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.

In my report for this fortnight, I have included some information on the different activities and events that will take place over the next few weeks.

2026 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

We believe education is a partnership between teachers, parents and students, and we encourage communication between all parties. Parent/Teacher/Student interviews are an integral part of the ongoing school-home relationship, and we value the very important conversations we have about your child’s learning.

Year 7 TA Interviews

Our interviews for 2026 commence with the Year 7 TA interviews on Monday 16 March. Each term students in Year 7 to 12 meet with their homeroom teacher and talk about the progress they are making in their studies, their learning habits, the goals they have set for themselves and any support they require. We call this our TA (Teacher Advisor) interview process.

Parents and guardians of Year 7 students are invited to attend with your child their first TA interview. Interviews are for 20 minutes with your child’s homeroom teacher and will be held from 3.45pm to 5.45pm. Bookings can be made through the Parent Access Module (PAM) and interviews will be held in your child’s homeroom. We believe attending your child’s first TA interview is an opportunity to develop a positive relationship between the family and their homeroom teacher, and to assist you in developing a better understanding of the benefits of the TA program. The interview will involve feedback from both the homeroom teacher as well as from the child on how they have settled into St Mary MacKillop College. Students will discuss their interests and learning needs as well as set goals, discuss learning habits and address any questions they may have. If you are unable to attend, your child will still have their TA interview with their homeroom teacher during regular school hours. For further information, please refer to the information included in this newsletter.

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 information included in this newsletter.

2026 NAPLAN

Students in Year 7 and 9 will complete NAPLAN tests from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 17 March, with makeup tests on Tuesday 18 March if they have been absent.

Below is the schedule, mandated dates and proposed times. We ask that parents and carers avoid making appointments for their child during the NAPLAN testing times.

Wed 11 March

Thurs 12 March

Fri 13 March

Mon 16 March

Tues 17 March

Writing: 42 mins

Reading: 65 mins

Conventions of language: 45 mins

Numeracy: 65 mins

Catch-up tests

Lessons 3 and 4

Lessons 1 and 2

Lessons 1 and 2

Lessons 1 and 2

Lessons 1 and 2 (Year 7)

Lessons 3 and 4 (Year 8)

The NAPLAN tests will be conducted online. Students must bring their MacBook fully charged to all tests. They must also bring a pen or pencil and headphones for the writing, conventions of language and numeracy tests. Please remind your child of these requirements. Parents and guardians will receive a NAPLAN report by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) later in the year showing their child’s achievements against the national standards.

Students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/carer. Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing. A withdrawal form must be completed prior to any test the student is being withdrawn from.

If you would like to help your child prepare for NAPLAN, please read the attached information and go to https://nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site for practice questions.

A catch-up session will run in lessons 1 and 2 on Tuesday 17 March to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate.

Please click here to be taken to the VCAA website for further information regarding the upcoming NAPLAN tests.

We wish our students all the best as they complete this year’s NAPLAN tests. Please contact me should you have any questions.

International Women’s Day – Sunday 8 March

Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’. The following is from the International Women’s Day website:

When we give, we gain.

Together, let's help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

What will you Give to Gain gender equality?

Read more about International Women’s Day here.

I pray for all the women in our College community. May we all help to create a gender equal world.

Meet Your Academic Captains

Reesha and Marvin

1. What are the key responsibilities of your portfolio?

Reesha: Holding regular meetings, and making sure I am responsible, accountable and a good role model as a leader.

2. What is your vision as leader of the Academic Committee in 2026?

Reesha: I hope to help students with their study, keeping up with their classes and being available to help anyone who needs it.
Marvin: As an academic captain in 2026, my goal is to build a stress-free learning space where natural curiosity and self-discipline outweigh the rigid frameworks of structured education. Moreover, I'm committed to bridging the gap between students and teachers by peer tutoring and intellectual activities to clarify and consolidate knowledge, building an inclusive development among peers.

3. Name one person whom you would like to share a meal with and why?

Reesha: I would like to share a meal with Princess Diana because I think she was a very interesting person, and I wouldn't mind talking to her.
Marvin: If I had been given a chance to dine with someone, I would choose Jason Clare, the Australian Minister for Education, to discuss future policies he plans to implement to promote post-high school education in rural areas.

4. What are your interests outside of school?

Reesha: Outside of school I like theatre, art, and going out with friends or family.
Marvin: I also like to challenge myself by working in a fast-paced workplace after school where I can gain experience and enhance my judgement skills. My life philosophy is holistic development, including both academic and life skills.

Nathan Lane

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

CDF COMMUNITY FUND