It is on this day in 1893 that New Zealand became the first country in the world to give all women the right to vote.  Women had been allowed to vote in many places before this, but this was tied to either the payment of tax, or owning certain amounts of land, or being of a certain class.  Indeed, in New Zealand at this time women could vote BUT not stand for Parliament.  The following year South Australia became the first government to allow both.  

It is difficult to comprehend now, but these two colonies were very much outliers internationally for a long time.  Indeed, it was not until 1928 and a lot of protest and pain that the UK enabled all women the right to vote.  

I reference this not to comment on feminism, but to highlight the power of forces of change.  In our own lives - but particularly in the ways that we support the progress and aspiration of our young people - we must constantly encourage towards self-reflection, self-empowerment and endless questioning.  Our students will be growing up and seeking employment in a world where the authority and confidence to challenge, discern and question will be really positive attributes.  An incredibly important attribute is the ability to see the impossible and make it possible.   Our role as their educators is to enable, channel and empower that.  

So many times at the College but also at home the words 'I can't'... 'it's too hard'... this is impossible'... are used interchangeably for, 'this is pretty difficult'.. or'I have to try many times to get this right'.  It is the characteristic of mental and emotional resilience that will best enable our young people to really succeed.  

The current activities at the College relating to subject and curriculum development has this consciously in mind.  We are getting much closer to the goal of our online curriculum map, which I hope will enable parents to see and support the academic journey of their children; and crucially identify the types of learning and subjects that will best support their child's pathway.  

I want to send a huge thanks to the parents and friends who supported our Race Day last week.  It was a cracking evening.  This event was always about building community, and it was a really positive and engaging event.  I was coincidentally at a curriculum meeting on Monday alongside Andrew Kendall, the Principal at St Joseph's in Stanthorpe, and he was really appreciative of the efforts of our community.  We will now engage with communities in Stanthorpe to ascertain the best way to gift the money.  

I'd like to thank the parents who have so solidly engaged with the work we are doing on child and adolescent mental health.  The feedback from the parents attending the sessions run by the College has been really positive and constructive - many thanks.  I firmly believe that this work is absolutely central to a successful College.  If there is a theme or topic that you feel would support you please let us know.

Lastly, thank you so much for the way that you as parents have continued to support our mission at Mary MacKillop.  It has been a really successful and positive term.  Please stay safe over the break.  

We know parents like to plan ahead, potential uniform purchases for the next school year, especially if you have a new Prep student commencing in 2020 or a Year 6 student transitioning to Senior School.

There will be no change to current College Uniforms for 2020.  However a consultative committee will be formed to assess the viability of changes to the Junior Girls Winter Uniforms. Any decisions made during this consultative process will not be implemented until Winter 2021.

A reminder that College Blazers will be compulsory during the Winter Terms 2 and 3 commencing 2020.

Summer uniforms are now to be worn from the commencement of Term 4.

All uniform items can be purchased through the College Uniform Supplier - Hannas.

The College Administration Office will be open Monday - Friday from 9am to 3pm over the holidays. There will be much activity at the College over the break with painting, fascia repairs, garden upgrades, general ongoing maintenance, in addition to work on site at 77 Highfields Road. Please contact 4698 7777 during these hours if you have any queries, alternatively email highfields@twb.catholic.edu.au .

Term 3 has come to an end and the Tuckshop staff would like to thank all the volunteers that have helped out this term.  We look forward to seeing you again next term, and welcome any volunteers to contact us.

Please email catherine.rothwell@twb.catholic.edu.au if you are able help out next term.

We would also like to thank everyone that supported the two monthly specials that were on offer this term.  They were a great success and we will endeavour to have something similar in term 4 so please watch this space.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College together with major sponsor, Toowoomba Plastics, six other local sponsors and with the generosity of the community, have successfully raised over $13,000 in profit from their recent Race Day, to be donated to the Granite Belt community, following the recent bushfires.

In light of the recent and devastating event in Stanthorpe that have further impacted an already drought-stricken community, the College and its sponsors have selflessly diverted all funds raised to be distributed to those deeply affected by the catastrophic event that occurred over the weekend.  “Our neighbours down in Stanthorpe are currently battling with some tragedy and in the spirit of Mary MacKillop, we have to act on this and show our support” says Chris Gabbett, College Principal.

The event was originally intended to build community and not as a fundraiser, until the idea from the College Principal came about to help out another community.  “We know that many people in our wider community and right throughout the South East region have rallied around to send water to the district, which are unbelievable acts of kindness. The hope is that our fundraising can really hone in and make a difference to those who we’ve witnessed on the news losing everything, have property damage, have been displaced or just need a helping hand.” 

This event would not have been made possible without the generosity of our College community, in particular, our sponsors, those who donated raffle prizes, and those who purchased tickets to the event or simply a raffle!

The College is currently in discussions with key members of the Stanthorpe community to assist them with distributing these funds. 

P&F Report

Minutes from August Meeting now available (see below).

Please note: The Minutes make reference to the Principal's Report. This document is not publicly available and is delivered in context to the discussion at the meeting. P&F meetings are open to all members of the school community.

If you have any questions, please contact HIGPandF@twb.catholic.edu.au

September Meeting

We had a fantastic turn out of people and students for the September meeting that we will now be changing the venue! New venue to be announced in Week 1 Term 4.

A special thanks to the students that attended the meeting. Your contributions and ideas were of great value to the meeting and the school community and we look forward to the continued attendance of the students.

P&F Meetings Term 4

The dates for the meetings in Term 4 have been changed to align with changes to the Board meetings.

New dates are:

Week 2 Tuesday October 15 @ 7pm

Week 9 Tuesday November 19 @ 7pm

Venue to be confirmed.

ALL WELCOME - Parents, carers, staff and students.

If you have items you would like included for the Agenda of these meetings, please email HIGPandF@twb.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Events

Junior School Disco Term 4 - More information in Week 1 of Term 4!!

Plans for Senior School event in the works as well - stay tuned

Have a happy and safe holidays and looking forward to a great Term 4

Thanks

P&F Committee

Please see attached document regarding what is happening over the holidays at Camp Australia!

Students from the year 5 and 6 History Extension Group attended Picnic Point last Friday to provide reflections on Frontier history and the Battle of One Tree Hill.  

Their reflection is below:

As young residents of the Toowoomba region, we feel that every child should learn about their local History. Our local history helps to form our memory, and our beliefs, and builds up our community. We feel that every child in Toowoomba should learn more about the local indigenous history and in particular about Multuggerah. 

We are very proud and thankful to have the opportunity to share our learning about the indigenous leader, Multuggerah, and his resistance to invasion. We studied it as part of a History Extension Group in term 1. Multuggerah’s leadership and actions should be core learning for young people in Toowoomba. For so long, our schools taught about ‘terra nullius’ and that no-one used this land.  

We learnt that as Multuggerah was so willing to fight for the land, and its sacredness, the idea that no-one used it is wrong. The battle here helped to shape our history even though for a long time it was not remembered properly. Without remembering, Tabletop is just another hill – but we should remember it as Meewah, which is what he knew it as.  

As young Australians, we can learn much from him as a man who first sought peace. He had very strong links with the Lockyer Valley and Eastern Darling Downs areas. Multuggerah built respectful relationships with local white settlers but when negotiations broke down, he was forced to defend his people, his land and his culture.   

Our main learning from our study of Multuggerah is that we can decide how we remember our history.  It is up to us to remember his name, and what he achieved, and to give him respect as a leader. It is important to remember too that all who he fought alongside and all he fought for had names, and we respect and remember them too.  

Many thanks to Katherine, Darby, Annabelle, Shea and Emily.  

On Friday the 13th of September a band of pint-sized Pirates descended into the Prep Playground. The pirates danced and sang to A Pirate You Shall Be, Portside Pirates and for our Grand Finale, Baby Shark. The children enjoyed performing and dancing with their families, who were all dressed up as well. We went to the playground to dig for treasure, walk the plank and feed a shark. We then shared a delicious feast together for morning tea with our families.

It was a wonderful morning that celebrated a Terms worth of work, including English, where we wrote about pirates, Science where we built our own pirate ship and Visual Arts where we created many pirate themed artworks.

This term we have entered two teams into the Griffith University STEM Cup competition which allows students in upper primary and lower secondary to compete in hands-on STEM activities each week. Schools from across the Darling Downs are involved including St Mary’s College, The Glennie School, St Ursula’s College and Fairholme College. Our Year 7 Team (The Burnt Banana) is made up of Rachel Williams, Liam Samin and Connor Martin while our Year 5 Team (MMCC Year 5) is made up of Brock Czislowski, Adele Adams and Caelan Williams. After 3 weeks our Year 7 team is at the top of the ladder for Toowoomba!

After much success in our first participation in the 2019 Darling Downs QDU competition the College intends to grow our involvement in 2020. This competition is open to students in Year 7-12 and runs across Terms 1-3 on a Wednesday night (alternating and generally one night per month). Students are encouraged to express their interest in this activity as a way to improve their critical thinking skills and public speaking confidence. This is a team based activity and as such teams of 4 students need to be entered. If your child would like to participate please discuss this with them and have them contact me directly. It is hoped that we can begin preparations for competition throughout Term 4.

This week the College was privileged to secure a place in a teleconference with Prof. Ken Farley, a NASA Scientist from the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in California. He is the current project manager for the Mars 2020 Rover. He spoke to students about the importance of studying rocks on Earth to understand Mars and the advancements that are occurring in science and technology through our study of the universe.  Students from across the junior and senior school attended and were able to ask questions of Prof Ken and his team live on the stream.  From all accounts this was an interesting and valuable learning opportunity.

The Senior students held a small RSPCA Cupcake Day fundraiser on Monday, 19 August, selling home-made cupcakes. $310 was raised through the event, which was split between the RSPCA Pave The Way fundraiser for the new Toowoomba shelter and a general donation to the RSPCA. Thank you to those who baked for the event and those who supported it through purchasing the sweet treats. It was great to see the senior students planning and running an event for a fundraising cause that was important to them.

Holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to catch up on reading and delve into books that require more time and attention. Please see below some tips to keep students motivated with reading during the holidays.

Visit your local library

It’s free and children love choosing their own books to read. Remember if the book your child chooses to read is too tricky for them to read independently then read it to them or share the reading. Lots of libraries have free storytelling events and competitions so look out for those too.. Share one of your favourite stories or a new title.Holidays may allow extra time for you to share a favourite story with your children or encourage them to try a new release or the latest book in a series they enjoy.

Cooking and Hobbies

Holiday time If your child likes to cook or participate in hobbies such building Lego, encourage them to read instructions and plan for what is needed.

Relaxing

Help your child create a 'reading and dreaming' place in your home. This could be a window seat with comfy cushions, an indoor pop-up tent with a cosy blanket, or even a corner in a garden shed with a seat. Let the rest of the family know that if your child is in her/his special place they should try not to disturb them. 

Term 4 Opportunities

Next term there will be two exciting opportunities for students who undertake extra-curricular music at the College.

Firstly, all students in Year 2-6 along with members of all the College Choirs are invited to participate in singing at the Toowoomba Diocesan Conference Mass on Saturday 19 October. Students will sing pieces taught by Miss Fredline and will need to attend a short rehearsal at 5pm on the evening for Mass at 6pm. This is an excellent opportunity for our College to showcase some of the excellent work we do within our College to the Diocese. A permission letter will be sent to all students shortly and we would greatly appreciate your response.

The Concert Band and Senior String Ensemble has been invited to attend a workshop at St Joseph’s next term on the 23 October during the school day. We will take a bus to St Joseph’s and perform repertoire alongside their Ensembles as well as students from other Catholic schools in the area. Last year this was a great opportunity for our Concert Band members to experience performing in a larger ensemble. Please see the permission slip coming out shortly for further details about this event.

Ensemble Rehearsals

Term 4 Ensembles will begin in Week 1. Guitar Ensemble will not take place in Week 1 due to the public holiday.

Thank You

Thank you to Miss Fredline, Miss McVeigh and Ms Brix for organising and leading the Choirs and Senior String Ensemble in performing at the MJR Awards last week. Each ensemble performed very well so thank you to the students too!

Thank-you to all the students who take part in extra-curricular music at the College. It is always exciting to see continued growth in the Arts and I thank everyone for their continued commitment to ensembles and lessons.

Sacrament of healing and forgiveness brings us closer to God

The Piece of String

I was reminded of this story a couple of weeks ago when the Sacramental team were planning activities for this weekends' reflections. I have used it with children before and it is such an easy way to explain the sacrament of reconciliation to children, especially when you get them to cut the string and keep tying it back together.

These words, written by Meister Eckhart, a thirteenth-fourteenth century philosopher, theologian, and mystic, form the basis for students' reflection session this week. His imagery has stirred my imagination and I hope it will yours too.

God in heaven holds each person by a string. When you sin, you cut the string. Then God ties it up again, making a knot – and thereby bringing you a little closer to him. Again and again your sins cut the string – and with each knot God keeps drawing you closer and closer.

We keep the children from Year 3 in our hearts and prayers as they take this will receive the sacrament of healing and peace this Thursday evening at 6pm.

Many thanks to Fr Brian and the Parish sacramental team for the wonderful support you have given the candidates and their families as they make this next step in their journey of faith.

AMMA Service Group springs into Action

Our very own Mary MacKillop Catholic College service group AMMA (Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy) is now underway.

A group of very industrious students have sprung into action in support for farmers affected by the drought and the recent bush fires. 

Across our Toowoomba diocese this is a very real and close to home crisis and students have responded with ideas they can action and respond to.

Our AMMA group met for the first time this week and plan to continue meeting weekly to respond in the true spirit of Mary MacKillop - "Never see a need without doing something about it". This week's service activities have focused on putting together care packages for our farmers and bush fire victims.

Further into Term 4 plans will be targeted at families in need at Christmas.

As teachers, everyday we are learning new ways to improve our craft and as people we are continually learning to be the best version of ourselves. Last week seven new staff members to Mary MacKillop from across the junior and senior staff joined Mrs Worner to learn more about Making Jesus Real and how we can live our school motto "Celebrate God in all things" in our classrooms and in our personal lives. To make the most of our day we should reflect on where the good and God was in our day. An easy reflection to do at the end of the day based on St Ignatius' spirituality is the MJR Examen where we ask ourselves the following five questions: 

1. What was the best thing I saw today?
2. What was the best thing I heard today?
3. What was the best thing someone did for me today?
4. What was the best thing I did for someone else today?
5. How can I improve tomorrow?

When we reflect on all the goodness in our day we really do start to see the Spirit of Jesus active in the people and events around us.

Over the last 6 weeks students from years 4, 5, and 6 have been participating in the Facing Your Fears group program delivered by USQ Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Students and the MMCC Guidance Counsellors. Students were identified by their teachers as likely to benefit from the skills-based program, and with parental consent, the sessions have run weekly for 1 hour after school.

Based on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the students learned about the impact of thoughts on feelings and behaviour, and acquired strategies to develop helpful thoughts and to choose brave behaviours to face their fears.

This program, along with the ongoing parent information sessions and skill-based programs delivered in the Senior College, aligns with the Wellbeing team's proactive approach to supporting students and the greater MMCC community across the mental health continuum. All students can benefit from opportunities to develop adaptive coping skills to support their resilience and capacity to thrive at MMMC, and ongoing efforts in this space will continue into term 4. Watch this space!

After an overwhelming response from parents/guardians of Senior College Students, the Guidance Counsellor's delivered a session on Understanding the Adolescent Brain on Monday evening. The session covered: 

• The neuroscience of adolescence, including how the brain develops, functions and undergoes significant neurological change during the adolescent years
• How these changes during adolescence impact learning, decision making, emotions, social relationships, risk-taking and the seeking of novelty and reward
• How they may parent with the adolescent brain in mind to support integration, health and well being, and success at school, and
• Strategies for engaging adolescents and encouraging factors that support a healthy brain.

This session also provided an opportunity for parents/guardians to connect with one another given their shared experience, and based on the interest of the parent body and positive feedback, the session will be delivered again in Term 4, 2019.

For those interested in further reading/learning related to the adolescent brain, the following resources are recommended:

Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, by Daniel Siegel.

The Mysterious Workings  of the Adolescent Brain, by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore. 

Insight into the Teenage Brain, by Adriana Galvan.

Surviving Adolescents 2.0: The Must Have Manual for All Parents, by Michael Carr-Gregg and Elly Robinson. 

The inaugural Darling Downs Super Schools Cup grand finals were held on the 4th September. A huge crowd gathered at the Highfields Redbacks fields.

The Mary MacKillop U13 side which had joined TAS faced SCOTS PGC in their final stole the premiership in the last play of the day thanks to a great team effort which controlled the ball for five minutes of extra time. This ended with a brilliant try by Lucas Paynter who was also named player of the match.

The U15 team who also joined with TAS played off for third and fourth against Faith Lutheran College. Our students played a very solid game with outstanding defensive efforts by Clayton Pearson at fullback. TAS/MMCC were comprehensive victors.

Congratulations to all our players who represented the College so admirably and forged a path for future students to be involved in 15-a-side rugby. The Darling Downs Super Schools Cup is a great opportunity for our boys to be involved in rugby and planning is currently under way for 2020.

A special thank you must go to the Highfields Redbacks Rugby Club for their very generous support of not only our teams but also of the entire competition. We look forward to working with you in the future and for our students representing your club for many years to come.

Fantastic signs for Touch Football at the College with Mary MacKillop entering 8 teams into the Toowoomba Junior Touch Football competition which commences in Term 4. The draw won't be available for a few weeks, however, parents are encouraged to keep an eye on their email over the holidays for further information regarding training details and team lists. 

Summertime isn’t quite here yet, but several of our aspiring cricketers have already begun their cricketing journeys for 2019.

Olivia Winter has been in outstanding form for Queensland in the rigorous indoor cricket season, gaining admirable recognition at both state and national level. The outdoor season is also full of promise for Olivia, as she prepares for premier league cricket, in Brisbane.

Other promising cricketers: Josh Midolo, Joseph Coren, Riley Smithard, Lucy Williams, Liam Hackwood, George Worner and Josh Cranston are all training hard, in preparation for the upcoming representative season. These players have already gained selection in regional training squads.

Our own senior College cricketers are also preparing for inter-school games. These matches will take place in term 4, this year.

Highfields and District Railway Cricket Club is also seeking players of all ages to be a part of the upcoming season in club cricket.

Players are able to register now!

To register, go to, www.playcricket.com.au - search Highfields & District Railway Cricket Club. Junior Blasters - up to 8 years of age. Master Blasters - 7 - 10 years of age. Junior Competition/fixtures up to 16 years of age. 

Facebook - Highfields & District Railway Cricket Club "Bulldogs" or visit the webpage www.highfields.railwaybulldogs.com 

Season starts 12th October, 2019. Be Quick! Registrations are CLOSING SOON.

Good luck to all our young cricketers and may the upcoming season be an enjoyable one!

9-13 October 2019 

Qld All-Schools Touch Football Comp (13 Boys Div & 15 Girls Div)

14 October 2019 

Futsal DD trials: 13 years (Born 2006)

16 October 2019 

Cricket Gala Day (Years 7,8 & 9)

18 October 2019 

Cricket DD regional trials: 13-14 years Boys 

Interschool Golf Day - Years 7-12 who currently hold a GA handicap

20 October 2019 

SWQ Primary All Schools Touch Football. 12 Years and Under Div (born 2007-2009) Years 4 to 6.

25 October 2019 

DD 11 & 12 Years Aquathlon (for 2020 State Championships) - students born 2008 -2009. Must turn 11 or 12 in 2020.