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.
Loving God, you filled the heart of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop with compassionate love for those who are in need at the margins of our society. Grant that through her example we may reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. Give us generous hearts to respond to the cries of those who are poor in our community and in our world.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sonia Nelson
A warm welcome back for Term 3. As usual, we have started the term with energy and purpose! Activities over the last few weeks include Year 12 exams, Year 10 immunisations, Year 9 Retreat, Knockout Sport and the Subject Information/Future Pathways Expo. A highlight, of course, was our marvellous JJAMM Week, filled with fun and opportunities to connect. Fittingly, the week culminated with the College community gathering with Sisters of St Joseph, families and some special guests in a beautiful Mass to honour St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, followed by a morning tea and the much-loved M-Factor Talent Quest! Please enjoy the many photos and articles in this newsletter that elaborate on these myriad activities.
Being new to MacKillop this year, it was a delight to be part of this special JJAMM Week and witness the sense of connection and celebration throughout the College. This also meant that I was required to join other new staff and students in the jam doughnut eating competition on Tuesday. Needless to say, there was much fun and mess, but no prize for my slow eating attempt! Our Wellbeing Dog, Bonnie MacKillop also made her first appearance on the day and was well-received and totally spoilt by the girls and staff. We look forward to Bonnie visiting regularly in the weeks ahead to spread her puppy joy and energy.
If you have visited the College recently, you would have noticed the rapid progress in the Tenison Centre building project. Now that the roof has been installed, it is ‘full steam ahead’ for the internal works, exterior cladding and brickwork. Exciting times for Mary MacKillop College, as we look forward to enjoying the learning spaces ready for the start of the 2024 school year.
Every blessing to all in our community as we reflect on and celebrate the life, works and legacy of our founder St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. May her values of courage, compassion, justice and hope continue to be an inspiration for us as we strive to make a positive difference in the world.
Sonia Nelson
Principal
Introducing Bonnie MacKillop, Mary MacKillop College’s newest community member and wellbeing dog!
As indicated in recent research, a wellbeing dog in school settings has been found to have a positive influence on the morale and wellbeing of students and staff. We know that Bonnie's friendly, affectionate and out-going nature will likely be warmly welcomed in our College community.
Bonnie MacKillop is a young Cavoodle who is comfortable in social situations, with a temperament that is well suited to engaging with young people and adults. She has been vet-checked and is up to date with vaccinations and common preventative treatments. Fortunately also, Cavoodles are classified as a 'low allergenic' breed, having a non-moulting fur coat rather than hair like regular dogs which can affect some people with hair-based allergies.
Bonnie will visit the College on occasions, as approved by the Principal or main dog handler. This could include time in the yard or common areas, at special events, in classrooms and other areas as appropriate and with permissions.
We look forward to the positive impact and joy Bonnie will bring our College community.
Adriana Sotira
Our Retreat program aims to provide the opportunity for each year level to participate in a Retreat.
Year 9 Retreat 'In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop' - Catholic Mission, School Mission, Our Mission
On Thursday 3 August our Year 9 students were given the opportunity to explore how Mary MacKillop’s message of Social Justice for Australia is contained in her belief that ‘all is gift’ from the creator, to be shared, because all human beings have the same basic right before God to be treated equally with Justice and dignity. This can be seen through the Catholic Mission organisation’s Socktober Challenge. During the retreat, Tony Johnson (Archdiocese Director of Catholic Mission), spoke to the students on how the work of Catholic Mission is grounded in the Catholic social teachings and how they share in God’s mission to reach out and give life. This is done through the partnership with local churches and school communities by engaging young people in the Socktober Challenge, a journey in mission to bear witness to the stories of their brothers and sisters.
Students also learnt how the game of soccer is played by many in developing countries as it brings them joy and fun when played with friends. However, these children sometimes don’t have access to the soccer balls we have here in Australia. They are talented and keen soccer players who will use what they have to make their own soccer ball. Therefore, the Year 9 students embarked on this challenge by making their own ‘sock balls’ out of all things plastic, paper, socks, t-shirts, foam and tying them together with string so that they can be involved in a penalty shout out next term. Students had a lot of fun making and testing their sock balls and realised that it is harder to play soccer with these types of balls. Nevertheless, they rose to the challenge, and we had two students, Melissa and Sofie who managed to juggle 12 times with this ball, which is amazing.
The Year 9 students also engaged in a range of activities such as meditation, prayer, group discussions and chants to learn about our call to discipleship, which is our call to action.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the students for engaging in the retreat program wholeheartedly and to the staff who attended for their valuable contribution and their support in the retreat. Special thanks to Jayne, our Canteen Manager, for ensuring we had a delicious Morning Tea to accompany our pizza lunch organised by Ms Thomas; and to Jess, our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, for taking some wonderful footage and photos of this very special day.
“We have much to be thankful.” - Mary MacKillop 1873
With Blessings
Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator
Linda Di Blasio and Romina Penna
On 23 June the SA Refugee Week Youth Poster Awards Exhibition was attended by student and exhibitor Ally. It showcased the work of 56 schools and SA universities at the Children’s Art Space Gallery at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Well done, Ally!
“There were so many people and schools involved who all came to the opening event. The Minister for Education, The Honourable Blair Boyer MP, gave a speech about the importance of supporting refugees in Australia and welcoming their contributions and culture to the community, which I felt was very positive. There were so many different interpretations of art across many age groups, I felt proud to be a part of it.” - Ally
Some wonderful MMC students, Quincy (Year 8), Michaila (Year 7) and Sophia (Year 10) entered the ‘Artists of the Year’ competition presented by STAEDTLER stationary products who asked young artists to use any Staedtler product to create an artwork of their choice. In early July they announced the winners and Sophia was awarded one of the three highly commended awards for her artwork of four exquisitely detailed birds (pictured above). Congratulations, Sophia!
We are encouraging all students to please enter the Fringe Poster Competition which is celebrating their 50th year of the Fringe. They are asking for a design that captures the spirit of the Fringe, inclusivity and “ARTS UNLIMITED”, entries close 13th August.
For more information about upcoming competitions please listen to the morning notices and check the Visual Art notice board outside Room 218.
In Term Two Year 10 Design students attended the Norwood studio of artist/designer Tiff Manuell. This was an exciting opportunity for the students to speak with a designer and learn about the processes and production of textile design, giving them an insight into the design industry and inspiring them to produce their own digital and hand painted fabric designs. Students translated digital collage designs using Photoshop on printed fabric and painted canvases with patterns relating to the theme of the city or nature and created lap top bags incorporating their own designs. The results were outstanding! A special thanks to Ms Witton’s sewing machine expertise!
Linda Di Blasio and Romina Penna
Art and Design Teachers
Zoe Duffy
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a sports extravaganza that will undoubtedly captivate students, families and staff alike: Intercol Netball!
Intercol Netball, short for Intercollegiate Netball, is a premier team sport that showcases the talent and sportsmanship of young athletes from Mary MacKillop College and Loreto College.
The inaugural Intercol Netball Championship is set to kick off on Wednesday 23 August at Loreto College. Games will commence at 4pm, with Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 teams competing and then finishing with the Open Netball showcase at 5pm. We invite you all to be a part of this exciting event.
Mark the date in your calendars and together let's cheer for Mary MacKillop College at the 2023 Intercol Netball Championship!
See you at the courts.
Zoe Duffy
Sport Coordinator
Brigette Connery (nee Pierce) Class of 1998
My name is Brigette Connery (nee Pierce), and I proudly graduated from Mary MacKillop College in 1998. My time at the College was filled with immense joy, as I experienced a wonderful high school journey and forged lifelong friendships that I still cherish to this day.
Reflecting on my years at Mary MacKillop College, one of my fondest memories revolves around my passion for music, which was nurtured and cultivated by the talented Mrs Carroll. With her guidance, I was able to grow musically, and my dedication earned me the prestigious Year 12 
Music Award. As a result, I had the incredible opportunity to perform at the Festival Theatre during the College’s Awards Night. Sharing my musical talents not only boosted my self-confidence but also provided me with valuable personal growth before venturing out into the world.
While I may not have considered myself exceptionally academic, Mary MacKillop College allowed me to navigate through my strengths, particularly in networking and communication with others. These skills have proven to be invaluable in my journey since graduating. After completing 
my education at Mary MacKillop College, I embarked on a career in real estate. Initially, I worked as a sales secretary, but due to my dedication and hard work, I quickly rose to the position of Property Manager, where I received comprehensive training in all aspects of the business.
As life evolved, I made the decision to transition into sales, providing me with greater flexibility, especially as I started a family. Over time, I eventually took the courageous step of starting my own business, and remarkably, many of my clients are from the Mary MacKillop College community, even after all these years.
Undoubtedly, Mary MacKillop College laid the firm foundation I needed to succeed both personally and professionally. The lessons, support and encouragement I received continue to positively impact my life to this day. Moreover, the friendships I made during my time at the College have remained steadfast, serving as a testament to the enduring connections formed within the Mary MacKillop College community.
Brigette Connery (nee Pierce), Class of 1998.
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 3 Dates
Tuesday 22 August, 9.30am
Wednesday 13 September, 5.00pm
Term 4 Dates
Saturday 21 October, 10.00am
Wednesday 8 November, 9.30am
Book Now
Important Dates
Year 9, 10 and 11 Subject Counselling Session
Wakakirri Performance
Principal's Tour
Year 7 2024 Winter Transition Morning
Good News Assembly
Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day
Father's Day
'Alice' Arts Production
Student Free Day
Student Free Day
Principal's Tour
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Purchase tickets
Click here to book a tour.
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.
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