Cultural
Band, Orchestra & Choir
Musical groups perform within the College and the wider community.The ability to play an instrument allows students to contribute in a unique way to occasions such as Masses, Liturgies, The MacKillop Dinner, Presentation Day, College Musicals and Eisteddfods.
The College Band
The College Band includes students from Years 7 to 12, who are competent on a band instrument.
College String Ensemble
A strong College string section provides the backbone for the College orchestra.
College Choir
There are numerous events on the College calendar where choral singing is required. Any interested students may participate. Auditions will be held when solo parts in music are to be performed.
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir consists of up to twelve voices who sing works in three or more parts across a wide variety of genres. Membership is by audition or invitation only.
Chamber Ensembles
The College has a number of highly competent musicians who play an instrument that is appropriate for chamber music repertoire.
College Musical Productions
Large scale musical productions involving many students in acting, singing, dancing, and technical aspects of theatre have been held every two years in recent times. When a production is being held, there are many ways students can become involved.
Musical Instrument Hire and Peripatetic Teaching Program
The College is fortunate in having the services of a number of competent tutors from the Conservatorium. Playing an instrument is an enjoyable hobby, and an equally fun social experience when you play in a band or orchestra. The academic skills acquired in mastering an instrument can have benefits in a diversity of school and work applications. Instrumental studies have long been regarded as a valuable means of broadening one's horizons. The College offers a large collection of musical instruments including flutes, clarinets, bassoon, oboe, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, horns, violins, violas, cellos and double bass, numerous recorders and some guitars. Individual or group teaching opportunities are offered.
Chess
The MacKillop College Chess Club meet on a regular basis. They also participate in inter school competitons.
Debating
Debaters are involved in a range of competitions throughout the year including House Debating, The Lithgow Festival of Speech for Years 9 and 11, the Lions Club Competition for Year 8, the WAS Debating Competition for Years 8, 10 and 12, the Local Government Competition for Year 10, the CSDA State Knockout for Years 7 to 11 and social debates with other local schools.
Language Clubs
Students undertake a variety of activities designed to increase their appreciation and awareness of languages other than English and their cultures. The Japanese group ‘Anime Club’ and the French Club gather regularly to participate in activities including cooking, films, games, internet use and guest speakers.
Ohtani High - Sister School Program
In the early 1990's MacKillop College formulated a Sister School relationship with Ohtani High School, in Osaka Japan. This relationship has blossomed over the years with Ohtani students and teachers visiting the College every year in their summer break in August. Every second year the Ohtani students have an extended stay with host families from MacKillop. This experience is highly valued by both the Ohtani and MacKillop students and families. In 2005 MacKillop College introduced the opportunity for our Year 10 and Year 11 students studying Japanese to tour Japan. This offers students a chance to have a homestay with an Ohtani family. MacKillop College is blessed to have such close ties with our Sister School, Ohtani High.
Overseas Excursions
With the cost of travel becoming more affordable, MacKillop College has introduced a number of voluntary overseas educational excursions for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.Students are invited to take part in the following pattern of overseas tours.• Year 10 French students visit Noumea in December for one week following their School Certificate Exams.• Years 10 and 11 Japanese students are invited to visit Japan for ten days in April every two years.• Senior students studying either Ancient or Modern History are invited to travel to Europe to enhance their senior studies program.
MacKillop Collections
The HSC students of Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Information Processes and Technology must complete a major assignment for their HSC. The College has introduced the MacKillop Collections to display these works prior to the HSC marking. Parents, families, students and teachers attend this display to celebrate the hard work and talents of the HSC students.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Program
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program is a large worldwide program for young people aged 14 to 25. To earn a D of E Award each participant has to develop her own personal program of activities and goals in the four areas of Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expedition. For the Gold Award a Residential Project is also required. The program reflects a wide range of interests as well as the enthusiasm and commitment which each person brings to it. The activities are independent of schoolwork and provide a channel for personal achievement as well as the development of independence.
