Thank you very much for your support over the last fortnight. We have had a really busy period and I have, as usual, been incredibly proud of the endeavours and achievements of our young people.

I was amongst the foolish and/or brave who arrived at Jubilee Park just after the sun last Saturday to Hike for the Homeless. I will make a point in future before volunteering for such ventures to complete my due diligence as the terrain was a little more intense and, dare I say it, vertical, than I expected. Mary MacKillop had a 27 strong team and we went considerably past our fundraising target. A huge thanks to the parents and students who gave of their time and sweat so readily for a good cause.

Also on Saturday the Human Powered Vehicle race was underway at the showgrounds. Led by Mr Brunner and Mr Cavanough, our students showed real determination to hit the course on what was a healthily warm spring day. This is a really fantastic way to learn about STEM subjects whilst engaging in the very modern discipline of Design Thinking. The involvement of Mr Chivers with his artistic and creative mind can only add strength to this into 2020.

Thank you very much to the P and F who have been very supportive over the past fortnight. They very kindly gave a gift, coffee and a muffin to all teachers on ‘Thank a Teacher Day’, but also donated fruit for the whole College Wellbeing Picnic on Monday. It pleases me greatly that the P and F are such a consistent presence during wellbeing events. Thank you.

The whole college focus on wellbeing is deliberate, and something that we will continue to promote. When we speak of wellbeing, I want the focus to not be on the need to take our young people who may be struggling and make them marginally better. That is a small-minded view that aims only to triage issues and put bandaids on them, rather than seeking to better understand the sources of issues and solving them. Much better is an approach that seeks to create a culture where we all, consciously, promote positive mental health as a right, and make clear the strategies that ALL of our students (yes, even the preppies) can use to be emotionally, socially and physically healthy.

As parents who have come to our information sessions will know, mental health issues are now the greatest cause of school absence in some areas of the country. It is incredibly naïve and irresponsible to assume that Highfields is immune to this, and my goal is to support the entire community to be better able to talk about youth mental health, to have the tools to raise the 21st century child, and to feel supported by your College should you need support.

You will have received yesterday the outline of Awards Criteria for our end of year Awards Night in November. You will see that we are focussing on awards for the very high achievers, but also for those who have improved academically. There are also awards for College spirit and Sports, as well as Arts and Culture.

Lastly – please support our Summer Showcase on 13 November. This event is curated entirely by our year 9/10 Art Class as part of their assessment. You will have the opportunity to see visual and digital art from the entire College, hear some music and song and get a deeper appreciation of our Senior students' curatorial abilities.

Last Saturday 27 members of our College community, students, parents and teachers joined other hikers at Jubilee Park for Base Services fourth annual Hike for Homeless event. Many hiked 5 kms, some braved 10kms and a couple intrepid hikers aimed for 20km. There was lots of comradery along the way and a few sore muscles the next day. It was great to see Mr Gabbett don a pair of boots.

We raise a total of $1175.00 toward Base Services and all the fabulous work they do to support people in Toowoomba experiencing periods of homelessness. Did you know they even upskill and assist people to enter the workforce? A great way of raising people’s dignity! $1175.00 is equivalent to ten backpack swags that Base Services provides for those cold winter nights. Well done team and a huge thank you to those from our wider parish community who supported our team with donations.

Our fundraiser page is still open for two more weeks so it’s not too late to donate if you wanted to hike but couldn’t make it on Saturday. https://www.mycause.com.au/page/214463/mary-mackillop-catholic-college

P&F Meetings

The October meeting was another great meeting with a large turn out of parents and students. The presence of the students has been very positive and they have made significant contributions to the meeting and brought great ideas to the table.  

Next meeting is November 19th at 7pm in the Junior Staff Room.  

If you have any items for the meeting agenda, please email HIGPandF@twb.catholic.edu.au.

This will be the last meeting of the year and so we will be having a small break up party with pizza and nibbles. To get an idea on numbers, if you would like to attend can you please email HIGPandF@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Mango Fundraiser Update

A total of 140 boxes of mangoes were ordered by the MMCC community - thank you so much to everyone to ordered. Your support means that we have raised approximately $800!

Delivery is due the week beginning 2 December. We will notify parents as soon as we have a specific date.

World Teachers' Day 2019

To celebrate and acknowledge the wonderful teachers and staff that MMCC is blessed with, the P&F provided a hot beverage from Urban Cup's coffee van and sweet treats for the staff in the morning to accompany our gift of a travel mug.

Thank you to all the teachers and staff for their generosity of heart and all that they give to the students of MMCC each day.

Thank you to the students and volunteers who helped out on the day and baked the sweet treats.

National Recycling Week, 11th - 15th November

Over the past few years, the need for awareness of sustainable living practices has increased significantly around the world – and recycling has become more crucial than ever with our fast-growing population. In fact, a nationwide review revealed that waste has increased around 170% since 1996, which is why becoming more environmentally responsible has never been more urgent.

This term, we will be bringing recycling to the forefront in Outside School Hours Care by celebrating National Recycling Week from 11th to 15th November. It is going to be a fun-filled week as we teach children all about sustainability and how they can contribute to the world for future generations!

Our aim is to develop their knowledge and creativity on recycling through fun-learning activities. Some of these include using used bottles or cartons for planting, making newspaper hats, an exciting recycled fashion parade, and heaps more! Talk to the Educators at your service to find out what they have lined up for National Recycling Week.
 
Not yet Registered? Don’t worry, it’s never too late. Plus, it’s FREE to register.
Before attending our care, you must register your child pp.campaustralia.com.au/account/login. Also remember, you may be entitled to receive the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy, visit www.mygov.com.au to find out more.

More Program Details 

For more information about your program and fees, visit your service and have a chat with one of our qualified Educators. Alternatively, you may visit our website at www.campaustralia.com.au or contact our friendly Customer Care Team on 1300 105 343 who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - except National Public Holidays.

We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

JDRF One Walk Toowoomba (5km)

Sunday 17th November at Queens Park

Visit walk.jdrf.org.au to donate or register for the walk

Help turn Type One into Type None!

The purpose of whole school curriculum planning is to strategically, coherently and consistently achieve explicit system and school wide teaching and learning aims.

Whole-school curriculum planning plays a key role in enabling our College to deliver the curriculum for all students and reflects the decisions, resources and priorities of the College. Through planning, the Leadership Team and teachers have decided how to organise the school's authoritative curriculum.

Each term this year, every teacher has been given a planning day to map the English Curriculum. This process has entailed teachers working collaboratively to create units of work which reflect the: Achievement Standard, Content Descriptors and the alignment of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for each unit of work; developing learning sequences that enables all learners to access the curriculum and the inclusion of all types of assessment.

What does the plan include?

Curriculum Area

The curriculum area is the sequencing of key knowledge and skills across years of schooling to support a progression of learning with particular recognition of transition points, e.g. 6-7. It is the overview of the overarching concepts to be developed across the relevant years of schooling.

Year Level

At Year level the plan is a coherent program from a student perspective that enables effective connections across curriculum levels.

Lessons

Each lesson/s specify Australian Curriculum content descriptors and achievement standards and activities and resources to ensure students of all achievement levels are able to progress.

In each learning area or subject, content descriptors specify what young people will learn, and achievement standards describe the depth of understanding and sophistication of knowledge and skill expected of students at the end of each year level or band of years.

The Australian Curriculum is designed to help all young Australians to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.

The Premier's Reading Challenge is an annual statewide initiative for Prep to Year 9 students, aimed at encouraging children to read widely for pleasure and learning. Students are required to read a specified number of books books suited to their reading ability.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College entered the challenge this year with a number of students from Prep to Year 9 participating and completing the Challenge. Many students completing the Challenge read more books than what was required. When asked about this, the usual response was, 'I just love reading.'

Students will be presented with their Premier's Reading Challenge Certificate of Achievement at the 8 November Junior and Senior Assemblies. 

Congratulations to all students who completed the challenge!

Monique Cotter, our wonderful Science teacher, has shared her love of reading with us. This is Monique's last week at work before her maternity leave. Hopefully she has some time to read before bub arrives! 

Why do you read?

I read to have a better understanding of the world around me.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel – it’s a fascinating read for parents of toddlers!

What key message do you take from this book? What stands out?

It’s amazing how much our brain’s way of processing information impacts the way we react to situations and that we have the power to be in control of our own thoughts and emotions by understanding basic neuropsychology.

Your favourite all time book? Why?

The Harry Potter series because it is the perfect mix of fantasy, social commentary and human psychology. I can re-read the books time and time again and still get something new out of it

Musical Auditions

Thank you to everyone who has auditioned for the 2020 Musical! We have had over 100 students audition for roles in the production and are excited to announce cast lists next week.

Some students have been asked to come to complete a call back to assist with assigning students to certain roles or ensemble groups. Final lists will then be released at the end of next week.

Mass Choir

On 19 October over 40 students represented the College at the Toowoomba Diocesan Conference Mass by singing as a College choir. Led by Miss Fredline, the group sang four hymns for the congregation. Demonstrating excellent behaviour and choral skills, the students were a true credit to the school. Thank you to Miss Fredline, Miss McVeigh, the students and parents for their support on the evening.

Concert Band and String Workshop

Members of the Concert Band and Senior String Ensemble went to St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba, on Wednesday to take part in a large ensemble workshop. Students from many schools in the Diocese attended to rehearse and perform different pieces. The students thoroughly enjoyed performing in the ensemble, particularly our percussionists who had access to many different percussion instruments on the day! Thank you to the students involved for representing the school so well.

Performances at the Wellbeing Picnic

On Monday a number of students performed at the Wellbeing Picnic. It is no easy thing to stand up in front of the entire school and perform a song, but, we are lucky to have amazing students who rise to this challenge!

Thank you to Charlotte Voll, Gabrielle Voll, Isabelle Voll, Olivia Eastaugh, Emma Brittain, Celine Samin, Liam Samin and Isaac Williams for preparing pieces for the event. Also thank you to the Year 11 Religion and Ethics class for assisting with setting up equipment and making playlists for the occasion. 

Date Claimers and Event Information

Summer Showcase

On 13 November the College is hosting the Summer Showcase at the MacKillop Centre from 5pm. There is the opportunity for some ensembles and soloists to perform.

Please note that the String Ensemble, Choirs and Concert Band will need to attend the event. Students need to be at the event no later than 5:15pm to be ready to perform 5:30pm. Ensemble performances should be finished by 6pm.

Presentation Night

Presentation Night is fast approaching and is to be held on 27 November. All ensembles will be performing at this event and it is expected that all students attend and take part in the performances as this is the main music event for the term.

Thank you to all the students and staff who are working very hard to prepare for these performances.

Socktober - A Resounding Success

Activities across the College in support of the Catholic Mission's Socktober campaign were a resounding success this week. Many thanks to Emily O'Connor from Catholic Mission who visited the College this week and spent time with students speaking about the work of our Church in all things mission. 

Our College was a colourful spectacle on Wednesday as students adorned their crazy socks and then again on Thursday with a soccer 'game with a difference' on Thursday at first break. Thank you to Ryan Baines, our College Chaplain for organising these fun activities in support of Mission month.

AMMA - Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy

At MMCC we are committed to nurturing the knowledge, awareness and attitudes within each student so that they become informed living witnesses to the values of Jesus Christ who seek to respond to God’s actions in their lives. As part of this commitment to form students who 'strive for excellence in we do' at MMCC, our very own service group "AMMA" has been formed.

The AMMA service group, formed late last term has been meeting each Wednesday at first break. This group is made up of students from across the College and is open and inclusive of any students who would like to be involved in practical activities of service. 

AMMA's aim:

Like Mary MacKillop we aim to be people of action in advocacy for Catholic social teaching across our College and wider Highfields community. Serving others indicates our work to serve all members of our college community, and through cultivating this virtue of service, to be of service to the world.

Our AMMA values are:-

• Joy
• Compassion
• Hope
• Unconditional love

Some of the activities of AMMA Projects include:-

• Care packs for drought relief and Rosie's Van
• Christmas appeal family stocking supporting St Vincent  de Paul
• Sustainability and Recycling bottle tops for Envision charity

Socktober - Catholic Mission

If you would like to be involved, please join our group just outside Ignatius when we meet at First Break next Wednesday.

Ms Harrison and Mr Baines

AMMA Prayer

Dear Lord,

Just like Mary MacKillop

Guide our hearts in a spirit of joy, compassion, hope and unconditional love.

Nurture our faith and work so that we too may never see a need without doing something about it.

Be with us we work in service together actioning advocacy with the blessed intercession of St Mary MacKillop and in Jesus’ name.

Amen

This week the MMCC community participated in Wellbeing Week; a week promoting the value of wellbeing and it's impact on teaching, learning, and social and emotional health, as we support the development of the whole child. 

A number of fun, interactive and engaging activities have occurred across the college, providing an opportunity for students to connect with their peers, and try different activities that supports wellbeing. 

The week commenced with a whole college picnic, where students from the junior and senior college came together and were entertained by a number of budding MMCC musicians! Students were offered fruit, kindly provided by the P&F, and the opportunity to interact with students from across the college as we seek to strengthen the sense of connectedness that we know is fundamental to student engagement and wellbeing.

On Monday evening parents of students in Prep to Year 5 were invited to attend an information session facilitated by the Guidance Counsellors around 'supporting wellbeing with the whole child in mind'. This session discussed the challenges and expectations on parents today, and factors impacting resilience and social and emotional wellbeing. Parents learned the importance of helpful mistakes and practical strategies to support brain integration for their child. Due to the level of interest, this session will be delivered again this term - further information to follow!

On Tuesday, students were offered the opportunity to participate in a POUND session facilitated by Annemarie from Health by Numbers. Many expressed their interest and enjoyed the opportunity to coordinate their mind and body as they watched the instructor and synced their movements to the music! Percussion and a rapid beat have been linked to increased focus, higher-level thinking and enhanced decision-making skills by altering brain blood flow and brainwave frequencies. This was also a great work out and provided students the opportunity to share a new experience with their peers.

Throughout the week, members of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office Faith and Identity team are running lunch time spirituality sessions. Angela Travers has offered a clay workshop, Tony Worner offered students the opportunity to walk a labyrinth, and Kathy Doherty is offering a meditation session. This is an opportunity for us to link wellbeing to our Catholic Identity.

Another opportunity offered for the Senior students was a YOGA session run by one of our own staff members Eve Pola. YOGA has been linked with a number of benefits in young people. These include: improved focus and school performance, reduced stress and anxiety, improved fitness and physical health and improved discipline and self-regulation. This session was a modified program aimed at stretching, breathing and relaxation skills.

Given the research evidence supporting the positive impact of mindfulness on academic success and general wellbeing, the week will conclude with a whole college mindfulness activity. 

Thank you to Arise Yoga and Bazinga Entertainment for donating prizes to the College for Wellbeing Week.

Well done to our MMCC athletes who recently competed at the 2019 State Secondary Schools 13-19 Yrs Track & Field Championships in Cairns. Our students performed well at this level and we are very proud of your efforts. Elijah Logan, who ran in the DD Men’s 16-19 4x100m Relay Team won Gold and set a new State Relay Championship Record of 42.60sec. Awesome effort Elijah. Also to be commended are Brendan Williams who placed fifth in the finals of the U14 400m sprint, and Nick Roach who also placed fifth in the U14 200m Hurdles. We would also like to recognise their Coach, Dean Logan for his commitment and dedication to his athletes.

Students from the College participated in the inaugral Highfields Cricket Cup on Wednesday, 16 October, at the Highfields sports complex. The day was a great success. Other schools taking part in the day were Highfields State High School and Pittsworth State High School.

A squad of thirteen players represented the College:

• Olivia Winter
• Riley Smithard
• Caleb Mifsud
• Josh Midolo
• Evan Kollegger
• Jesse Kollegger
• Connor Cranston
• Charlie Crawford
• Tom Fagan
• Elliott Worner
• Will Connolly
• Fletcher Skewes
• Henry Sheath

Run makers were Riley Smithard, Josh Midolo, Evan Kollegger, Jesse Kollegger, Connor Cranston and Charlie Crawford. Caleb Mifsud and Olivia Winter were the top two run scorers for the day. Wicket takers were Josh Midolo, Riley Smithard, Olivia Winter, Tom Fagan and Will Connolly. Connor Cranston kept wickets in both games and produced a consistent effort with the gloves. Our level of inexperience proved challenging in both games. After whole-hearted efforts in games one and two we were unable to finish the day with a win. Regardless of these results, our commitment and sportsmanship were outstanding.

Game one:

Highfields State High School 4/120 defeated Mary MacKillop Catholic College 4/102.

Game two:

Pittsworth State High School 3/153 defeated Mary MacKillop Catholic College 6/104.

A special thanks goes to Henry Sheath, Fletcher Skewes, Elliott Worner and Will Connolly. All four of these students are non-club playing cricketers and they all contributed positively to the team, in both games.

This day holds obvious future prospects as an exciting and enjoyable event that will take place annually. Cricketers at our College can look forward to it as an excellent opportunity to participate in an event that is both challenging and fulfilling in seasons to come!

Good luck to our Under 12’s mixed touch team who will be competing at the Qld Primary Schools All Touch Competition from Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 November 2019 at the Cleveland Showgrounds in Brisbane. The following thirteen students will represent our College: Liam Hackwood, Will Paynter, Sam Lowien, Ryley Schmaling, Sam Jones, Jacob Roach, Nate Pearson, Rose Coren, Kya Manz, Ruby Crawford, Alara Williams, Ella Williams and Riana Wallace. This will be the biggest All Schools carnival ever, with 191 teams competing for the 2019 titles.

9-10 November 2019

Qld Primary Schools All Touch Competition, Cleveland Showgrounds, Brisbane.

10 November 2019

DD 13-19 years Triathlon trials (for 2020 State Championships) Nominations are due 6 November 2019.

Congratulations to Jonas Vanderzee who came third in the 12 yrs Boys DD Aquathlon trials on Friday 25 October at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Jonas has been selected in the DD Aquathlon Team which will compete at the State Championship in Hervey Bay on Saturday 22 February 2020. Well done!