22 August 2025

From the Principal

Celebrating Mary MacKillop: A Legacy That Shapes Our Children’s Education 

The past few weeks have included some very special celebrations for the Clairvaux MacKillop College Community. 8 August was the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and was celebrated in style with our Annual Founders Day events. 

As parents and carers, we all want our children to grow into compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful adults. At Clairvaux MacKillop College, we are proud to walk in the footsteps of Saint Mary MacKillop—Australia’s first saint and a trailblazer in education. Her life was a testament to courage, faith, and a profound commitment to ensuring every child had access to learning, regardless of their circumstances. Mary’s legacy continues to inspire our mission and reminds us that education is not just about knowledge, but about nurturing the whole person. 

Our college values are deeply rooted in Mary MacKillop’s example: 

• Excellence,  
• Integrity,  
• justice, 
• Commitment,  
• Compassion and  
• Celebration 

These values guide our approach to teaching and learning, and they shape the culture we aspire to grow in partnership with families. Whether it’s through community service, academic achievement, or pastoral care, we encourage our students to live out these values in their daily lives. We believe that by fostering these qualities, we are helping our young people become not only successful learners but also kind and responsible citizens. 

As Principal, I see Mary’s influence in the way our students support one another, take initiative, and strive to make a difference. Her legacy is not just a part of our history. It is alive in our classrooms, our grounds, and our shared dreams for the future.  

Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards 

It was lovely to be able to accompany our staff who were shortlisted for 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards. The nomination is a huge pat on the back, let alone being shortlisted out of hundreds of nominations from 147 schools. 

Congratulations to the following teams: 

The Teaching for Thinking Team shortlisted for The ADF Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching by a School Team 

The Pastoral Team shortlisted for The ADF Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching by a School Team 

The Design and Technologies Team shortlisted for The TUH Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing 

Interested in Silver or Bronze Level Sponsorship? 

If you or one of your connections would be interested in sponsoring our College, or specific activities or undertakings within the College please reach out to Marketing and Communications lead Trish Weston (WesT@cvxmck.edu.au) 

Silver and Bronze Sponsorship packages have some great benefits, lower invest and can be emailed to you if interested.  Whilst business category exclusivity is assured with Gold Sponsorship this is not the case with these lower tiers. 

I would be very happy to meet with any potential sponsors to discuss our approach and connection possibilities. 

From the Deputy Principal

Uniforms 2026 - reminder

You may recall a review of the Middle Years uniforms in 2024.  Parents and students were consulted, and a decision was made to align the Year 7-8 uniform with the Year 9-10 (but different tie). While not affecting current students, this uniform amendment will commence with Year 7 in 2026.  Year 8 in 2026 will have the option to continue with the current (2025) uniform or move to the new version.  Please note that only new uniform items will be sold in the uniform stop from January 2026.  Previous version will only be sold until the end of this school year. See images below for the change.

Attendance Matters – Early Departures

A reminder to parents and guardians that the College has a clear attendance policy regarding Early Departures.  The College follows these expectations strictly to ensure appropriate care and safeguarding of our students:

Early Departures (as per Attendance Policy):

• A student is considered to be leaving early any time before 2:54 pm.
• All students leaving early will provide a notification from a Legal Guardian via the BCE Connect App or Parent Portal.
• If Student Reception staff are unsure of the notification's validity, a call will be made to the student’s main contact to confirm.
• Students in Years 7 to 10 require the Legal Guardian or an approved delegate to attend Student Reception to sign the student out, fulfilling duty of care obligations.
• If someone other than a legal guardian is collecting the student, written permission must be provided to admin@cvxmck.edu.au.
• Students in Years 11 and 12 are to advise their Pastoral Leader of an early departure and the reasons why.

Thank you for your understanding and support in ensuring these are attended to.

Student Free Days 2025 – Reminders

Remaining Student Free Days for 2025:

• Term 3 – Friday 5^th September
• Term 4 – Friday 24^th October

From the Assistant Principal, Religious Education

Founders Day

Last Friday we celebrated Founders Day. But what does this mean? Why bother? The effect of a school starts with its purpose. And Catholic schools have a distinct identity and purpose which we revisit (recontextualise) every year. We hope to inspire student to impact society through living the Catholic Tradition. This year we are asking students to see where they can ‘transform’ themselves through the inspiration of Jesus’ story and the story of our Founders – still very relevant to our society today after all these years.

I’d like to repeat here part of the Homily from Fr Rony last week – I think it sums up what our celebrations and the Mass were trying to instil and encourage.

 “What do these two founders teach us today?

First, they teach us courage. Not the loud kind, but the quiet kind—the courage to do what’s right even when it’s hard. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They acted with faith, trusting that God would provide.

 Second, they teach us that education is sacred. Not just about books and exams, but about forming hearts and minds. They believed every young person deserved to be seen, heard, and empowered.

Third, they teach us compassion. Real compassion. The kind that notices when someone’s struggling, and doesn’t walk past. The kind that says, “You matter. You belong.”

This is the good day for us deeply think about our motto of this year- be transformed which is from Romans 12:2. Romans and today’s gospel speak directly to us—especially in a world that often pressures us to fit in, to chase success, to worry constantly about what’s next.

But Mary MacKillop and Edmund Rice didn’t conform. They were transformed.

They didn’t follow the crowd. They followed Christ. And that made all the difference.

So today, let’s honour them not just with words, but with action.

Be kind when it’s inconvenient.

Stand up when it’s unpopular.

Pray when you feel uncertain.

And above all, trust that God is working in you to transform your life – and that of others.”

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This week we moved into a more personal approach with our Year 8s. The Passionist Youth team led our students through a social, reflective and fun day of looking at how they can be open to a greater calling to help others, and in doing so, transform themselves and then the lives of their classmates and eventually our community.

The Year 8s may not realise it at the time, but our Year 10 students undertake a program of reaching out through Community Outreach – taking a much more hands-on and visible role in making others’ lives better. Year 9s will undertake the selection process for this in Term 4.

From the Pastoral Team

Year 11

Year 11 Leadership Launch – Time to celebrate

Last week, the Year 11 cohort celebrated their Leadership Launch at the Sunnybank Performing Arts Complex (SUNPAC). The theme for the evening was “Transformation” and there were certainly a lot of students who had transformed themselves into their best semi-formal attire, looking suave and sophisticated.

Students enjoyed an abundance of canapés topped off by fresh gelato. But the night was not just about food, its main purpose was to announce and celebrate the successful candidates who will make up the Student Leadership Team for 2026. The welcoming cheers for each student as their name was announced highlighted the positivity and supportiveness of the entire cohort. Mr Chapman will formally announce the 2026 Team in coming weeks as a formal handover from the 2025 Team takes place.

The evening then concluded with much dancing where all 219 attendees were strutting their best moves on the dance floor. All who attended are worthy of congratulations for their exemplary behaviour and for the way they participated in the evening’s activities. A few of the many, many photos taken highlight a wonderful and fun Leadership Launch.

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Enrolments

Reminder - Sibling Enrolments

Limited places may be available in some year levels for the current year 2025.

Sibling enrolment involves the same enrolment process as for your current child at CMC. Sibling enrolment for 2026 must be confirmed by now. Sibling enrolment for 2027 and 2028 must be completed by end July 2025.

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

Academic Excellence News

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 and 8 Academic Excellence Excursion

On Tuesday, 5 August, Year 7 and 8 Academic Excellence Students were privileged to be invited to attend the students workshops at the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium. This is the first year in the Symposium’s 40-year history that schools have been invited to attend. This year’s theme was One Earth and addresses the threats to our Earth and promotes collaborative global solutions using remote sensing technology.

Students were invited to engage with a range of workshops run by experts from around the world including building satellites, flying drones, using VR to examine the surface of Mars and track the history of flooding in Brisbane using satellite information. It was a joy to see enthusiastic students interacting with facilitators and the equipment so positively.

The experience was a great opportunity to learn about drone mapping, how Brisbane was impacted by floods and even technology beyond Earth. Not only did we learn about it, we interacted with it through VR, piloting drones and more. Sam (Year 8)

I really liked the experience because there were many different workshops to visit and many things to explore. My favourite were the drones because you could do many things with them such as rotate them fly them through a course of hoops and even make them do flips. Tilly (Year 7)

The experience was a very good opportunity because it showed us how fun and enjoyable learning can be. The drones were a bit scary at first but they were exciting to operate. The virtual reality on Mars was so surreal it was ‘out of this world’. The day was unique and I loved it. Charly (Year 7)

This experience demonstrated various elements of technology and science, providing knowledge to do with agriculture and the fundamental base of living organisms. Overall, today allowed me to have an immersive and joyous experience. Mehar (Year 8)

This experience allowed a deeper dive into the technology of the future. This day allowed me to challenge myself in a new environment, with people who wanted to learn and be a "sponge" of knowledge like me. Isobel (Year 8)

Science News

Congratulations

Congratulations to Abby and Nirbhay who have successfully completed the NASA Open Learning Program

Science Week

The STEM Ambassadors planned and executed Science Week in Week 5. Students had the opportunity to make sherbert, glow in the dark slime, walk the DAWG and test their knowledge in a kahoot. Thank you to all STEM Ambassadors involved. Tenisha, Grace, Ellena, Michaela, Lily, Nick, Nirbhay, Maxine, and Zaylee.

Lord Mayor Youth Environmental Leadership Network

This year, Year 10 students Noah, Nina and Bailey have been participating in the Lord Mayor Youth Environmental Leadership Network. They have been planning and preparing a project to improve the College and look forward to seeing the work they produce.

Thank you to Ms Rose Moore who has been mentoring them.

Griffith University Bootcamps

The Online Academic Bootcamps courses are designed as interactive online workshops and are delivered by experienced Year 12 teachers who are subject specialists and are currently teaching these units in schools. The interactive and practical courses will assist students to: 

• build exam confidence and understanding 
• learn invaluable study tips and tricks 
• revise and consolidate subject knowledge 
• prepare for tertiary study

Students will receive an electronic study booklet along with other online study materials. All interactive sessions will be recorded and shared with participating students on course completion, to use as an additional personalised study tool. Course materials will remain accessible to students until 18 November to facilitate their continued engagement with the content as part of their EA study plans.

For more information: 2025 Maths and Sciences Academic Bootcamps 

SuperGEMS update and community input

The SuperGEMS have been hard at work this term, collaborating with Perry Kapper (Category Technical Director for Supercars) as part of their involvement in the STEM + Motorsport Program.

Meeting fortnightly, the team has focused on researching the new 2025 soft tyre compound— a real-world challenge set by Griffith University.

On Friday, 8August, the students attended the Ipswich Super 440, where they connected with industry professionals to further develop their ideas. The students were also treated to an exclusive garage tour with the Shell V-Power Supercars team! They met and chatted with several drivers throughout the day.

We are incredibly thankful for everyone’s time and generosity in making the day exciting and truly unforgettable for our students. Congratulations to Chloe, Abby, Sophie, Claya, Maddie and Sienna for their ongoing efforts and teamwork.

Can You Help with Their Research?

If you follow Supercars or know anything about the 2025 Championship, we’d love your input. The SuperGems are seeking feedback from the wider community to support their data collection and project development.

Please complete this short survey — and feel free to share it with others who may be interested

Your input will make a real difference to this exciting student-led project.

From the STEM Corner

Year 10 STEM Students Reach for the Stars with NASA Open Science Achievement

Two of our talented Year 10 STEM students, Nirbhay and Abigail, have taken their learning to a whole new level by completing the NASA Open Science 101 module. This globally recognised program equips students with the skills and mindset to share research openly, collaborate across borders, and contribute to scientific discovery.

Through the course, Nirbhay and Abigail explored the principles of open data, reproducible research, and the importance of transparency in science. Their achievement not only demonstrates outstanding self-motivation and curiosity but also connects our school to an international community of learners and researchers.

We are incredibly proud of their commitment to excellence and their ability to engage with cutting-edge, real-world science. Their success is an inspiration for all students to dream big, think critically, and see no limits to where learning can take them.

Clairvaux Teams Ready for the 2025 Opti-Minds Challenge

Our talented Opti-Minds Science and Technology teams are in full preparation mode for the 2025 Opti-Minds Challenge. This exciting competition pushes students to think creatively, solve complex problems, and collaborate under time pressure, all while applying science and technology skills in innovative ways.

Over the coming weeks, our teams will be brainstorming, designing, and testing solutions to their challenge questions. Their commitment, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities reflect the very best of Clairvaux’s spirit of learning and innovation.

We can’t wait to see them represent our school with energy, creativity, and a passion for science on competition day.

Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Australian Education Awards

Staff from Clairvaux recently attended the prestigious 2025 Australian Education Awards, a national event recognising innovation, achievement, and outstanding practice in schools across Australia.

This year, Clairvaux was nominated in three categories for excellence. It is an achievement that reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our staff and school community. We were proud to be acknowledged alongside the country’s leading schools.

Attending the ceremony was not only a celebration of our collective success, but also an opportunity to connect with other educational leaders, share ideas, and be inspired to continue raising the bar in teaching and learning at Clairvaux.

Co-Curricular Arts News

CMC DANCE

There has been much to celebrate at our College recently, as our talented Dance Troupes have returned from two major competitions with impressive results and beaming smiles. Their commitment to rehearsal, passion for performance, and supportive team spirit have truly paid off, making our school community incredibly proud.

Our teams participated in the QUOTA Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod and the Dance X Competition, earning an array of awards across a diverse range of categories. Their outstanding achievements are listed below:

QUOTA Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod

• Junior Contemporary – 2nd place
• Junior Hip Hop – 3rd place
• Junior Student Choreography – Highly Commended
• Junior Musical Theatre – Highly Commended
• Senior Contemporary – 3rd place
• Senior Musical Theatre – 3rd place
• Senior Hip Hop – 2nd place
• Senior Student Choreography – 1st and 2nd place
• Senior Jazz – 3rd place

Dance X Competition

• Senior Musical Theatre – 3rd place
• Senior Hip Hop – 3rd place
• Senior Student Choreography – 4th place
• Senior Trio – 3rd place
• Senior Solo – 2nd place
• Senior Solo – Wild Card
• Senior Jazz – 3rd place
• Junior Hip Hop – 4th place
• Junior Musical Theatre – 4th place
• Junior Student Choreography – 5th place
• Junior Solo – 4th place
• Junior Improvisation – 1st place

These results showcase the breadth of talent and dedication within our dance community, with accolades spanning both group and individual performances. We congratulate every dancer and thank our staff, families, and supporters who have contributed to this success.

Dance Showcase Concert

If you would like to see our dancers in action, we would love to see you at the Dance Showcase Concert on Friday, 29 August at 6pm. Please join us in the Hall for a celebration of all things CMC Dance, including performances from our co-curricular dance troupes and also some curriculum performances. Entry is free! Hope to see you there!

CMC Music Ensembles at Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival

Over the weekend, our talented music ensembles showcased their exceptional skills and dedication at the Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival, bringing home an impressive array of awards. The festival was a testament to the hard work and passion of our students and their commitment to musical excellence.

We are thrilled to announce the outstanding results achieved by our ensembles:

• Rock Band I: Gold
• Soul Band: Gold
• String Ensemble: Gold
• Stage Band: Silver
• Rock Band II: Silver
• Celtic Ensemble: Silver
• Chamber Ensemble: Silver
• Concert Band: Silver

In addition to these remarkable ensemble performances, we are proud to recognize the recipients of individual excellence awards. Congratulations to Rachel, KC, Mwaaka, and Caleb for their exceptional achievements.

This success would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our ensemble directors and teachers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this incredible accomplishment.

Well done to all our musicians! Your hard work and talent have truly shone through. To see our musicians in action, please join us for the Music Showcase Concert on Friday, 22 August at 6pm in the Hall!

St Vincent de Paul

Can Drive 10^th September, 2025

This term, Vinnies will be running our second House Charity Spirit event. This will involve our annual Can Drive competition. The College House with the longest Can Line will be awarded points to go towards our St Vincent de Paul 2025 Perpetual House Charity Spirit Award. MacKillop House is currently in first position for their generous contribution to our Winter Appeal. Which House will win points for our next charity event?

What canned products are needed by our local Vinnies Conference? Any tinned fruit, vegetables, fish, soups, baked beans or spaghetti would be greatly appreciated. If each student contributed just one can our donation would look phenomenal! Please organise your cans for our Can Drive Competition. Thank you so much for your support of SVdP.

If you are interested in contributing to St Vinnies initiatives, students are invited to come along to our regular meetings on Week A Wednesday morning tea held in Library 2 or contact Ms Pagliano (paga@cvxmck.edu.au).

Gold Sponsors

Thanks to our amazing Gold Sponsors!

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 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 9-12 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

Career Exploration

Want an apprenticeship in 2026 - Begin your search now!

Year 12s don’t wait until you finish school to start looking for an apprenticeship. Start now as many employers are recruiting now for 2025. But which apprenticeship? The Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website has a list of Queensland apprenticeships.

Click on the apprenticeships you are interested in for more information about the job. Also, talk to people already in the job and/or do work experience to help you with your decision.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Work Experience

Thinking of applying for the ADF when you finish school? You need to explore this career and lifestyle option thoroughly. Visit the Defence Work Experience Program website , click Placements, Queensland, work experience opportunities.

Placements fill quickly and you will have to talk with your school Guidance Counsellor/Officer before applying.

Casual and short-term work can build your employability skills

Think your casual job isn’t a ‘real' job? Think it doesn’t really count towards your career? Think again! Having a casual job or other short-term work while you study can actually give you a massive edge when you apply for jobs in the future. Why? Because having previous work experience shows employers you have the employability skills to succeed in their workplace. Employability skills are the essential skills, personal qualities and values you need at work. They include things like teamwork, problem solving skills and communication skills.

Click here and read about how to make the most of a part-time job including:

• Combine study and any kind of work
• Combine study and work in your chosen field
• Make a short-term compromise

Australian Government School Leaver Program - One year job opportunity

The Australian Government School Leaver Program is a 12-month career development program. It’s a full-time job with a competitive salary, paid holidays and superannuation. You’ll build your skills on the job at one of the many Australian Government departments and agencies participating in the 2025 program. If you find you love the job, you can stay on and continue your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Applications are open for the 2026 program which begins in February 2026 and close on 31 August 2025. Register your interest to receive updates on the Program and future opportunities.

Click here for more information including:

• Information webinars in August
• Participating agencies
• Who’s eligible?
• One application, multiple opportunities

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

Graphics Calculator

The graphics calculator will be updated for Grade 11 Methods/Specialist students next year. The student order form for back-to-school 2026 is attached, and the portal is now open for orders.

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