24 June 2025

News from the College Principal, Mrs Janelle Newman

Newsletter – Term 2 Week 10 2025

Dear MacKillop Families,

To write for this end of Semester news, I began by reflecting on both the wonderful and the challenging times that 2025 has presented to date. Here are my reflections:

Our students have been the most focussed I have witnessed, showing GRIT and pushing through the learning pit when needed. There have been many, many enjoyable events and activities in our community –curriculum competitions, sporting events and carnivals, camps and retreats, performances by our bands, choirs and dance groups, community events like Mothers’ Day – you only have to scroll through our Facebook posts to appreciate the breadth and depth of our student participation and achievements. I am very proud of the resilience and passion that our students have demonstrated, always giving their personal best.

The challenge that stands out for me is our journey as a college into Year 12 for the first time. I have been lucky enough to have travelled this journey both at Woree State high School, and then again at St Andrew’s Catholic College in Redlynch. Yes – it is a busy time for our staff, to ensure we plan and deliver the very best curriculum and opportunities for our Year 12 students. Our experienced Curriculum leaders have led the way, walking confidently through this task with our skilled and dedicated Secondary teaching staff. With all this hard work, comes great energy and excitement, and I consider it a privilege to be a part of MacKillop, as we walk this foundational path with our Year 12 students and families.

Your input and feedback are always welcomed and valued. I want to thank the parents and carers who completed our recent feedback survey, and those who replied to our Broadcast asking parents to share the ‘Top 3 Values or Skills’ they want their graduating child to have. We will integrate this feedback into our Strategic Directions for the coming years. I have collated your responses and share the top 6 in the table below. I am pleased to see that these align perfectly with our Fortnightly College-wide focusses. For more information on these, please check out the video updates on our MacKillop Catholic College, Mount Peter Facebook feed.

I am confident that our students will finish the term strong and enjoy a well-deserved school holiday break soon. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing our students refreshed and motivated for Term 3.

Blessings to all,

Janelle Newman
College Principal

News from the Acting Deputy Principal – Primary, Ms Simone Cahill

Dear MacKillop families

As we conclude Term 2, we acknowledge all our students who have achieved their goals academically, on the sporting field and within the music and arts realm. Thank you to all our families and staff who have supported our students to do their personal best.

Last Thursday, Mrs Kello and Ms Coyle took a team of Year 6 students to the Reader’s Cup competition at Edge Hill State School. Our students did themselves and the College proud, competing with enthusiasm and achieving a solid mid-field result — well done, everyone!

Last Friday, we held our annual Years 4–6 Athletics Carnival, which was a fantastic day for our students. The excitement, encouragement and team spirit on display were wonderful to see, and it was clear how much effort and heart our students put into giving their best on the track and field.

Reporting

Our teachers have been very busy completing the end of Semester 1 reports. Student reports will be accessible via TLD on the Parent Portal or the MyCE App during the first week of holidays. Our Parent-Teacher conferences will be held in Week 9 of Term 3, with more information to come early next term.

What’s coming up in Term 3?

Term 3 will bring new opportunities for growth and celebration, the most significant of which are:

Week 1 - Year 6 Camp (Monday to Wednesday)
Week 2 - NAIDOC Week
Week 3 - Catholic Education Week and Grandparent’s Day
Week 4 – Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day
Week 5 - MacKillop Science Fair
Week 6 - National Day of Action Against Bullying
Week 7 - Book Week
Week 8 - Father’s Day

Spirit of Catholic Education

Each year, Catholic Education recognises staff members within our communities who make an outstanding contribution to living the Gospel values and MacKillop Catholic College Mission. This year, we congratulate the following amazing staff who have been nominated for the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards:

Caitlin O’Meara
Mel Hargest
Jarrah Nobes
Donna Morrison
Katherine Nesbit
Rebecca Flockhart

As we wrap up the term, we ask that together, we continue to maintain our high expectations for uniforms, attendance, engagement and behaviour to help end the term on a positive note. Thank you for your partnership this term and we look forward to welcoming back our students after a relaxing winter break.

Yours Faithfully,

Simone Cahill
Acting Deputy Principal - Primary

News from the Acting Deputy Principal –Secondary, Mr David Christopher

As we come to the conclusion of a busy and productive semester, we acknowledge the incredible effort our students have put into their learning, and their willingness to participate on the journey. This period is always one of challenge and growth, and it has been encouraging to see students rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and dedication in their studies. For some this may be a valuable time to reassess, reflect on efforts, and set goals for improvement. Each new term presents an opportunity to refine study habits, and approach learning with a renewed commitment to success.

Term 3 commences on the Monday 14^th July, with a short week, as we have a ‘student free Day’ on Thursday 17^th July and Cairns Show Holiday on 18^th July 2025.

Reporting and Parent Teacher Conferences

In recent weeks, students have been completing their Term 2 assessments, a key component of their learning journey. At the College, we hold academic integrity and excellence at the heart of our teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Assessment plays a vital role in developing reflective, engaged learners, ensuring students meet the expectations of their subjects.

In the coming days, interim reports will be available to parents via the College Parent Portal. These reports provide an overview of a student’s academic progress and alignment with the achievement standards. It is a valuable time to reflect with your child on their progress and areas for improvement.

Additionally, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday of Week 2 next term. The College highly values communication with parents and considers the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences an excellent opportunity to connect with teachers and learn about your child’s progress. These meetings offer valuable feedback and insight into ways to support their continued growth. We encourage you to book your appointments early, as meetings for core subject teachers tend to fill up quickly.

Uniform Expectations – Preparing for Term 3

In our preparation to returning to the College in Term 3, we ask families to check and refresh school uniforms to ensuring we are in accordance with College policies. Please take the time to review the following expectations:

• Haircuts must be appropriate for school:
• No extreme styles, including but not limited to fades, tracks, extreme fringes, cornrows, mullets, mohawks, dreadlocks or rattails.
• Hair should not be dyed in colours that bring attention to the student (no bright colours or colours not in keeping with the student’s natural colour).
• Grooming:
• Ensure any changes to hair colour, nails, or lash extensions are corrected before school resumes.
• Uniform and Accessories:
• Check that belts and footwear are in good condition and replace them if necessary.
• Repair or replace any broken buttons or worn-out uniform pieces.
• Replace broken hats to ensure sun safety compliance.

Attending to these details over the break will help ensure a smooth start to the new term. Thank you for your continued support in maintaining the high standards of presentation that reflect our College values.

Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is vital for student success. Every school day provides valuable learning experiences and missing even a few days can have a significant impact on a student’s progress. Absences can lead to gaps in understanding, difficulty keeping up with classwork, and increased stress when trying to catch up. Beyond academics, attending school consistently helps students develop social skills, build relationships, and gain a sense of routine and responsibility.

When students are frequently absent, they miss opportunities to engage in discussions, collaborate with peers, and receive important feedback from their teachers. Over time, this can affect their confidence, motivation, and overall academic achievement.

To help ensure students are attending school regularly, consider these strategies:

• Establish a Morning Routine – Set a consistent wake-up time, prepare lunches and uniforms the night before, and allow enough time to get ready without rushing.
• Prioritise Sleep – A good night’s sleep helps students wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
• Communicate the Importance of School – Talk to your child about how attendance impacts their learning and future opportunities.
• Address Any Concerns – If your child is reluctant to attend school, speak with their teachers or support staff to identify any issues.
• Limit Appointments During Term – Where possible, schedule non-urgent appointments outside of school hours to minimise disruptions.

Your support in reinforcing the importance of attendance helps ensure your child has the best chance of success.

Your support in reinforcing the importance of attendance helps ensure your child has the best chance of success.

God Bless,

David Christopher

News from the Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach, Miss Anna Harris

Religious Life of the College

Year 11 Kairos Retreat

In Week 7, our Year 11 Cohort participated in their Kairos Retreat at Genezzano Retreat and Conference Centre. It proved a wonderful opportunity for our young people to disconnect from the busyness of their studies and learn about and grow as leaders in preparation for their Year 12 journey. The students participated in a range of reflective, spiritual, liturgical and team-building activities. It was a very rewarding experience for all students and staff involved! We look forward to walking with our Year 11s as they begin applying for student leadership positions for 2026, next term.

Pentecost Liturgies

One of the key events in our liturgical calendar for Term 2 is Pentecost. This Holy Day of Obligation occurs 50 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. As a College, we celebrated Pentecost through Year Level Liturgies in the Secondary Campus – and at our Primary Assembly.

Our Year 5 students, under the guidance of Ms Jenkins, proudly led prayer, reflection and sang Hearts on Fire, complete with Auslan signing, which was extra-special!

In the Secondary Campus, our respective Heads of Year, with the assistance of many student volunteers, led their cohorts in celebrating liturgy – a highlight of which was also the fabulous singing!

Charity focuses – Rosie’s – Friends on the Street

MacKillop’s charity focus on Rosies culminated with Red for Rosies Day; an awareness and fundraiser where the community dressed in red and donated non-perishable food items and gold coins. College Captain, Stanley S commented that, “Everybody has a role to play in raising awareness and helping out. Our Primary students assist by bringing in donations and packing snack packs – and our Secondary students then deliver these during outreach”.

The College has an ongoing affiliation with Rosies; both staff and students volunteer fortnightly to support those less fortunate in the local community. This term has seen not only MacKillop volunteers doing outreach on the streets of Cairns – but also the provision of hot meals through the College’s hospitality classes, and the creation of snack and hygiene packages to be distributed to patrons. “Being a Prep to 12 college means we have a larger community which provides more opportunities to raise awareness, participate and make a real difference”, shared College Captain, Tiara T.

The MacKillop Catholic College community looks forward to learning about, raising awareness of and being of service to The Cancer Council and St Vincent de Paul’s respectively across Terms Three and Four.

Edmonton Parish Sacramental Program

The Edmonton Parish Sacramental Program commenced this term. Families who registered for their child to undertake the sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation attend weekly sessions at St Therese’s Church in preparation for receiving their sacraments.

We were very fortunate to witness six of our MacKillop students participate in their First Reconciliation earlier in the term. Our young people, along with students from St Therese’s, Our Lady Help of Christians and St Michael’s are now working towards receiving their First Communion, early in Term 3.

God bless,

Anna Harris
Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach

News from the Acting Assistant Principal – Students, Mr David Christopher

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we venture towards the middle of our school year, we wish all our students and their families a safe, happy and well-deserved break. The end of term always brings a buzz of excitement, as we await the final bell, knowing that we have worked hard and achieved great things. So much has been squeezed into Semester 1, with recent events like the Year 11 Retreat at Tinaroo, our Year 10 Work Experience week, the Secondary Athletics Carnival and Royal Flying Doctors, Survive 25, presentation to our Year 12s. These experiences provide such rich and valuable opportunities for growth.

We conclude our term with our Pop-Up Shop, where students can swap their well-earned MacKillop Way Merits, for exciting Nic-Naks provided by our Pastoral Team. During this final week of classes, we compete in the Home form Challenge Cup run by our Heads of Year. Our Pastoral Program focuses on the wellbeing of our students and their engagement in the education of the whole child at MacKillop Catholic College.

Finally, a huge thank you to our wonderful staff. It has been a long Semester, and the support provided to our students is first class. Their professionalism and commitment to the education of our students does not go unseen. May our families, students and staff use our break as a time to reflect, refresh and recharge ready to step into the hustle and bustle of Term 3. Have a safe and restful holiday.

Kind Regards,

David Christopher
Acting Assistant Principal - Students

News from the Acting Assistant Principal – Administration, Mr Wayne Duda

Dear MacKillop Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of another busy and successful term, I would like to take a moment to thank our students, staff and families for their ongoing support and partnership. This term has been filled with rich learning experiences, engaging extracurricular opportunities, and a strong sense of community spirit across the College.

Extra-Curricular activities

Throughout the term, students have participated in a wide range of events and activities—from academic competitions and sports carnivals to excursions, camps, and spiritual celebrations. These experiences not only enrich student learning but also foster personal growth, teamwork, and resilience. We are incredibly proud of the way our students have represented themselves and the College in all settings.

A friendly reminder to all families that any excursion or extra-curricular activity that involves students leaving the College grounds requires formal parent/legal guardian consent. This is managed through Edsmart, our Parent Slip system, which communicates essential information about the activity and ensures we have the appropriate permissions in place. We thank you in advance for your prompt attention to these slips when they are sent out via email.

Carpark Safety and Respect

We would also like to remind everyone of the importance of safety and respect in and around the College carpark, especially when it involves our students learning to drive and those who have only recently received their licences. It is also essential that all drivers - students, staff and parents—adhere to the designated parking zones and always follow carpark protocols. Please avoid parking in non-designated areas or stopping in drop-off zones for extended periods. Respectful and responsible behaviour in this space ensures the safety of all members of our school community.

As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all students to rest, recharge and reflect on their efforts and achievements this term. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another term of learning, growth, and success. Term 3 commences Monday, 14 July 2025.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break.

Kind Regards,

Wayne Duda
Acting Assistant Principal - Administration

Primary News

Prep

Prep Term 2 Issue 2

Year 1

Year 1 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 2

Year 2 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 3

Year 3 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 4

Year 4 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 5

Year 5 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 6

Year 6 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 6 News

Recently in Health lessons, Year 6 students have been exploring how to disagree respectfully. They have worked with each other to identify scenarios of conflict and how to implement respectful ways to disagree with each other. The students have made a toolbox of strategies to assist them.

In Mathematics, they have wrapped up their unit on fractions, engaging in hands-on activities to understand what equivalent fractions are, how to simplify fractions and even add and subtract fractions. These lessons have helped cement their understanding of fractions even further.

In English, they have finished the term’s main writing focus by completing their purple books and writing a feature article about a refugee or migrant. Many students displayed their schema knowledge and writing skills amazingly in this task.

Additionally, Year 6 has been studying circuits and understanding the process of the transformation of energy. Year 6M attended the Secondary Science Lab, learning valuable lessons about how circuits are built and work. This experience perfectly complemented their work on the unit of Science this term.

Secondary News

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Hello MacKillop families,

We have had a very busy end of term, with all of our students in Years 7 to 12 finalising their assessment for Semester One. It has been wonderful to see our students working so hard to produce their best work. Our Year 7s are practicing their paragraphs on Catholic Social Teachings; our Year 8s are producing their scripts for their podcast comparing Christianity, Judaism and Islam; and our Year 9s have evaluated three forms of Sacraments in their exams.

In Year 10, our students are nominating a hero/role model for an award for their final assessment in the junior Religion space. Next semester they will start their first unit of Religion and Ethics, which is the Religion subject they will continue into their senior years of school. Our Year 11s are unleashing their inner authors and are creating amazing children’s books based on a scared story. Our Year 12s are completing their Social Justice unit, which is the final unit of their Religion and Ethics subject. Next semester they will start their Catholic Faith in Action course, where they have opportunities to contribute to our College and community contexts through Catholic Social teachings and Christian leadership.

I wish you all a safe and restful break over the holidays and I am looking forward to seeing the amazing works of our student’s next term.

Yours in Faith,

Juliana Oswell
Leader – Head of Religious Education

SCIENCE

Greetings Science families of MacKillop,

Another term in the bank!

Year 7 explored physics and were tasked with redesigning a balloon car with 1-2 significant modifications in order to improve the car’s speed over the course of one metre. They were asked to write their first ever student experiment which adds another mode of literacy to their academic arsenal. If you would like to check in on their comprehension of this task you can ask them:

• Did your car speed improve and why?
• What were some of the variables you controlled?
• What forces act on a balloon car that it must overcome to be propelled forward?

Year 8 dived into the biology of cells and organ systems, literally. They dissected a pluck and investigated the relationships of cells and organ systems. They were expected to sit an exam which develops their ability to recall and apply information in multiple modes increasing with complexity. Multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions are asked as well as inquiry-based questions that really test their comprehension, when they need to identify and interpret trends in biological data. If you would like to check in on their comprehension of this task you can ask them:

• What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?
• What is path through the respiratory system does oxygen take through your nose when you breath in until it reaches your alveoli? Start with nostril?
• Which specialised cell did they choose in the exam to describe the relationship between its structure or function?
  • Nerve cell
  • Root hair cell
  • Sperm cell
  • Muscle cell
  • Xylem cell
  • Phloem cell

Year 9 explored the physics field of energy and experimented on the efficiency of energy transfer in incandescent light bulbs made with tungsten. They calculated current and resistance as well as energy efficiency in simple circuits that had an ammeter and a light bulb as a load. They are also writing a student experiment and with two years of experience these students are able to now focus on higher order analysis and sources of statistical and operational experiment error. If you would like to check in on their comprehension of this task you can ask them:

• What was the type and percentage of energy wasted in the circuit?
• Why don’t we use incandescent bulbs anymore?

Senior students are working through their programs diligently and are producing high quality work due to the student’s effort and the hard work put in by the teachers in these junior year levels.

The image below is from a Physics lesson and demonstrates the energy and particle energy difference in cold and hot solutions. Can you tell which is which? *hint if you said the dye that has spread out most in solution is hot, then you are getting warm.

Boat Licensing 2025

A MacKillop Catholic College first in 2025 – when 13 students and staff obtained their Recreational Marine Driver’s License. This was made possible alongside the Senior Aquatic Practices syllabus and is a sensational outcome for students on the Applied Pathway that now have a qualification for life – to support any of them with employment ambitions in the Marine and Aquatic industries.

Students completed a theory test of 50 questions that ran parallel with the curriculum unit they were completing in class and had to perform specific marine skills during a practical component of the test.

A tremendous outcome for our Year 12 students that we only hope may get more engagement in the future.

Year 12 Biology - Electrophoresis

As part of our current unit students conducted a practical on Electrophoresis. The purpose was to extract DNA through a medium and separate the genes according to size. Six samples were extracted and relationships between the gene sizes that were separated using special enzymes allowed us to identify samples that were normal carriers and affected with Sickle Cell Anemia. 

Experiences like this help to prepare students for potential laboratory practices and experiment and engage with existing scientific technology to consolidate all the theory they investigate.

Frankland Island Excursion 2025

Our second excursion to the Frankland Islands as part of the Year 11 Aquatic Practices program was another hugs success. Students got hands on experience and evidence of the negative effects of tourism and its impacts on the Great Barrier Reef (or lack thereof). This is part of Unit 2 – using the aquatic environment, in the updated Applied Science syllabus introduced last year.

Experiences like this are vital for students that are still deciding on career pathways and have also enhanced and reinforced many of the students’ decisions in pursuing employment in these industries in their futures.

Yours in Science,

Andrew Hislop
Leader – Head of Science

MATHS

Maths Events

Students from Years 7, 8 and 9 represented MacKillop at the Newman Catholic College Maths Competition. They were recognised for their excellent effort and behaviour.

Some of our Year 7 students had an exciting opportunity to join peers from schools across the Cairns region for a Maths Challenge Day hosted by St Mary’s Catholic College. The event was packed with hands-on activities that encouraged collaboration while building skills in problem solving, design and engineering, coding, and even proving Pythagoras' Theorem—all through fun and interactive learning. A fantastic day of teamwork, creativity, and mathematical thinking!

In Term 3 there will be the opportunity for students in Years 7 - 10 to compete in the Australian Maths Competition. This is Australia’s longest running and most well-known competition. If interested, watch for further information next term.

Thank you to Mrs Stanton, Mr Willliams and Mr Vander Zant for their work to make the above events possible.

Exams

All students in Years 07 – 11 have recently completed maths exams. It would be very beneficial if you discussed your child’s result and progress with them.

Year 12 General Maths, Specialist Maths and Maths Methods students have their Unit 4 exam in Week 5 of Term 3. These students will be given work to complete over the holidays to prepare for these important assessments.

Tutorials

Tutorials are held every Monday and Wednesday afternoon until 4.30 pm in K21.

Thank you to Mrs Reilly and Mr Bromell for supporting our students at tutorials.

Thank you

Halfway through 2025, I need to recognise and thank our professional and dedicated members of staff, as well as you the ones at home whose support is very important and greatly appreciated.

Please contact me or your child’s teacher with any Maths related matters.

Kind Regards,

Ian Coleman
Leader – Head of Maths

ENGLISH AND LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing, writing, all the while. For our junior English classes, we are in the final sprint towards the finish line. The Year Sevens have been working their socks off to remember their analytical points, while the Eights and Nines have been polishing their creative writing and adding colour with figurative language. Our Tens are lucky to have finished for the term and are enjoying an intellectual break during their work experience.

There is no rest for our seniors, particularly those in General and Literature, who will begin their final studies of Macbeth and Hamlet respectively next term, preparing for their unseen external examinations.

In Week Ten, Years Eight, Nine, and Ten will begin reading their next texts. Year Eight will be diving into Animal Farm—where the animals really know how to stir up a rebellion. Year Nine will tackle The Crucible, where things get heated both on stage and off. Meanwhile, Year Ten General and Literature students will explore Romeo and Juliet, proving that young love can be a real star-crossed affair.

Kind Regards,

Lincoln Lally
Leader – Head of English and Language Arts

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

As we crawl, sprint, and occasionally stagger to the finish line of Semester 1, I want to take a moment (and a deep breath) to reflect on the incredible work happening across the Humanities faculty.

Let’s begin with our tireless Year 12s. These legends have completed two of their three internal assessments, with IA1 results now confirmed and IA2 provisional results coming in strong:

• Ancient History:
• IA1: 45% of students on an A; 20% scored 100%.
• IA2: Provisional results show 45% again on an A, with 25% on 100%.
• Five students currently sit on a perfect score for Unit 3.
• Modern History:
• IA1: 58% of students achieved an A; 25% hit 100%.
• IA2: Provisional data shows 58% again on an A, with a huge 50% on 100%.
• Three students currently have 100% for the unit.
• Business:
• IA1: 10% of students achieved an A (confirmed).
• IA2: Provisional results show 25% on an A, with 15% of students currently on 100%.

It has been a mighty effort from both students and teachers alike, and as IA3 looms (Week 5, Term 3 – mark it in your calendars), we wish all of our Year 12s calm minds, clear arguments, and a strong work ethic. The final sprint to the External Exam begins soon.

Across Years 7–10, it has been a creative, inquiry-driven, and highly productive semester in Junior Humanities:

• Year 7:
• Geography students used Minecraft to design liveable communities, applying sustainability and urban planning principles.
• In History, students became ancient war correspondents, reporting on the warriors and wars of Ancient Greece.
• Year 8:
• Both History and Geography completed stimulus response exams – a valuable introduction to extended writing and source analysis.
• Year 9:
• Geography tackled the impact of over-tourism on global environments and economies.
• In History, students explored Australia’s role in World War I with insight, empathy, and strong historical thinking.
• Year 10 Humanities:
• In History, students examined the last 70 years of Australian development – from the Cold War and Vietnam, to migration, civil rights, and the making of modern Australia.
• Extension History students dived deep into the life and legacy of Alexander the Great – with strong debate over whether he was a heroic leader or a ruthless opportunist.
• Business and Economics students have focused on financial planning and superannuation – preparing them not just for assessment, but for real-world financial decision-making.  A standout moment was a visit from James Mousa of Life Sumo, who spoke to students about the big question: “How can understanding superannuation and financial decision-making empower us to build a financially secure future in an uncertain economic climate?”

James’ message?
✅ Super isn’t just for old people.
✅ Compound interest is basically magic.
✅ Future You wants you to care. Right. Now.

To the teachers who planned, marked, inspired, and occasionally herded cats – thank you. To the students who engaged, questioned, and learned – well done. And to the parents who have supported it all – we see you, and we appreciate you.

Now… on to Semester 2. (But maybe after a nap.)

Kind Regards,

Sarah Coleman
Leader – Head of Humanities and Social Sciences

PERFORMING ARTS

Next week, the last week of term, we take our competition groups to the Cairns Eisteddfod held at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC). The Concert Band will play the theme from ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’ on the evening of Monday 23^rd June. Penola Singers will sing ‘Stars I shall Find’, ‘Lullaby’ by Graeme Morton and John Rutters ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ in the evening of Tuesday 24^th June. On Wednesday morning, 25^th June, Mini Mac Choir will sing the theme from the ‘Jungle Book’ and ‘My Favourite Things’ and Kensington Choir will sing the theme from ‘Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘The Moon’ by Andy Beck and’ Chariots a’ Comin’. Our Drama groups will present two plays, one concerning ‘Not enough Cheese’ and the another called ‘Phobias Workshop’. The Dance Troupe are dancing a short jazz item including students from Years 3-6. All our Performance groups will represent MacKillop with ‘Inspiring Hearts, Minds and Spirits’. We wish all our performers well with their presentations.

The String Ensemble and Concert Band are preparing the beautiful ‘Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary’ by Karl Jenkins. We will present the item with Massed Choir and Orchestra on 12^th August 2025 at STEAM- an Open Evening put on by Arts, Science and Technology.  Instrumental Teachers are preparing Instrumental students for AMEB examinations during August this year. We Congratulate Hudson R on winning the Junior Music Scholarship for 2026. Hudson is also playing his saxophone in a solo instrumental class in the Cairns Eisteddfod this week. 

Kind Regards,

Sarah-Jane Rennie
Leader – Head of Performing Arts

THE ARTS

🎨 Year 8 Visual Art: From Clay to Carving

Our Year 8 students’ ceramic cups from Term 1 have finally been fired and sent home! Each cup is a unique creation, demonstrating their growing skills in hand-building and glazing techniques. We hope these special pieces have found a proud place on the shelf at home!

This term, students have been exploring identity through a ‘Self-Portrait’ unit. Using lino-printing techniques, they transferred their own drawing design onto linoleum, carving their designs, and printing bold, expressive portraits. This process encourages both technical skill and personal reflection, as students consider how to represent themselves through line, texture, and form.

🎨 MacKillop Catholic College Students Shine in Cairns Show Billboard Competition! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that two of our talented Year 10 students, Skye B and Ciana W, have been selected as shared winners in the 2D category of the prestigious 2025 Cairns Show Billboard Competition!

Their collaborative painting stood out among a sea of exceptional entries from across the region. The judges praised the creativity, skill, and originality displayed in this year’s submissions, noting how difficult it was to choose just three winning pieces. We are incredibly proud that Skye and Ciana’s work will be featured on the official Cairns Show Billboard, viewed by thousands of locals and visitors alike.

Congratulations, Skye and Ciana! Your College community is so proud of you!

‘Colours of Cairns’

By Skye B and Ciana W

In our collaborative artwork Colours of Cairns, we explore themes of connection to Country and the Lands in which we live. We aim to highlight the beautiful environment that surrounds us, an environment that we, as humans, sometimes take for granted. Cairns has so much to offer from the Esplanade to the Great Barrier Reef that surrounds us, to the Pyramid standing tall in the distance. We hope to tell a story that conveys a message of community, culture and coming together. We respectfully acknowledge the First Nation people of the Land that we are blessed to live on.

Kind Regards,

Traylea Sexton
Leader – Head of Creative Industries

TECHNOLOGIES

Year 9 Industrial Skills: Metalwork in Action

Our Year 9 Industrial Skills (Metalwork) students have been putting their skills to the test by designing and crafting custom metal phone and pen holders. This project blends creativity with practical design, challenging students to apply workshop techniques while expressing their individual style.

The results so far have been impressive — a great showcase of hands-on learning, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. These future makers are off to a fantastic start!

Year 9 Industrial Skills: Woodwork in Action

Our talented Year 9 students have been hard at work this term, crafting wooden boxes using precise mitre joints for their Term 2 assessment. With every cut and join, their confidence and skills continue to grow.

The progress they have made is truly impressive, reflecting their focus, attention to detail, and commitment to learning. Well done to all students on your outstanding effort and craftsmanship!

Year 8 Design Technologies: Game On!

Our creative Year 8 students are busy designing and building their own hand-held travel games as part of their Term 2 assessment. The challenge – each game must include at least three movable functions, be compact, primarily made from cardboard, and designed with durability and sustainability in mind.

This hands-on project is a fantastic way for students to combine creativity, problem-solving, and practical construction skills — and we cannot wait to see the final results!

A Tasty Term in the Food Tech Kitchens!

There has been plenty of action (and delicious aromas) coming from our food kitchens this term!

Our Year 7 students have been gaining valuable hands-on experience by preparing fresh fruit salads, learning essential knife skills and healthy eating habits. Year 9 have taken it up a notch, serving up mouthwatering chicken and salad wraps as they explore balanced meals and food presentation.

Meanwhile, our amazing Year 11 students supported the National Walk to School initiative by preparing and handing out healthy snacks to participating walkers — a wonderful example of leadership and community spirit.

Well done to all our budding chefs across the College!

Year 11 Hospitality Practices: Staff Breakfast Success

Once again, our Year 11 Hospitality Practices students treated staff to a delicious free breakfast in Week 8 — and it was a hit! The food was tasty, the presentation showed noticeable improvement, and the service was smooth and professional.

A big thank you to Mr Docking and the Year 11 team for their hard work and growing hospitality skills. The smiles on staff faces said it all — well done!

Kind Regards,

Lorena Goodall
Leader – Head of Technologies

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Supporting Diverse Learners at Home During Assessment Season

As we move through peak assessment season, it is important to remember that every child learns and experiences pressure differently. For our diverse learners, this time can bring unique challenges. At home, parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping students feel confident, organised, and supported.

Here are a few practical strategies to help support your child during this time:

1. Prioritise routines and rest
   Predictability helps reduce stress, even for teenagers and adults. Try to maintain regular routines, including bedtime and healthy meals. Short, frequent breaks between study sessions can boost focus and reduce overwhelm.
2. Break tasks into chunks
   Many diverse learners benefit from structured, manageable steps. Help your child plan their time with simple to-do lists, visual schedules, or timers for short work bursts. Celebrate each small success - it builds momentum, confidence and self-belief.
3. Keep communication open
   It is okay if your child is feeling anxious, unmotivated, or unsure. Let them talk about their feelings without pressure. Offer reassurance and remind them that assessments are just how we show what we’ve learned.
4. Stay connected with the school
   We are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your child needs extra support, clarification, or adjustment. Maintaining open communication ensures we can work together to meet your child’s needs effectively.

As the Head of Diversity and Inclusion, I welcome any questions or concerns you may have - whether it is about access arrangements, wellbeing, or learning support. I can be contacted anytime via email at svanfleet@cns.catholic.edu.au . Together, we can ensure every student feels seen, supported, and confident to do their best.

Warm Regards,

Sara van Fleet
Leader – Head of Diversity and Inclusion

SPORT

Athletics

Congratulations to all the students who took part in our Secondary Athletics Carnival on 6^th June. The weather was fantastic, as was the participation and effort of the students. Congratulation to MacDonald who won the carnival this year and McCormack who came a close second.

Students who have qualified for TCS athletics have been notified by email. All students must have permission to have their names entered into the TCS Athletics Program (Meet Manager). Please ensure your TCS Permission Booklet is submitted promptly so we can ensure students names are entered, as you request. If you do not wish to have your child’s name published they will be allocated an Athlete number instead.

*IMPORTANT DATES

23^rd July 2025 – 10-12 TCS Athletics Carnival at Barlow Park

24^th July 2025 – 13-19 Athletics Carnival at Barlow Park

Volleyball

On Friday, 13 June 2025 our Senior Boys Volleyball team travelled to Townsville for the 2025 NQ Schools Cup. The best volleyball teams in North Queensland come together to compete at this competition each year. We nominated to play in the Year 12 and under Division 1 category. Our team comprises of Elijah K (captain), Brandon C, Dante B, Kevin S K, Stanley S, Jake C, Zachary J and Jonah S.

On Saturday, 21 June 2025 we played 3 games with results below:

Game 1 - defeated Cairns High 2-0
Game 2 - lost to Pimlico 2-0
Game 3 - defeated Trinity Bay High 2-0

Winning 2 of our games put us in 2^nd place of our pool which automatically qualified us for the semi-finals on Sunday, 22 June 2025. We then had to play the 1^st place team of the other pool which was Mackay. In this semi-final, the MacKillop boys played really well and defeated Mackay 2-0. This put us in the grand-final against Pimlico again with the game played in the best of 5 sets. Despite being competitive, Pimlico defeated us in 3 straight sets, and we won the silver medal for being runner up in this competition.

Considering the company and level of ability we played against, 2^nd place was a huge result for us and is a credit to the boys for their commitment and training over the last 5 years. Our focus now moves onto the 2025 Senior Schools Cup in Gold Coast being held 08-10 August 2025, where we play the best volleyball teams in Queensland.

Grant Lean

Secondary Teacher and Volleyball Coach

Futsal

Congratulations to the Years 7,8 and 9 futsal boys who were crowned champions of the Smithfield Futsal Gala Day!

The Years 10,11 and 12 lost their grand-final in a penalty shoot-out. Excellent performance students and a big thank you to the coaches Mr Bromell and Mr Johnson.

Kind Regards,

Kristy Peel
Leader – Head of Sport

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Dear Parents and Carers,

There has been a lot of enjoyable events and topics in Health and Physical Education this term. Students and teachers alike have been working very hard on curriculum, but have definitely been enjoying the practical side of the subject as well.  

From an expectations perspective, I was clear in my last article that correct sports uniform and participation in Health and Physical Education is non-negotiable. Since then, students’ attitudes and behaviours have certainly improved, and we are seeing far less students trying to push boundaries. Thank you for your unwavering support on this. Consistency is key to achieving success. 

Students have attended multiple excursions throughout this term for curriculum purposes. These included our senior Sport and Recreation students attending the TAS Aquatic Centre to train for their Recreational Bronze Medallions. Our Year 12 Fitness students have attended Air Locker Training, Genesis Gym and KOR Fitness to continue gaining industry training for their certificate. 

Our junior secondary topics for this term included nutritional education, fitness training principles and methods, movement concepts, basic biomechanics, community health, promoting positive relationships, tactical awareness and skill acquisition.

Our Year 11 Sport and Recreation students have studied Aquatic Recreation which includes attaining their Recreational Bronze Medallion. Year 12 Sport and Recreation students have studied Emerging Trends in Sport and Fitness and how these have impacted modern society. Year 11 Physical Education students have studied Motor Learning, Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. Year 12 Physical Education students have studied Ethics and Integrity. 

Our curriculum this semester has equipped our students with success in empowerment and personal growth.  

Please feel free to reach out to myself or any of our wonderful staff if you have any questions regarding Health and Physical Education at MacKillop Catholic College. 

Kind Regards,

Mitch Gardner
Leader – Head of HPE

PATHWAYS

Year 10: Out on Work Experience!

A big shout-out to our Year 10 students who have completed their work experience placements! This is an invaluable opportunity to get a taste of the working world, explore interests, and build skills that will help you make informed decisions about your future. We hope you made the most of every moment and reflect on what you have learned.

Year 12: Planning Starts Now for 2026

If you are in Year 12, it is time to seriously consider what comes after high school. Many companies are already recruiting for graduate roles, apprenticeships, and training programs starting in 2026. Whether you are thinking of going straight into the workforce, studying at TAFE, or heading to university, now is the time to act.

Considering Work?

Major employers are beginning their recruitment processes now – especially for 2026 intakes. Look out for graduate employment programs, traineeships, and apprenticeships. Visit job boards and company career pages and attend career expos to connect directly with recruiters.

TAFE Pathways

TAFE offers a wide range of practical and career-focused courses. Whether you are interested in trades, business, design, or health, there is something for you. Start researching now to find the course that aligns with your interests and career goals. Visit www.tafecourses.com.au for options.

Thinking University?

Start exploring which universities offer the courses you are interested in. Consider things like campus location, entry requirements, and career outcomes. Use online tools such as the Course Seeker website or attend university open days to get a feel for what is right for you.

Year 12 Catholic Education Scholarship

Are you planning to pursue further study after high school? The Catholic Education Scholarship supports Year 12 students who demonstrate strong commitment, academic achievement, and community involvement. Applications are currently open. Please check eligibility criteria using the link below:

Need Help?

The Pathways Office is here to support you with:

• Course research
• Resume writing
• Application support
• Career advice

Drop in or make an appointment to chat about your options!

Kind Regards,

Rebecca Flockart
Leader – Head Pathways

HEAD OF YEAR

Year 7: Lee Staddon – lstaddon@cns.catholic.edu.au

Dear Year 7 Families,

Year 7 End of Term 2 Wrap-Up

As Term 2 draws to a close, we want to say a huge thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. It has been a big term for our Year 7s — full of new challenges, laughter, learning, and the occasional missing school hat (check lost property, we beg you).

Before we send our young learners off for a well-earned break, here is a quick round-up of what has been happening in the Year 7 space — and what is just around the corner!

Uniform Reminder for Term 3

A friendly reminder to check in with the Uniform Shop during the holidays. Whether it is tracking down that elusive second sock or sizing up winter jumpers, now is the perfect time to make sure your child is ready to hit the ground running in Term 3.

SEL Snapshot – Term 2 Project: From Art to Action

Our SEL focus this term has been all about identity and contribution. Students have been working on their "My Tile, Our Community" design project — each creating a personalised tile that represents their values, growth, and goals. These pieces will be safely stowed away until their final year at the College, when they will be reunited with them in Year 12! Here is a little sneak peek… but the big reveal will have to wait!

Looking ahead to Semester 2:

We are thrilled to announce that our students will be stepping into leadership roles as mentors for Year 6 Primary students. This initiative builds on our 2025 SEL theme — growing character, empathy, and community. Each fortnight, our Year 7s will help younger peers learn how to show kindness, handle challenges, and live out the MacKillop Way. Get ready to see some big hearts and proud leaders emerge!

Camp Throwback – Resilience, Rafts, and Rope Courses

Earlier this term, Year 7 took on their very first College Camp — and it was packed with unforgettable moments. Students navigated obstacle courses, built rafts (some more seaworthy than others), tackled low ropes, and put their teamwork to the test during problem-solving challenges.

Whether it was facing the abseil wall with courage, cheering each other through challenges, or sharing dorm duties, students showed tremendous personal growth and plenty of laughs. Check out the highlight reel.

Term 1 Highlights: Home Form Cup – What a Ride!

From trivia battles to team games, Term 1 was jam-packed with competitive spirit and community pride. Congratulations 7.2 for taking the cup! Check out the Term 1 highlights via the Youtube link below.

Term 2: Home Form Cup – Let the Games Begin!

Next week’s events are ready to roll:

1. 🎮 Kahoot Trivia Showdown
   Fast-paced, fun, and full of curveballs. From pop culture to obscure Aussie laws, it is every PC class for themselves in a knowledge free-for-all!
2. 🤸‍♀️ Wheelbarrow Relay
   One student walks on hands, the other holds their legs. It is chaotic, it is hilarious, and yes — you will see someone take out a cone.
   💡 Rule #1: If you fall, dust off your dignity and go again.
3. 🐧 Balloon Waddle Race
   Clench a balloon between your knees and waddle to the finish line like a penguin on a mission.
   💡 Drop it? Waddle back and squawk your way to the start.
4. ⚽ Penalty Shoot-Out Showdown
   Up to 10 strikers and 10 goalies. One shot each. Can your team channel their inner Sam Kerr? The pressure is on.
5. 🎨 MacKillop Mascot Design Challenge
   Each student designs a mascot based on College values. The top pick from each PC class will be judged by our Head of Arts.
   🖍 Think: “Respectasaurus” or “Grit Griffin” with a short backstory and school spirit to match.

Final Word

Thank you for another incredible term. We have seen our Year 7s grow in confidence, character, and courage — and we cannot wait to keep that momentum going. Wishing all families a safe, joyful, and restful break.

See you in Term 3 — fresh uniforms, full hearts, and ready for more adventures!

Warmest Regards,

Lee Staddon
Head of Year 7

Year 8: Michael Johnstone – mjohnstone@cns.catholic.edu.au

Dear Year 8 Families,

Term 2 Highlights

As we move through Term 2, the Year 8 cohort continues to impress with their enthusiasm, energy, and commitment across all areas of school life. From classroom learning to co-curricular events, it has been a busy and productive term so far.

Celebrating Athletic Excellence

One of the standout moments this term was our recent Athletics Carnival, where students demonstrated college spirit, resilience, and healthy competition. We are thrilled to announce our Year 8 champions:

🏅 Trinity J – A consistent top performer across multiple track and field events, Trinity showed exceptional athleticism and determination throughout the day.

🏅 Noah S – With impressive performances and strong finishes across various events, Noah led by example and earned well-deserved recognition as Year 8’s top male athlete.

Congratulations to both Trinity and Noah for your outstanding efforts and leadership! We are proud of all Year 8 students who participated, cheered on their peers, and contributed to a successful carnival.

A Reminder About Respectful Play – Hands-Off Policy

While it is fantastic to see students active and social during break times, we would like to remind all families about our school’s hands-off policy, which includes a clear expectation of no tackle sports during lunch and recess. This policy exists to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

We have noticed an increase in physical play—particularly games involving tackling—that can quickly lead to accidents or conflict. Students are encouraged to engage in inclusive and safe games such as handball, basketball (non-contact), or other supervised activities offered during lunchtime.

We appreciate parents reinforcing this message at home and encouraging students to make respectful, responsible choices during their free time at school.

Thank you for your continued support as we guide our Year 8 students through a positive and engaging Term 3. As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm Regards,

Mike Johnstone
Head of Year 8

Year 9: Adam Vander Zant – avanderzan@cns.catholic.edu.au

Dear Year 9 Families,

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many successes we have seen so far in Year 9. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of our students as they continue to embrace the values of the MacKillop Way — showing respect, acting with compassion, and striving for personal excellence.

One particular highlight this term was the Athletics Carnival. I was thoroughly impressed by the level of participation and team spirit demonstrated by our Year 9 students. Whether competing, cheering on their housemates, or assisting staff, students showed a genuine commitment to involvement and College pride. I would especially like to commend them for their respectful behaviour and excellent listening skills throughout the day — it was clear they understood the importance of co-operation, encouragement, and safety during such a large event.

As we move into the latter half of the year, I would like to remind all Year 9 students and families of the importance of adhering to the College’s uniform policy and grooming expectations. Wearing our uniform with pride is a visible sign of our shared identity and values. Please ensure that uniforms are worn correctly each day, including appropriate footwear, hats during outdoor activities, and correct sports attire on designated days. Additionally, hair should be neat and tidy, and jewellery must comply with College guidelines.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing support. I look forward to the second half of the year, continuing to work together in partnership to support our young people to flourish.

Kind Regards,

Adam Vander Zant
Head of Year 9

Year 10: Graham Sunners – gsunners@cns.catholic.edu.au

Dear Year 10 Families,

Year 10 – End of Term 2

Work, work, work was the theme for the term. As a busy Term two comes to an end for our Year 10’s, a well-earned rest will be required before they start Semester Two. The students continued to gain future careers information with talks from Connect and Grow about opportunities in the Healthcare sector and the courses they can offer which will give our students a stepping stone into jobs in this area. Some Year 10’s took the opportunity to visit one of Ergon’s facilities to take part in a job’s information afternoon about the wide variety of career paths that they offer in addition to becoming an electrician. For more information on apprenticeships and traineeships that the students can undertake, follow the link below, this will take you to the Queensland Government’s website. There is lots of useful information to be found here. Term Three will continue the focus of the student’s future as we head towards Year Eleven subject selections. Students and parents will be invited to information sessions introduced by our Heads of Department. There will be pathways and TAFE talks and JCU will also highlight some of their courses on offer.

Work Experience

The students were excited when VPG came to MacKillop to deliver their work experience placement locations. The students were eager but nervous to make the initial telephone call with their future temporary employer. But were soon reassured when a friendly voice welcomed them into their workplace. The students thrived in their new settings away from the classroom. Lots of different occupational settings were offered including construction, childcare, hospitality and veterinary services to name but a few. Some excellent reviews were received from their employers with some students being offered a future placement at their business.

Future Leaders

Term Three sees our SEL program expand from careers to add a focus on leadership. Students will follow the Rite Journey’s Influence program. This introduces topics on Personal Leadership and Leadership in our Community. The students will learn the key components of what makes a leader and how to develop their own personal leadership skills like organisation, public speaking and communication. The students will be given the opportunity to practice their leadership skills in a variety of settings.

Wishing you all a restful winter break, ready to return invigorated and fresh for a busy Semester Two.

Kind Regards,

Graham Sunners
Head of Year 10

Year 11: Shynade Hohenhaus– shohenhaus@cns.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 – End of Term 2

Kairos Retreat – Dare to Lead

In Week 7, our Year 11 students travelled to Genazzano Retreat and Conference Centre at Lake Tinaroo to formally begin their transition into the 2026 leaders of our College. Over the 3 days, students worked as a whole group and as the purple, red, green and pink groups to explore how they wanted to lead our College. On the first day they explored their God-given gifts and what it takes to be a role model. On our second day, students completed a mosaic portrait of Mary MacKillop, a key role model of leadership for our College. Other highlights of this second days included writing affirmation notes to one another and stand-up paddle boarding. While some of our Year 11 students started the session quite apprehensive and unsure of themselves, it did not take long before they were zooming around the lake and had to be all but dragged off the paddle boards at the end of the session. We concluded the retreat by speaking about leadership in action and students completed a ‘Never See a Need’ rally where our groups came together to advocate for causes that were personal to them.

It was incredible to see the growth in some of our students in the short 3 days we were there. Throughout the retreat, students developed greater self-awareness, built stronger connections with peers, and discovered their unique leadership styles. Many showed increased confidence, improved collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. Staff observed a noticeable shift in the way students approached problem-solving, took initiative, and supported one another. It was inspiring to witness their transformation as they returned not only more confident but also as more compassionate and community-minded leaders ready to take on leadership roles in our community in 2026.

We are very grateful for the time and effort put in by Ms Harris to ensure we had a great time whilst creating meaningful activities for us to explore our leadership abilities. We also thank Ms Bahnisch, Ms Oswell, Mr Van-Vegchel and Mr Coleman for giving up their time to accompany us and facilitate the leadership activities. We are also grateful to all the staff at Genazzano for looking after us and keeping us well feed!

Year 11 Retreat was truly a wonderful experience as it was my very first camp since joining MacKillop. I didn’t know what to expect but at the end of camp, I was surprised and fulfilled on the joy and fun that came out of camp. Being a new student, I hadn’t known some of my classmates properly until the day of the retreat. I interacted with people I normally don’t talk to, sharing laughs and memories that will truly be etched in my mind for a long time. My favourite memory of camp happened to be paddle boarding with my group. The nature around us provided a beautiful, serene experience. While it was a fun sport, it also became an overall healing moment from the stress of everyday life, which I found particularly refreshing. The landscape and view right in front of my dorm was one of the things I looked forward to each day; witnessing the sunrise across the lake made my time there feel particularly wholesome.

-Liya M

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Our Senior Jersey design has been finalised and is available to order from the link sent out on the 06^th June 2025. Each jersey is $80, and orders will close on Friday, 27th June 2025. This timeline ensures students will receive their jerseys early in Term 4.

Please note that the name on the back of the jersey must be the student’s last name, or a shortened version if their surname exceeds the available character limit. All names will be reviewed before the final order is submitted to ensure consistency and appropriateness.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Wellbeing

I want to reinforce that in order to do well, we must first be well. Year 11 can be a challenging time as students work on their routines for balancing workload with outside pressures. As Head of Year, my priority is to support your child’s wellbeing, so they are in the best position to achieve to their best. If something is worrying you or your child, please reach out.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and I look forward to seeing how our students continue to grow in the second half of 2025!

Kind Regards,

Shynade Hohenhaus
Head of Year 11

Year 12: Alice Reilly– areilly2@cns.catholic.edu.au

Term 2 – My Journey, My Legacy!

⏳ 130 days until External Exams…

🎓 155 days until Graduation…

Time really does fly when you are forging a legacy! Term 2 has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and a few laughs along the way for our Foundation Cohort. As we look ahead, the excitement only builds.

Term 2 Highlights – Journey Highlights!

This term, we were lucky to welcome several fantastic guest speakers from the community who generously shared their time, wisdom, and in one case, a mechanical breakdown (the educational kind, not the emotional one).

🚗 Howard’s Driving School – Paul James

Paul James from Howard’s Driving School delivered a practical and eye-opening session on staying safe behind the wheel. Students learned how to manage distractions, problem-solve on the road, and even got a peek under the bonnet—because knowing your way around a car engine is just as important as knowing where the aux cord is.

🚑 Dr Katrina Starmer – Royal Flying Doctor Service

Dr Starmer, who somehow finds time to be both an Emergency Department doctor and a superhero, presented Survive 25—a session on risk-taking behaviours and emergency first aid. Her approach was refreshingly honest and fact-based, empowering students to make informed choices without the usual scare tactics. The students particularly enjoyed watching their classmates wear “Beer Goggles” and attempt basic tasks like walking a straight line or catching a ball with great difficulty. In appreciation, our College donated $500 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service on behalf of our Year 12s. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Starmer for helping our students stay safe.

Term 3 – Celebrating the Legacy

As we head into Term 3, the countdown to the Year 12 Formal begins! Tickets are now on sale and will remain available until August. If you would like to apply for up to two additional tickets due to family circumstances, please email me directly with your request and reason.

Preparations will soon be underway—think themes, decorations, dance practice, award nominations, and even etiquette classes (because knowing which fork to use is apparently still a thing). To keep things balanced, dedicated planning sessions will be held during Wednesday and Thursday lessons, so students can enjoy the excitement without it taking over their academic focus.

The Formal promises to be a magical evening, a celebration of our students’ journeys, the support of their families, and the legacy they will leave behind. I look forward to celebrating our students with you very soon!

As we wrap up Term 2, I encourage everyone to take a well-deserved break over the winter holidays. Rest, recharge, and enjoy some downtime with family and friends. And remember, stay warm, stay safe, and keep rugged up! We will see you back next term, ready to continue building your legacy.

Warm Regards,

Alice Reilly
Head of Year 12

LIBRARY NEWS

YEAR 7/8 READERS CUP 2025

A huge Shout Out goes to our Year 7 Readers Cup teams for their performance at the Regional Final held at St Stephens Catholic College on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. Our teams faced setbacks with several members having other family commitments, leaving a big hole in the team. However, our readers met the challenge with Briella K, Joel S and Ethan T coming in at 15th place. Tom J and Matthew C put up a valiant effort as a team of only two. All the students worked together so well and displayed great team spirit. Friendly, polite and cooperative, they were great ambassadors for MacKillop Catholic College and made us very proud! We hope that these students will compete in our Years 7/8 team again next year.

Readers Cup provides a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic readers to represent their school and extend their reading skills. Our teams had to read five books, commencing in the week before Term 1 holidays - effectively in 11 weeks. These students met with Mrs Long weekly during their morning tea break, discussing their books and quizzing each other. On the day they had to answer 10 very tough questions on each book and compete against 21 other teams from schools right across the region, including Thursday Island and Charleville. We would like to thank Miss Headridge for driving the bus and accompanying us on the day.

STUDENT COUNSELLORS

CairnsHelp is a useful website with phone numbers and links for support services across Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.  It has contact details for services in the following areas:

• Mental health
• Counselling
• Families/Relationships
• First Nations
• Young People
• Eating Disorder Support
• Perinatal
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• General Health & Wellbeing
• Carer Support
• Legal
• Accommodation

Kind Regards,

Ashlee Meerten
Secondary School Counsellor

News from the Business Manager, Ms Joanne O’Brien – Finance News

TERM 1 School Fees and Levies

Fees were issued Friday 02^nd May with a due date Monday 19^th May.

Reminder: Collection letters have been sent out to families on Friday, 23^rd May to families with outstanding fees and who do not have a payment plan in place.  We strongly encourage families to commit to a direct debit payment arrangement to reduce the burden of getting behind in paying school fees.

2025 TUITION FEES

Tuition fees have been set by Cairns Catholic Diocesan with a 3% increase.  This has been communicated to all parents by previous Executive Director, Bill Dixon. School levies for 2025 have been set by the College, with no increase in school levies from the previous year.

For Catholic schools, the need to charge tuition fees and levies arise from lower funding provided by the Government for non-government schools.  The most recent figures show that combined State and Federal Government funding for students at Government schools is $22,511 (per student on average) compared to only $14,032 (per student) for non-government schools like MacKillop Catholic College.

We are a not-for-profit organisation and all funds are used to provide a high standard of education and facilities for our students. This difference needs to be sourced from our families by way of tuition fees and levies to pay for; purchases of curriculum resources and online texts, purchase of stationery supplies for students, pay for camps/excursions/incursions, staff salaries, maintenance of grounds and buildings, purchase and maintenance of IT devices and equipment, construction and design of new buildings, and shade for the students.

It is imperative that our College collect this additional 20% of income otherwise we could not maintain the standard of education and wellbeing, or maintain the buildings and grounds for a safe environment for our students. Payment of fees is one of the conditions of enrolment, and committed to, at the time of enrolment.

REMINDER – Expired Health Care Cards

Reminder to all families with expiring Health Care Cards.  New cards and the HCC application form must be submitted to the finance department.

FAMILY CONCESSIONS:

1. Application for Fee support - The College wants to help families who are struggling personally or financially, and we can offer a special concession to those in need. Please contact Business Manager, Joanne O’Brien jobrien3@cns.catholic.edu.au for a confidential interview and complete the Application for Fee Support.

2. HCC Tuition Fee Discount Scheme – for eligible Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Card holders. This is a great saving of 70% discount off Tuition fees.

Please remember to contact the Finance department accounts.mountpeter@cns.catholic.edu.au if you need to discuss payment extension or a new payment calculation.

School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) BUS PROGRAM

We encourage all families to apply for STAS card to use the Kinetic bus services to and from school.  If you hold a current Health Care Card you are automatically eligible for the STAS regardless of how close you reside to a state school, however applications are still required. Please use the link below to complete your application to ensure our school is entitled to receive Translink School buses.

For those families who live too close to a state school, and ineligible for the STAS program, your next step is to apply for the new Kinetic Smartcard system (tap/go operation).

Kinetic Smartcard System

Most families have applied for the new Smartcard.  The Smartcards will be mailed out to families’ residential address.  The application form is attached with Passenger Application ‘load and go’ instructions provided. There is no need to reapply for this card, it will simply roll into the following years.

Kind Regards,

Joanne O’Brien
Business Manager

College News

MCC is Nut AWARE!

Please remember that due to severe allergy and health reasons MacKillop is a NUT AWARE College. Please be mindful of this when packing your child/ren’s lunches.

Your co-operation and support in this matter is appreciated.

Student Absence – Late Arrival – Early Departure

Student Absence/Student Absence Process

Any absence from school should be for one of the following reasons (as outlined by the Education Act 2006 and Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Assessment Guidelines):

• Illness
• Medical related procedures
• Misadventure (accidents)
• Family tragedy (including Sorry Business)

Parents/carers whose children are absent from school are asked to contact the College Office by Telephone 4081 7600, Email studentabsent.mcc@cns.catholic.edu.au or Parent Portal/MyCE App before 8:30am if possible. If a student has not arrived for class and the College Office is not aware of the student’s whereabouts, parents will be sent a SMS text message to their mobile phone (to the Main Contact as nominated on the Enrolment Form). It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to then inform the office immediately of the reason for the student’s absence.

A Notification for Student Absence form should be completed for an absence that is greater than five consecutive school days. Please email this form to the College office studentabsent.mcc@cns.catholic.edu.au

Parents/carers are asked to advise the College Office and Classroom Teacher via Email in the event of a multiple day absence, so it can be recorded prior to the date of absence.

If the absence is for a medical reason for three or more days, a medical certificate is also requested.

If the absence is for representative sport or cultural events, please send an email to the office and attach a copy of the relevant TCS/competition forms.

If a student is unable to then attend sport trials/cultural events, please email the College office so attendance records can be updated.

PLEASE NOTE:

If an absence from school is approved for students in Secondary, the following documents will be attached to the College approval email, and will need to be completed and returned asap.

Years 7-9             Application for Assessment Extension form

Years 10-12        Application for AARA (Assess Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments – Illness and Misadventure – Confidential Medical Report) form which is a requirement of QCAA.

Late Arrivals

If a student arrives at school after 8:30am and before 9:00am, they are to enter via the Main Gate and register their late arrival at the Secondary Library and receive their late slip to hand to their classroom/homeroom teacher.

Early Departure

Students are not permitted to leave the College grounds during school hours unless accompanied by a parent/carer. Prior notification must be given if a student needs to leave the College during the school hours. This can be communicated via email studentabsent.mcc@cns.catholic.edu.au and copied to the College Office. Parents/carers must report to the College Office to collect and sign out their child. If leaving for an appointment and returning, students must be signed back in through the College Office.

Student Protection Contact Officers

Tuckshop and Uniform Shop

FLORA’s CAFÉ AND UNIFORM SHOP

Exciting News:   Introducing My School Connect for Tuckshop and Uniform Ordering!

We have transitioned to a new online provider for Flora’s Cafe and Uniform ordering, and we are pleased to introduce My School Connect as our chosen platform. This user-friendly and efficient system is designed to simplify the process of ordering meals and uniforms for your child, providing a seamless experience for both parents and students.

Key features of My School Connect include:

Online Ordering and Cashless Payments – easily place orders by accessing My School Connect direct from our Parent Portal. Secondary students will still be able to use cash or their own debit cards to directly purchase items from the Cafe. 

Menu Accessibility - Access the tuckshop menu online, allowing you to review options and make informed choices for your child's meals.

Order History - Keep track of your child's tuckshop and uniform orders and expenditures through the comprehensive order history feature.

We believe that this transition to My School Connect enhances the overall online ordering experience for both parents and students.  Should you encounter any issues or have questions about the new system, please do not hesitate to reach out to the My School Connect support team directly at: https://myschoolconnect.com.au/contact

You will have received emails from My School Connect with instructions about how to activate your account - so please check your inbox.  You simply cannot create your own account within My School Connect, they are generated internally by them.

For parents who still use Flexischools for a child at another school, you can simply close the profile of the student at MacKillop.  How to close your Flexischools account – click here for instructions

We appreciate your support in making this transition a smooth and positive experience for everyone. Thank you for entrusting MacKillop Catholic College with your child's education, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional services.

Safety at MacKillop

Safety remains our key consideration during student drop-off and collection. Please note the following:

• Students are to be dropped only via the door near the kerbside. Dropping via the roadside is dangerous.
• Students in lower Primary levels will not be permitted to walk unsupervised into/through to the carpark to parents/cars.
• Students riding a bike or scooter should follow road safety rules and wear a helmet.
• Student devices such as phones can be especially distracting. Please reinforce with your child/ren, the need to be alert when crossing roads.
• Drive carefully as you enter/exit the College, and follow the correct flow of traffic at all times.
• Be mindful of residents that live around the College.
• Do not use the NO STANDING zone outside the eastern-side of the College entrance – this is an exit pathway for students walking home and driving/parking here puts lives in danger.

Changes have been made in response to safety concerns and to allow for the smooth exit of those families using the College carpark. It could also attract a fine issued by the Cairns Regional Council.

Unfortunately, there continues to be vehicles using this area for dropping off/picking up students. The College will continue to work with Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Police Service to enforce parking restrictions in this area. The College requests that all families dropping off or picking up children use the carpark and associated load and go areas. By working together patiently we can ensure all students can arrive and depart safely. Your ongoing cooperation is appreciated.

Marketing and Communications

MacKillop Board – Message from Chairperson

Hello and welcome to another jam-packed year at MacKillop!

My name is Danae Jones and for those who I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I am the Chair of the MacKillop Board. I have been a member of the MacKillop Board since May 2022, and I have been Chairperson of the Board since September 2023. Like you, I am a parent. I have two daughters at the school (one in Primary and one in Secondary). Our family is a foundational family - our daughters have been at the school since Prep. In fact, the land on which the College is built, is where I used to take my girls when they were little, to visit the resident horses and cows, so for us, MacKillop is a very special and homely place. The people that lead our College have become lifelong friends and a valued part of our extended family, as they help us guide our children to be the best they can be.

The Role of The Board

The College Board provides the opportunity for members of the College, Parish and Diocesan communities to support the mission of Catholic Education in the school.  Working with the Principal, Priest, and staff, College Board members provide leadership to the wider school community.

The College Board has a decision-making role in certain policy areas and an advisory role in others.  The Principal has responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and management of the school.  The Board often operates as a “sounding board” in considering ideas and providing advice and counsel to the College Principal and Leadership Team. The College Board also plays an important role in helping to define and celebrate the special religious character or charism of the Catholic school.

For 2025, these are the wonderful Board members who sit on our MacKillop Board:

Board members

Myself and other members of our Board are usually present at major events hosted by the College, so please introduce yourself if you see us around. We love to meet MCC parents. 

The MacKillop Board is an advisory Board that supports the Leadership Team at the College, to ensure continuity of our vision and mission.

Until next time, take care of yourselves – and remember as a school community, we are in this together.

Warmest Regards,

Danae Jones
Chairperson
MacKillop Catholic College Board

P & F News

News from your MacKillop Catholic College Parents and Friends Association

Once again, we find ourselves rounding out another very busy Term which has been loaded with lots of experiences, achievements and learning for our MCC children.

Since the beginning of our 2024/2025 MCC P&F Term, your MCC P&F have contributed the following for initiatives/facilities for our MCC Children and Families:

*  $14,861.38 - Secondary Sports Precinct
*  $16,570.00 - Shade for Primary Playground
*  $  4,935.00 - School TV (12 Month Subscription)
*  $  5,181.82 - Internet Safety Education with Brett Lee (12 Month Subscription)

Your MCC P&F wish you all a relaxing, memory-making and safe June/July school holidays.

Your MCC P&F’s Meetings for 2025 are scheduled to be held at 6.00pm on Wednesdays in the Secondary Library (Admin Building) on the following dates.  We’d love to see you there.

*  16 July 2025 – General Meeting;
*  13 August 2025 – General Meeting;
*  17 September 2025 – General Meeting; and
*  15 October 2025 – Annual General Meeting and General Meeting.

Upcoming MCC P&F Initiatives for Term 3:

*  Set-up Father’s Day Stall – Tuesday, 2 September 2025 (Term 3, Week 8)
*  Father’s Day Stall – Wednesday and Thursday, 3 and 4 September 2025 (Term 3, Week 8) – Mother’s Day gifts for sale to students to purchase for loved ones.
*  Father’s Day Stall Primary Class Gotcha Awards (ie. Classes displaying brilliant MacKillop Way dispositions whilst attending Stall) – All awarded classes will receive a Class Award Certificate and Icy Poles.  #respect  #engagement  #personalbest
*  Primary Colour Run – Thursday, 18 September 2025 (Term 3, Week 10)

Father’s Day Stall (Term 3, Week 8)

We are calling on any parents/grandparents/carers who may be able to assist with this year’s Father’s Day Stall.

For our new families, as with our Mother’s Day Stall in Term 2, your MCC P&F purchase Father’s Day gifts to sell to the students for their loved ones for Father’s Day.  The prices of the gifts range from $1.00 to $7.00.

The Stall will be operating throughout the school day on Thursday and Friday, 3 and 4 September 2025 for our Primary and Secondary children.  CASH and EFTPOS facilities will be available for Students and Staff/Adults.

Any parents/carers who may be able to assist, even for an hour or two, it is always greatly appreciated.  To be able to assist, you must have completed the volunteer requirements, prior to helping out.  If you are keen and able, please make contact with us at:  pandf.mountpeter@cnsstu.catholic.edu.au

The excitement and smiles on the kids’ faces when thoughtfully selecting and purchasing their gifts make the time worth every minute!

Volunteers - We would love to see you!

Our events/initiatives would not be able to proceed without the help of our valued MCC parent/carer volunteers.  It is a great way to connect with our College, other parents/carers and being part of your child’s learning journey.

In order to volunteer within our College, you are required to participate in a short online induction (link to quiz below) along with the provision of a few completed and signed forms to the College (which can be emailed to you or collected from the College Office) which will cover you for 12 months.

Please email the College Office (office.mountpeter@cns.catholic.edu.au) or your MCC P&F (pandf.mountpeter@cnsstu.catholic.edu.au) if you are interested in volunteering with one of our initiatives and/or at one of our events throughout the year OR to assist our College in any way.  As the saying goes, many hands make light work.

Any grandparents/carers/non-parents wishing to assist are required to have a valid Blue Card which will need to be linked to the College.  Please contact the College Office for assistance in this regard.  #everythingwedoisforourMCCkids

Online Volunteer Quiz:  https://www.cns.catholic.edu.au/volunteer-training-quiz/

**All volunteers MUST have successfully completed the 2025 Volunteer Quiz and provided all required documentation to the College Office.**

The Entertainment Book is NOW The Entertainment App – Another way to support your MCC P&F

We have again proudly partnered with The Entertainment App to raise funds in 2025.

Please consider buying an Entertainment Membership today as 20% of the proceeds go directly to our Fundraiser.

Your Entertainment Membership not only unlocks exclusive access to unbeatable discounts at the best fine dining and family restaurants plus attractions and more, but also supports our community’s fundraising goals.

Support Us Now:  https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/957j343

Locals Supporting Locals – IGA Edmonton’s Community Benefit Fund

Don’t forget to support IGA Edmonton and whilst you’re there, please consider allocating your Community Benefit points to MacKillop Catholic College.  #localssupportinglocals

Through the generosity of IGA, your MCC P&F benefit financially through the points collected in their Community Benefit Fund.  During 2023-2024, your MCC P&F received the sum of approximately $7,100.00 from this Fund.

THANK YOU IGA Edmonton for your ongoing commitment and support of our MCC P&F Association, which in turn ultimately supports our MCC children!

MacKillop Catholic College – Code 5154.

This is the epitome of locals supporting locals.

Kind Regards,

Your MacKillop Catholic College P&F Association
Email: pandf.mountpeter@cnsstu.catholic.edu.au

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