From the Principal

Dear Members of the Mary MacKillop Catholic College community,

The first couple few weeks of term have been rich in experience, as is usual at MMCC.

Professional Learning

We commenced the term with a very successful combined Professional Learning Day with the staff of patrician Brothers Fairfield where the teaching staff further explored ways of improving the literacy of all our students. Teachers participated in workshops and shared their expertise and successes with the goal of further enriching the classroom practices, which have led to such growth in the academic performances of all our students.

On this day the support staff of both schools enjoyed a seminar and workshop on working with the wider community and teamwork. The role of our support staff is such an important one as it is these people who are the face of the school and the engine room that keeps everything running smoothly. I joined this group for quite a while and I must admit was having great fun listening to their stories of the joy that is their work.

Thank you to our Leader of Learning; Professional Learning, Clair- Marie Simpson and Carolyn Yates from Patrician Brothers for their excellent work in planning theteachers workshops with our Colleagues from Sydney Catholic Schools. Thanks also go to my Personal Assistant, Pina Varano for her coordination of the support staff seminars.

A huge thank you goes out to Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield for their provision of the venue, coffee machine, lunch and camaraderie that helped make the day the success that it was.

We look forward to many more combined experiences such as this as we ensure the best learning for our students.

NAPLAN Preparation

Last week saw our Years 7 and 9 students with their NAPLAN tests and I noticed a real sense of confidence in our girls throughout the process. In the lead up to NAPLAN the College ran several after school workshops (NAPLAN Bootcamp) in preparation and these workshops were very well attended with in some cases students packed into the rooms on the floors. We are very proud of the efforts of our girls in this.

A more detailed account of the success of these workshops can be found on our website: http://www.mmcwakeley.catholic.edu.au/achieve/academic-achievement/naplan/

Funding of Catholic Schools

Below you will find a letter from our Executive Director, Dr Dan White, explaining the discussions that are going on with the Federal government at present. This letter reassures us that Catholic School fees will not rise in the immediate future and that discussions are under way to ensure that we maintain our quality, low cost education for families.

God Bless,

Narelle Archer

Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Commendations for Term 1

This term we counted the number of commendations each student received in their diaries. It was great to see how many each student had received. Every six (6) will receive a College merit.

We continue to encourage parents to check and sign your daughter’s diary on a weekly basis through the Communication tab.

Attendance Reminders

Notes for Absences – Full or Partial

Congratulations to our community, we have improved dramatically in this area. A reminder that it is a legal requirement that parents provide a written note for any full or partial absence. If students accumulate more than seven (7) days of unexplained absences a Letter is sent home, in some instances parents are called in for an Attendance Improvement Plan meeting.

Leaving Early

A note must be provided to your daughters CLC teacher if they have an appointment. We ask parents to avoid making appointments for their daughters during school time. These partial absences affect your daughters learning as much as a full day off.

Congratulations to the College community as we improved our Perfect Attendance Statistics from 22% to 23% in Term 1. Although a small increase this shows growth across the school in daily attendance.

Students Leaving School premises 

Sick Bay

Our College Student Services Officer is trained in First Aid and will determine if a phone call to parents is needed. Unfortunately a few students have called their parents without permission including not having even come to register at Student Services. A reminder that your daughter will have to then have her phone registered in Student services if they use their mobile phone without permission.

Winter Uniform Reminders

Congratulations to our students who are presenting themselves with great distinction and representing the College with great pride.

A reminder of ensuring stockings, skirt lengths and blazers are a daily responsibility. We ask parents to keep supporting us in ensuring your daughter is well groomed and dressed every day.

Do you Know what your Daughters Access and Share through Social Networking Sites?

Adapted from: https://www.care.com/c/stories/4275/5-dangers-of-social-media-to-discuss-with-you/ 

1. “Stranger Danger” — Take It Seriously

Your daughters may find it hard to judge strangers they meet in person, and it’s even harder to tell friends from foes online.

Stress to your daughters that they should not interact with strangers on these apps, and explain that many people on social media are not who they say they are. You should also monitor your daughter’s Internet usage to ensure their interactions are only with real-life friends.

2. (Over) Sharing Information — Don’t Reveal Too Much

Another point to address with your daughters, according to social psychologist Dr. Susan Newman , author of numerous parenting books and “Psychology Today ” blogger, is to make them aware of how much they’re revealing about themselves online.

Dr. Newman stresses, “You want to be sure your daughter isn’t saying where she is, where she goes to school, where she’s going to be with her friends.” Discuss the dangers of revealing too much information on social media, explaining that it gives ammunition to strangers with bad intentions.

Also, avoid bypassing age restrictions for your daughters, and adhere to the terms of service for social media applications. For example, Facebook does not allow anyone under the age of 13 to create an account.

3. Hidden Info in Photos – Beware of Posting Pics

Your daughters should know the potential risks of what they’re posting online. Photographs are no exception. Wood says it’s important that young people don’t send photographs unless they’re 100 percent sure it is a friend they’re communicating with. Photos contain EXIF data — information about the camera you took the photo with.

This is important to know, says Wood, because “someone can use that data to pull the exact geographic location of where that photo was taken.” With young people, it’s better to restrict the use of photos on social media or make use of the parental controls many applications possess.

I leave you with this inspirational quoted:

Mr Pablo Grana, Assistant Principal

Catholic Life and Religious Education

Project Compassion 2018

Throughout lent students contributed towards the Caritas Project Compassion appeal and worked to love others . Our collective efforts have contributed to raising $4,000.00 for Caritas to support the community projects throughout the world, bringing life and God’s love to those less vulnerable. Our contributions support the mission of the Catholic Church to make a difference in this world by providing the basic needs, creating new possibilities for better lives and supporting communities as they work in solidarity and grow in resilience and hope.  Caritas Australia, through the donations of our school, and many others provides, fresh hope, providing a more secure future for families and communities.

Year 8, 9 & 10 Faith Formation Program

During Term 1 Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in the new MMCC Faith Formation program. This program is being offered in two parts through 2017 and will focus on Lent and Advent, key seasons in the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.

The theme of bread was the focus of the Year 8 Faith Formation program for Lent. Students looked at Jesus as the “Bread of Life” and the daily bread as stated in Matthew’s Gospel in the Our Father “Give us today our daily bread.” Students reflected on their own faith and how they can be nourished by God so that you may share this source of nourishment with others.

Year 9 reflected on Jesus the living water that is offered to all. This was illustrated in the story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42) where she thirsted for God. Students came to realise that Jesus seeks us all, including sinners who are not even seeking Him, offering them the Gift of Living Water, offered by Jesus to satisfy us all.

Year 10 reflected on their relationship with Christ, seeing Jesus as the light of the World, the light guiding believers to the Kingdom of God and the light providing God’s saving grace. Lent is a time of new beginnings for Catholics, a time to change, transfigure and be called to a new life of holiness in Christ. Year 10 came to realise that at times we are blind, blinded by our own desires and the distractions around us, however through Christ we can see again, for Christ will shine on you. As stated in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians “You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light, for the effects of the light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth”.

Through prayer, reflection, discussion, scripture and music the new faith formation program hopes to deepen the faith life of MMCC students and reflect on their relationship with God and others.

Year 12 Reflection Day – Be the Hope of the World

During Week 2 of Term 2 Year 12 took part in their Reflection Day at St Joseph’s Conference Centre, Bringelly. The theme of Hope was explored through the scriptures and through the suffering of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Students were challenged to recognise God as the source of hope, so they may be filled with joy and peace, so that we may overflow with hope as provided through the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Students were also encouraged to encounter God’s hope for us which ‘gives life a new horizon’, life so that they may live an abundant life filled with hope that can be shared with others. It is hoped the students were able to see that through their own faith they can bring hope to others, lighten their burdens, encourage them and be a source of God’s hope in the world.

Thank you to the Year 12 CLC teachers, Miss Pavisic and Ms Gagliano for their support on the day. Special thank you to Miss Bakhos and Mr Ndaira for their assistance in planning and running the day.

Mrs Flanagan, Leader of Learning – Catholic Life and Religious Education

Community Engagement

Welcome back to Term 2.

We began the new term with our students participating in the Anzac Day dawn service at a number of various local clubs.

I was fortunate enough to attend the service at Canley Heights RSL and witness our choir students lay the memorial wreath and lead the singing of the hymns and the Australian and New Zealand anthems as dawn was breaking on Tuesday, the 25^th of April.

A large choir contingent also supported the impressive Dawn Service at Cabravale Diggers where they met up with representatives from Patrician Brothers’ Fairfield.

Thank you to the parents who accompanied their daughters and to Kate Penson and Liana Bugge who were our choirmasters. The hymns, chosen by the club, were not easy to sing but our choir did a great job at both venues.

Emma Bonora, of Year 8 was proudly wearing her “poppie’s” pedals from his time in World War II as an underwater (hard hat) bomb diffuser.

Wellbeing Portfolio

Our Wellbeing Portfolio students attended the Youth Mental Health Summit on Wednesday, the 3^rd of May. The summit, organized by SW Connect, has been an annual event which brings together young leaders from secondary schools in the Fairfield-Liverpool area to participate in a number of workshops and programs that focus on improving the mental health of young people.

Our College was invited to share our challenges and successes in promoting positive wellbeing. Valentina Yousif, the Wellbeing Portfolio Captain and Elize Sevim did a presentation and spoke of our school’s initiatives in front of an audience of close to one thousand students and teachers.

The Year 10 girls who had participated in the Connectedness workshops last term had a follow up session with Core Community workers, Matthew and Mawa on Friday the 5^th of May.

Last Tuesday, during the Pastoral Care lesson, the Year 8 and 10 students watched a Brainstorm presentation on bullying, cyber-bullying, domestic violence and sexual harassment, called “Sticks and Stones”.

Year 12 students took part in a workshop on the importance of sleep, called “Sleep Connection”. Every student was given a sleep diary to monitor her sleep habits. We hope that these workshops and presentations will benefit our students in making the right choices in their relationships and in their overall health and wellbeing.

Mrs Gesson, Leader of Learning, Community Engagement

Youth Ministry Update

The Youth Ministry team have been very busy this term with lots of exciting events and opportunities for outreach and service.

Vinnies Van

On Monday the 27th of March, Olina Amo, Narmin Ayshoa, Selfana Younus and Angela Scarf kindly gave up their time during their busy year 12 exam block to prepare food and distribute it to the homeless on a Vinnies Van shift.

These young women were outstanding in the way they carried themselves, engaged in conversations with patrons (at times showcasing their Chaldean language skills) and working as a team. They truly acted as the hands and face of Christ to people in need and the pure joy they spread was beautiful to watch. A big thank you to Mr. Ndaira and Mrs. Cutrupi who also accompanied us on the night.

Allure Worshop

In other news, the MMCC youth group Courage is up and running! On Thursday the 30th of March we welcomed Judi Marie Limbers from Allure workshops to talk to our girls about self-worth as young women and respectful image and behaviour.

We had a fantastic turn out, enjoying an afternoon tea of Lebanese pizzas and 2 hours of activities and sharing, encouraging a new perception of true beauty.

All students from Years 7-12 are welcome to future Courage events which will happen monthly.

Rachael Bakhos, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Sports Update

SCC CROSS COUNTRY- Friday 5th May, 2017

It was a long trip to and from Waverley on Friday and a big day had by all students and coaches. The team took it all in their stride and represented the College with pride. There were 43 students from MMCC who ran 3 – 6km depending on their age group. Congratulations to all students who were a part of this great team! A big thank you to both Mrs Tyra and Mrs Crossley who have working with the team to prepare for the carnival. Mrs Tyra stated “this group of MMCC cross country runners were by far the most dedicated to their training that she’s ever seen”.  Please see the results below:

MMCC Results: 3rd Place Overall

• 3rd place for Intermediate division
• 3rd place for Senior division
• Three students (Danielle Heim, Maryam Hanna and Stella Bolognini have made it through to NSW CCC Cross Country trials)

Outstanding Individual results:

• Danielle Heim placed 1st in the under 14 girls race (4km)
• Stephanie Knafelc placed 8th in the under 16 girls race (4km)
• Jumana Qaqos placed 10th in the under 14 girls race (4km)

Coaches: Mrs Denise Tyra and Mrs Nichole Crossley

MMCC Team members

Rebecca Brown, Sports Coordinator

ANZAC Reciprocal Tour

Bonding the youth from both Australia and New Zealand to carry on the traditions of the ANZAC’s, 29 members aged 14-17 years old and 4 chaperones from 9 different RSL’s took part in a Reciprocal Tour to New Zealand from the 15th – 29th April.

Selected by the RSL’s, myself and Jeannette Bursic represented Fairfield RSL through the dancing section of the Youth Club. Travelling over to New Zealand was a unique and unforgettable experience. After meeting up on weekends 6 months prior to our departure, we put together a concert which we performed at 6 different RSA’s (Returned Services Association) throughout our tour.

Showcasing all our talents, everyone was able to have fun and create concert items ranging from dancing to singing and even acrobatics. During the tour we were able to travel to different areas of Auckland such as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Mt Victoria and One Tree Hill. Spending our day travelling to different places in Auckland broadened our knowledge and showed us the patriotism of the Maori people. ANZAC Day soon came and we attended the Dawn Service at Manakau Memorial Gardens. Later that day, the tour group participated in the Civil Service at Howick RSA. Being the only ones from Australia was a bit nerve racking but we represented Australia with pride as we marched in the parade.

Concluding the tour and coming home was an emotional time. We made new friends, shared memorable experiences and created an unforgettable bond that we will always hold close to us. As we struggled to say goodbye we all knew that we took part in an amazing experience that we will always remember and were proud to not only represent our RSL’s but Australia.

Erin Zappia, Year 11

Royal Easter Show Award

Every Thursday, I do art classes at STUDIO BUNDALEER at Mount Pritchard Sydney NSW.

I enter my ceramics in ‘The Royal Easter Show’ every year and won third prize in 2014 and first prize in the category for people aged 16 years to under 20 years of age in Ceramics and Pottery in both 2016 and 2017. I won first prize winning a $100 cheque, a ribbon and two certificates that defined winning first place and a Certificate of Achievement for 2017.

This year I made two roses out of white clay and painted and glazed them.

‘Rosey’ is made of white clay. I made two roses that are infinity crossed. I feel very proud of my achievement.

Sarah La Rosa, Year 12

National Data Collection Information for Parents and Carers

Mass Times

Smithfield:

Saturday Vigil 6.00pm;

8.00 am (Italian); 10.30 am; 6.00pm

Fairfield West:

Saturday Vigil 5pm (Vietnamese); 7 pm (Spanish); 7.30am & 9.00am; 11am (Spanish); 6pm (Arabic)

Smithfield 9.15 am. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday;  6pm Wednesday 

Fairfield West Monday – Friday 7am Saturday 8am

Fr Jarek Zan

Vigil: 6:00pm Sat   

Sunday 7.30am (Polish) 9.00am 10.30am 4.30pm (Vietnamese) 6pm

Fr Michael de Stoop, Fr Francisco Regala

Saturday Vigil English: 6pm Vietnamese: 7.30pm

Sunday English 8.30am, 10am & 6pm Vietnamese 6.30am, 4pm, 7.15pm Polish11.30am

Monday – Friday 7.00am, Wednesday 7.30pm Saturday 9.00am Vietnamese – Tuesday & Thursday 7pm

Fr Liem Duong, Fr Nen Dang

Monday 7.00am  Tuesday 8.00am Thursday & Friday 8.00am Wednesday 7.00pm Saturday 8.00am

Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Sunday 9:00am

Fr Jerry Prindiville

Monday-Friday:  8.30am Saturday Vigil: 5.30pm Sunday: First Mass 8.30am  

Solemn Mass 10.30am English Mass: 5.30pm

Monday-Friday: 5.30pm Saturday Vigil: 5.30pm Sunday: Solemn Mass 9.00am Arabic Mass: 5.30pm

Saturday English Mass: 5.30pm Sunday Mass: 9.00am

Coming Events