Edition Eleven,
29 November 2024

Mary MacKillop College acknowledges the Kaurna people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and study. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Advent

Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Loving God,

As Christmas draws near, we turn our hearts to you in gratitude and reflection. Help us to pause amidst the busyness of the season, so we may fully embrace the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love that you brought to us on that first Christmas night. On that holy night, you gave us the gift of hope in the form of your Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. May we never lose sight of the immeasurable love and grace this gift represents.

Thank you, God, for the light of Jesus that guides us still. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray.

Amen.

As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves in the liturgical season of Advent - a time not only of waiting but of active preparation. Advent calls us to make room in our hearts for the light of Christ, much as Mary and Joseph journeyed toward Bethlehem, preparing for the gift of new life. This season invites us to pause, reflect and open ourselves to the grace and joy that Christmas brings.

This year has been filled with memorable moments, meaningful learning and extraordinary efforts across our community. Our MacKillop girls have shown incredible courage, compassion and resilience in all they have undertaken this year. Their achievements, both in the classroom and beyond, were a testament to their hard work and determination. They are to be commended for their strong sense of service to others, as they willingly embraced opportunities to advocate for social justice and contributed meaningfully to the wider community.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff, whose unwavering commitment ensured that each student was known and nurtured in a way that supported their holistic development. Your hard work, creativity and care have been the foundation of all that we have achieved this year. You truly embody our motto, “In all things love.”

We also take this time to express our gratitude to those who are leaving our community for new adventures: Roni Visekruna (College Counsellor), Brooke Marshall (Learning and Wellbeing Assistant), Sabrina De Marco (PE Support Officer) and to Zoe Duffy (PE Teacher and Sports Coordinator) who will be welcoming a new bundle of joy later this year. A very special mention to long-serving staff members who will be enjoying a well-deserved retirement - Josie Spizzo (Chemistry/Science Teacher), Claude Iannace (HaSS/Science/RE Teacher), Rosette De Los Reyes (Director of Business and Finance) and Colleen O’Toole (IT, Admin and Services Support) who together have served the College for nearly 130 years. Your contributions have enriched us and you will always remain a cherished part of our story.

To our families, your encouragement and partnership have brought life to our shared mission. Together, we have celebrated many successes and joys this year, from individual achievements to collective milestones. Your support created an environment where our students could thrive and we are grateful for the trust you have placed in us.

We are also blessed by the guidance of the College Board and the Sisters of St Joseph, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire us as we move forward into the future.

In looking back at all that 2024 has held, I feel truly blessed to serve in this remarkable community - my family, our family. May your Christmas season be filled with peace, joy and time with loved ones. I look forward to an exciting 2025 and all the possibilities it holds for Mary MacKillop College.

Go well, and may God bless you all abundantly!

Sonia Nelson
Principal

Empowering Future Leaders: RAD Leadership Justice Day

On Monday, 18 November, Mary MacKillop College students had the privilege of participating in the Risk And Dare (RAD) Leadership Justice Day, facilitated by the Sisters of St Joseph from Sydney. Held at the Mary MacKillop Precinct, this unique event was designed to inspire and empower young leaders who are passionate about justice and creating positive change in the world.

The day brought together student leaders from various year levels, providing an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share dreams and explore practical ways to address pressing issues in today’s society. The program focused on empowering students to use their voices effectively to make a meaningful impact, not only within our school community but also in the wider world.

Throughout the day, students engaged in discussions and activities that deepened their understanding of leadership for justice. They reflected on their values and identified issues they were passionate about addressing. Practical workshops taught them how to write impactful letters to members of parliament, have relational conversations that inspire change and develop actionable plans to implement in their local communities.

In the past, only a select few could attend the JJAMM Conference in Sydney, but this event allowed a larger group of students to experience a similar transformative opportunity closer to home. The enthusiasm and ideas generated during the RAD Leadership Justice Day will undoubtedly enrich our school community. These young leaders are ready to take their learnings forward, using their voices and actions to live out the College’s commitment to justice and the values of Mary MacKillop.

We are incredibly proud of their passion and dedication and I look forward to seeing the positive changes they will bring to our community next year and in the future.

Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal

At Mary MacKillop College we value the times where we unite to celebrate and develop our faith.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day, observed on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, stands as a solemn reminder of the impact of war on individuals, families and communities. Our College community gathered in prayer to not only remember, but also to honour the courage and selflessness of those who stood on the front lines.

The 2025 Social Justice Captains led the prayer service with compassion and justice, inviting us to reflect on the sacrifice of the men and women who served with duty and love for their country. During this service each person was given a red poppy, a powerful symbol of remembrance inspired by the poem 'In Flanders Fields'.

Lest we forget.

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

On Friday 22 November, we gathered as a community to celebrate the Class of 2024 at their Graduation Dinner, held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The evening provided an opportunity to applaud these fine young students who have demonstrated maturity, optimism and confidence throughout their years at the College. We are so proud of this group of students who have shown courage in their leadership. The Class of 2024 were formally presented to staff, families and friends, followed by an evening filled with warm conversations, dancing and singing.

We were fortunate to be joined by the College Captain and Vice-Captain from 2014, Alana Giacomelli and Kristen Amato. These two women have excelled in the world of STEM since leaving the College, completing university degrees and working in the field of medical science. Both Alana and Kristen shared the stories of their journeys and how lessons about courage and resilience learned at Mary MacKillop College have been instrumental in their successes both personally and professionally.

As we now eagerly await the release of the SACE results in December, we wish the Class of 2024 the best of luck for the future. 

Jeanene Corbo
Senior Years and SACE Coordinator.

As the end of year approaches we would like to share some highlights of Term 4 from the Arts Learning Area. We have shared so many events and achievements throughout the year, working together in Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts.

On a personal note, I would like to farewell the Stage 2 students who have completed an amazing year in The Arts and wish them well in their future endeavours. Thank you also to Kiara and Imogen, our 2024 Arts Captains who have supported us at every event this year. Your leadership and courage have been most appreciated.

Thank you to Ms Penna, Mr Hughes and Ms Scott for your support in The Arts and instilling the creative genius in our students.

To all our MacKillop families and wider community, I wish you blessings for Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Linda Di Blasio
The Arts Leader of Learning

Music

The Year 7 Music class have been busy rehearsing in three separate Rock Bands. In Term 3 they experimented playing different instruments such as guitar, bass guitar and drums. They formed small groups that combine their strengths, including a lead singer and in one band, a keyboard.

The Rock Bands have chosen classic rock songs to learn including Footloose by Kenny Loggins, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Last Nite by the Strokes. It has been a wonderful term of learning.

Our Performance Choir held their final performance for the year at the Week 6 Good News Assembly, performing a Christmas Carol titled ‘Carol of the Bells’.

We farewell seven of our Year 12 Choir participants and extend thanks and gratitude for their years of service. How do you replace the Magnificent Seven? The answer is: not very easily. Remembering that they all started young as beginners, it reminds us that if we take our opportunities when they arise, we can all be a part of great things: just like our Year 12s did.

Our Performance Choir will look different in 2025 but will still have the same committed and enthusiastic young performers all striving for excellence in their own way.

Gavin Hughes
Music Teacher

Visual Art

Congratulations to the 2024 Year 12 Visual Arts - Art and Design students and thank you to the families and friends who attended the exhibition opening on Friday 8 November. It was a privilege to celebrate the commitment of these students who dedicated so much time and effort to this subject. Hours of experimentation, planning and refinement were taken with great perseverance by Stage 2 Visual Art students to create an outstanding display of works.

Students recorded their ideas, inspiration and processes in their 40-page Folio through abundant journalling, media and concept experiments, photos and sketches exploring individual visions. They studied the styles, technologies and techniques of inspiring artists and designers related to their chosen themes and briefs, evaluating each problem then adapting and improving ideas visually until resolved to finally achieve their vision.
Concepts explored included the ageing process through family and self-portraits in Ella’s realistic, ‘Generations of Anna’. Barn Owls fly to safety away from a threatened habitat in Sophia’s triptych ‘Further to Fly’. These exquisite owls are depicted close to real, accomplished by her amazing talent and patience. Anna’s definitive brand identity, advertising and merchandising for proposed anime and gaming convention ‘Anima Con’ is professional and ‘event ready’. Her painstaking hours of work, years of accumulated digital knowledge, skill and imagination have been captured in her Folio leading to the polished result. Isabella created vivid, alternative poster designs for the College Arts Performance, Happily Ever After, inspired by her passion for famous musical posters as a part of her Creative Arts Project. ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ represents Lily’s reflections of family and memory through her many years of living in many homes. House shaped paintings exhibit her excellent painting skills with beautiful, symbolic artworks paying tribute to the family bonds that count. Isabelle’s fashion design collection, photoshoot and garment for the 2025 MET GALA, ‘Extragalactic: A Retrospective on Space and Fashion’ is out of this world! She has taken inspiration from the history of space technology and combined the fashion aesthetics from each era to design a timeline of ‘astronomical’ garments. ‘Copernicus’ was the design constructed which reflects the Renaissance fashion style of the 1500-1600s. Renaissance mathematician and astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus discovered the concept of ‘heliocentrism’, placing the sun rather than the earth at the centre of the universe and the planets moving around it. The planet’s orbits are imaginatively shown in the crinoline (skirt structure) and headpiece. Sofia’s clever game board design, ‘Tales of Wonder’ aims to capture the world of Hans Christian Andersen fairytales like ‘The Princess and the Pea’ and the ‘Red Shoes’ through 3d modelled and printed pieces, game cards and board creating a journey through storytelling.

An incredible show of originality, talent and skill, a show to remember!

Congratulations!

Romina Penna
Art Teacher

Dance and Drama

Specialist Dance Day

On Wednesday 20 November, we welcomed 30 enthusiastic Years 3 to 6 Dance students to Mary MacKillop College to experience our Specialist Dance Program. The day was filled with a buzz of energy as students participated in workshops exploring shape design, transitions, improvisation and contemporary dance technique. The Year 8 Dance Academy students shone as leaders by teaching sections of choreography featured in their recent Dance Showcase performance. Thank you to all involved, it was a wonderful day.

Dance

The end of Term 4 has been a memorable experience for students in Drama and Dance, as rehearsed and polished performances have been presented to the class.

Dance Academy students studied compositional structure, learning about the use of choreographic devices to enhance their choreography. The pieces presented to the class provided many opportunities for reflection and critique. Year 8 Dance students have creatively explored the use of fans in choreography, presenting colourful and effective small-group performances.

Drama

Year 8 Drama students devised fun and entertaining Game Shows. ‘Out of Tune’ featuring contestants battling for the top award of most out-of-tune singer and ‘Talent Take Over’, following characters wanting fame at any cost, even without the talent. Year 7 students presented their humorous and creative fractured fairytale plays, while the Year 9 class studied conflict scenarios, with all performances demonstrating the growth in confidence and skill gained over the term.

Rachel Scott
Dance and Drama Teacher

Earlier this term, students celebrated Languages Week with exciting activities across all year levels. Year 7 students enjoyed a Latin Dance Workshop, experiencing the rhythm and energy of Latin music. Year 8 Italian students participated in Family Feud: Italian Style, sharing their knowledge of Italian culture. They also played Tombola (Bingo), practising vocabulary related to pastimes. Year 8 Spanish students decorated masks to celebrate The Day of the Dead.

Year 9 Italian students took part in a traditional Tarantella Dance Workshop, led by Nina Fantasia and Lino Cardone. Stage 1 Italian and Year 7 Music students attended an accordion workshop with Lino, learning about the instrument’s cultural significance and enjoying a lively performance. Stage 2 Italian students went on una passeggiata (a stroll) to Messina Gelato, where they learned what makes gelato unique before selecting and tasting their own.

A special Glory Box exhibition was presented to Year 9 students by Laura Di Martino, who shared the history of this treasured tradition and its relevance today. She also showcased beautiful linens, some over 100 years old. We are grateful for the knowledge she shared, which added a unique touch to our week!

Year 9 and Stage 1 students competed in our Briscola and Scopa Card Tournament, with some bringing family members to join the fun. This tournament, introduced last year, was once again well-received by students and families. Thank you to Rostrevor College for organising this wonderful event.

No celebration of languages would be complete without food! Students enjoyed delicious Colombian dishes from Ponderosa, including stuffed arepas and empanadas, along with a refreshing gelato treat.

To conclude our celebration of Languages Week, on Sunday, 10 November, four students of Italian - Gabriella, Josephine, Ava and Ana served as wonderful ambassadors of Mary MacKillop College at the Unity Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Payneham. The students read the Prayers of the Faithful and laid wreaths to commemorate the Fallen on the Day of Unification of Italy. It was also lovely to see Mary MacKillop College alumna Renaé Albuino sing at the ceremony.

Languages Week was full of learning, culture and fun. A big thank you to all the facilitators and the Languages Learning Area Team for making it such a memorable event!

Mary Lepore
Languages Leader of Learning

This year, Mary MacKillop College collaborated with The University of Adelaide to offer the Children's University (CUA) program to all students in Years 7 and 8.

The 'Passport to Learning' initiative provided an opportunity for our students to expand their learning beyond the classroom and engage more in the extracurricular activities that our school offers. Students gained hours through the time they spent in lunchtime/afterschool clubs, dance opportunities, Come 'n' Try Days, instrumental lessons, masterclasses and Saturday sport (just to name a few). Through participation in these wonderful extra curricular activities, our CUA Graduates have shown dedication, curiosity and a genuine love of learning. They have gone above and beyond to accumulate hours of learning and experience.

Congratulations to the following students for their dedication and the hours they’ve completed:

Amelia - Bronze Award - 30 hours
Kenolee - Bronze Award - 62.5 hours
Evie - Silver and Bronze Awards - 73 hours
Anja - Silver and Bronze Awards - 87 hours
Ella - Bronze Degree and Gold Diploma - 351 hours
Malia - Bronze Degree and Gold Diploma - 350 hours

Students recently attended their own graduation at Bonython Hall, on the grounds of the University of Adelaide, with many other participating schools.

We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the University of Adelaide next year, by offering a ‘Passport to Volunteering’ for students in Year 9.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 and 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator

In Week 4 of this term, our Year 8 students attended a 3-day camp at Adare in Victor Harbor.

Day 1 started with setting up dorms.  We were lucky enough to be staying in Adare House, an old, charming manor surrounded by grassy hills. Our students then spent their first afternoon at the beach. The Beach games afternoon was all about teamwork, friendly competition, and stepping outside their comfort zones.

Day 2 kicked off with the Giant Kiwi swing. Now, this isn’t any old swing, it is a leap of faith! Students were raised 15 metres above the ground by their fellow tribe members, experiencing G-force Superman Style motion. From all reports, it was a thrilling experience, and a great lesson in trusting themselves - and the people holding the ropes! This strange sensation was powered by tribe members, illustrating what can be accomplished when physics, teamwork and safety gear all combine.

Next, students took to the water for some canoeing down the Hindmarsh River. Some students showed they were naturals, gracefully paddling in sync, while others spent some time zigzagging rather than going straight. Other activities included brain twisters, challenge courses, survivor challenges and water obstacles. All of these activities reminded students that teamwork, good communication and the need to draw on each other’s skills each play a part in creating their own success stories.  

The highlight for many was the first night quiz where students were tested on their general knowledge. The second night students participated in a Mission Impossible Challenge, hosted by our amazing Peer Support Leaders.  The night ended with a fun egg and spoon race up and down the hill. This was quite the challenge. Our Peer Support Leaders did an incredible job of making our evening activities a success.  

Year 8 camp isn’t just about the activities (or being the winning tribe) - it is about stepping out of comfort zones, building confidence in themselves and their peers, strengthening connections, using grit and problem-solving skills and most importantly creating memories together.

A huge thank you to the teachers who joined our Year 8 students and the Peer Support Leaders for organising such an incredible experience.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 and 8 Coordinator

Six Mary MacKillop College students were provided with the incredible opportunity to engage in experiential learning through an immersion experience, offered collaboratively by the Defence Science Technology Group (DSTG) and the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF). During the five days, the students gained real-life experiences and exposure to post-school pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The week was also instrumental in helping students align their future career aspirations with their subject interests and passions.

Initially, the group grumbled about the early 8:00 am starts, the long taxi rides to the north, and the late 5:00 pm finishes. However, this perspective quickly changed as we began to explore some of the leading innovators in emerging industries such as space, air, sea and cyber. A highlight of day 2 was visiting Southern Launch and learning about their two space launch facilities located here in South Australia. We were also provided with an overview of the range of job opportunities and the specific roles that people have like engineers, flight controllers, marketing, communications and a legal team who negotiate with regulatory bodies to gain all approval when launching missions into space. Next stop was The Australian Space Discovery Centre, where we learnt that space technologies like satellites support things that we all take for granted like Global Positioning Systems (GPS), telephone, internet communications and even our banking and retail experience is dependent on satellites that are orbiting out there in space. 

Day 3, students travelled to BAE Systems at the Osborne Naval Shipyard to hear about the range of career opportunities (both functional and supporting) that are associated with the Hunter-Class Frigate program. A tour of the work was definitely a highlight, putting the size of the project into perspective. Students got to see first-hand the size of the vessels being built and the magnitude of the shed infrastructure that houses the initial manufacturing process of the ships.

The following day we visited the RAAF Base which for all students was the highlight of the week. Students were able to get a first-hand insight into the robotics, aircraft maintenance, electronic/computing systems and VR technologies that are being prototyped. We also enjoyed lunch in the RAAF Mess which was an experience in itself, as it is a little different to the College canteen.

On the final day we learnt about the physics and mathematics behind the innovation and creativity of many of the DSTG projects, including how these discoveries soon become embedded into our daily lives. Other sessions ranged from learning about deepfake and how vigilant we need to be especially with regard to facial recognition to hearing the career – life journeys of many people who work at DSTG.

This week was transformative and opened our eyes to opportunities that students may not have considered previously.

Sandra Mitchell
Future Pathways Coordinator

Earlier this term we celebrated PE Week - a week filled with engaging activities designed to highlight the importance of staying active and healthy. Our Year 7 students embarked on an exciting adventure at AFL Max, where they experienced a day of trampolining, bouncing in the inflatable bump zone and honing their kicking and passing AFL skills. Our Year 8 students took on the challenge of the annual Orienteering Championships at Hazelwood Park. A special shout-out to the Winnie the Pooh and Friends team for their 25-minute finish time crowning them 2025 champions and the Chipmunks for being awarded best dressed team on the day. Our Year 9 students engaged in Wheelchair Basketball sessions, gaining valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities. The sessions not only pushed students physically but also provided an opportunity for fun and increased awareness.

Adding to the excitement of PE Week, our annual Interhouse Tournament for Years 7 to 11 was held with houses challenging each other in Touch Football. Congratulations to Tenison who clinched the championship, and a special mention to House Captain, Lucy for leading the team to victory. We look forward to more thrilling interhouse tournaments next year.

Term 4 Sport wrapped up in Week 6 with our basketball, touch football and volleyball teams finishing their final rounds of games. Our Middle Basketball Team managed to come away undefeated for the season, well done girls and super coach, Mr T, for your efforts. Congratulations to all teams involved, we cannot wait to see you compete again in Term 1 Sport next year.

As we bid farewell to 2024, anticipation is building for the upcoming 2025 Swimming Carnival. Scheduled for Week 1, Friday 31 January 2025, MacKillop girls will dive into the pool to battle for the title of Swimming Carnival Champions! We are delighted to unveil the theme for the event - ‘Christmas in January’. We hope that all students will make a splash at the Swimming Carnival by diving into the festive spirit, decking themselves out in jolly Christmas costumes and let their holiday cheer shine poolside. Don't forget, there are prizes for the best-dressed participants!

I am on leave in 2025, but I am thrilled to pass the baton to Ava Corrieri, who will bring her energy and dedication to Mary MacKillop College to lead with care and commitment in my absence. Wishing you a Christmas break filled with activity and good health. May you return to the College in 2025 ready for another busy year filled with memorable moments in the pool and on the court, track or field.

Zoe Duffy
Sport Coordinator

Our proud tradition of excellence continues to inspire a bold vision for the future! Starting in 2025, school fees have been reduced across all year levels - a powerful reflection of our commitment to compassion, justice and opportunity.

This exciting change makes it easier than ever to join our welcoming community, where each girl is known, nurtured and empowered to lead with courage and compassion.

Discover how your daughter can grow and lead with us at Mary MacKillop College:
https://www.marymackillop.sa.edu.au/fees