Shortly before my 30th birthday, I spent two weeks in the Faroe Islands.  The Faroes are an archipelago of 18 big islands and hundreds of little ones, just inside the Arctic Circle, about halfway between Iceland and Norway.  I was there in the European summer, and I can recall the sun fully setting only once.  Having grown up in the sub-tropics in South East Queensland, everything about the place seemed other-worldly.  The Faroes are the descendants of Vikings, and many Norse customs had been maintained well into the nineteenth century.  It remains one of very few places where the populace can legally kill and eat whales, for instance.  

As the Islands had modernised, after World War Two, a lot of investment had gone into roads.  Building roads to serve an archipelago with really rough terrain meant building tunnels - lots of tunnels.  So, it would not be unusual for a car trip between towns to involve about half of the journey underground, or underwater.  

The same was true for hiking.  

I can remember walking on the island of Eysturoy one morning when I came to a tunnel.  The road itself was pretty old and I assumed the tunnel had a decent pedigree too.  Unlike the more modern tunnels there were no amber beacons lighting the way, no reassuring fans giving the impression of the recycling of air.  None.  From pretty much two metres in, there was darkness.  Reminding myself that I've never been scared of the dark, I ventured in.  After five metres, I reminded myself of that again... then I reminded myself that humans are born with only two fears, and we develop the rest. I kept walking.  

I waited for my eyes to adjust to the lack of light.  They didn't.  This was not like a moonlit sky or a shadowy street.  There was NO LIGHT.  The entrance I had walked in was now out of sight, and I could see nothing - genuinely nothing - ahead of me.  It was only the moisture of the tunnel wall that kept me affirmed that I was going straight.  

The tunnel itself was (I knew from the OS Map) only 1.9km long.  Just over a mile.  Beyond it was a village where I would stop for a cup of tea should I survive this.  I can remember being scared.  Not a sense of peril, or a specific fear.  I can remember completely the fear of a loss of direction and control. I was scared of the unknown.  

Right now, we are about to walk into a tunnel.  Just like my 1.9km walk on the island of Eysturoy, we cannot go back, and we need to have faith moving forward.  We - on all levels - are about to lose control.  We will at times struggle for direction.  We are right to fear the unknown.  There will be times when we want to go back, but we cannot.  

At the end of the tunnel (and that 1.9km seemed to go for a very long time) there was a bend.  A sharp bend.  Where, all of a sudden, everything lit up.  The Arctic sun hit the road and the rock and I chided myself for being even just a bit worried.  I was wrong to do that though!  We are used to having control and we are used to knowing where our next steps will land.  But just like my hike in 2005, the tunnel ends, the light comes in, and everything goes back to normal.  

I have asked that this newsletter focus on the positives of term 1.  I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made as a College since February.  For even a brief while, please forget about pandemics and celebrate our journey.  

Excellence Awards  

Every year, Toowoomba Catholic Schools award nominated staff in the areas of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Leadership, and Excellence in Education Support. 
 
I have been incredibly proud and very much humbled by the work being completed by the teachers and admin staff at Mary MacKillop this year.  You might want to, as parents, consider nominating a member of staff here.  Visit https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/about-us/about-us/toowoomba-catholic-schools-excellence-awards/ for more details. 
 
School Work over the holidays

A number of parents have asked for additional school work to be sent to keep children busy over the break.  I have asked staff to wait until Term 2 to send this.  I can envisage a considerable period of online learning and I think two weeks of a genuine break will make that much more bearable.  I do hope parents understand my thinking in that regard.  

The College Administration office and Junior reception will be closed over the school holiday break, however admin staff will be on site sporadically.  If you do have a question, please call 4698 7777, or email highfields@twb.catholic.edu.au and one of our admin team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our College Podcasts are now available on the Apple Podcast App and Spotify.  Follow our podcasts on your preferred app to stay up to date with the latest news.

If you have children intending to enrol for 2021 or 2022 we would love help you get started with the application process.

Whether your child is starting in Prep, Year 7 or moving from another school, we are here to help you with the transition process.

Here is the link to our online Application for Enrolment form.

For those of you who are unsure, this is the Enrolment process here at Mary MacKillop and you are more than welcome to share the below information with any friends or family that may be interested:

Recommended stages of enrolment:

1. Call our friendly Enrolments Officer.
2. Book a Tour to visit our beautiful Highfields Campus and meet the staff and students that make up our great College. 
3. Complete an online Enrolment Application Form and pay a $50 Application Fee.
4. Book an Entry Interview with the Principal.

Accepting the Offer:

Following a successful Entry Interview, you will receive an Offer Letter.

1. Complete online offer form.
2. Pay the Acceptance fee of $200.
3. Receive your Welcome Pack from us, with information about purchasing books and stationery, uniforms and any devices required for your child.

During this period of social distancing and isolation regulations, we have other creative ways of sharing our beautiful College facilities with you and messages from our teachers. We can also arrange for interviews to be conducted via Zoom.

If you have any questions about the enrolment process, please contact me via email: higenrolments@twb.catholic.edu.au or use the contact form on our website.

Phoebe Burton
Enrolments Officer

When everything that is going on around us at the moment, it is very easy to forget all the good that has occurred in Term 1 in Senior.

Here are some of the teaching and learning highlights:

• The implementation of digital tools – OneNote, Canvas, Flashback Express and Education Perfect in teaching and learning
• Focus on teacher development regarding Planning for Personalised Learning and Differentiation.
• Staff were involved in Josephite formation – a reflection on the charism of St. Joseph.
• Successful completion of the first Internal Assessment of new syllabus for Year 12 students.
• Further development of the Reading Improvement Strategies to ensure our students can comprehend the texts they are reading.
• Redeveloped Science curriculum to enhance student engagement and variety of learning experiences.
• New technologies embedded into design and digital technologies curriculum – laser cutter and 3d printers.
• Development of a Careers Education program in Senior.
• Increase number of Mary MacKillop students being offered School-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships.
• Student participation at the Youth Collegiate Ministry collaboration group.
• Year 11 and 12 Leaders attended the Caritas Just Leadership days.

Despite the uncertainties ahead, I am confident that our teachers will continue to deliver quality teaching and learning.

As we approach Easter, it is tradition in a Catholic school for students to reflect on Holy Week in preparation for Easter Sunday. In both online Religion classes, as well as for those students who have attended this week, there has been a focus on the importance of Holy Week and its place in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. With families in our community unable to access regular Church and liturgy services on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, these activities have enabled students at Mary MacKillop Catholic College to reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life. Students have learned that Holy Week is a time to clear our schedules of unnecessary activities. It is a time when our minds and hearts should be fixed on Jesus and what He did for us.

Thanks for your ongoing support and encouragement during these challenging times.

Kris Naiker
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Senior
kris.naiker@twb.catholic.edu.au

I chose not to focus on the doom and gloom of what we are currently living, instead I wanted to reflect on the term that was.

Where has the term gone? Nine weeks of getting to know each other, building relationships, setting expectations and solid teaching and learning – and that’s just the classroom! There has been playtime, making new friends, adjusting to a new designated eating spot, for some, experiencing the canteen for the first time. The start of any new year is always fraught with new experiences and in some instances challenges – not just for students but teachers also.

Teachers began the year with what we call ‘0 week’ – the week before all students begin. It is a week of Professional Development. The days are long and the cognitive overload is immense. One of the sessions was called the “Writing Improvement Strategy” (WIS). It is the last piece of the Literacy jigsaw puzzle, joining RIS (Reading Improvement Strategy) and Spelling. During ‘0 week’, teachers analysed 2019 student data (NAPLAN, Standardised Testing, Reading and Spelling Data, Social and Emotional data and softer data, such as academic grades from the previous semester). Teachers handed over their knowledge of their 2019 class to the 2020 classroom teacher, ensuring that each student had the best possible start to the year. Other training included First Aid, CPR, WHS, and Student Protection, asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis and fire training. Teachers also engaged in Professional Development around Formation and Identity, specifically the Josephite tradition in our school context. All this and the teachers hadn’t met their class yet!

Moving on, we introduced the ‘Making Teaching Real Award’ recognising the effort of students in the Teaching and Learning Space on a weekly basis. It’s wonderful to see words like ‘persistent, proactive learner, ready for learning, high level of engagement in the learning process,’ written on these awards, reflecting the way in which both teachers and students value learning. Student books were checked for evidence of a high level of expectations; the P-2 teachers completed the mandated reading assessment for TCSO; teachers were observed teaching a spelling lesson; teachers also observed a peer during a guide reading lesson and a spelling lesson. In the Teaching and Learning space it is imperative that teachers have the opportunity to observe each other’s pedagogical practices in order to continue their own personal learning journey, which in turn benefits the students.

Parent/Teacher Interviews were conducted and well supported by parents. Maintaining open lines of communication between the College and home is imperative for student growth both academically and socially and emotionally. Our College counsellors were also in attendance to answer any questions. As always, if you have any further questions you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to meet with your child’s classroom teacher.

Open Classrooms did not occur this term, but we are looking forward to the time that we can offer them once again. The online learning gives parents first- hand experience with their child’s learning. Parents will be treated to a variety of experiences including, but not limited to Literacy and Numeracy, Science and HaSS based learning. This may seem daunting for many, but when parents are present in their child’s learning it shows them that you value the learning process and are invested in their education.

I began the term discussing Quality Assurance (QA) and its place within the College. You may recall that QA is a set on non-negotiables that must be present in every lesson.

I am proud to report that teachers are consistently ensuring students are first – strategies are in place and documented in the Planning for Personalised Learning framework. (Please refer to the Planning for Personalised Learning podcast for greater insight) Classrooms that I visited all had a clear learning intention for the lesson and teacher planning also reflected opportunities to empower students. Coupled with this, is the evidence of success criteria enabling students to unleash their potential. The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has just released a new Assessment, Reporting and Feedback Framework, which teachers will be immersed in during Term 2. This next step will enable teachers to give more effective feedback and better allow students to see their ideas in action. The peer and mentor observations this term have supported teachers to refine their pedagogical practices and in turn provide experiences for students to be more courageous with their learning.

And it’s only the end of term 1…….Look what we have accomplished thus far! The biggest challenge we are currently facing is Online Learning. Out of this challenge will come many educational positives, such as enhanced and creative use of technology to deliver curriculum. Next term presents some hurdles for us, but I am confident that teachers will continue to offer their students the best possible curriculum and learning opportunities. Please remember that teachers need your support to facilitate the learning with your child.

Here are my top 10 tips for successful online learning:

1. Quiet Space: Ensure the space allows for you to facilitate the learning. A space that can be known as a learning area. Just like when we set up the MacKillop Centre for a mass, everyone enters knowing that it is a sacred space. Just like at home, the area you create will be known as a learning space, i.e. it’s time to focus and learn.
2. Organisation: Keep all pencils, textas, glue, scissors, etc. readily accessible. This will help with concentration and organisation. Students won’t need to get up and search for materials as they will be within arms -reach.
3. Break times: Incorporate plenty of break times throughout the learning activities. In P-1, students wouldn’t work for more than 15-20 minutes without a movement break. In years 2 and 3 the maximum time a student would work would be 20-30 minutes, and in years 4-6, 30-45 minutes. Please do incorporate movement breaks. Movement allows for oxygen to enter the brain and helps us to refocus.
4. Snack break: Eat something healthy and drink plenty of water.
5. Conversation: normally students would engage in conversations about their learning. This is one of the most powerful things you can do with your child. You can add value to their learning by simply discussing the content.
6. School Day: Please don’t try and replicate the school day. Working from 8.30am – 3.00pm is not possible and will lead to an unhappy household. Work in achievable blocks of time.
7. Routine: Stick to your daily routine. Get up at the same time and follow your normal ‘getting ready for school’ routine. For some this may mean even getting dressed in the school uniform to signal the commencement of learning.
8. Support: You are not expected to be the teacher. We ask that you support your child with their learning.
9. Real-life learning: Use this opportunity to engage in some real-life learning experiences. For example cooking (measuring ingredients), gardening, folding the washing, card game etc.
10. Breathe: Be kind to one another and yourself. Take on this new experience slowly. There are going to be hurdles and bumps in the road. Most importantly we are all in this together.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior
natalie.adler@twb.catholic.edu.au

This term in the senior school we began with a clear focus on high expectations and a no-excuses attitude to learning. This was a natural progression after the implementation of our College Wellbeing Framework in 2019, which includes a behavior support process for students who disrupt the learning environment. 

The aim of the behaviour support process at MMCC is to have a clear and consistent process to manage student behaviour in a fair and just manner for every student. The behaviour support process ensures all parties are supported and the learning environment continues to maintain our College expectations:

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful
• Be a Learner

Everywhere our students will go in life, there will be expectations, rules, standards, and procedures. Their purpose is simple: they provide guides for how we should act to accomplish our goals without in any way interfering with others who are trying to achieve their goals. This is how all of us can live in harmony with each other. The aim of referring students to behaviour support is to support students to respect the rights of others within the classroom. If they respect the expectations of wherever they are, they shouldn’t negatively impact on others. Whether it is on a football field, in a public forum, at work, at a restaurant, while driving, or in a school, the purpose of rules and expectations remain the same.

From Term 3 2019 to the completion of Term 1 2020, the Senior School has seen a 32.5% decrease in students being referred to behaviour support.

This is reason for celebration! Well done to the students and also the staff for consistently implementing the behavior support process and creating routines for students to follow. The bar was set high at the beginning of the term and we have seen significant improvements in student behaviour within the classroom. This means less disruptions and more time for learning.

As we move into Term 2, the implementation of some of our processes may change, however, supporting your child's wellbeing will still be our main priority. Please make contact with your child's PC teacher, Sean Albion, Jasmin or Khara to discuss any wellbeing concerns you may have.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday with your families. 

Sean Albion
Assistant Principal Wellbeing: Senior
sean.albion@twb.catholic.edu.au

This week, I would like to share a success story with you regarding expectations at our College. In 2019, we introduced a College Wellbeing Framework. This included our whole College merit system, weekly positive learning behaviours, a focus on Head, Heart and Hand behaviours, a systemic approach to responding to bullying and the implementation of consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

One of our goals was to reduce the impact of negative behaviour in the classroom to increase student learning time. We also wanted to make our playground spaces safe for all students. One component of our framework was the consequences for unacceptable behaviour and the use of behaviour support. Behaviour support is an approach where we work with and help students who require additional support with their behaviour, self-regulation and decision making choices. From Term 3 2019 to the completion of Term 1 2020, we have seen a significant reduction in students displaying negative behaviours both in the classroom and playground. These unacceptable behaviours have decreased by 68.9%. 

This information tells us that time for learning in classrooms has been increased, students are growing in their independence and self responsibility for their actions and their learning, and our playground spaces are a happier and safer place for everyone. I would like to congratulate all our students, staff and parent community for consciously making Mary MacKillop Catholic College a place of learning and community.

As we move into term 2 after the holidays, I invite you to work closely with us as we continue to implement our College merit system and positive learning behaviours. This may look different next term, but please know we will work with you to continue to develop and grow your child/ren. 

Take care

Bridget Rillie
Assistant Principal Wellbeing: Junior
bridget.rillie@twb.catholic.edu.au

In our current situation, it is even more important to turn to God and pray - call to worship!  So I begin this newsletter article with this prayer ...

God living among us, our Way, Truth, and Life, help us to discern your voice from the noise, help us to know your truth from deceit, and keep grounded in the hope of your gospel. Don’t give up ... wait for us. Help us be your Word today. Amen  (www.liturgyritualprayer.com).

This term, we have been able to celebrate many important events of our Church's liturgical calendar.  We started with a whole school Commencement Mass, then Carnevale (Shrove Tuesday) followed by Ash Wednesday liturgy of the word, before the St Joseph's themed College supported Parish mass and currently the Stations of the Cross walk (in person or on the podcast).  All of these celebrations have highlighted the importance of being able to worship God in community as we now face a period of social isolation. 

Also, our staff have been engaging in their own spiritual formation around our school's charism.  We started the year with a self guided reflection about the three significant people whom Mary MacKillop based the Josephite charism on - Jesus, St Joseph and John the Baptist.  This has been followed by a staff meeting which gave staff the time to reflect in groups as well as individually, on who St Joseph was, what scriptures say about him, how does this link with Mary MacKillop and why he important for us as a Josephite school.  This led us into a deeper understanding of who we are and how we act based on our charism.  

Another great achievement this term, is the response we have had to Project Compassion and supporting the AMMA and Healing Hands groups.   Our aim for the Lenten period was for every class and every PC group to raise $40 over the 40 days.  I am very pleased to say that we have been able to raise approximately $1050 so thank you very much in supporting your child with this project.  We have already celebrated the success of the AMMA's St Patrick's Bake Sale but again thank you to everyone for supporting these students as they "see a need and do something about it".  

Unfortunately, we have had to suspend Healing Hands at present due to the Conoravirus' social restrictions and self-isolations.  We will however, recommence this as soon as it is appropriate to do so.  A huge thank you, though, to Viv and the team (staff and students) who spent an afternoon cooking meals for those in need. We look forward to being able to use these soon.

In closing, as we approach Holy Week and Easter, we know that these services will look different this year in how they are celebrated.   Please look out for ways that this will be celebrated in the vitual world.

In the words of Mary MacKillop, "God is good and has brought light and help when all was very dark".  1899

Stay safe and stay well.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education
paula.orourke@twb.catholic.edu.au