From the Chair of the Board

These final weeks of term have been busy and extremely rewarding.
In this last week our Year 8 and 9 students have completed their learning by engaging in our G‘Day Asia experience. It was very hard to judge the best decorated door, digital presentation and interactive activity. Our Home Economics department and Canteen worked together to prepare and serve delicious asian food.

Our final newsletter for the school year provides us with the opportunity to reflect on all that has unfolded in 2017.  It has been our year of offering gratitude, drawing on Mary’s wisdom to help us lead lives present to the wonder of our God. The past few days have seen the girls move through the College bursting with energy, sharing gifts and cards, saying thank you to their teachers and offering farewell hugs as they begin the long holiday break.

Social Justice Outreach
Inspired by the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to 'Never see a need without doing something about it.', The students have been active supporters of various campaigns to raise awareness of existing social justice issues and making a difference in the lives of others.

In the Australian curriculum there are several cross curriculum priorities and one of these is Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia. As Asia is our nearest neighbour and will be increasingly important socially and economically for Australia’s future it is important for students to develop an understanding of Asia.

This understanding underpins the capacity of Australian students to be active and informed global citizens and we are aware that many of our students will travel to, or possibly work, in these countries in the very near future.

Prayer to End a School Year

God of wisdom,
we thank you
for all the gifts you have given us
throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life,
for saving us in Christ,
and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year,
we voice our gratitude
for the good things you have done in us,
and we praise you for all who have shared
in the work of this school.
We ask you to bless them in your love
and give them refreshment and peace.
We praise you, God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever

Amen

On Friday 1 December, the two Year 8 Drama classes performed their class productions in front of students, staff and parents. Mrs Coxhill’s class performed Hansel and Gretel and the Creepy Woods and Ms MacLennan’s class performed Alice in Wonderland. During the intermission, Maeve, one of our Year 8 students, played two beautiful pieces on the violin.

22 December 2017 College Office closes
22 January 2018 College Office opens
24 January 2018 Teaching staff return
26 January 2018 Australia Day Holiday
30 January 2018 Orientation Day - Years 9 - 11 & new students & Year 8 &12 students
31 January 2018 All students return
2 February 2018 Swimming Carnival

Parents and friends are invited to volunteer in the canteen which is a great opportunity to broaden friendships and enhance the environment for our MacKillop girls. If you are able to join our happy crew of volunteers, by helping for a few hours, from as little as once a month, our Canteen Manager Narelle Matthews would love to hear from you!

You can phone her at the College on 8333 6300 until 2.30pm or on 8263 2423 after 5pm.