Keeping Your Child's Attendance Records Up-to-Date

The MacKillop College Attendance Team values the partnership we have with our parents in ensuring every student is accounted for and their attendance records are accurate. Maintaining accurate, current attendance data is not only a regulatory requirement but is vital for your child's safety and welfare.

We understand how busy the school year can be, but we ask for your assistance in helping us keep your child's attendance profile current. Throughout the year, if your child is absent and the school has not yet received an explanation, this is recorded as an unexplained absence.

Action Required: Checking and Clearing Unexplained Absences

We are currently working to ensure all attendance records for 2025 are fully up-to-date. Next week, the College Office will be sending out emails to parents of any student who has outstanding unexplained absences recorded.

We kindly request that you take a moment to review your child's profile in Compass for any unexplained absences that require your attention.

To resolve these records, please respond to the email you receive next week. Alternatively, you can always communicate the reason for an absence directly to us at any time:

• Email the Attendance Team: Simply reply to the letter sent, or email us at;
  pmac-attendance@lism.catholic.edu.au with the student's name, date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence.

Your timely response allows us to update your child's record quickly and efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping your child’s attendance data accurate.

The Attendance Team at MacKillop College

Duke of Edinburgh 2026

Join us for an information evening about the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) program that will run at the college in 2026. Our DoE coordinator, Mr. Luke McDonald, will give a presentation on what the program entails, and will open the floor up to questions from parents/carers. Please note that this event is targeted at parents of incoming Year 9 and 10 students joining the program in 2026.

Light refreshments will be provided. You can RSVP through the Facebook event here, or email claire.watts@lism.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Events

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

Need Some Study Help?

Canteen

ATTENTION ALL QKR USERS

The cut-off time is 8.00am SHARP. Any orders placed after 8.00am 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.

Representative Sport

Representative Sport Reports

MacKillop College State Final Champions - U16 Girls Rugby League

In a thrilling State Schoolgirl Final, the MacKillop College U16 Girls Rugby League team triumphed over Bass HS with a score of 20-16. The team demonstrated outstanding bravery and belief against a much bigger city side throughout a tightly contested statewide competition.

• Key Moments: A strong defensive platform set by Ella Oliver, Isabella Hawkins, Lily Moseley, and Matilda Medlin allowed the attack, led by Captain Darcie Gleeson, to strike early. Arliah Morris scored a first-half double, with Lily Moseley converting both goals for a 12-0 halftime lead.

• The Comeback & Finish: Bass HS rallied in the second half to tie the score at 16-all with five minutes left. In the final minute, with the nerves on edge, the girls shifted the ball wide for Lily Moseley to crash over in the corner, securing the 20-16 victory.

• Special Mentions: Arliah Morris was named Player of the Match for her dominant performance and hat trick. The coaches applauded the team's unity and support for each other.

• Team Support: Special thanks to Anna (water runner) and Ali Montgomery (driver/tour guide).

Coaches: Erin Denham and Kate Cowan.

MacKillop’s Mighty U14 Boys Storm to Victory at the Harry Wells Cup!

The MacKillop College U14 Boys 9’s team secured the Harry Wells Cup Championship at Geoff King Oval, Coffs Harbour, after a full day of impressive rugby league.

• Road to the Final: MacKillop opened with a dominant 24–4 win over South Grafton, showcasing sharp tactics and clever ball movement, highlighted by Flynn Cloake's intelligent positioning. They then announced themselves as contenders with a decisive 22–6 victory over tournament favourite Woodlawn College, where Judd Charot and Sonny Shipway ran strongly, and Knox Blake and Josh Ball anchored a crunching defence.

• Grand Final Thriller: Facing Woodlawn again in the Grand Final, MacKillop overcame early uncharacteristic errors and a 5-point try against them. Led by the unstoppable Josh Ball, the boys showed unrelenting defence and fierce determination to secure a tight 14–11 victory.

• MVP: Liam Holding

Coaches/Manager: Jason McRae (Coach) & Warren Lorger (Manager).

NSWCCC U15 Boys Cricket Selection Trials

Congratulations to Year 7 students Josh Harris and Tom Spencer for being invited to trial for the NSWCCC U15 Boys Cricket Team in Riverwood. This is a significant achievement as the trial is typically dominated by Year 9 students.

• Experience Gained: While the boys were not selected this year, they gained invaluable experience at this level, which will be an excellent foundation for future trials and the upcoming cricket season at MacKillop.

Diocesan Volleyball Championships Wrap-Up

MacKillop College had a highly successful day at the Diocesan Volleyball Championships, with strong performances across all divisions.

Open Girls A Team - Grand Final Champions!

The Open Girls A team played with outstanding control and resilience, finishing top of their pool with wins against Trinity (44–14), St Paul’s Kempsey, and a nail-biting finish against John Paul College (24–22). They overcame McAuley Catholic College in the semi-final (24–21) before claiming the Grand Final title with a thrilling 27–24 victory.

• Team Members: Charlee Lawlor, Meredith Davies, Isobel Galvin, Jessica Moore, Summer Waite, Madeline Poulton, Lane Jordan and Mia Zvirzdinas.

• MVP: Jessica Moore

Coach: Mrs Courtney Charge

Open Girls B Team

The Open Girls B team showed great teamwork, energy, and determination, despite many having limited competition experience. A highlight was an incredible 30–30 comeback draw against the Regional team. They played with great spirit and enthusiasm throughout the pool matches.

• Team Members: Tori McGrath, Claire Morris, Charlotte McEntyre, Lucy Geary, Emmalee Purnell, Emily Giudicelli, Gracie Huxley and Amarlie Gregory.

• MVP: Tori McGrath

Coach: Mrs Courtney Charge, with thanks to Mrs Anna Gleeson for support.

Open Boys

The Senior Boys performed fantastically in what was a highly competitive pool, showing excellent mid-rally defence and strong serving. They narrowly lost to the eventual winners but played as a unified team and demonstrated some of the best saves of the tournament.

• MVP: Nate Sheldon

Coach: Ethan Houldsworth

Junior Girls A and B

Both Junior Girls teams fought valiantly against tough competition. While they didn't progress to the semi-finals, their effort highlighted their significant growth and commitment to the sport.

• MVPs: Georgia White & Mikayla Adams

Coaches: Mitchell Buchtmann & Anna Gleeson

Junior Boys A

The U/15 Boys, the reigning undefeated champions, once again showcased flair, skill, and control despite late injuries to Oto Ryan, Manni McGrath, and Felix Plowright. They reached the penultimate match against St. Joseph’s Regional College.

• Teamwork Highlights: The defence and attack of their "three towers" (Riley Garel, Rocky Mann, Tobias Rowlatt) were supported by the solid setting efforts of Lachlan Waters, Riley Batman, and Xavier Mat. Nate Walsh was essential as the scrambler.

• MVP: Lachlan Waters

Coach: Colin Coelho

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;

• Rugby League - Boys U14 & 16s Boys Harry Wells
  

** 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

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.

Community Sport

Brothers Conquer Runhaven

Congratulations to Cameron and Chris Bullock, who both participated in Runhaven last weekend. Both boys ran in the 10 km run and notched up PBs. 

What a great experience for the boys to share. Well done.

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)

School Sport

Term 3 Sport Programs

Andrea Huxley
Leader of School Sport

Music News

“Music is a universal and immediate language that requires no translation or elaborate explanation. Music creates harmony, thereby reaching everyone, consoling those who suffer, rekindling enthusiasm in the downhearted, and bringing forth wonderful values such as beauty and poetry, which reflect God’s harmonious light.” Pope Francis

SPARK Arts Festival – Tickets Now On Sale!

Join us for the 2025 SPARK Arts Festival on Thursday, November 20, at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the arts across St. Agnes’ Education.

Students from MacKillop College, St Joseph’s Regional College, and Newman Senior Technical College will showcase their incredible work in music, dance, drama, and visual arts through performances, exhibitions, and twilight events.

With live performances, art installations, courtyard jazz, shared dining, and large-scale projections under the stars, SPARK is more than a show; it’s a full festival experience!

Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss out!

www.artsnest.com.au

PC CLASS COMPETITION ENTRIES - Close Monday 10 November!

This year, the theme is Masked Singer, with proceeds contributing to the college's Mary MacKillop Fund.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to perform on stage as finalists at the performance night.

Finalists are to perform on stage in the theatre on November 12 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Audience members are to vote on the night by way of donation to award the winners! 

The event will also feature performances from the MacKillop College Choir, accompanied by the Stage Band and our college Vocal Ensemble. There will also be a special performance by HSC music student Amarni Francis and the 2026 SRC. See you there!

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 - 3.30pm - 4.30pm (alternate weeks), J16 Music Room
  
• 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 and Mr Horne) 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

• The Voice Song Contest - technical rehearsal - (Theatre) Week 5, Term 4 - Wednesday November 12, lunch 2 - period 5, Pop Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Stage Band, Year 9 Elective Music and karaoke finalists.
• The Voice Song Contest - (Theatre) Week 5, Term 4 - Wednesday November 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Pop Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Stage Band, Year 9 Elective Music and karaoke finalists.

SPARK! (St Agnes Parish Combined Schools Showcase Performance)

1. Technical Rehearsal - Wednesday November 19, 9.00am - 3.00pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
2. Matinee - Thursday November 20, 12.00pm - 1.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
3. Glasshouse Stage Performance #1 - Thursday November 20, 4.00pm - 5.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
4. Podium Stage Performance#1 - Thursday November 20, 5.45pm - 6.45pm, Bleu Wave, Stage Band
5. Glasshouse Stage Performance #2 - Thursday November 20, 4.00pm - 5.30pm, Concert Band, Pop Choir, Praise Band & Singers, Drumline
6. Podium Stage Performance#1 - Thursday November 20, 8.45pm - 9.15pm, selected students TBC

• Christ The King Parish Celebration - (St Joseph’s Regional College) Week 6, Term 4 - Sunday November 23, 9.30am - 1.30pm, Praise Band & Singers, Stage Band and Drumline. 
• Co-Curricular Awards Assembly - (College Hall) Week 7, Term 4 - Wednesday, November 26, Period 1, Stage Band, Pop Choir.
• St Peter's Performance - (St Peter's Primary School) Week 7, Term 4 - Thursday, November 27, 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Concert Band.
• Summer Session Lunch Concert - (Senior Campus - Lochinvar Courtyard) Week 8, Term 4 - Thursday December 4, Lunch 2, Year 11 Music.
• Wauchope Rotary Christmas Carols - (Bain Park, Wauchope) Week 9, Term 4 - Friday December 12, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Junior & Senior Drumline.
• Youth and Family Mass - (St Agnes Parish Church) Week 9, Term 4 - Sunday December 14, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Praise Band and Singers.
• Academics Awards Assembly - (College Hall) Week 10, Term 4 - Monday December 15, Period 1 & 2, Concert Band
• MacKillop College Christmas Mass - (College Hall) Week 10, Term 4 - Tuesday December 16, Period 1 & 2, Praise Band and Singers.

Robert Denham
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

Year 11

Events

It's a busy start to the term: our senior students have begun their HSC courses, with our first HSC assessment tasks just around the corner.

Events that happened this week:

• Melbourne Cup Day Dress Up (Tuesday Week 4);
• Senior Retreat (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Week 4);

And I’m sure parents will get the rundown when our students return from retreat.

Jerseys

Our senior jerseys will arrive soon. A very exciting time!! I would especially like to thank the Jersey committee for their fantastic work in bringing this together beautifully. The Jersey Committee comprised eleven members, listed here alphabetically by surname: Alex Brandson, Inala Gibbs, Phoebe Hagenbach, Lucy Hope, Jackson Mayne, Mikaeli Morgan, Sienna Neumann, Lucy Robinson, Jorja Smith, Briella Sutherland, and Charlotte Weatherley.

Goals and Systems

As the HSC course begins, it is very important for us as a group to reflect once again on our goals and systems.

• Goals - What am I trying to achieve? What university course do I want to do? What ATAR am I aiming for? What career do I want? Having something to aim for makes it far more likely that we will adopt the next steps in order to achieve our goal.
• Putting the correct systems in place - Systems are habits. Systems are things you adopt that help you achieve goals. 

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” - James Clear

For example:

Goal:

• I want to get an ATAR of 90, and go to Uni to become an engineer.

Systems:

• I have no devices in my room from 7:00pm - 9:00pm every night;
• I use a whiteboard in my room to record when things are due;
• I make list of what I need to achieve before I leave homework club and I don’t leave until I’m finished; and
• on weekends, I do homework on Saturday morning so that the rest of my weekend is free.

These are examples only, and every student is different. Systems that work for one person, will not necessarily work for another. Our students, after three terms of senior school, will now have a great idea of what works for them.

As parents, please chat to them again about the systems they have developed, giving them your wisdom, helping them stick to a weekly/fortnightly routine by supporting that in the household, and telling them that the small changes they make, the small sacrifices, will help them to achieve big dreams.

Starting the HSC course is an exciting time for our young people, and I’m excited about continuing to help them become organised, independent, community-minded young women and men who will make a difference.

Bruce Smith
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing

Leaders of Wellbeing: Stage 5

Assessment Tasks and Study Focus

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 and 10 (Stage 5) students for their excellent start to the term!

As the term progresses, the academic pace naturally quickens with a number of assessment tasks coming up. Remember, these tasks are a valuable part of the teaching and learning cycle, giving students and teachers essential feedback on progress.

To help students achieve their personal best during this busy period, we strongly encourage them to:

• Develop a consistent study routine.

• Utilise time management planners to stay organised and on top of deadlines.

• Communicate with teachers if any variations to assessments are required.

A little planning goes a long way towards reducing stress and maximising success!

College Uniform: Wearing it with Pride

The college uniform is a visible symbol of our community and readiness to learn. While your child's personality and character are what truly define them, the way they wear their uniform introduces them to the world.

We ask for your support in ensuring students wear the college uniform correctly and with pride each and every day. When worn well, it signals, "I am ready to learn," and "I am a proud member of this community."

A few uniform items that do not align with the College Code of Presentation, such as jewellery, white socks, haircuts and facial hair, have begun to emerge. Please ensure your child is following the Code of Presentation.

Year 10 Community Day: Endless Summer!

The popular Year 10 Community Day ('Endless Summer' Beach Day) is just around the corner!

This traditionally enjoyable day is scheduled for Thursday, 11 December. Details and the required consent form have been released on Compass. To help our staff with a smooth and timely organisation, we kindly ask that all parents/carers please complete the consent process on Compass promptly.

We wish all our Stage 5 students the very best for a productive and successful few weeks.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Gold Award for receiving 70 Merits:

Indy Lorger and Nikki Seears.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Award for receiving 50 Merits:

Ellah Armitage and Lucy Ford

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Bronze Award for receiving 30 Merits:  

Eliana Ballard, Piper Brennan-Riley, Darcie Gleeson, Riley Harris, Bailey Haste, Eunan Magill, Rocky Mann, Jeremy Mills, Amelie Obeid, Oliver Parker, Vilius Philp, Xavier Reichelt, Lily Rowlatt, and Maya Williams.

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

Leaders of Wellbeing: Stage 4

Year 7 – Cultivating Gratitude and Community

With this in focus, students have been using extended PC sessions to reflect on their experiences this year and to deepen their connections with one another through collaborative team-building exercises.

Activities included writing welcome letters to future Year 7 students, sharing advice and highlighting the best things about belonging to the MacKillop College Community.

Some PCs chose to celebrate the final term of Year 7 with a journey down memory lane, recognising all the growth, achievements, and friendships made, then displaying these on A3 paper to create a collective “Memory Wall” that showcases both big and small wins from the year.

Year 8 - Strengthening bonds and preparing to be challenged

Our Year 8 students have been busy preparing for their South West Rocks camping adventure, which takes place in Week 4. Meal plans have been prepped, tents dusted off, and bags packed.

This camp is specifically designed to push students beyond their routine, offering a valuable chance to build essential skills like resilience and collaboration as they tackle exciting new challenges. Extended PC time gave students the perfect opportunity to practise setting up their tents and finalise their preparation.

Be sure to check the following newsletter for a complete wrap-up of the Year 8 Camp!

Congratulations.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Award for receiving 50 merits:

Stephanie Banham, Harrison Blake, Elodie Briggs, Bilyana Brown, Sienna Harrison, Nathan Keane, Jemma Kowalewski, Banjo Maggs, Archie Mallam, Karsanth Mohanaranjan, Meela Munro, Joseph O'Brien, Evie Pattinson, Natasha Pirnie, Patrick Rolfe, Ava Schmidt, Nathaniel Sun Zhong, Charles Trotter, Ezra Van Lint and Aiden Walsh.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Bronze Award for receiving 30 merits:

Joseph Blundell, Grace Broderick, Benjamin Clarke, Sonny Cowan, Coco Cox, Sophie Donohoe, Lachlan Forbes, Jaxon Gillespie, Demi Gluyas, Harvey Gosling, Sophie Hanson, Chloe Lentz, Xavier Mat, Sofia McNeil, Joshua Mullen, Billy Nelson, Vedant Patel, Grace Pulham, Amelia Ryan, Hudson Sprague, Levi Taylor and Aaron Varghese.

• Jason McRae – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St. Agnes House
• Adam O’Brien – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St. Joseph’s House
• Kylie Ryan – Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing, St. Paul’s House

Principal's Update

Congratulations

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Year 12 students who, this week, completed 13 years of education.

I have had the pleasure of working with these amazing young people for several years, and it has been great to see them grow into the young adults they are today. I do not doubt that all of their hard work and dedication will pay dividends as they begin to navigate the next exciting phase of their life.

I would also like to thank all of the parents and guardians who have supported our Year 12 students through this challenging time in their education. Success is much more obtainable when positive relationships and partnerships are formed. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in partnership with our parents and Year 12 students, and I look forward to seeing you all at our graduation celebration on Thursday evening.

Consistency of Practice

At our recent staff meeting, Mr Steve Roberts and Mr Warren Lorger led our teaching team through a series of scenarios to ensure consistency in our practice of building and managing relationships with students at school. 

One such scenario focused on student lateness to class. Through our 5-step routine, we have worked diligently this year to ensure that students are in class and actively engaged in their learning. However, there are times when students arrive late. 

The focus of the workshop was to ensure that students do not interrupt the learning that is occurring, thereby respecting other students and staff, but to wait at the door until a staff member invites them in. This first step has been outlined to students at recent house meetings.

Throughout the lesson, the staff member is encouraged to engage in the reasons why the student may be late and suggest strategies to prevent this occurrence in the future. If lateness becomes a trend, staff are encouraged to initiate teacher-led redirection of the student's behaviour. At this point, we assume our students become more organised and deliberate when arriving at classes on time. Should a behaviour change not occur, students would be expected to make up lost time at either a leader-supervised lunch or afternoon detention.

MacKillop College recognised as a Musical Futures International Champion School for 2026

MacKillop College has been awarded Champion School status by Musical Futures International, acknowledging our leadership and commitment to delivering inclusive, engaging, and practical music education.

Musical Futures International Champion Schools are selected for their strong alignment with the Musical Futures philosophy, which places real-world music-making at the centre of the classroom. This approach values student voice, collaboration, creativity, and meaningful engagement with music — ensuring every learner has the opportunity to make real musical progress.

As a Champion School, MacKillop College will join a network of schools worldwide that champion innovative approaches to music teaching and learning. This includes opportunities to share practice with other educators, access professional learning, and contribute to the ongoing development of Musical Futures International resources and programs.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our music staff and the energy of our students, who make music a vital part of our school community. Learn more about the Champion Schools programme here: https://musicalfuturesinternational.org/champion-schools/

Student Success

Gold Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have recently been awarded Gold Awards for accumulating over 70 merits this academic year. I look forward to seeing them progress towards a Principal's award and lunch at 100 merits.

Year 7

• Sifa Fono
• Eden Barnes
• Benjamin O’Brien
• Steele Cottom
• Jessie Winter

Year 8

• Aryana Chege

Year 9

• Indy Lorger
• Nikki Seears

Adam Kelly

Principal, MacKillop College

Adam Kelly
Principal

Curriculum Corner

As a child of the 80s, I often reflect on my experiences in comparison to our wonderful young people today, and I just can't help but think, in an extremely clichéd way, that I was lucky to grow up in the 'good old days' where all my imperfections, stuff-ups and awkwardness weren't recorded in perpetuity for the world (or at least my peers) to see. While our digital native students are afforded the great gifts of the online learning resources that I could have never imagined as a child, the commodification of their attention through various social media and entertainment platforms can be a major hindrance to their ability to complete schoolwork and prepare for assessments online. 

As parents and educators, we've always had an important role in modelling self-regulation skills to children. How this is done in an online setting can be really challenging, given our own lack of personal experience with the internet as kids ourselves for the most part. I catch myself regularly going into autopilot on my phone, doom scrolling absentmindedly, and then becoming frustrated with myself about the valuable time I've lost that I could have been spending with my family or finishing my work so I could get a longer night's sleep. 

Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl said, "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom." His words really got me thinking about how to create space before I go into autopilot mode and how we can help students to do the same when they are using their devices as tools for learning. 

This led me to discover, one sec, a phone app and desktop browser extension that gives the user a chance to stop for a few seconds and think about whether they actually want to use the site/app they are about to access. I've found that it's helped me to break my own unconscious patterns of behaviour (my personal screen time is down by 42% since downloading, which is in line with research into once sec) and has me thinking more deliberately about how I use my phone. I'm even getting to bed earlier.

While by no means a silver bullet to helping our students be more mindful about their tech use, I thought 'one sec' was worthwhile highlighting as a conversation starter with your child about their screen time. We know that sleep is hugely important for the development of the teenage brain and has a profound impact on their learning, so this might be a tool to consider in consultation with your child if they need some additional support.

Michael Peck
Leader of Curriculum

School Vaccination Program 2025

Catch Up Day

We are pleased to inform you that the catch-up day for student vaccinations is scheduled for Term 4, Thursday, October 30. This session is specifically for any students who have missed previous screenings.

To ensure your child’s participation, if you have not done so already, please complete the consent form by scanning the QR code below. 

If you have any questions or require further information, feel free to contact NSW Health or the college office on 6583 2632. Thank you for your cooperation.  

VET Qualification Download Window Closing for 2025 Students

For all Students who completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in 2025 (including Year 12), the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) facilitates the generation and downloading of VET qualifications (Certificates or Statements of Attainment) directly by students.

How to Access and Download the Document:

• Portal: NESA Students Online (https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/go/login/)
• Login: Student Number and PIN (the same used for checking HSC results).
• Location: Navigate to the Certificates/eRecord section.
• Requirement: A Unique Student Identifier (USI) must be entered for access.

Important Deadline: Students have access to download their VET documents until 30 June 2026. After this date, access will be lost, including for 2025 Year 12 graduates and any students not continuing at school. Please download and permanently save your PDF certificate/statement as soon as possible.

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

Need Some Study Help?

Canteen

ATTENTION ALL QKR USERS

The cut-off time is 8.00am SHARP. Any orders placed after 8.00am 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.

Representative Sport

Representative Sport Reports

NSWCCC Basketball - Junior Boys 

The MacKillop 7-8 Boys' Basketball Team recently played at the NSW CCC Basketball tournament, coming up against stiff competition across the state. The boys played a fantastic tournament, and coming into the second day, they were in a three-way tie for second in their pool. Unfortunately, the early morning games were not the boys' strong suit, and they went down by 2 points in a close match with McCarthy College Tamworth. This meant the boys, looking strong all tournament, came up against St Dominic’s College, Kingswood, in the quarter-finals. The Boys played well in the first quarter, keeping the game tight; however, St Dom’s, who had yet to lose a game, showed their class and eliminated the boys. St Dom’s went on to win the tournament. 

It was a great experience for the team, who learnt a lot. They are looking forward to being back in the mix next year. Their dedication to training and commitment to the team showed throughout the competition. The top 8 in NSW Catholic schools is nothing to sneeze at.

MVP: Felix Plowright for his never-give-up approach!

COACH: Adam O’Brien

Intermediate Boys 

The Year 9/10 Boys Basketball team recently played at the NSWCCC Championship Finals in Penrith. The team had qualified as Lismore Diocesan Champions in Term 3. The team had a good start to the Championships, defeating McAuley Catholic Central. Tumut (51-37) before first-day losses to John Therry Catholic College, Campbelltown (57-51), Xavier Catholic College, Albury (62-26), and St Paul's, Manly (64-63). The second day started with a tough loss to St John's College, Dubbo. This placed the MacKillop team in the 9/10th play-off against St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour. The team went down in the game to finish the tournament in 10th position.

Congratulations to all the players for their effort and achievements this year. Thank you to Mr Buchtmann for his coaching throughout the year. The team included Tallin Morris, Ben Romer, Manni McGrath, Maddyx Grey, Vilius Philp, Nate Sheldon, Elijah Kyan, and Oliver Bryant.

MVP: Ben Romer

COACH: Ryan Adams

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;

• Rugby League - Boys U14 & 16s Boys Harry Wells
  

** 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

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.

Community Sport

BASKETBALL D-League 

Congratulations to Ben Romer, who recently made the D-League and SPP Basketball Team again; this is an outstanding achievement given Ben is young for the Under 18’s division. Ben was also named Most Outstanding Athlete in Basketball at the NCAS Academy Awards and MVP for his local rep team. To say Ben is in fine form and has had a stellar year is an understatement. He has worked so incredibly hard this year and is currently trialling with the Sydney Comets. 

Congratulations to Tallin Morris and Mikalya Adams, who made the U16’s D-League. 

NSW Country Indoor Cricket

Congratulations to Joshua Harris and Tom Spencer, who have recently been selected to play for the NSW Country at the Junior National Indoor Cricket Championships, which will be held at the Casey Stadium in Victoria from 4 to 11 July 2026. This is an outstanding achievement, and we look forward to hearing how the boys go at the Championships next year.

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)