Mary MacKillop Newsletter

Parents and Friends

Mary MacKillop College Parents and Friends AGM - Presidents Report 2020/21

August 2021

 

Well 2020 was definitely “one out of the box”. With the threat of a spreading COVID-19 virus pandemic, education was thrust into Home-Based learning, which presented challenges for students, teachers and parents. But, thankfully, we have grown and educated ourselves on procedures and seamless transition to online learning when it is required, and it has become slightly less stressful as we attempt to deal with the ongoing threat.

 

COVID-19 also disrupted the majority of P & F activities at MMC, the most disappointing being the cancellation of the Year 11 Debutante Ball in 2020 and 2021. This is one of the annual events co-ordinated by the P & F, which involves an extreme amount of work, but allows a great number of the extended College Community to come together and celebrate our young people becoming adults. But with many restrictions in place, and restrictions tending to change at the drop of a hat, the decision to cancel the Deb had to be made, and this difficult decision was made with much anxiety and sadness. Hopefully in the future, this event can be re-instated to “normal” College activities. 

 

During 2020 the Committee also made the decision to cease operation of the secondhand uniform shop. With multiple online platforms now available to sell or purchase secondhand uniform and textbooks, a new MMC Facebook page was created which can be used for this purpose and can be accessed at the following URL:

 https://www.facebook.com/MMCRCuniformandbooks

 

The Committee also recruited CDF Pay to create a platform where parents and families can order NEW Sports uniform, Fluoro VET/VCAL Uniform, socks, hats and scarves ONLINE. This has streamlined the process and has made ordering simple and pick up from the office easy for students.

Current and New student login details can be obtained from the College Office, and can be accessed  through: https://mackillopleongatha.cdfpay.org.au/MonitorOnline/app/#/login

 

The P & F Committee is always working quietly in the background, and we have a wonderful, dedicated group who always put a lot of work, and thought into fundraising ideas, events and decision-making within the College.

 

I would like to say a BIG “Thank you” to each and every P & F Committee Member who has served over the past 35 years at MMC and have taken time out of their busy lives to attend meetings, brainstorm ideas, fundraise, and contribute a great deal to the success of Mary MacKillop College.

 

I would especially like to thank the 2020/21 Executive Team, who have been contributing members for many, many years, and have helped me enormously throughout my presidency of the P&F:

  • Secretary Catherine Riseley,
  • Treasurer Belinda Brennan,
  • Sharron Stephens as our representative on the College Advisory Board
  • Fran Backman as Canteen Manager,
  • Uniform Shop Co-ordinator Catherine Riseley
  • Donna Wylie as Deb Ball organiser.

Also, Julie Schnoor for her continued inputs to the Committee at Meetings and College events. I truly appreciate all of you stepping up and volunteering your time and expertise to the smooth running of the Committee and our endeavours throughout the year.

Even with COVID restrictions halting most P & F run activities we still managed to supply morning tea for staff at the College in celebration of World Teachers Day on Oct 30, 2020. 

 

A small appreciation for all they do for students at the College. Many parents have still helped Fran out in the Canteen, and continued to do so whilst restrictions allowed. Thank you to the staff who have helped Fran when parents were not allowed onsite. 

Speaking of Fran……Fran Backman has finally hung up her Canteen apron and has done an AMAZING job running the Canteen since 2001 (20 years). She is an absolute treasure! 

Our new Canteen Manager, Kara, will find they are very big shoes to fill! But I am confident she will put her own mark on the new canteen, has hit the ground running, and has been very popular with the student body (when students have actually been at school). 

We received a $2200 cheque from Michaels IGA Leongatha and Korumburra Community Rewards Program. Thank you to Michaels Supa IGA for their continued support of community groups and schools through this fund, and to the shoppers who donate their points to MMCRC. It is a great contribution to our fundraising for the year.

 

THANK YOU…

 

To the ever-efficient office staff who help continuously, and never complain when I request their assistance, your hard work is greatly appreciated. Also, for helping out in Uniform shop during our social isolation timing!

 

And once again the P & F has had full support from our past Principal, David Leslie, Acting Principal Margaret McKenna and the Advisory Council.

 

After almost 12 years of association with MMC, my time as a P & F member at the College is drawing to a close. I have been a P & F member for the whole 12 years my children have been at the College (from first to last), and President for the last four-and-a-half years. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an amazing group of people who have whole-heartedly stood by me, helped make important decisions, and tirelessly worked to fundraise and contribute many things toward the College. In my time on the Committee we have contributed toward many visible projects. For example:

  • Sun shelters for sports days
  • Bus shelter
  • Concrete path to front gate
  • Playground for the Junior School
  • Mary MacKillop Canonisation memorial in front lawn
  • Sound system and portable stage/steps in Pioneer Hall.
  • New sandwich toasters/jaffle maker for Senior School common room (2021)

But there have also been contributions behind the scenes, things which are not tangible, but are as equally important in the overall operation of MMC.

There have no doubt been some challenges on the journey, but I have enjoyed being part of the College, contributing to its success, and being part of the consultative process throughout all these years. I have worked alongside some very dedicated parents, fabulous staff, and have enjoyed my time immensely. I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with and getting to know you all over the past 12 years.

 

The current Committee are due to pass the reigns onto new College Community members, as our children will finish their schooling at the end of this year. 

 

Unfortunately, the P & F Committee has had trouble recruiting members in recent years, and the change in the level of support from the school community has made the P & F executive reflect on what we do in the future and how we do it. The P & F is an entirely voluntary organisation and exists solely for the benefit of all school students and their families.

I realise we are all busy with children, extended families, work, home making, sports, and homework, but please remember, there is no such thing as too little. Every little bit helps. Not only will you feel immense pride in your contribution, but you will also feel a real sense of belonging to the school community

It would be unfortunate if the College loses a representative group after 35 years in existence. But, hopefully with a new Principal at the helm, in the near future, with some new recruiting  ideas, or a new format for the P & F, it will allow parents to continue contributing to the operations and policies of the College, which I believe is very important.All our children benefit when we work together as a community.

 

Best wishes to all for the future.

 

Donna Muldoon

President Parents and Friends Association 2020/21

 

The MMC P & F held their AGM this week. The outgoing committee are all parents of Year 12 students, and all resigned their positions from the Committee. Due to a lack of individuals available to fill a complete committee, it was agreed that the P & F group would be suspended for the rest of 2021. Hopefully the College Community will step up next year allowing a reset of the P & F in early 2022. If you are interested in becoming part of this important group within the College in 2022, please keep an eye on the MMC Facebook page and Newsletter with information on how you can contribute to the P & F group. Current and prospective parents will be warmly welcomed. It is a great way to meet other parents and families from the College, have an important role in consultation and an insight into the workings of MMC.

 

Sincere appreciation and many thanks for the hard work contributed to the College community by the outgoing committee. 

 

Donna Muldoon

President - MMC Parents & Friends

 

The MMC Parents and Friends Association has ceased operation of the secondhand uniform shop within the College. The College now has a secondhand uniform (and book) Buy, Swap and Sell Facebook page. You may wish to use this Facebook site to search for, or to sell any secondhand uniform items.

https://www.facebook.com/MMCRCuniformandbooks

 

To purchase NEW items of Sports Uniform, VCAL/VET Hi-Vis shirts and jumpers, socks, hats, and scarves, a new online ordering system has been introduced.

CDF Pay can be accessed using the QR code attached or via website 

https://mackillopleongatha.cdfpay.org.au/MonitorOnline/app/#/login

 

A user guide is also provided in the newsletter, and can also be found on the College website https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/

 

Once orders have been placed you will receive an email advising you can pick items up from the College office.

 

New uniform items (except PE uniform and socks) will continue to be available through Panthers Mensland in Leongatha and Wonthaggi.

 

New Girls Pants

THE ONLY PANTS THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE AS PART OF THE SCHOOL UNIFORM ARE THOSE AVAILABILE AT PANTHERS MENSLAND WITH THE SCHOOL CREST EMBROIDED ON THEM. 

Girls are able to wear black or navy socks with new pants.