Term 2, Week 4, 23 May

Upcoming Events

School Vaccinations

School vaccinations for Year 10 students will take place in Week 8, Thursday 19th of June. Students from Years 8, 9 and 11 who missed the previous vaccination date are welcome to attend also. 

Please see the below flyer for more information on how to register your child.

Upcoming - FREE Parent Webinars:

Principal's Update

Weather Event Thank you

My sincere thank you to all families for your understanding and cooperation throughout this past week, as we navigated the recent adverse weather conditions in the Hastings region. We are hopeful to be fully operational on Monday, however we will update families late Sunday afternoon. If any families have been impacted by the floods, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss how we can support students. Our prayers are with all those suffering from the impact of the floods at this time. 

Da Vinci Decathlon Champions

Students from Years 7 to 10 took part in the da Vinci Decathlon, which is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy. Our incredible Year 7 and 8 team, took out 1st place, competing against 25 teams in the region! This in turn meant they qualified for the Sydney state finals.

2025 Science and Engineering Challenge: 2nd Place

Continuing the enrichment success, Years 9 and 10 students travelled to St Paul's College Kempsey, to participate in the 2025 Science and Engineering Challenge. In its 25th year, this event is a day-long competition designed to provide Year 9 and 10 students with a positive experience of science and engineering. The challenge encourages students to consider a career in science or engineering, and to study the enabling sciences in senior high school. During the event, seven teams competed in a variety of challenges including bridge building, coded communication, designing an electricity grid and solving sequencing problems. The MacKillop team worked in pairs to complete the challenges and outcompeted larger teams for many of the challenges. 

Overall, MacKillop placed 2nd, an outstanding result from a hardworking and diligent group of students!

NSW All Schools Tennis Representation

In the sporting arena, we celebrated the tennis triumphs of Noah Pociask, who made sporting history at MacKillop by representing the NSW Tennis team at the All Schools National Tennis Championships. This is the first time that we have seen student representation at such a high level in Tennis at the college.

Duke of Edinburgh

Closer to home, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students completed their practice journey - an overnight trip to Hat Head. The trip consisted of multiple hikes along beautiful coastlines, cooking dinner and setting up camp together, and exploring the sand dunes at Hungary Gate. It was a wonderful experience and the students are already looking forward to the qualifying journey for their next adventure.

Cath Eichmann

Principal

Enrichment

On Tuesday, May 13, students from MacKillop College had the incredible opportunity to travel to St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie for the Mid North Coast Regional da Vinci Decathlon. Throughout the day, our students showcased their exceptional teamwork and problem-solving skills as they tackled a wide variety of academic challenges, including Science, Creative Producers, English, Ideation, Mathematics, Engineering, Art and Poetry, Cartography, Code Breaking, and Legacy.

A total of 31 teams from schools across the Mid-North Coast participated, and our students truly shone. We are thrilled to announce that one of our Year 10 teams earned a well-deserved equal second place out of 32 teams – an outstanding achievement!

Not only did our students excel academically, but they also displayed exemplary behaviour and represented MacKillop College with the utmost pride and distinction. Congratulations to the following students for their hard work, dedication, and achievement:

Samrina Adhikari, Annabelle Ashton, Grace Ashton, Ziva Balkin, Kayla Bayer, Olivia Blake, Alexandra Bransdon, Abbie Brennan, Angus Browning, Evie Bullen, Samantha Carr, Pip Eakin, Harry Ebbs, Luke Everson, Sarah Gleeson, Paige Goldie, Megan Goldie, Anna Harmer, Olivia Gridley, Milla Kelly, Tori McGrath, Charlotte Memmott, Angelina Mifsud-Scriven, Jessica Mailes, Lucas Morris, Bella Ruches, Ben Spencer, Kiara Tattersall, Amarlie Thick, Jaysen Wei.

Congratulations also go to our Year 7 and 8 team, who took out 1st place after competing against 25 teams in the region! This incredible achievement earned the team a spot in the state finals in Sydney. Well done to the following students for their hard work in the tournament:

Stephanie Banham, Lorali Bell, Hannah Bijoy, Harrison Blake, Scarlett Brook, Judd Charet, Erika Collins-Jones, Ruby Davies, William Ebbs, Harry Eichorn, Myles Esson, William Everson, Salvador Fairley, Cadence Foley, Madeline Goldie, Joseph Gornall, Leah Hayward, Lila Karam, Jemma Kowalewski, Matthew Lloyd, Archie Mallam, Charlotte Miles, Karsanth Mohanaranjan, Ivy Morrin, Marielle Obeid, Alina O'Brien, Felix Plowright, Flynn Pociask, Ranuki Ranasinghe, Benjamin Ryan, Seungbin Shin, Cohen Tudhope, Lincoln Wells.

A special thank you and congratulations to Mrs. Amy Ryals and Mrs. Kylie Ryan, whose guidance and support were invaluable to the teams on the day. Your dedication made a significant impact!

We couldn't be prouder of our students’ achievements and how they represented our school community with such distinction.

Stage 4

At our weekly Stage 4 Meeting, the Leaders of Wellbeing for each House have spoken about a number of MacKillop’s core values. One of these values is RESPECT. At MacKillop, we hold the core value of respect in the highest regard as we believe it shapes the foundation of our community. Respect means treating others with kindness in the way we interact with each other, both students and teachers.

Our themes for Years 7 and 8 focus on kindness and how we treat each other.

Year 7 - ‘Be kind, be very kind’

Year 8 - ‘Find happiness in making others happy’

When we show respect to others we create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. By embracing this core value, we build stronger relationships and foster a school culture where everyone can thrive.

I encourage all our Year 7 and 8 students to always show kindness in everything they do and say, whether it be at school, in the playground, the classroom or online. Kindness always goes a long way in creating an environment where people feel they belong and are part of our College community.

Engaging Compass

Our main source of communication between the College and families is the Compass App. This tool allows families to stay connected with important information about their child and all school events. I encourage parents to regularly engage with their child’s profile on Compass as this enhances our parent partnership with the College. It also allows parents to have valuable conversations with their child about their learning, application and behaviour. At MacKillop we value the importance of our parent partnerships and encourage all parents to contact their child’s teachers or Leaders of Wellbeing whenever you have a query or concern.

Upcoming Events

Year 7 Mass and Belonging Day- Wednesday 11th June (Week 7)
Year 8 Connect and Belong Day- Friday 20th June (Week 8)

Tracey Bewicke – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St Paul’s House
Adam O’Brien – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St Joseph’s House
Jason McRae – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St Agnes' House

Stage 5

As we move into the second half of Term 2, it’s been wonderful to see so many of our students actively engaged in their learning, wellbeing programs, and co-curricular opportunities. There’s plenty happening across Years 9 and 10, so please take a moment to read through the following updates and reminders.

Consent in Compass
With a number of events and excursions scheduled throughout the term, we’d like to remind parents and carers of the importance of providing consent via Compass prior to the published cut-off dates. Unfortunately, students cannot attend if consent is not received in time. Following up individually is an exhaustive process, so we kindly ask that families respond to events as soon as they appear in Compass to avoid disappointment.

Assessment Task Variation Procedures
This is a reminder for our students and families: if your child is unable to complete or submit an assessment task due to illness, absence, or any other reason, it is essential that the school’s official Variation to Assessment process is followed. This ensures transparency and fairness for all students. Detailed guidelines and the application form can be found here.

Faith Formation Programs
Faith development remains central to our identity and mission, and we are pleased to offer meaningful formation experiences for our students. As outlined in the upcoming events, Year 9 students will take part in initiatives designed to nurture spiritual growth and strengthen their sense of community. Programs such as Community Connect Days, Masses, and the Connect and Belong Day reflect and reinforce our core values. These experiences are most impactful when students approach them with openness and a willingness to engage. As always, what students put into the experience will directly influence what they take away from it.

Upcoming Events – Term 2
Year 9: Week 7 – Mass, Week 8 – Connect & Belong Day 
Year 10: Week 8 – Immunisations, Week 10 – Newman Visit

Mid Coast Careers Market – Year 10
Last Tuesday, our Year 10 students attended the Mid Coast Careers Market – an enriching experience that offered insight into local career and training pathways. Students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from a range of industries, tertiary institutions and training providers.

The feedback from stallholders was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the respectful and enthusiastic way our students participated. Several students found the hands-on demonstrations especially engaging, and we hope this event helped spark new ideas for their future pathways.

Tom Salter – Stage 5 Leader of Wellbeing St Paul’s House
Glen Littler – Stage 5 Leader of Wellbeing St Joseph’s House
Nicole O’Connell – Stage 5 Leader of Wellbeing St Agnes’ House

Year 11

One of the most essential qualities we strive to foster in our senior school is tolerance—the ability to respect and embrace differences in each other, whether it's in terms of culture, opinion or personal background. For our senior students, this is a pivotal time in life, not just academically, but in shaping who you are as individuals and as members of a community.

In a world that is constantly changing, developing the ability to understand and respect people from different walks of life is more important than ever. One of the most valuable skills you can develop is the ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people. In fact, many of the challenges and opportunities you'll face in life will involve working with others who may not always share your perspectives.

Tolerance doesn't mean that we have to agree with everyone, but it does mean we need to listen and approach others with an open mind. When we make space for people’s voices, we not only learn from their experiences but also gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

It’s natural to form close-knit groups with those who share similar interests or perspectives, but forming a truly unified community involves stepping beyond those comfortable boundaries. Unity isn’t about conformity; it’s about celebrating what makes each of us unique while still coming together to support a common goal. Tolerance is essential if we are to work together through to our HSC.

Whether it’s through team activities, class projects, or school events, there are countless ways to form connections with others and develop a sense of belonging. When we embrace diversity, we enrich our experiences and strengthen our collective bond. For these reasons I have been talking to Year 11 this week about becoming more involved in our school and our culture.

Modelling tolerance in your interactions with others also has a lasting impact. Teenagers often look to their parents for cues on how to engage with the world. When they see empathy, kindness, and a willingness to learn from others, they are more likely to adopt those behaviours themselves.

To our students: Take pride in the fact that you are part of a diverse and vibrant community. Your voice and perspective matter, and when you contribute to an inclusive, tolerant school environment, you help make our world a better place. Stay curious, stay open and support each other as you continue your journey together.

Together, we can build a community that values tolerance and unity, where every student has the freedom to express themselves, learn from others, and grow into the best version of who they are.

Bruce Smith
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing

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

Rehearsal Attendance

The music ensemble at MacKillop College is currently working hard in rehearsal to put together repertoire for the annual showcase concert taking place in week 2 of term 3.

With this in mind, it is essential that students and families inform ensemble directors of attendance in rehearsal (in advance if possible). It is difficult for rehearsals to be successful when directors have planned for a certain number of students only to discover on the day of the rehearsal that key members are absent. We understand that there will always be circumstances when notifying ensemble directors early is not possible. 

Thank you for your support and understanding.

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

• Sorry Day Prayer Service - (College Hall) Week 5, Term 2 - Wednesday May 28, 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
• Co Curricular Music Showcase - (THEATRE) Week 2, Term 3 - Thursday July 31, Matinee Performance, L1 - P4, ALL MACKILLOP ENSEMBLES (Excluding year 12 students). (THEATRE) Week 2, Term 3 - Thursday July 31, Evening Performance, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, ALL MACKILLOP ENSEMBLES (including SAPSS Junior Drumline).

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

Representative Sport

Diocesan  Tennis Junior and Opens

On 13 May, MacKillop College sent one junior and two open boys’ teams to the Lismore Diocese Tennis competition. All aboard, it was west to St Joseph’s Regional College to collect their teams and north towards our Tweed Heads accommodation. Spirits were high, music pumped, and students bantered. Stops at Coffs Harbour and Ballina, and eternally intermittent rain slowed us somewhat, but we made it. Lodgings were secured, supplies obtained, and dinner enjoyed. Lights out and a big day awaited.

An unexpected venue change meant an early start the following morning, and the students didn’t disappoint. They efficiently righted their cabins and piled onto the bus for the trip to Lismore. The courts were wet, dried out a little, and then wet again. But the tennis must go on, and it did.

In the open, boys Flynn Burrage paired with Noah Pociask, and Lucas Merrick teamed up with the younger Pociask, Flynn. With success being determined by the aggregate of games for and against for both teams, it was crucial that everyone pulled their weight. Halfway through the day, it was a two-horse race between MacKillop College and Mount Saint Patrick’s, Murwillumbah. Ultimately, our thoroughbreds kicked when it mattered, as Flynn and Noah dominated their MSP opponents to take the decisive match 6-0. Three courts over, Lucas and Flynn won out 6-3. Vital points, every one of them.

In the junior boys' team, William Etchells and Brody Galvin had a great day, playing together for the first time outside of training. They won three of their seven matches, placing a very respectable fourth when the last ball was hit.

Well done to all the boys for representing the college in such fine fashion. Moreover, good luck to the open boys. Their Lismore success sees them selected to represent the Diocese at the CCC NSW Championships in Bathurst later this year.

MVP: Noah Pociask

COACH: Brent Lowrey

DRIVER: David Sinclair

Rugby League Holli Wheeler

U14 Team

Last Friday, the Under 14s MacKillop girls competed in a local Rugby League 9’s tournament. The girls began the day with a win over Kempsey High, 20-14.

Our second game proved more difficult, coming up against a combined team of Melville High and Kempsey High, where the girls had an 8-all draw. In their final match, the girls won comfortably over Chatham High (15-4). The team is to be congratulated on how they conducted themselves on and off the field. The skill shown was beyond expectations, particularly for the 7 girls who haven’t played Rugby League before. MVP of the day went to Ayla Vonbun, who consistently set the standard for the rest of the girls in both attack and defence. Bring on the next tournament in Week 6!

MVP: Ayla Vonbun

COACH: Laura Cudmore

U16 Girls

On Friday, 9 May, twelve year 9 and 10 students represented MacKillop College in the U16 team at the Hollie Wheeler 9’s Girls tackle gala day. This event is designed to give female rugby league players a chance to gain skills, fitness and experience at the start of the rugby league season. This talented and versatile team played three games against Hastings Secondary, Camden Haven and Chatham High School. They went the whole day without being scored against.

Game one: We saw an array of tries from Lily, Millie, Arliah, Ellah, Ella, and Isabella, with a number of successful drop-kick conversions from Lily Mosely, resulting in a 28 – 0 win against Hastings High School.

Game two: It was going to be a challenging and fast game against Camden Haven. The ladies demonstrated their strong defence, especially from our forwards and middle players, the speed of the second row, and the teamwork of our wingers chasing down side-line breaks and putting pressure on their kicker. Tries awarded Arliah (x2) and Ellah a 16-0 win.

Game three: Was against Chatham High School, and due to some injuries on their side, we had to drop and match players on the field. This meant that with only seven players on the field, they had to switch positions and substitute regularly to give everyone a chance to play. They again had a very positive game with a number of tries being scored and securing their dominance on the day with an 18-0 win.

In all three games, the ladies demonstrated sportsmanship, positive encouragement, and respect for each other, the opposition, the referees, coaches, and organisers. Well done to all the players on the team.

Team – Darcie Gleeson (C), Lily Mosely, Arliah Morris, London Curtis, Ella Oliver, Grace Byrne, Millie Byrne, Isabella Hawkins, Ellah Armitage, Annabelle Wickham, Evie Evans, Evie Tenana.

MVP: Lily Mosely

COACH: Kate Cowan

Bill Turner Girls Round 2

Last week, our girls' Soccer team played St Joseph’s Regional College in round 2 of the Bill Turner Statewide Knockout competition. Unfortunately, due to the poor weather, the game had to be held on the synthetic turf at the Hockey fields. 

The girls played well, given the conditions. It was extremely hard to gain control of the ball as it continued to skid off the surface. The game was locked at nil all at full time, largely due to the small goals. Our girls had three genuine scoring opportunities but could not get the ball past the keeper. 

The game went into 20 minutes of extra time, with a player dropped every 5 minutes. The scoreline remained the same, and a penalty shootout was needed to determine a result. Unfortunately, we lost 5-4. 

I have no doubt the result would have been different had the game been played on grass and on a bigger field. A great effort, girls. 

MVP: Kayla Button

COACH: Erin Denham

NATIONAL CHAMPION

Noah Pociask recently made sporting history at MacKillop College when he represented the NSW Tennis team at the All Schools National Tennis Championships. Noah was the only Year 10 Student in the team and the only student from Combined Catholic Colleges. 

This is the first time we have seen a student represent at such a high level in Tennis at the College. Noah has made many sacrifices and worked extremely hard to make this team. We are incredibly proud of Noah and his achievements—it is not every day that we get to celebrate a National champion. Well done!

NSWCCC BASKETBALL SELECTION TRIALS

It was great to see four of our students, Grace Collins, Ben Romer, Blake Collins, and Lucas Scott, recently selected to trial for the NSWCCC basketball teams in Sydney. 

Grace made the Possible Probables, which is a huge achievement given it was the U16S team. 

Ben and Blake both successfully made the U16 and U18 NSWCCC teams, respectively. Very few students from our Diocese make this team, so it is great to see two MacKillop students make the teams. 

We wish Ben and Blake all the best at the All Schools Basketball Championships in June.

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;

• Open Boys & Girls Soccer
• Netball Boys & Girls all divisions
• Rugby League Boys & Girls
• Hockey Boys & Girls
• 11/12 Mixed Touch Football
• Junior & Intermediate Basketball teams (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

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

ATTENTION ALL QKR USERS

The cut-off time is 8 AM SHARP. Any orders placed after 8 AM will default to the next day.

If you miss the cut-off or make a mistake with your order, you MUST call the school immediately or have your child go directly to see the canteen managers.

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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