Wednesday marked the start of Lent. Given the focus locally on the flooding and internationally on the conflict in Ukraine, it is easy to overlook this incredibly important part of our liturgical calendar. Traditionally the start of a period of penance in the lead-up to Easter, Lent for many now has taken on a different meaning. There are many who see it as the chance to modify behaviour, or, more accurately, to start a new habit. So, we often see instructional things like 'choose kindness' or the like during Lent - as if kindness wasn't obvious as an option at other times of the year.
One thing that we could choose to be is present. Last week, Pope Francis broke from traditional protocol to travel in his car out of the Vatican City to the Russian Embassy. Of course, he was drawn there out of concern for the escalating conflict and with a particular eye on the treatment of those who are always disproportionately damaged by war like children, women and the elderly. There's a lesson though for everyone in his action.
He had a message that he felt was urgent, so he did something that pushed him out of his comfort zone to make sure that his witness, presence and faith made a difference.
On Wednesday, the College stopped at 9 am to offer a prayer in solidarity for the Ukrainian nation. We will be advertising more ways very soon that our community can support those displaced by the conflict, so that our Lenten witness can also make a difference.
Chris Gabbett Principal
College Operations
School Fees Now Due
Term 1 School fees are now due. Please ensure you have checked your emails and received an invoice and statement from accounts@highfields.catholic.edu.au. Please check your junk and other email folders, and if you have not received these, please contact the College on 4698 7777.
Senior Laptops
If you received an email from the College last year about purchasing your 3 year senior laptop, and still wish to do so, please email accounts@highfields.catholic.edu.au. If you indicated your intention to buy this device and haven't yet picked it up from Senior reception, please also email accounts@highfields.catholic.edu.au so we can follow this up for you. The College still has a number of these devices awaiting collection at Senior reception.
Second Hand Uniforms
Don't be shy! If you are in need of any additional uniform items, please visit Nikole at Senior Administration and she will help you out with any second hand uniforms we have on hand. These are at no cost.
Kirsty Gillett Business Manager
Staff Profile: Carolyn Maxwell
This week for our staff profile we have Carolyn Maxwell, who is our friendly face you see when attending our Junior Campus.
Here is what Carolyn had to say...
Primary School attended: Narrabri Primary School
Secondary School attended: Ravenswood School for Girls
What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop? I like the wonderful staff and students and the friendly community of Mary MacKillop
What are your hobbies/Interests? I like catching up with friends, cooking, reading and travel.
Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MM community: When I finished school, I travelled to Denmark for 12 months as a Rotary exchange student. Upon completing university I returned to Denmark and the UK to live and work for several years. I can still speak Danish, although not as fluently as I once could! I have travelled extensively through Europe, the UK, USA and Australia.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photos have now been taken and online orders will close on Sunday, 13 March 2022, after which late fees/additional charges will be incurred.
Advanced Life now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.
2 easy ways to purchase before late fees apply:
LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time.
Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past
advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Mary MacKillop Catholic College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact
Fabulous Feathers and Glorious Glitter - Masking Up For Carnevale!
Students and staff at MMCC donned their masks this week and, for the first time in a while, it wasn't for COVID! For the third year running, Carnevale took place on Shrove Tuesday, turning our College into a place of fantastic colour, feathers and sparkles.
Since 2020, we have included Carnevale in our Shrove Tuesday celebrations to have some fun before the stricter observances of Lent which commenced on Ash Wednesday this week.
In the Junior School, students paraded their amazing masks in Uluru and Billabong at first break. It was wonderful to see the smiles beneath the masks and some of the amazing mask creations. From animal masks, to diamantes, sequins and feathers, our students showed just how creative they could be! On the Senior side of the College, congratulations to Tenison 1 and Penola 3 who had the most members of their PC Groups wearing masks!
At first break in the Senior College, the annual Pancake Relay was contested in Ignatius. This year, House teams comprised of Year 7-12 students, flipped (fake) pancakes in their saucepans while trying not to drop them on the ground! To make things interesting, this year the teachers entered a team too. Well done to McCormack House who won Round 1 and to the staff team who dominated in the staff versus Year 12 team race. Well done to all students who were involved, and a shout out House Captains--Dylan Schmaling, Taylor Blackely, Sarah Carr and Breanna Langley--who organised their House teams.
A big thank you to our amazing College Cafe for preparing and selling pancakes with maple syrup at first break, in the tradition of Pancake Tuesday.
This week we started the liturgical season of Lent on Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. This season is a reminder for us to reflect on our lives, personally, and our relationship with God.
I also started listening to a podcast by Bruce Downes, The Catholic Guy, and will continue to do so during the season of Lent. On Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, he spoke about 'Why do we give up something for Lent?' And as I reflected on what he had to say, I thought I would share his podcast with you.
Bruce suggests there are four reasons why we do it. These are:
It serves as a reminder for us. A reminder that Jesus suffered on the cross, ultimately dying three days later. What we do will never be able to replicate that. But giving up something is the reminder that God loves us and we can be closer to him by suffering a little bit - going without something we really enjoy or love.
It is discipline - discipline over the flesh. Bruce describes this as being able to not want something even though the body is wanting it i.e. chocolate or coffee or ice-cream or staying in bed instead of getting up for exercise or watching TV instead of visiting a sick relative or friend. So ultimately, it is what we want to do not necessarily what God wants us to do. Bruce is challenging us to consciously discipline ourselves to do things or say things or not have something that will make us a better person and improve our relationship with our creator.
It is about working at becoming the person God wants you to be and he poses this question, if you met God today, would you be happy to meet him? So during this Lent, change the things that need to be changed - STOP gossiping, STOP being jealous, DON'T be lazy, IMPROVE your fitness, CHANGE your dietary habits, STOP self doubts. GIVE UP or CHANGE the very thing you don't want or like in your life to be a better person.
It is an opportunity to lay down my life for others e.g. do things for others. So, send that note or email, serve the poor by volunteering at an organisation that supports the vulnerable, visit the elderly, notice other people, encourage others, spend time with those who are lonely. But, do all this without the need to be acknowledged.
Throughout Lent we are then challenged to turn to God, turn back to God, or even turn to God for the first time by our actions and words. Lent is a time for us to transform ourselves into a better person and we really have this opportunity by challenging ourselves throughout Lent and not necessarily do the same things we have done in the past.
So, what are you going to give up or do differently throughout Lent?
If you would like to listen to Bruce Downes throughout Lent you can do so on his website - www.brucedownes.org
I have also included a Lenten Calendar that you might like to do yourself or as a family throughout the six weeks.
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal Religious Education
Project Compassion - Caritas boxes
With the start of Lent this week, we also start fundraising for Caritas. Small boxes have been sent home with each student (Prep to Year 12) for your family to contribute to this project this year.
This year's theme is "For All Future Generations". Stories will be shared with the College from these countries - Mozambique, India, Australia, Congo and Solomon Islands.
Please support your children in contributing to this fundraising that supports other communities around the world.
This week we start with Anatercia's story. She is a twelve year old in Mozambique. Here is a link to her story -
Youth Gathering
Our next Youth gathering was planned for Saturday, 19 March. It has now been postponed to Term 2.
In Mary MacKillop's words "Let us do the will of God, the beautiful, wise will of God." 5.3.1870
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal Religious Education
Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in the Parish on Thursday, 9 June at 7:00 pm with Bishop Robert McGuckin.
Information packs will be sent home to families this month. There will not be a meeting or information evening for parents so if you have any questions please contact one of the team members as published in the last newsletter.
If you are new to the College, sacramental programs are organised by the Parish Sacramental Team.
Confirmation is celebrated in Term 2.
Eucharist is then celebrated in Term 3.
Reconciliation is celebrated in Term 4.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the team members of which I am a member.
Paula O'Rourke Assistant Principal Religious Education
Mary MacKillop Parish Mass Times
Our parish celebrates mass every Sunday at 8:00am in the MacKillop Centre. You are welcome to join this community. QLD Government Health guidelines have been relaxed so it is not a requirement to wear a mask, however, you are more than welcome to continue to do so. You are also still welcome if not vaccinated.
Our Youth Gathering originally planned for Saturday, 19 March has been postponed to Term 2. This celebration is organised by the College and supported by the students and their families. What this space for more information.
Teaching and Learning
Pathways & Assessment
Caleb - Cert III Carpentry
We're very fortunate to have a team dedicated to offering our students personalised pathways designed to their future career paths. Recently, Caleb began a School-Based Apprenticeship - Certificate III in Carpentry - with Titanium Homes. Congratulations, Caleb.
Myself, Mrs Stevenson and Mrs Richardson are always happy to have conversations around pathways or future pathways so don't hesitate to get in contact.
It's approaching a busy time for assessment. As Year 7 students embark on their first assessment period, we ask that they communicate with their teachers if they're unsure about anything. Year 7 students have recently been guided through Microsoft OneDrive, and set up their folders in a logical and accessible manner. All students must ensure all work is saved on OneDrive. Should their laptop malfunction they can still access all work. I have a video documenting this process. If you'd like to access it please let me know.
If necessary, students should apply for extension to assessment conditions as soon as it becomes evident they will not meet assessment deadlines. In the first instance, they should initiate a discussion with their classroom teacher. With Covid, we need to be adaptable and we'll treat each case independently. Covid cases may have a significant impact on Year 12 assessment and Comparable Assessment may need to be created, if a student tests positive for Covid when the test is due to be administered. Please liaise with myself, Curriculum Middle Leaders or classroom teachers if you have any concerns around assessment.
Please see below for a flowchart of our Assessment Policy.
Have you ever thought about what language would be like without any rules or conventions?
Writing conventions are the mechanics of writing, like capitals, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. When students can apply these mechanics without effort, they are able to give their attention to the higher order aspects of writing like idea generation and word choice.
At this higher order level, these considerations, and others such as, purpose, audience, subject matter and ideas, text structure and organisation, cohesion, sentence structure and vocabulary and word groups, play an integral role in ensuring the success of the written form.
Writing is hard!
In fact, there are seven learning progressions. And within each progression, the writer must consider the writing conventions.
Role Play
Writers emulate adult writing by experimenting with marks to represent written language. The writer relies heavily on topic knowledge to generate text. Often the text is not readable.
Experimental
Writers become aware that speech can be written down. Writers demonstrate an understanding of one-to-one correspondence by representing most spoken words in their written texts. A developing understanding of sound-symbol relationships is displayed in the writers spelling attempts.
Early
It is within this stage of development that the written text begins to exhibit some of the conventions of writing. When spelling unfamiliar words, the writer chooses letters on the basis of sound, without regard for conventional spelling patterns.
Transitional
The writer displays increasing control over the conventions of writing such as punctuation, spelling and text organisation. They consider the audience and purpose when selecting ideas and information to be included in their writing. The writer is moving away from a heavy reliance on sounding out and are beginning to integrate visual and meaning-based strategies to spell unfamiliar words.
Conventional
The writer demonstrates control over the conventions of writing and most components of the writing process. They take responsibility for adjusting the language and content to suit the audience and purpose. A wide vocabulary is selected from and a range of spelling strategies is employed to spell unfamiliar words.
Proficient
The writer demonstrates control over all components of the writing process. They understand how purpose and audience impact on writing. They are able to convey detailed information and explore different perspectives. They have developed an extensive vocabulary and use a multi-strategy approach to spelling.
Accomplished
An accomplished writer is able to make critical choices about all components of writing. They are able to develop complex ideas, sustain coherence and present information clearly. Writers are able to reflect on, evaluate and critique their own writing to ensure they have achieved their specific purpose for the intended audience.
IImages curtesy of First Steps - Writing Resource Book
Again, I say, writing is hard. If you would like further ideas how you can support your child at home, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
Mrs Natalie Adler Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior
Sleek Geeks (Science) Eureka Prize Competition
Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize encourages students to communicate a scientific concept in a way that is accessible and entertaining to the public while painlessly increasing their science knowledge or, as prize patrons Dr Karl and Adam Spencer like to say, "Learn something without even noticing". It is intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who will be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.
If you are a budding scientist with a love of videography or short films, you may wish to enter this competition.
The 2022 theme is 'Change'.
Among other things, judges will be assessing each entrant's passion for their chosen topic and creativity in working with the theme, so students should carefully consider how they will explore it. They may wish to start by taking one minute to write down words they associate with the word 'change' and discussing their list with a teacher or guardian. It’s important students pick a topic they’re interested in so that their passion shines through!
This is an Australian-wide competition and all work must come from the student's, however classroom teachers may be able to provide guidance and advice to students as part of the creative process. Let your classroom or Science teacher know if you are interested in entering this competition!
Jared Nielson Middle Leader - Science & Technology
English students are busy bees
Students in English have begun the busy run towards knowledge and skill-building, via assessment tasks, for Term 1.
The late start has seen students attack tasks with hasty preparations, but their overall level of application has been admirable.
Year 7 English has seen students turn their energies towards the creation of a compressed narrative. Imaginations and creativity have been abundantly shown in class.
Year 8 is exploring the world of poetry. Analysis of poetry and student-made poetry anthologies form the basis of this work.
Persuasive presentations related to tourism, in Australia, are in full swing, in year 9. Explorations of our country and learnings about our cultures and histories have seen high levels of interest from students.
The music of protest is the driving force within year 10, this term. Analysis of music and poetic features within this music, are the key parts of these studies.
The famous novel, The Great Gatsby, is the basis of year 11 tasks. Students will complete an online literary article.
Years 11 and 12 have just completed their first assessment task, for the year, in Literature. The famous graphic novel The Complete Maus, formed the basis of their studies.
English Essential students have been analysing the language of the workplace, in year 11 and focussing their efforts on the upcoming Common Internal assessment, in year 12.
The literature and literacy machine, that is English, is well and truly moving at full steam, this term. Teachers and students are eagerly moving forward in their anticipation of what lies ahead!
Mr Tim Connolly Middle Leader - Senior English
What is NCCD?
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) is a yearly count of students by all Australian schools across the country. The aim of the NCCD is to provide the Australian Government with information about the number of students with disability in Australian schools and the type of adjustments they need in order to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students.
We are immensely proud of the achievements of our 2021 graduates. Check out the stats on what our year 12's achieved by the time they graduated.
Jennifer Stevenson & Christie Richardson Your Pathway Team
Resetting Expectations in the Senior School
The beginning of this year has had a number of disruptions that have been unavoidable for staff and students. As a result of this, some non-negotiables regarding student appearance and everyday expectations have begun to slip. I am writing this seeking parent support to reset some of these expectations. In the daily notices this week I have reminded students about these expectations and all staff will consistently apply these from Monday morning.
This link to our look book outlines the uniform requirements and a code of appearance regarding make-up, hair and jewelry.
From Monday any jewelry confiscated will be collected and kept in the office for the rest of the term, please prepare your child for this as they have been informed of this daily this week.
Students with makeup on will be asked to come to the office to wipe it off.
Students are required to be clean shaved otherwise will be asked to have a shave at the office.
Students with hair that is not neat and tidy and out of their eyes will be asked to come to the office to have this resolved from Monday.
Students out of uniform from Monday- e.g. logos on sports socks, wrong uniform will be referred to behaviour support at first break.
Lockers need a padlock by Monday.
Mobile phones can impact negatively on others in the community, if they are seen it will be confiscated and parents/carers will need to collect that afternoon. If this is repeated behaviour a meeting will be arranged to determine a suitable outcome.
With the increase in students being diagnosed with anxiety by a GP, I understand that there may need to be individual plans developed in for these students. If you would like to discuss this further to develop a plan for your child please contact me. sean.albion@twb.catholic.edu.au
Sean Albion Assistant Principal Wellbeing Senior
Media Internship Program
Australian Catholics is offering a chance for Year 10 and 11 students across Australia to apply for their media internship program in 2022.
This is an exciting opportunity for students interested in a career in journalism, communications, media or publishing.
This year's program will take place online from 9 to 13 May. Successful applicants will join the Australian Catholics' guest editorial team and staff via teleconference throughout the week to plan, workshop and write articles for the Spring edition.
Successful applicants will have the chance to learn how a magazine edition is developed, engaging in the creative thinking and planning that begins the process. Australian Catholics Magazine will ensure they understand all the elements that bring together a publication, and will provide students with a specific focus as they produce their own articles for publication.
The deadline for applications for this year's program is 5pm Monday 14 March.
for more information, or to apply for the program, students and their families can use the following links:
School Based Apprenticeships / Traineeships (SBA) are a sensational way for students to gain additional skills, qualifications and experiences while they are completing their secondary studies. For students that know the pathway they want to take after year 12 it is an opportunity for them to graduate year 12 with experience in qualifications in this field.
If your child has completed year 9 and is interested in knowing more about what SBAs are available to them, please contact the Your Pathway Team at their office or at HIGYourpathway@twb.catholic.edu.au
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson Your Pathway Team
Year 10 Work Experience
Work Experience at the College is taking place at the end of Term 1 between Monday, 28 March to Friday, 1 April. Year 10 students are currently trying to secure placement. Forms are due back to the college at the end of Week 7 Friday, 11 March.
Test drive your dream career
There are lots of ways you can find out what a job is like. You could read about it, watch videos, or even talk to someone in the job. But there’s nothing really like experiencing it first-hand.
That’s exactly what work experience is – a way you can get a taste of a career and help steer you in the right direction when you’re thinking about your future possibilities.
What is work experience?
Work experience is where you get to spend time at a workplace and see what the people who work there do. You get to experience the daily operations of a business or organisation. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have.
Work experience is usually unpaid, and you shouldn’t be expected to undertake any serious work. However, you might get the chance to help with some simple tasks.
What are the benefits of work experience?
Whether you’re still in school, at university, or looking for work at any stage of your life, work experience can be a valuable tool. It can help you:
Pin down your future goals
Gain first-hand experience of a job
Improve your knowledge and skills
Build a network of contacts
See how the world works
And when you’re applying for jobs in the future, it looks great on your resume too!
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson Your Pathway Team
Junior School
Twosday time capsule!
Year 1 students bury time capsule on 22-02-2022.Time Capsules are used to preserve memories and significant mementoes reflective of a particular time and place in history. For our very young Year 1 students, the creation of history seems like an impossible feat. For their young minds, yesterday was an eternity.
To mark their place in time, the Year 1 students contributed to a time capsule which was buried in the garden near the Outdoor Chapel. Why? Well, the magical "twosday" (22-02-2022) occurred. This date is particularly significant for the current Year 1 students as they will graduate from the College in 2033. Fast forward to 03-03-33 and these same students will dig up the time capsule.
What will they find in 2033, 13 years down the track? A snapshot of their lives, perhaps have a giggle about what their favourite activity was (way back then)? Will their friends still be the same? Will they still like the same food and sports?
Hopefully, in the future we will all be amazed at how we have grown and changed, our ability to write and draw will amaze us and our continued friendships will be a foundation for our future.
Could there be a better way to celebrate 13 years of an educational journey than digging up a capsule full of memories from a simpler time? Special memories, created with special friends, a special gift for the future.
I can see the headlines now, “03-03-2033 Year 12 students dig up the time capsule”. What a milestone to celebrate.
Chrissy Carter P-2 Co-Ordinator
Prep-Year 6 Buddy Program
Each year, students in Year 6 and Prep eagerly await meeting their buddy for the first time. On Friday, 18 February, the 2022 Prep and Year 6 students gathered for the first time to meet one another. There was much excitement!
Offering mentoring to the newest members of our college is an opportunity for our Year 6 students to develop their leadership skills. They help the Prep students transition to a new environment, role model expected positive learning behaviours, and build positive reciprocal relationships. For our Prep students, a smiling face, a kind heart, and a mate to play and learn with is something they really look forward to each fortnight. They work with their buddy to complete learning activities, share the enjoyment of reading and playing outside, and participate together in special school events. Nothing beats the pride on the Year 6 students’ faces when their Prep buddy receives an award or stars in the Nativity Play. Building these positive relationships acknowledges the act of service and the need for companionship. Mary MacKillop was happy when surrounded by children, and this is no different for the Prep and Year 6 students during buddy time.
The Prep-Year 6 Buddy program is an important facet of the culture at MMCC and is a wonderful experience for all who participate.
Lisa-Marie Preston Year 6 Teacher
Christmas Card Design Competition Winner!
Every year Trevor Watts MP holds a Christmas Card Design Competition for school students in his electorate of Toowoomba North. Last year, several of our Prep to Year 2 students entered a design under the theme of 'Hope & Joy'. Then Year 2C student Khloe Coulston, was one of four winners awarded with a $50 Harvey Norman gift voucher! Excitedly her design came to life and was printed and distributed to many homes over the Christmas period.
Congratulations Khloe on a beautiful Christmas Card design!
Student Wellbeing
Upcoming Camps in the Senior School
This week I have sent home letters to families of year 7 and year 11 students regarding their upcoming camps in week 10. Please complete the required forms and submit them to the College as soon as you can to support the preparations for these camps. Students involved in the year 11 camp that have dietary requirements please make contact with me early so appropriate plans can be developed. Both of these camps have proven to be incredibly valuable for previous groups ability to develop positive relationships within their cohort and supporting with their social and emotional development. I look forward to attending these camps and achieving goals with each of the cohorts.
In addition to these camps there will also be a year 12 retreat in week 1 of next term. The information for this retreat will be sent to families once some details are finalised.
Sean Albion Assistant Principal of Wellbeing: Senior
Tips to support your child's social and emotional wellbeing
A child’s social and emotional wellbeing is a vital part of their overall health, development and wellbeing. As fathers you play an important role in helping your children develop their social and emotional skills and understandings. You can teach and model the kinds of skills, attitudes, and behaviours your children need to master, plus you can be important support for the social and emotional learning that happens at school.
Read more about general tips for supporting your kids' emotional wellbeing here.
Don't downplay what's playing on your mind!
In line with our proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing, please be aware of NewAccess. A free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue, for anyone (12 years and over) feeling stressed or overwhelmed about everyday life issues or challenges in life, such as work, study, relationships, health, loneliness, or distress associated with emergencies and disasters such as bushfire, drought or flood.
This is a free, structured, six-session program where you work with a local coach, trained in low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, who will guide you through a tailored, personal program that provides you with practical tools to support your mental health and wellbeing.
No referral is required. You can find out more about NewAccess here.
Jasmin & Khara Guidance Cousellors
Sport & Extra Curricular
Mrs Frame Wows the History Club
Since early 2019, a select few students who are extremely passionate about History have attended my History club. We were incredibly fortunate on Monday to have Mrs Frame, the College Middle Leader in charge of Humanities attend. Mrs Frame has a simply breathtaking collection of memorabilia and artifacts from World Wars 1 and 2. It was so wonderful to see the students handling primary evidence from these events and really getting a sense of History as a living and breathing thing.
We are incredibly indebted to Mrs Frame and cannot wait for her next visit!
Mr Chris Gabbett College Principal and History Nerd
Full Steam Ahead!
It is well documented that involvement in sport and physical activity has a range of benefits that extend far beyond 'getting fit'. While the physiological perks are a bonus, it is the holistic impact of involvement that can benefit communities as a whole. The Mary Mac community is a great example of this principle.
The Senior College Swimming Carnival was far and away our most successful Senior College carnival to date. Attendance levels were high, but more importantly, the spirit and willingness to be involved from the vast majority of students made the day a memorable one. There were some outstanding performances in the pool and we acknowledged our Age Champions in our virtual assembly, however, a formal presentation will happen once we can gather as a group as restrictions ease. Unfortunately, our Junior College carnival was postponed and will now be held on Tuesday, 22 March.
The number of students putting their hand up to trial for Inner Downs and Darling Downs teams has also increased this year. The willingness of students to push themselves to achieve their best is encouraging! Keep up the hard work #teammarymac !!
Brad Griffiths Middle Leader Sport & Student Engagement
Student Achievements
Queens Scout Medallion Recipient - Reagan Pugsley
Over the Christmas holidays Year 12 student, Reagan Pugsley was awarded the Queens Scout Medallion. This award is one of the highest awards that can be achieved within the Scouts, and requires huge amounts of dedication and determination. Reagan completed well over 250 hours completing badges in first aid, citizenship, service, unit management and ideals to name a few.
He also spent four days removing Lantana from a local property to achieve his environment badge, completed a three day canoeing expedition to gain his Outdoor badge and clocked up over 100 hours in the gym for his Lifestyle badge.
Reagan was delighted to be able to invite family members and significant people in his life to the award ceremony, allowing the opportunity to say thank you.
Well Done Reagan!
Community Noticeboard
From the PPF
Hello everyone from the PPF.
We have all experienced some real challenges of late with this recent rain event and the effects it has caused for so many families - our prayers and thoughts go out to the MMCC families and community that are presently experiencing tough times. Please reach out if you need any assistance at all.
As a result of the staggered start to the year and our desire to have all available members on deck, we will be pushing the Parent Partnership Forum Annual General Meeting to later in the term and potentially very early next term. A notice will be sent from the College with details.
Gowrie Junction Night Markets
Gowrie Junction Night Markets
Toowoomba Regional Council - Youth Connect
UPCOMING EVENTS
WHEN
Mayoral Morning Tea for Primary School leaders
Thursday 17 March 2022 10am-12pm
Beginner Skateboarding Workshops
26 February 9am–11am, 5 March 9am–11am, 12 March 9am–11am, 9 March 9am–11am, 26 March 9am–11am
Advanced Skate Workshops
2 April 4pm–6pm, 9 April 4pm–6pm, 16 April 4pm–6pm
