Edition Two
14 March 2025

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.

A Lenten Prayer

God of love and mercy,
As we journey through this season of Lent,
Open our hearts to your presence.
Grant us the courage to reflect with honesty,
The strength to grow in faith,
And the compassion to serve others with kindness.
May we seek forgiveness and offer it freely,
So that we may draw closer to You
And live more fully in Your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Join us for Open Night!

The year is well underway and it has been wonderful to see our students engaging enthusiastically in a wide variety of learning experiences. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field or through co-curricular activities, their energy and curiosity are shaping a vibrant and dynamic start to 2025. I am always so proud of the way our students embrace opportunities to challenge themselves, collaborate with others and grow in confidence. They are certainly taking up this year’s theme of “Through Challenge We Flourish”!

Recently, we hosted a highly successful Discover MacKillop Day, where students from a variety of primary schools visited our College to participate in a range of engaging activities. From science experiments and creative arts projects to languages and dance, it was a joy to see the visiting girls’ excitement as they explored different aspects of College life. Our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders were outstanding in the way they welcomed and supported our young visitors, showing the warmth and strength of our MacKillop community.

We now look forward to welcoming families and prospective students to our College Open Night on Tuesday 25 March, 4.30pm until 7.00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for new and current families to explore our facilities, chat with our dedicated staff and hear from students and alumnae about their experiences. Guests will see our College in action and discover the many ways we nurture and empower each student to flourish. Spread the word and we hope to see you there!

Our community gathered last week for the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, which began the season of Lent. In this special time of the liturgical year, we are reminded of the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting and almsgiving, which serve as guideposts on this 40-day journey. May this help us to open our hearts to the Easter story and deepen our faith and service as we look toward the hope of the resurrection.

Go well and God bless.

Sonia Nelson
Principal

Celebrating Leadership and Service at Mary MacKillop College

It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks for our Student Leadership Team, who have been actively involved in key events that reflect the values of our College. From flipping pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to attending the International Women’s Day Breakfast, our student leaders have demonstrated initiative, dedication and a commitment to making a difference.

On Tuesday 4 March, our Student Leadership Team arrived early to help run our annual Shrove Tuesday fundraiser in support of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. With the incredible support of parent volunteer, John Parrella, who worked tirelessly to cook pancakes, our student leaders took charge, raising funds for this worthy cause. Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins, is a time for reflection, generosity and preparation. Through this event, our students embraced the spirit of giving, raising over $350 to contribute to Project Compassion—a fantastic start to our Lenten initiatives.

Just a few days later, on Friday 7 March, our Student Leadership Team attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Our student leaders were up early in the city, ready to engage with inspiring speakers and celebrate the theme of the event, Marching Forward. The Adelaide International Women's Day (IWD) breakfast is the largest event celebrating IWD in Australia. This year’s guest speaker was Rachel Perkins, a proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman, who is one of Australia's most significant storytellers. The event was hosted by Senator the Hon Penny Wong (pictured with our Student Leadership Team). All funds raised from the event are donated to UN Women Australia.

The morning was filled with powerful messages about the role of women in leadership and the ongoing pursuit of equality. One of our students reflected on the experience, saying, "I especially took away that real change does not occur at a breakfast, but when we walk through the doors into the world and uplift women every day". Another student described the event as "a beautiful and insightful morning, where hearing from inspiring women encouraged me to think about the kind of leader I want to be".

The leadership, enthusiasm and community spirit displayed by our students over the past week is a testament to the values of Mary MacKillop College. We are incredibly proud of their willingness to step up, serve others and embrace opportunities to learn and grow. Well done to all involved in these events. Looking ahead, the Student Leadership Team is already busy planning their next event—the highly anticipated Movie Night, which will be held on Friday 4 April, we look forward to seeing you there!

Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal

Photo credit - Jennie Groom.

Embracing Lent – A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are called to give generously to those in need.

Last week, our College community gathered to mark the beginning of Lent with a reverent Ash Wednesday Liturgy. This sacred time reminded us of the call to repentance, renewal and deepening our relationship with God. As the ashes were placed on our foreheads, we were invited to reflect on the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel”.

The season of Lent challenges us to look inward, to grow in faith and to live out the values of compassion and justice in our daily lives. Inspired by the example of Jesus and the teachings of our faith, we are called to use this time to renew our hearts and actions, responding to the needs of others with love and generosity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and students who contributed to making our Ash Wednesday Liturgy such a prayerful and reflective occasion.

As we journey through Lent together, may we take this time to reflect on how we can embody Jesus’ love in our words and actions. Let us walk with open hearts, striving to be instruments of peace, kindness and justice in the world.

Caritas Australia Project Compassion Launch 2025 - Unite Against Poverty

As the Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday, it also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. This important initiative supports communities around the world by helping to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year we explore three inspiring stories of people from Samoa, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At our College, we encourage students to live out their faith through prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each class has received a donation box and students can contribute in this way or online at www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion.

This year’s theme, "Unite Against Poverty This Lent", reflects Jesus’ call to care for the poor and marginalised. Through our efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for your generosity and support and wishing you all a blessed and meaningful Lenten season.

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

Year 9 Students Attend STEM Enrichment Academy Day at Flinders University

On Friday 21 February, a group of 15 Year 9 students participated in Flinders University's STEM Enrichment Academy Day, coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This event, part of the university's ongoing efforts to inspire and engage young women in STEM fields, provided our students with a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The day began with an introduction emphasising the importance of gender equality in the STEM fields, including the significant role that high school science education plays in shaping future scientists and innovators.

Students then dove into hands-on activities, including:

• Physics Practical: Measuring Luminosity
• Green Chemistry: Making Plastic from Seaweed
• Panel of Female STEM Mentors

Student Testimonials

The impact of the day was evident in the enthusiastic feedback from our students:

Tahlia: "I had an amazing day at Flinders University and I really enjoyed learning about STEM and working through the Physics and Chemistry activities."
Winter: "I enjoyed my day at Flinders University as it was so interesting doing hands-on activities and listening to the role model speaker experiences."
Caitlin: "At the STEM Enrichment I enjoyed learning about new interesting topics. These activities made me more fascinated in STEM fields."
Marchesa: "I enjoyed this day as it was a great experience and lots of fun."
Michaila: "A highlight of the day was making small portions of water bottles from seaweed."
Olivia: "A highlight of today was getting to listen to the role model speeches, because they were very inspiring."
Lally: "A highlight of the day was making water bottles out of seaweed because I love biochemistry."

This STEM Enrichment Academy Day is part of Flinders University's broader initiative to support and encourage girls in STEM. The program continues to make significant strides in inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers. The event not only provided our students with hands on experience in cutting edge STEM fields but also exposed them to inspiring role models and potential career paths. As we celebrate the achievements of women in science, events like these play a crucial role in nurturing the talents and aspirations of young women in STEM.

Dimitra Thomas
Science Leader of Learning

The Arts

This newsletter we focus on our Arts Captains, Ella and Ally, who are excited to be part of the Arts team and their enthusiasm is contagious! The Arts faculty look forward to working with them this year, especially for our 2025 Arts Night, "Africa: Circle of Life".

Linda Di Blasio
Leader of Learning – The Arts

A message from our Arts Captains

Hi, I’m Ella, and I am thrilled to be one of your 2025 Arts Captains! The Arts have always been a huge part of my life, and I’ve been involved in many creative areas over the years. In primary school, I was an Arts Leader, where I embraced all aspects of the arts, including music, visual art, dance and drama. Throughout high school, I’ve continued to explore my passion for the arts, focusing on visual art, drama and dance. I have been acting and dancing since I was two and a half and my love for creative expression has only grown stronger.

As an Arts Captain, I want to help foster an environment where everyone feels inspired to express themselves and share their creativity. I truly believe in our college motto, "Through Challenge We Flourish" and I know that the arts are a powerful way for us to push our boundaries, grow, and discover our potential. Whether you have ideas, suggestions, or just want to chat about the arts, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s make 2025 an amazing year for The Arts at MMC.

Hi everyone! My name is Ally, and I am very excited to be one of your Arts Captains this year. Since joining the College back in 2021, I have embraced all the chances to be involved in the Arts through participating in every Arts production by dancing, acting or displaying my artwork. I have always loved the energy of rehearsing with everyone to make Arts Night as special as it always is, plus I have also participated in our Dance Showcase for a couple years! In 2023, I took part in the Refugee Art poster competition, which reminded me of how amazing the Arts can be for expressing ideas. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the awesome opportunities our College offers as you can grow so much from them!

Outside of school, I have been doing North Indian dancing for many years and I also help manage a Dance Academy which has increased my love for performing and expressing culture through dance. Alongside this, I have been involved in drama and acting opportunities externally, which have developed my passion even further. I hope that this year everyone gets involved, whether it be through Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Art and I can’t wait for 2025 to be an amazing year for the Arts at the college. If you ever have any questions about the Arts, you are more than welcome to ask Ella and I!

Our Year 12 Food and Hospitality class recently embarked on a First Nations Tasting Experience, exploring Australia’s rich culinary heritage. They then took on the challenge of incorporating native ingredients—like wattleseed, quandong and lemon myrtle—into dishes suitable for a function centre.

Beyond honing their cooking skills, this experience deepened their understanding of Indigenous culture and the significance of native ingredients, fostering respect for Australia’s First Peoples.

A delicious and meaningful way to embrace sustainability, history and tradition!

Nadia Witton
Food and Fabric Technology Leader of Learning

On Thursday, 27 February, 22 excited Mary MacKillop College students boarded a bus, eager to meet visiting students from St Capitanio Girls’ High School in Japan. The afternoon was filled with laughter and connection as the students got to know each other through a fun bingo game and other interactive activities. Our students were also treated to a special highlight—the beautiful singing voices of the St Capitanio students.

The following week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new friends to Mary MacKillop College. After a College tour and a shared recess break, the students rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on culinary experience. Under the guidance of the incredibly talented Mrs Nadia Witton, they prepared a feast inspired by The Aussie Classic Cookbook. Together, they crafted beloved Australian treats, including sausage rolls, cheesy-mite scrolls, Aussie sliders, Honey Joys, mini pavlovas, loaded chocolate crackles, ANZAC biscuits and, of course, the iconic fairy bread. After enjoying their delicious creations, the students packed goody bags to share with their host families.

At Mary MacKillop College, we cherish the opportunities to build friendships and enrich learning through cross-cultural exchange. We are excited to welcome the St Capitanio students back for their extended three-week stay beginning on 17 March and look forward to the experiences ahead.

Jeanene Corbo
Years 10 to 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 7 Camp: Building Connections and Embracing Challenges

In Week 4 of this term, our Year 7 students embarked on a three-day adventure at El Shaddai, Wellington. With a focus on building connections, this experience helped foster strong and positive relationships among students and their Pastoral Care Teachers.

The journey began with a fun-filled stop at Sturt Reserve for a play on the playground and a visit to the iconic Bunyip at Murray Bridge. Once at Camp, students participated in a variety of activities, including canoeing, raft making, rock climbing, swimming, archery, laser tag and the highlight was The Giant Swing. Throughout these experiences, the students truly embodied our 2025 College theme, "Through Challenge We Flourish".

Beyond the physical activities, the camp provided an opportunity for students to develop independence, strengthen flourishing relationships with their peers and Pastoral Care Teachers and enhance their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

A special mention goes to our four incredible Year 11 Peer Support Leaders, who played a vital role in supporting the Year 7s throughout Camp. They not only guided the girls in their groups during the day but also organised engaging evening activities. The first night featured an exciting MMC Mega Quiz, while the second night brought out students' creativity with a fashion design challenge using recyclable materials. The second night concluded with a fantastic fashion parade, showcasing innovative outfits crafted solely from butcher paper and masking tape—an activity that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Year 7 Pastoral Care team for their unwavering support in making this experience both memorable and meaningful for our students.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 to 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 7 Special Persons Day – A Morning of Connection and Gratitude

On Wednesday 26 February, Mary MacKillop College welcomed grandparents, parents and other cherished guests for our Year 7 Special Persons Day. The morning was a wonderful celebration of connection, wisdom and gratitude, reflecting the spirit of Mary MacKillop’s words: “Find happiness in making others happy”.

The event began with a warm welcome and a moving prayer centred on Mary MacKillop’s legacy of compassion and community.

The Year 7 students then took their special guests on a guided tour of the College, personalising the experience by showcasing their Pastoral Care Classrooms (and lockers), elective areas and other favourite spaces within the College. This was followed by a meaningful Wise Words conversation, where students and their guests found quiet spaces around the grounds to share stories and reflections using conversation prompts. The deep and heartfelt discussions created a beautiful atmosphere of appreciation.

The morning continued with a creative activity where each student, alongside their special person, decorated a terracotta pot and received a wise words message to nurture throughout the year. This pot will be regifted to their special person at the end of the year as a gift of gratitude.

A highlight of the event was the delicious High Tea, prepared by our own Year 11 Food and Hospitality students. Their efforts were met with glowing praise, as guests enjoyed the delicious spread while soaking in the joy of the occasion. Thank you to the students, Mrs Archibald and Mrs Witton for catering our special morning.

As the morning concluded, students farewelled their special guests with smiles and heartfelt thanks. In the coming weeks, Year 7 students will explore and inquire about what are the best plants to grow in their pots, continuing the theme of care, growth and gratitude throughout the year.

Special Persons Day was a true testament to the strong bonds within our College community, a reminder that wisdom is passed down through generations and love flourishes when nurtured.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 to 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

As we approach the final few weeks of Term 1, we are excited to reflect on the adventures we have had in STEAM Club! We kicked off the term with a thrilling mystery to solve, followed by an action-packed Water Rocket Launch on the oval. It was fantastic to see everyone's enthusiasm and teamwork in action. Next, we unleashed our inner weather wizards, creating our own storms in beakers and exploring weather patterns. We also delved into osmosis experiments, watched gummi bears grow and even made a gummi bear scream in the name of science! In another electrifying session, we built circuits that played music, spun and lit up. Coming up in Week 8, we will be making bioplastics.

In the final couple of weeks of the term, we will focus on the Science Oliphants Photography Awards. Get ready to capture nature's intricate details, reflections, patterns and vibrant colours. Whether it is the symmetry of flowers or the beauty of the night sky, we cannot wait to see your creative perspectives!

When: Monday Lunch

Where: Tenison Centre, Room 1.1 (downstairs)

All are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing you there! No sign-up needed, just bring your lunch and your curiosity!

Ms Thomas and Ms Turley
STEAM Club Teachers

Exciting News: Mary MacKillop College is proud to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Australia.

This new initiative is for students 14 years and above to self-register for The Duke of Ed, where non-formal educational activities can be recognised as part of either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal Award. 

Cost of registration is $210 (paid direct to the organisation when enrolling online). 

The self-directed learning practical program is made up of four core sections: Physical Education, Skills, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey. 

On completion, students can have their award recognised as part of SACE.

For more information please see Ms Mitchell smitchell@marymackillop.sa.edu.au.

Sandra Mitchell
Future Pathways Coordinator

On Thursday 6 March, the Mary MacKillop College community travelled back in time for an unforgettable Athletics Carnival, celebrating the 2000’s Era! Many students and staff were spotted sporting throwback fashion statements with classic 2000’s hits blasting through the speakers, bringing back plenty of Y2K nostalgia. Special mention to our Best Dressed winners for the day! Students of all year levels participated in many track and field events, showcasing their athletic talents by jumping long and high, throwing far and sprinting fast. The 4x100m relays were a highlight, with every house team giving their all in each age group. 

We congratulate the House Captains aka the Spice Girls, Kiara (Alexander), Lucy (Tenison), Sophie (Flora) and Alessia (Tappeiner) on their dedication and leadership throughout the day and in the lead-up to the Carnival.

A huge thank you to all staff, families and old-scholars who helped to make the day a success. Without your help and participation, the day would not run as smoothly!

The Carnival was a massive success and we are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements.

Congratulations to the 2025 Athletics Carnival Age Champions and Runners-Up
U/13 Runner Up: Isabella
U/13 Champion: Ella
U/14 Champions: Amelia and Eliza
U/15 Runner Up: Ashlyn
U/15 Champion: Caitlin
U/16 Runner Up: Adriana
U/16 Champion: Ava
16+ Runner Up: Sophie
16+ Champion: Melissa

I would also like to congratulate our 100m Individual Sprint Champion Caitlin, who also broke the U/15 Long Jump record by jumping 9.57m. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement Caitlin!

The House Spirit Award was awarded to Flora House, led by House Captain Sophie.

2025 Athletics Carnival Champions
Final standings for the day were as follows:
1st: Tappeiner House
2nd: Tenison House
3rd: Alexander House
4th: Flora House

Congratulations to all members of Tappeiner House and House Captain Alessia for their outstanding achievement!

Sport Reminders

• Students who have achieved outstanding results in the MMC Athletics Carnival will be selected for the upcoming SACSSGSA Athletics Carnival. Consent2Go will be sent out to confirm attendance of specific students.
• If you have nominated for a Term 2/3 Sport and are a new student or require a new uniform, please come and visit Ava to order a new one.
• Term 1 Sport has commenced and the training and weekly schedule can now be seen on the Sport Portal on SEQTA. These will be updated each week.
• Students are reminded to arrive 20 minutes prior to their scheduled game time.
• All absences from training and games must be communicated to the College Sport Coordinator Ava Corrieri through email (acorrieri@marymackillop.sa.edu.au).
• Morning Swim Squad training commenced on Thursday 13 March at the Norwood Swimming Pool. Swim Squad trainings run every Thursday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am. Students can shower and change in the Gymnasium bathrooms before heading to class. All students are welcome to join, bring along friends and have some fun in the pool (it is free of charge).

Join our Principal, Sonia Nelson, for a tour of the College.

Principal’s Tours are a great opportunity for prospective MacKillop girls and families to visit the College and to meet our Principal. You will meet senior staff and students on an intimate tour of the school and experience our welcoming community.

Tuesday 25 March, 4.30pm until 7.00pm - Open Night

Term Two
Wednesday 7 May 5.00pm
Friday 30 May 9.30am
Friday 27 June 9.30am

Term Three
Friday 1 August 9.30am
Tuesday 19 August 9.30am
Wednesday 10 September 5.00pm

Term Four
Wednesday 29 October 9.30am

Click here for more information or to register.

Mary MacKillop College warmly invites girls in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to spend a day with us as a MacKillop girl.

Discover MacKillop Days are a wonderful opportunity for your daughter to meet our staff and students while being involved in a range of interactive lessons and meeting new friends.

Term One
Tuesday 8 April

Term Two
Thursday 15 May - Specialist Dance Day
Thursday 5 June - Launch into STEM Day

Term Three
Friday 15 August - Masterchef at MacKillop Day
Tuesday 26 August

Term Four
Friday 7 November - Specialist Netball Day

Suitable for girls in Years 3 to 6.

Please click here to register your daughter for a Discover MacKillop Day.

ICT BYTES 

Do you have questions regarding how to install SEQTA Engage on a new mobile phone? Or maybe, which devices we recommend for use as part of our BYOD program? The answers to these questions are as follows:

SEQTA Engage 

If you have been using SEQTA Engage and will soon be changing your mobile device, this is the school website address which you enter when setting up your new device is;

https://coneqt-p.marymackillop.sa.edu.au 

Your username and password will be the same as you are currently using. 

Notebook Information 

If you are considering a new device for your daughter, the devices available through the Learning with Technology purchasing portal are worth considering. These devices are supplied with a 3 year on site warranty, including the free repair of accidental impact damage and liquids spills (please read this document for full details).

Click here for the purchasing portal.

For more information on our BYOD program, please click here for the information booklet.

Please feel free to contact the ICT Team for any school related ICT matter by phoning 83336300 or emailing helpdesk@marymackillop.sa.edu.au.

Peter Dawson
ICT Manager