Edition Five 13 June 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.

The Feast of Pentecost was celebrated on Sunday, 8 June 2025. Pentecost marks a significant moment in the Christian calendar, not only commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the birth of the Church but also the fruits and the effect of that event.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the themes of renewal, unity and spiritual empowerment that Pentecost brings.

Let us pray

May the grace of the Holy Spirit fill us with wisdom and every good gift.
May we be guided by hope, becoming a new voice of moral clarity for the world.
For all those who long for peace across our world,
May they be led by the Spirit to paths of justice, compassion, and reconciliation.
Amen

With winter well and truly upon us, there’s a definite chill in the air—but the busyness, energy and warmth of our school community have not slowed down. As we approach the end of another full and fruitful term, I’m reminded of how much our students and staff accomplish together in just a few short weeks.

As always, National Reconciliation Week provided an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared history and the importance of walking together with courage and respect. This year’s theme invited us to consider how we can take meaningful steps in the present to shape a more just and equitable future. Our students engaged in a range of awareness-building activities, affirming our College’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation through learning, dialogue and action.

A highlight of recent weeks has been welcoming our incoming Year 7 students for their first official Transition Day. These girls, who will begin their MacKillop journey in 2026, spent the day getting to know each other, meeting staff, exploring the facilities and engaging in activities designed to build connection and confidence. It was heartening to witness the joy, excitement and curiosity that filled the College, and we look forward to all they will bring to our community in the years ahead.

Throughout the term, students have been involved in a multitude of learning experiences, excursions and events across different year levels and areas of interest. Among these were our Twilight Music Concert, which offered a delightful evening of performances from the choir, bands and individual students undertaking music tuition, and our Discover MacKillop Launch into STEM Day, where visiting primary students engaged in hands-on science and technology challenges that showcased the creative possibilities of STEM.

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) continues to be a strong voice for student leadership at the College. This term, they have submitted two thoughtful and well-presented proposals for improvements to College life, all of which are currently under consideration. We commend their initiative and collaborative spirit—it is leadership like this that echoes the values of Mary MacKillop, who encouraged young people to “never see a need without doing something about it.”

As the term draws to a close and students prepare for exams, final assessments and the transition into Semester 2, I thank families for their continued support and encouragement. The care we offer one another, even in the midst of busy schedules and cold mornings, reflects the heart of who we are as a Josephite community—rooted in love, resilience and a deep sense of purpose.

Go well and God bless.

Sonia Nelson
Principal

Student Leaders Embrace the 'Heart' of Leadership

On Tuesday 3 June, our Student Leadership Team (SLT) participated in the second session of the 2025 Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) Student Leadership Program, held at the Adelaide Pavilion. This year's program brings together student leaders from Catholic schools across the state to foster community, deepen faith formation and enhance leadership skills.

The day's focus was on the 'Heart' aspect of the Head, Heart and Hands leadership model, highlighting the emotional and spiritual dimensions of leadership. Our students engaged in reflective activities and discussions centered around the 2025 'Stories of Hope' theme, celebrating the Jubilee Year and 180 years of Catholic education in South Australia.

Through these experiences, our SLT explored how compassion, empathy and hope are integral to effective leadership. They returned inspired, with a renewed commitment to embody these values within our College community.

We commend our 2025 SLT for their active participation and look forward to their continued growth as they apply these insights in their leadership roles.

Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week was observed from Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June, where all Australians were invited to learn about, reflect on and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This important week was a time to deepen our understanding, acknowledge past injustices and commit to a more respectful and inclusive future.

The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, called us to honour the past, engage with the present and work together for a better tomorrow. Symbolised by native plants that regenerate after fire, this theme spoke of renewal, strength and hope - values that guide our journey of reconciliation.

In the spirit of this theme, Pope Leo XIV reminded us of our shared responsibility to walk together toward justice and peace. He encouraged us to “help each other to build bridges — with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace".

At Mary MacKillop College, we recognise the importance of this week through learning, prayer and reflection. To mark National Reconciliation Week, the whole school gathered for a prayer service where we reflected on the meaning of reconciliation and renewed our commitment to building a united, respectful and hopeful future for all Australians.

Let us continue to listen, learn and walk together - in truth, in solidarity and in peace.

With blessings

Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator

Visual Art and Design

On Friday May 23, we welcomed guest speaker Julia Principe to the Year 10 Design class. Julia is a MacKillop Alumna (Class of 2020) who is working in the field of Graphic Design: Visual Communication. Julia spoke to the class about her journey through university and her role in the workforce. Students were able to look at Julia’s work, chat with her and develop an understanding of Graphic Design career opportunities. A big thank you to Julia for giving her time, displaying her work and answering the many questions from the Year 10 class.

Year 10 Art students have finished their African animal paintings. These paintings are amazing and truly reflect the characters, colours and textures of the animals. Year 9 students have also completed their African landscapes. The images displayed beautiful scenes of African skies, fauna and flora.

In other Arts news, our Twilight Music Concert was a lovely evening where students performed in front of friends and families. Thank you to our Arts Captains Ella and Ally, and to Mr Hughes who hosted the event.

Linda Di Blasio
The Arts Leader of Learning

Last Thursday evening, our College Auditorium came alive with music as we hosted our annual Twilight Concert, a celebration of the talent, growth and dedication of our Music students.

The event offered students the opportunity to perform for a live audience, sharing pieces they have studied and refined throughout the semester. From captivating vocal soloists to dynamic ensembles, including our Performance Choir and rock bands from Years 7 to 9, the evening featured a rich variety of performances.

For many, it was their debut on stage, while others relished the chance to demonstrate their development as young musicians. We were especially proud to see one of our Year 7 rock bands and two of our Year 8 bands take to the stage with courage and pride.

A special thank you goes to Charlotte in Year 9, who stepped in just days before the concert to take on vocal duties, her contribution ensured the Year 8 band could present their song in full and was a testament to the collaborative spirit of our College community.

Congratulations to all of our performers on their efforts and achievements. We look forward to seeing what you will share with us in 2026!

Gavin Hughes
Music Teacher

So far, Term 2 has been dynamic and rewarding in Physical Education across Years 7 to 10, with students engaging in a wide range of practical activities and theory topics designed to develop both physical skills and health knowledge.

Year 7 students embraced the challenge of learning golf, with a special highlight being lessons delivered by a coach from the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. In theory, they explored the important topic of women in sport, discussing representation, achievements and the ongoing push for equality.

In Year 8, students completed fitness testing, selecting a fitness component to improve, and then implemented a training plan across a 6-week block. Through this, students were able to explore how the components of fitness relate to both sport and everyday health.

Year 9 students enjoyed fast-paced and competitive table tennis games, developing their agility and coordination. In theory, they completed a First Aid unit, gaining vital knowledge and skills for responding to emergencies.

Our Years 7 to 9 Specialist Netball classes have spent the term refining their skills and gameplay through a variety of structured drills and competitive scratch matches. The Year 9 students have also been working hard to prepare for their Netball Umpires Exam, as part of their theory.

Year 10 students participated in both touch football and volleyball, building on their teamwork and strategic play. Their theory lessons explored training methods and principles, helping them understand how to plan and improve physical performance.

Well done to all students for their enthusiasm and effort this term – we look forward to seeing what Semester 2 has to offer!

Monty Mott
Health and Physical Education Leader of Learning

Our Specialist Netball Program has enjoyed an exciting and action-packed Semester 1, with students from Years 7 to 9 engaging in a wide range of learning experiences both on and off the court. The program has focused on developing netball-specific skills, deepening students' understanding of the game and providing opportunities for leadership and community engagement.

Our Year 7 students have been introduced to the fundamental skills of netball while also exploring the stories of inspiring women in sport. Their enthusiasm and growing confidence have set a strong foundation for their netball journey at the College.

Year 8 students have taken a deeper dive into fitness components relevant to their individual netball positions. They have applied this knowledge to improve their gameplay and build their overall athletic performance.

Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been expanding their understanding of the rules of netball, successfully sitting their Netball Rules Exam in preparation for future umpiring and coaching roles. They also had the exciting opportunity to tour Netball SA, where they gained insight into the diverse range of careers within the sport. Adding to their leadership experience, Year 9 students have been running netball clinics for younger students from our partner primary schools and will also support their upcoming netball carnivals as umpires.

Outside of class, all students in the program have been proudly representing Mary MacKillop College in Saturday morning netball matches, showcasing the skills, teamwork and game knowledge developed in their lessons. Our Years 7 and 8 students are also preparing to trial for the upcoming Knockout Netball competition.

We are incredibly proud of the commitment, growth and integrity shown by all students in the Specialist Netball Program. It’s been a fantastic semester of learning, playing and leading.

Jasmin Eckert
Specialist Netball Teacher

On Thursday 5 June, we welcomed a group of enthusiastic, budding Science and Mathematics students to our Launch into STEM Discover MacKillop Day, dedicated to all things rockets! The event was designed to be hands-on and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for problem-solving.

We started by exploring the basic principles of rocket motion and Newton’s second and third law of motion, putting our knowledge into practice with balloon rockets. Next, students investigated how chemical reactions can be used to build up gases and pressure to generate force, launching film canisters high into the air. They persevered through trial and error until they achieved successful launches!

The excitement continued as we made straw rockets with different cone lengths and styles, testing how far they could fly. Students then took their straw rockets to the Design and Technology room, where they used TinkerCAD to draw and pitch their improved rocket designs.

We wrapped up the day on the oval with water rockets, managing to avoid losing any rockets to trees or the roof - a definite success!

The students had an amazing day, and the support from our Years 9, 11 and 12 volunteers helped ensure everyone felt welcome and engaged.

Thank you to all involved for making this day such a memorable experience!

Dimitra Thomas Science Leader of Learning
Elena Tatarelli Business, Enterprise and Technology Leader of Learning
Kay Christopher Mathematics Leader of Learning

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 Two
Friday 27 June 9.30am

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.