Principal

Rock and Roll

Last week was pure rock and roll! Well done to the cast and all the staff involved in our production of the School of Rock. Musicals are a massive undertaking but they undeniably build community, cohesion and memories that last a lifetime.

Capital Development

We are pleased to share that the Clarence City Council has granted planning approval to replace our temporary demountable classrooms with architecturally designed, lightweight facilities. We aim to complete this project during the 2025/26 summer. This development will significantly improve the College façade and provide contemporary learning spaces for students.

Planning for further upgrades and expansions is also progressing. We anticipate Catholic Education approval for our broader development plans by September. Our initial priorities include:

• Upgrading the Penola classroom block, including a new entry, additional classrooms, and dedicated space for the entire House.

• Renovating the Penola toilet block, which is long overdue for replacement.

   

New Extra-Curricular Management System

Our extra-curricular program is consistently identified by parents as a key strength, offering diverse opportunities from sport to music and clubs such as Dungeons and Dragons. To streamline coordination and registration, we are introducing Clipboard, a centralised platform for students, parents, and staff.

The first use of Clipboard will be for Term 4 Sport Selection. You will soon receive an email invitation to the MacKillop Clipboard Portal, prompting you to log in and set a password. 

Here is an intro video of Clipboard:

For detailed sign-up instructions, please see the attached guide. The portal can be accessed at portal.clipboard.app/mackillop.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

We continue to plan for the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award for all Year 9 students in 2026. The College has received a lot of positive feedback about this new initiative. This video provides an overview of the the Duke of Edinburgh Award:

Uniform Shop Relocation

Earlier this year, we advised Perm-A-Pleat, our uniform provider, that the College will require the current uniform shop space from Term 4, 2025, to create a senior study and social area.

The uniform shop will therefore move offsite in early Term 4. Perm-A-Pleat is finalising an alternative location in our local area, and we will share details as soon as they are confirmed. Parents will still be able to visit the shop or order online, with delivery to the College.

Uniform Committee Update

Following a comprehensive survey of parents and students in 2024, a College Uniform Committee, comprising five parents and three staff members, was established. Guided by the principles of Affordability, Warmth, Comfort, Choice, and Purpose, the committee has been reviewing feedback and implementing changes.

The strongest feedback concerned the current College blazer, with parents citing its cost and students expressing discomfort and dissatisfaction. In response, from 2026 we will introduce a formal MacKillop College jacket as an alternative to the blazer. Key features include:

• Warmer, more comfortable design.
• Price approximately 50% lower than the current blazer.

• Differentiation in design between the Junior School (Years 7–9) and the Senior School (Years 10–12).

   

There is no requirement for current blazer owners to purchase the new jacket. Blazers will remain available while stock lasts, and there will be an extended transition period to avoid additional costs for families. Further uniform updates will be communicated as decisions are finalised.

2027 Year 7 Enrolments

If you have a child commencing Year 7 in 2027, please submit an application via the College website. Communication will soon be sent to enrolled families to book interviews in Term 4. Enrolment demand remains strong, and early applications help us plan effectively.

Thank you for your continued support of the College.