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.
God of justice and forgiveness, guide us as we continue on our pathways to Reconciliation. Grant us the courage to speak out against the injustices that our Indigenous brothers and sisters continue to suffer. Help us to see with new eyes, to listen to the stories of our Indigenous brothers and sisters and to feel with a heart of compassion. Help us to build right relations with each other based on truth and justice.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Sonia Nelson
Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, helping us to move forward positively on reconciliation in this country. The 2024 theme of Now More Than Ever reminds us that our collective efforts towards justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must have continued attention and action. Our College found a variety of ways to deepen our understanding and awareness-raising for this worthy cause, including a particular focus at our Good News Assembly on the Thursday. Social Justice Captains, Scarlett and Isabelle, joined me in gathering with the Sisters of St Joseph, those in the Reconciliation Circle group and other friends to commemorate the installation of a Rotary Peace Pole near the Chapel.
These students and others from the Reconciliation Circle also attended the 17th Annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration at the University of Adelaide, where Aboriginal Elder Professor Tom Calma spoke about actions of the past influencing the future. As evidenced by our Reconciliation Week actions, it is inspiring to know that our MacKillop girls and community remain strong advocates for social justice. In the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, compassion and care for the vulnerable are core principles that inform our perspectives and actions. What a privilege it is to serve such a beautiful Josephite community, where each day I witness our College values of Courage, Hope, Compassion, Justice and Humility.
During Term 2 there has been a multitude of activities, excursions, fun and learning experiences happening on campus and out in the wider community (even as far as Canberra!). Enjoy the many stories and photos that capture these wonderful events in this newsletter.
As we move into the final weeks of the term, I wish our students well as they navigate final assignments, tests and exams before the new challenges and joys of Semester 2, which begins next week.
Now as the cold and wintry weather sets in, may our hearts remain warm and open to the needs of those who particularly need our love, care and support. Go well and God bless.
Sonia Nelson
Principal
Jasmin Eckert
Netball Clinics Inspire Future MacKillop Stars at Partner Primary Schools
We are thrilled to share the success of our recent netball clinics held at our partner primary schools. Our Specialist Netball students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been leading these clinics, teaching fundamental netball skills and demonstrating outstanding leadership.
These clinics have provided a fantastic platform for our students to showcase their knowledge and coaching abilities. It has been heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and skill displayed by our young coaches, as well as the eager participation from primary school students.
The Year 9 students deserve a special mention for their exceptional efforts in conducting many of the clinics. Their leadership and dedication have set a high standard for others to follow. Our Year 8 students have also shown remarkable capability in managing large groups of young learners with ease and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, our Year 7 netballers have impressed us all with their adaptability, successfully coaching students of varying skill levels.
The impact of these clinics has been profound, with many young participants expressing newfound interest and excitement in netball. We are hopeful to see these budding athletes at our netball events in the future, continuing their journey in the sport and their relationship with MacKillop.
A big congratulations and thank you to all our student coaches for their hard work and commitment. Your efforts have not only developed your own skills but have also inspired the next generation of MacKillop players. Thank you to the following schools for working in partnership with our College:
- St Joseph’s Tranmere
- St Joseph’s Payneham
- Rose Park Primary School
- East Marden Primary School
- Stradbroke Primary School
Some of our netballers will also be showcasing their knowledge of the sport and leadership by umpiring at the upcoming Primary Netball Carnivals, supporting many of our partner schools. Well done to our umpires for rising to the challenge!
Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal
Adriana Sotira
Celebrating our Faith
At Mary MacKillop College we value the times where we unite to celebrate and develop our faith.
"Do not let anything trouble you during your journey towards Heaven, and may God be praised for all, wherever you are." - St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 1890
Corpus Christi Mass
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, commonly known as Corpus Christi, is a profound celebration in the Catholic Church, dedicated to honouring the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
On Thursday 6 June, the College community gathered at St Ignatius Church, Norwood to celebrate the Corpus Christi mass. This occasion provided an opportunity for reflect on the Eucharist as the spiritual nourishment given to the faithful. The Eucharist, which commemorates God’s new and eternal covenant with his people through Jesus should not be a private devotion, but the building up of a community. In the spirit of our Patron St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we embraced this feast, celebrating the Eucharist’s transformative role in our lives and fostering unity and spiritual growth.
Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator
Linda Di Blasio
As part of Careers Week and Visual Art and Design, on Thursday 23 May, we welcomed Paul Vasileff to the College. Paul is the founder and head designer for the Australian Fashion House, Paolo Sebastian. Students were given an insight into the work involved in building his successful business.
He delivered an awe-inspiring presentation for our Year 10, Stage 1 and Stage 2 Art and Design students, sharing his love of and expertise in fashion.
Thank you, Paul, for sharing your incredible journey with us and giving us insight into the making of your marvellous creations. Our students were left feeling inspired and amazed by your determination and your stunning designs.
"I found Paul’s explanation of the process from start to finish of creating a new dress or collection to be a wonderful insight into the world of design. Like Paul, I wish to stay and work in Adelaide, and for the longest time assumed I would need to move interstate or overseas to find a job or achieve my goals so to hear his success story knowing that his company is still based in Adelaide was incredibly reassuring." - Imogen, Year 12 Arts Captain
"I loved what Paul said about working hard to make your dreams come true. I was amazed how he used his inspirations and brought his ideas to life. I loved his red-carpet gowns made for many famous people as well as his Disney collection on the forest runway." - Kiara, Year 12 Arts Captain
The Year 10 and 11 Art students attended an excursion to the Academy of Interactive Entertainment on Tuesday 14 May, another highlight of Careers Week.
Our students were able to interact and create 3d digital model snowmen using a program called Blender. This was very engaging and enjoyable for students as they each created something unique and worked together with one of the animation specialist lecturers.
Students were shown one of the simulated studio environments which had an impressive large LED screen it took up the length and height of the room. The screen showed a backdrop scene of a video game terrain with 3d features like moving leaves on gum trees, water trickling and light reflecting on a river and birds flying through an Australian landscape. These hyperreal backdrops are used in filmmaking and this cutting-edge technology makes any location accessible on a screen at any time.
A big thank you to Ms Sandra Mitchell, our Future Pathways Educator, who organised our visit to AIE and organised our Paolo Sebastian experience. Pathways into the Arts are vast and varied and we have been able to explore so many opportunities so far.
Dance and Drama
On Thursday 16 May our Year 10 and Stage 1 Drama students attended the State Theatre Company performance 'Symphonie of the Bicycle' at the Space Theatre.
Our students were inspired by the one-actor play featuring funny and memorable characters with interwoven stories, reflecting the highs and lows that come with the quest for success.
Students in Dance Academy and SACE Dance classes participated in a contemporary class and creative workshop led by guest instructor Lisa Synnott, on Tuesday 4 June. Lisa is a dance lecturer at Adelaide College of the Arts who has recently returned to Adelaide after a professional dance career overseas. She shared her experience with our students and offered a taste of what's on offer at Adelaide College of the Arts as part of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance). Our Dance students enjoyed the opportunity to ask Lisa questions about her professional dance experience as well as developing their skills in contemporary dance.
Our Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day visitors experienced Dance workshops on Wednesday 5 June. Once again, fun was had by all as students explored beautiful choreography to the music from Moana.
Music
Our music students visited St Joseph’s Memorial school on Tuesday 14 May to share our College song, ‘Mary’s Vision’. Year 1 students enjoyed learning the song and singing along with the MMC Performance Choir.
On Thursday 6 June, instrumental students performed in their Twilight Music Concert. This was an opportunity for students who have excelled in their instrumental lessons and curriculum studies over the year to perform for family and friends. Performances included solos in both singing and instrumental. We also listened to the Year 8 Rock Bands, Year 9 Band and the Performance Choir. A wonderful celebration of Music at MMC.
Linda Di Blasio
The Arts Leader of Learning
Nadia Witton
Congratulations to Our Ethics Olympiad Team!
We are thrilled to announce that the MMC Senior Ethics Olympiad team, consisting of Year 12 students Anna, Scarlett, Jaymie and Isabelle, has placed third in a highly competitive field of 16 teams. This wonderful achievement is a testament to their outstanding collaboration, poise, intelligence and quick thinking on the day of the event.
Throughout the competition, our team tackled a range of complex ethical issues with insight and maturity. They debated issues such as whether animals should be granted habeas corpus rights, the ethical implications of parents sharing their families on YouTube, and the morality of perpetuating the 'evil race trope' in modern fiction.
Each member demonstrated exceptional critical thinking and a deep understanding of these nuanced topics. Their ability to work together seamlessly and present well-reasoned arguments was truly impressive. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the respect they showed for diverse perspectives.
Special thanks go to Leanne Carr for guiding them as coach leading up to this event, and once again, congratulations to our Ethics Olympiad team for their exemplary performance and for making our community proud!
Nadia Witton
Food and Fabric Technology Leader of Learning
Zoe Duffy
Saturday 25 May was a day of both celebration and reflection as our sport teams came together to honour Reconciliation Round in our Saturday morning matches. Students proudly wore red, yellow and black ribbons as a symbol of solidarity and support for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Teams read an Acknowledgement of Country, where students, coaches and spectators paid respect to the traditional custodians of the land on which the games were played. Our Open Netball Team were also very excited to wear our Indigenous dresses, designed by Wulla Designs at a workshop with our Art and Design students last year. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of recognising and valuing Indigenous culture and heritage.
Our Knockout Sport teams have been busy this term. Our Year 7/8 Knockout Netball, Year 7/8 Knockout Basketball, Year 9/10 Knockout Netball and Year 9/10 Knockout Volleyball teams were unable to progress further in the competition, we commend their hard work, commitment and sportsmanship throughout their respective competitions. Our Open Knockout Netball, Open Knockout Basketball and Year 9/10 Knockout Soccer still have their first round of matches to be played and we wish them all the best.
As winter sets in, our Winter Sports program is well and truly underway. Students from various year levels have donned their MacKillop uniforms across a range of sports. Whether it's soccer, badminton or netball, students are showcasing their skills, teamwork and passion on the field or court. Re-grading has occurred so good luck to all teams for the remainder of the season.
Zoe Duffy
Sport Coordinator
Michelle Arthur
Recently, we welcomed our 2025 Year 7 students for their First Transition Visit. From the moment the Year 6 students arrived they were greeted by our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders, some of our current Year 7 students and our wellbeing dog, Bonnie MacKillop.
The day was filled with a variety of activities that gave the incoming students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, build connections with their peers and experience a taste of the many learning opportunities to come. Some of our current Year 7 students were also on hand to have a chat and share a snack with the Year 6s during recess time.
Student-Led Tours:
The day began with student-led tours, where our Year 10 students were able to assist the new comers with navigating the new terrain. Our enthusiastic guides shared valuable tips, introduced key members of staff, highlighted key areas such as the Tenison Centre, New Food Technologies area, Student Services and answered a myriad of questions.
Escape Room Challenge:
A highlight on the day was the escape room challenge, which encouraged teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving. The students were divided into small groups and tasked with solving a series of puzzles and riddles within a set time to 'escape' the room. This activity included mastering the student locker padlock which proves to be a tricky skill to master.
Drama Experience:
The students participated in a series of drama games with our Specialist Drama Teacher, Mrs Rachel Scott, which provided an opportunity to discover some new names and new ways to communicate and collaborate. The laughter and enthusiasm in the auditorium was infectious, and it was heartening to see many new connections start to blossom.
Looking Ahead:
By the end of the day, the incoming students had not only navigated their new environment with a little more confidence, but had also forged a few new friendships and felt a stronger connection to our Mary MacKillop College community.
We look forward to welcoming our 2025 Year 7 cohort back for their next Transition Visit in Term 3.
Michelle Arthur
Years 7 and 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator.
Girls in Years 3 and 4 - Thursday 31 October or Friday 1 November 2024
Girls in Year 5 - Monday 12 August 2024
Join us for a day of Netball fun!
Learn new skills in footwork, agility, shooting, passing and defending.
Led by experienced coaches and Senior Netball students at the College.
Plus, we've got you covered with recess and lunch provided.
All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a trusty drink bottle.
Hurry, places are limited!
Secure your place by completing the form below:
Girls in Years 3 and 4:
www.marymackillop.sa.edu.au/netball
Girls in Year 5:
www.marymackillop.sa.edu.au/netballyr5
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 Tour:
Wednesday 26 June 9.30am
Term 3 Tours:
Friday 2 August 9.30am
Tuesday 20 August 9.30am
Wednesday 11 September 5.00pm
Term 4 Tour:
Wednesday 6 November 9.30am
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.
Important Dates
Principal's Tour
Open Netball Team in Victoria all week
Good News Assembly
Last day of Term 2, 1.25pm dismissal
Term 3 commences
College Calendar
A reminder, the College Calendar can be accessed via the SEQTA Portal page.
Thank you.
Click here to book a tour.
Purchase your Entertainment Membership today
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Catholic Schools Parents SA
Click here to access the Charter for Parents from Catholic School Parents South Australia.
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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