MacKillop Bulletin - Term 2, Week 2, 2023

From the Principal

Edmund Rice Feast Day

Our dual charisms are core in informing all that we do here at MacKillop Catholic College. The stories and actions of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Blessed Edmund Rice are critical touchstones and points of reflection for all members of the College community. Last week’s House-based gatherings to reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund and how his legacy has, and will continue to form the staff and students at MacKillop Catholic College were an important reminder of this. Many thanks to the College’s Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry, Mr. Lachlan Marsh, for the work he did in preparing the Edmund Rice Feast Day presentation and reflection.

At a time when we acknowledged and celebrated the life of Blessed Edmund Rice, we pray:

Loving God, 

When we look through our window with hope we are responding with love – give us the courage to take your light to the world.

Loving God, 

We walk by faith, not by sight. Grant us the light of faith that, as Edmund Rice did, we to may be examples of generosity and endurance.

Loving God, 

Open our hearts to your mercy so that we may be examples of forgiveness, patience and love to all those we meet just as Edmund was to the boys he met on the streets of Waterford.

Loving God, 

You gently call each one of us to choose the right path. May we be the person of Edmund Rice who finds the good and joyful in each day and rejoices in helping others to do the same. 

 Unite us in our desire to continue the traditions of Blessed Edmund.    Amen

Thank you for keeping Blessed Edmund’s vision alive today for the benefit of all our young people.

2023 Staffing

As noted in a Term One edition of the Bulletin, the end of 2022 saw the College make many new appointments to staff. The following continues the introduction of these staff:

Mr Darren Gregg – Health and Physical Education Teacher

Mr Gregg joins MacKillop Catholic College after many years of experience as a Health and Physical Education teacher and Advanced Skills Teacher in the Department of Education including time at Howrah Primary School, Lenah Valley Primary School, and Sorell School.

Ms Jessica Harback – AFL SportsReady Physical Education Trainee

Ms Harback is a former MacKillop Catholic College student who returns to the College as an AFL SportsReady Trainee. Ms Harback completed Year 12 at GYC in 2022.

Mr Robin Harvey – Teacher Assistant (Learning Enhancement)

Mr Harvey joins us from Marist College in Burnie where was a Teaching Assistant and VET Specialist Teacher. Mr Harvey has a long career in education, training, lecturing, and information technology, with a focus on mathematics, science, and technology with over 30 years experience in the UK, Canada, and Australia.  Mr Harvey has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Further Education from the University of Dundee, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Edinburgh Business School, a Master of Science Systems Science from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) Mathematics from Edinburgh University. 

Ms Mary Maconochie – English and HaSS Teacher (LAT)

Ms Maconochie is currently studying for her Master of Teaching at UTAS and while she will be teaching English and HaSS in 2023, she also has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Applied Science (Biological Sciences) from UTAS.

Ms Emily Mayne – Teacher Assistant (Learning Enhancement)

Ms Mayne has moved from her previous Administration Trainee role in Learning Enhancement to a full-time Teacher Assistant (Learning Enhancement) role in 2023.

Mr Jack Mazengarb - Health and Physical Education Teacher

Having recently completed his Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) through the University of Tasmania, MacKillop Catholic College will be Mr Mazengarb’s first teaching role. Mr Jack Mazengarb is very familiar with Catholic education having attended St Virgil’s College from Years 7-10.

Mr Sam Naragala - Finance Manager

Mr Naragala commenced employment at the College late in 2022 and has significant experience and skills in a range of finance-related various areas gained through his previous employment as Assistant Manager of KPMG, Director and the Treasurer of RDA Tasmania, Senior Accountant at BDO Hobart, and Business Advisor and Tax Accountant at GDA Group.

Ms Tracey Parnham - English and HaSS Teacher

Ms Parnham joins the College as an English and HaSS teacher after five years teaching at St Francis Flexible Learning Centre. Ms Parnham has a Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) and a Master of Teaching.

Ms Sheridan Penwright - English and HaSS Teacher (LAT)

Ms Penwright is another former student who finished her studies at the College in 2015. Ms Penwright is currently studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of Tasmania and was previously employed as a Teacher Assistant at The Hutchins School.

Ms Mackenzie Queen - Teacher Assistant (Learning Enhancement)

Ms Queen completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2022, specialising in Humanities will be commencing her Master of Teaching in 2023. She is very familiar with catholic education as a past pupil of Sacred Heart College (2008-2017) and GYC (2018-19).

Hannah Rabe – HaSS and Japanese Teacher

As a recent Master of Teaching graduate and having previously completed a Bachelor of Journalism and a Diploma of Languages (specialising in Japanese), MacKillop Catholic College is Ms Rabe’s first teaching role. Ms Rabe is also very familiar with Catholic education in Tasmania having attended St Mary’s College.

Mrs Andrea Ramirez - Teacher Assistant (Learning Enhancement)

Mrs Ramirez is very familiar with Catholic education having attended catholic schools throughout her childhood in Mexico. Mrs Ramirez has a Diploma of Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Majoring in Marketing) and would like to do a Master in Teaching.

Mr Donny Teape – Grounds and Maintenance

Mr Teape joins the Grounds and Maintenance having previously worked in a variety of labouring, construction and retail roles in Tasmania, on the mainland and in UK, where Mr Teape was educated. Mr Teape served in Army Cadets for four years, achieved the rank of Lance Corporal.

Ms Jorja Viney – Admin Assist (Learning Enhancement and Office)

Ms Viney has joined our Administration staff and is supporting our Learning Enhancement Team, College Front Office staff and the Directors. Ms Viney has previously worked at Rosny College and Fairview Primary School as an Administrative Officer.

Ms Louise Volkmann - Instrumental Music Tutor.

Ms Volkmann joined the College’s Music Program late in 2022 as a part-time Instrumental Music Tutor specialising in woodwind and voice. Ms Volkmann has many years of experience working as a music specialist in various schools and within the community having taught woodwind, provided piano accompaniments, and directed choirs and wind bands. For the previous four years, Ms Volkmann worked as a classroom music teacher at St Cuthbert's and St Paul's Catholic schools. Ms Volkmann has a Bachelor of Education in Music Education and a Diploma of Teaching from UTAS

From the Deputy Principal

Starting Term 2 

As we begin Term Two, I challenge our young people to reflect on their efforts at school in the following areas:

• Actively participating in class learning
• Completion of homework, additional home study and assessment
• Engaging in positive relationships with staff and other students
• Participation in wider school life

This term is an especially eventful one for our Years 9, 10 and 11 students as they commence their planning and preparation for 2024.  This term we focus on our Creating Futures program with our young people.  Our Year 10s especially over these two immersing themselves in work experience and career transition.  This will lead to our Year 10s making planning decisions for Years 11 and 12.  I especially would like to highlight a date claimer:

This night will have our Years 10, 11 and 12 Courses on display including stalls by TasTAFE, UTAS and the Tasmanian Police.

For Year 10 this evening commences at 6:00 pm with a Year 10 into 11 Family Information Presentation in the Upper Tenison Block.  Families will then move to the Expo in the Br Tony Smith Centre.

Year 9 will have their Family Information Presentation at 6:30 pm in the Upper Tenison Block. Families will then move to the Expo in the Br Tony Smith Centre.

Yours in Christ

Lorraine Wolffe
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching; Staff Development

From the Deputy Principal

STUDY SKILLS HANDBOOK

RESOLVING CONFLICT AROUND HOMEWORK

Some of the most common schoolwork arguments at home lead to statements like this:

• “Stop playing computer games and do your homework.”
• “Why haven’t you started your homework yet?”
• “What do you mean you have no schoolwork to do?”

If these are common refrains in your household there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.

Step 1: Family meeting. Both students and parents get a chance to explain what is bugging them.

Step 2: Agree on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week. The minimum would be around 1 hour per day.

Step 3: Agree that during this time homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (e.g. reviewing difficult work, making summaries).

Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and write these out and put them on the fridge e.g. Monday 4-5 pm, 6-6:30 pm.

Step 5: Agree that in these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).

Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is not honoured.

There are many units at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au that can help you specifically with these areas. For example

DEALING WITH CONFLICT – strategies for conflict resolution

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS – find out the recommended amount of time to spend on schoolwork, learn more about independent learning, and print weekly planners

DEALING WITH DISTRACTIONS – strategies for managing technology addictions

To access the handbook go to the link on our College website and login with the username and password that can be found on either the SEQTA Learn (Student) Portal or the SEQTA Engage (Parent) Portal.

This month on SchoolTV 

The State of Youth Mental Health Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.
One of the reasons attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that
many young people face in today's society. Academic success, social media, and family
issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term
consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.
Parents can play an important role in their children's mental health. Creating a safe and
open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is
vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can
help reduce stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health. There are also
many resources and services available to children, adolescents, and their families, such
as school counselors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course,
mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of
strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's
mental health difficulties.
This edition of SchoolTV, discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young
people and how to support a child experiencing them. We hope you take time to reflect on
the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for
further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition:

Student Behaviour on School Buses

I would like to remind all students, parents/caregivers and members of our College community that
we have an expectation that all members of our community uphold the values of respect, responsibility and compassion at all times, but especially while you are in our college uniform. When our students are wearing our uniform and are in public, whether that be on the various bus services, on excursions, on the sporting field or at local businesses, they are representing our whole college community. They are a visible presence to members of the public and as such need to remember that their actions reflect on us as a whole.
This can have real-life consequences, for example, consistent examples of poor behaviour in public by
our students can cause reputational damage to the college, this in turn may turn businesses away
from potentially hiring our students in the future and denying them further opportunities. We
expect all our students to be conducting themselves respectfully at all times and demonstrating our
core values of excellence, compassion and service.

I remind all students and parents/caregivers that all students in Tasmania are bound by the
Passenger Conduct Code for School Bus Services. This code is published by the Department of State
Growth, and covers all bus services such as Metro, Coal River and Kinetic (formally Red Line). This
Passenger Conduct Code for School Bus Services can be found on our website or accessed through
the link below. Students found to be breaching this code of conduct may find themselves liable to
penalties that range from a verbal warning to four months' suspension off the bus.
We will be working closely with our various transportation partners to improve student behaviour
on our various bus services. Please take the time to discuss with your son/daughter at home 
their behaviour on these services and we encourage anyone to report poor behaviour to the College
for follow-up.

Andrew Pritchard
Deputy Principal - Student and Staff Wellbeing

From the Director of Senior School

Senior School Studying

As your child enters their senior years of schooling, it is vital to establish a good study routine to ensure academic success. Here are some reasons why a good study routine is essential:

Builds discipline: A good study routine helps students build discipline, as they learn to manage their time effectively and prioritise their work. This will also help them develop good habits for life beyond school.

Improves academic performance: With a good study routine, students can ensure that they have enough time to complete all their assignments and revise their notes regularly. This will lead to better academic performance and results.

Reduces stress: When students have a study routine, they know what to expect and can plan accordingly. This reduces stress and anxiety as they are less likely to be overwhelmed by their workload.

Here are some tips for creating a good study routine:

Establish set times for their hobbies, work, sports, time in nature etc. Studies have shown students are more likely to keep their study plan if they have times everyday that they can look forward to. 

Create a study space: Designate a quiet, well-lit space for studying. This will help students stay focused and decrease distractions. Please look at removing phones/tablets etc! 

Prioritise tasks: Encourage your child to select their tasks based on importance and urgency. This will help them use their time effectively and avoid procrastination.

Take breaks: Taking regular breaks during study sessions can help students stay focused and prevent burnout. Encourage your child to take short breaks.

Family-Student-Teacher Conferences:

Thank you to all the families who came to the conferences. It is so lovely to now have face-to-face conferences again. We had a huge increase in conferences directly due to this. If a staff member was away during this time, please feel free to email them and organise a phone interview or a face-to-face in the next couple of weeks. They will be expecting this. 

Jennifer Crowden
Director of Senior School

From the Director of Junior School

Success

Term II is traditionally a more settled term where students (and teachers) are over the newness and changes brought by the new year and the groove of school life is well and truly established.  To many kids, the demands and length of the term, the year, and secondary school generally can begin to seem like an impossible hurdle with no end in sight. It can be really effective at these times to shift focus by reminding your children of what they have accomplished.  Underline specifically how they managed to accomplish these things as this lists for them the skills they have acquired.  There are things they can really do!  Reinforce that they will use their skills and develop more and continue to accomplish things in the future. In the assemblies coming up this week and next for years 7,8, and 9, there will be a focus on success.  I will ask the students to reflect on what success looks like to them. Mackillop College is a place that promotes excellence and wherever possible we aim to lead your child to their version of excellence.  What can you celebrate about your child this week?  Remember it might not be equal to anyone else's version of success, it might be unique to them.  How can you celebrate this with them? If your child experiences success in their various pursuits, I would love to hear about it too.  Now and into the future.  There are so many great things happening every day and we need to remind our kids of this.  Achievement is THE best motivator.

Alison Stevens
Director of Junior School

From the Director of Pastoral Care

On Saturday 8th May, three of our Pastoral team travelled to Launceston for the Resilient Kids Conference. The staff listened to four experts in the field of developing children and adolescent’s resilience. 

These sessions were aimed at parents and educators who work with children and young people and there were several key takeaways that I would like to share with you. 

Life is going to give children stressors so it is important to have protective factors in place to support students to work through these. 

Anxiety is a reaction: it is important we practise with children and young people asking do I feel like this because I am in danger or is it because I have something important to do? 

Support we as adults can offer should move young people towards being brave. 

Moving Kids Towards Brave Behaviour 

• Breathe - but explain calm the heart and calm the body's reaction. 
• Build their toolbox - things that help rhythm, movement, cold water, grounding
• A shuffle instead of a leap 
• Change focus from what they can’t do to what they can. What would feel brave right now? 
• Change focus from what is scary, to the opportunity. Then what do you need to get the job done? 
• Build problem-solving toolbox 

Karen Young

All of the presenters on the day have a strong online presence with lots of free resources and are the authors of several books on raising young people. We highly recommend checking them out. 

The following webinar opportunities are highly recommended for all parents and guardians. 

Clearing the smoke Webinar

Navigating Vaping and Social Media  

May 25, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT+10

Rosie Psychology live webinars on a range of mental health and education topics.

Phillipa Coward 
Director of Pastoral Care 

Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry

Welcome back!

We hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break and reflected over the Easter period. We concluded our term with our Holy Thursday commemoration Liturgy where we symbolically reenacted the story of Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion. We appreciate all the students and staff who volunteered to assist in the liturgy.

The Vinnies Group will be selling muffins at our next Vinnies Breakfast on Tuesday the 9th, please bring $2 to purchase a muffin. There will be more reminders about this on Seqta and if you forget your money, don’t worry! We’ll still be making toast. We appreciate your donations; all the proceeds will go to the St Vincent de Paul Society. The Vinnies Group will be doing alternative fundraisers as add-ons to breakfast more regularly, we hope to run these small fundraisers once per month and would be highly thankful for community support.

Upcoming Student Spirituality Retreats @ Blundstone Arena

Tuesday 9 May - Year 10 Retreat Group 2

Wednesday 17 May - Year 10 Retreat Group 1

Monday 22 May - Year 7 Retreat 7A and 7F

Tuesday 23 May - Year 7 Retreat 7C and 7E

Wednesday 24 May - Year 7 Retreat 7B and 7H

Thursday 25 May - Year 7 Retreat 7D and 7G

Please see the information communicated to students and families via Consent2Go for details.

Feast of Edmund Rice
Last Friday, our College community gathered in House groups to celebrate the Feast of Edmund Rice.
Edmund Rice found the Order of Christian Brothers in Waterford in 1820. Our Founding Principal, Br Tony Smith was a member of this order.
Please follow this link to view our reflection on the life and ministry of Edmund Rice

Lachlan Marsh
Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry

Charlotte Davies
Youth Minister

Year 10 Child Studies

Our Year 10 Child Studies students visit Clarence Street Early Learning Discovery Centre each fortnight. They have so much fun with the little ones and love doting on them. 

Katie Gardner 

Teacher 

Rice Resource Centre - Library

RE-OPENED

The newly renovated Rice Resource Centre has re-opened for students just in time for the colder winter months.  Students can now use the library space before school and during break times for reading, study, or quiet social activities. The library also provides a designated study area for Year 11 students to access during their study line. The Rice Resource Centre has been designed to be flexible in its layout and has already been used to accommodate the Fitzroy House for a Liturgy to celebrate the Feast of Edmund Rice.  

The area has proven to be extremely popular, with many students taking the opportunity to use the library to play games, read and study. It has also been exciting to see how enthusiastic our students are about reading, with a large number of books being borrowed.  I have really enjoyed hearing students’ ideas for the library and their suggestions for books to add to our collection.  Finishing touches are still being added to the physical area but feedback so far has been extremely positive with staff and students all enjoying the additional indoor space at the College.

Marissa Allen
Resource Centre/Library Manager    

Careers News

Southern Catholic College Careers Showcase 

Stallholders are ready to provide you with the latest information about careers and study at the Southern Catholic College Careers Showcase on Friday 19 May 9 am - 6 pm.

More than 40 exhibitors will be at MAC 02 including:

• AFL SportsReady
• Defence
• Hazell Bros
• CPA Australia
• Pharmacy Guild of Australia
• Tasmania Fire Service
• Tasmania Health Service
• Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
• University of Tasmania
• Work & Training
Find what opportunities await and learn more at https://catholic.tas.edu.au/careers-showcase.

MacKillop Stars

Is your son or daughter doing something outstanding, amazing, extraordinary that they want to share with us? We would love to hear from you!

Please send your stories and photos to Mrs Hastie, chastie@mackillop.tas.edu.au and we will highlight achievements in our bulletin.