What's in a name? An awful lot.

'I have called you by name - you are mine'.

This sentence, from the Book of Isaiah, is surrounded by reassurance and and promises from God to the people of Israel. It is sandwiched within 2 of the 366 times that God tells believers to not be afraid. I see a strong link between the calling 'by name', and the promise of security, protection and love.

The first act of a new parent is to name their child. Names are special - sacred really. The child's first aspiration towards consciousness and self-concept is through their name. Often, they will refer to themselves in the third person as they begin to understand the power of self, and the fact that they have a mind, and agency, and can influence and be influenced by their surroundings. Even in classrooms today, the best way to silence a noisy lesson is to mention a few names. There is an immediate focus on responsibility and self. Australians in particular are renowned for applying nicknames or slang terms for friends, which in its own way is a reflection of the spirit implied by Isaiah - 'you are mine'.

I am very aware of the importance of names at present because one of my current tasks is leading the naming of the new College buildings that will emerge over the next few years. We are yet to formally name our new sports oval, and as we will very likely have at least three new buildings between now and 2027, we need to start focussing on what names will resonate with our community. Certainly, there is a need to tell our story; our Josephite story, which begins long before the foundation of our College in 2003. We also need to reconcile the anomaly of some buildings named after geographical features and buildings named after saints, holy places, priests and nuns.

In all of it, those words from Isaiah really ring true to me. What we call these buildings MAKE them ours, not just as a Highfields community now but as a Josephite community with an esteemed history and a desire to thrive into the future.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Your official role at the College: 

Guidance Counsellor

Primary School attended: 

Moulton Primary School in England - my family and I moved to Australia when I was a teenager!

Secondary School attended: 

Fairholme College, Toowoomba

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop? 

Since starting at the commencement of this term, everyone has made me feel very welcome - what a beautiful school community!

What are your hobbies/Interests? 

You might see me watching or playing soccer on the weekends - my favourite sport and something I've been involved in fairly consistently since I was in U6s.

Term 2 College fees were emailed during Week 1 together with current statements noting balance owing or still in credit due to prepayment at the commencement of the year.

Term 2 fees are due on 2nd May and debt collection will start Week 3 if you are not up to date with your current fees or agreed payment plan. If you have not received your Term 2 invoice 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.

School holidays are always a busy time for the College for works while staff and students are off site. We've seen the completion of Stage 1 of our Capital Works Program with Newlands completing handover of our New Undercover Eating Area. The final stage is now underway with demolition works started at the old "Uluru" facility ready for rejuvenation into our new Arts Precinct.

Our combo Rugby and Soccer goals were installed over the break and our mobile Junior Soccer goals delivered and assembled. We've thoroughly made use of the new College Oval with both the Junior and Senior Cross Country and Colour Runs. We have loved having our community join us on the new Oval for these events. The Mary MacKillop Catholic College landscape is slowly changing as we make inroads into completing the College Master Plan.

Mr Gabbett and Mrs Gillett had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from QCEC, the College Architect and Toowoomba Catholic Schools on Tuesday of Week 1. This meeting was is preparation for our application for Block Grant Funding for the next stage of the Master Plan - the construction of a P-12 Admin building and conversion of current Admins to a Senior library, additional teaching spaces, and support offices.

On Monday, 24 April, our College commemorated ANZAC Day with a service lead by Year 12 student leaders. This service was organised by some Year 12 PRAXIS students and it allowed everyone to reflect on what has happened in the past and what it means today to be an Australian who now shares the freedom of living in this wonderful country.

Mrs Liz Frame shared her connection with past wars to enable us all to reflect at how fortunate we are able to see the mistakes of the past and try to live a life that learns from the past.

This year, poppies were included more as a symbol, to remember the fallen. Our Junior classes each placed a red poppy in the sacred space while the PC groups each tied their house ribbon to a cross as a symbol of solidarity for the past.

Congratulations also to the MMCC Marching band who represented the school with passion and pride at the Brisbane ANZAC Day March for the 2nd year in a row.

Highfields Community Commeremoration

Great show of practical action with many students marching here in Highfields. Huge thank you to parents for your support in this action. Special mention to our College leaders - Charlotte Voll, Jezziah Berry, Brendan Williams, Charlotte Dobson, and Elise Scrivens - for your contribution to the service - laying of the wreath and leading the gum leaf burning. We certainly did have the opportunity to enjoy to smell of eucalyptus burning around us.

Students are currently preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is one of the intiation ceremonies for the Catholic faith.

This ceremony will take place on Thursday, 15 June, at 7:00pm with Bishop Robert McGuckin, in the MacKillop Centre.

If you have any flowers Or shrubbery - white or red - we would really appreciate your donations to the evening. Please contact Paula O'Rourke if you are able to provide this.

Please continue to pray for the young people and their families as they prepare for this very special celebration.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the sacramental team:

Paula O'Rourke 
APRE & Sacramental team member

Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre to celebrate together.

YOU are invited to be part of this celebration.

Mass starts at 8:00am and is lead by Fr Brian Noonan.

Please remember with the construction site blocking the road to the MacKillop Centre people will need to park and walk to the centre.

A potluck dinner will be held on Saturday, 17 June. Mass will be at 5:00pm followed by dinner at 6:00pm. This dinner will be a chance to catch up with fellow parishioners and enjoy each other's company. This time change is to accommodate the winter evening. Please bring a pot of something to share with others for dinner

A pilgrimage is a journey of the heart. Just as our feet can take us to different times and places, so our heart can take us into sacred times and places, open to encountering the God within ourselves, within creation and within others.

Bright and early last Wednesday morning, the Year 12 cohort, accompanied by Mrs Paula O'Rourke, Mr Ryan Cavanough, Mr Ashley Jones and myself departed for Year 12 Retreat. There was plenty of singing and spirits were high as we journeyed to Brisbane's CBD.

Our Senior Retreat is designed to afford the Year 12s an opportunity to connect with their Josephite roots, the story of Mary Mackillop's legacy in Brisbane and to acknowledge how history can inform their own pathways. Sometimes it is easy to forget that the Josephite narrative is larger than us, but that we are an important part of it nonetheless.

In 1867, Mary MacKillop penned the statement "We are but travellers here". Across three days and two nights, during which we were truly blessed with spectacular Brisbane weather, our Seniors learned the importance of this sentiment as they traversed the streets, bridges and pathways of the city, following in the footsteps of our patron Saint.

A pilgrimage is a sacred time, not a physical endurance feat. This first day in Brisbane was a warm one too, so we allowed time for prayer, reflection, relaxation and refreshment. Amongst the beauty and serenity of the Botanic Gardens, students reflected on Mary MacKillop's journey and the challenges she encountered; they began to seek connections between Mary's story and their own. The 6Ps underpinned our conversations and activities as our seniors reflected on the possibilities of their future and the passions which give them courage for the challenges ahead. On their wooden pilgrim shells–a memento of the trip–each student recorded their passions and values, times when they have needed to persevere, and the partnerships with family and friends which give them the strength for the journey.

Of course, there was some time for fun as well! At Southbank Parklands, the Year 12s tested their partnerships and took some practical action to complete an Amazing Race, full of geographical challenges and selfies. Well done to the winners, who managed to complete every question and still had time to get themselves an ice cream! Additionally, on our second evening, students had some down time to enjoy some basketball, the pool at our accommodation, some shopping and even laser tag at Time Zone. On our final day, spent at St Joseph's School and then at the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Seniors again worked in groups to create raps, news stories, Instagram stories and role plays which they will use to teach the Year 11 cohort all about the 6Ps.

Mary MacKillop's passion and the possibilities borne of her perseverance, partnerships, practical action and prayers seeking guidance from a God whom she loved, paved the way for schools to exist in the Josephite tradition. Whether they realise it yet or not, our Year 12s are part of a really important legacy. We hope, as they walked the streets of Brisbane where Mary's actions are irrevocable and tangible, that this experience gave our leaders the opportunity to consider their place in history and the possibilities that the future holds for them.

Leisa Radley
Director of Formation and College Culture (7-12)

Last week, McCormack House hosted the annual Senior College Colour Run in support of the MND and Me Foundation. The event was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see students getting involved in activities at the stations, dressing up with their friends and having lots of fun! This year was different to previous Colour Runs as it was decided that holding the event during winter is not the most optimum time to run around in a t-shirt! Instead, running the event after the competitive Cross Country races proved to be an effective way to get students excited for and engaged in the race.

In the spirit of Sister Irene McCormack, a Josephite after whom our House is named, McCormack House aims to support the vulnerable who need our assistance. The MND Foundation and Me is close to our hearts at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, as Motor Neurone Disease has previously impacted our community. The purpose of the Colour Run is to raise not only awareness about the incurable disease but also raise money for patients suffering from MND and those supporting them.

This year, McCormack House had a goal of raising $1000 for MND Foundation. Currently, we have raised a total of $955 for this cause. Please help us reach our goal! If you are interested in donating to this wonderful non-profit organisation, click the link here: MND and Me Foundation - McCormack House Senior Colour Run

I thank Senior College students and their families for your support to ensure this event was able to occur, and to anyone who has donated.

Bella Stenzel
McCormack House Captain

The key difference between picture books and early readers is the reading level. Will the book be read to a child by an adult, or will it be read to an adult by a child? Picture books are typically read by adults and early readers are read by, children who are early in their reading journey.

Leveled readers are a great tool to help children develop their reading skills when reading at an independent or instructional level. Levelled readers allow them to practice word patterns and sight words, and help them develop reading and comprehension strategies.

While leveled readers are great for young readers to practice reading strategies, they are not ideal for many other reading skills. Here are 4 reasons why you should expose your child to other quality literature.

Vocabulary

Young readers learn new words everyday through conversations through people they interact with. They also learn words through the books they listen to. Rather than focusing on word patterns or sight words, picture books provide the opportunity to learn new and interesting words.

Before reading a book together, make reading intentional. Choose one or two words from the text to teach your child. These words are necessary to comprehend the message of the text.

Next, determine how you teach these new words to your child. You could ask questions about the book to determine what the word means. For example, you are reading a book about playing in the snow and the book mentions the word sledding. You can probably use the pictures of text in the book to determine what the act of sledding means.

However, if you are reading about a boy who got “frustrated” with his sister, you can go into more detail to determine what it means to be frustrated. Provide an opportunity for your child to use this word in context to develop the meaning of this new word.

By reading a variety of new picture books to children, they can learn to use new vocabulary that is not available to them in leveled readers.

Comprehension

Comprehension is the ability to understand and connect to what is being read. If a child focuses on sounding out each letter, they can’t comprehend the meaning of the story. If an alphabet reader only mentions words that begin with the letter Tt, there is more than likely not much to comprehend.

In order to develop higher level thinking skills, it is important to read literature than provide young learners with the ability to interpret what they have read. This can be done before reading a book, during the reading and after the book is read.

Before reading a book together, look at the picture on the cover and title of the book. Have your child predict what the book may be about. You can allow them to look through the book prior to reading or discuss what the book is about in order to activate their prior knowledge on the topic.

During the reading of the book, ask questions that your child may wonder about. Let them ask questions regarding concepts that they do not fully understand. Allow your child to make predictions and assist them during parts where inferences are needed. Discuss what the characters or author are thinking during a specific part of the story.

Finally, after the book is read, ask your child what their favorite part was and allow them to elaborate on why they enjoyed that part of the story. Ask your child to retell or summarise the main ideas of the story. Maybe allow them to draw or write about the story.

Creating opportunities for your child to connect and comprehend books that are being read will create a purpose for reading.

Purpose for Reading

No matter how old you are, we all enjoy stories being read to us. Allow your child to grab a book off the shelf to read on a whim. Create meaningful learning experiences by being intentional about the books you choose to read to your child.

By establishing that purpose, you are providing your child with the ability to understand why we read books.

Creating a love for Reading

When you read quality children’s literature with your child, you are able to take them to places they have never been. They create new ideas for play, establish a love for a new topic or learn about something new. When a love for reading is created, you will find your child bringing books to you rather than you trying to get them to sit down and read. You will hear them making up stories by reading the pictures in a book or telling their friends about a book that they read at home.

We want our learners to become lifelong readers and that will not happen if they are not exposed to literature as often as possible.

The Five-Finger Method

The five-finger method can help you quickly and easily see if a book is at an instructional level. Start by picking a book that you feel is just about right for their age and have them read one page from the book. Hold out your hand with five fingers up. If the child struggles with a word, fold one finger down, and do this for each word that they struggle with. Once the child has finished reading the page, count how many fingers are folded. The more fingers folded, the harder the book is for the child to read. Try picking a book that you feel the child can read and try the method again.

If you would like to know more about the best ways to support your child with reading, please register to come along to the next parent workshop: “The home reader versus the library book: The best ways to support my child with reading”.

Wednesday, 3 May, 5:45-6:45pm in the Junior Library. (Check your email)

Mrs. Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning / Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing

The growth we see in our Year 10 students during work experience continues to astonish and astound us. This year has seen our students' complete placements in a wide variety of industries and has provided the opportunity for some students to take their first step into the world of work.

Work experience is a vital tool for students to sample employment opportunities as they transition into their senior years of education and think about what they might do after year 12. Some students have reported that work experience has cemented their pathway ideas and then move into the area of exploring what subjects they will need to take in Years 11 and 12, while others have asked to complete additional work experience to continue to explore their options. And some students even secured paid work or apprenticeships.

Work experience also allows our students to independently discover new things about themselves. Here is some of the responses we have received when asked "What did you learn about yourself whilst on placement?"

• I can get out of my comfort zone and interact with people.
• I will have to be confident.
• I can make friends quickly.
• I like being around little kids and like being around me.
• I am suited to a hands on job.
• I am able to do anything I put my mind to.
• I am able to confidently ask questions.
• I cannot sit still for long periods of time.
• Asking questions and getting involved with the work mates makes me more confident to participate in the work.
• and our one we never expected,
• I don't mind cleaning!

We are eternally grateful to the hosts of our work experience students who take time out of their week to allow our students to grow and explore the world of opportunities before them.

Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson
Your Pathway Team

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) Education have invited students from our college to attend their health industry showcase lunch on Friday, 12 May.

This year it will be held at St Mary’s College, in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre at the top of Hill Street – usual time, commencing at 1.00pm and finishing at 2.30pm.

There will be a diverse range of health workers for the students to talk to – from ambos to an anaesthetist to a practice manager to an exercise physiologist. As usual we will have lots of hospital reps too like nurses etc. Should be a cracker.

Parents and invited and encouraged to attend.

See the flyer for more information.

The QR code on the flyer will take you to the usual registration site.

RSVP’s by Friday, 5 May.

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

We have started another busy term in the library, cataloguing lots of new books that were requested by students earlier in the year. We have also been ably assisted by the year 6 Library Monitors who visit at first break every day to assist with shelving, storytelling and running craft activities with younger students. These students happily volunteer their time and play an important role in library operations - their service is greatly appreciated.

Term 2 will see a number of events including Author presentations in week 4 for Prep/Year 1 (Gus Gordon) and Year 2/3 (James Foley). We are fortunate to be able to access these visits through the Step into Stories Festival, organised by TCS Teacher Librarians. National Simultaneous Storytime will also be celebrated on Wednesday, 24 May. More details regarding these will be events will be featured in upcoming newsletters.

MMCC Library Staff

Last term in Performing Arts, all Grade 2 students learnt to speak to an audience the words to the poem Brumby’s Run by Banjo Patterson. In class, the students focused on how to say the words with expression, project their voices and speak in unison. To give the Grade 2s an opportunity to perform in front of a small audience, they performed on the Billabong steps for the Grade 1's. It was fantastic to watch the Grade 2's present what they have been learning in class and manage some of those performance nerves! Well done!

Chloe Lauverjon
Primary Arts Teacher

Respect can look and mean different things to people depending on their belief system, customs and culture. For the mainstream, respect is defined as follows:

“a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements” and

“due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others”

(Oxford Dictionary)

This term, our College focus is 'respect'. During week 5 and 7, students will have a THRIVE assembly, which will be focused on RESPECT. Following the assembly, students return to their classroom where they participate in a THRIVE social emotional lesson, which involves the explicit teaching of social and emotional skills, aligned with the General Capabilities from the Australian Curriculum.

It is important for students to:

Feel safe around their peers and their teacher.

Not yell or talk over others.

Listen to others even when they disagree.

Not to control others.

Talk openly about their needs and wants.

Admit when they have made a mistake.

Freely express who they are and allow others to do the same.

I invite you to listen to this podcast written by Counsellor, DR. Jasmin Slack-Smith which speaks to the character of 'respect' and provides information to support you in your homes.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE 'RESPECT' PODCAST. You can also access the MMCC Podcast via Apple or Google Podcast apps.

The Positive Learning Behaviours for the term is as follows:

Mrs. Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior / Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing: Junior

The college Rock Band and Marching Band entertained at this year's Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show.

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts

We ended Term 1 and began Term 2 with the running of our annual Cross Country Carnivals. Lovely weather greeted us on both days and as always, it was wonderful to welcome a large number of parents to support. Participation numbers were high and runners were challenged by a new course, allowing us to showcase our new oval.

From the thrills and spills of the Prep races, all the way through to our Senior House Relay (won easily by the staff team), all runners are congratulated for their fine efforts. Stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing your boundaries is a great show of perseverance and tenacity.

After the Junior Carnival, Penola House was in the lead. Despite some challenges from other Houses, Penola was able to extend its lead and was crowned the overall Winning House for the MMCC 2023 Cross Country Carnival. Penola have now won Swimming and Cross Country...can they complete the triple crown at athletics later this term?

Our Age Champions on the day were as follows:

Brad Griffiths
Middle Leader - Sport & Student Engagement

Every year we nominate our most outstanding young musicians to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program Queensland based on their musicianship.

I have been notified of the below as successful candidates for the Darling Downs entries. (double 2022 nominations!)

• NOAH BURKE- PERCUSSION
• BIANCA PHILP VIOLIN
• REMI O’DONOGHUE- CLARINET
• ERIN O’ROUKE- EUPHONIUM
• ADELE ADAMS- VOICE
• SOPHILEE CONDON- VOICE
• AUDREY LITTLE- VOICE
• ELEISHA MCINNIS- VOICE
• CLAIRE MOYLAN- VOICE
• CHARLOTTE OOSTHUIZEN- VOICE
• MAKAYLA PETRIE- VOICE
• KATHERINE PRESTON- VOICE
• GEORGIANNA REISINGER- VOICE
• CHELSEA RIECK- VOICE
• CHARLOTTE VOLL- VOICE
• GABRIELLE VOLL- VOICE
• LUCAS WARD (RESERVE)

Perseverance, practice and persistence has got these students to levels of excellence and we wish them the best their participation in the State Honours Programs.

Mrs Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts

We have received the dates and times for our College entries into the Toowoomba Eisteddfod! We are excited to see students represent and try their best on the big stage.

Thursday, 4 May- 6:00pm Secondary School FOLK SINGING ENSEMBLE (5 to 16 voices)

Friday, 5 May - 6:00pm Primary School MODERN CHOIR (minimum 17 voices)

Saturday, 6 May - 6:00pm Secondary School VOCAL ENSEMBLE (5 to 16 voices)

Students who have nominated in other sections will be notified of times by email individually.

Mrs Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts

MMCC Arts were request by the Toowoomba Show society to assist in the Stage Production and Management of the “The Great Australian Muster – Arena Spectacular” at the Toowoomba Royal Show 2023- and it was a hit!

Our 10 students handled the behind the scenes tasks necessary for putting on a massive combination of performing acts and drove the evening shows featuring Beccy Cole. The students volunteered for 4 nights with each performance going for 3hours from set up to pack down. Due to their professionalism, success and hard work, the students have been asked to do run the production team in 2024.

Excellent 'show' of mastery of different facets of the 'Arts'. Well done team.

On Monday, 24 April, 16 students from Year 2-6 from Mary MacKillop Catholic College ventured into Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office to compete in the annual Toowoomba Catholic Schools Interschool Chess Tournament. Our students were apart of 54 total participants from across the Catholic Diocese who played seven tough chess games. All students played great chess, learnt new moves, and developed new friendships with other students from the Diocese. A highlight from the day was the number of awards and prizes given to students for good sportsmanship and being involved in the competition. Congratulations to all students who attended.

Chess continues to grow at Mary MacKillop Catholic College. There are two lessons on offer each week in the Primary campus. A beginner-intermediate group is held every Tuesday at first break from 10:50-11:30am for students from Year 1-6. An experienced group runs every Wednesday morning from 7:30-8:15am for students from Year 1-12. Lessons are held in Diamantina classroom. All are welcome to attend.

Craig Hubbard
Primary Teacher

Hello from the Parent Engagement Network!

We hope everyone has had a lovely break and you are all rested for another busy term ahead.

We welcome back Mr Gabbett, all staff, parents and students!

First week back was exciting and we witnessed a very successful Senior School Cross Country. Great success to our sports leadership team Mr Brad Griffths and Mrs Carmen Campbell for the hard work put in. Students certainly enjoyed the day. We are sure everyone agrees how great the new oval looks and to all students running and enjoying this space. We look forward too many future events on these grounds.

Below is an update on recent and upcoming events throughout the College where the PEN have been involved and are working alongside the College.

Recent events and future updates for Term 2:

Parent Engagement in Student Learning Workshop - 21st April

On Friday, 21 April both Co-Chairs of MMCC PEN had the privilege of attending an event provided by the TCSO and supported by CPSQ. This parent and staff event workshop was presented by Dr Janet Goodall from the UK.

Dr Goodall has studied in the field of theology and other fields to enhance and support families in the ever-evolving world of their children’s learning and how schools can best support parent engagement in student learning. We were fortunate to hear great discussion topics on parent engagement, poverty in families, ways to communicate with students, staff interactions with parents and students’ well-being in learning.

The most important topic that was discussed was what parents can do to support our children in terms of their learning. All it takes is a simple conversation with your child every day just to let them know we are here, how was your day and to be there for moral support, have an interest in their learning and be there for guidance for them always. Most importantly be involved. Provide encouragement and support them.

Thank you to TCSO and CSPQ for providing this event and supporting such events for parents and staff to attend.

Mother's Day Raffle - Drawn Friday, 12 May – Term 2

Mother’s Day - look out for the raffle which will be advertised around the College very shortly. Last year’s Father’s Day Raffle was a great success and we raised much needed funds to support the College. Thank you to the businesses and families who have helped put this raffle together. This raffle will be drawn at the College’s Mother’s Day Breakfast for our Mums, Grandmothers and Carers on Friday, 12 May. Tickets are $2 per ticket.

Pie Drive for Term 2

The College is excited to announce we will be running the famous Pie Drive again in Term 2. Those colder months will be on our doorstep before we know it. Please watch this space for further details to come earlier in next term. An online order form is available which does make it easy for payments and delivery. Funds raised go to the Colleges Resources areas needed. Please watch this space or social media feeds from the college for ordering in the near future.

PEN - Mission and Identity update

In the Mission and Identity space we would like to once again introduce the concept of Healing Hands. Healing Hands is a simple but powerful way to tell someone that they are being thought of during a time of stress, grieving, hospitalisation of family members or sickness.

If you would like to contribute, by cooking meals or baking to assist this group, please collect supplied containers suitable for freezing and portion sizing from the Junior or Senior Reception Offices. Please ensure you and any family in your house are well while cooking meals or baking goods. Return these items in the provided containers, labelled with all ingredients and date, prepared to the Junior Administration Block to be frozen for future distribution to families or individuals in need.

As always, if you know someone who needs a hamper, the best contacts are Emma Ehrlich, Paula O'Rourke or the Junior or Senior Reception. These hampers are given in confidentiality always.

Anzac Day Service

Great support and respect were shown on 24th and 25th for the Colleges Anzac Day morning service at the College. On Tuesday the MMCC College supported two commemoration events: one in Brisbane where the Marching Band and Colourguard supported the Brisbane Anzac Day March through Brisbane streets. In Highfields, College students, staff and other members of the MMCC College Community supported the local Anzac Day Ceremony at the Highfields Services Memorial near the Cultural Centre. Thank you for everyone’s support on this very important day so that we can come together to commemorate and pay our respects for our Anzacs who died for us to have freedom. “Lest we forget”.

MMCC Run Club

Thank you to Mr Gabbett for organising the MMCC run club. Everyone is welcome to join us for running on Friday mornings at the College. The MMCC run club is continuing over coming months in preparation for those wanting to participate in joining the MMCC group of runners for the Brisbane Marathon Festival (3-4 June) run 5km, 10km or 21km Marathon or full Marathon. More details:- https://www.brisbanemarathon.com.au Everyone is welcome to attend the MMCC run club at 6.30am at Junior Admin Friday mornings.

40 for Fortey Relay - College Community Event - 28 May

As you have seen in a College Broadcast email the Parent Engagement Network will be leading College and community participation in the ‘40 for Fortey’ Relay this year and in years to come.

This event sees participants, either individually or as a team, complete at least one 4km loop at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. The event is in memory of Senior Constable Brett Forte, affectionately known as "Fortey" who was killed on duty on 29 May 2017.

This is an important event for Mary MacKillop Catholic College as Senior Constable Forte was a Mary Mac parent and the Forte family are still members of our community.

The event starts at 6:30am on Sunday, 28 May. We are hoping to have a few teams compete made up of parents, staff and students. If running is not your thing, you may want to attend as a supporter or support our runners' tent/barbecue?

Entry fees are $26.50 per team member (which includes the Race Roster booking fee).

The nominated captain of each team will be required to register and set up the team name; individual team members will then be able to register and join their nominated team. Proceeds from the event go to the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme.

We would greatly appreciate you completing this form to indicate your willingness to join this important event. If you have any questions, please email HIGPEN@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Coffee Catchup at The Café – Every Tuesday morning 8am till 8.30am.

To all College Parents, students and staff, if you love a coffee in the morning, come along and show your support for the College Barista Students in the Café area. Beverages available are coffees, hot chocolate, chai and more! This is also a great opportunity to catch up with College staff and to discuss any College matters or general questions which you may have. It’s also a great opportunity to check-in on how everyone is doing. This is a great opportunity for us all to meet. We’d love to see you there!

Fundraising – we need you!

Each year we run some smaller fundraisers to help with sourcing resources for our College. This year we are looking to continue on with the same fundraising events i.e. pie drive, mango drive and ham drive. If you are interested in assisting with any of these events, please reach out to the PEN, many hands make light work. Refer to our email address below for any feedback or areas which you feel may need attention throughout the College.

Grant Writing to support of College –PEN Resources Team

Does this interest you? We are still in need of assistance in this area. If this is of an interest to you, please make contact via the below email. There are many grants available and we need your help!

Good luck for a great Term 2

The PEN wishes everyone a wonderful Term 2 and are looking forward to many College jam-packed events with success and growth across all academic, arts, cultural and sporting codes.

If you have a topic or matters for discussions, please send through to the PEN email higpen@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can add it to our next Meeting Agenda.

Take care.
Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll
Co-Chairs PENNext Meeting for 2023:

Thursday 11 May; held in Penola 6/7. Time: 5.30pm start – 7pm conclude.

Toowoomba Regional Council and Regional Arts Services Network are excited to announce a series of creative workshops on Saturday, 22 April, hosted to encourage residents to explore new creative mediums. The workshops will be held in conjunction with the Creative Industries Summit, which will take place on Friday, 21 April, at the Empire Theatre Church.

The workshops will offer participants the chance to try their hand at a variety of creative activities, including painting, sewing, AI discussions, and more. The focus is on opening doors to creative mediums that locals may not have had the opportunity to try before. The workshops will be led by experienced instructors who are passionate about sharing their expertise and encouraging creativity.

The workshops will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm across the region on Saturday, 22 April, and are open to anyone interested in exploring their creativity. Tickets are priced at $15 each, a significant reduction from the usual workshop fees. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book your spot as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the creative arts to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and get inspired.

To register your interest in attending, please follow the relevant links in the attached document.

We did so many exciting things over the school holidays at OSHC. The first day of vacation care we built forts out of cardboard boxes and then had a huge nerf gun fight! Another day we went riding around the whole school on our bikes, scooters and even roller blades! We decorated some porcelain plates and even decorated our own cake before eating it. We had two excursions; one excursion took us to Inflatable World where the children got to bounce to their hearts content and the other took us to the Cinemas to see the new Super Mario movie. We then finished off the school holidays playing the many Nintendo Switch's that everyone brought in. Mario Kart was a huge hit! See below for some awesome pictures!

Garth Rochford
OSHC Coordinator

As mentioned at the end of last term, MMCC is participating in the Wonder Recycling Rewards Campaign. This means we need to collect as many bread bags (any brand) as possible, so we can swap them for sports equipment AND save them from going to landfill, as the donated bread bags will be recycled into new products.

Please send empty bread bags in with your child, or bring them yourself if you like! We have three collection stations on campus - one in junior admin, one in senior admin, and one in the foyer of the MacKillop Centre - just look for the bright pink cardboard bin!

Rebecca Manners
Senior Teacher