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.
A prayer for our Year 12 students
We thank you for the incredible journey our Year 12 students have undertaken, for the knowledge they have gained, the friendships they have formed and the challenges they have overcome.
We ask that you fill their hearts with a sense of accomplishment and pride for the hard work and dedication they have displayed throughout their school years.
As they approach the culmination of this phase of their education, we pray that you grant them wisdom and clarity in their decisions regarding their future.
May they have the courage to pursue their dreams and the perseverance to overcome obstacles that may come their way.
As they prepare to leave the safety of their school years and venture into the world, we ask for your protection. Watch over them, grant them the resilience to navigate life’s challenges, and instil within them the courage to lead positive change in their communities.
We pray… for courage.
We pray… with courage.
We pray… in all things love.
Sonia Nelson
Well, here we are in November already! The end of year activities and special events have already begun. Our wonderful Year 12 students have finished their formal lessons with a beautiful Mass, assembly and morning tea with families last week. It was a moving tribute to their journeys at Mary MacKillop College and a fitting way to launch into their lives beyond our school gates. We will keep them in our prayers as exams begin and look forward to the Graduation Dinner in a few weeks. My heartfelt thanks for the staff who have nurtured and educated these young people over the years, and to the families who continue to surround them with love and support.
Last Friday it was a privilege to join the Old Scholars for dinner at their annual gathering event. With a rousing rendition of the College song 'Mary’s Vision' by the Class of 2013, it was evident that the connection to the Josephite Charism, the College and classmates is still strong and significant among the many 'MacKillop Girls' present.
With so much happening over the remaining weeks of term, we look forward to finishing the year well, with ongoing attention to great learning but also to recognising the many successes that we have achieved as individuals and as a College. It will be wonderful to see families join us for as many of these events as possible.
The Tenison Centre building project is progressing well and on time. I know that the students and staff are excited about beginning 2024 in these new and contemporary learning spaces.
Work on the Strategic Plan 2024-2026 is also continuing in preparation for next year. I thank all those who so willingly provided important feedback to guide our vision and goals for the future.
Advent is approaching as we ready ourselves in mind and heart for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. May the joy of this season remind us of the importance of family, friends and loved ones. I wish you well for the coming weeks, where there is much to be done and also so much to celebrate!
Go well and God bless.
Sonia Nelson
Principal
Jasmin Eckert
Sisters of Saint Joseph Garden Party
The Sisters of Saint Joseph Garden Party was held on Sunday 29 October to raise funds for the Museum. Some of our students served at this event and it was a true testament to the values of service and leadership that we hold dear at Mary MacKillop College. Our students' dedication to this noble cause not only exemplified their commitment to making a positive impact but also showcased their potential as leaders of the future. We are immensely proud of the dedication and compassion our students displayed at the Garden Party and we look forward to more opportunities for our community to come together.
Some of our student leaders will also be promoting our College at the Uraidla Show this Sunday. If you are attending the show, make sure you come to our stall and say hello.
Celebrating a Memorable Week: Year 12 Students' Farewell
As the school year races toward its conclusion, our Year 12 students have enjoyed their final days at our beloved school. It was a week filled with nostalgia, laughter and a few tears as they prepare to bid farewell to the place of learning that has been their home for the past five years.
Their last week was all about embracing the spirit of fun and reliving cherished memories. The Year 12 students took this opportunity to let their hair down, quite literally, as they celebrated ‘Pigtails Day’. The laughter and camaraderie shared during this special day warmed our hearts and set a joyous tone for the week. That was not the only day of unique expression, as our Year 12 students also displayed their creativity by bringing their books to school in anything but a backpack. From trollies and prams to walkers and pet carriers, their inventive book-carrying solutions added an extra layer of character to the school day. It was a humorous twist on a typical school routine and provided a light-hearted break from the academic grind.
One of the most anticipated moments of the week was the opening of the time capsules. These capsules were sealed by the Year 12 students at the beginning of their high school journey and their contents held a treasure trove of memories. As the capsules were opened, a wave of nostalgia washed over the students and teachers alike. Inside, they discovered letters to their future selves, photos, mementos and dreams they once held dear. It was a touching reminder of how much they have grown, learned and evolved over the years.
Our Year 12 students also received heartfelt gifts and messages from their Year 8 sisters. This beautiful tradition symbolises the passing of the torch as they prepare to move on to the next chapter of their lives. The thoughtful gifts and messages of support emphasised the strong bonds of sisterhood that our school nurtures.
The final walk out of the College grounds marked a poignant moment in the week. As the Year 12 students left the College together for the last time, they were joined by the entire school community, including teachers, staff and their younger schoolmates. The atmosphere was a mix of jubilation and nostalgia, with cheers, hugs and tears accompanying them as they took those last steps as high school students. The emotion in the air was palpable, it was a moment none of us will soon forget. The week concluded with the school community gathering for a heartwarming farewell assembly that not only bid adieu to our graduating students but also marked the handover of the student leadership team. It was a memorable occasion filled with pride, hope and a sense of continuity.
As we bid farewell to this week of celebrations, we are reminded of the bittersweet nature of this transition. While we are sad to see our Year 12 students go, we are also excited for the promising futures that await them.
Congratulations, Year 12 students, on a week filled with joy and cherished memories. You will always be an integral part of our College's history and we cannot wait to see how you continue to make your mark on the world. Wishing you all the best in your future, and may your journeys be as remarkable as the ones you have had within these College walls.
Jasmin Eckert
Deputy Principal
Adriana Sotira
Year 11 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning students strive for change: Raising Awareness and Fundraising for Refugees in Australia
In a display of compassion and solidarity, Year 11 Spirituality, Religion and Meaning students have joined hearts and hands to support refugees in Australia. As part of their Religion course, students have been exploring the injustices faced by refugees in Australia. They have written letters to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural affairs and the Premier of South Australia seeking changes to policies. They have also connected with organisations who support refugees, such as Vinnies House of Welcome, Migration Resource Centre, Caritas Australia, Australian Red Cross and The Welcome Centre. The task was to research an injustice suffered by refugees in Australia, research an organisation’s mission and vision in offering services to support refugees and finally organise either a raising awareness event or fundraiser. It was remarkable to see some of the initiatives undertaken by the students, highlighting empathy and the collective spirit of the community. Driven by a desire to make a difference, the students' initiatives not only showed expressions of solidarity but reflected a commitment to make a positive impact. From bake sales, creating care packs, organising a sporting tournament and informative displays, the students not only raised funds but focused on nurturing understanding and empathy. The support and enthusiasm shown by the students was inspiring. They raised $854.45 for the above organisations and in addition donated a variety of goods. In supporting the cause of refugees, the school community reflects the values of love, compassion and social responsibility. The impact of these students’ work will create a lasting legacy and offer support, hope and a brighter future for refugees In Australia.
Below is an email sent by one of the organisations in response to the students’ goodwill.
“It is heartening and inspiring to see young minds like yours and the students at Mary MacKillop College showing such compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of refugees in Australia. The focus on the injustices suffered by refugees and your commitment to support them is truly commendable.
Your understanding of the importance of this cause and your efforts in making a positive impact are very inspiring." - Mirsia Bunjaku, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Migrant Resource Centre.
Year 12 Farewell Mass - Celebrating many blessings and opportunities
On Thursday 28 October the College community gathered to celebrate a memorable event – the Year 12 Farewell Mass, a significant occasion that marked the culmination of the Year 12 students' journey through their secondary school years. The mass was a symbolic ceremony which served as a pivotal moment for both reflection and anticipation for the future. The rituals of the mass, from the lighting candle ceremony to the sharing of blessings, created an aura of solemnity and reverence, underlining the significance of the students’ transition from their secondary school years to the wider world.
The mass symbolised the closing of a chapter, but more significantly, it opened the doors to new beginnings and adventures that lie ahead. As the mass ended, the Class of 2023 left St Ignatius Church, proudly singing the College Anthem – Mary’s Vision, not just as students bidding farewell but as torchbearers ready to illuminate the world with the knowledge, skills and values instilled in them during their time at Mary MacKillop College.
The College extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Year 12 students. May they continue to be people of love and agents of change in our world, striving to emulate the Gospel Values and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s dream of education, equity and support for the poor. Their legacy at the College will undoubtedly endure, we have been enriched by their presence and contribution to the life and community of the College. We give thanks to our God for the many blessings and opportunities they have experienced during their time at the College.
Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator
Rachel Scott
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
On Wednesday 27 September, our SACE Stage One and Two Dance students, Year 8 and 9 Dance Academy and Year 7 Performance Team were all incredibly excited for the opportunity to present their performance items at Rise: 2023 Dance Showcase. Our school mantra 'Courage to Lead' was the driving force behind the work seen on stage reflecting that it is often when faced with challenges we find the courage to rise, the inner strength to learn, grow and become a leader for others.
The night was particularly significant for our six students studying SACE Stage Two Dance as they presented their self-devised choreography inspired by a chosen leader to an audience for the very first time. The inspirational figures chosen by the students were Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Michaela De Prince, Anne Frank, Princess Diana and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The audience was treated to innovative choreography developed through research and rehearsal, demonstrating the skill and commitment of each dancer. Each piece authentically reflected the leadership qualities and courage shown, often demonstrating bravery to instigate change and pave the way for others to follow.
Congratulations to our SACE Stage Two Dance students, Erin, Alessia, Alicia, Crystelle, Kiara and Breanna for presenting outstanding performances and meaningful, well-crafted choreography as part of their assessment.
Thank you to all of the teachers involved in the supervision and smooth running of the performance and to our Arts Captains, Brooke and Olivia for their support and involvement.
Each and every student performed with so much heart and soul, reflecting their ability to rise above the challenges they have faced to perform like true professionals. Congratulations!
“For there is always light if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it.” - Amanda Gorman
Rachel Scott
The Arts Leader of Learning
Romina Penna and Linda Di Blasio
You are invited to join our Stage Two Art students as they showcase their artwork at this year's Mary MacKillop College Year 12 Art Exhibition.
Join us Friday 10 November, 5.00pm - 7.00pm in the College Conference Room.
Guests are asked to please enter via the Phillips Street gate (next to the carpark) and follow the signage.
We hope to see you there!
Romina Penna and Linda Di Blasio
Visual Art and Design Teachers
Mini Del Corso
“We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” John Keating - Dead Poet’s Society
Saturday 28 October was a day of great pride as ten Mary MacKillop College students were acknowledged for their profound thoughts, feelings and experiences at the 2023 SAETA Spring Poetry Anthology launch at The University of South Australia, Magill campus.
At the conclusion of Semester One, and to complement their Poetry Study, English students were encouraged to write poetry for pleasure. The Learning Area was delighted to be informed that from 400 entries submitted for possible inclusion in the anthology from 50 schools across South Australia, ten students from Years 7 to 11 had their works selected for publication.
Through creative and captivating verses on various subjects from iPhones to ice-cream to grades, MacKillop students impressed and inspired the judging panel with words that painted vivid images, evoked a plethora of emotions and transported readers to different times and locations.
We commend all students who entered the Spring Poetry Challenge and acknowledge those whose poems were published in the Anthology. We especially congratulate Allegra (Year 10) whose poem “Don’t Dare” was awarded first prize by Writers S.A. this year, and in 2022 Allegra’s poem “Perceptions” was awarded second prize.
We hope our MacKillop girls continue nurturing their passion for poetry and share their unique perspectives with the world. As John Keating said, “No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas have the power to change the world.”
Mini Del Corso
English Learning Area Leader
Hidden feelings by Charlotte (Year 7)
The darkest hour,
the longest night,
the pain that grips me,
with all its might.
The tears that fall,
the heart that breaks,
for the family's sake.
My youth and freedom,
torn apart,
a sacrifice,
for the family’s part.
A forgotten child,
a thankless role,
and expectations,
taking my soul.
These hidden feelings,
that won’t go away,
as I try my best, to keep them at bay.
All I wanted,
was to be accepted,
so I hide these hidden feelings,
and hope I’m not rejected.
A Strange Land by Michaila (Year 7)
There it was,
our plane’s arrival.
There it was,
A new land to overcome.
The land was strange,
far away, away from home.
It means a change,
A change that changes our lives.
It didn’t feel right,
with strange people and cultures, I entered.
I needed to hold on tight,
cause this journey will be remembered.
The weather is strange, very unpredictable,
too hot it burns your skin; too cold you freeze to death.
The sun comes up quick, as fast as rain suddenly falling,
The weather is indeed strange, that’s what makes it unique.
This land feels strange, I feel like the outcast,
no people from my race, no one that came from my home.
With all these different people, race, and religion,
It doesn’t feel like home.
The school in this land is great,
with friendly teachers and peers with less school work.
But even with all these great things,
I’m still thinking my decision calling this home.
I don’t call this land home yet,
I still miss my home that I came from.
But sometime, someday,
this strange land will soon be called my home.
The Things My iPhone Can’t Capture by Olivia (Year 8)
My iPhone camera, through all the blur,
Could never quite capture my dog’s soft fur.
The moon, mysterious and illuminous, that long-standing moment, when its deep twilight glow washes my face, could never be captured by my iphone's trace.
My mother’s laugh, loud, warm and bright, is never captured by my phone just right.
“Ckchh” A photo of my mother’s home-made soup, on my phone it is dull, and cold, though when I try it, it feels like home, a rumbling fireplace and a warm winter’s embrace; just another thing my phone could never capture.
An early morning in my grandparent’s home, my phone never captures the lamp’s silent orange glow, nor the hot coffee I’d refuse to forgo.
When my friends smile, it is real and joyous,
Unlike what my phone captures, seemingly empty and callous.
When I’m alone, all by myself, my phone could never capture just how I’d felt.
My phone fails to capture, on late summer drives, that bone-deep feeling when I observe the sparkling city lights, my favourite song ‘pop’s on the radio, and a breath-taking breeze, waves through my hair.
The Melting Ice-Cream by Savannah (Year 8)
The shocking news and heartbreaking words
An empty feeling, so hard it hurts
Your heart beats fast, like a drum
Overwhelming sadness, yet I feel so numb
The funeral approaches, struggling tears within
A wild, weak walk home, listening to the howling wind
It's hard to think of the joys we've had, like melting ice-cream, it makes me sad
I know you're in a better place, I just wish that I could still see your face
I cry and cry and cry each and every day
Thinking of your memory, that will never fade away
Zero Is My Hero by Daniella (Year 10)
Zero is lost in the middle
With no recognition
Like a small fish in an empty ocean
Zero is misunderstood
Zero is a one of a kind, no negative, no positive
Zero lets you decide your fate
Zero is worth more than its numeric value
Its empty space is a void of endless possibilities
Look at zero as a starting point
You cannot reach 10 without zero
So, zero is my hero
Zero should be everyone’s hero
We Were Travellers by Sofia (Year 10)
Like a child yearning for comfort,
they played in the tranquillity of Campania’s grass before the sun melted into the tall trees.
We were travellers.
Like a teenager searching for independence,
They kissed their families for the final time to find new life.
We were travellers.
Like an adult encompassed by responsibility,
They waited on their boats with a suitcase filled with dreams.
We were travellers.
Like the grey of the elderly’s hair,
They sat in a lonely kitchen desperate to taste the red Napoletana sauce back home.
We were travellers.
Now, generations gather for Sunday lunch at a table enriched with laughter,
Wanting to breathe in that fresh scent of Campania’s summer.
We were travellers.
don’t dare by Allegra (Year 10)
1st Prize Writers SA
don’t dare to look me in my eyes as you walk over me.
but listen to my bones crack one after the other,
until i am strung together by nothing other than muscles
strained from desperately gripping the person i made you out to be.
and feel the bearing of your weight be merely held up by the air in my lungs,
that is rapidly escaping like an untied balloon.
yet find the absence of gasps,
because you need the air more than i do.
and find the absence of screams,
because my words will always be worth less than yours.
and find the absence of winces,
because if you are without pain, so am i.
the truth is that i would do more for you than you would for me,
but i would never accept that.
so, when you walk over me,
do anything but let your eyes meet mine.
because then i’ll know
you really meant it.
Grades by Madeline (Year 10)
So much depends upon
Sentences on a page.
Sentences,
Made of words,
Made of letters,
Made of lines,
And shapes.
Lines and shapes that
Stab me with F,
And praise me with A.
Lines and shapes that
Tell others how to perceive me.
Hundreds of lines,
Hundreds of shapes.
They embody life's purpose,
Yet we're bound by a common fate.
Consumed by exhaustion,
As if it sought to devour me.
I bleed for lines,
I weep for shapes.
The blood on my hands is mine by Zarah (Year 10)
i thought it would be funny.
my words were just a joke
but their echo, sharp like a knife
and it sliced and sliced and sliced.
i said s- s- sorry
but a band-aid never fixed a stab wound.
she told me i was a monster.
i believed her.
with time, she healed.
warm arms embraced her, soft words
consoled her, steady hands faded her scars
i watched from afar, wishing those hands were mine.
but monster, monster, monster.
guilt lodged like harsh glass in my skin
a perpetual itch, i grasped at it
yet my hands came away slick with blood.
i deserve this.
don’t i?
the monster never gets the happy ending
—that’s one thing I know for sure.
this blood should have been hers.
those words weren’t about me, weren’t meant to hurt me
the knife never pierced my skin.
but the blood on my hands is mine.
Our Home by Jaymie (Year 11)
I am home.
Green grass wet beneath my bare feet,
every colour dancing around me.
The white of the lilies swaying happily in the wind,
the blue of the sky a blank canvas for the clouds,
the beaming yellow of the sun embracing all she sees.
The dragons swooping like bluebirds and showing off like peacocks.
Come on, follow me, more awaits us.
Here we can be anyone,
A queen, an explorer, a fairy.
I chose to be myself,
Someone who I cannot be in their world.
We are running amongst our kind,
Those who are different,
Those who search for more,
Those who are unsatisfied in their world.
We will win the battles we have to then we will move on,
To the next adventure.
One after another we shall continue,
Adventure after Adventure,
We shall stay together and build our family of outcasts.
Nothing will stop us.
Drowning the evil witch? Simple.
Saving a princess? Effortless.
Defeating an evil wizard? Easy-peasy.
In this world, everything is uncomplicated.
We get to be how we want to be,
Do what we want to do.
Until they drag us back,
No matter if we kick or scream, they will drag us back.
One by one they will force us back into their world.
One by one we will be transformed back,
Back to a world, we can never truly escape from.
The grass will slowly wilt along with browning lilies,
The colours are no longer dancing, instead slowly fading away.
Peacocks, no longer show themselves off, instead hiding everything they are.
Fun is prohibited.
Adventure is forbidden.
They tear our family apart as they do not want a revolution full of love.
They leave nothing behind but ruin.
All that mattered is gone.
We are no longer home,
We are caged in their world,
Reality.
Zoe Duffy
Term Four promises to be packed with more team spirit, accomplishments and sporting opportunities. In this newsletter article, we want to highlight the recent successes that showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of our students.
The highly anticipated Mary MacKillop College Sports Evening truly exemplified the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that defines our College. The evening brought the community together to celebrate the 2023 sporting achievements, showcasing students’ talents in a wide range of disciplines, from track and field to netball and everything in between. We were thrilled to be joined by Isabel Hodgson, Captain of Adelaide United Women’s team who shared her story with the community. Thank you to our athletes, coaches and supporters for making the 2023 Sports Evening a lovely celebration of sporting achievements at the College.
In addition to the success of our Sports Evening, we are ecstatic to share the news that one of our College's Boccia teams has brought home the State Championship! The Boccia Carnival, a precision ball sport similar to bocce, was held by School Sport South Australia in Week 2 of this term. On the day, three MacKillop teams competed with two of our teams making it to the grand finale. Congratulations to our Year 10 team, comprised of Amy, Kelsey, Sophia and Jennifer who were crowned State Champions, defeating our Year 7 team (Alana, Amelia, Caitlin and Lally). Our Year 9/11 combination team (Jasmine, Isabella, Isabelle, Scarlett and Anna) finished in seventh place. Well done to all MacKillop teams for their efforts throughout the day.
In the midst of an action-packed Term Three, our Queensland Netball team embarked on an unforgettable trip, allowing our students to not only showcase their skills but also expand their horizons. Our Netball team competed against teams from interstate, as well as international teams from Samoa, Singapore and New Zealand. The exposure to high-level competition was invaluable, and it helped our players grow both as athletes and individuals. Congratulations to the team for finishing in fifth place overall. Beyond the courts, the trip provided bonding experiences, many shopping opportunities, exploring Queensland's beautiful beaches and the students got their adrenaline pumping at Dreamworld and White-Water World. We extend our gratitude to the students and staff, Mrs Eckert, Ms Baldwin and Tamara who made this trip possible.
There are still numerous sporting events and competitions on the horizon, including the Inter-School Netball Carnival, Beach Volleyball Festival, Swim Squad and Term 4 Sport. As we finish off the year in Sport, let us carry the lessons of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship with us and continue to make our College proud. We cannot wait to see what the rest of the term has in store and we are confident that it will be filled with more celebrations and plenty of fun.
Zoe Duffy
Sport Coordinator
Class of 2015
Spotted at the Paul McCartney Concert in her hand-made Sgt Pepper’s outfit was MMC Old Scholar, Elyse Gambell. Elyse completed Year 12 in 2015, having studied Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Studies, Physics and English. She is currently working as a Systems Engineer for Boeing Australia in Brisbane.
Elyse has always been a Beatles fan and for the design section of her Year 12 Specialist Maths Investigation, she chose to model Paul McCartney’s bass guitar with mathematical equations called Bezier Curves.
While at the College, Elyse received many accolades for her achievements including the Governor of South Australia Commendation, the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award, the Mary MacKillop Award for Service to the College and the Order of Australia Youth Citizenship Award. In Year 12, Elyse displayed her leadership qualities as Social Justice Captain and as Youth Ambassador for Cancer Council SA and these qualities have developed both at university and now in her leadership role at Boeing.
As a College community we congratulate Elyse for her achievements and her success as an Engineer in her chosen STEM field. We are so pleased Elyse is still enjoying her music!
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 warm hospitality.
Term 4 Tour
Wednesday 8 November, 9.30am
Book Now
Mary MacKillop College warmly invites girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 to spend a day with us as a MacKillop girl.
Come 'n' Try 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.
Important Dates
SACE Exams commence
Principal's Tour
Year 12 Art Show
Remembrance Day Service
PE Week commences
Year 7 2024 Spring Transition Morning
SACE Exams conclude
Come 'n' Try MacKillop Day
Good News Assembly
Year 11 last day of lessons
Year 12 Graduation Dinner
Year 11 Exams commence
Year 10 last day of lessons
Year 10 Exams commence
Year 10 and 11 Exams conclude
Year 7, 8 and 9 last day for 2023. 3.25pm dismissal.
End of Year Mass
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Child Safe Environments
Mary MacKillop College Kensington provides a safe environment for all while valuing the partnership between school and home.
Every year, students are taught the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC) which is a respectful relationships and child safety curriculum for children and young people.
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