Week 7, Term 2, 12th June

Student Success

Last week I wrote about Year 11 student Ella Sorenson sharing equal first place in the PMHC Youth Challenge poetry section. Well I am delighted to let you know that Ella shared first place with Year 9 MacKillop student Jasmine Gallery. Below is a copy of Jasmine’s poem. 

Who Are You? 

Looking. Feeling. Thinking. I know you. I know who you are. 

What is your name? Your eyes reflect someone I know. 

I’m digging. Digging with the shovel that is my mind. Searching. I know you.

But where are you? You seem familiar but distant, buried deep in the pit of my soul. 

Who are you? Why are you here? These questions pound through my skull. 

It is painful to try and comprehend who you might be. I know many yet remember so little. 

I know you. I know I do. Do not give up on me. I will remember your name.

But wait? What is this? I see you. A black and white grainy image, like that of an old camera.

Why do you keep running from me? Escaping from my mind? 

I try to catch you yet you are too fast. You run away, as swift and gentle as the wind. 

The hands that are my eyes try to reach you. I see you. I know you. But who are you?

You know me. You know my name. You know why you are here. 

You must be someone close to me. Why can I not see you clearly? 

I have been digging for a long time now yet the deeper I go, the further away you seem. 

You are no longer a gentle breeze but a hurricane, spiraling around and around. I can hear you. I can see you.

But there is something missing. The missing piece of the puzzle.

My memory of you.

#weThrive@MacKillop College

As we resume our new normal at the College we have refocused on our goals for 2020. As we evaluate and explore the educational learnings of COVID19, here at MacKillop College we have been very focused on being strategic and deliberate rather than reactive. As we process the new data we will be ensuring that we align it with the growth areas identified through our 2019 School Improvement Planning process and our NEST future planning project in 2019-2020. 

Goal 1: For students and staff to have a deeper understanding of, and to be more authentic witnesses within our faith community.

Goal 2: To improve student outcomes through purposeful engagement.

Goal 3: For our school community to thrive by enhancing positive relationships.

One of the key learnings in recent times has been the importance of identifying and recognising each individual's strengths and how we can best utilise them to maximise our learning,  foster healthy relationships and deal with what life throws at us. 

Recognising each person's different gifts and strengths is critical to a thriving community and to enabling each individual within the community to thrive. Last Friday our Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Nicole O’Connell ran a beautiful liturgy focused on strengths and gifts. I have included below the scripture passage which so aptly embraces this message. 

I have also included the 24 character strengths which are incorporated in the MacKillop College strengths-based approach, a key element in our 2020 Pastoral Care and Wellbeing program. Each student has identified their top five signature strengths and are encouraged to use these to enable them to thrive and to cope when challenges arise. I encourage parents to discuss their child’s strengths and how they can use them in their current circumstances. Parents may also like to identify their own and discuss these with your sons and daughters.

To take the survey to identify your own strengths go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cath Eichmann

Principal

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (14^th June 2020)

“I am the living bread, which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)

The Eucharist is something that we have not been able to receive during this time of COVID-19 Lockdown and so it has me thinking about the importance of receiving Communion and the gift that this offers to each of us, as we head into the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, this Sunday.

The Eucharist is a spiritual nourishment offered to us, which allows us to be united with Christ in his humanity, and through the promise his resurrection offers. Bread was one of the staples of life in the time of Jesus and so it is not surprising that he used the imagery of the ‘life-giving’ nature of eating bread to explore the idea of the promise of eternal life through his salvation. By receiving Christ in the Eucharist we are then taking part in his death and resurrection and opening ourselves to this promise of a life in Christ beyond this one.

While we have not been able to take part in the Mass and receive the Eucharist during this time, there are many ways that we can still remain united with Christ, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Finding simple and creative ways to pray is one way. Below is one idea, called the “Five Finger Prayer”.

Marg Gobius 

Leader of Evangelisation

MacKillop College has a working partnership with Parenting Ideas (School), a parent support group providing advice, information and resources on a range of topics related to raising your family. Leading parent educators including Dr Justin Coulson and Michael Grose contribute their knowledge and expertise to this support group.

Today, I share with you a recent article from Michael Grose about the benefits of a collaborative parenting style – benefits he has seen evidenced throughout our recent COVID-19 family isolation time. He does believe, however, that this parenting is a standout for all times and discusses in his article the main features of collaborative parenting.

I hope you enjoy and pick up some tips to add to your parenting toolkit.

Collaborative parenting style wins the day

The close quarter living that most of us have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the patience and communication skills of even the most assured parent. The constancy of members living together is a test of family management skills, revealing any flaws or limitations that exist.

Those who rely on a coercive (“do as I say”) approach probably discovered that dominance works well in small doses, but fails miserably over the long-term, with family harmony severely impacted.

Parents who use a laissez-faire (“she’ll be right”) approach may have found that one or more children struggled with a lack of structure. In the absence of positive leadership, a child more than likely stepped up to fill the void, rendering parents with limited influence

Those who used a parallel (“you go your way, I’ll go mine”) approach may have experienced a relatively quiet parental existence, but this will more than likely come at the expense of group cohesion and children’s mental health.

Life in the family cocoon has suited parents that use a more inclusive, collaborative parenting style. This is a style that gives children a voice, commensurate with their developmental stages, in how the family conducts itself.

Features of a collaborative family

Parents who adopt a collaborative approach impact family culture in positive ways, so that their family becomes a collaborative unit. Here are some features shared by collaborative families.

- Respect is a key value

This style of leadership treats kids with respect but importantly, expects respectful, considerate behaviour from children in return. When kids fail or forget to practise respectful treatment of others they are respectfully brought into line and reminded of their responsibility to others.

- Kids contribute

Kids in collaborative families generally help out without being paid. A jobs’ roster is the preferred method for ensuring kids contribute as authority is diverted from parent and rests with the group instead.

- Language is co-operative

Parents who adopt a collaborative approach generally use language that invites children to cooperate. They also use the word “We” a great deal. “We’re relying on you to set the table before dinner” reminds a child or teenager of their contribution to the family good.

- Rituals are strong

Collaborative families also use rituals such as mealtimes, special days and the like to build strong family bonds. These structured get-togethers are balanced with plenty of informal, fun activities where members can enjoy each other’s company.

- Decision-making is shared

Most parents who successfully adopt a collaborative leadership style have a process that engages kids in family decision-making and resolution of conflict between siblings. A regular family meeting or council is a common forum used by collaborative family leaders. These meetings may take time to get right and some effort to convince all family members of their benefits, however once they’re embedded they become an invaluable part of a family’s culture.

There are many ways and methods you can use to successfully raise a family, however not every method stands up to the scrutiny of close quarter living we’ve been encountering. With more time at our disposal, a wonderful opportunity exists to implement a collaborative leadership style, that will bring benefits well after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Campbell

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care & Staff Support 

Student Representative Council – SRC 2020

What is the Student Representative Council (SRC)?

The SRC is a formally recognised group to effectively represent opinions, suggestions and recommendations of all students. In doing so student representatives:

• work as part of the Year 7-12 student leadership team;
• enhance cooperation and communication within the school and encourage school spirit;
• actively work with their peers so that the thoughts and ideas they bring to the SRC reflect the student body rather than just personal views;
• follow up ideas with actions;
• create a more enjoyable atmosphere at school; and
• provide responsible leadership of the student body.

What is the role of a Student Representative Council member?

Members of the SRC must be prepared to undertake some or all of the following:

• Attend SRC meetings.
• Report back at Assembly/House/Year group meetings.
• Organise social and fundraising activities within the College and attend and participate in these functions.
• Be role models for the rest of the school with respect to behaviour, dress and courtesy by adhering to all College rules.
• Be available to attend all functions both within and outside of school hours e.g. ANZAC March, Parish morning teas, parent evenings, open and display nights. and
• When the occasion arises SRC representatives will report/liaise/discuss issues that need to be addressed with Principal/College Leadership Team/Staff.

This week students in Year 7 have been asked to carefully consider this role. It is an honour to be part of our College student leadership and it requires great commitment and responsibility. All students are encouraged to discuss this with their family and teachers. Should they wish to apply or nominate a peer, students are to see Leader of Pastoral Care Bronwyn Avery for a nomination form and return it to their Pastoral Care teacher. Two students will be chosen to be members of the SRC for Terms 3 and 4, voted by their peers and teachers.

Kindness

Year 7 Theme for 2020 is weBelong. As we embrace the words said of Mary MacKillop, Our Patron Saint, we remind students to be kind, be very kind.

As we return to the rhythms of school, it is important we be happy. One of the easiest ways to be happy at school is to:

• reconnect with others;
• make a peer feel valued and;
• bring a smile to someone’s face.

Next week during Extended PC, students will be participating in MacK RAK, that is MacKillop Random Acts of Kindness. All students will select a name from a hat and choose simple acts of kindness for that person over the next week. It will be lovely to see what an impact a simple act of kindness makes.  

Ideas students will be encouraged to consider include:

• Offer a bit of support.
• Offer to help.
• Compliment something they have said or done.
• Hold the door open for the person behind you.
• A smile.
• Words of encouragement.
• A bit of help when work becomes overwhelming.
• Leave them a small gift of chocolate they like.
• Write a nice message on a post-it note.
• Sit next to them.
• Share a funny video or joke.
• Make them laugh or smile.
• Invite them into a conversation.
• Invite them into a game.
• Leave an inspiring message on their desk.
• Ask about something other than school.
• Ask for their opinion.
• Shout about their success. if you know this person has done something good, make sure their pc teacher knows about it.
• Tell them when you hear them get complimented. if you overhear some kind words about someone, let them know.
• Share your favourite playlist.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Silver Principal’s Award: Cooper Lorger and Alexander Toth.

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Aidan Archer, Charlee Bailey, Jamison Barlow, Ronan Barltrop, Belinda Bugler, MC Cameron, Isabella Campbell, Charlotte Carr, Joseph Carrick, Keeley Dawson (x2), Georgie Healey, Felix Hurdle, Fleur Jardine, Malachy Kelleher, Kira Lewis, Cooper Lorger (x2), Ethan Maher, Libby Matthews, Asher McIntyre, Michelle McNaught, Tyler Morris, Makayla Mott, Charlie Penn, Liam Poppleton, Erin Rapley, Kyla Roach, Cooper Sheldon, Cory Thiele, Tobias Toohey and Alexander Toth (x2).

Bronwyn Avery

Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care

Random Acts of Kindness (MacK RAK)

Over the coming week students in Year 8 are being encouraged to perform acts of kindness. In each PC, students will randomly be allocated the name of another person from their PC. This person will be their specific focus for kindness. Kind acts, however, are not to be limited to this person alone, but are to be extended to as many people as possible. Kindness benefits both the receiver and the giver. It is making Jesus real in the here and now through our own actions.

Community Service Awards

All Year 8 students are invited to submit evidence of their community service in the first half of the year. Any papework relating to any community service by a student should be passed on to the Pastoral Care teacher.

Students involved in community service will be recognised at the end of the term and will receive an award.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Ellie Fallon who has received a Pastoral Co-ordinator’s Award.

Year 9 Textiles

Year 9 Textiles recently undertook a task to make an earphone/cord holder, and the students had to use their creativity to express their interests.

A huge thanks to their teacher Mrs Rochelle Fineanganofo who thought they all did a tremendous job.

Have a look at these results! 

Glen Littler

Year 9 Leader of Pastoral Care 

Acting Leader of Pastoral Care

Whilst Ellen is on leave for the remainder of this term, I am pleased to once again be Acting Leader of Pastoral Care for Year 10.  Much has changed since I accompanied them on the Year 8 school camp to South West Rocks in 2018 and it is good to be back with Year 10 again. My focus this term will be to encourage Year 10 to start to think about 2021 and what that looks like for them. I am committed to ensuring Year 10 continues to be supported and guided during this time.

If I can assist in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Daniel O’Dell

Acting Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care

Well this week was fun! Sure we embraced our College motto "Strive for Excellence", did all our homework, applied ourselves in class, felt the pressure of impending due dates, handed in all our assessments and at times felt a little overwhelmed but we also had fun. I have to say that when I suggested the skipping I didn't think that Year 11 would embrace it as much as they did. There were practices in PC time, lunchtime and on our additional 'sport' day. Lots of laughs, cheering and encouragement was witnessed. Some great videos have been produced which will start to appear on our school Facebook if they haven't already.

At the time of writing this report, only the winners of three of the four categories had been determined.

Most ‘skips’ in a minute

1st place        Jared Humphreys (PC17) with a smashing 173 skips.

2nd place      Vaughan Lickley (PC13) 140 skips

3rd place       Isaiah Tay (PC07) 121 skips

Most ‘double unders’ in a minute

1st place        Damon Kipreotis (PC 02) with an unbelievable 102 skips

2nd place      Luke Temple (PC17) 62 skips

3rd place       Callum McElroy (PCSS) 44 skips

Whole PC Skip

1st place        PC13 with a total of 91 points

2nd place      PC07 with a total of 74 points

3rd place       PC17 with a total of 71 points

Looks like ‘double dutch’ is going to be the decider, anything could happen from here!  Look out for the videos mentioned and photos to come in future newsletters.  

The other fun for the week was our additional sport day. Mrs Huxley and I were out with Year 11 and 12 students on the oval, in the hall and the area outside the hall playing a plethora of physical activity. I had a quick scan around the school and determined that of our 252 senior students there were approximately 230 playing a sport or game of some kind. So awesome.

Thanks Year 11 for being so enthusiastic about pretty much everything, really proud of you all.

Have a great weekend.

Lisa Kable

Year 11 Leader of Pastoral Care

Friday Fun Day 

The Senior site’s physical activity and health initiative went off with a bang last week. Mrs Kable and I were both so impressed to see almost the entire senior cohort of students out on the oval. The day was lots of fun and I am sure many of the students reaped the rewards of a lunchtime spent being active with friends.

Study Skills & HSC trial Examination Preparation

This Wednesday during extended PC, Year 12 attended a tutorial on study skills presented by Assistant Principal Mr Adam Kelly. This tutorial was a reminder of the skills that they have been taught in the past and was a timely reminder as students head into the trial HSC preparation. One of the key reminders was that preparation for exams should start early, with study notes being kept and revised regularly. Those students who have already established thorough routines were able to spend the time studying, hopefully doing practice questions or extension reading, which is the key to writing well and performing in exams.

Thursday Barbecue Breakfast

Our Year 12 students have been hosting a BBQ breakfast every second Thursday. This is creating a lovely atmosphere between the two senior year groups. This positive relationship is something we wish to foster as Year 12 has so much to offer Year 11 students, in terms of advice and support. There are already some lovely friendships between the students and this initiative is a lovely way to support this positive culture. We look forward to a time when Covid-19 restrictions ease and we can invite parents to share breakfast and coffee together as well.  There is a lovely vibe at our senior cafe each morning as students and teachers chat whilst waiting for coffees. This is thanks to our senior students who volunteer in our cafe, using their Barista and communication skills to give us all a positive start to the day. Each coffee is served with a beautiful smile and some personalised art.

Towards the HSC and Beyond

Mr Michael Kelly continues to deliver his extremely helpful careers newsletter directly to the students, which has details and information regarding all things careers (universities, TAFE and more). It has everything from UAC tips and reminders, to virtual university information nights and online HSC revision courses that have been set up by universities. I remind all students to read the newsletter carefully and be proactive when thinking about and exploring your future.

If any parents would like to be included on the list to receive this as well, please contact Mr Kelly at michael.kelly@lism.catholic.edu.au. 

Andrea Huxley

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

Future Rehearsals

Given recent events one would be forgiven for lacking the drive to practice and attend rehearsal. However, it is important for students and families involved in the Co-curricular Music program to understand that there is still a reason to rehearse. Students who regularly attend will continue to develop their social and emotional well being, teamwork skills and organisational skills. In addition they will learn the value of practice and persistence.

Furthermore, in the absence of performance opportunities in the short term the focus of rehearsals will be directed towards the Junior Instrumental Recital scheduled for September and the Co-curricular Music and Dance Awards Ceremony in November. In addition, singers will be working towards the annual Sing for the Solomons Concert also scheduled for November. Providing additional interest over the coming months will be the opportunity for ensembles to be digitally recorded. This recording will be shared in term 4 as part of a Co-curricular Music and Dance Showcase package.

So, there remains a reason to continue waking early to attend rehearsal. There remains a reason to continue practicing and a reason to keep music making part of your family.

Rehearsal Schedule Term 2

SAPSS Marching Band ‘Come and try day’

Due to the disruption created by COVID-19 to rehearsals this year, the SAPSS Marching Band will commence a ‘New Season’ beginning week 1 of term 3. As such, ALL students interested in being members of the ensemble for this season are invited to attend a ‘come and try’ open rehearsal on Wednesday, July 1st at MacKillop College Hall from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Wind, brass musicians, percussionist and colour guard dancers are all welcome!

Upcoming Events 

SAPSS Marching Band ‘Come and Try’ Rehearsal

• Term 2, Week 10 - Wednesday 1st July, College Hall - all brass, wind, percussion students

Strike a Chord (Musica Viva Ensemble Competition)

• Term 3, Week 6 - Thursday 27th August, Senior & Junior Percussion Ensembles

College Assembly

• Term 3, Week 7 - Wednesday 2nd September, period 1, College Hall , Choir

Glasshouse Lunch Concert

• Term 3, Week 7 - Friday 4th September, 11:30am - 2:00pm, Glasshouse - Ross Studio , HSC soloists.

Junior Instrumental Music Recital

• Term 3, Week 8 - Wednesday 9th September, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, theatre, junior percussion ensemble, junior band, flute, clarinet, saxophone, brass, string ensembles and selected junior soloists.

Year 12 Graduation Mass

• Term 3, Week 10 - Wednesday 23rd September, 9:45am - 10:45Am, St Agnes Parish Church, Collective Praise Band & Yr12 music students.

Year 12 Celebration of Excellence

• Term 3, Week 10 - Wednesday 23rd September, 11:45am - 1:15pm, college hall, choir and concert band.

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.

Robert Denham

Leader of Co-Curricular Music

Unfortunately, wet weather hindered our Athletics rotation this week in Year 9 and 10. Athletics will continue at school in Week 8 for Years 7-10. Please refer to the schedules below for the relevant year group.

A reminder that all students require a hat at sport and also that you remain with your House group/class for the duration of sport.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be hosting our annual College Athletics Carnival this year. If the Diocese decides to host a Diocesan Athletics carnival in Term 3 we will use the results that have been collected during sport this term to run a representative Athletics trial for the top 10 students in each age group early in term 3.

Years 7 and 8

• Students meet at the Senior Oval - Teachers mark electronic rolls
• Weeks 5-9 classes rotate through shot put, discus, javelin, long jump. Teacher stays with their class each week. Results will be recorded for student’s best jump and throw.
• Year 8 students will participate in throwing events during their Year 8 PDHPE practical lessons.

Year 9 and Year 10

• Students meet in the following areas to have their name marked off on the electronic rolls

FLINDERS - MPC

INNES – CANTEEN

MACQUARIE – FOUNTAIN

OXLEY – JUNIOR BASKETBALL COURT

• A reminder that all students require a hat at sport and also that you remain with your House group/class for the duration of sport.
• Students move off to their venue with their bags
• Students change rotations for Weeks 5-8 – staff either stay with the House group each week (Teacher 1) or at the event each week
• Weeks 5-8 a rotation of shot put, discus, javelin, long jump.
• At each rotation the house is split into their PC classes. PC1 moves to Teacher 1 who runs a novelty of their choice while PC2 moves to the event (long jump etc.) where the other two teachers run this event and record results. The two PC groups change over at the end of the period.
• Weeks 9-10 House based sport (Basketball, Soccer, Indoor Sports, Soccer)

Communication 

All information regarding sport can be accessed through the MacKillop College Moodle page and also through the weekly newsletter. 

Representative Sport 

We still have not received any clarification regarding representative sport when and if it may return to the school calendar for Term 3.

Term 3 Sport

Over the coming weeks Year 9 and 10 students will begin to select their elective sport for next term. We will be taking students off site to various venues in Port Macquarie where that venue can provide appropriate social distancing measures.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email.

Remember to stay active and healthy.

Erin Denham

Leader of Sport 

Get GIFy with it!

ClickView is the world’s leading producer of educational videos. Their team of educators produce content here in Australia from Primary, Secondary right through to Further and Higher Education. Video is no longer a passive viewing experience. Interactive videos engage students in active learning, allowing educators to assess students formatively and target their teaching. Learn from some of ClickViews animators at LitFest2444 online during their pre-recorded event on the 15th of June 7pm - 9pm.

Students will learn the fundamental principles of animation and design, tips for creating an effective creative workflow, and the tools required to bring their own animations to life.  

ClickView attended #LitFest2444 in 2019 and the students produced some amazing animations for a one day workshop. 

Suzanne Penson

Teacher/Librarian

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