PHANY FROM CAMBODIA

Then in 2016, Phany joined a Caritas supported program, learning more productive farming and irrigation techniques. Her community learned to work together for better water management, to combat drought. 

Over 70 percent of Cambodia's population live in rural communities – and the farming families living in poverty are the most food insecure. Thirteen percent of Cambodians live below the poverty line, while 35 out of every 1000 babies die due to malnutrition.

In 2016, Phany joined the Upholding Community Dignity Together program, where she learned new farming techniques, such as a drip irrigation system which enabled her to get a better yield from her vegetable crops and to conserve water for drier periods. She also learned how to grow vegetables and raise chickens and ducks. Phany’s community also took part in training in health, nutrition, hygiene and disaster preparedness, arming them with better strategies to cope with environmental changes. 

With your help, mothers like Phany can continue to uplift their communities and provide food for their families. A brighter future for women, men and their families can start today. Let’s Go Further, Together.

“I am proud that I was a farmer who had no skills and now I can earn and improve my living, share my knowledge and also improve solidarity in the family and amongst our neighbours,” Phany says. “I live better than before, I’m not as tired. I can earn and live in the village, I don’t need to go to city to find job.” 

NAPLAN Online 

NAPLAN Online will be rolled out in our College in 2020.  We will conduct practice tests for students in Year 3, 5,7, 9 in Week 9 and 10 of this term.  I encourage all parents of children in these year levels to familiarise yourself with the test platform via https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site.  Students in Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 will sit practice Naplan Online tests in Week 9 and 10 of this term. 

Monday 23/3 – Year 3, 5, and 9 Writing tests 

Tuesday 24/3 – Year 3, 5 and 9 Omnibus tests 

Friday 27/3 – Year 7 Writing and Omnibus tests  

It is essential that students in Year 7 and 9 bring their laptops to school fully charged to access these tests. 

Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle  

The Lenten Season has begun, and our annual Easter Egg Raffle is about to start. College families are invited to donate Easter eggs or other Easter items to be used to create Easter Baskets as prizes for our raffle.  Donations of Easter Eggs can be left at the College Office or given to classroom teachers.    

Raffle tickets will be on sale outside the tuckshop for 50c during both eating breaks, beginning this Monday, 16 March. Prep students will be able to purchase tickets from their class teachers.   

Prize winners will be announced and presented at the Easter Prayer Celebration on Monday 30 April.   

Many thanks in advance,  

The Mini Vinnies Committee  

Volunteers at the College 

Volunteers are an essential part of our College community including supporting the tuckshop, working with classes attending excursions, coaching and managing teams.  Working together we aim to create and maintain safe environments for our students, staff and families.  We require all volunteers to read, understand and follow relevant code of conduct and student protection information.  All volunteers at the College need to complete a Volunteer declaration form annually as part of our this safeguard.  Packs with relevant information are available from class teachers or the College office or directly from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools website https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/.  I am also available to assist with this process if needed.  If you are planning to assist this year, please complete the online module and form and return to the College Office. 

Cate Brennan

Deupty Principal Religious Education