MacKillop Bulletin - Term 2, Week 8, 2022

From the Principal

AJASS Principals Conference - Reigniting the Josephite Heart

The Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (AJASS) is an independent association of Josephite-affiliated secondary schools that was formed in 2006 in response to the increasing number of lay principals in Josephite schools and in recognition of their responsibility to carry on the legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.

The theme of the 2022 AJASS Principals Conference was Reigniting the Josephite Heart.  A number of the formation sessions I attended explored this theme through the recently completed Sisters of Saint Joseph Works Formation for Mission Framework. This document, which will inform and shape much of the College’s upcoming staff and student formation, aims to “capture the call of Josephite spirituality today” and to illuminate our Josephite heart.

The Charism, Spirituality, Ethos and Culture aspect of the Framework asks us to consider how we as individuals and collectively as a community of faith and learning, illuminate a Josephite heart.  A consideration of the aspects and attributes noted in the areas specific to ethos and culture (as follows), serve to challenge all that we claim to be and remind us of who we should be if we are to proclaim ourselves as people living and being the spirit of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods today.

I would like to acknowledge and thank members of the College Executive, Ms Donna Brown, Mrs Lorraine Wolffe and Mr Craig French, whose significant knowledge and leadership skills allowed me to attend this important formation opportunity knowing that the College was in very capable hands.

Mask requirements changes

Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) has been advised by the Director of Public Health that mask-wearing in schools can cease at midnight Friday 24 June 2022 for all persons except those subject to household close contact requirements.

It is important to note that any staff member, student or member of the MacKilllop Catholic College community who wishes to continue to wear a mask will be fully supported to do so and that mask-wearing will continue to be recommended for staff working closely with students vulnerable to COVID-19. Masks will continue to be available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear one.

Regards
Stephen Hill
Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Striving for Excellence

Our learning and teaching programs are supported by our assessment programs in the College.  Over these few weeks, our young people are very engaged in the processes of assessment.

The College assessment program aims to improve teaching and help students to achieve the highest standards they can within their own abilities.  This in turn, enables the College to provide to our parents meaningful reports to communicate our students' achievements.

As a College, we are required to report according to the achievement standards expressed in the Australian Curriculum.  Therefore, we require our students to complete sufficient assessments to be able to do this.  When students miss assessments, this restricts the ability of teachers to make informed judgements and for students to achieve their best.  The College does have an Assessment Protocol that needs to be followed when students do miss assessments.  The Assessment Protocol can be found on the SEQTA splashpage - SEQTA Engage.

To support our families, the College provides Year 7 - 10 students with an Assessment Calendar at the beginning of each term.  This ensures that all students with the support of their teachers and families can ensure that all assessment commitments are met.

Reporting

During Week 10, our families will receive their child's formal Semester 1 Report card.  This will provide an overall achievement for each subject aligned with the Australian Curriculum achievement standards.  This is a great opportunity as a family to have a discussion on achievement and effort and to look at setting academic goals for Semester 2.  Details will also be available for the Family-Teacher-Student Conferences to be held 26 and 27 July.

Creating Futures

Reminder to our Year 9 and 10 families, Course Planners are due back Thursday 23 June, 2022 to Pastoral Care Teachers.

Yours in Christ
Lorraine Wolffe
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching; Staff Development

From the Deputy Principal

Acknowledgement of Mr Davey

I am sure that our families will join me in acknowledging the significant contribution that Mr Davey made to the College over the past two years.  Mr Davey’s passion and energy were a hallmark of his presence at MacKillop.  He was at the forefront in supporting students in his role, managing a range of complex matters with both professionalism and heart.  

Mr Davey was instrumental in implementing the Rite Journey at MacKillop - a program that will only grow and become more integral to our Year 9 students and their families in the years to come.  He was pivotal in supporting the execution of our new vertical pastoral care system and oversaw the creation and implementation of important new protocols.  We all wish Mr Davey all the very best with his new role at The Friends School. 

Clarence City Council – Road resurfacing works (June/July 2022)

A reminder as per last week’s Facebook post, Clarence City Council are undertaking road resurfacing works at the below locations, weather permitting.

• Mockridge Road
• Rockingham Drive
• Goodwins Road
• Currajong Street
• Bligh Street

Work is estimated to be completed by 19 July 2022 (weather dependent).

For safety reasons, some on-street parking will not be available - traffic management will be in place to divert vehicles onto alternative routes.   The Council have asked motorists and residents to observe traffic/roadwork signages and to take extra care when travelling near the area.

Student COPA – Jewellery (change)

We have made a small change to the Student COPA in relation to alternate jewellery items.  Please see the change below under the Jewellery section of the COPA:

Jewellery
 ** Medical ID bracelets and crucifix necklaces are permitted.  Students with a pastoral/religious reason for wearing alternate jewellery items may contact the Director of Pastoral Care to seek permission.  Alternatively, families could seek this permission from the Director of Pastoral Care via their child/children’s Student Planner.  If permission is granted, this would then be communicated to the student, family and staff.

Update on our new “beaut” house sports tops!

We are thrilled to announce that we are very close to ordering both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options for the new House Sports Tops. Some students have been modelling the short-sleeved versions around the College and the consensus from both staff and students is that they look and feel great!  Our hope is that both items will be available for purchase for the 2023 school year, or ideally, earlier this year.

All new families will be required to purchase the new uniform items as they will be compulsory Sports Uniform items.  While we are hoping that our existing families will purchase a short-sleeved house top and/or long-sleeved house top when they become available, this will not be compulsory for existing students given that families may want to get more wear out of existing white sports tops.  Either the College white sports top or the new House sports top will be acceptable.

Student Achievements*

Jessica Owen (Year 10, Rice)

Jess was recently selected as a member of the 2022 Netball Tasmania 15&U State team.  Jess will be competing in Canberra in late July.  Congratulations, Jess!

Hannah Jacobson (Year 9, Tenison)

Hannah was recently selected as a member of the Under 15 Girls Waterpolo team for the Delfina Interstate Challenge to be held soon in Melbourne.  Well done, Hannah!

Stella England (Year 8, Waterford)

Stella attended a Writers Festival in late May and was chosen to talk with a publisher about a story she wrote specifically for the event.  Stella was interviewed and mentioned in an article in the Derwent Valley Gazette.  Stella, we are very proud of you!

https://derwentvalleygazette.com/2022/06/05/festival-books-its-place-with-writers/

Lucy Clements (Year 9, Fitzroy)

Lucy was recently selected to represent Tasmania at the School Sports Australia Swimming Championships to be held in Brisbane this August.  Well done, Lucy! 

*We welcome the opportunity to celebrate our students who are excelling in all areas of endeavour. We encourage parents and caregivers to let us know if their child/children have been involved in activities outside the College which we can acknowledge.  Please email enquiries@mackillop.tas.edu.au. 

From the Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry

Sacrament of Confirmation

On Thursday 16th June two students from MacKillop Catholic College received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Julian Porteous at Corpus Christi Church, Bellerive.. We congratulate Isaac Woodard (Year 7) and Savannah Trimmer (Year 8) for the time and effort that they have put into preparing for this important milestone on their Faith Journey.

Thank you to our Youth Minister Trainee, Charlotte Davies, for preparing the reports below on recent Ministry events at our College.

Lachlan Marsh
Director of Catholic Identity and Ministry

National Reconciliation Week

From the 27th of May to the 3rd of June, we recognised National Reconciliation Week as a school community. The theme for this year was Be Brave. Make Change. The purpose of this time is to learn about a shared history, culture, achievements and to investigate how each of us can contribute to achieving  reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia set Be Brave. Make Change. as a challenge to all Australians, to be brave and tackle the cultural split our community faces, and to make change so that all can benefit from a nationwide bond. We hope that our community has stepped out of their comfort zones and contributed to unifying our nation as a whole. Below is a video for National Reconciliation week…

Year 7 Retreat

Recently our year 7’s had their Spirituality Retreat Days held at Blundstone Arena. The students' day was made up of games, activities, talks and reflective time, all run by MacKillop Ministry Staff. The day started with an activity where the students were asked to write words and draw symbols that represented the change they experienced during their transition from primary school to high school. One side of the page was a desert, representing discomfort and challenge, and the other was a garden, representing support and safety. The students completed this task in groups and did a great job of making the posters look colourful and relatable, many discussed the change of being the biggest students in the school to being the smallest and how that impacted them.

Other activities throughout the day involved watching a section of the movie Big and reading You Are Special by Max Lucado. The event's purpose brought attention to some of the emotions our years 7’s may be struggling with, in bringing light to these struggles they realised they are not the only ones and that they can console each other. Although the whole year group was separated over the three days you could see how the students grew in emotional awareness toward one another. Below are some of the things the students enjoyed…

Summa Jacobson - I had lots of fun doing the activities and games.

Freya Whelan - Going in the elevator with Finn, Olive and Daisy. I also enjoyed the song activity where we sang Opportunity by Pete Murray.

Oliver Mackey - My favourite part of the retreat was the freedom and guidance that we got on the day and that we got to spend time with our friends.

Isabella Patten - It was engaging, and a great way to get to know everyone.

Daisy Browne - The year 7 retreat was a fun day, we watched part of a movie and talked about the transition from primary school to MacKillop College.

Rhys Benjamin - My favourite part was when we participated in the games together and watched the Big movie.

And last but certainly not least, Logan Elliott, who admittedly said - If I am going to be honest it would be, "The chips were the best.", but "Meeting new people and connecting with others." would be more appropriate.

Year 7 Retreat

Vinnies Induction Mass

A big thank you to Year 7 representatives Rylan Estcourt and Torren Green for attending the Vinnies Induction Mass on behalf of our MacKillop Vinnies Group. We appreciate you taking time out of your evenings to receive and display the characteristics of our group to the external St Vincent de Paul community. Thank you also Mr de la Motte for accompanying the students.

Charlotte Davies

Trainee Youth Minister

Teaching and Learning @ MCK

Featuring the Arts Department

Year 9 Visual Art – Ceramics Workshops

As part of the year 9 sculpture unit of Visual Art, students have participated in weekly workshops with Hobart pottery studio Glazed and Confused. Students have developed skills in slip casting, hand-building and pottery on the wheel. These hands-on workshop rotations have challenged our students by working with a medium that at times can be difficult but also flexible and forgiving in the same circumstance. Our remaining three sessions will see our students refine their craft by trimming and tidying their work, adding fine details and glazing their pieces.

Each student will have three ceramic pieces to take home that are entirely food and drink safely. It is hoped that skills developed during these workshops will transfer to our classroom use of ceramics in the newly developed art rooms for their future years at MacKillop Catholic College.

Year 9 Visual Arts

Matilda Potter - 3rd prize in the Bay of Fires Youth Art Prize 

Matilda completed this artwork as part of the Surrealist Art task in 9 Visual Art. The competition theme this year was "Children and young people will reflect on their personal experiences of sustainability in their local community at national and/or global level".

Here is Matilda's artist statement she wrote and a photograph of the artwork:

I’m Tilly and my artwork shows a hand with flowers growing out of it. I chose to do this because I love drawing nature, and it ties into the surrealist artwork topic. The materials that I used to create this piece were grey lead, water colour and water colour pencils. Through this artwork I am communicating that humans have a big impact on nature. We are in charge of caring and looking after these plants and some of us are doing a better job than others. The hidden meaning behind the hand with the plants growing out of it shows that the worlds plants are in the hands of humans. Humans have to take care of these plants. Flowers also represent the quick transition between life and death, showing how we have to care for these plants well because if we do the slightest thing that is wrong we could be the cause of their extinction. I have seen spray painting around in public and I think that I might have been influenced by the symbol of the hand tree.

We are very proud of Matilda, especially considering she was a grade 9 student in the year 9-12 category and also picked in the people's choice!

SPRING BAY MILL ARTIST IMMERSION

On Tuesday 31st May, Year 10 Visual Arts students hopped on a bus for the long drive to Spring Bay Mill, Triabunna. Our visit to this historic Tasmanian site was jam packed with educational and artistic activities.

Aboriginal Heritage:  We met Trish Hodge from NITA (Aboriginal Education Association), who shared the Aboriginal peoples’ story of how they used the land and coastline across time. She generously shared with our students items of her culture: shell necklaces, dried kelp water containers, traditional kangaroo and wallaby clothing, as well as musical instruments.  She shared stories about how Aboriginal communities hunted, conserved and regenerated their land and food, as well as the sacred stories around animals and seasons of the coastline. Trish then took us on an amazing bush foods walk, and showed us the edible plants and flowers that grow on the Spring Bay site. It was fascinating to discover fresh spinach, three varieties of blueberries, a plant whose leaf was as hot as chilli and cold and crunchy salad leaves. We had fun trying them all out. 

Spring Bay Mill: Rob then took for a walk inside the Spring Bay Mill building, The Mill was operational for 40 years, (1970’s - 2011),  All wood chips were shipped straight from Triabunna to the paper mills of Japan and came back as all types of paper.  The building has been re-purposed and converted into function spaces. The Mill has been entirely repurposed to become a function centre, with performance spaces and glamping pods in the paddocks. An amphitheatre and a sundial now sit on the site of the old woodchip mound. Another addition is the native plant nursery, which employs a team of young horticulturalists who are regenerating native and traditional Aboriginal plants that were originally on the site.

Artists At Work: Students were left to explore the main spaces after both the bush foods walk and the mill site tour. Students’ responses were recorded in their visual diaries, and many sketches, rubbings and tracings of interesting textures on the site. They spent some time drawing nature from life, focusing on macro-details and using a variety of materials to record the natural environment. Students were encouraged to take photos of landscapes, details and interesting shapes, textures and contrasting.

Creating a Body of Work: Back in the Art classroom, students will be guided through the artistic process of creating a response to a place in a body of artwork (typically 4 works).  They will process their images and drawings, reflecting on what stood out for them, and which part of the landscape they had the strongest response to. In Week 9, Tasmanian printmaker, Olivia Moroney, will teach a workshop on image selection/creating and drypoint etching on acetate. In a  second workshop early in Term 3,  Olivia will demonstrate inking a plate, paper preparation and printing using an etching press. Students will print their plates and produce a series of artworks responding to Spring Bay Mill. We look forward to seeing our students’ creative endeavours!

Career News

Students in Years 9 and 10 are considering their subject choices for 2023. This may seem daunting, and some students worry that their decisions will ‘close’ some doors as well as ‘opening’ others.

It is important to remember that the choices made now will shape the next few years of your life but will not close any door to you completely. We need to remind students not to become anxious and let worry cloud their thinking.

If you are unsure about how to begin the conversation with your child, the government-funded Myfuture website has some helpful suggestions and resources to support families.  Year 9 and 10 Course Planner forms are due back Thursday 23 June 2022.

Once again, this is a good time to remind everyone that the teachers who work with students every day are an invaluable resource. Remember, we were also young once!