From the Principal

As Term 2 comes to an end, I would like to thank you for your support in ensuring your daughters have come to school every day ready to engage in their learning. At Mary MacKillop Catholic College, our focus this year continues to be centred around our theme “She Can. She Will.” with a Growth Mindset approach, and this term we have continued to witness many great examples of students demonstrating this through their achievements in the classroom, on the sporting field, in debating and mock trial, in their works for social justice and raising money for charity, and when they are out in the community serving others.

ATSICC Sunday

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday falls on the first Sunday in July and is a significant celebration on our Church’s calendar. Whilst providing us with an opportunity to acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters, the celebration also signifies that we are united as one in God’s love and care.

The theme for 2019 drawn from Luke 10:1-12 is “Peace to this house and all who dwell within” and will be celebrated on 7 July.

Athletics Carnival

On 21 June, the College spent the day at Dwyer Oval for our annual Athletics Carnival. The day was a wonderful expression of school spirit, peer support and friendship, as well as an opportunity for our talented sportswomen to demonstrate their ability. I commend all our students for their high levels of participation and attendance.

House spirit was evident in the work of our House Coordinators, Mr Hennessy, Miss Tate, Ms Crosariol, Ms Kennedy, Miss Jennings, Miss Al-Gharib and Mr McLean, the involvement of our House Captains and Vice Captains, and efforts of our Year 12 students. The Year 12 costumes were amazing. The House cheers led by our House Cheer Squads were definitely a highlight of the day. Thank you to Miss Jennings assisted by Mr Tomich and Mrs Jeffreys for their exemplary organisation and all MMCC staff who ensured the smooth running of the day.

CSDA Debating

The opportunity for co-curricular activities can only occur with the interest, involvement and commitment of staff Thank you to our debating coaches: Year 7 – Miss Tate; Year 8 – Mrs Arairo; Year 9 – Mrs Marshall; Year 10 – Mrs Pedavoli; Year 11 and Senior – Mr Kissane and our adjudicators Miss Tate, Mrs Pedavoli, Mr Thomas and Mr Kissane.

Our teams were:

Study Pathways

At MMCC, we aim to provide our students with the best information regarding their senior studies and future pathways. We are proud of our past students who have moved on to rewarding careers following successful study at University, TAFE and Colleges, and sound career advice. As part of this commitment, each year we run a formal Subject Selection process and a Study Pathway Evening.

Our Subject Selection process designed for Year 10 students planning to continue senior studies, involves providing each student with information about each subject available and advice about recommended subjects and levels so that they optimise their HSC success. An important aspect of the process was held on the evening of 26 June when we ran a Subject Selection Market where students and parents have access to Coordinators of Learning KLA, as well as St Joseph Trade Training, university, TAFE and private college personnel and followed this with an Information Session led by Miss Israel, Leader of Curriculum.

Our Study Pathway Evening designed for recent refugees, assists them and their parents to receive sound advice on potential study pathways, Representatives from Western Sydney University, TAFE and Australian Careers Business College addressed our students. Thank you to Ms Arapi-Nunez, Mrs Pedavoli, Mrs M Matti and Miss Israel for their organisation of this important evening.

Best Wishes for the Holidays

Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for their Trial HSC examinations. Finally I would like to wish the MMCC community a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break, and I look forward to working with you and your daughters next term.

From the Assistant Principal

First Day Back of Term 3 – Monday 22nd July 2019

We begin Semester 2 on Monday 22nd July 2019 with normal classes and a continuation of our Winter Uniform expectations. 

Term 3 Winter Uniform Reminder

Below are reminders regarding our College Winter Uniform and grooming regulations.  These are highlighted to ensure that our high expectations continue to be made very clear to all members of our great College community.

The winter uniform continues to have the following Expectations:

–   All students must own a College blazer and MUST wear it to and from the College

–   Regulation grey stockings are to be worn at all times.

–   Any clothing worn under the College shirt must not be visible. All undergarments should be neutral in colour.

–   High-collared skivvies, hoodies, beanies and other non-school attire must NOT be worn.

–   The College Jumper is not part of the Sports Uniform and can only be worn in Winter under the College Blazer when arriving to school or leaving school at the end of the day.

–   Scarves must be the College scarf or a plain maroon scarf. Scarves with extra fringing or of another colour will not be permitted.

–   College Skirts must cover the bottom of the knee-cap (ie covering the whole knee).  

We ask parents to ensure that over the holidays you check your daughter’s uniform and rectify any problems before coming back on the first day of Term 3. If any student is NOT in the correct winter uniform on the first day of Term 3, she will be sent home to have the problem rectified. Please ensure you refer to the College Dress Code in the College Diary.

A reminder regarding specific uniform regulations that all students must follow throughout the whole year:

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.

Connect to Compass to Keep in Touch

Please ensure you have download the updated COMPASS app.  

• The app store: goo.gl/9FHGg6
• Google play: goo.gl/iSmC64

You can also access the full functionality of Compass via your internet browser through: https://mmcwakeley-nsw.compass.education/  If you are having issues with your username or password please contact one of our IT Support Officers on 9725-4322.

Internet Safety Over the Holidays

We ask parents/carers to keep a close eye on their daughters to ensure they are safely using the internet.  For more information, please visit the eSafety Commissioners Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Internet safety advice we always give students is below:

When you are online:

• respect the rights of others 
• ask before posting any material (eg: photos or videos)
• report offensive or illegal content – speak to your parents
• don’t respond to hurtful or nasty comments — block and report cyberbullying, speak to your parents
• speak to your parents or trusted adult about upsetting online experiences 
• report threats of violence to the police (collect the evidence to show them) – This is done through a parent

Important Dates for Term 3 2019

Monday 22nd July – First Day of Classes

Monday 29th July – Parent Advisory Group Meeting – 6.00pm

Monday 29th July – Thursday 4th August – Year 12 Study Sessions – IMC – (3.30pm – 6.30pm)

Monday 5th August – Trial HSC Begins 

Thursday 8th August – St Mary MacKillop Feast Day

Monday 19th August – Trial HSC Ends

Monday 19th August – Friday 23rd August – JJAMM Week

Tuesday 20th August – Mary MacKillop Day

Monday 26th August – Friday 30th August – Year 11 Work Placement Week

Wednesday 28th August – Fathers Day Mass and Morning Tea

Monday 2nd September – Thursday 5th September – Year 11 Study Sessions – IMC – (3.30pm – 6.30pm)

Wednesday 4th September – Newman Symposium

Thursday 5th September and Friday 6th September – CAPA Showcase (Drama and Visual Arts)

Monday 9th September – Final Year 11 Exams Begin

Thursday 19th September – Last Day of Classes Year 12 and Graduation Mass Practice

Friday 20th September  – Year 12 Final Assembly (Day) and Graduation Mass (Evening), Year 11 Final Exams End

Monday 23rd September – Year 7 2020 Orientation Day 1

Monday 23rd September – Thursday 26th September – Year 12 HSC STUVAC Lessons

Thursday 26th September  – Last Day of Classes Years 7-11

Friday 27th September – Staff Spirituality Day (No Classes) 

Inspirational Quote to Prepare for Semester 2

Traffic Safety in and Around the College

Dear Parents/Carers,

We have recently updated the signage around the College roadway to ensure the safety of all of the members of our College community, especially our students.

Please find the updates below:

• There are clear signs to indicate the 10km/h speed limit and painted arrows on the road to indicate the direction that all cars should be going.

Morning Drop Off inside the College – We ask parents to move their car to the furthest point of the drop off zone to ensure as many cars as possible can come into the College ensuring traffic flow is not stopped or interrupted.  When parents park their cars nearest the gates this causes traffic jams on Hamilton and Bulls roads.  Please also check your mirrors when leaving to prevent any collisions and stick to the 10km/h speed limit within College grounds.  Students are to exit the vehicle from the passenger side only.

Below are images of the roadway signs and painted arrows.  Please take note of the following:

1. Speed limit sign and a reminder that there is no double parking/set down allowed
2. From the first staff carpark (nearest the entrance gate), left turn only is permitted
3. Please follow the direction arrows on the roadway
4. Left or right turn is permitted either towards the hall carpark (left) or towards the exit gate (right)
5. Please stop at the line to trigger the exit gate (if it is closed)

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Below is an ongoing reminder to parents/carers dropping off or picking up students on nearby streets around the College, regarding traffic safety, to ensure your daughter and all members of our community are kept safe:

Speed Limit – A reminder that during the times listed on the school zone signs, 40km/h speed limits apply.   We ask all parents to ensure you are vigilant with your speed and stick to the speed limit within our school zone all times.

Safe drop off – Please observe the road and parking rules to ensure you are dropping off or picking up your daughter in the correctly marked zones.  Parents are not permitted to park or stop at any time in a No Stopping Zone.  Particularly in Carnarvon Street as this blocks buses from entering of an afternoon preventing our students from getting home at a reasonable time.

Pickup and Drop Off Zones – A reminder that these zones can only be used for a quick pick up or drop off only.  The following applies:

• maximum stop time is two (2) minutes
• driver must remain in or within a vehicle
• vehicle must not be left unattended
• zone applies only during hours of operation

Police and Council Rangers regularly patrol the area around our College.  Please ensure you observe all road and parking rules.  These reminders are in place to ensure the safety of all members of our College community.  We thank all parents for your continued support and care of our students.  Please contact the College if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr Pablo Grana, Assistant Principal

Number Ninjas

Number Ninjas is an opportunity for Year 7 and CIEC students to develop their number sense and mathematical skills. This past term, the girls have been developing their ability to estimate, find missing values, halve and double numbers, understand fractions, decimals and place value, and recall number facts.

I would like to congratulate the girls who have attended this term on their enthusiasm, peer support and continued growth. I look forward to working with them again in Term 3. If you would like to join us, please complete the Permission note and return it to Mrs Waugh. Number Ninjas meet every Thursday afternoon in C25.

We will be welcoming any students, Years 7 – 9, who require support in developing their basic number skills.

A very big thank you to the teachers who have given their time to support this initiative – Ms Asad, Ms Zora, Mr Narayan, Miss Brown and Ms Lee. Without their participation and support this activity would not be possible.

Mrs Sara Waugh, Acting Leader of Mathematics

“Thank you to Mrs Waugh and her team for this excellent initiative focusing on improvement in mathematics and numeracy skills.” Ms Pussich

Winter Reading Challenge 2019

What is the Winter Reading Challenge 2019?

 The Winter Reading Challenge is a MMCC Literacy initiative focusing on improving reading and developing a regular reading habit for all students.

Students are asked to reflect on their current reading practice and, in consultation with their English teacher, set an improved reading target, which will be their Personal Best.

Students are asked to also consider what they are reading and other genres and texts they can explore.

When is it happening?

Winter Reading Challenge 2019 began in Term 2 Week 9 and will end in Term 3 Week 10.

What do students have to do?

• Students will be required to borrow books from the IMC and their local library, or bring books that they own from home.
• They need to develop a good reading habit. This requires them to read regularly, each day.
• In Wide Reading lessons each fortnight students will record what they are reading in the Winter Reading Challenge Journal/Log
• Students will also create a journal entry about the current book they are reading in their Winter Reading Challenge Journal/Log.
• Teachers will distribute and recollect these Reading Journals each Wide Reading Lesson.
• The Winter Reading Challenge Journal/Logs will be evidence of effort towards achieving their Personal Best. They will be shown to parents at Parent/Teacher Interviews to discuss their efforts and achievement in improving their reading skills.

Rewards & Prizes

• Academic Merit Awards will be given to students who are making a solid effort to achieve their Personal Best in Term 4.
• Certificates of Achievement and Merit Awards will be given to students who achieve their Personal Best.
• ONE student from each English class in Years 7 to 10, nominated by their teacher, will receive an award for Class Best Achievement, and attend a special Pizza Lunch as a reward for their outstanding effort in at the beginning of Term 4.

Why is Reading Important?

The evidence of benefits of reading for pleasure studies show that promoting reading can have a major impact on children and adults and their future. Several main areas of the benefits to reading for pleasure include:

• Reading attainment and writing ability;
• Text comprehension and grammar;
• Breadth of vocabulary;
• Positive reading attitudes;
• Greater self-confidence as a reader;
• Pleasure in reading in later life;
• General knowledge;
• A better understanding of other cultures;
• Community participation; and
• A greater insight into human nature and decision-making.

Evidence suggests that reading for pleasure leads to increased attainment. Pupils who read more are also better readers. A large scale survey of over 18,000 young people found that those who reported enjoying reading very much were six times more likely than those who did not enjoy reading to read above the expected level for their age. Evidence from OECD (2002) found that reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status. Clark and Rumbold (2006) argue that reading for pleasure could be one important way to help combat social exclusion and raise educational standards.

(Department for Education, United Kingdom,. Research Evidence On Reading For Pleasure. 1st ed. 2012. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.)

“Another great literacy initiative from the staff at MMCC. Thank you.” Ms Pussich

Study Skills Tips for July: Top Tips For Overcommitted Students

Maybe you are an elite athlete? Or a dedicated performer? Or someone who has many talents across lots of different areas and doesn’t want to give up any of your activities? No matter the reason, the bottom line is you are time poor. You struggle to fit in everything you need to do for school, because of all of the other commitments in your life. The bad news is there is no magic solution that will easily fix this issue for you. You cannot create more time. The good news is that there are things you can do to make more efficient use of the time you have.

These tips are an abbreviated version of the handout available on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au – just visit the Things To Print page to see the full version.

1. Don’t waste time in any of your classes at school. Make the most of every moment so you have less to do at home and set up a buddy system in case you miss any lessons.
2. Prune your activities and see if there is anything you can cut to reduce the pressure.
3. Make a timetable so you can schedule in everything that you need to do and want to do.
4. Use all little pockets of time. If you are waiting before training then use that time to complete some homework.
5. Always prioritise before you start work to ensure that the most important and urgent work is completed first.
6. If you are too tired when you get home from training it may be better to get to bed early and get up a bit earlier in the morning when you are fresh and do your work then.
7. You may need to sacrifice an occasional lunchtime when you know you will be too busy that night.
8. Let go of perfectionism it may not be possible to do everything as fully as you would like. Take smart shortcuts when you can.
9. Use any big blocks of time to tackle the time-consuming tasks that you haven’t had time for.
10. Some work like study notes, assessments or major works may be able to be left to the holidays.

Remember to be kind to yourself.  It is difficult to have enough time to excel in every aspect of your life! All you can do is make good choices with the time you have and make the most of that time and still try and get the best results you can given the time constraints you are working under.

Learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.

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