Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

Socking it to Poverty

Socktober Day last Friday was a wonderful success. It was fantastic to witness a colourful sea of socks and students participating in soccer shootouts and House games! As a College, we raised just over $800 in sock donations and $1200 through sausage sizzle purchases. These donations will go to Catholic Missions to continue to support global communities who are vulnerable, as well as help the AMMA group to supply gift cards and presents for this year's Vinnies Christmas Gift Appeal.

We are grateful, also, to Christian and his team at Highfields Gourmet Meats who supplied the majority of the delicious sausages on the day! Thank you so much.

One of the highlights of Socktober Day is the annual Staff versus Year 12 soccer match. Well done to the staff who participated in what were very warm conditions against some pretty amazing Year 12 soccer stars. Of course (regretfully), we need to congratulate the student team who won the game 1-0.

Hiking for Homelessness

Additionally, well done to the Mary Mac Hike for Homeless team who participated in this charity event last week. Hike for Homeless is aimed at raising awareness of homelessness in Toowoomba and much-needed funds to ensure the Basement Soup Kitchen can continue to provide lunchtime meals, swags, blankets, clothing and essential services to people who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness in Toowoomba. A special mention to Mr Hamerli, Jayden Sunatwanitkul, Jarrah Sunatwanitkul and John Condon who took on the grueling 20km hike! Well done, gentlemen.

That's a Wrap

As a Catholic College in the Josephite tradition, we encourage our students to take practical action and work in partnership to help others who are vulnerable, or experiencing difficulty, particularly during the Christmas season.

So, we wrap up the year (literally), by supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Gift Appeal. Each year, we invite families in our College community to donate a gift card or age-relevant gift to this Appeal. Keep your eye out for an email from the College, with a gift list attached. If your family are donating a gift or a gift card, we ask that your child gives these to their classroom teacher (Junior) or Pastoral Care teacher (Year 6 to 12). Each room will have a donation basket for gift collection.

Donations to this cause will be accepted from Monday, 28 October until Wednesday, 27 November.

Thank you in anticipation of your family’s support of the Vinnies Christmas Gift Appeal.

Leisa Radley

Director of Formation and College Culture (7-12)

It’s been a couple of weeks since the Year 6 cohort, teachers, and support staff travelled south to visit the sites of Canberra and Sydney. The students proudly represented the College and demonstrated exemplary conduct.

Day 1 was off to an early start as we departed Highfields at 2:00am to travel to the Brisbane Airport. Pam from EducaTours helped us through check-in and boarding before we met up with our tour leaders and bus drivers upon arrival in Canberra. On our first day, we visited the Australian War Memorial, Mt Ainslie lookout, the Arboretum, and Government House. Sadly, there was a lot of construction at the War Memorial, so not a lot of time was able to be spent there. In the short time we had, we learned a lot about our soldier’s sacrifices during conflict. At Government House, Calan and Braxton got to sign the visitor’s book on our behalf; the same one that King Charles and Queen Camilla will be signing this week. In the afternoon, the two groups separated with one visiting GeoScience Australia and the other to the National Gallery of Australia.

Day 2 was spent visiting a lot of important institutions in Canberra. We began our day at the Australian Institute of Sport. Students were engaged in a tour of the AIS campus and were fortunate enough to see volleyball athletes in training, and a synchronised swimming camp practicing. Afterwards, we took in educational programs at the Royal Australian Mint, Electoral Education Centre, Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Capital Exhibition. There were a lot of students lining up to get their very own $1 minted. Our day finished with a night program at Questacon which ensured a good’s night sleep was had. There were lots of practical activities and even an earthquake house which simulated an earthquake experience.

Our third and final day in Canberra started off with our visit to Parliament House. We got to experience a mock parliamentary debate and look at the two different houses. Our love of physical activity saw us engage in some soccer, football, and handball on the Parliamentary Green. Bus groups separated again for students to experience the GeoScience Australia or National Gallery of Australia that they didn’t see on Day 1. Gathering back together in the late afternoon, we explored change in Australia at the National Museum of Australia.

Our final day of camp saw us travel via coach to the bustling city of Sydney. Honouring our patron, students visiting Mary MacKillop Place where they learned more about her story and explored artefacts associated with her and Julian’s journey as well as the Josephite story. It was onto the Manly Wharf where we caught the ferry across to Circular Quay and explored the Opera House forecourt, observed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and even saw a seal sunbaking on the steps. This was the end of all of our sightseeing, and it was time to head to the Sydney Airport and get ready for home.

A massive thank you to all the families who facilitated their child’s participation in the camp and to all the staff who supported. It was surely a fabulous experience, and many memories were made that will never be forgotten.

Please click on the link to see all the photos from our amazing trip to Canberra and Sydney https://marymackillopcatholicc...

Year 6 Teachers

When you’re just starting out on your career journey, having qualifications on your resume can make all the difference. Short courses are a great way to add valuable skills and certifications to your resume. They show employers that you’re proactive, willing to learn, and capable of applying your skills in real-world situations. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, a career boost, or just want to expand your knowledge, short courses can help set you apart from the crowd.

Employers value skills that are practical and relevant, and short courses are a way to demonstrate that you have both. From First Aid to digital literacy, these qualifications not only give you knowledge but also offer you formal certifications that make you more employable. The following are examples of short courses that we currently offer at the College that can give your resume a competitive edge.

First Aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR courses are highly regarded across many industries. Employers in areas like retail, hospitality, childcare, and even corporate offices appreciate employees who can respond calmly and appropriately in emergency situations. Having this certification shows that you’re responsible and equipped to handle unexpected health and safety incidents.

How to put this on your resume.

First Aid and CPR Certified

Completed First Aid training (Provide First Aid and CPR) with St John Ambulance (2023)
Gained skills in responding to workplace and public emergencies with confidence and care

Cert II Sports Coaching

For those involved in sports, taking a refereeing or coaching course can open doors to paid or volunteer opportunities in community sports. These courses show that you understand the rules of the game, have leadership abilities, and can manage a group effectively. Refereeing in particular demonstrates decision-making under pressure.

Barista and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Service of Gambling

If you’re looking to work in hospitality, having barista training or an RSA and RSA certification can be essential. These courses teach you the practical skills to serve customers in cafés, restaurants, and bars. Employers in this industry will expect you to know the basics, so having this on your resume can give you a head start over others who need training on the job.

How to put this on your resume

Machine Operation Skills Set

Trained in making espresso. cleaning equipment
Developed fast-paced multitasking skills and a high standard of product presentation.

General Construction Induction Card (White Card)

Workplace safety courses are applicable in nearly any industry, from construction to retail. Courses like ‘White Card’ training, which is required for construction work, show that you understand the importance of health and safety regulations and that you can identify potential hazards.

How to put this on your resume?

General Construction Induction Card (White Card)

Gained skills in identifying safety risks and enforcing safety protocols in the workplace
Certified in WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) requirements for construction and trade environments

Digital Skills

Short courses in areas like coding, data analysis, or even basic IT skills are highly valued across industries, not just in tech. Learning digital skills can set you apart in a world where technology is becoming central to many job roles. For example, courses in Excel, programming languages, or even graphic design show employers that you’re adaptable and tech-savvy.

How to put this on your resume

Introduction to Coding (Python)

Completed a 12-week online course through Codecademy, focusing on Python programming fundamentals
Gained practical skills in coding, problem-solving, and logic development

What to do next?

Once you’ve completed a course, make sure to add it to your resume in a clear and concise way. Don’t forget to mention the skills you gained and how these can be applied to the workplace.

Never stop learning

Whether it’s First Aid, digital skills, or workplace safety, these qualifications will help you stand out and make you more attractive to potential employers. Short courses are a practical step you can take now to build a resume that gets you noticed.

Your Pathway Team

Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson