Week 5, Term 3, 21st August
| Week 6 | ||
| Sunday 23rd August | 21st Sunday of the Year | |
| Monday 24th August | Day 6 | HSC Trials |
| Tuesday 25th August | Day 7 |
HSC Trials |
| Wednesday 26th August | Day 8 | HSC Trials |
| Thursday 27th August | Day 9 |
HSC Trials Vinnies Winter Woollies Out of Uniform Day (gold coin donation) |
| Friday 28th August | Day 10 |
HSC Trials Catch up photo day |
| Week 7 | ||
| Sunday 30th August | 22nd Sunday of the Year | |
| Wednesday 2nd September | Day 3 |
HSC Trials HSC Drama Practical Examinations |
COVID-19 Updates
As you are aware, the government made announcements at the beginning of the week in relation to COVID-19 safe practices in schools. Please see below the latest updates. I thank all parents who have been vigilant in keeping students home and having them COVID tested if unwell.
To our Year 12 parents, I realise this is a particularly challenging time for you, and your sons and daughters. Please be assured the school, parish and diocese are doing everything we can to ensure your child can celebrate their end of schooling. We will also do all we can to involve parents, whilst at the same time following government guidelines. As we meet in the coming weeks, I assure you we will keep parents informed.
Say a little Prayer
Each week I receive a newsletter titled VITAL staff, which focuses on staff and student wellbeing. This week’s article struck me as extremely relevant and pertinent to where we find ourselves as a community, nation and world at the moment. More importantly it reminded me of the power of prayer and gratitude. I thought you might find it helpful too.
Below is an exerpt from Dr. Paul Rijken, Principal of Cardijn College in South Australia, who reflects on the spiritual and practical dimensions of responding to vulnerability and fatigue in a COVID world.
In this blog on my topic of our school motto, I am going to share about the truth of method. This method Joseph Cardijn named “See, Judge, Act”. It has been adopted as a universal way for decision making and problem-solving both in the Catholic Church and in the secular world.
Every day, when I drive to work, I am blessed to see the amazing coastline overlooking the Gulf of St Vincent. Then I see the amazing hills leading to the world-renowned McLaren Vale. Each day I am greeted by Cardijn students and I see the amazing talents and care that teachers at Cardijn College have for their students. I meet parents who share with me their joy of seeing their children flourish and thrive. These are amazing grace moments in my life, which in our Christian church we call God-moments.
In Psalm 78 we are reminded of God’s goodness and our capacity to take these gifts for granted, we read “Do not forget the works of the Lord”. In the busyness of the day and our circumstances we may miss and not see these God-moments. God appears to us in the plain and ordinary moments of the day just like I described above, however today we are all experiencing something extraordinary. Across the globe every person has been impacted by the global pandemic of COVID-19.
We have seen suffering, we have seen the pain, the helplessness and now the hopelessness. Each day we hear state leaders tell us that we need to do more to beat this virus; lockdown, distance, stay home, get tested, isolate and more. Each day we hear more about the effects of this virus and our hope that life can return to normal is further away and distant. These circumstances have created conditions of fatigue. We know about fatigue such as combat fatigue suffered by soldiers deployed on operations away from their families for months and living each day in harm’s way. Mothers with newborn babies know too well the effect of fatigue when you do not get enough sleep looking after your child. There are other types of fatigue such as donor fatigue, the effect of being continually asked to give generously and dig deeper. Fatigue can cause us to miss these God-moments.
We are all aware of being vulnerable and it is not cool to show your vulnerability, in fact as a leader or teacher we are expected to be brave and stoic, chin up and get on with your work. Be focussed, do not let others down. The reality, however, is that we are fatigued and we are human, we are fatigued from this pandemic, we risk reaching that point where we become helpless and begin to think that the future is hopeless.
In coping with fatigue, whichever type and especially the COVID-19 fatigue, there are three key strategies to consider. First, never compromise on your values, such as compassion, care, friendship, generosity, presence, family, and many more. It is what sustains us. Keep these safe and foremost. Second, take time to retreat, find time to relax, to be generous to yourself, to be still, to focus on your inner self, to meditate. Third, and most importantly, live in community, do not travel alone, be with others, share your burdens, look out for one another, and reach out to people who have helped you. To See what is happening around us now is to be present to the daily reality of what we are facing during this global pandemic. To Judge is to live our faith and show those important values which form the foundation of what we stand for. To Act is to respond by using these three strategies I described above.
Say a little prayer!
Meet the Experts
This week's Meet the Expert is Michelle Marino.
Name: Michelle Marino
What subject(s) do you teach?
RE and PDHPE
What high school did you attend?
Cerdon College, Merrylands, Sydney
What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?
Australian Catholic University at Castle Hill. I did a Bachelor of Education (PDHPE and Mathematics) and I'm now doing a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
My grandmother, who was a Music and Catechesis teacher and I also had some very good high school teachers who inspired me to choose teaching.
What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?
So many.......State silver medal with 9/10 boys netball team in 2018; NSWCCC silver medal with girls Open Dio Touch team in 2019; a while back now, having a PC student who didn't like school and didn't get awards, finally receive an award in his last semester with me in Year 10. He really grew and worked towards that award!
What are you reading at the moment?
White Horses by Rachael Treasure
What quote best describes your approach to teaching?
Difficulties are sometimes blessings in disguise. They make you realise there were better options all along. (QuotesEmpire.com)
Favourite non-work related hobbie?
Time with my family and Nonogram (puzzle game on my phone!)
What do you love most about your work?
I love that even after a bad/stressful day, I can reflect and realise that there were multiple kids who actually learnt something from me or made me smile that day!
Principal
An integral component of the process for appointing a new Principal to MacKillop College, Port Macquarie is Community Consultation.
In light of this, we invite parents and carers to give feedback in relation to the appointment.
Mrs Trish Coelho, our School Service Consultant from the Catholic Schools Office is facilitating the process for community consultation amongst stakeholders.
In line with the current COVID-19 restrictions an online feedback form has been provided for you via the link below.
The information you submit goes directly to Trish Coelho. The link will close at 12.00pm on Monday, 31st August.
Feedback will then be shared with the Interview Panel.
Community Consultation - Principal
As mentioned in the newsletter earlier this term we are introducing a real-time wellbeing check-in for students.
Our new PULSE check-in should be ready to launch next week.
I reproduce here some of the benefits of PULSE:
- Ease of access
- Weekly check-in from anywhere (app based check-in)
- 60 second check-in
- Easy to reach out for help
- Plan action using real time data
- Help individuals at risk
- Plan early interventions
- Map impact of current events
- Provides a snapshot of school health
- Identify school trends
- Plan and improve
- Assess initiatives and progress
We recognise the importance of checking-in with students about their wellbeing and this is even more prevalent in these COVID-19 times – many regular activities, routines and rituals are missing from all of our lives.
Following, you will find some Frequently Asked Questions for parents, please read through to familiarise yourself with PULSE. If you have any further questions, you are most welcome to contact and speak with me or one of our Leaders of Pastoral Care.
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care & Staff Support
Vinnie's Winter Appeal
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
(Matt 25:35-36)
Students can bring in the clothes and blankets to their PC any time.
Year 10 help to set up for the Ecumenical Soup Kitchen
Very early on Tuesday morning, a group of four Year 10 students assisted at the Ecumenical Soup Kitchen.
Their work included putting out tables and setting them, laying out vegetables and clothes for people to take away with them and plating up bread and dessert as well as washing up.
We have been very grateful for the opportunity to offer some assistance in this incredibly important ministry.
A Reflection on the Reading from Mass this Sunday
Leader of Evangelisation
Georgia Hickling/Conor Hudson
Youth Ministry Officers
Anti-Bullying Survey
This week has been busy for Year 7, starting on Monday when students completed an anti-bullying survey. Students have been taught the meaning of bullying, as a form of peer aggression when it is:
- repeated;
- deliberately harmful; or
- involves a power imbalance in which the victim feels powerless.
If any of these criteria is missing, it is NOT defined as bullying but that doesn’t mean the experience isn’t harmful.
As you would agree, students have been taught that there is no place for bullying in MacKillop College and to reach out for help if this is occurring. We are grateful for the student’s participation in this very important learning and survey.
From here, many PC's built their own Code of Conduct. Here is 7I2’s version. One that they can be very proud of as it is displayed in their PC room and adopted by all members of the PC group.
Year 7 Memories 2020
On Tuesday this week, students were also asked to answer the following:
- Top character strength?
- Favourite canteen food?
- Favourite song or Netflix series for 2020?
- Proudest moment this year?
This survey is for the Yearbook. As 2020 has been a very different year, this is a creative idea, and one students can look back on when they are in Year 12! Pretty cool idea I think and students seemed to embrace it also.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Charlee Bailey and Rachel Nichols.
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Charlee Bailey, Emma Burge, James Campbell, Miya Freeman and Rachel Nichols.
Wellbeing for Year 7
We, at MacKillop College, are a community who values positive relationships with which students may thrive. Students participate in various activities which explore the value of sustaining healthy and respectful relationships as quintessential to their own wellbeing.
Year 7 were encouraged to consider the nature and the impact of their words and actions and collectively decide a PC code of conduct that honours preserving the dignity of all individuals, strengthening a school culture where RESPECT and KINDNESS is authentic and visible and be that kind of person who stands up for others, not standby wrong behaviour and words. The presentation below was a part of this conversation.
All students have been invited to complete a survey and encouraged to use their voice to speak out and share real data about the prevalence of school bullying online or offline behaviours.
If you or your child need further information about coping with bullying, Reach Out has worthwhile strategies and information.
Nicole O’Connell
Leader of Pastoral Care: Wellbeing
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
Releasing the Angel
I have recently returned to reading a book, Releasing the Angel, by Jesuit priest, teacher, principal and author, Christopher Gleeson.
The book is essentially about teaching, but his focus is far beyond the key learning areas and mandated state curriculum. Chris considers, broadly and specifically, the role of teacher as leader in the formation of young people, and how their essential humanity impacts profoundly on every community, society and nation. It is a book that certainly encourages the wider community to treasure and value the work of teachers.
Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Chris dedicates the book to his first and most influential teacher.
Dear Mum,
Thank you for being my first and best teacher of values.
Much love
Chris
It is easy to overlook or underestimate the powerful witness and influence of a loving parent. Good parenting, too, is a vocation that ought to be treasured, valued and supported in our society.
Elective Selection Year 9 2021
All students should have entered their six elective choices by today at the latest.
If your child has not yet entered their choices for Year 9 and 10 Electives, please speak with them and ensure that this is achieved over the weekend. There was no advantage in being the first to submit. Late submissions may be disadvantaged.
Uniform and Grooming
As mentioned previously, I am taking the opportunity over the next few weeks to remind families of the College expectations regarding uniform. My focus this week is the Winter uniform
Girls Winter Uniform
Double pleated skirt to the knee, or black school pants, short or long sleeve blouse with school crest with school tie, black woollen jumper with school crest. Plain black scarves only may be worn with a jumper. Note: Tracksuit top is not permitted with formal uniform.
Boys Winter Uniform
Short or long sleeve white Midford style shirt with button-up collar, school tie, shorts OR uniform long grey trousers (Midford Shorts or Trousers Style 155M Colour 63 Grey), to be worn on the waist with a plain leather black belt, black woollen jumper with school crest. Shirt is to be tucked in at all times. Plain black scarves only to be worn with a jumper. Note: Tracksuit top is not permitted with formal uniform.
I request that parents review these expectations with their child.
God bless.
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
Each Wednesday for the remainder of the term students will be participating in a series of challenges and activities during Pastoral Care lessons. There will be riddles, problem solving, quizzes and some physical activities. Where possible the physical activities will be modified to suit those students who are unable to participate in physical activity.
Students will move around in their Pastoral Care group and the aim is to have fun, learn different forms of communications, see the value in teamwork and build relationships within their Pastoral Care group.
Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care
Jasper Jones - Year 10 Drama Production
Over the past few weeks Year 10 Drama students and their Director, Pauline Cain, have been putting together their production of Jasper Jones. In Week 3 students completed a costume design task which required them to design a costume for the role of their character in the production. We have managed to block the whole play (blocking is the movements/actions that will take place throughout a scene) and we are now running through the script again with understudies in the lead roles.
The level of commitment and dedication the students have shown towards this production is to be commended. This week we have also been creating a set design for the production, creating their own interpretation for the stage. These students are loving the process of bringing this production together and can’t wait to share it with everyone in November, dependent, of course on COVID regulations.
| Mahali Pemberton (Publicity) | |
| Charlie 14 |
Nic Bridle (understudy Sam Thresher) |
| Jasper Jones 16 | Xavier Kynan |
| Jeffrey Lu 14 | Lucy Kay |
| Eliza Wishart 14 |
Isobel Pares (understudy Olivia Nichols) |
| Laura 15 dead | Maddison Reed |
| Mrs Lu/ensemble | Amelia Giumelli |
| Mrs Bucktin/ensemble | Livia Bailey |
| Mr Bucktin/ensemble |
Samantha Thresher (understudy Nic Bridle) |
| Mad Jack Lionel/ensemble | Olivia Nichols |
| Warwick Trent/ensemble | Mahali Pemberton |
| Clarry/ensemble | Giselle Brennan |
| Officer/ensemble | Connor Mitchell |
| Ensemble | Maddison McGrath and Luka Quinn |
Today's newsletter is dedicated to our potential future leaders. After a period of nominations and then applications the following 16 students went onto a ballot paper on Wednesday to determine our 2021 leadership group.
Emily Currey
Madison Cutajar
Sophie Evans
Jack Fallon
Kate Field
Jessica Hamel
Jesse Hiatt
Jared Humphreys
Grace Kranitis
Kashia McGrath
Jorja Montgomery
Drew Mutton
Benjamin O'Brien
Hugh Robertson
Mitchell Scott
Sienna Toohey
I commend each of the candidates as they have been nominated by their peers and teachers who have identified that they possess leadership qualities and would be wonderful representatives for our College. From this first round of voting eight of the students will be selected. Once selected they will nominate for desired positions whether it be College Captain, Vice Captain or SRC. Mrs Eichmann will interview the potential captains and then another round of voting will commence.
I wish them all the very best and am confident that whoever is selected from this group will lead our College admirably.
Apologies for my photography skills - not the best at all but I really wanted them to be included so I had to take it myself due to time constraints. A definite weakness I could improve upon!
All the best for the weekend.
Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care
Congratulations to the HSC Dance students Lily Heath, Amelia Munro and Imogen Smith who have already completed their HSC practical Dance exam. It is a huge relief for these girls and I am sure it is a strange feeling having completed one of their HSC exams before they even begin sitting for trial exams in other subjects. From all reports the girls were well prepared and happy with their performances. Well done girls!
Good luck to all of the Year 12 students as they complete their Trial HSC exams. This is a stressful time for Year 12 as they sit their first three hour exams. The trial exams are exactly that, a trial of the HSC. Not only do they provide a form of school based assessment but they provide an experience for the students that mimics the HSC. The English exam was even supervised by external supervisors (as per the HSC) which helps to create a feeling of familiarity for the students when they sit the HSC exams in October. Most students were suitably nervous, but quietly prepared when I spoke to them before their exams this week.
End of Year Celebrations
As many of you are aware the end of year celebrations for Year 12 are being significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated health guidelines and restrictions. At this stage I would like to assure students and parents that we are working towards providing the Year 12 students with an opportunity to recognise the culmination of their 13 years of schooling. We will endeavour to do our best to ensure that they have their own unique special moment, and are able to experience in some form this rite of passage as they leave school.
Year 12 Leader of Pastoral Care
“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
COVID restrictions with regard to rehearsals
Due to the recent advice from the NSW Health Department related to group activities in schools, the nature of ensemble rehearsals has changed. For the coming weeks we are moving to a recording schedule whereby students will individually record their parts from recent repertoire to a backing track. These recordings will be mixed in the hope of being able to share a quality recording with students and families.
Please take note of the recording schedule below. During this time ALL Vocal, Woodwind, Brass and Ensembles consisting of a combination of year groups WILL BE PLACED ON HOLD AND WILL NOT be rehearsing together in the one space at the same time in keeping with the guidelines set by NSW Health.
Please be aware that SAPSS MARCHING BAND HAS BEEN PLACED ON HOLD FOR THE REMAINDER OF TERM 3. Therefore, no rehearsal will take place until further notice.
Rehearsal Schedule Term 3
Upcoming Events
All upcoming events have been placed on hold and are to be confirmed.
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
Term 3 Sport
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
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/
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.
Leader of Sport
Positive Partnerships
Positive Partnerships has a new project to support families to learn about Autism through a FREE text based service. The service will support families to:
- Learn more about their child’s strengths and interests, sensory processing and communication needs.
- Connect to resources that are evidence based.
- Consider ways of working with their child’s school and other professionals.
- Understand the importance of looking after themselves.
The service is suitable for all families of school aged children on the autism spectrum that would benefit from receiving informative and supportive text messages, directly to their phones.
Parenting Webinars hosted by Parent Assembly
Parent Assembly is continuing to host high quality webinars on a wide variety of parenting topics throughout this term. Upcoming webinars include:
Maths Tutorials with Mrs Robertson
Tuesday - Friday
7.45am - 8.30am
Room 12 Main College
Our College offers two homework clubs for any extra time our students may need during the week.
Years 7 - 10 Homework Club is located in the Main College Library on Monday - Thursday: 3.15pm - 4.30pm
Years 11 - 12 Homework Club is located in the John Mullin Centre on Monday - Thursday: 3.15pm - 5.00pm
Canteen Helpers
In the current climate, Canteen volunteers will not be required until further notice.
Thank you for your understanding and take care.
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.
School ties
School ties are available for purchase at the Canteen for $20.00 each.