Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

New beginnings:

Spring surely must be near.
High over head the kind blue heavens bend to timbers tall;
And here, this morning, is the picture spread
That I have learned to love the best of all.
I hear Flame Robin call,
His early love-song. Winter's might is sped;
And young crows now begin to fleck with red
This great green, living wall.

So, begins ‘Promise of Spring’ by C. J. Dennis published in 1935 and how it captures the warmth, light and new beginning that spring inevitably brings with it. Many staff have commented to me over the last week how excited they are that spring has arrived and how they are already feeling better for the longer days and warmer temperatures. Well, you know me by now – the temperatures I could do without, but I am with them on the longer days, and it is lovely to see the blossom brought about by winter’s demise.

Spring in the College calendar also heralds many changes.

We have the changing of the guard in College student leadership with new College Captains, new Junior Captains and new House Captains. It’s a time to really celebrate the outgoing teams and feel excited and energised about what a new team can bring to the party. Speaking of party, the ‘Spring has Sprung’ Senior Disco was a big hit last Friday and a huge thank you to the SRC and the College student leaders for making this a fun and positive event.

With Term 4 on the horizon, we will soon be clapping out Year 12 and Year 6 which were two events I thoroughly enjoyed last year and look forward to again along with the other Graduation events and celebrations. A further celebration you might like to add to your diaries is the rearranged John 10:10 dinner – with the warmer and longer evenings, we will be celebrating this on the College site, utilising the outdoor Chapel and Café area. I hope that you will be able to make this event and enjoy building further connections with parents, staff and the wider community. Sadly, I will be unable to make it as I am off to see Oasis in Melbourne – that may well feature in future articles no doubt – but I will be with you in spirit!

Renewal in a school often links with staff leaving and new staff joining us. At the end of Term 3 we say goodbye or have said goodbye to the following staff:

Jess Burke: Jess has been pivotal in building and growing our thriving arts program at the College and will forever be associated with the MMCC Drumline, Rock Band and Eisteddfod dominance over the years. We wish Jess well in her next chapter.

Khara Saunders: Khara will be on maternity leave next term. We wish her and the family all the best at this exciting time.

Molly Harm: Molly has confirmed that she will not be returning from maternity leave. We wish Molly all the best in the future.

Kelsey Rochford: Kelly has been a ball of energy as a School Officer and we hope that she will enjoy her new role.

Theresa Holm: Theresa has been a big hit with students in her role as School Officer and we wish her well.

We welcome the following to our College:

Peter Gous: Peter will be in the Science and Ag Science space and has already made a great impact in his first two weeks at the College.

Anabel Austin: Anabel has moved from School Officer to fully fledged teacher of Art and Religion. Anabel has made a great start and we look forward to seeing art continue to flourish at the College.

Cody Silva: Cody has been at the College regularly this year as relief and we are delighted to have her on contract for at least Term 4 in Year 2.

Jean Eastwood and Lauren Wrench join us as School Officers and we look forward to their impact in the classroom.

So, Spring is here; it has been another successful term with victories in so many fields – sporting, artistic, spiritual and academic. These victories are hard won and I thank staff, students and you, the parents for your hard work and giving your best even when exhaustion hits hard. May the spring holiday bring you peace, renewal and warmth (if you like that kind of thing)!

God bless.

Richard Coe

Acting Principal

September is the season of creation and I am reminded of this when I look out my window. The deciduous trees with their blossums and new leaves, the colourful flowers in full bloom, the smell of the air seems cleaner and crisper and the lawn needs mowing. As I witness this renewal, I'm reminded of Genesis 1:31:

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

Creation is not only beautiful - it is sacred. It invites us to pause, reflect and renew our hope and commitment to care for the environment. It calls us to walk together as seeds of peace and hope, nurturing the earth and each other.

As the September school holidays are upon us, it is the signal that spring is here. The perfect time in Toowoomba region to be out and about visiting parks, gardens and enjoying many activities that on offer. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine, revitalises our soul and mind. It enables me to breathe, relax and feel connected to earth. So I invite you to enjoy the outdoors these holidays where your soul will be renewed.

September is also a time in the life of the church where we focus on creation. Let us use this season to renew our spirits, reconnect with nature, and recommit to walking gently on this earth—together, as a community of faith and hope. As Romans 8:19 says:

"For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed."

Creation longs for us to live in harmony with it, to be revealed as caretakers and peacemakers.

I leave you with this prayer:

God of Life,

You love the universe into being,

Let us give praise.

You embrace the world

without distinction,

Let us give thanks.

You call humanity to make

flesh Your tenderness,

Let us live accordingly.

You endow all creation

with Your divine beauty

and wisdom,

Let us acknowledge.

You forgive all trespasses.

Let us learn Your ways.

You grace us unconditionally,

Let us receive humbly.

You are our hope,

Let us remember.

Amen.

(Amy Echeverria, Columbans International, LSM CofoundingMember and Founding Board President. United States of America.)

Enjoy the holidays and spring weather as you and your family have a break from the daily routine of school life. Stay safe.

Paula O'Rourke

Assisant Principal Mission and Identity

On Friday, 12 September, Miss Cowen and Mrs O'Rourke accompanied eight students - Archer Turner, Darby Richardson, Patrick May, Annabelle Wincen, Lily Watt, Johnny Maloney, Emme Lanza, and Charlee Smith-McAullay - to the Commemoration Service for the Battle of Meewah, also known as the Battle of One Tree Hill. This powerful event honoured both the historical and spiritual significance of Meewah, offering a deeper understanding of First Nations culture, resilience, and connection to Country.

The service commemorated a decisive moment in the Frontier Wars, where Multuggerah, a respected leader and skilled warrior, led a successful resistance against British squatters in 1843. His leadership, diplomacy, and tactical brilliance are remembered as a testament to the strength and unity of First Nations Australians.

Alongside the historical truth-telling, attendees also learned the Dreamtime story of Meewah - a tale of the rivalry between mountains Meewah and Wandoyawah, and the spiritual forces that shaped the landscape. These stories reflect the deep cultural and spiritual ties First Nations peoples have with the land.

The experience offered a space for reflection, learning, and connection, inspiring a sense of pride, empathy, and commitment to social justice. It was a reminder that the endurance and spirit of First Nations Australians continues to shape our shared history and future.

"The ceremony offered a fascinating insight into the local history and truth-telling stories that have been passed down through generations in the Toowoomba region. I had only vaguely heard of Multuggerah and the Battle of One Tree Hill before, but hearing the full story and standing at the very place where First Nations freedom fighters defended their land and rights made it incredibly powerful. It’s something every person in Toowoomba should witness and reflect on." ~Archer Turner (Year 12 College Captain and proud Kamilaroi man).

"Learning about the Battle of Meewah while sitting in view of the mountain made the experience feel surreal and deeply meaningful. I loved that the ceremony was held outdoors, surrounded by nature - it added to the sense of connection. Hearing from so many inspiring people who shared their stories made the day unforgettable." ~Lily Watt (Year 6 Junior Leader).

"The service was really informative. I learned a lot about Meewah’s history and enjoyed hearing powerful stories from Elders and community members." ~Johhny Maloney (Year 6 Junior Leader).

"I found the story of the two brothers really inspiring, especially how it explained the creation of Meewah." ~Emme Lanza (Year 6 Evangelisation Leader).

"I really appreciated how the service acknowledged the battles and challenges First Nations Australians faced around Meewah, and how they stood strong to protect their land. I especially loved hearing the stories from the Elders, and I admired the courage everyone showed when speaking to honour Indigenous history." ~Charlee Smith-McAullay (Year 5 student and proud Budjiti woman).