Dear Parents, Students and Friends 

Today we come to the end of a very fulfilling term. We have welcomed new staff and families to the College, introduced Year 7 to life at High School, and returned to a full calendar of events. Our improvement agenda has been focused on student achievement and enhancing quality instruction. We are working towards our identified goals, with the emphasis on data informed practices and effective feedback.

Next term, we move into the High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP) professional learning offered through Catalyst. For families new to the College, Catalyst is our Archdiocese’s learning agenda which focuses on four areas. All schools across the Archdiocese have selected two areas that align with their Annual Improvement Plan. We are focused on the first two listed below.

1. High Impact Teaching Practice
2. Instructional Leadership
3. K-2 Literacy
4. Curriculum – Mathematics K-6

HITP aims to support teachers in Catholic Education to improve practice in their classroom through practical professional learning based on Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Principles-of-Insruction-Rosenshine.pdf

All teachers will be involved in HITP Theory and Practice professional learning. HITP In Action involves practical professional learning that supports participants to embed high impact teaching practice in their classroom through coaching. The following teachers have opted to be involved in this initiative to be our ‘champions’ in this space.

Combined Catholic Schools’ Mass

Holy Week commenced last Sunday with Palm Sunday. Yesterday, our K-12 Catholic pathway schools came together to celebrate a beautiful mass in preparation for Easter. This Mass was celebrated by Fr Martins and Seminarian Mark. It was a truly moving experience made so special through the presence of students from Kindergarten to Year 12, parents, and staff.

Today is Holy Thursday (The Lord’s Supper) and marks the end of Lent when the Church begins the celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This Mass begins a three-day liturgy – known as the Easter Triduum spanning Friday, Saturday, and ending with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. This three-day period allows time to truly experience and appreciate this tremendous mystery. Easter liturgy times are published in Parish Bulletins.

New Student Toilets
Plans are underway for a total refurbishment of our student toilet block. We are so pleased to be moving ahead with these improvements and are closely working with architect, Russell McFarland and Catholic Education. 

Staffing Update
Mrs Debbie Enfield is taking leave for the first two weeks of next term. Mr Greg McAteer will be relieving in the position of HSIE Coordinator in Mrs Enfield’s absence. Mrs Danielle Ciuffetelli will step into the Acting position of Pastoral Coordinator for MacKillop during this period, and Miss Lauren Herbert will move into the position of Pastoral Assistant (Acting).

Mrs Cassie Johnston begins maternity leave today. I know you join with me in wishing her and husband, Hugh all the very best as they await the arrival of their first child. We look forward to hearing of their special news in the weeks ahead. Mrs Laura Wales will be teaching Mrs Johnston’s classes for the remainder of the year. It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Mrs Wales back to the teaching team.

We farewell Mrs Louise Spry today who has been part of the Maths faculty while Mr Rob Wales has been on leave. On behalf of the College, I sincerely thank Mrs Spry for her commitment to the students. She has made a very positive impact this term. Mr Wales returns next term.

Mrs Lyne Peters is taking 8 weeks leave next term. I congratulate Mrs Belinda Whiteman who has been successful in gaining the position of Canteen Manager (Acting) - Wednesday – Friday from Weeks 1-8. Belinda has extensive experience as a qualified chef, restaurant owner and events manager. We welcome Belinda to this role.

Mrs Erin Smith will be continuing in her teaching role in PHPHE and HSIE until the end of the year.

Mrs Cheryle King will return to 5 days p/week as Classroom Support Teacher next term.

Mrs Izabela Rudol is reducing her teaching load to 4 days p/week. Mr Todd Dubois will be teaching Izabela’s classes on Day 4 and Day 10 of the Timetable.

Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walsh family. Sadly, Christopher has lost his battle with cancer. May our condolences bring comfort, and may our prayers ease the pain of their loss.

I wish all families a safe, restful and holy Easter. School resumes for Term 2 for all students on Tuesday 20 April.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the College.

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal