Edition Six 2 July 2025

Mary MacKillop College acknowledges the Kaurna people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and study. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week – Sunday 6 July until Sunday 13 July 2025

NAIDOC Week prayer

Loving Creator God,

We thank You for the ancient lands on which we gather, and we acknowledge the First Nations peoples who have cared for this Country since time immemorial.

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we honour the wisdom, resilience, and rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. May we listen deeply to their voices and stories, and walk together in a spirit of truth, justice and reconciliation.

Help us to embrace unity, respect and compassion as we seek healing and hope for all people. May Your Spirit guide us to be peacemakers and bridge-builders in our school, our community and our world.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the AJASS (Australian Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) Principals’ Conference at Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney. It was both inspiring and affirming to meet with other leaders from Josephite schools across Australia, each of us deeply committed to continuing the mission of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph. While our schools are spread far and wide, it was clear that we are united by a shared purpose—to educate with courage, compassion and faith, and to nurture communities where each young person is known, supported and encouraged to flourish.

In mid-June, St Joseph’s Memorial School held their annual Sports Day on our College oval, and we were pleased to welcome their students, staff and families to our grounds. The weather was perfect, and the day was filled with great spirit and enjoyment. It is always special to support our partner primary schools through events such as these, and our own Mary MacKillop College student helpers did a fantastic job assisting throughout the day.

That spirit of connection continued last week as our College came together with the upper primary students from St Joseph's Memorial School to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart at St Ignatius Church. It was a beautiful celebration of faith and friendship—MacKillop people coming together in the true spirit of community.

Throughout the term, students have continued to immerse themselves in rich learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. From excursions and workshops to interstate trips, co-curricular activities and service initiatives, there has been so much happening across the College. I encourage you to take the time to enjoy the articles and photos in this edition of the newsletter that capture some of the many highlights.

Good luck to our Queensland Netball team as they travel to the Gold Coast to represent the College at the International Netball Festival this weekend. We look forward to hearing about their experiences and achievements.

As we approach the end of Term 2, it is a good moment to pause and acknowledge all that has been achieved so far this year. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, hardworking students and supportive families for the collective effort that makes our College such a vibrant and purposeful place to learn and grow.

Wishing you all a restful and refreshing break. May the weeks ahead bring warmth to your hearts, no matter the winter weather.

Go well and God bless.

Sonia Nelson
Principal

Vinnies Winter Sleep Over: Year 12 students show leadership, compassion and solidarity

As a Josephite school, we are called to follow the example of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the teachings of Jesus by standing with the poor and marginalised. Our Year 12 students lived out this call, showing leadership, compassion and a strong commitment to justice when they took part in the annual Vinnies Winter Sleep Over. An evening designed to raise awareness about homelessness and give students a chance to reflect on the lives of those living without secure shelter. While our students didn’t sleep outside in the winter elements, they gave up the comfort of their own beds to spend the night in the College Gymnasium. This act of solidarity reminds us all of the blessings we often take for granted.

As part of the evening, students engaged in a number of reflective and informative activities. They spent time outside with limited resources to gain a small insight into what it might feel like to be cold and without a home. The experience prompted meaningful conversations about gratitude, dignity and the role we all play in caring for vulnerable members of our community.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from a representative of the St Vincent de Paul Society, who shared eye-opening information about homelessness in Australia and the vital work that Vinnies does to support those in need. The students learnt that over 122,000 Australians experience homelessness each night, with causes ranging from domestic violence and financial hardship to mental illness and housing insecurity. The talk offered a deeper understanding of where donations go and how even small contributions can make a big difference.

Inspired by the message of compassion and justice, our students collected a generous amount of items to donate: warm blankets, beanies, coats, socks and non-perishable food. These items have been distributed to those doing it tough this winter, offering both warmth and hope.

I commend our Year 12 students for their generosity of heart and thank the staff who supported them throughout the experience. Events like the Vinnies Winter Sleep Over remind us all the power of compassion and the importance of walking alongside those in need.

Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal

Celebrating the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass – A Josephite Community Gathering

On Thursday 26 June, we were blessed to come together as a united Josephite community to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Students and staff from Mary MacKillop College and the Years 4 to 6 students and staff from St Joseph's Memorial School joined in a beautiful, combined Mass that reflected the love, compassion and faith at the heart of our shared mission.

The mass held at St Ignatius Church, was filled with prayer, songs and reflection, highlighting the significance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a symbol of God’s immense love for humanity. It was particularly special to witness both primary and secondary students coming together in reverence and joy, showing how the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop continues to guide and inspire us all.

Through the sincere words of scripture, the uplifting power of music and the spirit-filled participation of our students, we were reminded of the call to love others with open hearts, just as Jesus did. The Mass strengthened our sense of connection with one another and affirmed the beauty of our Josephite heritage, of love, service and the courage to reach out to those in need.

We thank Fr Chris Jenkins, the staff and students from both schools, and our mass helpers for creating such a meaningful celebration. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to guide our community in faith, compassion, courage and unity.

With blessings

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

A Week in the Capital – Unforgettable Moments in Canberra

Our Year 10 MacKillop Discovers Canberra trip was an incredible experience filled with learning, adventure, inspiration and lasting memories. Over several action-packed days, our students immersed themselves in the heart of Australia’s political, cultural and historical landscape, embracing every opportunity with curiosity, enthusiasm and respect.

From the moment we arrived, students were captivated by what makes our nation’s capital such a unique place. At the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s elite sporting hub. Students tested their athletic abilities through interactive challenges and gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and discipline of our national athletes.

Our visit to the National Capital Authority opened our eyes to the fascinating design and planning behind Canberra. We explored the vision of Walter and Marion Burley Griffin, learned about the significance of the Parliamentary Triangle and discovered how the capital reflects Australia’s democratic values—past and present.

No trip to Canberra would be complete without a visit to Parliament House. Our students approached this experience with enthusiasm and engagement, taking part in a mock parliamentary session. Grace confidently took on the role of Prime Minister, supported by her team, and led the proceedings with clarity and poise. We also visited Government House, where the elegant surroundings were made even more special by Ava and Violet’s impromptu performance on the Governor’s grand piano, a delightful and unexpected highlight.

At the Museum of Australian Democracy, we explored the evolution of Australia’s political landscape. From stepping into former Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s office to examining the role of media in democracy, students reflected on the impact of misinformation and the responsibility we all have as critical consumers in the digital age.

The Australian War Memorial provided a deeply moving experience. Students were especially engaged by the story of Sister Vivian Bullwinkel and the role of women as Prisoners of War, alongside iconic stories such as Simpson and his donkey. It was a powerful opportunity to reflect on themes of service, sacrifice and resilience.

Science came alive at Questacon, where students braved the famous Free Fall and delved into the wonders of physics, chemistry and the universe. Despite the cold, the night sky at Mount Stromlo Observatory was awe-inspiring. Students peered through telescopes and identified constellations along the Milky Way.

We also embraced the natural world with visits to the National Arboretum and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Students took part in orienteering and enjoyed a twilight tour, discovering native Australian plants and even spotting a few possums and owls!

Cultural enrichment was woven throughout our Discover Canberra experience. At the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia, students explored identity and artistic expression. At the Royal Australian Mint, they learned about the development of Australian currency and saw where our coins are made. The week concluded at the National Museum of Australia with a powerful focus on Indigenous rights and freedoms, reinforcing the importance of truth-telling and reconciliation in our national story.

Of course, no trip would be complete without some fun! From dinner at Milky Lane and a quick shopping spree to joyful bus singalongs, peer-led night-time activities and lots of laughter, the spirit of togetherness was ever-present, even as we braved the chilly Canberra evenings!

This was more than a school trip. it was a journey of discovery, connection and pride. Our students represented the school with maturity, positivity and a strong willingness to learn. They return home with a deeper understanding of our nation, strengthened friendships and cherished memories.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Australian Government, which contributes $90.00 per student through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. This funding helps make it possible for our students to engage meaningfully with key national institutions and experience firsthand the workings of our democracy.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all involved in the planning—and a special thank you to Peter, our wonderful bus driver, Mrs Gates and Mr Iannace, and most importantly, the girls. You made Canberra an unforgettable experience for us all.

Sarah Morris
Director of Teaching and Learning

As part of their Italian studies, the Year 10 class recently completed a unit on migration. The annual Collage of Migration event, shared with Year 10 students from Rostrevor College, celebrated this learning and brought the community together.

Each student interviewed a migrant and shared their story through a bilingual poster. These personal accounts helped students understand the courage and resilience involved in starting a new life in a different country, and how migration continues to shape our communities and Australia’s multicultural identity.

Our guest speaker, Dr Daniela Cosmini, a researcher, author and academic from Flinders University, spoke about how her Italian identity has grown stronger while living in Australia, and how she has developed a greater appreciation for her culture. She emphasised to students that their work in retelling the stories of migrants is important and meaningful.

A highlight was a musical performance by Joe Piantadosi, the grandfather of Year 10 student Ava, and his accompanist Adriano Rosmini. They performed two special songs about migration, Terra Straniera and Miniera, creating a celebration rich with pride and cultural connection.

The event concluded with a performance of the song, Sarà Perchè Ti Amo, by Ricchi e Poveri, sung by the Year 10 students.

The day then continued with Lasciatemi Collegare, meaning Let Us Connect, where senior Italian students from both Colleges engaged in hands-on activities that combined language learning with cultural immersion. From sketching Italian icons to playing games that reinforced their learning, students enjoyed Tutti in Famiglia, a Family Feud-style quiz with questions about Italian culture; Affari Tuoi, a Deal or No Deal game revising Italy’s regions; Tombola, a bingo game with a twist where clues were given in Italian; and Indovina la Canzone, a guessing game where students read a short text in Italian to the tune of a well-known English song before naming the title. These activities made language learning fun, engaging and memorable, as students practised key skills in creative and enjoyable ways. A shared antipasto lunch of traditional Italian fried foods brought everyone together for a delicious cultural experience.

It was a wonderful day of learning, connection and celebration, inspiring students to continue exploring the Italian language and culture into the future.

Mary Lepore
Languages Leader of Learning

Our Arts news represents a small part of all the amazing activities going on in the Arts Faculty this term.

In Visual Art, we ended the term with beautiful paintings, sculptures and mixed media artwork. The Year 7 students experienced clay and glazing for the first time and created lovely angels. They researched angels in Art throughout history and the importance of their stories.
After our excursion to the Botanic gardens, visiting the Chihuly sculptures, the Year 9 students developed compositions and worked on striking pastel drawings in 2D.

In Music this term, the Performance Choir have mastered the song ‘Die with a Smile’, which they will perform at the Good News Assembly on Thursday with Marina, our choir director and Edmund accompanying on piano.

In Dance and Drama, there has been a lot of action and preparation for Schools Challenge which is held at the Entertainment Centre in August. The following report provides additional insights into the wonderful evening.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 2-week break! We can’t wait to see more amazing achievements in the term ahead.

Linda Di Blasio
The Arts Leader of Learning

Schools Challenge is fast approaching and our team of seventy Dance and Drama students from Years 7 to 9 have been busy with lunchtime rehearsals preparing for the event. Schools Challenge aims to empower students through storytelling and providing a supportive arts environment. The event focuses on key values like positive mental health, growth mindset, positive body image and having a voice. Held over two nights this year, our school will be performing at 6.00pm on Wednesday 13 August at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Our Schools Challenge item, Circle of Life, is a vibrant celebration of African music, culture, and dance, inspired by the narrative of The Lion King. This performance follows Simba's journey back to the Pride Lands, where he embraces his destiny and takes his place as a leader. Reflecting our 2025 school theme, Through Challenge We Flourish, Simba’s story becomes a powerful metaphor for growth through adversity, courage and the strength found in community.

The theme of Circle of Life was chosen because it carries a timeless and relevant message for young people navigating a rapidly changing world. Simba’s journey of self-discovery, resilience and responsibility mirrors the challenges many students face as they grow, learn and find their place in the world. By exploring African culture and the powerful symbolism of the natural world, this theme encourages students to embrace diversity and recognise the importance of community. The story of Simba’s journey reminds students that even through setbacks and uncertainty, they have the strength to rise, lead and grow.

Three students who embraced this leadership challenge were Year 7 students Adeline, Charlotte and Audrey. These students have applied and been successful in becoming student representatives for our school at the event. The role includes discussing the process of creating our item, themes portrayed and how staging elements such as props and costuming contribute to the storyline. They are looking forward to representing our school with pride and we know they will do a fantastic job! If you would like to come along and support the team, tickets are on sale now via the Ticketebo website. www.ticketebo.com.au/schoolschallenge.

Mrs Rachel Scott
Dance and Drama Teacher

During Week 8 (Monday 16 to Thursday 19 June), our Year 10 students participated in the Vision 2028 – Futures Week program. Designed to ignite curiosity and inspire ambition, this four-day experience invited students to venture beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in real-world career exploration.

The program was structured around four key themes:

Day 1 – iExplore
Day 2 – iDiscover
Day 3 – iExperience
Day 4 – iGrow

Throughout the week, students engaged in a diverse range of activities, from touring the iconic Adelaide Oval and visiting Adelaide and Flinders Universities, to experiencing the cutting-edge technologies at BAE Systems and virtual welding at TAFE SA. Practical workshops at Celtic Training and the Girls in Property program provided students with hands-on insight into the allied health and property sectors.

The program culminated in a special networking afternoon tea, where students had the opportunity to connect with inspiring MacKillop Alumnae, Kimberley Hopkins (née Erxleben, Class of 2002) and Fiona Puccini (Class of 2019), as well as key industry professionals. Guests included Norwood Football Club Coach Ali Farrell, Trademark Attorney Claire Slade (Maddens), Louise Murphy (Pathways and Transition Advisor, CESA), Olivia Hocking (UniSA) and Mireia Artero-Medina (CBS).

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our alumnae and industry partners. Their willingness to share their journey and insights helped our students turn abstract career ideas into tangible goals. Futures Week plays a crucial role in empowering Mary MacKillop College students to explore, discover, experience and grow, making informed decisions about their futures with confidence, clarity and conviction.

Career Journey Ambassadors Needed

We are seeking Mary MacKillop College Alumnae to volunteer as Career Journey Ambassadors at our upcoming Careers Night on Wednesday 30 July from 6.00pm until 8.00pm.

This is an opportunity to share your post-school experiences and career journey with our current students through informal one-on-one conversations. Your insights about transitioning from school to further study, training or employment would be invaluable to students considering their future pathways.

Whether you are a recent graduate, established in your career or have taken a non-traditional path, we welcome volunteers from all industries.

If you would like to participate as a Career Journey Ambassador, please contact Ms Mitchell to register your interest.

We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your contribution to supporting our current students' career exploration.

Sandra Mitchell
Future Pathways Coordinator

Main picture: Year 10 students with Mary MacKillop College Alumnae Charlotte and Emily (Class of 2023).

Year 8 Retreat – Mary MacKillop Pilgrimage

On Thursday 19 June, our Year 8 students embarked on their annual Retreat Day. The girls took part in a pilgrimage to sacred and historical sites across Adelaide, each connected to the life and legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

Throughout the day, our Year 8 students explored the values that guided Mary MacKillop’s life—faith, courage, service and compassion—and were invited to consider how these same values can be lived out in their own journeys, both within and beyond the classroom.

As part of the day, they visited:

St Mary’s Church, Port Adelaide –  a reminder of Mary’s unwavering dedication to education and to those most in need.

The Old Adelaide Gaol – where Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph regularly visited, bringing compassion and support to those facing hardship.

St Mary’s Chapel, Franklin Street – the site where Mary MacKillop was briefly excommunicated, symbolising her strength, resilience and deep faith during times of adversity.

Walking in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop was a moving and meaningful experience for our Year 8 students, allowing them to reflect deeply on the ways Mary’s legacy continues to shape and inspire our College community today.

Michelle Arthur
Years 7 to 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

To our cherished St Joseph’s and Mary MacKillop College Alumnae and community – it’s time to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the legacy we share!

Whether you attended St Joseph’s Higher Primary, St Joseph’s High School or Mary MacKillop College, we warmly invite you to this year’s Alumnae Reunion.

A special mention to our Class of 1995 who are celebrating 30 years since graduating from Mary MacKillop College! We hope this treasured group photo brings back fond memories.

College Tour at Mary MacKillop College → Dinner at Altavilla Club
Saturday 25 October 2025
5.00pm Tour | 6.00pm Dinner

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Join our Principal, Sonia Nelson, for a tour of the College.

Principal’s Tours are a great opportunity for prospective MacKillop girls and families to visit the College and to meet our Principal. You will meet senior staff and students on an intimate tour of the school and experience our welcoming community.

Term Three
Friday 1 August 9.30am
Tuesday 19 August 9.30am
Wednesday 10 September 5.00pm

Term Four
Wednesday 29 October 9.30am

Click here for more information or to register.

Mary MacKillop College warmly invites girls in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to spend a day with us as a MacKillop girl.

Discover MacKillop Days are a wonderful opportunity for your daughter to meet our staff and students while being involved in a range of interactive lessons and meeting new friends.

Term Three
Friday 15 August - Food Technology at MacKillop Day
Tuesday 26 August - Discover Art and Design at MacKillop Day

Term Four
Friday 7 November - Specialist Netball Day

Suitable for girls in Years 3 to 6.

Please click here to register your daughter for a Discover MacKillop Day.