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 the International Day of Peace
On Thursday 21 September we celebrated the International Day of Peace. This event's message is that every life matters in this world and every opinion as well.
We pray…
God of peace,
We pray for the wisdom and strength to nurture the seeds of peace within our hearts and to spread that peace to every corner of our globe. Help us to see the humanity in one another, and may our diversity be a source of strength, understanding, and harmony, rather than division.
Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace.
Amen.
Sonia Nelson
The spring weather has been welcomed by all in the lead-up to the much-anticipated school holidays! The second half of Term 3 has been filled with great learning, activities, celebrations and fun, as the articles in this newsletter highlight. With so much to be grateful for, I recognise and acknowledge the committed efforts of our students and staff, who show the true Josephite spirit as they navigate the joys and challenges of growing and learning together. It has been such a genuine pleasure to get to know everyone better as the year has progressed and to experience first-hand the ‘specialness’ of Mary MacKillop College as a place of inclusion, compassion, courage and laughter. It is difficult to express in words the pride I feel and the deep privilege it is to serve this beautiful College community!
I see our girls walking in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop every day - in classrooms, in the yard, at Saturday sport and during many other events. The sense of ‘sisterhood’ and the common desire to help each other lead and succeed is evident, as is the advocacy and support for those who may need extra care and nurturing. Our students have also shared their talents in myriad ways; in the Arts ‘Alice’ Production, the Catholic Schools Music Festival performance, and the ‘Rise’ Dance Showcase. The high-quality of the recently announced Student Leadership Team for 2024 has highlighted the opportunities our students are given to develop their leadership skills during their time at the College.
It would be remiss of me not to especially mention the ‘sold out’ Family Breakfast held last week. It was a delight to have families join us for this gathering in support of the Childhood Cancer Association and I thank everyone who was part of the team behind the scenes and to all who gave so generously on the day. Our community is to be commended for its willingness to raise awareness and funds for causes that help people in need. Bonnie MacKillop enjoyed meeting family members for the first time and finding some tasty crumbs in her wanderings around the gym!
Our thoughts are with our Year 12 students in the weeks ahead as they prepare for final assessments and exams. I commend them on their commitment to learning this year and am certain that their final results will reflect their perseverance and efforts.
Finally, I wish everyone a wonderful holiday break, filled with the right amount of rest, recreation, friends, family and fun! Go well and God bless.
Sonia Nelson
Principal
Jasmin Eckert
The International Day of Peace
On Thursday 21 September our Year 8 cohort gathered to celebrate the International Day of Peace. This celebration reaffirmed our commitment to peace locally, globally and especially in our relationships with each other.
The International Day of Peace Ceremony took place in our College garden near the Rotary Peace Pole. To mark the Centenary of Rotary in South Australia, the Rotary Club of Adelaide set a goal to see 100 Peace Poles donated to 100 Schools and community groups. Our school is one of those schools.
The Peace Pole program had its beginnings after the Second World War in 1955 and was developed by the World Peace Prayer Society. Now, more than 250,000 Peace Poles stand in approximately 200 countries around the globe, symbolising the common wish for a world at peace.
Peace Poles are marked with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in at least four languages, standing in silent vigil for peace and acting as a reminder for all to think and act in the spirit of peace. Our Peace Pole includes this message in English, the languages we learn at school, Italian and Spanish, and the language of the traditional custodians of our land, Kaurna.
Our Peace Pole stands as a constant reminder of the need for peace. Each year we hope that the College will continue to hold this annual ceremony at our Peace Pole. In doing so we join with other schools across South Australia, Australia and the world as messengers of Peace.
We were fortunate to have Heidi Unferdorben and Helen King, both members of Rotary and former scholars of Mary MacKillop College, attend our Ceremony. This event reminds us that we follow in the footsteps of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop who said “Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.”
It is with great excitement and pride that we share the highlights of a recent event that exemplifies the strong bonds and enduring values that our College stands for. On Thursday 14 September the College hosted its annual Alumnae Breakfast, bringing together distinguished Alumnae and our current Year 12 students for a morning of inspiration and connection.
The Mary MacKillop College Alumnae Breakfast is an event that carries immense significance for our school. It allows our students to witness the tangible outcomes of dedication, hard work and the values instilled in them during their time at Mary MacKillop College. As the sun rose over the campus, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as our students prepared to meet Alumnae who have walked the same halls, faced similar challenges and emerged as successful individuals in their respective fields.
As our students embark on the journey of life beyond the College, they are encouraged to embody the values of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and to be courageous leaders in their own right. The event was graced by a distinguished panel of Alumnae who shared their personal experiences and insights. They emphasised the importance of resilience, empathy and staying true to one's principles, even in the face of adversity.
The morning was filled with inspiring conversations and connections that bridged the gap between the past and the future. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice and gain valuable insights.
As we look to the future, events like the Alumnae Breakfast remind us of the rich legacy and the strong sense of community that Mary MacKillop College represents. Our Alumnae represent various fields and include old scholars, Tahlia Tedesco, a Primary School Teacher and Connie Delfino, a Senior Media and Communications Advisor from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation with the Federal Government from the class of 2013. Mackenzie Reynolds, a Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant for the Hurley Hotel Group from the class of 2018. Alessia Sotira, Property Manager and Alessia Talladira, Senior Dental Nurse from the class of 2021 and Alyssa Russo who is currently studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of Adelaide from the class of 2022. Each of these women have undertaken unique journeys following their education at the College and students were eager to hear their stories and advice. Our current Year 12 students, with the wisdom and inspiration gained from this event, are now better equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead. They understand that as graduates of Mary MacKillop College, they have the courage to make a positive impact in the world.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the Alumnae who took the time to return to Mary MacKillop College and share their wisdom with our students. Your presence and words of encouragement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our Year 12 students as they embark on their own journeys of leadership.
We are proud of our Alumnae and excited about the bright futures that await our Year 12 students as they carry forward the legacy of Mary MacKillop College with courage and conviction.
Adriana Sotira
Our annual retreat program aims to provide the opportunity for each year level to participate in a retreat.
Year 11 Retreat Theme: Valuing Ourselves
On Thursday 21 September, the Year 11 Cohort gathered at The Monastery in Glen Osmond to connect to their personal spirituality, to reflect on their values and to sense the sacred amongst the group. The students reflected on their sense of identity by exploring their values, beliefs and qualities. They were able to do this by engaging in a variety of activities; getting to you know games, meditation, craft activities on values, journalling and prayer. The students recognised that as they go through life, they will experience new things and learn more about 
who they are which will influence their identity. Some things will always be part of who they are: their core values and ethnicity and some parts of their identity may change with time, but the important thing about identity is to stay true to themselves and their values. Always remembering that God loves them for who they are, unique and individual beings created in God’s image and likeness.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the students for engaging in the retreat program wholeheartedly and to the staff who attended for their valuable contribution and support of the retreat.
Adriana Sotira
Religious Education Coordinator
Rachel Scott
On Wednesday 6 September, 150 Mary MacKillop College students involved in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Art made their way to the Golden Grove Arts Centre to perform as part of this year’s Arts Production 'Alice'. The timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland inspired our creative endeavours this year and through a whimsical narrative, a wealth of imagination was discovered as Alice eventually found the courage to lead from her heart.
The Arts Production has been in rehearsal since the beginning of the year as students have strived to learn lines, work collaboratively and improve their skills as performers. On behalf of the production team and cast of talented students, we would like to say congratulations to all who were involved in this entertaining and successful production.
When asked about their involvement in 'Alice', students had this to say,
What has this experience taught you?
“This experience has taught me that teamwork is very important as each person has their own little piece in a big puzzle. It’s also taught me that emotions play a big part in performing and they can impact your performance and memory so it’s important to learn how to manage them.
I really enjoyed seeing the show come together as every act had something new or a special twist that made it entertaining and unexpected. I am very thankful for being able to be a part of this amazing experience.”
Michaela, Year 7
What did you enjoy about the performance as a whole?
"I really liked how the show conveyed the spirit of Alice in Wonderland’s fantastic colourful universe while still adding its own special artistic touch. Dance, music, and visual effects were combined to create a multi-dimensional experience that was both enjoyable and thought-provoking. It was a memorable and entertaining experience because of the production's capacity to immerse the audience in Wonderland, causing a wide range of emotions, and leaving us with a sense of wonder and introspection."
Emily, Year 9
What were your top three Alice items to watch and what made these stand out to you?
"My favourite performance of the show was Alessia’s Cheshire Cat solo. She embodied the character and synchronised all of her movements to the song's lyrics. Such as making cat ears with her hands and turning on the beat. Another favourite dance of mine was 'Heads Will Roll' by the SACE dancers as the music and costumes really complimented the synchronised and sharp choreography. Finally, I enjoyed watching 'Deck of Cards' as Chiara demonstrated a lot of skill and dedication dancing en pointe. It was mesmerising watching her turn in her ballet costume and I believe it added to the virtuosity of the performance."
Ella, Year 10
What did you enjoy about the performance as a whole?
"I enjoyed being able to bond with my classmates through the experience of working together to produce our drama scenes. Our scenes came together spectacularly and were well received by friends and family who showered our performance with praise. I enjoyed being able to see what all of the other classes had been working on and how it all tied in together."
Jennifer, Year 10
Thank you to our creative and committed Arts staff for all the effort put into bringing our production together. To Brooke and Olivia, our 2023 Arts Captains, who have excelled in their role this year, inspiring our next generation of Arts students. To the staff who helped backstage, your support is truly appreciated and to each and every student involved, congratulations! Together you have all been a part of creating something truly memorable. In the words of the Mad Hatter, “A dream is not reality but who’s to say which is which?” - Lewis Caroll, Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Rachel Scott
The Arts Leader of Learning
Linda Di Blasio and Romina Penna
First, we would like to congratulate Year 10 students Daniella and Sophia who won awards for the outstanding artwork they entered in the Royal Adelaide Show Art Competition.
Sophia was awarded the highly sought after Certificate of Merit for her artwork in the Royal Adelaide Show competition category, "Drawing, Featuring an Australian Native Bird or Reptile, using any drawing media".
Daniella was awarded the following for her crochet submission to the Royal Adelaide Show:
- The Sue Dinning Prize - most outstanding knitting, crochet or woven exhibit
overall. - First place - any crocheted article - 14 to 15 year of age.
- First place - The Handspinners and Weavers Guild of SA Prize most outstanding knitted, crocheted, or woven exhibit - 14 to 15 years of age.
- Most outstanding knitted, crocheted, or woven exhibit - 14 to 15 years of age.
Well done, Daniella and Sophia!
This term, Ms Penna and Ms Di Blasio created a Pop-Up Gallery upstairs in the main building. Many students have commented on the colourful, creative, and talented work on display. The gallery involves the work from years 7 to 11. Year 7 sculptural bugs are climbing the walls! Year 8 pastel roses and tessellations demonstrate excellent skills in chalk pastel and a connection to Maths with the Escher style tessellations. Many of these tessellations were used as digital backdrops for Arts Night. The Year 9 Mad Hatter hats look fantastic, some were used in the Arts Night performance.
Year 10 work includes our Arts Night poster design competition, with congratulations to Zarah who won first prize. The Design students also designed creative outfits using the Alice in Wonderland theme. Year 10 charcoal still life drawings have created enormous interest demonstrating a high quality of skill and technique.
The Year 11 portraits have also generated much discussion and awe as students painted self-portraits portraying the Alice in Wonderland theme. Congratulations students on the amazing talent you have displayed during a very busy term!
Ms Di Blasio and Ms Penna
Visual Art and Design Teachers
Elena Tatarelli
Our Year 9 Digital Technology students have been busy this term incorporating the design process to engage with various technologies, for example, Adobe Animate software to create innovative, digital solutions such as computer aided drawing and animations.
The students have also experimented with a new topic in the Design and Technology field, using metal and various tools to engineer and develop creative and innovative jewellery products. Along with making judgments about the characteristics and properties of metal materials, they have reflected on factors such as sustainability and how this impacts their designed solution and production processes, whilst also problem solving to address any challenges along the way.
Please enjoy some of the pictures captured during our Design and Technology lessons and stay tuned for the final, completed jewellery pieces that our design entrepreneurs will present next term!
Elena Tatarelli
Design and Technology Teacher
On Thursday 21 September, 15 of our Year 9 students visited Flinders University to attend the STEM Enrichment Academy for Year 9 girls. The program offered was interesting as we learnt about Environmental Science and Physics, allowing us to gain a better understanding of these fields of science and their relevance to everyday life. We chose to participate in this day as we were interested in learning more about STEM and the potential career pathways in this field. Three female STEM researchers spoke to us about why they chose to study STEM subjects at university. They gave us insight into research work that they have carried out and the useful applications of their research in everyday life.
We completed several experiments that were designed to broaden our knowledge of gravity, light interference, the movement of air particles and green chemistry.
As a result of attending this workshop, we are now keen to consider and continue our studies in STEM subjects at school. The experience has highlighted that there are many opportunities for women in a range of STEM fields that were formerly dominated by males.
Mariza and Alana
Year 9 students
Year 7 Green
In our Science lessons we are currently studying the topic 'Our Place in Space'.
As a practical activity, our class was divided into 2 groups.
One group built a scale model representing the relative sizes of the planets in comparison to the Sun.
To build this model, we chose a 700mm diameter fit ball to represent the Sun. To find the scale of our model, we divided the diameter of the sun (1,390,000 km) by the diameter of the fit ball (700mm).
This gave us a scale of 1mm = 2000km.
To calculate the scaled sizes of the planets we divided the diameter of each planet by 2000km.
To build our model, we chose objects of a diameter similar to that of each planet’s scaled diameter. Mercury’s scaled diameter was 2mm, so we represented Mercury by a grain of rice. Jupiter, the largest planet had a scaled diameter of 72mm, so a baseball was used to represent this planet.
What we learnt:
- The sun is so much bigger than the planets.
- Mercury is extremely small in comparison to the Sun and other planets.
- Mars and Earth are not the same size.
- Even though Jupiter is the largest planet, it is still very small in comparison to the Sun.
The second group built a scaled model which represented the relative distances between the Sun and the planets.
All planets and the Sun were in a straight line that was 100m long, we used a scale of 1m represents 45,000,000km.
As a group, we calculated each scaled distance between the Sun and the individual planets by dividing their real distance from the sun by 45,000,000. The closest planet to the Sun, Mercury was placed 1.3m from the red fit ball which represented the Sun. The furthest planet from the Sun, Neptune was placed 100m from the Sun. We measured the distances out on the school oval to ensure there was enough space.
What we learnt:
- The Solar System is massive!
- The planets are so far away from one another.
- The planets are not evenly spaced apart throughout our solar system.
Elicia Baldwin
The Catholic Schools Music Festival Performance held on Tuesday 26 September was an extraordinary showcase of talent, passion, and creativity. The event brought together students from various Catholic primary and high schools, all eager to share their love for music with a captivated audience.
Founded by Sr Colleen Roberts RSJ, the first festival performance was held in St Peter’s College Memorial Hall on August 16, 1989. Now, some 35 years later, the festival is held over four nights at the Adelaide Festival Theatre and involves more than 2000 students from around 80 Catholic primary and high schools.
The festival featured a diverse range of performances, from soulful choir harmonies to breathtaking instrumental solos and ensembles.
Following their successful audition in July, our Mary MacKillop College Performance Choir were selected to be a support act on Tuesday’s opening night, performing ‘Don’t You Worry About a Thing’ by Stevie Wonder. Our talented musicians wowed the crowd with their exceptional skills and dedication to their craft and showcased a wonderful performance. Congratulations to all students involved in the College Performance Choir.
We were also very proud to have Year 7 Student Caitlin as the evenings chosen compere. Following her own audition process, Caitlin has been busy preparing for her role since August. Attending many workshops, rehearsals and soundchecks, she was exceptionally well prepared for her position. Caitlin spoke wonderfully, introducing each performance and support act with energy and enthusiasm, she most certainly displayed our college motto ‘Have Courage To…’. Congratulations Caitlin.
Not only did the festival provide a platform for students to display their musical abilities, but it also fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. The performers supported and encouraged each other, creating a warm and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
The Catholic Schools Music Festival Performance was a testament to the power of music in bringing people together. It showcased the immense talent of the students and highlighted the importance of music education in Catholic schools. The event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Elicia Baldwin
Music Teacher
Zoe Duffy
In what has already been an action-packed year in the world of sports at Mary MacKillop College, we are delighted to announce that there's still plenty more excitement on the horizon. Term 4 Sport commences in Week 1 of Term 4. We wish all of our volleyball, basketball and touch football teams good luck for the season ahead.
Our talented Queensland Netball Team has left for the Gold Coast this week. We wish them the best of luck as they embark on a journey bound to test their teamwork, skill and determination. They have spent countless hours on the court and in the gym in preparation for the trip and we are thrilled to see their hard work pay off. We can’t wait to share their results and exciting adventures with the community upon their return.
We are excited to invite all of our school community to our upcoming Sports Night, a celebration of our love for sports, teamwork, and community spirit. Here are the event details:
Date: Tuesday 17 October 2023
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Sr Margaret Lamb Gymnasium
Highlights of the Evening:
- Award presentations - Premiership Teams and Sport Award recipients will be presented their 2023 medals.
- Guest Speaker - Hear from Isabel Hodgson, Captain of the Adelaide United Women’s team
- Raffle - Participate in our raffle for a chance to win a signed Adelaide United top.
How to RSVP:
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the action and show your support for our wonderful sports program. To RSVP for the Sports Night, please visit our trybooking website or contact Ms Zoe Duffy for more information.
We can't wait to see you there!
R U OK? Day is dedicated to empowering people to connect with those around them and lend support when needed. This year, Mary MacKillop College embraced this campaign and informed the community of how we can show each other that we are ‘here to hear’.
The week began with a school gathering that gave staff and students important information on how to conduct an R U OK? conversation. Badges were handed out and specks of yellow began appearing on blazers. During the week, affirmation notes were created by each class and put up on display in the canteen area to give students and staff a boost of encouragement.
Thursday 14 September featured a visit from the Boost Mobeel which began blending upon its arrival on site. Anticipation filled the air as the van was spotted during recess and tables were set up just before lunchtime. As a team, the Wellbeing Ambassadors organised the distribution of pre-ordered drinks during lunch and with the hot weather, the Boost Juices were well appreciated! In regard to the theme of this week, the aim of the drinks was to give the community a ‘pick-me-up’ as the term comes to an end... Let’s just say, our goal was reached!
We extend gratitude to Ana and Michael who run the SA Boost Mobeel and the workers who helped on the day. We would also like to thank Mrs Eckert for supervising the event and Mrs Stewart for all her efforts in organising the day. Finally, a big well done to the Wellbeing Ambassadors for their contribution to the event.
It has been extremely fulfilling to serve Mary Mackillop College as the inaugural Wellbeing Captains in 2023. We congratulate Lily and Kahlea on becoming the 2024 Wellbeing Captains and we wish them the very best in their roles.
Jessica and Jessica
2023 Wellbeing Captains
On Tuesday 19 September we celebrated the Mary MacKillop College Mini-Field of Women, supporting and paying tribute to people in our local community affected by breast cancer. This tribute event centred on an exhibition of 102 silhouettes planted in the ground in the front office courtyard. Staff, Year 12 students and school families were invited to write personal messages to be displayed on the silhouettes. We also used this day as an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence of breast cancer in our community and acknowledge BreastScreen SA as an important screening service providing free mammograms.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 542 for men. Our grateful thanks go to all who participated, writing thoughtful and considered messages, and also to Breast Cancer Network Australia and BreastScreen SA for their generous donation of resources and information which we were able to share with our community.
Class of 2017
"Horse mad since I was 3, there wasn’t much chance of me ever pursuing anything else.
As a MacKillop girl, in Term 3 of Year 8 I fell ill seemingly overnight. I was later diagnosed with an incurable neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease which over the last 10 years has left me hemiplegic on my right side.
Since graduating from Mary MacKillop College in 2017, I have been a registered elite athlete with the University of South Australia where I am 5 weeks away from completing a double degree in Human Movement and Psychology.
I have had the pleasure of being named on state squads and teams since 2016 with my 3 horses and have travelled Australia, competing at a national level in the able-bodied competition as a para rider.
My horses have given me a purpose through the biggest challenge of my life and I owe them eternally.
Photos:
1. My absolute best mate Storm aka ‘Northern Storm’.
2. Kiwi aka ‘Fire Storm’ at SA Spring Dressage Festival.
3. Charlie aka ‘Storm in a Tea Cup’ at Royal Adelaide Show 2022."
Jessie Smith
Class of 2017
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 Dates
Saturday 21 October, 10.00am
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
Queensland Netball Tournament
Term 3 concludes at 1.25pm
Term 4 commences
Sports Night 7pm
Awards Assembly
Year 12 last day of school
Year 12 Farewell Mass and Assembly
Old Scholars Reunion
SACE Exams commence
SACE Exams conclude
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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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