This week was punctuated by the festivities of Carnevale and then the sombre acknowledgement of Ash Wednesday – and of course the start of Lent.

The early roots of Lent (the 2nd and 3rd Century) had only short, variable fasting periods of 1–6 days before Easter. These were observed to emulate Christ's passion. Fasting was formalised in the 4th Century with the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. A 40-day period (referencing Christ’s time in the desert) was established for baptismal candidates, which quickly became a church-wide tradition of fasting and prayer. The early Lenten fasts were strict: one meal a day after 3:00pm, often excluding meat, fish, and dairy. Pope Gregory I (590–604) helped standardise the duration, starting the fast on a Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) 46 days before Easter (40 days excluding Sundays). It was primarily a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, often involving the public reconciliation of penitents on Holy Thursday.

In our context, we focus less on physical fasting and more on how Lent can support our space for reflection, wellbeing, humility, honesty and empathy.

Lent returns to us each year as a sacred invitation—a gentle pause in the rhythm of College life where we step back, breathe deeply, and remember who we are called to be as people formed in the love of Christ. In classrooms, playgrounds, staffrooms, and homes, Lent is less about giving something up and more about making space: space for God, space for others, and space for the best version.

At its heart, Lent is a journey. It mirrors the forty days Jesus spent in the desert—days of prayer, discernment, and honesty. Jesus did not enter the desert to impress anyone; he entered to listen. In our busy community, Lent offers us the same chance. Perhaps the most important question we can ask is not “What will I give up?” but “What do I need to hear?” What is God whispering to our hearts about the way we learn, lead, serve, and relate to one another?

This season also calls us to action. Our Catholic tradition speaks of three central practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In a school setting, these take on beautiful and practical forms. Prayer in our College is a regular, communal presence. Fasting can mean choosing patience over frustration or reducing the distractions that keep us from real connection. Almsgiving might look like kindness to someone sitting alone, advocacy for justice, or generosity in our Caritas Australia appeals.

Lent reminds us that transformation is possible—not through perfection but through small, steady acts of love. Every student, every staff member, every family carries a story, and Lent gently asks us to honour those stories with compassion.

My prayer for the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Community this Lent is that we draw closer to each other and to God. I pray that in our wider world but also in Highfields, we deepen our hope, strengthen our community, and renew our commitment to living the Gospel with courage and joy.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

'Taking up' not 'giving up'

So Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday have come and gone, and we now embark on the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is often associated with ‘giving up’ something or ‘making sacrifices’ such as giving up chocolate, cheese or caffeine for 40 days as we prepare for Holy Week.

Whilst the above are certainly in keeping with the idea of ‘going without’ to help replicate Jesus’ time in the wilderness, it does feel like a ‘challenge’ to be endured for a short time with a countdown to when we can indulge again.

I was thinking about this and wondered if Lent could be an opportunity for us to not just ‘go without’ or ‘take on a challenge’ but one that could be an intentional effort to replace negative or unhelpful behaviours with positive ones. In a sense, Lent could be a time to identify unhelpful habits and work toward breaking them for good. According to recent research by University College, London it can take between 66 days on average to break old habits but can be anywhere between 18 and 254 days, so the period of Lent might not see habitual change come completely to the fore but could certainly put a dent in the habit-breaking cycle.

In terms of schooling/education I wonder if some of the behaviours below might be consciously tackled over the next 40 days by our young people and whether this might lead to more meaningful transformation than not having bubble tea?

• Meeting deadlines
• Engaging fully with teacher feedback
• Taking toilet breaks in breaktime rather than lesson time
• Having a fully charged laptop all day, every day
• Revising for final exams
• Having socks pulled up, shirts tucked in, hat on head
• Polishing shoes
• Placing litter in the bin or picking up litter they see
• Asking questions of a teacher when ‘stuck’
• Asking for and attempting extension work
• Collecting what is needed for periods 1 AND 2 or 3 AND 4 at breaktime rather than trapsing back to lockers in between periods
• Engaging fully as a participant in assemblies, liturgies and masses
• Volunteering
• Putting on sunscreen every day
• Reading around topic areas to expand knowledge
• Contribute to classroom discussion or debate
• Have a tidy locker, put bags away neatly
• Look ahead in one note or canvas and prepare for lessons in advance

These might not seem as challenging as ‘giving up my Nintendo’ but these are behaviours that I see inconsistently displayed around the College. It’s not that students DON’T do these things, it’s that they don’t do them consistently enough with real intention. And above all, Lent is a time of intentional focus.

My wondering is, if students swapped ‘giving up’ something for ‘intentionally doing something that does not come naturally’ does it still hit the expectations and conventions of Lent? I am no theologian, but I believe it does and could be more powerful in the longer term and lead to real, sustainable change.

So, perhaps you can talk with your children about ‘taking up’ rather than ‘giving up’ and see what difference it could make?

Richard Coe
Deputy Principal

This week our College community gathered to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. In a beautiful and reflective liturgy led by our students and staff, we were reminded that Lent is not about guilt, punishment, or “being hard on ourselves.” Instead, it is an invitation—one grounded in honesty, courage, and new beginnings. Ultimately to show LOVE.

At the liturgy, the ashes placed on everyone's foreheads reminds everyone of a simple but profound truth:

We are human.

We make mistakes.

We get things wrong.

And, importantly, we are always invited to start again.

The scripture for the occasion reminded everyone that God calls us gently, not harshly. In the prophet Joel’s words, God’s message is simple and hopeful:

“Come back to me…

change your life, not just your clothes.

For I am kind and merciful, and extravagant in love.”

And the Gospel then reminded everyone that our Lenten practices—whether fasting, prayer, helping others, or making small commitments—are not about showing off. They are about quiet, authentic change. The kind of change that begins in the heart and flows into the way we live each day. Here is a link to some ideas that you may like to try at home with your family this Lent: Lent for Kids

Lent is a gift—an annual chance to reset, refocus, and reconnect with what truly matters. We thank you for the ways you support your children in growing not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally.

May this season bring your family moments of honesty, stillness, and renewal.

We begin again, together.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

This week, two of our student leaders, Matilda Sozinyu and Nazareth Berry, had the privilege of attending the JJAMM Conference, a gathering that brings together young people from Josephite schools across Australia and New Zealand, in Sydney. 

JJAMM stands for Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop—the three inspirational figures who shaped the charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Their legacy of courage, compassion, and service continues today, and the conference provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of this rich tradition.

Throughout the conference, Matilda and Naz explored what it means to lead with heart, grounded in the example of St Mary MacKillop and guided by the wisdom of Fr Julian Tenison Woods and St Joseph, the quiet, faithful presence behind it all. Workshops and keynote sessions focused on servant leadership, advocacy, and social justice, encouraging students to reflect on how they can be agents of change in their own communities.

One of the highlights of the conference was spending time at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, a sacred site that holds the tomb of St Mary MacKillop. Students were able to walk in the footsteps of Australia’s first saint, visit the chapel, and immerse themselves in the history and heart of the Josephite story. 

The conference then continued at Baulkham Hills, where the Sisters welcomed students into a space of hospitality, reflection, and community. These experiences allowed our leaders to connect deeply with the Josephite spirit and understand the mission in a tangible and personal way.

One of the most powerful elements of JJAMM is the chance for students to connect with peers from Josephite schools across the country as well as our neighbours, New Zealand. These connections help build a network of young leaders who share a common call—to stand with those on the margins, speak up for justice, and live out the Josephite tradition of “never seeing a need without doing something about it.”

Students returned inspired, energised, and ready to bring their new insights back to school life. As they continue to plan social justice initiatives, lead liturgies, and support community events, they carry with them the spirit of Mary MacKillop: faith in action, grounded in hope and expressed through love.

Here is Matilda's reflection on her experience:

The JJAMM Conference transformed my understanding of leadership through the example of Mary MacKillop, Saint Joseph and Julian Tenison Woods. I discovered that true leadership is rooted in service, courage, and action - and moreover, that it must be actively practiced. Naz and I have returned with clarity, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to turn bold ideas into real, lasting change within our community.

Nazareth's reflection from the conference:

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the people. I walked into a room full of strangers and left with a network of friends from all over the country. Meeting other student leaders who share the same drive to make a difference was incredibly grounding. There’s a certain kind of energy you get when you're surrounded by people who are all asking, "How can we serve our community better?"

One of the most moving parts of the conference was our symbol of sharing. We brought a "Joey"—a symbol representing our unique school identity and our connection to the Josephite charism.

We look forward to seeing how the JJAMM experience shapes both leaders' leadership in the year ahead.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

As we enter the season of Lent, our Catholic tradition invites us into a meaningful time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Lent is not simply a countdown to Easter—it is a purposeful journey that asks each of us to look inward, draw closer to God, and respond with love to the needs we see around us.

For Catholics, Lent is grounded in three central practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Together, these guide us toward deeper faith and a renewed commitment to living the Gospel in practical, visible ways. When we take time to pray, we strengthen our relationship with God. When we fast, we simplify our lives to focus on what truly matters. And when we give, we recognise that our blessings are always meant to be shared.

The Gospel reading from Matthew 25:31–46 reminds us of this call in a profoundly practical way. Jesus tells us that whenever we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, visit the lonely, or care for the vulnerable, we are doing these things for Him. His message is an instruction for everyday living, but these actions become even more pertinent in the lead up to Easter.

During Lent, we invite every student and family to consider concrete actions that reflect the spirit of Matthew 25. Here are some suggestions:

• bake or cook as a family and deliver food to someone who might be struggling;
• be the first to say hello to new students or families;
• invite someone new to join a game, group, or conversation;
• learn about different cultures represented in your school and celebrate them respectfully;
• make regular phone calls or video messages to grandparents or relatives who live alone;
• sit with someone who often seems left out at lunch or during group work;
• offer to help neighbours with simple tasks—bringing in bins, watering plants, or running small errands.

Each of these actions—big or small—becomes a way of seeing Christ in others. When we act with compassion and generosity, we not only help those in need but also strengthen the sense of partnership and community that is at the heart of our school’s mission.

If you want to get fit, fundraise and enact justice in the world, consider joining our MMCC team in support of Caritas and Project Compassion's "Long Walk for Water". We are aiming to raise $1,000 this Lent; all students and their families are welcome to sign up.

Additionally, families are asked to save up their coins to help students contribute to their class's or PC group's Project Compassion fundraising box. Over the next 5 weeks, the AMMA group will be challenging the College community to bring in some spare change to get those boxes jingling with coins.

May this Lenten season inspire us to see Christ in others, respond with generosity, and walk together with renewed hope towards the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.

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

NAPLAN is fast approaching for our students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 with testing scheduled for Weeks 7 and 8 of this term.

Students who have a diagnosed disability and adjustments to support this disability outlined in their Planning for Personalised Learning may be eligible to access adjustments to support their learning needs and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their true abilities during the testing process.

If your child is eligible to access these adjustments, a Learning Support Team member will contact you to discuss these in the coming weeks.

Please be assured that these adjustments are intended to create a level playing field for all students and do not compromise the integrity or validity of the assessments. 

Our goal is to provide an inclusive testing environment where every child can showcase their skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities.

Amy Dwyer
Middle Leader Personalised Learning

This event is open to all families considering enrolment at the College from Prep to Year 12.

Our College Open Afternoon offers prospective families the opportunity to explore the campus, meet current students, and engage with our teaching staff. Guests will also have the chance to hear from the College Principal and members of the Executive Leadership Team.

To accommodate varying schedules, two tour times are available. Both tours will visit the same key areas of the College, and families may choose to participate in a Junior School, Senior School, or whole College tour. 

The First Tour will commence at 4:00pm, followed by the Second Tour at 5:15pm. All tours will depart from the Registration Desk located at the College Café.

To register, please click the link

The afternoon program includes:

Registration:                                    3.45pm at the College Cafe

First Tour:                                         4:00pm - Guided tours of our Junior and Senior School

College Principal Presentation:     4:45pm in the MacKillop Centre

Second Tour:                                   5:15pm -Guided tours of our Junior and Senior School

Complimentary light refreshments will be served by our Parent Engagement Network throughout the afternoon.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mary MacKillop Catholic College and sharing more about our vibrant learning community.

Your official role at the College:

Junior School Teacher, Health & Physical Education

What does a typical day really look like:

Every day can look different for me. Whether I am out on the oval or in the MacKillop Centre teaching PE from Prep to Year 6, teaching Technology to Years 1, 2 and 4, running sports trainings and trials, supporting school carnivals, or taking sporting teams away, no two days are the same. 

Secondary School attended:

For my final years of secondary school, I boarded at Brisbane Grammar School. Prior to that, I completed my schooling at home through the Northern Territory Open Education Centre.

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?

In my short time at Mary MacKillop, I have already experienced the warm and welcoming culture that has been created not just by staff, but also by students and families. Sport plays a large part in that culture, promoting teamwork, fun and a healthy lifestyle. I am incredibly excited at the opportunity to contribute to the MMCC culture. 

What are your hobbies/Interests?

Outside of school, my spare time is filled with sport and spending time with my two young daughters. I have played cricket, Australian rules football, netball and volleyball for many years in Toowoomba and have coached Queensland cricket teams at State and National carnivals.

How is your work related to the 6 Ps?

My role in teaching PE supports the 6Ps by giving students lots of chances to get involved, work as a team and challenge themselves. Sport is a great way to build perseverance, confidence and strong relationships, while helping students enjoy being active and healthy. I aim to create inclusive, positive experiences where every student can feel successful and supported.

Defence School Mentor (DSM)

Supporting Australian Defence Force Families in Education

The Defence School Mentor (DSM) is a School Officer funded by the Department of Defence through the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) program. The DSM plays a vital role in assisting students from Australian Defence Force families as they navigate the unique challenges associated with military life.

Key responsibilities include:

• Facilitating smooth transitions for ADF families entering or leaving the College.
• Providing Guidance and access to relevant school-based information and resources.
• Co-ordinating academic support and tutoring services as required.
• Promoting social integration and peer connections among Defence students.
• Offering structured lunchtime activities and a quite space for Defence students.

The DSM contributes to a supportive and inclusive school environment, ensuring that Defence students and families are well-informed, connected, and empowered throughout their educational journey.

For more information, please contact Sue Justice via email.

Amy Dwyer
Middle Leader Personalised Learning

Parent Engagement Network (PEN) are organising a fundraiser with Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough. Please pass on the details to friends and family so they can order some scrumptious cookie dough. 

Details include:

Orders Open: Monday, 16 February 2026

Orders Close: Friday, 13 March 2026

Order Online Only: Please click the link cookiedough.com.au and create your child's profile

Collection Date: End of March and a date will be communicated to parents

Plus check out these awesome bonuses:

• Australia’s top tub seller will win a PS5 Pro Gaming Bundle!
• Earn all online virtual badges and score a FREE Magic Alien Growing Pet.

Let’s work together to achieve amazing results for our College.

Parent Engagement Network (PEN)

On Tuesday, 17 February, our Junior School came alive with colour and creativity as we celebrated our annual Carnevale. Many students arrived wearing imaginative and vibrant masks, adding a wonderful festive spirit to the day.

Please click the link below to view a selection of the amazing masks created by our students. These photos are also available on the MMCC app under Gallery.

At our recent Term 1, Week 3 Assembly, our Junior School students were awarded the Walking the Josephite Way Award. The focus was on Possibilities. 

Congratulations to all students!

At our recent Term 1, Week 4 Assembly, our Junior School students were awarded the Walking the Josephite Way Award. The focus was on Possibilities.

Congratulations to all students!

Library Lovers Day, celebrated annually on 14 February, is an international event dedicated to showing appreciation for libraries, librarians, and the joy of reading. 

Originating in Australia, it highlights the vital role libraries play in communities by offering free access to resources, fostering literacy, and providing welcoming spaces for learning and creativity.

Junior Library celebrated Library Lovers Day with colourful displays, heartfelt discussions about our favourite books and engaging activities which included creating heart origami bookmarks and broken heart pipette painting. 

Special thanks to our creative Library staff and our enthusiastic Library Monitors who assisted with activities.

Angela Irvine
Teacher Librarian (Junior School)

At the Week 2 Junior School Assembly, 6B welcomed new families and shared the history behind our Sports Houses.

Today, we’re excited to share some important information about the history of Mary MacKillop Catholic College and the stories behind our sporting houses.

Our College was built in 2003. Back then, it was only a Junior School with just 58 students. Today, the Junior School has grown to more than 500 students.

The Senior School was added many years later and now has close to 600 students. Altogether, our College community is now home to over 1100 students.

We have four sporting houses: Cunningham, McCormack, Penola, and Tenison. Each house is named after a significant person or place connected to the life of Mary MacKillop.

Cunningham

Cunningham House, the red house, is named after Sister Rose Cunningham, who worked alongside Mary MacKillop to establish the very first Josephite school in Adelaide in 1867. The totem for Cunningham is an Emu.

McCormack

McCormack House, the yellow house, is named after Sister Irene McCormack, a dedicated member of the Sisters of St Joseph. She devoted her life to helping vulnerable communities and later travelled to Peru as a missionary to support those in need. The totem for McCormack is the Platypus.

Penola

Penola House, the blue house, is named after the town of Penola in South Australia. This is where Mary MacKillop opened her very first school in 1866 — in an old horse stable. The totem for Penola is the Kangaroo.

Tenison

Tenison House, the green house, is named after Father Julian Tenison Woods, a priest who worked closely with Mary MacKillop to found the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The totem for Tenison is the Kookaburra.

We part of one of the largest Colleges in the Toowoomba Diocese. Mary MacKillop Catholic College is a place of learning where we celebrate God in all things.

A big thank you Mr Hubbard and 6B for sharing the history of our College.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

Year 12 University Showcase and Accommodation

In Week Two, our Year 11 and 12 students attended the University Showcase in the MacKillop Centre, where universities from across Queensland, along with representatives from the ADF and QTAC shared the opportunities and pathways available to them.

Please be aware that some student accommodation options in Brisbane have already begun opening applications for 2027. While this may feel far in advance, many operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and others include an interview process that can take time. 

Families are encouraged to check all terms and conditions carefully before applying. Accommodation needs to be confirmed prior to applying and receiving an offer from university.

Work Experience (WEX) Year 10 in 2026

We strongly encourage all Year 10 students to begin arranging their Work Experience (WEX) placements. WEX is a compulsory, unpaid program designed to support students’ career development.

In 2026, Year 10 students will be able to complete their WEX during the Easter holidays or in the first week of Term 2. WEX is considered an approved educational absence. Students who complete their placement during the holiday period will not be required to attend school in the first week of Term 2.

Dates

Week 1 Holidays - Tuesday, 7 - Friday, 10 April (4 days)

Week 2 Holidays - Monday, 13 -Friday, 17 April (5 days)

Week 1 Term 2 - Monday, 20 - Friday, 24 April (5 days)

Mrs Goddard, Mrs Richardson or a teacher will visit each student during their placement.

The placement needs to be within 45 minutes of Highfields/Toowoomba.

Students have received a copy of the WEX form. This needs to be completed by the employer (yellow highlight), the student and the parent. 

Once this is completed, please return your form to The Pathways Office and we will arrange for Mr Gabbett to sign. This form allows for students to be covered for insurance whilst on placement.

Your Pathway Team
Andrea Goddard & Christie Richardson

Friday, 13 February turned out to be anything but unlucky in the Senior Library as we celebrated Love your Library Day!

We had a fantastic turnout of students who filled the space with laughter and creativity, making colourful paper chains, playing games, trying their luck with our quote lucky dip, and simply enjoying time with friends.

And of course… the chocolate treat at the end of break may have been the real highlight (but we’ll pretend it was the love of libraries).

Amy Dwyer
Senior Librarian

Farewell Jayden Sunatwanitkul!

You will all know Jayden as one of the Sunatwanitkul twins.

Jayden has been with us since the start of 2025 and has contributed greatly to the culture of our service. He has recently been granted an opportunity to work overseas and finishes up with us this week.

We have many amazing memories with Jayden, and we feel blessed to have had him as part of our family. We are sad to see him go, but we are excited to hear about all the adventures he gets up to overseas!

Join us in thanking Jayden for his loyal contribution to the service and congratulating him as he embarks on his new journey!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator

Mass Times

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.

Project Compassion

Caritas Project Compassion has stated this Lent. Envelopes and boxes on desk in foyer. Please use this envelope or box throughout Lent to support vulnerable communities around the world. Let us unite against poverty. Receipts are available if you would like one.

Save the Date

There will be a sausage sizzle 12:00pm at Peacehaven Park, Highfields. BYO Chair and slice or cake to share. For more information see John Minz or Paul Schuster.

World Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer this year in Highfields, will be held at the Lutheran Church on the Highway on Friday, 6 March at 10:00am. Come along and join in this wonderful service and enjoy a sumptuous morning tea afterwards. Request to wear colourful clothes.

Easter Raffle

Please support our parish by purchasing tickets in our raffle (2 x baskets with Easter goodies). Bek and Patti will be selling tickets this weekend.

MacKillop Catholic Parish