Learning Highlights

The Arts in Action

At MacKillop Catholic College, creativity is not just encouraged, it’s booming! From the very start of the school year, The Arts faculty has been a place of energy and expression. Whether through paint, performance, movement, music, or media, our young artists have been exploring new techniques, taking bold creative risks, and discovering the fun of productive collaboration.

In Year 7 Visual Art, students have delved into the bold and abstract world of Cubism. Drawing inspiration from the work of Pablo Picasso, they have created expressive and colourful oil pastel portraits. Throughout this unit, students explored the foundations of Cubist theory and learned to view portraiture through a fragmented, imaginative lens. 

Take a look at some of their masterpieces below!

Dancing to success!

We are so proud of our MacKillop Catholic College dance students for their outstanding achievements at this year’s Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod. For the first time, the College had students entered in every age group in the High School Educational Sections and we had some fantastic results!

Year 7/8 - 1st Place

Year 9 – Highly Commended

 Year 10 – Highly Commended

 Year 11/12 – 2nd Place

A special shout-out to Hannah and Karl (Year 12), who entertained with their song and dance duo, earning a Highly Commended award!

Detective work on stage!

Towards the end of Term 2, Year 9 Acting for Stage and Screen students took to the stage to perform 'Murder Mystery Weekend'. Set in a historical mansion, this performance delighted audiences with its thrilling tales of detective work, suspense and dramatic flair. 

Well done to all who performed!

Active learning at the TIS!

Our Level 3 Sport Science class visited the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) recently. Learning all of the behind-the-scenes Sport Science/Exercise Physiology that goes into training Tasmania's most elite athletes. 

One student even had the opportunity to participate in lactate threshold testing with a TIS Exercise Sport Scientist. 

This excursion incorporated all three components of the Level 3 Sport Science Course (Skill Acquisition, Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology) and was an exciting opportunity for students to gain insight into what a Sport Science pathway could potentially look like.

Time to Talk Timor

Term 2 has been a busy time for the group heading to Timor-Leste during the Term 3 holidays. The Immersion is fast approaching and is less than two months away. The students have been involved in their preparation by attending meetings after school as well as participating and supporting some fundraising efforts.

Tuesday May 20 is Timor Independence Day and to mark the occasion MacKillop held a free-dress day. The student population was asked to donate a gold coin, and about $700 was raised this day. In June a Quiz Night was held to raise funds alongside SpeakUp Stay ChatTy. The night was a great success with nearly 200 people attendingand over $6000 raised. Funds raised will go towards buying sports equipment, music supplies and stationery for schools we visit in Timor. There was also a soccerboot drive in June. These boots will be given to children whole love playing soccer but are unable to buy their own boots. Thank you to the school community who have helped in various ways throughout the term. One of our final fundraising events will be a sausage sizzle at Bunnings in Mornington on Saturday August 30. Please come along and buy a sausage.

Another important area of preparation for the trip is learning about Timor either from documentaries, and from people in our community who have been to Timor-Leste. The group have had some guest speakers during the term. In May, Ben Richards (parent to Alexis and Blake) spoke to the group about his work in the Australian Army when he was posted to Timor-Leste about 25 years ago. His story about his time in Timor was interesting and engaging. The group also had to pleasure of hearing from some previous MacKillop students who have been on the Immersion in the last 10 years. They gained an insight into what to experience during the trip and some tips of what they can do to gain the maximum benefit from their tour of Timor.

Bunnings Mornington Fundaising BBQ Saturday August 30.

Phil Stanley

A note from Wellbeing

Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships are often a child’s first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support, and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation, and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child’s unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgment, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child’s individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued.

This edition of SchoolTV provides useful insights and practical strategies to support the development of positive, lasting sibling bonds that can extend well into adulthood.

 View the edition here:Sibling Relationships – SchoolTV

Dance Workshop

We were thrilled to welcome Bridget from Sydney Dance Company to work with our Dance 2 and 3 students. Students were guided through a workshop that introduced them to choreography from the Company’s current production momenta, before being challenged to create their own movement in response to moment-to-moment metaphors, a creative and powerful exploration of personal interpretation through dance. 

This inspiring experience aligns with Sydney Dance Company’s upcoming performance of momenta, taking place at the Theatre Royal on 18–19 July. Thank you to Sydney Dance Company for sharing your creativity with our students!

Rachel Williams

What a fun day out at the MacKillop Swimming Carnival!

This week students enjoyed the chance to swim their heart out at the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre. Cheering on their peers and showing their strong House Spirit. 

With plenty of students demonstrating their impressive swimming skills and competitive spirit, there were even a few novelty races to provide fun for all abilities. Congratulations to Sion who took out the Girls Aggregate and Overall Winning House Shield and Fitzroy  for winning the Boys Aggregate Shield. 

A big well done to all students who participated and thank you to all staff who supported the success of this event.

What amazing cookie creations!

This week as part of our JJAM Week celebrations, Rice and Sion House battled it out in a cookie decorating competition, bringing some of their favourite cartoon characters to life. Our special guest judge had the tricky task of awarding a winner of the best character, most creative and even the messiest cookie. 

JJAM Week fun continues!

Earlier in the week, students enjoyed a few rounds of friendly competition in a range of staff v students games. Organised by Penola and Fitzroy House, students had the chance to play quoits and cornhole as they cheered on their peers and supported their House.