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.
‘I am the resurrection and the life.
If anyone believes in me, even though they die they will live,
and whoever lives and believes in me
will never die.' (John 11:25)
Let us pray.
Creator God.
We praise you for loving us so deeply
that you sent Jesus to save us.
We remember his suffering,
his dying, and his rising.
With him we continue each day
to die to sin in our life
and to live only for you
Heavenly Father,
we praise you.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sonia Nelson
I hope the blessings of Easter and the resurrected Christ were with all our families and staff over Holy Week and my best wishes for a joyous Eastertide in the lead up to Pentecost Sunday.
It has been a productive and successful term with myriad events, activities and excursions being undertaken. It was with great delight that we hosted students from St Capitanio, Japan, for three weeks recently. It was a great opportunity for all involved to grow in cultural awareness and make some firm friends. Our Years 7 and 9 students sat the online NAPLAN tests in mid-March as all year levels then completed various tasks and assessments in the lead up to reports and the end of Term 1. They are to be commended on their engagement and positive approach to learning, which is reflected in the academic results and endeavour indicators in student reports, being distributed via SEQTA on Friday for Years 7 to 10.
Harmony Day was celebrated on 21 March, with a ‘sea’ of orange ribbons and a ceremony to unveil our Rotary Peace Pole, one of 250,000 in the world symbolising our common wish for a world at peace. Later that week the College community and families gathered in St Ignatius Church for our St Joseph’s Feast Day Mass and Student Leader Induction. For this special feast day, both the mass and commissioning celebrated our connection to the Josephite charism and tradition and honoured the values of St Joseph, Mary MacKillop and the many Sisters that followed in her footsteps. It was wonderful too, to have some of the Sisters of St Joseph and families of our student leaders join us for morning tea back at the College!
Our Year 12 students are finishing the term on a high, as they return from their retreat tomorrow. Many old scholars have described this event as one of the most memorable of their time here and I am sure that our current cohort would have also found this to be true!
Finally, a sincere THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the successful start to 2023 at Mary MacKillop College. To the committed and passionate staff, the engaged and enthusiastic students and the supportive families – God bless each of you! Have a wonderful break filled with the right amount of family, friends, rest and recreation.
Sonia Nelson
Principal
Tuesday 21 March 2023
Thursday 23 March 2023
Jasmin Eckert
Last week our school community came together to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, who is the patron Saint of workers, fathers and the universal Church. The Mass was a beautiful reminder of the importance of faith, service and leadership in our daily lives. We gathered as a community to celebrate Joseph who was an ordinary and humble man - the husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus here on earth. Joseph protected and cared for Mary and Jesus, placing their needs before his own.
St Joseph’s actions showed his character and strength as a humble leader. The Mass was a time for reflection and gratitude, as we gave thanks for the many blessings we have received and asked for guidance in the challenges that lie ahead.
Following the Mass, we held a Leadership Induction Ceremony, which recognised our newest group of student leaders. Leadership is a call to serve, to be courageous and to act with justice. These students draw inspiration from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. A woman of conviction, a woman of justice, a woman of courage. Our Leadership Induction Ceremony acknowledged the student leaders from Mary MacKillop College who have responded to this call to represent their peers, to create opportunity, to show sensitivity and courageously build community. We are proud of their achievements and excited to see the many ways they will contribute to our school in the coming year.
At Mary MacKillop College, we recognise leadership in four areas of school life. Student Wellbeing, Student Representative Council (SRC), Peer Support and the Student Leadership Team. During the ceremony, our student leaders took an oath, pledging to serve our school with integrity, respect and compassion. They were also presented with a special pin which symbolises their commitment to leadership and service.
As we reflect on the St Joseph’s Feast Day Mass and Leadership Induction Ceremony, we are reminded of the importance of faith, service and leadership in our lives and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these values with our school community. We look forward to seeing the many ways in which our student leaders will make a positive impact in the coming years. Thank you to the Sisters of St Joseph, staff, families and students who contributed to the Mass and Leadership Induction Ceremony and for your continued support of our school. May God bless you all.
Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal
Thursday 23 March 2023
Adriana Sotira
"So it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead." (Luke 24:46)
"God gives me strength for what is necessary." (St Mary MacKillop)
Lenten Liturgy
Last week we celebrated Holy Week with a Lenten Liturgy in preparation for Easter. We reflected on Jesus’ journey through this special week which began on Palm Sunday. During the time of Lent, we were invited to treat each other with respect and love, show integrity in our everyday actions and to live out Jesus’ message in our own lives. Jesus encourages us to go and do as he did. During his last days on earth, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and shared of himself at his last supper before he embraced the cross in an ultimate act of love for all.
On Holy Thursday students brought forward items to symbolise our preparation for Holy Week and Year 7 students displayed 4 scenes in Jesus’ journey to the way of the Cross through liturgical movement.
We gathered again on Tuesday morning after Easter for a Resurrection Liturgy to celebrate the rising of Christ from the dead. As Christians, we reflect on this time of renewal and new life, including how this is relevant in our own lives.
With Blessings
Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator
Saturday 18 March 2023
On Saturday 18 March some of our Year 11 and Year 12 student leaders hosted a lunch for the Sisters of St Joseph celebrating their Jubilee.
Congratulations to Sr Anne Fitzgerald and Sr Patricia Sealey who celebrated their Platinum Jubilee - 70 years since their first profession.
Congratulations to Sr Anne Leesue, Sr Liz Murphy and Sr Augusta Bresba who celebrated their Diamond Jubilee - 60 years since their first profession.
These Sisters have lived the spirit and charism entrusted to the Congregation by Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. They have done it with commitment, generosity and faithfulness. We honour them for indeed God has done great things in them and it fills us with joy.
Mary Lepore and Jeanene Corbo
The Year 7 and 11 students were fortunate to be able to reconnect this term through an engaging activity. Each student made a keyring and presented it to their buddy. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to continue to get to know each other, in particular, for our Year 7 students who are continuing to flourish in their transition to secondary school with the support of their peers. There was a great energy and sense of fun in the Gymnasium as they embraced this activity.
Mary Lepore and Jeanene Corbo
Year 7 and Year 11 Coordinators
Ida Parente and Jeanene Corbo
On Thursday 16 March the Years 8 and 12 buddies were transformed into builders, decorators and storytellers as they created ‘Courage Wagons’ to represent the 2023 school theme 'having courage to ...'.
The students worked collaboratively and enjoyed creating a coat of arms which reflected the qualities and values of our College, drawing on inspiration from our saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
The buddies presented their wagons as true visionaries. With some creativity and fun, the students embraced the opportunity to reconnect and continue to enhance the relationships as supportive peers.
Many of the students' reflections highlighted the importance of Mary MacKillop in the lives of our young people.
One group shared:
"We have chosen to represent her (Mary MacKillop) qualities on the wheels of our wagon, as they generate power to keep moving forward, even over bumps in the road. The headlights of the wagon attract everyone to follow in her footsteps, to come together, with the call to not leave anyone alone in the darkness."
Ida Parente and Jeanene Corbo
Year 8 and Year 12 Coordinators
Dimitra Thomas
This year saw the return of exchange students from our Japanese sister school, St Capitanio. The 14 students were welcomed enthusiastically by our Year 10 cohort, more specifically the 37 buddies who ensured the exchange students were supported with their transition into the School Integration Program. For three weeks the St Capitanio students were part of our community, attending classes as timetabled, participating in lessons and even the Athletics Carnival. However, it wasn’t all work while they were here! Further opportunities to experience our culture and make memories with Mary MacKillop students had been planned, with an excursion to AFL Max, bowling and even an incursion to learn a few cricket skills with Ms Duffy and Eloise (Year 11). Teachers also gave their time to create some unique Australian lessons for the students in the areas of Music, Dance, Drama and Home Economics.
The final day of the exchange program saw the St Capitanio students visit the Central Markets under the guidance of Mrs Witton and Mrs Archibald, returning to school to prepare a shared lunch for their buddies full of tasty Australian party classics. To conclude the day, the St Capitanio students hosted the Year 10 cohort, facilitating Japanese games before a final farewell liturgy. The goodbyes were difficult but a clear sign of the friendships and memories that were made in such a short period of time.
Dimitra Thomas
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Linda Di Blasio and Romina Penna
This term the Art Department focus was our Arts Night theme: Alice in Wonderland.
Year 7s have created bugs for the tea party garden. They constructed their own bug adaptations which will be on display around the theatre and you may even see some of them in the garden scene!
Year 8s have explored papier-mâché and soft pastels. Their giant teacups will dance up a storm for the tea party performance. Pastel red and white roses have been drawn and coloured through the study of tone, referencing the Queen of Hearts and her garden.
Year 9s have worked with cardboard to create Mad Hatter hats, developing three dimensional, sculptural skills.
Year 10s have painted scenes through a keyhole, where Alice’s adventures come to life as well as creating three dimensional outfits for display.
Year 11s have been developing their skills in portraiture, working towards a self portrait in the world of Alice in Wonderland.
On Tuesday 4 April the Stage 1 and 2 Art and Design students visited the SACE Art Show at TAFE SA College of the Arts (pictured above). The SACE Art Show is an exhibition of the Stage 2 Art and Design pieces selected from schools in 2022. The students could see what is involved at a Stage 2 level, including folios, final practical pieces and practitioner statements.
Linda Di Blasio and Romina Penna
Art and Design Teachers
Anne-Marie Gates and Mini Del Corso
Writers’ Week Adelaide 2023: A Day of Insight and Empowerment for Year 10 students.
Adelaide’s annual Writers’ Week is always highly anticipated and this year's event did not disappoint. Our Year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers, Grace Tame and John Boyne, who shared their stories and insights into life and literature with fascinated audiences. They also had the chance to listen to Q&A sessions with the presenters and ask questions about their conviction and craft.
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, spoke candidly about her experiences of abuse and her journey toward healing and advocacy. Her message of empowerment and resilience resonated deeply with our students who were inspired by her bravery and determination.
John Boyne, the acclaimed author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, discussed the power of storytelling to create empathy and understanding and the importance of writing about difficult subjects with sensitivity, accuracy and care. Our Year 10 students were fascinated by his creative process and his use of fiction to explore complex themes and subjects.
In addition to listening to the keynote speakers, our students were able to purchase author-signed books throughout the day and they also learned about everything from women’s empowerment, to the craft of writing and the future of publishing in the digital age.
Overall, Writers’ Week 2023 was a day of engagement, empowerment and learning for our Year 10 English students who were inspired by the stories and experiences of the speakers and authors. The students departed the event feeling energised and motivated to continue pursuing their own reading and writing goals.
We congratulate our students on their exemplary conduct and engagement. We also express gratitude to their accompanying teachers who were keen to ensure students embraced learning beyond the classroom. We look forward to next year's Writers’ Week immersion.
Writers’ Week Student Comments:
“I thoroughly enjoyed listening to John Boyne and now The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a novel I definitely see myself reading in the future.”
“I was extremely interested to find that John Boyne had written a second book after The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas. He even started to read some of the book, and it was good.”
“Listening to Grace Tame at Writers’ Week was an immersive experience for Year 10 English classes. We learned about the importance of teaching young children and adolescents about respectful relationships and how it is vital to protect oneself and others. We also learned about Tame’s Letter Speak Campaign and the Grace Tame Foundation.”
“Grace Tame is a compelling speaker and what she advocates is from her lived experiences. She makes you realise the importance of teaching young people about healthy relationships and why silencing abuse, harassment and assault is an issue which needs constant attention.”
Anne-Marie Gates Year 10 English Teacher
Mini Del Corso English Leader of Learning
Do you enjoy an academic challenge?
Would you like to test your skills and knowledge in Digital Technologies, English, Mathematics and/or Science?
If so, then ICAS is you!
The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is a multiple choice challenge conducted annually in Australia and in over 20 countries including Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific countries and America.
Assessing a range of skills across a variety of subjects, ICAS is open to Mary MacKillop College students from Years 7 - 12. In 2023, the College is offering students the opportunity to participate in the following ICAS challenges in Term 3:
Digital Technologies (contact Mrs Tatarelli)
English (contact Ms Del Corso)
Science (contact Mrs Spizzo)
Mathematics (contact Ms Christopher)
Each assessment takes approximately 1 hour to complete and there is no cost involved to students or families. Participating students will receive a certificate in recognition of their involvement and an record of their achievement level.
For those interested in participating in any or all of the competitions, please visit the ICAS website for more information and sample questions.
https://www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/icas/subjects
Students committed to the challenge are asked to email the relevant teacher/s via SEQTA Direqt before Friday 7 July (Term 2 Week 10).
Everyone is welcome to participate.
Ms Christopher Mathematics Leader of Learning
Mrs Tatarelli Digital Technologies Leader of Learning
Ms Del Corso English Leader of Learning
Mrs Spizzo Science Leader of Learning
Akaldeep and Gurmannat
During last year’s summer holidays (13 and 15 December 2022), we attended the Santos Science Experience at the University of Adelaide.
On the first day, we learnt about sustainability and made our own sustainable plastic using corn starch, glycerol, water and food colouring. We made our own perfume by mixing different scents, corn starch, glycerol and water and then tested our sense of smell in a ‘guess the scent’ quiz. We also took part in a DNA extraction experiment using strawberries and we then learnt about DNA and its structure. Lastly, we were given a tour of the university and participated in a Q&A with current scholars. We were given the opportunity to talk to some current university students about their degrees and they gave us some tips on school life. One of the students on the panel mentioned how she had the opportunity to travel overseas as a part of her learning experience.
On 15 December, we had the opportunity to see the rovers designed by university students and were shown how they could be used on the moon.
We learnt about how to use maths to win games and about evolutionary biology with real specimens. To end the day with a fun challenge, we teamed up to create a cantilever out of newspaper (pictured) which was required to meet certain criteria. Our group design managed to carry many small objects and we were placed third overall.
We highly recommend participating in the program. We learned about the broad range of topics and learning opportunities available to us, which is beneficial for someone who is unsure about their future career. The experience covered many subjects such as Science, History, Mathematics, Geography, Engineering and even Agriculture. The number of topics we learnt about gave us a better idea about what we want to do after completing secondary school.
We would like to thank the Magill Rotary Club for sponsoring us and are most grateful for their support.
Akaldeep and Gurmannat
Year 10
Zoe Duffy
Term 1 Sport
As the curtains draw on this term, we reflect on the many sporting activities that kept our MacKillop Girls buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. From the adrenaline-fuelled whole school Athletics Carnival to the invigorating Swim Squad sessions, our girls have shown exemplary dedication and sportsmanship in all their endeavours. Additionally, they represented our College with pride at the SACSSGSA Athletics Carnival and throughout Term 1 Sport.
Athletics Carnival
On Friday 17 March, the Mary MacKillop College Athletics Carnival took place. The carnival was a huge success, with students from Years 7-12 showcasing their athletic prowess across various events. Students dressed up in their house colours and enthusiastically embraced the theme of 'What I want to be when I grow up’, demonstrating their creativity and imagination.
The carnival would not have been possible without the invaluable leadership and guidance of our Sport Captains, Cinzia, Sabrina, Sofia, and Tara. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring maximum participation and a positive atmosphere throughout the day was truly commendable.
Overall, the Mary MacKillop College Athletics Carnival was a resounding success and we are immensely proud of our students' achievements and the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship they displayed. We look forward to many more such events in the future.
On behalf of the Sports Department and College we congratulate the following age group winners and runners up:
U/13 Runner up: Ava
U/13 Champion: Caitlin
U/14 Runner Up: Adriana
U/14 Champion: Kaysii
U/15 Runner Up: Sophie
U/15 Champion: Melissa
U/16 Runner Up: Allegra
U/16 Champion: Keeleigh
16+ Runner Up: London & Sophia
16+ Champion: Georgia & Sienna
100m Sprint Champion: Keeleigh - 12:40 seconds
There were also a number of records broken on the day. Congratulations to Caitlin (Year 7) for setting a new U/13 shot put record of 7.69m, long jump 4.27m and triple jump 9.66m. Kaysii (Year 9) set a new U/14 100m record of 12.74 seconds. Keeleigh (Year 11) set new triple jump and long jump records at 10.33m and 4.95m respectively. Outstanding results, girls!
Tenison House, under the guidance and leadership of Captain, Tara, were the Spirit Award winners for 2023.
The final results for the day were:
4th position: Flora, 562 points
3rd position: Tenison, 749 points
2nd position: Alexander, 827 points
1st position: Tappeiner, 937 points
Congratulations to all members of Tappeiner House and House Captain, Sofia.
Swim Squad
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge students who attended swim squad throughout Term 1. Their dedication and commitment in attending early morning swim squad training sessions is to be congratulated. I would also like to say a big thank you to coach, Noah, Ms Parente and Ms MacLennan for supervising the sessions and supporting the squad throughout the term. The Swim Squad will take place again in Term 4 and we look forward to continuing to offer students opportunities to improve their fitness.
SACSSGSA Athletics Carnival
On Thursday 30 March, 54 students represented the College at the SACSSSGA Athletics Carnival. Students took every opportunity to compete and were wonderful ambassadors for the College. The athletics team finished 6th place in the A grade; a fantastic achievement.
Term 1 Sport
Well done to all students who participated in Term 1 Sport. Students are to be congratulated for the manner in which they represented the College. The sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership displayed from all 15 of our teams is something to be proud of. I hope to see all students back playing sport in Term 4. Term 1 Sport premiership winning teams and Sport Value Award winners will be presented at the Mary MacKillop College Sports Evening, held in Term 4.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to the following students on their recent sporting achievements.
- SACGSSA Athletics new record holder, Caitlin (Year 7), U/13 Hurdles.
- Eloise(Year 11), selected in the U/18 & U/22 State Indoor Cricket team.
- Caitlin, Kaysii & Keeleigh competed at the Little Athletics State Individual Championships. Caitlin was bronze medalist in U/13 Triple Jump, Kaysii finished in 4th place in U/14 triple jump, 100m and 200m. Keeleigh won the state championship for U/16 triple jump, 3rd place in the 100m and long jump.
Reminders
Changes to the upcoming Term 2/3 Winter Sport season will be communicated to students via email and the student bulletin.
The training schedule and weekly game schedule will be available on the Sport Portal Page on SEQTA.
Students who ordered a soccer or netball uniform will be notified in Week 1 when their uniform is available to collect.
Zoe Duffy
Sports Coordinator
Friday 17 March 2023
Our community has been saddened to hear of the recent passing of former staff member, Barbara Lawson.
Barbara served the College from 1977 until she retired in 2003. She was a highly respected teacher and leader, who was instrumental in introducing many of the events and ceremonies that have now become traditions at Mary MacKillop College.
We send our condolences and best wishes to Barbara’s family.
Class of 2010
I feel so honoured to be able to share my story as a proud Old Scholar of Mary MacKillop College.
I attended MMC from 2006 to 2010 and was privileged to be nominated as Head Prefect.
MMC has provided memories I will cherish forever. Whenever I am asked about my time at school, I always respond with how much I loved my time at MMC.
I was accepted into the Specialist Music Program in Year 8, which really gave me the confidence to take my performing to the next level. Although being quite academic, I was always drawn to Music and Drama as my creative outlets, and I believe my studies in these areas have led me to where I am today.
After graduating, I completed a Bachelor of Education and started teaching full time in primary schools in Adelaide. My classrooms were always filled with Performing Arts, with students singing morning songs to start the day or creating role plays to meet curriculum requirements in the most exciting way. I just couldn’t shake my love for performing so decided to take the plunge and move to Melbourne to study acting.
After completing the full-time program at The Academy of Film and Television (TAFTA), I started working on professional film sets. Not only did I work as an actor, but I also worked behind the camera as a Producer and First Assistant Director.
My work life has taken me to places I never would’ve imagined, with just recently travelling to Los Angeles and New Orleans for the premiere of a feature film I was lucky enough to co-star in and work as a First Assistant Director. I’ve performed and worked alongside some of Australia’s biggest creatives including Tones and I (Dance Monkey), Masked Wolf, and many more.
What I loved about MMC was being surrounded by so many talented women. In what can be a male dominated industry, I am a big advocate for providing more opportunities for women to work in the film industry.
I will forever be grateful for my experience at Mary MacKillop College.
Carlia Kozakis
Class of 2010
Mary MacKillop College warmly invites girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 to spend a day with us as a MacKillop girl.
Come 'n' Try 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.
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 warm hospitality.
Term 2 Dates
Wednesday 3 May, 5.00pm
Friday 2 June, 9.30am
Wednesday 28 June, 9.30am
Book Now
Important Dates
Term 1 Concludes
Term 2 Commences
Principal's Tour
Awards and Good News
Assembly
Generations in Jazz
Mt Gambier
Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Night
Year 8 Retreat
Year 10 Career and
Employment Expo
Year 7 Retreat
Year 7 2024 Autumn
Transition Morning
Principal's Tour
Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day
Slime Spectacular
Public Holiday
Year 11 Exams Commence
Year 10 Futures Week Commences
Year 11 Exams Conclude
Year 10 Futures Week Concludes
Student Free Day
Semester Change Over
Principal's Tour
Term 2 Concludes
Slime Spectacular T-shirts
Now available for purchase
Don't miss out - purchase your shirt today for only $5 from your friendly Student Leadership Team.
Don't forget to mark Friday 9 June in your diaries for the big event where students and staff will be slimed!
The Rite Journey
On Tuesday 28 March our Year 9 students, parents and caregivers gathered for the next stage of The Rite Journey Program, The Departure.
The Rite Journey Program partners with families to help students navigate the complexities of growing up, as they journey to become confident, compassionate and courageous leaders.
Through class activities, challenges, mentoring, Year 9 camp and the importance of ritual, students are equipped with the skills to be confident women with a sense of purpose. The Rite Journey provides a means for students to engage in meaningful discussion about becoming responsible, resilient, resourceful and respectful adults.
Child Safe Environments
Mary MacKillop College Kensington provides a safe environment for all while valuing the partnership between school and home.
Every year, students are taught the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC) which is a respectful relationships and child safety curriculum for children and young people.
Time to organise your winter uniform
Is your winter uniform ready?
Please find the uniform guide here.
To shop online, visit the website - shop.ranier.com.au
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