Around the College

Year 7 Welcome Mass - Mrs. Cassidy

On Wednesday 8th March we had our Year 7 Welcome Mass, it was great to see and meet so many of our families. Year 7 Class Captains were also presented, followed by meeting the homeroom teacher and supper!

7A
7B
7C
7D
All Year 7 Captains!
7A
7B
7C
7D
All Year 7 Captains!

 

Year 10 Agriculture - Mr. Blencowe

Our Year 10 Agriculture Students propagating seasonal veggies for their plant-based area of study. Also comparing growth via potting versus straight into the ground. 

 

Senior Cricket Team - Mr. Baker

On Tuesday, March 7th the Mary MacKillop Senior Cricket team made the trip across to Traralgon to compete in the Gippsland finals for SSV. Trafalgar were our first opponents and the step up in competition was obvious early with their batsmen finding the boundary regularly. The tide turned quickly after Tim Niven and Harry Hoekstra knocked over the top order with the assistance of some good catching. All bowlers did an excellent job and we bowled Trafalgar out for 66. While we started well in the chase through Cullen Anderson who made 16 it all fell apart with some poor shot selection and panic until Raff Jeffris and Tim Niven got together. At 8 for 43 they put together a magical 28-run partnership which got the team into the final against Nagle College – Bairnsdale.

 

After winning the toss and batting first the Nagle bowlers impressed early with some genuine pace and bounce. Enter Harry Hoekstra who completely changed the game with a very intelligent but also powerful 86 not out. Harry ran well between the wickets and placed the ball beautifully. He was supported by Campbell Reid in a sixth wicket partnership worth 80 and in truth put the game out of Nagle’s reach as we finished on 160. Tim Niven was economical early and grabbed a couple of wickets which really took the air out of the chase. Kade Berryman took a hat trick late which was a good effort as the game petered out.

 

Well done to the team who are now Gippsland Champions which is an excellent effort and good luck as they take on Melbourne High on March 20th in the State quarter-finals.

 

VCE Environmental Science - Mr. Ross-Bryant

On Friday 3rd March our VCE Environmental Science class got up close with a very curious Koala that galloped up to the students at the front of the school when they were doing a tree transect as part of the Environmental Science curriculum!

 

He ran almost right up to the group and stopped to watch what they were doing then climbed an adjacent tree and watch while the students were working!

 

 

Year 9 Art - Mrs. Herbert

 

SSV Swimming - Mr Lumsden

Our swimming team headed off to Sale to compete at the SSV Gippsland Regional Swimming yesterday with some great results! Congratulations to all who participated!

 

Open mornings!

We have three open mornings coming up, there are still spaces available for you to come along! Click here to book: https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/enrolments/transition-program/event-registration-form/ 

 

Grade 6 Day!

Our Grade 6 days are being formatted differently this year! Students from Government schools are able to come and have a look at our College on Friday 28th April 2023. Families need to complete the registration form and return it by :

 

Feeder primary schools - St Laurence, St Joseph Korumburra, St Joseph Wonthaggi and Star of the Sea Cowes will have separate days and information will be provided by your school! 

 

 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine information for parents/guardians

 

From 6 February 2023, the routine two-dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has become a single-dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. 

 

What is the HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV infection, which is a common viral infection, usually affecting the genitals and spread through sexual contact. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, that is before a person becomes sexually active.  More information about HPV and the HPV vaccine can be found here

 

How has the HPV vaccine schedule changed? 

From 6 February 2023, the recommended HPV vaccine schedule for most people has changed from two doses to a single dose course using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. There is no change to the amount of vaccine that is given in a single dose. 

The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people. A 3-dose schedule of HPV vaccine is recommended for people with severely immunocompromising conditions, regardless of their age when they started vaccination. 

 

Why was this change made?

The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who have considered and reviewed the latest international clinical evidence. ATAGI support the large volume of clinical findings that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses of HPV vaccine.  

 

What do you need to do?

Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations delivered to students at school as usual. 

If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information about the HPV vaccine please contact your local council. 

 

Further information

Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation