Mary MacKillop Catholic College | Mary MacKillop Catholic College

Week 7 of Term 4 is a real highlight for me.

We have the wonderful feeling of accomplishment as the year draws closer to holidays, and there is a feeling of joy, gratitude, and celebration—especially as we honour the achievements of our Year 12 students.

The highlight of the week for me was the Year 12 Graduation Mass. We have not celebrated it in the Cathedral before, and it really made for a feeling of gravitas. Family, friends, staff and of course our Seniors gathered in prayer and thanksgiving, acknowledging the blessings of their time at MMCC. The Mass was a beautiful reminder that education is not just about knowledge, but about forming hearts and minds for service and leadership.

We were accompanied by the fantastic Mary Mac Collective. This group has been guided and supported by Mrs Coe throughout 2025 – and they have progressed magnificently. As musicians and singers they sounded fantastic at St Patrick's Cathedral and I hope the Year 12s felt a real specialness.

On Friday, the College community came together for the Graduation Assembly and Clap Out —a celebration filled with humour, song, pride and emotion. We reflected on shared memories, challenges overcome, and the growth that has shaped this remarkable cohort. Their resilience and unity, especially through the unique challenges of their senior years, have been really pleasing.

Of course, earlier in the week we enjoyed the two Academic Awards evenings. These are always a real joy and they provide a great bookend to the hard work of the year. Today, we have celebrated our ‘Joey’s in Action’ from P-4 who have succeeded in their growth and learning. These are always great events and a great opportunity for parents and the College to celebrate success.

The Year 6 Dance was also a great event. Many thanks to the parents who braved the oven-like conditions of the MacKillop Centre on Wednesday night to support the event and their children. I am not sure when and where it was decided that every Queensland child would learn the Heel and Toe Polka at the age of 11, but it has definitely stuck.

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2025, we do so with immense gratitude. I am excited though about what our current Year 11 cohort will offer as leaders and learners and what 2026 will bring our College.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Hello! Just as the Oasis Worls Wide Tour ‘Live 25’ comes to an end, so too does our year at Mary MacKillop Catholic College.

I have been threatening for weeks that I would do an Oasis-themed article and despite the loud protestations from the admin team, feel that I should just roll with it and follow my instincts that it could work – I certainly hope that you acquiesce with my decision! The 23 songs that were performed at Live 25 are hidden in this article – if you are into quizzes you might enjoy finding them!

Term 4 has been a wonderwall of celebration, service and reverence. We have witnessed our incredible Year 12 cohort slide away into the future but not without leaving an indelible mark on the College. The Graduation events were a wonderful occasion, and some might say the best yet in terms of engagement and meaning for a supersonic group of young people.

Not to be outdone, the Year 6 refuse to fade away and their rite of passage is coming together nicely as part of a College Masterplan to ensure that these important rituals live forever in the memory of parents, teachers and students of our flourishing community.

This sense of occasion and celebration of a wide array of achievements has been echoed in our annual award ceremonies; Co-Curricular Arts, Sports and Academic (x3). Students from all ages and walks of life shone brighter than a champagne supernova in the sky as they were congratulated on their contributions, efforts and achievements throughout 2025.

The Sports awards had some great videos from sports stars half the world away but able to talk tonight through the miracle of technology! Ensuring that the sports would cast no shadow over them, the Arts Awards featured performances from many of our ensembles and soloists, a gallery of fine artists and ‘Killing Time’ our very own rock and roll stars.

The Academic Awards had a new structure this year and whilst we don’t look back in anger at previous years, the feedback received certainly suggest that the new ‘two in one’ approach worked very well. Congratulations to all students who received awards this year and the morning glory that you as parents would have felt the next day is also well deserved. It is important that parents, guardians and wider family/friendship circles have on our young children – as I have quoted before ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’

There has also been great service demonstrated by the students and staff this term and I thank them all for heeding the call of stand by me from the vulnerable members of our community. Whether it be donations for Rosies or Vinnies, whether it be fundraising for Socktober or just helping anyone who needs it, little by little, our college community makes a difference and that is a powerful antidote to the negative press young people often receive do you know what I mean?

Tales of cigarettes and alcohol, unruly behaviour, defiance, online activities can take the reputation of young people and really bring it on down. But when you look at our young people at Mary Mac and see what they have achieved, what they sacrifice, what they give it puts the salacious media in a different light – we need to believe in these young people, see them (as all of us) as gifts from God and celebrate their goodness and worth whenever, wherever and in whatever way we can.

Heading down to Melbourne for a 20-year reunion with one of my best mates was a nostalgic and wonderful time for me; a real highlight. I hope that 2025 will also be a year where you and your young people are able to look back and keep the dream alive (not on the set list but a personal favourite) of a bright and happy future.

Mr Richard Coe
Deputy Principal

What an incredible year it has been for our Parent Engagement Network (PEN)! Together, we’ve worked to strengthen the connection between families, staff, and students — helping to create a College community that supports growth, belonging, and joy in learning.

This year, our PEN initiatives reached every corner of the College — from Prep to Year 12. Through practical support, fundraising, and community events, we’ve contributed to both student wellbeing and school resources while fostering genuine connection among families.

Supporting Students and Families

We started the year with our Uniform Buy, Swap & Sell — helping families access affordable uniform options and promoting sustainability. Our PEN Pop-Up Stall set a positive tone for the return to school, offering popcorn, lucky dips, and friendly faces to ease student nerves.

The Bright Beginnings Morning and Prep Pocket Hugs extended a warm welcome to our newest families, while initiatives like the Homework Club and Power Up Maths Night reinforced our commitment to learning support and early numeracy engagement.

Building Community and Connection

Throughout the year, we celebrated together through events that brought joy and togetherness — from the Junior School Disco, Open Classrooms catering, and Foundation Day BBQ, to our contributions toward Year 12 Formal Entertainment, Graduation Gifts, and the Moving On Up BBQ.

We proudly supported the Treats & Tales Literacy Evening, Science Fair, RUOK Day, and are currently planning the Festive Open Classrooms to close out the year on a high note.

Recognising and Giving Back

Acknowledging those who make our College special has been a focus, with celebrations for School Officer Appreciation Day and World Teachers’ Day — simple gestures of thanks for the dedication and care our staff provide daily.

Our Cookie Dough Fundraiser and Mango Drive raised vital funds to continue supporting College initiatives, including High Jump Mats, C-Pens for Learning Support, and resources for our First Nations and Diversity Group Yarning Circle.

We also proudly provided a donation to the Student Representative Council, backing student-led initiatives and leadership in action.

It’s been a big and rewarding year — one filled with collaboration, generosity, and community spirit.

On behalf of the PEN, thank you to every parent, student, and staff member who contributed time, ideas, or a helping hand. Together, we’ve made a real difference in the life of our College and the growth of our students.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College PEN

Mary MacKillop famously said, 'Never see a need without doing something about it'. This year, as our College has grown, so has our ability to grow our practical action initiatives. There have been many - the Kokoda Challenge, the ongoing efforts of our AMMA group, Shave for a Cure - however I will talk today to the ones I am most involved in, Hike for the Homeless, and Rosies, Friends on the Streets.

Rosies - MMCC has been supporting Rosies for six years now, and over that time we have grown our commitment to providing support not just in term time, but in the holidays as well. This has been made possible by the ongoing generosity of those of you who donate money and food, as well as our students and staff who donate their time at outreaches.

Additionally, this year, the MMCC community collectively contributed over $3,000 towards the purchase of a new BBQ trailer for Rosies Toowoomba, $500 of which was raised by the Year 5 cohort alone! To each and every one of you, thank you for your support for this initiative - I see the direct impacts it has for vulnerable people in our community, and I cannot tell you how invaluable, yet valued, this impact is.

Hike for the Homeless. Again, we have been supporting this event almost since its inception. This year our team was 29 strong, with two very brave souls (students, both!) completing the gruelling 20km circuit, school captain Remi and Mr H leading the 10km charge, and the rest of us completing the shorter, but sufficiently hilly and sweaty, 5km loop. It was a lovely morning, a wonderful turnout, and collectively we managed to raise a total of $1,115 for Base Services. Again, thank you to everyone who participated, and everyone who supported our team by sponsoring a participant.

Next year, we will be continuing to support both of these wonderful organisations, who work quietly in the background to make lasting, positive change in the lives of those in our area that need it the most. To do this, we will be calling again on our school community to pitch in. Whether it is time, money, or simply by spreading the word, all of these things help us to grow community, and instill in our students the values we seek to uphold and emulate. We couldn't do it without you, so please continue to be a part of positive change in our world!

Rebecca Manners
Teacher

Our recent trip to Sydney and Canberra was a remarkable blend of learning, adventure, and cultural immersion. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was a meaningful experience that deepened our understanding of Australia’s rich heritage and offered countless moments of joy and reflection. From iconic sights to interactive programs, every part of the journey was thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and connection.

We kicked off our travels in Sydney, beginning with a visit to the Mary MacKillop Place Museum in North Sydney. There, we explored the inspiring story of Australia’s first saint and were treated to a surprise Examen led by Mr Gabbett in the Serene Chapel—a moment that added a personal and spiritual touch to our day.

After lunch, we boarded a ferry from Manly to Circular Quay, soaking in stunning views of the harbour and skyline. One of the most memorable experiences was our walking tour, where we stood in awe of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House—two architectural marvels that define the city’s landscape.

Our journey continued in Canberra, where we delved into the heart of Australia’s national identity. We explored Parliament House and took part in a dynamic session at the Electoral Education Centre, gaining insight into our democratic processes.

At the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon, we engaged with art and science in ways that sparked creativity and wonder. A visit to the Australian War Memorial offered a solemn moment to honour those who served, and meeting Ms Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government House was an inspiring highlight that brought leadership and civic responsibility to life.

Each day was filled with enriching activities that connected us to Australia’s past, present, and future. The itinerary was thoughtfully curated to ensure we experienced the essence of both cities in a short time, making this trip not only educational but truly unforgettable.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. The Australian Government will contribute funding to our school in the amount of $90.00 per student. This contribution comes from the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program. The rebate is paid directly to the College upon completion of the excursion.

Please click the link to view the photos from the Year 6 camp to Sydney and Canberra. A wonderful trip that created lifelong memories.