Welcome to the new school year at Mary MacKillop Catholic College!

I hope you all had a restful break. I am really thrilled to see the positive energy and enthusiasm in classrooms and around the grounds as we begin this academic year. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for making the start of the school year so smooth and positive. Your support and cooperation have been invaluable, and it’s wonderful to see our community come together with such spirit and dedication.

Inspired by the example of St Mary MacKillop, we will continue to embrace the values of faith, courage, and service. Her legacy reminds us to focus intentionally on the people around us. This year, we will strive to live out this mission in all our actions and interactions.

We are now the largest school overall and the largest P-6 campus in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools system. A challenge as we grow is maintaining a nurturing, faith-filled and positive culture. You will have seen that we have commenced the year re-setting many standards regarding uniform, broad behavioural expectations and of course mobile phones and other internet enabled devices. A focus on these things helps us maintain a culture of inclusion and academic excellence.

We remain though dependent on other elements. Our Catholic identity remains at the heart of our school. We will continue to celebrate our faith through regular masses, liturgies, and prayer services. I encourage everyone to participate actively in these spiritual activities. Academically, we are committed to excellence. 

Our teachers and staff are here to support each student in reaching their potential. Let’s strive for excellence in all our endeavours and celebrate our achievements together. Service to others inspired by the Gospel is a core element of our school. This year, we will continue to engage in various outreach programs and community service projects. These activities teach our students the importance of compassion and social responsibility. All of these factors support the culture of an authentic Catholic community.

Thank you so much for your assistance in helping us start the year in such a positive way.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

“We’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got spirit, how about you?”

This chant echoed around Highfields Aquatic Centre this week at the Junior Swimming Carnival – so loudly that it could be heard at the checkouts in Woolworths and in the drive through at Maccas! I really loved seeing the students, Student Leaders and staff bedecked in their House colours chanting, cheering and genuinely living and breathing the spirit of Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

At this carnival, McCormack House won the ‘Culture Cup’ which is a new and important cultural shift for all of us at Mary Mac because it focuses less on winning (don’t get me wrong I still like to win!) and more about creating a genuine sense of belonging.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs has been around for a long time but it felt relevant as a reference point for this article. A focus for us all in 2025 is to push the whole of the MMCC community ‘up’ the pyramid so that we all (but most of all the students) can feel a strong sense of love, belonging and self-esteem. The ‘Culture’ Cup enables us to focus strongly on feeling connected: to our College, to our House, to our peers. Being proud of the collective as well as individual achievement breeds a sense of family and as an authentic P-12 College this is an ideal we strive for each and every day.

We have already celebrated the achievements of our College Dux and Term 4 academic improvers this year. It was a powerful symbol to begin the year with this as it asks us as a community to invest in something larger than ourselves. The same power was felt in our Welcome Mass where we were ‘blessed’ (in more ways than one) by Bishop Ken Howell.

This mass was also symbolic of a subtle but deliberate cultural shift. Firstly, we had live music from our students – a deliberate shift in bringing more joy, energy and life to our religious gatherings and we look forward to more creativity in our liturgical life this year. Secondly, for the first time since Covid-19 hit the world, all staff and students came forward to receive communion or a blessing. This is what spirit is really about. Whether you are Catholic or not, whether your faith is resolute or wavering, whether this ritual is second nature or foreign to you, the act of a physical and verbalised blessing means that everyone in the College belongs. The spirit – whether you believe it to be religious, literal or abstract – binds us all together, it makes us one big family.

I hope to see the Mary Mac spirit many times this year. The number of students trialling for regional teams is the largest we have ever seen. The number of students taking instrumental lessons has exceeded current capacity. The outreach work has already begun in earnest with projects at Rosies, Healing Hands and Brownholmes already up and running. The co-curricular offer is the best and broadest we have seen. The staff are already tirelessly working on camps, work experience, excursions, sports and arts festivals.

We have made a hard stance on uniform and the students look the best I have seen since joining the College. The chance to show, to live and breathe the spirit of Mary MacKillop is ever present so I urge you as a parent to be part of that too – come to events where possible; support staff in pushing your children academically and socially; back staff up when the spirit leaves your child momentarily and they are called out about their behaviour, lack of organisation or lack of engagement; and finally ensure that your child is here when we have our key events in the year that truly foster a sense of belonging, love and self-esteem.

Let’s begin with the Senior Swimming Carnival – historically, poorly attended. Let’s be there. Let’s get involved in whatever way we can be. Let’s have a go and have a fun day. Let’s jump in the pool whether we’re the next Ian Thorpe or Ariarne Titmus or more like a bedraggled cat flailing around. Let’s just do it. And who knows, maybe everyone in Grand Central will hear the chimes of the Mary MacKillop community as they shop: “We’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got spirit, how about you?”

The spirit of a New Year.

Richard Coe
Deputy Principal

As we grow, it becomes even more important that students at Mary MacKillop Catholic College are positive, engaged and resilient learners, who can make a positive contribution to our College culture and our mission.

Students currently enrolled and attending Mary MacKillop Catholic College have the opportunity to apply for the General Excellence Scholarship, Sporting or Arts Excellence Scholarship or the Christine Bethel Academic Bursary. 

Please visit the College website for further information and to apply online. 2026 Scholarships and Bursaries for Current Families are now open and close on Thursday, 17 April 2025.

Phoebe Politch
Enrolments Officer

For all our new families to the MMCC community, we encourage you to like and follow us on our social media pages. 

This is a wonderful way to view amazing stories and celebrations in our community. 

College Facebook – Mary MacKillop Catholic College

College Instagram - @marymackillopcatholiccollege

Mary Mac Sport - @marymacsport

Mary Mac Arts - @marymac.arts

This year we have a new menu. A copy has been attached for you to see the changes we have made. Feedback is always welcome, good or bad as we cannot fix things if we are not aware of issues.

Orders can be placed on Flexi Schools for both breaks in advance as long as they are submitted before the cut off times. 

Purchases can be made over the counter for students in Years 3 - 12 at both first break and second break. Cash or card are accepted. If you would like something in particular or have dietary requirements then ordering is best as we cannot guarantee your selection will be available at the break.

Due to break changes on Fridays the cut off time has been changed to 8.00am to allow us time to have everything ready on time for first break.

We look forward to seeing you this term!

Janeen Fotia
Cafe Manager

Your official role at the College:

Junior School Administration Officer

What does a typical day really look like:

My day starts at 8:00am, I assist relief teachers prepare to head to classes by handing out laptops and teaching plans, I answer parent and student enquiries in person or via the telephone, assist students to sign in if arriving late to school. A large part of my day is dedicated to student sick bay, triaging injuries sustained after break times and if students are feeling unwell. I am responsible for making sure rolls are marked in the Junior School at start and during the day and then sending messages to parents if students are absent. My days never quite look the same, but I enjoy the varied and somewhat fast paced environment that is the Junior School Reception. 

Secondary School attended:

Toowoomba State High School

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?

I love working with the wonderful and caring teaching staff at the College. They make it a welcoming workplace and I love that they truly care about the students at the College. I also enjoy the interactions I have with the students that I see whether that is sick bay when they are not feeling their best or if they are signing in and out of the office, they really make my job rewarding and I enjoy chatting to them about the things that they are passionate about. I enjoy being able to wear bright and happy clothes in my role in Junior School Reception, so students feel welcome when they come to the office and they know it’s a safe space to come to for help, if they are lost or just not feeling well. 

What are your hobbies/Interests?

In my spare time I love to garden or curl up and read a good book.

Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MMCC community:

I have two daughters currently attending MMCC and both love soccer, so you will usually find me on the side lines of the soccer field or futsal court during a weekend supporting and cheering them on.

How is your work related to the 6 Ps?

Partnership - I work closely with teaching staff, students and parents on a daily basis to ensure enquiries are answered and students feel welcome and safe in the office environment. I like to try to make a positive difference in our students school day whenever I can.

At the end of 2024, one of our Year 11 students, Alison, was accepted to attend the hotly contested University of Queensland Change Makers program. Below is her thoughts and experience of participating in this program.

"The 2024 Young Changemakers Program was an amazing experience to be a part of, and I am so grateful to the mentors and coordinators for everything they did to support me during that time. Through the skills workshops, guest lectures, and career seminars, I gained valuable skills in leadership, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. This program also provided me with a unique insight into university life and gave me the confidence to chase the goals I set for myself. It showed me that I have the ability to push myself beyond my comfort zone and to succeed in my endeavours – even if they seem impossible. If there is anything I have learnt from my time at the University of Queensland, it is that opportunities do not just fall into your hands. Had I not set aside my doubts and aimed beyond my limits, I would never have been able to experience the incredible opportunity that is the Young Changemakers Program."

Alison Danckwerts
Year 12 Student

If your child is in Year 11 in 2025 and is interested in applying for this program details will be distributed to the Year 11s toward the end of the year.

Andrea Goddard & Christie Richardson
Pathways and Careers Team

Welcome Back to School!

As we gear up for another exciting school year, we understand that the transition back to school can be both thrilling and challenging for your child. To help ease this transition, we encourage you to establish a consistent routine at home, including regular bedtimes and morning schedules. 

This will help your child feel more prepared and less anxious about the changes. Additionally, take some time to talk with your child about their feelings regarding returning to school, and reassure them that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions. When dropping off your child, avoid pausing too long, as this can make the separation harder for both of you. A quick, positive goodbye can help your child start their day with confidence.

A gentle reminder: for the safety and smooth operation of our College, please do not drop your child off at the classroom. Instead, use the designated drop-off areas. This helps us maintain a secure environment and allows your child to develop independence, while also giving teachers the time they need to continue preparing for the school day. If you need to speak with the teacher, please send them an email to arrange an appointment. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Lisa-Marie Preston
Primary Middle Leader

As we enter a new term and a new school year, it can be a great time to take stock of current routines and internally reflect on how these are serving you. Sometimes it might mean making some small changes to focus on our wellbeing. The PERMAH framework, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, provides a comprehensive approach to not just surviving the day to day, but thriving.

Let’s explore how we can incorporate each element of the PERMAH framework:

P – Positive Emotion. Start your day with a positive mindset. Engage in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction, such as taking time to reflect on what or who you are grateful for, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the morning. Intentionally focusing on positive emotions can boost your happiness and resilience.

E – Engagement. Find activities that fully absorb you. Whether it’s a thought-provoking project, a team sport, or a creative activity, being deeply engaged can lead to a state of flow, where time seems to fly by.

R – Relationships. Invest time and energy into your connections with others. Strong, supportive relationships are crucial for our wellbeing. Share your experiences, listen actively, and offer support. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can enhance your sense of belonging and happiness.

M – Meaning. Seek out activities and goals that give your life purpose. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing a passion, or setting personal goals, having a sense of meaning can provide direction and fulfilment. Reflect on what matters most to you and strive to incorporate it into your routine.

A – Accomplishment. Set achievable goals and celebrate your successes. Accomplishments, big or small, contribute to our sense of confidence and self-worth. Set realistic targets for yourself and acknowledge your progress along the way.

H – Health. Prioritise your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices are essential for maintaining wellbeing. Make time for self-care and listen to your body’s needs. A healthy lifestyle supports all other aspects of the PERMAH framework.

As we journey through 2025, let’s commit to enhancing our wellbeing (thriving!) using the PERMAH framework, even when life gets busy with schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and more. By focusing on positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and health, we are able to create fulfilling and balanced lives.

Leah Moffett
School Guidance Counsellor

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God has anointed me. God sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, and pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of God’s grace – a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies – and to comfort all who mourn. – Isaiah 61:1-2

Pope Francis has declared this year a Jubilee Year, a time to challenge ourselves to change and become better people. The Jubilee is a year-long, grace-filled celebration where we are called to reflect on our faith, renew our commitment to God, and experience God’s mercy. Celebrated every 25 years since 1300, each Holy Year holds profound spiritual, ecclesial, and social importance for the Church and its followers.

This year, as a College, we will embrace the Pope's call to bring hope to our world, adopting the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." The motto of the Jubilee Year 2025, "Pilgrims of Hope," invites the Church – the women and men of our time and especially young people – to rediscover the theme of hope. We are invited to rediscover hope in our world.

As "Pilgrims of Hope," the Jubilee 2025 offers a unique opportunity for all God’s people to strengthen their faith, experience God’s grace, and share hope in the world. Embrace the spirit of pilgrimage and participate in this special year of celebration.

We often use the word "hope" quite loosely – "I hope you have a great day," "I hope I get a dog for Christmas," "I hope that..." This kind of hope is about something we wish or want. Another way hope is used is in the form of trust. Pope Francis invites us to strengthen our faith by experiencing and recognizing God more in our lives. The need for peace in our world is immense, not just in war-torn countries but also locally within our own lives. Pope Francis also asks us to be enthusiastic about life and share this with others.

Thus, we embark on a pilgrimage this year. "The Christian life is a journey, calling for moments of greater intensity to encourage and sustain hope as the constant companion that guides our steps toward the goal of our encounter with the Lord Jesus."

I invite you to begin a journey of hope.  A journey that allows you to experience God and feel that hope is a feeling of joy and renewal for you.

Have a great year.

God bless.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

We are thrilled to announce an exciting year ahead with many new directors and a wealth of experience in the Arts. This expansion allows us to offer a wide range of out-of-class activities. 

We encourage all families to consider participating in one or more of these enriching experiences, which not only provide additional education but also create memories that will last a lifetime.

A few reminders:

• All students who wish to perform for the College are required to wear the performance attire, which includes the MMCC Arts Polo Shirt and navy slacks/trousers. The portal for purchasing these items will close on Friday, 14 February . Purchase here.
• All activities will commence from Week 3 (Monday, 10 February).
• Families will incur a $50 semester fee for participation in Co-curricular Arts activities.
• Junior and Senior Dance will recommence Term 2.
• Please make sure you complete this form so that your child can be allocated to one of these offerings.

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts & Student Engagement

We are excited to announce that instrumental music lessons have commenced in Week 2 (Monday, 3 February) in the Emanuel Solomon Arts Precinct. This year, we are fortunate to have five talented peripatetic staff members:

• Ian Dixon - Percussion
• Hayley Kitto (formerly Chalmers) - Guitar and Vocal
• Phil Ryan - Brass and Woodwind
• Caroline Ryan - Piano
• Monica Brennan - Piano

We are thrilled to report a record number of student enrolments in our Instrumental Music program this year, reaching full capacity. If you were not offered a lesson time for Term 1, you will be placed on a waiting list and will be hopefully contacted for a lesson time in Term 2.

If you have any further questions regarding Instrumental Music, please contact Mrs. Deanna Platings via email deanna.platings@twb.catholic.edu.au or Mrs. Jessica Burke at jessica.burke@twb.catholic.edu.au. 

We look forward to another fantastic year of music making!

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts & Student Engagement

Two of our current Mary MacKillop students Gabby and Isabelle Voll (along with their older sister, Charlotte - MMCC Alumni) reached a personal goal of making it to the Top 10 'Best of the Buskers' at the Tamworth Country Music Festival! There were over 500 registered buskers this year, so to be selected in the Top 10 was a massive achievement!

The girls played for most of the festival (17- 26 January) out on Peel Street in Tamworth, with an invitation to perform on other notable stages.

The stage they performed on the Sunday night was massive with full sound and lighting, in front of a crowd of about 5000 people!

Congratulations to Charlotte (Alumni), Gabby, and Isabelle!

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts & Student Engagement

At our first Junior School Assembly for the academic year, we awarded our students with a Walking the Josephite Way Award. The focus was on Possibilities.

Congratulations to all students!

Mass Times

Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre to celebrate together. You are invited to be part of this celebration. Sunday Mass starts at 8:00am (unless otherwise advised) and is led by Fr Brian Noonan.

International Women's Day High Tea

Please see below an invitation from the St Mary MacKillop Parish to attend the International Women's Day High Tea on Saturday, 8 March from 12:00pm - 4:30pm.

BBQ at Peacehaven Park

Come and enjoy the ambience of this picturesque park while socialising with others.

Don’t miss this opportunity. What a way to spend a Sunday!

Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025

Time: 11:00am

Where: Peacehaven Park, Kuhl’s Road, Highfields.

Just a gold coin for all parishioners.

Swap your Crop on Sunday, 23 February

What is fun, fabulous and coming to our Parish? Swap your crop! And it’s here again. It’s simple? Just bring what you have to offer, place it on the table in the foyer and grab something that is already there. No money changes hands. Come and join in the fun.

World Day of Prayer - Cook Islands

“I made you wonderful”

Date: Friday, 7 March 2025

Time: 10:00am

Where: Highfields Community Church -The Highfields Hub, 55 Highfields Road, Highfields. Rev. 

Marius Kruger welcomes all to this wonderful Ecumenical Service.

Mary MacKillop Parish

Cherie Healing (Education Liaison Officer Department of Defence) has sent an email to our College with the attached Defence Member and Family Support newsletter. 

Cherie sends this newsletter to schools and colleges within South-East Queensland, if she feels they may have Defence families enrolled.

If you have any questions, please contact Kelli Pacey (Secondary Learning Support Teacher) kelli.pacey@twb.catholic.edu.au

Kelli Pacey
Secondary Learning Support Teacher

Our Christmas and Summer Vacation Care was an amazing time. We had so many exciting experiences over the five weeks such as four excursions; one to the Strand to watch Moana 2, one to Holy Name school to participate in our TCKC Fun Day with an Inflatable Water Slide and other activities, one to Peacehaven Park to experience nature play, and the last was to Sunset Superbowl. 

We engaged in a ton of water play activities, we had multiple Wheels Day incursions, we decorated our Christmas Tree, we made fortresses and then went to battle with our Nerf Guns, we explored science experiments, we brought our instruments in from home to show our friends, and we made loads of craft to take home. Overall, we had an incredible vacation care, and we hope the children are excited for our next one.

​Please see below for some snap shots!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator