MacKillop College WERRIBEE A vision grounded in Gospel values and the tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop College Werribee holds a vision grounded in Gospel values and the tradition of St Mary of the Cross. Mr Kennedy, College Principal, is confident when he claims that here “…at MacKillop we strive to encourage individuals to reach their full potential as life-long learners by providing an innovative, challenging and collaborative learning and teaching environment in a rapidly evolving society.” Our faith was evident and clearly demonstrated as we gathered as a college community to commemorate the Eucharistic celebration and blessing of ‘The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Cross’ which occurred on 2 March 2016. The Chapel has been a labour of love for the College community and is quickly becoming the heart and soul of the school. The Chapel enables us to nurture our education in faith and has many significant features including stained glass windows designed by Josephite Sister, Therese Quinn. The windows symbolically explore MacKillop College’s connection to the local area, as well those individuals significant to the development of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s spirituality. Two bronze statues by Chris Sage feature prominently at the chapel. The ‘Triumphant Jesus’ hangs over the altar and is a focal point for all liturgy. In the forecourt a bronze of Mary MacKillop engaging with two playful children welcomes all. The Chapel precinct also includes an outdoor ‘Stations of the Cross’, which incorporate contemporary photography in an attempt to engage students in the message of Christ’s passion. In front of the Chapel a prayer labyrinth has been designed to allow students and staff to reflect on the message of Jesus’ crucifixion and to reinterpret it for themselves. Our College features outstanding facilities that are complimented by beautifully maintained gardens, sporting fields and recreational areas. Our emphasis on contemporary learning strategies is supported by up-to-date and extensive digital infrastructure. MacKillop boasts
a unique Science wing, a 400 seat Auditorium, an outstanding Sports Centre with gymnasium and an exceptional Creative Arts Centre and a dedicated Trade Training Centre along with the development of our contemporary and flexible learning spaces. The College offers a comprehensive curriculum, including a Gifted and Talented program and support to students who experience learning difficulties and provide successful policies that support student wellbeing. The pathways available continues to diversify with MacKillop offering VCE, VCAL and VET subjects as well as the SEDA Sport Development Partnership Program. MacKillop promotes excellence in the programs offered which include our unique and dedicated Year 9 Campus providing experiences that have been designed to foster close links with the local community and to raise awareness of local, national and international citizenship and responsibility. MacKillop College is continuing its strength in the academic arena with recent achievements including last year’s Dux of the College Yazmin Velarde who has been offered the Monash Scholarship of Excellence and Equity as well as the Vice-Chancellor’s Access Scholarship at Monash University. This prospect provides Yazmin with a fantastic opportunity to launch into a career in the area of Pharmacology or Medicine. We wish Yazmin every success in the future. Our College continues to be a vibrant, faith-filled learning community as we prepare our students with the skills they need for citizenship and a life of meaning in the twenty first century. Visit MacKillop College during its Open Day on Sunday 6 November between 10.00am and 1.00pm with a final tour commencing at 12.15pm or simply call the College Registrar for further information.