Term 4, Week 9, 11th December
| Week 10 | ||
| Monday 14th December | Day 6 |
Year 10 Community Day, Pilot Beach Year 11 HSC Learning conversations, Lochnivar Centre, 4.00pm - 7.30pm |
| Tuesday 15th December | Day 7 |
MacKillop End of Year Christmas Mass, College Hall, 9.15am Year 7 - 11 Academic and Service Awards, College Hall, 11.15am Year 10 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 1.45pm Year 11 Assembly, Lochinvar Centre, 1.45pm Final day of attendance for Years 10 & 11 |
| Wednesday 16th December | Day 8 |
Year 9 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 9.30am Year 8 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 11.00am Year 7 Award Ceremony, College Hall, 12.30pm Last day of school for Term 4 |
| Thursday 17th December | Day 9 | |
| Friday 18th December | Day 10 |
ATAR Student Results Release Day HSC Student BBQ Brunch, Senior Campus, 9.30am - 11.30am |
Term 1 2021
| Week 1 | ||
| Monday 25th January | Day 1 | Year 12 Geography Excursion, Cairns, ALL WEEK |
| Tuesday 26th January | Day 2 | Australia Day Public Holiday |
| Wednesday 27th January | Day 3 | Staff return |
| Thursday 28th January | Day 4 | Staff Development Day |
| Friday 29th January | Day 5 |
Year 7 and 12 return Year 11#weTHRIVE Conversations, John Mullin Centre Year 7 #weThrive Conversations, Main College Campus Year 12 Family BBQ |
| Week 2 | ||
| Monday 1st February | Day 6 |
Year 11 return: Orientation Day, Senior Campus Year 11#weTHRIVE Conversations, John Mullin Centre Year 7 #weThrive Conversations, Main College Campus College Photos for Staff & Years 7 & 11 |
| Tuesday 2nd February | Day 7 | Years 8 - 10 return |
| Wednesday 3rd February | Day 8 | |
| Thursday 4th February | Day 9 | |
| Friday 5th February | Day 10 | Year 7 2021 Family BBQ |
Student Success
Year 9 student Jessica Michell has recently completed a painting of the St Agnes' Parish logo which she donated to her primary school St Agnes'. Jessica said the painting was extra special, because Mrs Jeanette Reynolds who passed away last week, had been her art teacher for Years 5 and 6.
Jessica is an avid artist and regularly displays her work in local galleries and businesses. We are so proud of the many diversely talented students we have here at MacKillop. Congratulations Jessica on such an awesome piece of artwork and such a thoughtful and meaningful one.
"A recreation of the St Agnes’ Parish logo.
The Lamb that symbolises purity is associated with St Agnes’ for her innocence and youth, and the palm leaf that I will be adding to the composition identifies St Agnes’ as a Martyr.
I am donating this painting to St Agnes’ Primary as I attended that school from kindergarten to Year 6. This is a more personal way for me to give back to my community, and show people where I first found my love and appreciation of art, and to thank every one of my teachers."
Year 12 2021 student MacKenzie Dawson has received 2nd place in The Port Macquarie Quilters Association scholarship competition. The competition was open to HSC 2021 textiles students. MacKenzie receives monetary support towards the cost of her HSC major project in Textiles.
Congratulations to MacKenzie and to her teacher Mrs Rochelle Fineanganofo. We look forward to seeing Mackenzie’s HSC work develop.
A Parent Invitation
As mentioned in the newsletter in Week 7 I am very excited to invite parents to our End of Year Christmas Mass and Awards Ceremonies. It would be lovely to see as many parents as possible attend these events to acknowledge the great work of students and staff in such a challenging year.
COVID-19 protocols will be in place and parents are asked to be aware of social distancing and also the requirement to sign-in (this can take place at the entry to the hall) and sanitise. To allow for social distancing parents will be seated at the back of the College Hall.
Please note for all formal masses and prize giving ceremonies students must be in full school uniform (no tie).
Tuesday 15th December
- Christmas Mass, College Hall: 9:15am-10:15am
- Year 7-11 Academic and Service Award Ceremony, College Hall 11.15am -12.45pm
- Year 10 Excellence and Application Award Ceremony, College Hall: 1.45pm -2.45pm
(Year 10 and 11 Final Day 2020)
Wednesday 16th December
- Year 9 Excellence and Application Award Ceremony, College Hall: 9.30am -10.30am
- Year 8 Excellence and Application Award Ceremony, College Hall: 11.00am -12.00pm
- Year 7 Excellence and Application Award Ceremony, College Hall: 12.30pm -1.30pm
(Year 7-9 students will be permitted to go home with parents following the respective Excellence and Application Award Ceremonies).
Friday 18th December
- HSC students ATAR Release Day BBQ Brunch: 9.30am -11.00am
Some Changes for 2021
2021 Bell Times
2021 will see MacKillop College move to five one-hour lesson/period days. The longer lessons will allow for deeper learning and students to be more engaged in their work. Teachers have been busy in Term 4 preparing for changing pedagogy (teaching strategies) to maximise the increased learning time.
| Time-to-move Bell |
8.40am |
| PC |
8.45am |
| Period 1 |
9.00am |
| Period 2 |
10.00am |
| Lunch 1 |
11.00am |
| Period 3 |
11.35am |
| Period 4 |
12.35pm |
| Lunch 2 |
1.35pm |
| Period 5 |
2.10pm |
| End of Day |
3.10pm |
Uniform
I remind parents of the high standard of uniform expected here at MacKillop College as you prepare to purchase new items for 2021. Please refer to Week 8 Newsletter for further information on Uniform and the College Code of Presentation and what uniform and shoes etc are accepted. I am aware sometimes students will tell parents a certain style is permitted when in fact it may not be and so encourage parents to be familiar with our expectations now rather than having to re-purchase new items at the beginning of the school year.
Principal
It is great to be working with Year 7 for the remainder of the year in Mrs Avery's absence. As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist in the final week of 2020.
Friendship Friday
Each Friday, Year 7 have been spending some time getting to know each other. This has been a way of building community in the Year group and establishing individual positive relationships. This week Year 7 took part in a "Human Alphabet' activity.
Recap of 2020 from the SRC
A big thank you is extended to Adam Bryant and Zake Morris for being such wonderful ambassadors for their Year group. As they depart this role for 2020, here is a recap from these fine young men:
Dear parents, caregivers, staff and students,
What a year 2020 has been! Though blended learning had a massive impact on daily school life, we, the students of MacKillop College, have been powering through the hardships that have faced us during this tough year.
COVID-19 has proved a challenge to all of us, but the Year 7 students of 2020 adapted to new ways to have fun and encourage teamwork and kindness throughout the entire school. Year 7 PC touch footy competitions have been taking place during extended PC time, where students compete against their entire cohort and work together as a team to win as many games as they possibly can.
On Friday of week 6, the future Year 7 students from all over NSW visited our school to experience first-hand what it is like to be a high school student. As the SRC of Year 7 2020, we had the opportunity to meet these new students and get to know their character strengths, interests and hobbies.
We have been honoured to represent all of Year 7 and hope that we have made their school a better place, to learn and thrive. We are both grateful for the opportunity to organise activities for Year 7 and meet the rest of the SRC of 2020.
Sincerely
Adam and Zake
Year 7 SRC 2020
Congratulations
Congratulations to Liam Poppleton who has received a Gold Principal’s Award.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Darcy Hallen and Madeline Strong.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Kodie Baird Moran, Charly Buntschu, Emily Butt, Jasmin Cooper, Seamus Cummins, Emma Galvin, Darcy Hallen (x2), Charlotte Kennedy (x2), Milly McGrath, Liam Poppleton (x3), and Madeline Strong.
Thankyou
Bronwyn and I would like to thank the Pastoral Care team for their amazing work this year: Kate Cowan, Keryn Cole, Jakob Groth, David Pugh, Daniel Murphy, Jess Prussing, Tess Herbert, Phil Magick, Harry Towle, Greg Finney, Samantha Adams, Paul Eichorn and Col Coelho.
End of Year Dates
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term.
Christmas Mass, Tuesday, 15th December: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards, Tuesday: 15th December, 11.15am
Year 7 Awards, Wednesday, 16th December: 12.30pm
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10.
Holiday Wishes
Bronwyn and I would also like to wish all Year 7, their families and the wider MacKillop community a safe and restful Christmas and a happy New Year. Let's return to 2021 with an appreciation of what we have accomplished this year and an acknowledgement of what we have achieved.
Thoughts and prayers to all.
Acting Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
This is the Light
which knows no night
which overcomes
the darkness
and fills the world
with joy!
Year 8 Religious Education classes have this week been learning about Advent and Christmas customs. One such custom is the Christmas lights. These lights originated in Ireland during English occupation of the country at a time when Catholic faith and religious practice were suppressed. The lights were placed in the window on Christmas Eve while the family prayed and remained there all night hoping that a priest might come by and celebrate the Christmas Mass with them.
Today’s Christmas light displays are far more eye catching and spectacular, but I fear that they are, for many families, quite empty of meaning. The Christmas lights serve to remind us that from a small ‘spark’ of life, appearing as a baby boy born in questionable circumstances, God entered our world in human form. For Christians today the lights so brightly displayed at Christmas should still shine forth as a statement of faith and as both a public and personal invitation for God to enter into and light up our lives.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Thankyou
I offer my sincere thanks to our dedicated Pastoral Care teachers for their generosity and care in working with the boys and girls in Year 8 and their families. Many students are better off because of their initiatives and interventions: Dominic Ashe, Rachel Clark, Stephanie Wong, Chantelle Seears, Daniel Blackman/Lisa Wilton, Brad Vergano, Daniel O’Dell, Emma Daley and Ryan Adams.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Belinda Ready who has received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award.
End of Year Dates
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term:
Christmas Mass Tuesday, 15th December: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards Tuesday, 15th December: 11.15am
Year 8 Awards Wednesday, 16th December: 11.00am
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10.
Over Christmas and the holiday period I wish God’s blessing on all the families of our soon to be Year 9 students, and pray that we meet again safely in the new year.
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
This year has been a roller coaster for students, staff and parents. So many students have shown amazing resilience, maturity and flexibility to adapt and thrive in what were extremely challenging situations. Many people learnt new skills and that actually coming to school is not as bad as they had once thought.
I have enjoyed the ride with this Year 9 cohort, because it has shown me and many others what wonderful, supportive students we have in this year group. It has been a pleasure to see them grow and mature and I look forward to seeing the continued growth in 2021.
I would encourage students to recharge their batteries and return to school with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and clear goals to guide them through Year 10.
The continued support from the Pastoral Care team to guide this wonderful group has been amazing and very much appreciated. The ability of our Pastoral Care team to work with the support of parents/guardians has enabled Year 9 to grow in a positive and flourishing environment.
I would like to thank the parents/guardians as well as our Pastoral Care team: Tracey Bewicke, Michelle Marino, Laura Cudmore, Joanne Pilgrim, Tahnee Johnston, Amy Ryals, Nicole Thompson, Adam O’Brien, Brent Lowrey, Megan Verdon, Pauline Cain, David Sinclair and Natasha Jones.
I look forward to working with you again in 2021 and I hope everyone has a safe, happy and restful break.
End of Year Dates
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the last week of Term;
Christmas Mass, Tuesday, 15th December: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards, Tuesday, 15th December: 11.15am
Year 9 Awards, Wednesday, 16th December: 9.30am
Students may leave school with their parents (or with a permission note) at the conclusion of these awards.
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Lola Vasilescu who received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
End of Year Activities
Year 10 have engaged in their variety of activities this week with enthusiasm and good will. Whether it was during Retreat, Mass, at the movies or during one of our school based activities such as All My Own Work, Love Bites or Adulting 101 demonstrations, Year 10 were engaged and enjoyed themselves and hopefully made positive memories and learned valuable lessons. This was made possible by our very generous and caring staff who gave up their free time to prepare activities or be with students to guide them through the experience; I thank you all for your caring, generosity and professionalism. I’m sure Year 10 will carry fond memories of these opportunities with them in the future.
Farewell Year 10
After four wonderful years as a group for most of us, it has come time to say farewell as we end our journey as a cohort together. 2021 will bring a new pathway and new challenges for all, so now is a good time to reflect on our time spent together; hopefully with gratitude, joy and more positive memories than challenging ones.
As we close this chapter and on behalf of the Pastoral Care team, I extend every good wish and blessing to each of our Year 10 students. We all wish you success and happiness as you embark upon this next phase of your life journey, and hope that the lessons of your school days at MacKillop have prepared you for the challenges yet to come. As a group, you are resilient, you are kind, and you are courageous. Have wonderful and rich lives, and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Drop in and say hi sometime.
Enjoy our Community Day together on Monday, and celebrate your successes together and for each other on Tuesday. You deserve it.
Thankyou
As this unique and challenging year draws to a successful close, on behalf of Year 10, I would like to thank our PC team for their efforts and support during this very busy year. As your children’s school “parents” they provide a consistent, caring and reliable base at school and certainly provide stability for all students – and a friendly face each morning. On behalf of Year 10, I thank them for their wisdom and guidance, and wish them all a safe, holy and relaxing holiday break; David Kennedy, Amber Ford, Alex Gallagher, David McMahon, Elizabeth Robertson, Richard May, Lisa Egan, Nichola Lutton, Nikki Gray, Ann Palmer, and Tom Hughes.
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care
Happy indeed is the love of God and the true religious peace I hope will be yours.
Mary MacKillop
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
And be thankful
Colossians 3:15
Feedback Lessons and Holiday Homework
All Year 11 students are expected to be at school on Monday, 14th December for lessons providing assessment feedback and holiday homework activities to feed forward into 2021. These activities will assist concept formation leading into 2021 and are essential.
An email with the feedback lessons timetable has been sent to all HSC students.
Text Book Returns
The Library has issued notices to those who still have not returned their preliminary text books. Please put others first by returning those books before the end of term. The books are needed so they can be issued to Year 11 2021.
End of Year Dates
As the end of school year is fast approaching, it may be useful to take note of some important dates for the end of term:
Christmas Mass Tuesday, 15th December: 9.15am
Years 7-11 Academic and Service Awards Tuesday, 15th December: 11.15am
Students are required to wear formal school uniform (no tie) on Tuesday, 15th December.
Acting Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
Student Learning Profiles (reports), were uploaded to the Schoolworx Parent Portal on Tuesday, 15th December for parents to access.
If you haven't accessed your student's profile before please see below for instructions.
Please see list of Student Requisites below. One for Years 8, 9 and 10 and one for Year 11. Both of these lists have two pages and include Technology requirements.
This year, Term 4 marks the end of an incredibly challenging year for school communities. It’s been tough for everyone but the resilience and flexibility shown by teachers, students and parents this year has been remarkable.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire
Studies suggest that when we are grateful we can be more optimistic, successful and healthier. Gratitude is regarded by some researchers as a “mega strategy for happiness” (Kern & McQuaid, 2017).
Gratitude has two parts: firstly, an affirmation of goodness - we notice and appreciate that there are good things in our lives and in the world; secondly, discovering that the goodness comes from outside ourselves - we acknowledge that others have helped and supported us in big or small ways.
One of the best ways to cultivate more gratitude is to intentionally notice and appreciate what is working well in our lives.
Advent is the perfect time of year to stop and reflect on the year what went well in the past week or month or year. They can be small, but should be things for which we feel grateful. It might have been a yummy meal; time spent doing something we love, playing a game, having a joke with a friend, something we observed in nature.
I was recently reminded of the joy in simple things when speaking with junior students about what was going well “having a joke with my friend. My good friend and I have a similar sense of humour” and “last night’s dinner because my mum decided to cook my favourite pasta dish for me last night.”
On behalf of the students, I would like to say "thank you" to all Pastoral Care teachers for their efforts towards building community. I am truly grateful for the value they add to their PC group.
I wish your family many blessings of peace and joy over this Christmas period and hope that you can find some time to rest, relax and rejuvenate. After all - you cannot pour from an empty cup, so take time to look after yourself!
Leader of Pastoral Care: Wellbeing
“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul;
it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”
- Martin Luther
Band Performance Tour
Thank you and well done to all students who attended the Band Performance Tour last week. The tour culminated in a performance on Town Green to an appreciative audience of proud parents in what was trying conditions with regard to the weather. The primary schools audiences at St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton and St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie were equally as appreciative of the amazing musical talents of our St Agnes Parish Secondary Schools Marching Band, Colour Guard and Drumline.
We look forward to more performance opportunities in 2021!
End of Year Ensemble Rehearsals
Ensemble rehearsals will slowly wind up over the coming weeks. It is important for ensemble members to check with their directors details for the end of year and take note of the schedule published below.
Rehearsals will resume again in week three term one 2021.
CoCurricular Music and Dance Digital Presentation
In place of the annual showcase and awards performance and assembly we have put together a video presentation celebrating award recipients and the music and dance ensembles operating in 2020. ALL music and dance students wanting access to this video presentation MUST sign on to the google classroom using the link provided below in order to view and download the presentation.
The video contains a number of video and audio excerpts from all ensembles and an assortment of photos of performances and rehearsals throughout the year.
Thank you to all parents, students and families for your support of the music and dance ensembles throughout what has been a difficult year.
Upcoming Events
MacKillop College Christmas Mass
- Tuesday, 15th December, 8.30am - 10.30am, The Collective Pop and Praise Band & Brass Ensemble, College Hall
Year 7 - 11 Academic and Service Awards
- Tuesday, 15th December, 11.15am - 12.45pm, Saxophone Ensemble, College Hall
Please contact Mr Denham with any questions relating to the co-curricular music program at MacKillop College or visit the college website and click on the Creative Arts tab.
Leader of Co-Curricular Music
Year 7
Year 7 continue participating in the Basketball and Touch Football Program run in conjunction with Sporting Schools Australia. The boys are participating in Basketball while the girls are participating in Touch Football delivered by local coaches from the Touch Football and Basketball Associations.
Students are required to bring their swimmers, towel and rash shirt for week 10 as they are participating in beach activities at Town Beach.
Year 8
Students Surf Survival Certificate will be completed in Term 1, 2021 as part of the PDHPE and Sport Program.
If students cannot participate due to injury, illness or are an extremely weak swimmer a note needs to be provided to their Sport Teacher outlining their inability to participate in Sport. If this is an ongoing issue, a doctor’s certificate is required.
Year 10 Elective Sport Term 1, 2021
Year 9 Students have been notified of their online Sport selection for Year 10, Term 1 2021. Please note that it is a priority that the digital parent permission form is filled in by parents to ensure the student's position in that sport. Now that students have selected their Sport changes will not be allowed.
Battle of the Best MacKillop College Sport Competition
Over the past four weeks, our students and staff have participated in the Battle of the Best Lunchtime Sport Competition. Students in Years 7-11 competed in Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and Touch Football. Each week finished with the best teams from each grade taking on the Staff Team. The fun, rivalry and atmosphere over these lunchtimes has been a much welcomed relief from the constraints that COVID has placed on Sport in 2020. Staff took out bragging rights in Volleyball and Touch Football.
Thank you to all of the students and staff who embraced this competition so enthusiastically. Special thanks to Tom Bauer who gave up his time to capture some great photos and videos you can check out below.
Representative Sport
To stay up to date with the latest changes in the school representative sport pathway click on the following links.
Diocese of Lismore Sport https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/
Catholic Schools NSW Sport https://csnsw.sport/
| Elliott Worner | |
| 100m | 12.33 |
| 200m | 25.12 (PB) |
| 400m | 55.87 (PB by 4 seconds) |
| Ryan Binskin | |
| 3km | 4th place |
| Dylan De Domizio | |
| 200m | Finalist |
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 by email at the College.
Remember to stay active and healthy over the holidays.
Leader of Sport
Headspace Port Macquarie
Headspace has a one off ArtSPACE Xmas special on 22nd December - a 3 hour workshop
Online Yoga Wednesday, 23rd December via zoom - all ages family & friends class.
Note: There’s only space for 8 young people at our in-house groups so first in best dressed, any extras will be put on a waitlist.
.
Holiday Trading Hours
Uniform Store last day of trading for 2020 is Saturday, 19th December.
After the Christmas break we will re-open on 4th January, 2021.
Trading hours for January (4th - January 30th):
Monday to Friday - 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday - 9.00am - 12.00pm
Our trading hours revert back to our normal hours from 1st February which are:
Monday to Friday - 12 noon - 5.00pm
Saturday - 9.00am - 12.00pm
MacKillop College Canteen is offering online ordering with the Qkr! app please follow this link to view instructions.
Canteen Roster
If you are looking to assist us next year with the canteen, please click the below link and fill out our volunteer's form.
We will be able to have our wonderful MacKillop College families contribute again and are looking forward to seeing you!
2021 Canteen Volunteers
Uniform Pool
Keeping with Covid regulations, if you wish to access the Uniform Pool, please phone the college canteen (via the college office) to check on the availability of the items you may require.
Canteen Coordinator