied free of charge).

2. Orders can be written out at home and handed in at the canteen.

3. Download the Qkr! app and order online.

All orders are to be in by 8:00am, please.

Please ensure when ordering online that your child year group is correct.

There is hot food available over the counter to purchase, however, to avoid disappointment it is best to order.

Please remind your child/children if you have ordered for them, and what their order is. 

If your child is sick and you have ordered, please phone the canteen (6583 2632) to arrange credit. 

Please note to change your child's year group when using the QKR! app to order lunch for 2022.

Now available: Gluten-free pies $5.00 and gluten-free sausage rolls $4.00; these items must be ordered.

Canteen Help Needed

The canteen is desperately seeking volunteers for one hour per month. No cooking, cleaning or stocking is needed, just serving our lovely students. Even if you can only do one half-hour shift it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all of our current volunteers, we appreciate your help.

Sign up and receive a Welcome Pack (coffee voucher, chocolates, voucher for your child to use at the canteen).
Please contact Maxine at the College 6583 2632 or via email at maxine.stone@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Maths Tutorials

Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson

Homework Hub

Community News

All parents are warmly invited to attend the upcoming Parent Assembly Conference to be held on June 15 at Opal Cove where we'll delve into the theme "Your Child Our Schools: Nurturing Hearts and Minds."

Discover valuable insights and strategies to support your child's holistic development. Register soon as places fill quickly.