Thank you all so much for your fantastic support this term. Term 3 is known as a very challenging and busy part of the academic year, and I am sure that you are as ready for a holiday as the staff and students are.

One important element of the term for Sean Albion and I has been interviewing and selecting the College Captains for Term 4 2023 to Term 3 2024. This process involves a written submission, character references and an interview. It is always a very tightly contested process - particularly in a College that has such a volume of really high achieving students who bear such a strong witness and have such character.

The new College Captains are Will Connolly and Katelyn Burton.

Both students displayed real depth and character in the selection process and spoke with a real authenticity about the context and realities of student leadership. Congratulations to Will and Katelyn.

The student leadership group is complemented by Captains for Formation, Sport, Academics and Culture as well as House Captains. We are still in the process of appointing to these posts and they will be announced on 4 October. These posts are of course mirrored in year 6 and the appointment process for those students is managed by the year 6 teachers in the first instance.

Parents of the new College Leadership Group will be invited to a investiture event on Thursday, 12 October.

As Principal of this fantastic College I have the consistent opportunity to speak about dignity and fullness of life. We aspire to this through our enabling our students regular moments where they can aspire to excellence. This term, I have seen the outstanding IA3 outcomes for many of our year 12, the spectacular impact of our sporting and cultural endeavours and the atmosphere of care and compassion in our student interactions this term. This can only happen when the work we do here is being mirrored in the family and community. Thank you so much for what you do to enable teachers and students here to aspire to fullness of life.

Please stay safe over the September break - travel carefully - and best of luck to students and staff engaged in sporting and cultural things.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

School Holiday office hours are 9am - 3pm Monday to Friday open at Senior Admin and contactable via phone 4698 7777 or email highfields@twb.catholic.edu.au.

We have a few renovations happening over the break in our IDT building, Junior Library and Uniform Shop in addition to our normal quarterly servicing. Vacation Care will also operate as normal in the Junior School. Our building works on the new Arts Precinct will also continue over the break which we look forward to completing during Term 4.

Join us for a Celebration of the Arts - The year that was!

The Mary MacKillop Arts department welcome you to come on a journey of celebrating the year that was, from the Brisbane ANZAC parade to the Hampton Festival, from Wakakirri to the Carnival of Flowers parade. This event aims to take you through the highlights of our student performances in dance, drama, music and visual art.

When: Thursday, 12 October 2023

Where: MacKillop Centre, Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields Qld

What's on: 1.5 hours of entertainment

Please keep students at home if they are unwell to avoid spreading illness at the College.

Gastro

It is difficult to know whether a child's vomiting or diarrhea is caused by a virus, something they ate or some other reason; therefore, any child who vomits or has diarrhea is excluded from school. Children who vomit or have diarrhea should remain home until they have not vomited or had diarrhea for a full 24 hours.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is often contagious, so if you are affected, don't share towels or face cloths and stay away from school until the discharge from the eyes has completely stopped.

Cold and flu symptoms

Symptoms are very similar to COVID, even if your child's symptoms are mild, they should be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Students should stay home until symptoms have resolved.

COVID–19

Students should continue to stay home until symptoms have resolved, normally 5–7 days.

Jayne Tyrrell
Workplace Health & Safety Officer

What a beautiful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors! We are incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world where the gardens of our community both here and in Toowoomba are spectacular.

After my recent trip to Brazil with my daughter who was playing futsal for Australia, I had the privilege of seeing another part of the world for the first time. It was a country that was so surreal at times, I would forget that I was in Brazil, as the landscape in the country could easily have been in Australia. There were eucalyptus trees growing on the roadside; bougainvillea (not native to Australia but grows well) in full bloom; palm trees; lilies and agapanthus. Plants that see every day here in Highfields.

But then you realise when you really look there are so many things that make it so different. How the towns / cities are built on the hills - they are on top of one another with little space for a garden. How the cities are really congested, and the traffic is intense. The cities are in the middle of nowhere - no other places near them. Power lines just running everywhere - there is no organisation to it and in Australia, safety people would have a fit.

The first words of Laudato Si' are Italian and translate as “praise be to you” and so during the month of September, Pope Francis reminds us to look for ways in which we can care for the enviroment that we are privileged to share. You may have opportunities to place yourself in the environment more so here is a simple walking meditation you can do...

Choose a direction to walk and as you walk today, you will walk in silence. You will stop at intervals to reflect on what you are noticing about your body and the environment around you.   

Gratitude for the earth: Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us to walk with reverence, as if our feet were kissing the earth. Each step you take, notice how your feet are connecting with the Earth.  What sort of terrain is beneath your feet?  Is it flat, uneven, grassy, rocky, hard, soft?  Observe how your relationship to your environment changes as you walk gently in this manner. How does the earth nourish you in return? 

Sensations in the body: As you walk, note sensations in the body. Foot pressing against the earth, the lightness of lifting the foot, the feeling of your clothing or the air against your skin. Pain in your toe or discomfort in your hips. 

Avoid labelling sensation as good or bad, right or wrong. Allow for what is. 

Sounds, sights and smells: What do you notice about the space around you? Close your eyes and take in the smells, sounds, and sensations in your environment. Then open your eyes – what do you notice?  Note whether you label each as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. Observe your reaction to those labels. 

Self-compassion: As you walk, invite an appreciation for your body and all the ways in which it is supporting you. Practice self-compassion by treating any discomfort that arises with love and care. Be appreciative that you are mobile. That you can walk through nature and take in its beauty. 

As you come to the end of your walk, notice how your body and mind are feeling.  Ask yourself, what have I appreciated today while I was walking. What surprised you while you were walking or at the end of your walk? 

This coming holidays, enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful weather as we are so lucky to have here in Australia - praise God for the beauty that you see and enjoy.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Thank you to those families who attended the parent information session on Monday and to those families who have indicated their intention to participate in the sacramental program.

IT IS NOT TOO LATE if you would still like your child to be part of the Reconciliation program for this year. Please use the following link to register and pay then a the folder of information will be sent home with your child.

We look forward to supporting you and your child as they continue their faith journey.

Sacrament of Reconciliation will be on Thursday, 9 November at 6pm in the MacKillop Centre with Fr Brian Noonan and the sacramental team.

Paula O'Rourke
APRE & Sacramental Team member

It's almost time for those crazy socks again! That's right, Socktober is just around the corner! Friday, 20 October (Week 3, Term 4) is MMCC's annual Socktober Day. It's the day when we all wear our bright, colourful (and perhaps even a little crazy) socks so that as a College we can send a combined message that 'socks it to poverty'!

Each year, Mary MacKillop Catholic College, on behalf of Catholic Mission, aims to raise awareness of a particular region whose people are struggling due to the effects of poverty. In 2023, Catholic Mission's focus is Timor-Leste–one of Australia's closest neighbours. Timor-Leste is a small island republic just under 700kms from Darwin, which shares its western border with Indonesia. The country secured its independence from Indonesia in 2001, after an oppressive and violent occupation. 

Today, the scars still linger as the people grapple with the effects of poverty, low quality healthcare and infrastructure, corruption and inequality. It is why the presence of missionaries like the Salesian Sisters, especially in regional parts of the country, is so important.

This year, our Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy (AMMA) group will run their annual Socktober Day on which all staff and students are invited to wear bright socks and donate to help MMCC raise much-needed funds for Catholic Mission.

There will be plenty more information to come at the beginning of Term 4, so watch this space!

Leisa Radley
Director of Formation and College Culture (7-12)

This term in Year 9 Religious Education, students have studied a social justice unit based on the concept of "Being More" which is taken from the invitation of St Oscar Romero who urged Christians to "Aspire not to have more, but to be more". Underpinned by Catholic Social Teachings, such as the Dignity of the Human Person, Preferential Option for the Poor and Weak, the Common Good and Solidarity, the Year 9s–under the guidance of their teachers Mr Ashley Jones and Mrs Megan Puhakka–took on the challenge to look beyond themselves and seek ways to advocate for change or raise awareness about issues which concerned them.

Considering social justice issues such as bullying, homelessness, mental health, human trafficking, and environmental dilemmas, the Year 9s learned about raising awareness, taking action and advocating for those who are voiceless in society. The proposed transport corridor, which is likely to divide properties and impact koala habitats, was a topical assignment choice of many Year 9s with some students taking action and writing to the local paper and even the local government, to voice their concerns. Others used their creativity to create posters for the College community which aimed to raise awareness about poverty, mental health issues and human trafficking–dilemmas which strip citizens of their dignity and self-worth. Some students used their baking skills to raise money for our own College counselling services and other baked for local charities who support the homeless.

Additionally, Mr Jones' two Year 9 classes visited Tony's Community Op Shop on North Street to continue the great work of our Year 11s, who–this year–have been volunteering at the Op Shop once a week during Religion lessons. Regardless of their assessment topic of choice, students have worked in partnership with their peers to take practical action, with many utilising their own passions to consider ways to serve others. Well done, Year 9s!

On the topic of service and social justice, this Thursday we were fortunate to have Julie Inskip and staff from Vinnies Youth join our Year 10 cohort for a social justice awareness session. During our time with Julie and her team, the Year 10s played some fun social justice games, during which they learnt about the stereotypes and misconceptions of poverty and homelessness, as well as some important facts and statistics about these issues in our local and national context. Thank you, Vinnies Youth, for your engaging workshop!

Finally, a huge congratulations to Year 11 students, Lucy Hutchison and Riley Cuthbert, who have completed the St Vincent de Paul Ozanam Leadership Program this year. The Ozanam Leadership Program is a values and skills-based initiative of the St Vincent de Paul Society, designed to develop participants to become compassionate servant leaders within the community. This program is underpinned by the Society’s Vincentian Charism which is based on servant leadership and the call to put faith into action. Well done, Lucy and Riley.

Thank you to all students and staff in the MMCC community who seek ways to show their faith by serving others, both within the College and in the wider community. We look forward to continuing to look for ways to 'Be More' in Term 4.

Leisa Radley
Director of Formation and College Culture (7-12)

Potluck Dinner

Huge thank you to the students who helped with Potluck dinner last Saturday evening. Your contribution to the evening was a amazing and greatly appreciated. I have included some photos of the amazing work they were doing.

Mass Times

Mass is celebrated each Sunday morning at 8am in the MacKillop Centre. Everyone is welcome to celebrate with the community.

Fr Brian is going on holidays during October but mass will still be celebrated in his absence.

Paula O'Rourke
APRE

The Ozanam Leadership program was an amazing opportunity granted to two senior students from each school across Toowoomba, through which we were given the chance to learn vital leadership skills for the future. The program, beginning midway in April, consisted of multiple leadership evenings where the group gathered to discuss recent regional events and youth advocacy issues regarding homelessness, the cost of living crisis, political influence, refugees and asylum seekers. During this time, we were able to bring what we learnt into the school environment and apply fundraisers and awareness events to encourage more leadership application from younger students.

The program gave us the chance to visit the St Vincent de Paul's office in Brisbane to participate in an advocacy sleepout, which involved learning of hostile architecture and how low income families are affected by multiple factors. It opened our eyes to the world of sleeping rough and having to make the tough decision each night between food or shelter.

Emu Gully Leadership and Adventure Camp was a week-long excursion designed to bring us closer together as a group, and develop more positive teamwork with those we knew little about. New friendships were formed in the short time, through teambuilding exercises that saw us recreating the Kokoda track march, Battle of the Nek and Colditz Castle. We experienced driving buggies over rough terrain, canoeing, dam-diving and fishing.

As future leaders of Mary Mackillop Catholic College, this experience was a way to build leadership skills in preparation for Grade 12.

We both highly recommend this program to the 2024 Grade 10 and 11 cohorts and welcome any questions about the program or process.

Lucy Hutchison and Riley Cuthbert
Year 11 Students

Scholarships are often seen as a means to ease the financial strain of education. While a scholarship does provide crucial monetary support, their benefits go far beyond just dollars and cents. Let’s explore some of the other advantages that can come with being a scholarship recipient.

Recognition and prestige

Receiving a scholarship is more than a financial boost; it’s a badge of honour. It’s a recognition of your hard work, dedication, and potential. This acknowledgment can boost your confidence and pave the way for future opportunities.

Resume enhancement

Including scholarships on your resume is like showcasing a seal of excellence. It distinguishes you from the crowd and shows your commitment and dedication. Employers and universities value this demonstration of merit.

Networking opportunities

Many scholarships offer access to a network of peers, mentors, and experts in your chosen field. These connections can be invaluable for forging meaningful relationships and uncovering new opportunities in academia, business, or any other industry.

Professional development

Workshops, seminars, and conferences often come as part of the scholarship package. These events provide a platform to hone your skills, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain invaluable insights into your chosen field.

Exposure to new ideas and perspectives

Scholarships often bring together a diverse group of individuals. This exposure to different backgrounds and viewpoints can expand your horizons and cultivate a global mindset – an essential quality in today’s interconnected world.

Long-term opportunities

A scholarship can be the gateway to further opportunities. It may lead to internships, mentorship programs, or employment opportunities that can shape your career trajectory in ways you might not have expected.

As you can see, scholarships aren’t just about financial aid; they’re about unlocking a whole world of opportunities. They can offer recognition, networking, professional growth, exposure to diverse perspectives, and so much more. So while you search for a scholarship, remember to consider these other benefits, not just money value.

You can search for scholarships on our database

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Your Pathway Team here at Mary MacKillop. We feel it is imperative that we build employability skills and capacity in our students to drive their futures beyond the classroom.

It started last Monday when a large group of Year 12 students completed the First Aid skill set course covering the below modules and granting our students an additional 2 QCE points.

• Provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Provide basic emergency life support
• Provide First Aid

Each year our Year 9 students the Your Pathway Team organises a professional Resume and Work Readiness Workshop presented by Life After School Director, Ashlee Carrigan.

The purpose of this workshop is for students to develop an understanding of employment preparation, with a focus on what employers expect to find in a resume or job application. This includes key attributes that employers are looking for and how to stand out from the crowd.

At the end of the workshop students have the knowledge and skills to continue to build and add to the resume they have created during the workshop.

This week the College again has offered the Espresso Machine Operation Skill Set to our senior students. This qualification is delivered by Aroura Training on the College campus over 3 days covering four units,

• Prepare and serve espresso coffee
• Provide service to customers
• Process financial transactions
• Use hygienic practices for food safety

Students that complete this course receive 2 QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) points and a highly desirable skill set to add to their resume. Students are put through their paces learning to make a wide variety of coffees and hot drinks.

Through these workshops and courses we aim to develop the required skills and knowledge for our students to succeed in future employment now and into the future.

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

On Saturday night the Queensland Training Awards State Final Gala was held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. These awards are a showcase of training excellence and brings together seventy- seven regional winners and nine state finalists, representing a range of industries from mining and manufacturing to aviation and health care.

Year 11 student Lucy Hutchison was representing the Darling Downs South West region for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year after winning her category in September at the regional finals. She completed her Certificate III in Business at MET Phys in nine months and her teamwork and communication abilities along with her passion for business, earned her recognition and multiple job offers. Lucy is also completing an academic load and is a high achieving student.

We had the opportunity to listen to The Honorable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM Governor of Queensland and The Honorable Di Farmer Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Mister for Youth Justice about the importance of developing our future leaders through VET education.

Lucy's parents Annette and Gordon attended the event along with Mrs Cridland, Mrs Richardson and myself (Mrs Stevenson). It was a beautiful evening with a three-course meal, entertainment and the recognition of the outstanding achievements by all who were nominated.

The finalists are the role models and the training champions who have made amazing advances through their dedication to their own career development. This year the awards across Queensland attracted more than 800 nominations and the event recognised more than 210 regional finalists. Lucy 's incredible efforts are to be commended as is her drive and determination to succeed in whatever she puts her mind too.

Congratulations Lucy it was a pleasure and an honour to celebrate your successes with you and your family!

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

JRS Skills Academy

Work Experience (WEX) Program Notice – Boilermaker/Specialist Metal Trades

JRS Skills Academy is again, seeking the next generation of ambitious individuals who are ready gain practical understanding of the manufacturing industry through the JRS Skills Academy Work Experience (WEX) Program.

Guided by our skilled mentors, you will be working collaboratively in teams with likeminded individuals to design, procure, process and construct exciting fit for use projects that give real insight into what #burningwire and #tradelife is like within a leading local organisation and the broader industry.

Our WEX project partner - JRS Manufacturing Group - is a Toowoomba-based steel fabrication and welding company that specialises in fabrication consultation and construction of medium to heavy complex plate, pipe, and structural steel products for customers in the civil, energy, mining, defence, aerospace and oil & gas markets. Check them out: www.jrsmanufacturinggroup.com.au

WEX will be held from 16 – 20 October 2023 at the JRS Manufacturing Group facility - Wilsonton Toowoomba. Attendance hours are 8am – 3pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-12pm Friday.

Back yourself, try something new or follow your dreams. It all starts here: www.jrsskillsacademy.com.au

Applications Open:

Monday, 11 September 2023

Applications Close:

Friday, 6 October 2023

Induction Completed:

No later than COB Friday, 13 October 2023

Program Commences:

Monday, 16 October 2023

**Places are limited in this program, however, any applicant who is unsuccessful in gaining a place will be notified and their application will be given preference for our next program.

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

In week 8 the Year 1 classes went on an excursion to Amaroo Environmental Education Centre in Kleinton. The students had an incredible On Country experience meeting Gabarlah the Greater Glider, engaging in nature play, constructing and playing traditional games, and of course getting very MUDDY! A very big thank you to our parent helpers who made our day so successful!

Michelle Lever, Annabelle Cowen & Susan Jones
Year 1 Teachers

This Wednesday the Prep children participated in the annual Prep Pirate Day. The children had a ball dancing some pirate jigs for their parents before the parents joined in with the merry making. The Prep children then participated in some fun pirate activities in the P-2 playground and enjoyed a picnic with their families and friends. Thank you to all the parents and friends who dressed up and joined us for the morning. A wonderful time was had by all.

Prep Teachers
Mel Skewes, Kaitlin Hawkins & Elissa Chapman

This week at Mary MacKillop Catholic College we have been both acknowledging R U OK? Day and the awareness they spread on the importance of checking in with those around us about how they are going, really. Rather than just celebrating on the one specific date (this year, this falls on Thursday 14th September), we have chosen to 'keep the conversation going' across the whole week with a range of activities having been on offer each day.

The team at R U OK? remind everyone to stay connected and make asking, ‘are you okay?’ a part of our everyday communication. This way if someone we know is struggling with something, be it big or small, they know they have someone in their corner to support them and who really cares about their wellbeing. The R U OK? team also focuses heavily on the part two of asking someone how they are doing as well; that is, taking the next step to genuinely listen to the person’s response and being prepared to talk to them about what might be going on in their life.

It can be helpful to remember that you don’t need to be an expert in mental health to ask someone ‘are you okay?’ and if something is going on, you don’t have to have all the answers. The most important part is that you are supporting another person to not feel alone and isolated in their fear, worry or struggles.

R U OK? promote the Four Steps of an R U OK? Conversation. These are:

• Ask R U OK?
• Listen
• Encourage Action
• Check In

Ask R U OK? because a conversation could change a life.

R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone going through a difficult time. You can learn more at ruok.org.au through their abundance of wonderful information and resources.

If you or anyone you know need immediate crisis or emotional support, please reach out to emergency services on 000 or a support such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.

There is always someone ready to listen. 

Leah Moffett 
Guidance Counsellor

Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance. Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dance.

This year participating Mary MacKillop students were awarded a State Award for their efforts. This is a fantastic achievement considering this is only our second year attending the event!

The title of our piece was "A Very Hungry Caterpillar – The Untold Version". In the telling of this story, the audience met a group of scouts seeking the giant butterfly. Forest fairies also added a bit of magic to the story! Initially we performed at the Logan Entertainment Centre on Thursday, 24 August. As we were awarded a State Award, we were invited to return and perform again on Friday, 8 September.

At the Awards Night performance our school was awarded with:

• Environmental Action Story State Award
• Creative production award for Set Design
• Production award for Sets and Props
• Ensemble Award for a Well-Performed Rehearsal
• Lead cast award for Performance in Dance
• Production award for Costumes

It was fantastic to see their confidence and performance qualities improve on stage from the first time they went on compared the second time they performed. They all did such a wonderful job!

Chloe Lauverjon
Primary Arts Teacher

Year 4 Shines at Touch Football

Year 4 students participated in the Catholic Schools Touch Football Gala Day on Tuesday. It was an opportunity to get to know students from other schools while also developing their touch football skills. Students from the Senior College assisted with the coaching and refereeing of games further developing our P-12 Sporting Culture. The growth in student's touch football skills, as they played more games, was incredible to see. It will be exciting to see what these students will achieve in all football codes as they advance through the years. Well done Year 4.

Student Service

Year 10 student Kya was recently recognised by the Toowoomba Touch Football Association as the Junior Referee of the Year. There are many students at the College who give up their time to referee various sports and it is pleasing that the future of Community sport in the region is in such good hands!

Senior Girls Football

The Toowoomba Schoolgirls Football Competition wrapped up last week with both our Junior and Senior teams qualifying for the semi-finals. Unfortunately, both were not successful in progressing through to the Grand Final, but both teams can be proud of their efforts this year. Many thanks to Mrs. Frame for her assistance with girls' football and futsal throughout 2023.

Further Athletics Success

Congratulations to Isaac (Year 11), Nicolcene (Year 11), and Jackson (Year 9), who were all successful in progressing to the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships to be held in October. All three competed on a cold, wet and windy day in Week 8 of term and were able to jump and throw with distinction!

Year 8 Basketball

Our Year 8 basketball team are having an incredible year in their first year of playing together. They recently made it to the semi-finals of the President Cup, Div 1, Under 15s competition. It was an exciting game where we went down to Toowoomba Grammar in a nail biting last 30 seconds.

The boys have shown admirable dedication to their training and the team as a whole as they work towards competing at the Champion Basketball Schools of Queensland competition at the Gold Coast in October.

P-2 Ball Games Carnival

Yesterday, Prep to Year 2 students participated in their Ball games carnival on Fitzroy oval. Students participated in 6 rotations of activities as well as one special one involving parents, which involved a special version of head, shoulders, knees and toes which got everyone up and moving. We were truly able to see the benefits of being a part of a P-12 College yesterday as we had so many Senior students and Year 6 leaders, willing to give of their time, help our younger students and make events like the ball games carnival truly memorable.

Well done to our Prep, year 1 and Year 2 students, on your amazing participation, competitiveness and sporting spirit at the ball games carnival. 

Brad Griffiths & Carmen Campbell
Middle Leader - Sport & Primary Sports Teacher

On Saturday, 9 September, I attended a professional learning program with Bangarra - an internationally renowned all-First Nations dance company. This program, Winhanga-rra, delves into the processes and practices for engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in an education context. Focusing on cultural engagement and storytelling though contemporary dance theatre, the workshop is open to all education professionals and includes talks, open forum discussion, film presentations and practical tasks.

I had a really wonderful day. It was great to think deeper about how I can improve on my approaches to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, connect with other educators, develop teaching strategies and engage in activities students and adults alike can participate in. This is now my second Bangarra professional learning workshop I have attended, and I always find it to be an enriching experience.

Chloe Lauverjon 
Primary Arts Teacher

On Tuesday, 29 August, 15 students ventured to Toowoomba Christian College to represent our College at the annual Toowoomba District Primary School Teams Chess Championship. This competition is always well supported and this year was no exception with over 450 students representing over 25 schools in both the Senior and Novice (Years 1-3) divisions. Mary MacKillop’s three senior teams and one novice team played 6 or 7 challenging chess games against various teams throughout the Toowoomba region. 

All students celebrated wins throughout the day and learnt many valuable lessons about chess – protecting your King through castling, setting up double attacks, trading pieces to get into a stronger position, and so on. Congratulations to all students involved who played well and represented our College with pride. A big thank you to Fiona Taggart for supporting the Year 2 boys in the Novice division.

Craig Hubbard
Primary Teacher

Congratulations to this weeks Award Recipients

Hello from the Parent Engagement Network!

Congratulations everyone, we’ve all made it to the end of Term 3.

Everyone deserves a break and rest for all of the hard work this term. Many great things have occurred this term such as school camps and excursions, numerous sporting events, Wakakirri, academic achievements, Eisteddfod results, Mary MacKillop Feast Day, Father’s Day Breakfast, Be a Mary Mac Kid for a Day, Prep Transition Day, Book Week, Pirate Day, the wonderful Fitzroy Oval Opening and so much much more! So many successes to celebrate!!

Special thanks to the College Leadership Team and our College Principal Mr Chris Gabbett for steering our ship. The PEN wishes to congratulate and thank our fantastic students, wonderful teachers and staff for a job well done throughout Term 3. It has been another busy term for us all with successes all round.

TERM 3 – Recent events/Upcoming Events Term 4

Father’s Day Raffle Winner!!

Congratulation to Mr Cameron Steer for winning the Father Day Raffle for 2023. The raffle raised over $1808 for much needed resources within the College.

Thank you to Bec Lopez and Catherine Farlow (PEN members) for leading this fundraiser and thank you to all parents, carers and students for supporting this great event each year.

Thank you to our sponsors for donating the amazing prizes that made up the amazing prize package!

RU OK Week

A simple phrase RU OK ? This week has been very important for us all to check-in for all senior students, teachers and parents. Our well-being is crucial in this day and age particularly with all outside distraction with social media, phones etc

Thank you also to the LIVIN speaker who spoke to the Year 10,11 and 12 students and parents this week to remind everyone and to have open discussions on depression, anxiety and if you are struggling. “It ain’t weak to speak” check out their website: https://www.livin.org/

Thank you to the College Councillors Khara Saunders and Leah Moffett for their leadership and support in this area. We are very lucky to have such wonderful and supportive staff in this well-being space of the College.

TERM 4 Upcoming Events

MMCC Marching Band at Carnival of Flowers Parade

If you’re heading in to see the Carnival Parade on Saturday, 16 September, make sure you give a wave and hello to the College Marching Band as they will be entering and marching as part of the Carnival Street Parade. Thank you to Mrs Burke, parent volunteers and College students for their time and dedication to this event each year! We can’t wait to see your costumes!

Year 12 External Exams

We wish our Year 12 students the very best for their upcoming External Examinations which will commence in early Term 4. We send you the very best of wishes for every success for you all.

Mango Drive for Term 4

In Term 4 we will be having a mango drive fundraiser. These funds will go towards supporting more resources within the College. More details to follow early in Term 4 or over the holidays. Please watch this a space for order details and delivery dates. Please support this fundraiser.

College Fee Review for 2024 - Consultation with families

With rising costs in our everyday life, both the PEN and the College are all very conscious of budgeting for home and life’s needs. This year our PEN Resources team have again been looking at this with the College in mind for 2024. The College has recently broadcast via an Ed smart letter to consult and inform you of this potential fee increase for next year. This will bring about a likely increase in 2024 of 6% in both tuition fees and resources levy. This group and the College are also very conscious to support families with hardships in our community. Please contact the PEN Resources team members – Malcolm Martin, Teresa Scrivens, Shayne Cleary, Alicia Logan, Tim Lane, or Kirsty Gillett the College Business Manager if you are wishing to further discuss any aspect of this matter. If you would prefer to make confidential contact, please reach out via email: mal.martin@bigpond.com or Kirsty.Gillett@twb.catholic.edu.au

PEN - Mission and Identity - Update

In the Mission and Identity space we would like to once again introduce the concept of Healing Hands. Healing Hands is a simple but powerful way to tell someone that they are being thought of during a time of stress, grieving, hospitalisation of family members or sickness.

If you would like to contribute, by cooking meals or baking to assist this group, please collect supplied containers suitable for freezing and portion sizing from the Junior or Senior Reception Offices. Please ensure you and any family in your house are well while cooking meals or baking goods. Return these items in the provided containers, labelled with all ingredients and date, prepared to the Junior Administration Block to be frozen for future distribution to families or individuals in need.

As always, if you know someone who needs a hamper, the best contacts are Emma Ehrlich, Paula O'Rourke or the Junior or Senior Reception. These hampers are given in confidentiality always.

College Café – Needed Volunteers – we need you!!

Just a reminder to all of our College families. The College Café needs more volunteers to help out throughout the remainder of the year (Term 4). If there is an area of the College you would like to assist with, please reach out to us or the College. This can be very rewarding for anyone that can help. Just a few hours a week can make a big difference. Please consider this. You will be required to complete the College’s Safety Induction form prior to starting. If you have any questions, please email us below.

Fundraising – we need your help!

Each year we run some smaller fundraisers to help with sourcing resources for our College. For the remainder of the year we are looking to continue on with the same fundraising events i.e. mango drive and ham drive. If you are interested in assisting with any of these events, please reach out to the PEN, many hands make light work. Refer to our email address below for any feedback or areas which you feel may need attention throughout the College.

The College is also looking to run some larger fundraising events next year in 2024 and we’d really appreciate your ideas and help. If this is an area of interest to you, please reach out to the PEN at higpen@twb.catholic.edu.au

Grant Writing to support of College –PEN Resources Team

Does this interest you? We are still in need of assistance in this area. If this is of an interest to you, please make contact via the below email. There are many grants available and we need your help!

Have a Lovely Holiday from the PEN!!

The PEN wishes everyone a lovely, restful and safe holiday.

If you have a topic or matters for discussions, please send through to the PEN email higpen@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can add it to our next Meeting Agenda.

We always welcome new attendees to join our PEN and Mary Mac Family.

Take care.
Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll
Co-Chairs PEN

Next Meeting for 2023:

Date: TERM 4 WEEK 4 – Tuesday, 24 October

Room: Senior Admin – teachers’ lunchroom.

Time: 5.30pm start – 7pm conclude.

Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea: Tuesday November 21st – time to be confirmed

Our Spring Vacation Care Program has now been released! There are so many exciting activities planned these school holidays such as two excursions; one to The Strand to Watch the new movie Teenage Kraken, and the other to Cobb & Co Museum to walk through history, creating fortresses out of cardboard boxes than having a Nerf Gun battle, riding around the school on our bikes/scooters/rollerblades, decorating shirts/socks with Tie Dye ink, creating our own Teddy Bear Pillows then filling in their birth certificates, and so much more!

Email us at TCKC - OSHC to secure your spot now so you don't miss out!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator

Ozcare Catch Up Clinic Details

Please email sip.toowoomba@ozcare.org.au to book an Appointment

DATE: Monday, 18 September 2023

TIME: 8.30am – 11.30am

DATE: Tuesday 21st November 2023 (MenACWY only)

TIME: 3.00pm – 4.15pm

LOCATION: Ozcare Toowoomba | Interview Room

ADDRESS: 10 Pechey Street Toowoomba QLD 4350

Parking is available at PCYC in James St, the Water St Carpark or on the street. We have limited parking available on site (please do not park in neighbouring business’ parking).

*Please note that after the immunisation, there is a 15 minute mandatory monitoring period.

If your child has an interest in the performing arts and is looking for a six-day activity to engage in over the school holidays this could be it! The program is run by The Culture Exchange from September 24 - 30. Moana Junior- a theatre workshop experience for young artists aged 8-18 years old.

The organisers are also looking for any students who are interested in backstage, stage management or sound work, as they are also looking for volunteers to help during the week.

Contact Nicole Thomson at info.theculturexchange@gmail.com if you would like more information about this amazing opportunity!

(Please note the QR code on the flyer is not working. Will need to email directly)