Edition 8,
24 September 2021

Dear Families, Staff and Friends of Mary MacKillop College

This is the last week of Term 3 and we have had a busy week with Medieval Day, M Factor and the Colour Run.

We have all heard the song “Girls just want to have fun”. At MacKillop, we do our best to ensure that the girls enjoy the various opportunities afforded to them at the College.  Professor Richard Feynman, the acclaimed Physicist said, “Students should be made to think, to doubt, to communicate, to question, to learn from their mistakes, and most importantly have fun in their learning.”

Throughout this week, our students have attended a number of STEM and leadership events outside of the College. We hope that these events also open their eyes to possible future pathways and that the girls are inspired to “Know more, Do more and Be more”.

Our Student Leadership Team for 2022 has recently been announced to the College Community.  I always enjoy listening to the speeches of the girls who have applied for leadership positions. I congratulate all of the girls who achieved a position and I acknowledge the students who put their hand up for leadership and were unsuccessful on this occasion.

We have now signed a contract with JPE Design to design our new Visual Arts/Design & Science building. The building will be situated on two of our tennis courts. Our plans include the construction of two new tennis courts where the Art transportables are currently situated. It is a very exciting time for Mary MacKillop College. We hope to have preliminary designs available early next term.

I was delighted to attend a presentation by Ms. Tatarelli’s Digital Tech Class this week on the benefits of the E- smart Digital Licence. This Year 8 class trialled the proposed Digital Licence. Chiara and Alyssa presented their ideas and made recommendations. We had an excellent discussion on the ICT skills that students require when they come into the College and what they need to do to make sure they are safe in this digital world.

With only a few weeks left for Year 12 students, we are finalising our events to celebrate the end of formal schooling. Parents should have received an invitation to the Class of 2021 Farewell Breakfast on Thursday 21 October at Sferas Convention Centre.  I have reminded our Year 12 students of the importance of ending well. I trust that the last five years at Mary MacKillop College have prepared the girls well for the next stage of their journey.

I would like to thank everyone for the work that has taken place this term. At our final Good News Assembly for the term, we acknowledged and celebrated the myriad of events that had taken place. This is quite phenomenal when you consider that we began Term 3 in lock down.

I hope that everyone manages to have a restful break.

Kath McGuigan
Principal

As we approach the end of term there is an opportunity for students to reflect on what they have achieved in the year-to-date and on the challenges which lie ahead. In particular, focus on what has been successful, consider why it has been successful and then use this knowledge to improve all aspects of study. It is never too late to work a little bit harder and seek to improve on what has already been achieved.

I am a firm believer that Parents and Guardians are a child’s first and most important teachers. Let’s face it – the amount of time most of our girls spend at home is greater than the time spent at school. Of course, as educators, we have a key role in the learning journey. When scouring the web to find some inspiration for this article, I discovered that the Australian Government has created a useful website which compiles a list of hints, tips and strategies to help enhance the learning journey with your daughters.

Learning Potential is a website for parents, families and guardians packed with useful tips and inspiring ways to more involved in your daughters learning. Most of us would be aware that researchers agree that positive outcomes occur when parents and guardians are involved in their child’s learning. The website is designed to help you be part of their learning and make the most of the time you spend together, from the high chair to high school. Take a minute this week to access the website and see if there is an idea or a project that appeals to you and your daughter!

Some of the articles and tips that I found useful include

• 5 tips to help your teen get ready for school in the morning (!)
• Exam time – preparing for success
• Cyberbullying
• Does music help with study?
• Holiday challenge – 10 things to do with your teen

www.learningpotential.gov.au

Regular school attendance is crucial for a student’s success. Students who regularly miss lessons find it difficult to maintain continuity in their knowledge and skill development, which can in turn impact severely on their results, particularly when undertaking the SACE. When students miss school due to ill-health or other reasons it is extremely important that they meet with their teachers to catch up on any work or instruction they may have missed.

With best wishes for the term break.

Louis de Jager
Deputy Principal

We have much to be grateful for as we reflect back on Term 3. While it started out a bit rocky with a quick lockdown and remote learning, our girls have continued to flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually.

The holidays provide us with a chance to rest, renew and reflect. They can also be a time when routines change. While I am certainly in favor of a sleep in and turning the alarm clock off, I also encourage the girls to stick to some routines to make coming back next term that bit easier.

I have come up with a list of challenges for the girls and maybe our teachers as well to keep some routines going

• Keep the alarm set: it doesn’t have to be early but keep the habit going
• Drink lots of water: just like here at school, keep those drink bottles filled and stay hydrated
• Hit 10,000 steps each day: Keep active, go for a walk, ride your bike. Enjoy some sunshine
• Stay social: catch up with friends and family face to face. So much better than over social media.
• Find time to reflect and offer gratitude: offering gratitude has been proven to increases happiness and reduce depression or feelings of sadness.
• Enjoy a Netflix binge or two! Because... why not?

Although simple, achieving these few challenges each day can ensure MacKillop Girls continue excel in Term 4. I would like to thank all of the girls, staff and families of the College for their work this term and I look forward to sharing more wonderful experiences with you all when we return in Term 4.

Stay safe over the holiday break.

Lauren Sutton
Director of Students

Lauren Sutton

Gracie

We are very proud of Gracie (Year 8) for being selected to be part of the Junior Theatre Festival, held at the end of October. As part of the festival, she will participate in live theatre workshops led by interstate theatre companies and festival directors. Gracie will also take part in workshops led by New York theatre company, iTheatrics via the big screen. Congratulations and we hope you learn a lot from this amazing experience.

Gracie also performed as Tameka in Pelican Productions performance of School of Rock earlier this term.

Char

Char (Year 7) has excelled this year in her music studies both in and out of school. Earlier this term she completed her first comprehensive AMEB cello exam and received A Honours for Grade 2. In addition to this amazing achievement, Char has joined the Burnside Youth Concert band on Trombone, for which she began instrumental lessons this year.

Char is a very welcome addition to the College music program, taking part in our recent Arts Night on trombone and guitar, as well as in drama. We look forward to following her schooling journey.

Analissa

SACE Stage 2 Music Explorations student Analissa (Year 11) has spent this year composing songs for her folio. Three of her pieces were performed at the recent Arts Night by Analissa, Gracie (Year 8), Char (Year 7), Amelia (Year 7), Isla (Year 8), one of our instrumental tutors Mr Gary Isaacs, music teacher Mr Gavin Hughes, and myself. We hope to perform Analissa’s final piece at an event next term.

We also congratulate Analissa on her appointment as one of MMC’s Arts Captains for 2022.

Italcanti @ St Joseph’s Hectorville

Last week Italcanti, Mary MacKillop College’s Italian language and culture choir, performed at the St Joseph’s School Hectorville Italian Cultural Day opening assembly. They performed the 1960s classic “Quando, Quando, Quando” and the Rosemary Clooney comedy song “Mambo Italiano”.

This was a wonderful opportunity not only to perform live, but also to share in the Italian cultural experience with the students of St Joseph’s Hectorville.

Viva Italia!

Jasmin Watkins
Co-curricular Music Coordinator

uniTEST

Nine of our Year 12 students chose to sit the Flinders University uniTEST on Monday 13th September. The uniTEST provides students an opportunity to gain a place in their preferred course at Flinders University. The uniTEST was offered to all Year 12 students at no cost and they cannot be disadvantaged by participating.  

Since 2014, almost 1,200 students have received an offer to their preferred course at Flinders University based on their uniTEST results.  This includes popular courses such as Law, Psychology, Medical Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Paramedic Science, and Speech Pathology.

Results will be released in early to mid December. Sitting the uniTEST shows our students determination to succeed.

Well done girls!

SATAC Applications

The Year 12’s have completed their SATAC applications for their 2022 University and TAFE course selections.  This has been both an exciting and daunting process for all students.  Depending on their choices, they have until either 1st or 15th December to change their preferences, which means for some students they can change their preferences after receiving their ATAR results which is great!

Clip Joint Education

Clip Joint Education is offering 2 days Hair + Makeup Introductory Course for the October School Holidays….. limited positions available.  The hair and makeup workshop is a fun way to spark enthusiasm, passion and have a little holiday fun!  Also it may help students to see if this is the right career pathway they would like to take.

The course includes:

• Introduction to hair and makeup industry
• Personal grooming
• Salon communication
• Long hair styling
• Braiding
• Personal Makeup basics
• Skin care basics
• Choosing and applying a flawless base
• Enhancing your face and eye shapes
• Eye shadow techniques
• Casual/professional/evening makeup looks
• Career pathways

For any students interested to explore our school holiday course please contact Robyn Barker on 8223 5600 or robynbarker@clipjoint.com.au.

UniSA Open Days

Year 12 students it’s not too late to take a look around and discover your future study and career options at UniSA, this is also a great opportunity for Year 10 and 11 students.  Explore UniSA’s online study booths where you’ll learn about their programs, watch our degree videos and hear directly from staff, sign up to a webinar and connect with a career adviser, find out about student life at UniSA, or book an in-person campus tour to visit their specialised teaching facilities and speak to staff at their information booths. For more information, visit their website.

Melissa Couzner
Future Pathways Coordinator

During Week 8, the Year 9 cohort held their annual Retreat, following in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop working towards Justice. Whilst on retreat students reflected on Catholic mission, school mission and personal mission. They engaged with mission in a holistic approach, applying the head, heart, hands model: encouraging a learning mind, an open heart and hands for action.   

Our mission for justice action will be supported though the Year 9 Socktober fundraiser for Catholic Mission. With the world game of soccer as a basis of connection, our students can learn about life in mission countries and be moved to act in solidarity. One element of Retreat was to create our own recycled ‘sockball’ – a replica of the type of ball thousands of children around the world play with each day. 

The Socktober Challenge is a six-week program of learning and engagement that is delivered through the Religious Education curriculum and supported in the Pastoral Care program. As the students work through the goals, they seek sponsorship from friends, family and the community, which supports the very children and communities they are learning about. You can support the Year 9 students kick goals for those in need by donating at the following link. 

To find out more watch the following clip that features some of our students and staff. 

Jasmin Eckert
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Arts Night

Our 2021 Arts Night was a celebration of the creative insight, collaboration, perseverance and empathy it takes to present work in the Arts. Inspired by the work and values of Mary MacKillop our students proudly presented Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Art to our wonderful College community. 

Held at The Parks Theatre the night took on a new format with Gold and Blue stage performances running simultaneously and visual art displayed for audience members to enjoy in the foyer during interval.

“Through her vision she has encouraged us to live with justice, be courageous and hopeful, live with forgiveness and be compassionate to those in need. We are truly grateful for her insight and the opportunities we now have because of her actions.” Alessia, Arts Captain

“We are inspired by the work and values of Mary MacKillop, her legacy and all she did to ensure that we could have an Arts Night. For without her, we would not have the opportunity to dance, sing, play an instrument, draw, paint, or act.” Isabella, Arts Captain

Lauren, a Year 11 Art student describes her artwork featured in the foyer display.

“My artwork is a self-portrait of me called “The Garden of Lauren.” Throughout the semester, the class learnt how to draw different facial features like eyes, noses, ears, hair and lips, using various media like charcoal pencil, scribbles, words, chalk, paint and markers, to strengthen our skills. To better understand portraiture, the class researched a historical artist like Frida Kahlo and an Australian artist like Sonia Kretschmar, copying a part of their work. For my final, I chose to use alcohol-based markers for the self-portrait as I decided to make it quite cartoon like, softening the features and brightening my eyes, symbolising that even though I am getting older, I will always be the same little girl deep down inside. I used hard watercolour paints for the flowers, leaves and vines, representing my growth as a child into a young adult and how life can be messy; however, I will continue to grow and change.”

“Arts night was a very enjoyable experience as I was able to express my creativity and spend time with my friends, I enjoyed being able to dance and perform music, because I am very passionate about getting involved in school activities, and performing onstage.

I am very grateful for this experience and excited to do this again next year!”  Gracie, Year 8

Thank you to the Arts staff for your creativity, knowledge and guidance you give the students every day, to the staff involved backstage for their patience and organisation, to our stage manager and sound and lighting technicians for offering their expertise to contribute to the success of the show, the Parents & Friends association for providing refreshments during interval, to the Student Leadership Team and to all of the students involved in performing on the night. Congratulations!

Dance Showcase “Illumination”

On Tuesday 7th September the dance students from Seymour College and Mary MacKillop College joined forces once again to present this years Dance Showcase performance “Illumination”. The performance featured work from Year 7 to Stage 2 Dance students each exploring the theme Illumination in a range of interesting ways. Light was shone on important issues in our world, the dancers used props to create different lighting effects and through dance expressed just how important it is to listen and follow the light that comes from within.

“Illumination” highlighted the talent we have in the dance department as each and every student shone doing what they love on stage. It was lovely to see the collaboration and support from students of all year levels and dance abilities, each doing their part to encourage their peers. Congratulations to all students involved on your dedication to rehearsals, creative contributions to the show and your commitment to improve your performance qualities. We wish the Stage 2 Dance students the very best for the assessment of this performance and for the completion of the rest of the course.

“We have loved the opportunity to participate in the Dance Showcase performance. It was great to see dance students from all year levels proudly presenting the hard work they have been putting in throughout the year.  The day was fun and exciting and we loved spending time getting to know the girls in different cohorts and girls from another school.”

- Mia, Makenzie, Alessia and Alisha (Stage 2 Dancers)

Rachel Scott
The Arts Learning Area Leader

On Monday 20 September, three very keen Year 9 students and their two teachers were up early, ready to “Rise and Shine” and attend the Women in STEM Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The event, hosted by Catholic Education SA, was aimed at providing our young female students with inspiring role models who currently work in STEM careers. The first guest speaker was Shanti Berggren (Deputy General Counsel – Optus Enterprise) who engaged the audience to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” and enter careers that traditionally have low female participation rates. The next speaker, Nicole Russo (Director of Product – Myriota) spoke about start-up businesses and encouraging innovators to engage with emerging technologies to “reach the real world, and improve the lives of people now and in the future”.

In between speakers, much fun was had by the students playing Kahoot games on womens’ achievements in STEM throughout history and Mary MacKillop College was one of the lucky prize winners. This was followed by a Q&A session, with panel members from various industries. We were excited to see that old scholar Luisa Panuccio was included on the panel, but unfortunately was not able to be present on the day. Luisa is an engineer, currently working as a Project Manager for major infrastructure projects. She is also an ambassador for Engineers Australia, Engineers without Borders Australia, Google and Children’s University Australia. Luisa creatively encourages young women to pursue a career in STEM by speaking in schools and in her own “STEM at Home” YouTube channel.

Kay Christopher & Elena Tatarelli
Teachers