MacKillop Bulletin - Term 3, Week 10, 2023

From the Principal

In what has been yet another incredibly busy term for all at the College, a term where we as staff, students, and parents have benefited greatly from the contributions and efforts of the many in our community, I have been drawn, yet again, to a key theme in Mary MacKillop’s pioneering work with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart – our unity is our strength.  

As I reflect on all that has been achieved this term, I see great wisdom in Mary MacKillop’s words, “So great is the strength we possess in our unity.” Congratulations and thank you to all students, staff, parents, and members of the wider MacKillop Catholic College community on your efforts this term!

Just one example of this is the recent Wellbeing Week events and celebrations. I would like to acknowledge and thank all staff and students who contributed so much to ensure the successful running of the Wellbeing Week activities. Despite the challenges of the weather, the Year 9 Peer Support Training, Abyss, and Alternate programs were a great success. 

May the Term 3 break be a special one, please keep safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, October 17 ready for Term 4.

Staffing Update:

Congratulations to Ms Alexandra (Alex) McKay on her appointment as English and HaSS teacher. Ms McKay’s appointment coincides with Ms Tracey Parnham’s previously announced resignation from the College at the end of Term 3 2023. 

Ms McKay joins the College with many years of experience as an English and HaSS teacher in the Department of Education including most recently at Hobart City High School, Ogilvie High School, Rose Bay High School, and Jordan River Learning Federation. Ms McKay has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Tasmania and is currently studying a Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania.

The advertising for the College’s next Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching has commenced. Applications close on Wednesday 11 October 2023 with interviewing scheduled to take place the following week. The current timeline has an announcement being made in Week 4 of the Term. Further information can be found at:

Stephen Hill
Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Term 3 comes to an end

This week is the last week of Term 3, and it is concluding with so many positive events.  Among all of the fantastic well-being activities, our young people are finalising their assessment for the term.  Reminder, for our parents/caregivers, to look at your child's feedback for their assessment via SEQTA Engage.  We do not issue Term 3 reports, instead, our teachers provide continuous online feedback to our students and parents on the individual summative assessments completed by students.  This feedback provides statements on how students are currently progressing in their learning.  I encourage our parents/caregivers to take the time to look at this feedback via SEQTA Engage. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the feedback please do not hesitate to make contact with your child's teacher.    Access to SEQTA Engage is available from:  https://www.mackillop.tas.edu.au/for-parents

This week we will celebrate the end of the term with our College Assembly on Friday.  All students are expected to be in attendance on the last day of term in full College uniform including blazer.  The assembly is a time to receive academic achievements and awards, sporting awards, and also to announce the incoming Student Leadership Team.   We anticipate this assembly to be a wonderful afternoon of celebration.

I remind you that the first day of Term 4 is a staff professional learning day, and students will not be required at school on this day.   I wish you and your families a restful break over the forthcoming two weeks, and look forward to seeing all students on Tuesday 17 October, 2023.

Yours in Christ

Lorraine Wolffe
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching

Director of Senior School

End of Year Parent and Student Guide 

Thirteen academic days left for our inaugural Year 11 students! We also have the Year 10 examination period running from November 27th to December 1st and the Year 9 examination period running from December 5th to 7th.  As the school year progresses and the end of the students academic year draws to the end, both students and parents often find themselves facing a common challenge: preparing for examinations and pushing through to the finish line. This period can be filled with stress, anxiety, and pressure, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can also be an opportunity for growth, achievement, and success. 

1. Setting Clear Goals

For Students: Start by setting clear academic goals. What grades do you want to achieve? What subjects require the most attention? Setting specific, measurable goals will provide you with a sense of purpose and direction.

For Parents: Encourage your child to establish realistic goals. Guide them in prioritising subjects and assignments while acknowledging their capabilities and limitations.

2. Healthy Study Habits

For Students: Focus on active learning techniques like summarising, teaching others, completing past examinations or using flashcards. Take regular breaks, eat nutritious meals, and get sufficient sleep to maximise productivity.

For Parents: Encourage healthy habits by providing balanced meals and creating a quiet study space. Keep an eye on your child's well-being and intervene if they're overworking themselves. This is an important time to keep routine and stability within the household.

3. Seek Assistance

For Students: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Seek guidance from teachers, tutors, or classmates when you encounter issues. Please remember all the teachers are available in their normal time slots in the swotvac period. Students are welcome to come to school to use the library or see their teachers.

For Parents: Stay informed about your child's progress. Email and ring teachers or myself as Director of Senior School if concerned.

4. Examinations are one point in time

For Students: Remember that examinations are just one part of the academic journey. Your long-term growth and learning are equally important.

For Parents: Emphasise the value of education and personal development over years and that this is just one part of their journey. There are numerous paths to get to their final destination. Make sure their well-being is your number one priority.

Remember, it's not just about the destination, it’s about the journey. Together, students and parents can navigate this path to success and celebrate the achievements.

Please remember we are here if you need any assistance. We have staff that are committed to providing your child with the best possible education. We run an after school homework club on Tuesday afternoons and various lunchtime sessions. 

Jennifer Crowden
Director of Senior School

Hospitality and Cookery

Hospitality and Cookery is a major growth area for students in our Senior Secondary classes. We have had the opportunity of late to showcase our students’ growing skills with some major functions. As can be seen in our photos our focus has been on presentation and ensuring our food is always of Industry standard. The function ofor the Opening of the Tenison block refurbishment allowed us to produce quality canape varieties as full as introducing the matching of food and drinks for service.

The growth in demand for catering within the College from our sporting carnivals to sit down two-course meals is a credit to the skills and industry knowledge of our Certificate II Cookery teacher, Kylie Chapple with her recent industry experience of running a number of kitchens putting her teaching and chef skills to great use.

Sue Howard
Learning Leader - VET  and Vocational Studies

Stitch and Sew

What an amazing success the Stitch and Sew initiative has been!   The Stitch and Sew lunchtime group was introduced this year at MacKillop College when students were invited to come along on Thursday lunchtime in T10 to learn how to have fun making projects from textiles. Due to popular demand, one lunchtime soon became two per week as students eagerly began learning how to crochet, sew, knit, or hand embroider. Students started by designing a small fabric bag to hold their projects. This involved coming up with an original design which they then transferred to the front of their calico bag using permanent fabric markers.  They were then able to choose a skill to learn, crocheting being a popular choice for many. Within weeks students were creating small purses, fancy accessories for their much-loved pets, scarves, toys, and decorative squares to form a blanket or top. Other students tried their hand at knitting and hand embroidery. As part of Eco Week students were also invited to bring in items of clothing that required some decorative mending.

Technologies is hoping to introduce Design and Technology, Textiles to the YR 9 subject electives for 2024. This will provide students interested in fashion design, interior design, and other creative pursuits an opportunity to develop their skills in working and designing with textiles. For more information about this subject please visit Mrs Green (staff room next to the domestic kitchen). Or call into T10 Thursday and Friday at lunchtime to join in on the creative fun.

Lenna Green
Learning Leader - Technologies

Japanese

Hosting Opportunity -

welcoming Mizuki from Japan

From October 14th until December 14th, 2023 MacKillop will be hosting a male student named Mizuki Kageyama from Dai’ichi High School in Fukuoka, Japan. Mizuki loves playing sports and also enjoys watching soccer and films. He is currently in Year 10 in Japan and will have his own Year 10 timetable while at MacKillop. We are in need of a family to provide Mizuki with 4 weeks’ accommodation from November 11th until he returns to Japan.  The Bealey family is hosting Mizuki until then. 

MacKillop and Dai’ichi are building an exchange program called the Tsuzuki Scholarship that allows Year 10 students to spend a term in their respective schools. Ava and Patrick, current Year 10 MacKillop students,  were our first students to spend 12 weeks in Fukuoka on the Tsuzuki Scholarship. Please contact jhardman@mackillop.tas.edu.au if you are interested in learning more about hosting Mizuki. There is a $150 per week payment offered to families who host to help pay for the student's food. It is not a requirement for a host sibling to be in Year 10.

Jacqueline Hardman
Learning Leader: Japanese, Teacher

Careers and Pathways News

Work Experience Programs:

ADF Familiarisation and Work Experience Program:

Congratulations to students Hunter Howe and Archie Bastin on their successful applications to complete the ADF Familiarisation and Work Experience Program. This program took place last Thursday and Friday and allowed each student the chance to participate in a range of activities including unit demonstrations, physical training, the opportunity to discuss ADF careers with staff, and more.

Both Hunter and Archie have returned from the program with new skills and a positive attitude towards their chosen ADF pathways. 

Well done, Hunter and Archie! 

Working on Water Program:

Congratulations to students Joshua Allen, Rory Bird, William Dawes, and Sam Murray on their acceptance into the Working on Water Program taking place in late October. The WoW Program allows students to have a taster of several careers in the marine, fishing, seafood, and nautical industries within Tasmania.

These students will spend three days participating in a range of activities and situations like meeting commercial fishermen, visits to IMAS, marine policing scenarios, and more. 

This program is particularly exciting for three of the students who are working towards a maritime pathway, which they will be accompanied by studying their Certificate II in Maritime Operations next year.

A big well done to these students and we can’t wait to hear their review of the program! 

Careers and Pathways Bookings: 

A reminder to all students and families that the Careers Office is open for bookings and they can be made via the following link:

Upcoming Careers Events:

Saturday, September 23

James Cook University Medical & Dentist Application Advice and Strategies Webinar, Saturday, September 23.

Are you aspiring to pursue Medicine or Dentistry at James Cook University?

This workshop aims to provide you with comprehensive guidance on the application process while emphasising the importance of rural and Indigenous health. By attending this webinar, you will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and personalised advice to create a standout application for the Medical Degree program at James Cook University.

Student Exchange Information Session | Monday September 25 | WEP

Imagine making friends from all over the world, learning about yourself and the world around you and seeing sights you could only dream of! Find out more about your student exchange opportunities at WEP’s online info session.

Interior Design Information Session - Thursday September 28 | ISCD

Our interior design information sessions are a great way to explore the foundations of design and discover if a career in interior design is for you.

Join from anywhere, and ask questions in real-time.

What to expect at this free 60 min info session:

• Explore the basics of interior design and the many roles and pathways you can take.
• Discover the difference between interior design and interior decoration.
• Find your own personal style by exploring different interior design styles.
• Learn the 7 design principles that govern interior design.
• Explore colour and its role in interior design.
• Learn all about our courses and how you can become a qualified interior designer in just 2 years via our virtual classroom.
• Meet a current ISCD student and hear first-hand about their experience.

Fusion 2023

SAVE THE DATE

21st - 23rd November 2023 
The Arts Department Presents

Fusion Influenced 2023

A celebration of the arts learning area exhibiting and performing works
from the classroom and co-curricular, showcasing student work from Years 7-11. 

Drama - Tuesday 21st November
Dance - Wednesday 22nd November
Music - Thursday 23rd November
Visual and Media Arts - 21st - 23rd November

Congratulations

State SATIS Swim Team

MacKillop Stars

Where are our MacKillop Stars?

Is your son or daughter doing something outstanding, amazing, or 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. 

Carolyn Townsend, Year 9 has been selected to represent Tasmania in the National State Championships for U15 girl's water polo team. Carolyn has also been named Captain of the team. ACT 

Felix Murray Year 7, has been selected to represent Tasmania in the U13 Boys Hockey Team. NSW 

Jordan Bennett Year 8 has been selected to represent in ILHA National Championships (In LIne Hockey) in September and has also been selected to play in the National ice hockey competition in October. 

Holly Wagner Year 7 has been selected to represent Tasmania at the U14 National Basketball Championships. Vic

Prahlad Dev Year 9 has been selected to represent Tasmania U17 Boys’ team at the Australian Junior Squash Championships. Qld

Lilly Mace Year 9 Representing Tasmania at the Pony Club National Championships and her horse Windy Hill Rambler. TAS 

Lachlan Szczerbanik Year 8 is representing Tasmania in Schools State Futsal Team in Qld.

Reuben Jacobson Year 8 has been selected to represent Tasmania in the Football Australia Under 14 Boys’ State of Origin Tournament. Vic 

Year 9 Sam Orr, Fernando Boaventura, Jack Vermey, and Lucas Brady won their Grand Final after an undefeated season with 16 straight wins. Special mention to Fernando being awarded BOG. 

Uniform Shop

School Holiday Uniform Shop Trade

Monday 9^th October – Closed

Tuesday  10^th October – 11 am – 5.30 pm

Thursday 12^th October – 12 noon – 6.00 pm

Saturday 14^th October – 9 am – 12 noon

We will be opening the second week of the school holidays for winter to summer uniform transition in ready for the start of term 4

Lost Property

With the end of term fast approaching, I thought it timely to remind families of the importance of naming your student's property.
Below are photos of a number of items of Lost Property that are not named.  As we don't have a lot of space for storing these items, uncollected items will be disposed of or donated to charity at the end of each term.
Please ask your child to check these items, or if you spot something familiar in the photos, feel free to give us a call at 62450099.

Moving forward, please note the following:

• All clearly named items (including clothing, lunch boxes/drink bottles, balls and games etc.) will be returned to the student as soon as possible via a message through SEQTA, and/or being called over the PA during Recess/Lunch.
• Non-named clothing items will be held onto until claimed, or disposed of at the end of each term.
  
• In the interest of Health and Safety, all non-named food or drink containers will be disposed of at the end of each week if not claimed.
• If your child attends a camp or school event and leaves additional items behind, they will be brought to the Office and held for collection for 2 weeks.  At the end of 2 weeks, non-named items may be donated to Charity if not claimed.

Please don't hesitate to contact the College Office if you have any queries or concerns.

In the Spirit of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods, God Bless you all.

Lyndell Sharman
Administration Officer