I hope you are well and that you have had a productive return to the rigour of the College life. I also hope that you had a restful Easter.
We have had some very important events over the past two weeks. We were involved as a College in three separate ANZAC services – one at the College on 24 April and two leading alongside the RSL Sub-Branch on 25 April. Our students were absolutely exemplary – it made me so proud at all of them to see, hear and feel the real respect and decorum they brought. Thank you all for that – it is at events like ANZAC Day where we see visible evidence of how strong our community is.
Thank you also to the staff, parents and students who supported the Year 12 Formal on Friday night. Our Senior students and their families get very excited about this rite of passage. As I said to the students when I spoke with them at the Formal, I have the privilege of knowing many of them since they were 9 or 10 years old. Evenings like the Formal make it really clear that their slow creep to adulthood is nearing its end. It’s emotional. Now, with the Formal behind them, the Year 12 students can focus on hard work and study.
Since the start of the year, Mr Brunner and I have had regular snatched conversations about sport at the College. I am really overwhelmed by our successes right now! I have always held the belief that the way to being exceptional is to focus first on getting on the field and we have applied that philosophy to our sport across MMCC. What a joy it is to see the variety of sports teams representing us every week. Since January, we have had 24 individual Darling Downs representatives. This is exceptional and with Eisteddfod season starting I know we are about to replicate this in the Arts.
The weeks following Easter Sunday are often quieter than the celebration of Easter itself. In the Scriptures, we see the apostles living in this same space – a time of searching, wondering and slowly coming to understand what the Resurrection truly meant for their lives. They had encountered the risen Christ, yet they were still learning how to walk forward with faith and courage.
In some ways, this mirrors life in our College during this post‑Easter period. Our students and staff continue their daily routines while quietly seeking meaning, direction and hope. Like the apostles on the road to Emmaus, we may not always immediately recognise Christ walking beside us, but He is present in small acts of kindness, moments of growth, and the shared efforts of our community.
The period between Easter and Pentecost reminds us that new life does not appear fully formed overnight. It unfolds through trust, reflection and companionship. As a College grounded in the Catholic tradition, we are invited in this period to nurture hearts that are attentive, courageous and open to transformation.
I wish you all the very best for this new term.
Mr Chris Gabbett College Principal
Message from the Deputy Principal
Go placidly amid the noise and haste
In his famous poem Desiderata, Max Ehrmann begins with the advice to “Go placidly amongst the noise and haste” and the overall tone of the poem is one of peace, reflection and presence.
Peace is something I talked to the College about in Week One and we have been praying daily for peace as a College community which has been both powerful and reflective. The focus for peace is at odds with the world right now which seems intent on destruction, aggression and conflict. As educators and parents, we have a moral and ethical duty to steer our young people down a road of construction, deescalation and resolution.
The late Pope Francis (referencing St. John VIII) endorsed ‘four pillars of peace”, namely, ‘Truth, Justice, Charity (Love), and Freedom. When I read about this, I found power in the model and how it might provide guidance for us all as we traverse this new world in which we all find ourselves.
Truth: To search for and achieve peace, we must be truthful. That’s hard – as Gregory House (in ‘House’ – see Netflix!) repeatedly tells us “everybody lies” – but if we are honest with ourselves we stand a chance of finding harmony. An internal dialogue is a powerful one and if we can model this for young people, it may well help with their self-management and truthfulness. We need also to be truthful to our peers, children need to be honest with you and us, and in return we need to be authentically truthful to them. As I say to students, no obstacle is insurmountable when the truth is told, so own poor choices, accept consequences and move on peacefully. In the climate of AI (academic integrity v artificial intelligence) this inner and outer truth has never been more important in schools and I feel for students as never has it been easier to take a shortcut. Together, we need to help them take the road of integrity to achieve self fulfilment and peace.
Justice: In its simplest form, let us all acknowledge, understand and follow the rules and processes the College is guided by and our collective duty to abide by them – accepting with grace when we fall short. Students don’t always get it right. Teachers don’t always get it right. Administrators don’t always get it right. And yes, parents and guardians don’t always get it right. It’s right and proper to call one another out on mistakes and errors but we can still do this peacefully – free from insult, free from demeaning commentary, and free from clouded personal bias.
Charity (Love): When I spoke with students, I urged them to continue to show care to and understanding of other people’s needs as well as looking after their own. Sharing with others – not just physical, tangible, financial ‘stuff’ but authentic sharing of ourselves. How often do we truly give dedicated and focused time to others? In this modern world of ours, we seemed run by timetables and impossible targets but there is real power and beauty in stopping for a moment – Max Ehrmann urges us to ‘be on good terms with all persons’, ‘listen to others’ and ‘be gentle’.
Freedom: from our Catholic and College context, this could be best summarised as having unconditional positive regard for all – allowing each and every one of us to be our true, authentic selves with the freedom to display and express their skills, passions and beliefs in a safe environment. It is so joyful to see our young people show their gifts on the playing fields and courts, or in the debating room, or on the stage, or around the mathematic or science challenge ‘table’, or in the kitchen or workrooms. We owe it to them, to keep encouraging and enabling so that they have the freedom to explore and challenge themselves.
I truly hope for peace finds us all this term and beyond.
Therefore be at peace with God
Whatever you perceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful, strive to be happy.
(From ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann)
Richard Coe Deputy Principal
Mission & Identity
Praying for Peace
Last Friday, our College held an ANZAC service as a Prep to Year 12 community to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have served our country. ANZAC Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also an invitation to reflect on the values of courage, mateship, and selflessness that continue to shape our nation. Guest speaker, Warrant Officer Class One Lachlan Hamilton from Borneo Barracks Oakey spoke to our College about courage, mateship, respect and service as being special qualities that the ANZAC's are remembered for today.
For our students, this was an important opportunity to learn about history, to show gratitude, and to recognise the cost of conflict. While we remember those who have served, we are also mindful of the many people around the world who continue to experience the effects of war and division.
Warrant Officer Lachlan Hamilton spoke to the students about how important the qualities mentioned above are for us today in creating peace.
"I have personally lived and experienced in others the values I spoke of before; courage, mateship, respect, service, and a different one, teamwork, experiencing them firsthand in situations where they are pushed to their limits. I believe these values are very important and should always be adhered to, no matter the situation."
On Saturday, 25 April, our College led both the Dawn and mid-morning service for the Highfield's community. As part of the mid-morning service, College Captain, Caitlyn Barr, presented a student address. In her address Caitlyn expressed her gratitude for the peace and freedom that exists here in Australia today having visited places in Europe on a school trip where the impact of war is still evident.
As a Catholic school, we are called to respond not only with remembrance, but with hope. We believe in the power of prayer and the call to be people of peace in our everyday lives. Through prayer, we ask God to guide our hearts, to help us act with kindness and compassion, and to be peacemakers in our families, classrooms, and wider community.
In prayer, we remember:
those who have served and sacrificed
those who continue to serve today
families who carry the memory of loved ones
all people affected by war and conflict
We also pray for a future where peace is possible — where understanding, respect, and reconciliation take the place of violence and division. Over the holidays, the Sisters of St Joseph challenged us as a Josephite community to put prayer into action this term, in response to the continuing war in Iran but also Ukraine and many other places. We have responded through solidarity.
Each day, at 2:05pm, our College pauses for prayer. This prayer is a call for peace and I share this with you now....
God of peace,
Each day we place our world in your care. Inspired by the wisdom and witness of Pope Leo, shape us as peacemakers. Comfort families suffering in all conflict zones. Lead our College to choose kindness, courage, and dialogue, today and always.
Silently, in your own heart, reflect on ways that you will bring peace to someone tomorrow.
(Pause)
Amen.
I invite you to pray this prayer also at 2:05pm every day.
As we pause to remember and pray, may we continue to grow in gratitude and deepen our commitment to living as people of peace, following the example of Christ.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Project Compassion for Lent
Well done to all students and their families who contributed to classroom and PC Project Compassion boxes throughout Lent. Across the College, we raised over $1,800 which will support various projects that Caritas focuses on.
In the Senior School, our AMMA group turned the fundraising into a variety of weekly challenges to encourage students to work together as a PC to fill their boxes. In the end, the Heaviest Box Challenge was won by Miss Wendt’s Penola 5 PC group, whose 4.23kg box has earned them a pizza party sponsored by AMMA. Congratulations P5! Special mention also goes to Mrs Puhakka’s Cunningham 3 group and Mr Nielsen’s Tenison 3 PC who came in at 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
With the winter months upon us, we turn our attention now to AMMA’s and Mini Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. This year we are hoping to collect tinned soups and wooden or bamboo spoons to support Tony’s Kitchen, Vinnies and Rosies. More information will be sent to families in the coming weeks.
Leisa Radley Program Director of Formation and College Culture
Teaching and Learning
What is all this about Reading Fluency?
Many parents hear the term reading fluency at school and wonder what it really means and why it matters. Put simply, reading fluency is about how smoothly and confidently a child can read, and how that supports their understanding and enjoyment of texts.
What do we mean by reading fluency?
Reading fluency can be described as:
Reading reasonably accurately, at an appropriate pace, with expression – so that a reader can understand what they are reading and wants to keep reading. (Hasbrouck & Glaser, 2012)
Fluency is not about rushing. It’s about reading in a way that sounds natural and helps the meaning make sense.
How does fluency develop?
Fluency starts developing very early and grows step by step over time.
Children first focus on:
Accuracy – recognising letters, sounds and words correctly
Automaticity – recognising these quickly and with less effort
As this improves, children are better able to:
Read words in phrases and sentences
Use meaning (what makes sense) and grammar (how sentences are built)
Read more complex texts smoothly and confidently
Eventually, reading becomes more effortless. When children no longer need to concentrate so hard on decoding words, they can give their full attention to understanding, thinking and enjoying what they read (Wolf & Katzir-Cohen, 2001).
Fluency and comprehension: they work together
Fluent reading supports comprehension and comprehension also supports fluency. When children understand what they are reading, they read more smoothly. When they read smoothly, they understand more. This positive cycle helps build confidence and motivation to read.
The three key components of fluency
Fluency is made up of three important elements:
Accuracy – reading words correctly
Rate – reading at a steady, appropriate pace
Expression – using voice, pausing and intonation to match the meaning
You might notice fluent readers sound more like they are talking as they read, rather than reading word by word.
Fluency in the English Curriculum
In the Australian Curriculum (English), fluency is a specific focus within the General Capabilities. As students' progress from Prep to Year 12, they are expected to:
Read increasingly complex texts
Read more smoothly, confidently and expressively
Demonstrate understanding through pace, accuracy, pausing and intonation when reading aloud
At higher levels, fluency shows not just how students read, but how well they understand what they read.
How families can help at home
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting fluency. Simple, everyday practices make a big difference:
Talk about what was read to strengthen understanding
Developing reading fluency takes time, practice and encouragement. By working together at school and at home, we help our students become confident, capable readers who understand, enjoy and engage deeply with texts.
If you have any questions about reading fluency or how it’s taught at our College, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
Natalie Adler Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning P - 12
Exciting News: Our First History Fair!
We are excited to announce that Mary MacKillop Catholic College will be hosting our very first History Fair for students in Years 6–9!
The History Fair will take place in Week 10 on Wednesday, 24 June from 5:45–7:30pm. Families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate student learning.
What is the History Fair?
Students will complete a History project at home, based on a topic of interest. Projects will be age‑appropriate and allow students to showcase their historical knowledge, skills and creativity in a way that suits them best.
Participating in the History Fair will have a positive impact on your child’s learning journey – and it will be lots of fun!
Why participate?
The History Fair provides students with valuable opportunities to:
Build confidence and creativity
Strengthen research, writing and communication skills
Develop independence, organisation and pride in their work
Gain a deeper understanding of the world around them
These skills are especially important as students transition into the increasing expectations of Senior schooling. Most importantly, the History Fair celebrates student effort and learning in a positive, engaging and supportive environment.
Celebrating Our Young Historians
We will be celebrating student successon the night! This is our students’ time to shine and share their passion for History.
Be enthusiastic – your excitement will be contagious!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing our young historians in the spotlight.
Natalie Adler Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning
Whole College Announcements
Be a Mary Mac Kid for a day
Be a Mary Mac Kid for a Day is coming up on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. We’re excited to invite and welcome prospective students who are currently in Prep to Year 5 to join us at the College, make new friends, and experience a full day of life at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.
It’s a wonderful chance for students to explore our learning environment, meet our caring teachers and discover what makes our community so vibrant and special.
Please visit the College website to register your child or click the link below
The Parent Engagement Network (PEN) are running a Mother's Day Raffle with some amazing prizes. First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth prizes will be drawn during the afternoon of the event. The winners do not need to be there to claim their prize. A huge thank you to all the local businesses and families who have generously donated these outstanding items. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Tickets are $3.00 each and you can purchase as many tickets as you wish. All tickets will be sold online only and close at 6:00am on Friday, 8 May.
If you would like to purchase tickets, please click here
Some of the amazing prizes include:
First prize:
Happy Housekeeping Co - 3hr house cleaning voucher
Elevation studios - ‘Stat strong’ package voucher
La Dolche Vita Nail Lounge - ‘Mum & Mini’ pamper package voucher
Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance.
We are so excited to see this production take to the stage in July 2026.
Genevieve Duncan Musical Director
Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle - Thank you!
Our Year 5 Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle has been a wonderful success, and we are thrilled to share the final results with our College community.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students, families and staff, we raised an amazing $2,901, exceeding our original fundraising goal of $2,500. This outstanding effort is a true reflection of the compassion and community spirit that exists within our College.
With the help of our Year 5 students, who generously donated all of the prize chocolates and Easter goodies, we were able to create and give away 31 raffle prizes. The winners have now been drawn and distributed, and we thank everyone who purchased tickets and supported the raffle.
The next important step for our Mini Vinnies team will be allocating the funds to a number of very worthy local community groups, including organisations such as Rosie’s, Vinnies Youth and our College Healing Hands. These donations will be made during Term 2, ensuring the funds have a meaningful and positive impact.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our entire College community for your support, generosity and encouragement. Your contributions have helped our Year 5 students develop a strong sense of advocacy, service and social justice as they work to support others in need.
Congratulations to our Mini Vinnies team on an outstanding fundraising effort!
Year 5 Mini Vinnies and Year 5 teachers
OZCare Catch up Clinic Details
Ozcare will be hosting Catch Up Immunisation Clinics at Ozcare Toowoomba (Interview Room, 10 Pechey Street) on selected dates throughout the year. Clinics operate either 9:00am–1:00pm during school holidays or 2:00pm – 4:15pm during term time.
Appointments must be booked online using the link provided. Please allow time for a mandatory 15‑minute observation period after immunisation, and note that on‑site parking is limited, with additional parking available nearby.
Completing Service Activities? Make Sure You're Logging Your Hours!
Well done to all of our dedicated students who have been serving others both within our College community and in the wider community as well. You are truly embodying Jesus and the spirit and mission of Mary MacKillop when you look outside of yourselves and look for ways to support vulnerable or those who need a little extra support.
A reminder though for students (and parents who can support with this process) to record your service hours in the Footsteps of Jesus Service Learning platform. You can find this on both the student Sentral page and the student Intranet page. For more information, please access this guide.
Some reasons why recording your hours is beneficial:
It gives you an opportunity to write a reflection about the service you've done.
Recording the hours means you can earn certificates and badges!
The recorded hours are stored in the program and can be printed as a PDF - this is great for job interviews, scholarships and leadership positions.
If students need any support with this process, please email or come and see Mrs Radley.
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity
Staff Profile - Bree Puhakka
Your official role at the College:
School Officer – Classroom Support
What does a typical day really look like:
Most of my time is spent in the classroom supporting students with their learning, giving encouragement, and helping out wherever I’m needed. I work closely with teachers, support small groups or individual students, and try to help keep things running smoothly throughout the day. It can be busy, but it’s rewarding and I love being part of the students’ growth and progress.
Secondary School attended:
St Joseph’s College in Toowoomba
What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?
I really enjoy being part of the MMCC community. It’s a kind and respectful College, the students are great, and the staff are very supportive. I enjoy being able to support students each day and help them feel more confident in their learning—it’s a really rewarding role.
What are your hobbies/Interests?
Outside of school, I enjoy going to the gym and taking my dog, Lenny for long walks. I love spending quality time with my family and love going out for a good coffee.
Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MMCC community:
A fun fact about me is that I actually attended Mary MacKillop Catholic College during my Junior schooling, so it’s really special to now be working here. I’m also currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education and love being able to put what I’m learning into practice.
How is your work related to the 6 Ps?
My work reflects the Josephite values by following the example of Mary MacKillop through everyday actions. By showing care, compassion, and support for students, I aim to live out the 6 Ps in practical and meaningful ways each day.
The Cafe
The Café menu has been updated for Term 2. Please find the updated menu attached. It is also available on the College website for your convenience.
Janeen Fotia Cafe Manager
Premiers' Reading Challenge
The Qld Premiers' Reading Challenge is an annual initiative encouraging students in Prep to Year 9 to read for pleasure and learning. Students are required to read a set number of books within a time frame and record books read on a PRC reader form. Students hand their forms into the College once they complete the challenge and details are uploaded to the PRC database.
In November we celebrate students who have completed the challenge at an Assembly (date to be advised) and they are presented with an official certificate signed by the Qld Premier.
Mary MacKillop Catholic College has participated in the Premiers Reading Challenge for a number of years and every year it is heartwarming to see more students participate. Students enjoy the competitive nature of the challenge as well as being recognised for their reading efforts.
An email will be sent to parents in Week 2 with more details, including the Reader Record Form. Please note that student participants do not need to individually register to join the Premier' Reading Challenge as they are added as part of the College registration.
Angela Irvine Teacher Librarian
Junior School
BMX National Championships - Student Achievement
During the recent school holidays, Year 4 student, Jaxx travelled to Victoria to compete in the BMX National Championships, and national Round 2. He had a very successful Round 2 where he finished third overall, but more importantly he raced against 79 other 9 year olds from all over Australia.
Congratulations Jaxx on an amazing achievement of placing 6th in the BMX National Championships. He now holds the plate of 6A.
This amazing result has also qualified him for the Australian team to participate on the world stage in Brisbane in July this year.
Jaxx has trained very hard to get this result and is ready to represent Australia later this year. This is exceptional and we wish Jaxx all the best with his competition later in the year.
Why come to the P-6 Open Classrooms?
Parents and caregivers are invited to attend P-6 Open Classrooms on Tuesday, 5 May in Week 3.
All learning spaces, P-6 classrooms, Specialist Classrooms and the Junior Library, will be open between 3:10pm and 4:45pm and families are welcome to come at any time during this time bracket. You are welcome to stay for as long or as little as you like.
Your child will take you on a journey of learning. It is exciting that they will have the opportunity to share with you all that they have been learning about over the course of the semester thus far.
Ways to engage with your child when visiting classrooms
Ask questions about their learning. Be curious, present and excited.
Share with your child what you are proud of in their learning. Be specific, e.g., I am proud of how you used your imagination in this story. I really enjoyed reading it.
Complete the Parent Reflection Sheet and share your answers with your child.
Purpose of Open Classrooms
This is a wonderful opportunity to see what your child is learning about through their eyes.
You will get firsthand insight into your child's learning, it will support the Semester 1 Academic Report information which will be published on the Parent Portal on Wednesday, 24 June.
The PEN will be on hand to provide you with a free sausage sizzle and drinks will be available for purchase.
Come along and support your child and their learning journey.
On Monday, 30 March our Year 12 cohort and six staff set off on our Year 12 Retreat to Brisbane. Retreat is a pilgrimage of the heart, bringing students together to consider the story and legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and where her mission and ministry aligns with their own call to leadership.
This year, we began at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane city. Here, the Year 12s were introduced to the concept of pilgrimage and the notion of a pilgrim being different to a tourist. Pilgrimage is a journey of the heart, into sacred times and places, where we are open to encountering the God within ourselves, within creation and within others. As a memento of their pilgrimage, the Seniors and staff were given a wooden scallop shell–a Christian symbol of pilgrimage. Over our three days together, their shell was inscribed with various values, beliefs and quotes which had meaning for them.
At St Stephen's Cathedral, the Year 12s reflected on their life's journey and the passions and partnerships that have supported them along the way. We discussed the significance of St Mary MacKillop as the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Brisbane and why St Stephen's Chapel and, subsequently, Cathedral, are imbued with her legacy. Some students, along with Mr Lewis and Mr Maloney attended morning Mass, while others roamed the grounds, walking the historical stepping stones of Mary MacKillop's story, and spending time in the Chapel surrounded by the aroma of the camphor laurel statue of our patron saint.
After a cohort photo on the steps of St Stephen's, we walked to Custom's House, where students learned about the journey of Mary MacKillop to Queensland in 1869 and her connection to the Mercy Sisters who housed the Sisters of St Joseph at All Hallow's Convent. On considering the perseverance and courage that Mary MacKillop and the sisters needed on this journey, the Year 12s reflected on when they have relied on God, some of the challenges they have encountered and how they have had to be resilient to overcome adversity.
With tummies rumbling, we made our way along the riverwalk to the City Botanic Gardens where we rested our legs and enjoyed Subway for lunch. The students also showed practical action by offering our leftovers to some people experiencing homelessness in the park. In the afternoon, we broke into groups led by staff and considered the values and important items that are carried in our 'back packs' for the journey. These items and values give us strength and encouragement in times of challenge.
From here, we boarded the bus to our Brookfield accommodation, had some afternoon tea, a swim, a game of volleyball or a few rounds of billiards, and then gathered for our first night's dinner. Refreshed and with a full belly, we met in the auditorium for liturgy based on the theme of journey and the Road to Emmaus. Students and staff were invited to place a symbol representative of their journey into our sacred space. Keys, jerseys, prep photos, soccer balls, significant presents, books and ID cards (amongst many other items of meaning) were placed symbolically by each participant.
When liturgy concluded, it was time for five fun rounds of trivia. In teams and supported by teachers, students worked in partnership to display their general knowledge, sporting trivia prowess, knowledge of music and grasp of geography. "Guess that tune" concluded our night together; with tired legs and eyes, we headed to bed.
Day 2 began at Southbank where we discussed servant leadership, what makes us happy and how, as leaders of the College, they can bring happiness to others. Leadership, navigational skills and teamwork became the focus as teams were sent on a Southbank Scavenger Hunt mission to be the first group to find the answers to all of the clues and return with a completed answer sheet by the given time. Earning themselves some chocolates and pens from Southbank, the boys who won truly worked well together to find the correct answers.
After filling up on some lunch and YoChi, the rain unfortunately set in. So, we headed to our accommodation for the afternoon. The group was given the challenge of creating some 6Ps skits, poems or songs to teach the current Year 11s all about the importance of being a leader in Year 12 and the significance of Prayer, Passion, Possibilities, Partnership, Perseverance and Practical Action in our school community. After some well-earned down time in the pool and playing beach volleyball, the group gathered to begin planning their MacMelodies to be presented that evening.
After a generous dinner of lasagna, salad and garlic bread, the students (and staff) polished their performances and gathered for a fun-filled night of MacMelodies! The brief? Change the lyrics of a given song to feature memories, events and stories of their time at MMCC, practice it and present it to the group. While it's arguable whether any of the students' performances were better than the teachers' one, the Year 12s took on this task with both hands and really did a fantastic job.
On our final day together, our focus turned to the mission of Jesus and Mary MacKillop in the world today and how the Year 12s can seek to be a voice for the marginalised in their society. We began at King George Square at the statue of Emma Miller where we learned about her passion for justice and advocacy for women's rights. From here, we walked to Roma Street Parklands where the Year 12s reflected on their journey and determined three goals for their year ahead. Finally, our Seniors, spread across the greenery of Roma Street Parklands, wrote a letter to themselves which will be returned to them in Graduation Week.
Overall, Year 12 Retreat for 2026 was a wonderful time together. Thank you to Mrs Puhakka, Mr Griffiths, Mrs Frame, Mr Maloney and Mr Lewis, who supported and especially to the Year 12s who made it so incredibly enjoyable.
Leisa Radley Director of Formation and College Culture
Future Pathways: Trade Careers, Leadership and University Programs
Empower student leaders in Years 11 and 12 at this 1-day workshop on Thursday, 2 July at UQ St Lucia, facilitated in partnership with Lachie Smart, a record-breaking pilot.
Year 11 students are invited to get involved in hands-on experiments, explore advanced topics and connect with like-minded peers. Sessions are available in June and July.
JPhO is a 4-day (non-residential) program held in July at UQ St Lucia campus for Year 10 students with an interest in physics, science and mathematics.
FEAST is a 4-day residential program held in June for Year 11 and 12 students where they explore the fascinating fields of agriculture, animal science, and plant science at our Gatton campus.
Your Pathway Team Mrs Andrea Goddard and Mrs Christie Richardson
Community Noticeboard
Outside School Hours Care - Easter Vacation Care
Our Easter Vacation Care program was a highly engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Children participated in a wide variety of thoughtfully planned activities that supported creativity, physical activity, social connection, and fun throughout the holiday period.
Highlights of the program included an excursion to The Strand Cinemas, where children enjoyed watching The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, as well as a dynamic Easter egg scavenger hunt that encouraged teamwork and problem‑solving. Children also enthusiastically took part in Nerf gun challenges, hands‑on science experiments, and our ever‑popular Wheels Day, which provided opportunities for active outdoor play.
Additional experiences such as Oz Tag games, imaginative play through creating and running their own shops, and themed dress‑up days allowed children to express themselves creatively while building confidence and peer connections. These activities were complemented by many other engaging experiences designed to cater to a range of interests and abilities.
We thoroughly enjoyed sharing this holiday program with the children and appreciate the positive energy and enthusiasm they brought each day. We welcome any feedback from families and invite you to share your thoughts by emailing HIGcare@tckc.qld.edu.au
Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre, 75 Highfields Road entry 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.
Surprise Visit
Our Parish had a surprise visit from Bishop Ken Howell last Sunday. So honoured to have him co-celebrate with Fr. Brian and stay on after mass to speak to our parishioners. A wonderful surprise.
Toy Box
A toy box is now available for parents of small children. Just come to get it when you arrive.
Invitation
Everyone is invited to join St. Anne's Anglican Church for an Ecumenical service in Highfields on Tuesday, 19 May at 9:30am.
Prayer Cards
Prayer Cards for Seminarians and Priests with information of how we can support our Seminarians at Holy Spirit Seminary, Qld are available at desk.
Rosary Group
There will be a change of time for Rosary Group because it is getting cooler coming into Winter our Rosary Group will meet on 1st Friday of the month at 4:30pm at the Parish Centre instead of 5:30pm.
