Term 2, Week 2, 9 May

Upcoming Events

Principal's Update

Mother’s Day - May 11
I wish all our mums, grandmothers, stepmums, and aunties a fantastic day on Sunday. Thank you for all you do for our young people. 

A Note of Farewell
It is with mixed emotions—excitement, nervousness, and some sadness—that you received the news this morning via email that my time as Principal of MacKillop is coming to an end. My decision was made easier knowing that the college is in a fantastic position at the moment and has a fantastic team of leaders. 

I am excited that the new role means I will certainly still be around the college. The role involves supporting not just MacKillop College but all 10 Catholic primary and secondary schools in the Hastings and Macleay region. I will be working with the 10 Principals to ensure that all the awesome MacKillop students and the students across the ten schools continue to have fantastic educational experiences.

I look forward to spending as much time as I can with students in the coming weeks and taking the opportunity before I finish up to say a proper thank you and farewell to students, staff, and families.

Term 1 Celebrations
In Week 1, Mr. Roberts shared some fantastic statistics on Term 1 and the start of Term 2 at the college. 

Did you know…

• 802 - is the number of students with regular attendance of 90% or higher.
• 145 - students had 100% attendance.
• 103 - students were involved in promoting and being a part of the Year 7 information night held this week.
• 81 - students attended the ANZAC Day service and represented MacKillop College.
• Over 200 - students volunteered their time in MacKillop’s Ironman aid station.
• 211 - year 8 students attended and are about to participate in a community connect programme.
• 8665 - merits were given out to students in Term 1.
• 1280 - students and staff came together regularly to undertake the journey of the new house structure, with great spirit shown in various activities like carnivals, house meetings, and the block challenge. 

Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey
This term, our school is participating in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey. Students, staff, and families are all invited and encouraged to participate. The surveys are an important part of our school evaluation and planning process.

Parents will be sent a link to complete the survey via Compass next Monday. The anonymous survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Student Survey
This survey provides valuable feedback on students’ perspectives on school life, engagement, and teacher interactions from years 4 and up.

The surveys are rigorously validated and developed by The Learning Bar, an organisation specialising in educational research and survey administration. These surveys gather crucial data that helps enhance student learning experiences and the overall school environment.

Key Points:
The survey is confidential, and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses.

• Participating students will receive a unique username and password to ensure confidentiality.

• The survey is online, takes 15 to 20 minutes, and will be conducted during school hours.

• Participation in the survey is voluntary. If your child feels uncomfortable with any question, they can skip it or stop the survey at any time.

• Teachers will remind students that they can talk to their teacher or guidance counsellor if they feel distressed or worried about the survey.

• The survey measures topics such as emotional and social well-being, physical health, and behaviours and attitudes that are predictors of student success.

• It also allows students to provide their thoughts and feedback through open-ended questions.

If you do not want your child/children to participate in the survey, please email claire.watts@lism.catholic.edu.au by Tuesday, 13 May.

Year 7 Information Evening
On Tuesday evening, we had a fantastic showcase of our college to our 2026 Year 7 students and families. My sincere thanks to all students and staff who helped with the showcase. 

Learning Conversations
We look forward to seeing our families at our Learning Conversations over the next two weeks. These evenings are one of the most crucial events on the calendar for supporting the learning of our students and in the partnership between students, families, and teachers. If you haven’t already booked interviews, please use the following instructions on how to use the Conference Booking section for either a desktop or phone:

Conferences—Making a Booking

Conferences—Making a Booking on the Mobile App

Please note bookings will close at 3.00pm on Friday, 9 May, for Monday, 12 May, and 3.00pm on Friday, 16 May, for Monday, 19 May. If you need to cancel a booking after this time, please contact the office or email pmac-learningandteaching@lism.catholic.edu.au

Attendance

To support students and families, and as part of compliance, we will inform some families of student attendance rates from Week 3 this term.

Families of students whose attendance rate is below 90% will be informed via a letter to ensure an awareness of this rate. We recognise/acknowledge illness or family commitments may account for these absences. Families of students whose attendance rate is of concern will be invited to meet to discuss how we can support attendance improvement.

Prohibited Weapons in School
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors within all our schools, we want to remind families of the importance of following our school policies and procedures regarding prohibited weapons. 

Prohibited weapons include all knives and blades (with the exception of those required for school lessons), firearms, gel blasters/gel guns, 3D-printed guns, slingshots, darts, batons, machetes, laser pointers, or similar articles and anything else that can be used as a weapon to intimidate or cause serious injury or harm, e.g., a screwdriver, chisel, or hammer. 

Possessing any weapon, whether real or imitation, is unlawful in any school setting and can result in both criminal charges and disciplinary action under our Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Exclusion Policy. 

We ask all parents and carers to speak openly with your child about safety, responsibility, and respect for others. In Catholic education, we are guided by the belief that every person is made in the image of God, and we are called to safeguard their dignity. Your cooperation in upholding these expectations helps create a community of care, justice, and compassion. 

Thank you for your support and commitment to a safe and faith-filled learning environment.

Cath Eichmann
Principal

Upcoming School Vaccination Clinic – Thursday, June 19

We would like to inform parents and caregivers that MacKillop College will be hosting a school vaccination clinic on Thursday, June 19.

This clinic will cater to the following student groups:

• Year 10 students – routine vaccinations

• Year 7 students – catch-up vaccinations for those who missed the first round

• Students in Years 8, 9, and 11 – catch-up vaccinations for any missed doses from previous years

To ensure your child can participate, please register via NSW Health using the instructions provided in the flyers attached below.

Early registration is essential for a smooth process on the day. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the school office.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community healthy.

Assistant Principal - St Agnes' Eagles

Congratulations to the following students who are our top achievers in Term 1 with regard to House Points or Merits.

Students who achieve a large number of House Points are generally involved across many areas of the school. This may be extracurricular or co-curricular. Through their example of great enthusiasm and involvement, they breathe life into the school culture, inspiring others to likewise get involved. 

Merits are awarded to students for living the college core values of faith, community, compassion, excellence, integrity, and respect. These students are not necessarily our top performers academically. They do, however, model an excellent approach to life and learning. They help to create and support a great school culture modelled on Christian values.

All students achieving House Points or Merits are winners for their contribution to creating a great school with exceptional values and learning. I commend their efforts and put them forward as young people whose example is worth emulating.

God bless.

Peter Murphy
Assistant Principal Mission
St Agnes' Eagles Head of House

Assistant Principal - St Paul's Stingrays

As you may be aware, St. Paul is the guiding figure and patron saint of the mighty Stingray House!.

St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a significant figure in early Christianity. His powerful journey of transformation and his tireless dedication to spreading his beliefs serve as an inspiring example for us all. Just like the determined stingray gliding through the ocean, St. Paul showed incredible resilience and purpose in his life's mission.

As members of Stingray House, we can look to St. Paul's strength and his ability to connect with others as qualities to emulate. We also admire his commitment to his values as we strive for excellence in committing to the core values of the college—faith, community, compassion, excellence, integrity, and respect.

Whether we're striving for our best in the classroom, supporting our teammates on the sporting field, or contributing positively to our school community, the Stingrays look to channel the spirit of St. Paul.

Let's continue to make Stingray House a force for good within our school, embodying the courage and conviction of our patron saint! Go, Stingrays!

What's Happening This Term!

• TTFM Survey: Students will participate in our Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey on Wednesday, 14 May. Your feedback is valuable!
• Learning Conversations: Mark your calendars for our upcoming Learning Conversations on Monday, 12 May, and Monday, 19 May. This is a great opportunity to connect about student progress.
• College Athletics Carnival: Get ready to cheer on your fellow Stingrays at the College Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 27 May!
• Years 8 & 9 Connect & Belong Days: Our Year 9 students will have their Connect & Belong day on Thursday, 19 June, followed by Year 8 on Friday, 20 June. 

Say G’day to a Ray: Angus Crowley

As a key leader of the St. Paul Stingrays, Mr. Angus Crowley is our second “Say G'day to A Ray” interview.

1. What did you hope to do when you finished school? To be an artist or graphic designer
2. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Hanging out with my family, SUP boarding, playing music, making art. 
3. What subjects do you teach? Visual Arts.
4. Do you have a favourite sporting team that you support? Brisbane Lions AFL, Aston Villa EPL.
5. What is your favourite food? Cheese.
6. If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be? Japan.
7. If going out for dinner with three people, who would you invite? My late mother, my brother, and my wife.
8. What is your go-to song or playlist on Spotify? My yearly Hot Damn playlist that I slowly curate and build over the year.
9. Who is your favourite band of all time? Toss-up between Something For Kate and Radiohead.
10. As a key leader, what words of encouragement would you give to all of our Stingray ‘Biluun’ community? HEY HO, LET’S GO, HEY HO, LET’S GO!!!!! It’s not over yet. Get involved and want the ball.

Go the Rays!

Stephen Roberts
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care
St Paul's Stingrays Head of House

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 Rehearsals

• Concert Band (directed by Ms Stewart) Monday - 7:45am - 8:30am, J16 Music Room 
• Pop Choir (directed by Mrs Adams) Tuesday - 7:45am - 8:30am, Theatre 
• Senior Vocal Ensemble (directed by Mr Josh Salter) Monday - 3:15pm - 4:00pm, Theatre
  
• SAPSS Jazz Workshop (directed by Mr Horne) Tuesday - 7:45am - 8:30am, Theatre
  
• SAPSS Junior Drumline (directed by Mark Spence) Tuesday 3:30pm - 5:30pm, College Hall 
• Collective Praise Band & Singers (directed by Mr Denham) Wednesday - 7:45am - 8:30am, Chapel 
• Junior Percussion Ensemble (directed by Mark Spence) Wednesday - 7:45am - 8:30am, J16 Music Room 
• SAPSS Senior Drumline (directed by Mark Spence) Wednesday 3:30pm - 5:30pm, College Hall 
• Senior Percussion Ensemble (directed by Mark Spence) Thursday - 7:45am - 8:30am, J16 Music Room 
• String Ensemble (directed by Michaeli Witney) Friday - 7:45am - 8:30am, J16 Music Room 
• Stage Band (directed by Mr Denham) Friday - 7:45am - 8:30am, Theatre 
  

Links & Forms

Music Ensemble Sign Up Form 2025

Music Tuition Request Form 2025

Instrument Rental Agreement 2025

Upcoming Events

• Year 11 Mass - (Chapel) Week 4, Term 2 - Thursday May 22, Period 1 and 2, Collective Praise Band & Singers
• Sorry Day Prayer Service - (College Hall) Week 5, Term 2 - Monday May 26, Period 1 and 2, Collective Praise Band & Singers
• Assembly Performance - (College Hall) Week 5, Term 2 - Wednesday May 28, period 1, Pop Choir
• Year 9 Mass - (St Agnes Church) Week 7, Term 2 - Thursday June 12, Period 1 and 2, Collective Praise Band & Singers
• Vocal Lunch Concert (Glasshouse Steps) TO BE CONFIRMED - (College Hall) Week 8, Term 2 - Wednesday June 18, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Pop Choir, Collective Praise Band and Singers, Stage Band, Senior Vocal Ensemble
• Pirates Gala Day (TO BE CONFIRMED) - (Stuart Park, Port Macquarie) Week 8, Term 2 - Saturday June 21, TBC, SAPSS Senior & Junior Drumlines
• Assembly Performance - (College Hall) Week 9, Term 2 - Wednesday June 25, period 1, Senior Percussion Ensemble
• Elective Music Lunch Concert - (COLA) Week 9, Term 2 - Thursday June 26, Lunch 2, 8 9 10 Elective Music

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

Robert Denham
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

Sport News

School Sport

Upcoming Athletics Carnival

Athletics Carnival Pre-Events 

Students can now sign up for the athletics pre-events 400m, 800m, 1500m & high jump through Moodle. ONLY students that have registered have permission to attend the events listed below.

If your child is competing in the high jump event, they are required to register in Moodle. They will also require a permission note that students can pick up from either of the offices. Students can NOT participate in high jump without this permission slip.

Further information regarding the carnival on Tuesday, May 27 (Week 5), will be published in the Week 4 newsletter.

Representative Sport

Sport Reports

NSWCCC Touch Football Championships

Congratulations to our students who represented the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Touch Football Championships and selection trials. The weather threw everything at us; however, this did not stop our players from giving it their all and performing extremely well in tough conditions. 

Our students were excellent ambassadors for our college and diocese, playing with pride and team spirit.

15 girls were in Pool B and came 5th in the pool. 

GF teams both came from our pool, and we had close games with both these teams, so our team Game 1 v Bathurst (Draw)

• Game 2 vs. Wagga Wagga (Loss)
• Game 3 v Parramatta (Loss)
• Game 4 vs. Wollongong (Win)
• Game 5 vs. SCS Orange (Loss)
• 5v5 Place game vs. Canberra Goulburn (Draw)

The girls played amazingly and held their own. Their pool was extremely close; it could have been anyone’s game. They were a very cooperative and polite group of girls.

Carla Snow (Coach), Kelly Shipway (Manager)

Opens Girls- were in Pool A; came 4th in the pool.

• Game 1 vs. SCS (3-0 Win)
• Game 2 v Maitland/Newcastle (1-2 Loss)
• Game 3 v Bathurst (3-4 Loss) 
• Game 4 vs. Parramatta (2-2 Draw)
• Game 5 vs. Armidale (3-1 Win)
• Quarter Final v. Wagga Wagga (3-4 Loss)

The girls were extremely competitive this year, only narrowly losing two games. The girls were a credit on and off the field, representing the diocese with pride. 

Anna Gleeson (Coach) & Erin Denham (Manager)

Opens Boys- were in Pool A and came 5th in the pool.

• Game 1 vs. Wagga (Loss)
• Game 2 vs. SCS (Loss)
• Game 3 v Maitland/Newcastle (Loss) 
• Game 4 vs. Wollongong (Loss)
• Game 5 vs. Armidale (Win)

The team developed throughout the tournament, with our best touch played against our strongest opposition, Sydney Catholic Schools Black. 

Damien Kelly (Coach/Manager)

15 boys were in Pool A and came 1st in the pool.

• Game 1 vs. Parramatta (draw)
• Game 2 vs. Broken Bay (loss)
• Game 3 v. Wagga Wagga/Canberra Goulburn (win)
• Game 4 vs. SCS Orange (win)
• Quarter Final v Maitland/Newcastle (loss)

Warren Lorger (Coach), Michelle Marino (Manager)

NSWCCC Hockey Selection Trials

Congratulations to Tobias Toohey, who was selected for the NSWCCC Hockey Opens team. The extremely high standard of hockey on display was a true testament to the junior community programmes. 

The selector's task was extremely difficult. Given that Toby has been a key player in the NSWCCC hockey teams throughout his schooling, it is fitting that he has been selected for this team in his final year of school. Enjoy the experience, Toby. We hope you leave with lifelong memories of representing the school and state in hockey.

Representative Sport, Upcoming Events and Registration 2025

All registrations for MacKillop College Representative Sport teams are completed by;

1. Logging into COMPASS (Chrome browser).
2. Click on the Star button 
3. Click on the Sport - Representative link
4. 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.

Sports currently open for registration are;

• Surfing
• Open Boys & Girls Soccer
• Bill Turner (Soccer) Boys and Girls 15 Years and Under
• Netball Boys & Girls all divisions
• AFL Boys and Girls (Junior and Senior Teams)
• Rugby League Boys & Girls
• Hockey Boys & Girls
• Tennis Boys & Girls
  

** NOTE: To register for the Diocesan Trials students need to complete the forms that can be found on the Lismore Diocesan Sport page. Click on the REGISTRATION tab.

 Upcoming MacKillop College Events 2025

Lismore Diocesan Events and Registration - 2025

NSWCCC & NSW All Schools Sporting Representation

Families with students who wish to nominate for trialling in a sport at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) level should make themselves familiar with the Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Sport website https://csnsw.sport/.  Parents/carers will need to create an account to be able to register their child.  Once a parent registers their child to attend an event on the CSNSW Sport portal it will send the registration to me for College approval to attend the event. 

Some sports allow students to register directly through the CSNSW Sport portal without having to go through the Diocesan Pathway. E.g. Individual Triathlon. In other instances, students will be required to travel to a Diocesan trial and if selected continue to the NSWCCC selection trials and communications for these teams will be sent through our Sports Desk.  

Please be prepared to travel if your child is accepted.  Parents have the responsibility to register their child on the NSWCCC portal, please make note of the registration closing dates based on the calendar on the CSNSW Sport website.

NSWCCC CALENDAR 2025

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

Boxing - Liam Ryals

Congratulations to Liam Ryals, who competed in his first-ever boxing competition, ‘King of the Ring,' which was held through Boxing Australia/NSW during the Term 1 holidays in the Hawkesbury. 

Liam dedicates enormous amounts of time to training and is to be commended on pursuing his sporting goals. We hope you enjoyed the experience, Liam. 

Basketball - Ben Romer

Congratulations to Grace Collins, Ben Romer, Tallin Morris, and Maya Perry, who represented NCAS at the Academy Games in mid-April in Tamworth. 

Special congratulations to Ben, who was named in the All-Star 5! What a fantastic achievement, Ben, and a great lead into the upcoming NSWCCC U16 Boys Basketball selection trials.

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 Representative Sport)

Canteen

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.

Need Some Study Help?

Community News

Information Links for School Bus Services 2025

1. Timetable information - busways.com.au or transportnsw.info
2. School bus travel pass - School Student Travel Scheme

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