Term 4 is here already!

We have much arising in Term 4 after a crazy and unexpected year. While things continue to be different in the journey through COVID-19, we are striving to engage our community more, albeit in a different manner than before the pandemic. Please take note of the events coming up this term, and keep abreast of updates through the College Facebook page as new events and details are explained. Tomorrow we will be disseminating information regarding the details, dates and times of Year 12 celebrations for all those involved. 

Importantly, we have scheduled the College Awards for Wednesday, 18 November, which will be livestreamed for the community due to COVID restrictions. 

We greatly look forward to being able to gather in greater concentrations next year, though for now it remains our upmost priority to keep our community safe by following the guideleines provided by the state and federal government.

Art is ESCAPISM Art Gallery Exhibition @ Gallery 107

I was thrilled to be able to attend the OLSCC and Dalby State High School Art Exhibitions at Gallery 107 yesterday. The standard is very high and there are some amazing pieces that would look at home in GOMA or on the wall of any house.  A huge thanks to Mrs McArthur, Mrs Lilburne, Mrs Kucks, Mr Thacker and all the helpers and artists who made this exhibition a reality.  Make sure to get along and check it out for yourself!

External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP)

Last week, the Year 12 students at OLSCC and all other Colleges in the diocese had the opportunity to engage in the EEPP which focussed on subject specific programs being delivered for many Year 12 subjects being offered across the Diocese.  This concentrated program was established so that students may learn, engage, receive feedback and ultimately perform better in their external assessments that will take place later this term.

Student Leadership Positions

Yesterday, I presented the student leadership program and processes for the selection of the OLSCC House Leaders, Junior House Leaders, College Prefects and College Captains.  Student Representative Council processes will be shared with year level groups over the coming week.  Further details of this will be discussed with students and emailed, as well as opportunities made for students to ask any questions in Week 2.  

Getting the Basics Right

Whilst 2020 has been a year like no other, we are still focussed on providing the best education as possible for our students.  Staff have worked considerably on Visible Learning, general teaching practice and focussing on the learning needs of every student this year, though we remain vigilant in getting the basics right for our students so they have the best possible learning outcomes for this year, and into the future.  The most important element of this is attendance.  Teacher practice only matters when the student is in class.  Unfortunately, there are quite a few students that need to considerably improve their attendance and engagement in class in order to make the most of the great learning environment that is provided for them.  Every day at school counts, and unless a child is ill or significant matters arise, every student needs to be in every class possible.  This ensures they are learning and achieving every day, as well as building continuity in their learning.  Please make this a common discussion in the home and ensure that your child gets every chance to learn and succeed by being present in their classes on a daily basis.

Student Enrolments

While many year levels are full or almost full for 2021, we still have spaces in the Middle and Senior Years for 2021 enrolments.  While we never aspire to become a large College, we certainly recognise that with reasonable class sizes comes staffing and resourcing that supports the learning and facilities that we are able to provide for all of our students.  If you know someone who would like to explore the opportunities at OLSCC for the future, please encourage them to make an appointment and see what we are all about.  It's never too early to explore the opportunities we can provide, though unfortunately we can only provide this within reasonably sized classes for the best learning of all our students. 

Peter Cuskelly

Principal