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MacKillop College Port Macquarie

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Ocean Drive
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Subscribe: https://pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/subscribe

Email: pmac@lism.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 6583 2632

MacKillop College Port Macquarie

Ocean Drive
Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Phone: 02 6583 2632
Email: pmac@lism.catholic.edu.au
Website:
https://www.pmaclism.catholic.edu.au/ 

Canteen

  • QKR app for canteen orders

Upcoming Events

12 May
Years 7-11 Learning Conversations, College Hall

3:30 PM - 7:00 PM

13 May
Year 10 Midcoast Career Market, Port Macquarie Race Club

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

14 May
Wakakirri 2025 Rehearsals, S10

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Recurring event

15 May
Duke of Ed - Bronze Practice Expedition, Hat Head

15 May 2025 - 16 May 2025

15 May
Year 10 PASS Excursion, Sydney

15 May 2025 - 16 May 2025

16 May
9A2 Community Connection Program

All day

19 May
St Peter's First Communion Retreat, Year 10 Youth Ministry Class to Assist, College Chapel

11:20 AM - 1:35 PM

19 May
First Nations Deadly Science - Petroglyph 7 & 8, Ngarramba

11:35 AM - 12:35 PM

19 May
First Nations Deadly Science - Petroglyph 9 & 10, Ngarramba

12:35 PM - 1:35 PM

19 May
Years 7-11 Learning Conversations, College Hall

3:30 PM - 7:00 PM

20 May
Year 12 Geography - Ecosystems and Biodiversity Excursion, Coffs Harbour

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

21 May
Wakakirri 2025 Rehearsals, S10

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Recurring event

23 May
9A3 Community Connection Program

All day

23 May
Year 9 & 10 Textiles Excursion | Year 10 Incursion, Panthers Port Macquarie

All day

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Term 4, Week 2, 25 October

  • Upcoming Events
  • Principal Update
  • Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
  • Year 7
  • Year 8
  • Year 9
  • Year 10
  • Year 11
  • School Immunisation Catch up Day
  • Busways Travel Changes
  • Music News
  • Sport News
  • Canteen Update
  • Homework Hub
  • Maths Tutorials
  • Community News

Upcoming Events

Week 3 Term 4
Monday October 28

HSC Exams
PAT Testing - Year 7 Science
Round 8 North Coast Second Place Chess Game, Junior Library 11.00am - 1.30pm

Tuesday October 29

HSC Exams

Wednesday October 30

HSC Exams
Collective Praise Band & Singers Rehearsal, Chapel, 8.00am - 10.00am
Fit for Life (Cultural) - Selected students, PCYC PMQ, 9.00am - 11.00am

Thursday October 31

HSC Exams
School Immunisation Catch-Up Day, Junior Library 

Friday November 1

HSC Exams
Year 7 Community Service Day: 7F2

Week 4 Term 4

Monday November 4

HSC Exams
Year 8 Camp, Trial Bay Campground, Day 1
Year 9 Canberra Excursion, Day 1

Tuesday November 5HSC Exams
Year 8 Camp, Trial Bay Campground, Day 2
Year 9 Canberra Excursion, Day 2

Wednesday November 6

HSC Exams
Year 8 Camp, Trial Bay Campground, Day 3
Year 9 Canberra Excursion, Day 3
Senior Retreat, Francis Retreat & Yarra Holiday Park, Day 1
Marine Whale Watching, 9.00am - 12.35pm

Thursday November 7

HSC Exams
Year 8 Camp, Trial Bay Campground, Day 4
Year 9 Canberra Excursion, Day 4
Senior Retreat, Francis Retreat & Yarra Holiday Park, Day 2
Aboriginal Education: Cultural Bush Tucker, 2.10pm - 3.10pm

Friday November 8

HSC Exams
Year 8 Camp, Trial Bay Campground, Day 5
Senior Retreat, Francis Retreat & Yarra Holiday Park, Day 3
Year 7 Community Service Day: 7I1

Principal Update

Student Representative Council Commissioning and House Naming Assembly

Last Wednesday, we had a wonderful assembly at which our 2024/25 student leaders were commissioned and presented with their leadership badges. 

This assembly marked the beginning of a new model of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at MacKillop College. The SRC aligns with our new houses and ensures all student groups are represented.

This decision to move to three houses came about as part of our 2023 school review and in response to our growing numbers. The three-house model will ensure that despite our size, every student not only belongs to the whole MacKillop school community but also to a house group where they will feel connected to students across Years 7–12 and be known and cared for by a team of staff and a leader who has responsibility for just 150 students rather than the previous 225 per year group. The three-house model will build community and house spirit and have a focus on stage and age-specific learning and wellbeing outcomes. There will be lots of opportunities for healthy competition and fun times. 

Students and staff found out in Term 3 which house they will belong to, and during assembly in Week 1, they found out their house name, colours, and mascot.

Just as our college is named after a saint who embodied the values of Catholic education in Mary MacKillop, it was decided that each house be named after a saint.

Not only have the three saints been selected because of the values and example they lived, but also because of their connection to the history and traditions of our school and our parish.

  1. St. Joseph’s House - St. Joseph is the patron saint of the Sister St. Joseph's. The sisters founded Catholic education here in Port Macquarie. Many of your parents and grandparents would have been taught by the sisters of St. Joseph.

  2. St. Paul’s House - St. Paul was the patron of St. Paul’s High School, which, as you know, was our Year 7 to 10 campus before we merged with the senior school to become MacKillop College. Many of your older siblings and parents attended St. Paul’s High School.

  3. St. Agnes’ House - St. Agnes' is the patron saint of our parish. Connection to parish is an important part of our MacKillop College identity. We would not be here if it were not for the foresight of our former parish priest, Father Donnelly, and his desire to provide Catholic education to the young people of the Hastings.

Our mascots have been selected from three of our seven Biripi totems. In selecting these, the 2024 SRC wanted to have a mascot that represented land, water, and sky. We will have the kangaroo (Wambuyn), stingray (Biluun), and eagle (Gumal). These choices have been endorsed by the local Aboriginal leaders. 

When deciding on the three colours for the new houses, a survey was given to all students, with red, green, and yellow being the chosen colours. Blue was very close in the contest; however, the SRC felt everyone wore blue for sport, so it allowed for greater spirit and dress-up fun with red, green, and yellow. 

In the coming weeks, students and staff will work together to design the crests and banners for our new houses.

School Fees 2025

The schedule of tuition fees for 2025 has now been uploaded to our website for families to access. Please be aware that relevant subject fees and resource fee charges will be made available to you separately with total costs billed at the start of 2025. Once again, we thank those families who have ensured that their current accounts are up to date.

Principal
Cath Eichmann

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Our 2023 Student of the Year, Tess McWilliams, returned to give the Occasional Address at our recent Celebration of Excellence. Her addresses inspired many, and we share this with you:

Good morning everyone,

It’s a bit surreal being asked to address you all today because this time last year I wasn’t sitting alongside my classmates where the year 12s sit today. Instead, I was in Papua New Guinea playing rugby league for the Australian Schoolgirls. I had a big choice to make leading into that week. I had to choose between making graduation memories and making the most of an opportunity that I might never get again. There hasn’t been one moment that I’ve regretted that decision or any other one that aligned with achieving my goals because, from my perspective, the sacrifices and hard work were worth it.

What I’ve learned throughout this year is that success is very closely tied to your perspective, and believe me when I say that my perspective has changed a lot over the last couple of years. I mean, there was a time I seriously considered stopping sports altogether to focus solely on my studies. Luckily, Mrs. Denham was there to talk some sense into me and remind me that loads of people find a way to balance the things they love with their studies or work. I realised that the pressure I had placed on myself to achieve these ambitious goals in the perfect way wasn’t helping me anymore. I had to learn to adapt and be flexible when things started to go off track and to learn that life can’t solely revolve around one goal or dream. I’ve had to find a way to invest my time into other things that bring me happiness in addition to all the training, nutrition, and time spent improving my game. Taking this perspective has allowed me to find a balance that I’m still figuring out, but I’ve learned now to value not just the long-term goals but the small things in life as well.

Another new perspective I’m trying to prioritise is that it’s easy to forgive others but a lot harder to forgive myself. With each little embarrassing mistake or mishap, I’ve had to learn that no one is perfect and we all deserve forgiveness, especially from ourselves. Just this past weekend, I dropped and shattered a crystal glass less than five minutes into an event. You’d think being an athlete would help with things like this, but here we are. We all make mistakes, and with this in mind, we need to be kinder to ourselves. Life after school is about trying new things, making mistakes, learning from them, and then moving forward. Just like I’m not expected to magically slot a 40-metre field goal without any practice, we’re not supposed to be able to get everything right the first time around. This shift in perspective has allowed me to grow and move forward when I’m faced with new scenarios and the changing expectations of post-school life.

I’ve told you how I’ve changed this past year, but it’s just as important to be able to hold onto something that is working for you or is a core part of who you are. One perspective I’ve held on to is that ‘consistent hard work builds success’. This reminds me that I don’t need results immediately; I only ever need progress, from which I can then set realistic goals that can be worked towards. I can find comfort in the knowledge that I am improving each day with consistent effort. Discipline is what maintains this consistency when motivation inevitably dissipates. It’s what allows you to chip away at your goals and to keep improving each and every day. For me, this can look like a 5-10kg PR in the gym or hitting a new top speed at training, but it’s also being able to show up for my clients at work, challenge myself at university, or even just put myself out there and meeting new people. I try to remind myself that, while this

The perspective of working hard to build success lends itself well to chasing big achievements and goals; it also prioritises the small, everyday efforts first. At the end of the day, these efforts are what make all the difference.

So, I guess what I’m leaving you with today is this: perspective is a really important tool. It allows us to look at each situation through a new lens and find what is most helpful. I encourage you all to be prepared to hold onto the perspectives that stand the test of time, but don’t be afraid to be flexible and change your approach sometimes as well.

As someone who is definitely still figuring this all out, I ask you this: Do you know what goals you’re currently striving towards? Do you have an idea of how to get there? Are you capable of challenging your own perspectives in the interest of finding what really works for you? If not, then maybe it’s worth addressing. I certainly found it helpful, and these are all questions I’ll continue to ask myself as I keep striving to reach my goals, whether that be on the field, in the classroom, or just with life in general.

Jennifer Campbell
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Year 7

Term 4: Welcome back

Welcome back Year 7 to Term 4 at MacKillop College. As we begin this final term of the year, it’s important to reflect on our values of respect and community. Our Year 7 students have grown so much already, and we look forward to seeing our Year 7 students continue to demonstrate kindness, consideration, and respect in all areas of school life. We’re excited for all that Term 4 will bring.

Code of Presentation

As we begin Term 4, we’d like to remind students of the importance of following our uniform expectations, which are a key part of demonstrating respect for our school community. On non-sport days, students need to wear the full formal uniform, and for girls, skirts at an appropriate length. On Sport/PDHPE practical days, the complete sports uniform is to be worn. This includes proper sports shoes. 

Another key aspect of our Code of Presentation is maintaining appropriate haircuts that reflect the respectful and neat image we uphold at MacKillop. Please ensure that hairstyles are clean, simple, and in line with our guidelines. This helps contribute to the positive atmosphere of our community and shows pride in our school. Full details of the Code of Presentation can be found in our student handbook, which can be found on Compass > School Documentation > Student Resources > Student Handbook.

Community Service Programme

Our college mission is to ‘enable students to experience the fullness of life.' (John 10:10). Three of the most natural expressions of Christian fullness of life are revealed in faith that is embodied in worship, service, and community. The Community Service Programme seeks to build student experience in each of these three areas.

The first of our Year 7 Pastoral Care classes experienced this programme last week. The day commenced with the students from 7F1, accompanied by Mr Evans, Mrs Ryals, and Mr Adams, participating in community service at Emmaus Aged Care. Students were placed into two groups; one group was able to produce some wonderful paintings, and the other group was able to participate in some indoor lawn bowls with some of the wonderful residents of Emmaus.

The day then continued with worship at St. Agnes’ Parish during Friday Mass, where students participated in the liturgy and reflected on the importance of community values. Following the Mass, students provided hospitality for parishioners, offering light refreshments and creating an inviting atmosphere for fellowship before concluding the day with a fun team-building activity at Ten Pin Bowling, strengthening their bonds while promoting teamwork and collaboration.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Principals Award: Hannah Ryan.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principals Award: Grace Broderick, Sam Clifton, Sonny Cowan, Liam Cox, Maya Griffiths, Michael Mackie, Bethany Martin, Antonia McEntyre, Milly Osborne, Taj Patterson, Ranuki Ranasinghe, Shylah Tattersall & Ethan Thompson.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a LoPC Awards: Tom Abell, Grace Broderick, Lydia Buttigieg, Mason Campbell, Paige Causley, Sam Clifton, Erika Collins-Jones, Sonny Cowan, Liam Cox, Amelia Dekker, Grace Gallery, Anna Gardiner (x2), Demi Gluyas, Harvey Gosling, Stephanie Gould, Maya Griffiths, Paige Heery, Charley Kaddatz, Nathan Keane, Michael Mackie, Bethany Martin, Antonia McEntyre, Julius McNee, Keira Moore, Alina O'Brien, Milly Osborne, Lotte Paterson, Taj Patterson, Felix Plowright, Jaxon Radford, Ranuki Ranasinghe, Hannah Ryan, Isla Scaysbrook, Shylah Tattersall, Ethan Thompson, Alexander Vaquerisaz Canivilo, Ari Waite & Violet Wilton.

Ryan Adams
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 8

Welcome Back

Welcome back to the last term of 2024 and Year 8! Where has the time gone? Hopefully, everyone was able to enjoy some rest over the break and start the new term with a renewed purpose to work towards ‘being and doing’ their best to achieve Stage 4 outcomes in their learning.

This term proves to be an exciting one for the Year 8 cohort. Our Year 8 camp is only two weeks away!! I understand there are some nervous students and parents alike. This is a normal feeling, but no doubt when we board that bus Monday morning in Week 4, the nerves will subside with excitement and readiness to bring their strengths to embrace different challenges.

We have been busily forming tent/food groups since last term, and as parents, you would have heard about this. The students have been thoroughly prepared for the camp during PDHPE lessons. Students have been instructed on menu preparation and camp set-up. Please note that students are responsible for planning, purchasing, storing, and preparing the food for their tent/food group.

It’s now time for families to communicate with each other and help the children drag out the tents and equipment, look over their menu, shop and prepare eskies, and pack in preparation for camp.

Please take the time to reread and double-check with your child the Year 8 Camp Information regarding the Equipment List, Menu Planning, and Food Storage, as well as the organisational notes emailed to families.

Tent set up and storage at school (Wednesday, October 30, Week 3)

During extended PC on Wednesday of Week 3, the Year 8 cohort will do a “practice” setup of their tents/swags in preparation for camp. Students must bring in their group’s tent/swag on this day. This practice setup ensures that the tent/swag is in good working order and that students know how to set it up and pack it down for camp. The group’s tent/swag will then be clearly labelled and remain at school, ready to be packed onto buses on Monday in preparation for the camp.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Principals Award: Ruby Cramp & Bianca Harrison.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principals Award: Joshua Ball (x2), Jonah Barnes, Caleb Bilson, Ruby Ford, Jake Gainsford, Lucas Garnett, Livia Pelley, Finn Punton, Xavier Pye & Tora Smith.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a LoPC Awards: Charlton Arrighi, Liam Ayres, Joshua Ball (x2), Jonah Barnes, Jacob Bell, Caleb Bilson, Knox Blake, Georgie Carlton, Ruby Comer, Ruby Cramp, Kaylie Dawson, Noah Dowd, Evie Evans, Bethany Folkes, Ruby Ford, Jake Gainsford, Lucas Garnett, Bianca Harrison, Nate James, Iluka Kincaid, Evie Kuchling, Willow Lewis, Aidan Miles, Amelie Obeid, Livia Pelley, Finn Punton, Xavier Pye, Andrew Slavin, Maxine Smith, Tora Smith, Aleisha Van Lint (x2), Lachlan Walters, Ruby Williams & Maya Williams.

Adam O’Brien
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 9

We welcome students and families back to Term 4—another school term full of various opportunities for involvement, for which we are grateful.

Given their busy upcoming schedule, Year 9 is urged to settle back into school routines quickly. Their first step is to show up prepared for success; thus, students should ensure their devices are fully charged, restock stationery needs, and maintain the expectations and high standards of our school uniform code.

Code of Presentation:

Students must wear the correct uniform each day to school. Adhering to the Code of Presentation is a non-negotiable requirement. 

Year 9 has been reminded that:

  • Two earrings per ear (maximum) are permitted and should be small studs or sleepers; 
  • Haircuts do not draw attention (e.g., mullet style) and be a natural colour; 
  • Black school socks are worn and cover ankles;
  • Sport shorts are a modest fit and mid-thigh length;
  • skirt length is to the knee;
  • face is clean-shaven; and
  • A sports uniform is worn only for timetabled sports and practical lessons.

The standard operating procedures for students who breach the Code of Presentation include: 

Uniform Breach 1: A verbal warning is given to the student to correct the breach.

Uniform Breach 2: Parents are notified and with an arrangement to any correct breach.

Uniform Breach 3: The student is removed from class and the playground until there is compliance with school code.

Thank you for your support in ensuring your child comes to school dressed appropriately and ready to learn. 

Assessments

Year 9 returns to term preparing for assessment of their learning of units of work studied. I expect your child to have homework most nights to prepare well for assessments and consolidate their learning. 

This week, all students have completed PAT testing in science, numeracy, and reading, and their results will inform their teachers of their growth and areas for focus. It was pleasing to see everyone was ready with their laptops charged.

Upcoming events and Year 9 Assessment

Week 3

  • Monday, 28 October - English HI
  • Wednesday, 30 October: PASS HI. Timber Task 3 P3/5
  • Thursday, 31 October: French IC. Elective History IC. Italian IC P2.
  • Friday, 1 November: Computing Tech Task 3 HI

Week 4

  • Monday-Thursday 4-07 November: CANBERRA EXCURSION/EVIDENCE OF LEARNING
  • Friday, 8 November: Rest/stay-at-home day for all students in Year 9 

All Year 9 students will engage in their HSIE Evidence of Learning (EOL) Canberra tasks during this week of school, be it attending the: 

  • Canberra excursion in an immersive experience; or
  • Completion of a school-based programme in lieu of the excursion. Students are required to attend school as usual and participate meaningfully in the school-based Canberra programme. 

These school days are compulsory. 

Final preparations are underway for our year-group excursion to our nation’s capital, which promises to be the highlight of the school experiences this year. Please refer your child to the correspondence to parents and help them prepare to pack their bags next weekend for a 5.15 am start at school on Monday!

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principals Award: Samantha Carr, Saoirse Crinion, Louis Dimmers, Luke Everson, Toby Fraser, Olly Henry, Gracie Huxley, Layley Lewis, Charlie Long, Jack Shuttleworth, Olivia Thompson & Summer Waite.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a LoPC Awards: Tameah Baird Moran, Lucas Boath, Billy Brockhouse, Charlie Cameron, Samantha Carr, Joe Caruso, William Clark, Finn Cole, Toreno Crepaz, Saoirse Crinion, Flynn Daly, Louis Dimmers, Allie Donohoe, Luke Everson, Toby Fraser, Paige Goldie, Riley Harris, Olly Henry, Adam Hines, Camille Hostettler, Logan Howard, Gracie Huxley, Indi Kingston, Layley Lewis, Charlie Long, Poppi Maltman, Poppy Mason, Charlotte McEntyre, Charley McGuigan, Jessica Moore, Lily Moseley, Nate Radford, Reese Rosenbaum, Emily Ryan, Jack Shuttleworth, Lara Smith, Olivia Thompson, Jude Vasilescu, Summer Waite & Mia Zvirzdinas.

Nicole O’Connell
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 10

Welcome back to Term 4!

Welcome back to the final term of the year! I hope you all enjoyed a well-deserved break and are returning refreshed and ready to tackle the weeks ahead with a positive mindset. As we approach the end of our time at MacKillop College (as we know it), it’s more important than ever to finish strong, stay focused, and make the most of every opportunity. Let’s aim for a memorable and successful conclusion to the year!

Code of Presentation Matters

As we settle into Term 4, I’d like to remind everyone of the importance of upholding our school’s standards, including the Code of Presentation. Some uniform issues that are not in line with our guidelines have been observed, such as wearing make-up, inappropriate jewellery, hairstyles such as mullets, and facial hair in the form of moustaches.

Formal Uniform Code

  • Double pleated skirt to the knee (teal for juniors, grey for seniors) with black college socks OR black college shorts or pants with SAPSS logo and black college socks. 
  • White College short-sleeve button-up blouse or shirt with College crest. 
  • Black college jacket and/or black college jumper. 
  • College ties are an optional uniform item. 
  • Shoes must be plain black, polished lace-up leather shoes. (no high tops, boots or ripple soles, skate type, buckle, or open top shoes). 
  • Undershirts or singlets must be plain white and not visible.

Sport Uniform Code 

  • Black College sport shorts at a minimum length of mid-thigh featuring the SAPSS logo, an aqua College polo shirt, and black College socks. 
  • A black college jacket, a black college jumper, and/or SAPSS track pants may be worn as part of the sport uniform. 
  • Sport shoes must be lace-up jogger or cross-trainer style suitable for sport. Sport shoes must have arch and heel support. No canvas shoes, gym boots, skate shoes, or other casual footwear are permitted. 
  • Undershirts or singlets must be logo-free and not visible. 
  • Students unable to wear the full and correct college sport uniform are to wear the full and correct college formal uniform.

For full and detailed information about our Code of Presentation, please refer to Page 21 of the student handbook, which can be found on the student resources link on Compass. 

Procedures for Uniform Breaches

To ensure clarity, here’s a reminder of the steps taken for breaches of our Code of Presentation:

Uniform Level 1

Teachers will discuss the issue with the student and explain what needs to be corrected. If the issue can be fixed immediately (e.g., excess jewellery), it should be done so. If a student refuses or repeats the breach on the same day, an afternoon detention will be issued.

Uniform Level 2

Parents will be contacted, and a date will be set for the uniform issue to be corrected.

Uniform Level 3

If the issue persists, the student will be removed from class and playground activities until compliance with school rules is achieved. This step reflects non-compliance with our expectations.

Let’s work together to maintain the high standards that make our school community proud!

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principals Award: Charlee Lawlor, Spencer Lee, Zeilei Lynn, Anna Martin, Ume Ryan, Caleb Sajko & Maddison Whitton-Howell.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a LoPC Awards: Daniel Allen, Autumn Curtis, Lucy Hope, Ethan Kelly, Charlee Lawlor, Spencer Lee, Zeilei Lynn, Jarrod Manning, Anna Martin, Mitchell McGuinness, Xanthia Petrou, Phoenix Power, Amelia Queripel, Piper Roberts, Ume Ryan, Caleb Sajko, Lewis Shipway, Briella Sutherland, Hugo Van Den Nieuwenhof & Maddison Whitton-Howell.

Tom Salter
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Year 11

Well, it’s here. Year 12 and the HSC. It has begun. And it begins with a very busy term ahead.

Jersey’s

The company has delayed the jerseys, but they will be handed out as soon as they arrive.

Movember

Movember is an annual event where participants grow moustaches throughout November to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and male suicide.

Some students have expressed that they would like to participate in Movember this year and raise awareness and funds for this great cause. All Year 11 students are encouraged to get involved and help support men’s health issues. You can grow a muscle or move for mental health by running or walking 60 km over the month. Please visit the Movember website for more information.

Anyone wanting to get involved must sign up with Mr. O’Dell and donate $20. Students are welcome to raise this however they like or ask for sponsors. The funds will be donated to the Movember charity on behalf of MacKillop College Year 11.

We will then host a morning tea at the end of November to raise money and award the best mo.

Please be aware that students MUST sign up in order to have permission to grow a mo for the month of November only, and after 30 November, the students will be required to be clean-shaven as per our college policy.

Melbourne Cup Day

This is a highlight of the senior calendar and a great way to celebrate the start of the HSC. Our Year 11 students will be able to dress up on 5 November. Our Captains and SRC will host some activities, including “Fashions on the Field,” and we will come together to watch the famous race in the afternoon.

Senior Retreat: Wednesday, 6 November, to Friday, 8November

The senior retreat is on Term 4, Week 4. Permission forms and information have already been sent out via COMPASS. Students, parents, and carers are reminded to check the information on COMPASS. Groups and venues were organised this week, so it will say via COMPASS which venue your child is attending.

The Year 12 senior retreat is a pivotal experience for MacKillop senior students. It fosters deep personal reflection and strengthens their bonds with one another. It provides a unique opportunity to explore their values and faith, helping them prepare for the transition to adulthood and future challenges.

A requirement for the retreat is for our students to purchase and wear an outfit from one of our local St. Vincent Opportunity shops. The outfit will be worn on the first night of the retreat.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a LoPC Award: Samantha Carlton & Mia Szumowski.

Dan O’Dell
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

School Immunisation Catch up Day

Dear Parents / Carers of Year 7 students

The North Coast Public Health Unit is seeing high levels of confirmed Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases across the region.

Adolescents are at risk of infection because pertussis immunity wanes after their childhood dose at 4 years of age. Older children and adults are often the source of pertussis infection to vulnerable infants. For these reasons, a booster dose of Pertussis is given at High School which provides immunity into adult life and reduces the likelihood of outbreaks.

A Vaccination clinic for Year 7 students will be at your child’s school shortly and we encourage you to complete the on-line consent to ensure your child receives the two recommended vaccines that are given on the same day. These vaccines include the tetanus-pertussis-diphtheria (dTpa) vaccine for protection against pertussis as well as tetanus and diphtheria, and the HPV vaccine for protection against the human-papilloma virus (HPV).

A pertussis fact sheet is available at Whooping cough (Pertussis) fact sheet - Fact sheets (nsw.gov.au)

A human papilloma virus fact sheet is available at Human papillomavirus (HPV) - Fact sheets (nsw.gov.au)

We thank you for your assistance and support.

North Coast Population & Public Health Unit

Busways Travel Changes

Music News

“To sing is to pray twice.” St Augustine

The Voice MacKillop - Musical Theatre Song Contest

The annual VOICE MACKILLOP musical theatre song contest is on again this year to be staged in the theatre on Wednesday November 20, from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Entries are now OPEN with PRIZES TO BE WON! Submit a KARAOKE style entry as a soloist or pair up with a friend as a duet. PC groups can also enter!

Enjoy Karaoke-style singing with backing tracks and have fun while contributing to the Mary MacKillop Fund to support those in need.

Entries close Monday, November 11.

  • Solo/Duet Entry Details are linked here.
  • PC Group Entry Details are linked here.

For more information, please contact Mr. Denham.

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!

Tonight - All Sons & Daughters

Ensemble Rehearsal Timetable: Term 3


TimeVenueDirector
Concert BandMonday Day 1, 7.45am - 8.40amJ16 Music RoomCara Stewart
Pop ChoirTuesday, Day 2, 7.45am - 8.40am TheatreSam Adams
SAPSS Junior DrumlineTuesday, Day 2, 3.30pm - 5.30pmCollege HallMark Spence
Junior PercussionWednesday, Day 3, 7.45am - 8.40amJ16 Music RoomMark Spence
CollectiveWednesday, Day 3, 7.45am - 8.40amChapelRob Denham
SAPSS Senior DrumlineWednesday, Day 3, 3.30pm - 5.30pmCollege HallMark Spence
Senior PercussionThursday, Day 4, 7.45am - 8.40amJ16 Music RoomMark Spence
String EnsembleFriday, Day 5, 7.45am - 8.40amJ14 Music RoomMichaeli Witney

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

  • Youth and Family Mass
    (St Agnes Parish Church) Sunday, 3rd November, 4:15pm-6:00pm, Collective Praise Band & Singers
  • Assembly Performance
    (MacKillop College, Hall) Wednesday, 13th November, period 1, ensemble TBC
  • The Voice Contest
    (MacKillop College, Theatre) Wednesday 20th November, L2-PP5, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Pop Choir and Year 9 Pit Band in addition to finalists.

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 Term 4 Sport Programme
Year 8 Term 4 Sport Programme
Year 9 Term 4 Sport Programme
Year 10 Term 4 Sport Programme

Representative Sport Reports

Berg Shield Cricket

After just two rounds, the MacKillop College Berg Shield Cricket team has been eliminated from the NSWCCC knockout competition for 2024.

In round one, MacKillop College played arch-rival St. Joseph’s Regional College at Wayne Richards Park in week ten of term three. St. Josephs batted first in that game and were restricted to 5/85 from their 20 overs, mainly due to some excellent bowling from Manni McGrath 2/13, Ben Spencer 2/9, Archie Hawken 1/13, and Connor Bridle 1/8.

In reply, MacKillop accounted for St. Joseph’s total for losing only 3 wickets in the 18th over. Captain Ben Spencer anchored the innings with 22 not out and had excellent partnerships with Archie Hawken (24), Eli Tink (12 not out), and Eli O’Bryan (7).

In round 2, played on Thursday in week one of term four, MacKillop College came up against St. Paul’s College Kempsey. St. Paul’s batted first and scored 5/112 runs from their 20 overs. Manni McGrath again opened the attack with his usual accuracy, taking two early wickets to finish with 2/16. Connor Bridle and Rocky Mann also chipped in with vital wickets.

Unfortunately, the MacKillop College batting performance couldn’t match their bowling performance, with the team only managing 9/77 after their 20 overs. Eli O’Bryan was the star, with the bat scoring 30 of the team's 77 runs. Fellow opener Eli Tink was next best with 8 runs. An injury to Ben Spencer meant that he couldn’t run between wickets, and he had to retire hurt for 5. The team ended up falling 35 runs short of St. Paul’s total.

I would like to thank the boys for their efforts this year and playing both games in the right spirit. I would also like to thank Mr. Coelho for umpiring both games and Year 10 students Lane Jordan and Harley Cottom for scoring.

The Berg Shield team for 2024: Ben Spencer©, Archie Hawken, Eli O’Bryan, Eli Tink, Max Jordan, Rocky Mann, Stirling Wickham, Xavier Reichelt, Manni McGrath, Jack McGrath, Connor Bridle, and Cooper Perry.

MVP: Ben Spencer

David McMahon (Coach)

MacKillop College Events and Registration

All registrations for MacKillop College sports teams are completed by students by logging into Compass - Favourites (Star icon) - Sport - representative. 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. 

If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Denham. 

Click on this link to register: MacKillop College Representative Sport Registration Link. 

Sport

Event

Date

AFL

NSW AFL Schools Cup State Finals & U15 Boys Tier 2

28 & 29 October
League TagNRL League Tag31 October
Netball

Netball NSW Schools Cup State Finals& 7/8 Girls and Boys

12 & 13 November
Various

Co-curricular Awards

27 November

Lismore Diocesan Events

Sport

Event

Date of event

GolfLismore Diocese Golf Championships11 November
Water PoloLismore Diocese Senior Water Polo Championships13 & 14 November
NetballLismore Diocese Netball Championships19 November
Water PoloLismore Diocese Senior Water Polo Championships20 & 21 November


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.

NSWCCC CRICKET SELECTIONS - EOI

We are pleased to announce that the Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for students wishing to be considered for the NSWCCC Cricket 15 Years & Under Selections.

Please note that this EOI is not a registration to attend the NSWCCC Selections, but rather a submission to be considered for participation. Following the close of EOIs, a paper selection of student registrations will take place to determine those eligible to attend the trials.

  • EOI Closing Date: Friday, 27 September 2024, by 5.00pm
  • Notification: Students will be notified by email regarding the outcome of their EOI (successful or unsuccessful) by 14 October 2024.
  • Selection Trials Venue: Lance Hutchinson Oval
  • Time: 8.00am – 4.00pm
  • Date: Mid-October 2024

If you are interested in being considered for the NSWCCC Cricket Selections, please ensure you submit your EOI before the deadline – late registration requests will NOT be accepted.

Sport

Event & /Location

Date of event

Basketball

7 & 8 Girls Basketball NSWCCC Championships

4 & 5 November

Community Sport

Alumni: Sam McIntyre

It was great to see Alumni Sam McIntyre represent Australia in the Prime Minister's XIII (NRL) against PNG on Sunday, and even better to see Sam Cross for a try. Congratulations, Sam, on this great achievement. It is humbling to see our regional students and athletes achieving their goals. 

NSW Surf Life Saving Development Squad

Congratulations to Hudson McNeil, who has recently been selected to join the NSW Surf Life Saving Development Squad for the 2024/2025 season. Well done, Hudson; we look forward to hearing about the experience. All the best for the season.

Future Green & Gold Campaign https://www.ausport.gov.au/talent

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

Monday October 28Renae Bullock & Jo McLaren-King
Tuesday October 29No helpers needed
Wednesday October 30No helpers needed
Thursday October 31No helpers needed
Friday November 1Kelly Dingle, Rowena Beukers, Ronnel Skea & Vicki Hamlyn
Monday November 4No helpers needed
Tuesday November 5No helpers needed
Wednesday November 6No helpers needed
Thursday November 7No helpers needed
Friday November 8No helpers needed
CANTEEN PRICE LIST
QKR!

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 

Homework Hub

Maths Tutorials

Friday 7.45am-8.30am

Room 12 Main College with Elizabeth Robertson

Community News

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