Term 4, Week 7, 27th November

Year 7-11 Academic and Service Awards

Thank you for the generous support we have received for sponsorship of our Academic and Service Awards to be held on Tuesday, 15th December. We continue to seek sponsorship for these awards. The cost of sponsorship is $50 per award. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the College newsletter and in the program booklet. 

If you are in a position to assist, please contact the College office on 6583 2632.

Meet the Leaders

This week is the final introduction of our 2021 College Leaders.

Today I would like to introduce Student Representative Council member, Sophie Evans.

Sophie Evans 

Name

Sophie Evans.

Character strength and when/how you use it?

Gratitude - By embracing all opportunities given to me and not expecting things to be handed to me, being thankful for the little things in your life.  

Favourite Netflix series/song in 2020?

Gossip Girl.

What hobbies do you have that help you relax?

I love sport and this is something which I find really helps me to relax and refocus.

What times of the day or the week are hardest for you?

Tuesdays - 7 period days are hard.

What's the most generous act you've seen recently?

I really liked when Year 11 participated in the MackRAKs (Random Acts of Kindness). It really brought out the kindness and generosity within our Year group. 

What's giving you hope right now?

Summer is coming!

What's the best thing that happened to you this week?

I am finally able to play rep touch after a long break due to COVID-19.

Who or what inspires you?

My Mum.

What do you need more of? Less of?

Less homework!

What is your all-time favourite book?

One for the Murphy's.

What's something new you've learned lately?

Baby porcupines are called porcupettes!

What’s your all time favourite app?

Pinterest.

What new skill would you like to master?

I think it would be cool to learn a different language. 

For me, the three most important things in the world are...

Family, Friends, Happiness.  

Describe yourself in three words.

Organised, dependable and kind.

If I could be, do, have everything in the world, I would...

Whatever good deeds that I could. 

Favourite subject at school?

Legal studies. 

Post-school plans?

Not sure. 

What hidden talent do you have?

I can say the alphabet backwards.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Flying.

What do you look for in a friend?

Someone who is loyal, funny, and genuine.

What makes you laugh the hardest?

Friends and family. 

Meet the Experts

This week's Meet the Expert is Mathematics teacher David Kennedy.
 

Name: David Kennedy.

What subject(s) do you teach?

Mathematics.

What high school did you attend?

Toormina High School.

What university did you attend and what course(s) did you do after finishing school?

University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor Science (Mathematics Teaching) and then a Masters of Leadership and Management.

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

My High School PE Teacher and my parents (both teachers).

What would be your proudest teaching moment in your career to date?

Unplanned encounters with ex-students who have divulged the positive impact I had on them as a young person.

What are you reading at the moment?

More of a podcast person - I'm halfway through listening to Craig Bellamy on The Howie Games podcast.

What quote best describes your approach to teaching?

Always "fair and reasonable".

Favourite non-work related hobby?

I'm an absolute sports tragic - I'm particularly partial to union, league, cricket, surfing and soccer.

What do you love most about your work? 

It's dynamic - you never know what's going to happen when you walk in each morning!

Year 10 YMO Reflection Day

On Friday, we held our YMO lead Reflection Day for all of our Year 10 students. The day ran smoothly with students taking a trip down memory lane, thinking about what the future might hold, and remembering the importance of enjoying the present.

Thanks to the wonderful St Agnes' Parish Youth Ministry Officers lead by Georgia and Conor for the work they put into the day, and for the kind Year 11 and 12 volunteers who formed our “Balance in Senior School” panel, where they shared ways that they have created balance in their lives.

Thanks especially for the Year 10 students who participated beautifully, making it a fun day.

St Agnes’ Parish Christmas Hamper Appeal

For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; (Matt 25:35)

Imitating the compassion of Jesus and being a Christian example to others, MacKillop College have provided a huge collection of Christmas Hampers as part of the St Agnes’ Christmas Hamper Collection to help families celebrate Christmas.

A huge thanks to all those who have supported us in being able to offer this beautiful gift. The generosity of so many families and staff has meant that, as well as the hampers we had promised to complete, we are able to offer the parish the ability to make up quite a few more.

"Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” (Isaiah 58:10)

A reflection on the reading from Mass this Sunday;

Music makes the world go around

Due to a lack of performance opportunities this year, the Concert Band is currently rehearsing to join the Marching Band on their Primary School Tour later this term, as well as learning some Jazz Band pieces with the hope of being able to perform as a group at next year's Big Band Blast. So many Year 7 students have grabbed onto this opportunity to be a part of the cultural scene of the College and it is held with very high regard. Also seems that they are having fun!

Extended PC

Students spent time this week as a cohort reflecting on playground behaviours that help and hinder their relationships. By calling out bad behaviour and highlighting the benefits of thinking and choosing words and actions that pull our Year group together, rather than divide. Students were challenged to be the change they would like to see in their friendship groups. One concept that is often highlighted is the grandmother rule. If you wouldn't act or speak in front of your grandmother, Mrs Avery or Mrs Eichmann in that way, you shouldn't do it. There has never been a better time to reinforce our patron saint’s message; “Be kind, be very kind”. 

Friendship Friday

This week saw the first of three weeks of “Friendship Friday”. During this time, students mixed into different PCs and got to know each other, new people they may not have taken the time to get to know, and played games to build positive relationships. This opportunity is aimed at generating a great sense of community and empathy for one another. 

Hampers

Congratulations to all PC members who have been so very generous to assist those in need in our community this Term. It certainly helped realise the short period of time we have left in Year 7, and how quickly Year 8 is going to come around. Even my office has a bit of Christmas spirit happening. 

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Jackson Bucci, Miya Freeman, Braeden Fuller, Jarvis Lineham, and Kaeleb Morris.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Jackson Bucci (x2), Falyn Carle, Miya Freeman, Braeden Fuller, Emma Galvin, Freycin Hostettler (x2), Ava Hughes (x2), Jarvis Lineham and Kaeleb Morris.

Bronwyn Avery

Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care 

Peter Murphy

Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care

HSC Students, exam time is a little closer!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:6

Hold tight to the words of our Patron Saint Mary MacKillop; 'Find happiness in making others happy'.

Kris Kringle

Our wonderful leadership group has taken on the initiative of organising a secret santa for our HSC class 2021. It is for those who wish to participate and is not compulsory. Those wishing to be involved are asked to spend no more than $10 on a gift. A big thank you to all involved.

Study Tip: Goal Setting

Follow up from “Make your Bed”;

As you have some HUGE things happening, make sure you get the little things done. Set small goals and complete them every day, making life easier for you to complete the larger or more difficult goals/tasks. In order to maintain the balance, you need in life, I am going to include a picture of a timetable that might help you attain the balance you need during these busy times.

While the diagram below has many suggestions on it, I suggest the four areas you focus on should be:

• Study
• Socialising
• Work
• Sport/hobbies

These you can colour code on your own timetable, so that you can see if you are “overdoing” one thing and “underdoing” another. You need to be honest with yourself and make changes when necessary. Also make sure you check out Eric’s tips that he has sent you. I will have printouts of this timetable available.

“We're all connected!" said my 5-year-old grandnephew and I could not help but smile. My niece had been reading the picture book  "The Invisible String"  to him and I could see how the message of being connected really impacted him in a positive way. 

It's true that when children understand the connections in their lives (first, with their family and then with other people and the world as a whole), they inevitably grow kind, empathetic, and inclusive. Truer still for our teens!

As parents and teachers, we can model (through conversations) having connections to all kinds of people - those who are similar to us well as different from us. You may wish to utilise the ideas below to encourage kindness practices at home.

MacKillop College Canteen is offering online ordering with the Qkr! app please follow this link to view instructions.