This Sunday is the 115th International Women’s Day. The event has a rich pedigree – in fact the first National Women’s Day was held in the USA in 1909. Of course, the event in St Petersburg in 1917 helped to bring an end to Czarist rule in Russia and 8 March remains a focal point today for justice, equity and inclusion for women.

Our new Penola building has a display in the staircase that is inspired by the theology of Imago Dei – that all people are equal, and glorious, made in the image of God. In designing it, we sought to engage our students and remind them that despite of their perception of the challenges of the everyday world, they are blessed and loved. This display has a mirror and the simplicity and power of Genesis 1:27

“God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

This verse, placed at the very beginning of Scripture, is not an abstract theological idea—it is a declaration of human dignity. It affirms that every person, regardless of gender, reflects something of God’s life, creativity, and goodness. Long before our modern conversations about gender equity, the opening pages of the Bible placed equality at the heart of creation. It is actually one of the very few places in Scripture where there is an emphatic call for equality.

It is appropriate to celebrate that equality as we approach International Women’s Day.

As a Catholic college, this shapes who we are and how we educate. We want every young woman in our care to know that her gifts are God‑given, her voice matters, and her leadership enriches the whole community. We want every young man to grow into a person who recognises and champions that dignity in others. And we want all students to encounter a school culture where respect, safety, compassion, and opportunity are daily realities.

So, I invite the community to consider how we elevate and celebrate the contributions of women in our society, our Church, and here within our College. Scripture reminds us that this is a spiritual responsibility. When we honour the dignity of women, we honour the Creator whose image they bear.

I am grateful for the women who lead so faithfully in our community—our teachers, support staff, students, parents, and volunteers—whose wisdom and energy shape the life of the College every day. Their witness, love, presence and leadership echoes the deep truth of Genesis: that God’s image is revealed most clearly when each person is able to flourish.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Many thanks to the parents who attended our inaugural meeting this week.

Congratulations and thank you to Danielle Morgan who is our new Chair. Welcome to the Executive to Maddie Bento, Emma Elsden and Paula Kavanagh.

Lent invites families to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what matters most. In busy households, this Lenten season can feel like a welcome reset. Rather than adding more tasks, Lent encourages families to simplify, to be intentional, and to make space for kindness and reflection.

Many families find that Lent becomes meaningful when it is woven into everyday routines. Small rituals like lighting a candle at dinner, saying a short prayer before bed, choosing one simple sacrifice together, help children understand that faith is part of daily life.

On a practical side, Matthew 25, offers a roadmap for Christian living. Jesus names simple, concrete actions: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, and supporting those who feel alone as a way we should be living. These are not grand gestures; they are everyday acts of love that children can understand and families can practise together. But how do we do this today?

When we unpack this passage for today's context, it reminds us that holiness is not found only in church or in big moments. It is found in the way we treat one another at home, how we respond to people in need, and how we choose kindness even when life is busy. Here are some simple ideas that could help children see that faith is something lived through kindness, generosity and awareness of others. You might like to try them over the next few weeks:

• Preparing a meal together for someone who is going through a difficult time.
• Cleaning out the clothes cupboard for clothes that are not worn anymore but still have plenty of life in them to donate and talking about why dignity of another person who might receive these clothes matters.
• Encouraging children to look out for classmates who may be left out or lonely.
• Making a card or recording a message for someone who is sick or isolated.
• Visiting your neighbours and saying hello.
• Practising patience and forgiveness within the home, especially when days feel rushed.

As a College community, we hope this Lent strengthens families in compassion, gratitude, and practical love. When children see these values lived at home, they learn that faith is not just a Sunday activity but a way of life.

Lent is our chance to slow down, notice one another, and choose kindness in the ordinary moments. In doing so, we teach our children the heart of the Gospel: Christ is found in the people we serve.

Loving God, 

Bless our family this Lent with hearts that notice those in need and hands ready to help.

Teach us to see you in the people we meet each day.

Strengthen us to be patient, kind, and generous with one another at home.

Guide us to live the message of Matthew 25 through simple acts of care and compassion. 

Amen.

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

As students move through their schooling, it’s important to check in on how they’re progressing in the core skills that matter most—reading, writing, and mathematics. These skills open the door to success both now and into adulthood.

NAPLAN is one of the tools schools use to help with this. It’s a point‑in‑time assessment that gives parents and teachers a snapshot of how students are developing in literacy and numeracy. It also provides valuable information to support teachers’ professional judgement about each learner’s growth.

A Smarter, Tailored Online Experience

NAPLAN Online adapts to each student’s responses, offering a more personalised and precise assessment. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 complete tests in:

• Reading and Comprehension
• Writing
• Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
• Numeracy

The online test sequence is:

1. Writing (paper format for Year 3 only)
2. Reading
3. Conventions of Language
4. Numeracy

Understanding the Bands

Each test places students within a band, showing how their performance compares to peers across Australia. There are six bands. These grow in difficulty across year levels—so while a Year 3 and Year 6 student might both achieve a Band 6, the expectations behind those scores are quite different.

A Closer Look at Each Test

Writing

Students are encouraged to think creatively and respond to a fresh stimulus each year. They may write a persuasive or imaginative text, demonstrating skills such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. The marking also considers how effectively students use language devices or build characters and settings, depending on the task type.

Language Conventions

This test focuses on both spelling and grammar/punctuation. Through a mixture of multiple‑choice and short-answer questions, students identify and correct errors—a skill that strengthens their real‑world writing and helps them understand how meaning can change through language use.

Reading

Students read a variety of texts—stories, poems, advertisements, news articles, interviews, and more. They are challenged to interpret, analyse, and infer meaning, with questions becoming progressively more complex as the test continues.

Numeracy

Based on the Australian Curriculum, the Numeracy test explores concepts from geometry and algebra to probability and problem‑solving. Students apply their mathematical knowledge to a range of practical and abstract scenarios.

Test Dates and Times

Years 7 and 9

Year 3 and 5

A Final Reminder

NAPLAN isn’t something students need to “prepare for” beyond what they already learn in class. Teachers ensure students are familiar with the test formats and support them throughout the process. It’s simply one way we celebrate progress and identify areas where we can continue to help children thrive.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

All schools are now mandated to administer the Universal Screener DIBELS benchmark tests to provide early indicators of reading risk.

DIBELS (dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) provides a reliable and valid indicator of early literacy acquisition aligned with current research on reading development from Prep to Year 8.

DIBELS tests are ‘indicators” of the students overall reading development and are not intended to be in-depth or comprehensive measures of reading. Just like a thermometer to take a child’s temperature, which provides a quick indicator of general health, these quick DIBELS tests provide teachers with information about each student’s reading health and how well he or she is progressing on a particular early reading skill including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension.

The tests are administered 3 times a year. In Week 4 we began and completed our first round of tests with students highly engaged in the 1 min tests.

Following the completion of the assessments, teachers triangulated DIBELS data with PAT Reading results and 2025 academic grade data. This triangulation provides meaningful insights that enable teachers to more effectively support students in their individual learning pathways.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

Have you got a child that would like to start at Mary MacKillop next year? 

Enrolment Interviews will commence later this term and into Term 2. To ensure you are offered an interview, you must have an Enrolment Application submitted before the closing date. 

There are limited spaces left for Prep and Year 7 in 2027. Be sure to submit your applications now and share this with any other interested families!

Applications for Prep to Year 12 close on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Phoebe Politch
Enrolments Officer

The Cafe is seeking your help on Fridays until the end of Term. 

If you are able to help out on a Friday please contact Janeen Fotia - Cafe Manager via email.

Janeen Fotia
Cafe Manager

Your official role at the College:

Junior Administration, Student Reception

What does a typical day really look like:

A typical day looks like handing out lots and lots of ice packs and band aids, giving out student medication, managing sick bay, assisting teachers, answering parent phone calls, administrative work for the College Leadership Team and helping the Adminsitration team with tasks.

Secondary School attended:

Darling Downs Christian School

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?

I really like working at Mary MacKillop Catholic College because the students and staff are very friendly and welcoming which has made my start here enjoyable. 

What are your hobbies/Interests?

Creative hobbies are my favourite, but when it comes to naming one I love, that’s hard to do because I start so many and never continue or finish them

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

An interest of mine and something I love is dachshunds, I have a long hair miniature one named Daisy. She will turn 2 in April, and she absolutely loves food, as soon as she hears someone in the kitchen, she will be there instantly sitting at your feet waiting for something to “drop” so she can eat it.

How is your work related to the 6 Ps?

I think all 6Ps relate to my work in the Junior School, but if I had to choose one it would be Partnership. Every day, I am communicating and building relationships with students, parents and teachers.

Carbal Audiology will be at MMCC on Tuesday, 23 June and Wednesday, 24 June 2026 to conduct hearing assessments for students in Years Prep - 12. 

If you are interested in your child accessing a hearing assessment, please complete the attached form and email it to the Learning Support Teacher in your child's phase.

• Prep–Year 3: Kirsty Piper (kirsty.piper@twb.catholic.edu.au)

• Year 4–6: Shannon Anderson (Shannon.Anderson@twb.catholic.edu.au)

• Year 7–8: Jacqui Koch (jacquelin.koch@twb.catholic.edu.au)

• Year 9–12: Kelli Pacey (kelli.pacey@twb.catholic.edu.au)

Alternately if you would like further information, please email the Learning Support Teacher in your child's phase.

Amy Dwyer
Middle Leader Personalised Learning

Parent Engagement Network (PEN) are organising a fundraiser with Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough. Please pass on the details to friends and family so they can order some scrumptious cookie dough. 

Details include:

Orders Open: Monday, 16 February 2026

Orders Close: Friday, 13 March 2026

Order Online Only: Please click the link cookiedough.com.au and create your child's profile

Collection Date: End of March and a date will be communicated to parents

Plus check out these awesome bonuses:

• Australia’s top tub seller will win a PS5 Pro Gaming Bundle!
• Earn all online virtual badges and score a FREE Magic Alien Growing Pet.

Let’s work together to achieve amazing results for our College.

Parent Engagement Network (PEN)

We were entertained by the students of 4B at our Week 4 Assembly.

They presented a humorous poem, titled "A Day in the Life of 4B".

“Good morning, 4B, and God bless you.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Lever, and God bless you too!”

Welcome Circle, prayer, behaviour expectations. 

Positive primer — now our Ochre presentation! 

Today we are reviewing all the ways to make “a” — 

e‑i‑g‑h, like in the word “weigh.” 

Speaking of weigh, that’s a homophone too — 

like the words new and knew, and blue and blew too. 

So, the words sound the same, but the meanings are not, 

like hear and here, break and brake — there’s really quite a lot.

“Did you say break?” 

We’re out the door to quickly grab our snacks, 

trying to be quiet out at the bag racks. 

Fruit… or yoghurt… or maybe a piece of cheese —

but the packet says there actually is fruit in these??

Ten minutes is up and we are taking our last bite. 

“And there better not be any rubbish left in sight!”

“Now quickly back inside and sanitize your hands!” 

Giving germs a ride around is not in our plans! 

“Reading time — open your books and turn to page 5.” 

‘What page did she say? I don’t know… I think she said 9!’ 

Reading with your partner and listening carefully as well 

to a story of the family on the yacht ride from hell! 

Michael, his parents, and their dog sail the sea, 

not knowing how exciting their adventure will be. 

Kensuke’s Kingdom is the name of our text — 

and we are all very keen to find out what happens next!

“Great listening, Year 1!” … “We know she means 4!” 

We hear that at least ten times a day — maybe even more! 

It’s okay, Mrs. Lever, we all forgive you, 

and we’re sure you’ll get the hang of this by the end of Term 2.

Moving on to writing — we love this in 4B! 

Adjectives and adverbs — see our creativity! 

Persuasive is the text type that we will learn this term. 

Structure, structure, structure! Mrs. Lever is firm!

Start with an opening statement, then arguments times three — 

closing statement, repeat your points… now do you see? 

Brain break time: silent ball. “Can we all be quiet?”

“That’s too high — the throw was bad, don’t try to deny it!”

Moving on then — grid books out, it’s time to do mathematics. 

Eyes roll back, groaning starts… no need to be dramatic! 

This week we are learning about subtraction and addition — 

each and every number must hold the right position. 

Place value, decimals, and something called regrouping… 

We’re getting it — it’s not that hard — let’s just keep on trooping.

Laptops open, logging in, it’s time for our PAT test. 

But gosh, it’s very hot in here and we really need a rest! 

I’ll just turn on the air‑con… oh wait… never mind. 

Just get moving with our PAT test — we’re falling way behind.


“Mrs. Lever, Mrs. Lever, my battery has a leaf!” 

Quick — find a charger! Now it’s working… such relief! 

Finally, it’s Period 5 and we are all a bit done. 

Will we do Science? Or HaSS? Or maybe Religion?

We dive deep into important Bible stories. 

Did you know that the Bible is split into two categories? 

The two testaments are the Old and the New, 

with stories and messages that shine right through.

Quick, pack up everyone — it’s only minutes until the bell! 

Tidy your desk, grab your things, and push your chair in as well. 

We’ve had a great day learning lots of things, 

and we cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Thank you, Mrs. Lever and 4B for your presentation. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

At our recent Term 1, Week 5 Thrive Assembly, our Junior School students were awarded the Walking the Josephite Way Award. The focus was on Possibilities.

During Week 5Thrive Assembly, Year 5C took us on an exciting journey across Asia as they shared their HaSS learning focus: “Exploring Connections with Asia.” Students began by reminding us that Asia is a diverse continent made up of 48 countries and then wowed the audience with fun facts about five of them.

Japan 

Students shared that while many of us know Japan for anime, sushi, and beautiful cherry blossom trees, it is also one of Australia’s biggest trading partners. Australia exports beef and wheat to Japan, and in return, we import cars and technology.

China 

Famous for the Great Wall, pandas, and Chinese New Year, China is another major trade partner for Australia. We export iron ore and wool to China and import clothing, electronics and toys.

India

5C reminded us that India is far more diverse than the cricket and Butter Chicken many people think of first. Home to snowy mountains, deserts, and tropical beaches, India also trades gems, farming products and coal with Australia.

Indonesia

As one of Australia’s closest neighbours—only about 150 kilometres away at its nearest point—Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands and more than 100 active volcanoes. With its proximity and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Indonesia (especially Bali) is a favourite holiday destination for Australians.

Russia

To round out their tour of Asia, students explored Russia—the most distant Asian neighbour and the world’s largest country, stretching across 11 time zones and spanning both Asia and Europe.

The assembly highlighted the many ways Australia connects with Asian countries through trade, travel, technology and culture. Understanding our region helps us build stronger partnerships for the future.

A big thank you to Mrs Lopez and the wonderful students of 5C for taking us on this engaging and informative journey across Asia!

Natalie Adler
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

At our recent Term 1, Week 6 Assembly, our Junior School students were awarded the Walking the Josephite Way Award. The focus was on Possibilities.

Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Internationally acclaimed and best-selling Australian author Andy Griffiths has been named The Australian Children's Laureate for 2026-2027. The role of the Laureate is national ambassador for reading and Australian children's literature.

Throughout the year the Laureate will promote the power of reading, creativity and story and champion important issues affecting educators, librarians, booksellers and publishers.

Andy Griffiths is well known for his Treehouse, Just! and Schooling Around series, with their creative storylines reflecting his Laureate mission of "Reading is an Adventure!'

This mission is also an important part of the role of the Library; to connect children to books which take them on an adventure; exploring new worlds, inspiring curiosity and activating imaginations, thereby promoting the many joys and benefits of reading.

To celebrate our newest Laureate, Junior Library has been inviting students to follow Andy's lead and use their imaginations to take others on an adventure by creating their own treehouse.

Angela Irvine
Teacher Librarian (Junior School)

Last Friday, eight enthusiastic Year 5 representatives ventured with Mrs Jones and Mrs O’Rourke to St Anthony’s Primary School for Mini Vinnies Day. The event was facilitated by Vinnies Youth and brought together students from six different schools across the Diocese. Its purpose was to give students a broad introduction to social justice issues and highlight the powerful ways young people can make a meaningful difference.

At Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Year 5 students form the Mini Vinnies group and spend the year advocating for others, fundraising, and raising awareness of a range of social justice issues. They also work closely with the AMMA group to support various College and community initiatives.

The morning at Mini Vinnies Day involved a series of games and activities designed to expose students to real world social justice challenges, including homelessness and how we can respond with compassion and practical action. Students also had opportunities to collaborate with peers from other schools, sharing ideas about how they raise awareness, fundraise, and support people in need within their local communities.

Our Year 5 representatives did an amazing job representing Mary MacKillop Catholic College and proudly shared some of the wonderful Mini Vinnies initiatives already happening at our College. By the end of the day, the students were buzzing with excitement, inspired by new ideas and possibilities, and displayed a renewed passion for leading Mini Vinnies this year.

Look out for the first Mini Vinnies initiative for 2026—the Easter Raffle—launching soon!

~ See the need. Think of a way. Do it with love. ~

Mrs Jones
Year 5 Teacher

Work Experience (WEX) Year 10 in 2026

Work Experience forms are starting to trickle in, and we thank the 30 percent of Year 10's who have been proactive. We will be meeting with the other 70 percent in the coming days to strongly encourage them to explore opportunities as soon as possible.

WEX is a compulsory, unpaid program designed to support students’ career development.

Students who complete their placement during the holiday period will not be required to attend school in the first week of Term 2.

Dates for WEX 2026

Week 1 Holidays - Tuesday, 7 - Friday, 10 April (4 days)

Week 2 Holidays - Monday, 13 -Friday, 17 April (5 days)

Week 1 Term 2 - Monday, 20 - Friday, 24 April (5 days)

Mrs Goddard, Mrs Richardson or a teacher will visit each student during their placement.

The placement needs to be within 45 minutes of Highfields/Toowoomba.

Students have received a copy of the WEX form. This needs to be completed by the employer (yellow highlight), the student and the parent.

Once this is completed, please return your form to The Pathways Office. The Pathways team will arrange for Mr Gabbett to sign. This form allows for students to be covered for insurance whilst on placement.

Interested in the Defence Force?

GAP Year Information Night -Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Wondering what to do with your time after finishing school? Consider doing a Gap Year with the Australian Defence Force (ADF)!

Spend 12 months with the best of the best as you get paid to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, having unique life experiences and making lifelong friends along the way.

Come along to an upcoming info session where you can speak to military personnel about what an ADF Gap Year has to offer you.

Book NOW to avoid missing out. Restricted numbers.

ADF Careers - Toowoomba Gap Year Information Session

Defence Force Information Night- Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Consider a career like no other and represent Australia with pride in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Speak with current serving personnel at our upcoming info session and ask your questions - is a career in the Australian Defence Force for you?

Book NOW to avoid missing out. Restricted numbers.

ADF Careers - Toowoomba Defence Careers Information Session

Your Pathway Team
Andrea Goddard & Christie Richardson

Congratulations to our Senior School students who recently received an Academic Improvement Award at Assembly. These students have been recognised for their hard work, determination and perseverance by achieving academic growth from Semester 1 to Semester 2 in 2025.

Huge congratulations to all students!

Chris Bracken
Dean of Studies Year 7 - 12

What a fantastic day at the pool for our 2026 Senior Swimming Carnival. Please click the link below to view pictures from the day.

A big thank you to all the students for participating and having a go and for our amazing Senior teachers for your support and assistance on the day.

Congratulations to Penola House who were named as Champion House and Tenison House winning the Culture Cup.

Welcome Jessica Carnell!

We have had a new Educator join our service, Jessica Carnell. She will be working casually mornings and afternoons. Jess has completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. 

Jessica moved from Stanthorpe to Toowoomba in 2022. Jess loves animals, sport, staying active, and getting out to try new things. She enjoys going on different adventures and making the most of every opportunity. 

Please make Jess feel welcomed next time you see her!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator

Mass Times

Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre, 75 Highfields Road entry 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.

Easter Mass Times

Monday, 30 March: Chrism Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral at 5:30pm

Wednesday, 1 April: Combined Reconciliation Service at St Theresa’s Parish, Toowoomba at 6:00pm

Holy Thursday - Thursday, 2 April: Combined Service and Choir at St. Theresa’s Parish, Toowoomba at 6:00pm

Good Friday - Friday, 3 April: Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at Peacehaven Park, Highfields at 10:00am

Good Friday - Friday, 3 April: Veneration of the Cross at MacKillop Centre, Highfields at 3:00pm

Saturday Night Vigil Mass - Saturday 4 April: MacKillop Centre, Highfields at 6:00pm

Easter Sunday Masses on Sunday 5 April: MacKillop Centre, Highfields at 8:00am and St. Theresa’s Parish Toowoomba at 9:30 am

Save the Date

There will be a sausage sizzle 12:00pm at Peacehaven Park, Highfields on 22 March. BYO Chair.

Easter Raffle

Please support our parish by purchasing tickets in our raffle (2 x baskets with Easter goodies). Bek and Patti will be selling tickets this weekend.

MacKillop Catholic Parish

Triple M are inviting any of our students in Years 3 - 6 to be a radio star for the morning. Please see attached a letter with further details and links to register.

Kym Lawson from Netball Queensland has emailed schools within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese the following information to share within their newsletters.

Netability at the Toowoomba Netball Association will be back again in 2026! Netability is Netball Qld’s all-abilities program for people with a disability (any gender) aged 11 years and older.

Netability will be a free program this year thanks to grant funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

The season will kick off with a come & try day on Saturday, 23 May at 10:15am at the Toowoomba Netball Association (Carey Street Toowoomba). This is a session for any new people to come along to see what Netability is all about. It will also be a refresher for those who played last year – just to get back into the swing of things.

The Saturday dates for the rest of the Netability program are then:

• 30 May
• 13, and 20 June
• (winter break)
• 18 and 25 July
• 1 and 8 August

For the ongoing Netability Program, we won’t know the session times or court number until closer to the start, so please have a look at the Netability page on the Toowoomba Netball Association (TNA) website in the lead up to 30 May for any updates. Netability | Toowoomba Netball Association

I’ve attached some flyers for the Come & Try session and the Program – feel free to pass these on to anyone you think may be interested.

Please feel free to contact Kym Lawson (Disability Inclusion Project Lead - Toowoomba) if you have any questions.

kym.lawson@netballq.org.au