2024 Yearbook

YEAR BOOK 2024

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE ST MARY MACKILLOP

Mary MacKillop Catholic College opened on Tuesday, 21 January 2003.

58 students and their families were part of a small community who worked hard with diligence, planning and above all faith and trust in God to see a Catholic school open in the growing area of Highfields.

This was to be the first new Catholic school in the Toowoomba Diocese in 38 Years.

In April 2000 an educational need was identified for Highfields and surrounds.

Under the guidance of the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Education Board and members of the local community, the site and land were identified and purchased with the plan to build a new school.

The name Mary MacKillop, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph in Australia, was selected and the building began.

Construction of the school began on the 21 August 2002 with five classrooms, a preschool, a multipurpose room and administration building.

From this beginning, we have continued to expand, leading the way forward in the region as a modern Prep to Year 12 College.

Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Melbourne, Australia.

From an early age, Mary felt a sense of God’s presence, dedicating her life to the service of the poor and those who had no one to look after them.

Mary opened orphanages, providences to care for the homeless, refuges for ex-prisoners and many schools. This great Australian woman inspired God’s work in the then new colonies.

In today’s world, she stands as an example of great courage and trust in living out God’s loving and compassionate care of those in need.

“Never see a need without doing something about it” Mary MacKillop.

OUR VALUES

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was:

A woman of faith and courage who committed to engaging minds

A woman of strength and perseverance who believed in igniting hearts

A woman of compassion and unfailing love who devoted herself to serving others

Celebrate God in all things COllege MOttO

What We Seek

We seek to form young people who are active in all areas of learning. We see a world with complexity that necessitates a focus on the wellbeing and emotional resilience of young people. We seek to consciously support our students to navigate this world through the development of the 21st Century skills of critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and social skills. We want them to be empathetic and committed to a deep sense of service to the community, particularly the vulnerable, inspired by the Gospel and Josephite tradition.

Our

ViSiOn

To be a Catholic school that cultivates a standard of excellence in holistic education through the development of people who take ownership of their learning and contribute to the wellbeing of the College community.

Our MiSSiOn

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was a courageous pioneer and visionary leader. She established a new religious order of sisters and led a radical new approach to education in Australia. While embracing the poorest and most marginalised, she also displayed extraordinary courage and strength of character.

Following her example and continuing her legacy,

We are a community that welcomes all in the name of Jesus Christ, strives to develop the potential of each individual, responds to the needs of others, has a simplicity of lifestyle and has a special concern for and response to those most in need.

PASSION

We strive for excellence, to secure the life and dignity of those we teach.

PARTNERSHIP

We do nothing alone; we work in solidarity with our community.

POSSIBILITIES

We seek to make a positive difference to the lives of our students, particularly the poor and the vulnerable.

Bless our Mary MacKillop School family.

We pray that everyone will live and work in peace.

COLLEGE PRAYER THE 6 P'S COLLEGE SONG

PERSEVERANCE

We seek to develop strong character and resilience, balanced moral conscience and solid values.

PRACTICAL ACTION

We encourage hard work and personal responsibility to participate fully in society.

PRAYER

We consciously bring a Josephite dimension to prayer, imitation St Mary MacKillop's tenderness, strength and constancy of faith.

We pray that everyone will spread happiness.

We pray that everyone will show love for one another and love for our God.

We pray that everyone will follow the way of Mary MacKillop

And celebrate God in all things.

Amen.

Mary MacKillop community

Engaging minds is our legacy

Igniting hearts our destiny

Serving others with integrity

We stand in faith for a world renewed

We strive for excellence in all we do

When we are tested through and through

May we be strong, May our hearts be true

In all things may we celebrate

How with God we strive to make Our world a better place

And take our lives, from good to great

We stand in faith for a world renewed

We strive for excellence in all we do

When we are tested through and through

May we be strong, May our hearts be true

May our hearts be true

ADDRESS

MR CHRIS GABBETT | COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

“to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

Prophet Micah.

When I reflect on the successes of this year, I am reminded of the profound doctrines that guide us as a Catholic community. Catholic social teaching, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, calls us to recognise the dignity of every human person and to act with justice, compassion, and love. At the heart of this is the belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Our commitment to academic excellence is informed by the same idea and is matched by our dedication to nurturing the spiritual and moral growth of our students.

We are called to live in solidarity with one another, recognising that we are all part of one human family. This year, our students have demonstrated this through various community service projects, showing a deep commitment to the common good. Whether it was through volunteering at local charities, participating in environmental initiatives, or supporting global causes, our students have embodied the spirit of solidarity – where we identify and celebrate the presence of God in the people beside us.

One element of a Catholic education that we must uphold is academic excellence to serve others, not as an end in itself. Our students are learning that they have a duty to use their talents and gifts for the betterment of the wider human family. The articulation of that can be challenging in an education system that seeks to rank all competitively. We must, all of us, speak consistently of the necessity of walking in the margins and being the support for others. Many of our young people are fantastic examples in this regard. This year, they have taken on leadership roles, advocated for justice, and stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Their actions reflect a deep understanding of their responsibilities as members of both the Church and the wider community.

The prophet Micah reminds us of what the Lord requires of us: "to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God". This verse calls us to a life of integrity, compassion, and humility. So many of our students have embodied these principles through their actions this year, and we celebrate

the fruits of that in our culture. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". This promise of abundant life is not merely about material wealth or success, but about a life filled with purpose, joy, and spiritual fulfilment. Our students journey towards this abundant life through a developing faith, their acts of service, and their pursuit of knowledge. My desire for them is they learn that true abundance comes from authentic compassion and sharing His love with others.

Let us continue to support and celebrate them as we move forward, guided by the examples set by Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.

Hers is a lesson of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and the power of education to transform lives. Julian Tenison Woods was a man of deep faith and a passionate advocate for education and social justice. His love for nature and science reminds us of the importance of integrating faith with a respect for God's creation. His commitment to serving the poor and marginalised continues to inspire us to act with kindness and humility.

As we look back on this year, we have so much to be proud of. Our students have not only excelled

academically but have also grown in faith, compassion, and service. They are a testament to the power of a distinctively Catholic Education and the enduring treasures of our faith, which always aims to build a more just, compassionate, and loving world.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

MR RICHARD COE | DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Most Principals give a bottle of wine or chocolates to their leadership team at Christmas. Not Chris Gabbett. He gives books. Not light-hearted, easyread fiction or tongue-in-cheek satire; proper books. I think it’s Chris’ way of keeping us all on the straight and narrow and if it makes us a bit smarter, a bit more knowledgeable, a bit more understanding then that’s a bonus. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t want those chocolates, but after the shock of receiving an original present from the ‘Boss’ I settled down to start reading ‘The Making of Australia’ by David Hill. I am two chapters in and it suddenly struck me that the first two chapters might be a nice link to this article for the Yearbook.

CHAPTER 1: BEFORE THE BRITISH

Apparently, the first Englishman known to have visited the Australian mainland was William Dampier. Pirate, navigator, writer, natural historian, naval officer and adventurer, Dampier was the first person to circumnavigate the globe three times, and he visited Australia twice, landing there first in January 1688, eighty years before Captain Cook.

Well before this Brit arrived on these fair shores and travelled to MMCC via Assumption College, Warwick there were many people who did a remarkable job. I want to voice my gratitude to Charmaine Cridland for her hard work in developing organisational structures at MMCC and for guiding the amazing administrative staff in the way it ‘should be done.’ I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Claire Clapham and Leisa Radley who have both stepped in to the Deputy’s operational shoes over the last 18 months and clearly took it completely in their stride. I would also like to personally thank Leisa for the time and patience she gave me in the early days of Term 3 which was a real baptism of fire.

CHAPTER 2: THE EARLY DAYS OF STRUGGLE

The first years of the initial British settlement of Sydney was a real struggle to survive. Surgeon John White wrote in 1790:

‘Hope is no more, and a new scene of distress and misery opens our view.. For all the grain of every kind which we have been able to raise in two years and three months would not support us for three weeks’

Now, I’m not saying that my first two terms at Mary MacKillop were THAT hard, but they certainly gave me a stern test of my resilience and ability to learn new procedures, programs, systems and people ..quickly! Luckily, (much like the early settlers who really did come together under Arthur Phillip despite the range of backgrounds) I have been blessed to work with a wonderful staff, a welcoming leadership team, and a talented and compassionate student and parent body – all

of whom have given me guidance, support and encouragement as I traverse this new ‘Great South Land.’ I am sure that many students have also had to face the struggle in 2024 whether it be keeping up to date with assessments, coping with the anxiety of examinations or navigating issues with friends.

What the early chapters of ‘Making Australia’ tells us is that with positive thinking, alongside positive action, things can and often do turn around – never give up, never lose hope, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. To those students who leave us this year: I wish you good luck, but in truth you will need more than that. Whatever you do next, you are like the 1400 people on eleven ships who left Portsmouth UK in 1787 about to embark on an epic journey. Sometimes the journey will be uplifting, at other times it will be a huge challenge, but keep going and the end result will be worth the struggle.

CHAPTER 17 AND BEYOND…: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Confession – I have skipped to the last chapter and skim-read it purely for the neat round up of this article. Chris, please forgive me. It largely deals with Australia’s search for a capital city; a national flag; a national anthem and the ongoing discussion around independence. Well, at MMCC in 2024 we unveiled the wonderful Emanuel Solomon Arts Precinct and in 2025 we will be building a new block in the middle of Penola.

There has also been much discussion around the design of new ‘flags’ that will adorn the site to highlight the multi-dimensional journeys that

our students and staff take during their time here and there are new staff coming in with new ideas, enthusiasm and energy to keep driving Mary MacKillop Catholic College forward. To our leavers – come back and visit to see how we continue to build. To those returning – change will mean disruption as it always does, but disruption can also lead to joy in the long run so bear with us as we make the College better than ever.

I am guessing that like me, you are all very tired after an exciting, emotional and productive 2024. I wish you all a peaceful, healthy and happy Christmas and look forward to the new adventures in 2025.

WELLBEING REPORT

MR SEAN ALBION | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: WELLBEING P-12

As the Assistant Principal of Wellbeing at MMCC, I am privileged to witness the incredible growth and resilience of our students on a daily basis.

This year has been one of learning and working with families, staff and students from junior grades that in previous years I have had less opportunities to do so. I am so grateful for the trust and support as I grow my knowledge in this area. One thing that became very obvious working across P-12 is our commitment to trauma-informed practices, embracing diversity, and fostering positive mental health is at the heart of everything we do.

It is a continued focus of the College to deepen our understanding of trauma-informed practices to benefit all students. Some of the key strategies implemented across P-12 to support staff in promoting an inclusive community, where every student feels a sense of belonging, include consistent predictable routines; unconditional positive regard; positive primers; and ready-tolearn plans for our most vulnerable students. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Even if a student is not impacted by trauma, these strategies support the growth of all

I am proud of the way our students include and support our most vulnerable members of the College. It is this holistic development of our students that consistently impresses me; beyond academic achievements, we focus on nurturing their social, emotional, and personal growth. Our programs are designed to help students build resilience, develop strong interpersonal skills, and become confident, compassionate individuals.

For a prolonged period now, promoting positive mental health has been a cornerstone of our wellbeing strategy. We provide resources and activities developed by our College Guidance Counsellors to help students manage stress, build healthy relationships, and develop coping strategies. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Our commitment to trauma-informed practices, embracing diversity, and promoting positive mental health is integral to our mission of nurturing wellrounded, resilient, and compassionate individuals, grounded in the teachings of Christ. Together, we are creating a faith-filled community where every student can flourish and reach their fullness of life.

Thank you for your support as a parent, carer, staff member, or student in continuing the growth, understanding, and commitment to wellbeing at our College.

PARISH REPORT

FATHER BRIAN NOONAN | PARISH PRIEST

Over the past year, we have all witnessed the remarkable transformation of our beloved Mary MacKillop Catholic College. On a recent visit, I was struck by the bustling activity and the rapid growth taking place.

As we embrace these changes, it's essential to remember the importance of building on solid foundations. The generosity and dedication of everyone involved—from our College Principal, Chris, and the Leadership Team to the committed staff, supportive parents, and inspiring young students—continue to enrich our College's life and provide a strong foundation for our evolving community.

I am incredibly proud of our Parish and College communities as they respond to God's call to ministry of love and service. Over 2024, we have

received many blessings, and as we strengthen our bond, we look forward to the exciting possibilities the future holds. Together, we celebrate God's kingdom in our midst.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support of our community. As we work in partnership and continue to grow together, let us pray for God's continued blessings upon our College in the coming years. May we remain faithful to St Mary MacKillop's call to 'love one another and let charity guide you in all your life'.

May God's blessing be with you all.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT NETWORK REPORT (PEN)

MS TAMEREA FRITZ & MR GABOR KALOTAY | MMCC PEN CO-CHAIRS

Greetings, from the Parent Engagement Network (PEN)

Whilst our College has expanded significantly in numbers, and continues to do so, the sense of community has remained, in no small part, thanks to the efforts of our students, teaching staff and College leadership. It is also the uncompromising goal of the PEN to work in partnership with the College to ensure that this continues.

To those students and families who left the College during 2024, including our Year 12 graduating class, we wish you well in all your future endeavours. An exciting event during 2024 was the establishment of the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Alumni Association and inaugural Foundation Day. This provides the opportunity for our past students to remain connected to our College community as they embark upon the challenges of work, study and life after their school years. We encourage all our past students to get involved with their Alumni Association and strengthen those ties that bind.

The PEN offers all our College parents and guardians the opportunity to be actively involved in the education, well-being and Faith formation of their children/our students. It is a collaborative approach with our College leadership and staff and in many ways a unique feature of Mary MacKillop Catholic College. In an ever challenging and changing world, this active collaboration is something we strongly encourage. All are warmly invited to attend the PEN General Meetings each semester. Be informed and have your say!

A significant part of the PEN year involves supporting our College community by organising and supporting social events, College representation at events commemorating our nation’s history and sacrifice, as well as much needed fundraising through which PEN enhances and enriches our students and staff’s experience of College life and community. So too, supporting those less well-off and facing hardship. The 2024 PEN Calendar of Events certainly proved to be one of the busiest. From discos, pie and mango drives, raffles, Paint and Sip, to supporting sporting carnivals and celebrating our graduating students and beyond! Let us also not forget representing our College at Anzac Day marches and supporting our annual Forty for Fortey. 2025 promises to be even bigger and busier! None of this would be possible, nor successful, without the tireless work of our PEN volunteers. We would like to make special mention of Tenille Dyne, Paula Kavanagh and Catherine Farlow, whose drive and tenacity powered many of these events. To all our volunteers, and our Principal Mr Chris Gabbett and the College Executive Team whose support has been critical, we say thank you!

Know that all your efforts are greatly appreciated. We encourage all parents, guardians and students who are yet to volunteer, to consider doing so for the 2025 Calendar.

At Mary MacKillop College we are proud of our Catholic Faith, Culture and Heritage, embodied in our Patron, St Mary MacKillop. 2025 will bring a number of new, exciting and bold initiatives that will firmly seat our students Faith formation in Scripture, the Sacramental Life of the Catholic Church, Ministry and an aware and intimate relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. The PEN is excited to be involved in this initiative. A tremendous year awaits!

To all our students, past and present, their families and our College staff, may the new year bring you peace, happiness, health and Spiritual prosperity.

COLLEGE STUDENT

LEADERS 2024

JUNIOR

SCHOOL

JUNIOR LEADERS: Calan Griffiths & Braxton Taylor

ACADEMIC LEADER: Aditya Rai

CULTURAL LEADER: Isabelle Voll

SPORT LEADER: Amy Watt

FORMATION LEADER: Isla Radley

MCCORMACK LEADERS: Daly Gillett & Emily Lipp

PENOLA LEADERS: Sienna Bond & Eleira Statham

TENISON LEADERS: Flynn Albion & Sam McCotter

CUNNINGHAM LEADERS: Lyrik Johnston & Peyton Usher

SENIOR SCHOOL

COLLEGE CAPTAINS: Katelyn Burton & Will Connolly

ACADEMIC CAPTAIN: Olivia Horrex

CULTURAL CAPTAIN: Georgianna Reisinger

SPORT CAPTAIN: Chelsea Brunner

FORMATION CAPTAIN: Lucy Hutchison

MCCORMACK CAPTAIN: Aidan Lipp

PENOLA CAPTAIN: Charlie Crawford

TENISON CAPTAIN: Oscar Spies

CUNNINGHAM CAPTAIN: Charli Botham

2024 EXECUTIVE TEAM

Principal

Deputy Principal

Acting Assistant Principal, Administration

Assistant Principal, Teaching & Learning Prep - 12

Assistant Principal, Religious Education

Assistant Principal, Wellbeing Prep - 12

Assistant Principal, Academic Success and Professional Development

Business Manager

Chris Gabbett

Paula O'Rourke

Sean Albion

Charmaine Cridland

Kirsty Gillett

Leisa Radley

Natalie Ader

Claire Clapham

SCHOOL JUNIOR

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT

MISS KATE CARROLL | ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: TEACHING & LEARNING

IF WE KNOW BETTER, WE SHOULD DO BETTER: A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR

This year has been all about transformation and growth. The changes in the Australian Curriculum have been nothing short of revolutionary, ushering in a fresh approach to education.

Revolutionising Reading in line with the new curriculum, Toowoomba Catholic Schools introduced the Diocesan Approach to Reading to continue to build successful readers through a unique blend of decodable and authentic texts. The focus has been on:

• Explicit Teaching: Breaking down lessons into clear, manageable steps.

• Low Variance Routines: Ensuring consistency in teaching methods.

• Diverse Learning Structures: Balancing wholeclass, small-group, and independent learning.

• Rigorous Independent Reading: Emphasizing accountability and comprehension.

• Research-Informed Practices: Grounded in evidence-based, high-impact strategies.

Embracing a Growth Mindset Building on Willingham’s Simple Memory Model and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, we’ve continued to nurture a growth mindset in our students. This has led to:

• A renewed focus on Mathematics mindsets, ensuring students see challenges as opportunities.

• Enhanced student writing skills through the Write that Essay (WTE) program.

Memorable Events and Initiatives Throughout the year, we celebrated various events that added joy and learning to our College life:

• Fairytale Day

• Dr. Seuss Day

• World’s Worst Day

• Bunny Run

• Eureka and Cobb and Co Excursion

• Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals

• Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts

Focus on Learning, Service, and Wellbeing Our commitment to holistic development was evident in our participation in:

• Socktober: Promoting social justice through fun activities.

• R U OK Day: Encouraging open conversations about mental health.

• Mini Vinnie’s Appeal: Supporting community service initiatives.

As we look back on 2024, it's clear that we've made significant strides in fostering an environment where learning, service, and wellbeing are at the forefront. Here's to continued growth and success in the years to come!

2024 JUNIOR LEADERS

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERS REPORT

2024 was another great year at MMCC! As Junior School Leaders, we have had a great year representing the College and leading by example. Our first special event that we attended was the Mayor’s Morning Tea. We got a photo with Geoff McDonald and some of his councillors, shared morning tea, and heard stories from other school leaders about their values and leadership. We hosted the Catholic Missions liturgy in the MacKillop Centre and learned about how to help the people of Mongolia. Activities after the liturgy included playing soccer with the Socktober ball, writing an inspiring message for people of Mongolia, and making Lego logos about Socktober.

As Year 6 leaders, another part of our role was hosting assemblies each week and taking part in all College masses and liturgies. At first, we were nervous about speaking in front of a large audience, but with the support of our fellow Junior leaders, we persevered through this challenge. We now host the assemblies with confidence. Through our participation in these experiences, we have become more organised and determined to ensure that our assemblies run smoothly.

With the Year 6 cohort, we participated in many fun activities during the year. At the beginning of Term 1, we all developed our skills at a leadership camp which helped us get to know one another and become better leaders. As a group, we did lots of activities as teams including a survival maze, shelter building, and a cooperation challenge through “electrical” wires. One of our treasured memories was going to Canberra and Sydney for our Year 6 camp. Questacon and the AIS were crowd favourites! Signing the Visitor Book at the Governor General’s House on behalf of our school was really cool as the King and Queen signed it two weeks later. When we visited Parliament House, we explored the building including the House of Representatives and the Senate. Some of us even got to play the roles of politicians in a mock parliamentary sitting. Walking around the Opera House and seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a great way to end our trip. Our maturity has developed through our participation in dance lessons with Mr Vernon and Ms Briffa. We’ve come to understand that it’s not as awkward as we thought to dance with our peers. It was a great way to end our year as the Year 6 group!

Inspired by the book ‘Boy Overboard’ that we were reading in English, the Year 6 cohort raised money

for the Work & Welcome initiative of Multicultural Australia. To help raise money, we held a sausage sizzle and Zooper Dooper sale. On the day of the sausage sizzle, the Year 6 students displayed posters which raised awareness of the injustices that refugees may face. The most popular part of the fundraiser was definitely the chocolate toss. There were many gold coins thrown which helped contribute to the grand total that was raised. In the four years the Year 6 cohorts have been raising money for this cause, we have eclipsed them all raising just over $2,000.

In our HaSS and Health unit in Term 4, we held a Healthy Drinks Expo. It was a fun experience trying all our peers’ healthy drinks based off data from surveys sent to each other. Family members came to try our drinks too! The posters we’d created to promote our healthy drink looked amazing thanks to Mrs Campbell’s Careers lessons.

On behalf of all Year 6 students, we’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the Year 6 teachers for making it the best last year of Junior School we could’ve hoped for. Thank you for helping us improve our learning behaviours, supporting us through challenges, and making school as enjoyable as possible. Another big ‘Thank You’ to Mrs Preston for organising all our leader meetings and assemblies. We couldn’t have done it without you. It would be unfair if we did not thank our Prep buddies for having the best time with us. We hope they enjoy stepping up through the grades to eventually become the next leaders of our College. Finally, to our Year 6 peers, thank you for making this year one that the whole cohort will never forget.

Our departing advice to all students is to ‘never give up, even when things are hard’.

Calan Griffiths and Braxton Taylor Junior School Captains

CLASS PREP

MRS CHRISTINE CARTER, MRS EMMA WELLER, MISS KAITLIN HAWKINS AND MISS COURTNEY DAVIS | PREP TEACHERS

Prep Escapades!!

Once upon a time in 2024, Preps learnt about fairytales and so much more! We began by ringing the bell to signify the beginning of our learning journey. Our amazing Preps have grown in every way, passionately developing their learning, working in partnership with each other, persevering when in the learning pit, and being proud of our achievements.

We have made new friends, developed our independence skills, and realised we have endless possibilities in our future. We have participated in Mother's Day and Father's Day, Easter Hat Parade, Anzac Day Service, Athletics Carnival, Cross Country, Ball Games, Fairytale Day and Carnevale. We have been on excursions to Amaroo and The Empire Theatre to see Pevan and Sarah in concert! Lastly, we finished our year performing the Nativity Play to our closest family members.

It has been a very rewarding and happy year with children discovering the feeling of belonging to Mary MacKillop Catholic College. Bring on Year 1!

AND TALES TREATS

INTO MATHS POWER UP

FAIRYTALE DAY

NATIVITY PLAY

ONE YEAR

MRS

MICHELLE LEVER, MISS KARA SHEATHER AND MISS BETH ELDRIDGE | YEAR 1 TEACHERS

One Wonderful Year!

What an amazing year it has been in Year 1!

We've experienced a whirlwind of growth and joy, celebrating numerous special occasions. From the touching moments of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents Day to the spiritual observances of Lent, Easter, Christmas, and Advent. We were even lucky enough to have Father Brian visit our classroom and take us behind the scenes of a Baptism.

Our adventure to Amaroo was a highlight, filled with nature play, bushwalking, indigenous games, and meeting Garbalah the Greater Glider. The live performance by Pevan and Sarah sparked our creativity and imagination, while our academic journey took us through reading, writing, Science, Art, and Mathematics, preparing us for the exciting years ahead. We also enjoyed designing elf traps and forming friendships with our Year 5 buddies.

Dr. Seuss Day in Term 2 was unforgettable! Students, teachers, and even some parents dressed up in fantastic costumes. We spent the morning performing songs and poems, enjoyed delicious treats, watched The Lorax, and did craft activities. The afternoon was extra special with our Year 5 buddies organising a Dr. Seuss-themed quiz!

It's incredible how quickly time has flown this year. What a fantastic journey it has been! We are eagerly looking forward to the challenges and fun that Year 2 will bring.

DR SUESS DAY

One of the highlights of the Year 1 calendar is celebrating our love of literacy with our Dr Seuss Celebration.

The day was a culmination of the Term 2 English unit which explored Poetry and Characterisation through the study of Dr Seuss, his entertaining texts and his weird and whacky characters. Students, teachers and parents dressed up in their favourite character costumes for the celebration.

In a showcase of learning, students shared rhyming couplets they had written, read extracts from Dr Seuss stories and shared details about the zany characters they created who could be featured in any Dr Seuss books. Students also performed a number of poems and songs to keep the audience entertained.

The showcase was followed by a shared morning tea in the MacKillop Centre with families, where lots of fun was had by all.

TWO YEAR

MRS SARAH HAND, MRS ELISSA CHAPMAN, MISS VICKI MURPHY |

YEAR 2 TEACHERS

Tremendous Two's

What a fun and fabulous year we have had in Year 2!

It has been a year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. From exciting classroom activities to the many College events celebrated, this year has been one of exploration and discovery. In the classroom, Year 2 students have built on their english and mathematics skills, all while developing important social and teamwork abilities. The creative projects in art, science, and design technology allowed students to express themselves and make hands-on connections to the world around them. Whether it was planting seed balls, building instruments, solving complex mathematics problems, or exploring different text types, every day brought something new to learn and enjoy.

In Term 1 we explored God’s creation, stewardship, and how to care for the world around us. Students investigated a variety of sea creatures and identified the continents and oceans. We started our exploration of the patterns in the sky and discovered our place in space.

In Term 2, we immersed ourselves in Australian Indigenous culture, creating book reports on an Indigenous story. Our HaSS lessons helped us make connections between local, state, and national locations and develop an appreciation of our country’s first nations peoples. We explored different modes of Indigenous artworks and celebrated NAIDOC week. With much excitement, we travelled on the college bus to Amaroo Outdoor Education Centre to experience “What’s the Bush About?” program, consolidating our learning of Australia's first nations people and their traditions.

Our THRIVE and religious lessons have taught us about friendship, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and respect. Formation Days helped students create a positive and welcoming classroom environment, where everyone could feel included and valued. We celebrated the wonderful Mums and Dads in our lives, creating gifts and cards for them, and joining in on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts and liturgies. Year 2 were blessed to have Year 12 buddies join us each Friday for fun activities, developing connection with our fantastic senior peers.

Term 3 was a time for many celebrations! We dressed up for Book Week to the theme of “Reading is Magic” and participated in the highly anticipated Kahoot Quiz about the fabulous, shortlisted books. We investigated fairy tale characters and created our very own twisted tale. Students celebrated Mary MacKillop Feast Day with a huge day of activities and a whole College picnic on Fitzroy Oval. Socktober brightened up our classrooms with an array of crazy socks worn to support those in need.

In Term 4, we connected with our faith by reading stories of Jesus’ birth, of forgiveness, and some of the miracles he performed. We learnt how to be incredibly persuasive and followed a paragraph structure for the first time! A trip to Cobb and Co consolidated our knowledge of the changes in technology over time. To finish the year with a bang, we joined the whole Junior School and sang our hearts out to all our favourite Christmas carols.

From the moment the Year 2 students stepped into their classrooms, their enthusiasm and curiosity were evident. Throughout the year, these young minds have blossomed into confident learners, eager to explore new concepts and challenges. Thank you for all the love and support you have given your children and us throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these bright young students!

THREE YEAR

What an amazing year students have experienced in Year 3!

It has been an extremely busy year for our Year 3 students as they have grown, faced and overcome new challenges, and achieved tremendous milestones.

As a cohort, they have created lasting memories by again celebrating ‘The World’s Worst Day’, where they brought characters to life. This inspired a love of reading and creative writing within them all.

They were fortunate to experience an excursion to the Pioneer Village where they embedded their knowledge and celebrated all things historical, including their Grandparents.

Their growth hasn’t just been about learning new things – it's also been about growing together. They have learned the true meaning of friendship, the power of teamwork and the importance of lifting each other up. They have worked collaboratively on a vast number of design and technology projects, and fostered relationships in the playground.

What amazing and wonderful experiences Year 3 have participated in this year, such as Book Week, Maths Week, Science Week, NAIDOC Week, Wellbeing Week... just to name a few. Wow, how lucky they are!

MISS ZOE PHILLIPS, MS TAMARA HILL AND MRS MADDIE KINGS | YEAR 3 TEACHERS

FOUR YEAR

Year 4 for 2024 has been full of so much fun and learning!

From the excitement of our Touch and T-Ball Gala Days to the spirited competition at our sports carnivals, every event has been a testament to our students’ enthusiasm and teamwork.

In the classroom, we have experienced many new text types and novels, with Kensuke’s Kingdom being all time favourite! Our Mathematics skills were put to the test with many fun and engaging challenges, such as finding our optimum jump by using measurement and testing. In visual art, our clay critters really let our artistic side shine.

This year, we also had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Senior School students, fostering new friendships and learning from one another. Our excursions to the Council Chambers and the Cobb and Co Museum were not only educational but also a lot of fun, providing us with a deeper understanding of our community and history.

You all displayed the 6 P's of Mary MacKillop Catholic College, and your teachers couldn’t be prouder! Thank you to all for making this year so memorable.

YEAR 4 TEACHERS

MRS AMY DWYER, MRS EMMA COOK, MRS KIRSTEN MOORE AND MRS JULIA THOMAS |

FIVE YEAR

MISS ANNABELLE COWEN, MRS SUSAN JONES, MRS SHANNON ANDERSON, AND MRS MELANIE SKEWES | YEAR 5 TEACHERS

Fabulous Year 5!

What a fabulous year it has been in Year 5! From exciting Senior lessons to unforgettable excursions and camp, we have experienced a year full of adventures and learning.

SENIOR TRANSITION LESSONS

Year 5 students have had the opportunity to explore various subjects through Senior transition lessons. We have honed our skills in Wood Technology with Mr Varley, Art with Mrs Puhakka, Science with Ms Manners, and Hospitality with Mr Parker. Each lesson has provided unique experiences and valuable knowledge, Preparing us for the future.

EUREKA EXCURSION: A GOLD RUSH ADVENTURE

Term 3 brought an exciting excursion to Eureka, where we embarked on a ‘Gold Rush Adventure!’ The day began with a journey back to 1854, immersing everyone in the life on the goldfields. One of the highlights was encountering a bushranger, adding an element of surprise and excitement to start the day! We role played various scenarios from the Australian Gold Rush era gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the time, including panning for gold, buying and selling goods at the local shop, and making delicious damper for an afternoon snack. To finish the day, we purchased our Gold License for 20c and engaged in the thrilling Gold Rush game! This excursion was not only educational but also a fun filled adventure that brought the history of the Gold Rush era to life.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

This year, Year 5 students have had the opportunity to engage with Mini Vinnies, empowering us to become advocates and take practical action to support those in need in our community and overseas. We have worked with the Senior AMMA group, supporting various initiatives such as the

Easter Egg Raffle, Winter Appeal, and Christmas Gift Appeal. These activities have taught us the importance of compassion, service, and making a positive impact on the world around us.

We have also participated in College initiatives including Book Week, Inspirational Maths Week, Science Week, Athletics and Swimming carnivals, Cross Country, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents Day, Carnevale, Wellbeing Week, Leadership Day, NAIDOC Week, R U OK? Day, Socktober and so much more!

LOOKING FORWARD

In Term 4, we gathered for our Leadership Day where we learnt about the qualities needed for leadership. This led to electing leaders for next year who now have the important job of being role models for the Junior School.

As we reflect on this fabulous year, we are excited about the future and the many more adventures and learning opportunities that await us in 2025. Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and fun and making a positive impact within our school and beyond.

CAMP YEAR FIVE

MISS ANNABELLE COWEN, MRS SUSAN JONES, MRS SHANNON ANDERSON, AND MRS MELANIE SKEWES | YEAR 5 TEACHERS

Tallebudgera

Without a doubt, the highlight of the year for us was camp!

In the final week of the year, we enjoyed an exciting camp at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast. The 3 day, 2 night camp was packed with thrilling adventures. We had an incredible experience filled with excitement, adventure, and a mix of emotions. From the moment we arrived, ready to have some fun, we knew we were in for a treat.

We enjoyed delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which kept us energised for all the activities. After finding our cabins and unpacking, we jumped straight into the action.

We tested our aim with archery, tried out abseiling, and bravely jumped off a 10 metre platform. Our teamwork skills were put to the test in a team rescue challenge, and we played games on the beach, finishing with a refreshing dip in the ocean!

Scaling the rock climbing wall and catching waves while body boarding were highlights for many of us. In the evenings, we enjoyed an action packed game of Bingo and a movie to wind down before our last night.

The camp was not just about fun and games; it was also about the excitement of spending time in cabins with our friends and the responsibility of keeping our belongings altogether. For some of us, it was the first time spending the night away from our families, which brought a mix of excitement and nerves.

The highlight for some of the students were;

“Team Rescue was amazing as we got to work together and help each other.”

“Quick Jumps was exciting and scary, and I was really proud of myself to doing it.”

“Rock climbing was fun when I got to jump off at the top and float down.”

“Body boarding was my favourite, it was fun catching waves and spending time with my friends in the water.”

Overall, the Year 5 camp was an unforgettable adventure that we will cherish for years to come!

SIX YEAR

MRS LISA-MARIE PRESTON, MISS KATE CARROLL, MRS MELANIE SKEWES, MR CRAIG HUBBARD, AND MR CRAIG FAESSLER

| YEAR 6 TEACHERS

This year has been an incredible journey for our Year 6 students and teachers. We were thrilled to welcome Miss Carroll and Mrs Skewes to the Year 6 team. Both brought enthusiasm and experience, enriching our learning environment.

The year kicked off with a Leadership Day at Koojarewon Youth Camp, where students faced various challenges, including unpredictable weather. These experiences tested their teamwork, resilience, and perseverance, providing a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills for the year ahead.

One of the highlights was meeting their Prep buddies for the first time. Throughout the year, Year 6 students modelled positive behaviour, friendship skills, and a love for learning. The annual Prep Bunny Run at Easter was a delightful event, with Year 6 students donning their best bunny outfits and were chased by excited Prep students eager for their chocolaty treats.

Our learning in HaSS was enriched by visits from Mayor Geoff McDonald and State Parliament representative Trevor Watts MP. These visits helped students understand the levels of government and their specific roles and responsibilities.

We also had the pleasure of working alongside Vian, a beneficiary of Multicultural Australia’s ‘Work & Welcome’ program, which provides work opportunities for refugees in our local community. Further inspired by our reading of ‘Boy Overboard,’ students engaged in fundraising efforts for ‘Work & Welcome.’ They created awareness campaigns about the plight of refugees, ran chocolate tosses, sausage sizzles, and Zooper Dooper stalls, and raised just over $2,000. It’s a rewarding feeling being able to support others in our community.

To begin Term 4, we embarked on school camp to Canberra and Sydney. Despite the early start, it was a much-anticipated experience, exploring our nation’s capital and the sights of Sydney. Halfway through the term, we invited our parents and peers to our Healthy Drinks Expo. Using our knowledge from Health, we made a drink that would meet the wants and needs of our surveyed consumers. They then tasted the drinks at the Expo and gave us feedback. It was wonderful for the students to put their knowledge into action and share it with families.

As leaders of the Junior School, Year 6 students consistently led by example, participating in events like Socktober, Book Week, Year 5/6 Gala Day (touch and netball), and R U OK? Day. They understood the importance of building community and setting a positive example for their younger peers. What a fabulous group of students we had!

The year concluded with the Year 6 Dance and Rite of Passage, a celebration with students’ families to mark the end of their Junior School journey. We hope the legacy left by this year’s Year 6 students will inspire younger students. A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing Year 6 teachers who made this year unforgettable!

CAMP YEAR SIX

MRS

LISA-MARIE

PRESTON, MISS KATE CARROLL, MRS MELANIE SKEWES, MR CRAIG HUBBARD, AND MR CRAIG FAESSLER | YEAR 6 TEACHERS

This year, the Year 6 class embarked on an incredible adventure to Canberra and Sydney, filled with learning, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. Our journey began with an early start, traveling to Brisbane Airport for our flight to Canberra. Excitement buzzed as we met our amazing tour guides and bus drivers, ready to explore the nation’s capital.

DAY 1: DISCOVERING CANBERRA

Our first stop was the Australian War Memorial. Although our visit was brief due to ongoing construction, we were fortunate to witness members of the armed services practicing for an important ceremony. Next, we headed to Mount Ainslie lookout, where we marvelled at the panoramic views of Canberra. A quick play and lunch at the Pod Playground in the National Arboretum followed, providing a fun break.

One of the highlights was visiting the spectacular house of Australia’s Governor-General. Calan and Braxton, our Junior School Leaders, had the honour of signing the visitor’s book, joining the ranks of many distinguished guests. The group then split up

to explore GeoScience Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. At GeoScience, we examined moon rocks, crystals, and even ancient poo, while at the Gallery, we honed our art analytical skills.

DAY 2: ATHLETIC FEATS AND HISTORICAL INSIGHTS

Our second day began at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where students tested their athletic abilities and toured the facilities. We were thrilled to see an Australian Olympic male gymnast and the AIS volleyball teams in action. The day continued with visits to the Royal Australian Mint, where many students made their own $1 coin, and the Australian Electoral Centre, where we learned about the importance of preferential voting through interactive activities.

At the Museum of Australian Democracy, we discovered key figures in our history and sat in one of the chambers of Old Parliament House. The day concluded with a visit to the National Capital Exhibition and an exciting evening at Questacon. The Earthquake Room and Free Fall Drop were crowd favourites, offering hands-on science fun.

DAY 3: PARLIAMENTARY ADVENTURES AND DIPLOMATIC TOURS

Dressed in our school uniforms, we visited Parliament House on the third day. We explored the different chambers, admired portraits of past and present Prime Ministers, and participated in a mock parliamentary debate. Students then visited the attractions they missed on the first day, either GeoScience Australia or the National Gallery of Australia. A driving tour of various embassies on the way back to our accommodation rounded off the day.

DAY 4: SYDNEY’S SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Leaving Canberra behind, we travelled to Sydney, starting our exploration at Mary MacKillop Place. Here, we learned about St Mary MacKillop, Father Julian Tenison Woods, and the creation of the Sisters of St. Joseph through multiple galleries. A ferry ride from Manly to Circular Quay offered stunning views, and we enjoyed walking around the Opera House and admiring the Harbour Bridge. A resident seal sunbaking on the stairs added a delightful surprise.

It was time for our camp journey to end, so we began the long trip back to Toowoomba, flying from Sydney Airport to Brisbane and then taking a bus back home. We were happy to reunite with our families and share all the wonderful experiences from our Year 6 Camp.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful teachers and supporting staff for making this camp an unreal experience. We will cherish these memories forever!

DANCE YEAR SIX

MRS LISA-MARIE PRESTON, MISS KATE CARROLL, MRS MELANIE SKEWES, MR CRAIG HUBBARD, AND MR CRAIG FAESSLER |

YEAR 6 TEACHERS

With much trepidation, our Year 6 students began their dance lessons in Term 4. It didn’t take long for them to realise how much fun dancing can be when you put in your full effort. They practiced a range of old-school dances set to modern music, and a bit of chocolate bribery helped everyone feel more comfortable.

The dance lessons truly challenged their resilience and maturity. They had to step out of their comfort zones by asking peers to dance and take the lessons seriously to show respect for their partners. It was essential to put any embarrassment aside and focus on the experience. This process not only improved their dancing skills, but also taught them valuable lessons in respect, confidence, and perseverance.

When the Year 6 Dance evening finally arrived, the students dressed to impress and invited their families to celebrate the end of Year 6 with them. The evening was a spectacular showcase of hard work and persistence, with students and teachers performing a variety of dances. The highlight of the night was when parents were invited to join in, creating a wonderful display of partnership and community.

It was a fantastic night, with plenty of twinkle toes on show. A massive thank you goes to Peter Vernon and Helen Briffa for their wonderful guidance in helping the students hone their dancing skills and imparting valuable life lessons. The Year 6 Dance was truly a night to remember!

YEAR 6 MOVING ON UP DAY

AND PRIMARY MIDDLE LEADERS

During Moving On Up Day, our Year 6 students had the exciting opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Year 7 student. The day began with our new Year 7 students for 2025 diving into a variety of engaging lessons in Visual Art, Design Technology (Wood Tech), and Hospitality. They showcased their creativity and skills by creating beautiful art etchings, crafting wooden tea light holders, and baking delicious cookies. The joy and enthusiasm were evident on their smiling faces!

During First Break, the new students were joined by the current Year 6 students for a delightful sausage sizzle and lamington treat. The fun continued as they played together at Kratzke Oval, fostering new friendships and enjoying the start of a great day.

In the middle periods, all students participated in two rotations designed to help them get to know each other and build teamwork skills. These sessions were not only informative but also a great way for students to learn more about the College and practice working together.

After a refreshing Zooper Dooper treat at Second Break, the students had the chance to ask Year 11 students questions about what to expect as students in the Senior School.

This interaction was incredibly helpful in easing any worries and letting them know it is not as scary as it may seem.

Overall, Moving On Up Day was a fantastic success. The students had a wonderful time, and we hope this experience will support a successful transition to Year 7. A big thank you to all the staff who volunteered their time to make this day so special for our students!

MRS LISA-MARIE PRESTON AND MISS KATE CARROLL | YEAR 6 TEACHERS

YEAR 6 RITE OF PASSAGE

Each year, we bid farewell to our Year 6 students with a heartfelt Rite of Passage Mass. This year’s theme, “Together We Journey and Grow” highlighted the collective achievements and growth of the cohort. The celebration, attended by families, students, and staff, marking the end of Junior School and the beginning of a new chapter.

The Mass was a memorable event, with students being congratulated by their teachers and Prep buddies—a moment they will cherish forever. Father Brian delivered an inspiring message about the importance of possibilities and partnership, encouraging students to carry these values forward.

To conclude the Mass, students were welcomed to the Senior School by their peers in Years 7-9. Following the Mass, the wonderful Year 6 teachers gave a touching speech, acknowledging the students’ legacy. The Prep buddies even sang a special song, adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration. We all shared in a celebratory cake, symbolising the sweet memories and achievements of the year.

The final part of the Rite of Passage celebration involved exchanging letters between students and their family members.

This exchange was a beautiful way to thank one another and share cherished memories, making the day even more special.

The Year 6 Rite of Passage Mass and Celebration was a fitting tribute to the hard work, growth, and community spirit of our students. We wish them all the best as they move forward into the Senior School, carrying with them the lessons and friendships they’ve built during their time in Junior School.

MRS LISA-MARIE PRESTON, MISS KATE CARROLL, MRS MELANIE SKEWES, MR CRAIG HUBBARD, AND MR CRAIG FAESSLER | YEAR 6 TEACHERS

SCHOOL SENIOR

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT REPORT

MR MALCOLM LANGERAK | MIDDLE LEADER MATHEMATICS

This year has been an exciting and rewarding journey for the Mathematics Department. Our students have not only excelled in their studies but also showcased their talents and teamwork in various competitions.

One of the highlights was our involvement in the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers Quiz, sponsored by the University of Queensland. Students from Year 5-6 and 7-8 made us proud, particularly the Year 7-8 group consisting of Ashley Williams, Aidan Stokes, and Shivangi Seal. These students achieved an outstanding result, securing Third place within the Darling Downs. This is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for mathematics. Competing against some of the best minds in the region, all students demonstrated exceptional knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, we participated in the Toowoomba Maths Team Challenge. This event provided our students with the opportunity to delve deeper into mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. It was inspiring to see them collaborate, solve complex problems, and develop their critical thinking skills. The teamwork and camaraderie displayed were truly commendable, and students came away with a newfound appreciation for mathematics and its complexities at higher levels.

The Mathematics Department has further explored new opportunities for our students to excel, including enrolling them in the University of Melbourne's Micro Mathematicians program. This program offers free virtual and in-person workshops

on topics like Number Theory, Combinatorics, Optimisation, and Data Analysis. It helps students develop advanced problem-solving and data visualization skills. We look forward to extending these opportunities to new adventures next year.

This is the second year the College has run the Hybrid Mathematics program led by Joel Speranza. This innovative program is designed for Year 10 students, providing them with an introduction to Specialist Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. The Hybrid Mathematics program combines face-toface, online, and independent learning, allowing students to engage with advanced mathematical concepts and develop their problem-solving skills. By participating in this program, students gain a solid foundation in topics such as calculus, algebra, and mathematical reasoning, preparing them for the challenges of higher-level mathematics. Based on Joel's feedback, Mary MacKillop students have excelled in the program, achieving high grades and going beyond the planned curriculum.

As we conclude this academic year, it is with great pride that we reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of our Year 12 students in Mathematics. This year has been marked by exceptional performances and this is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the strong support from our teaching staff.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the dedicated staff within the Mathematics Department, who have consistently gone above and beyond to facilitate engaging and enriching lessons.

HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT REPORT

MRS LIZ FRAME | MIDDLE LEADER HUMANITIES

It has been another busy and engaging year in the Humanities Department. This year, students from Years 7-10 had the opportunity to experience Living History Australia who came to the College and presented the Australian History curriculum to respective year levels, bringing it to life through re-enactments, static and interactive displays. Year 7 and 8 students were taken through Ancient and Medieval History, including The Black Death, and Years 9 and 10 students learnt about what it was like to be a soldier during WW1 and living on the Australian home front during WW2. The study of history will often become so much more meaningful when it is brought to life.

This year, we also ventured far from home to visit The Abbey Museum at Caboolture. In Term 2, Year 8 students had a medieval immersion day, where they got to try on and play with various medieval armour and weapons (all non-dangerous of course!), learn how to shoot using a bow and then see how far and accurately they could shoot the wooden arrows, which thankfully were rubber tipped. Given the concentration span of a 13-year-old can often waver, we had lots of talking and laughing, with the occasional stray arrow.

Year 7 students went to the Abbey Museum in Term 3 and experienced an Ancient Egypt immersion day, with the best fun being the archaeological dig. Students worked in small groups and together they learnt how to search for, locate and excavate artefacts. Students also had fun with the bow and arrow activity, and the results were very much the same as the Year 8 experience – lots more laughter and talking, somewhat louder, and competitions galore.

This year, we set off on 26 November for the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Inaugural European History trip. This has been an 18 month preparation, where 50 students, 22 staff and 25 parents venture to the other side of the world, going from extreme heat to freezing conditions, and experience, hopefully, they will never forget. The tour will arrive home just in time for a warm Australian Christmas, with I am sure, lots of tales to tell.

Finally, a department as dynamic as Humanities cannot run without the wonderful teaching staff who strive to give students the best experiences of History, Geography, Business and Law. Thank you to Miss Niemeyer, Mrs Quinlan, Miss Nicholson, Mrs McCasker, Mrs Mengel, Mrs Farrow, Miss Perrignon, Mr Cavanagh, Mr Jones, Mr Hamerli and Mrs Cotter. I can’t do it without you all. I look forward to what 2025 brings

EUROPE HISTORY TOUR

MRS LIZ FRAME | MIDDLE LEADER HUMANITIES

What an amazing three and a half weeks we had on the Inaugural Mary MacKillop Catholic College European History Tour. After 18 months of planning and meetings, our group of 96 explorers flew out from Brisbane on Tuesday night, 26 November, 2024. The group was made up of 50 students, 26 parents and 20 staff. It was always going to be a huge undertaking to make sure a group this size could travel together, but with the wonderful World Strides tour leaders, and the amazing staff, we made it!

Our first stop was Manchester and then on to York to revisit the Viking age. After some quick readjustments to the cold weather, we then caught the train to London where we visited Churchill's War rooms and the Imperial War Museum. In London, one of the busiest cities in the world, students and adults alike learnt to ride the underground and the London busses, which, although a little terrifying at first, became quite the ride.

We continued this tradition in Paris on the Metro, although the train doors in Paris were far quicker and managed to catch a few of us by surprise. Then began our coach adventure (across two coaches because of our group size) through France and Belgium, to places such as Normandy, Amiens and Ypres. These places hold great historical significance as theatres of war in WW1 and WW2 and contributed to allied victories in both wars.

We had a wonderful WW1 trench experience on the outskirts of Ypres, where we could wander through original trenches and see the damage caused to the Flanders countryside by the shells.

The town of Ypres was nearly destroyed in the severe fighting, and yet today has been painstakingly rebuilt, using the crushed down rubble to remake each brick and stone to return it to its quaint medieval appearance. The Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, also in Ypres, which has taken place every night at 8:00pm since the WW1 armistice of 1918, was definitely a highlight of our trip. Our 2024 Year 11 and 12 Modern History students, as well as 2025 College Captain Archie Turner, laid wreaths on behalf of the College, thanking all those who gave their lives for our freedom. Such a somber and memorable occasion and a huge honour to have been a part of it. I also think Ypres will be remembered for the great hot chocolate and warm cafes.

After lunch in a freezing Brussels, we hopped back on the coaches to go to the airport to fly to Berlin. This proved to be quite a not so memorable moment for Mrs Frame, who was knocked out by her own bag which fell from the coach rack. Needless to stay, Mrs Frame did not fly onwards, but after an enjoyable game of charades to explain what had happened to a French doctor who spoke no English, clearance was given, and Mr and Mrs Frame rejoined the tour on the last day in Berlin.

Of course, Berlin is synonymous with WW2 and the Berlin Story Bunker proved to be an amazing experience, providing the detailed story of young Hitler, and his rise to power, but also highlighted the exhibition Hitler- How could it happen, as well as 800 years of Berlin's turbulent history. From Berlin we ventured into Poland — our first stop Warsaw.

Such a beautiful and majestic city with a sad history. We visited The Warsaw Museum which offered the history of the Jewish resistance in Warsaw and across Poland, as well as documenting the many Jewish atrocities which transpired during WW2. From Warsaw it was on to Krakow, and perhaps one of the highlights of the tour— Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration and Death Camp. Such a somber experience to stand where millions perished, at the hands of other human beings who showed no regard for humanity.

After a very long day, the group regathered at our accommodation to reflect on what they had seen and share some personal reflection. I can't express enough what an amazing group of young people we took away who were able to share with respect, dignity and honesty and who were, and are, a credit to our College. The best thing to happen in Krakow was that we finally saw snow! Quite amusing to wake up to laughing and screaming one morning at 5:00 am because half the group was outside the accommodation, either making snow angels in 2 cm deep snow or desperately packing snowballs to throw at each other. I am not sure how many other guests were woken, but I would say it was for a good cause.

From Poland we returned to Germany — first to Nuremberg where we stood in the courtroom where the Nazis were put on trial for war crimes, and then on to the Nuremberg Art Story bunker, which was a series of tunnels under a centuries old castle where the Nazis stored all their priceless artwork in the latter stages of WW2. We then headed to Munich for a quick stopover and were shown where Hitler lived during his time in power and where he attempted to overthrow the German government in 1923. The cathedrals and churches in Europe are breathtaking and the one in Munich was no exception. On the hour, a series of mechanised characters come out from the clock tower and dance. I think we stood and watched for well over 15 minutes. From Munich we flew to our last destination — Rome. And the ancient city delivered. On the afternoon of the day we arrived we attended a gladiator school. And what fun was had. Parent v parent, student v student, child v parent and the battles were fierce. Some people even had their photo taken as traditional gladiators. Mr Fowkes missed his calling I think! On what was an enormous second day, we walked across and around Rome where we saw the Vatican, Vatican City the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Forum.

Although everyone was thoroughly exhausted, the day will hold special memories for many.

On the 20 December it was time to head home, just in time to arrive back in Australia for Christmas, and the extreme heat. I am hopeful, and fairly sure, this tour will stay with people for many years to come. Although it was exceptionally busy, had lots of walking and some interesting meals, those who participated have experienced something very few people ever get to do.

I would like to thank the staff who gave up their precious holiday time to attend: Ms Niemeyer, Mrs Quinlan, Ms Mengel, Ms Miiller, Mr Fowkes, Mrs Burke, Ms Gaddes, Mrs Puhakka, Mrs Richardson, Ms Cridland, Mr Frame, Ms Lawson, Ms Austin, Ms Martin and Ms Scrivens. A special thanks also to the St Mary's staff — Mr Rix, Mr Pike, Mrs Pike and Mr Muller for assisting. Thanks also to Ms Nicholson who was coming— but a soccer game had the last say!

Finally, a special thank you to Amy King and Christie Richardson. Your assistance was invaluable, and I couldn't have been nearly as organised without you both.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT REPORT

MR TIM CONNOLLY | MIDDLE LEADER SENIOR ENGLISH

The English universe has seen great exploration and discovery, during 2024!

The growth in student skills has seen podcasts, digital texts, filmic texts, visual texts and multimodal texts all grow in importance and relevance for our students. Analytical, imaginative, informative and persuasive expression have all been part of various explorations. A rise in class sizes has seen diversity and inclusivity become pivotal aspects of English classes. The world of composers is the building block behind this process and students are embracing these ideas with great enthusiasm. Our students should be rightfully proud of this growth and awareness within their daily interactions in English classes!

The academic landscape, for our Senior students, is seeing a growing awareness of planning and Preparation, as part of the journey towards external exams. Our Senior students of 2024 have engaged in this process in a committed manner. A clear example of academic application has been demonstrated, to all students in Years 7-11, by our Senior students, this year.

Our Year 11 students have now begun their first steps towards the completion of senior course work. Our first piece of senior assessment is now underway and we look forward, with anticipation, to what lies ahead.

Students in Years 9 and 10 have, once again, shown their commitment to our elective of Literature and Creative Writing. Avid writers have recognised the value offered by this subject and are honing their skills within contexts of composers, expression and literature. The progress of this elective and students within it, is obvious and admired.

Students have once again been able to enhance their writing skills, throughout this year, through the use of the digital platform: Writer’s Toolbox. Focus upon analysis, sentence structures and vocabulary choices have been an important part of this progression. 2024 has once again seen the growth of opportunities in personal expression, for all students. These opportunities have been

enabled for students via participation in poetry, writing and public speaking competitions. The world of literature and English is taking new forms and possibilities, for all students wishing to partake in this exciting journey.

Our wonderful teachers deserve immense credit for the enhancement of our meritorious progress in 2024. Students are most appreciative of the efforts of Mrs Farrow, who has provided advice and guidance to all students in Senior English. Mr Bracken and Miss Nicholson have guided Senior English students with great experience and relevance. Mrs Quinlan, Mrs Epetahui, Mrs McCasker and Mrs Radley have all guided our students, in Junior English, with great expertise. The efforts of these teachers are highly admired and greatly appreciated. All of our wonderful teachers share great popularity with students and fellow colleagues and we are thankful for all that is achieved in our broad spectrum of English classes.

2024 has been a year of great advancement and acknowledgement. We thank our teachers, students and parents for their support of English and our wonderful English classes during the year. 2025 is sure to be another important step in the growth of the English realm, as we journey through the next year of learning in Literature and English.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REPORT

MRS LEISA RADLEY | DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND

In 2024, the staff in the Religious Education department have continued our journey of recontextualisation, which we began in 2023 as a part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, Illuminate project.

Recontextualisation has brought with it a greater understanding of the need for dialogue in Religious Education classrooms, and an approach to unpacking scripture in a way which enables a 'pedagogy of encounter' and connections with modern experiences and values. We are fortunate in the Religion Department, to have experienced and motivated staff who bring their own faith journey to the classroom and are witnesses to their faith. Thank you to Mr Ryan Cavanough, Mrs Paula O'Rourke, Mrs Megan Puhakka, Mr Ashley Jones, Mrs Shannon Quinlan, Miss Annabelle Perrignon, Mrs Deb Mengel and Mrs Rebecca Wong, who, along with myself, have delivered a robust and engaging curriculum this year. Take a look at what we've been up to below!

YEAR 7, 8 AND 9

Our Year 7 unit is all about belonging to the MMCC community, and this year. While many of our Year 7 students have transitioned from the Junior School, we are also conscious of new students who are unfamiliar with the Mary MacKillop story. To support their transition, and allow them to settle into Senior School without the pressures of summative assessment, the Year 7 students completed a "Josphite Journal" in Term 1. Focussed on belonging to a Catholic community and the 6Ps of our College's Josephite Charism, students completed their journals, learning about the four College Houses, important people in our community, and their own passions and possibilities for the year ahead.

Throughout the year, the Year 7 students learned about how our Church has changed over time and the importance of the Liturgical calendar. Next year, we hope to give the Year 7 students a chance to engage in some service opportunities within the College community to begin their journey of social justice in the Senior School.

COLLEGE CULTURE

Well done to Colbie Moffett-Dunne and Shivangi Seal who received the shared Top of Subject for Year 7 Religious Education, this year.

The Year 8 cohort, after spending most of Term 1 to 3 focussing on Covenant and continuing the mission of Jesus in the modern world, rounded out the year by creating a boardgame (check out the photos!) about initiation rituals in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Throughout the year, the Year 8 students unpacked important scriptures and considered the values of those in the Church's story who were movers and shakers, seeking to make a change in their world.

Well done to Elizabeth Coe who received Top of Subject for Year 8 Religious Education, this year.

Our Year 9 students studied the importance of initiation rituals across Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and also applied the messages in Parables and Miracles to issues in our modern world. This was recontextualisation in action, enabling Year 9 students to take the teachings of Jesus about the vulnerable and marginalised, and connect these with their own understanding of issues concerning refugees, asylum seekers, and modern slavery. Importantly, this cohort aimed to 'Be More' by finding ways to take action in the College community; raising awareness about moral issues such as bullying, mental illness and refugees and asylum seekers; running a wellbeing stall; and connecting with residents at Carinity Brownesholme to play card and boardgames.

Well done to Ariane Golobic who received Top of Subject for Year 9 Religious Education, this year.

YEAR 10

Throughout the year, the Year 10 students were exposed to world religions beliefs, texts and rituals. This included Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as finding out more about representations of God in Christianity, through artwork, song, poetry, cartoons and films. In Term 2, the Year 10 students facilitated a NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Week Liturgy in groups as a part of their consideration of how the Church has impacted Indigenous Australians in our history. Term 3 enabled a study of a Christian response to climate change and stewardship of the environment, and students created a campaign based on the framework of See, Judge and Act. Importantly, the Year 10 students rounded out the year completing the training to be able to volunteer at Rosies–Friends on the Street. We look forward to this group's commitment to outreach and social justice during their Senior years.

Well done to Ann Dolan who received Top of Subject for Year 10 Religious Education, this year.

YEAR 11 RELIGION AND ETHICS

2024 saw the commencement of the new Year 11 Religion and Ethics program, in alignment with QCAA's 2024 Syllabus. This program moves away from examinations, allowing students to complete project-based assessments. Unit 1 Social Justice provided opportunities for students to plan an advocacy program and to deepen their understanding of the theology behind social justice and injustice. Unit 2 Peace was focussed on local, national and global peace keeping efforts and examples. Students viewed the Australian film, "Tomorrow, When the War Began" as the stimulus for investigating examples of conflict and peace-keeping initiatives.

Well done to Kya Manz who received Top of Subject for Year 11 Religion and Ethics, this year.

LIVING WATERS—PRAXIS PROGRAM

2024 saw our fourth–and final–Praxis class complete the Living Waters program. Thank you to Mr Jones who has run this program for the past few years, working with students to understanding the theology behind why we engage in service learning. Students worked with the outside community, as well as served within the College, connecting each week with students in the Junior School.

YEAR 11 AND 12 STUDY OF RELIGION

Study of Religion, a general subject which contributes to a student's ATAR, is a unique subject. While some try to liken it to the skills you need in History, or even English, the reality is that SOR is like Religion, History, English and Philosophy all rolled into one.

The topics covered throughout the two-year course include: sacred texts and religious writings; lifecycle and calendrical rituals; social ethics and ethical relationships; religion-state relationships and human rights and religion. All of these are studied from the perspective of the 'big five' world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

This year, our Year 12 SOR classes comprised of 26 students and our two Year 11 SOR groups numbered 34 in total–evidence of our growing Senior cohorts!

Special mention must go to graduating student, Olivia Horrex, who achieved Top of Subject for 2023. Well done, Olivia! Well done also to Jarrah Sunatwanitkul and Bianca Philp who were the shared Top of Subject for Year 11.

As the Senior School grows, we look forward to welcoming more students into the Study of Religion course!

That's a wrap for Senior Religious Education in 2024! A huge thank you must go to the RE staff have worked hard to make Religion at MMCC recontextualised, contemporary and meaningful for our students. Next year, we welcome some new staff to our Department and we look forward to their new insights and contributions.

THE ARTS DEPARTMENT REPORT

MRS JESSICA BURKE | MIDDLE LEADER THE ARTS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

In 2024, engagement with co-curricular and extracurricular activities at MMCC was exceptionally high.

In Music and Dance alone, 231 students participated in troupes, ensembles, and instrumental lessons, filling 323 positions. This doesn't even include those involved in the Musical Production or Visual Art sessions. The Arts department reached a significant percentage of students, thanks to the hard work of dedicated staff, ensemble directors, and coordinators. After all this year's activities, excursions, successes, and recognitions, we're going to concentrate on the ‘firsts’ and significant honours.

VISUAL ART was elevated to a high degree this year by our talented visual art and mixed media teachers, Mrs Megan Puhakka and Mr Matt Chivers, a member of our team that was also nominated for an Excellence award in Teaching and Learning. In the field of photography, Emily Wann and Mackenzie Kruger participated as entrants in the 2024 Photographer of the Year Award. The results of this prestigious competition are still pending.

Rachel Williams work

‘Imposter’ received the ‘Runner Up’ prize in the Canvas Art Competition. Noah Gunder’s work ‘Complacency’, and Rachel’s most significant work ‘Bergen’ were entered into Creative

Generation 2024. Noah received a Commended

for his entry for the second year in a row while Rachel received an Excellence Award. This award was only granted to 40 students across Queensland. Rachel’s work will now be exhibited at The Gallery of Modern Art for 3 months in 2025. Additionally, ‘Bergen’ also received a ‘Highly Commended’ at the Tivoli Art Festival.

MMCC DANCE exploded in 2024. Doubling in troupe numbers from 2023 and with over 150 students involved at differing times, their routines impressed judges and adjudicators, securing them accolades at the Kingaroy, Darling Downs and Toowoomba Eisteddfods. For the first time ever, MMCC entered the dance competition with their Junior School Dance Troupe. The young dancers showcased their passion and dedication with their hip-hop routine earning them Second place, a remarkable achievement considering it was their debut performance. The successes of MMCC's dancers are evidence of their diligence, love, and enthusiasm under the direction and choreography of Miss Lauverjon and Miss Harm.

MMCC MUSIC in 2024 saw the highest number of nominations with polished auditions from around the state and country for the State Honours Program lead by the Conservatorium of Music. We were thrilled at the announcement that Georgianna Reisinger was successful in her audition to the Australian Honours program and a first for the College at this level to attend the prestigious national program.

Logan Entertainment Centre was abuzz with talent as our College's Rock Band and Drumline competed in the prestigious Beenleigh Eisteddfod for the first time. ‘Killing Time’ securing a well-deserved First place and not to be outdone, our Drumline also put on a show, earning an impressively close Second place.

The Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival (QCMF) at Villanova College marked the MMCC Drumline's debut competition, and we were happy to have taken home the silver medal. At this event, the rock band won their second gold medal in a row. ‘Killing Time’ made it to the big time in 2024!

Out of 64 schools, our students have made it to the top 30 QLD bands to compete in the prestigious Battle of the ROCK Band event in Brisbane.

Our talented students represented the Darling Downs at the Battle of the ROCK Bands event, and we were ecstatic at the announcement that the overall best vocalist of the event went to Georgianna Reisinger.

Our Guitar Ensembles, Drumlines, Rock Band, Dance Troupes as well as several trios, duets and soloists competed fiercely at this year’s Eisteddfods. For some of our students, being on the big stage at the Empire is a once in a lifetime experience, and to win a prize is a bonus! From 35 entries, Mary MacKillop achieved an impressive 29 placings with 119 Students (Musicians, Dancers, Backstage crew and Photographers) participating.

Congratulations to all the talented staff and students involved in the production of 'FrozenThe Musical'! Under the direction of Mrs Duncan and vocal guidance of Miss Chalmers, the show was a resounding success. Hard work, dedication, and creativity truly shone through, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Under the direction of Miss Annabelle Perrignon and Miss Hayley Chalmers, the MMCC Choirs showcased their vocal talents at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod, as well as Singout and Paul Morton Choral Music Festival this year. These prestigious events continue to celebrate the rich tradition and spirit of choral music, and our choirs were honoured to be part of it. Students performed individual items and then performed with 500 other students across 13 schools in the mass choir finales.

This year the combined concert band was formed in collaboration with the Highlands Community Concert Band under the direction of Mrs Caroline Ryan. For Mary MacKillop students, families, and the Highfields community, this will mean additional instrumental instruction possibilities and performance opportunities.

Were it our goal to create a centre of excellence for arts learning in the Darling Downs region, we could suggest that we have achieved that goal. That was not the goal however, what we have achieved this year is to reach a high percentage of students from across the college, and with bespoke sessions for different phases instilled, we have modelled partnership, perseverance, passion, search for possibilities, and supported others through practical action.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGIES DEPARTMENT REPORT

MR JARED NIELSEN | MIDDLE LEADER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGIES

2024 was a very exciting year for the Science & Technologies departments. We are continually expanding our horizons with new initiatives, new subjects and new challenges!

The year started off with the continued implementation of our Year 5 and 6 specialty lessons program. Now in its third year, this program gave our Junior School students a chance to come over to the Senior School and learn from our expert STEM teachers. This program gives the Year 5 and 6 students the chance to experience what the Senior School has to offer in their future as well as giving them access to some high-quality learning facilities and equipment.

Our College competed again in the prestigious USQ Science and Engineering Challenge; a STEM-based competition for Year 9 and 10 students. At the event, students competed in a number of activities and tests involving teamwork, critical-thinking and problem solving. This year we brought home our second ever category win! All of our teams placed well, leading to an excellent overall score in the Toowoomba competition. An excellent achievement considering the calibre of the competition.

Every year the National Science Week celebration aims to raise the profile and increase the public understanding and public appreciation of science, innovation, engineering and technology, and their role in maintaining and improving our society, economy and environment.

The 2024 theme was Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability'. The week had a heavy focus on Australian flora and fauna. The week was jampacked with lunchtime and classroom activities across Prep to Year 12. Some of the highlights for our younger students included the Senior students coming over to run lunchtime activities as well as the chance for our Prep - Year 2 students having the chance to investigate a number of endangered Australian animals and what can be done to bring them back from the brink.

A stand-out curriculum option for many of our Year 9 and 10 students is the chance to pick elective subjects. The Science and Technology departments feature prominently here with our Hospitality, Wood and Metal Technology classes always being packed! This year saw the implementation of the new ‘Digital World’ class (where students were able to develop their own websites and video games),

Agricultural Science (where students grew their own crops using a variety of water and fertiliser types), STEM (which involved critical thinking and robotics) and Graphics (which saw students learn how to sketch, design, and create). All of these electives help our students to find the subjects they enjoy, ahead of Senior School.

It would be amiss of me to leave out of Senior School classes. Our Year 11 and 12 Certificate students ahead worked diligently all year to complete projects for themselves as well as giving back to the College and the wider community, shown in their work on the trailer and cubby house projects. While this report is being written before final general subject results have come back, we are expecting some excellent results across our Senior subjects. This is due to the dedication and work ethic of our Year 11 and 12 students who go above and beyond in their subjects to ensure they leave the College with the best knowledge and final results as they can.

2024 saw the implementation of the Year 11-12 general subjects of Engineering and Agricultural Science. These courses are now being offered due to overwhelming student enthusiasm and success in our Science and Technology areas. In 2025 we look to expand our suite of subjects with the Applied subjects of Hospitality and Industrial Technology Skills (ITS), offering further pathways for our Senior students!

Of course, none of these learning opportunities would have been possible without the work of a team of hard-working, dedicated and selfless staff. I would like to take this chance to thank each and every staff member at Mary MacKillop Catholic College for the time, effort and energy they provide each and every day of the year.

Last - but certainly not least - I cannot forget to mention the ongoing support of the wider Mary MacKillop Catholic College community (parents, carers and parish members). Your input, support and communication is deeply appreciated and highly valued. We wish you a safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

SENIOR SCHOOL CAMPS AND RETREATS

MR SEAN ALBION | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: WELLBEING P-12

At MMCC, camps and retreats play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our students. These experiences are not just a break from the classroom; they are integral to the personal growth and cherished memories that students carry with them long after they graduate.

Opportunities like camps and retreats can offer life-changing opportunities for students to explore new horizons, develop essential skills, and forge lasting relationships with staff and peers. These experiences significantly contribute to their overall development and fullness of life.

This year, our Senior School students embarked on various camps and retreats across the picturesque landscapes of South East Queensland, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Year 7 Emu Gully, Helidon

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Burleigh Heads

Currumbin Valley

Camp Cooby

Brisbane

These adventures have not only enriched their educational journey but also fostered a sense of community and personal growth. We eagerly anticipate many more enriching experiences ahead!

COLLEGE CAPTAINS REPORT

Signing off, College Captains for 2024 - Katelyn Burton & Will Connolly

Well, what a journey that was. It is hard to believe that we are all sitting here together as a cohort for one final time, as it feels like just yesterday that some of us were getting introduced to one another for the first time. But here we are, sitting peacefully knowing that all our exams, certificate courses, mass practices and late-night content cramming sessions are finally over for the time being. Some will leave here today and ready themselves to head off to universities far and wide, some will pick up the tools and head to work the oh so glamorous 7-5, and others will chase a dream with fierce passion and dedication, achieving goals that were perhaps once just a journal entry. Either way, each and every one of us are ready to face the outside world with confidence.

Firstly, let us give the biggest thanks to our amazing staff and teachers who have seen us and helped us through the highs and lows of this journey, because lets be honest, it has been quite a long, hard road up to this point here. Your unwavering support and advice has set us up for whatever life has to throw at us, academically or practically. I think I can speak for the year group when I say that our teachers and staff here at Mary MacKillop really go above and beyond to make our time at school the best it can be is an understatement. Without you, the wheels just might have fallen off at least twice this year!

To our wonderful parents, our first educators. Thank you for being the shoulder to lean on when the going got tough, for offering us kind words of encouragement (and perhaps a much needed “shouldn’t you be studying” when the procrastination would plague study sessions!), and most of all, for loving us even when we were tired, cranky and a little over it. Without you, this whole Senior School thing would have been a lot harder! I think it is important to also recognise the countless amount of sacrifices that you have had to make to get us to where we are today, your efforts truly are commendable, and did not go unnoticed.

I also want to give a very special mention to our very own Mrs Richardson and Mrs Stevenson, because I don’t think I can even tally up the number of times that I have been in that office for a chat,

careers related or not. You have both helped a lot of us find our feet and walk into the world feeling confident for anything work or Uni related, and we will be forever grateful for the opportunities and advice you have offered us, and of course the routine once-a-week chat that gets us out of English for 10 minutes.

As we face the verge of adulthood and inevitable change, I think it is important to hold dear to us the lessons, knowledge and friendships that our time at school has offered us. As much as we probably complained about waking up early to get ready for school, I know that most of us are in fact going to miss it at some point, whether it be the laughter at lunch, freedom of being a school kid or just seeing your friends every day. My Dad always told me that school was the best days of your life, and while I often brushed this off, you were right Dad. So for now, just sit back and drink in the feelings of being together one last time, for this too will one day be a memory.

To Mr Gabbett and the leadership team, thank you for making our experience at the college wonderful, your constant work towards a better future definitely does not go unnoticed. To our PC teachers, thank you for putting up with us every day at 8:25am when heads are still sleepy, you brightened up our days right from the get go.

And finally to us – the Class of 2024. May our futures be filled with wild adventures, crazy stories, good company, and most importantly, the success that would make Year 12 you proud. Thank you all for making this wild ride unforgettable, and just remember, as Mum always says; “The world is your oyster, go out and leave your mark!”

– KATELYN BURTON

Well here we are at the end of Year 12, 2024. The time has flown from our Prep year of 2012 to now. Some days I do see similar behaviours and I have to remind myself that we are in Year 12 and not in Prep. I remember when we started our journeys in our oversized uniforms, with our parents saying “you’ll grow into it soon enough”. I don’t know about you, but I think my growth spurt was when I was 16 so I spent a lot of years tripping over my pants and eating my sleeves. Actually, look at my blazer now – it’s tiny and my mum said “surely it’ll see you through to Year 12”. You be the judge… We also had our backpacks that touched the back of our knees, sometimes feeling that if you leant back too far, you’d end up in a dead ant position. We had a box of books and enough pencils to sink the titanic. How many pencils did we lose over those years? Now in Year 12 we can get away with a 5 subject book where sometimes the Biology work blends with PE and one solo pen. On some days we might not even have a pen and we are lucky enough to be able to rely on that one student in class that has a regularly restocked pencil case. Ah the simple pleasures.

To the teachers. Thank you mainly for your patience. I’m sure we have all tried you at times. Thanks for the opportunities that you created for us and the countless hours where you gave up your time. All those hours you dedicate to the cocurricular activities have not gone unnoticed. Thanks for boosting us up when we were feeling down or possibly when our confidence may have been low. I’ll still be cashing in my $10 from Mr Albion as he helped build my confidence the other day when I beat him in lawn bowls. You have been tolerant of us at times when we made poor choices like the day we interchanged uniforms. We thought this was innocent enough until we realised that it was “moving on up’ day. Not the best look. Sorry Mr Coe. Thanks for the times when you have directed us towards the correct behaviours when sometimes we were a little misled. We will soon become a distant memory for you, however, I’m sure we will reflect fondly on you when we need to know what mitochondria do, when we are regularly solving Hungarian algorithms or how to correctly use a metaphor. The knowledge and wisdom our teachers have given us are gifts for our futures. How was that Mr Bracken, dad? Not bad?

Let’s take the time to thank the parents here today.

We want to thank our parents. They have made our lunch for 13 years. That’s 2600 vegemite sandwiches. 5200 pieces of buttered bread and a whole lot of vegemite. That’s obviously less the days where you slipped us a 20 as you couldn’t be bothered making it. Our parents have dropped our lunches in to school when we left them on the kitchen bench. They’ve mopped our tears when we’ve missed out on teams. They’ve shared our successes and been so proud of us. They’ve nagged us to study for weeks on end even when we insist that we “can’t even study for English” or when it seems like

our priorities are life and death on the battlefield in the latest chapter of Fortnight. They’ve made 13 Easter hats. They’ve yelled at us 2600 times to get out of bed when we can’t be bothered setting our alarm clock. But on a serious note our parents are in valuable. They have been our biggest advocates over the years and we need to take the time to thank them for their endless encouragement and support.

To my Year 12 cohort. Our cohort is unique because I believe we encompass the 6 P’s of Mary MacKillop’s ministry in our everyday endeavours. We have given our time to the marginalized in society by being involved in Rosies, visits to Tony’s Kitchen, Hike for the homeless and many other initiatives. I do remember a time when I was involved in cooking with the helping hands. We had tirelessly cooked a variety of meals and cakes. We left Mrs Vanderplas feeling quite content without ourselves and happy to be helping those in the community. Rather than being graciously thanked the next day for our time Mrs Vanderplas informed us that we had left the freezer door open for the night, spoiling all of our hard work. Possibly another example of my lack of attention to detail. Luckily there have been so many other successful ventures in that space.

We have been involved in many carnivals, cheering on our houses and creating school spirit. Special mention to Aidan who committed to the 200 metre medley and at one stage we saw him doing vertical backstroke with the lifeguards being on high alert. Many of us were involved in the running carnivals. We worked that out crocs are not ideal running shoes , nor are oodies good sporting attire and I’m sure that Oscar may have won the 100 metre sprint if he was not tackled before crossing the finish line. Lots of memories have been made at these events.

So now it is time for us to venture into adulthood. We have come from kids that were barely able to tie our shoelaces and now we are ready to tie up our futures. I wish everyone every success as we all move into a variety of pathways and I’ll leave you all with an Irish blessing, keeping in mind our favourite Irishman, Mr Bracken “as you all slide down the banister of life may all the splinters be facing in the right direction”.

Goodbye and good luck!

– WILL CONNOLLY

GRADUATION BREAKFAST

VALEDICTORY LUNCH

ACADEMIC AWARDS

MS CLAIRE CLAPHAM | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Striving for Excellence: Celebrating Achievements in 2024

Congratulations to our Year 5-12 students who were acknowledged for their outstanding academic achievements and contributions at our annual Academic Awards Ceremony.

Each achievement honoured represents the culmination of hard work, a dedication to growth and the beginning of new possibilities.

These students have not only achieved academic success in 2024, they have also embodied the essence of the 6Ps in their learning, explored numerous opportunities for growth and discovered new, positive pathways in which to excel.

As well as recognising student improvement and excellence in academic pursuits, this Awards evening is also an opportunity to reinforce the culture of integrity, diligence and belonging that defines Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

Recognition of success at our College also includes the parents and carers who are a pillar of support for our students, and our dedicated teachers for their continuous guidance and encouragement.

In 2024 we recognised student achievements in the following categories:

• Academic Success Gold Years 5-12

• Academic Success Silver Years 5-12

• Academic Improvement Years 5-6

• Diligence Years 5-6

• Top of Subject Years 7-12

• The Queensland Country Women’s Association Award Years 5-12

• School-Based Apprentice of the Year 10-12

• All Rounder Award Years 5-8

• All Rounder Award Years 9-12

• Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award Years 5-8

• Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award Years 9-12

• Jarra Award Years 5-12

• College Dux Year 12 (announced in 2025)

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipients!

CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

MR BRAD GRIFFITHS | MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Early in Term 4, the College held the second annual Co-Curricular Awards Night.

It was an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful work students are doing in both the Arts and Sport. The awards reflect the work of St. Mary MacKillop, with students recognised for their passion, perseverance, practical action, and partnership in and around the College's Co-Curricular program.

There were some memorable performances from our talented Arts students. The duet between our musical leads Adele and Georgianna was particularly noteworthy. Staff and students can be proud of the many and varied achievements they have attained in 2024.

Being able to recognise students across a wide range of activities from both the Arts and Sport is testament to the continued growth of the College and we look forward to an even bigger night in 2025!

The following students were awarded our top awards for the evening:

JOEYS IN ACTION

MRS AMY DWYER | ACTING MIDDLE LEADER

Celebrating Joeys in Action

It has been another incredible ending to the 2024 year with our celebration of the Prep to Year 4 students at the Joeys in Action Awards presentation. Joeys in Action honours students who exemplify the values of Mary MacKillop through their dedication to the College Positive Learning Behaviours.

The selection criteria for all Joeys in Action Awards are based on the 6Ps: Partnership, Passion, Perseverance, Possibilities, Practical Action, and Prayer. These students have created opportunities to demonstrate passion in their learning, persevering through challenges and working in partnership with one another.

With St Mary MacKillop as our guiding light, the Joeys in Action Awards Ceremony provides our early years students an opportunity to be recognised for embodying the values that she held so dear. Their dedication and commitment to achieve excellence in all areas of their learning journey is admirable. Congratulations to all Award Recipients.

DILIGENCE AWARDS

NAME CLASS

Lily Torr Prep A

William Dougherty Prep B

Vera Davidson Prep C

Eloise Goos 1A

Henry O'Leary 1B

Brendan Vermaak 1C

Abigail Usher 2A

Charlotte Cannon 2B

Emeelie Pitman 2C

Timothy Watt 3A

Mackenzie Reinbott 3B

Noah Wight 3C

Theresa Ehrlich 4A

Matilda Pigozzo 4B

Lachlan Adams 4C

IMPROVEMENT AWARDS

NAME CLASS

Elara Hartshorn Prep A

Henry Fien Prep B

Skylah Hague Prep C

Kipp Holmes 1A

Alice Cavanaugh 1B

Madison Shannon 1C

Kayden Willocks 2A

Cooper Stewart 2B

Matthew Davis 2C

Thomas Goodwin 3A

Joash Arthy 3B

Rose Cannon 3C

Quinn Ryan 4A

Ruby Stevens 4B

Hilary Kelly 4C

ERICA CALVERT AWARD

IAN MACNAMARA

HONOUR LIST

2024 Achievement Award Recipients

PERPETUAL

Matilda Sozinyu Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award (Yr 9 - 12) 10

Archer Turner Jarra Award (Yr 5 - 12) 11

Louisa

7 7

Year 9 9

Adele Adams Cultural Award Year 10 10

Archer Turner Cultural Award Year 11 11

Rachel Williams Cultural Award Year 12 12

Katherine Preston Vocalist of the Year 10

Riley Mackenzie Instrumentalist (Brass/ Woodwind) of the Year 11

Brooklyn Douglas Pianist of the Year 8

Noah Burke Percussionist of the Year 11

Ashley WIlliams Guitarist of the Year 8

Noah Burke Leadership in Arts Award 11

Archer Turner Leadership in Arts Award 11

Katherine Preston Perseverance in Arts Award 10

Chelsea Rieck Passion in Arts Award 12

Noah Skippen Possibilities in Arts Award 8

Adele Adams Arts and Culture 10

Georgianna Reisinger Arts Excellence 12

Jack Franzmann John 10:10 Principal's Award for Arts and Sports 12

ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT AWARDS

2024 Achievement Award Recipients cont..

Sports Award Recipients

Sports Award Recipients cont...

YEAR 7

Top of Subject Award Recipients

NAME CATEGORY

Edward Ehrlich Health and Physical Education

Colbie Moffett-Dunn Religion

Shivani Nikhil English

Shivangi Seal Mathematics

Shivangi Seal Religion

Shivangi Seal Science

Malika Stokes Humanities

YEAR 8

NAME CATEGORY

Nash Adamski Health and Physical Education

India-Rose Bonham English

Elizabeth Coe Religion

Elizabeth Coe Science

Noah Skippen Mathematics

Noah Skippen Humanities

YEAR 9

NAME CATEGORY

Jade Allison Agricultural Science

Jade Allison Modern History Tyrants

Jackson Barr History

Jackson Barr Ancient History

Jackson Brayshaw Geography

Trinity Burow Hospitality

Lily-Jayne Davis Literature and Creative Writing

Finlay Eales Digital Worlds

William Ehrlich Intro to Law

Ariane Golobic Religion

Ariane Golobic Science

Ariane Golobic Business and Entrepreneurship

Ariane Golobic Financial Literacy

Thomas Green Mathematics

Lucy Gunders Dance

Lucy Gunders Drama

Sienna Jannusch Journalism

Emily Kentish History

Emily Kentish Health and Physical Education

Emily Kentish Mixed Media

Nina McBride Enviornmental Science

YEAR 9

Year 9 continued...

NAME CATEGORY

Nina McBride Modern History Tyrants

Lincoln Mende Graphics

Harry Nothdurft Wood Practice

Harry Nothdurft Metal Technology

Harry Nothdurft Design

Makayla Petrie English

Jessica Riding Community PE

Jessica Riding STEM

Connor Stanton Sport Science

Lennox Turner Visual Art

Lennox Turner Music

YEAR 10

NAME CATEGORY

Adele Adams History

Adele Adams Visual Art

Adele Adams Music

Adele Adams Drama

Adele Adams Modern History Tyrants

Bowen Adamski Graphics

Bowen Adamski Cert III Aviation

Caitlyn Barr Ancient History

Caitlyn Barr Modern History Tyrants

Kanwar Buttar Business and Entrepreneurship

Henry Cleary Wood Practice

Henry Cleary Metal Technology

Ella Currie Dance

Ann Dolan Religion

Ann Dolan English

Ann Dolan Visual Art

Ann Dolan Literature and Creative Writing

Ann Dolan Graphics

Maximus Doveton Health and Physical Education

Maximus Doveton Community PE

Justin Gainey STEM

Emily Greenhalgh Agricultural Science

Drew Lindsay Enviornmental Science

Bella Scrivens Hospitality

Logan Skewes Mixed Media

Matilda Sozinyu Advanced Mathematics

Matilda Sozinyu Sport Science

YEAR 10

NAME CATEGORY

Matilda Sozinyu Maths Extension

Matilda Sozinyu History

Matilda Sozinyu Intro to Law

Tom Stark Geography

Kate Stenzel Journalism

Lucas Ward Financial Literacy

Harrison Wiersma Science

Harrison Wiersma Digital Worlds

Tilly Wilkes General Mathematics

YEAR 11

NAME CATEGORY

Noah Burke Music

John Condon Biology

John Condon Engineering

Alison Danckwerts Literature

Eustacia Golobic Sport and Recreation

Lani Knapman Drama

Brianna Kowitz Physical Education

Keira Lucy Legal Studies

Kya Manz Religion and Ethics

Dominic McBride Modern History

Remi O'Donoghue Specialist Mathematics

Erin O'Rourke Engineering

Bianca Philp Mathematical Methods

Bianca Philp Specialist Mathematics

Bianca Philp Study of Religion

Bianca Philp Chemistry

Bianca Philp Physics

Kaden Rubb Essential Mathematics

Ava Smithard General Mathematics

Ava Smithard Agricultural Science

Sierra Sondergeld Visual Arts in Practice

Jarrah Sunatwanitkul English

Jarrah Sunatwanitkul Study of Religion

Jarrah Sunatwanitkul Modern History

Chloe Talbott Essential English

Archer Turner General Mathematics

Archer Turner Visual Art

Archer Turner Music

Lucy Williams Essential Mathematics

YEAR 12

NAME CATEGORY

Will Connolly General Mathematics

Regan Cumner Essential Mathematics

Thomas Fagan Specialist Mathematics

Jack Franzmann Modern History

Chloe Gillett Physical Education

Chloe Green Chemistry

Chloe Green Physics

Molly Haig Biology

Olivia Horrex Study of Religion

Olivia Horrex Biology

Olivia Horrex Visual Arts in Practice

Olivia Horrex Literature

Lucy Hutchison English

Zachary Jumper Design

Neve Knapman Essential English

Elizabeth Pugsley Physical Education

Georgianna Reisinger Music

Georgianna Reisinger Drama

Georgianna Reisinger Music Extension

Nicolene Snyman Legal Studies

Rachel Williams Mathematical Methods

Rachel Williams Visual Art

CURRICULAR EXTRA

CHESS CLUB

Chess Club at Mary MacKillop Catholic College has had a resurgence in memberships, with increased numbers on previous years. This culminated in an outstanding number of students representing our college at the annual chess competitions throughout the year. Each week, students attend lessons, honing their chess knowledge and skill through activities and games.

Students were invited to apply these skills at the various competitions held throughout the year –Catholic Interschool Primary and Secondary Chess, Primary Teams Chess Competition, Secondary Chess Competition to name a few. Many students played in these competitions with the Primary Teams Competition being best supported with 28 students in the open division and 17 in the novice division. Our top team finished an impressive 15th out of 73 teams. A big thank you to the staff that supported these competitions to give our students the opportunity to play competitive chess and develop long lasting friendships.

Chess lessons take place each week at MMCC – a novice/intermediate group on Monday First Break and advanced group on Wednesday morning before school. Students are encouraged to join in and have some fun learning how to play chess. These lessons are free of charge and opened to all students from Year 1-12.

MR CRAIG HUBBARD | YEAR 6 TEACHER

HISTORY CLUB

MR CHRIS GABBETT | COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

2024 marked the 6th year of the College History Extension Group. History is a wonderful discipline that teaches critical thinking, communication skills, the importance of context and cultural awareness as well as the value of broad research and the use of evidence in decision-making.

Whilst these are definitely a key part of the MMCC History Club, the focus is always on areas of personal interest that students nominate and simply want to know more about. We will march on in 2025 and we always welcome new members.

DEBATING

MR RYAN CAVANOUGH | DEBATING TEACHER

The Darling Downs QDU debating season has been a fantastic journey! This year, we've witnessed a remarkable boost in the confidence and skills of our competitors.

Both of our teams faced off against a range of local schools over four intense rounds. Each team secured victories in two debates, showcasing their growing prowess and determination.

It's been a season of growth and achievement, and we couldn't be prouder of our debaters. Here's to even greater success in the future!

LIBRARY

MARY MACKILLOP LIBRARY STAFF

This year the Mary MacKillop Library on the Senior School moved from its cosy nest in Penola to a larger space in the Demountable building near the Science Lab. Once we were given the green light the library staff jumped into action happily filling the space with shelving, tables, swivel chairs, books, games, jigsaws, chess sets, cards, comfy furniture and plants. This thriving hub has been consistently buzzing with 40 – 60 students and lunchtime clubs ever since.

In both Senior and Junior libraries, student novel requests and regular class borrowing sessions has meant an influx in volume and variety of titles purchased for students to enjoy. This year we have hosted another pre-loved book sale which generated an awesome amount of interest and excitement.

The Book Week parade was ‘Magical’ this year, totally in line with the theme of ‘Reading is Magic’. The grand parade on the oval was followed by classroom quizzes and games. We also held our annual book fair which included a ‘Book Cluedo’ scavenger hunt, with the winners taking home a book prize.

Other reading celebrations including enthusiastic student participation in National Simultaneous Storytime and the Qld Premier's Reading Challenge.

As you can see from the images the students and staff are thoroughly enjoying all of the spaces that we have been able to create and haven’t stopped reading.

JUSTICE SOCIAL

THE JOSEPHITE AWARD

MRS PAULA O'ROURKE

| ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: MISSION AND IDENTITY

Mary MacKillop was a strong advocate for education hence the many Josephite schools that were established and still exist today around Australia and New Zealand. It was her goal that every child have access to an education not matter their circumstances so that they were able to reach their full potential.

Here at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, everyone is called every day to reach their potential but also be a witness. A witness to making the world a better place just like Mary MacKillop did over 125 years ago. It was through Mary MacKillop’s Passion for a better world, through Practical Action, Perseverance, and Prayer that she was able to create Possibilities for those around her to

Here are our awardees for each term:

TERM 2

• Amy Schubel

• Charlotte Andrews

• Oscar Croker

• Everly Domin

• Henry O'Leary

• Isla Weller

• Ian Macnamara

• Willow Brown

• Audrey Siebenhausen

• Paige Marris

• Maya Murphy

• Lucy Pickering

• Matthew Moloney

• Matilda Pigozzo

• Summer Jones

• Ned Hutchinson

• Lily Watt

• Georgina Bullock

• Bryce Murphy

• Peyton Usher

• Jett Vanderzee

• Hayden Marris

• Thomas Danckwerts

• Elizabeth Coe

experience the love of God. This wasn’t achievable without the Partnerships that Mary established throughout her life with those who crossed her path.

Today we try to emulate Mary in our actions to improve the world in which we are living and achieve our best and our potential as learners. This year the awards given out throughout the year were realigned with the 6 P's of Mary MacKillop. The termly award was renamed 'The Josephite Award' to show our connection with Mary MacKillop as our example. Students were nominated by their teacher/s based on exhibiting most of the 6 P's throughout the term.

• Adele Adams

• Alison Danckwerts

• Olivia Horrex

• Malika Stokes

• Aiden Stokes

• Claire Moylan

• Bella Scrivens

• Chloe Gillett

• Archer Turner

• Louisa Philp

• Nash Adamski

• Connor Stanton

• Bowen Adamski

• Shourya Seal

• Rachel Williams

• Taken Satora

• Adabelle Spies

• Tom Green

• Jackson Clark

• Eustacia Golobic

• Chloe Green

TERM 3

• Matlida Wieland

• Charlotte Porter

• Kya Manz

• Olvia Horrex

• Elizabeth Coe

• Kai Randall

• Shourya Seal

• Lachlan Hinton

• Lindsay Hamilton -Jackson

• Maximus Doveton

• Lucy Williams

• Martin Logan

• Shivangi Seal

• Ethan Otto

TERM 4

• Willow Lockley

• Abinaya Sarventhan

• Isabelle Miller

• Francesca O'Leary

• Ryan Kavanagh

• Isabelle Pickering

• Louie Kent

• Lincoln McInnis

• Nate Muller

• William Gillies

• George Trethewie

• Ella Lopez

• Emily Kentish

• Mackenzie Kruger

• Will Steer

• Noah Eastall

• Benjamin Nothdurft

• Harry Nothdurft

• Matlida Sozinyu

• Brianna Kowitz

• Eloise Nielsen

• Lachlan Armstrong

• Eli Wight

• Grace Chiu

• Aiden Kasper

• Hadley Saunders

• Frankie Radley

• Patrick Little

• Harrison Barnett

• Willow Barnes

• Lillian Fritz

• Jessica Anderson

• Nathaniel Domin

• Frankie Watene

• Isabelle Voll

• Jake Bambrick

• Dom Siokos

• Jack Matthews

• Nadya Hodgens

• Amber Talbot

• Eliana Campbell

• William Dougherty

• Hilary Kelly

• Lucy Bird

• Evalyn Gillies

• Florence Inskip

• Joash Arthy

• Chase Gaske

• Eleira Statham

• Knox Hickson

• Kaley Smith

• Oscar Eilers

• Caelyn Armstrong

• Emma Collins

• Katherine Preston

• Eleisha McInnis

• Bella-May Ellis

• Adabelle Spies

• Lily West

• Alexandra Stevenson

• Ava Stevens

• Shivani Nikhil

• Gabriella Rieck

• Nina McBride

• Abigail Miller

• Dominic McBride

• Daniel Wittmaack

• Hue Garrels

• Finlay Eales

• Izzy Trost

• Sierra Sondergeld

CELEBRATING OUR FAITH

MRS PAULA O'ROURKE | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: MISSION AND IDENTITY

THE POWER OF TOGETHERNESS

How communities celebrate is what makes the community. This year's theme of 'Together we....' recognises the all people from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives which is what our College is about. We are united in one body, in Christ as a one faith community.

As a faith community coming together to celebrate our faith is important and vital part of the life of the College. This year we celebrated masses and liturgies in a variety of ways.

Lead by our faith leader, Fr Brian Noonan, we started with a Welcome Mass under this year's theme. Throughout the year we also had Mary MacKillop Feast Day Mass, and then Year 12 Graduation Mass, End of Year Mass and Year 6 Rite of Passage. Celebrating Eucharist together is the richest way to acknowledge God in our lives.

Together we celebrated significant people in our lives as well, with house liturgies for Mother's and Father's Days and Grandparents' Day at Junior Assembly. Recognising the significant people in the lives of our students means together we are growing these young people into people who will contribute to society in a positive way.

The power of celebrating together is a brings us together more as one community of faith in the one God.

SENIOR SCHOOL SOCIAL JUSTICE SPOTLIGHT

MRS LEISA RADLEY | DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND COLLEGE CULTURE

As our College grows, so too do the opportunities for our Year 7-12 students to engage in outreach and social justice opportunities. At MMCC, we aim to embody the values of beliefs of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her mentor, Father Julian Tenison Woods who served and advocated for the vulnerable in their communities. Of course, we also follow in the footsteps of Jesus, seeking the vulnerable and intentionally entering into dialogue with others to acknowledge the Dignity of the Human Person.

Here's just a taste of what these students have been involved in this year:

ROSIES–FRIENDS ON THE STREET OUTREACH:

Thank you to our dedicated staff Ms Manners (Rosies Co-ordinator), Miss Niemeyer, Miss Carroll, Mrs O'Rourke, Mrs Radley, Miss Fitzgerald, Mrs Richardson and Mr Jones who attended Rosies outreach once a month in Harlaxton. This year, many of our Year 11 and 12 students assisted at these outreaches, connecting with the community and coming as 'guest' to members of the Harlaxton area who access Rosies for a meal, a hot drink and a chat. It is also fantastic to acknowledge the dedication of our students to social justice initiatives.

(YEARS 7-12)

Well done to the following students for giving up their time to volunteers at Rosies this year:

Year 12 students: Matthew Kruger, Thomas Fagan, Kaylee Balderson, Isaac Logan, Zachary Jumper and Chelsea Rieck.

Year 11 students: Remi O'Donoghue, Ava Stevens, Jayden Sunatwanitkul, Jarrah Sunatwanitkul, John Condon, Lani Knapman, Belinda Lawson, Nevaeh Berry, Erin Schneider, Jorja Thurston, Alys Beutel, Eleisha McInnis, Alison Danckwerts, Cooper Anderson, Erin O'Rourke and Chloe O'Rourke.

MMCC will continue our Rosies Outreach in 2025, and we look forward to inviting our Year 10s–who have recently received their Rosies training–along to regular outreaches as a way to be witnesses to their faith.

SERVICE DURING SPORT

We were fortunate this year to provide some service opportunities for willing students during Friday sport time. Thank you to Ms Manners, Mrs Puhakka and Mr Cavanough who have made Tech Sessions with Parishioners, cooking for Healing Hands and visits to Vinnies and Carinity Brownesholme in Highfields, possible for interested students. See below for some more details!

Tech Sessions with Parishioners:

Earlier this year, as a way of connecting with our Parish Community, the College offered some technology tutorial sessions, run by Senior students, to members of the Parish. This was well received, and for Terms 2 and 3, students helped to solve Word, PowerPoint, email, SMS, Excel and mobile phone issues while our Parishioners had the chance to connect with youth over a cup of tea. We will look to continue to build relationships between our students and the Parish in 2025.

Cooking for Healing Hands:

Mrs Puhakka and a bunch of dedicated student cooks, came together each fortnight this year to cook delicious meals and biscuits for members of our community (families and staff) who were experiencing a difficult time. The menu included, spaghetti bolognese, chicken curries, lasagne, tray bakes, chicken alfredo pasta, and chocolate chip cookies, just to name a few! Thanks to all those involved.

Visits to Vinnies and Carinity Brownesholme:

Each fortnight, Year 10-12 students piled in the College's 11-seater van with Mr Cavanough and made the trip into town to volunteer with Julie Inskip and other dedicated St Vincent de Paul and Vinnies Youth staff. Additionally, in the latter part of the year, the College began to connect with Carinity Brownesholme in Highfields, enabling students to play board games and card games with residents. Both of these outreach opportunities were apt ways for our students to bear witness to the teachings of their faith, and seek ways to serve God, through seeing the dignity in all, and coming as a guest to connect with the vulnerable.

ACTIONING MARY MACKILLOP ADVOCACY (AMMA) GROUP

Each year, the Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy Group, better known in our College as 'AMMA', organises initiatives which touch on the cornerstones of social justice: charity/action, awareness, solidarity and advocacy. Five years ago, Elise Scrivens and Charlotte Voll (Graduates 2023) wanted to take action to do something for drought-affected farmers. After speaking with their parents and Mr Gabbett, the girls formed a social justice group with the aim of being witnesses to the service and advocacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Thus, the Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy (AMMA) group was formed. This year, the AMMA group has grown to over 20 members, ranging from Year 6 to Year 12 students.

Check out some of AMMA's 2024 initiatives below:

Winter Blanket and Jacket Appeal

The Winter Appeal has become an annual event at MMCC. Due to the generosity of Mary MacKillop families, this year we were able to provide Tony's Community Op Shop patrons as well as Vinnies and our Rosies outreach regulars with hundreds of blankets and a variety of warm clothing. Given the chilly Toowoomba nights and, sadly, the rising rates of homelessness in our region, the donations were gratefully received. This year, AMMA decided to ask for donations of tea, coffee, and Milo as well which were donated to Tony's Community Kitchen and to Rosies for use at their nightly outreaches.

Thank you to all families in our community who supported AMMA's Winter Appeal this year!

Socktober: Socking it to Poverty!

October is Mission Month and each year our Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy group enthusiastically run Socktober–an initiative which aims to 'sock it' to poverty.

On Friday, 18 October, students and staff from Prep to Year 12 pulled on their bright and crazy socks and again raised much-needed funds for Catholic Missions and our very own AMMA group. This year's sausage sizzle–made possible by Highfields Gourmet Meats–raised $1,200 and our families' kind donations to Catholic Missions for sock-wearing was just over $800. This money was donated to Catholic Mission for the benefit of women and children in Mongolia. Additionally, the AMMA group used a portion of their profits to purchase items to help fill up the baskets for the Vinnie's Christmas Appeal.

As always, Socktober Day brought with it a fantastic vibe across the College. It is really a day of true solidarity and a chance to have a lot of fun! At first break, the AMMA group hosted their annual sausage sizzle and Junior School staff facilitated some fun-filled soccer games and skills activities for Junior students. These activities are always wellrepresented due to our College's rising number of soccer stars!

In the Senior School, we gathered on Fitzroy Oval during Week 3 Assembly time to lead a College blessing of our Year 12 students, leading into their External Exams, and to host a staff versus Year 12 soccer match and a couple of House matches as well. We certainly have some talent amongst the staff, with Mr Richards, Mr Jones and Mr Albion showing off their skills. Mrs Farrow wasn't taking any chances–she was well covered in goal by her Hockey goalie gear! Unfortunately, the staff were defeated by a very impressive Year 12 team who won 1-0. Well done to all students who got involved in the House matches–you displayed commendable House spirit and solidarity in support of Socktober Day!

Thank you, as always, to families who supported Socktober, whether it was through purchasing a sausage, donating to the cause or simply dressing your child in bright socks, you have contributed to the mission of the College and have supported both the AMMA group and Socktober Catholic Missions through your generosity.

AMMA St Vincent de Paul Christmas Gift Appeal

For the past few years, our Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy group have facilitated the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Gift Appeal. Since 2021, Mary MacKillop Catholic College decided to move away from non-perishable food donations to contribute gift cards and wrapped presents instead. This tradition continued this year.

Each classroom in the Junior School and PC group in the Senior School filled their baskets again this, buying for babies, toddlers, or a child or teenager of a similar age to them. Staff and Year 11 students were encouraged to purchase for adults.

We are proud of our College community's generous donations this year and are fortunate to be able to donate a generous swag of gifts and gift cards to our local St Vincent de Paul Conference. Your donations will make a difference to families in the Toowoomba region who are doing it tough this Christmas season.

CONNECTING WITH ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, MILLMERRAN

In August, Formation Captain, Lucy Hutchison organised a trip to St Joseph's School, Millmerran, accompanied by Mr Gabbett and a group of Year 12 students. Looking forward to the impending Catholic Missions "Mission Month" Launch, our students took some homemade soccer balls, made from recyclable bags and stockings. Using these, students played some soccer matches with the students of St Joseph's. Students from MMCC also taught the primary kids about what school is like at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, and how we live the story and values of Jesus and our patron every day, through the 6Ps. It was a lovely day of community and solidarity and an important opportunity for our Josephite Colleges to support another. We look forward to these visits continuing in 2025 and beyond.

JJAMM AND RAD CONFERENCES:

A part of our formation of College leaders, we aim to join with school captains from Josephite Colleges from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. We were fortunate in 2023 to attend the JJAMM (Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop) and RAD (Risk and Dare) student conferences. While our Formation Captain, Lucy Hutchison and College Captain, Katelyn Burton had suitcases packed and were ready to go, some unfortunate weather conditions cancelled their flights and we were unable to attend this year.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with other Josephite colleges, the Sisters of St Joseph, the Josephite Action Group and Josephite Justice Network in the coming year.

2025 promises more variety of service activities for our Year 7-9 students. Watch this space!

SPORTS & CARNIVALS

SPORTING PURSUITS

MR BRAD GRIFFITHS | MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

The students of #teammarymac continued their pursuit of sporting opportunity and success this year. Mary MacKillop students have a vast array of choices, and our participation levels are outstanding. While participation for the majority guides all that we do, increased success in futsal, football, rugby, and volleyball is a testament to the talented students at the College.

These opportunities do not come without considerable investment from our dedicated staff - my eternal thanks to all staff who donated their time and energy to co-curricular activities this year. None of this is possible without your help. Furthermore, a small group of parents were instrumental in helping out, especially with the sports of futsal and soccer. Again, thank you! Our students have been able to attend remote events as a result of your assistance.

Senior School students have engaged with the younger members of the College through coaching and mentoring roles this year. Making a P-12 College 'work' can be difficult at times - i.e. how do we align the wants and needs of a Prep student with those of a Year 12? Sport provides one such opportunity, and to see the joy on the faces of younger students as they interact with the 'big kids' really is what a P-12 community is all about.

Highlights this year included the consistently high performances of our football and futsal teams, and our re-entry into the Queensland Combined Independent Schools sporting association. We progressed to the Final 16 of the ISSA Cup, a statewide Under 14 competition which was outstanding. We reached similar levels in futsal and won both the Junior and Senior Divisions of the Toowoomba Schoolgirls competition. We reached the Top 16 with our Under 13 Girl's touch team at Qld AllSchools. This is a difficult thing to achieve and I look forward to watching this team as they progress through the years.

Mary MacKillop was runner-up in 2 of the 3 Darling Downs Super Schools Rugby divisions - easily our most successful season in this competition. Our Darling Downs representative student numbers

continue to grow by the year as students pursue their passions and excel in their field. Year 11 student Lucy Williams represented her state in cricket and had the honour of Captaining the team. What a superb achievement for a gifted young athlete.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

MR BRAD GRIFFITHS | MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Each year, students are afforded the opportunity to trial for representative teams through the Queensland School Sport (QSS) pathways. For Mary MacKillop students, this may involve a trial at school, followed by an Inner Downs trial and ultimately, a Darling Downs selection trial. Successful students can represent the Darling Downs at QSS State Championships.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 REPRESENTATIVE SPORTS STARS:

DD

DD Georgina Bullock 5 10-12 Yrs Track & Field

DD William Campbell 9 13-16 Yrs Basketball Boys

DD Zander Carlson 9 13-15 Yrs Hockey Boys

DD Darcy Coleman 7 10-12 Yrs Football Girls

DD Regan Cumner 12 13-19 Yrs Tennis

DD Edward Ehrlich 7 13-14 Yrs Futsal Boys

DD Calan Griffiths 6 10-12 Yrs Track & Field

DD Noah Gunders 12 13-19 Yrs Cross Country

DD Layla Holland 7 10-12 Yrs Netball Girls

DD Tayla Horrobin 12 17-18 Yrs Rugby League Girls 17-18 Yrs Rugby 7's Girls

DD Adalie Lanza 7 10-12 Yrs Netball Girls

DD Martin Logan 12 17-18 Yrs Rugby Union Boys

DD Jack Lucy 11 13-16 Yrs Football Boys

DD Erin O'Rourke 11 13-19 Yrs Swimming Girls

DD Chloe O'Rourke 11 15-16 Yrs Futsal Girls

DD Harrison Pember 9 13-15 Yrs Hockey Boys

DD Katherine Preston 10 13-15 Yrs AFL Girls

DD Isla Radley 6 10-12 Yrs Football Girls

DD Lincoln Schemioneck 6 10-12 Yrs Football Boys

DD Harrison Schemioneck 9 15-16 Yrs Futsal Boys

DD Sienna Schmaling 9 15-16 Yrs Futsal Girls 13-15 Yrs Football Girls

DD Ryley Schmaling 11 17-19 Yrs Football

DD Charlie Sheath 8 13-15 Yrs AFL Boys

DD Dominic Smith 10 13-19 Yrs Track & Field

DD Nicolene Snyman 12 13-19 Yrs Track & Field 16-19 Yrs Cricket Girls

DD Adabelle Spies 8 13-19 Yrs Track & Field

DD Connor Stanton 9 13-16 Yrs Basketball Boys

DD Isabella Trost 10 15-16 Yrs Rugby League Girls

DD Jett Vanderzee 6 10-12 Yrs Football Boys

DD Lucas Ward 10 13-19 Yrs Swimming

DD Lucy Williams 11 16-19 Yrs Cricket Girls

QSS Lucy Williams 11 16-19 Yrs Cricket Girls

DD Piper York 7 10-12 Yrs Football Girls 10-12 Yrs Touch Football Girls

DD Riley Zanette 12 16-18 Yrs Rugby League

CARNIVAL WINNERS AND AGE CHAMPIONS

MR BRAD GRIFFITHS | MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

As always, College carnivals were a highlight of the sporting year for many students at the College. Our 6 P's were particularly evident in how students persevered to complete their events and partnered with other members of their House to achieve their goals.

SWIMMING

Our Year 3-6 and Year 7-12 Carnivals were outstanding events. With the re-introduction of QCIS membership an extra carrot to get into the pool to qualify to represent the College. The atmosphere was electric at the Junior carnival, with huge participation numbers and students from the Senior School performing roles to make this a true community event. The Senior School vibe was a little more relaxed, however, the CONSTANT dancing of Mrs Wong will long be remembered by her dance mates and the greater student population!

2024 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

9 Years Boys

Noah Wight

9 Years Girls

Emily Cowie and Ava Thorncraft

10 Years Boys

Mikah Kouokam and Declan Stokes

10 Years Girls

Liliana McCotter

11 Years Boys

Alfie Lever and Hugh Albury

11 Years Girls

Elliana Campbell and Eva-Rae Stanton/Lily

Watt (tied)

12 Years Boys

Lachlan Ward and Henry Stevens (Junior School)

12 Years Girls

Amy Watt and Emma Brunner (Junior School)

12 Years Boys

Ryan Wolski and Riley Murphy (Senior School)

12 Years Girls

Malika Stokes and Piper York (Senior School)

13 Years Boys

Nash Adamski and Lucas Cowie

13 Years Girls

Isabella Stanton and Lexi McCotter

14 Years Boys

Aidan Stokes and Tyler Stead

14 Years Girls

Isla Lotz and Sebella Cowie

15 Years Boys

Connor Stanton and Bowen Adamski

15 Years Girls

Tilly Wilkes and Ariarne Golobic

16 Years Boys

Lucas Ward and Riley Mackenzie

16 Years Girls

Erin O'Rourke and Chloe O'Rourke

17 Years Boys

Charlie Crawford and Aidan Lipp

17 Years Girls

Sophie Randall and Tayla Horrobin

18 Years Boys

Will Connolly and Lachlan McMahon

18 Years Girls

Sarah Mattocks and Bridie Mattocks

CROSS COUNTRY

One of the highlights for all students from Prep through to Year 12 is high-fiving spectators as you complete the course through the finish chute! Many of our students push outside their comfort zone in Cross Country to push their House to the top of the victory podium!

2024 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

9 Years Boys

Kye Muller and Alexander Dougherty

9 Years Girls

Ruby Stevens and Chelsea Bannerman

10 Years Boys

Mikah Kouokam and Austin Griffiths

10 Years Girls

Dylan York and Liliana McCotter

11 Years Boys

Jett Vanderzee and Connor Ormiston

11 Years Girls

Lily Watt and Elliana Campbell

12 Years Boys

Lincoln Schemioneck and Calan Griffiths (Junior School)

12 Years Girls

Amy Watt and Alicia Bonham (Junior School)

12 Years Boys

Ryan Murphy and Oliver Ehrlich (Senior School)

12 Years Girls

Piper York and Hannah Pudsey (Senior School)

13 Years Boys

Max Kouokam and Ed Ehrlich

13 Years Girls

Adabelle Spies and Tamika Case

14 Years Boys

Riley Hoare and Ashley Williams

14 Years Girls

Lucy Gunders and Sam Wann

15 Years Boys

Max Doveton and Riley Hinton

15 Years Girls

Riley Holland and Katherine Preston

16 Years Boys

Jonas Vanderzee and Lucas Ward

16 Years Girls

Bella Scrivens and Caitlyn Barr

17 Years Boys

Ryley Schmaling and Noah Gunders

17 Years Girls

Charli Botham and Brianna Kowitz

18 Years Boys

Will Connolly and Oscar Spies

18 Years Girls

Belle Berry and Chloe Gillett

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Held over a number of days, there were some outstanding performances from our athletes this year. With the lure of QCIS selection hanging over the heads of athletes, many students gave new events a go and discovered some hidden talents!

2024 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

8 Years Boys

Jarvis Hendrix and Hudson Smith

8 Years Girls

Zoe Schmaling and Lucy Pickering

9 Years Boys

Kye Muller and Timothy Watt

9 Years Girls

Chelsea Bannerman and Ruby Stevens

10 Years Boys

Austin Griffiths and Declan Stokes

10 Years Girls

Dylan York and Liliana McCotter

11 Years Boys

Nate Domin and Fletcher Usher/Connor Robinson

11 Years Girls

Elliana Campbell and Lily Watt

12 Years Boys

Calan Griffiths and Braxton Taylor (Junior School)

12 Years Girls

Amy Watt and Isla Radley (Junior School)

12 Years Boys

Harrison Gentry and Oliver Ehrlich (Senior School)

12 Years Girls

Piper York and Darcy Coleman (Senior School)

13 Years Boys

Nicholas Adams and Nash Adamski

13 Years Girls

Adabelle Spies and Tamika Case

14 Years Boys

Cohen Hangan and Knox McCosker

14 Years Girls

Jessica Riding and Isla O'Donoghue

15 Years Boys

Jackson Clark and Tom Green

15 Years Girls

Emily Kentish and Chloe Ormiston

16 Years Boys

Jonas Vanderzee and Jack Lucy

16 Years Girls

Chloe O'Rourke and Gabbie Voll

17 Years Boys

Martin Logan and Riley Zanette

17 Years Girls

Sophie Randall and Tayla Horrobin

18 Years Boys

Oscar Spies and Will Connolly

18 Years Girls

Chelsea Brunner and Dayna Bailey (tied)

CULTURE ART &

ARTS DEPARTMENT

MRS JESSICA BURKE | MIDDLE LEADER THE ARTS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

In addition to our busy and varied core curriculum Arts program, students have a plethora of wellestablished, inspiring Arts activities beyond the classroom at MMCC. Co-curricular Arts has had a strong presence in involvement in college, community and state events. We have featured in all dimensions of arts including visual arts, dance, music, drama and media.

The diverse and vigorous co-curricular program, managed by teachers and visiting specialists have presented opportunities for students through:

• Drumline

• Rock Band

• Junior and Senior Guitar Ensembles

• Junior and Senior Choirs

• Junior and Senior Dance Troupes

• Music Theory Masterclasses

• College and Community Concert Band

Music tuition is offered in voice, many instrument types, music theory and aural musicianship from 5 external highly qualified peripatetic staff. 2024 peripatetic staff were:

• Miss Hayley Chalmers

• Mrs Caroline Ryan

• Mr Phil Ryan

• Mrs Monica Brennan

• Mr Ian Dixon

This year, Visual Art and Dance at MMCC saw significant achievements, with record numbers in many of our ensembles and awards in various competitions and exhibitions. Our Rock Band, Drumline, and Guitar Ensemble excelled at Eisteddfods, and Georgianna Reisinger was accepted into the Australian Honours program. The production of 'Frozen - The Musical' was a success, and our choirs showcased their talents at prestigious events. Additionally, our new concert band provided valuable learning opportunities for students.

Our intensive and comprehensive co-curricular program has led to extended qualifications and learning, discipline and determination, valuable components of personal development and education.

FROZEN JR

MRS GENEVIEVE DUNCAN | DIRECTOR

PROGRAM INFO:

It has certainly been a daunting task to direct and produce one of Disney’s most well-known smash hits of the 21st century. Looking back twelve months ago when “Frozen” emerged as our College musical for 2024, its relevance to contemporary culture where women are celebrated as being in control of their own narratives piqued my interest. In an era where violence against women is escalating, it seems fitting that our young people are tasked with re-telling a story that centres on sisterhood and the power of love as a force greater than those determined to destroy it.

Similarly, large scale productions such as a musical rely heavily on the power of collaboration and a love for the creative process to breathe life into the pages of the script. Trust, teamwork, innovation, mentorship and building positive relationships are all key 21st century skills that have created the foundation for this show. Students have taken risks, explored, experimented and belonged to a process greater than the sum of its parts, and in doing so, they have experienced the power of the Arts in educating the whole child.

Like Elsa and Anna, the cast and crew have built their own Frozen Family during the last seven months of rehearsals. They have cultivated a transformative experience, and created their own brand of magic that will sparkle beyond the final curtain. I would like to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers who have so generously donated their time to this show. It has been a privilege and a great honour to be surrounded by a team of professionals, each of them a master of their craft.

William Shakespeare once wrote: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely but players” (As You Like It). To the cast and crew of Frozen 2024, your stage is truly magical and worthy of applause.

The College would like to highlight key staff members who were involved in the production from beginning to closing night. They displayed passion and dedication throughout the process and without them Frozen Jr would not have been possible.

• Genevieve Duncan – Director and Executive Producer

• Hayley Chalmers – Vocal Director

• Brittany Ryan – Choreographer (from Pinnacle Dance Academy)

• Sarah Hand and Claire Clapham –Backstage Managers

• Lara Wolff and Claire Clapham –Costume Directors

• Ashley Jones – Actor

• Theresa Sheath – Set Decorating and Aesthetics

• Sam Varley and Jon Fowkes - Set Construction

• Aimee Fitzgerald - Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Thank you to our sponsors Elia Architecture, Programmed Property Services, Secure Solutions, Newlands Group, ACD Trade & Pinnacle Performing Arts for supporting our production.

We hope you loved our show!

EVENTS COLLEGE

EMANUEL SOLOMON ARTS PRECINCT BLESSING

MR CHRIS GABBETT | COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

What a joy it is to formally bless and open the Emanuel Solomon Arts Precinct!

Thank you to Bishop Ken Howell, Sr Diane Phillips rsj, Dr Pat Coughlan and Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office staff, Mr Garth Hamilton MP, Mr Trevor Watts MP, Elia Architecture, Newlands Construction and Reid Consulting Engineers and visiting Principals who joined us for this special occasion.

The formal opening of the Precinct represents a considerable milestone for Mary MacKillop Catholic College. We are called to bring our students to fullness of life – and key to that fullness is the identification of the spiritual and transcendent that the Arts offers.

Principal Chris Gabbett said, “Investing intheArts in Catholic schools is about investing in the spiritual

dimension of our students. The Church recognizes the importance of art in communicating spiritual truths. Pope Saint John Paul II wrote,

‘In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God.’

Havingsuchawonderfulfacilityandsuchdedicated staff brings us closer to this goal”.

FOUNDATION DAY

MISS ELISE SCRIVENS | ALUMNI PRESIDENT

We took another important step this year towards creating a positive, self-sustaining College culture. We launched our Alumni Association at our first ever Foundation Day.

A Mass alongside St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish, Highfields was followed by the blessing of our inaugural Alumni Executive. Congratulations to President Elise Scrivens, Vice President Josie McQueen and Secretary Alex King. The College is excited to be walking alongside you to develop a mutual and beneficial College-Alumni relationship.

Alumni Association President, Elise Scrivens, said, "I am grateful to be able to contribute back to my College community that offered me endless opportunities in my role as President of the Alumni Association. Looking forward our vision for the Alumni Association is building a partnership with students that is not just a bridge between past and present, but a powerful catalyst for mutual growth and success. With my fellow Alumni we strive to work with the students to offer inspiration and hope, reminding students of the height they can reach and the difference they can make in the community."

We then had a day of soccer. Huge thanks to the Year 5/6 teams who played the curtain raiser to the inaugural MMCC XI vs Alumni XI. The students ran away inaugural winners of the Donaugh Shirley Shield, named after the College’s foundation Principal.

FROM ALUMNI PRESIDENT

It is a pleasure to begin integrating the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Alumni Executive into the rich culture of the Mary MacKillop community. Through forming the Alumni Executive in 2024 we acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable journeys of our school Alumni. They proudly model a diverse array of successes across their chosen fields.

As Alumni President it is valuable to recognise the importance of Mary MacKillop Catholic College Alumni. The connection between our College and our alumni is an enriching relationship that significantly shapes both the present and the future of our educational community. Their success stories are a source of pride and inspiration for current students and for the entire community. Their engagement—through mentorship, support and contributions—enriches our College and helps to create opportunities for those who follow in their footsteps. Alumni offer inspiration and hope, reminding students of the height they can reach and the difference they can make in the world.

A priority goal for the group is to develop meaningful relationships with the students. Through developing connections with students, the connection creates a supportive and enduring network that benefits both alumni and students.

The Alumni Association wants to establish themselves within the College that the students and alumni work in collaboration to enhance the present and the future of the college across the diverse fields the alumni excel within.

Importantly, Alumni should be known by the students. Serving as role models for current students, demonstrating the possibilities and potential that comes from hard work, dedication and the solid foundation laid during their time at the college. Through engaging with students, we as Mary MacKillop Catholic College Alumni offer inspiration and hope, reminding students of the heights they can reach and the difference they can make in the community.

Our vision of building a partnership with students is not just a bridge between past and present but a powerful catalyst for mutual growth and success. Through the Inaugural Foundation Day this allowed for Alumni and students to participate and support each other in the loved college sport of soccer. The Foundation Day fostered a sense of community for the college engaging the primary, secondary and alumni students in partnership with the St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish. I look forward to next year when I am confident the Alumni team will bring home the shield.

NAIDOC WEEK

MRS PAULA O'ROURKE | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: MISSION AND IDENTITY

Each year our College celebrates the Indigenous Culture through activities and a liturgy. This year the theme was 'Keep the Fires burning'.

NAIDOC Week at Mary MacKillop is about engaging in activities that promote sharing and learning of culture, working with each other in groups and learning about self and the environment.

All students across the College participated in a variety of age appropriate activities with Indigenous people who have a passion for sharing their culture with the community. This year we have four different visitors - Kim Walmsley, Lisa Rossington, Tiffany Gesler, and Dusty Wilson.

Prep to Year 2 students revamped the garden space in their play area to have indigenous plants native to this area. During the process of planning the area, Tiffany talked about how beneficial these plants can be for us and the environment. The students then planted out the garden beds with Tiffany.

Year 3 to 6 students worked with Kim Walmsley on identity. She told stories about herself and then asked students to create a small flag that represented them and their family. These flags were then put together as bunting which hung in their classroom until the end of the year. We will be using these flags again into the future.

Year 7 to 9 students along with some Year 11 or 12 students then played indigenous games with Dusty Wilson from Dreamtime Games. The challenges that Dusty asked these students to complete were all about teaching them about life skills.

Year 10 to 12 students were then learning the art of basket weaving with Lisa Rossington. This was a challenge for some but more about having conversation in a circle.

Throughout the week students were asked to write on a flame or a hand the theme for the week and place it around the school as a way of spreading the message. The week then culminated with a liturgy.

YEAR 1B

YEAR 2B

YEAR 3B

YEAR 5C YEAR 5/6D

MESSAGES SIGNATURES &

mmcc@twb.catholic.edu.au