Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

We are less than two weeks into a new papacy, that of Pope Leo XIV. I have really enjoyed watching the way the internet has reacted to a new ‘modern’ Pope. The images of him as a younger man at baseball games and the stories of ex-‘girlfriends’ making their way into memes have been really entertaining.

Just as with Pope Francis, we can learn a lot from Pope Leo by his choice of name. He has chosen the name in recognition of Pope Leo XIII, who was, in almost every way, the first pope of the modern, industrial age.

Pope Leo XIII left a profound legacy. His pontificate was marked by several key messages that resonate with the principles of social justice, intellectual revival, and global diplomacy.

One of Pope Leo XIII's most significant contributions was his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum. This groundbreaking document laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. In it, he championed the rights of workers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the formation of unions, while also defending the right to private property and condemning both socialism and unrestrained capitalism. This balanced approach sought to address the social and economic challenges of the time, promoting a vision of society where the dignity of every individual is respected.

He was also a strong advocate for intellectual and spiritual renewal within the Church. He promoted the study of Thomism, the theological philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, through his encyclical Aeterni Patris. This initiative sparked a resurgence in Catholic philosophical and theological scholarship, reinforcing the Church's intellectual tradition.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIII was a skilled diplomat who worked to improve the Church's relations with major world powers, including Russia, Germany, and France. He sought to reconcile the Church with modern states and enhance its global influence. His diplomatic efforts and his emphasis on social justice and intellectual revival have left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the Catholic Church today.

Pope Leo XIV has begun in a similar way. In his first major address, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to all wars, emphasizing the need for a "just, authentic, and long-lasting" peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza. He has also highlighted the importance of humanitarian aid and the protection of vulnerable populations, urging for the release of prisoners and the return of displaced children. He has emphasized service and humility in his ministry, viewing the papacy as a ministry of love rather than a position of power. He has stressed the importance of unity and communion within the Church, exercising authority in collaboration with the faithful.

Our world is so fractured an in so many ways lacking in authentic servant leadership. The elevation of someone who seeks to deal in a currency of love, peace and mercy can only be a positive thing.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

My name is Becky Manners and I am a Science teacher here at MMCC. You may recognise my name from the various pleas for donations of money or food towards Rosies Outreaches you have received over the last couple of years. I would like to let you know where those donations go, and how very much appreciated they are.

Every month we call for food donations from our community. These supply an Outreach at Harlaxton Park. I have been attending these, on behalf of the College, for five years now. In that time, I have seen hundreds of people benefit from the generosity of our College community, as they share a warm meal and have a chat with friends and volunteers. Our Senior students, who also attend these outreaches in a volunteer capacity, get just as much out of it as the attendees, and it is a highlight of my month to see them serving others in such a genuine, selfless, and compassionate way.

This year, we have also asked for cash donations. Some of these monetary donations went to supporting our first holiday Outreach. It was the busiest Outreach I have seen yet, with more than 80 people, many of them children, attending. In addition to what we usually take for the BBQ, we purchased chocolate Easter eggs to hand out, and the night was a buzzing success, with many happy, smiling (and chocolatey!) faces.

Not long after the holidays, Rosies contacted us to help promote their 'Grill 4 Good' campaign, to raise money towards a new BBQ trailer so that they can continue to provide this invaluable service across our region. Again, we rose to the challenge. The Year 5 cohort donated the proceeds from their Easter raffle, a chocolate toss raised a further $170, and several generous individual donations were made by members of the MMCC Community. With these donations being matched dollar for dollar by APA, our College contributed over $3,000 to this campaign.

Thank you, to all of you that continue to support this initiative, from both myself, and the Rosies Toowoomba team. Together we are making a tangible difference to the lives of many - attendees, staff and students alike. Your continued generosity is seen and deeply appreciated.

Rebecca Manners
Teacher

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955. He has two brothers - John and Louis. Robert Prevost became a friar in the Order of St Augustine in 1982 and was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.

As an Augustinian friar, Cardinal Robert took a vow of poverty, travelling and living in urban areas to preach, evangelise and minister, especially to the less wealthy. As a friar he lived a life relying on the generosity of the people he was serving i.e. to provide food, shelter and other necessities. Pope Leo has lived amongst the poorest people and known what it is like to go without.

Robert Prevost spent his childhood and adolescence with his family and studied first at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania where he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy. He later completed his theological education at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before studying Canon Law at Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). While he was completing his doctoral thesis on "The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine", Robert was appointed Vocation Director and Missions Director of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Olympia Fields, Illinois in 1987.

Did you know that Pope Leo's favourite sport is tennis and he love to play wordle?

Did you know that Pope Leo has dual citizenship in Peru and America?

Did you know that Pope's Leo native language is English but he can also speak Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese? He can also read Latin and German.

Cardinal Robert Prevost chose the name Leo XIV as a sign, declaring his hope to the world to continue the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and his work around the encyclical "Rerum Novarum". Leo XIII lay the foundation for the Church's social teaching which stands against injustice across the world. And so, Pope Leo XIV chooses to take a stand as well.

In his initial words to the world, Pope Leo XIV, has encouraged us all to choose peace and justice through dialogue and encounter over everything.

I include the following prayer that you may choose to prayer, for the Pope:

Holy Spirit, once again You have spoken.

Through the voices of human beings

You have chosen Pope Leo XIV to guide us.

We pray that You will guide him.

Help him in his service to You, the Church, and the world.

Help him offer a beacon of love

To those searching for hope

Amidst the chaos of our changing planet.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Mrs Paula O'Rourke

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

As the winter chill sets in, our hearts turn to those in our community who are most vulnerable. The Actioning Mary MacKillop Advocacy (AMMA) group is once again leading the annual AMMA Winter Appeal, offering ways to live out our Catholic values of compassion and service.

Starting on Monday, 12 May and continuing until Friday, 13 June, this Appeal gives us five weeks to contribute items that will bring warmth and comfort to those facing hardship this winter. This year, our AMMA group has thoughtfully chosen to support three local organisations:

St Vincent de Paul: Providing a wide range of assistance to people experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

Rosies – Friends on the Street: Reaching out to those experiencing homelessness, offering friendship and support.

Civic Assist: Working to support individuals and families in our local area facing various challenges.

These incredible organisations are currently in urgent need of items that many of us take for granted during the colder months. They are specifically asking for:

New or used blankets and sleeping bags (in good condition)
New or used jackets (in good condition)
Tinned soup
Tins of Milo

As a Catholic community, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and Mary MacKillop by reaching out to those on the margins. We are blessed with resources that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families who are sleeping rough or simply struggling to keep warm this winter. Your generous contributions will help provide not just physical warmth, but also a sense of dignity and care to those who need it most.

Junior School Students: Please place your donated items in the designated basket in your classroom.

Senior School Students: Please place your donated items in your PC basket.

Please avoid leaving donations to the school office. Keeping items in our classrooms and PC rooms will help the AMMA group efficiently collect and sort the items.

Together, we can embody the spirit of Mary MacKillop and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our local area who are doing it tough this winter. Thank you in anticipation of your kind and compassionate support for our AMMA winter appeal.

Bella Scrivens
Year 11 AMMA Group Student

Australian Mathematics Competition

Students recently participated in the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) Australian Mathematics Competition, an internationally recognized challenge designed to promote mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Originating in France, this competition encourages students to engage with a variety of mathematical concepts in a fun and stimulating way, fostering a love for problem-solving and logical reasoning.

Congratulations to all students who took part, demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to mathematics. A special commendation goes to Lily W, who achieved a Distinction award, placing her in the top 20% of Year 5-6 students in Australia. This is an outstanding achievement.

Well done to all participants for embracing the challenge and representing their College with excellence. Keep up the fantastic work in mathematics!

The Mathematics Team Challenge

The Maths Team Challenge is a problem solving competition held every year at a number of locations in Southeast Queensland. The challenge, held at St Ursula's College, requires a team of 5 students to compete in a Team event and a Relay event. There are four divisions: Years 5-6, Years 7-8, Years 9-10 and Years 11-12.

It was an amazing opportunity for students to test their skills and share their passion for Mathematics. Finishing just outside the medals in each division, every student demonstrated an impressive display of problem solving and teamwork.

Maths Support Club Commencing

The Maths Support Club is available to all students, running Monday to Thursday at First Break in P12. This initiative provides a welcoming space for students to enhance their mathematical understanding, work through challenging problems, and build confidence in their skills.

Students are encouraged to bring their lunch, along with a growth mindset, as they engage with Maths in a supportive environment. They can bring along their homework, seek help with specific concepts, or simply drop by for a quick discussion on mathematical topics.

Sessions take place at P12 during First Break from Monday to Thursday, providing consistent and accessible help throughout the week.

Mr Malcolm Langerak
Middle Leader Mathematics

Careers Retreat

Thank you to all the students who attended the Careers Retreat. We hope you found the information relevant and helpful in starting your SET plan. Over the two days, students engaged with various sessions, including ATAR and QCE, teacher career journeys, school-based apprenticeships and VET, an introduction to financial literacy, industry talks, and insights from our Alumni about their career paths.

All Year 10 students should have completed their SET Plan via the Career Tools portal. Parents received emails via EdSmart to book an interview and complete a quick questionnaire. If you have not booked an interview, please do so.

SET plans are essential for preparing students for the transition to senior schooling and ensuring parents are informed about their children's subject choices.

Year 11 Action plans

We have completed Year 11 reviews of their action plans. During these discussions, we cover tracking QCE points, Term 1 results, identifying their learning styles, self-assessment of their characteristics, and envisioning their dream jobs. We also track their goals, whether they aim for university, work, or a GAP year.

The Pathways Team is dedicated to helping students understand their current progress and how we can support them in achieving their goals. Please talk to your Year 11 student about their action plan; we've had some fantastic conversations over the past two weeks!

Year 12 Action Plans

Year 12 students are currently booking and completing their Action Plans online. In the coming weeks, they will have the opportunity to meet with the Pathways Team to ensure they are on track to achieve their goals by the end of their senior schooling.

Insights

Study Work Grow have placed together comprehensive booklets for Early Entry to University and University Open Days 2025. Year 12 and 11 students have received these via school email. The Pathways Team strongly encourage both students and parents to read if considering University.

Early Entry

Open days

Mrs Andrea Goddard and Mrs Christie Richardson

Career Development Practitioner and Career Student Officer

The MMCC Teaching & Learning Team, in partnership with the College PEN, recently hosted a delightful evening event titled "Treats and Tales." This event was designed with several key purposes in mind:

Partnership: To provide a fun and engaging evening for parents/carers and our Preppies.
Possibilities: To offer an opportunity for parents to be on site and foster a sense of community.
Practical Action: To engage Preppies and their parents/carers in reading and fun literacy activities.
Passion: To model ways to inspire children to develop a passion for books and reading.

The evening was a resounding success, with students and parents enjoying a variety of literature-themed activities. Prep Teachers came along in their pyjamas and entertained students with enthusiastic storytelling. Each student took home a goodies bag filled with fun activities to do at home. Students went on a treasure hunt in the library, searching for literature-related items. Preppies also came in their pyjamas, adding to the fun atmosphere.

One of the highlights was the collaborative writing of a Fairy Tale story by the students, which had everyone giggling when it was read aloud. The event concluded with a cozy treat of hot milo, and a lucky door prize added an extra element of excitement.

A big thank you to the Prep Teachers, MMCC PEN, Mr Shayne Cleary for the donation of the Lucky Door Prize, along with his and Mrs Tenille Dyne's continued support; and all the parents for their enthusiastic engagement!