Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

What is your relationship with fear? I don't know about you, but I can honestly say that I grapple with my fears on a daily basis. I have been reading around this recently and very interestingly a great deal of research suggests that fear and regret are inextricably linked. The research and writing also indicates that we have more regrets about what we did not do than what we did do - and what stops us from pursuing things we might want or like to do is fear.

I found a great acronym for FEAR- false evidence appearing real. How many times have you caught yourself thinking and worrying about events that have not even happened yet or replaying things that are in the past? The actual fear lies in the moment and is often grouped into one of these four categories that we can all relate to:

Fear of Failure
Fear of Rejection
Fear of the Unknown
Fear of Judgement

I think that this is incredibly pertinent for our young people and as a parent of two at Mary MacKillop I write this as both a parent and the Deputy Principal. Over the last week I have seen all too well the power of fear on some students at the swimming pool and College stage. Here's how most of the conversations have gone.

"I don't want to do it."

"That's a shame. Why not?"

"I don't know. I just don't want to."

"That's ok. If you truly don't want to do it. However, if there is something stopping you from doing something you DO want to do then we should talk it through."

(it goes back and forth a bit at this point)

"I don't want people to make fun of me/ judge me/ laugh at me"

or

"What if I forget my lines / sing out of tune / come in at the wrong time?"

or

"What if I come last / people don't like it (me) / don't finish?"

False evidence appearing real.

I am sure that you recognise this conversation (or an iteration of it)! Perhaps it has been you letting your fears dictate your actions (or lack of them) or perhaps you recognise this in your young person? Are you/they stuck in a comfort zone because of fear which might perhaps stop the journey to an authentic self?

What is most exciting for me though is how the right culture, the right environment and the right encouragement can help all of us challenge fear head on. At Mary MacKillop Catholic College we are passionate about celebrating God in all things and of course we cannot do that if we have a culture where people's gifts, ambitions, goals, desires are not allowed to flourish in a safe, loving space. We are working hard, every hour of every day to do this. A culture of opportunity, an environment of celebration and a conscious approach to authentic congratulation drives me and my colleagues. We are also steadfast in calling out individuals who challenge this approach and belief and will continue to do so. Why? Well because what I witnessed this week will keep happening if we do.

The students who jumped in the pool even with the weight of performance anxiety, body image, or judgement playing heavily on their mind. The smiles and high-fives and cheers that they received made the decision to turn to love rather than fear a powerful one

The singers and musicians who were very reticent about performing in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy showed up despite their fears, performed beautifully and gave such meaning and life to our worship. The number of comments from staff and students about the added gravitas they brought to the occasion were too many to count.
The song that the Mary Mac Collective performed helps us understand this more:

Now we leave our feelings far behind us. Leave them in the forest fire to burn. All that’s left behind is cold grey ashes. In the ashes now to God we turn.

Fear is the deadwood IF we can shed it. The fear of rejection, the unknown, the judgement, the failure is all in the past once we make the decision to not have our lives dictated by fear. If we can all try and find the strength to remember that FEAR is an emotion and not reality then new seeds can be sewn, new life can emerge.

Congratulations to all the students who looked fear straight in the eye this week - we are proud of you all.

Richard Coe
Deputy Principal

Lent is a special season for reflection and action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, when we celebrate the memory of our Lord Jesus Christ in His passion, death, and resurrection. Each year, I look for new ways that challenge me to be a better person. As a child, I always gave up lollies. They would be collected in a jar throughout Lent to be then be consumed at Easter time. As an adult, I have given up alcohol, chocolate, sweets, lessened what I eat, which are all challenging but not always spiritually nourishing. So this year, I have found a Lenten calendar that challenges me to do more to be more and it is also focusing on creation.

We know that Creation also eagerly awaits for redemption (cf. Rm 8:19-23), therefore Lent can be an opportunity for Catholics worldwide to grow deeper in their faith that Jesus Christ is the redeemer of the whole cosmos, of all creatures, of all creation. This year in a special way, as it is a Year of Jubilee, 10 years of Laudato Si’ and Laudato Si Movement (LSM) , and 800 years of the Canticle of Creatures. Lent can prepare us to live this year faithfully and fruitfully. All humans are invited to embrace this special season of Lent by reflecting on how we can care for our Earth, making small changes to our daily actions, and reconnecting with creation through meaningful steps toward healing and sustainability.

This calendar encourages us all to look at how we can connect and care for our world, our creation in a more fruitful and ecologically way. We are asked to have a change of heart and be more motivated in having a passionate concern for our common home. The calendar gives us opportunities to be repentive, reflective and offer reconciliation in a spiritual and contemplative way. It offers us time to think about things that are bigger than ourselves - our world.

Sustainability is at the heart of Laudato Si mission, as it reflects a commitment to caring for our common home and ensuring justice for future generations. Sustainability helps the Catholic community lead by example by embracing the “Less is More” paradigm and seeking to reduce our footprint to zero, in response to the urgency of the climate and ecological crises. This vision aligns deeply with the spirit of Lent, a time of reflection, conversion, and sacrifice, where we are called to live simply, fast from excess, and renew our relationship with God, our neighbors, and creation. As we transform our hearts, let’s also work to transform the Earth, making it a place that reflects the justice, peace, and healing that Christ has promised for all of creation. By embracing sustainability, we turn Lenten practices into lasting habits that foster ecological conversion and a more just and harmonious world. The calendar offers this.

The season of Lent is a time to reflect, repent, and act. As pilgrims of hope, we act by calling for bold policies to accomplish the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global heating to 1.5°C and halt biodiversity collapse, and we bring hope walking in solidarity with marginalized communities who suffer the most from the climate crisis, despite having contributed the least to it. Let this Lent be a journey of deeper awareness and meaningful action. Use this calendar to guide your reflection and actions across the weeks of Lent into your Easter celebration. May the Creator Spirit lead us as we embrace this season with intention, hope, and a renewed commitment to bring Laudato Si’ to life.

Lentern Calendar

So please join with me this Lent and bring hope of our earth, our future world and generation by taking steps to be more aware of our world and our footprint on it. Print this calendar and place it on the fridge for all the family to see and together, we can make a difference.

As pilgrims of hope, let us bring hope to the world with our small efforts that we can do this Lenten journey.In God's love and hope,

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Each year, we provide Project Compassion donation boxes to our families. Additionally, our classrooms and Pastoral Care groups have their own boxes. By taking home a Project Compassion donation box, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable.

During Lent, we are called to be good news for the poor. Project Compassion is a wonderful way to do this. This year, we will share three challenging yet inspiring stories with our students about Toefuata’iga in Samoa, Lam from rural Vietnam, and Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We encourage students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others. Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.

The Big Walk for Water

Project Compassion's "Big Walk for Water" aims to teach our community about people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who have to walk long distances to collect clean water every day. At our Senior School Cross Country Day on Wednesday, 26 March, students who participate in the event can also use this walk or run to raise money for our College's "Big Walk for Water" fundraising page.

Additionally, if students (and, of course, their families) are regular walkers or runners, we invite them to join the College team and seek donations from family and friends to help raise even more funds for Project Compassion. Get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who struggle to access fresh water across the globe.

How to join our team

Go to: Project Compassion | Sign up | School
Scroll to the bottom of the page and find "How would you like to participate?"
Select "Register as a student or a parent"
Follow the prompts to create an account and join the Mary MacKillop Catholic College - Highfields team.
Copy your individual link and share it with family and friends!

We have a current goal of $1,000. Join our team, share your individual link with family and friends to seek donations, then do the Cross Country (as many laps as you want), or walk your neighbourhood to raise money for Project Compassion.

Leisa Radley
Director of Formation and College Culture

The start of a new school year is indeed a special time. The excitement of meeting a new teacher, diving into new learning experiences, and embracing the openness to possibilities creates a unique atmosphere. It's a time when students and teachers alike bring their best selves to the learning space, finding moments of profound connection and growth. In these ordinary yet extraordinary moments, we often encounter a sense of the divine in our everyday lives. This experience resonated with me after learning more about the Jesuit teachings.

Earlier this year, I was recommended "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" by James Martin, SJ, a prominent Jesuit priest. With great anticipation, I have been waiting to dive into its contents to learn more about St. Ignatius Loyola.

Allow me to share a little about St. Ignatius Loyola. He was a sixteenth-century mystic who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). His spiritual teachings provide a pathway for individuals to find joy and peace while experiencing God in everyday life. Jesuits are known for their practical action, responding to challenges with engagement and service rather than merely theoretical discussions.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the correlations between Jesuit spiritual teachings and their application to the classroom setting. Visiting classrooms daily, five days a week since week 2, has highlighted many key aspects of Ignatian Spirituality.

Finding God in All Things: This principle encourages recognising God's presence in every aspect of life, beyond just religious contexts. I have witnessed students finding awe in their learning, from understanding the letter 'p' to helping a friend find a lost hat. Teachers proudly showcasing their students' work also reflect God's presence in these moments.
Contemplation in Action: Jesuits maintain a meditative awareness while actively engaging with the world. In the classroom, this means creating a safe and calm space for students to contribute without fear of embarrassment. For example, a Year 9 PE teacher ensures every student has a voice in the lesson, fostering a meditative and inclusive environment.
Incarnational Spirituality: Recognising God's presence in everyday experiences helps us see the sacred in the ordinary. No two days in a school are ever the same, and this dynamic environment offers countless opportunities to encounter God. Greeting students, engaging in learning discussions, and witnessing interactions all become moments to see God's presence.

Ignatian spirituality invites us to explore our relationship with God through education. By integrating these principles, we create a transformative learning experience that nurtures both intellect and spirit. As I delve into "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything," I look forward to uncovering more insights and practical applications for our educational journey.

The Profound Start of a New School Year

At the beginning of the year, teachers across P-12 dedicate time to establishing expectations and classroom routines with their students. This might encompass various aspects such as seating arrangements, safety protocols, uniforms, bookwork, appropriate use of technology, and learning behaviours.

Why is this so important?

Jesuit teachings emphasize the importance of creating environments where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Research indicates that students thrive in predictable and safe environments. When students feel safe and know what to expect, they are emotionally prepared to learn. This foundation helps create a positive and productive learning atmosphere where students can engage fully and achieve their academic potential.

By setting clear expectations and routines, teachers can foster a sense of stability and security that enhances the overall learning experience for their students. This approach aligns with the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which underscores the importance of addressing the individual needs of each student to support their holistic development.

If you would like to know more about your child’s classroom expectations, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Student engagement: Cognitive, Behaviourally and Social / Emotionally

Student engagement is a multifaceted concept that can be broken down into three main components: cognitive, behavioural, and social/emotional engagement. Each plays a crucial role in a student's overall learning experience.

When I’ve been out and about in classrooms, I have been particularly interested in student engagement, which can look very different across a P-12 setting!

1. Cognitive Engagement:

Definition: This refers to the intellectual investment and effort students put into their learning. It involves deep thinking, problem-solving, and the willingness to tackle challenging tasks.

Examples: Actively participating in class discussions, asking questions, seeking to understand complex concepts, and applying knowledge to new situations.

2. Behavioural Engagement:

Definition: This involves the observable actions and behaviours that demonstrate a student's commitment to learning. It includes attendance, participation, and adherence to classroom norms.

Examples: Attending classes regularly, completing assignments on time, participating in group activities, and following classroom rules.

3. Social/Emotional Engagement:

Definition: This aspect focuses on the emotional and social connections students have with their peers, teachers, and the school environment. It includes feelings of belonging, motivation, and emotional well-being.

Examples: Building positive relationships with classmates and teachers, feeling a sense of belonging in the school community, and being motivated and enthusiastic about learning.

By fostering all three types of engagement, our teachers can create a more holistic and supportive learning environment that encourages students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. How do we ensure this happens at MMCC?

We have created Learning Non-negotiables. Every lesson at MMCC is designed to incorporate the 6Ps, ensuring a holistic and engaging learning experience for all students. Here’s how each element is implemented:

1. Passion:

How: Empower people.
Belief: All students, when given the opportunity to understand what they need to learn, will excel.
What: Learning intentions are linked to lesson content and work towards content descriptors and achievement standards.

2. Perseverance:

How: Self-regulation.
Belief: All students will excel when they know what success looks like and what strategies work best for them.
What: Hierarchical success criteria driven by a taxonomy of learning and cognition: surface, deep, transfer.

3. Partnership:

How: Unleash potential.
Belief: Learning is collaborative and cooperative (student-student & teacher-student).
What: Teacher, peer, and self-feedback is consistent, specific, progressive, and builds knowledge and skills.

4. Practical Action:

How: Be courageous.
Belief: All students have the right to an excellent learning environment.
What: Effective and rigorous pedagogical practices leading to exceptional learning behaviours, embedding of Catholic perspectives.

5. Possibilities:

How: Ideas in action.
Belief: All students are lifelong learners, have agency regarding their education, and approach learning with wonder and curiosity.
What: Teaching to develop 21st-century capabilities, metacognition – plan, monitor, and evaluate understanding and performance.

6. Prayer:

How: Student-first and student-centered.
Belief: All are created in the likeness of God, and students’ dignity comes to them through education which promotes a full and flourishing life.
What: Planning for personalized learning and quality differentiation.

These non-negotiables ensure that every classroom at MMCC is a vibrant and nurturing environment where students are not only equipped to excel academically but also grow into compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning P-12

The Senior Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day filled with incredible swimming and enthusiastic participation. The event showcased the vibrant house spirit, with students donning colourful attire and cheering passionately for their teams.

The highlight of the day was the dominant performance by Penola House, who emerged as the champions of the swimming competition. Their swimmers displayed remarkable skill and determination, securing the coveted title.

In addition to the swimming championship, McCormack House was awarded the Culture Cup for their outstanding house spirit. Their energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, making the carnival a memorable experience for everyone involved.

We also want to recognise our Age Champions for their exceptional performances:

Age Group	Champion	Runner Up
12 Years Boys	Mitchell Hams	Hunter Anthony
12 Years Girls	Mia Walters	Larni Baunach
13 Years Boys	Lachlan Ward	Ryan Wolski
13 Years Girls	Louisa Lotz	Addison Holden
14 Years Boys	Nash Adamski	Campbell Barnes & Ocean Campbell
14 Years Girls	Alex MacKenzie	Isabael Perina
15 Years Boys	Aidan Stokes	Charlie Sheath
15 Years Girls	Isla Lotz	Nadya Hodgens
16 Years Boys	Will Campbell	Seb Mattocks
16 Years Girls	Tilly Wilkes	Ariane Golobic
17 Years Boys	Lucas Ward	Riley MacKenzie
17 Years Girls	Erin O'Rourke	Chloe O'Rourke
18 Years Boys	Jarrah Sunatwanitkul	John Condon
18 Years Girls	Sophie Randall	Emily Riding