Learning Highlights
Teacher Extension Learning Camp
On Monday 2 December, students from the College Year 9 and 10 Japanese classes embarked on a journey to Port Arthur for an exciting three-day extension learning camp. We were bound for 3 days of language learning mayhem!
On the camp, we worked with new words and phrases to help us describe our surroundings, focusing on the Port Arthur Historic Site. Working together, we challenged ourselves with daily lessons that helped boost our Japanese skills. A huge thanks to Sullivan Sensei, Quinn Sensei, D’Amico Sensei, Rowlands Sensei, and Mr. Yaxley! Without their knowledge and dedication, this camp wouldn’t have been possible.
Each day, we broke into small groups for Japanese lessons, undertaking activities and mini quizzes to track our progress. We practiced casual conversation with a focus on prepositions. In the evenings, we enjoyed hanging out together, chatting about the day, and unwinding by watching Bluey.
On days 2 and 3 of the camp, we hiked our way to the Port Arthur Historic Site. At the Site, we toured the Isle of the Dead and learned about the social hierarchy in Tasmania and many interesting facts about our history. In addition, we were given time to explore the Historic Site guided by listening tasks creatively designed by Sullivan Sensei. These gave us an extensive, well-rounded, and engaging experience while simultaneously putting our Japanese skills to use. We all learned a lot about Tasmania’s fascinating history and the many different buildings, like the prison. We learned what life was like for the people living in Port Arthur and the historical significance of these places.
This camp allowed us to form new connections with people from different year levels, College houses, and interest areas. This was a great way to learn from others and improve our Japanese, all in a way that was fun.
Noah Capaci, Abel Harris and Sofia Smith (Year 9)
FUSION 2024
FUSION took place over two nights, the theme this yearwas DREAMS.
Opening night highlighted the talented arts and media students from Year 7-12. Works were displayed in a Gallery, beautifully curated by the Arts team. This year there were two prizes. The Packers prize, selected by practising artist and Arts Assistant Jaclyn Godfrey, was awarded to Year 8 student Holly Wagner for her outstanding mixed media still life artwork. Dr. Jo Chew, the 2023 Glover Prize winner (Australia's most prestigious landscape painting prize) awarded the Judges' Prize to Year 10 student Eleanor Lynch for her remarkable self-portrait painting, which beautifully featured her cat.
The second part of the evening featured Australian playwright Barry Kay’s play Dreams. The cast included students from Year 7-10. These students had rehearsed tirelessly during their lunchtimes to create this performance. Dreams explored a fantasy world where the Dream Agency assisted with planning a future just as you would use a travel agent to plan a holiday. The students had fun with this text, exploring the challenges of dreaming in a world that pressures young people to make ‘realistic’ choices.
After a quick set change, Mrs Williams’s extraordinary Year 7-11 dance students exploded onto the stage showcasing their routines. These talented students rehearsed in their own time to prepare for the evening. A highlight of the event was the inclusion of several routines from the Dance students from John Paul II.
On Thursday evening we held our music showcase, featuring students from a wide variety of ensembles. More than 60 students performed as part of the Rock Bands, Jazz Band, Wind Symphony, Choir and Concert Band, and a few as soloists. Students from John Paul II Catholic School joined us in the Junior Band and played in our 40-plus piece mega band for the finale.
A huge thank you to the students who participated in FUSION. The event was an excellent example of the commitment and passion the students have for the Arts here at MacKillop. A big thank you to our wonderful crowd of supportive families and friends who joined us and to the Arts teachers who put in so much work to make the night a success.
Anna Cato - Teacher and Program Leader
Activity Day for Year 7-9
On Thursday 12 November, our Year 7-9 students enjoyed their Activity Day before their final day at MacKillop for 2024 is celebrated with a Beach Day tomorrow. Students rotated through a series of activities in the morning, including each cohort's Celebration of Excellence where students were recognised for their academic, cultural and social achievements throughout their year. Congratulations to all students who were recognised for their efforts.
A special liturgy and trivia games rounded out the morning fun before the prestigious Eddie Rice Cup commenced in the afternoon. Students moved through a series of 12 stations with their Pastoral Care Group completing a wide variety of games from tug-o-war to Pictionary.
