The Easter season is a time of profound reflection and joyous celebration. I am reminded of the powerful message of liberation and how it resonates with the core values of our faith and our mission as educators.
Liberation theology was a movement that emerged with great vigour in Latin America in the 1960s. It was very controversial at the time. Governments in South America viewed it as the Church meddling in state affairs and dealt with it harshly. More conservative voices in the Church saw it as an unwelcome departure from the Church's traditional role. It remains contentious.
It reminds us though that the Gospel is a living message, calling us to be agents of justice and advocates for the marginalized. It teaches us that Christ’s resurrection is not only a promise of life after death but also a call to bring about transformation in this world. This Easter let’s focus on the message of hope and renewal that comes with the Resurrection. Let’s be inspired by the example of Jesus, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, showed us the path to true freedom. He spoke of a freedom from oppression, and from all that holds us back from living fully in God’s love.
As a school community, we are called to embody this spirit of liberation. We are challenged to educate our students not just academically but also spiritually and morally, to be conscious of the injustices in our world, and to work towards creating a society that reflects Jesus’ call to forgive, to love unconditionally, but also to be the agents of change that we seek.
In the tradition of Saint Mary MacKillop, who tirelessly worked for the education and welfare of the poor, let us commit ourselves to an education, and therefore a society, that is inclusive, that empowers the voiceless, and that builds bridges of understanding and compassion.
This Easter, may we find the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to reach out to those in need, and to be bearers of the hope and joy of the Resurrection. May the spirit of Easter renew us and our commitment to a world where all are valued and all can flourish.
Please stay safe over the Easter break. Thank you so much for your support of our College.
Mr Chris Gabbett College Principal
School Holiday Office Hours
The Senior Administration building will be open to the College Community from 9:00am to 3:00pm from Tuesday, 2 April through Monday, 15 April.
Term 1 College fees were emailed during Week 3 together with current statements noting balance owing or still in credit due to prepayment at the commencement of the year. Term 1 fees are now overdue debt collection will take place over the school holidays if you are not up to date with your current fees or agreed payment plan.
If you have not received your invoices or statements please contact accounts@highfields.catholic.edu.au so we can confirm your contact details.
Also use this contact to discuss any financial difficulties you may be experiencing so we can support your family during this time.
Kirsty Gillett Business Manager
Winter Uniform/School Locker
Term 2 brings the first day of wearing the Mary MacKillop Catholic College winter uniform. We have been in contact with School Locker around availability of all winter stock so that you can ensure your children are in the correct uniform. Our understanding is the following items may only be available Week 2 or 3 of the term.
Boys long sleeved junior school winter shirts
Boy long sleeved senior school winter shirts
Girls senior blouses 7-10
Blazers will be available in two drops at the end of April and end of May.
Senior boys and girls (Year 11 and 12) shirts will be available end of April.
If you are chasing the girls junior winter skirt or senior girls skirts and run into stock issues with School Locker, these are still available for purchase at Hannas.
As a result, the College will be flexible with the changeover from summer to winter uniforms. Please send your child in their summer uniform with winter layers together with a note explaining uniform shortage as the reason for incorrect uniform.
We will update families again at the end of Week 3 and advise what stock we are still waiting on. We thank you for your patience as we changed over stockists and know that School Locker will be a valuable business partner going forward.
Scholarships are now open for 2025!
As we grow, it becomes even more important that students at Mary MacKillop Catholic College are positive, engaged and resilient learners, who can make a positive contribution to our College culture and our mission.
Students currently enrolled and attending Mary MacKillop Catholic College have the opportunity to apply for the General Excellence Scholarship, Sporting Excellence Scholarship or the Christine Bethel Academic Bursary.
2025 Scholarships and Bursaries for Current Families are now open and close Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
Phoebe Burton Enrolments Officer
Be a Mary Mac Kid for a Day
Be a Mary Mac Kid for a Day provides an opportunity for prospective students from Year 1 to Year 12 to join us for a day and experience life at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.
Catholic School Parents Australia - Communication Project
Staff Profile: (Anabel Austin)
Your official role at the College:
School Officer in Prep C
What does a typical day really look like:
A typical day for me is extremely busy from start to finish. I arrive at school and I'm greeted by my energetic preppies and then it's straight into learning. I will either be doing crafts to add to our place space, at the moment we have a flower shop and bug lab, so I made a bunch of flowers from paper and pipe cleaners. I'll assist students with their writing during our story writing time. Then I'll help them with their counting whilst also continuing to do crafts and displays for the classroom. I assist in all jobs that's required from the Prep teacher as well.
Primary School attended:
I attended Mary MacKillop Catholic College from Year 2.
Secondary School attended:
I continued at the Senior School at Mary MacKillop Catholic College and was the second year group to graduate. I've been here at MMCC as a student and now as a staff member.
What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?
I love being able to make a difference for the students I work with and there are so many supportive staff to help me achieve this. There's always someone who has advice on how I can help a student learn better.
What are your hobbies/Interests?
I love to read, create art and listen to music. I also enjoy spending time with my puppy Bea.
Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MMCC Community:
An interesting fact about myself would be that I've had one of my artworks displayed in the Toowoomba Art Gallery for the Creative Generation showcase.
What is the main thing you want your students to learn in the classroom:
I would like my students to learn that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning is sometimes hard. It's important to work at your own pace, give 100% effort, not to compare yourself to others and be kind to others.
How is your work related to the 6 Ps?
Personally, I think my work is related to Passion from the 6 Ps. I believe that I am passionate about everything I do and try to carry that through to my students to ensure they are also passionate about learning.
Mission & Identity
From The Classroom, Holy Week and Service Learning
Classroom Visits
Touring around classrooms this week I have come to greatly appreciate the talents of our Senior School teachers. I had the pleasure of looking at Year 7 Josephite Journals which served as a great introduction to all students on our Church, our charism, and the important dates, people and traditions we hold dear. The creative flair and pride students showed in developing these artifacts demonstrated their commitment to understanding the importance of faith in our lives. Listening to the conversations happening within classrooms which surrounded all manner of social justice issues left me feeling that our students are well placed to leave with a good Christian heart and sound moral compass.
Holy Week
We are in the midst of Holy Week within our liturgical calendar. This sombre time would make a great conversation starter around the dinner table. The themes of this most important week still evoke strong feelings as we turn our minds towards the betrayal, suffering, humiliation, and final sacrifice of our Lord. The key days within the week are as follows:
Palm Sunday - Jesus enters into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and is greeted by crowds waving palm branches crying 'Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!.'
Holy Wednesday - also known as Spy Wednesday. This day is marked as a time of darkness. This symbolises the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples, and anticipates the anguish and tragedy of Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper that Jesus shares with his disciples, His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, and His arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good Friday - The trial, sentencing, torture and final agony on the cross. It is called 'good' in the obsolete use of the word meaning 'holy'.
Easter Saturday - A time of keeping watch, marking the visiting of female disciples at the tomb of Jesus.
Easter Sunday - Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Many see this as the greatest feast of the Church.
Service Learning
Service learning continues in the Senior School during sport for Year 10-12 students. It may be worth having a conversation with your son or daughter about selecting this option and helping in one of the three areas we are currently undertaking
1. Technology Tutorials for elderly parishioners
2. Healing Hands meal preparation for suffering community members
3. Vinnies Volunteering with a focus on supporting their Women's Shelter
Additionally, our Year 11 Religion and Ethics class has a number of students participating in the Act for Peace Ration Pack challenge. More information will come surrounding how you can support students in this activity.
Ryan Cavanough Acting Director of Formation and College Culture
Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist
Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist Dates to Remember
Confirmation Information Meeting 2024
Monday, 22 April at 5:30pm in the Mary MacKillop Primary School Library.
Confirmation Dates
Confirmation Commitment Masses: Saturday, 27 April at 5:00pm Mass followed by Parish Potluck Dinner & Sunday, 12 May 8:00am Mass.
Reflections: Sunday, 26 May after 8:00am Masses. Confirmation Practice: Monday, 3 June 3:15pm in the MacKillop Centre.
Sacrament of Confirmation: Thursday, 6 June 6:00pm celebration at the MacKillop Centre.
First Eucharist Dates
First Eucharist Dedication Masses: Sunday, 14 July during 8:00am Mass.
Reflection: Sunday, 28 July after 8:00am Mass.
First Eucharist Practice: Monday, 12 August at 3:15pm.
Sacrament of First Eucharist:
Sunday, 18 August 9:00am Mass at the MacKillop Centre.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Sacramental team – Fr Brian Noonan, Paula O’Rourke, Nadine Dolan, Trish Gall, or Liz Eilers.
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Senior School
Griffith Advisors Day
The Your Pathway Team attended the 2024 Student Adviser Seminar on Thursday, 14 March at their Nathan campus.
The highlight of the advisor’s day was definitely catching up with past students Kyra, Michael and Jezz who are completing their first trimester of University. We loved hearing their stories of settling in and all that uni life has to offer. It was a wonderful day and we are excited to share some of Griffiths initiatives to support and advance our students.
Griffith University have extended their Head Start Program with a multitude of offerings across numerous fields of study including Business, Arts, Education, Law, Health courses and Science. To check these options out click on the link below
One of our 2023 graduates Kyra was selected to be part of the Student Academy of Excellence an initiative from Griffith to provide opportunities such as mentoring, international experiences, research roles and prestigious scholarships for high achieving students. More information is via the link below.
We heard from the heads of several faculties. The Science faculty has released two new degrees Bachelor of Advanced Engineering and Bachelor of Cyber Security, each with paid industry experience embedded into their degrees.
Griffith’s Science team have additional information on Engineering at Griffith University and their Academic Bootcamps.
Engineering at Griffith Webinar: https://youtu.be/VYBIZM3jFfo?feature=shared Delve deeper into why students should consider a career in engineering in this helpful 30-minute webinar.
Professor Matthew Molineux spoke about the new developments in Health such as the Diploma of Psychological Science Psychology (griffith.edu.au) and the first student-led midwifery clinic in Queensland Midwifery (griffith.edu.au).
The Dean of Business, Political Science and Tourism Professor Mark Brimble discussed the overhaul of Griffith's business programs to reflect the changing way people do business with a focus on values, sustainability and responsible leadership. The new degrees offered by this faculty are:
Bachelor of Advanced Financial Management (Honours)
Diploma of Business Changes to the Bachelor of Business (2025)
Your Pathway Team Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson
Year 11 Brisbane University Tour
Each year we take a group of approximately 30 Year 11 students for a trek across three Brisbane University campuses. The day starts bright and early leaving the College at 6:30am. Our first stop was Griffith University at the beautiful bushy Nathan campus. The students sat in a lecture theatre to hear a presentation from two student ambassadors about what Griffith University has to offer and then we were taken on a tour of their facilities. A definite highlight was being taken through the science labs while classes were being held and having the lab tech explain several experiments which were being conducted at the time.
We were then onto the University of Queensland where the students were mesmerised by the sheer size of the campus and the vast facilities. The students were greeted by past student Lane Richardson and another UQ Student Ambassador who was a 3rd year secondary education student. We were lead through grand sandstone buildings to another lecture theatre where students learnt about UQ life and opportunities available to them. Lane then discussed his experience from moving from Highfields to live on campus at UQ and the support he was given by the university. He also shared his reasons for choosing UQ, his degree and the opportunities that have become available to him since starting university.
Our students then got a sample of lunch time at uni and were able to try some of the delicacies offered and eat on the beautiful grassy open grounds in the Great Court. We were then split into two groups and taken on a tour of the difference faculties at the University of Queensland. It was great to catch up with past students Josie, Taylor and Lane and hear about how they are feeling heading into their second year of university. Our UQ Student Ambassadors then escorted us to the ferry terminal where we caught the ferry to make our way down the river to the Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point campus.
Situated beside the Botanical Gardens QUT Gardens Point campus really gives the students a feel for central business district of Queensland and busy city life. Escorting us on this tour were two 4th year students studying Business and Medical Imaging. These young ladies spoke from the heart about what QUT has offered them while at the University. We heard about the buildings that had been designed by students and the real-world applications of the courses. We were privileged to see the set up for the AusCycling Esports National Championships in their interactive Cube building, it was to start a couple of hours after we left. QUT - QUT to host AusCycling Esports National Championships in Brisbane Cycling Festival. After an amazing but long day it was then homeward bound.
See below to hear what some of our Year 11 students have had to say about the tour this year.
Reflecting on the University Tour, I found it incredibly enlightening to discover the various entry paths into UQ, QUT, and Griffith University. Each institution offered a unique perspective on academic opportunities and career pathways. The facilities and amenities on campus were impressive, from state-of-the-art research labs to cozy study nooks, which spoke volumes about the universities’ dedication to student success. - Avery
The Brisbane Uni Tour was really beneficial, especially being able to see the campuses and the different courses, extra-curricular opportunities and accommodation available at each. My favourite campus was UQ because it had pretty buildings, specifically the Great Court, which was really impressive to look at on the campus tour. What I found interesting was the size of the chemistry labs and the view from them at Griffith University, and the different prices and availability of accommodation at each of the unis. Overall, this was a really enjoyable and informative experience. - Bianca
I found the tour very enlightening for what life would be like after school, in which learning the types of classes, expected schedules and day to day life of the students there was quite interesting. Doing a tour around the campuses was eventful and gave me an insight on the difference between our school and the size of the universities; there are a lot of stairs. Despite this, the utter size of the campuses was fun to go around and seeing the areas designated for different subjects and courses made me very interested in the difference between current school and university. Overall, it was a worth while trip and I really enjoyed touring the universities! - Remi
The Brisbane University Tour was extremely informative on what different things each university has to offer. We learnt about the different accommodation options, the different courses and double degrees. It also showed the environment of university and what to expect for the future. We learnt about the different accommodation options, the different courses and double degrees. Overall, it was a fun enjoyable day and I learnt many things that are helpful for the future. Eleisha
I believe that the University tours were beneficial as it showed all the different course and degrees you can do and that there are lots of options. It did bring to light the costs and expenses of staying in Brisbane which is something else to think of. Thank you for taking us, very much appreciated! Ava
The benefits of going on the tours around a range of universities is to see what it will look like if you are to go there. Also, if you have any question about the university, they can answer it for you. I enjoyed walking around the university’s and sees all the amazing looking buildings like UQ with the larger sandstone and marble buildings. I found Griffith University had amazing labs and equipment and I was interested by the animals inside the wildlife science labs. Chloe
Last week several Year 9 and 10 students attended the Aspire2Health program. This program is designed for Year 9 and 10 students with an interest in a health career. It is a collaboration between Griffith University, Southern Queensland Rural Health, Queensland Ambulance Service, the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and Western Queensland Primary Health Network.
They run several events throughout the year. It is an opportunity for high school students to learn about what it’s like to study a health degree at university and be exposed to the various health professions that work in the sector. It allows students to meet with local health students and professionals and to have some fun learning the key skills taught in a health degree. The project aims to highlight and spark interest in career opportunities in health.
The following days are still available, click the link to register if you are interested - Aspire2Health - RuralMedEd
Tuesday, 14 May – Southern Queensland Rural Health (8:10am to 2:45pm)
Wednesday, 15 May – Southern Queensland Rural Health (8:10am to 2:45pm)
Tuesday, 13 August – Griffith Clinical Training Centre (8:10am to 2:45pm)
Wednesday, 14 August – Griffith Clinical Training Centre (8:10am to 2:45pm)
Below is what our students have said about the day.
I found this day to be insightful and highly enjoyable. We were encouraged to be creative thinkers, and to share our ideas - from the very beginning with an 'escape room box'. Later rotations provided us with a chance to explore possible healthcare career options, varying from dietitian, medicine, psychology, midwifery, nursing, and social work.
I would truly recommend this day for anyone interested in health, or genuinely with no idea what field they are see themselves in. It benefited me as I narrowed down my career options and provided me with a knowledgeable and unforgettable experience. I learnt about specific fields in healthcare and techniques - such as stitching and inserting needles into patients.
The professionals mentoring us were friendly and welcoming. They encouraged all our questions and strove to assist us in our journey throughout the day regarding our puzzle centred upon a hypothetical patient.
Additionally, I noticed that some of what they taught us aligned with units of science studied in Year 9. This further exposure created a real-world link.
Ultimately, it was a wonderful day, both informative and rewarding. Anyone who chooses to go will not regret it!
Ann Year 10
I really enjoyed the Aspire2Health program. It allowed me to see the many pathways that I could take in the health career, and it was a fun experience as well.
I learnt many things, such as, in medicine and how to stitch, and also in nursing and how to use a needle and inject medication. It was fun learning about different things about different health careers.
I would love to go again as it was a memorable event.
Olivia Year 9
The Aspire2Health experience was most definitely a beneficial experience for students in Years 9 and 10. The educators were polite and welcoming whilst also being professional in teaching us about their study areas.
The experience allowed us to undergo rotational activities to simulate different career pathways in the healthcare industry such as Physiotherapy, Paramedicine, Nursing, Psychology and what each profession does and uses to help those under their care.
An explanation of the available learning pathways to become a health professional where also provided in each rotation. The experience also encouraged us to socialise and bond with other students through 'puzzle' activities where it required more than one set of thinking skills.
Overall, I would recommend this experience to any students seeking to gain knowledge or certainty about a career in healthcare.
Sharleigh Year 10
Aspire 2 Health is a great way to try new and different occupations that you may fulfill in your near future. It’s a great way to experience what different occupations there are, what they are about and to have a see what you would do at that job and trial to see if you could enjoy doing that career in the future.
I will recommend this to a friend or a family member who are interested in the health industry.
Layli Year 9
The Aspire 2 Health workshop taught me many things about health careers, there were many different varieties and many opportunities in the different careers. I learnt a better understanding about many different jobs in the health industry that I never knew existed.
There are many benefits from this Workshop, better understanding for people interested in health, activities involved with the different jobs such as giving needles, stitching, blood pressure, strapping people up to the stretcher, we also looked into the different universities you can get into from the different jobs.
I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in health, want to know what health jobs do in there day to day lives, and how to get into university and the different subjects required.
Lucy Year 9
In my personal experience, Aspire2Health broke down a lot of the stereotypes I had about the health industry. Before the workshop the only jobs I associated with health was Nurses, General Practitioners and Surgeons, however, through Aspire2Health I discovered countless amounts of professions in health and how they all work together to help patients. Although we didn’t look closely at all of them, I learned a lot about them. Another stereotype I associated with the health industry was there only being one way into the profession. For example, I am interested in becoming a Doctor and after doing some research I thought the only way to get into medical school would be to get a high ATAR and UCAT score, however, Aspire2Health showed me that there are an endless number of pathways into med school and universities.
Matilda Year 10
Your Pathway Team Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson
Junior School
My First Year - Prep Photos
Extra-Curricular
From the Sports Desk!
Basketball Grand Final Victory
Congratulations to our Year 9/10 boys basketball team who were victorious in their Div 2 grand final against Downlands on Friday night – 53 to 28. The boys showed tremendous growth in their skills and game strategy. A huge thank you to our volunteer coach, Mia Natalier, who works hard to take the boys to new levels. Well done!
SWQ School Futsal Titles
Well over 100 students represented the College in Futsal during the SWQ School Futsal Titles last week. Champions in the following age groups:
Under 12 Girls
Under 13 Girls
Under 13 Boys
Under 16 Girls
QCIS Futsal Titles
The College entered 7 teams into the QCIS Futsal Championships this week. The developing rivalry between member schools was evident with some excellent futsal being played during the event.
Congratulations to 5 of our 7 teams who were crowned champions on the evening - 11 Boys, 13 Girls, 15 Boys, 15 Girls, and Open Boys. Our 13 Boys lost their final in the last 2 minutes of their game and our Open Girls were unlucky not to qualify for their final - only missing out on goal difference.
Many thanks to Mrs Frame, Mrs Campbell, Mr Barr, Mr Watt, and MMCC Alumni Fletcher Skewes for assisting across the two venues.
Our next QCIS events are Cross Country (7 May in Warwick) and Netball (17 May at Downlands).
Laura Geitz Netball
On Sunday, 17 March our girls participated in the Laura Geitz Netball Cup in Div 1. It was a tough and challenging competition, placing 5th overall. This is a fantastic effort as it was the first competition of the year. Our dedicated team showed passion, perseverance, enthusiasm, strong teamwork, and MMCC spirit.
Thank you to event organisers, Sasha Perina, Ms. Carroll, Mrs. Skewes, Mrs. Farrow, and the parent community for your support.
Touch Football
Touch training for boys and girls will commence in Term 2. Training will be run by Mr Hubbard and Mrs Lever every Monday afternoon from 3:15pm to 4:00pm on Fitzroy Oval starting Monday Week 2.
We are working towards several carnivals in Terms 3 and 4 and are seeking students who play regularly and also anyone who is keen to give Touch a go. All students in Years 4-6 are welcome to attend.
More information about upcoming carnivals will be available throughout Term 2.
Brad Griffiths Middle Leader, Sport and Student Engagement
Hello to all our Mary MacKillop Catholic College families and staff to this the March edition of the Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Newsletter.
First, we like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves, Tamerea Fritz and Gabor Kalotay, the new Co-Chairs of the PEN Committee. We take over from two thoroughly focused and organised Co-Chairs, Rowena Voll and Shayne Cleary. We can only hope to approximate their performance and achievements in this role over the past 3 years. To Rowena and Shayne, thank you for all your support, encouragement and assistance in this transition period. A task made significantly less daunting by your offers of help.
We would also like to thank our College Principal Mr Chris Gabbett who has made himself readily available to assist during this period. Our role, the role of the PEN, is to support Chris and his staff in guiding our College to achieve the best outcomes for our students in terms of learning, personal and physical development, and spiritual formation, whilst remaining true to our Catholic identity. As such, we encourage all parents to contribute to, and participate in, the PEN.
One of the many positive, and frequently referred to, aspects of MMCC is the sense of community. Families and staff collaborating to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children and their families. Everyone in our College community benefits from this collaboration. For this to continue, and to allow the College to grow and prosper into the future, there is a significant need for volunteers.
If you recognise and appreciate the mutual benefits of community, we ask you to please volunteer. If every parent/carer/guardian were to volunteer for only 1 event in our College calendar year, not only would this significantly reduce the workload of the relative few who regularly volunteer, it would also assure the success of these events. We are all busy with work and family commitments and the stressors of daily life. Our volunteers are no less busy. Please help.
Our intention is to post a newsletter toward the end of each month. There are several events in the coming month which we ask you mark on your calendar:
Principal’s Twilight Tours:
There was a strong representation of parents at the Principal's Twilight Tour last Wednesday (20 March). Parent endorsement of our wonderful College is a key part of developing enrolments and continuing to provide such a well resourced education. There are two remaining tours on the evenings of 29 May and 14 August. Volunteers are needed – please assist if you can.
Pie Drive:
Our annual College Pie Drive commences on April 16. Please support and enjoy these delicious pastry bound delights!
Mother’s Day Raffle:
Our annual College Mother’s Day Raffle commences on April 16. Please support and make this day even more special.
Junior School Disco and Family BBQ:
The annual Junior School Disco and Family BBQ will be held on Friday, 3 May. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event in the past, in no small part due to the work of our volunteers. Our volunteers assure the success and safety of this event. Our reliance on volunteers this year is no different – please assist if you can. Details will be forthcoming from the PEN early in the new term.
Easter
For Catholics and Christians throughout the world, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the final week of Lent, culminating in the Easter Triduum from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. It is the most significant week in our Liturgical Year. It is a week of solemn reverence and reflection and encompasses and evokes the full spectrum of human emotion. It is a singularly remarkable narrative. On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper and our Lord’s betrayal and resignation to His Divine fate, the agony of the cross on Good Friday.
Even in the midst of inconceivable suffering, our Lord forgives, never condemns, comforts a fellow prisoner and entrusts the care of His Beloved Mother to one of his disciples. Our mourning turns to joy on the eve of Easter Saturday as we celebrate His resurrection and the fulfilment of God’s eternal promise. May all of us who share this Faith be renewed and inspired as we accompany our Lord in His journey during Holy Week.
Please remember that there are plenty of ways to engage with liturgy and prayer at the College. There is a weekly Mass in P6 every Tuesday (7:30am), a weekly Rosary led by Mr Cavanough in the Outdoor Chapel on Monday at 7:15am, and the Josephite Companions group in Junior Admin every second Thursday (even weeks) at 7:15am.
Next PEN Meeting:
The next meeting of the Parent Engagement Network will be held on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, commencing at 5:30 pm. All are warmly welcomed. Please note the change to Week 7 from Week 6 as Mr Gabbett is at a conference in Canberra.
Wishing all our College Children, Families and Staff a very Holy and safe Easter.
Warm Regards, Tamerea Fritz and Gabor Kalotay, Co-Chairs MMCC Parent Engagement Network.
Parish News
Parish Mass Time
Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre to celebrate together.
You are invited to be part of this celebration.
Sunday Mass starts at 8:00am (unless otherwise advised) and is led by Fr Brian Noonan
Date Claimers
Potluck Dinner on Saturday, 27 April. Mass at 5:00pm and dinner at 6:00pm. Guest Speaker will be Bishop Ken Howell.
Easter Mass Times
Holy Thursday: Thursday, 28 March - 6:00pm - St Theresa’s (Combined Service and Choir)
Good Friday: Ecumenical Stations of the Cross -10:00am (Peacehaven Park - Highfields)
Good Friday: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ - 3:00pm (Mary MacKillop College Hall)
Easter Vigil: Saturday 6:00pm - Mary MacKillop College Hall
Easter Sunday: Sunday 8:00am - Mary MacKillop College Hall
OSHC - Easter Vacation Care!
Our Easter Vacation Care Program has just been released. There are so many exciting things planned for these school holidays such as an excursion to the Wellcamp Airport to engage in flight-based activities, an excursion to The Strand to see Kung Fu Panda 4, bike and scooter incursion, easter egg scavenger hunt, nerf gun battles, porcelain plate decorating and more!
Please book in ASAP to secure your spot!
Garth Rochford OSHC Coordinator
Bus Queensland Update
Changes to Bus Toowoomba Passes effective Monday, 15 April 2024
On Monday, 15 April 2024, Bus Queensland (Toowoomba) will launch a new ticketing system called Transportme™ Whilst there will be no changes to the fare you pay, there will be changes to the way students can pay.
Students who currently have a purse/smartcard for travel will be issued a new smartcard over the Term 1 break. You will receive this by post and any value on your existing card will be transferred to your new card. Your existing card will cease working on Friday, 29 March 2024. If you do not receive a new card by Friday, 12 April 2024, please contact the depot.
You will no longer be able to top up your card on the bus, however, you can add value using the Transportme™ application. Information about how to do this will be included when you receive your new card.
Students who pay cash for their fares will continue to be able to do so, however, you may wish to start using a smartcard that can have stored value and automatically top-up. Please email reception@busqld.com.au if you wish to receive one of these cards.
