1 April 2025

News from the College Principal, Mrs Janelle Newman

Cyber Safety

Parents can access our College’s Internet Safe Education (ISE) Cyber Safety Hub. You will have exclusive access to all the support, resources and education you will need to raise your child in the online world.  The HUB is available to you on any device and applies to school aged children of all ages. This comes at no cost to you as a member of our community.

Click on the link below or copy and paste the website into your browser.

Kind regards,

Janelle Newman
College Principal

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

Dear MacKillop families, 

As we come to the end of what has been a very productive and rewarding ten weeks, I would like to thank you for your ongoing partnership and support this term. Our students have continued to display their personal best and engage in rigorous learning and extra-curricular activities that have been opportunities for each child to reach their full potential. Our students at MacKillop have lived and breathed the MacKillop dispositions of Respect, Engagement and Personal Best.

There have been many highlights throughout this term that have nurtured a strong sense of community. Our Discover MacKillop Evening, Cross Country, our 2026 Prep interviews are just a few events that showcased the hard work and dedication given from our staff and students at MacKillop this term.

Thank you to the families that have consciously followed our morning procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our students are at the forefront. A friendly reminder that students should not be at school before 8:00am and if arriving at 8:00am, students and families are to wait quietly within the fenced areas until dismissed by the staff on duty at 8:10am.

If students arrive after 8:30am and require a late slip from the Secondary library, parents are to say goodbye to their child at the library. After 8:30am parents do not walk their children down to their classrooms as learning has already started, and we do our best to minimise any disruptions to learning and teaching - especially during the mornings. Being at school on time each day is vital, as the morning routines and teaching and learning is the most important part of our day and sets our students up for success in all areas of academic and social and emotional development. However, if required, our Prep students will be collected by an SLA at the library to support the transition to the classroom. We appreciate your support and understanding in our morning procedures.

Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who participated in the NAPLAN tests during Weeks 7 and 8. Our teachers have done an amazing job of preparing our students for this test, as our classes were confident, calm and settled throughout the testing days. As a College, we look forward to analysing this data to ensure we are continually celebrating our successes, as well as maintaining our high expectations and embedding best practice for teaching and learning. Thank you to both our staff and families for supporting our student’s growth of learning. Our students should be very proud of themselves!

At the beginning of the school year our teachers discussed the MacKillop Way with our students and in collaboration identified words, actions and feelings of how to demonstrate the three dispositions of Respect, Engagement and Personal Best. As you walk through our classrooms, you will see co-constructed displays that celebrate the expected MacKillop Way behaviours and negotiated consequences for unhelpful behaviours. Our staff continue to support our students learning by explicitly teaching our social and emotional learning program - Second Steps, explicitly teaching our fortnightly Focus Skill and reinforcing the MacKillop Givens numerous times throughout the day. Each Friday we acknowledge our students who have made helpful contributions to the MacKillop community and celebrate their modelled behaviour. As our students continue to navigate and learn helpful and unhelpful choices and the consequences that come with that, it is our role as educators to engage in reflective and restorative conversations that enable each individual child the time to reflect on their actions and empower them to make positive choices and contributions in future situations. As parents, it can be at times disappointing to hear that our children have made an unhelpful choice, however it is an opportunity to enhance each child’s personal, social and emotional skills by having a reflective conversation and referring back to our MacKillop Way.

We value our partnership with families to collectively support our teachers and College’s high expectations, to ensure we are consistent in modelling and encouraging our students to be the best version of themselves. These posters are displayed in every learning space and can be referred to at home in support of your reflective conversations with our children.

In our Primary school, Religious Education is centred on the Christian story and includes the teachings of Jesus as well as other wisdom writers and faith traditions (including Judaism). Our students examine how Sacred Scripture informs core Christian beliefs. They learn about the wisdom of significant people in Church life, including Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and explore living in a way that benefits all.

In the classroom, our teachers use a method of inquiry called the “Three Worlds of the Text” to uncover the meaning of scripture texts. Our students are taught that to truly understand the intended meaning of a text, they need to know something about

• Who wrote the text;
• Who was the intended audience of the text;
• Why was the text written;
• What the words meant in their original historical and cultural context;
• How the text is used and interpreted by religious communities in today’s world; and
• What the text means for them (the students) personally in their context.

The critical skills that students learn in Religious Education are very transferable to other learning areas!

Our teachers promote an environment of questioning and reflection that aims to both challenge and affirm our students. Within the context of Catholicism as the host tradition, our students are encouraged to engage in respectful and open-minded discussions about religious questions, beliefs, and experiences in order to develop understanding of diverse religious perspectives. This contemporary approach to learning respects and honours other worldviews and assists students in “developing their religious literacy so that they may be better able to participate in a critical and effective way in the life of their own faith communities and in the wider society.” (Brisbane Catholic Education, 2021)

The Religious Life of the School

A distinct but complementary aspect of our College’s religious dimension is the liturgical and prayer life of the College community, which we refer to as the Religious Life of the School. 

Students, staff, parents and other members of the community come together in prayer every Friday at our Primary Assembly.  This year, we are very excited to be celebrating year-level cohort liturgies. We would be delighted if our families could attend!   Our primary community also reaches out to the broader community in action for social justice, for example by donating food and blankets to St Vincent de Paul and raising money for Project Compassion. Through this active spiritual life and the Religious Education curriculum, our students shape their personal identity and learn what it means to be Catholic in today’s world. 

We will end our term with our Primary Holy Week Liturgy on Friday 04th April.

I hope the Easter holidays are an opportunity for you to spend some quality family time with your children and prepare for a wonderful Term 2. Our staff look forward to warmly welcoming back our students and families, whilst continuing to build respectful partnerships between home and school.

Kind regards
Caitlin O’Meara
Deputy Principal - Primary

News from the Deputy Principal –Secondary, Ms Melissa Headridge

As we reach the end of what has been a busy and productive term, I want to acknowledge the incredible effort our students have put into their learning, particularly as they completed their assessments. 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 those who may not have achieved their best, this is also a valuable time to reassess, reflect on their efforts, and set goals for improvement. Each new term presents an opportunity to reset, refine study habits, and approach learning with a renewed commitment to success.

One of the highlights of this term has been welcoming our first-ever Japanese exchange students from Okayama to the college. It was wonderful to see our students engaging with them, learning a new language, sharing experiences, and forming meaningful friendships. Moments like these reflect the very essence of who we are as a college community—one that values connection, understanding, and the opportunity to learn from one another. These interactions enrich not only our students' education but also their worldview, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and respect. A special thank you to Mr Moritake for organizing this incredible experience and to all our staff who went above and beyond to include the students in their lessons. We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff who create meaningful opportunities for our students.

As a Catholic school, we are called to uphold the dignity of every person, recognising each individual as made in the image of God. This extends beyond our friendships and those we naturally connect with. True community is built when we reach out to others, even those we may not know well or find it easy to approach. As we continue through the Lenten season, I encourage everyone to reflect on how we can extend kindness, generosity, and compassion to those around us.

As we head into the upcoming break, I encourage all students to take time to rest and recharge. Holidays provide an important opportunity to step back, reflect on the term, and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead in Term 2. May this time be one of renewal and reflection, and may you return refreshed and ready for the challenges and successes ahead.

Reporting and Parent Teacher Conferences

In recent weeks, students have been completing their Term 1 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 Portal. These reports provide an overview of a student’s academic progress and alignment with the Achievement Standards. It's a valuable time to reflect with your child on their progress and areas for improvement.

Additionally, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday 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.

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

Uniform Expectations – Preparing for Term 2

The school break is a great time to check and refresh school uniforms to ensure students are ready to start Term 2. Please take the time to review the following uniform 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.

God Bless,
Melissa Headridge
Deputy Principal – Secondary

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

Dear Parents and Carers,

End of Term 1 Update

As we approach the end of a busy and productive Term 1, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff, and families for their ongoing support and commitment to our College community. It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we are proud of the efforts and achievements of all our students.

A reminder to all Year 9 parents and guardians that the College Parentslip and Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (TEEC) Camp consent forms must be completed and returned by 9:00am Friday, 04 April 2025. This is an important step in ensuring all students can participate in this valuable experience. The Year 9 Camp is in the first week of Term 2.  If you require any assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

We are also looking forward to distributing school photos in Term 2. Further details regarding collection and distribution will be shared early in the term.

Finally, as we head into the Easter holidays, I want to wish all our students and families a safe and restful break. Enjoy this time with loved ones, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term 2, refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning and growth.

Happy Easter and safe travels!

Kind Regards,

Wayne Duda
Acting Assistant Principal - Administration

Primary News

Prep

Prep Term 1 Issue 2

Year 1

Year 1 Term 1 Issue 2

Year 2

Year 2 Term 1 Issue 2

Year 3

Year 3 Term 1 Issue 2

Year 4

Year 4 Term 1 Issue 2

Year 5

Year 5 Term 1 Issue 2

Year 6

Year 6 Term 1 Issue 2

Secondary News

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As we journey through the season of Lent, our students have been busy completing their assessments, all while deepening their understanding of the Christian faith. This time of reflection, prayer, and penance is an opportunity for all of us to pause and consider the significance of Holy Week, which is fast approaching.

Next week, our students will be learning about the events leading up to Easter, with a special focus on Holy Week. They’ll explore its powerful meaning, from Palm Sunday through to the joy of Easter Sunday, as well as the profound lessons each day offers in understanding Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

Next week, our focus will turn to the Stations of the Cross, a cherished tradition in the Catholic faith that reflects on the journey Jesus took from His condemnation to His crucifixion. This spiritual practice will give our students the chance to visually and prayerfully walk through Christ’s passion, fostering a deeper connection with the central story of our faith.

It has been inspiring to see the wonderful work that has been created across all grades. Whether through artwork, written reflections, or group discussions, our students have embraced the opportunity to express their faith in creative and meaningful ways. It’s clear that these lessons are leaving a lasting impact, not just on their academic growth, but on their spiritual journeys as well.

Kind Regards,

Rebecca Flockhart
Acting Leader – Head of Religious Education

SCIENCE

Greetings Science Families of MacKillop,

Year 11 Aquatics

Earlier this term the Year 11 aquatics class went to the Trinity Anglican School pool to complete their project of a snorkelling sequence.

Students safely entered and exited the pool and learnt how to use the equipment correctly. They did a fitness water test, and practiced finning, clearing the snorkels and masks, as well as duck diving down and surfacing safely.

Students are now getting excited about taking these skills from the pool out to Franklin Island on their reef trip in Term 2 where they will collect and process data on the health of the reef.

Students were excellent representatives of MacKillop throughout the 2 days and should be proud of the work they accomplished.

As we draw near the end of potentially the fastest term in history it has been evident that our students sometimes need reminding about some processes that are set up to support them. Particularly drafting reports. I have had difficult conversations with students and carers regarding the assignment process and our assessment guidelines.

The major milestone is set up at a critical juncture. It gives the teacher time to formulate student specific responses to meet criteria. The general rule is that if you produce a high quality draft, you will receive high quality feedback. Students get ample time, warning, resources and curriculum time allocated to producing drafts and submitting the milestones via Canvas.

Canvas provides us with a time stamp and a central platform that stores student work. If work is submitted late students will forgo the opportunity for written feedback and will be expected to attend an after school detention. Not because they are naughty, but because if a submission is late, they obviously need more time, so the time will be allocated. During this time they would not expect to be doing menial tasks or writing lines but to be working on the assessment items with a teacher present. Despite families and responsibilities of our own the student’s teacher will often be present to further assist the student. This however, like all discipline is avoidable. Students will be accountable however if they cannot manage their time and resources well. What we often find is that this occurs only once as students realise they have more than enough time to complete work of a high quality if they apply themselves during lessons.

Term 1 is also the most emotionally demanding term as students establish positive habits, both academically and behaviourally. This will be especially true for Year 7 at this time of year. A lot has to be said for the increased academic intensity between Primary and Secondary and the Year 7 students are doing relatively well considering, and have certainly earned their Easter break.

Have a great Easter everyone. Having given up chocolate with my family for Lent I am looking forward to a couple of bars of Old Gold.

Yours in Science,

Andrew Hislop
Leader – Head of Science

MATHS

Ian Coleman

ENGLISH AND LANGUAGE ARTS

As the term hurtles toward the finish line faster than a War Rig in Mad Max: Fury Road, our English and Japanese students are deep in the trenches of learning—writing, analysing, and (for some) surviving dystopian nightmares.

In Junior English, students are putting the final flourishes on their assessments, proving that hard work (and spellcheck) always pays off, while Year 9 are sharpening their skills for their big exam in Week 10. Over in Japanese, Year 7 students are bravely recording speeches that welcome future Japanese visitors to MacKillop. 

Meanwhile, Year 12 Literature is fully immersed in the high-octane chaos of Mad Max: Fury Road, unpacking economic and feminist themes. Year 12 General is deep in Orwell’s 1984, preparing to craft feature articles that Big Brother himself would be proud of (or maybe censor).

Year 11 General is delving into stories of the outcast and film, while Year 10 General and Literature students are gearing up for their novel study—ready to dive into new worlds, new characters, and, most likely, some intense class discussions.

With a mix of dystopian drama, literary legends, and impressive Japanese translation, it has been a term full of words, wisdom, and just a little bit of weirdness—exactly how we like it!

Kind Regards,

Lincoln Lally
Leader – Head of English and Language Arts

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Sarah Coleman

PERFORMING ARTS

Dear Parents and Carers,

March has been a vibrant and busy month for the Performing Arts Department at MacKillop. Our instrumental lessons and rehearsals have been in full swing, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

On the evening of 04^th March, the Penola Singers and The Concert Band delivered a captivating performance of well-known tunes and new music to a warm audience of prospective families at ‘Discover MacKillop’. This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talented students and the hard work they have put into their craft.

From 07^th March to 9^th March, 13 of our talented Secondary music students participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) at St Mary’s Catholic College, Woree. They had the privilege of rehearsing choral and band repertoire with leading conductors and attending workshops throughout the weekend. The experience culminated in a gala concert on Sunday, which was a testament to their dedication and enthusiasm.

Looking ahead, the Penola Singers are preparing to perform in the Holy Week Liturgy on Thursday, 03^rd April, and the ANZAC Services Liturgy on 25^th April. These performances are significant events in our College calendar, and we are proud of the students' commitment to these important occasions.

All our choirs and bands are now diligently learning new music in preparation for the Eisteddfod in Term 2, which will take place from 19^th June to 25^th June. We are excited to see their hard work come to fruition and wish them the best of luck.

Thank you for your continued support of our Performing Arts Department. We look forward to sharing more of our students' achievements in the coming months.

Kind Regards,

Sarah-Jane Rennie
Leader – Head of Performing Arts

THE ARTS

Year 7 Visual Art

This term, our students have embarked on an exciting journey into the fantastical world of dragons.  Through various visual arts techniques, including drawing and painting, they have delved into how dragons have been depicted across different cultures, myths and historical contexts.

Our young artists have explored visual arts elements and principles such as colour, line, shape, texture and form.  They thoughtfully considered the placement of their dragon designs within different environments to effectively communicate meaning and narrative.

We are thrilled to announce that these imaginative artworks will be showcased in Term 3 at the Creative Industries Showcase later in the year.

Year 8 Visual Art

Year 8 Visual Art are getting very close to completing their ‘Fascinating Vessels’. They have reflected on the Ardmore and Hermannsburg Potters to develop their own unique pinch pot vessel based on their own environment, daily life, and special occasions. The final touches have now been added using special paint called underglaze. The first bisque firing in the kiln will occur next week once the pots are bone dry. Very exciting year 8, we are getting very close to wheel throwing on our brand new pottery wheels!

Year 9 Visual Art

Year 10 Visual Art

Year 11 Visual Art

Year 11 and Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice

Kind Regards,

Traylea Sexton
Leader – Head of Creative Industries

TECHNOLOGIES

Greetings Technology Families of MacKillop.

Cairns Regional Council Design and Placemaking Workshop: Inspiring Future Architects

The Cairns Regional Council Architecture team recently hosted an engaging workshop for our Years 11 and 12 Design students, providing a hands-on learning experience about the principles of design and placemaking. The workshop began with a presentation delivered by Amber and Kate, each with a background in design and architecture, highlighting the importance of thoughtful, functional design in shaping public spaces.

Students explored the identity of Cairns and worked on designing a bus stop shelter, using a design checklist and judging criteria, the students were encouraged to consider factors such as accessibility, aesthetics, and community integration.

This was an incredible opportunity for our Senior Design students to learn more about the design and architecture profession, gaining insights into the career paths and creative opportunities within the field. It was a valuable and inspiring session for the next generation of designers.

Year 12 Hospitality Practices Serve Up a Fantastic Breakfast

In Week 7, our Year 12 Hospitality Practices students showcased their culinary talents by delivering an incredible breakfast for our staff. The menu was nothing short of divine, with a selection of delicious options that left everyone impressed.

Beyond the outstanding food, the students provided top-notch service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. They demonstrated an incredible ability to work under pressure, collaborate effectively, and apply their hospitality skills in a real-world setting.

A huge congratulations to our budding hospitality professionals—your hard work and dedication truly shone!

Year 10 Cert I Construction – Gaining Momentum!

After a slow start, our Year 10 students are now in full swing with their Certificate I in Construction course. They have been diligently working through their online theory lessons, covering key industry skills such as workplace communication, carrying out measurements, and basic estimation and costing.

Next term, students will swap screens for tools as they move into the hands-on practical component of the course. They will be applying their knowledge to construct timber decking, gaining valuable experience in real-world construction techniques.

Stay tuned for updates as our future builders put their skills to the test!

Year 9 Industrial Technology: Bringing Designs to Life

This term, Year 9 students in the Industrial Technology 'wood' workshop have been channelling their creativity into designing phone, watch, and sunglass holders. After honing their technical drawing skills, the students are now getting hands-on experience in the workshop, turning their design ideas into tangible creations.

With the support of Mr Johnstone, they are applying their newfound skills to bring their projects to life. We are excited to see the innovative and unique items the students will produce as they continue to develop their craftsmanship and design abilities. Stay tuned for some truly impressive creations!

My New Gallery

Japanese Student Visit: A Culinary Welcome by Our Hospitality Students

In Week 8, our Certificate II in Hospitality students had the wonderful opportunity to showcase their skills by catering for a special group of visitors – Japanese students eager to experience Australian culture and cuisine.

With great enthusiasm, our students carefully prepared, packed, and served a delicious morning tea and lunch for the guests. The menu featured a delightful mix of flavours, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The visiting students were thrilled with the meals, enjoying every bite and expressing their appreciation for the warm hospitality.

A highlight of the experience was the inclusion of classic Australian treats such as ANZAC biscuits and lamingtons. These iconic sweets brought extra joy to the guests, offering them a true taste of Australia alongside the carefully curated selection of dishes.

It was a fantastic learning experience for our hospitality students, giving them hands-on practice in catering and customer service. Their professionalism and hard work shone through, making the event a resounding success.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful for the opportunity to connect with international students through food. This visit was not only a cultural exchange but also a moment of shared joy, showcasing the power of hospitality in bringing people together.

Kind Regards,

Lorena Goodall
Leader – Head of Technologies

SPORT

Kristy Peel

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term has been a strong test of resilience for students. The weather has certainly not been kind to us, and we have had changes to venue availabilities throughout. However, I must commend all students’ attitudes and spirits overcoming these challenges and being positive at all times.

From an expectations perspective, the vast majority of students have been a credit to themselves as far as how they have approached their learning. Most students have been respectful, followed all class rules and achieved positive results along the way.

Some non-negotiables that need to be revisited - Students must wear their sports uniforms on dedicated practical days assigned by their teachers. Students are also expected to participate to the best of their ability regardless of context (practical or theory). Failure to follow these basic expectations will result in detentions (lunch times and potentially after-school for repeats).  

Students have gone on several excursions throughout the term. Some of these included our Senior Sport and Recreation students attending the ‘Grab a Barra’ Farm at Yorkey’s Knob. They also visited CHALK CrossFit Gym for curriculum purposes. Our Year 12 Fitness students have attended Genesis Gym and NOFOMO Cairns to gain qualifications for their certificate. Our Year 11 Physical Education students attended the JCU Careers in Health Breakfast to establish relationships with members of the community and James Cook University. A truly jam-packed term full of exciting experiences!

Our Junior Secondary topics for this term have included puberty, understanding sport and health related fitness strategies, fostering respect and resilience, exploring motor learning skills in sport, and making health-conscious choices. Students also explored body image, positive and negative relationship traits, biomechanics, ethics and integrity.

Our Year 11 Sport and Recreation students have studied Aquatic Recreation and opportunities that exist for employment in this industry. Year 12 Sport and Recreation students have studied Emerging Trends in Sport and how these have impacted modern society. Year 11 Physical Education students have studied Motor Learning, Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics and Volleyball. Year 12 Physical Education have studied Tactical Awareness, Ethics and Integrity and Volleyball. Our curriculum this term 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

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

YEAR 7 TERM 1 WRAP-UP: Quarter Time Siren Sounds!

Dear Year 7 Families,

And just like that… we have hit the end of Term 1, or as we like to call it: Quarter Time in the great game of Year 7 AFL. The oval's a bit bigger this year (literally and metaphorically), but your children have taken the field with courage, enthusiasm, and more than a few spontaneous bursts of confusion and brilliance.

Of course, the jump from Primary to Secondary has brought with it the expected highs, lows, and “I forgot my timetable” dramas—but as a team, we’re proud of how far our Year 7 cohort has come. By working together with compassion, collaboration, and a healthy dose of humour, we can guide our teens through these transitional years. At home and at school, our shared goal is to pastorally support them, providing the understanding, boundaries, and patience they need to flourish. Let us embrace this journey, knowing that these moments—challenging as they can be—are opportunities to shape their futures and nurture their potential.

After all, we survived it once, and so will they… with our help (and probably more snacks).

Swimming and Cross Country

We were incredibly proud of the Year 7 contribution to our College Swimming Carnival and Cross Country—showing great house spirit, sportsmanship, and effort across all events. Special congratulations go to Loyola House for taking out the top honours at the Swimming Carnival and MacDonald at Cross Country!

NAPLAN – Nailed It.

A huge well done to the Year 7s for their calm, focused approach to NAPLAN. These assessments are only one snapshot of a student's learning, but from what we saw, our students were steady, prepared, and gave it their best. That is all we ever ask—and they delivered.

SEL Support – A Shout-Out to Year 12 Mentors

We are incredibly grateful for the Year 12 students who joined our SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) classes this term as mentors. Their wisdom, and real-life tips have already made an impact. The mentorship is part of our broader SEL initiative heading into 2025, and we know our Year 7s will continue to benefit from their guidance in developing study skills, resilience, and a healthy appreciation for older siblings who do their homework.

🏅 MacKillop Way Award Winners – Term 1 🏅

For always doing the right thing (even when no one is looking), treating others with respect, and showing what it means to live the MacKillop Way— we congratulate:

7.1 – Jett L and Makayla F
7.2 – Arnav B and Leilani S
7.3 – Zavier J and Emerson LLZ
7.4 – Maximus J and Emily P

From setting the tone in the classroom to helping others without being asked (gasp!), these legends walk the walk and talk the talk. MacKillop herself would be proud! Well done!

Year 7 Camp – Permission Slips Out Now!

We are thrilled to announce our Year 7 Camp is fast approaching! Taking place at Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre (280 Junction Road, Millaa Millaa), the camp promises three action-packed days of team-building activities like abseiling, archery, orienteering, raft building, low ropes, and obstacle courses. Please check your inboxes for the permission slips—they have been sent home and are due soon.

This compulsory curriculum experience plays a crucial role in health and physical education, as well as personal and social development. Plus, where else will your child learn how to build a raft out of barrels, rope, and pure determination?

Legacy Builders Liturgy

This term, we launched a new tradition at the College with our special Legacy Builders Liturgy, shared between our Year 12 and Year 7 students. This meaningful experience included prayer, reflection, and the exchange of legacy badges—a symbolic gesture of leadership, growth, and the journey from new beginnings to proud endings.

The Home Form Cup – Get Ready to Rumble

The Home Form (HF) Cup has returned! A challenge where each Year Level’s Home Forms compete against one another in a series of daily events, Monday to Friday, in Week 10. Hosted during Pastoral Care classes first thing in the morning, each day’s winning Home Form earns one point. By the end of the week, the Home Form with the most points claims the coveted HF Cup, which it keeps until the competition’s next iteration in Term 2.

This Term’s Challenges:

• Trivia – Get ready to flex your brains—no gym membership required—but brace yourself for some truly questionable guesses when your classmates decide every answer is ‘Justin Bieber!’
• E-Sports (Mario Kart) – One fearless gamer from each Pastoral Class steps up—because nothing tests school spirit quite like a barrage of banana peels and the dreaded blue shell!
• Paper Plane Toss – Because there’s no better way to show off your aeronautical prowess than building a plane that sails into a wall at warp speed.
• Sketch – Channel your inner Da Vinci to capture Mary MacKillop’s majestic aura—with each Home Form submission judged by our Arts HOD!
• Relay – Run like the wind and try not to be the one who turns the track into a dramatic reenactment of an action-movie stunt gone wrong!

Looking Ahead to Term 2

Before we gear up for the next quarter, we hope you enjoy a restful and joyful holiday period—filled with stories, laughter, and maybe even a few moments of silence. I look forward to hearing all about the adventures when we return for Term 2.

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and humour. We have had a great start—and the best is still to come.

Warmest Regards,

Lee Staddon
Head of Year 7

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

Dear Year 8 Families,

As we reach the end of Term 1, it has been incredible to witness the growth and development of our Year 8 students at MacKillop Catholic College. Over the past ten weeks, they have continued to mature as individuals and as a cohort, embracing challenges with enthusiasm and demonstrating a strong commitment to their learning.

Academically, the year group has shown excellent progress, with students achieving commendable results across all subjects. Their dedication to their studies, combined with the support of our dedicated teachers, has contributed to a positive and engaging learning environment. It has been particularly rewarding to see students taking ownership of their learning and striving for excellence.

Beyond academics, Year 8 has also strengthened their sense of community, working together to support one another and build a positive school culture.

Their teamwork, leadership, and school spirit will be put to the test in Week 10, as they compete in the highly anticipated Home Form Challenges, which will run every day throughout the week. This is our chance to show Mr. Staddon and his Year 7 students exactly who is boss! With our experience, determination, and unity, we are ready to take on every challenge and prove why Year 8 deserves the title of the best year group.

Let us continue the growth and remember to be kind.

Kind Regards,

Mike Johnstone
Head of Year 8

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

Dear Year 9 Families,

As Term 1 draws to a close, we reflect on the fantastic efforts of our Year 9 students. It has been a busy and productive term, filled with learning, assessments, and personal growth. I commend all students for their commitment to their studies and the way they have approached the challenges of this term.

The students also completed a week of NAPLAN testing. This was an important milestone in their schooling journey, and I acknowledge their effort and resilience throughout the process and their hard work in completing the tests to the best of their ability.

With only a short time left until the holidays, it is essential that students continue to uphold the high standards expected at the College. Uniform, grooming, and jewellery guidelines must still be adhered to, and we appreciate the cooperation of students and families in maintaining these expectations.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we are excited for the upcoming Year 9 Camp, which will take place in Week 1 from the 22nd to the 24th of April. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop teamwork skills, and challenge themselves in new environments. Families are reminded to check the packing list available via ParentSlips to ensure students are well-prepared for this experience and to ensure that consent has been provided.

I wish all Year 9 students and their families a restful and enjoyable holiday break, and we look forward to another great term ahead!

Kind Regards,

Adam Vander Zant
Head of Year 9

Year 10: Shynade Hohenhaus– shohenhaus@cns.catholic.edu.au

Dear Year 10 Families,

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to take a moment to remind both students and parents of a few key points.

Going into term two, it is essential that students continue to follow the instructions given by College staff, particularly when it comes to meeting due dates for assessment tasks. This term, a number of students have learned the value of receiving feedback from their teachers to help improve their response to further their success in their subjects. Developing these habits now is crucial as students adapt to the increasing demands of senior schooling.

The end of term is also an excellent time to check in on your child’s uniform and stationery supplies. With holidays approaching, any items that need replacing can be replenished in preparation for the new term as further support of our student’s success.

I also want to reinforce that, in order to do well, we must first be well. Year 10 can be a challenging transition as students begin to experience the increased expectations of senior schooling. As Head of Year, my priority is to support your child’s wellbeing, so they are in the best position to achieve. Please remember that students can self-refer to our counselling services at any time if they feel they would benefit from that extra support.

I would also like to gently remind both students and parents of the importance of raising any concerns early. If something is worrying you or your child, please reach out — we are here to support and can address matters far more effectively when we are informed in good time. While I understand that emotions can run high when we have concerns regarding our students, please know that we are always working with you in the best interests of our students. Early communication allows us to work through concerns in a timely and thorough manner.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and I look forward to seeing our students finish the term strongly.

Kind Regards,

Shynade Hohenhaus
Head of Year 10

Year 11: Alice Reilly– areilly2@cns.catholic.edu.au

2025 – Term 1: The first crossroads

What a busy term is has been!

Year 11 have embraced the theme of “Road to Greatness”, with the wheels well and truly in motion now. Many students have eased into senior secondary, and it has been great to see many stepping up in leadership roles and relishing newfound responsibility. Week 8 saw Year 11 get their first taste of Block Exams. Below is a picture of the Year 11s at our Friday Huddle before Block Exams. As you can see, some very excited, others not so much! Nonetheless, students calmly and maturely took responsibility for managing their time over 2 days and turned up prepared and ready for their assessment. I was incredibly proud of their efforts over this period.

However, not every Year 11 student has had an easy ride for the start of Term 1. Some have hit a large “bump in the road” when it comes to independent study. Managing your time effectively and staying motivated without the constant eye of your subject teacher is a difficult job, as many students are finding out. QCAA has a range of videos, that are research-based and deal with how to manage study balance, procrastination, limiting distractions, exam stress etc., which are great to help the area. You can find these videos here:

As this term comes to an end, it is a perfect time for you to have a conversation with your child, using their results to reflect on their journey so far. I call this moment in Year 11 “the first crossroads”. For many subjects, they will not complete Unit 1 until part way through Term 2, so it is not too late to switch subjects into one that they are more likely to be successful in. If they are currently not on track to passing a subject in Unit 1, they risk missing out on that QCE point at the end of Unit 1. If this is the case, they have two options. Either they buckle down Term 2 with determination and focus prepared to put in the hard yards to be successful in that subject or alternatively, they change across to another subject, another path, that they are more likely to be successful. Neither path is a free ride, they all require work but sometimes we need to take a different route to get to our destination. If your child is unsure about their next steps, I encourage them to speak with their QCE mentor (these conversations will be happening over the next two weeks) or with myself. You are also welcome to contact me directly if you have concerns.

In the last two weeks of term, I will be emphasising finishing strong. I will particularly be looking at the below points. If you could also facilitate conversations at home and assist where appropriate so that students are meeting these expectations, it would be greatly appreciated.

• 1) Respect and kindness cost nothing. You will find life becomes easier when you are respectful in your interactions and you assume positive intent of the people around you. Kindness is the gift we can all afford to give
• 2) Pride in appearance is important. An easy way to immediately indicate to others that you are serious about your learning and your education is to “look the part”. You committed to being part of this community, and as part of that, you need meet our expectations; no individual is above the whole. Areas that particularly need improvement are: ensuring students need to be clean shaven and adhering to grooming standards of one pair of earrings, with clears for all others and minimal other jewellery including 1 signet ring permitted, as well as 1 inconspicuous devotional necklace and a plain wristwatch, no smartwatches (unless for medical reasons).
• 3) Disconnect to connect. It is wonderful that we have so many technologically advanced ways to communicate these days but sometimes we can still feel isolated without that face-to-face interaction. School is a perfect opportunity to connect with peers in person and feel part of a community. Phones are a distraction to this type of connection. The expectation is that all QLD schools are a no phone zone as per Government Legislation. Our policy at MacKillop is that phones should be in lockers at all times during the school day. On the 1^st offence of phone use in the school day, the phone is confiscated and the student can collect from reception at 3pm. On the 2^nd offence, a parent will need to collect the phone instead. On the 3^rd offence, students will be required to check their phone in everyday to office and further offence beyond this, formal sanctions apply.

Wishing all our students, families and extended community a Happy Easter. I hope you have time to rest and spend quality time doing what makes your heart happy.

Warm Regards,

Alice Reilly
Head of Year 11 and Year 12

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

2025 – Term 1: The “Legacy” thus far

Term 1 is almost done! The end of secondary schooling will be over before our Year 12s know it. I spoke at assembly recently about this to the cohort. I said, “Term 1 is almost history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why we call it the present”. A very fond quote of mine that I was recently reminded of while watching the movie Kung Fu Panda with my child. It resonated strongly with me because often, we get so caught up in the busyness of what the future holds that we forget to enjoy the present moment.

Keeping with the theme of staying in the moment, I wanted to bring your attention to some of the moments that were highlights for me this term, where I witnessed Year 12 students building their legacy in the present moment.

My heart has been incredibly inspired by all the Year 12 students who have taken up the call to be mentors to Year 7 students. These Year 12 students have been visiting the Year 7s in their SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) lessons and offering advice and wisdom from simple organisation and technology tricks to peer feedback on assessment.

Another heartfelt moment came from witnessing a student, who had worked incredibly hard, receive their exceptional results on their IA1 (the highest in their class in fact) and the pride that swelled not only in themselves but their peers towards them was incredibly moving.

A final moment that inspired me this term occurred while on outreach at Rosies with our Year 12 students. The kindness that was displayed by these students to some of our most vulnerable community members was a pure act from the heart, that Mary MacKillop herself would have been inspired by.

These are just some of the many present moments I have enjoyed with your children over this term. Of course, there are countless more. Since being reminded of the aforementioned quote, I often take a moment at lunch to just soak in the interactions of the Year 12s in our communal area in Ngabi Gabay. It’s in these moments that I am grateful to be their pastoral leader and feel privileged that you have entrusted us with your precious gifts, as I can witness their legacy unfold in the present.

Term 1 – Finishing Strong

In the last two weeks of the term, I will be emphasising finishing strong. I will be particularly looking at the points below. If you could also facilitate conversations at home and assist where appropriate so that students are meeting these expectations, it would be greatly appreciated.

• 1) Respect and kindness cost nothing. You will find life easier when you are respectful in your interactions and assume positive intent of the people around you. Kindness is the gift we can all afford to give. In particular, THINK before you speak. Is the information Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and, if nothing else, is it Kind? If it’s not, it’s probably not worth saying.
• 2) Pride in appearance is important. An easy way to immediately indicate to others that you are serious about your learning & your education is to “look the part”. You committed to being part of this community, and as part of that, you need to meet our expectations; no individual is above the whole. Areas that particularly need improvement are: ensuring students need to be clean shaven and adhering to grooming standards of one pair of earrings, with clears for all others and minimal other jewellery including 1 signet ring permitted, as well as 1 inconspicuous devotional necklace and a plain wristwatch, no smartwatches (unless for medical reasons).
• 3) Disconnect to connect. It is wonderful that we have so many technologically advanced ways to communicate these days but sometimes we can still feel isolated without that face-to-face interaction. School is a perfect opportunity to connect with peers in person and feel part of a community. Phones are a distraction to this type of connection. The expectation is that all QLD schools are a no phone zone as per Government Legislation. Our policy at MacKillop is that phones should be in lockers at all times during the school day. On the 1^st offence of phone use during the school day, the phone is confiscated, and the student can collect it from reception at 3pm. On the 2^nd offence, a parent will need to collect the phone instead. On the 3^rd offence, students will be required to check their phone in everyday to office and further offence beyond this, formal sanctions apply.

Wishing all our students, families and extended community a Happy Easter. I hope you have time to rest and spend quality time doing what makes your heart happy.

Warm Regards,

Alice Reilly
Head of Year 11 and Year 12

STUDENT COUNSELLORS

#chatsafe is a suicide prevention program that aims to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide. Their guidelines can be easily downloaded and shared with young people to guide them in communicating safely online about self-harm and suicide.

The guidelines are available here: https://www.orygen.org.au/chatsafe

Further, we know that many adults are worried about the type of content that young people might come across on social media. For that reason, #chatsafe also includes resources that aim to give adults the knowledge and skills they need to support young people in their lives to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide.

#chatsafe resources for parents and carers can be found here: 

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 21^st February with a due date Friday 10^th March.

Reminder: Collection letters were sent on Friday, 14th March to families with outstanding fees and who do not have a payment plan in place. Finance has commenced collection calls to families and we will continue to do so over the Easter holidays.  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 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/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.

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!

Commencing Term 2, 2025 we will be transitioning 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 will enhance 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 soon receive further emails from My School Connect with instructions about how to activate your account - so please keep an eye on your inbox.  You simply cannot create your own account within My School Connect, they are generated internally by them.

Flexischool online ordering will remain open for the last week of Term1.  Please try and use up your funds in Week 10.   When you close your Flexischool account, your wallet will be returned to the funding source it came from eg. Paypal/Credit card. 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. 

Marketing and Communications

P & F News

News from your MacKillop Catholic College Parents and Friends Association

Wow, where did the time go?!  The end of Term 1 of 2025 is upon us already!

It has been quite an action-packed Term 1 for all of our MCC children, staff and families, with plenty of successes having been achieved already.

We hope all of our MCC children who participated in the College Swimming Carnivals, Cross Country events and the many TCS and Peninsula Trials thoroughly enjoyed themselves and gained a tonne of experiences from those opportunities.  Well done to all and to our MCC kids who have been selected for TCS/Peninsula in their respective sports – congratulations and good luck moving forward!

We also hope the kids enjoyed their Icy Poles following their respective Cross Country events.

Your MCC P&F extend very safe, happy and warm Easter wishes to you all over the break and we look forward to see you all again in Term 2.

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

*  14 May 2025 – General Meeting;
*  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 2:

*  Set-up Mother’s Day Stall – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 (Week 3)
*  Mother’s Day Stall – Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 May 2025 (Week 3) – Mother’s Day gifts for sale to students to purchase for loved ones.
*  Mother’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
*  Prep to Year 3 MacKillop Games, Years 4 to 12 Athletics Carnivals - Icy Poles will be provided for all students.

Mother’s Day Stall (Week 3, Term 2)

**Volunteers Needed**  With our Mother’s Day Stall very fast approaching in the first half of Term 2, we will require the assistance of volunteers to help operate the Stall on Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 May 2025.

If you have the day or even just an hour or two to assist, that would be amazing.  Come along and help our little purple people choose from the wide range of gifts for their loved ones.  It is always a lot of fun and awesome to be part of the kids’ excitement and deep deliberations!

Please reach out to us at pandf.mountpeter@cnsstu.catholic.edu.au.

For any volunteers assisting for the whole day, lunch will be provided.

NB. As set out below, to assist as a volunteer you will need to have completed the 2025 Volunteer Induction.

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.**

Safe Delivery and Collection of MCC Children, to and from the College and Surrounding Areas

Along with our College Leadership Team, we implore our parents, carers and grandparents to all please adhere to the practices regarding safe delivery and collection of our precious MCC children to and from the College grounds.

With the implementation of parking restrictions just outside the school grounds near the entrances to Mt Peter Estate and MacKillop Catholic College, we must work together to ensure safety for ALL.  This does not just include along MacKillop Road but also the surrounding areas including along Mt Peter Road and near the Carruthers Street and Petersen Roads intersections.

EVERYONE’S time is precious, however, time will be inconsequential should the unthinkable happen and we sincerely hope this never eventuates ….

Please also be particularly mindful of ensuring local residents and pedestrians are able to safely enter and exit streets/crossings, free of vehicles impeding clear view and/or passage.

We also encourage our Parents and Carers to teach their children the road rules and safety practices regarding being a pedestrian, riding bikes/scooters etc.  Reports have already been made by concerned local residents regarding MCC children who either do not know or are simply flouting the road rules and/or basic safety practices.  It goes without saying that foolish behaviour on the roads could eventually result in the unthinkable happening.

Abuse of MacKillop Catholic College Staff, Parents, Council Offices and/or QLD Police Offices will not be tolerated.

THANK YOU to all of our MCC parents, carers and grandparents who are doing their best to adhere to the guidelines in place, the general road rules and being considerate of the broader community.

The safety of all must be paramount.  Our MCC children are encouraged to practice the ‘MacKillop Way’ and this must also apply to all.

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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