Thank you so much to the students, staff and parents who supported and represented our College at the various Anzac Day liturgies. These are so essential to us as a community as benchmarks of culture and belonging. A particular thank you to College parent Lieutenant Colonel Suzanne Albury who was our guest at the College service on Wednesday and presented a wonderful address focusing on service, resilience and sacrifice.

With so much war still occurring in the world today though, it is worth interrogating our own observation of Anzac Day.

The Catholic view of Anzac Day is one that honours the memory and sacrifice of those who served in the military, while also emphasizing the importance of peace and the value of each human life. In the Catholic tradition, Anzac Day is observed with respect and solemnity, often including prayers and liturgies that seek to remember the fallen and pray for an end to conflict. The day is seen as an opportunity to pray for peace, to remember the sacrifices made by service members, and to reflect on the call of Jesus to love and serve others.

The Gospel of John (15:9,12,13) is often cited in our liturgies. It speaks of the greatest love being to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This scripture resonates with the spirit of Anzac Day, as it reflects the selflessness and love demonstrated by the 2 million Australians who have served.

Additionally, the Catholic perspective acknowledges the complexity of war and the suffering it causes, while also recognizing the bravery and self-sacrifice of the ANZACs. It is a day to hope for a future where death and mourning are no more, aligning with our Catholic faith and belief in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

You are invited to attend the Mother's Day breakfast and liturgy.

The program is as follows:

7:30am Breakfast at the College Cafe
8:15am Students are to go to class for roll marking before going to their house for liturgy.
8:30am Mothers are invited to attend House liturgy in one of four areas around the College with their child/ren.
9:30am Classrooms to return to normal classes.

Breakfast:

This year we have a beautiful breakfast box with a danish, ham, cheese and spinach croissant, fresh fruit and yoghurt cup.

The GF breakfast box will be available, which will be very similar to the non-gluten-free option - GF muffin, ham, cheese and spinach GF croissant, fresh fruit and yoghurt cup.

Speciality coffees will need to be ordered but a complimentary coffee / tea table will be available as well.

To assist us with catering, please place your order below by 9:00am on Friday, 3 May. This is limited to 200 orders.

Raffle

The PEN are running a Mother's Day Raffle with some amazing prizes. If you would like to purchase tickets, please click on the link below.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

This event is open to all families considering enrolling at the College in Year 7 to Year 12 in 2025 or 2026.

Our Twilight Tours provides families the opportunity to tour the campus with our Principal, members of the Executive Leadership Team and our College Captains and hear first-hand experiences from staff and students.

Complimentary light refreshments will be served by students and the College Chef throughout the evening.

To register for this event, please visit the College website.

Phoebe Burton
Enrolments Officer

Scholarship applications for 2025 are closing next week, so now is the time to submit your application.

As we grow, it becomes even more important that students at Mary MacKillop Catholic College are positive, engaged and resilient learners, who can make a positive contribution to our College culture and our mission.

We encourage any new or current students to submit an application before Tuesday, 30 April at 5:00pm. Scholarships include Sports & Arts Excellence, General Excellence and MacKillop Scholarships.

Enrolments Team

We are at an exciting time of the year, where places for next year are filling up fast. As a member of our current community, we want to give you every opportunity to secure a place for your child. If you have a child that is starting in Prep or Year 7 in 2025 who is currently not enrolled at the College and have not yet submitted an Enrolment Application, now is the time.

• Year 7 Enrolments for 2025 will close on Friday, 21 June 2024.

• Prep Enrolments for 2025 will close on Friday, 13 September 2024.

If you have any questions about the Enrolment process, you can contact our Enrolments Team on 07 4698 7777 or via email higenrolments@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Otherwise, you can access our online Application for Enrolment form here.

Enrolments Team

Over the past six years Mary MacKillop Catholic College has had a One to One Laptop Program where parents have been able to purchase a device at the end of 3 years. Over this period, it has become apparent that the senior devices that are being sold are not the quality that Mary MacKillop Catholic College would like to pass on.

The devices being 3 years of age are out of warranty and have proven to not have longevity of life. In most cases, devices have had at least one warranty claim, and are not in fit condition to be onsold to our families. As an organisation that values good stewardship, we will discontinue the practice of the buyback scheme and phase out current purchasing in the next two years.

The One to One Laptop Program policy has been adjusted accordingly and updated on our College website.

Accounts Department

We are assisted and guided by Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office in the application of a number of important documents. A very important one that provides support is the Parent Engagement Charter. It has recently been revised so please see here the most recent version.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Your official role at the College:

Enrolments Officer

What does a typical day really look like: 

Touring prospective families around our beautiful College campus, processing new Enrolment Applications, answering Enrolment phone enquiries, and planning Enrolment events to showcase our College to new families. Every day is different and never the same.

Secondary School attended: 

Concordia Lutheran College

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop? 

The friendly staff and students. There is always a smiling face and everyone is happy to have a chat.

What are your hobbies/Interests? 

My favourite thing to do is spend time with my young family. I also play field hockey on the weekend.

Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MMCC community: 

Most weekends you will find me at a Speedway track around Queensland supporting my partner’s racing. 

What is the main thing you want future students to know about Mary MacKillop: 

We are an ever-growing community, that is all-inclusive, and friendly and always wants the best for our students and to achieve their potential. 

How is your work related to the 6 Ps?

Partnership – I work closely with most people at the College to stay up to date with what we can offer families; I also work with prospective families to ensure their enrolment journey is a smooth one.

Parish Mass Time:

Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre to celebrate together.

You are invited to be part of this celebration.

Sunday Mass starts at 8:00am (unless otherwise advised) and is led by Fr Brian Noonan.

Please note:

Saturday, 27 April - we are having our Potluck Dinner and the Bishop will be celebrating the mass.

Sunday, 28 April - there will be a Vigil Mass.

Parish Council News: 

March Meeting

• IWD Community Event – we raised $500 for women in need in the community through St. Vincent de Paul Highfields Branch. We will host this event again in 2025.
• Our Potluck dinner on Saturday, 27 April will see us host not only Bishop Ken but also Rachelle Patterson CEO of Lifeline Darling Downs.
• Significant delays in 2023 see us now looking at a 2025 mid-year completion date for our new Church all things going well. Further updates to come.
• Our Easter Raffle was a wonderful success. Special thanks to Parish Councillors, Patti McNaught and Rebekah Bowdler for selling tickets for many weeks and promoting this fundraiser.
  
• A big thank you to our wonderful Parish Liturgy Team for all their efforts in an enjoyable Lenten Season. A tremendous amount of work goes into these liturgies.
  
• We have been invited to participate in a Synodal Reflection by Rev. Nathan Webb, the Diocesan Synodal contact person. Details to come for the facilitation of discussion.

On-Going:

• New Church Plans
  Parish Logo Launch

St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish

Eastertide

Whilst the Chocolate bunnies may have been eaten, for our Church Easter is far from over. We actually celebrate Eastertide over 50 days leading up to Pentecost which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. This time in the Church's calendar signifies Christ's victory over death and His appearance to the disciples demonstrating His divinity. It is a joyful time to rejoice and should Alleluia giving praise to God.

Walk Against Domestic Violence

On Wednesday, 1 May students from Years 10-12 will be representing the College at the Toowoomba Walk Against Domestic Violence and Remembrance Ceremony. This powerful event gives our students the opportunity to stand in solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence and allows them to speak with and hear the stories of victims. This event is run by Act for Kids and the Toowoomba Domestic Violence Action Centre. For further information please contact me.

Colour Run

Senior school students participated in our annual College Colour Run today. Aside from being a lot of fun this annual event raises funds for a charity and encourages students to recognise the needs of others suffering from challenges in life. This year's charity of choice was the Australian Cancer Council.

There is still time to donate to this worthy cause. Please click on the link below to donate.

Ryan Cavanough
Acting Director Formation and College Culture

As Term 1 drew to a close, the Year 7 MMCC students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Emu Gully Adventure Camp. The Week 10 excursion was not just a break from the classroom routine; it was a challenge to their mettle, a test of endurance, and a celebration of camaraderie.

The camp, renowned for its military-style activities, put our students’ teamwork, perseverance, and courage to the test. Despite the arduous tasks, the real adversary turned out to be the weather. As the skies opened up, unleashing relentless rain and transforming the camp into a quagmire, our students faced the elements with an unwavering spirit.

Equipped with tents and responsible for their own food rations, the students learned the essence of self-reliance. The inclement weather could not dampen their spirits, as they shone with perseverance and partnership, embodying the values we hold dear at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

The camp was filled with highlights that will be etched in their memories for years to come. The giant slide offered an exhilarating rush, the Tunnels of Tobruk night-time challenge tested their resolve in the dark, and pulling the cannon through the trenches was a feat of strength and unity.

Through rain and mud, our students continued to smile, support each other during tough times, and show up with enthusiasm. Their ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity is commendable.

As they returned, muddy, beaming with pride, and most likely looking for a hot shower and a dry bed, it was clear that this cohort of Year 7 students had set a remarkable precedent for what is possible when we work together. They have shown us that with a little courage and a lot of teamwork, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

Let us all take a moment to applaud the Year 7 students for their outstanding performance at the camp. They have not only made memories to last a lifetime but have also demonstrated the true essence of the Mary MacKillop spirit.

Ashley Jones
Pastoral Leader

Last week, Year 6 students and teachers held the annual Bunny Run for their Prep buddies. It was amazing!

Year 6 students made chocolate bags and Easter cards for them, and even dressed up like bunnies. To make all of the Year 6's look like bunnies, we got our faces painted to make us look more realistic. Demonstrating partnership with their buddy, it was a fun act of service for all of us.

Storming out of their classrooms, the Preps sprinted in search of their buddy. The air was filled with cheer! Receiving this much chocolate, their faces lit up in anticipation of enjoying their treats at home.

It was an enjoyable way to demonstrate passion for our faith and celebrate the end of the Easter season. In Henry's opinion, the best part about the Bunny Run was how excited the Prep students were when they were chasing us for their chocolate eggs. As our patron Mary MacKillop did before us, modelling practical action to bring joy to others is very important. At the end of the day, everyone had so much fun!

Thank you to our families for purchasing eggs and organising our costumes for us. Our Year 6 teachers, thank you for providing an opportunity for us to develop passion, partnership, and practical action.

Holly Garrels & Henry Stevens (6A)
Year 6 Students

Building a national picture of child health.

From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). Further information will be sent out to parents in the coming days.  

Some information has been provided in the link below.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this Census, please contact your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact Mrs Christine Carter via email.

Christine Carter
Teacher

Over the last 7 years, Mary MacKillop Catholic College has implemented the Reading Improvement Strategy (RIS) to improve reading outcomes for students. Educational research and understanding is constantly evolving. In response to changes in the Australian Curriculum for English and recent research, Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) have developed the Diocesan Approach to Reading (DAR). 

This approach will be implemented in all classrooms in the Junior School. Attached is further information from TCS about the changes and what you will see in classrooms.

Lisa-Marie Preston
Primary Middle Leader

The recent Toowoomba Show witnessed a showcase of musical talent courtesy of our MMCC Drumline and Rock Band. The MMCC Drumline, with their precision beats, entertained the crowd with their dynamic roaming performance. Following suit, the MMCC Rock Band took the stage delivering an entertaining set.

I have received correspondence and comments from impressed onlookers about the music program at MMCC, noting the level of skill and professionalism displayed by the students. Their performances not only entertained but also served as a testament to the college's commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for music.

Also, we would like to acknowledge the students who represented the College by volunteering to help with the Bluey & Bingo and Cocomelon meet and greets. Their service is invaluable in helping within the community and we thank Noah Burke, Bonnie Reisinger, Alex Booth, Emily Wann, Darby Richardson and Ryan Dalziell for giving up their weekend to do so.

Jessica Burke 
Middle Leader: The Arts & Student Engagement

Last Thursday we were blessed with a beautiful day for the Junior College Cross Country. Student participation was excellent and the ‘give it a go’ attitude by all who attended was exceptional. The sea of House colours and the roar of House chants, created an amazing atmosphere for the day.

Thank you too our incredible senior leaders and senior student helpers, who guided, cheered and supported our Junior College students throughout the day.

Congratulations to Penola who won the highest overall House points for the day!

Penola 285, Cunningham 255, McCormack 250, Tenison 178

Congratulations to our top 3 runners from each age group listed below.

Touch Football

Touch training for boys and girls has commenced for Term 2. Training is run by Mr Hubbard and Mrs Lever every Monday afternoon from 3:15pm to 4:00pm on Fitzroy Oval.We are working towards several carnivals in Terms 3 and 4. Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 are welcome to attend. 

Boys and girls will be selected for teams to represent the school toward the end of Term 2. More information about upcoming carnivals will be available throughout Term 2.

We did so many exciting things over the school holidays at OSHC. We did science experiments, decorated some porcelain plates, tie dyed our clothes, made things out of air-dry clay, and many more messy creative activities. We asked families to bring in any cardboard boxes they had so we could create fortresses before a Nerf gun battle. The children brought in their bikes, scooters and roller blades, and then road around Ignatius. 

We had two excursions; one excursion took us to Cobb & Co Museum where the children got to engage in flight-based activities and the other took us to the Cinemas to see the movie Kung Fu Panda 4. The children participated in many minutes to win it challenges to compete for some prizes. Overall, it was a jam-packed vacation care!

Please see below for some exciting photos that were taken over the two weeks!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator