From the Principal

Prior to 1991, Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley existed as Rosary High School Fairfield. Thus the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on 7th October, is a special day for MMCC.

As Catholics, especially during the month of October, we make our intercessions to Mother Mary through the holy Rosary prayers. With the unfolding crisis in the Middle East we pray the Rosary, seeking the intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace, in bringing about an end to this devastating conflict.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. 
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears 
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

Welcome back!

The term began on Monday 9th October with the staff immersing themselves in prayer and contemplation at the St Joseph’s Centre in Bringelly. Thank you to Fr Roberto and the staff who led us in the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, Adoration and the Eucharist.

Our students returned on Tuesday 10th October with the challenges of PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) for Years 7-9 and on Wednesday 11th October the HSC for Year 12 and the RE Test for Years 8 and 10. Thank you to the students for their excellent behaviour, cooperation and attitude and to the staff involved in the organisation or supervision, especially Mrs Portelli, Mr Zammit, Mr Carosi, Mrs Flanagan and Ms Pavisic.

During Week 2 Year 10 students and Year 11 students attended Camp and Retreat respectively. These events allow students to strengthen friendships, build resilience and deepen their spirituality and closeness to God. Thank you to the students for the positive attitude in which they engaged in these days and to the staff who gave their time for our girls.

Thank you to our parents/carers for ensuring the students returned ready for learning and appropriately groomed. Your support of the College is appreciated. Please continue to assist us by ensuring your daughter attends school everyday. She cannot learn effectively if she is not at school.

Enrolling Now for 2026

Enrolments are now open from students in Year 4 for Year 7 2026.

We look forward to hosting students from our feeder schools next month. Year 4 girls will enjoy a day, 21st November, at MMCC focusing on the Creative and Performing Arts and Year 5 girls will focus on STEM on 15th November.

We will also have our Year 7 2024 Orientation Day and Parent Evening on Monday 13th November. If your daughter cannot make this date an alternative date is available on Tuesday 8th November when OLR students will attend. Please contact us if you require this.

Parent Advisory Group Meeting

A Thought to Consider*

“Your reputation is your most important asset. It precedes you before you walk into the room and lingers long after the work is done.”

Thank you for your ongoing support,
Gilda Pussich
Principal

I acknowledge the Cabrogal of the Darug Nation as the original inhabitants of Fairfield City, who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land in which the College stands. I also pay respect to the Elders both past and present and future of the Darug Nation. I acknowledge their rich culture and unique role here in the Fairfield region. Their heritage and traditions are important to us all, and part and parcel of the great history of Australia.

*from James Clear – “Atomic Habits”

Enrolling Now – Year 7 2025 and Year 7 2026

From the Assistant Principal

Welcome Back to Term 4

Welcome back to Term 4, I hope all families enjoyed the school holidays and got the opportunity to spend some quality time with their daughters. It has been a very busy start to the term with a range of opportunities afforded to our students. On Tuesday 10th October, we welcomed back Years 7-11 to commence Term 4 with events including:

• Year 7,8 and 9 PAT Testing
• Year 8 and 10 RE Test
• Year 11 VET students Work Placement
• The start of HSC Written exams
• Year 10 Camp
• Year 11 Senior Retreat
• Year 11 Modern History excursion

Summer Uniform

In Term 4, all students are to wear full College Summer uniform. A few students have been incorrectly wearing long sleeve tops under their school shirt

Below are reminders regarding our College Summer Uniform and grooming regulations.

• Regulation College white ankle socks are to be worn at all times
• College Skirts, which must cover the bottom of the knee-cap
• Pink/Blue Blouse
• Undershirts are to be neutral in colour and must not be showing otherwise these will have to be removed if they are worn to school
• The College Jumper is NOT part of the Summer Uniform and must NOT be worn during the summer uniform period
• The College Blazer can be worn in cooler weather
• As per work, health and safety requirements, nails need to be short and not coloured. Students wearing shellac, SNS or acrylic nails will be sent home to remove them (page 10 College diary)
• Eyebrows and eyelashes are to be kept natural and false or extension eyelashes are not permitted at school. If a student has false eyelashes or extensions they will be sent home to remove them (page 10 College diary)

All uniform items can be purchased online from the College uniform shop – Cowan and Lewis

School socks can be purchased at Student Services.

Start of the HSC Written exams

Week 1 saw the commencement of the HSC Written exams. A copy of the timetable can be found here 2023 HSC Timetable

Student Attendance

I would like to begin by thanking parents for their support of the College in ensuring that their daughter attends school each day and on time. However, a reminder needs to be given on a few attendance aspects:

• If your daughter is absent, an explanation needs to be added by the parent onto the Compass portal. Where possible, please include medical documentation.
• Lateness is not an option, excuses such as traffic, slept-in, missed bus or train are not excuses and your daughter will receive a Matter of Concern.
• If any girl has cold or flu-like symptoms: sniffle, scratchy throat, etc, please stay at home and remain at home until the  symptoms have gone.
• Any student who is unwell at school will be isolated in the school sick bay until she can be collected by a parent or carer.
• Family holidays should be taken during vacation periods.
• Extended Leave of 5 or more days requires the approval of the Principal prior to the leave being taken.

Thursday Sport

A reminder to all families that Thursday afternoon sport is a compulsory activity. Students are expected to remain at school and participate in sport. I would ask that any appointments such as doctor, dentist or physiotherapy not be made on a Thursday afternoon during sport and always outside of school hours.

Sun Smart

Students are highly recommended to be sun smart during all outside activities by using sunscreen and wearing a hat for protection against harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.

Please contact the College if you require any assistance,

Christine Harding

Coming Events

Year 10 Camp

Year 11 Senior Retreat

Year 10 – 10:10 Conference Day

Our Year 10 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 10:10 Conference Day on the 13th September in Homebush. The 10:10 Conference is an opportunity for student participants across the 10:10 schools to connect and engage in further faith formation. The Conference consisted of live music, entertainment, keynote addresses, workshop options, opportunities for discussion groups and social time.

Miss Celine Ayoub
Acting Youth Ministry Coordinator
Drama, Religion and History Teacher

Commemoration Service

Battle for Australia

On the first Wednesday of September, the Battle for Australia is commemorated. On Wednesday 6th September, three Year 10 students, Nhu Trinh, Cassie Chen, Nardeen Rafoka and Ms Arairo had the honour of being invited to the Service at Smithfield RSL. They commemorated the soldiers who fought in the Kokoda Trail Campaign against opposing Japanese forces from July through to November 1942 during the Second World War. 

This campaign was one of the most important battles for Australia due to its proximity to the country and where more than 600 Australian soldiers were killed and 1600 wounded. These young soldiers were remembered and commemorated for their service on this day through prayer, the laying of wreaths by attendees and speeches made by honourable guests such as Labour Party MP, Ms Janice Crosio.

In the quiet moments of laying wreaths and listening to the inspiring speeches, guests felt a profound sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made during the Battle for Australia. It was held at Smithfield RSL where numerous schools and officials came together to honour those who gave their all for our country, reminding them of their courage and bravery during this battle. 

After the ceremony, lunch was provided for at Smithfield RSL as a token of appreciation and that allowed guests the opportunity to connect with the guest speakers including Fairfield MP, Mr David Saliba and Fairfield City Mayor, Mr Frank Carbone.

All in all, it was a memorable experience filled with knowledge, pride and humility.

Nhu T 

Year 10 

MMCC Sports Report

Week 1:

Oz-Tag

The start of the oz-tag season saw MMCC up against Freeman Catholic College. In what was extremely hot weather, all three teams did their best and gave everything out on the field. Whilst unfortunately, we were not successful with results, the determination showed was a credit to the students.

Volleyball

Returning after a successful 2022 season, our Volleyballers were primed and ready to go. Coming up against Freeman, MMCC had pleasing results with both our Intermediates and Seniors winning 3-0 and 2-0 respectively. Unfortunately our juniors lost in their first game of Volleyball but were able to win one set.

Week 2:

Oz-Tag:

Week 2 brought a change in weather compared to Week 1 with cooler temperatures allowing for closer matches against St Anthony of Padua. The big improvers were the intermediates who were so close to winning their match. Due to Senior retreat, the senior team did not compete,

Volleyball:

Game 2 of the Volleyball season saw MMCC score 3-0 wins in both the junior and intermediates. This was a great result and is sure to provide confidence for the girls going forward.

T-ball

Under the guidance of Mr Shewan our Tee Ball team played in a Tee Ball competition where MMCC combined with Patrician Brothers Fairfield. A mixed bag of results occurred with 2 wins and 2 loses on the day! This is a great initiative from SCS to provide opportunities for all students.

Study Skills #9