5 August 2024

News from the College Principal, Mrs Janelle Newman

Term 3 Week 4

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 3 has started with a bang! We have celebrated Catholic Education Week, with some of our students attending mass at Saint Monica’s Cathedral. During this week, MacKillop co-hosted Sacred Voices, in partnership with Cairns Gift of Music at the cathedral. It was an amazing night of song with the voices of students across our region coming together to experience our faith-in-action.

Last week, we celebrated NAIDOC Week across the College. Among the many activities were liturgies on our Primary and Secondary assemblies. Both of these events were attended by our local First Nations peoples, and our students enjoyed the sharing of culture and story.

This week, we honour the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary was the co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who fought for the poor and marginalised in colonial Australia. At MacKillop, we try to live our lives in the way of Mary MacKillop – our MacKillop Way. We want our students to know the importance of helping those in need and standing up for what is right. Mary’s story and charism inspire us to be our best learner and our best person – to respect, support and help all those who cross our paths. Our Feast Day will culminate in a liturgy on Thursday, 08 August during which we will recognise those staff and students in our community who ‘treat others fairly and are inclusive and respectful in their interaction with other students and staff, contributing to the community spirit of the College’.

MacKillop – Leading Educational Reform

The Australian newspaper published an article last week stating that the New South Wales Department of Education is returning to the old school method of teaching children, vital facts, in sequence. This change is based on recent “research that proves children learn best when they are explicitly taught facts and given practice to embed them in long-term memory”. The article goes on to explain that teachers must rely on evidence of what works to help children learn, just as doctors perform operations based on proven and best-practice surgical techniques.

Here at MacKillop, our teachers have already been on this journey for the last 4 years. We have been researching and implementing the recommendations of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) across the College. This includes the implementation of synthetic phonics in Prep to Year 2. This involves a sequenced program that teaches our children to recognise / decode the 44 phonemes (sounds) that make up words, and then synthesise / blend graphemes (written representations of the sounds, to enable them to read and write words.

We have also embedded the latest brain research on cognitive load, to help our students learn more effectively. Our working memory is only able to hold a small amount of information at any one time, and therefore our instructional methods should avoid overloading students with input as this limits processing. Additionally, we practice to mastery through retrieval practice, and teach by breaking learning into smaller chunks that then allow students to experience success. Every morning across the Primary sector, students start their day with a morning routine of retrieval and fact building; our Secondary students start every lesson with a retrieval quiz.

Students might also learn to chant, draw and perform actions to remember Mathematics concepts this way. For example, SOHCAHTOA for calculating the unknown size of an angle in a right-angle triangle.

Of course, all of our curriculum programs sequence student learning so that it is developmental and gradually building student knowledge, skill and confidence. This is labelled the Gradual Release model.

Once students know something about a topic or concept, then they will be able to do something with it – apply their knowledge, analyse information or data, use their understanding to construct, investigate or problem solve. This is our goal; one that we take very seriously, and the whole purpose of learning – to use what we know to do something with it!

This all comes together in Secondary, under the banner of the Universal design for Learning. This links all pedagogies to help students understand the what, why and how of their learning.

So how can you help your child? Read to them; help them decode words – no matter what age. Talk to them about their learning – help them retrieve information and explain concepts to you; take them places, research new information, expose them to new experiences – this will build their background knowledge and help them to supercharge their long-term memory. All of these things will help them grow in confidence and encourage them to apply what they know.

Kind Regards,
Janelle Newman
College Principal

News from the Deputy Principal –Primary, Ms Caitlin O’Meara

Dear MacKillop families,

We have started our second semester off with quite a lot to celebrate! Our students have returned to school ready and rearing for a term of rigorous learning and personal growth.

Our Prep’s are 100 Days Smarter!

Our Prep’s celebrated their very first 100 days of learning on Friday of Week 1, where students and families created outstanding t-shirts to celebrate their first 100 days of school and engaged in various activities throughout the day.

Camp Patterson

During the second week, our Year 6 students attend Camp Patterson, where they participated in leadership and team building activities such as; Plugga, canoeing, obstacle courses, building survival shelters, trivia, damper making and self-reflecting during a liturgy around the fire. A big thank you to Mr Arcidiacono, Mrs Carboni, Mrs Bozzo, Mrs Stewart, Mr Duda, Mr Wyatt and Ms Cahill for making the Year 6 camp an eventful experience for our students.

Faith, Hope and Love

Last week, we celebrated Catholic Education week. The theme for this year was Faith, Hope and Love. We are truly blessed at MacKillop to have an abundance of exceptional educators and staff who continually show up for our school community each day, dedicated to providing an education where our children are loved, challenged and guided to reach their full potential.

This year we are fortunate to have quite a few staff who have been recognised by their colleagues for their outstanding contribution to Catholic Education. A big congratulations to the following staff for being nominated for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award (SOCE) and/or Docemus award.

• Mr Jack Horton (SOCE + Docemus)
• Ms Simone Cahill (SOCE + Docemus)
• Mrs Chathuri Kumarage (SOCE + Docemus)
• Mrs Tina Kalac (SOCE)
• Mrs Marissa Savaglio (Docemus)
• Mr Korom Uniab (Docemus)

NAIDOC Week

For NAIDOC week, our students have had the opportunity to dive into learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. During class and at lunch times, students have engaged in various First Nation inspired activities such as creating a mural, painting earrings, card scratching and bead making. Each class from Prep to Year 6 have had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Mrs Debel tell the story about the Coconut Tree and its significant importance within Torre Strait Islander culture. Students have weaved, danced, sung and certainly been inspired this week!

Feast of St Mary MacKillop

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, for whom our College is named after, was committed to creating an education that provided each child the opportunity and prospect of optimism and hope. Mary MacKillop demonstrated her faith, through her everyday interactions of word and deed. We celebrate her legacy and service to Catholic education this coming week. Next week, as we celebrate St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s legacy we will also acknowledge both students and staff who have been nominated by their teachers and colleagues as living in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop.

NAPLAN

This week all Years 3 and 5 families received a hard copy of your child’s NAPLAN results for 2024. NAPLAN is a tool we use as a school to understand how our students are progressing at MacKillop, within the Diocese and at Nation level in both literacy and numeracy. As a College, we analyse our results, celebrate the areas of growth and strategically plan goals for future improvement regarding teaching and learning at MacKillop.

A friendly reminder of the following important dates to add to your calendar!

• Tuesday 13 August – Science Fair 3:00pm – 5:00pm in Secondary MPC
• Tuesday 20 August – Year 5 Leadership Retreat
• Friday 23 August – Book Week Parade
• Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 – August Father’s Day Stall
• Thursday 29 August – Father’s Day Breakfast and Primary Prayer Assembly
• Friday 30 August – Pupil Free Day
• Monday 02 September – Thursday 06 September – Parent Teacher Student Conferences

Yours Sincerely,
Caitlin O’Meara
Deputy Principal - Primary

News from the Deputy Principal –Secondary, Mrs Sarah Coleman

Term 3

As we move to the halfway mark of Term 3, it has been a pleasure to see our students enact the MacKillop Way, showing respect to their peers and teachers, engaged in learning and striving for their personal best.  I would like to extend a warm welcome our new students and their families to our community. We hope that MacKillop will be the place where their hearts, minds and spirits will be inspired to be young people of principle and purpose.

Sweating the small stuff

Our motto for this term is ‘sweat the small stuff’ as we encourage our students to focus on the little things, the many moments in the day when small decisions reap big rewards.  Whilst we might sometimes hear people say not to sweat the small things, the reality is, everything begins as something small.  When we get dressed in the morning, and put on our uniform, it is a sign that we are ready to learn.  Whilst wearing the wrong shoes, or an extra set of earrings might not seem like much, it is a sign that we are not entirely in the space of learning.  If energy is being absorbed at school by fixing the little things, it detracts from the other areas of our day that should be taking our time; namely, learning.

The ancient philosophers were big on the small things, going so far as to classify these habits as ‘moral virtues’.  Aristotle, who was alive in the fourth century BCE and the personal tutor of one of my favourite ancient generals, Alexander the Great, wrote extensively in this area.  Aristotle starts with the definition of moral virtue and goes on to note that it’s not present in us by nature but requires careful cultivation, something we must engage in on a daily basis. He says:

But this process can go both ways, Aristotle notes, for the quality of our actions is crucial in determining the qualities cultivated. We must choose carefully.  He notes:

The house we are seeking to build is one that honours respect, engagement and personal best, always.  It is through these dispositions that we can become the best versions of ourselves, and by doing the little things, the small stuff well and often, we will sing our future into existence.  I ask you to encourage your students at home to sweat the small stuff, adhere to your family givens, just as we have givens at school.  Because as Ovid said, Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi, sed saepe cadendo: The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.

Assessment

Last week, all students received their assessment calendar.  As we gear up for the academic challenges ahead, it is essential to reflect on the core values that define us as a community of scholars: academic integrity and adherence to the assessment policy.

At MacKillop, we take pride in fostering a culture of academic integrity. We believe that upholding academic honesty is crucial not only for maintaining the credibility and reputation of our college but also for nurturing the intellectual growth of our students. Academic integrity extends beyond the classroom; it is a commitment that students, faculty, and staff must embody in all aspects of their academic and professional lives.

Academic integrity refers to the ethical principles and values that underpin scholarly pursuits. It encompasses a range of behaviours, such as properly citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, respecting the ideas and intellectual property of others, and honestly representing one's work. Upholding academic integrity ensures that students earn their achievements based on their efforts, knowledge, and abilities.

To maintain a fair and transparent evaluation process, the College has a comprehensive assessment policy informed by the expectations of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). This policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for both staff and students when it comes to assessments, including exams, projects, essays, and other forms of evaluation.

Our dedicated staff plays a central role in promoting academic integrity. They not only design assessments that challenge and assess students' understanding but also emphasize the importance of academic honesty in their classrooms. Staff serve as mentors who guide students towards academic success while instilling the values of integrity and responsible scholarship.  AI and use thereof is becoming an ever greater player in the educational arena, and I have included the guidelines for parents and carers from QCAA in this newsletter.

The Consequences of Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is taken seriously, and appropriate measures are in place to address any violations. The consequences of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing grade for an assignment to facing academic probation or even expulsion from the college in severe cases. Let us all remember that academic misconduct not only tarnishes individual reputations but also undermines the trust and credibility of the entire academic community.

Support for Students

We understand that navigating academic expectations can be challenging, particularly for new students. That's why we provide various resources to support students in their academic journey. If you have questions about proper citation methods, academic writing, or study techniques, don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers.

As we navigate the exciting events and challenges of Term Three, it is crucial for students and families to stay informed and organized. Mark important assessment dates and deadlines on your calendars and set aside time for focused study and preparation. By proactively managing your time and staying on top of your coursework, you can achieve academic success and maximize your potential.

Remember, our teachers and support staff are here to help you along the way. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to them for assistance. Together, we can overcome obstacles and reach new heights in our academic pursuits.

Charting the Path to Success: The 2025 Subject Selection Process

As we embark on the journey of preparing our students for their academic futures, we are excited to share with you the essential steps we are taking in the 2025 subject selection process. At MacKillop, we recognize the invaluable support and commitment from parents like you, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for being partners in shaping the educational paths of our students.

Year 11 Subject Selection Evening - A Collaborative Effort

On Tuesday evening we have the Year 11 subject selection evening, a significant event that brings together students, parents, and teachers to explore the diverse array of subjects on offer for the coming year. The evening provides students and parents with the opportunity to discuss their aspirations and seek guidance from their teachers and parents.

SEP Interviews

In the upcoming weeks, we will be conducting the Senior Education Plan (SEP) interviews. These interviews serve as a vital platform for students, parents, and teachers to discuss the students' academic goals and aspirations, review subject choices, and tailor a personalized study plan for each individual.

We warmly welcome and encourage parents to attend these interviews alongside their children. Your input and perspectives are invaluable in understanding your child's strengths, interests, and ambitions. Together, we can collaboratively chart the most suitable course to nurture their academic and personal growth.

Specialist Subject Offerings for Years 8 – 10 2025

At MacKillop, we believe in empowering students with a well-rounded and diverse education. To ensure we provide the best possible learning experience, students in Years 7-9 have been given preliminary subject surveys for the 2025 specialist offerings.

These surveys are designed to gauge students' interests and preferences in specific subjects. Based on their feedback, we aim to curate an engaging and stimulating curriculum that aligns with their passions and inclinations. Further details regarding the specialist offerings and the subject selection process for these years will be communicated to parents and students in the coming days.

As we navigate the subject selection process for 2025, we want to emphasize that your support and partnership with us are vital in our students' educational journey. Together, we can help them explore their interests, hone their talents, and build a strong foundation for their future endeavours.

We understand that choosing the right subjects can be a significant decision, and we assure you that our dedicated team of educators is here to offer guidance and support at every step. Your involvement in your child's education fosters a sense of belonging and encourages them to achieve their full potential.

We are grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm from our parents and guardians. Your involvement in the 2025 subject selection process is a testament to your commitment to your child's education. Through collaboration and open communication, we can create a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, fosters growth, and prepares our students for a bright and successful future.

Thank you for being our partners in this educational journey. Together, we will continue to inspire, educate, and empower the hearts, minds and spirits of MacKillop students.

Senior Student Leadership Process

At the commencement of the Term, our graduating class of 2025 had the opportunity to nominate for College leadership positions for 2025.  The shortlist was published to students this week, and over the coming weeks, we will interview candidates for both College captains and Prefects.  They will then deliver a speech to the Year 10 and 11 cohorts, before voting takes place.  Successful candidates will be recognised at a special assembly in Week 10.

Kind Regards,
Sarah Coleman
Deputy Principal – Secondary

News from the Acting Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach, Mr Tim Chapman

Greetings MacKillop community,

Thank you to everyone for welcoming me into the fold this term. It has been great to meet so many friendly students and families already. Term 3 is always a busy time in the school year and I have managed to hit the ground running in my short time here.

In week 3, we joined with our wider Cairns diocese and the rest of the state to recognise Catholic Education Week and celebrate the wonderful opportunities we have as communities of Faith, Hope, and Love. During we the week, we took part in a Mass at the Cathedral with many of the other Cairns schools. We also celebrated our Grandparents assembly in Primary and acknowledged student achievements at our Secondary Academic assembly. The cherry on top was the incredible Sacred Voices concert, hosted by MacKillop at the Cathedral, under the direction of Maureen Cameron. It was inspiring to see so many schools come together to collaborate and bring joy to all in attendance.

Week 4 was NAIDOC week at MacKillop. All week there have been a range of cultural experiences on offer for students to engage with, led by Christella Fourmile, Carmel Debel, and Dean McGilvray. The week was kickstarted with prayer and culminated in celebrations at our assemblies. It has been wonderful to see staff and students keen to learn more about the rich cultures of our country.

On the 8^th of August we join together as a College community to celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, our patron saint. This important feast embraces the legacy of Mary MacKillop and invites us to continue her mission in our world today. At our liturgy, we will recognise students who make a difference in our College through their interactions, service, and engagement.

Peace and Blessings
Tim Chapman
Acting Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach

News from the Assistant Principal Administration, Ms Melissa Headridge

Welcoming our JCU Pre-Service Teachers

At the beginning of the term, we had the pleasure of welcoming three pre-service teachers from James Cook University in Cairns: Daniel White, Madisyn Jones, and Eloise Little. These aspiring educators completed their professional placement in our secondary department, gaining valuable experience and insights into the teaching profession.

At MacKillop Catholic College, we deeply value the role we play in developing pre-service teachers, as it aligns with our commitment to positively shaping the future of education. By offering these opportunities, we contribute to the growth of the next generation of educators who will go on to inspire and educate students.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful supervising teachers—Sarah Coleman, Matthew Coxon, Matt Nolan, Alice Reilly, Anita Harrold, and Roz Bahnisch. These dedicated professionals generously shared their expertise with the university students. We are fortunate to have so many experienced and passionate teachers who are willing to work side-by-side with our new educators, helping them grow and develop professionally through guidance and continual feedback.

Upcoming Vaccination Program for Year 10 Students

A reminder that on 21^st August, our Year 10 students will receive their second dose of the Meningococcal B vaccine as part of the upcoming vaccination program. It's important to note that there is no need to submit new consent cards for this round, as the Year 10 consent cards previously returned already include signed consent for both doses of this vaccine.

In addition to the Year 10 vaccinations, there will also be a small number of catch-up vaccinations for Year 7 students at this clinic. We have the necessary valid consent forms for these students, so no further action is required.

We encourage all parents and guardians to ensure their children are present on the day of the vaccinations.

Father’s Day Stall

Our annual Father’s Day Stall will take place on 28^th and 29^th August. There will be a wonderful range of gifts available for our students to purchase, perfect for celebrating the special fathers and father figures in their lives.

A big thank you goes out to our Parent & Friends (P&F) Association for their dedication and effort in organizing this event. Their hard work ensures that the stall will be a great success and a memorable part of our Father’s Day celebrations.

We look forward to seeing the excitement as students choose their gifts and make Father’s Day extra special this year.

Student Free Day – 30^th August

A reminder that Friday, 30^th August, will be a Student Free Day at MacKillop Catholic College. On this day, students will not be attending classes as our staff will be engaged in professional development activities.

Please make arrangements for your children accordingly and note that school will resume on Monday, 02^nd September.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to invest in the professional growth of our teaching staff.

Excursions

Excursion has a vital part of our educational program at MacKillop Catholic College. They offer students unique learning experiences beyond the classroom, allowing them to explore, engage, and deepen their understanding of their studies.

To streamline the process for parents and caregivers, MacKillop Catholic College communicates all excursion details via Broadcast notifications, ensuring you are kept informed and up-to-date. For day excursions within a 50km radius, please remember that permission was granted at enrolment, so no additional consent is required for each trip.

We would like to thank all our parents and caregivers who do a wonderful job of consistently ensuring our students are prepared for their excursions.

God Bless
Melissa Headridge
Assistant Principal Administration

Primary News

Prep

Prep 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 1

Year 1, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 2

Year 2, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 3

Year 3, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 4

Year 4, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 5

Year 5, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Year 6

Year 6, 2024 Term 2 Issue 2

Secondary News

SCIENCE

Greetings Science families.

By the time this reaches your screens we will be just about ready to roll out Science week 2024. The theme this year is Species Survival: More than just sustainability and I finally get to celebrate a subject I’m familiar with.

Science week is also a welcome opportunity to collaborate with the primary school throughout the week in to explore the theme more thoroughly. Secondary teachers will open our facilities and volunteer our time to Primary classes in order to engage, amaze and encourage science while promoting our facilities throughout Week 6.

The Primary sector will be conducting their Science Fair in our Secondary MPC and RESTA reptile awareness and Roaming Wild will be on site promoting their wildlife, conservation, informative and interactive messages throughout the afternoon for our wider community on the Tuesday of Week 6. We have engaged RESTA during the day in selected year levels currently learning about biology as part of their curriculum to spread the reptile awareness message. We believe this is essential as living in this great region we hear of and may see these creatures but rarely have the opportunity to interact and engage with them in a safe controlled environment and hear about them from expert handlers.

In addition to RESTA and Roaming Wild, Secondary science staff will also have interactives promoting the theme. If you are available Tuesday, 13^th August 2024 please come through to share the afternoon with us between 3:30pm and 5:30pm. Food will be available for purchase, and I hear coffee may also be arranged to help the older learners (adults) with an afternoon pick me up.

Yours in Science,
Andrew Hislop
Leader – Head of Science

PERFORMING ARTS

Kind Regards,

Maureen Cameron
Leader – Head of Performing Arts

TECHNOLOGIES

Technology

Greetings Technology Families of MacKillop.

I would like to take this opportunity in this newsletter to explore the significant benefits of our Technology subjects, particularly focusing on Food Specialisations, Industrial Technologies, Design and Digital Technologies. These subjects not only impart essential content knowledge but also cultivate a range of transferable skills that students can apply across various disciplines.

Integrating Theory and Practice

In our Technology subjects, theoretical concepts are seamlessly integrated with practical applications. For instance, in Food Specialisations, students learn about nutrition and food safety while actively engaging in food preparation. This dual approach enhances understanding and retention, allowing students to connect theoretical principles with real-world applications.

Engaging Learning Experiences

Practical experiences in Technology subjects are crucial for student engagement. In woodworking classes, students are not just learning about materials and tools; they are designing and creating projects that reflect their understanding of engineering principles, material specialisations, and industry standard, technical drawing skills. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, as students must navigate challenges during the design and production processes. In Food Technologies and Hospitality, students engage in the design process to create marketable food products. They learn about the characteristics of various ingredients and how to apply contemporary issues related to sustainability and nutritional quality to their creations. These experiences encourage critical thinking and innovation, essential skills in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Collaboration and Communication

Technology subjects also emphasise collaboration and communication. Students often work in teams to complete projects, mirroring real-world industry practices. This teamwork not only enhances their interpersonal skills but also prepares them for future careers where collaboration is key. For example, in Design and Digital Technologies, students may collaborate on projects that require them to integrate digital tools and design thinking, fostering an environment of shared learning and creativity.

Addressing Real-World Challenges

The curriculum in our Technology subjects is designed to address contemporary challenges. In Food Specialisations, students explore issues related to food security and sustainable production methods. They learn to make informed decisions about food choices, which is increasingly important in a world facing climate change and resource scarcity. Similarly, Industrial Technologies courses teach students about sustainable materials and practices, preparing them to contribute positively to society and the environment.

Lifelong Learning Skills

Ultimately, the skills developed in our Technology subjects—such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—are vital for lifelong learning. Students learn to adapt their knowledge and skills to various contexts, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational and career opportunities. The inquiry-based approach we take in these subjects fosters curiosity and exploration.

Exciting Developments Ahead

Our Technology subjects are expanding and growing each and every year, just as our College continues to build and evolve. We are very excited to introduce some new subjects for our Years 10 and 11 students in 2025. So, stay tuned and keep an eye out for subject information handbooks and sessions that will be coming your way in the coming weeks!

In conclusion, our Technology subjects provide a robust framework for student learning, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering collaboration, and addressing real-world challenges. These experiences not only enhance student engagement but also equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly complex world—because Technology matters!

Kind Regards,

Lorena Goodall
Leader – Head of Technologies

PATHWAYS

The beginning of Term 3 has been extremely busy. Students attended a leadership breakfast run by the Business Liaison Association. This awesome experience showed students that regardless of your challenges you can achieve great things.

For our Year 10 students we are starting to look at their pathway into senior and how that this going to look. During this time, we have been discussing the many different pathways. Are you thinking about going straight from High School to University – this is your ATAR pathway. Are you thinking about further study after High School – A traineeship, apprenticeship or TAFE. Or are you thinking about working and taking time out to figure out what you would like to do. Over the past few weeks we have been discussing all the different options and what is best for each student.

We have been highlighting with students, what they choose now will not be their final decisions. As they grow and experience the world their choices will change.

So, if our young people are expected to have up to 7 different careers in their lifetime, how can they set themselves up for success in all of them?

The first trick is to have a diverse and somewhat universal skillset. For some people, this means choosing a university program that will equip them with a combination of the skills they’ll need for a specific industry and skills that will help them thrive in any industry.

Here are some things you can do to be ready for career changes:

• Maintain a growth mindset. Try to view any challenges you come across as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to your progress. This approach to problems will help you become resilient and adaptable.
• Reflect on your life and career often. Taking regular time out to check in on your feelings about your current role (e.g. whether you’re fulfilled and engaged by the job and whether the work you’re doing aligns with your passions).
• Cherish and nurture professional relationships. A solid network of professional contacts can prove very useful when making career changes.
• Go back to study if you need to. Look for a course that can give you specific skills and qualifications you need to progress.
• Take advantage of professional development. When your employer(s) make learning opportunities available to you, don’t miss out on them. Broadening your capabilities and keeping your knowledge current is key to making career changes.

The idea of having up to 7 careers in your life can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out and finding your first job.

MacKillop strive to foster the best in each student. Through our various support systems, we encourage each student to strive for whichever pathway will give them a great start.

Kind Regards,
Rebecca Flockhart
Acting Leader – Head of Pathways

HEAD OF YEAR

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

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

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

Year 10: Gianni Balatti Hill – gbalattihi2@cns.catholic.edu.au

Year 11: Kate Buchanan – kbuchanan1@cns.catholic.edu.au

As part of the Year 11 Life Skills Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, we have had some brilliant visitors imparting their knowledge and wisdom to better prepare our students for the “real world”. Thank you to RACQ, Griffith University and Life Sumo.

RACQ visits MCC

To help prepare our students to become safer drivers and passengers on the roads, our Year 11 students participated in RACQ’s Driver IQ Provisional Program. Through this interactive lesson, students gained insight into hazard perception and the potential for risk.

They also unpacked strategies to help deal with passengers, and learned what to do to keep themselves and others safe if they find themselves in a breakdown or crash situation.

Life Sumo visits MCC

James from Life Sumo has the core belief that "People would make better choices with better education" so James spent the session explaining what it means for money to compound, what an asset is, how assets return money, and how the economy works.

James shared his knowledge in the hopes that as students enter the workforce, start to pick super funds and have money available to invest, that they understand the concept of investment better and can therefore make more informed choices.

Griffith University’s Blurred Minds visits MCC

Blurred Minds is an educational initiative from Griffith University. In the interactive workshop, students were introduced to the strategies employed by big tobacco and the current laws surrounding vaping and tobacco. The workshop covered:

• The origin and evolution of the vape industry
• The tactics and persuasion strategies used by big tobacco
• The use of influencer marketing by vaping brands
• An overview of laws related to vapes and vape-related behaviours

By the end of the workshop, students had developed a more critical perspective on how vapes are promoted and gained a better understanding of existing vaping laws.

Sincerely,

Kate Buchanan
Head of Year 11

LIBRARY NEWS

A huge Shout Out goes to our Year 9/10 Readers Cup team for their performance at the Regional Final held at Smithfield State High School on Wednesday, 31 July 2024.  Janae, Karly, Patricia and Agnes did a fantastic job.  We were all very excited as they were eighth at half time.  However, the second round proved to be super tough and they slipped a few places down, to finish fourteenth.  This was a fantastic result and we have been very impressed with their improvement each year. 

These students were dedicated in their reading and worked together really well as a team.  Friendly, polite and cooperative, they were great ambassadors for MacKillop Catholic College and made us very proud! These girls have been an absolute pleasure to work with.  This is the third year that Janae and Karly have participated in MacKillop's Readers Cup teams and Agnes’ second year, an amazing commitment. We will really miss Janae and Karly next year and hope that Agnes will opt in for our Year 9/10 team in 2025!

Readers’ Cup provides a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic readers to represent their school and extend their reading skills. Our team had to read four books, commencing in the week before Term 1 holidays. Our team met with Mrs Long weekly during their morning tea break. The students discussed their books and quizzed each other. Janae, Karly, Patricia and Agnes have shown great dedication and organisational skills. On the day they had to answer 10 rather challenging questions on each book, and compete against 19 other teams from schools right across the region. These girls have been an absolute pleasure to work with.  We would like to say a big thank you to Miss Headridge for accompanying and supporting us.

STUDENT COUNSELLORS

Remember when our children were babies and we would track whether they had met their developmental milestones such as rolling, crawling, walking, and saying their first words? Adolescents also have developmental milestones relating to their physical, psychological and social growth. Understanding these milestones may help you feel relieved to know that some challenging behaviour from your teenagers is a normal part of their development, and it is important for them to negotiate and work through these for healthy development.

Some of the biggest challenges I hear parents of teenagers talk about is that their child has become “emotionally withdrawn” or “they don’t tell me anything” or “they just want to be with their friends” or that they have become “argumentative”. These directly link with the social developmental tasks of adolescence:

• Emotional separation from parents
• Strong peer identification
• Exploratory behaviours (including taking risks)
• Interest in intimate relationships

Although this can be a difficult time for parents, teenagers still need strong relationships with their parents to feel safe and secure as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Here are some tips on how you can build emotional closeness with your teen:

• Use everyday interactions to build connection – stop what you’re doing and give them your undivided attention.
• Show an interest in their interests
• Listen without interrupting, judging or correcting
• Just be nearby
• Schedule time together. Let them choose an activity and follow their lead.
• Use technology to connect with them (if all the above is not working)
• Keep trying. If they are reluctant to spend time with you, keep it brief to begin with.

I talk with secondary students every day, and I assure you that every single one of them has a desire for a strong, supportive, trusting connection with their parents. 

Ashlee Meerten
Secondary School Counsellor

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

TERM 3 School Fees and Levies

Fees were issued Thursday 18^th July with a due date Friday 2^nd August.

Reminder letters will be sent out to families who did not have a payment plan on Friday, 9^th August.

Thank you to all those families that have paid their Term3 fees in full and those who have committed to a direct debit payment arrangement.

REMINDER – Expired Health Care Cards

Reminder to all families with expiring Health Care Cards.  New cards and application form must be submitted to the finance department ASAP, if applicable for Term 3 and going forward.

FAMILY CONCESSIONS:

1. Application for Fee support - The school 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 savings 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.

2025 TUITION FEES

Tuition fees have been set by Cairns Catholic Diocesan with a 3% increase.  This has been communicated to all parents by Executive Director, Bill Dixon.

School levies for 2025 are currently being reviewed by the College and will be approved by relevant leadership and committees.

Kind Regards,

Joanne O’Brien
Business Manager

College News

MCC is Nut AWARE!

Please remember that due to sever 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

Parents/carers whose children are absent are asked to contact the College Office by Telephone 4081 7600, Email studentabsent.mcc@cns.catholic.edu.au or Parent Portal 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.  Parents/carers are asked to advise the College Office and Classroom Teacher via Email in the event of a multiple day absence, (1-3 days) so it can be recorded prior to the date of absence. Please see the Student Absence Process below.

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 to the Class Teacher via Seesaw, email or written note and by telephone 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 Absence Process

A Request for Student Absence form must be completed for absence greater than three consecutive school days prior to arrangements being made.

If it is an absence for one to three days an email to the College office will suffice.

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

If it is for representative sport or cultural events, an email to the office and a copy of the relevant TCS etc forms will suffice.

If the absence is for more than three days, a Request for Student Absence form must be completed prior to arrangement being made.

Absence from school should be for one of the following reasons or at the Principal’s discretion:

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

If a student is unable to 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.

Student Protection Contact Officers

Tuckshop

Uniform Shop

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

P & F News

News from your MacKillop Catholic College Parents and Friends Association

We hope all of our MCC families had a wonderful time over the school holidays and that everyone has hit the beginning of Term 3 rearing to go.  In saying that, Term 3 is already flying by …

As we approach the halfway mark of the Term, there are plenty of things going on between now and the end of the Term.

UPCOMING MCC P&F MEETINGS & INITIATIVES IN TERM 3:

**  Father’s Day Stall (Week 8) – Wednesday and Thursday, 28 and 29 August 2024.  Father’s Day gifts for sale to all College Students to purchase for loved ones.  **Volunteers needed**
**  MCC P&F Meeting (Week 10) - Wednesday, 11 September 2024 at 6.00pm - Secondary Library, Admin Building.
**  Primary Colour Run (Week 10) - Thursday, 12 September 2024.  **Volunteers needed**

Father’s Day Stall – Wednesday and Thursday, 28 and 29 August 2024 (Term 3, Week 8)

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 Wednesday and Thursday, 28 and 29 August 2024 for our Primary and Secondary children.  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 they are carefully selecting and purchasing their gifts make the time worth every minute!

Primary Colour Run – Thursday, 12 September 2024 (Second Last Day of Term 3)

As always, this will be an amazingly fun-filled way to round out the Term for our Primary children.  Watch your emails for more detailed information which will be coming your way over the coming weeks.

We will be requiring volunteers to assist throughout the whole day for this event, particularly for set up of the course, preparation of water colours as well on course during the event (spraying the coloured water on the kids) and pack up at the end.  We’re not sure who has more fun … the kids or the Volunteers and Staff!

Please email your P&F at pandf.mountpeter@cnsstu.catholic.edu.au to advise if you are keen and able to join us to assist in any way.

TRIVIA NIGHT (Child-Free Event for Parents, Friends & Staff) – Friday, 18 October 2024 (Week 3, Term 4)

Our annual MCC P&F Trivia Night will be taking place on Friday, 18 October 2024 from 6.00pm.  This event has been well attended over the past couple of years since its inception and we’d love to see as many of our College Parents, Friends and Staff attending once again.  It is a fantastic evening of fun with tonnes of laughter, good and healthy competitive spirit and great prizes!  Please watch the space! #winnersaregrinners

Volunteers - We need 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 school journey.

In order to volunteer within our College, you are asked to participate in a short online induction (link 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:  

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

LOCALS SUPPORTING LOCALS

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

When you shop at Piccones IGA Edmonton, please consider nominating your points to your MCC P&F:

MacKillop Catholic College – Code 5154.
This is the epitome of locals supporting locals.

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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