What are you giving up for Lent?

Actor Mark Wahlberg raised eyebrows last Wednesday by appearing on the 'Today' television program in the US with ashes marked on his forehead.

Wahlberg is a devout Catholic. His rather intense daily exercise and prayer regime has been written about in previous years and it is genuinely something else. He speaks openly of having a lived Catholic faith, and does so in a really inclusive and genuine way. He said, “You know, it’s not popular in my industry, but I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people. But I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it’s important to respect and honour them as well."

So, Mark Wahlberg was able to talk about giving up comforts, and fasting and doing some 'old school' Lenten things.

Even if you are not from the Catholic tradition or you are but have not observed Lent for a long time, can I suggest that you engage in a way that encourages your child to think about their contribution to their home, their family, their community or their own well-being. So, rather than doing what we pretty much always did and give up chocolates or similar, challenge them to give up untidiness or arguing with a sibling. Lent can be a time for personal renewal as much as spiritual renewal, and an effort to be 1% better tomorrow then today can only help our community.

You may have seen on our social media posts that two of our College leaders, Jezziah Berry (College Captain) and Elise Scrivens (Formation Captain) attended Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney in Week 4. The event was JJAMM (Julian, Joseph and Mary MacKillop) - a leadership formation program run by the Sisters of St Joseph for secondary schools in the Josephite tradition. These students have returned to the College brimming with enthusiasm, ideas and passion for spreading the unique message of the Sisters of St Joseph. The year 12 students will have a number of ideas to bring the spirit and action of St Mary MacKillop to the College and I am really excited about that.

This trip to Sydney will be offered to two College leaders every year from now on, and if the impact comes close to the confidence and witness portrayed by Jezziah and Elise they will be very fruitful.

Volunteers

As we commence another year, the College is looking for parent volunteers over a variety of events and projects. If you are interested in assisting throughout the College, please complete this form. You will need to complete the TCSO Volunteers and Visiting Service Providers induction using this link. Alternatively you can visit the College to pick up this documentation.

Please let me finish the newsletter by thanking parents for their forbearance as our building program continues in the Junior College. Please remember to follow the traffic guidance on the College website.

I hope you have a lovely weekend. Huge thanks for your ongoing support.

Take care,
Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Please keep an eye out for our upcoming special, order forms will be sent out on Monday, 6 March.

This week I am using a reflection written by Michael McGirr for Project Compassion.

Nelson Mandela said that education was the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. There are plenty of people who would agree with him, one of them is Oprah Winfrey. She said that education was the way to move mountains, build bridges and to change the world. Today’s readings certainly suggest the value of learning.

The story from the Book of Genesis comes from pre-history. It has often been misunderstood to suggest that sin entered the world through one woman, yet this is not true. On the contrary, the readings (Romans & Matthew) tell us that the world is good. When humans try to overstretch their boundaries, trouble follows and the experience of beauty and harmony is threatened. We need to choose our teachers. Are we going to listen to God or the serpent?

In our modern world, the serpent takes many forms. There are many threats to the harmony of the human race and the beauty of our natural environment. Likewise, today’s story of the temptations in the wilderness from Matthew’s Gospel shows us that some lessons are difficult. Jesus actually teaches the devil, telling the evil one that God is in charge. Jesus has to decide which voices he will follow, and has to learn that some ideas may not be as good as they sound. All the kingdoms of the world, Jesus learns, are no substitute for an honest and lifegiving relationship with God.

Each week during Lent, Caritas Australia asks us to think about a special story. The story focuses on someone who has benefitted from your generosity through Project Compassion. This week, we hear about 16-year-old Laxmi who lives in a remote part of Nepal. Your help has enabled her to overcome family hardship to pursue her education. She was tempted to give up on school, but Project Compassion enabled her to follow a more positive direction and to realise what she could achieve for her community by becoming an engineer. The evil spirit will always get us to focus on what we don’t have. The spirit of light will show us what is truly possible.

Project Compassion boxes have been sent home with students this week to help raise money to support people and communities just like Laxmi's. Please think about how you can support the work of Project Compassion.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education

The experience that JJAMM (Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop) offered was one that neither Elise or myself will forget. Elise, Mrs Radley and I travelled down to Sydney two weeks ago from Wednesday, 15 February to Sunday, 19 February. Our first day there, we stayed at Mary MacKillop Place, in North Sydney, where we learnt more about our patron saint, Mary MacKillop, and the stories and traditions of the Josephites. Many Senior schools established by the Josephites, were invited to attend, from Western Australia all the way across the ocean to New Zealand. We made many new friends along the way.

Whilst there, we observed Alma Cottage—the place of Mary MacKillop's death—and discovered how truly inspiring she was. Through her strong perseverance she always challenged the injustice which surrounded her. JJAMM focused heavily on how we, as leaders, can use her values throughout our own leadership, as well as make it effective and inspirational. Mary MacKillop Place was one of inspiration and motivation. Sister Jan, a Sister of St Joseph, took us through the 6Ps workshop where we learned more about Passion, Possibilities, Partnerships, Perseverance, Prayer and Practical Action.
The 6P workshop effectively taught us how to use these teachings in everyday life and in our leadership at MMCC. We learnt that Practical Action is vital in ensuring the other five values are present within our Josephite community. Additionally, we learnt that the starting step is Passion–a drive to do something for something you love with the gifts you have been give. Possibilities arise when you consider your passions and how you can use these gifts and talents to serve others. Furthermore, Practical Action is required. This is the step where we take initiative and action, where our possibilities become a reality. We also attended Mass and prayed at Mary MacKillop's tomb. Importantly, Partnerships and Perseverance are also required for leadership to be effective and we learned about Mary MacKillop's partnership with Julian Tenison Woods and the perseverance they both showed to follow their passions.

After spending two nights at Mary MacKillop Place, we continued on our journey to Kincumber retreat centre, a quieter area compared to North Sydney. Here, we learnt how we can make our ideas a reality. By partaking in several activities, such as tree planting, and listening to a panel of Josephite sisters and teenagers speak about their passions, we learnt that a small action, can still make a big difference in our communities. Another two nights flew by, and suddenly, we were already leaving. Both Kincumber, and Mary MacKillop Place really opened our minds to the possibilities that lay ahead for 2023. What really blew our minds was the way all these schools and their Senior students had similar ideas and goals to us, and how passionate we all were about our school communities. We returned from Sydney, ready to tell our Year 12s and the MMCC community all about it!

A special thank you to Mrs Radley for taking us on this trip and sharing this experience with us.

Jezziah Berry and Elise Scrivens

College Captain and Formation Captain

In collating resources for Lent for our Pastoral Care groups and Religion classes in the Senior school, I came across an easy-to-use Lenten calendar by Busted Halo. The intention of the Calendar is to give us a "daily jolt" to remind us what Lent is all about, and also to present a "micro challenge" for our community. For example, Ash Wednesday's "daily jolt" was: Remember that Lent and Ash Wednesday are not just about putting away the bad things. It is more about creating good things and helping the poor and needy, being kind to people, and much more". Additionally, the "micro challenge" on this first day of Lent suggested that instead of giving something up, you can give away for Lent. Focus on adding prayer or community service to your life!

Over the past week, the message of the 6Ps has been wide-spread across MMCC's social media. The challenge for our students during Lent, and indeed a challenge for our whole community, is to take Practical Action during these forty days. As the Ash Wednesday "micro challenge" implored, rather than giving up the chocolate or bad habits, focus instead on what you can do for others.

While Lent is an important time for introspection and turning back to God, it can also be an opportunity for action in our community. During this time, Pastoral Care groups and even Religion classes are called to take practical action within their families, the MMCC community and our local community by being a gift of love and compassion for one another.

Here are some ideas for using our hearts and hands:

Participate in Ks for Caritas. Rather than simply contributing cash to the Project Compassion box, this initiative calls for some sponsored exercise. This is practical action with a side of fitness! The idea is to count your kilometres (either by running, walking, swimming or cycling) during Lent and aim for 10 000 steps per day. Ask your friends or family to sponsor your steps.

Save water in solidarity. One in nine people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water – that’s 780 million people. Not only that, but the beautiful green hills surrounding us are beginning to dry up as well. Students can take action to save up to 5 litres of water every day during Lent, by taking shorter showers; putting a bucket in the shower to catch water for the garden; not leaving the tap running when they clean their teeth; and using the half-flush on the toilet!

Help out at school or home: sign up for MacMates and be a gift of love for others; assist a younger student with their homework or an assignment; cook a meal for a friend or family member who needs your support; send a text message to family members or friends every day during Lent to share your gratitude; or commit yourself to 40 days of Random Acts of Kindness.

Really, the ideas are endless. At the end of the day though, we are all called to use our passions and gifts to consider the possibilities of sacrificing something of ourselves this Lent. Practical action, in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop is one way of returning to God this Lenten season.

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

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

YOU are invited to be part of this celebration as well.

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

Every 2nd and 4th Sunday there is a shared morning tea afterwards for everyone to engage in conversation.

On a Tuesday morning at 7:30am families and parishioners are also welcome to celebrate mass. We meet in a Senior College room - Penola 6.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education

For those families wishing for their child/ren to continue the faith journey, here are the dates for this year:

Information will go out to parents through emails as each sacrament is due to begin.

If you have any questions please email me or contact any of the following members of the team:

Fr Brian Noonan - 0458 967 094

Marita Tuite - 0477 925 252

Beth McCormack - 0412 018 177

Nadine Dolan - 0425 210 444

Trish Gall - 0418 356 181

Liz Eilers - 0439 777 121

Paula O'Rourke - 07 4698 7777 (College number)

Paula O'Rourke
APRE and member of Parish Sacramental Team

The key to literacy, for students of all ages, is knowing the ways written language represents the language they speak.

Literacy consists of orthography (knowledge of spelling), writing, oral language, stories, reading and vocabulary.

A developmental approach to teaching literacy is adopted in schools. For the purpose of this article, I would like to specifically look at orthography in a P-2 classroom. Students are taught:

• the concept of synthesising – the sounds prompted by the letters are put together or blended to pronounce words;
• phonemic awareness skills are sequentially built upon to include the ability to substitute, delete and manipulate phonograms (a combination of letters used to produce a sound);
• to analyse parts of words;
• the 70 phonograms which includes the writing of phonograms and words in connection with the sounds they represent, to build automaticity;
• phonological awareness – word awareness, rhyme, syllables, onset and rime, phoneme isolation.

If you are a P-2 parent and would like to know more about how to support your child’s literacy development, a parent workshop, “The Importance of Literacy” is being run Wednesday 8 March. For further information, check your emails.

Mrs. Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior

Parent teacher interviews are formally offered twice a year: Term 1 and Term 3. These interviews allow teachers to keep parents informed on their child's academic, social and emotional and behaviour progress. They also offer parents an opportunity to ask questions about their child's development.

Not sure what to ask at the interview? Here are few tips to support you.

• Think about the meeting in advance and set a goal for what you want to achieve.
• Talk to your child; identify if you feel your child is achieving at the appropriate level; what do see as their strengths?
• Acknowledge that the teacher has many students they are responsible for. Let them know you appreciate the opportunity to meet with them.
• Be proactive: ask for examples of your child's work; ask for how work is assessed; ask what you can do at home to support your child.
• Share: Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child.
• Make a plan of action (if required). Agree on a plan with the teacher. Schedule a follow up meeting if required.
• Follow up with your child: talk to your child about how the meeting went. Share what you learned. Show your child how you can help them at home.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held Tuesday 7 March. The portal is now open to book your interview with child's teacher/s.

Mrs. Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning: Junior

Over the course of the semester, students from Years 7 - 9 come together for their respective Formation Days. This term students in these cohorts have had the opportunity to gather and participate in a reflective and interactive session that was underpinned by the Charism of the College, and promoted social and emotional skill development. Year 12 leaders facilitated aspects of each session, focusing on the Mary MacKillop pillar of Partnership. Overall, these sessions were well received and the students engaged well with their broader year groups.

The Year 7 session was developed around the theme 'Connection and Belonging' and incorporated opportunities for social emotional learning and skill development, with a specific focus on understanding emotions; an important precursor to emotion regulation.

Year 8 students focused on boundaries and assertiveness, and the importance establishing, maintaining, and reiterating these for healthy and respectful relationships.

The Year 9 session was informed by themes we see emerge within this year group, that are not uncommon for this developmental stage. The session focused on being courageous and unpacked the idea of being an 'upstander' in the face of unhelpful, unkind, or bullying peer behaviours. Empowering the cohort with the knowledge and skills to navigate peer relationships supports their social and emotional well-being, College engagement, and successful outcomes.

Our Formation days play an important role in the development of individual and collective identity, and provide an opportunity for students to connect with peers beyond their usual friendship group. They are also fun and interactive and offer the students time and space to reflect, listen, share, learn, and grow.

Mr Sean Albion
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing Senior

We speak a lot about jobs of the future, and how it’s important to set ourselves up with the right skills today so we can adapt to whatever comes. And it seems that a lot of universities also have this in mind, and are designing more flexible degrees that can equip you with multiple skills, instead of focusing on a single area.

So we’ve found some cool degrees that can set you up for the future. Take a look.

Bond – Bachelor of Digital Transformation

Rather than being industry-specific, this degree from Bond combines study and skills from a wide variety of areas, including business, communications, technology, and law. You also get to pick some elective subjects, really personalising the degree to your own interests. Plus, you will participate in the Beyond Bond professional development program, getting real-world experience as part of your degree.

Find out more about the degree here.

UTS – Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation

Pair this unique degree with one of UTS’ 25 core degrees to create an entirely new course that sets you up with important future skills. Take part in real-world projects and self-initiated proposals, and come together with students from all different study areas to share ideas and collaborate.

Learn more here.

Macquarie – Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences

If you’re interested in learning about how the brain works, this course is for you. Delve deep into the workings of the mind through participation in hands-on experience with real researchers, and learn valuable communication and critical thinking skills. You can also pick several flexible units to study from any discipline, either to deepen your knowledge or learn something new.

Read more about the course here.

Interested in finding out more? You can take a look on Course Seeker to browse thousands of courses from universities and institutions across Australia.

Your Pathway Team
Jennifer Stevenson and Christie Richardson

My name is Lilly Hayes, and I am extremely pleased to share with you my first Academic captain address.

Whether you’re a nervous student, or curious parent, I hope that I can share some important tips with you, that are not only useful for academic results, but also success in your regular day-to-day lives. With the lead up to the assignment and exam period, for all Mary Mac students, I feel it’s incredibly important to address several key points in this week’s newsletter. As a year 12 student myself, I certainly understand the pressures of school life, thankfully, we are not alone! Having spent all my schooling years at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, I am very glad to say that the support you or your child will receive here is extraordinary. The teachers, and heads of curricular staff are fantastic and always willing to answer any question that you may have, regarding subject or academic matters. The first thing that I wish to convey to you, is that assessment time is nothing to fear. Along with generous support, it’s important to understand that learning is a journey, not a race, and is something that can’t be rushed. Obviously, not everyone's going to be an A grade student, and that is completely reasonable, some prefer sports, arts or even part time work. However, you will get out of it, what you put into it, meaning that no matter how bad you think you’re going to do, just try anyway. What's the worst that could happen right? In the end you just have to be honest and open with yourself and give it a go!

So, to help you with that, here are six tips for academic success, that I prepared earlier.

1. Get into a good routine.

If it means getting up at the same time every morning, or dedicating an hour every afternoon for schoolwork, then just do it! Studies have shown that having a regular routine vastly improves your mental health, while also creating healthy habits, and fostering positive relationships.

2. Don't leave everything to the last minute / plan your time.

Believe me, I know how easy it is to unwillingly let an assignment due date creep up on you, luckily, there's a simple fix. Plan out your free time, invest in and actually use a diary, start an assessment more than a week before its due, and do not just study the night before an exam.

3. Don't become burnt out,

As hard as it might be, keep studying, keep applying feedback, even up to the last week. We all get tired; we all want to give up. Sadly, this achieves nothing, so in order to make the most out of the time you have to spend at school, keep doing and striving for the best that you can do, and remember to make some time for yourself to do the things you enjoy.

4. Ask for help if you need it.

It doesn't matter how embarrassing you might think a question is, chances are there's another student in the room wanting to know the same thing. If for whatever reason you don't want to ask a question in class, email your teacher, or find them after. If you never ask, you'll never know!

5. Hang out with the right people.

Stereotypes and social dynamics of school absolutely influence academic performance, hence it is extremely important that you put yourself in situations, with people who want to support you. If your 'friends' discourage you, or joke about you trying in class, then they aren't really in your best interest.

6. Reflect on your successes and learn from your mistakes.

Let’s face it, nobody's perfect, and everybody makes a mistake every once in a while. Therefore, it is crucial that you evaluate where you went wrong, but don't dwell on this. I can assure you; it’s not going to change the course of your life. In saying that, don't just shrug mistakes off either. If you don't learn from them, then they remain negative, but if you can take messages from these mishaps, then you have learnt for next time.

I generally hope that these tips can help you in the hastily approaching future.

Thanks for reading, 

Lilly Hayes
Year 12 Student

It is a legislative requirement that all non-state schools have at least two nominated staff members to whom a student can report the behaviour of another staff member that the student considers inappropriate. We call these specially trained staff members School Student Protection Contacts, or SSPCs. Each SSPC has been nominated by the principal in recognition of their integrity, approachability and knowledge in the area of student protection. Whilst students are encouraged to speak up to any trusted adult in the school community, it is important that they know they can access these specific staff members at any time should they have worries, queries or concerns. You will have noticed posters throughout the school depicting our current SSPCs. In everything we do at Mary MacKillop Catholic College student safety is our highest priority, therefore the SSPCs at our school are key personnel in our overall safeguarding processes.

The SSPCs at the College are:

Sean Albion

Bridget Rillie

Khara Saunders

Jasmin Slack-Smith

Monique Cotter

Additional information relating to student protection can be found on the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools website here.

2023 sees our largest cohort of students yet at the College and it is no coincidence that our numbers of participants in sporting pursuits has exploded. We are seeing record numbers of students trial for representative sporting teams. We will endeavour to highlight all of our Darling Downs representatives, however, the following is a small snippet of our Swimming exploits throughout the last week.

This week, eight students attended the Darling Downs 13-19 Years Swimming trials held in Gatton in very hot conditions.

Congratulations to all students – Lucas Ward, Isla Lotz, Sebella Cowie, Makenzie Andrews, Bridie and Sarah Mattocks, Bella Scrivens, and Erin O’Rourke - on their great swimming throughout the day with nearly all students setting PB’s in various events as well as achieving top 5 or 10 finishes.

Special mention to Lucas, Isla, and Erin who have been selected for the Darling Downs team to compete at the State titles at the end of this term. Fantastic Swimming by all!!!!

We currently have students playing touch, basketball, and futsal for the College, with others preparing for netball, touch, rugby league, and others - so many possibilities to explore at Mary Mac!

Rugby Opportunity

THIS SUNDAY >> Downs Rugby will host the Qld Reds Super W Team for a Trial Match here in Toowoomba!!!

Our U12 – U17s Girls will have the opportunity to be part of a skills & drills session with the Reds Coaching team prior to the game & join the team for a BBQ after.

To be part of the training session please be there by 11am to register click here

Check out the Facebook Page > Downs Rugby | Toowoomba QLD | Facebook > more will be posted over the coming days.

We would really love our Clubs & Schools to come along and experience this. Boys, Girls, Men & Women will all get a lot of this experience. Let’s show them how much Toowoomba supports the growth of Rugby on the Downs.

Be part of the excitement.. from 11am THIS Sunday 5 March @ Toowoomba Sports Ground

Trial match kicks off at 2pm - FREE ENTRY

ALSO – don’t forget NEXT WEEKEND another huge weekend of Rugby including more elite level action

Rugby Australia Aon Next Gen Women 7s ROUND 5 (finals) in Toowoomba

Brad Griffiths
Middle Leader - Sport and Student Engagement

Hello from the Parent Engagement Network!

We hope all students and families have settled in well since the start of the year.

On 7 February the PEN started with our first meeting for the year and AGM. It was lovely to see and welcome new members to the group. Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office reissued a constitution at the start of last year, and as this was the second year of that constitution it was decided by a vote that the existing Executive Committee stay in place for the remaining 2023 year. This past year was also affected by Covid restrictions which prevented the group from starting the 2022 year early. Therefore, it was agreed upon by the PEN to proceed for 2023 unchanged and continue with the growth of the group to support the College.

Executive PEN Members are as follows for 2023: -

College Priest: Father Brian Noonan

Principal: Mr Chris Gabbett

Co-Chairs: Mr Shayne Cleary and Mrs Rowena Voll

Secretary: Mrs Kirsty Gillett

Teaching and Learning: Mrs Miranda Murray

Missions and Identity: Mrs Emma Ehrlich

Resources: Mr Malcolm Martin

Well-being: Mrs Leah Dunn

Relationships: Mrs Jodie Gunders

CSPQ Delegate: Mrs Dominique Gillespie

Parish Delegate: Mrs Joan Conway

Following the AGM completion Mr Chris Gabbett discussed 2022, updated all PEN members on actions for the year and the performances, student growth and educational outcomes made by all of the College. 2022 was a very successful year and to witness as a group the ongoing growth for the College is amazing. This growth is expected to continue for 2023. Well done to all of our wonderful teachers, ELT and staff across the College for always giving their best and wanting the best for our children.

The Co-Chairs, Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll, delivered their yearly report for 2022. This was a very successful year in which many actions and supported events were followed through which were laid out in our yearly report.

Being part of the Parent Engagement Network allows us and the PEN group the opportunity to support the College in obtaining the best educational outcomes for all students here at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College is committed to promoting and nurturing active partnerships with families and the wider community so that all have authentic opportunities to participate in the life and activities of the school. Student learning is enriched through positive and reciprocal partnerships with parents. The Parent Engagement Network is to enable a deeper and more meaningful engagement of parents in the College mission and to align with the College’s Strategic Plan. This will enable us all to be focused as a cohesive group.

We continue to Welcome new members always. Please feel free to come along an learn more about the PEN.

Event updates for the Term 1:

“Live” Reporting – 16 February

MMCC College Parents and staff recently attended a Diocesan group consultation event to promote and consult on future “Live” reporting for students across P – 12 across all Diocesan schools. This was very informative meeting and enabled Parents to give feedback to the Diocesan group and technical staff investigating this very real possibility for us as parents to obtain more regular updates on students performances, what Parents want to know what is happening in our Students world, receive feedback from teachers more regularly, easy to navigate software for parents, review results sooner rather than at the end of terms/semesters, Continue with strong relationships and building with the partnership between student, parent, teacher and school. This was a very positive meeting which enabled all attendees time to reflect on summary of discussions. We are looking forward to hearing more in coming months from TCSO and their team working on this project.

Peak2Park Run

We wish all Students, Staff and Parent participants the very best on Sunday 5 March for the Peak to Park Run. Thank you to Mr Gabbett as well for starting a running club Friday morning at the College. This encouragement for the students attending is very well accepted and appreciated by all of the group. This will continue over coming months - it is hoped that there is enough interest (and fitness) for MMCC to participate in the Gold Coast 5km, 10km or 21km Marathon. Everyone is welcome to attend at 6.30am at the Café.

College Swimming Carnivals – Junior and Senior

We congratulate all Junior students for the past Junior Swimming Carnival held at the Highfields Swimming Centre. We understand this was a fun day for all who took part. It was great to see so many students participate and student volunteers helping out at this event. Well done to the College for this event.

Congratulations to all Years 7 to 12 students at the Senior College Swimming Carnival today.

Sporting Events to date this term

We wish College students the very best in their upcoming sporting events and who are also competing presently at the upcoming Darling Downs representative trials across many sporting codes. We have great representation across many sports from Mary MacKillop Catholic College. Let’s go Team Mary Mac! Let’s do our College proud!

NAPLAN Results

The PEN wish to congratulate and acknowledge the great work being done in this space. We as a College are performing well is this area. All students should be praised for doing the work and obtaining very positive results for our MMCC. We are doing very well overall in comparison to similar schools nationally. This congratulations should also be extended to our wonderful teaching staff and of course our students who put in so much effort with their learning. Well done MMCC!!

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

Mr Gabbett and some members of the PEN and the Parish are present for a conversation in the Cafe after Mass every Tuesday. Parents are welcome to join for a catch up. Beverages available are coffees, hot chocolate, chai and more! We’d love to see you there!

Fundraising – we need you!

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

The College is also looking to run some larger fundraising events this year and we’d really appreciate your help. If this is an area of interest to you, please reach out to the PEN via email.

Grant Writing to support the College –PEN Resources Team

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

We are looking forward to another successful year at the College jam-packed with success and growth across all academic, arts, cultural and sporting codes!

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

We will see you all in 2023

Take care.
Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll
Co-Chairs PEN

Next Meeting for 2023:

2nd General Meeting for the year 2nd May 2023 (Tuesday evening)

Room: Penola 6/7. Time: 5.30pm start – 7pm conclude.

We have 193 children attending our service regularly. That's almost half of the Primary School cohort at MMCC! Our sessions are averaging around 15-20 children in the morning and 35-45 children in the afternoon, and these numbers continue to rise. With the growing numbers of children enrolling to our service, Mary MacKillop OSHC are looking for a new Children's Services Employee with or without experience in OSHC. This position would mostly include relief shifts with a possible 2-3 regular shifts per week. If this sounds like it would suit you or someone you know, and you are interested to start or continue working with children, please email your resume and cover letter to TCKC email.

Garth Rochford 
OSHC Coordinator