Learning Highlights

Egg-citing things are hatching in the Hub! 

Students in the Learning Hub have been closely following the journey as the eggs were kept warm in a special incubator over the past few weeks. The excitement was contagious as tiny beaks began to break through and little balls of fluff made their first appearance. Students eagerly gathered to watch the chicks hatch and listened as they began to find their voices with soft, gentle chirps.

We look forward to watching more chicks hatch and seeing them grow in the days ahead. 

Running through the rain, hail or shine!

Recently, all students enjoyed the opportunity to run, skip, hop or walk around Risdon Brook Dam for the annual MacKillop Cross Country Carnival. It was fantastic to see students cheering on their peers and showing plenty of House spirit. 

A big well done to all students for their efforts today, and thank you to all staff who helped make this event such a success.

MacKillop Leavers 2016

Recently, the MacKillop Leavers 2016, joined together to celebrate their 10-year reunion. Enjoying a night of festivities at the Franklin Wharf Hotel the group reminisced on their time at MacKillop.

Former classmates spent time reminiscing about their school days, sharing stories of friendships, challenges, and those small but memorable moments that defined their time at MacKillop. 

It was a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet again with fresh perspectives, and reflect on how far everyone has come.

Term 1 Sporting Results

What a way to end the term with some exciting sporting results. We are thrilled to announce the following results:

• Girls Basketball Senior 2nd Grade Team, placed 1st in their Grand Final with a score of 50-18

• Boys Basketball Senior 1st Grade Team, placed 2nd in their Grand Final

   

SATIS XVIII AFL

Recently, our Boys SATIS 1st XVIII Football Team travelled to Launceston to compete in their first game of the competition against Launceston Church Grammar School. 

This marks the first time MacKillop has entered a team in what is known as the premier statewide school football league in Tasmania.

Despite the loss in their initial game, the team represented the College with pride and we look forward to cheering them on as the competition continues.

ANZAC Day Services

During the school holidays, students gathered at ANZAC Day services across Hobart, laying wreaths on behalf of the entire MacKillop Catholic College community.

It was an honour to see students, staff and their families coming together to pause,  remember and pay tribute to the service and sacrifices made by Australians, from the first landing in Gallipoli, to those currently serving.

Lest we forget.

Welcome to Year 11/12 at MacKillop!

Recently, our Year 11/12 students received their MacKillop Keep Cup. A new initiative that highlights our Senior Students as leaders of the school and promotes sustainability in the Julian Building space. 

We look forward to continuing this new tradition with future Senior Secondary students.

What beautiful images!

Students in Year 9 Photography and Graphic Design made a short trip to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens recently, to put into practice their new macro-photography skills.

Armed with their quality Canon Gx7Mkii's, the group made the most of the beautiful autumn colours and the variety of flora on site. Students will curate and edit their best 3 images from the shoot, to print and present later this Term. 

Dancing succes!

Congratulations to the Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod team who have enjoyed a week in the sunshine as they took to the stage and showed off months of hard work.

Special mention to the following students for the individual results:

Morgan (Year 9) – 2nd place

Halle (Year 10) – 2nd place

Effie (Year 10) – 3rd place

Scarlet (Year 11) – Very Highly Commended

Mia (Year 11) and Ellie (Year 12) – Highly Commended

In the group sections, their contemporary routine received a Very Highly Commended, and in more exciting news, they also placed 3rd in hip hop.

Well done to all who participated!

Exploring future pathways at MacKillop!

Recently, our Year 10 students had the exciting opportunity to undertake a week of either work placement or transition week activities as they move into Year 11 and 12 at MacKillop. 

While on work placement, students learnt from industry professionals at workplaces including Qantas, Back In Motion Rosny Park, the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, the Aquatic Centre and Go Dive. Take a look at the fun they got up to!

As part of their Transition Week activities, students in Year 10 also had the opportunity to learn how to dress for an interview, to tackling their tax file number and MyGov account creation, and even create a vision board to imagine their dream career. 

We look forward to further supporting students as they discover their career pathway and explore the opportunities on offer at MacKillop

 A big thank you to our Careers and Pathway Planning Adviser, Miss Sarah Gurney, for her efforts in making this week such a success.

What marvelous robot creations!

Students spent time creating and programming their robots to perfection before battling their competition to see who could program their robot to drive as close to a 250cm line as possible. 

The results came down to the final round with some inventive measuring tactics from Mr O'Leary that helped decide the winner, with less than millimetres separating the entrants. 

Congratulations to the 'Pocket Rocket' Team, who came away with the win after a very close competition.

Year 9 Design & Technology 

Textiles has kicked off with colour, creativity and plenty of hands‑on learning at MacKillop College. Students have jumped straight into the world of fabric and design, exploring a range of embellishment techniques as they created their own personalised cushions or shoulder bags.

What’s been most exciting is watching them work through the full design process — researching ideas, sketching concepts, drafting their own patterns and finally constructing their finished pieces. They’ve also mastered one of the biggest milestones in Textiles: learning how to confidently use a sewing machine.

This term, students are taking their skills even further as they learn how to read and follow a sewing pattern. Their next project is a pair of individualised PJ shorts, giving them the chance to apply everything they’ve learned to a wearable garment they can be proud of.

Textiles is proving to be a subject where creativity meets real‑world skills, and Year 9 students are embracing every moment of it.

Lenna Green, Head of Learning Technology

Exploring new opportunities for our future!

This week, students from Year 10-12 attended the Catholic Education Tasmania, Careers Expo, to discover what pathways can await them after they graduate from MacKillop Catholic College. 

It was wonderful to see students engaging with industry professionals and finding new options for their future. With the opportunity to explore a career in the defence force, apprenticeships, hear what's on offer at UTAS and more! 

Students will have further opportunities to explore options for their future pathway, at the MacKillop Creating Futures Expo on Tuesday 26 May from 6:00pm.

Vinnies Bake Sale

Recently this term, the school’s Vinnies team ran a bake sale to raise funds for those in need. We ran a very successful stall, if not the largest stall I have seen at MacKillop, which saw large numbers of customers, and a very large variety of food. Most of the food was sold during lunch, and the remaining food was left for staff to purchase later. 

I am proud to say that the stall raised a total of $346.70, showing how much the college community can get behind supporting a wonderful cause. Keep an eye out in the next coming weeks, as Vinnies will be back with more great fundraisers.

I would like to thank all the staff, and students that made food for our bake sale, I do not think I have seen a bake sale at MacKillop so filled with options. I would like to thank all the fantastic Vinnies team members for giving up their time to help make this bake sale possible, from the lunch time meetings, to helping serve the food, it cannot be done without the volunteers in our community. I would also like to thank every student that donated.

Logan Elliott, Identity and Mission Captain

Year 10 Retreat

The Year 10 students recently participated in a Retreat Day featuring inspirational guest speaker Sam Clear, who walked more than 15,000 km around the world sharing his faith and praying for unity within the Church and the wider community. 

Sam shared many stories from his incredible journey, highlighting how faith, resilience, courage and compassion guided him through both challenges and moments of great joy. 

Students were encouraged to reflect on their own values, relationships and purpose, while considering how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. The retreat day provided a meaningful opportunity for spiritual growth, reflection and connection within the Year 10 cohort.

Catherine Sardhina, Youth Minister

Gifted Awareness Week

Students were invited to test their limits in a series of team challenges that showcased their knowledge in areas such as history, sports, spelling and pop culture, as part of Gifted Awareness Week. 

Including a thrilling boat-building competition, where students were required to create a boat that could carry as many weights as possible whilst remaining afloat. Whilst some boats fared better than others, it was wonderful to see students working together throughout the day to cheer their team to victory.

Launceston Drama Competiton

Recently, a group of drama students performed in the Launceston Drama Competitions. We left early Tuesday morning, and our Year 7 students took to the stage first, with Taylor Cornish receiving a Highly Commended for her impromptu speech. Taylor and Elegra Zegveld then both earned a Highly Commended in the monologue section. Both students, along with Penny Godfrey, then competed in the Character Trio and again received a Highly Commended.

Our Year 8 students, Bella-Rose MacDonald, Rahni Jensen, Molly Genys and April Young, also took home a Highly Commended. Amelie Billing and Louella Wakefield performed in the duo section, and our Year 9 girls, Mila Irawan, Charlie Hay and Lila Harrison, are yet to hear their results. Rahni performed in the Creative Solo and received 3rd place.

Everyone did an amazing job and we are so proud of the effort they put in and the way they represented the College.

Anna Cato, Teacher and Program Leader: Drama

Vinnies Gorilla Gardening

Well done to our Vinnies Gorilla Gardening students who have been busy doing their part to care for the College grounds.