WELCOME TO 2019!

A warm welcome to all members of the Mary MacKillop Catholic College community, with a special welcome to our new students and their families. I hope the year has begun well for you. If there is anything I can do to support you or your daughter(s) please let me know. New students and their parents are invited to an information and welcome evening on 19 February. More details are in the Assistant Principal’s section of this newsletter.

We have a number of new staff members, who have joined our community. please join me in welcoming: Jennifer Lowe, Leah Brown, Jamie Crosariol, Linh Lam, Andrew Kissane, Nathan Nguyen, Jemma O’Regan, Rosellina Ryan, Ana Obradors and Raquel Santamaria.

OPENING SCHOOL MASS

On Wednesday 13 February, we held a special Mass to celebrate the start of 2019. Fr Jarek reminded us of the special privilege that we possess as human beings, that is, being formed in the image and likeness of God. He told us that we need to find truth and our calling in life, and to look to God for this, as he is “the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6.

Our special guest, was Dr Vicki Lavorato, Director of Sydney Catholic Schools – Southern Region. She had both students and staff captivated with her stories and message, and truly inspired our girls to live up to our 2019 Theme: She Can. She Will.

HSC 2018

We welcomed back to Mary MacKillop Catholic College our Year 12 2018 students for the HSC High Achievers assembly to recognise their achievements. The HSC Achievers Assembly was held on Friday 15 February and we especially thank our special guests, Mrs Christina Trimble, Regional Consultant of Sydney Catholic Schools – Southern Region, Mr Frank Carbone, Major of Fairfield City and The Honourable Dr Hugh McDermott, Member for Prospect.

We are extremely proud of our exceptional 2018 HSC results. Mary MacKillop Catholic College continues to rank well in the State and when comparing us to other local schools. The College achieved a remarkable 82% of all courses above State average, which is a credit to our Year 12 2018 students and their teachers. We had 16% of our Year 12 students achieve a mark above 90 (Band 6 or E4)

Congratulations to Dana Odish awarded College Dux for 2018.

Congratulations to Charli Tran who had her Visual Arts Major Project nominated and selected for exhibition at Art Express 2018.

Congratulations to Louise Ruggier and Warda Dawood who had their Design and Technology Major Project nominated for exhibition at Shape 2018.

A special mention to Duong Pham for her extraordinary results in Mathematics, achieving 100 out of 100 for Mathematics and 50 out of 50 for Mathematics Extension 1.

Congratulations to Duong Pham, Lourd Balqa, Anthea Trusler, Anjja Yousif and Angela Giuliano who achieved First Place in the Archdiocese for Sydney Catholic Schools.

PRAYERS

Sadly Mr David Wastie, husband of Mrs Helen Wastie, passed away on Tuesday 12 February. His passing was sudden and has had a huge impact on the Wastie family. Please keep them in your prayers. We pray that Mr Wastie may Rest In Peace in the hands of our loving God.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday 20 February commencing at 10.15am at Our Lady of Fatima, Kingsgrove. I will be attending with a group of students. Please let Mrs Flanagan know by Monday, if your daughter is attending.

COLLEGE OPEN DAY

Mary MacKillop Catholic College will be open on Wednesday 13 March from 9.30am until 12.30pm for those interested in enrolling into our College. The day will begin with an Information Session in the College Hall followed by College Tours. Our students will be your guides as you wander around the school seeing the College in Action. Please spread the word to your friends and family members. If you cannot make it and would like to visit, please contact our College Enrolment Officer, Mrs Rosemary Gerardis, on 9725 4322.

PARENT ADVISORY GROUP

All parents are welcome to join Mr Grana and myself at the Parent Advisory Group meeting to be held on Tuesday 5 March commencing at 6pm in the College Boardroom. Please let the Principal’s PA, Mrs Varano know if you are attending, on 97254322.

COLLEGE UPGRADE

We have begun upgrading some of our student facilities to improve the learning and recreational spaces of the College. We have installed two water stations and air-conditioned two Visual Arts rooms and the Textiles Room. We will soon install another water station and air-condition two Science laboratories. We are also investigating refurbishing the students bathrooms.

STAFF NEWS

Mrs Jwan Hamama will be leaving Mary MacKillop Catholic College after 13 years of service as a teacher and Assistant Science Coordinator. We thank her and wish well as she takes up her new position. Included in this newsletter is a few final words from her.

God Bless,

Ms Gilda Pussich

Principal