Term 3, Week 2, August 2

What's On @ MacKillop

Principal

Congratulations, and welcome to the Catholic faith

Over the past 12 weeks, a group of students participated in our Journey into the Catholic Faith for Teens program. Led by Mr Zackary Parnell (St Angnes' Catholic Parish) and Miss Christa Morrow (College Mission Assistant), the group met weekly during Term 2 to explore various topics, encouraging critical thinking and deep learning about the Catholic Faith. The program concluded last weekend with eight MacKillop College students receiving their sacraments of initiation at the Sunday Evening Youth Mass in St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Church. The event saw an exceptional turnout from our community, who joined in celebrating this significant milestone. The cheer of joy from the congregation was a testament to the pride and warm welcome extended to these courageous young people by St. Agnes’ Catholic Parish.

I was delighted to be able to attend the Mass and then to have a special morning tea with the eight students on Monday. Congratulations, and welcome to:

Yr 8: Harrison Ebbs (8F2), Grace Byrne (8F2), Lucy Guidicelli (8I2)

Year 9: Abigail Heal (9I1)

Year 10: Ashleigh Heal (10I2), Hailie Attwells (10M2) and Maddison Witton-Howell (10F3), Emily Guidicelli (10I2)

Former MacKillop students start online tutoring service:

I often get asked if I know of any tutors looking to do some work with students. Recently I was contacted by former MacKillop students who have started their own tutoring business, specialising in Maths and Science subjects. Both Simon and Sam did exceptionally well in their HSC and are well-equipped to support current students as they continue their learning at university. If you would like to get in touch, please contact https://www.stemodyssey.com.au/

TRIAL HSC EXAMS

I would like to wish the Year 12 students all the best for their upcoming HSC Trial exams, which commence next week. I have been super impressed by the number of students demonstrating wonderful commitment to their studies over the past few weeks. I know many students did extra during the holidays and have been utilising the College Study Centre extensively over the past two weeks. I have no doubt your hard work will be rewarded.

YEAR 11 2025

Wednesday night saw a great evening for our current Year 10 students and prospective MacKillop College students for the introduction to Year 11 and 12 studies. A big thank you to Mr Adam Kelly and the Learning and Teaching team for a very informative and professional presentation. If any families know of students wanting to attend MacKillop College in 2025, please encourage them to contact the College Enrolment Officer. For current students who need guidance, please contact Mr Adam Kelly.  

Cath Eichmann
Principal

Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Term 2 at MacKillop was full of opportunities for students to enhance their wellbeing, build their resilience and display a growth mindset. This newsletter will share many of the opportunities where students could be involved in activities outside the classroom, note an optimal time for reflection on learning and classroom approaches, update you on our recent Anti-Bullying learnings and share some webinars for parents in the wellbeing arena.

Whether your child’s skills and passions lay in the Arts, Sports, Academics or Mission areas, there are a plethora of opportunities at MacKillop that they can participate in, find new like-minded friends and gain confidence and enjoyment.  Please find some of those listed below:

• Our local ArtWalk event provided our Drumline with a welcome performance opportunity and our budding artists a chance to showcase their talents through the A4 Art Competition;
• representative teams were fielded in all winter sports, where they benefited from their trial and training schedules to be ready to meet strong competition and enjoy much success. Our Chess representatives showed great teamwork and skill and proudly celebrated their achievement in the Country Chess Championships;
• advancing their knowledge in competitions centred on academic subjects, students showed their love of learning in events such as The Da Vinci Decathlon, the Science and Engineering Challenge and the NSW Mock Trial competition; and
• in the area of Mission, many students have helped others in the role of volunteer; in our local community at the Ironman Event, ANZAC Day March and in the Through Our Eyes Project; and further afield, in Brisbane, at Street Retreat. Students beginning their Duke of Edinburgh journey polished their teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills while physically challenging themselves on their expedition. Our aboriginal students shared much of their culture with our community in their NAIDOC Week celebrations; we enjoyed music, dance, craft and, of course, food throughout the week!

Students were shared the extracurricular offerings for Term 3 this week; please take a look at what is on offer and encourage your child to get involved!    Extracurricular Activities

Students received their Semester 1 Report and Commitment to Learning Profile at the start of the recent break. Now is the perfect time to discuss these as a family, reflecting on successes and noting areas for improvement. Choose some SMART Goals for Semester 2 and plan and track how to achieve them. Have a weekly check-in to see how the goals are tracking. Goals may also cover involvement in extracurricular activities, being inclusive and making new friends, and balancing school, sport, family, and social activities.

Staff completed professional learning on Anti-Bullying on Day 1 of this term; in year meetings students will be reminded of our College values of love, respect and compassion and be challenged to use empathy and understanding in their interactions with others.

Some aspects of the professional learning are also valuable for families to be aware of and I share them with you here.

Data

• 22% of MacKillop students report ‘moderate to severe’ bullying (Tell Them From Me Survey)
  • This is below the norm for all schools involved in TTFM.

• The two most common forms of bullying are ‘Verbal’ and ‘Social’ bullying
  • This would cover using words to hurt or humiliate; threats; exclusion; starting or continuing rumours.

• Common areas where bullying occurs include Classroom; Bus and; the Playground (MacKillop Anti-Bullying Survey 2024)

Definition of Bullying

• Bullying refers to the unwanted, repeated and intentional use of words or actions against someone or a group of students to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing,

Bullying behaviour has three key features:,

• Intentional misuse of power in a relationship;
• Ongoing and repeated; and
• Involves behaviours that can cause harm

What Bullying is Not

These other behaviours must be addressed and conflict must be resolved but it is important to note that not all negative interaction is bullying.

It is essential when having conversations about negative peer interactions that we are all using the same language; this ensures clarity and understanding in those conversations.

Staff are aware of the importance in creating a safe and inclusive classroom and school environment. Our pastoral focus in our school goals centres on enhancing a sense of belonging and connection among our community.

Finally, the following parent webinars are free for all parents and carers and focus on eSafety:

Schools may choose to promote these free parent webinars in their newsletter or COMPASS News.

Understanding how to support your child with online gaming
Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and early secondary school.
Tuesday, 30 July, 12.30pm
Tuesday, 3 September, 12.30pm
Register here

Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary-aged child
Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Tuesday, 13 August, 12.30 pm
Wednesday, 11 September, 12.30 pm
Register here

An introduction to online safety and emerging technologies
Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary and secondary school.
Wednesday, 24 July, 2.30pm
Thursday, 5 September, 12.30pm
Register here

Your child’s Pastoral Care teacher and Leader of Pastoral Care are here to support them in any wellbeing area, please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any concerns about their wellbeing.

Jennifer Campbell
Assistant Principal Pastoral

Leader of Curriculam

NAPLAN

All students in Year 7 and Year 9 who participated in NAPLAN received their individual report of their results on Monday of Week 2. Since 2023, NAPLAN individual student results are reported against proficiency standards to provide parents and carers clear information on student achievement.

The proficiency standards are set to a challenging but reasonable level expected for students at the time of NAPLAN testing. What NAPLAN assesses has not changed.

Please see the information from ACARA regarding the reading of the individual student report.

• The front page of the student report provides general information about the tests and an explanation of how to read the report.
• The second and third pages show the student’s result in each assessment area. The results are classified into one of 4 proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.
• The report shows the student’s achievement against the national average for their year (shown as a black triangle) and the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in their year level (shown as a light shaded rectangle). Reports in some states and territories also show the school average.
• The final page of the report provides a brief summary of the skills typically demonstrated by students at each proficiency level. Longer descriptions of the skills typically demonstrated by a student at each proficiency level can be found at proficiency level descriptions. 

ASSESSMENT CALENDARS

As we begin Term 3 we are in the process of updating assessment calendars for all year groups. These can be found on pmac-moodle or via Compass under the favourites tab.

ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATIONS

It is our practice to issue all students with assessment notifications at least 2 weeks prior. These also can be found on pmac-moodle.

END OF YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

Year 11 have an exam block to finish the Preliminary course at the end of this term. Their exam timetable has now been finalised and can be found via moodle or Compass on the Term 3 Assessment Calendar.

Students in Year 11 were also issued with a hard copy of the 2024 Stage 6 Assessment Handbook last week to ensure that they are fully aware of our procedures in regards to both in-class and hand-in assessments.

HSC TRIAL EXAMS

Week 3 is the beginning of the HSC Trials for our Year 12 students. I wish every student the best of luck in their exams. Please be aware in the case of illness or misadventure students are to follow our normal college procedures and communicate with the college via pmac-assessment@lism.catholic.edu.au or call the senior office. If a student misses an exam due to illness or misadventure they will be expected to complete a catch up exam during the exam period.

Christine Harmer
Leader of Curriculum

Year 7

Welcome back to Term 3

Welcome back Year 7 to Term 3 at MacKillop College. We're excited to embark on a new semester filled with learning, growth and community spirit.

One of the days that we are looking forward to this term is the celebration of the feast of our patron, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, on Tuesday, 20 August. This day is going to be celebrated at the College and is known as #MMDAY.

Features of #MMDAY day includes competitions, performances, and DJs. Year 7 will be able to enjoy the activities and events that take place as well as supporting the day by running an activity for a short period of the day. Each Year 7 PC is responsible for running an activity for part of the day alongside their PC Teachers. 

#MMDAY is the major fundraiser for the year. The money raised will support individuals and organisations in need. Already, some funds have been earmarked to support our sister school, St Thomas, in Lautoka, Fiji. We have also adopted a sister school in western New South Wales, St  Patrick’s Brewarina. 

Extended PC

For Extended PC last week, PC’s competed in a variety of Team based games against each other. This provided a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their team working skills, work collaboratively, and strengthen bonds with their peers. It was a delightful and engaging experience that not only offered a fun break from their studies but also reinforced the importance of community.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Piper Cross, Sophie Donohoe, Hayden Gardner, Amira Grech, Paige Heery, Cooper Hollis, Torie Matheson, Annaliese Murphy, Sonny Nasso, James Rohr, Hannah Ryan, Sonny Shipway, Macey Singh, Tuaka Smith, Ari Waite & Amalee Welch

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Mahalia Anderson, Millie Andrew, Adrienne Arce, Paige Causley, Judd Charet, George Conway, Piper Cross, Amelia Dekker, Sophie Donohoe, Indigo Duncan, Alice Eakin, Lachlan Forbes, Sienna Furney, Hayden Gardner, Oscar Garvey, Amira Grech, Zarley Groth, Hamish Guihot, Angus Hawkes, Paige Heery, Cooper Hollis, Declan Jones, Charley Kaddatz, Lila Karam, Brady Keane, Xavier Mat, Torie Matheson, Lily Meredith, Keira Moore, Annaliese Murphy, Sonny Nasso, James Rohr, Hannah Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Akshara Sanaw, Sonny Shipway, Macey Singh, Tuaka Smith, Samuel Tarbox, Zachary Thomas, Ethan Thompson, Ari Waite, Amalee Welch, Edith White & Cody Winter

Ryan Adams
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Mikayla Adams, Charlton Arrighi, Knox Blake, Patrick Byrne, Sarah Chamberlin, Evie Evans, Thomas Fiene, Riley Garel, Lucas Garnett, Evie Kuchling, Elijah Kyan, Jack Lacey, Thomas Loveday, Amelie Obeid, Taj Ramsey, Jaye Rutishauser & Tilly Sinclair

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Mikayla Adams, Samrina Adhikari, Baxter Allison, Charlton Arrighi, Joshua Ball, Laila Bannon, Jonah Barnes, Kayla Bayer, Knox Blake, Alyra Buckley, Millie Byrne, Patrick Byrne, Sarah Chamberlin, Evie Evans, Thomas Fiene, Ruby Ford, Riley Garel, Lucas Garnett, Lachlan Guy, Isabella Hawkins, Wilson Huang, Evie Kuchling, Elijah Kyan, Jack Lacey, Tobi Lawler, Thomas Loveday, Blake Mitchell, Abby Moloney, Amelie Obeid, Livia Pelley, Taj Ramsey, Kye Randall, Jaye Rutishauser, Fallon Ryan, Tilly Sinclair, Melody Waller, Ruby Williams & Maya Williams.

Adam O’Brien
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

Refreshed by a break of quality time with family and friends, Year 9 returned to this new semester with preparedness, positivity and energy to build their success at school.

A new semester brings the promise of new possibilities. In Extended PC, Year 9 realised through games that personal success is built by positive relationships they have with their class peers and teachers. There is irrefutable evidence that active listening and respectful sharing of ideas creates a comfortable classroom environment focused on learning and links to higher academic outcomes.

Students were also reminded via activities that success is not a fluke; rather, success is the result of a GROWTH MINDSET and PERSISTENT EFFORT. Understanding that one’s abilities and intelligence is developed with effort and perseverance. This empowers individuals to embrace challenges confidently and persist through challenges,and is linked to achieving higher academic outcomes. I encouraged Year 9 to view setbacks or ‘fails’ as opportunities for improvement, with the mindset: “I haven’t got this yet but will if I keep trying”.

Moving forward, every student in Year 9 was encouraged to record in a Google Form on Compass their plan to build on their success this semester:

• after reading my Semester 1 report, what am I happiest about achieving?
• where will I target more persistent effort for success? and
• complete this sentence: I haven't got _____ yet but I will try to___ .

Planning for success helps students experience greater feelings of accomplishment, which in turn leads to greater confidence and productivity. Please take 10 minutes to sit with your young person and speak with them about their plan for building on their academic success this semester.  

Upcoming Events and Assessment

Week 3

Monday, August 5, ENGLISH (HI/IC), Period 2

Week 4

Monday, August 12, PASS (HI), 8.45am

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Tameah Baird Moran, Samuel Browne, Ivy Collins, Darcie Gleeson, Rafferty Gordon, Olivia Gridley, Annabelle Kerr, Charlie Long, Kayden Madden, Neave O'Brien, Charlie Power, Lillian Robertson, Nate Sheldon, Lara Smith, Bailey Speechly, Lani Warren & Jaxon Waser

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Tameah Baird  Moran, Analiese Bishop, Olivia Brown, Samuel Browne, Oliver Bryant, Evie Bullen, Samantha Carr, Max Choi, Leeann Clint, Ivy Collins, Hamish Conaghan, Dasha Cressida Bayot, Ayla Cross, Louis Dimmers, Natalie Ertl, Logan Evans, Luke Everson, Darcie Gleeson, Rafferty Gordon, Olivia Gridley, Leah Hanson, Olly Henry, Caitlyn Hucker, Annabelle Kerr, Sophie Kirkpatrick, Charlie Long, Kayden Madden, Poppi Maltman, Ewan McAllister, Rocco McCallum, Charlotte McEntyre, Charley McGuigan, Noah McKew, Amarni Munro-Blanch, Neave O'Brien, Keegan Pope, Charlie Power, Nate Radford, Lillian Robertson, Bailey Rowlatt, Lily Rowlatt, Lacey Ryan, Aiden Scarff, Nate Sheldon, Lara Smith, Bailey Speechly, Lani Warren, Jaxon Waser & Daniel Zhong

Nicole O'Connell
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

Welcome back to Term Three!

I hope you had a restful break and are recharged for the term ahead. This term is full of excitement with many new opportunities and experiences. As we dive into our work, we have important decisions to make and goals to achieve. Let’s approach this term with enthusiasm and determination.

Newman Visit

The College took Year 10 to Newman College last Thursday to gain more insight into the subjects on offer and to explore the incredible facilities. The array of subjects available was impressive, ranging from Marine Studies to Automotive, and from Retail to Nursing. These diverse options provide exciting opportunities for our students as they consider their future pathways.

The cohort was attentive and well-behaved, representing our College admirably. Many students gained valuable knowledge and experience that will help them make informed decisions about their future studies.

Code of Presentation

As a new term begins, it's a good time to revisit some of the College's expectations. Year 10 students hold an implied leadership role on our Junior Campus and are role models for many younger students. As a year group, it is our responsibility to set the tone for the high standards of the College.

Please be reminded of our College's Code of Presentation, particularly regarding a growing trend in certain areas of the uniform that do not align with the College’s Code:

Girls:

• Acrylic Nails
• Jewellery and Makeup
• Undershirts

Boys:

• Hair
• Facial Hair
• Moustaches

The Code of Presentation is grounded in our commitment to excellence, belonging, and pride. This standard promotes a sense of unity and professionalism among our students, which is essential for maintaining the high standards we strive for at our school. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring your child adheres to this policy.

Future Dates

Monday, 5 August 2024 - Year 11 2025 Subject Information Day

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Mia Bailey, Riley Bates, Matthew Firkin, Harrison Foster, Chloe Kapila, Daniel Mercer, Tom Newman, Angus Saidey, Kye Smith & Hannah Vinter-Forth

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

Hailie Attwells, Mia Bailey, Riley Bates, Sarah Blackney, Ryan Brumby, Marli Connerty, Cooper Evans, Matthew Firkin, Noah Forcier, Harrison Foster, Suki Fraser, Phoebe Hagenbach, Jasper Hall, Gabriella Horan Juzenas, Lane Jordan, Chloe Kapila, Blake Liddle, Zeilei Lynn, Jackson Mayne, Emma McNaught, Daniel Mercer, Jamie Merrick, Mikaeli Morgan, Max Moseley, Tom Newman, Laura Norris, Bella Riches, Mia Ryall, Ume Ryan, Lucy Ryan, Angus Saidey, Ajay Sen Gupta, Kye Smith, Sienna Spicer, Chase Thompson, Darwin Tink, Hannah Vinter Forth, Maddison West, Clare Wilcox & Elliot Williams

Tom Salter
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 11

Welcome back to Term 3 and the last term of preliminary Year 11.

Phone-Free Fridays!

After noticing that Year 11 students were constantly staring at their phones during breaks, I introduced Phone-Free Fridays. On this day each week, students are encouraged to put down their phones and engage in activities like playing sports, going for a walk, or simply talking with peers. Our first trial last week was a great success, despite a few reminders and less-than-ideal weather. It was wonderful to see students shooting hoops in the hall, throwing the footy on the grass, and socialising face-to-face rather than being glued to screens.

This initiative not only fosters better communication and physical activity but also promotes a stronger sense of community and belonging among the students. Just because they can use their phones now on the senior site, doesn’t mean they have to use them!

Uniform

As we begin a new term, I want to remind everyone about the importance of wearing the correct uniform. Both myself and your class and PC teachers will be monitoring uniforms closely, as standards have slipped a bit recently.

Sport Uniform – Students are only to wear sport uniform when they have a practical lesson. The sport uniform must also be worn correctly. Sport shorts must be mid-thigh length and have the SAPSS logo. Sport shoes are to be lace-up joggers with a heel and arch for support.

Jewellery - Maximum two earrings in each ear. Plain sleepers or studs. No facial piercings. One fine necklace, no bracelets and one ring.

Shoes and socks - Plain black, polishable lace-up leather shoes with formal uniform. Correct college socks.

Hair - Clean and tidy. No mullets or shaved sides. Clean shaven at all times.

Jerseys

This has been the hot topic around the yard this week! Students are thrilled about their 2025 Year 12 Jerseys. The designs have been voted on, and the selected one is shown below. Students have also picked their nicknames for the back of the jerseys and will soon try on samples for sizing. The next step will be filling out the order forms, which will be distributed in the coming week.

I would like to thank the jersey committee for their help in putting together the designs but also to Mrs Porter who has been working very hard organising this for the students.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who received a Leader of Pastoral Care Award: Ruby O’Bryan & Layla Stewart

Dan O’Dell
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 12

Trial HSC Exams

Year 12 have hit the ground running after the holidays and have been extremely busy preparing for their Trial HSC exams and finishing practical projects. I have been very impressed with their work ethic and maturity over this period.

Below are a few little tips that I passed on to them this week about the upcoming exam period:

Have a routine, and stick to it. This should include eating a healthy breakfast at the same time each day, and setting out a plan for the day that includes study time, exams (if you have one), time for yourself and exercise.

Get plenty of sleep. Teenagers should be getting around 9.5 hours of sleep each day in order to function most productively. It is as important as your study, so don’t skimp on sleep.

If you have an exam, get to school early. There is nothing that will make you more stressed than running late. And the exams will not wait for you, they will start on time.

Before an exam avoid stressful people. This will help you stay relaxed - instead, find a space and give yourself a pep talk about how you’re going to do really well.

Remember your goals. We’ve been talking about these for a year and a half now. Keep your eyes on the prize. This is the reason we’re here, and the reason we’re working so hard.

Use your teachers. We’re still here. And we are here to help. We’re here to give advice, answer questions, give feedback and to motivate you to be your best. Contact us or organise a meeting with us if that’s what you need.

I wish the best to every Year 12 student tackling these exams. My hope is that your preparation and work ethic gives you the results you deserve.

Bruce Smith
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care

Music News

“To sing is to pray twice.” St Augustine

Pirates Rugby Sponsors Day Performance

Well done to the St Agnes Parish Secondary Schools junior and senior Drumlines who performed at the Pirates Rugby Club Sponsors Day on Saturday, 27 July.

Despite the drizzle and cold weather, the ensembles performed well to a receptive audience and brought an energy to the afternoon games.

The Friday Sing

Sing with a mate, sing with your class, sing with your PC, sing at home, sing with family, sing to God, sing to relax, sing for fun, sing as prayer, or just listen for a little inspiration. Enjoy!

Open up the heavens - Meredith Andrews

Ensemble Rehearsal Timetable: Term 3

Uniform Expectations

Please note that all student performers at MacKillop, either soloists or ensembles, are no longer required to purchase a performing ensemble shirt. Students are to adhere to the uniform expectations outlined in the document attached below.

Music Performance Uniform Expectations Information Letter

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rob Denham (leader of co-curricular music).

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

• Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival - Intensive Rehearsal #2
  (Stuarts Park) Week 2  - Saturday August 3, 3.30pm - 7.00pm (SAPSS Concert Band, SAPSS Jazz Band)
• Australian Percussion Eisteddfod (Drumline Section)
  (Barker College Sydney) Week 2  - Saturday August 3 - Sunday August 4 (Junior & Senior Drumline, Colour Guard)
• Youth and Family Mass
  (St Agnes Church) Sunday August 4, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Collective Praise Band & Singers
• Assembly Performance
  (College Hall) Week 3  - Wednesday August 7, Period 1, TBC
• Feast Day Mass
  (College Hall) Tuesday August 20, Period 1 and 2, 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

Representative Sport and Upcoming Events

Match Report: MacKillop College vs. Great Lakes Tuncurry Round 5

On a sunny day, MacKillop College faced off against Great Lakes Tuncurry in a highly anticipated Bill Turner game. With Great Lakes boasting significant wins in their three prior matches, there was a palpable sense of nervousness among the MacKillop girls. However, they quickly settled into their usual cool, calm passing game, controlling the play and dominating the opposition through our skilled midfielders Nyah, Charlotte, Hannah Gresswell, and Hannah Ryan.

Our strong backline, consisting of Ziva, Freya, Frieda, Daisy, Lenni, and Amarlie, was determined to not allow the opposition to score, effectively neutralising the sporadic attacking raids from Great Lakes. The opposition's two standout players displayed impressive footwork, keeping MacKillop on their toes for much of the first half until Hannah scored late in the first half to put us up 1 nil going into half time. 

In the second half, the girls emerged with renewed confidence, determined to wear down Great Lakes. The attacking quartet of Claire, Siena, Frankie, and Gracie launched several forward raids. Although they were not immediately rewarded with a goal, their relentless pressure ensured MacKillop maintained possession and kept Great Lakes on the defensive.

A pivotal moment came with a strategic positional reshuffle. Freya Briggs transitioned from defense to attack seamlessly, scoring midway through the second half to put the game out of Great Lakes' reach. Later, Freya executed a pinpoint corner kick, linking up perfectly with Hannah Gresswell, who found the back of the net just five minutes before full-time.

Maya was outstanding in Goals, reading the play impeccably and keeping a clean sheet to secure the victory 3 nil. 

Congratulations to Freya Briggs, who was named MVP for her stellar performance.

The girls were a pleasure to coach, displaying skill, determination, and teamwork. With this momentum, we look forward to our next match against St Bede’s Chisholm at MacKillop. Well done girls, extremely proud of you. 

Coach: Erin Denham

Match Report: MacKillop College vs. Great Lakes Tuncurry Round 5

After a successful period throughout Term Two, the Bill Turner Cup team went to Tuncurry to Play Great Lakes College in Round 4 of the competition. It was a significant game as the winner would book a place in the Regional Final against St John Paul College of Coffs Harbour. 

We took to the task at hand which was always going to be difficult given the progressive nature of the cup. There were some early warning signs from their attack and a plan was devised to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, when we were able to gain possession of the ball, we were wasteful and often gave the ball back all too easily. At the midway point of the first half, we conceded and went 1-0 and approaching halftime, more planning was considered. It was just our luck that with the last kick of the half, they scored again and all plans went out the window. At this point we were always chasing the game and as such our defence was given a tough time!

It wasn’t our day and our 2024 Bill Turner Cup run came to an end, eventually falling to a 5-0 defeat. Our boys can be proud of the way that they represented themselves and the College throughout the campaign. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Year 9 students who are ineligible to play in this competition again who did their utmost for the team. I’m also excited for the future as many Year 7 and 8 students showed plenty of promise which puts us in good stead for the future. 

Coach: Mr Salter

NSW All Schools Cross Country

Congratulations to Freyin Hostettler, Noah Pociask, Indigo Duncan who recently represented the NSWCCC Cross Country team at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships. 

All of our athletes competed extremely well against the best runners in all of NSW with approximately 100 runners in each division. Results below;

Congratulations Noah, Freycin and Indigo, proud in an understatement. 

Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships

Mr Littler (Assistant Coach)  and myself were fortunate to be involved with the NSWCCC U16 Girls Rugby League team last term. Congratulations to Arliah Morris who represented the NSWCCC team at the Australian Championships in week 10 last term.

The conditions were not great however this did not deter the girls posting some great wins.

Game 1 NSW 18 V WA 0

Game 2 NSW 24 - VIC 0

Game 3 NSW 6 - CHS 8

Only the top team from each pool progressed to the final with CHS defeating QLD 10 - 6. 

Congratulations Arliah, such a great experience to be a part of. 

Erin Denham (Manager) 

MacKillop College Events and Registration

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.

The following sports are open to all boys and girls in each sport to register for trials:

• Junior, Intermediate & Senior Boys & Girls Volleyball
• Boys and Girls Cricket

Log in to Moodle. Scroll to the student links on the left-hand side. Click on the Representative Sport link to register. Please read the daily notices over the next week for trial dates and times. 

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.

NSW All Schools - Events

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

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 either by email or phone at the College.

ERIN DENHAM
LEADER OF SPORT

Canteen Update

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.

Attention all QKR users!

Cut-off time is 8.00 am.

Any orders placed after 8.00 am default to the following day. It is very time-consuming for canteen staff to have to check all late orders every day and then contact parents about their order. 

If you make a mistake, please call the office or send your child to the canteen.

There have also been new gluten-free items added to the menu.

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 

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