The MacKillop Weekly Update – last updated 6th November, 2025

Welcome to the MacKillop College Weekly Update, your essential guide to upcoming events and important reminders for our school community.

Each week, this update highlights key dates, special activities, and everything you need to know to stay connected and informed at MacKillop College.

 

🎨 MacKillop College Art Show – Friday 7th November 4pm-7pm

You are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students at the MacKillop College Art Show this Friday, 7 November, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the College.

This annual event showcases the outstanding artistic achievements of our students across a range of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and digital design. Visitors will be inspired by the imagination, skill, and passion evident in each piece on display.

Whether you are a parent, student, staff member, or friend of the College, we encourage you to come along and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this special evening celebrating the arts at MacKillop.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

💻 Webinar: Clearing the Air – Understanding Vaping and Supporting Our Teens

Presented by Teen Challenge Tasmania

As parents, carers, and educators, we face a rapidly changing landscape when it comes to supporting young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD). Vaping has rapidly become one of the most concerning and misunderstood trends affecting Australian teens, with misinformation and hidden harms spreading faster than the facts.

To help families navigate this complex space, we invite you to attend a special parent webinar hosted by Tanya Cavanagh, CEO of Teen Challenge Tasmania and founder of the NotEvenOnce Projects. This engaging session will unpack the realities behind vaping, bust common myths, and provide parents with practical tools to build resilience and start critical conversations at home.

What Will the Webinar Cover?

  • The deceptive marketing and design tactics of the vaping industry
  • Physical and mental health risks for young people
  • Signs your child may be vaping
  • How to approach conversations without conflict
  • Support pathways and early intervention
  • Live Q&A with a youth addiction and prevention expert

When can you join?

Zoom Webinar Parent Invitation

You are invited to a Clearing the Air Vaping Info & Q&A Zoom webinar!
When: Nov 11, 2025 07:00 PM
Topic:  NotEvenOnce Clearing the Air Vaping for Parents Info and QandA

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87046765557?pwd=nWiZIlIdsi2xlaHAH7jVEyVzGP7FGf.1

Passcode:342273

During the NotEvenOnce Week

To complement the NotEvenOnce webinar, the College will implement a more coordinated approach to student toilet access from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November. This temporary measure aims to help us better monitor and respond to the recent increase in vape alarms, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students. Our focus remains on student wellbeing and education, and we will share an update with families on the outcomes at the conclusion of the week.

 

📚VCE Subject Change Process – Now Open

Dear Families,

A reminder that the Subject Change period for VCE subjects is now open and closes at 4:00pm on Monday, 10 November. Please note the following important details about the updated process for this semester:

  1. Students must log in to schooldata.com.au to access the Subject Change Form.
  2. If your child is undertaking an accelerated subject, they must ensure they select the correct form for the type of application they are making.
  3. A maximum of two subject changes can be requested – both changes should be included on the same form.
  4. Students may edit their form as many times as needed up until the closing date and time.
  5. Only one form per student can be submitted.

Guardian Approval

This process has now moved fully online. Please note the following:

  1. Once your child submits their Subject Change Form, an email requesting Guardian Approval will be automatically sent to you. Please check your inbox (including spam or junk folders) after your child lets you know they have submitted their form.
  2. You will be able to indicate approval or non-approval by clicking the appropriate option. There is also an optional comment box for any notes you wish to include.
  3. Guardian Approval must be submitted online before any subject change will be considered.

A copy of each student’s current subject selections (including any changes made since the original submission last term) will be emailed to students by the end of the day tomorrow. Please note that any changes made since last term will not appear in the original Subject Selection Form on School Data.

 

đź—“ 2026 Student Start Dates

Friday January 30 – Years 7 and VCE students return
Monday February 2 – Years 8, 9 & 10 students return (All students in attendance)
Tuesday February 3 – Academic Assembly to begin for whole school

 

đź“… Dates for the Diary

Camps & Retreats
November 6-7: Year 10 OED Camp (Group C)

Excursions (outside class time)
November 5: Year 8 Premier League (Round 6)
November 5: Year 7 Retreat (Aqua & Brown)
November 6: Year 7 Retreat (Blue & Red)
November 6: Year 8 AIM Program (Collingwood Children’s Farm)
November 7: SACCSS Junior Hockey
November 7: Year 7 Retreat (Gold & Ivory)

Events
November 3: Staff Professional Development Day
November 4: Melbourne Cup Day
November 5: Unit 2 Exams Commence
November 5: Parents & Friends Meeting
November 7: AJASS Student Leadership Day
November 7: SMC Sustainability Day
November 7: MacKillop Art Show