From the Principal – Ms Pussich

Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of Jesus, is the most significant event for Catholics. I hope all members of the MMCC community take time to attend church services during Holy Week to reflect on Jesus’ great sacrifice on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Loving and creating God,
you have shown us the path to life,
and we celebrate it with joy and hope.
Free us from all that leads to death.
Keep us growing in goodness and holiness.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen

Feast of St Joseph – 19 March

On 23 March, we held a College Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph. St Joseph was significant in the life of Mary MacKillop who named her congregation after him, Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Fr Roberto, who presided over the Mass, focused his homily on who/what did we want to be. Beauty, wealth and success should not be what we desire, rather he challenged us to be good, holy and faithful people who would make the world a better place. He spoke about St Joseph who, like Mary, said “yes” to God. St Joseph was faithful and sacrificed the gift of bearing children to follow God’s plan. St Joseph was a courageous and honourable man, who put others before himself.

Thank you to Fr Roberto and also to Mrs Flanagan who organised our Mass.

Enrolments and Open Day – 21 March

We held a successful Open Day which attracted about 500 people. Our visitors had a chance to see the school in action, speak to staff and hear from our speakers. Our students were great ambassadors of the College as they took families on tours around the school. Thank you to our staff, especially Mrs Harding, students and speakers Mrs Sanaa Hirmiz (mother of Christina Qassab, Year 7), Natalia Sheebo (Year 12 – College Captain) and Mirai Korkis (Year 7) for ensuring a successful event.

Following our HSC results, especially in 2021 and 2022, there is high demand for enrolment into MMCC. Please be aware that we have limited spaces left for enrolment in 2024 and 2025.

Parent Charter

At MMCC we are fortunate that parents and staff work in partnership to support our students’ faith formation, learning and wellbeing. Strong positive relationships are vital for a successful partnership and dignity, mutual respect and collaboration are essential in all our interactions whether they be in person, by phone or online.

I have included in this newsletter a copy of the Parent Charter. “The Parent Charter for Sydney Catholic Schools outlines for parents the principles and expectations that underpin the partnership between parents and schools. It is an important touchstone for all partners in Catholic education, to help build school communities based on the enduring values of faith, hope and love.” I encourage you to read it.

I wish all families a Holy and Happy Easter break. Thank you for your ongoing support of the College,

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 the Assistant Principal – Mrs Harding

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a very busy term with a variety of extra curricular opportunities being offered to our students. This will continue into Term 2 and we encourage all students to step outside their comfort zone and try these new opportunities.

The safety of our students is paramount and at the core of all decisions made. Please find below some safety reminders.

Safe Travel

Apart from it being a requirement of Sydney Catholic Schools that we remind families about the importance of students travelling safely to and from school, the College is committed to the physical wellbeing of all of our students. Some reminders about travelling safely to and from school:

• Students should cross roads at designated crossings where they are available.
• Students should cross roads at safe locations if there is no crossing available. They should avoid crossing at busy intersections, near the crests of hills and on blind corners.
• Students should cross all roads in a careful and sensible manner at all times. They should avoid crossing in large groups, and should not run between cars that are stopped at an intersection.
• Students should not use their mobile phone or earphones/buds when crossing a road as they need to be aware of sounds and sights to cross safely.

Road Safety

March 21 to March 27, 2023 was Road Rules Awareness Week, with statistics showing that 1522 pedestrians are hit on NSW roads each year. Since 2013, Road Rules Awareness Week has given all road users – drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers and bicycle riders – the chance to improve their knowledge of the NSW road rules. It is important that our students practice safe road safety travelling to and from the College.

A couple of reminders for Term 1 and the commencement of Term 2

Student Absence

To comply with the Education Act, an attendance note must be put on your daughter’s Compass within 7 days of a her absence, after which time the absence will be recorded as unexplained. Days absent without explanation will be recorded on student reports.

Term 1 concludes on Wednesday 5 April

Our last day of Term 1 classes will be Wednesday 5 April. The day will be a normal school day with all classes going ahead.  All students are expected to attend the day.

Staff Professional Learning Day – Thursday 6 April

Thursday 6 April will be a Staff Professional Learning Day. As a result there will be NO formal classes on this day and students will NOT be required to attend school. Please contact the College if you require supervision for your daughter.

Staff Professional Learning Day – Monday 24 April

Monday 24 April will be a Staff Professional Learning Day. As a result there will be NO formal classes on this day and students will NOT be required to attend school. Any families who anticipate difficulties with arranging appropriate supervision for their daughter on Monday 24 April are asked to notify the College.

Commencement of Term 2 – Wednesday 26 April

Tuesday 25 April is the ANZAC Day public holiday. Students will return to classes on Wednesday 26 April, Day 3 of their timetable.

Term 2 Winter Uniform Transition

To accommodate for the weather fluctuations for the first week of Term 2, from Wednesday 26 April until Friday 28 April, students will be given a daily choice of uniform to wear based on the weather and personal preference as long as it is one of the two below:

1. Students can continue to wear the full Summer Uniform that includes the Blazer as an optional item and Socks, no stockings. (The jumper cannot be worn with this uniform, including at school).
2. Students can choose to wear the full Winter Uniform that includes the Blazer and Stockings as compulsory items (The jumper can be worn with this uniform as long as the Blazer is the outer garment when coming to school and leaving school).

It is important to note that students cannot combine aspects of the Summer and Winter uniform. As of Monday 1 May all students must wear the full Winter Uniform on a daily basis. We thank all parents for your support of our College uniform regulations and welcome you to call us if you are having any difficulties with ensuring your daughter is in the correct uniform.

Some uniform reminders:

We thank all parents for your support of our College uniform regulations and welcome you to call us if you are having any difficulties with ensuring your daughter is in the correct uniform. We will also be happy to assist you with any difficulties where possible.

I wish all families a faith filled and holy Easter break, a restful and safe school holidays and look forward to another term of learning in Term 2.

Mrs Christine Harding

Coming Events

Open Night 2023

SCS Visual Arts Showcase

ArtExpress Excursion

On Friday 17th March 2023, our Year 11 and Year 12 students attended an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW. During this time, students viewed “ArtExpress”, which is an annual exhibition featuring a selection of the best student Body of Works, in the HSC course of Visual Arts. It was an exciting and insightful exhibition that showcased a range of mediums and expressive forms, for example painting, drawing, ceramics, collection of works, graphic design, photomedia, printmaking, sculpture and more. These students were inspired by their ex-student works through their material and conceptual practice. Overall, it was a great day and we would all love to go back again.

Miss Tiana Krasic

O’Shane House Coordinator / Assistant Year 12 Coordinator / Visual Arts Teacher

Wanderers at MMCC and Free Tickets

In Term 1, Mary MacKillop Catholic College has had the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Team running a Football program during Thursday Sport time.

Due to the amazing commitment, enthusiasm and excitement shown they have been generous in offering Mary MacKillop students and their families the opportunity to watch the Wanderers take on Melbourne Victory on Saturday 15 April at 7:45pm at CommBank Stadium!

To access a Kids Go Free offer exclusive to Mary MacKillop Catholic College for the school holidays, with rail transport included in all tickets, use the code FREEKIDS23 to redeem.

Buy tickets now! https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=WAN2223

MMCC Enrolling Now

St Joseph’s Day 2023

In Week 8, Mary MacKillop Catholic College gathered to celebrate the life of St Joseph for the Feast Day of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Joseph was a compassionate and caring man, whose faithfulness led him to answer God’s call to be the overseer of the Son of God. Joseph is the first to share in the faith of the Mother of God, and in doing so supports his spouse in the faith of the divine incarnation. He is the first to be placed by God on the path of Mary’s pilgrimage of faith.

We pray to St Joseph as the patron saint of the dying, the Universal Church, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travellers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers, and working people in general.

Prayer:

Saint Joseph, patron of the universal Church, watch over the Church as carefully as you watched over Jesus. Help protect it and guide it as you did with your adopted son. Amen

Staff V Students: Dodgeball Tournament

Congratulations to the winning team – The Teachers!

Harmony Day

Library Update

As we have now reached the end of the term, it is time for our students to make plans for their holiday reading.  Maintaining regular reading practice during this time is important for many reasons and research shows that reading each day:

✅  improves your vocabulary and comprehension – reading just 20 minutes a day exposes you to 1,800,000 words a year!    

✅  reduces stress and enhances mood

✅ improves your focus and concentration

✅ helps to develop empathy

✅ develops creativity

✅ improves your writing skills

Not to mention that reading is also a fantastic source of entertainment and allows us to escape into the lives and experiences of many different people from many different times and places. 

Planning For Holiday Reading

Before setting off on the two week break, students should reflect on their reading habits and the types of texts they prefer to read. They should use the following questions to assist them:

❇Do I prefer reading hard copy texts or reading books online? ❇Do I like fiction or non-fiction? ❇Do I enjoy written or visual texts or a mix of both? ❇Which genres/topics interest me? ❇What style of writing engages me?  ❇Do I like to read a stand alone book or books within a series? ❇How much time do I want to spend reading?
By answering these questions, students will have a much clearer idea of the types of books that will help them to continue their reading practice when they are away from school.  They can also consult our library catalogue (accessible through Compass Favourites) or ask any one of the IMC team to assist in their search.
	As our borrowing rules are relaxed for the holiday period, students can borrow an UNLIMITED number of books. This is to encourage students to take home a series or a variety of genres that they can enjoy over the break and also maintain good reading habits. The due date for return will be the first week back of Term 2.
Students can also choose to read online, through  SORA, the amazing digital library. They can browse through the books on offer to find the one that is just right and it can be downloaded automatically to their laptop. Just remember to sign in using ACEN MEMBER COLLECTION.

Overdue Reminders

A big THANK YOU to all students who have returned overdue books this term. All overdue letters have now been sent out. Any queries regarding overdue notices/texts should be directed to Mrs Devine.

Mrs Melissa Devine

Teacher Librarian

Study Skills #4

Parent Charter

MMCC Restaurant Take Over

2023 NSW Universities – Early Entry Programs

Listed below are all current early entry programs for universities within NSW. Please read carefully as not all programs have opened and some have changed from previous years. As always, if you have any questions please see Ms Fassoulas in the IMC or email at: maria.fassoulas@syd.catholic.edu.au

Ms Maria Fassoulas
Leader of Learning:  Vocational Education and Training, Pathways and Partnership

ACU – Australian Catholic University – Uni Step Up Early Entry Program

Applications are now open for Uni Step Up in 2023!

Uni Step Up is a chance for Year 11 students to experience university by studying two first-year units. Students will receive an offer to study in an aligned ACU course upon satisfactory completion of two units. Additional benefits of the program include:

• University experience and a head start with their degree without incurring HELP-fees
• Students may receive an offer to study at ACU along with credit points when studying in an aligned undergraduate degree
• Scaffolded content delivery and assistance available to maximise success in program with delivery from dedicated and experienced academic staff
• Full access to undergraduate support services including academic skills

The 3 programs available include:

Sports & Exercise Science – Strathfield Campus

Pathway to –

• Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
• Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science
• Bachelor of High-Performance Sport
• Plus, a number of dual degrees

Business – Strathfield Campus

Pathway to –

• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Plus, a number of dual degrees

Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine – Blacktown Campus

Pathway to –

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Midwifery
• Bachelor of Paramedicine
• Plus, a number of dual degrees

Key information:

• Apply online at www.acu.edu.au/usu 
• Applications are now open- places are limited
• Applications close Thursday 8 June

Flyers attached include further details.

For further questions or help in applying, please see Ms Fassoulas in the IMC or email: maria.fassoulas@syd.catholic.edu.au

Ms Maria Fassoulas
Leader of Learning: Vocational Education and Training, Pathways and Partnership

Bring It On! Festival 23 April 2023 – Fairfield Showground