I had the real pleasure last Thursday of attending the Catholic Schools Touch Carnival and (briefly) the Netball Carnival.
This was a really fantastic showcase of the talent and commitment of our students. The year 5 and 6 students who played were such cracking ambassadors for Mary MacKillop - but so too were the older students who gave up their time to coach and referee the Touch and umpire the Netball. Thank you so much! It made me really proud. Thank you also to the parents who gave up time to support.
I want to thank all in the community for the way that you have responded to the renewed guidelines of the Chief Health Officer. I know that, even though we are approaching the third year of the pandemic, any changes to the everyday or anxieties about its spread can cause real concern. Thank you to the students, staff and parents who have masked up, thank you to the parents who have kept children home despite the challenges this brings, and thank you so much for the messages of support that have come into the school.
Whatever happens with the spread of the Delta variant, we are ready to prioritise the learning and wellbeing of our students.
The Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop is celebrated on Sunday, 8 August (but as a College we will celebrate today). At times of difficulty - and we have had a few of those with this pandemic - we should remember her words, 'God will carry you safely through every struggle'.
Let's look after each other as best we can until we are through this.
Please stay safe and take care.
Chris Gabbett Principal
Staff Profile: Mrs Erica Calvert
Erica recently received a TCSO Service Award, celebratng 25 Years with Toowoomba Catholic Schools.
Mrs Erica Calvert is the College Junior Librarian. This week we have interviewed Erica about her time at the college, so lets see what she says!
Primary School: St Anthony’s
Secondary School: St Ursula’s College
How long have you worked at Mary MacKillop?
The school was opened about 18 months when I started. This year I have been with Catholic Education for 25 years but was volunteering for about 10 years prior to that.
What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?
I like being able to interact with the students on all levels. I feel like the grandma of the school (and loving it).
What are your hobbies/interests?
I volunteer most nights at Sunset Superbowl as Treasurer of various leagues. I also enjoy going for a coffee and doing my puzzles, while watching the world go by at Clifford Gardens.
Other interesting facts about yourself?
I love knitting, in fact I have created many Disney themed jumpers for my Granddaughters in recent years. I have 2 children, a son, and a daughter, whom both are married and live away from Toowoomba.
Mission & Identity
Postponed - Youth Gathering
**POSTPONED**
Given the current concern regarding the extension of the SE Qld lock down, we have decided to postpone our Youth Gathering. The unstable situation and increased absences from the College have made it challenging to deliver the event that we wanted. We will be advertising new plans as soon as possible.
Please note that the Parish Mass will proceed as a Vigil Mass at 6pm on Saturday, 7 August.
Anyone who is attending will need to register their attendance using this link:
Congratulations to all students who have received Jesus for the first time in the form of bread during mass over the last two Sundays. Thank you to all families for supporting their children in their faith journey.
Thank you to Fr Brian and the liturgy team in making this a special moment for all children and their families.
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal Religious Education
Teaching and Learning
What is a teacher?
“Teachers develop curriculum and lesson plans, and present those lessons to their students, individually or in groups. They track the progress of their students and create reports to inform parents about their progress. Teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment, in order to optimize student capabilities and develop their love of learning. Teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential.” ~ https://www.glassdoor.com.au
This is a pretty standard definition of a teacher. But if you were to ask a teacher for their definition of their role, it would be much, much more.
What is a teacher at MMCC?
At MMCC being a teacher is more than just the physical act of teaching. Being a teacher means being involved as a learner, being a nurse, being a mum, having a listening ear, having humility and empathy. Living with integrity and honesty. Being kind and compassionate. Turning up each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to inspire young minds.
Students at MMCC trust their teachers with their problems. Teachers provide a safe sanctuary for the most vulnerable. Our teachers have infinite patience and possess good listening skills, even on the busiest of days. They possess empathy and can adapt to the most challenging of circumstances.
Our teachers possess a lifelong love of learning and instil this passion with those they teach. MMCC teachers provide real-world learning opportunities and prepare their students for a world that does not yet exist. Teachers bring their creativity and personality to the learning experience.
Teachers make personal sacrifices for their students, often putting the needs of their students before their own families. Why? Because teaching is more than a job. It is more than showing up at 8am and leaving at 3pm. Our teachers care about each and every student they have in their class and only want to see them succeed.
Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of an individual. Our teachers feel a great responsibility to ensuring this is enacted.
Teachers at MMCC inspire hope and ignite the imagination. Our teachers are an important part of the students’ life. They care about their students unconditionally and willingly work with parents to ensure a positive outcome for students.
Our teachers make a difference for all students. They allow students to pursue their passions and support them along the way. They show students how to find the answers themselves and how to manage their own learning. MMCC teachers help students to recognise their own abilities and guide them to succeed on their own.
Teaching is a tough gig, but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs where you get to positively influence and connect with students on a personal level. When it’s done right, the impact is huge.
Why am I sharing this with you? We often assume that all places of learning will offer the very best of teachers, but this is not always true. However, MMCC is one of the lucky places where these such teachers exist. They are always striving to do better, be better.
“A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge and wisdom in the pupils.” ~ Ever Garrison
Mrs Natalie Adler Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior
Sentence Train: WTE
The Sentence Train is a resource students and teachers use to support the understanding and modelling of different sentence styles and sentence construction.
The Sentence Train is the next 'learning' for both teachers and students in our Write That Essay journey.
The Sentence Train consists of engines and carriages which represent different parts of sentences, such as phrases and conjunctions.
The Sentence Train supports student understanding of simple sentences, compound sentences and complex sentences. In addition, word classes, such as nouns, verbs and adjectives are taught, followed by clausal constructions and modifiers added as a way to develop the sentence. All of these techniques are rooted in structural and functional grammar.
The use of the sentence train tool breaks sentences into units of meaning, or chunks. The advantages of this is are:
Sentence skills are mastered more quickly than if using individual words.
Students learn groups of words that are often used together - so common phrases are assimilated.
The rules of punctuation are easily mastered.
The student learns different sentence styles, opening a pathway to improved composition skills.
If you have any questions about Write That Essay, please talk to your child's classroom teacher.
Mrs Natalie Adler Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior
Science Week 2021
National Science Week 2021 will run from 14 to 22 August. This celebration aims to raise the profile and increase the public understanding and public appreciation of science, innovation, engineering and technology, and their role in maintaining and improving our society, economy and environment. It also aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public, and to encourage younger people to become fascinated by the world we live in.
This year, the theme for National Science Week is ‘Food: Different By Design’.
The week will be jam-packed with lunchtime and classroom activities across Prep to Year 12. From problem-solving and critical-thinking challenges to specially themed tuckshop options to the chance to help establish a perma-culture garden for the secondary school, there is something for everyone!
Be sure to check with your classroom teachers (Primary) or Mr Nielsen (Secondary) for a full run-down of what is on offer.
Mr Jared Nielsen Middle Leader - Science & Technologies
Trust the Count
Students require a deep understanding of the numbers to 10 both in terms of what they represent and how they might be reconfigured or viewed in relation to other numbers. In particular, they need to have developed flexible mental objects for each of the numbers that go beyond the recognition of number names and numerals to include rich part-part-whole knowledge based on visual imagery. This supports trusting the count in the sense that when students read, write or hear ‘seven’, they can imagine what that collection might look like and how it relates to other numbers. For example, they can see a seven in their mind’s eye as 1 more than 6, 1 less than 8, 3 and 4, or 5 and 2. This is not about addition or subtraction. It is about deeply understanding what each number means. A key indicator of the extent to which students have developed mental objects for the numbers 0 to 10 is the extent to which they can recognise collections of these numbers without counting, that is, they can subitise.
This journey begins in Prep and lays the foundational concepts required in Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4.
Year 1: Recognise, model, read, write and order numbers to at least 100. Locate these numbers on a number line .
Year 2: Recognise, model, represent and order numbers to at least 1000.
Year 3: Recognise, model, represent and order numbers to at least 10 000.
Year 4: Recognise, represent and order numbers to at least tens of thousands .
If you would like to know more about Trusting the Count and how you can support your child at home, please see your child's teacher.
Mrs Natalie Adler Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior
Senior School
Applying for University or TAFE?
During the week the QTAC portal opened for year 12 students wishing to apply for a University placement in 2022. Kris Naiker will be distributing an information video to all year 12 students and their parents shortly, to assist them on creating their QTAC account. We have attached the digital 2022 QTAC Guide to Further Study for your families perusal.
If your child is intending on applying for University in 2022, early entry offers are made by some universities to students that place the university as their number 1 preferences and meet other conditions. We have included links to some of our closer universities for your interest.
A way to assist with the costs of attending university or TAFE is scholarships. Each scholarship will have its own set of conditions that will need to be met to qualify, however some of the amounts available to new enrolments is astonishing. We have attached some of the local Universities links to scholarships for you to have a look at.
If you have any questions regarding any of this information or would like to meet with us, please email the Your Pathway Team on higyourpathway@twb.catholic.edu.au or call the College.
Kris, Jen & Chritie Your Pathway Team
USQ Biomedical Science Experience Day
During week 3 students from years 10 and 11 participated in the USQ Biomedical and Medical Laboratory Science Experience Day. Run over 3 days, students attended University for one of the days and completed hands on activities in the laboratory.
'I found the USQ Biomedical Day a beneficial and interesting experience into another medical field. USQ has great experience days that are well developed and engaging for all.' Emma Brittain year 11
'During the Biomedical Day at USQ we learnt about medical research and laboratory jobs, which I didn’t even know existed, as well as examine blood samples through microscopes, and use micropipettes to find genetic diseases in a scenario.' Brendan Williams Year 10
Students, as laboratory scientist were tasked with determining the parents of three babies by performing blood typing assays. They were taught how each persons blood type is determined genetically, as we inherit part of our blood type from each of our parents. Students learnt the importance of the work that the Australian Red Cross Blood Service do when carefully typing blood prior to transfusions, and what the results could be to a patient if they are transfused with the wrong blood type.
'The experience was very insightful and solidified my choice to work in this field.' Zeke McColl year 10
'The day was very valuable and well worth it. It opened my eyes to what the options are and what else I can do in the medical field. It was a worthwhile experience, and I would encourage other students to go to the day' Sarah Carr Year 11
In the second session of the day our Laboratory scientists in training, had to analyse DNA samples from four family members that were referred for genetic testing after the daughter was identified as possibly having sickle cell anaemia. Our scientists had to load the prepared DNA samples into the electrophoresis gel then analyse, draw and predict the results using a Punnet square of the family inheritance patterns and weather is was possible for the daughter to have sickle cell anaemia.
'The USQ Biomedical Day gave me a broader understanding of human DNA.' Hannah Rosenthal Year 10
At the end of the day our scientists examined blood samples identifying abnormalities and expanded their knowledge of the structure and role of blood in our bodies.
'The USQ Biomedical experience really helped to give clarity into different course options that are provided at USQ. It was also fun to spend time in a uni lab and work with the technical equipment.' Josie McQueen Year 11
“I enjoyed learning about the different scientific pathways you can take at USQ and what they include.” Charlotte Dobson Year 10
By attending these University Experience days it allows students access a professional standard laboratory and samples. This is a hugely valuable opportunity for students to sample what studying a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at USQ looks like. If you would like to know more about the USQ experience days please email the Your Pathway Team on higyourpathway@twb.catholic.edu.au
Your Pathway Team Kris Naiker, Jen Stevenson, Christie Richardson
This term, 3 cohorts in the Junior school will participate in Formation sessions. The focus of these days is to guide the students in developing their potential.
The outline for the term is:
Year 3 'I Own It' - Wednesday August 11, 2021
Prep 'Here I Am' - Thursday August 26, 2021
Year 1 'This is Me, This is Us' - Thursday September 9, 2021
Each formation experience provides students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of Mary MacKillop, and develop the MMCC Pastoral qualities. This term, we will have a strong focus on developing the concept of 'self-esteem'. Self-esteem links to the character quality of 'confidence'. Self-esteem helps us to build belief in ourselves and our own abilities. This then enhances the positive relationships with the people around. All parents of the above cohorts, will receive an email with parent tips and ideas for building self-esteem in your children prior to their formation day.
This week has brought up a number of unknowns. With this, there have been a number of students raising their concerns over another lockdown and others keen for it to happen.
I think it is important that we keep having honest conversations with our children to ensure they are informed. One thing that we can do to reduce the obvious worry some of our students have, is to be prepared in advance in case we are forced into another lockdown.
Have a conversation with your child about what worked well last time and what could potentially change this time to make the situation work better for them. If there are things that they identify, raise these with their class teacher to put some things in place to support them.
It is also essential that families prepare the technology that is used for online learning. An email was sent home that highlighted the below points, please action these to support your child. Fewer technology concerns will help to reduce the worry and anxiousness that comes with change.
Microsoft Teams Access:
The College has decided to open student access to the Microsoft Teams App. This platform will be the main platform used by staff in the event transitioning to online learning. During this week IT staff will be ensuring that students have access to Microsoft Teams, can you please also check in with your child and let the College know if they do not have access.
This change could potentially become a distraction for some students as it opens up the possibility of messaging and chatting with others. Teachers will monitor student use in classes, can I ask that you please do the same when students are using their laptops at home.
Family Zone and Network Access at Home:
There are still a number of families who have not activated their family zone account. This will mean your child is unable to access the Internet at home during school hours. It is essential that this is done by every family to give you control over their network access when at home during school hours.
To do this follow the steps below:
Acceptance of the FamilyZone invitation to Insights that should have been received at the email address on file with the school. I will resend this invite so it should be recent in your inbox.
Downloading the FamilyZone Connect App from your device’s store.
Logging into the App with the same email address and selecting the parent option. FamilyZone then knows who you are and who your children are.
Each child will have a profile symbol on the app, with a drop-down below it.
If your child is not at school on a school day, parents are then able to choose ‘not at school’ from that dropdown, or the student will not have Internet access.
If you have not received the email or have any questions about FamilyZone or Microsoft Teams please contact the College.
Sean Albion Assistant Principal Wellbeing Senior
Extra-Curricular
SUPERSTARS at Toowoomba & DD Eisteddfods
Eliza Skewes (grade 5) competed over the weekend in the Darling Downs Dance Eisteddfod. She received a first placing for her ballet solo, contemporary solo, tap duet, lyrical duet and ballet duet. A clean sweep for her for the day for all the sections she entered!!!
Unfortunately, the Toowoomba Eisteddfod had to make a decision to cancel after two days of competition.
It was disappointing as we had over 15 further entries to compete in however, safety is priority.
In fantastic news….Our ‘Triple Treat’ drum trio received a 2nd place! They got a glowing report from the adjudicator and he acknowledged their young age as well as their excellent musicianship on drums…. And great to see all girls ‘rocking out’ the audience.
A big congratulations also to Louisa Philp who competed confidently in the solo violin section.
Jessica Burke Middle Leader: The Arts & Student Engagement
From the Library
Congratulations to the Winners of 'Guess the Lolly Jar' competition, Thomas Bond and Olivia McMahon, who both guessed 750 which was the closest number to the 749 lolly jar. 2nd place was Lucas Ward and 3rd place was Flynn Albion. Thank you to everyone who participated. Funds raised from this raffle will be used to purchase furnishings for the reading area in Junior Library.
For those students participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge, a reminder that all forms must be handed into school by Friday, 27 August. No forms will be accepted after this time.
We are busy preparing for Book Week celebrations, with Book Character Dress-Up Parade, Readers Cup Competitions and Book Fair all happening in Week 6. Additional details have been emailed to families this week.
Happy Reading
Sporting News
Olympic Observation
I sat at home today with my sick child, watching the Freestyle Skateboarding. We watched in awe as these amazing athletes challenged themselves to perform the most technical and risky tricks they could in order to maximise their scores. Many of them fell, but it didn't stop them from trying the same trick on the next run - often correcting their slight error and overcoming the obstacle. As the medal presentation began my son was astounded that the Gold Medal winner was only 19, the Silver Medal winner just 12 (!!!), and the Bronze Medallist 13. Whilst we all can't be world champions and elite so young, what we can do is encourage our children to get involved in an activity (or better yet) a variety of activities that teach them the value of practice, dedication, and the pursuit of goals, all while engaging in physical activity that enhances their overall wellbeing. I won't mention that the collective ages of those skateboarders are VERY similar to mine alone!
Covid Update
We, unfortunately, find ourselves watching the news nervously as Covid once again impacts our sporting lives. We are finding that guidelines and restrictions are changing rapidly, and at times, close to events, so please have patience at this time. The College will always endeavour to communicate as clearly and concisely as possible. Two forthcoming events - the Champions of Champions Futsal tournament in Brisbane and South-East Queensland Football titles scheduled for Maroochydore will be assessed closer to their event dates.
Catholic Schools Netball
Last Thursday, two netball teams competed in the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival. The aim of the day was to have fun and enjoy playing with their friends. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the day and represented the College exceptionally. A huge thank you to Josie McQueen and Chelsea Mifsud who umpired for the day. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. Many thanks to the parents who attended the day, it was great to have your support. The results for the day were:
Year 6 Competitive - 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses
Year 6 Non-Competitive - 3 wins, 2 losses
Inner Downs Athletics
In Week 1 of Term, a strong contingent of Mary Mac athletes contested the Inner Downs Athletics Trials for 9-12 Year Olds. There were many great performances on the day. It was wonderful to witness students who don't necessarily see themselves as athletes competing to the best of their ability, with many students making track finals in the 100m and 200m. Congratulations to Susie Bullock, Piper York, Alara Williams, Ella Williams, Hayley Cuthbert, Calan Griffiths, Harry Williams, and Jackson Clark on progressing to the DD trials.
Last week, the College sent a group of athletes to contest the 13-19 years Inner Downs Trials at Dalby. There were some standout performances on the day, but none better than Sophie Randall, Elijah Logan, and Angus Leckie who set new Inner Downs records, Sophie in Triple Jump and High Jump, Elijah in the 100m and 200m, and Angus in Shot Put. Outstanding work! Brendan Williams put the interest of the College above his own by competing in as many events as he could. He was recognised as the Age Champion for 16 Years Boys.
Brad Griffiths Middle Leader: Sport & Student Engagement
Community Noticeboard
OSHC Student of the Month
We are commencing a Student of the Month program, where children who display a commitment to or growth in kindness, empathy, resilience, leadership, or other areas of note, have the opportunity to be selected for Student of the Month. The Student of the Month will have a section in our Monthly Newsletter, a photo of them displayed in our special frame at the service, and 5 points towards an in-service reward. Being selected for Student of the Month is a great honour and is something parents can be very proud of.
August 2021 – Samuel
Samuel has been selected by our staff as the very first student of the month! Sam regularly displays leadership skills when teaching younger kids how to play various sports and group games. When teaching others, Sam is kind and patient and he always ensures other children get a turn. Sam has taught many of our other children how to play soccer, and when doing so he is not too competitive and instead ensures he passes the ball to those who are new to the game. Sam is also a big advocate for rules and fairness! Sam sticks to the rules of a game even when it means he will lose and will always ensure that no one is cheating. Overall, Sam is a positive role model for our other children, and we are very happy to announce him as Student of the Month for August 2021.
From the Parent Partnership Forum
Hello to all our MMCC community, we hope you are all doing well under the current circumstances we are all faced with. It is important to check in with all family and friends and make sure we are all doing ok.
The PPF Group are here for family support and conversations. Please reach out via email as noted below.
Last Friday, several PPF members and all staff had the privilege to attend the Bishop in service day at the College. We had the privilege of hearing the inspirational story of Mary MacKillop delivered by Sister Di Phillips. Sister Di eloquently unpacked Mary MacKillop’s beginning of life, her life journey in the Josephine faith and her daily struggles, family crisis and general day to day living. We heard of when Mary became a teacher in Adelaide and established the first Josephite School. She also worked in Brisbane and worked alongside Father Tenison Woods and setting up schools in the late 1800’s. Her biography was amazing to listen to and to hear Sister Di tell us was truly amazing. Throughout the delivery, Sister Di posed questions which helped us reflect on our own life journey, turning points and how we have responded in those situations. To keep persevering, getting the job done and to always stay positive despite adversity was Mary MacKillop’s motto. This was evident in her final words, “Go on”, before she passed away. Truly an amazing woman. She was a very strong believer in faith and building this in the community.
Thank you to Sister Di for the beautiful delivery and sharing this with us. We hope Sister Di can join us on many more occasions for many more stories and share with the remainder of the College. Paula O’Rourke and the College Religious team Mission and Identity Pillar will deliver this very strong message out to the College community through the year level formation days. We are so blessed to be part of this community and to honour our Founder St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
The Vigil Mass on the 7th at 6pm at the College – Unfortunately, the Youth Gathering component of the evening has been postponed due to the Covid situation. Mass will still proceed on the 7th August at the nominated time. All are welcome, but we must all leave promptly. We look forward to rescheduling the Youth Gathering event in the coming months or sooner.
Congratulations to all our College students who have represented the College in sporting events over the last couple of weeks. Congratulations also to the award recipients at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod and their achievements. It was sad to hear that this event was cancelled mid-way through its programme. This is very unfortunate for all participants who were yet to perform. We will all look forward to this event continuing next year.
Congratulations to the first Communion students. What a lovely event for the College to witness the students complete their journey. This was a lovely and meaningful event for the College. Thank you to the Father Brian, Paula O’Rourke and all of the Sacramental team. Job well done!
Thank you to all teachers involved in the Maths Club. This is a great way for students to get more involved and practice their Maths and ask more questions. These additional classes are appreciated and welcome to Years 7 to 12 class students.
Thank you to Mr Gabbett, Ms Cridland, all the Leadership Team and our wonderful teaching staff and office staff. We are truly blessed to have all of you looking after our children and directing them on the right path from today into their future careers.
We are still experiencing some very difficult times and we don’t know what’s around the corner for us all. We need to stick together, help our neighbour and listen to all communications put out from the College. We will look forward to the day that this is all behind us.
The PPF are excited and looking forward to working with everyone this term!
We have many more projects that we are looking to work on at MMCC. To help these projects come to fruition, we are looking at applying for some grants. Do you have experience with grant writing? We are looking to form a Grant Writing Committee and welcome those who have grant writing experience to work alongside College staff, in completing and submitting grants for the College’s benefit. If you are interested, or know someone who could help, please contact the PPF at higppf@twb.catholic.edu.au
If you have any questions or wish to make contact with the PPF please email us at higppf@twb.catholic.edu.au We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
Our next PPF meeting is scheduled for 24th August 2021 In Molloy 2. Everyone from our College Community is always invited and welcome to attend the meetings.
