How time flies here we are in Week 5 of our nine-week term.  Over halfway through this term.  Students are busy drafting and completing assessments and I know that means you are supporting them through this time at home.  Our Year 12 students are over halfway through their final school exam block, our Year 11 students are almost ready to begin their next unit of work which leads them into Year 12 and it is only 53 days until Christmas.  This week at our PLC (teachers weekly meeting for professional learning), we celebrated the successes of our students and explored our 2023 NAPLAN data.  As teachers it was great to see the success we are having across all year levels.  This success is a result of our hard work and dedication to improvement and progress for all students.  There was a buzz in the room at our meeting.  Even though the year is wrapping up in so many areas I wanted to highlight this week that our dedicated staff whilst finishing this year off never stop learning and working towards what is next for our students.  They are also deep in the learning pit of preparing for the ACiQ v9.0 which is the updated version of the curriculum that we will begin to implement in 2024.  Like the students, we will continue to work to the end of term ensuring we finish strong in preparation for 2024 and beyond. 

Year 12’s last full school day 

On Friday 20 October, on our Year 12’s last official full day of school, we hosted their Last Day Retreat.  Staff had a bit of fun and dressed as Seniors for their last assembly! 

At the retreat students spent time reflecting on their schooling years and considering that they will always be members of the OLSCC community.  It was a day of reflection and joy as they pondered the memories they hold dear and what comes next.  They were joined via Teams by past pupil Alexander McKinnon.  Alexander who was school captain in 2003 of St Mary’s College spoke about his life journey and encouraged our seniors to be open to opportunities that may challenge their plans.  Alexander now practices as a barrister in corporate and commercial law in Brisbane.    

In the work they did at retreat Year 12’s created some advice they would offer to others. 

• Cherish the moments you make 
• Don’t always expect people to understand where you are coming from 
• It is okay not to go down the path you expected to take 
• Catch the opportunity, don’t wait for it to come to you 
• Throughout life you will face some ups and downs but when its your time you will shine 
• Be strong, be open to failure 
• Accept yourself and you’ll succeed
• Try not to sit with an issue/problem, work through it to progress 
• Everyone will venture down their own paths at their own speed 
• You can’t always take the easy was out 
• You win some, you lose some  
• Believe in yourself 
• Life can be scary but learn to live authentically and passionately 

2003 Class Reunion 

The class of 2003 celebrated their 20-year reunion in Dalby on the weekend and it is great to see familiar faces who still have links to the College 20 years on.  We love to reconnect with past students, feel free to reach out to the College if you are ever planning to be back in Dalby.   

House Leaders 

Congratulations to our additional House Leaders who were appointed on Friday 20 October.  Our Student Leadership Team for 2024 are active in their roles from Term 4 2023.  They are: 

College Captains:    Will Cook and Kaitlyn Harms   

Prefects:  Emma Donaldson, Olivia Koehler, Mia Marchant, Travis Tia     

House Leaders:  

2024 Class Lists 

The development of class lists is a multi-layered process.  Classroom teachers and the leadership team work together to determine placements based on the social, emotional and academic needs of students to ensure classes are balanced and will provide optimal learning and teaching for all.  The process is explained in detail on our website: https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/classallocation 

2024 Class lists have been developed in consultation with college staff and parents over the last 10 weeks.  They will be released this week via Parent Portal to existing families and via direct email to incoming families.  We also display them for the students around the College, as they love to see the full lists with their peers.  Parents play a significant role by being positive and encouraging to their children once these are announced to ensure a smooth transition into the new class in 2024.    

2023 Awards Ceremony 

Our Prep – Year 12 Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday 15 November at 9:15am in the MPC.  Students receiving awards have been notified through the Student and Parent Portal.  Whilst we do not announce before the day which awards students will be receiving it is important to us that students and their families are aware if they are receiving an award in advance.  Please check your Parent Portal to see if your child is receiving an award.  An important part of our Awards Ceremony is our whole College farewell to our Year 12’s, we invite all community members to join us for this important occasion in our calendar. 

Year 12 Graduation Mass 

On Friday 17 November Year 12 students will graduate from our College at their Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s Church.  The Mass commences at 10:00am.  Year 10 & Year 11 students will attend this mass in full formal uniform.  They will travel by bus to and from the church for this mass.  Community members are welcome to join us for this mass. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Hampers 

Christmas can be a tough time financially for many in our community and we would like to help where we can.  Our Year 5 students are currently in the planning stages of the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal.  Keep an eye out for a letter which will come home in the next week about donations we will be collecting to assist our local St Vincent de Paul Chapter.  If you know of a family that are in need of a hamper or assistance I can be contacted through the College office. 

Christmas Carols Thursday 30 November 6:00pm-8:00pm 

This year after feedback from families we have relocated our Christmas Carols to the Thursday evening in Week 9 of this term. Students will lead our community in an evening of Christmas Carols.  Battery powered candles and drinks will be available to purchase on the evening with funds raised going to Yes Arusha. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the end of the year and the Christmas season. 

College Uniform Requirements for upcoming events 

All students Prep to Year 12 will attend the College Awards Ceremony.  Prep students may wear normal sports uniform.  All Year 1-Year 12 students should wear formal uniform with ties (Year 5-12) to attend the College Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 15 November.  If this is a normal sports uniform day for your child you may substitute this for Thursday of this week (Week 7). 

Students in Year 11 will attend the Graduation Mass on Friday 17 November to support the Year 12 students.  Students should attend full formal uniform with ties. 

Christmas Carols – just wear your best Christmas shirt, both students and their families and join in the Christmas Cheer. 

Date Claimer Term 4 

Awards Ceremony Rehearsal – Tuesday 14 November in MPC 

Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 15 November 9:15am in MPC 

Year 12 Graduation Mass – Friday 17 November 10:00am at St Joseph’s Church  

College Christmas Carols – Thursday 30 November 6:00pm-8:00pm  

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education