Vision for Teaching and Learning at St Mary MacKillop College - a statement that drives the development of a high performance learning culture at SMMC

At St Mary MacKillop College we have high expectations of our students as we equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning. We pursue excellence through a teaching and learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and encourages growth. We value collaboration, innovation and building strong relationships.

NAPLAN

This week students in Year 7 and 9 completed the NAPLAN tests for writing and reading. On Monday and Tuesday, they will complete the tests for conventions of language and numeracy. I commend our students for the positive way they have approached the tests so far.

VCE/VCE VM/VPC/VET Interviews

Parents and students are invited to attend the VCE/VCE VM/VPC/VET Parent/Teacher/Student Interview evening on Wednesday 25 March from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. These interviews include any Year 10 student studying a Year 11 VCE Unit 1 Subject. Please refer to the booking information included in this newsletter.

Year 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Parents and students are invited to attend the Year 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interview evening on Wednesday 29 April from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. Please refer to the booking information included in this newsletter.

Homework Checklist for Parents

Homework is an important extension of the learning that occurs during class time. In the first edition of the newsletter for 2026 I included information on our home study guidelines. Please find here a list of useful strategies to support parents with their child’s homework.

Please also find here an article on the top 10 tips on how to study smarter, not longer.

2026 Student Information

Our Student Information document for 2026 has been updated and is now available for students to access on SIMON under Student Links. Parents are also able to access the document on PAM. A range of information is included in the document including our lesson times, homeroom teachers, student leaders, College Community Expectations and uniform expectations. Please let me know if you have any feedback on this document.

The Australian Council for Educational Research Advance Awards for Schools Competition

In December last year we had a group of high achieving students across Years 7 to 9 participate in The Australian Council for Educational Research Advance Awards for Schools Competition. This competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase critical thinking and problem-solving in literacy and numeracy.

The following students achieved a credit in the competition:

Jake

Aiden

Larni

Ebony

The following students received participation certificates:

Ned

Brydie

Ayla

Marli

Evangeline

Gemma

Emily

Emma

Meron

We congratulate these students on their participation in this competition.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

DATES TO REMEMBER

MARCH 2026