Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

As some of the newer students this year can attest, in enrolment interviews, I like to ask students what they want to be when they grow up. As you can probably imagine, there are a variety of responses ranging from the absolutely assured to the completely flummoxed. And, of course, there are no wrong answers and no judgement! The window it gives though into the dreams and goals of our new students is just wonderful.

The reason I ask this question is so I can start talking to the student about their learning dispositions, their pathways and, specifically, what they need to realise their dream. For some, it is the first time they uncover that becoming a veterinarian (an extremely common response) involves more that just loving animals. For others, it is a chance to discuss what's required to achieve the goal of being an NRL player (another very common one). For those who genuinely have no idea, it is a really valuable opportunity to reassure them that having no idea is absolutely no problem.

When we wrote the College Strategic Plan in 2020, we considered it very important to be explicit about 'pathways' (2.2 and 5.2 in the Strategic Plan if you're interested!) In particular, it was crucial that the child who decides at the age of ten that they want to be a Vet is valued as much at Mary MacKillop as the child who decides they want to play for the Rabbitohs. We have to back up our words with action. This means that we don't just tell students that we value practical or creative learning as much as traditional 'academic' classroom learning - we need to show it in our investment, attitudes and processes.

You will have already seen a significant evolution and enhancement in our senior subject offering since 2019. The new Australian Curriculum is coming online very soon, and this will provide another opportunity to enrich and deepen our P-10 curriculum as well as provide more avenues for our 'middle school' curriculum to grow. This is happening at a time of very strong growth in enrolments and, as you can see, a period of capital investment.

It is a very exciting time to be at Mary MacKillop.

Thank you as ever for the way that you continue to support our mission at the College.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with you

Blessed are you among women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen

Many of you would know this prayer but do you know where is comes from?

The Gospel writer, known as Luke, recorded a story about the announcement of Jesus' impeding arrival from people who were there and witnessed the event or knew of people who had witnessed it but nothing is recorded in terms of what happened to Mary after Jesus' death. Parts of the prayer are related to verses in the bible and then others parts have been added to compliment the prayer.

This prayer is often used for any celebration that involves Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is always part of the Rosary, ten Hail Marys for each decade but it can be said any time. It is praying to Mary, about Mary and for Mary that she will help us and intercede for us with Jesus, in our time of need.

Last Monday, was the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to heaven, body and soul. This event is not recorded in the bible as such but something that Pope Pius XII refined in 1950 as a dogma of the church - truths. "The Assumption of Mary into heaven is a logical consequence of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Because Mary was born without original sin, she did not suffer its consequences, among which is death. Because she was a kind of Ark of the New Covenant, carrying the Church in the person of Christ, God preserved her from sin and wanted her in His presence when her time on earth ceased. No saint has ever enjoyed such a privilege, because no saint ever had the relationship with Christ that Mary enjoyed." (https://mycatholic.life/saints... )

Students learn about the Hail Mary as part of Religion at various time throughout primary school. There is a particular focus in Year 5. Students learn to say it right from Prep as a prayer that can be said at school.

Mary MacKillop said the rosary often and nearly all pictures of Mary MacKillop have her with a set of rosary beads - large wooden ones. It was a way of meditating but also focusing on pray and so this weekend, why not say a Hail Mary as a family, before meals, before bed, when you wake up, waiting for the kettle to boil or even driving in the car. It is a beautiful prayer to pray as a family but also on your own.

This date, 15 August, is also significant for Mary MacKillop for the following reasons:

# anniversary of Mary MacKillop's First Holy Communion in 1850 at St Francis Church in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

# anniversary of Mary's profession of her First Vows in 1867 as a Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

This is what Mary wrote to her mother, Flora, on the Solemnity of the Assumption in 1867, "When I parted with you, I little imagined that I could so soon have the happiness of being allowed to make my Profession which I did on my favourite festival, the Assumption." (21.8.1867)

And so in finishing, here is a Mary MacKillop quote to reflect upon "All depends on prayer" 1890.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education

First Eucharist

On Sunday, 28 August, some students will continue their faith journey in receiving the Sacrament of Eucharist. This is a very special time for these children as they will be receiving the body and blood of Jesus in the form of bread and wine (although during these Covid times wine is not distributed). This was first shared by Jesus at the last supper (Passover) just before he was then crucified on the cross.

Can you please pray this prayer for the students listed below...

Lord Jesus,

Bless and protect our children as they prepare for the sacrament of Holy Communion. We pray that they will come to know you as a friend, a guide and a protector. Help us to have a deeper appreciation of our faith so that we can pass on your love by our example and the witness of our lives.

Amen

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education


Matthew McInnis	Sam McCotter	Isla Radley
Alex Lopez	Thomas Reinbott	Henry Lanson
Bryson Schick	Summer Jones	Katie Smith
Cody Jankowski	Keely Smith	Braxton James
Isabelle Stanton	Darcy Griffiths	Fletcher Usher
Scott Carrigan	Eadie Ward	Campbell Barnes
Henry Weeks	Flynn Albion

“Dreaming with eyes open”

I have very fond memories of growing up with a bedtime ritual which always included being read to by one of my parents. With my own children, I never left home without a book, ‘because you never know when the opportunity presents itself’. Nowadays, I often see young children with an i-phone (or similar) in their hand while waiting in the reception area, taking the place of a good book. My 3-year-old nephew and I have bonded over books. The funny voices, noises and actions we get to make together, I hope will one day also bring a smile to his face when he thinks about me. With my young adult children, books have been the centre of fierce debates and opened the door for inspiring and robust conversations. Books have also been the subject of humorous re-enactments. They have educated my children in ways I have not been able to.

Supporting your child to read, all too often becomes the entire focus of the reading experience. And unfortunately, the result is disastrous. (For both the child and the parent!)

Below are some handy tips from PETAA which will support you to make the reading an experience that is enjoyable.

Start with what interests your child.
Enjoy reading together and vary what you read.
Find ways to support your child to be a successful reader.
Give your child the time and space to read alone.
Support your child’s efforts by making books and reading special.
Let your child choose what they want to read.
Help them discover what they really like to read by offering a variety of books.
Take time to talk to your child and discuss what they are reading and share their experiences with them.
Reading and writing go hand in hand. Start with their interests and give them real reasons to write.
Stay calm and relaxed and positive while your child learns to read with you.

Leave happy memories of your reading together. Your relationship with your child is more important than any book or reading session.

Supporting your child to become more independent when selecting a book can become a bit tricky, particularly if you are trying to encourage them to read a text on their own. The 5 Finger Rule is an easy way to help select a text at an independent level.

In Table 1 you will find strategies for you to use at home.

The Theme for Book Week this year is “Dreaming with Eyes Open”. I hope you enjoy reading a book with your loved one and dreaming about distant places and adventures you long to explore.

Mrs. Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

On Tuesday, 16 August, ten students from Year 9 and 10 attended the Aspire 2 Health Program at UQ – Rural Clinical school. The program is designed for students with an interest in a health career. Aspire2Health is a collaboration between Griffith University, Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland – Rural Clinical School, Queensland Ambulance Service, the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and Western Queensland Primary Health Network.

The event is an opportunity for high school students to learn about what it’s like to study a health degree at University and be exposed to the various health professions that work in the health sector. The program allows students to meet with local health students and professionals and to have some fun learning some of the key skills taught in a health degree. Students met with Physiotherapists, Sports Physiologists, Emergency Nurses, Psychologists, Midwives, Medical students, and many more.

“The staff were inviting and involving, which made it a really enjoyable day” Kaitlyn Greenhalgh - Year 9

“It was good to learn about the different health careers” Tayla Horrobin - Year 10

“I loved every little bit of the Aspire 2 Health day. I loved learning new skills that you probably wouldn’t learn until you enter that type of schooling in University. It also opened my eyes up to more opportunities in the healthcare industry knowing it’s never too late to change careers and that I never will be limited to one specific area in the industry.” Belle Berry - Year 10

"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to go to the Aspire to Health Day this year as it was not only fun, but extremely informative. It honestly made me change my views in some areas of the medical fields. All teachers and staff were so supportive and genuine when discussing in what they work in. I would love it come again next year." Eustacia Golobic - Year 9

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

We hopped on the bus on a chilly, Highfields morning and embarked three hours later to the glorious blue skies and coastal weather of Tallebudgera. Year 5 were on camp! The next 2 days consisted of activities that would challenge us, see us working together to build team communication and negotiation, and to foster effective leadership skills.

After instructions that included the correct way to put on a wetsuit, it was straight to the beach for body boarding. We caught heaps of waves and easily outpaced Mr Varley and Mrs Campbell. After a warm shower and dinner, trivia was on the cards which included some very enthusiastic karaoke. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the group broke into three to rotate through canoe-ing, Team Rescue, beach challenges, rock climbing and catapult building.

“I learned that my voice is not the most important thing; my actions are – Stetson
“People were great at encouraging me when I was rock climbing” – Olivia
“When I got stuck on the climbing wall, I pushed myself and reached the top” – Carter
“In rock climbing, limits were pushed while ropes were pulled.” – Thomas
“Team Rescue was great because we worked as a team” – Imogen
“I loved canoe-ing because it was something new and we worked well as a team” – Daniel
“I was really proud of myself in body boarding because I pushed myself to go out and get the good waves” - Abbie

Many thanks to our class teachers along with Mr Varley, Khara and Mr Albion for looking after us during this great experience.

Anne O'Reilly
Year 5 Teacher

Mary MacKillop Catholic College have just returned from their first ever entry into the QLD Wakakirri Festival held in Brisbane. The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. The ensemble created and performed a Story-Dance which they performed at the Logan Entertainment Centre in front of a sold-out audience.

The Colleges’ performance titled ‘Muhammad Ali's Rise to Glory’ based on ''How a stolen bike leads to world domination!'' gained multiple performance and production awards:

Excellent theme/concept
Excellent ensemble
Excellent staging – combination of all aspects
Excellent overall costume design
Excellent soundtrack mix

The College was surprised and ecstatic to get the news that their Story-Dance was nominated for the National Festival Award: Human Rights Story Award! Panel feedback from Daniel Dunlop described their performance as a great story to inspire a story-dance piece with good use of the production elements to support the action. A nice variety of movement qualities throughout - Some lovely use of symbolism, performed with energy and some great ensemble work on stage.

To reach this point, students spent months rehearsing and preparing. Initially just once a week then extending to two rehearsals a week. In the final weeks leading up to the event additional hour-long rehearsals were included.

Keeping the experience both challenging, and fun was an important part of how the preparation process was treated. Students were challenged in different ways such as by learning some combat moves, skipping, and having the experience of performing on a professional stage. Wakakirri has been a great way for students to increase confidence, team-building skills, and coordination (as a few examples). Students are excited and looking forward to presenting this performance at Arts in the Park next month!

Chloe Lauverjon
Performing Arts Teacher

Here at MMCC Environment Club we're all about sustainability. There are so many ways to live a more sustainable life and sometimes it's hard to know where to start, so we've put together a couple of quick and easy projects that you can do at home. Not only do these projects hit TWO sustainability goals - reusing waste AND growing your own food - but they're fun and easy to boot!

PROJECT 1: Up-cycled garden labels

Everyone likes a pot noodle snack occasionally, but have you ever noticed how much plastic there is? The cup itself, all the little sachets..... and the plastic fork! These little forks are the PERFECT size to fit into seed punnets, or to jab into soil, and so make perfect garden markers!

Step 1: Gather your supplies - plastic forks and a fine point permanent marker
Step 2: Write the names of the seeds you're about to plant on the forks.
Step 3: Plant your seeds and put your marker in - this way, you won't forget what you planted! You could also write the date you planted the seeds on the back of the fork to help you keep track of how old your seedlings are!

Project 2: Mini Wicking Bed

This project is a great way to recycle materials to create a water-wise, portable garden bed that is perfect for small spaces.

Step 1: Gather your supplies - you will need a polystyrene box, a bit of poly pipe that is cut on a diagonal at one end and is about 1/4 taller than your polystyrene box, a bit of old material that covers the base of your box and a piece of cardboard cut to the same size, some rocks or other rubble (enough to cover the bottom of your box to about 10-15cm), some soil, and some plants!
Step 2: Place the poly pipe at one end of the box and fill around it using your base material to hold it in place (it will still be a bit wobbly, but soil put in later will secure it). This is the foundation of your wicking bed - the spaces between the rocks/rubble will fill with water that will act as a reservoir to water your plants from the bottom up.
Step 3: Place the bit of cardboard on top of your rubble layer, and place your material on top of that, tucking it in at the sides so it stays in place. This creates a porous barrier that allows water to seep through to the reservoir whilst keeping the soil out.
Step 4: Fill your box with soil - not all the way to the top, but almost!
Step 5: pat your soil down and make sure it's level on top
Step 6: Plant your plants!
Step 7: Use something sharp to make a little drainage hole that sits in line with the top of your water reservoir (you can do this earlier too, before you fill the box). This will make sure that if there is a downpour, excess water has somewhere to go, and your plants won't drown.

Your wicking bed is complete! It's called a wicking bed because water wicks up through the soil, meaning less water overall is lost or wasted. Whereas the first couple of times you water, you will have to water plant from the top like you usually do (more for very young seedlings with shallow roots), after that all you have to do is look in the poly pipe, and if you don't see any water in your reservoir, top it up until you can. If you're concerned about mosquitoes breeding in the reservoir, just secure a bit of netting over the top of the pipe - although I've found frogs in mine at hoe that take care of that problem!. Happy gardening!

Rebecca Manners
Science Teacher

Hello to all Mary Mac families, students, parish and community members.

We hope everyone is doing well. Winter is almost over for us. The days are starting to get longer and warmer, but we have certainly had some cold mornings in the last week or so. If you are presently sick in our community, we pray for you to have a speedy recovery. Please remember we are here for each other.

Lots has been happening since our Week 2 newsletter update: -

At the beginning of this term we had our latest PPF/PEN meeting on 2 August.

You may ask what is PEN? (PARENT ENGAGEMENT NETWORK)

The PPF have now changed to a new name known as Parent Engagement Network. This new terminology is based on the preferred name of the Toowoomba Diocese. It seems very catchy and we have converted over to the new title. This has been accepted at our recent meeting. We have an amended constitution which is being reviewed and will be adopted at our next general meeting.

Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll PEN Co- Chairs reported back to the PEN members on the recent Parent Engagement Day on 18 June. This was an exciting event promoted by Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) and supported by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office (TCSO). We heard from great speakers such as Andrew Fuller (Psychologist and Author), John Rutter (The Fathering Project) and other speakers from TCSO. This was an amazing event and was very informative on students’ wellbeing, tricky behaviours, children’s learning styles and learning more about building more Parent Engagement opportunities across our College and how parents can build partnerships to support to the College for the betterment of student wellbeing and education.

At our August Meeting we discussed many school related matters. Mr Chris Gabbett gave us his Principal’s Report for Term 2 at the College including Teaching and Learning improvements, Wellbeing, Mission and Identity, College Resources and Budgets. The College is kicking a lot of goals presently. There are many successes in all areas across all College pillars, the College’s Annual Action Plan and the Strategic Plan.

Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day

We recently celebrated Saint Mary MacKillop feast day. The liturgy was beautifully prepared and delivered by the students and many thanks to Father Brian for always conducting a very special Mass and involving the students.

Couldn’t Do It Without You Award!!

We also wish to acknowledge a very special award that was presented at the Feast Day Mass. It was “The Couldn’t Do It Without You Award” . This award is promoted through the CSPQ Toowoomba Diocesan office. This year the PEN would like to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable contribution our recipient has made to our College. The Couldn't Do It Without You Award is presented to someone who volunteers their own time willingly and selflessly, who has a positive effect on the education of all students and strengthens our entire school community. This award was presented to Mrs Emma Ehrlich. Emma has been a school volunteer for many years and is very humble in this role. She has worked tirelessly and is well organised and her passion is to make all events enjoyable for all students and parents involved.

We sincerely thank Emma for her devotion and commitment as always. We couldn’t do it without you!!

Year 12 students

Less than 100 days to go for our Year 12 students! Our 3rd cohort of students to move on to the big wide world. We support them and wish them the very best for upcoming exams and their final semester at MMCC. It will be sad to see them all go but let’s all celebrate their achievements and we wish them the very best for the end of the year!

Term 3 has had other events occurring such as many Sporting events, weekend sporting participation for MMCC students. Well done to all involved. Thank you for representing MMCC. You all do us proud.

Mass Tuesday mornings with Father Brian 7:30-8:00am

To all College Parents, students and staff. Please don’t forget to come along to Tuesday morning mass with Father Brian, this is a good way to start the day and to reflect on your week ahead. You can also meet other members of the St Mary MacKillop Parish community and have some open conversations.

Coffee Catchup at The Café – Every Tuesday morning 8:00-8:30am.

To all College Parents, students and staff. Please don’t forget to join us for a morning chat with the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) to discuss any College matters or general questions which you may have, or just a check-in with each other on how everyone is doing. This is a great opportunity for us all to meet. We always welcome existing and new families to attend. We’d love to see you there!

We wish all of the students the very best for remainder of Term 3. Good luck with all exams, sporting events and your own personal goals for this term.

Grant Writing to support of College

Does this interest you? we are still in need of assistance in this area. We recently submitted a Gambling Grant in which we were unsuccessful. If this is of an interest to you, please make contact via the below email. There are many grants available and we need your help!

Future Fundraising Possibilities – IDEAS NEEDED!!

Looking to run some more fundraisers soon for resources for students at the College. Please reach out if you have any ideas. Refer to our email address below for any feedback or areas which you feel may need attention throughout the College.

Notice from the Resources Team

At one time or another, we have all felt the hard pinch of making ends meet and keeping everything up to date and on track. It is ok. The PEN Resources Team wishes to reach out to all College families presently struggling with or wish to discuss school fees, or any other difficulties which you may be facing. Mr Gabbett recently sent out an email regarding School fees and potential increases for 2023. Sadly, as we know, prices continue to increase and so do school operating costs, tuition, resources, IT Levy, Building levy/school maintenance considerations. This group is currently in review of school fees for 2023. We truly understand and can fully appreciate these difficult conversations regarding fees and the cost of daily living expenses, bills etc. The College Resources Team wishes to reach out to anyone in need. Please contact the Resources team members – Malcolm Martin, Glad Tunny, Alicia Logan, Tim Lane, Teresa Scrivens, Shayne Cleary or Kirsty Gillett the College Business Manager. We are here to help you and listen with confidential conversations with anyone experiencing Financial hardship. If you would prefer to make confidential contact with anyone please reach out via email mal.martin@bigpond.com or Kirsty.Gillett@twb.catholic.edu.au

UPCOMING EVENTS:

‘Arts in the Park’ Event – Friday, 2 September 5pm–8pm. (Pupil Free Day). This event is going to be a wonderful event like last year. We welcome the entire College community to celebrate and support our Arts students. This event will showcase our Performing and Visual Arts students right through from Prep to Year 12. We look forward to families being at the College to celebrate the hardwork and outstanding talents of our students. There will be an Art Exhibition and multiple stage performances. There will be many stalls including face painting and henna; jewellery; game stalls; lolly stalls; food trucks and a food and bar outlet supported by the College PEN community. AND don’t forget the Dunk Tank to see Mr Gabbett, Mrs Frame and other staff splash into the water for a small fee! Make sure you bring plenty of gold coins kids! Make sure you check out the Arts In the Park Facebook event!
Father's Day raffle. Get your ticket in the draw for the $500 + wheelbarrow hamper filled with all sorts of Father's day goodies. Tickets are $ 2 each. These will be on sale from Monday, 22 August at the College and online. Tickets will be on sale at the Father's Day breakfast and at the 'Arts in the Park' event. All proceeds from the Raffle will go to the Arts Department. Special thanks to all or sponsors. Tickets will be drawn on Monday, 5 September.
Father’s Day Brekky at the College on Thursday, 1 September. This will be a great morning to welcome our dads, grandparents, father figures and even our mums!! Make sure you get your breakfast order in (see email sent on 8 August)
RU Ok “Livin” Event on 8 September. This was a great event last year for our Senior students and their parents. All higher year level students and parents are welcome to attend. Please join us.
World Teacher’s Day - Friday, 28 October – This is a very special day where we say Thank You to our wonderful teachers and support staff.
Future fund-raising activities such as Mango drive and Ham drive. More information to come on these in Term 4.
Musical – Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. This is going to be a great event by all students involved and support staff and parents. Special thanks to Mrs Genevieve Duncan for working with all students and making this event come to life. We cannot wait to see this remarkable show! Please support, buy tickets and attend performances on October 6, 7 and 8.

Finally, thank you to Mr Chris Gabbett and the leadership team, our amazing teachers and staff at Mary Mac. The hard work that is being done across the entire College P-12 is noticed and greatly appreciated.

Please remember we have our next PEN meeting coming up on Tuesday, 1 November. All Parents and the student body are welcome to attend. If you have a topic or matters for discussions, please send through to the PEN email higppf@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can add it to our next Meeting Agenda.

Take care.

Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll
Co-Chairs PPF

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, 1 November 2022
Penola 6/7
5:30pm start – 7pm conclude.

Week 6, Term 3 - 2022

In This Newsletter

Whole College Announcements

From the Principal

Staff Profile - Natalie Adler

Mary Mac Meals

Mission & Identity

Father's Day Brekky - Come and Join Us!

RUOK? Day

Calling All Year 11s: Rosies–Friends on the Street

The Feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

Upcoming Sacramental News

Teaching and Learning

Science Week Celebrations!

Dreaming with Eyes Open

Creative Generations Arts Tour

Senior School

Aspire 2 Health for Aspiring Health Professionals

QTAC Information Session

Careers in Tech

UniSQ Open Day and Head Start Graduation

Junior School

Year 5 Tallebudgera Camp

Week 6 Assembly Awards

Student Wellbeing

LIVINwell at Mary MacKillop

Extra-Curricular

Introducing Our Musical Sponsors!

Introducing Our Touch Football Sponsors!

KMP Interior Lining

Wakakirri winning!

Book Week - Dreaming with eyes OPEN!!

Sports Awards

From the Sports Desk

Broxburn Music Festival

Springing into Spring at the MMCC Environment Club!

Community Noticeboard

Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Update

From OSHC

Free Road Safety Event!

BreastScreen QLD

Bus Qld - Route 950

Come & Try Softball or BaseBall

Whole College Announcements

Mission & Identity

Teaching and Learning

Senior School

Junior School

Student Wellbeing

Extra-Curricular

Community Noticeboard

Whole College Announcements

Mission & Identity

Teaching and Learning

Senior School

Junior School

Student Wellbeing

Extra-Curricular

Community Noticeboard