MacKillop College Newsletter Week 10 Term 3 2025

From the Principal

Maria Auxiliante Esto Mundi Lumen

(With Mary’s Help Be A Light To The World)

Congratulations

On Thursday 11 September, Mrs Whelan and I were fortunate to attend the NSW Training Awards at Sydney Town Hall where Amali Rollinson of Year 12 was named NSW School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year for 2025. This is a huge honour for Amali, who received her award in front of her family, friends and supporters. This award is the culmination of Amali’s hard work and dedication to achieving her best in her chosen field. We are very proud of Amali and wish her well as she now progresses to the national finals in Darwin later in the year. To see Amali’s citation, and those of the other award recipients, please click below link.

College Leaders 2025/2026

This week at Tuesday’s Leaders Assembly, the College leaders for 2025/2026 were announced. The announcement was the culmination of a thorough process involving nominations, speeches and student and staff voting. We are highly fortunate to have such a rich pool of candidates who are keen to take on leadership roles within the College. My heartfelt thanks goes to all of our students who put themselves forward for a leadership position, and my congratulations goes to the following students who were elected to these positions.

Senior Council

House Captains

Welcoming Committee 

Music Ministers

Year 12 Graduation Events

The last two weeks of term have seen a raft of events and activities to prepare for and celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. Dress up days, morning tea and luncheon events, debates and sporting events have filled the calendar with the aim of making the final weeks of Year 12’s time at MacKillop as memorable as possible.

The Graduation Mass on Thursday 25 September was a beautiful celebration of Year 12’s time at the College, highlighting our gratitude for what they have brought to the College over the past six years. It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Steven Muller back to the College community for the Mass, as he played such a significant role in the lives of Year 12 during their time at MacKillop.

The final Year 12 assembly was a fantastic way for the College Community to say farewell to Year 12 in a less formal manner. We wish all of Year 12 all the best for their upcoming HSC examinations, and we look forward to celebrating with them and their families at the Graduation Dinner and Presentation Day in November.

End of Term 3

As we end Term 3,  I would like to thank all of the College staff for their dedication to the education and wellbeing of our wonderful students.  I trust that our students, our staff and their families have a relaxing and restorative holiday time,  and I wish our students and staff, who are travelling to Cambodia and Vietnam on the College’s first immersion trip, a safe and rewarding experience.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school for Term 4.

Peter Halpin

Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Year 12 HSC Preparation

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who achieved academic excellence in their recent Trial Examinations.

Olivia Agnew, Reese Baker, Karli Butler, Maddelyn Cooke, Gabrielle Ferguson, Molly Gildea, Ashley Graham, Hayley Green, Ruby Griffin, Komadi Kumarasinghe, Jaazba Mahmood, Laura Martin-Clark, Annabel Phillips, Ebony Robinson and Dakota Treanor received certificates acknowledging their results during Tuesday’s assembly.

The HSC commences on Thursday 16 October. We wish Year 12 all the best for their upcoming HSC exams.

Key messages to share 

• Nobody has it all together all the time. So, it’s okay if you have a not-so-good or completely terrible day.  Listen to what your mind and body is telling you and take breaks when you need them. 
• Remember how much you have already accomplished. You’ve come so far and worked so hard. Trust that all your hard work will pay off in your final exams. 
• If you’re feeling stressed closer to exams, your mates probably are too! Have a chat with them about how you’re feeling and support each other. 
• Remember, HSC is just the beginning! There are so many post-school pathways, you’ll be spoilt for choice regardless of your HSC results. 
• It can be overwhelming to think about what needs to be done before your first exam. Make a plan, outline your priorities for each day or week to help you feel comfortable and in-control about what’s ahead. 
• No exam is more important than your wellbeing, so listen to your mental health needs and look after yourself. 

Many more resources are available at Reach Out.

Year 11 Examinations

As we farewell our Year 12 students this week, Year 11 students completed their Year 11 Exams. Next term they begin the process of confirming their HSC study pattern. They will also, in coming weeks, commence the HSC Mentor program where they will select a member of the College staff to assist them with their pathway to the HSC.  As the new leaders of the College, we wish them a smooth transition into their HSC studies.

Wishing all families a happy and safe holiday break,

Gina Whelan

Assistant Principal

REC Mission

As we reach the end of this term, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the many achievements, opportunities and experiences that have shaped our school community. From praise and worship, incredible fundraising initiatives and worship with our wider faith community retreats, our students have continued to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and a spirit of service. We thank staff, students and families for their support throughout the term and look forward to the opportunities that Term 4 will bring.

Immersion Team Fundraising Success

Our Vietnam and Cambodia Immersion Team has been working hard on their fundraising efforts throughout the year. The most recent initiatives, the Pie Drive and Raffle, raised an impressive $6,500. Combined with other fundraising efforts throughout the year, the total the Team has raised for this great cause has now reached $10,000 — an extraordinary result!

These funds will directly support:

• The provision and building of school desks for a school in Cambodia.
• The buying and distribution of food staples to families in Cambodia.
• The purchase of resources for a centre supporting abandoned children in Vietnam.
• The building of a home for a family in need in Vietnam.

We are so proud of the generosity, teamwork, and commitment shown by this group in making such a meaningful difference.

Farewell and Best Wishes to the Immersion Team

In the second week of the school holidays, our Immersion Team will depart for their two-week journey to Cambodia and Vietnam. While overseas, the team will not only take part in sightseeing and cultural experiences, but will also roll up their sleeves to help bring these projects to life — including building school desks and constructing a home for a family in need.

We wish the team every success and look forward to hearing their stories and reflections when they return. Their efforts truly embody the values of service, compassion and global citizenship.

Rise Up: Year 9 Praise and Worship Day

As part of the CSYMA program at MacKillop College, Year 9 students participated in the Rise Up Praise and Worship Day. This special event, led by Emmanuel Worship, brought together students from across the Diocese for a day of faith, music and community building. Students travelled to Blayney for the day and enjoyed the opportunity to grow in their faith and celebrate with others in an atmosphere of joy and praise.

Year 3 Eucharist Retreat

A small group of our CSYMA students, alongside students from St Stanislaus' College, led a retreat day for Year 3 students from local Catholic schools in preparation for their First Eucharist. The retreat offered a time of prayer, reflection and fun activities to help the younger students understand the significance of the Sacrament and prepare to receive it with reverence and joy. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their leadership and faith with younger members of the community.

Parish Mass: Music Ministry

On Sunday 31st August, our Music Ministers had the privilege of leading the music ministry at Parish Mass at The Assumption Church. Their contribution through song and music helped create a prayerful and uplifting liturgy, bringing the parish community together in worship. We are proud of the way our students shared their gifts and faith in such a meaningful way. 

Farewell and Blessing for Year 12

As our Year 12 students graduate, we give thanks for the gifts they have shared with our school community throughout their time at MacKillop College. They have grown in wisdom, resilience and faith, and we are proud of the young adults they have become. We pray that God will continue to guide and bless them as they step into the next chapter of their lives, bringing hope, courage and compassion to all they encounter. May they always remember that they are valued members of our community, and that their journeys will be held in our thoughts and prayers.

Dr Amber Calleja

Leader of Mission and Faith Formation

Teaching and Learning

Exam Preparation for Year 12 Students

As Term 3 draws to a close and the festivities of the Year 12 Final Assembly and Graduation Mass have concluded, now is the time for Year 12 students to refocus and begin preparing for the upcoming HSC Exams that begin with English, Thursday 16 October.
While it is important to rest and recharge over this coming break, it is equally vital for you to use this time wisely for structured study and exam preparation.
A few key strategies promoted by past students reflecting on the final weeks leading up to their HSC exams:

“Make a Study Timetable”

Create a study timetable that breaks down each subject, focusing on areas where you feel less confident. Allocate time to make fresh summary notes on the syllabus dot-points for each unit and then practice past papers. A well-structured plan will not only help you to cover all the necessary content, but it will also help you to manage those stress levels.

“Have a Positive Mindset”

Approach this preparation time with confidence. Remember that the HSC is an opportunity to showcase all the hard work you’ve put in leading up to this final session of assessment. Stay positive, believe in your ability to succeed, and keep your long-term goals in mind.
As you head into these final exams, know that the whole MacKillop community is behind you, supporting you every step of the way. Your teachers are here to assist with any last-minute advice, feedback, or exam preparation tips.

Best of luck with your revision over the break.

Paul McPhillamy

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Student Wellbeing News

Important Changes to Social Media Age

As we approach 10 December, when the new Social Media Minimum Age law comes into effect, it’s important for families to start preparing for the changes. 

If you have children under 16 who currently use age-restricted social media platforms, they will be directly impacted by the new law.

To support your children through this transition, it’s helpful to: 

• Talk openly about the new age restrictions and why they’re being introduced. 
• Understand how your child currently uses social media and explore how these changes might affect them. 
• Reassure them that these changes are about safety and wellbeing, not punishment.
  

We encourage parents to access the latest information and details by checking out the e-Safety Commissioner Website.  Link below.

Community Service in Action

At the heart of our school community is a strong commitment to service. Over the past few weeks, our students have lived out this value in practical and meaningful ways, demonstrating compassion, leadership and a willingness to make a difference.

Year 4 Discovery Day: Building Connection and Fun

Last Friday, our College welcomed over 120  Year 4 students to a special Year 4 Discovery Day, to get a taste of the high school experience at MacKillop. The day was beautifully supported by our Year 8 and Year 9 students, who volunteered as leaders and helpers. The staff involved also offered their time generously to provide an array of activities. Their energy, kindness and enthusiasm ensured the day ran smoothly and created a warm, welcoming environment for the younger students. This initiative not only strengthened bonds within our own school community but also built valuable connections with our local feeder primary schools, giving the girls a taste of the spirit and belonging that awaits them in just a few years time!

Legacy Badge Selling: Service Beyond the School Gates

During Legacy Week, our Year 10 students took the lead as volunteers in selling Legacy badges in town to raise funds in support of the families of veterans. With pride and commitment, they represented our school in the wider community, sharing the important story of Legacy and its mission to care for those impacted by service and sacrifice. Their efforts raised both funds and awareness, while also showing how our students can actively contribute to causes that extend well beyond the school gates.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Katie Bennett and Monica Hay

English/ Languages

The Joy of Learning a Language: Exploring Italian and Japanese

Learning a new language is more than memorising words and grammar rules; it’s a journey into a new culture, a fresh way of thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Studying Italian allows students to dive into a language that’s melodious, expressive, and closely tied to art, history, music and cuisine. From learning basic greetings and expanding vocabulary to exploring Italian traditions and festivals, students experience how language connects with everyday life. Japanese introduces students to a completely different way of communicating and thinking. Beyond vocabulary and sentence structures, learners discover Japanese customs, learning the importance of respect and hierarchy in daily interactions. Learning Japanese encourages patience, attention to detail, and a deeper respect for cultural differences.

Why Learning a Language Matters

Learning Italian or Japanese isn’t just about speaking another language. It opens doors to new friendships, travel experiences, and a deeper understanding of different ways of life. It also helps students develop skills like problem-solving, memory, and empathy. Experiencing the world through a new language makes life richer and more connected.

Language students not only speak in the target language but also understand and appreciate cultural traditions in both countries. Learning a language is a journey that goes far beyond the classroom. It’s an adventure into culture, communication, and connection.

At MacKillop College, students have the unique opportunity to explore languages like Italian and Japanese, and each brings its own charm and cultural richness.

Prof Colagrossi and Hangan Sensei

Design & Technology

Year 12 Design & Technology – Major Project Milestone

Another September has rolled by, and I am immensely proud of our ten Year 12 Design and Technology students – Shontay, Alisia, Gabrielle, Ava, Chloe, Charlotte, Jaazba, Mikayla, Annabel and Ebony – who have now completed their Major Design Projects for HSC marking.

It has been a privilege to witness the dedication and creativity the students have demonstrated throughout this process. Their projects reflect not only innovation and craftsmanship but also the development of valuable skills in organisation, perseverance, problem-solving, and resilience.

On Wednesday 10 September, their work was proudly exhibited in the Trade Training Centre, showcasing the outstanding results of many months of effort and commitment. The exhibition was a testament to their determination.

As they now prepare for their written examinations in October, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Design and Technology Class of 2025 and wish them every success in the next stage of their HSC journey.

Mrs Ximena McPhillamy

Music

Year 12 Music: Original Demo Recording

Year 12 Music had a fantastic time in Week 6 recording their original song, “Overthinking Life” at “The Boatshed” recording studio owned and operated by local musician and sound technician, Kris Schubert. The students recorded all of the tracks on the demo themselves; vocals, backing vocals, guitar, bass guitar and, importantly, egg shaker and tambourine.  The students thoroughly enjoyed immersing themselves in the recording experience. 

This excursion followed up a songwriting incursion run by local musician, Abby Smith, earlier in the year wherein the students refined their songwriting skills. The class of 2025 have a particular strength in lyricism that they were able to showcase in this piece.

Georgia Phillips

Music

Check out the song here: 

Library News

BOOK WEEK GUESSING COMPETITION

Congratulations to our guessing competition winners Katie McPhail, Zara Mulligan and Charlotte Agustin.   Thank you to the staff members (below) who were part of the quiz.

DOWNLOAD AN e-BOOK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Click the link below to visit the SORA site. Click ‘ACEN (Australian Catholic Education Network)’ and then click ‘Sign in using ACEN’. There are tens of thousands of e-Books, as well as many audio books for you to download to your device. Check out the “Always Available” category for books that allow unlimited borrowers.

Amber Bowman

Careers Corner

Careers - Student Pathways

Year 10 Work Experience 

In Week 4, Year 10 students from MacKillop College successfully embarked on their one-week work experience program, marking an important step in their journey toward future career pathways. The overwhelming majority of students took part, immersing themselves in a wide range of industries and returning with valuable insights, strengthened confidence, and newly developed skills.

The program proved to be an outstanding success, with students praising the opportunity to connect classroom learning with the professional world. Their positive experiences are a credit to the many businesses and individuals who so generously hosted one or more students. Your support not only enriched their understanding of the workplace but also inspired them to explore new possibilities for the future.

We sincerely thank the following businesses and individuals;

UAC

Reminder: UAC’s application early bird fees END on the 30th September, link below.

Jobjump - Career News Bulletin

Click below for the latest careers bulletin from Jobjump.

Diocesan Athletics

On Thursday 21st August, our MacKillop Athletics Team travelled to Dubbo for the Annual Diocesan Athletics Carnival, held at Barden Park. It was an early and wet start, departing at 5:30am, but thankfully the showers cleared, and the sun appeared to make for a great day of competition.

The carnival was smoothly coordinated as always thanks to Mr Knights’ excellent organisation, with valuable support from our MacKillop students who assisted in many roles throughout the day.

Our school was proudly represented by:
Eva Chiaramonte, Ella Collett, Savannah Green, Poppie Kentwell, Amali Locke, Lyla Warren, Madison Farrell, Matilda Collett, Lily Dawson, Jacinta King, Payton Oakley, Poppi Stephen, Hallie Allen, Sophie Francis, Mali Grabham, Natalie Groves, Caitlyn Harisson, Ella Pringle, Amity Smith, Zoe Byrnes, Lara Francis, Elka Lee, Sophie Windsor, Rebecca Windsor, Amelia Hanman, Isla Hay, Anna Seaman, Emily Wray, and India Worland.

The day proved extremely successful for our athletes, with MacKillop securing Age Champion titles in the 12, 15 and 17 years divisions, as well as taking home the Girls Champion Trophy.

A huge thank you is extended to the many parents who travelled to support the team, and to Ms Monica Hay and Mrs Danielle Whyte for their assistance in completing key duties on the day.

Finally, we congratulate and wish the very best of luck to the following students who will go on to represent the Diocese at the NSW CCC Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, Homebush, on Monday 15th September:
Payton Oakley, Elka Lee, Eva Chiaramonte, Matilda Collett, Lily Dawson, Mali Grabham, Natalie Groves, Poppie Kentwell, Amali Locke, Anna Seaman, and Sophie Windsor.

Mrs Alysha Bright

NSW CCC Athletics

Congratulations to all of our talented MacKillop athletes who recently represented the College at the NSW CCC Athletics Championships in Homebush.  We are incredibly proud of the effort and sportsmanship shown by each athlete on such a big stage.  A special mention goes to Amali Locke for her outstanding achievements, placing 2nd in the Under 13’s Shot Put and 3rd in the Under 13’s Discus.  A fantastic effort and well deserved recognition of her hard work and ability.

Diocesan Basketball

The MacKillop junior and intermediate basketball teams recently competed in the annual Diocesan Basketball Carnival, held at the newly refurbished Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium. It was an early start and a long day of fast-paced competition, with both teams showcasing skill, determination and teamwork in a series of competitive and at times, nail biting matches.

Our junior team made up of; Audrey Theobald, Tayla Bonham, Alexis Hickey, Ella Collett, Jacinta King, Matilda Ballinger, Hannah Edgell, India Pears, and Harper Dunn fought hard throughout the day, progressing to the grand final against St Johns Dubbo. In an exciting finish, the girls went down by just one point in the closing minutes to place second overall. A special thank you goes to student coaches Ruby Griffin and Maria Hines, whose guidance and encouragement were invaluable.

The intermediate team consisted of; Leeona Kele, Elsie Tomlinson, Bessie Ball, Daisy Dwyer, Annika Theobald, Ruby Clark, Sianna Fish, and Sophie Francis also had an impressive run, winning their pool and securing victory in a tough semi-final. In the final, they too faced St Johns Dubbo, playing with great intensity before ultimately finishing runners up. The team was excellently coached by students Danika Breen and Brianna Sufong.

We would also like to acknowledge our hardworking MacKillop PASS helpers who managed scorekeeping, result logging, and administration across the day. Their efforts ensured the carnival ran smoothly and their contribution was greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to both our teams on their outstanding performances and sportsmanship!

Mr Garrett Townsend and Mrs Alysha Bright

NSWCCC Tennis Tournament

The MacKillop tennis team qualified for the NSWCCC Tennis Tournament, to be held in Bathurst, 1st September.
The team consisted of in order of rank 1. Bridie Worthy, 2. Eva Chiaramonte, 3. Emily Morris  and 4. Sarah Wong.
The 1st match was against Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta. It was a close fought match and MKC lost 5 sets to 3.  As a result the team was relegated into the Plate playoff side of the draw.

The 2nd match saw the team play Carroll College Goulburn. In this match the team won 5 sets to 1. Progressing through the draw to the final match against St. Joseph’s Broken Bay, the final for the Plate. The team saved their best performance for last, winning 6 sets to 0. We won the Plate and ranked 5th in the state; a tremendous result.

I would like to congratulate the 4 girls on their amazing performance and way they conducted themselves with true sportsmanship. Bridie our no.1 ranked player lead the team right from the start of the day. With strong skills, solid ground strokes and a killer serve. She played 8 sets and won 8 sets; an outstanding contribution to the team.
Eva our no.2 ranked player, from Yr 7 displayed courage taking on players much older than herself. Eva played consistently and competitively winning many rallies during the day. I look forward to watching her develop as a player as she has exceptional potential.

Our two Yr 11 players Emily and Sarah played for the last time for the team today. They got stronger as the day went on and played some of their best tennis. Well Done! I thank them for their contribution, sportsmanship and being excellent ambassadors for MacKillop college.

I would like to thank the many family members who came to support the players, look after the players and encourage them so positively. I would like to make a special mention to Andrew Mitton. We are grateful that he hosts the NSWCCC tennis tournament in town at the Bathurst Tennis Centre. Andrew and Fran do a tremendous job, making the tournament a success. Thank you, Andrew, also for the professional coaching job you do with our players, preparing them for the tournament.

Team Manager

Mrs Margot Cantrill

Congratulations Amali Rollinson!

We are thrilled to announce that Amali Rollinson, a dedicated student at MacKillop College, has been named the 2025 NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year! 

Amali's journey began with her winning the Western NSW Regional Award, propelling her to the state finals. Last night, she clinched the state title at the prestigious NSW Training Awards held at Sydney Town Hall. This remarkable achievement recognises her exceptional commitment to her Certificate III in Hairdressing through The Hair Academy Australia, alongside her role at Blush Hair and Beauty Bar in Bathurst.

But the journey doesn't end here! As the state winner, Amali now progresses to the Australian Training Awards, where she will compete for the Australian School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year title. The national finals will take place in December 2025, with interviews scheduled for November 10th and 11th.

Amali's dedication and passion for her craft are truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to supporting her as she represents MacKillop College and New South Wales on the national stage.

Overseas School Visit & Donation from CEDB

It was a privilege to return to Los Algarrobos School in Canoa, Ecuador during our travels through South America. It is three years since we were last here and it was wonderful to be welcomed so warmly by the school community. 

This year, the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) was delighted to support learning by donating a set of Chromebooks for the school’s computer lab.

We were inspired by the enthusiasm of the students and the dedication of the teachers. Visiting classrooms, we saw learners deeply engaged in their studies and thriving in such a positive environment.

A special thank you to Principal Antonia and Founder James Byrd for warmly welcoming us into their school community  

It is always uplifting to see the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our communities grow stronger with each visit. 

Adam van Raad

House Debating

House Debating 2025

The House Debating Competition is one that calls for our students to show off a range of the attributes that we pride most at MacKillop: cleverness, eloquence, confidence, and quick wit, as well as good measures of enthusiasm, humour and good-sportsmanship. 

In the depths of term 3, amid the busy-ness of all things academic, our House Captains drew together extraordinary teams of debaters across year groups to face this final Inter-House challenge. Just when the weather looked like it was warming up and that spending a lunchtime outdoors would be a lovely option, flocks of debating fans nestled into the library to see this competition play out over its three weeks. 

As has become tradition, a bonus point is awarded to the ‘Debatiest Debater’ in each debate, and we must acknowledge the impressive oratory skills of these particularly articulate individuals: Estée Benita, Mia Nunan, Jess Robson, Evie Hawkins, Abigail Sadler, Millie Cole, Ashley Graham and Charlotte Lovett. 

A bonus point is also awarded to the House with the greater number of audience members for each debate, and this year, it was this that determined the result. With Gilroy and MacKillop tied at the end of the competition, it was a count-back of Audience Bonus Points that determined this year’s winner - MacKillop House - though it is true to say that MacKillop College is the real winner of this annual event!

Enormous thanks must go to the library staff for generously opening up the space for this competition, the English teachers who adjudicate each debate, the Video Committee and Photographers who ensure that this competition becomes part of MKC’s digital history, the House Captains for their incredible organisation, the debaters for their steadfast enthusiasm, and, of course, the audience. 

Sarah McCleary

Year 12 Celebration Week

The Home Stretch - Year 12 Celebration Week

In their second last week of Term 3, our Year 12 students embraced The Home Stretch with five days of themed dress-ups, laughter, and plenty of spirit. Each day brought a new opportunity to celebrate together before their HSC exams begin.

From the silver screen glamour of Movie Monday, to the clever impersonations of Teacher Tuesday, the boots and bandanas of Wild West Wednesday, the nostalgic vibes of Throwback Thursday, and finally the colour and creativity of Funky Friday – the week was a joyful reminder of the camaraderie and energy of this cohort.

It was a fitting way to close this chapter of their schooling with fun, friendship, and memories they will carry with them long after exams. We wish Year 12 all the very best as they prepare for the HSC and take their next steps beyond MacKillop.

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