Last year, as Year 9 student, I had the privilege to participate in the ConocoPhillips Science Experience during the Christmas holidays. I decided to apply for ECU in Joondalup out of the three universities that you could choose from in WA. Not only was it a great insight into the university life and the ECU campus itself, but it was a memorable and fun experience. It ran for four days with a variety of courses and activities each day.

Ms Leyden’s Year 6 class from Room 18 shared some of what they have been learning about the brain this week from their Health lessons. They learned about the physiology of the brain - all the major parts - and how each has special roles that help us function every day.

We played our first game for the Kim Hughes South West Shield in Bunbury, on a wicket that had been prepared earlier that morning. Captain Fraser Oates won the toss and elected to bowl, surprising his teammates and bringing a sigh of relief from the opposition.

MacKillop students and staff were among nearly 1500 competitors in the 2017 Busselton Jetty Swim on Sunday 12th February. They all put in a fantastic effort in what were difficult weather conditions. Congratulations to Ross Rann and Angus Johnston-Walker, who were the first two local boys out of the water. Full results are available on the Busselton Jetty Swim website.

2016 MacKillop graduates Ashleigh Eades and Fraeya Evans are over the moon and shooting for the stars after receiving offers to study Contemporary Music with the West Australian Academy for Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University.

Ashleigh also received an ECU scholarship for displaying academic excellence, endeavor and leadership during her time at MacKillop.

“I feel a real sense of returning home,” says new Head of Ministry Bernice Roche of her move down to the South West during the holidays. She grew up on a sheep and wheat farm in Noggerup (near Boyup Brook), and has loved coming back to the country after twenty years living in Perth and Mandurah.

The 2017 Primary Student Leaders were announced at the Opening Assembly and Mass on Friday 10 February in the College Gymnasium. The Principal and Head of Primary congratulated these Year 6 students while Senior Student Leaders presented them with their badges on stage in front of the entire school community, before the new Captains and House leaders together recited a pledge of commitment to their roles.

On Saturday 11 February the Year 12 students donned their finest attire and enjoyed a night of glitz and glamour at their Senior Ball. Sampson and Bowen’s Black Brewing Co. was the new venue for the Ball and it did not disappoint, with the Midsummer Night’s Dream theme providing an eloquent backdrop to what proved to be a magical night.

On Tuesday 7 February, the Year 7 students spent a Retreat Day off campus at the Catholic Youth Camp in Abbey, with more opportunities to get to know other students and bond as a year group.

The excitement is building for our Year 12 Ball, to be held on Saturday February 11 at Sampson & Bowen in Wilyabrup.