16 May 2025

From the Principal

May – The Month of Mary 

In the Catholic Church, May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a practice that dates back centuries. This devotion likely stems from ancient customs that celebrated fertility and new life during springtime, which the Church gradually Christianised by associating the season of renewal with Mary, the Mother of God. Her role in salvation history—as the one who bore Jesus Christ—makes her a central figure in Catholic spirituality, and dedicating a month to her is a way for the faithful to honour her unique place. 

Throughout May, Catholics around the world participate in special devotions such as the recitation of the Rosary, the crowning of Mary statues with flowers (known as May Crownings), and Marian processions. These acts of reverence are not merely symbolic; they reflect a deep theological belief in Mary’s intercessory power and her maternal care for all Christians. By turning to Mary in prayer, Catholics seek her guidance and protection, trusting in her closeness to Jesus and her compassionate heart. 

The significance of May as Mary’s month lies in its ability to draw the faithful closer to Christ through His mother. For Catholics, honouring Mary is not worshiping her as divine, but venerating her as the most perfect disciple and a model of faith, humility, and obedience. Her example inspires believers to live more devoutly, and her intercession is seen as a powerful aid in their spiritual journey. Thus, May becomes a time of renewed devotion, reflection, and grace for millions of Catholics worldwide. 

With lovely coherence we also celebrate Mother’s Day in May. 

I was unable to be present at this year’s Mother’s Day Breakfast as I was celebrating the wedding of my son in Toowoomba. I have heard of the wonderful attendance numbers and the great spirit of the morning and thank all those mothers and those who act in the role of mothers who were able to attend! 

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Musical 

Congratulations to our students and staff who have been earnestly preparing for The Wiz which takes place from June 5 to 7 here at the College. Please grab your tickets as they will sell out quickly.  

NSSAB Audit 

Each five years non-state schools are required to undertake an Audit by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board. We undertook this audit last week. It involves detailed examination of curriculum, teaching, finance, governance and all areas of school operations. The Audit was a wonderful success with much positive feedback for our College community. 

From the Deputy Principal

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Despite the showery weather, Mother's Day breakfast was a fantastic experience for the large number of families able to attend. The genuine appreciation from our students to their parents was clearly evident, and it was good to see so many families connecting.

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Year 9 Retreat Day

We had a very high attendance for the Year 9 Retreat Day this week – with exceptional reviews from the Presenter and attending staff. Year 9 are to be commended for their engagement with the activities and each other. This was another big step in their journey in the Clairvaux MacKillop formation.

Updating Medical Information for Students

Families need to check and then update medical information for students. With more excursions coming up in the College calendar, there is an urgent need for appropriate care information that teachers need to access to assist your child. Without this information, appropriate protective and responsive strategies are harder to implement. Please check the Parent App and if you are unsure of how to proceed, please make an enquiry with the College Office.

Bus Travel

Please check in with your child about their bus travel. We have noted that an increasing number of students who are not using Go Cards or other permitted passes and slowing down the entry onto buses. Checking in on student travel cards would really help improve this process and student transport home.

Brisbane Catholic Education Survey

Each year, we undertake a form of reflective review that is sponsored by BCE. This is the ‘Tell Them From Me’ Survey. Staff, Students and Parents are strongly encouraged to provide feedback and insight to help our school and the broader system prioritise processes and resources. It actually does make a difference. Please look for the email links in coming days.

Student Free Dates 2025

Please note the following student free days for 2025.  This will also be recorded in the Parent Portal/BCE Connect announcements and events/calendar:

From the Assistant Principal, Religious Education

Welcoming Pope Leo XIV and Living the Easter Message

This Sunday, as we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on the themes of love, community, and the challenges of discipleship. These themes are especially meaningful as we welcome a new spiritual leader: Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, USA.

Pope Leo XIV is a historic figure—the first American pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. His life has been one of service, marked by years of missionary work in Peru, where he lived among the people, taught, and led with compassion. His deep commitment to justice, dialogue, and unity has shaped his vision for the Church.

In his first address to the world, Pope Leo XIV echoed the very message of this Sunday’s Gospel. He spoke of a Church that is “missionary, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone.” He reminded us that God’s love is for all, and that we are called to be instruments of peace and charity in a world that desperately needs both.

He also made a powerful plea: “No more war.” His call for peace is not just a political statement - it’s a spiritual challenge to each of us. How can we, in our school, our families, and our communities, be peacemakers? How can we love as Jesus loves us?

Here are a few ways we can respond:

• Practice kindness: Small acts of love—listening, helping, forgiving—can transform hearts.
• Build inclusive communities: Welcome those who feel left out. Be the bridge that connects.
• Pray for peace: In our homes and classrooms, let us pray for those affected by conflict and for leaders to choose dialogue over division.
• Live the Gospel: Let our actions reflect the love of Jesus, especially when it’s difficult.

As we journey through Easter, may Pope Leo XIV’s words inspire us to live as disciples of Jesus. Let us be a community that reflects the light of the Risen Lord—loving, united, and always open to others.

From the Assistant Principal, Student Wellbeing

Mother’s Day

I hope you have enjoyed Mother’s Day and were able to spend some quality time with those people who are important figures within your family, no matter what their title is – mothers, stepmothers, mother figures, aunts, fathers, grandparents, close family friends. We are so blessed if we have even one of these figures in our lives to appreciate.

It was great to see so many mothers attend the Mother’s Day breakfast held on the 9^th May.  It was a lovely event despite the drizzle. Thanks must go to all the staff who helped prepare and run the event, and to the students who attended with their special person or people. 

Contact Details and Early Departures

Recently, I sent out an email to all families with a few reminders for the term ahead which I will revisit in this article.  However, to start, I would also like to remind families to ensure that the school has their correct details.  It is important that these details are updated whenever phone numbers or circumstances change.

Equally important is that the school is notified if their student is to be collected for an early departure by someone other than the legal guardian noted in the enrolment form.  Doing this expediates the process of students signing out as we do not then need to contact the legal guardian for permission. 

Uniform

As we are starting to receive colder weather, I would like to remind families of the “Blazer first” rule.  If students are cold, it is expected that they will put their blazer on first.  Should this not provide enough warmth, students can then put on their school jumper, underneath their blazer.  Sports jackets are not allowed with the formal uniform.

We are having many students turning up daily in the incorrect uniform.  The rule is that students must arrive at school in their formal uniform (except Thursday) and leave in their formal uniform.  If they have sport during the day, time is allocated within that lesson for changing.  Students who do not follow this rule will find that they need to attend a uniform detention. While we can appreciate some students may find this inconvenient, it does teach resilience and organisation skills.

In Term 1 staff focussed their attention on air force ones and getting students to wear the correct shoes.  So far, most of the student population are getting this right.  This term staff will also be focussing on jewellery and shaving.  Students are aware of the expectations in this area and will be asked to remove extra jewellery or shave where appropriate.

Thank you, families, for your assistance in these small things – it does assist students to practise discipline and learn how to meet ongoing simple expectations in preparation for their future in the workplace.

Kind regards

The Wiz – Get your tickets now

From the Pastoral Team

Year 12

A Strong start to Term 2

The 2025 Seniors have had a positive and productive start to Term 2 by showing maturity and focus, with many working hard to improve their attendance, academic results, and commitment to the College uniform.

With Unit 3 now complete, students have entered the final stretch of their schooling journey. This is a significant milestone, and I encourage all students to stay focused and continue putting in their best effort.

A highlight this week was the ADF presentation at Monday’s assembly. It was a fantastic session that sparked genuine interest among students in the wide range of opportunities available through the Australian Defence Force. If any students have queries regarding the ADF pathway, they can send me an email or pop in and see me in my office. I will then follow up for them.

Also at assembly, Ms Godwin reminded students to check the QCAA Student Portal to ensure that their subjects and results are accurately recorded. She also introduced the upcoming ATAR prediction process, which will take place in Weeks 9 and 10.

I want to put out a massive shout out to the students who assisted with setting up and packing down the Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday, 9^th May - your help was greatly appreciated.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be focusing on the importance of mental health, including how to seek support, look out for your friends, and participating in the Push-Up Challenge to help create awareness of this important topic.

Year 11

A time to commit – Year 11 – UNIT 1 Exam Block

Next week our Year 11 cohort will be commencing their Unit 1 Exam Block. Exams will start Monday, 19 May and conclude Friday, 23 May. A reminder that during Exam Block, classes will not be running for Year 11 students and they are only required to be at the College for their designated exams. Students should pay particular attention to the following to ensure the best possible outcomes with minimal anxiety and stress.

Study Program – Study is the priority throughout for this week. All other activities should have been arranged in order to allow for maximum study time. These would include adjusting or changing part- time work and sporting commitments to fit in with study needs.

Punctuality – Some students may need to modify their normal transport arrangements to suit the times of the exams. Ensuring that they are arriving at least 30mins early at the exam room. This will allow sufficient time to gather all of the necessary equipment etc. and also to calm them prior to entering the exam room. There is nothing worse than rushing into an exam room at the last minute.

Travel - Students are required to travel directly to and from the College during exam block. Gathering in groups at other venues for study sessions is not permitted during this time.  If students have split or multiple exam sessions on one day they are required to stay on campus and continue their preparation for future exams. Students staying on College grounds between exams must sign in at the library for individual study.

Teacher support - If students wish to access a teacher for further study or tutorial assistance, they must book in with that teacher well before the exam time. Students are not to turn up at school thinking they can catch up with staff for assistance without first making a suitable meeting time.

Organisation – All students must have current student I.D. with them at all exams. They must be organised and have all of the necessary equipment. Parents, please remind students to check what the required materials are for each exam. It is their responsibility to have this equipment / materials with them. They must have a clear pencil case or A4 clear sleeve must be used for writing equipment. All other equipment/belongings must be locked in lockers – nothing that is not necessary for the exam is permitted in the exam room.

Uniform – All normal College uniform regulations apply. Students must wear their full and correct day uniform to and from the College throughout Block Exams.

Illness or misadventure – if students are unable to attend an exam due to illness or misadventure, they are expected to notify the College of their absence (by phone) as well as presenting a Doctor’s Certificate on their return to the College. A request for short term AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) form must be completed by students/parents and emailed to the College at the earliest possible convenience. Students must then present to Mr Michael Boyle the next time they are at the College to check when the missed exam is to be completed.

If students have any concerns or a problem arises during block exams, they are to find Mr De Luca or their Home Room teacher or present to the College Office immediately.

Enrolments

Reminder - Sibling Enrolments

Limited places available in all year levels for the current year 2025.

Sibling enrolment for 2026 must be confirmed before the end of this term. If you are yet to apply for 2026, please do so urgently. It involves the same enrolment process as for your current child at CMC. You may also submit sibling applications for 2027 and 2028 if you have the last NAPLAN results.

Click here to access our Online Enrolment Application Form. Brisbane Catholic Education School Application for Enrolment (bne.catholic.edu.au)

If you have already submitted the sibling’s application, you do not need to reapply. This message is only for families that yet to enrol a sibling for the future years.

Only completed applications (where supporting documentation is provided) will be processed and you will receive a system generated email advising you of the next step. The interview (if needed) and the confirmation of enrolment process must be completed as soon as possible.

For any queries, please email enrolments@cvxmck.edu.au or phone 07 3347 9223.

From the STEM Corner

The STEM Corner- Everything About STEM at CMC

DAWG Days Ahead: STEM at the Forefront of Innovation

The STEM program at our school is charging into the future—fuelled by student curiosity, cutting-edge technology, and a vision for global innovation. From robotic dogs to drones and NASA-inspired frameworks, our classrooms are buzzing with creativity and 21st-century learning.

One of the biggest highlights this year is the formal integration of DAWG—Digital Assistant for Wisdom and Growth—into the Year 10 STEM program. While DAWG has already become a beloved mascot—spotted at school events, assemblies, and even in films?!—he's now getting down to serious business. As a fully functioning robotic dog, DAWG will serve as an interactive learning tool, helping students explore robotics, AI programming, and the real-world application of emerging technologies.

"It’s one thing to learn about robotics in theory—it's another to see it walking beside you in class. DAWG makes STEM feel alive."
—Year 10 STEM student

Meanwhile, Year 9 STEM students are strengthening their critical thinking and digital fluency through the “Building Bridges” Unit, which now incorporates an electronic planning document based on NASA’s own engineering program. This integration introduces Digital Taxonomic Frameworks, encouraging students to apply systems thinking, collaborate like engineers, and build with a problem-solving mindset. And as if that wasn’t exciting enough, students are preparing for take-off with this term’s “Drones Unit,” where everyone gets to pilot drones while exploring flight mechanics, coding, and aerial analysis.

"We're not just flying drones and building bridges, we're learning how NASA scientists think and solve problems. It’s epic."
— Year 9 STEM student

On the other side of the STEM hallway, Year 10 students are digging into the “Thermodynamics Unit,” a high-level investigation into heat, energy transfer, and sustainability. It’s hands-on, minds-on learning at its best—designed to challenge, engage, and inspire.

All of this momentum feeds into our broader success as a STEM community. We are proud of our achievements in the Opti-Minds Challenge across three consecutive years as we start initial preparations for Final Stage of our 3-year "Strategic Pathway to Opti-Minds Success":

• 2023 Stage 1: Category 2 State Champions
• 2024 Stage 2: Category 3 State Champions and Category 2 Runners-Up
• 2025 Stage 3: Fielding Teams in the Open Category, Category 3, and Category 2

"Winning Opti-Minds showed us what teamwork, creativity, and perseverance can do. We’re excited for what’s next!"
— Opti-Minds Team Member

These results reflect not only the talent and teamwork of our students but also the strategic growth of our STEM Plan. With DAWG leading the charge and our students rising to every challenge, the future is not just near—it’s already in motion.

Let’s continue to build, solve—and grow.

Co-Curricular Arts News

College Musical

Tickets for the College Musical The Wiz are on sale now!

Senior Schooling News

Vocational Pathway News

At CMC, we have many learning opportunities and pathways available to students. Students can start school-based apprenticeships/traineeships, undertake work experience, attend a TAFE at school course one day a week, commence one of the many certificate courses delivered on campus, get a taste of university with an early start program, or study for an ATAR.

Career education is an important element in preparing our students to start thinking about Year 13 and how to successfully prepare for employment, training, or further education. To support all students in thinking and preparing for future careers, CMC have a Careers website with a link below to access it.

The VET and Career Pathways newsletter will be emailed to our Year 10-12 cohorts each fortnight and available on the Parent Portal. As always, it will have relevant information regarding careers, apprenticeships/traineeships, TAFE, students with a disability, and many other areas.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me if I can support you and your son/daughter around career education, Senior education, SET Planning, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, work experience, TAFE in schools, or any external RTO courses.

Contact details:
P - 3347 9242 or E - smid@cvxmck.edu.au  

The Wiz – Get your tickets now

Yaga Homework Club

Parents, carers, and students are reminded that the College offers a free Homework Club on Monday and Wednesday afternoons in the Resource Centre (3.05pm to 4.30pm.)

This is an opportunity to finish homework, work on assignments or study while teachers are available to offer assistance.

Students are also encouraged to come and read for pleasure as well. There is a designated Quiet Room as well as general areas for individual or group work.

Students need to bring their ID or diary to sign in and all relevant work materials.

Uniform Shop News

Online Ordering

Remember you can order items from the Uniform Shop online via My monitor online orders.
As a guide, your student can collect the items as follows:

This will allow us time to fill your order and have it waiting for collection.

Please remember orders must be paid for online PRIOR to collection.  If an item turns out to be incorrect, it can be returned if tags are still on.

Tuckshop News