Primary News

Welcome Edition Term 1 2024

 

SUNDAY 5^th SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

Gospel Acclamation:  John 8:12

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the person who follows me will have the light of life.

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Welcome

A very warm welcome back to MCC for 2024!  I hope that you have had a relaxing break with your family over the summer. In my first Newsletter as Primary Principal, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and thank the community of MCC for the very warm welcome I have received.  I feel very humbled and grateful to be joining the College Leadership Team in 2024.

My family moved to the Central Coast in 2014, and I have lived in Wyongah for 9 years. I have two adult daughters, who graduated from MacKillop and now lead ‘grown up’ lives.

I am certain we will have many opportunities to gather and meet at a range of events and experiences over the coming weeks, and I look forward to meeting you all.

 

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten children started with us and have settled in so well already.  I don’t think I even saw one tear (at least from the children)!  They will have time with their beautiful buddies in Year 5 this week.  The Buddy relationship is so important for transition, and these students have taken on the mantle of care and guidance with eagerness and capability.  Their first day was designed to ease them into their classroom with their teachers, and after the weekend, they will really be thrown right into the dynamic energy of school life!  It was lovely to meet so many parents at our Meet & Greet and join in this special occasion.  Thank you for entrusting your precious children with us.

A big welcome too, to our new Kindy families who have commenced with us this year.  It is a big wrench to send your very first child off to big school, so I hope that you are taking care of your feelings as you navigate this next stage of your child’s life journey. 

To those Kindy families who are continuing their journey with MacKillop, I also welcome you back.  We each respond in different ways to these big life events, so whether you are rejoicing at your newfound freedom or feeling at a loose end, I pray that, after a period of adjustment, you and your child’s experience at MacKillop is a positive and joyful one! 

 

 

COMPASS for Communication

In 2024 COMPASS will become the primary source of communication for the K-12 Community. MCC Primary previously used the SeeSaw Application as a learning and communication portal.  The communication element of this application has now been switched off.  COMPASS provides an efficient and highly secure method of communication between parents/carers and teachers.  We ask that you now use COMPASS to connect with your child’s teacher. We will prepare a ‘how-to guide’ if you encounter difficulties.

 

Kiss and Drop

For the first two weeks of Term 1, Kindergarten students will be dismissed earlier.  Kindergarten students who are leaving via Kiss and Drop will be dismissed from class at 2.45pm.

Siblings of Kindergarten students will also be dismissed earlier to meet at KnD.

Teachers and Support Staff will accompany their students to the Kiss and Drop area.  Kindergarten families will be given priority during this early dismissal period. We ask Kindergarten families to display your YELLOW name plaque to allow duty teachers to prioritise your car.

We ask all other parents to leave their pickup until after 3.00 pm to allow for our youngest members to exit with ease and safety.  Thank you in advance.

We ask parents who are picking up their children to wait in the grassed area at the top of the Primary Area.  Please do not wait on the bridge and verandah areas, as these are high-traffic areas for students exiting the school.

Kindergarten teachers will bring the pickup and bus children to the grassed verge near the COLA area.  The teacher will ask the students to raise their hands if they see their designated pickup person.

They will be arranged in their class lines and when you arrive let the teacher know you are there for collection.

 

Student Free Days Term 1

In order to assist you with your family’s planning, the following days have been gazetted as Student Free (Staff Development) Days: 

Tuesday, 2 April

Monday, 29 April

OOSH is available for a full-day program for the pupil-free days. CatholicCare OSHC

 

Primary Assembly

Our first Primary Assembly will be on Friday, 9 February. This assembly is led by our Primary Student Leaders and takes place in the Steven Aitken Hall located at the lower end of the College.

 

Flexischools

Please remember to update your Flexischools account to ensure that your child’s order is delivered to the correct classroom.

 

New Students Photos for COMPASS

Friday, 9 February, Kinder and new students will have their photograph taken for COMPASS.

 

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is being held for our Year 3 and 5 students earlier than in previous years. Commencing in Week 5 on Thursday, 13 March and will conclude in Week 6, 22 March. 

 

College Prayer

We continue to adopt and pray our school prayer daily; I encourage you to continue praying this prayer at home with your children. 

 

Enjoy your week,

Kerry Power

Acting Primary Principal