Edition Two
14 March 2024

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.

Lenten Prayer​

Loving God during this Lenten season,
Grant us hearts of compassion,
That we may see the needs of others,
And respond with love and kindness.

Amen.

So much has already been enjoyed, accomplished and celebrated this year and we are only seven weeks in! Students have been relishing the opportunity to utilise the new learning spaces in the Tenison Centre (pictured) and we are very excited to have our official opening next week, coinciding with our celebration of St Joseph’s Feast Day.

We are also gearing up for a MASSIVE Open Night on Tuesday 26 March (4.30pm until 7.00pm), which promises to be a showcase of all the wonderful things at our College. Having the students lead tours, demonstrate and explain their work, sing, dance and play sport during the event is the best way to highlight the joys and benefits of being a MacKillop girl. It is not often that families get to wander through the classrooms and specialist spaces, so we hope to have you join us and see your daughters in action. Also, please spread the word to any prospective families.

Primary girls in Years 4-6 attended our Come ‘n’ Try MacKillop Day in Week 5, enjoying some of the activities mentioned above and going home to declare “MacKillop is the place for me!”. This week it was also humbling during an enrolment interview to see what was written about the reason for choosing our College – “After attending a tour, my husband and I could immediately envision our daughter thriving in this environment. We could see that wellbeing and a real sense of family are important values in the school”.

As usual, our regular days have been filled with great learning, activities and celebrations. The Year 7 Camp at Wellington gave our newest students a chance to challenge themselves and get to know each other better. Saturday sport is also in full swing with great enthusiasm, camaraderie and sportsmanship.

We welcomed Japanese students from St Capitanio this week and hope they enjoy their immersion into our beautiful College. With the weather so hot, they certainly found the afternoon in the Norwood Pool a welcome treat in scorching Adelaide!

As we head towards Easter, we remain mindful of our Lenten journey. Hopefully, we have found ways to proactively make a positive difference to those around us, by being especially kind and thoughtful and considering those in our community who need our support and prayers. The coming Holy Week will see us gather for our Lenten Liturgy, commemorating and reflecting on the Easter story and the death of Jesus on Good Friday.

My best wishes for a wonderful last few weeks of term. Thank you to all the students, staff and families that have made the start of 2024 so successful. Go well and God bless.

Sonia Nelson
Principal

Celebrating International Women's Day

Friday 8 March marked a significant day worldwide as we celebrated International Women's Day. Here at Mary MacKillop College, there was a sea of purple ribbons as students celebrated Women’s achievements. Our Student Leadership Team took the opportunity to honour this day with a delicious initiative, baking and selling cookies. All proceeds were donated to Catherine House, an organisation supporting women experiencing homelessness. This endeavour not only showcased our students' baking skills, but also their commitment towards social justice and making a positive difference in the lives of women in need.

On the day, Student Leaders encouraged fellow students to reflect on their vision for a more inclusive world for women. A thought wall was set up where students shared their insights, ideas and aspirations for gender equality. It was heartening to witness our students engaging in such important conversations and demonstrating their support for women's rights.

In addition to these activities, our Wellbeing Captains had the privilege of attending the International Women's Day Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Hosted by Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the event brought together representatives from 33 high schools. The highlight of the morning was the inspiring keynote address delivered by Annabel Crabb, a renowned journalist and author. Our Wellbeing Captains returned inspired and motivated to continue advocating for gender equality within our school community and beyond.

Thank you to our Student Leadership Team, Wellbeing Captains and all students who participated in celebrating International Women's Day this year. Your enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to promoting gender equality are truly commendable.

Colour Run

Our Student Leadership Team are getting ready to put on their running shoes and splash some colour at the MMC Colour Run, taking place on Friday 22 March. This fun-filled event is a fantastic way for us to celebrate our achievements in raising funds for Project Compassion.

The Colour Run promises to be a day full of laughter, camaraderie and, of course, vibrant colours! It is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and make a positive impact on the lives of others through our fundraising efforts.

On the day students are asked to bring old clothes to change into for the Colour Run and a $2 coin to purchase a raffle ticket.

Leadership Commissioning

In addition to The Colour Run, we also have another important event lined up. All our student leaders will be recognised and celebrated at our Leadership Commissioning, which will take place at the conclusion of Mass next week. This is a momentous occasion where we honour the dedication, commitment and leadership of our student leaders. We look forward to celebrating this milestone and acknowledging their invaluable contributions to our school community.

Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal

In Week 5 of Term 1 our 2024 Student Representative Council (SRC) members were elected by their peers. There was a very strong field of candidates who put their hands up to be leaders and a voice for their cohort. It was inspiring to see their courage, nominating themselves and presenting their speeches in front of peers. Our nominees were articulate and insightful about their strengths and how these would benefit the College. Unfortunately, only two representatives per year level could be elected. The support students showed each other during this process was wonderful and a true example of our 2024 College theme ‘Leading with compassion’. We congratulate all nominees.

The elected SRC representatives are excellent role models who are keen to get started on their work as leaders. We congratulate them on their success and look forward to working with them to support their leadership journey.

This year, our Year 12 Prefects will lead the SRC and have already been working hard to update the SRC guidelines and facilitate the nomination and election processes. They also planned and facilitated the SRC Formation Afternoon on Thursday of Week 6 which included fun icebreakers, ‘getting to know you’ activities and interactive sessions to establish the 2024 SRC vision, which they hope will assist the representatives to understand the SRC guidelines, expectations and processes. The afternoon was well organised, engaging and built a sense of team and purpose. Thank you to our Year 12 Prefects for your balance of fun, creativity, responsibility and hard work. It is a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to our collaboration across the 2024 school year.

With this pool of talent, fun, dedication and leadership, stay tuned!

Mrs Abarno and Ms MacLennan
SRC Lead Teachers

Congratulations to Jaymie (Year 12) and Judy (Year 10) who have been selected to represent South Australian high school students on this year’s South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC). A wonderful achievement.

The SA SRC is a partnership between the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA). The SA SRC is a body of 150 students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from across the state, who will work together to create genuine, student-led change within communities.

JJAMM Experience, Sydney

As part of their Student Leadership position, our 2024 Social Justice Captains were invited to represent the College at the annual JJAMM Experience at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney and St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, Kincumber, from 16 to 20 February. This special event is offered annually for new leaders within Australian Josephite schools, with a focus on building strong relationships and a vision to develop a shared culture within each College. This experience helps the student leaders to:

• Identify with the broader Josephite community and the core values of the Josephite tradition
• Explore the nature of leadership in a Josephite context
• Assist young people in coming to recognise Mary MacKillop as a role model for living the Gospel
• Develop their responsibility to represent the legacy of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph.

Through this experience, both Isabelle and Scarlett gained confidence to develop leadership skills in a Josephite context and were also able to visit many places significant in St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s life and work.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend JJAMM in Sydney, where we learnt more about the Josephite charism and the importance of promoting social justice within our school community. This experience not only allowed me to deepen my understanding of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop's impactful work but also helped develop my leadership skills alongside my co-captain, Isabelle. A highlight of the trip was the privilege of meeting student leaders from schools across Australia and New Zealand. Engaging in conversations about how different schools approach social justice was inspiring. Following numerous discussions, Isabelle and I are eager to build upon these ideas, contributing to the ongoing effort to make our school and the wider community a better place in 2024 and beyond." - Scarlett

"The JJAMM program was an excellent opportunity for Scarlett and I to develop our leadership skills and gain a renewed appreciation for the incredible work of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop alongside a diverse, welcoming and passionate group of leaders from across Australia and New Zealand. I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this experience, I feel prepared and enthusiastic to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained through this program to all my work as a student leader this year. Having engaged in meaningful conversation, reflection and ideation, I have been able to develop a deeper understanding of my responsibility to serve both the school and wider community. I look forward to working with teachers and students alike to bring meaningful new initiatives to fruition." - Isabelle

Lent is a time of almsgiving and prayer. We are called to give generously to those in need.

Social Outreach: Caritas Project Compassion

Throughout Project Compassion 2024, our students have heard many inspiring stories from Ronita (Philippines), Leaia (Samoa) and Memory (Malawi). These stories highlight the importance of working hand in hand with others and empowering people to be agents for change. Caritas Australia promotes the message that your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Together, we can make a difference now, and 'For All Future Generations'.

As MacKillop students who lead with compassion, let us embrace Caritas Australia's Project Compassion and raise awareness of each of these countries by holding various activities throughout the term.

Please Donate to Project Compassion

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow. You can donate through classroom donation boxes or by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion.

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

This year, since moving into the Tenison Centre, we have seen a lot of change. Students are enjoying the open space and beautiful views of Kensington, which will become a theme for our Year 9 landscape project during the year.

The 2024 Arts Night theme is ‘Fairy Tales’, becoming the focus of many projects. Year 8 students are creating Tessellations, showing characters from famous fairy tales in an Escher style pattern. The year 9s will soon work on fairy tale houses.

Year 10s have just completed their ‘Women in Art’ projects, creating artwork inspired by female artists. This work is portrayed in the shape of a silhouette or paper doll to represent the connection of female artists throughout history.

Year 11s and 12s are focusing on the Visual Study SACE assessment task, involving research on sculpture for Year 11 and a topic of choice for our Year 12s.

Our Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day Art activity involved Zentangles and jigsaws! Students from Years 4, 5 and 6 created beautiful jigsaw puzzles using zentangle patterns in flowers.

Congratulations to Melani Matulin, 2023 MMC Stage 2 scholar, whose artwork has been selected for the 2024 SACE Art Show at the Light Square Gallery, Adelaide College of the Arts, TAFE SA from 19 March until 12 April.

The multi panelled body of work is titled, ‘The Erosion Within’ a representation of the distorted perspectives Body Dysmorphia sufferers experience about themselves. These have been expressed through bold, exploratory applications of mixed media, incorporating mirror, oil paint, woven paper, photography and charcoal.

In other areas of the Arts, we congratulate the 2023 MMC Dance Academy who won a place in the Create4Adelaide 2024 Adelaide Festival Exhibition with ‘The Earth Speaks’, their contemporary dance piece.

The video of this performance is on at the Bicentennial Conservatory, in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens until Sunday 17 March. Create4Adelaide is an exhibition of exciting new works created by young people to tackle the climate emergency. The exhibition has free entry and is open from 10am until 6pm daily.

Our Music and Drama students are busy working on routines for our Fairy Tale Arts evening and Open Night.

Linda Di Blasio
The Arts Leader of Learning

Congratulations to Daniella (Year 11) who has been awarded first place for her crochet in a statewide competition run by the Home Economics Association (HEIA)!

In Week 5, Mary MacKillop College hosted the Departure Ceremony for Year 9 students and their parents and caregivers, as part of the 2024 Rite Journey program. The event was a success, with families joining in to mark the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.

The Departure Ceremony is about setting out on a new adventure, growing and changing throughout the year. A key part of the ceremony includes parents and students sharing gratitude letters with each other, reflecting on the path behind them and preparing for the road ahead.

On the evening, students also received a Mary MacKillop College candle. As part of the ceremony, parents lit this candle to show their commitment to guide their child’s way during their Rite Journey. As families, students and teachers embark on this journey together, we set out to create a community where each student is supported and empowered.

Natalie Baack
The Rite Journey Lead Teacher

Meals on Wheels SA, in collaboration with Mary MacKillop College, is launching an exciting new intergenerational program called Rite Now!

This program connects older adults with Year 9 students who are undertaking The Rite Journey program.

We are excited to extend an invitation to individuals interested in joining us for this unique and enriching experience.

If you are interested in joining us or know someone who is, please make contact with either Liz Stewart, Mary MacKillop College's Director of Students lstewart@marymackillop.sa.edu.au, or Sarah Harrison, Meals on Wheels Project Officer marketing@mealsonwheelssa.org.au.

Liz Stewart
Director of Students

In Week 4 of this term, our Year 7 students enjoyed a three-day camp at El Shaddai, Wellington. While at camp, they participated in a range of activities including canoeing, vertical crates, rock climbing, raft making, archery, laser tag and the absolute highlight 'The Giant Swing'. Given the hot weather, the girls enjoyed time in the pool to cool down each day. This three-day experience provided students with the opportunity to display their independence, build connections with their peers, use problem solving skills and collaborate with others.  

A special mention to our five Year 11 Peer Support Leaders who joined us on camp, supporting the girls in their groups throughout the day and organising our second night activities which included a fashion parade. This was definitely a highlight as students collaborated, using innovative skills to create an outfit using only butcher paper and masking tape.

Below are reflections from some of our Year 7 students:

"I showed courage when I bravely took on the giant swing even though I was scared. I gave it a go and went to the very top." - Lexie.

"I showed courage in the rock climbing activity. I tried my best to give the walls a go even if they were a bit challenging and for most of the walls, I didn't give up until I reached the top." - Sebi

"I showed courage at every activity, in my dorm each night and even on the bus. I had the best time." - Lucy

"I give camp a 5/5 rating!" - Bianca

"I showed compassion when I supported my peers and cheered them on especially when facing different challenges." - Eliza

"I really enjoyed canoeing because I liked exploring along the river." - Gabriella

A big thank our to our amazing Year 7 Camp staff, Ms MacLennan, Ms Parente and Ms Emily Penna for supporting the students over the three days to ensure they had a wonderful experience.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 and 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator

On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 February, the grounds of Woodhouse Adventure Park became the backdrop for an unforgettable adventure as Mary MacKillop College students embarked on the Year 9 Camp, expertly led by Wilderness Escape.

The two action-packed days were filled with mountain bike riding, high ropes adventures, rock climbing, a Challenge Hill team race, billy karting and the creative construction of catapults. As students embraced the great outdoors and camped in tents, the resilience of our young adventurers shone through.

On Thursday evening, the Rite Journey Ceremony 'The Calling' took place. Facilitated by our Rite Journey Lead Teacher, Natalie Baack, the ceremony involved letting go of childhood behaviours and looking forward to taking on new responsibilities. Following the ceremony, came the Penola Shield challenge, featuring a spirited tug-of-war and an array of entertaining activities. With competitive spirit running high, crowning glory went to proud winners Year 9 Red who are now the beholders of the Penola Shield for Term 1. Their victory was not simply about triumph but it was a celebration of unity and teamwork.

The Year 9 Camp at Woodhouse Adventure Park was a journey of self-discovery, teamwork and the forging of lasting friendships and along with the exhilarating experience, students also brought home tales of daring adventures and outstanding resilience.

Laura Abarno
Years 9 and 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Friday 1 March 2024 marked a special day at Mary MacKillop College as we welcomed students from our Japanese sister school, St Capitanio for an Orientation Day. 

The students took part in a school tour as well as a variety of activities. The highlight of the day being a fun cooking session led Mrs Nadia Witton. Students prepared delicious apple cinnamon muffins, sharing cooking tips along the way. At midday, the girls gathered for a shared lunch featuring a spread of  Australian foods including pies and sausage rolls. Following lunch, the College Gymnasium echoed with laughter and excitement as students played a friendly game of volleyball.

This memorable visit was preceded by a heart-warming meeting between Mary MacKillop College and St Capitanio students on Friday, 23 February at St Aloysius College. Engaging in an afternoon filled with lively chatter and friendly games, including the classic Jenga, the interactions laid the foundation for the bonds that were further strengthened at Mary MacKillop College.

The exchange program between Mary MacKillop College and St Capitanio has been a tradition for many years and provides invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion and global understanding. The students of Mary MacKillop College are not only hosting their counterparts from Japan; they are opening their hearts and minds to new perspectives, fostering friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the return of the St Capitanio students for an extended three-week stay later this term where more opportunities for cross-cultural learning and collaboration will evolve.

Laura Abarno
Years 9 and 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

On Friday 16 February 2024, the Adelaide Convention Centre dazzled as Year 11 students stepped into a world of elegance for their Senior Formal with the theme, ‘A Night of Glamour’.

The evening was a celebration of friendships, marked by laughter, dance and unforgettable memories. From the red-carpet entry complete with a floral arbour, to the glamorous outfits, every detail contributed to the magic of the night.

At the conclusion of the evening, when the College anthem was played, the students danced and sang along with enthusiasm, embracing the final moments of the glamourous atmosphere of their Senior Formal.

Jeanene Corbo
Senior Years Coordinator

Join us as we showcase our College with interactive displays, music performances, a complimentary sausage sizzle, a Tour & Win competition and plenty of warmth and hospitality.

Open Night is your opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore our facilities including the Tenison Centre (our new Science, Art and Innovation Hub) and discover why families refer to us as a "hidden gem".

We look forward to seeing you on the night!

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.

Semester One 2024 Tours

Term 1
Tuesday 26 March 4.30pm until 7.00pm (Open Night)
Wednesday 3 April 5.00pm

Term 2
Wednesday 1 May 5.00pm
Friday 31 May 9.30am
Wednesday 26 June 9.30am

Book Now

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.

Click here to book a Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day.