Thank you so much for your support this term.  I am aware that your ongoing cooperation during the pandemic is such a positive thing.  I am very much looking forward to a future, hopefully not too far away, when we can more easily run excursions, sporting events and parent visits.  In the meantime, your patience and understanding is really appreciated.  

On Wednesday evening, we had the honour of hosting Bishop Bill Morris at the sacrament of Confirmation.  Confirmation is the sacrament that connects us to the first Apostles.  It recalls the feast of Pentecost, when, fearful and alone after the execution of Jesus, the Apostles felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The modern church celebrates it as the final act of initiation into the Catholic Church.  The students being confirmed have been preparing along with their parents for what is a really important milestone towards adulthood.  Congratulations to these students! 

Thank you so much to our year 11 students for engaging so fully in their leadership camp this week.  We have been compelled to cancel so many events this year, so to have the chance to visit the group at Camp Cooby on Tuesday was really wonderful.  Our goal is to support the students before they enter year 12 to begin to understand the importance of being student leaders in a P-12 College, but also to start to discern the path towards roles like College Captain.  The year 11 group have had an incredibly positive impact upon the College this year, and to see their positive spirit and enthusiasm was very pleasing.

I have been talking to a number of parents, staff and students about our future growth.  It really is an exciting time to be leading the College.  We have just sent the new strategic plan for a final reading.  Through it, we have sought to create a process for our College to focus on academic excellence, inclusive and caring approaches to wellbeing, and an intentional path towards forming children who consciously care about their community.   You will also see elsewhere in the newsletter a description of the new Middle Leader posts and how they will support our ongoing development.  

I hope you all have comfortable and relaxing activities planned for the September holiday.  We have all certainly earned a break.  Please stay safe - I look forward to seeing you all in term 4.  

Mr Chris Gabbett

College Principal

The College has spent since term 2 discerning the best middle leader structure to guarantee success as we grow.  A School Consultative Committee was formed with union, teaching and school officer representation, and this group presented a leadership proposal to me which I accepted in full.  

The new posts - with their purpose and appointments - are listed below.

ML of Sport & Student Engagement

ML of The Arts & Student Engagement

These are P-12 posts aimed at creating vibrant cultures of activity and participation in Sports and Arts activities.  The aim is that every child from P-12 has the pathway to fulfil their potential; if that is simply being part of a school sports team or ensemble or a representative pathway.  

Mr Brad Griffiths, who has already performed extremely well in his role as Sports Co-ordinator, will take on the Sport position.  Mrs Jessica Burke, currently at St Mary's College, will take on the Arts one.  Mrs Burke has considerable and distinguished experience in leading award-winning Arts and Music programs in Catholic schools in Queensland.  She has very exciting plans for this area.  

Dean of Senior Studies & E-Learning

This is a 7-12 post, aimed at promoting best use of digital tools for teaching and learning as well as supporting Mr Naiker in the leadership and management of the secondary curriculum.  Mr Chris Bracken, currently very effective as Director of Literacy at the College, will take on this position.  

Director of Formation & College Culture

This is a 7-12 post, aimed at developing and managing senior school activities that encourage a positive culture aligned to our presence as a school inspired by St Mary MacKillop.  Mrs Leisa Radley has very successfully fulfilled a very similar role at the College this year and she will continue.  

ML Mathematics

This is a 7-12 post, tasked with delivering a first class Maths department.  Mr Piers Dudin, currently Acting Curriculum Lead for Maths at Assumption College, Warwick, will take on this post.  Mr Dudin comes very highly recommended by his current and former Principal and has experience in the very much praised Inspire Maths program.

ML English

This is a 7-12 post.  We are very fortunate that Mr Tim Connolly applied for this position, and he can build on the considerable success of his English classroom and the literacy work of Mr Bracken and the other English teachers.  

ML Science and Technology

This is a 7-12 post.  Mr Jared Nielsen, currently leading QCE Alternative Pathways at St Mary's College, will take on this post.  Mr Nielsen will lead the physical and academic growth in the Science and Tech area at the College, as we build new facilities and introduce new subjects like Agricultural Science.

P-2 Co-ordinator

3-6 Co-ordinator

These are Junior posts designed to assist Mrs Adler and Mrs Rillie in best securing student progress and wellbeing.  We are really fortunate that there are some fantastic practitioners on our primary area, and Mrs Chrissy Carter and Ms Kate Carroll will take on these posts respectively.  

Middle leadership in any school is the engine room of success.  These posts have been designed to manage positive change and to provide direction for the College as it grows.  I am very pleased with both the thoughtfulness of the posts themselves but also with the calibre of the people filling them.  It makes me very excited about our future.  

In more exciting news from the Tuckshop, breakfast will be served from Term 4!  On the back of a very successful Winter Menu, the tuckshop have leaked details of their new nutritious breakfast service to start Week 1 of Term 4.  

Orders will be available through Flexischools with cutoff at 7am each day for same day service.  Cash and EFTPOS orders are also encouraged.  Collection of breakfast orders from 7:45am through 8:15am.  

If your child is participating in an early morning training session, extra curriculuar activity or just skipped brekkie because they were running late, follow the smell of the freshly cooked bacon to the tuckshop and pick up any of the following new breakfast choices:

• bacon and egg muffin
• bacon wrap
• egg wrap
• savoury breakfast muffin
• scrambled eggs & bacon
• yoghurt and freshly made granola
• with a Friday special of pancakes!

Tuckshop has also continued a few of your favourites from the Winter Menu for Term 4.  Meatball Subs, Chicken and Gravy Rolls and the very popular Crumbed Fish and Wedges will be returning again for Term 4.

We can't wait for you to try our hearty breakfast menu.  See you all in Term 4 for brekky.

Moving On Up Day | Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Whether you have enrolled your child already, or still deciding, this is an opportunity for you and your child to learn about the exciting opportunities available at our College.

Year 1 to Year 6 | Spend a day in class

Year 7  | Orientation & Transition to Senior School

Year 8 to 12 | Spend a day with our Seniors

*Year levels are indicative of 2021.

To maintain the safety of our College and wider community, parents are asked NOT to come on site for this event. 

Virtual Information Session | Tuesday, 13 October 2020

The Virtual Information Evening will be held on Tuesday, 13 October at 7:00pm. 

This information session will cover the following topics:

• Being a part of a Catholic Community
• Emotional Preparation for Senior School
• Subject Offerings and Pathways
• Sport & Extra-Curricular
• Arts & Culture
• Wellbeing
• Q&A

All currently enrolled families will receive a link to the Virtual Information Session, so no need to pre-register.

The 2020 Prep Transition will run a little different this year!

Families with Preppies enrolled for 2021 will receive information to attend a series of three Transition Days.

These days will run on:

• Monday, 12 October 2020
• Monday, 19 October 2020
• Monday, 26 October 2020

To maintain the safety of our College and wider community, parents are asked NOT to come on site for these three days. 

Virtual Parent Information Session | Thursday, 8 October | 7pm

This year, the Parent Information Session for Preppies commencing in 2021 will take place virtually. We encourage all families enrolled for 2021 to attend this virtual session.

We also invite any families who have not yet confirmed their child's enrolment to REGISTER below and join us for the Information Session.

All registered attendees and Prep 2021 families will receive a link to this live event.

The Senior Administration Office will be open from 9am to 3pm throughout the September holidays.

Please note that the Junior Reception will be closed.

The Catholic faith journey starts with baptism - either as a baby or older.  This is the first step on a journey in faith - part of the initiation into the faith.  This journey then continues with the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and then Eucharist. All still part of the initiation journey for young people in the Catholic faith. 

Wednesday, 16th September, twenty-three children received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The Sacrament of Confirmation is linked to baptism in that the child now is able to respond for themselves to the baptismal promises with the support of the Godparents and parents.  It is the start of a child taking responsibility for their faith development and journey.  Confirmation is about receiving the Holy Spirit and being aware of how the gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to be open to God's message and spread the message of Jesus - “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Matthew 22:37-39

Bishop William Morris celebrated with the candidates this year.  His message to them all was told as a story about the two lakes in Israel - Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.  Both these bodies of water receive water from the hills of Galilee in the form of the River Jordan.  The difference between the two is that the water from Sea of Galilee keeps following out onto the land.  It is full of life and creates life from its flow.  The Dead Sea though doesn't flow onto anywhere.  It is very salty and no life flows from it.  Confirmation is like the Sea of Galilee - the Holy Spirit comes to us to help us keep making a better world.  A world of happiness, peace, kindness, friendliness etc.  Bishop Morris spoke about us being like the Sea of Galilee and not like the Dead Sea where life is no existent.  

Thank you to the Fr Brian and the Parish Sacramental team in supporting the faith life of our young people. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation is currently getting under way.  If you wish to be part of this sacrament, it is not too late.  Could you please email me Paula.Orourke@twb.catholic.edu.au and I will get your pack to your child.

Have a great holiday!  Rest and recover and enjoy the spring weather.

Yours in God's spirit and love.

Paula O'Rourke

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Throughout the term, the teachers in the Senior College Religious Education Department have shared some of the details of their careers in Catholic Education. These dedicated women have told the College community about their passion for teaching RE, how long they've been teaching in Catholic schools and how they are witness to their faith each day. Thank you to Mrs Rebecca Lynch, Mrs Megan Puhakka and Mrs Paula O'Rourke for featuring in our newsletters this term. Our Week 10 Feature Teacher is Mrs Jennifer Langerak. Thank you Mrs Langerak for being our last (but definitely not least) Feature Teacher for the term!

What do you teach at Mary MacKillop Catholic College?

I teach Year 7 and 8 Music, Year 9 History and Year 10, 11 and 12 Religion and Ethics.

How long have you taught in Catholic schools?

I started teaching at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba in 2013 and have been in Catholic schools my whole teaching career.

How do you live out your faith every day?

I try to live my life in a way that respects every person for who they are. I hope to bring new perspectives to students on issues of social justice. I also aim to be grateful for the small things.

Why do you think Religious Education is important for our students?

In Religion and Ethics we really focus on how religion impact individuals and communities. Along with examining issues through a Christian lens, we investigate other faiths and perspectives. For example we have been studying religious and secular perspectives on the issue of human trafficking and slavery in Year 12 RE in our Social Justice unit.

Which topic/s in Religious Education do you enjoy teaching most?

I really enjoy teaching our two ethics units in Year 10 RE. The students become really involved in ethical debates and it is great to see the enthusiasm with which they engage in the topics.

Leisa Radley

Director of Formation

Last week, Year 11 student Gemma Tancred was interviewed by Alexia Austin at The Chronicle about her current fundraiser, advocating for the Hear and Say Centre.

In her own words, here is Gemma's story:

At the age of six, I was diagnosed with LVAS (Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome). It was supposedly caused by a couple of head knocks I had that year. After being fitted with hearing aids a few months later, my comprehension of tasks started to improve. When I was nine, it was realised that a hearing aid for my right ear wasn’t the most successful device. We visited an organization by the name of Hear and Say and they changed my life. They fitted me with a cochlear implant and made me feel so supported and normal.

I have been involved with Hear and Say for seven years and have finally been granted the opportunity to give back by fundraising for their campaign, Loud Shirt Day.

I have been advocating for those who don’t have the money to afford to pay for appointments and surgeries along with everything else that comes with having a cochlear implant. Hear and Say have not just guided me in ways to improve the listening capabilities that come from being deaf, they have helped make sure that I am getting the best technology possible to help complete my final years of schooling.

I would be great to see that others are willing to give to Hear and Say and help those who are less fortunate than us. My fundraising page so far has raised a total of $216 and is still thriving with a fundraising box now available at the Westbrook SPAR. 

Well done, Gemma! What an excellent example of advocacy and service in our community.

If you would like to contribute to Gemma's fundraising, the link is: https://events.hearandsay.com.au/my-fundraising/209/Gemmas-Loud-Shirt-Day-2020

You can read the article about Gemma on The Chronicle's website:

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/teen-advocates-for-service-which-helped-restore-he/4097551/ 

Socking it to Poverty

Thank you to parents and students who have supported the AMMA Socktober fundraiser his week by purchasing tickets in the Junior College raffles. For those families who may have forgotten, but would still like to purchase tickets, AMMA will sell again early next term. Please keep your eye out for further emails and social media reminders!

The AMMA group have created two raffles - one for Junior College boys and one for Junior College girls. Each raffle contains a variety of exciting items, including: a $20 Smiggle voucher, bright socks, stationery, stickers, a toy, chocolates and lollies. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and all proceeds go to AMMA and the Socktober Catholic Mission.

A reminder also to start organising your children's bright and crazy socks for Socktober Day on Thursday, 29 October. Students are encouraged to bring in a gold coin donation.

If you wish to donate to the MMCC Socktober Fundraising page as well, visit this fundraising page: https://www.socktober.org.au/f...

Together, let's sock it to poverty!

Introduction to Praxis

Last week, Mrs Jennifer Langerak and I spent three lessons with the Year 11 Religion and Ethics class, introducing them to the Living Water - Praxis program. Over the next twelve months, the students in this cohort will endeavour to accrue a minimum of 110 hours in the areas of service, advocacy, retreats and liturgies. 

While students in this class still have a final piece of assessment in Term 4 for their last module of Religion and Ethics, they will also commence their Praxis journey. During their preliminary lessons, students were shown the details of the Praxis course, refreshed in the areas of social justice and Catholic Social teachings, shown how to log their service hours and given the opportunity to practise reflective journaling, which is a compulsory element of the Living Water - Praxis course. The group were also taught the concepts of coming as 'welcomer' and 'guest' in situations of mission and outreach - notions which reflect Jesus' attitude to the vulnerable and marginalised in the Gospels.

Many of these students have already completed some service hours this term, including a group who have been dedicated to building our open chapel. Earlier this term, on Mary MacKillop Feast Day, three of the Year 11 Praxis students completed training for Rosies - Friends on the Street which will commence next year at Harlaxton. 

Next term, on Wednesday, 4 November, these students will be joining the Praxis students at St. Saviour's College for Intensive Day #1. More details, including a permission form, will be provided early Term 4. 

Leisa Radley

Director of Formation

Congratulations to our Making Jesus Real award recipients.

Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 8 am in the MacKillop Centre.  We would love for you to celebrate with our wider community.  Please use this link to register your attendance - Mass Registration 

This week, I had the opportunity to spend some time at the Year 11 camp at Reflection-Lake Cooby. One of activities required the students to climb up a rock wall. One student got halfway up and ‘got stuck’. Her legs were like jelly and her hands were cramping up. At one point she asked if she should just come down. There was a loud response of ‘No, don’t give up’ and encouragement was given to keep going. There was a moment where the student decided to push on and face the challenge. She pushed through the pain and made it to the top. The satisfaction of achieving was evident, and you could not wipe away the smile when she returned to the ground. In so many ways, this is what 2020 has been for both staff and students at MMCC. While there have been significant challenges, there has been incredible growth and achievement.

I am hearing positive reports regarding the Year 10 students who are currently doing their work experience. This is a fabulous opportunity for students to get a taste of what the world of work looks like. Next term, we will share some of the work experience stories of Year 10 students.

A lot of work has gone into creating viable and engaging learning pathways for our students. For 2021, Year 9 and 10 students can choose from 28 different elective subjects. Popular subjects have been offered in numerous lines to ensure that students can choose these subjects. For Year 11 students in 2021, we have introduced three additional subjects: Literature, Drama and Legal Studies. Year 11 students will now have 22 subjects plus three places to undertake a school -based traineeship. For a cohort size of 25 students in 2021, this affirms our commitment to offer a viable and engaging pathway for all our students. A letter informing of enrolled electives will be coming out this week for students in Year 9, 10 and 11 in 2021.

Thanks again for your ongoing support. We are proud of the work we are doing in the Senior College. I hope that all students have a refreshing break and look forward to seeing you all in Term 4.

Kris Naiker

Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning: Senior

A key requirement for teachers to maintain their accreditation throughout their careers involves professional development. Professional Development has a significant impact on improving the effectiveness of teachers, for better student outcomes.

Good teaching is not an accident. All effective teaching is the result of study, reflection, practice, and hard work. A teacher can never know enough about how a student learns, what impedes the student’s learning, and how the teacher’s instruction can increase the student’s learning. Professional development is the only means for teachers to gain such knowledge. Whether students are high, low, or average achievers, they will learn more if their teachers regularly engage in high-quality professional development.

Students' learning is constantly in flux and as things change - circumstances, technologies and societies - so do students' educational needs. Along with change, new developments in curriculum and pedagogy arise, and gaps open up in teachers' capabilities to meet new needs. This has been highlighted more so this year with the challenges COVID-19 brought to educators. On Friday, all teachers at MMCC will have the opportunity to learn more about Digital Technologies. This Professional development will provide an opportunity for teachers to continue to improve their knowledge and skills so they can help students achieve ~ When educators learn, students learn more.

This professional development opportunity links to the MMCC Annual Action Plan ~ “Realising the potential of all staff to ensure we deliver quality teaching, high attainment and positive growth in every classroom”. We have set ourselves the target of reaching 100% engagement in the quality use of technology to improve student learning and teacher well being. Upskilling in the use of technology also links to the TCSO strategic intent to “develop school capacity to enhance and monitor teachers’ digital pedagogy skills through the implementation of a digital champions network”.

On Friday, the teachers will have the opportunity to showcase their expertise in an area of digital technology; gain greater clarity, knowledge, and skill in many of areas of digital technology.

I am excited about this opportunity for the teachers. Within our College we have a great deal of expertise in digital technology. Catering for the 21st Century Learner and a world that does not yet exist is challenging at best, however, I am confident that teachers at MMCC are keeping abreast of new technology and providing students with the best possible opportunities.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Mrs Natalie Adler

Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior

This week our Year 11 cohort attended Camp Cooby to explore the qualities necessary to lead our College community in 2021. During this camp the students were put into situations that challenged them individually and as a group to develop their team cohesion and persistence.

The students had the opportunity to reflect on the the qualities of respect, humility, trust, integrity, service and teamwork. They were able to begin forming a common understanding of what these mean to them and how they can use them to build the culture that they want within our community. 

While there was a lot of opportunities for growth as a group there was also some fun had by the staff and students involved. Some of the many activities that were completed included canoeing, raft building, rock climbing, the possum pull and the the giant water slide. It was really great to see the genuine camaraderie, support an care between staff and students during these activities.

This camp was the beginning of a leadership process to induct our 2021 leaders, please have a conversation with your Year 11 students and encourage them to collect a nomination booklet in Week 1, Term 4.

Thank you to Mr Griffiths, Miss Murdoch, Mrs Koch, Mrs Langerak, Mrs Radley, Mrs Richardson, Mr Brunner, Mr Bracken, Mrs Puhakka and Miss Manners for giving up their time with families and in many cases staying overnight and then returning to the College the next day to teach lessons. It is experiences like these that make being a teacher incredibly fulfilling. 

Sean Albion
Assistant Principal Wellbeing Senior

This term, the Year 1 students have been studying all things Dr Seuss. We began the term completing an author study and learning more about the great children’s book author, Theodor Suess Geisel. We learnt that ‘Ted’ as he was affectionally known, wrote and illustrated over 60 popular children’s books. His first book, And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, was published in 1937 after being rejected 27 times previously.

In English, we enjoyed reading many of Dr Suess’s famous texts and learnt how to write rhyming couplets to create our own rhyming texts. We studied the imaginative characters from Dr Suess texts and identified our favourite characters and books.

In visual art, we studied the link between Art and Literature, and each week produced our own interpretations of some of Dr Seuss’ famous characters. Finally, in Design and Technology, we designed and constructed our own Dr Seuss photo booth props using everyday materials to use on Dr Seuss Day.

To celebrate the end of all our hard work, we dressed up and participated in many fun activities on Wednesday with Dr Seuss Day. Students and teachers dressed up as their favourite Dr Seuss character and participated in craft rotations and activities and watched a Dr Seuss Movie on the big screen. 

Yesterday the College was invaded by many a jolly pirate - no landlubbers were in sight! They were a rowdy crew, that carried swords as they wandered the playground. The Possum Crew danced and sang to Baby Shark, the Koala Crew performed Portside Pirates and the Bilbies Crew were all noisy Pirates. We enjoyed using the stage at the MacKillop Centre - it was very exciting. 

The children were involved in pirate games in the Prep Playground like digging for treasure, tug-o-war, throwing into the pirates mouth, pin the eye patch on the pirate, sailing their ships and finally some were made to walk the plank. A fabulous day was had by all the scurvy pirates, exhaustion was evident by mid afternoon. Thank you to the wonderful parents who went above and beyond to assist the children in creating amazing costumes. Some wonderful memories were definitely created. 

Until we sail again me hearties! Aaaarrrrrrgghh!!!!

The 'Positive Learning Behaviours' focus in the junior school, enables your child to know themselves as a learner. This term we have focused on working together with others, using words of encouragement and gratitude, active listening, striving to be our best, having a positive attitude and always finding ways to improve. We have seen tremendous growth in our learners this term, and I congratulate any students who received a Joey certificate, ribbon or badge! 

Congratulations to this terms Joey ribbon and badge recipients. To receive a ribbon, students earnt 15 points for displaying 'Positive Learning Behaviours' and 20 points for displaying 'Positive Learning Behaviours'.Time for Fun!

As we head into two weeks of holidays and time away from the routines of school, I encourage you to provide your child with as much opportunity as possible to play, rest, create, imagine, connect with family and friends and to explore different things. I read a wonderful quote this week that stated 'We didn't realise we were making memories- we just knew we were having fun'. 

I hope that the September holidays, allows time for your family to stop, and make some memories. See you all next term!

Joey Ribbon & Badge Recipients

Bridget Rillie

Assistant Principal Wellbeing: Junior

In a time when we are all so ‘crazy-busy’ and managing the constant burden of not getting enough done, it is important to stop and ensure we invest quality time and energy in opportunities for connection.

Stop and play!

All children benefit from their parents or guardians engaging with them in play. Of course, what this play looks like differs as our children grow and move into adolescence, but child-led play is an ideal way for parents to engage with their children. It can strengthen relationships and is also considered a mental health promotion strategy, reducing the experience of anxiety, depression, aggression and sleep problems. We can easily get caught up in trying to ‘fit it all in’, but when we prioritise opportunities for child-led play, we can engage with, and tune into, our children’s experiences and needs and this is a fundamental need that supports their wellbeing and resilience.

As adolescents’ focus shifts to time and connection with friends, parents continue to exert a significant impact on their development, with secure parent-adolescent attachment linked with adaptive behaviour, mental health, social skills, and coping strategies. The relationship with our adolescent can be challenged as they attempt to individuate and seek autonomy, however their successful transition is facilitated by their secure attachment and connectedness with parents.

As their needs change, it is important to stop and think about what adolescents need from their parents to maintain a healthy attachment. They may not need us to physically console them when they fall anymore, but parental sensitivity and attunement remain necessary. When we understand that independence does not mean disconnection and view their behaviour as a function of adolescence instead of a reflection of who they are, we are in a better position to maintain connection despite conflict and the flux inherent in the adolescent transition.

Jasmin & Khara
Guidance Counsellors (Clinical Psychologists)

The world is literally changing so fast and so is the face of parenting. Whether you are navigating anxiety, stress and overwhelm, or looking for ideas to be proactive with your child, ways to promote resilience, confidence and independence, this event has been created for you!

The Parenting Online Summit is designed to give you practical, simple solution to implement ideas and strategies to create better relationships with your child, be proactive rather than reactive and grow your child to be resilient, confident and independent.

Join 21 national and international leading parenting & educational experts, as they reveal their expert insights to help you are your child shine. Sign Up by visiting https://www.spectrumeducation.com/parenting-summit/ to receive your FREE Ticket for this virtual, online event. 

Term 3 saw a flurry of sporting activity and some creditable performances. Many thanks to the students who put themselves out there, test their boundaries, and represent their College with pride. We are currently planning our offerings for 2021 and there promises to be a few exciting inclusions...stay tuned in Term 4 for further details!

This week, Year 4 students had the opportunity to participate in the Toowoomba Catholic Primary Schools Soccer Gala Day. The day was all about fun and community and we thank the staff and Year 4 students for their involvement in the day. Special thanks to Year 9 students Elise, Kyra, Riley, and Brendan for assisting Year 4 teachers in the day.

The boys Red Lions Cup Soccer team (Senior Years) faced St Josephs in their final game last Friday. It was a tough outing for the boys with Joeys fielding a far older team. The message from the coaches at the end of the day was that regardless of the result, you keep trying, you keep supporting your mates, you always control the things that you can control. Our current crop of Year 7-9 soccer players is a very talented bunch. In two years, we will match the more established schools in speed and size...we already match them in skill.

The Mary Mac Sport Instagram (@marymacsport) page has gathered quite a few followers since launching last month. It has been a pleasure to interview some of our students regarding all things sport. Visit our Instagram page to watch interviews with Lucy (Year 7), Charlie (Year 8) and Mai (Year 11). 

We look forward to further sporting opportunities in Term 4 and wish the All-Schools Touch teams luck as they travel to Brisbane in Week 1 of Term 4 for All-Schools Touch Football.

Brad Griffiths
Sports Coordinator

Spring has sprung!

Gardening Club has been very productive this term and we are now reaping the rewards.

Picking our small but abundant crop of cauliflowers, composting and providing some leafy treats for the Prep chickens was a team effort for our green thumb gardening students last week. Gardening Club was thrilled to be able to sell the cauliflowers to staff for a gold coin donation. These donations will go towards the purchase of new seedlings for Term 4.

Earlier this year, two of our garden beds were planted with bulbs with the idea of gifting these flowers to others to beautify their day. The bulbs have finally bloomed and students presented the first of our splendid irises to members of staff.

With the donation of seedlings by Pohlman’s Nursery, spinach, cabbages, beetroots, onions and snow peas were planted. Gardening Club looks forward to supplying our produce to the Senior Food Technology students to utilise next term.

Every student is welcome to attend Gardening Club. We meet every Wednesday at first break.

Gardening brings not only the pleasure of growing plants, but reaping the rewards of time spent discovering, expanding knowledge, chatting with other students and time outdoors in a relaxed environment.

We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us - Jenny Uglow

Trudi Samin
Learning Support

During Term 3, a team of Year 6 students participated in the 2020 Opti-MINDS Challenge. The students competed with schools from across the Toowoomba Region.  The team committed to giving up most of their lunch breaks over a seven week period. With Mrs Stubbings facilitating they completed a Language and Literature and a Spontaneous Challenge, testing both their creativity and problem solving skills. The students learned a lot about overcoming obstacles, being flexible and celebrating and harnessing strengths.  Congratulations to Brock Czislowski, Adele Adams, Emily Wann, Matilda Gilles and Caitlyn Barr. The team's commitment and hard work resulted in an "Honours" award for outstanding performance in their division.   

Juanita Stubbings
Teacher

Congratulations to Kyra Bartlett-Horne who umpired at the QSS State Netball Championships at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane from Saturday, 29 August to Tuesday, 1 September 2020. Kyra has been working hard to achieve her “C” badge. To become a QSS umpire, they need to be chosen at regional trials and Netball Queensland Emerging Talent trials as well as being recommended from their association’s umpire coordinator. Well done Kyra for achieving your “C” Badge. Kyra is also an accredited umpire for any MMCC netball competitions if she is not playing.

Please see the attached letter from Bus Queensland Toowoomba with information around bus changes commencing in Term 4.

We understand that some families might want to come and try us first, to see what OSHC is about and if it would suit them. So, we are pleased to offer any new families that join us, between now and the end of Term 3, their first session free of charge.