Congratulations to our graduating year 12 class.

Last week, we had some really fantastic events aimed at honouring and celebrating the witness and work of this group, and their families. They have been a really special senior group. I have been impressed by the support they showed each other and the incredibly mature attitude they brought to their school work. It was a consistent cycle of hard work and humble self-reflection, and I know that a lot of the graduating class are looking at some very good grades in mid-December. Congratulations also to those students who have already received university offers or are already employed. We are all very proud of you.

At the Valedictory Lunch last Friday, I closed proceedings by stressing to the graduating class that Mary MacKillop Catholic College would always be their home. Unlike many of the older Colleges in Toowoomba, we don't have a strong and large former students' association yet, and establishing those cultures can be hard. It starts with our graduates coming back to their school and drinking again from our specialness and our welcome. We will be hosting an event for St Mary MacKillop's Feast Day in 2024, and ensuring that as many alumni as possible attend.

I want to acknowledge also the speech made by Mrs Dobson on behalf of the year 12 parents. She gave some worthy and welcome advice to the graduating class which is something our entire College community should read - I have included it verbatim below.

...to our courageous graduating class, here are my words for you moving into the big wide world. You might find some of this stuff inspiring, you might find some of this stuff boring and you will most definitely forget it all by the end of schoolies week. But here goes…

1. (This one's tough love.) You have been blessed at school with nurturing teachers. I’m sorry to say, it won’t be like that when you head to university or into the workforce. That’s not to say you won’t find mentors, but it’s up to YOU to build those relationships. You will have lecturers and bosses who have spent their lives becoming experts in their chosen fields. They will have a story of how they got there, and they will love to tell it. Seek them out. Make an appointment. Show you are keen. Listen. Learn from their experience. And you WILL find someone who’ll give you opportunities, and help you reach the next step to your own goals. But it’s up to YOU to find a mentor and connect.
2. Always maintain your integrity. Live life with honesty and compassion, and stay true to yourself. You are amazing. Your parents and school have given you great foundations. Hold on to them.
3. Don’t seek happiness. If you spend too much time thinking about getting there, then it goes away. Keep busy and aim to make someone else happy and you might just catch some of it along the way.
4. Be hard on your opinions…everyone has one! But I recommend your opinions should be regularly and thoroughly examined. We must think critically and not just about the ideas of others. Focus on your beliefs – take them out into the backyard and hit them with a cricket bat. Be intellectually rigorous. Identify your biases, your prejudices, and your privileges.
5. Be a teacher! Please, please, please be a teacher. Teachers are the most admirable and important people in the world. Even if you’re not a teacher, BE a teacher. Share your skills and ideas and don’t take for granted your education. Rejoice in what you learn and share it!
6. Define yourself by what you love. Try to express a passion for things you love. Thank people and give standing ovations to those you admire. Be positive. Be grateful. Be pro-stuff, not just anti-stuff.
7. Respect people, no matter how successful you become. If you are at a meeting in a restaurant, those around you will judge you on how you treat the wait staff – even if you’re the most powerful cat in the room. Have manners.
8. Finally. Don’t rush. You don’t need to have a big dream right now. If you do, that’s great! But mostly BIG DREAMS are for people on American talent shows who are on a journey. Instead, I advocate passion and dedication to the pursuit of short-term goals. Put your head down and work with pride on whatever is in front of you RIGHT NOW. You never know where you might end up. Just be aware, that the next worthy pursuit will probably appear in your periphery. If you focus too far in front of you, you won’t see the shiny thing in the corner of your eye. The next opportunity for something awesome...

I am unsure if Mrs Dobson was attempting to do this, but as I was listening to her it made me reflect that she had very adequately mirrored the mission of our Josephite College. Work hard - but be attentive in doing so. Be happy in serving others. Be humble and critique yourself before you critique others. Find a passion and pursue it. Seek possibilities. Celebrate partnerships.

What a wonderful message for these impressive young people.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

A reminder to any families who may be moving or relocating from Highfields, please note our Cancellation Policy. Any families intending to withdraw their child's enrolment at the end of Term 4, 2023, must notify the College by no later than 3:00pm, Friday, 1 December 2023 to avoid billing of Term 1 2024 fees.

Should your circumstances change and your child/ren will not be continuing at the College, we ask for the earliest notice possible. For the purposes of planning and resourcing, we require notification by the final day of the end of the current term.

Notification is defined as the date of the receipt of the Notification of Transfer form. Invoices for fees are sent in the final week of the previous term, and failure to provide this notice will result in one terms’ fee being invoiced to you.

Exceptions to this Policy are at the discretion of the Principal.

A Notification of Transfer form must be completed to initiate the cancellation of your child’s enrolment at the College.

Please contact me to discuss your intentions via email or phone 07 4698 7777

Phoebe Burton

Enrolments Officer

As we approach the end of our school year, the Church's liturgical year is starting again. The liturgical year starts with Advent. What is Advent you ask? Advent comes from the Latin word "ad-venire" meaning to come to, so it is the four weeks that lead up to Christmas. The advent season of the church's year is a time of preparation that draws our attention to the second coming of Christ but also to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. During these four weeks, each week there is a call to action. "But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36)" - What is Advent? | USCCB

Week 1 asks us to "Stay awake"! Stay awake for what is to come! We are encouraged to be hopeful. Jesus brought us hope with his birth.

Week 2 is a time of preparing! If we relate this to today, what would we be preparing for? Cleaning the house for visitors, putting up decorations, cooking hams, puddings, and other delicious delights. It is through these actions that we show love and it is the Christ's love that he had for others that we remember during this time.

Week 3 is about 'joy'. The joy of what is to come! The joy of the people who will be coming! The joy of wrapping presents and placing them under the Christmas tree! the joy and anticipation of unwrapping the gifts under the tree. The joy of family activities! Jesus brought great joy to people through his interactions with them - healing them, listening to them, and walking with them.

Week 4 is symbolised with the virtue of peace. Jesus brought great peace to the world then and now. It is the peace we should feel before Christmas but many times, this is the craziest time. So consider slowing down this year to enjoy the Christmas celebrations.

In our Catholic faith, many families will create an Advent Wreath somewhere in their homes to mark the occasion of preparation for the coming of Jesus' birthday. The wreath is composed of evergreen branches and leaves that symbolise that Christ's love will be forever! These branches are usually shaped into a circle which symbolises Christ's love for us will never end - a circle has no beginning or end. Nor does Jesus' love for us. Four candles are placed within the wreath to symbolise the four weeks of Advent. These candles are purple (3) and pink (1) and are lit each week of Advent. Sometimes people are adding a white candle to the middle to represent Christ on Christmas Day. This is a great activity to involve the family in making and using what you have at home, in your garden to do it!

Here is a prayer to use when lighting the candle.....

God of hope,

As light comes to us from this Advent candle,

May the blessing of your son, Jesus, be with us;

Warming our hearts and brightening our way.

During this Advent season, may this candle is a beacon of hope,

as we prepare for the coming light of Christ,

who brings forgiveness and healing to our world,

Amen.

Another activity that may occur is an Advent Calendar. The ones you buy commercially usually have no connection to Jesus and so I encourage you to consider using the linked ideas to create an Advent calendar. These activities help us to be loving, peaceful, joyful, and hopeful.

In finishing, may this Advent be a time of joy, love, peace, and hope for you all!

Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Religious Education

ST. MARY MACKILLOP PARISH NEWS:

We wish thank College Principal Chris Gabbett for opening the road and the MacKillop Centre to allow us to have a very successful Trivia Night. Thank you to all those connected with the College who attended.

Sunday Weekly Masses are at 8:00 am every Sunday unless otherwise notified.

EXCITING NEWS - BISHOP KEN TO VISIT OUR PARISH

Our new Bishop, Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell will be visiting our Parish on Sunday, 10 December, to celebrate the 8:00am mass with Fr. Brian. We will be officially introducing him to our wonderful parish in Highfields.

All at Mary MacKillop College are welcome to join us.

CHRISTMAS RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation will be a joint ceremony at St Theresa’s Parish at 6:00 pm - Wednesday, 20 December.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Christmas Masses are as follows: -

Sunday, 24 December - Sunday Morning – Sunday, 4 January - Sunday Advent - 8:00 am Mass - MacKillop Centre

Sunday, 24 December - Christmas Eve - 4:00 pm Vigil Mass - MacKillop Centre

Monday, 25 December - Christmas Day – 7:00 am Christmas Day Mass - MacKillop Centre

On Tuesday, 21 November, the Year 2 cohort celebrated their love of soccer with a bonanza day of soccer-themed activities. Thankfully the rainy weather held off as students arrived to school in their favourite soccer outfits, ready for an exciting day of immersion into soccer!

Each class participated in a coaching skills session thanks to the expertise of a coach from the SWQ Thunder Football Club. They were given tips on how to improve their skills, participated in several drills, but most of all had a great time with their classmates!

Back in the classroom, the day was filled with activities such as drawing their favourite player, reading about the development of the Australian Socceroos team, word searches, soccer-related math activities, and of course, watching some game highlights from the Matilda's and Socceroo's most recent World Cup matches.

A highlight for many was the pizza party lunch that was provided for all students! We were extremely proud of the level of respect towards the visiting coach, participation, teamwork, and good sportsmanship on display from all students throughout the day!

What a wonderful day for Year 2!

Miss Phillips, Miss Davis, and Miss Murphy
Year 2 Teachers

Last week the Inaugural Joeys in Action Awards Ceremony lit up the MacKillop Centre. Joeys in Action Awards recognises passionate students who embody the values of Saint Mary MacKillop through their perseverance with the College Positive Learning Behaviours. The students have created possibilities in their learning through partnerships to reach their potential. Our Prep - Year 4 students presented a class item prior to 2 recipients from each class being recognised. We had some amazing singing, dancing, and reciting!

The Diligence Award Recipient was awarded to a student who has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and engagement with their learning.

The Academic Improvement Award Recipient was awarded to a student who has demonstrated significant growth in their learning.

It was a fabulous morning with a video montage of special experiences from across the year that allowed students to reflect on the memories and growth that has occurred. A special thank you to the Liturgical Dance Group for their dedication to creating a moving prayer. Thank you to the parents in attendance on the day and we are looking forward to continuing to value our Prep - Year 4 student's achievements in the future.

Chrissy Carter
Acting Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

Mary MacKillop Catholic College has a strong partnership with the local company integratedSTEM.

This Summer holidays, integratedSTEM is doing another run of their popular BattleBot program. Some of our current Year 5 and 6 students have had the chance to complete these activities and loved every minute of it!

If you are in Prep - Year 8 and would love to know more about this opportunity, please read the info from integratedSTEM below;

Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure as we dive into the thrilling world of robotics & engineering with our BattleBots STEM holiday program! Over five action-packed days, participants will be immersed in robotic design and get hands-on with technologies such as electronics, 3D & mechanical design, 3D printing & programming to build a bot to battle within the arena!

This program combines the thrill of friendly competition with learning how to apply valuable STEM skills - perfect to engage any child interested in technology or engineering. Join us as we embark on a journey to understand the fascinating world of BattleBots through STEM activities that will ignite students’ creativity and unleash their inner engineer!

Jared Nielsen
Middle Leader - Science & Technologies

On Wednesday, 22 November, the Year 3 cohort celebrated the inaugural ‘World’s Worst Day’. Inspired by the characters and narrative sequences from the David Walliams ‘The World’s Worst’ novel series, both staff and students brought characters to life in a day of celebrations. 

We started with a fashion parade and dance party, which was followed by games inspired by characters, such as Dr Dread, Wolfwere, and Honey the Hogger. A class pizza party led into fun-filled rotations where students created fantastical, terrible inventions, and Picasso-themed artwork, and tested their knowledge of the ‘World’s Worst’ series. We finished the day by watching ‘Gangsta Granny’ to provide a chance to recharge our batteries. 

The day was met head-on with exuberant enthusiasm and allowed students a chance to celebrate their love of literature.

Sarah Hand, Tamara Hill, Maddie Stammers
Year 3 Teachers

On Monday, 6 November, Year 6 students participated in the annual Healthy Drinks Expo in the MacKillop Centre. Students had been learning about healthy food and drink choices during Health lessons and were tasked to create a healthy drink to share with their peers. 

Their drink had to reflect their knowledge and understanding of nutrition information panels and the Guidelines to Healthy Eating. They had to construct a poster or drink label to advertise their drink, pairing it with a procedure outlining the ingredients and steps involved in mixing their drink creations. Families were invited to attend and share in the Expo experience, which had a positive and energetic feel. 

Everyone who tried a drink was then asked to give feedback and recommendations to support the future development of the healthy drink. Students, families, and teachers all commented on the success of the event and the effort involved in making the Expo enjoyable and worthwhile. Thanks to all who were involved.

Lisa-Marie Preston and Craig Hubbard
Year 6 Teachers

To round out the instrumental music program for 2023, students taking lessons participated in an incredible concert where they showcased their skills in piano, woodwind, percussion brass, guitar, and voice. The Mackillop Centre stage was alight with music for three nights and featured the talents of over 100 students from Prep to Year 11. Not only was it a great opportunity to represent the Arts, but it was also a brilliant display of the hard-working culture here at MMCC. We would like to thank Miss Hayley Chalmers, Mrs Caroline Ryan, Mr Phil Ryan, Mr Ian Dixon and Mrs Monica Brennan for their tireless efforts in 2023, and we look forward to further collaborations in the music department next year.

A special thankyou to Miss Hayley Chalmers for the organisation and presentation of our annual Instrumental Music Showcase.

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts

The MMCC Drumline led Santa into Grand Central at the annual CBD Tree Lighting for a night of Christmas joy. The ensemble led the way through the streets and then did the drumroll for the official lighting of Toowoomba's largest Christmas tree.

Georgianna Reisinger featured on stage after this to entertain the large crowds with Christmas songs. Was a fun way to represent the College and see out the 2023 year for ensemble music.

Jess Burke
Middle Leader - The Arts

Champions of Champions Futsal

A huge weekend of futsal in Brisbane last week with our Under 10 boys and Under 11 Girls both reaching the Grand Final of their divisions undefeated! A truly amazing effort. The girls were unlucky to go down in a tight match but our Under 10 Boys were crowned Australasian Champions of Champions! What an amazing result! This capped a big week for the boys who were recognised at our Co-Curricular Awards night as our Junior College team of the year. Our Under 12 boys played some great futsal in a very talented pool of teams. Many thanks to parents and coaches for providing this opportunity for our students. Well done to all players.

Southwest 7s Series

The Southwest 7s Series wrapped up last week and it has proven to be a most successful season for the 5 teams that contested the competition. Most teams were fairly light on rugby experience, but students embraced the game, and our results are a credit to the effort of all students. Our 13 Boys, 17 Boys, and 15 Girls all made the Cup Finals, with our 13 Boys progressing to the Grand Final and finishing Runners-Up. There will be plenty of 7s opportunities in 2024 with our re-entry into QCIS, so we look forward to continued growth in the new year. Thank you to Mr. Faessler, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Brunner, and Mr. Jones for their assistance throughout the season 👏

Queensland All-Schools Athletics

State Champion Alert!

Isaac Logan (Year 11) recently won the Under 18 Men's Discus at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships! Isaac threw a huge personal best throw of 50.22m. This is a superb result for a young man who is working very hard at his craft.

Brad Griffiths
Middle Leader Sport

On Saturday, 18 November, 45 Mary MacKillop staff and parents joined in with another community fundraising event, the MS Swimathon, at the Highfields pool. Between 2 Mary Mac teams, we raised $2626 and swam 56km. Congratulations on an outstanding effort by all involved.

Thank you to all who supported us through fundraising, lap counting and cheering. It was a wonderful opportunity to build community and enjoy the benefits of being physically active.

Thank you and well done to Year 6 student, Ryan Wolski, who raised over $800 towards the cause. He was awarded a trophy as the second highest fundraiser for the MS Swimathon in the Toowoomba region.

It is a privilege to be able to support community events such as this, where sport and practical action are combined. We look forward to continuing to support our community events in 2024.

Carmen Campbell
PE Teacher

Next year Mary Mac is looking at building a competitive Senior Dance Troupe. The troupe is a great opportunity to get involved in Eisteddfods, perform at school and community events, improve on technique, and make friends!

To join or for more information please contact Miss Chloe Lauverjon via email

Chloe Lauverjon
Senior Dance Teacher

Congratulations to this Terms MJR Award Recipients

In Week 4 of this term Year 1 student Oliver Ballai was invited to attend the Mayoral School Achievement Awards held at Toowoomba Anglican School. This annual awards ceremony recognises students across the Toowoomba region who have reached their educational goals despite adversity or hardship.

Oliver was nominated to receive an award by his Year 1 teacher Mrs Lever for his determination to succeed despite the academic challenges he faces. This year Oliver has met and exceeded the learning goals set for him through persistence, patience, and a positive attitude.

At the ceremony, Oliver placed in the top 4 recipients of the Mayoral School Achievement awards out of 77 nominees across the region. This is a huge achievement and something to be very proud of. Well done Oliver!

Mrs Michelle Lever
Year 1 Teacher

Hello to all our Mary Mac Families, Students, Parish, and Community members from the Parent Engagement Network (PEN).

Only 1 week to go! Everyone has worked so hard this term.

This will be our final newsletter for the year.

YEAR 12 FINAL WEEK:

We congratulate our 2023 Year 12 cohort for their outstanding effort over their final year at Mary Mac. Last Monday, the PEN Co–Chairs attended the Valedictory Breakfast which started the final week of events for our year 12’s. It was a beautiful morning to reflect on their achievements for the year and look back at when it all started for them on their own education and life journey. The PEN presented the yearly gift for the Year 12 students as a keepsake. It was lovely to see so many teachers, parents, and staff attend the Graduation Formal arrivals where we saw our Year 12’s all dressed up and looking fantastic with their partners and the vehicles they arrived in. We wish them all the very best for an exciting future in their chosen careers and future endeavors. May you have many successes in life, safe travels, and good health. We will miss you all and your Mary Mac families.

COLLEGE ‘JOEYS IN ACTION’ AWARDS MORNING AND ACADEMIC AWARDS EVENING:

For those who could not attend, this was a lovely morning and evening to witness and acknowledge the years’ efforts for our students who have excelled and grown in the academic areas of the College. Well done to all. The morning and evening were filled with exciting performances from students which capped off a great morning and night, both extremely well-presented events by the College staff and students. Well done to all involved.

PRINCIPAL’S MORNING TEA/BREAKFAST - THANK YOU TO OUR COLLEGE VOLUNTEERS

In appreciation of all the College volunteers, the College invited and welcomed all volunteers to the Principal’s Morning Tea/breakfast on Tuesday morning. As a small token of our appreciation for all of their hard work, service, and support that has been given throughout the year. Mr. Chris Gabbett and the staff expressed their appreciation to our passionate volunteers who commit to giving of their time and expertise. The College has been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and calibre of our volunteers – you have had a huge impact on the success of 2023. We simply could not have done it without you! Thank you to the College for this event! It was greatly appreciated.

Event reminders/updates for the remainder of Term 4: -

Mango Drive – Thank you for your support

Thank you to everyone for supporting this fundraiser. We have had overwhelming support for this fundraiser. You should have collected your orders this week.

These funds will go towards supporting more resources within the College.

CHRISTMAS HAM DRIVE - BANNOCK BRAE MEATS

Thank you to all those who were able to order Bannock Brae Meats Ham Drive. ORDERS ARE NOW CLOSED. The funds raised will support the resources across the College. The College is expecting delivery of the hams to be Wednesday 29th for payment and collection, unless stated otherwise on your order form, these can also be collected from the Bannock Braes farm. Please be on the lookout for correspondence very soon regarding collection and payment in the last week of term (Week 9).

We wish the College students from P-11 the very best for the remainder of this term. We look forward to the remaining celebrations at the College and the final mass in the last week. Please come along and join us to celebrate the end of the year!

We sincerely thank Mr Chris Gabbett for his strong leadership, and dedication and for always extending himself and getting the job done, the outstanding work being done by ELT, our superb teachers for their unwavering efforts this year, and all remaining staff across the entire College.

We wish to also thank our Mary Mac parent body for your support and commitment to providing your children with encouragement to keep giving it a go and giving their very best.

We also wish to thank all our PEN members and volunteers across the College for their support, service, and advice they have given over the past year. We have all accomplished significant growth across all areas of the College.

The parent engagement network wishes the entire college community, students, and parish the very best for the end of the 2023 year.

May you all have a wonderful and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2024.

Thank you for everyone’s support for 2023 and we will see you all in 2024

Our next PEN Meeting will be in week 6 - 2024 for our AGM. All parents and the student body are always invited and welcome to attend.

If you have a topic or matters for discussion, please send it through to the PEN email higpen@twb.catholic.edu.au and we can add it to our next Meeting Agenda.

Take care, best wishes, and stay well,

Shayne Cleary and Rowena Voll

Co-Chairs PEN

MMCC Parent Engagement Network

Next Meeting for 2024:

1st Meeting for the year (AGM) Week 6 (Tuesday evening)

Room: Senior teacher's Lunchroom. Time: 5.30 pm start – 7:00 pm conclude.

Our Christmas Vacation Care Program has now been released! We have five weeks planned of many exciting activities such as three excursions; one to The Strand to watch the new movie Trolls: Band Together, one to the Aged Care Facility to sing Christmas carols, and the other to the City Golf Club to play mini golf. We will also be having many water play days, including one day a huge inflatable slide that will be set up on the oval! 

If you want to find out what other things we have planned, please find the program below. Email us at TCKC - OSHC to secure your spot now so you don't miss out!

Garth Rochford
Coordinator

The Show Camp is a weekend where the whole family can learn new skills and further current skills to allow them to participate within local agricultural shows. These skills are not only useful for participation within agricultural shows, but for general life as well. Especially, in a society where everything has gone digital, this is a great way to connect without the use of technology.