Week 2, Term 1 2025

Welcome to 2025!

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to 2025! The Mary MacKillop Memorial School community has had a fantastic start to the year, with staff and students returning refreshed and eager for new challenges. A warm welcome to our new staff, students, and families—we know you'll feel at home and make lasting friendships here! It’s been wonderful to see happy faces sharing holiday stories and exploring their learning spaces.

This year, we are ‘Inspired by Hope’ as we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope. In 2025, we continue to embrace our Josephite Values —service, presence, courage, and love—bringing them to life in our words and actions. We look forward to a year of learning, growth, leadership, and joy!

With a whole school focus on achieving excellence and growth for each learner at Mary MacKillop Memorial School our priorities for 2025 are:

• To name and live our values in action
• Co-construct Mary Mac Reading Agreement
• Develop emotional literacy in all students through The Resilience Project and Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support (PBIS)
• Thriving Early Years program

Parents play an important part in a child’s learning and wellbeing. We value and care about the partnership that we have with each family to ensure the best possible outcome for your child. Important information is shared with the Mary MacKillop Memorial School community through The School Calendar The School Newsletter (fortnightly) Seesaw 

Welcome To Our Community

At the beginning of this year, we welcomed Otto, Isla, Ellis and Harvey. We also welcomed all of our returning staff, students and families.

Staffing

We congratulate Milla Vinko on being appointed as our Education Support Trainee. Milla will spend 12 months with us undertaking various duties in the classrooms and in the office. Please say Hi to Milla and introduce yourself next time you call into the office. 

Beginning of Year Mass 

At our Beginning of Year Mass, Fr. Peter blessed our student leaders, including School Captains, House Captains, and SRC representatives. We prayed for their commitment to servant leadership, making it a wonderful community celebration.

Gather and Grow Open Afternoon 

Thank you to the many parents and students who attended the Gather and Grow Open Afternoon on Wednesday 5th February. Parents had a chance to meet our teachers, visit classrooms, learn about the teaching and learning at MMMS and classroom processes and all that ensures learning is achieved in the best possible way. Many thanks to those who helped on the BBQ who kept the hungry fed! 

Mary MacKillop Memorial School Board AGM

Join us for the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 19th Feb at 6pm in the School Hall. All families are welcome, and nominations for the School Board are encouraged—forms have been sent home and can be reissued if needed. The School Board plays an advisory role, supporting the school's vision and parish goals. Members include the parish priest, principal, staff, elected parents, and a parish representative. Key responsibilities: Policy & Budget School Facilities & Planning School-Parish Communication The Board meets monthly on the third Wednesday during the school term, guided by reflection, discernment, and consensus.

Wishing all a wonderful weekend,

Nicole Coote

Principle

Jubilee Year 2025 Pilgrims of Hope

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, forgiveness, and hope, observed every 25 years. Under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," we are called to deepen our faith and trust in God. A key tradition is the opening of Holy Doors, symbolizing new beginnings. Pope Francis inaugurated this by opening doors at St. Peter’s Basilica and a prison, emphasising hope for all. Archbishop Patrick O’Regan has named three Holy Doors in our diocese: St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Adelaide Sevenhill Winery & Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Clare Valley St. Joseph’s, Penola Let us journey together in faith, hope, and love!

What is a Pilgrim?

A pilgrim embarks on a meaningful journey. As Christians, we are all pilgrims, navigating life with faith and hope. Pilgrimages may be physical, like visiting a Holy Door, or spiritual, deepening our connection with God through prayer and kindness. As Mary MacKillop reminded us, "We are but travellers here."

What is a Holy Door?

A Holy Door symbolises welcome and renewal, opened only during a Jubilee Year. Passing through it represents a fresh start, embracing God’s grace and mercy. Pope Francis has already opened Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica and a prison, highlighting that God’s love is for all. Soon, a Holy Door will open in Penola, offering a local pilgrimage experience—a chance to reflect, pray, and embrace the hope of the Jubilee. 

Celebrating the Jubilee at Mary MacKillop Memorial School

At Mary MacKillop Memorial School, we will celebrate this special year with events and activities that deepen our faith journey together. As Pilgrims of Hope, let us embrace our school theme, "Inspired by Hope", and live by Romans 5:5—"Hope does not disappoint." May we share joy and love with others!

Click here for more information on the Jubilee year

Welcome to our 2025 school year, and Week 2 already!

Those that are starting fresh and those that are returning, we recognise that the transition from the holiday season back into school routines can be challenging for many families. The holidays can be a time of joy and connection, but they can also bring busyness, change, and, for some, even grief or hardship.

Returning to structure after such a time can feel overwhelming for both children and parents alike. Starting strong with positive routines is always a helpful way to assist in transition.

Here are some helpful tips:

Morning:

• Wake up at the same time daily
• Have a healthy breakfast
• Prepare school bags & clothes the night before
• Encourage kids to dress & pack their own bags

After School:

• Allow time to relax before any tasks.
• Chat about their day over a snack
• Set screen time limits Evening:
• Follow a calm bedtime routine (bath/shower, story, quiet time)
• Ensure enough sleep

Best wishes for a happy and successful term. and remember to reach out to our staff if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s transition.

Regards,

Bec Baker

School Counsellor

Condolences

We offer our sincere condolences to Nena and Noah Suclan and the extended Suclan family on the sudden passing of Noah’s father, John. Our sincere prayers and thoughts to all family and friends who knew and loved John. May God’s love wrap around you and bring you some comfort at this most difficult time. 

We give our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Roseeta and Aayla Dunn, whose mother and grandmother passed away over the holiday break.

School Fees

Birthdays

We wish a Happy Birthday to those who celebrated during January!

Grace (8th), Noah (10th), Ruby (10th), Edward (12th), James (14th), Charlie (15th) and Will (24th). We wish a Happy Birthday to those who will celebrate during Week 3 and Week 4. Rylee-J (18th), Elijah (23rd), Tess (23rd), Josh (24th) and Ted (25th).

Safer Internet Day 

Safer Internet Day is recognised next Tuesday the 11th February. It is a global day of action dedicated to raising awareness of online safety. We can help our children safely navigate the online world by taking some basic steps to reduce the risks. Our support and guidance can give children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and the confidence to ask for help when they need it.

Three Key Strategies to consider:

1. Be engaged, open and supportive
2. Set some rules
3. Use safety features and settings

Good habits start young. Parents, carers and schools play an important role in helping children to develop digital intelligence – the social, emotional and practical skills needed to successfully navigate the digital world.

On Tuesday each class will delve deeper into being safe online and what it means to them. This teaching will be followed up in our Health lessons during the term, as how to use online platforms for students in a safe and respectful manner is ongoing learning as children grow and develop.

Click here for many fantastic resources for parents and carers.