2022 Yearbook

YEAR BOOK 2022

COLLEGE MAP

Sacred Heart

The symbolism of a hand was featured in the former school logo, and has been retained and built upon. The vibrant maroon shape resembles a hand pointing dynamically up, recalling also the distinctive silhouette of a flame, henceforth symbolising the sacred heart of God, as well as the light of knowledge and empowerment. This is particularly representative of the College’s mission of Igniting Hearts, and is a credit to the history of St Mary MacKillop who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Innovative and Welcoming

The round sans serif typeface works to convey the school’s qualities of Nurturing and Supportive, Innovation in Learning and Inclusive and Welcoming.

The combination of these three graphic elements, while being a credit to the Blessed Trinity from the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart emblem, also embody the values by which the College abides, providing a framework where students are invigorated in their learning, and placed in good stead for their future journeys.

Nurturing school

A visual representation of the College mission and values

LOGO

The deep blue hand is cupped and angled in a soft, supportive way that represents the collaborative and encouraging environment in which students are invited to learn and grow. The various shades of blue are an illustration of the spiritual world, and a nod to the monogram of the Blessed Virgin worn as blue woolen braid by Mary MacKillop.

Catholicism

Two white strips in the shape of gum leaves overlap to form a cross symbolising the Crucifixion of Jesus. Both elements were present in the former school logo, and they are now combined to reflect the school motto Celebrate God in all things., as well as to illustrate the Christcentred educational community. The two gum leaves are significant as they are representative of the two Australians who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart: St Mary MacKillop and Rev. Julian Edmund Tenison Woods.

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE SAINT 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.

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

COllege MOttO

Celebrate God in all things

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.

COLLEGE PRAYER COLLEGE SONG

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

Bless our Mary MacKillop School family.

We pray that everyone will live and work in peace.

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.

PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

We celebrate God in all things.

This is our College motto. The motto is a snippet from the letters between St Mary MacKillop and her spiritual director and friend, Fr Julian Tenison-Woods. In expressing this, there was an understanding of an important factor – the ‘why’ of their missionary work and their decision to establish the Sisters of St Joseph.

Their ‘why’ was God. They wrote of a very present and paternal God, and they clearly considered Him near, inspiring them and questioning them. Their commitment to living their ‘why’ seeps through their every action.

‘Why’ really matters.

When our students, at any level and in any subject, start to delve beyond surface learning they will inevitably be asking ‘why’ a lot.

It helps us all to better understand purpose, motive, process, bias and meaning. All our students want to know why they are learning something, where it fits into the jigsaw of their progress, and, as they get older, how much it will help their next step.

Today we can find several Ted talks, publications and on-line videos focussed on explaining the ‘power of why’.

Many of you will have seen these through your own research or perhaps through books you’ve been recommended or training you have attended. It is becoming very popular to talk about mission.

I think that what is being marketed as a 21st century idea is actually a very old philosophy; and it is rooted in a very Catholic understanding of community, humanity, humility, and mission.

CHRIS GABBETT | COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

As a Catholic school that is seeking to live a Josephite mission, we are aiming to bring our young people to fullness of life. Academic excellence, sporting prowess and cultural activities are just a small part of that fullness.

Of course, they really matter, and when as Principal I talk to parents and students about the importance of all students being guaranteed dignity, it is that aspiration towards merit that I am referring to.

Not everyone can get the trophy though –not only at the Awards Night but in life. That is why one of our most important messages is that our ‘why’ is NOT the reward, but the journey to achieving it, the community that enables it, the humility after receiving it, and of course, as with all gifts, what we choose to do with it.

These are the hallmarks of a Catholic education as opposed to what could be perceived as a base competition. Our aspiration towards excellence is about our dignity but also about our service of others.

Our ‘why’ as a Catholic school is rich and diverse. We do our best work as a College when we speak explicitly of mission, and consciously seek for that mission to be known and lived. Our ‘why’ speaks of an authentic welcome, of fulfilling the potential of each individual and responding to the needs of others.

I am reminded of Pope Francis, who has written consistently of the importance of teaching and teachers since 2013. His words echo our mission in spirit and method: He said,

"Education is not about knowing things or taking lessons but about being able to use three lingos: those of the head, the heart, and the hands... learning so that you can think about what you feel and do, can feelwhat you think and do, and can do what you feel and think. Unity within a person."

It is my vision that we enable this unity. This is our ‘why’. We do this with an explicit focus on our Josephite tradition, mindful that we must teach and lead with Passion to enable Possibilities, particularly for those who need us.

We are Practical, not afraid to do the work and take responsibility. We Persevere in Partnership, in meaningful solidarity. And we model lives of Prayer – bringing our young people to tenderness, strength and constancy of faith at this time that is awash with information that is too often transmitted without wisdom or critical sense.

We must keep reflecting on the Head, Heart and Hands of our learning, and keep asking about our ‘why’.

Our mission is the fuel to keep us moving.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

CHARMAINE CRIDLAND | DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

The hard work and dedication of all our staff has provided students with endless opportunity, the ability to achieve the highest academic outcomes and support any careerpathways they desire.

This yearbook is a celebration, full of articles and photographs depicting the fun, connection and friendship by all.

The recent Rite of Passage and Graduation of our Class of 2022; made all the more special by the bagpiper and drumline as they led the seniors through an Honour Guard of MMCC students.

I thank each of our Year 12 Graduating Class for their kindness, generosity, and leadership. Your efforts will long be remembered. I also thank the parents who made the special effort to attend the various events throughout that week.

One famous speech began with ‘I have a dream”, well this article is not so famous, but it does begin with ‘a dream’!

In July 2018, I was seconded by the Executive Director of the Toowoomba Catholic School’s office Dr Pat Coughlan, to support Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

I was appointed as Deputy Principal and later Acting Principal, to set up systems, processes and curriculum, as the college was on the precipice of its first senior students entering year 11 and a brand new academic system Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

I remember recruiting several experienced senior teachers to plan courses and prepare resources, starting from a blank slate. There was something exciting about starting from nothing and making MMCC whatever we wanted it to be.

What culture did we want to set for students and staff? What did ritual and celebration look like? How do we build a true Prep to Year 12 College? We were allowed to dream!

As the end of 2022 draws to a close, it allows staff and students the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the year that was. This yearbook is full of wonderful achievements, successful events, new building programs, fantastic growth in college enrolments and outstanding leadership and advocacy by our staff and students.

Four years on from when we dreamt of what Mary MacKillop Catholic College might look like, I personally feel very proud to be a part of its journey.

Earlier this year, I felt privileged to attend Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney on a two-day Colloquium. As I stood praying and reflecting at Mary MacKillop’s resting place, the words circling her tomb have stayed with me… ”We are but travellers here.”

Mary was very aware of life as a journey, made up of many smaller journeys.

To our graduating students, past staff and alumni, current students and MMCC’s community, thank you for your contribution and making Mary MacKillop Catholic College a part of your journey.

I will be on long service leave for Semester 1, 2023 therefore Ms Claire Clapham will be acting in the role as Deputy Principal for the whole of the first semester.

I want to wish Mr Chris Gabbett, the leadership team, staff and whole MMCC community all the very best for a safe and joyous Christmas and a fantastic start to the year ahead,

I look forward to seeing you all when I return.

Over the past year, I am sure that like me, we have all noticed the radical change to the landscape of our wonderful Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

On a recent visit to the school I noticed the hive of activity that was taking place, and could not help but think of how fast things are growing.

I am personally excited by the changes taking place as I am also aware that these changes are the result of responding to our call to be 'on mission'.

As changes take place I am also aware of the importance of building on solid foundations.

The generosity of all involved from the Leadership Team through to the dedicated teachers and staff, the involved and supportive parents and the inspiring young children, all bring the gifts that so enrich the life of our College and provide that solid foundation as we continue to evolve as a community.

I would like to express my thanks to all for your support of our College and our St Mary MacKillop Parish, as we work in partnership and continue to grow together.

Let us pray for God's continued blessings upon our College over the coming years, as we seek to be faithful to Saint 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.

FATHER BRIAN NOONAN | PARISH PRIEST

Hello everyone,

A warm welcome to all families and staff who joined the College this year. To our existing families, staff, students and the parent body: thank you for your continued support and commitment this past year.

We started the year with much anticipation, however were still faced with restrictions and thrown a few curve balls. As a community, we held tight, dug deep and supported each other to achieve success across our entire P- 12 College cohort.

The year began with our special “Welcome Back” event and continued with minimal disruption as we celebrated academic, sporting and artistic achievements. Major standouts across the year were our participation in the Brisbane Anzac Parade (including Drumline and Marching Band), the College Arts in the Park, and our whole College Musical ‘Madagascar - A Musical Adventure’.

It was also a terrific year for our sporting teams and individuals who represented our College and region across a huge range of sporting codes.

The talent within our College is tremendous, and we are so proud to see all students engaged and succeeding on so many levels across a wide range of interest areas.

All Mary MacKillop Catholic College events are made possible by the incredible dedication and enthusiasm of our students, staff and parents – thank you!

As representatives for our parent and carer community, the Parent Engagement Network (PEN) ensures all meetings are positive and directed to the betterment, education and wellbeing of our children. This year we’ve held regular group meetings, as well as discussions with college leadership and Principal Mr Gabbett, and attended Wellbeing events.

The PEN have been informed on further College Master Planning, updated fee restructure, and were informed of the goals for teaching and learning, mission and identity, wellbeing and relationships.

The PEN is always looking at exciting ways to fundraise and this year we boosted our Science STEM Program and made improvements in our Arts and Music Departments through the Father’s Day Raffle (look out next year for the Mother’s Day Raffle) and pie, mango and ham drives.

The pride we have for our College community shines when we come together and it was wonderful to be part of and support so many events this year, including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Breakfasts, Prep Transition Days, Moving On Up Day, Principal’s Twilight Tours, Socktober, MMCC Feast day, Youth Masses, Wellbeing and Mental Health check-in evenings and RUOK Day, plus World Teacher’s Day and the “Couldn’t Do It Without You” Award. It was also great to see students celebrating and enjoying life at our many discos.

SHAYNE CLEARY & ROWENA VOLL | CO-CHAIRS

Once again, all these events were made possible thanks to our College support staff and dedicated volunteers.

Next year holds much promise for MMCC. We look forward to the completion of the new Sporting Oval, the Uluru Arts Precinct conversion and the new Outdoor Eating Area in Junior. As we grow, the College will keep developing the Master Plan to have the very best resources and facilities for our growing cohort.

Finally, to all PEN members: thank you for your devotion, passion and commitment again this year. We’re a solid group of members wanting the very best for the entire MMCC community. We invite and encourage all parents to come along and attend our PEN Meetings, and to become involved in College fundraising activities.

Teaching is not just about the curriculum, it's about so many more things. Teachers are the glue that binds this community together. You deserve the praise and glory for educating our children.

We wish to thank Father Brian for his wisdom, support and guidance throughout the year, undertaking Mass on Tuesday mornings at the College and Parish Masses for the St Mary MacKillop Parish.

As your Co-Chairs, thank you for placing your trust in us to be your voice and serve the College community. It’s a privilege to provide support to Mr Gabbett and enable him to continue providing inspirational leadership to our teachers, staff and students.

Looking

Thank you to Mr Gabbett for another great year. In four short years, Mr Gabbett has transformed the MMCC College to what we see and enjoy today. The College has accomplished a lot in this time. Thank you for your patience, passion and devotion always and making MMCC the very best place for our Mary Mac families. It is greatly appreciated from us all. This thanks also goes out to all Leadership who supported Mr Gabbett throughout the year.

As we look forward to 2023, we must acknowledge those who’ll no longer grace our halls. Our third Year 12 cohort has graduated and started a new chapter in their lives. Many of these students pushed themselves into new areas, such as traineeships, apprenticeships, aviation courses, and even became baristas at the College Café.

We thank the Class of 2022 for their hard work and commitment, and trust our College has provided them with the skills to go out into the big, wide world and be the very best they can be.

Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll Co-Chairs MMCC PEN

ABSENT: Anabel Austin, Jessica Burke, Bethany Campbell, Samuel Hayes, Kate Murdoch, Denise Schubel

COLLEGE STUDENT LEADERS 2022

JUNIOR LEADERS:

Gabby Farrow & Zoe Ward

FORMATION LEADER:

Deanna Verches

CULTURAL LEADER:

Melanie Siokos

ACADEMIC LEADER:

Lulu Rowlette

SPORT LEADER:

Nash Adamski

MCCORMACK LEADERS:

Benji Kent & Ruby Anlezark

PENOLA LEADERS:

Elke Adamski & Ashley Williams

TENISON LEADERS:

Aiden Bradley & Keely Smith

CUNNINGHAM LEADERS:

Ariah Manz & Jo Brosnan

COLLEGE CAPTAINS:

Josie McQueen & Lane Richardson

CULTURAL CAPTAIN:

Emma Brittain

ACADEMIC CAPTAIN:

Ashlyn Martin

SPORT CAPTAIN:

Jess Kibble

FORMATION CAPTAIN:

Abigail Brooks

MCCORMACK CAPTAIN:

Taylor Blackley

PENOLA CAPTAIN:

Dylan Schmaling

TENISON CAPTAIN:

Sarah Carr

CUNNINGHAM CAPTAIN:

Breanna Langley

SCHOOL JUNIOR

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT

MRS

NATALIE ADLER | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: TEACHING & LEARNING JUNIOR

This priority ensures and promotes equity and excellence, and that all our students will become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.

Curriculum

In 2023, teachers in P-6 will implement the new Mathematic and English curriculum. Teachers have already spent significant time immersing themselves in the refined curriculum in readiness for 2023. The remainder of the Learning Areas will gradually be rolled out over 2023/2024.

Tier Projects

Teachers are our Greatest Resource

2022 has been another year of learning and growth for both our teachers and students.

Directly linked to our College Annual Action Plan, we have committed to an excellence in education, collaborative learning, high quality pedagogy, the intentional development of resilience, a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation.

“Every time we learn, our brains form, strengthen, or connect neural pathways. We need to replace the idea that learning ability is fixed, with the recognition that we are all on a growth journey.”

(Jo Boaler, 2019)

The greatest resource we have in our College is our teachers. Teachers have the greatest impact on student learning, far outweighing the impact of any other educational program or policy.

Effective teachers can be a source of inspiration and provide a dependable and consistent influence on students as they navigate their educational pathway. Research shows that teacher effectiveness directly and indirectly impacts student achievement (learning outcomes), student affect (motivation, attitudes to learning, connectedness to school) and school and community (collegiality, school culture, parent engagement). Improving teacher quality is considered instrumental in improving student attainment. For this reason, the College has invested time in supporting teachers to move their pedagogical practice from “good to great”.

The P-6 College concluded the final year of the Inspire Maths Project. 2023 will be a year of consolidation and mastery in this space. The major focus will be building on, embedding and demonstrating a growth mindset when faced with challenge and struggle.

Write That Essay, in 2023 will be the final year as a Tier project. Next year will be another year of learning for both students and teachers.

Consolidation and mastery of previous tier projects (Reading Improvement Scheme), along with pedagogical improvement, will be the major focus for Teaching and Learning in 2023.

“Learning never exhausts the mind.”

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”

(Michael Angelo)

As a Junior College we ask for your continued support and willingness to work in partnership with us to achieve the best possible outcome for your child. That is, academically, socially and emotionally.

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERS REPORT

2022 in the Junior school has been a year that we will all remember. As a year 6 student, it is our last year of primary school.

As the Junior leaders we have been to special events and met important people and represented our College. We attended the Mayor’s morning tea, and a mass for Catholic Education week at St Patrick’s Cathedral. At this event, we gathered with schools from the Toowoomba Diocese and had a morning tea. This was a chance for us to interact with other schools.

Part of our role has been to present at the Junior assemblies each week and support College masses. These challenges have improved our confidence and personalities. We are both very grateful to support our college community through actions of determination, perseverance, and friendship.

Some memories from this year include our year 6 camp to Brisbane and Tangalooma, our year 6 dance lessons even though they were extremely awkward and meeting local and federal politicians. Our year 6 camp is something we will never forget! Sand tobogganing, night activities, seeing the whole of Brisbane city, and feeding dolphins. These activities have helped our cohort build friendship and determination.

Our year 6 dance lessons have definitely improved our maturity in lots of different ways! At first everyone wouldn’t even go near each other until we realised, we were getting marked on it! These lessons have showed us lots of maturity even though they were extremely awkward!

In our Hass unit we were studying the responsibilities of our parliament. Meeting local and federal politicians was a great memory for our cohort. They talked about what responsibilities they have and how they take care of those responsibilities. It was an honour to meet them in person and ask them questions about our Hass unit.

Having years of lockdowns and covid outbreaks, have had an impact on Mary MacKillop Catholic College. So, when this year started off with zoom calls for assembly’s, it was not very practical for us as leaders. But when we had our first real assembly, we were all so nervous and didn’t know what to expect. But it went very smoothly and now we do it every week of the year! At college masses staff had to wear masks and put hand sanitiser on. But now we have college masses with no dramas at all. With a squirt of hand sanitizer, it all works out fine!

We would like to thank staff and students that have supported us through the year. Mrs Rillie and Mrs O’Rourke for helping us be the best Junior Leaders we can be and organising events and celebrations for the college.

To our year six teachers, for teaching us in our last year in primary school and making it enjoyable for the year 6 cohort. To Mrs Preston, who organised all our year 6 leader meetings. These meetings have helped us as leaders make a difference in our college environment.

We would like to say a special thank you to our year 6 cohort for being supportive and volunteering for our year 6 school fundraisers.

We will remember the joy and laughs we all shared throughout our entire lives.

ZOE WARD AND GABRIELLE FARROW

WELLBEING REPORT- JUNIOR SCHOOL

MS BRIDGET RILLIE | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: WELLBEING JUNIOR

"Let us show love in all our acts" (Mary

MacKillop).

The dignity of every person, independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, age or ability, is the foundation of Catholic Social Teachings and informs the foundations for how we enact positive wellbeing at our College.

From a Prep students first experience on day 1, through to the challenges any child or family may face throughout the year, we are guided by this teaching. We are also guided by the words and actions of Mary MacKillop where practical action was how she educated students.

In 2022, the Wellbeing of students in our Junior School has been supported through various initiatives. All initiatives form part of our College Pastoral Plan, THIRIVE (social and emotional development program) and our Wellbeing Framework.

The College Pastoral Plan, has been a lived and practical experience for all Junior school students. Students in Prep - Year 3 participated in weekly wellbeing lessons where they explored the qualities of confidence, respect, honesty and kindness.

Students in years 4-6 participated in two Formation experiences throughout the year where they also explored these qualities. These students also were provided with experiences relevant to their year levelleadership, responsible use of technology and understanding their own strengths to become the best person they could be.

To support our parents, each Formation experience was supported by information from our College Counsellors in the form of fact sheets, podcasts and information on the College webpage.

To continue to support the social emotional development of our Junior school students, all students participated in the MMCC 'THRIVE' Social Emotional Program. Aligned with our mission of educating the whole child, and aligning with our College Pastoral Plan, THRIVE develops a child of character; a child who is kind, confident, respectful, resilient, and honest.

THRIVE involves the explicit teaching of social and emotional skills, aligned with the General Capabilities. These skills support students to develop self and social awareness, that enables adaptive management skills, that we know support both academic success and optimal states of wellbeing.

The program has supported students to develop their capacity to demonstrate the positive learning behaviours that contribute to their engagement and success in the education context. Twice a term, students participated in a THRIVE assembly.

The assemblies were developed to be age appropriate with students in Prep, Year 1, Year 2 gathering together and students in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 gathering. Following the assembly, all students participated in THRIVE social emotional lessons.

I would like to acknowledge our College Counsellors, Khara Saunders and Dr Jasmin Slack-Smith for the work they have done in creating the THRIVE social emotional lessons for our students, based on both the Australian Curriculum, and the needs of the students in our College. I would also like to acknowledge the Junior School Co-ordinators, Ms Kate Carroll and Mrs Christine Carter, for their contributions to the THRIVE program and leading the THRIVE assemblies.

To support optimal wellbeing for every junior school student, our College Counsellors provided various opportunities for all students throughout the year. Mac Mates is one such initiative provided by Khara Saunders.

Mac Mates is a college-wide initiative where volunteers from the Senior College and Year 6 joined the playground once a week to connect with younger students, and facilitate peer led play-based engagement opportunities, that in turn support social skills development and positive relationships, regulating physical activity, the bi-directional sense of belonging and connection to community, and positive emotion. It has been wonderful to watch the older students interact with the younger students at break times. This engagement has led to the development of many positive relationships between students and helped our Junior school students develop a genuine sense of belonging in the playground.

To enable students to feel connected and foster positive relationships at break times, staff have offered a range of activities. This year, students in the Junior school have had the options of chess, gardening club, choir, library activities, comic club, Minecraft club and a range of activities in Emmaus (mindfulness, colouring, activities.)

Positive music is often played in the P-2 playground, creating a sense of fun and belonging. Ms Bailey joined us this year as the College Student Welfare Worker and spent break times connecting with, talking to and supporting children to develop relationships and engage with others.

Supporting students to have positive mental health, remains a focus each year. R U Ok? day and Bullying no Way day are acknowledged each year, planting the seeds from a very early age to check in our friends and develop strong connections. We were grateful to have a parent and staff session this year from 'Livin', an organisation focusing on breaking down the stigma around mental health.

Our Prep-Year 2 students also had the opportunity to run 'half a k for R U ok?' supported through the Mac Mates program. All P-6 students tied an orange ribbon on the junior fence as an act of solidarity on Bullying no Way day!

The Junior School Merit System was in full swing this year. Each term, students worked towards earning a certificate, ribbon or Joey badge showing their growth in using the College 'positive learning behaviours' in their learning. The Joey badge presentation at the end of each term was always a time of celebration for students, teachers and parents.

In October this year, we held our annual 'Wellbeing Week'.

This week provided students and staff with the opportunity to engage in a range of activities to build upon their own personal wellbeing. The week is underpinned by the College Pastoral Plan, guided by the PERMA model where we are supporting students to build Positive emotions, Engage in activities, develop and maintain healthy Relationships with others, develop a sense of Meaning and feel a sense of Accomplishment.

Throughout the week students chose to participate in a range of activities including painting, meditation, POUND drumming, music and dancing, games, chalk art and instrument club. Students were provided with a homework free week, and were also invited to participate in a 'digital detox' for the week. Wellbeing Week concluded with whole College mindfulness and a P-12 Picnic and the distribution of prizes for the winners of the 'digital detox'.

Reflecting upon the year that has been, I would like to acknowledge the adaptability and resilience demonstrated throughout 2022 by our students in the Junior school. The year began with a delayed start of two weeks, due to Covid. The uncertainty of Covid continued to have impact on peoples health and routines, yet our students continued to 'show up' and display positive learning and play behaviours to enable a positive school day.

The wellbeing of all members of our community, is central to our mission as a Catholic community. I would like to personally acknowledge the work of our College counsellors, junior school coordinators, learning support staff, administration staff, school officers and classroom teachers who form part of our greater wellbeing team. I would also like to thank our parents, who continue to work in partnership with us.

It is a privilege to work with the families of our College, to enable the best outcomes for our students.

Christine Carter

Melanie

Kaitlin

Skewes

Hawkins

Prep Escapades!!

Prep in 2022 has been filled with lots of memorable moments. We have learnt many new things and made lots of new friends. Prep is a wonderful year where the children become readers, story writers and begin to develop skills in becoming 21st Century Learners. We have developed respectful qualities towards others and our belongings, enjoying spending time with each other whilst we learn.

During the year we have participated in the Easter Hat Parade, Mother's and Father's Day Liturgies, celebrated each other's Birthdays, dressed up for Book Week, experienced a visit from a leprechaun on Saint Patricks Day, walked the plank on Pirate Day, reflected at the ANZAC Day Liturgy, visited Churches of Toowoomba, been to an Amaroo Excursion and played our roles in the Nativity Play.

A year full of adventure and fun where we have grown and changed. Bring on Year 1!!

PIRATE DAY PREP

NATIVITY PLAY PREP

ONE YEAR

Our Fabulous Year!

What a fabulous 2022 we have had in Year 1!

The excitement of Term 1 started off with meeting our Year 5 buddies who became wonderful role models and friends to us throughout the year. In the lead up to Easter, Shrove Tuesday was celebrated with Carnevale, spectacular masks and delicious pancakes.

Term 2 was full of special celebrations where we participated in the College athletics carnival as well as the amazing obstacle course organsied by Mrs Simmons.

We had a special ceremony on the “Two’s Day” (22.02.2022) as we will be the graduating class of 2033... which will also include the “Three’s Day!” The Year 1 students prepared and buried a Time Capsule with Mr Gabbett full of special memories to be unveiled on 03.03.2033!

Without a doubt the highlight of our year was Dr Seuss Day! The students, teachers and even some parents dressed up in fabulous costumes and we enjoyed a morning full of performing songs and poems. Then we indulged in yummy treats, spent some down time watching The Lorax and doing craft activities. The afternoon session was very special with our Year 5 buddies organising a Dr Seuss themed Scavenger Hunt, “Green” Eggs and Spoon Races and dress up relays!

In Term 3, we celebrated our Patron Saint on Mary MacKillop Feast Day with lots of fun and activities. We had an exciting excursion to Amaroo Environmental Education Centre where we enjoyed nature play, bush walking, indigenous games and meeting Garbalah the Greater Glider. We also had a special visitor when Father Brian came to explain to us the Sacrament of Baptism.

The final term of the year, saw us participating in Fire Safety lessons with our local Highfields Fire Brigade. Students learnt all about fire safety, how to call 000 in an emergency and got to have a go using the fire hose! We ended our year with an exciting Elf Trap STEM challenge, learning about the Christmas Story, Mother Mary and the Rosary prayer, celebrating Advent and singing Christmas carols!

Throughout the year, we have participated in festivities honouring our mothers, fathers and other significant role models in our lives. We supported those less fortunate than us through several Catholic missions including Socktober and the Mini Vinnies Christmas and Winter appeals.

We celebrated Day for Daniel, Book Week dress up and Reader’s Cup, School Officer’s Day, World Teacher’s Day, Wellbeing Week with a digital detox and R U OK? Day.

We have had an incredible journey in Year 1 together and wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing Christmas break!

Susan Jones

Michelle Lever

Annabelle Cowen

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 of 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.

Terrific Two's

What a memorable and exciting year it has been in Year 2!

We have learnt so many new things, made new friends, and celebrated many special occasions together! Throughout the year we have spent time exploring, designing, creating, discovering, making, and learning. Our THRIVE and religious lessons have taught us about friendship, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and respect.

Term 1 we explored the world around us with Australian Animal investigations and learning the continents and oceans.

In Term 2, we immersed ourselves in Australian Indigenous culture. With much excitement, we travelled on the college bus to Amaroo Outdoor Education Centre to experience “What’s the Bush About?” program. We continued our study about Australian animals and the environment and met a new furry friend up high in a tree! Students sculptured their own clay animals and went on a bushwalk.

We took the time to create gifts and cards for the special Mums and Dads in our lives, and celebrated Mother’s day and Father’s day with breakfast and liturgies.

NAIDOC week was celebrated in Term 3, consolidating our learning of Australia's first people and their traditions. Students celebrated Mary MacKillop feast day with a shared picnic and various activities.

We dressed up for Book Week to the theme of "Dreaming with eyes open" and participated in the exciting Readers Cup challenge. We wore our crazy socks for Socktober and joined in with many other fundraising days to support the less fortunate.

Term 4 we delved into Advent and the Nativity story in the lead up to Christmas. In the last week of term, we joined the whole Junior School and sang our hearts out to all our favourite Christmas carols.

We have had a wonderful year together and thank you for all the love and support you have given your children and us!

It is sad that this year come to an end, but we are excited to see the students off to Year 3ready for their next adventure!

Miss Vicki Murphy

Miss Zoe Phillips

Mrs Deb Mengel

THREE YEAR

Shane McAllister

Nicole Wittman

Maddie

Stammers

“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!”

(Doctor Suess)

Year 3 has had a few mountains to climb this year and we have done this with enthusiasm and vigour.

Some of these “mountains” were - a delayed start; a few people unwillingly got some time off school; we were the little kids again when we started playing on the big playground and eating in Uluru; some of us represented the school and Toowoomba in different sports and athletic events; we entered the Prime Ministers spelling bee; we had the chance to pat a koala and get close to a crocodile at Lone Pine Sanctuary; we went looking for the Lirpaloof bird; gave our best in the handball competition and a soccer shootout.

There was also the need for us to show resilience and maturity shown when we presented at the Parent Showcase and on History Day.

We know that no mountain is too much for us and we think that maybe scaling Mt Everest is in our future.

FOUR YEAR

What an amazing year we have had! From sporting events to class excursions and many celebration days in between. It has certainly been an exciting year here in Year 4.

We had a blast on our Cooby Dam excursion in Term 2, where we participated in team building skills and developed our understanding around sustainability. We helped to plant more trees in the Koala corridor to support our koala habitat. We worked together in team building activities where we learnt the importance of communication and supporting each other. Our Gala Touch Day was a huge success, where all abilities were celebrated and many new skills and friendships fostered.

A highlight of the year was our Captain Underpants Day where everyone had a day of fun. We participated in many exciting activities based around our literacy unit. We particularly enjoyed the STEM activity where we had to build robots using recycled materials and dressing up. The dance off and pizza for lunch were also highlights of the day.

Our last excursion of the year was a trip to Cobb & Co museum focusing on activities in the Science centre. We loved the hands on learning experiences and demonstrations. We got to finish the day with lunch in the park where we enjoyed some down time and our last moments to gather as a cohort.

We would like to thank everyone who has made our year the best. A special thank you to our parents who have given time, understanding, support and encouragement to all of us. Your contribution to our learning and growth is immeasurable.

Thank you for a wonderful year together.

Amy Dwyer

Julia Thomas

Tamara Hill

FIVE YEAR

Year 5 Camp to Tallebudgera

In week 5 term 3 2022, the year 5 cohort went to Tallebudgera for 3 days and 2 nights. When we got there, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a tour. We were told the rules, out of bounds areas, what things would often occur, and what to do in case of emergency. After the explanations, we were sorted into cabins with up to 5 other people. Later we were given our pin code for our cabins and sorted out our luggage.

Activities we did at Tallebudgera included body boarding, rock climbing, and catapulting. Other activities were canoeing, beach games, and team rescue. If we finished any one of our activities early, we were allowed free time for a bit with our friends. After dinner activities were trivia night and movie night.

Often meals we ate were breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which were optional for what we wanted to eat. The cooks also provided allergy free food for those allergic to anything that may be contained in the main meals. After each session of activities, we had morning/afternoon tea if they were halfway through to a meal. After dinner, we had the privilege to have supper which was milo and cookies or if some had food allergies, they had milk and a mandarin. Many of the students became closer friends with those in their cabins or that they had not talked to much. Each and everyone one of us enjoyed the activities we were included in. We all had a delightful time.

HIGH SCHOOL LESSONS

This year Year 5’s have had the opportunity to go to the high school for lessons every fortnight. It has been an amazing experience meeting new teachers and going to new classrooms. We have participated in Hospitality, Science, Wood Technology and Art.

Hospitality was great fun for Year 5. We got the chance to learn new recipes, work with new people, learn to use different equipment, and eat lovely food.

Science has been a wonderful experience for us. We have loved using all the equipment and doing experiments, learning new things, and seeing amazing chemical reactions right before our eyes.

Wood Technology has been a different lesson to the others, but it was very enjoyable. We have got to show off our skills using tools such as band saw, sander, metal rule and a chisel. We have also got to create an amazing wooden coaster holder. There have been lots of fun times in this class and we all have really enjoyed it.

Art is a creative, fun class that everyone enjoys. We love being creative and showing our hidden talents. The art pieces we do are fun, and they vary in style. We have made collage, done scratch art and created illusion art. We love art and we cannot wait to do it again next year.

We have loved all our high school lessons this year. From walking into the art room to using the saw in wood technology we cannot wait to do these all again next year and in High School. These opportunities are really important and amazing because it shows to us what we can do in high school and it gets us prepared for the future.

MINI VINNIES

Each year Year 5 take on the role of Mini Vinnies for the college. Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. This year we worked together with the AMMA group to raise awareness, much needed funds and materials for various appeals. We started the year off with the much-loved Easter Egg Raffle, followed by the Winter Appeal, Christmas appeal and Multidraw Raffle.

Thankyou to all families and students who supported this initiative throughout the year, you have made a difference.

ANNE O'REILLY SHANNON ANDERSON KATE CARROLL CARMEN CAMPBELL

SIX YEAR

CRAIG HUBBARD LISA-MARIE PRESTON CRAIG FAESSLER

What a year 2022 was. We finally started to return to normal after the interruptions of the previous two years!

The students were excited to finally be leaders of the Junior School which meant taking on more responsibility and expectation. This was a role that they undertook with gusto. Year 6 loved playing with their Prep buddies, helping at Mac Mates, and running Junior assemblies and liturgies. At the end of the year, we discovered that the dance lessons with Mr Vernon were lots of fun and we had to show great maturity when asking a partner to dance.

Guest Speakers

Helping to deepen their real world understanding of concepts, the students were fortunate enough to have several guest speakers throughout the year. Firstly, in our Religion studies, we had guest speakers talk to us about how they show their faith. Mrs Julie Inskip, from Mini-Vinnes, spoke about how her organisation supports the needy. Mrs Inskip (St. Vincent de Paul) and Year 12 PRAXIS students all shared parts of their faith journey with us.

We were visited by the Federal Member for Groom, Mr Garth Hamilton, the State Member for Toowoomba North, Mr Trevor Watts and the Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council, Mr Paul Antonio, as part of our HaSS unit. We learned about the roles they play in looking after their constituents.

Lastly, we were very fortunate to have Waleed, Basel, and Fatima, from the Heritage Bank Inclusive Banking program, share their experiences as new refugees to Australia as part of our ‘Boy Overboard’ English unit. It was informative and special to hear first-hand accounts and celebrate the successes they’ve been able to achieve. We were able to ask questions and taste some traditional Syrian treats.

Transition lessons

Students were fortunate enough to participate in transition lessons in the Senior College again this year. They looked forward to these lessons with specialist teachers in the subjects of Food Technology, Design Technology, Science, and Visual Art. We hope these practical lessons helped them to be better prepared for the challenges of Year 7. Making coasters, building gassy rockets, creating clay artworks, and tasting our cooking creations were just some exciting opportunities the students participated in. They even got more efficient and skilled in washing and cleaning up! One of the favourite things was the freedom of playing at the Senior Campus during Semester Two!

Service

Our College highlights the importance of living a life of service like St Mary MacKillop. She asked us to ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. We read the book in term 3, ‘Boy Overboard’ by Morris Gleitzman, about a family that attempted to migrate from Afghanistan to Australia. The themes in ‘Boy Overboard’ and the guest speaker visit by the Heritage Bank Inclusive Banking program team inspired us.

As a cohort, we decided that we needed to do something to help refugees in our community. In response, we held a spider drink, chocolate toss, and ice-cream cone stall to raise funds for the ‘Work & Welcome’ program. Through the generosity of the College community, we were able to raise just over $1300 to support refugees, to feel connected and enhance their work skills. This was an amazing achievement and will go a long way to helping many refugees in our area. Many of the students also helped Khara with Mac Mates in the Prep-Year 2 playground. We think they enjoyed the experience just as much.

Year 6 has been a year of ups and downs, but it is a year that we will remember as one that was full of frivolity, friendships, and fun.

YEAR 6 CAMP

CRAIG HUBBARD LISA-MARIE PRESTON CRAIG FAESSLER

In Term 3, the students and teachers ventured to Brisbane and Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island as part of cultural and environmental camp that went for three days and two nights. It was full of fun, excitement, and adventure. We participated in many activities that pushed us out of our comfort zone; helping us to learn more about ourselves and foster connection.

We braved the dunes of the sandy desert, fed fish to hungry dolphins, discovered artists’ perceptions at GOMA, tested our technology skills at Spark Lab, took in the view from the top of Mount Coot-tha, and experienced the night sky at the Planetarium. We cannot forget to mention the countless kilometres the teachers and adults “forced” us to walk. Mrs Preston lost count of how many times she heard ‘How much longer?’ and ‘My legs hurt!’

On the final day, we visited Parliament House where we had the opportunity to review and build on our knowledge of State Parliament from the learning we had done in class. We toured the rooms of Parliament House and participated in a ‘mock’ parliament where some students were fortunate enough to take on parliamentary roles in debating a bill, ‘Should homework occur in schools?’ The debate was fun, and students in roles were very passionate.

Some highlights of camp were the amazing food we ate, finding out new things about our peers, and the company we kept. We are thankful for our bus drivers, classroom teachers, and the supportive staff that joined us on our camp adventures.

Together, we all had loads of fun!

MOVING ON UP DAY

This year, approximately 100 Year 6 students had the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a High School student for the day at the annual Moving On Up Day.

Over 30 new students began the day with lessons in Design Technology. They had the opportunity to work in the Kitchen making Anzac biscuits and also creating a tea light candle holder in Woodwork.

At lunch, our current Year 6 students joined the new students to participate in a range of team building activities, promoting relationship building. The day concluded with some current Year 7 students providing tips and feedback about the changes from Year 6 to Year 7.

It was fabulous to witness staff and students enjoying the day in readiness for beginning High School in 2023.

CARMEN CAMPBELL

What are your gifts that you share with others?

This year's Year 6 students have been focusing on strengths and talents or gifts that they have so that they can be aware of how they are then able to utilise these to help others.

As they continue their education in a secondary setting, it is these gifts that we want them to share with others as they mature. This was also our theme for End of Year Mass and Rite of Passage for them.

The gospel story from Matthew says, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." is all about your gift is like this light.

It is visible for everyone to see and you don't hide it. You allow it to come to the fore and benefit others. Your gift is given to you from God and as such this gift should be used to help others whether it be the gift of speech - speaking up for others or the gift of craftsmanship to build. As an athlete, the gift to be able to run fast means you can raise awareness through your efforts for those that are less fortunate - who can't compete like you but you are their inspiration to keep doing what they are doing.

If you don't use it for others then you are not utilising your gift from God. As the opening song (Light the Way by Andrew Chinn) was played, everyone was reminded of their light and how they can be a light for others.

As part of mass the Year 6 students were called one by one to receive their Rite of Passage certificate from their Prep buddy and be congratulated by their teacher for finishing their primary education.

It is beautiful to see the lovely relationships that the Year 6 students and their buddies have created over the year. The highlight would have been the preps singing the song "On my way" for the Year 6 students in the Cafe.

During the ritual in the Cafe Year 6 students and their parents exchanged letters as a sign of their gratitude and support for the time so far.

Congratulations to all Year 6 students on completing your primary education. We hope that you will use your gifts and talents well as you travel through secondary education.

Let us be gifts for others!

PAULA O'ROURKE | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

SCHOOL SENIOR

HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

LIZ FRAME | MIDDLE LEADER HUMANITIES

It has been a year of growth and planning in the Humanities department this year.

We have been very busy this year, initiating a variety of creative tasks across Years 7 -10 History and Geography classes to provide real – life, alternative learning opportunities for our students to engage with. As part of the goals of the Humanities department, it is essential that we prepare students with concepts and events of the past, present and future to allow them opportunities to become critical thinkers with inquiring minds.

It is these inquiring minds which will be an essential part of life after school, and by fostering this as they move through their Humanities classes in the senior school, we are providing valuable and necessary skills which will be in demand in years to come. Importantly, we have also allowed students to use any medium to complete these tasks, which generates motivation for them to use skills which they feel most comfortable with.

These tasks have included activities such as creating a natural hazard and demonstrating and analysing its impact on the communities, town planning activities where population booms have to be considered to ensure sustainability of resources and capturing reflections of a world at war to demonstrate the impact on human beings.

These mediums have been through art, photographs, computers, construction, and a range of other forms which will also be highly sought-after skills as students venture into their life after school. Of course, students have also been challenged through traditional assessments such as source analysis responses, research essays, exams and research reports.

We are also starting to plan for the transition to the new ACARA Curriculum Version 9 for students in Years 7 -10 which needs to be implemented by 2026. We know this will provide many opportunities to get students engaged more creatively across the units of study.

There have been quite a few changes to the Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum, and our goal is to plan and rewrite our units and assessment tasks during 2023 and implement it in 2024 starting with years 7 and 8. The new curriculum offers more opportunity for students to examine our own History, as well as crucial world history, which is paramount if we are ever to build a truly inclusive and equitable world.

This year we were lucky enough to secure the services of a local medieval re-enactment group – the Tyr Warriors. In Year 8 History, students study Medieval Europe and the Black Death, spending a little bit of time learning about knights, what they wear, how they become knights and the battles they had. Year 8 students spent a day with Jaccob and his team, being able to dress up in medieval armour, learn the history of medieval armour, play a series of medieval and Viking games, and watch the Tyr warriors battle it out with each other.

I think the highlight of the day was when Jaccob suggested that Mrs Frame dress up in all the gear and then select a student who she would like to battle it out with. I can certainly vouch for the fact that the armour is extremely heavy, especially the helmet, so heavy in fact it kept falling over my eyes and I couldn’t see a thing. Of course, this was the excuse I used when I was completely outdone by legendary medieval warrior Cameron Young, who, although he gave me a good whooping, made sure I was OK afterwards.

Students finished the day by sharing a medieval lunch together prepared by our wonderful tuckshop staff. It is hoped that this day will become a tradition to finish second term for Year 8 students.

Next year we also hope to introduce a variety of excursions or immersion days for all History and Geography students. One of the ideas on our radar is for the Year 9 and 10 Geography elective students who will go to the coast to complete a field study and research component of the course.

This will involve an overnight stay, with Griffith University coastal educators who will take students through the impact of weather and erosion on the coast and how this will impact coastal communities for the future. We also hope to book Living History who are renowned for providing a hands on opportunity for students to engage with their lesson content through re-enactments, artefacts and getting students involved.

However, the Humanities department would not run like a finely tuned engine to provide these learning opportunities if it were not for the wonderful and talented Senior College Humanities teachers. They have been amazing in supporting me in my first year at the College.

My sincere thanks to Mrs Farrow, Mrs Quinlan, Ms Niemeyer, Mrs Cotter, Mrs Puhakka, Mr Cavanough and Mr Connolly. I sincerely thank you for the time, effort and energy you have invested into your classes and the department and look forward to having you all back on board next year. Thank you also to the wider College community whose support has been highly appreciated and valued.

Finally, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Mary MacKillop College. I am excited about big things next year in the Humanities department.

We wish you all happy Christmas and safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Our College has seen the growth of literature and learning, within the world of English, throughout 2022.

Technology has seen the progression of filmic, visual and multimodal texts in the presentation of analytical, persuasive and narrative compositions. Our students have grasped these opportunities with gusto and shown themselves to be highly-skilled in their endeavours.

Examinations are growing in importance for all year levels. External exams, in year 12, form the pinnacle of this preparation. Academic initiative has been pivotal in this process. We should be pleased with the manner in which our senior students have applied themselves to external exams, in 2022.

In year 11, the journey towards graduation has begun. Opportunities to engage in learning experiences and to demonstrate academic skills have already been many and varied. Essential English has seen a growth in interest and class volume.

This growth has also taken place in the Literature class option. This growth is clear evidence of the expansion of learning options and student commitment to the goals of literacy and appreciation of literature, within our year 11 cohort.

The Literature and Creative Writing elective, in years 9 and 10, is going from strength to strength! Class volume, challenging academic rigour and enhanced student-skill level have all clearly reflected the growth of this subject. It is quickly becoming a hive of activity for avid readers and gifted writers. Student explorations of literature have been reflected via some accomplished pieces of composition:

When Billy Weaver stepped off the steam train, leather suitcase in hand, he glanced around at the sunlit station, expecting to see someone eagerly awaiting him. To his disappointment, he did not receive such a welcome. He glanced at his watch, informing him that the train had arrived a half hour early. Billy strolled towards a half-shaded picnic bench where he decided to wait and watch the meander of passengers.

Crime fiction: Olivia Horrex.

Sirens wailed as a blur of red and blue lights sped towards the chaos unfolding on the highway. A string of police cars circled the situation unfolding, while police detectives Derek Morgan and Emily Prentiss quickly stepped out of a police van.

Slowly approaching the hunter, being sure to keep their distance, they cautiously lowered their drawn weapons. Disarmed of all defence, Derek and Emily enclosed the now-quivering hunter as the police agency behind them maintained aim.

Crime fiction: Ebony Naiker.

Aptly, Katheen French describes Nurse Ratched as one of the worst villains in literary history. Her hunger for control and order twisted the minds of those in her ward and, instead of treating them, destroys their dignity and purloins their freedom.

From the beginning, we are introduced to the Chronics and the Acutes; labels created to keep the patients apart. The subgroup of Walkers, Wheelers, and Vegetables within this group de-humanises them further because they are known as categories rather than people.

As French states, the label is the “onlymarkerof meaning regarding them: not who they are, not what they care about”. It is obvious, therefore, that this evaluation of the villainous Nurse Ratched, within One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, is valid and feasible.

TIM CONNOLLY | MIDDLE LEADER ENGLISH

Critical study: Rachel Williams.

The adventure novel, Treasure Island, is a classic piece of literature. Released in November of 1883, Treasure Island is the longest-standing pirate novel. Its morals and ideas have inspired and guided authors of both the past and the present. It is more than worthy of being called a classic and being known throughout society.

In the critical text: Robert Ossian’s Pirate Cove – Book Review: Treasure Island, these matters are addressed, analysed and applied to both fiction and reality. This critical text contains valid evaluation of the novel.

The characters of this enlightening storyboth the protagonists and the antagonistsare recognised throughout the world, inspiring adventure and exploration. The stereotypes of pirates, created in this novel, are still applied to this literary genre, today.

Critical study: Remi O’Donohue.

The digital writing platform: Write That Essay, has again proven popular with students. Analytical skills have been enhanced via focus upon vocabulary choices, sentence structure and paragraph formation. Growth in the use of this platform has seen beneficial progress in the enablement of overall-expression skills.

Reading and writing for pleasure again saw many pathways to success presented to students. Poetry anthologies, reading club, writing competitions and publication possibilities all demonstrate the opportunities enabled for students, to engage in the process of individual expression, in innovative ways.

No reflection, upon the growth of English and the appreciation of literature, throughout 2022, can be complete without the recognition of the sterling efforts of our English teachers. Mrs Farrow, Mrs Frame and Miss Murdoch have all lead our senior students with great wisdom and enthusiasm. Mrs Radley, Miss Morgan, Mrs Quinlan and Mr Jones have all guided our younger students, through the learning process, with great expertise and commitment.

2022 has exemplified important progress in English and the appreciation of literature, at our wonderful College.

We now await, with great anticipation, further opportunities and successes, in 2023.

MATHS DEPARTMENT

PIERS DUDIN | MIDDLE LEADER MATHEMATICS & NUMERACY

It's been another busy year for the Senior Maths Department. We have enjoyed further successes from Year 7 right through to Year 12.

Despite a disrupted start due to the covid restrictions, the senior students proved that they were more than up to the challenge of working remotely and independently which will stand them in good stead for their future studies.

The Senior students studying General, Methods or Specialist Maths sit 50% of their assessments during the year with the remainder of their marks hinging on the external exams at the end of the year. Many of the Year 12 students went into their final exam with a strong set of results behind them which certainly takes some of the pressure off.

Many of these students dedicated their Wednesdays before and after school time to attending Maths Club. I'd like to thank all the teachers and students for investing their time in this initiative, it is certainly paying dividends!

Further down the school we have continued to incorporate PSMTs (Problem Solving and Modelling Tasks) into our assessment program from Year 8 to Year 10 with a view to continuing our success in this assessment piece in Year 11 and Year 12. The Year 10 Core groups had a go at designing roof trusses this year, applying their trigonometric skills with a view to connecting Mathematics to trades and industry.

The new Australian Curriculum is slowly being introduced over the next few years. Next year we will incorporate the new syllabus into our Year 7 and Year 10 work programs. The new syllabus does not represent a radical shift in topics being taught but will encourage us to focus on applications of mathematics to modern contexts and an increased use of technology.

Our NAPLAN results for Years 7 and 9 continued to be above average in relation to similar schools. Our PAT-M testing from Year 7 to Year 9 also shows positive individual and cohort progress is being made across different attainment levels.

Termly internal diagnostic Numeracy Tests administered in Years 7 to 9 have also allowed us to identify any areas of weakness and provided teachers with useful information regarding topics needing consolidation.

The Inspire Mathematics Program is continuing be embedded in our teaching practice, with an increased focus on delivering fundamental concepts, discussing ideas, and collaboration. Making mistakes and struggling with new skills remain important positive aspects of learning mathematics.

In addition to competing in the QAMT Maths competitions, several of our students took part in a 'Students in Maths Day' hosted by St Saviour's College, including a talk by Professor Jonti Horner, one of the world's leading astrophysicists, now based at UniSQ, here in Toowoomba. This event involved a number of STEM based activities and challenges which the students enjoyed.

We continue to operate one extension group and two mixed ability groups in Years 8 to 10. Year 7 classes were all mixed ability groups throughout the year and we are planning on continuing this model next year.

A variety of research supports the notion that setting students in ability groups works best when it is done as late as reasonable, and only to a moderate extent. We feel that this model meets these recommendations.

I would like to thank all the teachers and students for their hard work this year. We continue to build a positive Maths culture here at Mary MacKillop, and have enjoyed the year immensely.

ARTS DEPARTMENT

JESSICA BURKE | MIDDLE LEADER THE ARTS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

STATE HONOURS ENSEMBLE PROGRAM

Mary MacKillop Music had a number of outstanding young musicians accepted to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours and Darling Downs Ensemble Programs in 2022.

Adele Adams - voice

Noah Burke - percussion

Remi O ’Donoghue - clarinet

Bianca Philp - violin

Charlotte Voll - voice

Gabrielle Voll - voice

Lucas Ward - trombone

Amity Boston - voice

Georgianna Reisinger - voice

Katherine Preston - voice

These students needed to meet specific standards of musicality to be nominated and then underwent a full weekend's program with Australian composers and directors from the Qld Conservatorium of Music.

From the coordinator..... "Your students represented your school admirably and you should be very proud of their commitment, achievements and attitude."

We were also extremely excited to receive word from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music that we have had three successful students in the first ever Primary section of the QLD State Honours Program.

Sophilee Condon - 5 - 2 - Vocal Soprano

Louise Philp - 5 - 2 - Clarinet

Isabelle Voll - 4 - 3 - Vocal Alto

ANZAC DAY

The Mary MacKillop Marching Band and Colour Guard travelled to Brisbane to support in the 2022 Anzac Day Parade in the Brisbane CBD. It was well received by attendees and appreciated by the organising committee and participants, not surprisingly our performance and contribution was featured on the official telecast as well as receiving plenty of attention on the local news channels.

32 students aged from prep to grade 11 participated in the rain to represent the College and community proudly. We experienced the Anzac spirit with the jetfighter flyover and had fun being transported in the buggies!

TOOWOOMBA SHOW AND QLD EKKA

The MMCC Drumline were again requested to perform as part of the entertainment at this year’s Toowoomba show.

24 students aged from prep to grade 11 roamed sideshow alley, pavilions and main streets of the show entertaining the crowds. There was additional entertainment provided by Mary MacKillop Catholic College students with the Voll sisters performing three sets on stage of their vocal brilliance.

Arts students also represented their talents in the local community with entries in photography, drawings, screen printing, handwriting and mapping competitions.

TOOWOOMBA EISTEDDFOD

21 entries in total from our Dance, Speech and drama and Music students in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod this year who made audiences aware of what we do at 'Mary MacKillop Catholic College' and how we present.

We had first time dancers win sections, primary school students competing alongside secondary students to be awarded and students competing against their best friends! A huge congratulations to all students ranging from years 3 to 11 who performed and represented the College proud and successfully and gained a total of 13 prizes!

5 x 1st

2 x 2nd

2 x 3rd

4 x highly commended

CREATIVE GENERATIONS TOUR

One of the best days of the year when you are in the senior school is always a field trip. The MMCC Visual Art, Mixed Media, Music and Drama students were rewarded this year with an epic tour to Brisbane to Visit the Gallery of Modern Art. They experienced fine dining at The Southbank Parklands, and concluded the afternoon immersed in the Theatrical interpretation of 'Cinderella' at The Lyric Theatre.

The entire cohort was enthralled with the production and revelled in the experience of observing the Fairy Godmother levitate above the stage and soar like an eagle throughout the production. Contemporary themes of ‘standing up for yourself and others’, and ‘making an effort to just be nice’ resonated at a personal level for each student. For 2 hours belief was suspended, and students were able to immerse themselves in the beautiful time and place of make believe.

As Katelyn Burton was heard to announce “It was a great experience, as we got to go and see a variety of art forms, from abstract art all the way to musical theatre. The day was definitely one to remember!”

WAKAKIRRI

Mary MacKillop Catholic College committed to their first ever entry into the QLD Wakakirri Festival held in Brisbane. The Wakakirri StoryDance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. The ensemble created and performed a Story-Dance which they performed at the Logan Entertainment Centre in front of a sold-out audience.

The Colleges’ performance titled ‘Muhammad Ali's Rise to Glory’ was based on ''How a stolen bike leads to world domination!'' gained multiple performance and production awards:

Excellent theme/concept

Excellent ensemble

Excellent staging – combination of all aspects

Excellent overall costume design

Excellent soundtrack mix

The College was surprised and ecstatic to get the news that their Story-Dance was nominated for the National Festival Award: Human Rights Story Award! Panel feedback from Daniel Dunlop described their performance as a great story to inspire a story-dance piece with good use of the production elements to support the action. A nice variety of movement qualities throughout - Some lovely use of symbolism, performed with energy and some great ensemble work on stage.

To reach this point, students spent months rehearsing and preparing. Initially just once a week then extending to two rehearsals a week. In the final weeks leading up to the event additional hour-long rehearsals were included. Keeping the experience both challenging, and fun was an important part of how the preparation process was treated. Students were challenged in different ways such as by learning some combat moves, skipping, and having the experience of performing on a professional stage.

Wakakirri has been a great way for students to increase confidence, team-building skills, and coordination (as a few examples). Students are excited and looking forward to presenting this performance at Arts in the Park next month!

“Enormous talent”, “unlimited potential”, “astonishing craftsmanship”, these are just some of the comments overheard in conversation at Arts in the Park 2022. Despite the spectre of apocalyptic rain, the event was unstoppable, the change of venue taken in our unique MMCC stride.

127 performing students enthralled the audience ably supported by a dedicated team of 41 additional students involved in backstage setup and installation plus the facilitation of event activities. The success of the event made additionally possible through the Parent Engagement Network and the generosity of volunteering parents.

A tremendously sustained effort from all parties ensured one huge night of entertainment! We unleashed our talents across three stages, featuring the performances of music, dance and speech. A mezzanine labyrinth facilitated the exploration of an extensive exhibition of our Visual Art students selected from every year level at the College.

Within this - magicians amazed, henna tattoo artists adorned excited punters with motifs and face painters created new identities all within a packed carnival atmosphere. A pop-up jewellery shop additionally showcased and sold the work of an extremely talented group of designers to adoring fashionistas.

On behalf of Mrs Puhakka, Mr Chivers, Miss Lauverjon and the Music staff, we would like to sincerely thank all those who came to be entertained and support what we do here in the MMCC Arts department.

BROXBURN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Following a very busy term 3, some MMCC vocalists backed up on the first weekend of the holidays to compete and participate in the Broxburn Music Festival. Excellent results were achievements with awards presented to students in nearly each age group! Fantastic to see Mary Mac students represent and shine in the wider community.

CREATIVE GENERATIONS ARTS AWARDS

Congratulations to Taylor Blackley and Katelyn Haddow whose work was selected for the 2022 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. This exhibition recognises and celebrates the artistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students from across Queensland.

Their work was included in a 4 week exhibition at the Toowoomba Regional Gallery among 40 works from across the Darling Downs region.

AUSTRALIAN MUSIC EXAMIATION BOARD QUALIFICATIONS

Australian Music Examination Board qualifications provide a national benchmark and are recognized across Australia and internationally. The below students sat their external AMEB Theory exams recently and gained Honours or High Distinction results. Gaining this full range of skills supports their overall music education creating successful musicians and giving them the tools required to develop into well-rounded, professional players.

STUDENTS WHO GAINED LEVELS IN 2022 ARE:

Grade One

Archer Turner

Jacob Catchlove

Georgianna Reisinger

Melanie Siokos

Abigail O’Dea

Louisa Philp

Riley Mackenzie

Grade 2

Adele Adams

Bianca Philp

Noah Burke

Grade 3

Bianca Philp

LAST PLAY OUT OF THE YEAR!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.... and the Mary Mac Drumline processed Santa in to lead the way this year! With an official police escort, the Drumline turned heads during the opening of the Grand Central Shopping Centre CBD Tree Lighting extravaganza on Thursday. Bianca Philp provided the ultimate drumroll to countdown the lighting of the tree by the Mayor and the commencement of the celebration.

Our talented and much sort after vocalists- Voll sisters, Georgianna and Adele then entertained the crowds with Christmas songs. Fantastic representation again from the MMCC Arts Crew.

STEM DEPARTMENT

JARED NIELSEN | MIDDLE LEADER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022 was another electrifying year for the Science & Technologies departments.

We built upon our hard work in subsequent years to offer even greater experiences with new subjects, investigations, excursions and learning opportunities.

The year kicked off with continued implementation of our Year 5 and 6 transition programs. Now in its second year, this program gave our Junior College students a chance to come over to the Senior campus and learn from our expert STEM teachers. This program gives the Year 5 and 6s 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. The most talked about experience this year was certainly the bottle-rocket activity that capped off Term 2.

After our rousing success in 2021, Mary MacKillop was invited back to 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, criticalthinking and problem solving. Our teams placed second overall in two categories this year- an excellent achievement considering the calibre of the competition.

This year Mary MacKillop strengthened our partnership with local company integratedSTEM to deliver a number robotic and electronic workshops to our Year 3-6 students. The ‘battlebot’ program gave students a chance to see how to code simple robots to perform desired actions. They also looked at the current state of 3D printing and were even able to design and print their own (small-scale) robotic weaponry for battling against their peers.

The security systems electronic program allowed students to work with circuitry and design their own miniature security systems to detect possible intruders in their rooms and sound an alarm! We look forward to offering programs like this in the future to engage our budding STEM students and allow them to work with equipment and content outside of the standard classroom curriculum.

2022 also saw the return on the ‘Big Day In’ – an event for Year 9-12 school students to explore careers in technology. Held at the University of Queensland, a number of our students were able to gain insight into ‘university life’ and were able to make better informed decisions about their future. Students had the chance to interact with several sessions covering career paths, career opportunities, the latest developments, and the future of technology.

Students also had the opportunity to visit various exhibitor stands to speak with company and university representatives. Our students loved the chance to learn about courses, degrees, work experience, internships, apprenticeships and engage with hands-on demonstrations of awesome technology in a tertiary environment.

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. in 2022 the theme for National Science Week was ‘Glass: More than meets the eye’. The week was jampacked with lunchtime and classroom activities across Prep to Year 12. From problem-solving and critical-thinking challenges to various intriguing demonstrations to specially organised telescope viewings of our Sun and the stars.

The highlight for many of our Secondary students was the chance to make their own terrariums. Students were able to construct their own glass terrariums to give themselves a small, sustainable memory of the week to take home with them. Special mention must go to Ms Natalie Adler, Mr Craig Faessler and Ms Brigit Harrison for their incredible work in preparing so many of these activities. Many students (and myself!) are already looking forward to 2023!

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 Wood and Metal technology classes always being packed! This year saw the further development of the Web and Game design classes (where students were able to develop their own websites and video games), Agricultural Science (where students performed their own research investigations into plant growth and seed germination), STEM (which involved critical thinking and robotics) and the Design class (which saw students design, create wear their own re-purposed textile creations!).

A number of these electives also gave students a chance to get out and explore the world with a number of excursions this year to the University of Queensland, Cobb & Co. Museum and FarmFest. All of these electives help out Middle Years students to find the subjects they enjoy, ahead of Senior School.

The 2022 World Science Festival made a stop in Toowoomba this year and a number of our Middle School students were lucky enough to be invited along - a testament to our blooming STEM program! The event was designed to engage students in stimulating and inspiring experiences that showcase careers in STEM, including discussions with scientists, hands-on activities and exciting science shows. Students were able to explore a wide variety of STEM technology and pathways.

The event gave student the opportunity to engage in hands-on science activities, discussions with real life scientists and the ability to engage with a number of fascinating displays. The day also included some 'pop-up' science shows and inspiring talks from STEM professionals showcasing STEM careers and career pathways.

The year was capped off with the delivery of our new LEGO Education SPIKE Prime kits. These top-of-the-line kits will provide an excellent addition to STEM learning in our middle school classrooms with the possibility of expanding to an after-school program, or club. These new kits will help our students understand the engineering design process, programming with variables and data, developing computation thinking skills, and applying the engineering design process through robotics. Students won't build and program just for the sake of it, but to solve real-world problems. Not only is the experience relevant and challenging, but it's also carefully designed to get students thinking about using science outside of the classroom while they work together and have fun innovating with the familiar building blocks of their childhood. Our current Year 9 STEM students are already excited to get into these kits later in the Term!

Finally, 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. 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 experiences that they can.

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.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REPORT

LEISA RADLEY | DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND COLLEGE CULTURE

As always, it has been a busy year for the Religious Education department!

Last year, I wrote about being in 'somewhat of a holding pattern' as we await changes Religious Education in 2023. And now, we are so close! We are excited to see re-contextualisation of religion in action next year as our College, in consultation with Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, takes on the Illuminate project.

Despite awaiting the changes which Illuminate will bring next year, Religious Education in Year 7 to 12 was business as usual in 2022.

Our Year 7s commenced the year by completing a Mary MacKillop project which addressed the 6Ps of our College's Josephite Charism; in doing so, they aimed to answer the fertile question: What Does it Mean to Belong to the Mary MacKillop community? Notably, 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 about initiation rituals in Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Our Year 9s aimed to 'Be More' (see below) and our Year 10 Religion and Ethics students delved more deeply into world religions, ethics and peace and conflict. Completing their final units of Religion and Ethics before commencing the Praxis program, our Year 11 RE students focussed on meaning and purpose, social justice and religion in contemporary culture.

Living Waters—Praxis Program

As providers of Catholic education, one of our aims is to ensure our Senior students are armed with the values of a Josephite education. We speak endlessly in Religious Education classes about serving others, following in the footsteps of Jesus, Catholic Social Teachings and modelling the values of Mary MacKillop. The Living Waters–Praxis program was once again completed by our Year 12 Religion and Ethics students this year. By the completion of the course, students are expected to accrue a minimum of 110 hours (across a variety of areas), 40 of which are compiled via service experiences.

At the beginning of Term 4, prior to heading into their External Exams, this small group of students presented their Praxis reflections and challenges to incoming Religion and Ethics students, and members of the College's Leadership Team.

It was a privilege to listen to the experiences of these students at the conclusion of the program and to gain insight into how Praxis has impacted them. Many students stated that Praxis opened their eyes to the realities of injustice in their local community; others discussed the deeper sense of gratitude they now have for their own families and an appreciation for the opportunities they have been afforded.

While the list below is not exhaustive, it is witness to the variety of service learning, advocacy and awareness initiatives these Year 12s have undertaken throughout 2022:

• Serving with Rosie's - Friends on the Street on a Wednesday evening

• Working with Vinnies Youth to provide sporting and camping experiences for underprivileged children

• Participating in the World's Greatest Shave by waxing or shaving in solidarity

• Facilitating activities during the Junior College and Senior College Formation Days

• Serving in the Prep classrooms

• Assisting Prep students from their cars to their classrooms as they transitioned into the Junior College in Term 1

• Assisting Junior staff and students with Mac Mates at lunchbreaks

• Organising and facilitating whole-school liturgies and Masses such as Anzac Day, St. Patrick's Day and Mother's Day

• Attending their own Year 12 Retreat; and

• Advocating for mental health awareness by organising R U OK Day across the College.

It is timely as well to thank the staff who have worked with the Praxis students this year, including: their teachers, Mrs Jen Langerak (currently on maternity leave); Mr Ashley Jones; Mrs Paula O'Rourke who spent many hours with students organising liturgies and Masses; and Mr Sean Albion who worked with students on the organisation of Formation Days. A huge thank you as well to Junior College teachers who opened their classrooms to the Year 12s who came to assist the Junior students. 2023 will see our third Praxis class complete the Living Waters program. We look forward to working with these students as they put their faith into practice.

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 class comprised 15 students and our Year 11 SOR group numbered 28–evidence of our growing Senior cohorts! Special mention must go to graduating student, Katelyn Haddow, who achieved Top of Subject, achieving straight 25/25 results for every internal assessment this year.

Students in the Year 12 Study of Religion class have been a dedicated bunch with the majority of the class having achieved an A or a B standard this year. They have certainly epitomised the calibre of students a teacher of SOR hopes for: opinionated, curious, organised and motivated. As the Senior College grows, we look forward to welcoming more students into the Study of Religion course!

Year 9 Students Aimed to 'Be More'

In Term 3, the Year 9 cohort learned that actions speak louder than words and that the best way to make a difference in the world is to challenge ourselves and raise awareness for others. Their Religion assessment in Term 3 was to take up

the challenge of social action by completing the Be More Challenge.

Students in Mrs Puhakka's and Mr Jones' classes researched a variety of issues they were passionate about. Some of these included: gender equality; poverty; racism; money distribution; refugees and asylum seekers; and inequality for the disabled and the elderly.

By firstly applying the See, Judge, Act framework and Catholic Social Teachings, the Year 9s then worked collaboratively to create a plan of action for how to promote awareness of these injustices both at MMCC and in the wider community.

Well, that's a wrap for Senior Religious Education in 2022. A heartfelt thank you must go to the amazing Religious Education Department in the Senior College:

Mrs Jennifer Langerak (currently on maternity leave)

Mrs Megan Puhakka

Mr Ashley Jones

Mr Ryan Cavanough and Mr Christopher Bracken

- who have all brought a wealth of knowledge to Religious Education across Year 7 to 12. These staff have worked tirelessly to make Religion at MMCC contemporary, meaningful and relatable for our students.

CAMPS AND RETREATS

Year 7 Camps

The Year 7s attending Kokoda Park near Laidley. The students participated in a number of challenging activities including a giant flying fox, high ropes, rock climbing, crate stack, archery and swimming. Each group of students were required to support their peers to overcome their different fears throughout the camp.

Year 9s Moreton Island Camp

This year our Year 9 students went to Moreton Island for a 3 day camp. Some of the highlights of the trip were snorkeling around the Tangalooma wrecks, sandboarding, illuminated transparent night kayaking and an island discovery tour where we were lucky enough to see whales breaching right in front of us.

Year 10 Currumbin Valley Retreat

This year was the first time we have taken our students to the Currumbin Valley Retreat. It is a style of camp our students have never been involved in but was an incredibly powerful experience. The 3 days were focused on reflection and giving every student time to determine their own path. All of this happened in between some very physically demanding hiking and kayaking through the Currumbin Valley. The opportunity to switch off from the pressures of life and do some reflection about their pathway was invaluable for our students.

Year 10s Work Experience and Career Retreat

Year 10 students had two events this year linked to entering senior school and career pathways. At the end of Term 2 Year 10 students participated in a two-day Careers Retreat and Pathways Showcase. The aim of this retreat was to support students in seeing their schooling journey as a pathway to a vocation. The retreat assisted students and parents in subject selection for Year 11 and 12. The twoday event concluded with a Pathway Showcase that gave students the opportunity to meet and speak with industry professionals.

At the end of Term 1 students took part in a Work Experience Program to learn new skills and be exposed to possible career opportunities. There was excellent feedback received from both students and work providers, with many students receiving employment opportunities. Some students have now investigated options to start School Based Apprenticeships and other forms of training to help their career journey begin.

Year 11 Camp

Year 11 Leadership Camp took place at the end of Term 1 at Emu Gully. Students were faced with physical, team working challenges to test endurance, teamwork, and leadership skills. Some of the students found the mud and tight spaces challenging, however as always the highlight of the camp was 'digging in' a paintball challenge where students try to move up a hill to rescue a stretcher patient while under fire –the teachers particularly enjoyed this activity as they were in charge of the paintball guns!

Year 12 Retreat

In April this year, our Year 12 cohort, accompanied by Mrs O'Rourke, Mr Albion and Mrs Radley, set off on Senior Retreat–a pilgrimage through parts of Brisbane which allowed us to find our Josephite roots, by following in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop.

In 1867, Mary MacKillop penned the statement "We are but travellers here". This was an apt title for our Retreat, which enabled the Year 12s to reflect on their journey at MMCC thus far, the remaining journey of Senior year and their possible pathways in the future. As a symbol of their pilgrimage, students were given a scallop shell–the grooves in the shell, which come together at a single point, represent the various routes pilgrims travel, eventually arriving at a single destination.

Our journey began at All Hallows' School, where we were taken on a guided tour, specifically spending time in the chapel and outside the All Hallows' Convent, where Mary MacKillop spent two weeks with the Mercy Sisters when she first arrived in Queensland in December, 1869.

From here, our group walked to the City Botanic Gardens, stopping briefly at Customs House to acknowledge that it was most likely along this stretch of the Brisbane River, where Mary and her Josephite sisters would have disembarked. Amongst the beauty and serenity of the Gardens, students reflected on what Mary MacKillop's quote “With God’s aid we shall get on and gain fresh strength and energy for the work" means for them, particularly when they are faced with challenges which test their resilience and perseverance.

The final destination for day one of our Retreat pilgrimage was the site of one of the oldest Catholic primary schools in Brisbane–St Joseph's School at Kangaroo Point–which was founded by Mary MacKillop in 1870. Here, our Year 12s reflected on the links between Josephite values and mission evident at a school which is over 150 years old and those espoused at MMCC, a place many of them have been since Prep.

Day 2 of our Retreat began at St Stephen's Chapel and Cathedral. Mary MacKillop prayed in both the original Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and in the present Cathedral of Saint Stephen, opened in 1874. On some Saturday mornings, Mary MacKillop would attend Mass in what is now known as Saint Stephen’s Chapel, which houses the Shrine of Mary MacKillop. While 10am Mass was conducted in the Cathedral, our Year 12s gathered in the Chapel, where they considered their own values and who and what is important to them. We then journeyed to Roma Street Parklands for an opportunity to rest, meditate and “see the beauty of God” (MM, 1872) while the Year 12s wrote a letter to themselves.

Our pilgrimage ended at Southbank Parklands, where students participated in a fun Amazing Race activity, giving them a chance to explore Southbank while using teamwork to find landmarks in the area. Despite tired legs, there were plenty of smiles at the end of our pilgrimage together.

In Week 7, Term 4, during their final week at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Mrs O'Rourke and Mr Albion facilitated a one-day Retreat. This experience built on the April Retreat and enabled our Seniors to consider how their Josephite heritage and the story of Mary MacKillop can accompany them beyond the gates of MMCC.

VALEDICTORY SPEECH

Good afternoon parents, friends, family, teachers and, most importantly, 2022 graduates, congratulations.

My name is Josie McQueen and I am the 2022 College Captain alongside Lane Richardson.

Over the past 12 months, we have received a fair amount of advice on how to write and present a speech. Beginning with Mr Gabbett’s obvious but needed reminder to bring up at least some notes. A documentary’s five points: speak loudly, keep your feet grounded, keep eye contact, control your hands, don’t run away at the end. More recently some wise women came to me with their suggestions.

My mum recommended I go and watch Tim Minchin’s 9 Life lessons, which I now recommend to everyone else. And finally, Mrs Richardson recommended that I only write this speech when I was in the right headspace.

I have spent the past two weeks wondering when the dam would break. I genuinely thought while writing this that I would be bawling, that the thirteen years of legally required nostalgia we have accumulated would all come washing back. So, when they didn’t— when these pieces of advice were the only thing coming to mind—I kind of hit a wall.

So, I wrote some notes, rewatched Tim Minchin and prepared myself for having to say goodbye. Part of me was too scared to admit that this is all coming to an end. One of my oldest memories is the start of school, at Geham, swinging on the bars with Lex Preston while waiting for our mums to get our prep uniforms. I was more than reluctant to remember my first day at Mary Mac when Sophie Howard pinned my name badge on for me, and I walked into Mrs Adler’s class to sit down, not knowing that I was surrounded by a bunch of my future friends. Honest to goodness, I cannot remember my first day of Year Seven, but I can remember lunch times during COVID-19.

Having to come to school because my parents were essential workers and sitting with Cassie, Jess, and Sarah. I remember falling off several blocks, poles. Jumping into several bushes, muddy puddles. Crash tackling at least three people in this room. Talking too loud in every class. Having friends stay up to help with assignments. Joking over the most ridiculous topics. This school is the reason that I am able to stand before you and smile that this has finally finished. Not because I’m glad its over but because I can look back and be filled with, as LottieD would put it, the warm fuzzies. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

JOSIE MCQUEEN & LANE RICHARDSON | COLLEGE CAPTAINS

I’m so much better off because of the 21 students in this room. I have learnt a lot from all of you. How to do basic math, how to take a joke, how to know when I’m burnt out. I can promise you these lessons will not stop just because we’ve finished school.

Hi all, I just wanted to start by once again saying, we made it. Despite all the challenges this year has thrown at us, we have succeeded. We have all strived to perform to the best of our abilities, from Levi, Hopefully, 100%ing Physics, to everyone who completed certs, we have all found success in our own right. This success stems from the hard work we all put in throughout the year. I know for many of us there were many late nights and much time spent stuck behind a desk. I’d also like to make special mention of the few mentally ill individuals who managed to maintain their grades while working multiple jobs. You guys are amazing, and I really admire your work ethic and drive.

At the awards night, I mentioned how much the college had grown in my time here. We have grown just the same. Over the years at this college, many aspects of our character have been nurtured and developed. We have gotten more resilient, more patient and, most importantly, have developed our sense of integrity. We learn and grow from our experiences and keep moving forward as better people. Right now, we are standing on the precipice of one of the biggest changes we will face in our lives. We can’t run from it, and we can’t go back to the way things were. All we can do is keep moving forward. You may be asking yourself, “When will I know when I’m ready to make it on my own?” You won’t. It’s a leap of faith that we all have to make at some point.

There will be hard times, but we will overcome them just as we overcame the challenges of this year. Hold onto the good and weather the storm because there will be soaring successes as well. This week, and to a larger extent this year, has a notion of the end attached to it but, at the risk of sounding very cliché, this is only the beginning. Each and everyone of us is destined for greatness and, through hard work, will achieve it in our own ways.

Remember who you are and where you came from as you move into the following years. MMCC will forever be a part of our individual journeys. Take the values you have learnt here and strive to be the best version of yourself possible. Good luck to everyone in whatever you may decide to do, I will miss you all and wish you a happy and fulfilling life.

We would also like to make some formal affirmations and thank you’s:

Thank you Bre, for demonstrating how to make the best out of a bad situation, how to persevere.

Thank you Tom, for always making everyone feel genuinely happy about being here.

Thank you Blair, your constant pieces of wisdom and humour never cease to put a smile on our faces.

Thank you Riley, your instant connection to our grade is admirable and will always stay with us.

Thank you Caitlin, you are humble and hilarious, you brighten everyone’s day.

Thank you Levi, your achievements are a credit to your determination and focus.

Thank you Jess, for caring and for inspiring us to always try our best.

Thank you Dylan, your humour is mostly always appreciated, but we could not enjoy ourselves as much without it.

To Lex, my day one, thank you for keeping us on the ground, your influence in my life is immeasurable.

To Taylor, there is no telling how many jokes and stories you told that saved us from taking everything too seriously.

To Rohan, thank you for coming on this journey with us, you have grown with us and I am proud to be graduating with you.

Thank you Emma, for your commitment this year, you truly put leading by example into action.

Thank you Reagan, there was rarely a class where your wit or knowledge didn’t come in handy.

Thank you Sarah, for your genuine friendship and care for younger students.

Thank you Cassie, for soothing my doubts and keeping everythingt light and friendly.

Thank you Ash, you made my year and, hopefully, every year after this.

To Abs, your infectious smile can light up any room.

To Mikaela, your understated hardwork is beautiful and accomplished.

Katelyn, thank you for your companionship and stark humour, it gets me through the week.

And, to Lane, your work this year has been irreplaceable, here’s to adventures in 2023

Finally, Lane and I would like to thank some of the most important figures in this journey, our teachers, guardians, parents and the concept of Gnomes.

Thank you all, it’s been fantabulous.

COLLEGE CAPTAINS REPORT

At the beginning of 2022, the Year 12 cohort had dozens of parents and friends tell us to slow down, smell the roses and remember that this year was going to fly by. And, naively, we laughed it off. We thought being bogged down in assignments and exams would slow the barrelling ball of impending adulthood.

Then, events began to fly past. The loud swimming carnival, the senior disco, Mary MacKillop feast day, book week. Suddenly, we’d ended up at the beginning of external exams. Thankfully, those also flew past. We were now at the precipice of adulthood, and we could think of another community to help us get here but Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

Often, as captains, it was our role to encourage students to take every chance to gain new experiences and achievements. We could not have brought this much passion to our role without the love and service of those around us. Our community fosters kind students who seek opportunities to grow in both their schooling and their real-world experience.

Without this, we would not have been able to persevere through our challenges and to relish in our triumphs. Many thanks are owed to this college community, not just for the effort everyone puts in to maintain our high standards of care and compassion but also to the joint efforts to form young people filled with pride and integrity.

2022 was truly an amazing year to lead.

LANE RICHARDSON AND JOSIE MCQUEEN

ACADEMIC AWARDS

MRS NATALIE ADLER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL TEACHING & LEARNING: JUNIOR

One’s ability to excel is limitless: Defeat is optional! What does achievement look like?

Is it putting effort into schoolwork? Is it receiving awards that mark your achievement? Is it doing your absolute best in your subjects? Is it simply improvement overall?

In fact, Educational Excellence is all of these things combined, and more. Achieving excellence stems from a mindset that strives for it. Motivation, focus, continuous improvement, pride in oneself and the understanding of one's capabilities allows for any student to achieve excellence. There is no limit to what can be accomplished should the individual pursue set goals with a dedicated mindset.

“Be faithful and lose not one opportunity of merit that presents itself to you”

(Mary MacKillop 1873)

When young people excel, it is rare for the achievement to be an individual accomplishment and much more typical for the achievement to be a collective effort, coming from teachers, parents, friends, other family members and community allies. This support, combined with the student’s intrinsic motivation to achieve is recognised and celebrated at our Annual Awards Evening.

In 2022 at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, we recognise success in the following categories:

Academic Success Gold Years 4-12

Academic Success Silver Years 4-12

Academic Improvement Years 4-12

Top of Subject Years 7-12

Sports Awards Years 4-12

Arts and Culture Awards Years 4-12

Pathways Years 10-12

All Rounder Award Years 4-12

Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award Years 4-12

Jarra Award Years 4-12

College Dux Year 12 (announced 2023)

SHEP Awards

Annual & Perpetual Awards

All-Rounder Award Year 4 - 6

O'Dea

All-Rounder Award Year 7 - 12 Excellence in Arts Award Year 4 - 12 Cultural Award Year 4 Cultural Award Year 5

O'Rourke

Award Year 6

Award 7 - 12

Award 7 - 12 Cultural Award 7 - 12

CWA Year 7 - 10

CWA Year 7-10

Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award 4 - 6

Spirit of Mary MacKillop Award 7 - 12 Jarra Award

Dux

Australian Music Examination Board Awards

Perpetual Sports Awards

Darling Downs Sporting Representative Award

Diligence Award

Pathways Awards

School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Award 10 - 12

Thomas Gartner

Vocational Education Training in Schools Award

Caitlyn Rayner

School Diploma Award

Elise Scrivens

Aurora Training Institute Year 12 Scholarship

Abigail Brooks

USQ Award

Jessica Kibble

TAFE Award

Blair Smith

Academic Improvement Award

Academic Achievement Award - Gold S1

Academic Achievement Award - Gold S2

Ava

Jarrah

Eustacia 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12

Amy Watt

Samantha Eulenstein

Bernadette McPhee

Charlotte Porter

Nicholas Adams

Young Sanders

Zoe Ward

Melanie Siokos

Jade Allison

Jackson Barr

Arcadia Botham

William Campbell

Lily-Jayne Davis

William Ehrlich

Lucy Jones

Emily Kentish

Isla Lotz

Makayla Petrie

Connor Stanton

Harrison Wiersma

Eustacia Golobic

Jack Haddow

Dominic McBride

Remi O'Donoghue

Erin O'Rourke

Archer Turner

Lucy Williams

Molly Haig

Olivia Horrex

Georgianna Reisinger

Charlotte Dobson

Lilly Hayes

James Lane

Hannah Rosenthal

Connor Smith

Bella Stenzel

Sophie Winter

Colbie 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12

Top of Subject Year 7

Religion

Makayla Petrie

English

William Ehrlich

Mathematics

Jackson Barr

Humanities

William Ehrlich

Science

William Ehrlich

Health and Physical Education

Harrison Schemioneck

Top of Subject Year 9

Religion

Jarrah Sunatwanitkul

Science

Jarrah Sunatwanitkul

English

Jayden Sunatwanitkul

Mathematics

Bianca Philp

Web Design

Bianca Philp

Drama

Bianca Philp

History

Jack Haddow

Health and Physical Education

Lucy Williams

Hospitality

Kaitlyn Greenhalgh

Design

Kaitlyn Greenhalgh

Top of Subject Year 8

Religion

Adele Adams

English

Adele Adams

Mathematics

Caitlyn Barr

Humanities

Adele Adams

Science

Adele Adams

Health and Physical Education

Caitlyn Barr

Wood Practice

Chloe O'Rourke

Mixed Media

Kya Manz

Ancient History

Noah Burke

Introduction to Law

Noah Burke

Community PE

Emily Riding

Geography

Dominic McBride

STEM

Dominic McBride

Metal Technology

Dominic McBride

Sport Science

Ava Smithard

Agricultural Science

Eleisha McInnis

Year 9 Cont...

Journalism

Harrison Pannach

Dance

Belinda Lawson

Music

Archer Turner

Visual Art

Archer Turner

Top of Subject

Year 10

Religion

Olivia Horrex

Business and Entrepreneurship

Olivia Horrex

History

Olivia Horrex

Literature and Creative Writing

Olivia Horrex

Hospitality

Olivia Horrex

Mixed Media

Olivia Horrex

Advanced Mathematics

Rachel Williams

Science

Rachel Williams

Visual Art

Rachel Williams

English

Ebony Naiker

Journalism

Ebony Naiker

General Mathematics

Molly Haig

Health and Physical Education

Riley Zanette

Wood Practice

Riley Zanette

Game Design

Erin Schneider

Business and Entrepreneurship

Eustacia Golobic

Literature and Creative Writing

Remi O'Donoghue

Introduction to Law

Nicolene Snyman

Community PE

Nicolene Snyman

Sport Science

Nicolene Snyman

Dance

Georgianna Reisinger

Drama

Georgianna Reisinger

Music

Georgianna Reisinger

Ancient History

Bridie Mattocks

Design

Daniel Sheath

Web Design

Kaylee Balderson

Metal Technology

Martin Logan

Geography

Riley Cuthbert

Game Design

Sky Warry

STEM

William Rayner

Agricultural Science

William Rayner

Top of Subject

Year 11

Mathematical Methods

Brendan Williams

Chemistry

Brendan Williams

Physics

Brendan Williams

Religion and Ethics

Brendan Williams

English

Kyra Bartlett-Horne

Literature

Kyra Bartlett-Horne

Study of Religion

Kyra Bartlett-Horne

Visual Art

Kyra Bartlett-Horne

General Mathematics

Bella Stenzel

Legal Studies

Bella Stenzel

Study of Religion

Bella Stenzel

Specialist Mathematics

Connor Smith

Physics

Connor Smith

Essential Mathetics

Caleb Mifsud

Biology

Elise Scrivens

Essential English

Thomas McMahon

Modern History

Lilly Hayes

Design

Mitchell Gartner

Visual Arts in Practice

Mia Lewis

Top of Subject Year 12

English

Katelyn Haddow

Study of Religion

Katelyn Haddow

Visual Art

Katelyn Haddow

Mathematical Methods

Levi Logan

Specialist Mathematics

Levi Logan

Chemistry

Levi Logan

Physics

Levi Logan

Essential Mathematics

Riley Clatworthy

Essential English

Riley Clatworthy

Certificate I Construction

Riley Clatworthy

General Mathematics

Cassandra Lawson

Biology

Ashlyn Martin

Drama

Jessica Kibble

Biology

Jessica Kibble

Certificate III Fitness

Jessica Kibble

Legal Studies

Isabelle Preston

Modern History

Lane Richardson

Digital Solutions

Reagan Pugsley

Certificate II Engineering Pathways

Thomas Gartner

Certificate III Business

Caitlyn Rayner

CURRICULAR EXTRA

CHESS CLUB

Chess at Mary MacKillop Catholic College continues to be a success with many students enjoying the opportunity to play games that assist in developing logic, reasoning, and thinking skills.

This year, students participated in the Primary Teams Chess Championship at Toowoomba Christian College and an inhouse chess competition held at the College. All students participated in the spirit of chess, demonstrating good sportspersonship.

Congratulations to all involved.

Chess Club have been held each week in Year 6 Stradbroke in 2022 but will be relocating to Year 6 Diamantina in 2023. There are two chess groups that operate for Beginners/Intermediates (Tues 10:50-11:30am) and Advanced players (Wed 7:30-8:15). Students from Years 1 to 12 are welcome to attend lessons, free of charge.

Our two highly respected and knowledgable chess teachers, Mr Les Lord and Mr Ted Kitto, teach students many new moves and help them to gain a better understanding of the game of chess.

All are welcome!

CRAIG HUBBARD

GARDENING CLUB

CONSTANCE BAILEY

Spring Gardening Club!

It has been a busy time during Spring for our keen gardeners. We have been weeding and pruning our gardens, while enjoying our harvest from our Winter planting, earlier in the year. The past term our students’ have been learning that we ‘reap what we sew’, in everything in life - not just in the garden!

It has been a wonderful time of the year to be out in the Junior College gardens enjoying the warmth of the sun, caring for our environment, and seeing the friendships and conversations our gardens grow and create.

Our new scarecrow ‘Sammy’ has helped keep the birds at bay to protect our growing fruit and veges. Our gardeners have enjoyed harvesting the abundant strawberries and tomatoes this term and learning about the hard work it takes to grow food for our plates!

We have been lucky enough, this term, to enjoy plentiful herb in the herb garden. We have able to share fresh thyme, mint, parsley, and chives regularly to the school café - to be used for cooking. Our gardeners have loved seeing the full processes from planting, growing, and harvesting food for us to be able to use in cooking and for the plate.

Thank you to all students who have participated in Gardening Club this year.

JUNIOR LIBRARY

SANDRA MIILLAR - TEACHER/LIBRARIAN

This year has proved to be the year of change in both our Primary and Secondary libraries.

The secondary library started the year with a delivery of new shelving. The saying ‘stack ‘em high and watch ‘em fly’ was never truer. Our shelving went up a level higher and then the exciting stuff happened – the ongoing purchasing of a huge variety of titles requested by student. Regular class borrowing sessions, and lunchtime clubs kept an on-going stream of borrowers through our doors.

The primary library underwent a major facelift to meet the goal of creating more reading spaces and areas to relax. Stage one involved the major dismantling, relocating, and reassembling of shelving by the library staff and borrowed muscle from the Yr 11 man-arts boys, (thankyou again boys and Mr. Varley).

Then came stage 2, the re-location of everything from books and boxes to rugs, cushions, and bean bags, but the culminating event was the painting of the most gorgeous mural designed and drawn by the Year 9 art class (thank you again Picasso’s in the making and Mrs Puhakka).

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

JUSTICE SOCIAL

PAULA O'ROURKE - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Making Jesus Real at MMCC

Mary MacKillop every day made Jesus real by her actions and words. She was a witness to the gospel and what Jesus taught the people by his actions and words. Here at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, the Making Jesus Real award acknowledges students who are leading by example with their actions and words to make Jesus real. At the end of each term we acknowledge a student who has demonstrated what this means.

This blurb is read out on assembly before announcing the MJR recipient for that class or PC (pastoral care group).....

At Mary MacKillop Catholic College, we are called every day to come to know Jesus and demonstrate the following values in our actions and interactions:

• Care and compassion

• Honesty and trustworthiness

• Understanding and inclusion

• Respect and tolerance

It is about being a ‘WESTIE’ all term – welcoming, encouraging, saying sorry, being thankful, being inclusive and enthusiastic. These are simple but powerful actions that can make the difference for each one of us.

Term 1 recipients were...

Tenison House

Charlotte Cannan, Henry Josey, Patrick Little, Adam Carter, Myles Kent, Samuel Carter, Keely Smith, Hudson Davies, Ava Knihinicki, Caitlyn Barr, and Jessica Kibble.

McCormack House

Willow Barnes, Kieran Eulenstein, Matilda Pigozzo, Taylor Blackley, Brianna Kowitz, and Kaylee Balderson.

Penola House

Quinn Ryan, Lily Watt, Eleira Statham, Ted Ford, Paige Hahn, Ann Dolan, and Sienna Jannusch.

Cunningham House

Abigail Usher, Maya Murphy, Lyrik Johnson, Nicholas Adams, Chelsea Rieck, Charlotte Dobson, and Mia Lewis.

Term 2 recipients were ...

McCormack House

Austin Nobes, Lincoln McInnis, Evie Weller, Chelsea Bannerman, Vivien McGlynn, Declan Stokes, Max Gosney, Chad Hourigan, Bernadette McPhee, Connor Cranston, Blair Smith, and Katherine Preston.

Penola House

Tahlia Semmens, Mia Dwyer, Poppy Vanderzee, Tayla Horrobin, Trinity Burrow, and Sienna Jannusch.

Cunningham House

Helena Kennedy, Mikey Herbener, Alicia Bonham, Thomas Danckwerts, Abbie Neale, Melanie Stokes, Olivia Horrex, Isabelle Pannach, and Paige Rolls.

Tenison House

Morgan Little, Charlie Lanson, Brooklyn Douglas, Jackson Stansell, Sarah Carr, and Oscar Spies.

Term 3 recipients were ...

Penola House

Ian McNamara, Sophie Butler, Holly Garrels, Scott Carrigan, Isabella Stanton, Elise Lindenmayer, Hue Garrels, Sky Warry, Alex Booth, and Ava Winter.

Cunningham House

Luca Mercuri, Lilly Stower, Chloe Richardson, Ava Frizzell, Chelsea Lowien, William O'Dea, Rubi Lewis, Charli Botham, and Arcadia Botham.

Tenison House

Zoe Albion, Joe Wells, Lillian Fritz, Thomas Hindle, Alice Kimball, Eustacia Golobic, Ariane Golobic, and Emily Wann.

McCormack House

Sophie Urquhart, Abigail Zahra, Willow Barnes, Caidence Doole, Neve Knapman, and Ethan Hangan.

Term 4 recipients were...

Cunningham House

Audrey Siebenhausen, Chloe Frizzell, Hadley Saunders, Theresa Ehrlich, Chase Gribble, Elliana Campbell, Ethan Moloney, Lachlan Warby, Cooper Keefe, Kaley Jones, Joseph Brosnan, Thomas McMahon, Erin O'Rourke, and Belinda Lawson.

Tenison House

George Lanson, Seth Hannant, Audrey Little, Caleb Mifsud, Bonnie Reisinger, and Layla Luscombe.

McCormack House

Sophie Urquhart, Nate Muller, Samuel O'Leary, Benjamin Manteit, Katelyn Burton, Nazareth Berry, and Seana Biju.

Penola House

Tim Watt, Zoe Schmaling, Jackson Hughes, Sienna Schmaling, Rachel Williams, and Bowen Adamski.

Congratulations to all recipients this year.

CELEBRATING OUR FAITH

PAULA O'ROURKE - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Our Relationship with God

Another of our whole College masses is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop on the 8 August. As our patroness, Mary MacKillop, is an important link to the Josephite Charism that we are developing across the College. It is through the Josephite Charism that we also develop our spirituality and deepen our faith. Please read more about our Feast day celebrations over the page.

Our motto "Celebrate God in all things", asks us to look to acknowledge God in everything we do. We can do this in a physical way, academic way and spiritual way. Our spirituality is always a challenging one to develop but opportunities are given across the year for students and staff to engage with their spirituality.

Our spirituality is a journey that we take and have to engage in to develop it further. This year we have been able to give our community time to reflect and participate in many different activities to develop their spirituality. It is through these activities that we develop our relationship with God and can truly celebrate God in all things.

MASSES

Celebrating mass together is an important part of developing our spirituality but also our relationship with God. 2022 has allowed us to again gather as a group without as many Covid 19 restrictions as the year has gone on. Our ritual of welcoming everyone back but also welcoming our new students was delayed for a couple of weeks but the excitement of ringing the bell for the very first time as new students both Prep and new students to our College soon gave everyone a sense of the importance we place on these rituals and experiences.

As part of end of year celebrations and rituals for Year 12's and all other students, the Year 12 Graduation Mass, gives us an opportunity to celebrate the journey that these Year 12 students have been on for thirteen years. We thank them for who they have become but also bless them as they journey into the future.

As part of the ritual for Year 12's they then ring the bell in the Chapel for the last time as they make their way through the guard of honour formed by staff and students. Again we are celebrating God through these students.

End of year Mass and Year 6 Rite of Passage as gives our students time to reflect about the journey they are on and that another year as ended. Year 6 students move from Mass through a guard of honour to the chapel before another guard of honour into the Cafe as part of their transition to Senior school. Year 6 students have many things to be thankful about and to celebrate especially in honouring God.

This year we were also able to host two youth gatherings with the Parish - St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish. These two masses saw many families attend and be involved in celebrating their faith with our community. Families then enjoyed each other's company while devouring pizzas gratefully supplied by the Parent Engagement Network (PEN).

We also acknowledged R U Ok? Day with our Parish in celebrating mass with them during their Mental Health month of September.

LITURGIES

Across the year, we also celebrate and pray in other formats. Liturgies is one way that this happens. This year we have had the opportunity to pray with our College house members and families especially for Mother's Day and Father's Day. On these occasions, parents and grandparents were treated to a wonderful breakfast prepared and cooked by our wonderful staff in the Cafe before our College leaders then lead the liturgy where everyone prayed together.

Ether in class or PC group liturgies also enabled students and staff to pray together for Remembrance Day, Daniel Morcombe Day, Ash Wednesday, Easter, Catholic Education Week and birthdays.

Whenever we can pray together it means we are developing our relationship with God. At our assemblies, students lead prayer for everyone. This prayer will be a reflection of what is happening at the time or our College prayer.

This year our Praxis students have again lead liturgies as part of their journey as well. With a smaller group this year, they focused on two liturgies - ANZAC Day and Mother's Day. These students have planned and lead these prayer occasions with our whole College. It is through this process that these students have also developed their relationship with God.

SACRAMENTS

Developing their relationship with God, for some students in our College, has meant they have participated in the parish's sacramental program as a way of connecting with God on a faith journey. Students have participated in Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist to complete their sacraments of initiation as part of the Catholic faith journey. Congratulations to all students as they develop their spirituality and relationship with God.

FORMATION DAYS

To develop our relationship with God, we need to engage in growth as a person - academically, physically and spiritually. The College plans for such occasions with the support of formation days. Every year level has had some formation whether it be a day, two days and part days. During this time, students are given the time to reflect about themselves and their journey. Spiritually growth has been provided for some year levels where they spend time away from the College ie Josephite Pilgrimage for Year 12's while other year levels are given time during their session to pray and reflect.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

As adults, our staff are also on a spiritual journey. This year we have continued to develop the Josephite Charism through the 6 P'sPassion, Partnership, Perseverance, Practical Action, Possibilities and Prayer while using the pedagogical approach of recontextualisation of the scripture. This has been the foci across the formation staff meetings for the year.

Four staff members also participated in the Josephite Colloquium in North Sydney to continue their own spiritual journey and faith development. This experience really enables staff to stop and take the time to refresh, renew and reinvigorate their journey.

As we continue to grow our College in the Josephite Charism, students and staff are given opportunities to develop their spiritual journey. We look forward to next year where we will be really homing in on the 6P's of Mary MacKillop as we continue the journey with our relationship with God.

HOUSE SERVICE AND MISSION PROJECTS

LEISA RADLEY - DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND COLLEGE CULTURE (YEARS 7-12)

As our Senior College grows, we aim to create a culture of service and mission so that our students have both a sense of pride in their House identity, but also an opportunity to serve others.

Throughout the year, each House had its own focus term: Penola in Term 1, McCormack in Term 2, Cunningham in Term 3 and Tenison in Term 4. During their focus term, students in each House run prayer on Assembly, host a College-supported Mass and are in charge of running a service or a mission activity.

Penola House: World's Greatest Shave

On Friday, 3 June, a dedicated group of Senior students–ranging from Year 7 through to Year 12–shaved their heads, cut their hair and had their legs waxed to stand in solidarity with Australians who have been diagnosed with blood cancer, such as Leukaemia. Students in Penola House, along with Mr Cavanough and Mr Chivers, promoted this year's event and smashed last year's $7000 total out of the park.

In total, students and staff raised almost $9000 for the Leukaemia Foundation this year! Those who shaved, cut or waxed their hair also showed their peers that–as a Catholic community–it is crucial that we stand with those who are vulnerable and to be witnesses to the Josephite mission promoted by our patroness, Mary MacKillop.

Well done to all

involved!

A big thank you to Dylan Schmaling who was a dedicated House Captain for Penola House this year.

McCormack House: Colour Run for MND

The students of McCormack House aim to espouse the values of Sister Irene McCormack, who was energetic, determined, but also humble in her mission. The colour yellow, worn by McCormack students, symbolises energy!

McCormack staff and students again chose to focus on Motor Neurone Disease and aimed to raise money for MND and Me Foundation. This foundation supports people and their families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Queensland.

On Friday, June 10, McCormack House's Senior school Colour Run occurred. There was a wonderful vibe amongst the students who donned their white clothing and raced through the Senior campus, stopping only for push ups, burpees, Zooper Doopers and to be smashed by colour! All money raised by students was donated to the MND and Me Foundation. We look forward to another amazing Colour Run in 2023!

Well done to Taylor Blackley who captained McCormack House with great dedication and spirit during 2022.

Cunningham House: Mini Carnival and Red Cross

Cunningham House's service initiative this year involved running mini carnival games at the Senior College Athletics Carnival, selling homemade savoury mince subs, hot chips and lollies at the canteen and also encouraging many dedicated staff to donate blood. Well done to Cunningham House staff and students who successfully raised over $1200 to donate to Red Cross "Life Blood".

A huge congratulations to Breanna Langley–Cunningham House Captain–who led her House proudly this year and was always ready with an idea and awesome House spirit.

Tenison House: Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness

During Term 4, Tenison House worked collaboratively to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. Students ran a number of activities throughout the term which culminated in a whole-school pizza party, which raised funds for the Black Dog Institute. The students were able to raise over $500 as well as start conversations about how we, as a community, can be proactive in looking after our own mental health and wellbeing.

This initiative has allowed Tenison students to enact the 6P's of Mary MacKillop; they chose a cause they are passionate about, imagined all of the possibilities for how to spread awareness, modelled how to persevere through challenges, they partnered together to take practical action and prayed for strength in themselves and others.

Congratulations to the Tenison House Captain for 2022, Sarah Carr! Thank you for your spirit and dedication to leading the house in the various carnivals and house-based events.

MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

PAULA O'ROURKE | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

This year we celebrated our namesake's feast day on Friday, 5 August. What is a feast day I hear you ask?

According to the Catholic church, a feast day is the day a particular saint is remembered and celebrated. The church has a calendar that reflects all saints' days throughout the year. It is usually an annual religious celebration where prayers and readings are said to reflect about the saint. Mostly a feast day is the day of the saint's death as it is believed that this is the day they enter heaven - their 'heavenly birthday' (Aleteia) Mary MacKillop's day is 8 Augustthe day she died in North Sydney in 1909 and entered into heaven.

So what do we do?

We began our day with a whole College mass celebrating living with faith and hope. The students processed into the sacred space with symbols of Mary MacKillop - scripture, her large picture, a brown coat, work boots and basket of fruit, vegetables and bread. All things that reflect Mary MacKillop's hard work living in the 1800's where faith was very important and the driver for her hope of a future that will enable children to know God as well as be able to make choices.

Through prayer, we asked God to help us be more like Mary MacKillop and acknowledging her passion, perseverance, practical action, possibilities, prayer and partnership. The day then continued with an Amazing Race for Year 3 to 9 students while Prep to Year 2 were treated to old school games with Year 10 to 12 students. After a picnic with a sausage sizzle near the Café, for first break, the students were involved in age appropriate activities that were fun, reflective, active and enjoyable.

Second break saw the cutting of the cake and everyone sharing in a celebratory piece. The afternoon concluded with tug-o-war competitions and reflective videos.

Why is this important?

Our feast day is important to us. As we grow as a College, our identity as a Catholic school also grows but more importantly our charism develops. The spirit of Mary MacKillop is fostered through the 6P's and celebrating her feast day is just one of the activities.

It is a day where learning happens in a fun way but it also enables different age groups to work in partnership and develop relationships that might not happen any other time. It is also a day to be involved in activities that they may not otherwise do at school.

We look forward to seeing our feast day grow each year.

ALL THINGS AMMA!

LEISA RADLEY - DIRECTOR OF FORMATION AND COLLEGE CULTURE (YEARS 7-12)

Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy in 2022!

Four years ago, Year 11 students, Elise Scrivens and Charlotte Voll, (who were then in Year 8), wanted to take action to do something for drought-affected farmers. After speaking with their parents and Mr Gabbett, the girls decided to form 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.

Four years later, the Senior College AMMA group has 17 members, ranging from Year 7 to 11. These members are: Elise Scrivens, Charlotte Voll, Charlotte Dobson, Sophie Winter, Hannah Rosenthal, Ava Knihinicki, Bella Scrivens, Gabby Voll, Henry Cleary, William Cleary, Chloe O'Rourke, Erin O'Rourke, Isabelle Pannach, Paige Hahn, Lilly Hayes, Gabby Aiken and Trinity Burow.

Each year, the AMMA group organises initiatives which touch on the cornerstones of social justice: charity/action, awareness, solidarity and advocacy. Throughout 2022, these initiatives have included:

Winter Blanket and Jacket Drive

The Winter Blanket and Jacket Drive has become an annual event at MMCC. At the beginning of Term 3, Tony Hurle from Tony's Community Kitchen and Nadine Dolan from St. Vincent de Paul visited Mary MacKillop to collect piles of blankets and jackets donated by our generous community.

Due to the generosity of Mary Mac families, we were able to provide Tony's Community Kitchen and Vinnies' patrons with hundreds of blankets and a variety of warm clothing. Given the chilly Toowoomba nights and rising rates of homelessness, the donations were gratefully received.

Thank you to all families in our community who supported AMMA's Winter Blanket and Jacket Drive this year. AMMA is looking at doing things a little differently next year...so watch this space! Socktober: Socking it to Poverty!

October is Mission Month and Socktober is always a time of excitement at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

On Friday, 21 October, students and staff from Prep to Year 12 donned 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 total was a whopping $1060 and our families' kind donations to Catholic Missions for sock-wearing totaled $761. The AMMA group used a portion of their profits to purchase sanitary and stationery items for women and children in Timor-Leste and gifts for the Vinnies Christmas Gift Appeal.

In the five weeks prior to Socktober Day and for one week after, students in Prep to Year 11 were provided with a Socktober curriculum. These activities and reflections on scripture and message of the Catholic Church were delivered by classroom teachers in the Junior College and via Religious Education classes in the Senior College.

bright socks and why it is important to fundraise. This year, Catholic Missions' focus country was Ethiopia; thus, the activities centred primarily around disadvantages in education and the workforce in Ethiopia. Thank you particularly to Year 3 teacher, Miss Wittman, who spoke to students at Junior assembly about her own experiences serving the vulnerable in Ethiopia.

Despite the consistent rain, 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 a sausage sizzle. This was a busy event, with over 420 sausages distributed across P-12. A huge thank you must go to Bannock Brae Meats who donated 200 delicious sausages to the cause.

Usually on Socktober Day, soccer shootouts occur on the Junior campus and the Senior College staff battle it out in Igatius, playing against student teams in our annual Socktober futsal tournament. Unfortunately, due to the rain, these events were unable to occur on Socktober Day. Luckily, the weather eased in Week 4 and some of these activities were able to be run.

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.

Mini Vinnies and AMMA St Vincent De Paul Christmas Gift Appeal

This year, our Year 5 Mini Vinnies students and Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy group promoted the annual St Vincent De Paul Christmas Gift Appeal.

Due to COVID in 2020, St Vincent De Paul moved away from food and non-perishable donations to instead collecting gift cards and presents for vulnerable families in Queensland. In 2021, Mary MacKillop decided to contribute gift cards and wrapped presents instead. This tradition continued this year.

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

We are proud to be able to donate a generous swag of gifts and gift cards to our local St Vincent De Paul Conference. Thank you to our families who donated to this cause—your generosity never ceases to amaze us!

Timor-Leste: Friends of the Teresa Orsini Clinic

This year, AMMA was able to use the profits earned from their Socktober sausage sizzle to create care packages for young women in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is one of Australia's closest neighbours but is one of the world's poorest countries, having been ravaged by invasion, war and occupation following the vote for independence from Indonesia in 1999.

Through a connection with Michael Reiken, owner of Excel Power in Toowoomba and member of Master Electricians, the AMMA group were invited to connect with the young women who living in the Cova Lima Province of Timor-Leste.

The area has very poor socio-economic conditions, little to no education, malnutrition, high maternal and infant mortality rates, lack of water and sanitation, very difficult terrain and poor infrastructure. Very few villages have running water or electricity.

While Master Electricians are currently working on installing and connecting solar panels, batteries and generators, there has been a call from Sister Gilbert, a Mercy sister in charge of The Theresa Orsini Maternity clinic for recreational equipment, stationery and sanitary items for the young girls who reside in the Hostel in Maucatar.

This is where AMMA comes in!

Using the profits of the Socktober sausage sizzle, the AMMA group purchased various sanitary items, notebooks, pens and pencils for the young women who reside in Maucatar. As electricity and Wi-Fi are installed in future months, the Friends of Teresa Orsini Clinic, a registered charity which operates in this Province, have asked whether our students may like to use Skype or even hand-written letters to connect with the young women–many of whom are the same age as the members of AMMA.

We are excited to see where this connection with the Friends of Teresa Orsini Clinic will take us!

SPORTS

SPORTING PURSUITS

BRAD GRIFFITHS - MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

The students of #teammarymac continued their pursuit of the vast opportunities available to them at the College in 2022. Participation numbers continue to swell in our more popular offerings such as touch football and football, and a whole new generation of students were involved in sports such as volleyball and futsal which also increased in popularity.

These opportunities do not come without considerable investment from our dedicated staff - thank you so much to those of you who put in the hours. You are very much appreciated. Pleasingly, we have had a number of students embrace coaching opportunities this year. The connections these students are forming with our younger students perfectly illustrate a P-12 community in action.

A dedicated band of parents filled roles from coach to manager to supporter and it has been wonderful to work with such a supportive community. Your willingness and enthusiasm allow us to field large numbers of teams in school and community competitions across the region.

Highlights this year included our annual trip to the Queensland All-Schools Touch Carnival in both the Junior and Senior College, the huge growth of Rugby 7s, SEQ Primary Football Championships, Monday afternoon School Girls Soccer competition, Volleyball and Futsal success, huge numbers of Darling Downs representatives, and countless other moments that made participants, spectators - our community, proud.

We look forward to the completion of our new sports oval in the near future and the opportunity to host fixtures on our home turf.

Bring on 2023!

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's if you get back up,"

Legendary American Football Coach Vince Lombardi.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

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 an Inner Downs Trial, followed by a Darling Downs trial, and if successful, students can represent Darling Downs at the QSS State Championships. Congratulations to the following students:

BRAD GRIFFITHSMIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

CARNIVAL WINNERS AND AGE CHAMPIONS

It was wonderful to be able to offer a full suite of carnivals in 2022. The weather was (relatively) kind and pandemics were a thing of the past!

Swimming

Our P-6 and 7-12 Carnivals were outstanding events. In particular, the Senior College carnival saw record numbers of attendees and participants. Students across the College are beginning to understand the notion of "putting in", in order to get something "out". Our events have far more atmosphere as we grow from a smaller, newer P-12 College, to an established and thriving community.

Congratulations to our Swimming Champions:

2022 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

9 Years Boys

Harrison Andrews

Chase Gribble and Mikey Herbener (tied)

9 Years Girls

Eva-Rae Stanton

Elliana Campbell

10 Years Boys

Lachlan Ward

Stetson Schutt

10 Years Girls

Louisa Lotz

Piper York

11 Years Boys

Campbell Barnes

Will Logan

11 Years Girls

Isabella Stanton

Olivia Ormiston

12 Years Boys

Tyler Stead

Aidan Stokes (Junior College)

12 Years Girls

Eliza Skewes

Emily Thompson (Junior College)

12 Years Girls

Isla Lotz

Lucy Gunders (Senior College)

13 Years Boys

Connor Stanton and William Campbell

13 Years Girls

Chloe Ormiston and Sharleigh Case

14 Years Boys

Lucas Ward and Riley Mackenzie

14 Years Girls

Erin O'Rourke and Bella Scrivens

15 Years Boys

Ryley Schmaling and Jake Butler

15 Years Girls

Charli Botham and Ava Smithard

16 Years Boys

Riley Smithard and Will Connolly

16 Years Girls

Sarah Mattocks and Bridie Mattocks

17 Years Boys

Brendan Williams and James Clarke

17 Years Girls

Elise Scrivens and Sharni Pengelly

18 Years Girls

Cassie Lawson and Josie McQueen

BRAD GRIFFITHS - MIDDLE LEADER SPORT & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

WINNING HOUSE - PENOLA

Cross Country

Our P-12 Cross Country is a highlight on the College sporting calendar. It is a chance for Junior College and Senior College students to mix together and for older students to cheer and support little legs to get themselves around the course!

2022 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

10 Years Boys

Stetson Schutt

Calan Griffiths

10 Years Girls

Piper York

Amy Watt

11 Years Boys

Campbell Barnes

Kynan White

11 Years Girls

Susie Bullock

Ariah Manz

12 Years Boys

Tyler Stead

Ashley Williams (Junior College)

12 Years Girls

Samantha Wann

Olivia Mcmahon (Junior College)

12 Years Boys

Seth Brett

12 Years Girls

Ruby Schick

13 Years Boys

Harrison Schemioneck

Tom Condon

13 Years Girls

Hayley Cuthbert

Emily Kentish

14 Years Boys

Jonas Vanderzee

Josh Cranston

14 Years Girls

Bella Scrivens

Nevaeh Berry

15 Years Boys

Ryley Schmaling

Noah Gunders

15 Years Girls

Charli Botham

Sophie Randall

16 Years Boys

Jezziah Berry

Daniel Sheath

16 Years Girls

Chloe Gillett

Chelsea Brunner

17 Years Boys

Brendan Williams

Caleb Mifsud

17 Years Girls

Paige Hahn

Emma Brittain

18 Years Boys

Dylan Schmaling

18 Years Girls

Caitlyn Rainer

WINNING HOUSE - MCCORMACK

Athletics Carnival

Held over two days, both carnivals were contested in stunning Autumn weather with many memorable performances.

2022 Age Champions and Runners-Up:

8 Years Girls

Lorelai Cantarella

Hanna Walker

8 Years Boys

Aiden Kasper

George Lanson

9 Years Girls

Savannah Tait

Peyton Usher

9 Years Boys

Jett Vanderzee

Max Keegan

10 Years Girls

Piper York

Chelsea Lowien

10 Years Boys

Calan Griffiths

Stetson Schutt

11 Years Girls

Susie Bullock

Elke Adamski

11 Year Boys

William Logan

Nash Adamski

12 Years Girls

Samantha Wann (Junior College)

Emily Thompson (Junior College)

12 Years Boys

Tyler Stead (Junior College)

Jacob Lange (Junior College)

12 Years Girls

Ruby Schick (Senior College)

Jessica Riding (Senior College)

12 Years Boys

Cohen Hangan (Senior College)

Kayden Stewart (Senior College)

13 Years Girls

Hayley Cuthbert

Sienna Schmaling

13 Years Boys

Jackson Clark

William Cobb

14 Years Girls

Bella Scrivens

Isabella Trost

14 Years Boys

Josh Cranston

Jack Lucy

15 Years Girls

Tayla Horrobin

Sophie Randall

15 Years Boys

Ryley Schmaling

Riley Zanette

16 Years Girls

Bella Stenzel

Hannah Rosenthal

16 Years Boys

Isaac Logan

Will Connolly

17 Years Girls

Isabelle Pannach

Emma Brittain

17 Years Boys

Brendan Williams

Caleb Mifsud

18 Years Girls

Josie McQueen

Caitlyn Rainer

18 Years Boys

Dylan Schmaling

Levi Logan

WINNING HOUSE - PENOLA

ALL SCHOOLS TOUCH FOOTBALL COMPETITION

At the 2022 All Schools Touch Football competition, Mary MacKillop Catholic College entered five teams (U13 Girls, U15 Girls, U13 Boys, U15 Boys, and Mixed Opens) to compete. Taking over 60 students to a 5-day sporting event is a huge operation and a huge thank you must go to our staff who accompanied the teams and our sponsors who provided us with more flexibility and opportunity to compete.

We had encouraging results across the board and our standard of play is increasing by the year. Our 15s girls were only a win away from playing off for a Top 16 finish, which is a great achievement considering the very high standard of play at this tournament.

We are already looking forward to 2023!

EVENTS COLLEGE

MADAGASCAR A MUSICAL ADVENTURE!

GENEVIEVE DUNCAN MUSICAL DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

It has been a privilege to direct and produce Mary MacKillop’s inaugural P-12 College musical of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure in 2022. I think I speak for all members of staff, cast and crew when I reiterate what an adventure we had. Whole school musicals offer students a rich arts experience where the process is just as important as the finished product.

During our process, students were empowered to experiment with ideas, become fearless in their ability to take risks and explore their creativity though engagement in all aspects of the production. Together, the cast have worked for months to breathe life into this show through a strong sense of collaboration, communication, and belonging to process greater than the sum of its parts. I am incredibly proud of the cast and crew of Madagascar 2022. We have all overcome challenges and obstacles along the journey, but we have preserved with resilience and commitment to the creative process.

These 21st century skills are a testament to the value of the arts in educating the whole child. Finally, whole school musicals are a significant event in any school calendar, and I would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated team of professionals who have worked tirelessly for many months to ensure this experience was transformative for our students and one they would remember.

William Shakespeare once said: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely but players”.

To the cast and crew of Madagascar 2022, your stage was worthy of rapturous applause.

Looking forward to 2024!

BOOK WEEK

YEAR 2A

YEAR 2B

YEAR 4A

YEAR 4B

YEAR 5A YEAR 5B

Absent:

Absent: Paige Clarke

Absent: Lachlan Lombard

Absent: Zeke McColl

MESSAGES SIGNATURES &