Edition 12,
9 December 2022

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.

Lord God, we pray that you will turn our hearts toward you as Christmas approaches. Let us not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season this year and miss the chance to celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, that you sent to us on that first Christmas. That first Christmas, you gave us the gift of hope wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Thank you, God, for your immeasurable gift. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen

She is an icon. She is a legend. She is the moment.

We are talking about none other than our Principal, Mrs Kath McGuigan. This dynamic woman has been at the helm of Mary Mackillop College for 12 years. During this time, she has shown fidelity to the Josephite mission, lived and expressed in many ways in the College community, through student liturgies, retreats and social justice initiatives. Kath is well regarded amongst her peers, she is a leader and a champion for girls’ education.

Kath has served with distinction demonstrating courage, compassion, determination and endurance, qualities not dissimilar to those we see in the life and work of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the many sisters that followed in her footsteps. Kath has worked tirelessly building on the efforts of those that went before her and forging a path where Mary MacKillop College is robust, securing a major capital development project, the largest in 20 years. The College is now well placed and on a solid foundation, ready to write the next chapter of its evolution.

Kath’s final address to the Class of 2022 drew on the relationship and distinction between memories and dreams. Memories are part of our past and may shape who we are. Dreams, however, are a cherished aspiration, ambition our future. Kath challenged the girls to dream big. Kath, may you delight in fond memories and dream big dreams as you move into another phase of life.   

The Mary MacKillop College community has been touched and blessed by your commitment during your time as our Principal. In the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop love and blessings to you and your family.

To all the students, staff, families, thank you for your endurance, collaboration and support during a challenging year. Congratulations, results of your collective efforts speak for themselves.

On behalf of the Board of directors, Mary MacKillop College, we wish you all a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

Gess Carbone
Chair of the Board

2022 started very early for some staff as a wave of COVID-19 infections came form the eastern states, prompting the new Premier, Peter Malinauskas to announce that the start of the school year would look different from previous years. We were to have a staggered start and a hybrid model of face-to-face learning for some year levels and online learning for others. 

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions the Leadership Team met early to discuss changes to the College calendar and event schedule - what could no longer happen, what could be postponed and what could continue to happen but in a different way. Communications of the resulting changes were sent out to students and families.

Throughout the year, there were teacher shortages and teachers getting sick with COVID-19. There were students who had their learning disrupted, however they managed to cope. Some students liked Teams and enjoyed not having to commute to school. The Year 11 cohort enjoyed learning from home for a week after the Formal. 

Our theme for the year was 'seeds of hope' and hope we did. Hope that we could have our events, hope that people recovered from COVID-19 and hope that we could eventually get back to normal.

Schools are busy places, filled with lots of incidences of human interaction each and every day, full of adventurous adolescent energy but also meaning and purpose. To work in a school is to know that you are doing meaningful work. Working in the development of children and young people is a privileged position and one of great responsibility. We acknowledge the staff who have supported all students throughout the year and thank them for their work. We work in a place of learning, where we learn about the world, ourselves and about others.

We are grateful to the parents of all students and the support they have provided the College - helping in the canteen, being on the sidelines at sport and supporting all of the charity drives with donations throughout the year. 

I acknowledge the staff leaving at the end of the year

• Kelvin Dean, retiring from Grounds and Maintenance after 16 years at the College
• Kate Kilpatrick, who has been with us this year and made a great impact, and  will be the Deputy Principal, Wellbeing and Operations at Seymour College from 2023 
• Louise Tyler, who is taking a break from teaching and is exploring other roles in science and education

A number of staff have completed contracts this year

• Laura Whalan 
• Zoe Politis 
• Deepa Jha 
• Astrid Powell 
• Jess Di Iorio 
• Jake Osborne-Smith 

I thank all of the staff leaving the College at the end of the year for their commitment to the College community and I hope that their next endeavours are professional and personally rewarding. 

There are students who are leaving the College for a variety of reasons. They go with our best wishes, and I hope that they always remember their time at the College fondly. 

Thank you to all of the parents who have supported the College, and a personal note thank you for the gifts that have been dropped into my office.  

Thank you to Kate Kilpatrick for stepping in as Acting Deputy Principal this year. Kate is an excellent educator and administrator – the fastest typist I have ever seen. She has really enjoyed being at MacKillop and has loved girls’ education, particularly looking after the senior and middle years leaders. She has told me teaching Year 7 Religious Education has been a highlight as was the recent Port Augusta leadership trip. The assemblies have been fun and inspiring. I have always felt that the school was in capable hands, great organisation skills and everything runs smoothly. Kate, working with Kirsty in Marketing and Communications, has helped grow our social media. I now know what a reel is. Kate and Kirsty have been an innovative and formidable team.  

I thank Gess Carbone for her inspiring and dedicated leadership to the College Board and her support of me personally as Principal of the College. 

Thank you to Sr Brigette, the Regional Leadership Team and the Sisters of St Joseph for their support throughout the last 12 years. 

2023 will be a great year for the College and I wish Sonia Nelson, the incoming Principal along with Jasmin Eckert, the new Deputy Principal all the best for next year.  

I hope that you all have a lovely Christmas and time for rest and relaxation. Have a great holiday and I look forward to hearing all about how the school is travelling and the how the building project is progressing.

Kath McGuigan
​Principal

End of Year Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday morning we gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful scholarship of our students at Mary MacKillop End of Year Awards Ceremony. It was wonderful to see so many families in attendance. We offer our congratulations to all those who received a prize or an acknowledgment. This symbolises their generosity, spirit and commitment to our College community. I have included a list of our Award Recipients below:

Service & Leadership Awards:

Academic Awards:

Special Awards:

The Max Harris Award - Allegra, Year 9
The Girardi Performing Arts Award - Alessia, Year 10
The Sister Mary Harradine Award for Service to School Music - Imogen, Year 10
The Benbow Family Geography Award - Eloise, Year 10
The Gleeson Outstanding Athlete Award - Eloise, Year 10
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Kahlea, Year 10
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award - Reet, Year 10

Gratitude

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to celebrate this wonderful community. Mary MacKillop College is a place of welcome, fun, laughter, support and rich learning and it has been my absolute privilege to lead and serve this community. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed. Welcomed by the girls, the staff and the Sisters. I quickly realised that the Mary MacKillop College community was filled with vibrant, energetic and empowered young women who loved their school. Their friendly nature and zest for life made them a pleasure to be around. The staff at Mary MacKillop are wonderful people, with big hearts. They are genuine in their endeavors to provide the best opportunities for the students in their care. It was a pleasure working with them. In closing, I would like to thank the staff, students and families of Mary MacKillop College. Thank you for the wonderful memories. I am leaving a better person having worked in and with this community. Mary MacKillop will always have a special place in my heart.

Kate Kilpatrick
Acting Deputy ​Principal

On Thursday 1 December, the 2023 Student Leadership Team set off on a journey to Port Augusta to walk in the inspiring footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We were all extremely excited for the experience and the warm weather. We made our first stop at the iconic Kiplings Bakery in Port Wakefield, where we purchased some delicious pastry goods.

We arrived at Port Augusta and were eager to meet the future student leaders of Caritas College. After less than five minutes of conversation we had formed connections with the Caritas students and felt united by our school's shared Josephite heritage.

Led by the Cartias student leaders, we were privileged enough to have a tour. During our tour, we saw the path of gratitude, which was created by the students as a tribute to the 150 years of Josephite, Catholic education. We also got a sneak peak of the Year 1 and 2 students rehearsing for their carols night. Their bravery and performance brought smiles to our faces. Another highlight of the tour was seeing the facilities of the College, including the tech room, where numerous creations had been made during the student’s woodwork lessons.

After our tour, we all gathered and were fortunate to hear from the Director of Catholic Education and Port Pirie Diocese, Mrs Nichii Mardon. During her presentation, Mrs Mardon spoke about her experience working with Josephite schools and the incredible legacy left by Mary MacKillop. Mrs Mardon went on to speak about leadership in a Josephite community and she said that we would know that we were successful in our leadership roles if we created a community of inclusivity where no one was left behind. Mrs Mardon's words inspired us to continue Mary MacKillop's legacy in all that we do in our leadership roles.

After a fun and inspiring visit to the College, and making connections with the student leadership team, we had an evening meal with, Mr Smith, the Principal of Caritas College, and other staff members. With our stomachs full, we changed into our pyjamas and quickly made our way to watch the sunset together and reflect on the day.

Our first stop the following day was along the wharf where Mary MacKillop's first school in the area began. We imagined what it would be like so long ago in the hot dry heat with limited resources ensuring that education was available for all. We then ventured on towards Wadlata and experienced the tunnel of time. Despite the initial fright of the large snake mouth entry, the walk was very interesting and informative. We learned about the history of Port Augusta dating back 15 million years ago. We learned about the importance of the Indigenous connection to the land as we listened to dreamtime narratives of how the land was formed. As we entered the time of European settlement in Australia we were able to sit in an ‘outback theatre’ and watch a film about the history of Port Augusta. Some of us were able to refine our Morse code skills whilst others experienced what open access education was like in the 1950s. Our next stop was the gravesite of Sr Laurencia. We had read about Sr Laurencia at the Mary MacKillop Museum and heard more about the valuable part she played in establishing the school at Port Augusta. We all thought it was imperative that the visit was made and that we paid our respects to somebody who worked with Mary MacKillop to ensure her vision became a reality. We tied a Mary MacKillop College ribbon onto the existing rosary beads on her tombstone to commemorate her service and sacrifice for the education of younger generations.

On the drive back to Adelaide we visited the pink salt lake, Lake Bumbunga, which was fascinating to us. The bus ride home was a rendition of Mary MacKillop College karaoke, which was thoroughly enjoyed by Ms Kilpatrick, Mrs Eckert and James, our bus driver, and when the boombox battery died the bus filled with the sweet sounds of the SLT singing Mary’s Vision.

Emily and London
2023 College Captains

End of Year Mass

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

Despite the challenges of 2022, the College community was able to join together at St Ignatius Church for the End of Year Mass, celebrated by our Chaplin, Fr Stan Lim. The theme of the Mass was ‘seeds of hope’ as 2022 proved to be a year of hope. As Christmas time is approaching, let us celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love sent to us by God in the birth of our saviour, Jesus. Let us continue to offer our blessings to all those we meet.

Social Justice

Our girls really know how to do more and never see a need without doing something about it.

Throughout Term 4, students have donated food and other suitable items for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. We thank you all for your kindness and generosity! These items will be given to St Vincent De Paul Society so they can be distributed to those in need, to make their Christmas a season of great joy. Thank you again for helping to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

“Let us keep God with us by charity in thought, word and act." - St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Wishing you all blessings for the Christmas season, may it bring you much joy and peace. May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child.

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

Friday 25 November marked the final celebration of the Class of 2022. The Graduation Dinner was held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and each student was presented to Principal, Kath McGuigan by their Pastoral Care Teacher. They received a certificate and a book as a special gift from the Principal called Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Following entrée, a lovely cohort photo was taken on the terrace steps outside of the function room. Shortly after, the Special Awards were presented to some of our students by the Chair of the College Board, Gess Carbone and Regional Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph CentreWest, Sr Brigette Sipa.

It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate with students and their families. For some families, this evening also marked the end of their formal connection with the College, as their final child graduated. I would like to sincerely thank all parents and caregivers of the 2022 graduates for entrusting Mary MacKillop College with their daughter’s education. It has indeed been a privilege to see them grow and flourish into the empowered and confident young women they are today.

We offer our congratulations not only to the award recipients (listed below) but to the entire Class of 2022. The special person dance was enjoyed by all of our students and their parents. The night came to an end all too quickly for those enjoying the dancing. An impromptu performance by The Bellas was a highlight of the evening. We look forward to seeing the fruition of all their hard work when the SACE results are released on Monday 19 December.

 Service and Leadership Awards:

• Analissa
• Alexis
• Tara
• Sophia
• Mia

Special Awards:

• The Rotary Club of Magill Sunrise Service above Self General Community Award - Lauren
•  The Rotary Club of Magill Sunrise Service above Self College Community is an Award - Stella
• The Mary MacKillop College Old Scholars’ Award - Abigail
• The Mary MacKillop College Social Justice Award - Alexandra and Daniella
• The Ampol Best All Rounder Award - Ella
• The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Alexandra
• The Australian Defence Force Future innovators Award - Aditi
• The Principal’s Leadership Award - Alexis and Anida
• The Mary MacKillop Award - Anida​

Jeanene Corbo
Senior Years Coordinator
 

In Week 5, the College held PE Week to celebrate and highlight the importance of being physically active and healthy. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that only 30% of children aged 2-17 met the physical activity guidelines - at least 60 minutes each day of moderate to vigorous physical activity - and adolescents aged 13-17 were least likely to meet the sedentary screen-based activity guidelines - no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day. This does not include screen time needed for school work.

Students were provided with opportunities to be more active and healthy during PE Week, which started off with the Year 7 students participating in a wellbeing and mindfulness day. They took part in a yoga class and focused on breathing, poses and quiet reflection allowing students to feel flexible in their bodies and relaxed in their minds. They also participated in a mindfulness art session and the very popular smoothie bikes, where they made their very own pedalled power smoothies.

Year 8 students ventured to Hazelwood Park where they competed in MacKillop's very first Orienteering Championship. Reading the maps and getting their bearings correct proved a little bit challenging to start with, however with a bit of team work and resilience, the Year 8s finished the course with success. Congratulations to the Queen Glizzies team who finished the course in an outstanding 19 minutes! A special mention to 8 Green who accumulated the highest total number of points, contributing to their overall score for the Omnibus Cup.

Year 9 students went on an excursion to AFL Max. Students soared to new heights on the trampolines, bounced around in the inflatable bump zone, tested their skills on the rock climbing walls and sharpened up on their kicking and passing AFL skills.

In addition to these activities, the 2023 Sport Captains ran the annual 2022 Interhouse Tournament, this year the sport was badminton. Students from Year 7-11 participated in their houses at lunch times in a fun yet fierce competition. It was a close battle between all houses for who could accumulate the most points won. Congratulations to Flora for being the 2022 Interhouse Sport Champions!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who assisted with excursions and activities throughout the week and acknowledge the enthusiasm and wonderful efforts students demonstrated throughout the week.

Kate Marks
Health and Physical Education Leader of Learning

Learning about the heart and its structure

Over the last weeks, Year 8 students have been learning about the importance of the human heart in maintaining the circulation of blood carrying nutrients and wastes to and from the cells forming the different organ systems of their body.

Students have learnt about the structure of the heart and its blood vessels and have also very excitedly carried out heart dissections in the laboratory.

Jasmine from 8 Green designed and added a diagram of a heart to a white t-shirt to help her learning about the heart and its structure.

As can be seen from the photographs and Jasmin’s report below, she was very excited about both her new learnings and her new t-shirt.

“For Science I was given an activity where I had to trace the heart onto the white t-shirt.  The outline picture of the heart was placed in between the t-shirt and the cardboard so I could then trace the outline of the heart with a black sharpie.  Once the heart was traced, I coloured it in with all different colours and I then labelled the heart with words labelling the heart.”

FIA Girls on track at Valo Adelaide 500 Excursion

On Thursday 1 December, 16 very excited students from Years 7, 8 and 9 donned their free Valo Adelaide 500 t-shirts and hats and spent an exciting and fun-filled morning at the Valo Adelaide 500 race track where they were fortunate enough to visit parts of the track not readily accessible to the general public.

Once completing a tour of Pit Lane and team garages, students participated in a Pit Stop and Fitness Challenge where in teams, they competed against one another, by physically rolling a race car tyre around a small course and changing a tyre on a racing cart under timed conditions. They participated in a media workshop where in small groups they developed appropriate questions, role played and presented an interview with a racing car driver. Students also completed a STEM challenge which involved using lego technic to build a little race car, conducting time trials and then further modifying the design of their car to make it run even faster.

Throughout the morning, students were able to engage with female role models who currently work in motorsport and learnt more about careers in this highly specialised field.

All students thoroughly enjoyed this excursion, and they cannot wait to be invited back again for next year’s event.

Josie Spizzo
Science Leader of Learning

The Term 4 Sport season finished in Week 5 for senior teams and Week 6 for middle teams. Well done to all of our volleyball, touch football, tennis and basketball teams on their commitment and enthusiasm for the season. Premiership placings are determined by the ladder position after the final round of competition. Congratulations to the Middle MMC 5 Volleyball for winning their premiership this season. Well done girls!

On Friday 25 November we hosted 90 Year 4/5 girls from numerous primary schools for our Year 4/5 Netball Day. Our 2023 Sport Captains and student volunteers did a wonderful job, playing an exhibition match, leading skill sessions, coaching teams and umpiring netball games. It was lovely seeing our MacKillop Girls take on leadership roles, offering support and encouragement, as well as teaching netball skills to younger students within the community. We thank all of our student helpers for their involvement and enthusiasm, the day was a huge success.

Throughout PE Week, the Interhouse Shield was hotly contested at lunchtimes. This year badminton was the chosen sport and many students across Years 7-11 signed up to compete for their House. Congratulations to Flora and House Captain, Sabrina for winning the Interhouse tournament. It was fantastic seeing so many students participate for their House throughout the week.

Zoe Duffy
Sports Coordinator