MacKillop Bulletin - Term 1, Week 6, 2024
From the Deputy Principal
NAPLAN: Encouraging Students to Strive for Success
This week will see year 7 and 9 students participate in the annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN serves as a tool in gauging student progress and identifying areas for growth in literacy and numeracy skills. I encourage students to put forth their best effort when completing the tests.
NAPLAN is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure students' proficiency in fundamental skills vital for academic success – literacy and numeracy. It provides valuable insights into each student's strengths and areas needing improvement. While the tests can sometimes induce anxiety, it's crucial to remind students that they are not a measure of their worth but rather an opportunity to showcase their abilities and identify areas for growth.
As a school, we value NAPLAN data as a way to drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning. We analyse NAPLAN data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of improvement. Growth data derived from NAPLAN allows us to assess the effectiveness of our teaching and learning programs and tailor our support to ensure students reach their full potential in literacy and numeracy.
Parent Involvement in student learning through SEQTA Engage
Being active in SEQTA Engage gives you access to your child’s timetable, easy access to notices and other key information, as well as assessment information including due dates, your child’s results and feedback from teachers.
Research shows that family engagement in school improves student achievement and reduces absenteeism. Students with involved parents / caregivers earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behaviour. At MacKillop Catholic College SEQTA Engage provides the opportunity for parents / caregivers to have greater involvement in their child’s learning.
MacKillop Catholic College provides students and parents with continuous online feedback throughout the year via SEQTA Engage to provide feedback on assignments and assessment tasks. Continuous online feedback provides parents with more immediate and more focused information regarding their child’s learning. This then builds authentic communication between a student, their family and teacher and provides a greater sense of shared responsibility. The availability of timely, quality feedback is acknowledged to be one of the most significant determinants of success for learners.
The feedback provided through SEQTA Engage can take a variety of forms and may include written comments, detailed rubrics, or written or recorded annotations. Teachers are encouraged to try different ways of providing feedback to students to decide which method of providing feedback is most effective for them and their students.
As the term progresses your son / daughter should start receiving feedback through SEQTA Engage for all their subjects. I encourage you to log onto SEQTA Engage and view the results and feedback being received. By regularly checking SEQTA Engage you will be able to support your son / daughter to meet assessment deadlines and complete all work set by their teachers.
Alanna Stretton
Deputy Principal
Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry
Upcoming Events in Ministry
Fundraising for Project Compassion
Over the next few weeks, each House at MacKillop will run a fundraising event to support Project Compassion. House Leaders will send details home to families.
Year 7 Josephite Mission and History Centre Excursions
During the first half of the year, all Year 7 Theology and Spirituality classes will visit the Josephite Mission and History Centre in New Town. This is an opportunity for students to learn about the story of Mary MacKillop, Julian Tenison-Woods and Sisters of St Joseph in Tasmania. Thank you to students in Year 7A who represented the college well on the first excursion last week. Further information will be sent to families via Consent2Go as the next dates approach.
Year 7 Mass – Feast of St Joseph
On Tuesday 19 March, Year 7 students will travel to Corpus Christi Church for their first Mass of the year to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph. Families are welcome to join as at Corpus Christi at 9.30am.
Further information will be sent to families via Consent2GO.
Holy Week Liturgy
On Wednesday 27 March, the College will commemorate Holy Week with a Liturgy during assembly time.
Long Service Leave
I will be on Long Service Leave from now until the beginning of Term Two. In my absence, any Ministry or Parish related enquiries can be directed to the Principal.
Lachlan Marsh
Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry
Director of Pastoral Care
Year 7 Camp Gratitude
Attending the recent Year 7 camps at Spring Beach Youth Camp has been a highlight of the
year thus far.
We wanted these camp opportunities to draw on students’ teamwork, resilience, and
confidence-building skills through challenges and problem-solving activities relevant to their
developmental stage. Pleasingly, our goals were met.
For some, a night away from home was a challenge in and of itself, for others, completing an abseil or flying fox was a highlight. For me, the highlight was seeing the expression and emotions of the students when they experienced success, when they overcame a challenge, when they met their goals.
We offer our gratitude to the students for being open to new experiences, we offer our gratitude for the staff attending camp and sharing such a lovely time with the students, we offer our gratitude for the staff who covered classes back at school to make this possible, and we offer gratitude for our parents and caregivers for helping to organise the young
people in our care to ensure that the camp experience was one to remember.
Wellbeing Support
BOOKING APPOINTMENTS WITH THE COLLEGE COUNSELLORS:
Students wishing to see the College Counsellors may establish appointments with the Student Wellbeing Officer via email to twebster@mackillop.tas.edu.au. The Student Wellbeing Centre will triage and book the appointment for the student and email the student the appointment details. On the day of the arranged appointment, the Student Wellbeing Officer or relevant Counsellor will record the student’s appointment time as “College Counsellor” for their attendance.
Parents or guardians can also schedule appointments for their child with the College Counsellors. Parents/guardians may establish appointments with the Student Wellbeing Officer.
In consultation with the student, Teachers can also schedule appointments for their student with the College Counsellors by emailing the Student Wellbeing Officer. Where possible the Student Wellbeing Officer and College Counsellors will take into consideration the student’s class timetable when booking appointments to limit interruptions
to learning. The exception to this will be students with a pressing need to see a College Counsellor due to immediate concerns that require immediate attention.
Whilst ‘spontaneous’ visits from the students to the Wellbeing Centre may find the College Counsellors free of an appointment at the time, the preference, where possible, is for the students to schedule an appointment via emailing the Student Wellbeing Officer.
All student appointments are arranged in a discreet and confidential manner.
Kim Rowlands
Director of Pastoral Care
Director of Junior School
In the Zone
There is nothing better for teachers than to witness those moments of flow for students when they are 'in the zone'. When for just a moment or two everything else fades out for them and they are able to be fully immersed in the problem in front of them. This is the state Positive Psychologists refer to as 'flow'. As well as being a state of immersion it is a state of peace. It is a state where there is just one demand. Just one focus and a state where students are able to just give one thing their full attention.
The change of the mobile phone policy has already had an impact I think, in making flow more possible for our students. They are allowed to shut down some of the oustide noises and demands on them when they are needing to focus on their learning. They are also able to shut down some of the layers of social demands and give more time and attention to those in real time. Their attention is not so split.
Flow state is a protective state for mental health and for cognitive functioning. The more we experience flow the more we get used to it. The more our brains become used to something the easier it is to do. The more flow we expeience, the healthier our brains become.
Alison Stevens
Director of Junior School
Careers and Pathways
There have been some fantastic events and professional development opportunities
happening in the Careers area since our last Bulletin, here’s a summary below:
ApTSL Facilitator Network Meeting
This event was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with several schools throughout Tasmania who offer ‘ApTSL’s’ – Apprenticeships and Traineeships for School Aged Learners, most commonly known as ASbA’s here at MacKillop.
It was great to hear about the range of students across Tasmania who are accessing this fantastic pathway, which includes some of our students at MacKillop.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People have just released some fantastic videos to explain the process and benefits of ApTSL’s for students, parents and employers. I encourage you to watch the video below if you think this pathway might be of interest to you.
You can have a chat with me, or our ASbA facilitator, Mrs Sue Howard, if you’d like to know more about this pathway option.
Australia Defence Force Careers Advisor Meeting:
There are so many wonderful pathway opportunities through the Australian Defence Force that are available for students raging from General Entry to ADFA to Defence University Sponsorships (DUS) and more.
The ADF are keen to speak with any and all students even considering making Defence an element of their pathway.
Have a look at the upcoming events below in the ADF or come and speak with me in the Careers Office if you would like to arrange a phone call or meeting one on one with a member of the Defence Recruitment Team.
Careers Office 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:
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 10 Work Experience forms were due back Friday 1 March. There are still a number of students to fill out the form and I ask they do this ASAP before the next step begins.
Workplace Agreement Forms (contracts) will be delivered to lutha classes next week and are due back to PCG or to the Careers Office by Wednesday 27 March (day before Easter break).
These forms need to be signed by students and parents/caregivers.
Work Experience dates are:
Monday 6 – Friday 10 May: Fitzroy, Penola and Rice Houses on work experience
Monday 13 – Friday 17 May: Sion, Tenison and Waterford Houses on work experience.
Houses in their off week of Work Experience will be participating in a Careers and Pathways Transition Week. More details and a timetable will be released for this in the coming weeks.
If you or someone you know would be interested in being a host employer for Work Experience, please reach out. Hosting a Work Experience student can be a great opportunity for employers to inspire the next generation of workers into a career like yours. It also gives staff the opportunity to gain experience in mentoring and teaching a younger
worker.
Upcoming Careers Dates:
UCAT Bookings Open | Tuesday 5 March
UCAT bookings are now open and will close on Friday 17 May.
To read more, please read through the UCAT ANZ website below:
UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening | Tuesday 12 March
Are you interested in a career in medicine?
Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world. Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional.
Find out more below:
UniMelb Webinar for Tasmanian Students | Wednesday 13 March
Always wondered what it’s like to study at the University of Melbourne? Excited to live and learn in Australia’s cultural capital?
If you’re from Tasmania, this is your chance to learn what life is like at UniMelb and how to navigate the move from interstate.
You’ll also hear from some of our current students who have made the move from Tasmania to Melbourne, and be able to ask them questions about their experience.
Find out more below:
Defence Force Familiarisation Program | Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July
Students will be shown through a number of Army units and Navy and Air Force headquarters in Hobart across Derwent and Angelsea Barracks.
The group will gain an exposure to equipment and job requirements specific to each area as well as the training that is conducted within the workplace. Opportunities will be made available for students to participate in some of the training that is offered by Army units.
Students will participate in a range of activities including unit demonstrations, team building exercises, physical training and have the opportunity to speak to Australian Defence Force full-time and part-time (Reserve) staff about a broad variety of careers, what they do and their experiences in Defence.
To read more and apply, click below:
Sarah Gurney
Program Leader - Careers and Pathway Planning
Studies of Religion
Students in SOR2 and SOR3 have been studying Judaism as part of a broader study of world religions. This week students in Mrs Sandric’s and Mr. Hill’s Studies of Religion classes visited the Hobart Synagogue.
Hidden between modern brick buildings at the lower end of Argyle Street this beautiful synagogue dates back to the
1800s and is the oldest synagogue in Australia. Students were captivated by the unusual Egyptian revival architecture and the historic interiors that remains largely unchanged since it was consecrated as a synagogue in 1845.
Classes were able to listen to members of the Jewish community share how this important building is a place of prayer, a place of learning and a place where the Hobart Jewish community gather together. Daniel and Jeff explained the significance of beliefs, practices as well the importance of historical artefacts in the synagogue such as a Torah from Czechoslovakia given to the Hobart community at the end of the second world war acknowledging the suffering of the Jewish people during the Holocaust (Shoah).
Students had the opportunity to ask questions about aspects of faith and practice of Judaism in the twenty first century, for example "How do Jewish people view and understand suffering?” Jeff spoke of three pillars for understanding suffering from the Jewish perspective. Firstly, to acknowledge that evil and suffering exist in the world.
Secondly that we should never passively accept evil and suffering but should rale against it. The final pillar is faith, the Jewish people are called by God to stay faithful, if they are faithful then evil will be annihilated and peace will triumph.
Students commented: “I never knew the synagogue was there.” "It was interesting to see how the reading of sacred scripture takes place on a raised platform (Bimah) in the centre of the synagogue rather than at the front on a lectern as in a Catholic church." “The Jewish people have experienced a long history of antisemitism and persecution."
We are very grateful to the Jewish community for allowing our students to visit the synagogue so that they were able to gain new insight and depth in their studies.
Catherine Sandric
Learning Leader - Religious Education
Year 9 HaSS - kunanyi / Mt Wellington Musings
The Year 9 HaSS classes recently travelled to kunanyi/ Mt Wellington, to explore Hobart’s own forest biome. On their excursion they considered the many environmental factors that influence what kinds of forests exist where. With expert guidance from the Forest Education Foundation, our students used various equipment to determine: slope, wind speed, temperature, direction and canopy structure. Students will use the data they’ve gathered to complete a field trip report and examine the major influences on forest biomes and how humans interact, impact and value the forest.
The students were lucky to have such fabulous weather for their excursions and it made for some memorable views from the pinnacle; although we all agreed it was very dry due to a lack of rainfall - 4.2mm for February this year compared to an average of 39mm in previous years!
Students were clearly engaged in their learning while on the field trip. It gives them the opportunity to use scientific equipment and field work skills to collect abiotic and biotic data in a forest ecosystem that is in their own backyard!
Jacinta Pearce
Learning Leader - HaSS
Maths News
This year marks the first year where all students are required to have a physical copy of their appropriate textbook. Along with the text, students are able to access the Cambridge Go platform, through the code within the book. Within
the platform students will experience interactive quizzes, videos for all worked examples, walk throughs, and a glossary of definitions. In addition, by joining the class, using the class key, teachers will be able to assign prior knowledge quizzes, progress quizzes and other skill sheets and worksheets, if needed. In essence students are getting the best of both worlds.
Neuroscientist, Maryanne Wolf (2018), notes that print reading allows us to give time to sophisticated deep reading processes, letting us apply critical analysis and develop a depth of understanding. Furthermore, the printed texts reduce the source of distraction in class. The digital experience provides a flexible approach to the presentation of tasks and provides interactions through class challenges.
Now that we have completed Week 5 all students should have their personal copy of their text and be a part of the Cambridge class. If for any reason this is not the case, can students/families please discuss this matter with the class teacher.
As in the past students also have the Mathspace platform available for interactive learning and Maths assessments.
Along with SEQTA we appreciate that there is a lot to get one’s head around and would like to take this opportunity to offer a parent information/support session if there is enough interest. If you are interested in taking up this opportunity, please let the Maths team know by return email.
Sandra Doyle
Learning Leader - Mathematics
