Wednsday 22 June - Under 5 to Under 11 Athletics Carnival

Fri 24 June - Term 2 concludes

Monday 11 July - Staff PD Day (Pupil Free Day)

Tuesday 12 July - Term 3 commences

25 to 28 July - Year 8 Camp Cooby

25 to 29 July - Catholic Education Week

Wednesday 27 July - Come and Try Day

Friday 29 July - Bishop's Inservice Day (Pupil Free Day)

It has been another packed fortnight of opportunities for staff and students at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. Our whole College Assembly today celebrated a few of our recent College successes and it resonated with me how many opportunities our students are blessed to have.  I encouraged all students to be curious about what opportunities they could engage in (eg: sport, culture, arts, optiminds, further learning) while also emphasising the importance of commitment to practice whatever they commit to trying. Being in Dalby and not in the big city actually brings additional prospects that sometimes will not be found in the bigger schools.  The fact of the matter is that students at OLSCC are far more likely to engage in richer extra-curricular activities due to the number of students in each year level, the standard that is frequently achieves, and the staff and parents who support, coach and facilitate these activities for our students. 

Most importantly, everyone needs to belong. Everyone needs to be part of a team, a group.  It is simply not enough for student wellbeing to just come to school every day. This is especially important for those who frequently connect to social media platforms.  Students who play team sport often fill this void through a team sport.  Some achieve this diversity through local kids that use communal spaces to play, some engage through youth groups and others engage through activities like dance, singing or playing a musical instrument. It is also important that being part of an online gaming community does not fulfill this need of belonging.  Belonging, even in a digital world, needs human connection, face to face conversation, and frequent interactions.  If your child is seeming a little lonely and hasn’t found their group, the only way to change this is for them to get out and try something new!  

Griffith University Principal’s Dinner

On Wednesday evening I was fortunate to attend a function hosted by Griffith University and had the opportunity to meet with Griffith University staff and principals from the large secondary schools in the Brisbane, Ipswich and Bayside areas.  While we learned a lot about what fantastic programs and student support is available at Griffith University, as well as some hefty scholarship opportunities, I also learned that many of the issues we are facing regarding staffing shortages, human resources in general, student behaviour, vaping, wellbeing, misuse of technology, are all being faced in every school across the South East corner.  This includes some of the most prestigious schools!  It was a great opportunity to share knowledge with other schools and learn from their progress as well as some great connections for the future.

NEW STUDENT Lunch

On Wednesday I invited all new Year 1 – 12 student to share some sneaky hot chips and provide me with some feedback about what the College should be most proud of, what could be improved, and anything I should know.  It was great to get to know some of the new faces better, as well as hear some excellent feedback and suggestions! Thank you to all those students who gave up their lunchtime to come and have a chat and let me know what you think about OLSCC after your first term here.

BGA Meeting

I continue to investigate the opportunity to further advance our facilities at OLSCC.  While we have a long term plan for many of the smaller projects that are coming up, over the next 24 months I will be working with a committee (yet to be formed) in order to advance facilities in the senior years that more closely align with the modern curriculum and upcoming challenges such as teacher shortages.  The intent is to be able more diverse and industry-valued training as well as senior subjects that best prepare students for the employment, university or further training pathways.  It also allows us to move past the limitations caused by the physical spaces which are nearing their end of life.  Mr Paul Bryant from Toowoomba Catholic Schools has always been a great help in this area and we appreciated his visit earlier this week.   

COVID and Influenza A

At the moment we have continual staff shortages due to the illnesses getting around our local area.  There are still impacts from COVID, and Influenza A is causing some concern also.  We continue to encourage staff who are unwell to stay home and recover, as we do with the children, so the sickness only has a limited spread amongst our community.  Thank you for your patience as we deal with the sickness, it certainly isn’t very fun for Mrs Brennan as she constantly strives to ensure that we have the best teachers in front of our classes every day.

New Staff

During the holidays we will welcome several new staff to the College community. Miss Kiara Pethybridge and Ms Linzi Smith will join us in administration to assist Miss Sandy Brookes and Mrs Tracey Boland.  Mr Neil Turner will join our services team and will assist Mr Nathan Pretorius and Mr Anthony Pope. A very special thank you to Mr Pope as he has been on his own for the past week, keeping the grounds and maintenance of the College looking great and working well.

Shout Out to Student Representing OLSCC

On facebook last night we highlighted some of our amazing students who are out and about representing the College through Darling Downs School Sport teams in volleyball, netball, rugby union, rugby league, touch and more. Thank you to all of these students who have grasped this opportunity and are striving to achieve their best. Thanks also to the parents and carers who spend much of their time and funds towards supporting their children in these endeavours. 

I would also like to wish the OLSCC Open Netball (QISSN) and Open Rugby League (QISSRL/confraternity) teams all the best in Mackay.  It has been a long preparation for these teams and the opportunity to participate in a full week of confraternity is certainly something the students will never forget.  Thanks especially to all the staff who make this year around commitment to these teams and then sacrifice 9 days of their holidays to travel with, live with, and lead the students in their sporting pursuits. Best of luck to everyone!  If you would like to keep updated, please keep an eye on the College Facebook page.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

What is true kindness all about? 

You might think kindness is just about “being nice”, but that’s not where it starts. True kindness is about letting yourself feel that same kind of painful sympathy that Jesus felt, and then doing something about the problem. That’s what Jesus did. He felt her pain, then fixed it by raising her son from the dead! 

Of course, we can’t raise someone from the dead, and it sometimes feels like you can’t do anything about the things that are wrong in this world. 

The first thing to do is to ask God to help you feel his compassion for the person. 

When you feel true compassion, God will show you what to do next. He might ask you to hug a friend or make some cookies for a neighbour. . . even just sit quietly with someone who’s sad. Through Jesus, you have the power to bring life-changing kindness to your world.   

When in recent times have you been kind to one another.......especially someone who is weak or vulnerable? Can you now recognise God working through you? 

Dear Lord,  

Grant me the ability to speak kindly, respond gently and at times, hold my tongue. I want my actions and reactions ot please You and reflect You and Your love.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen 

What an amazing term we have had.  Filled with many events, activities and lots of teaching and learning.  As we reach the last week of term it is a great opportunity for both staff and students to reflect on the first six months of our school year and then to rest as we prepare to head into the final six months for 2022. 

IGNITE CONFERENCE 2022 

Staff, Students and families are invite to join with thousands of people who will gather for this year’s Ignite Conference 2022:  The Moment.  Ignite Conference is a bold vision for the future of the Church.  A Church passionate about discovering a real, present God and gathering a generation to be on fire for Jesus.  Within each day, the elements of the Conference are designed to be inviting and allow people to encounter a real and present God in their midst.  Ignite Conference has something for everyone.  Youth will be inspired in the Ignite High stream, it provides relevant faith experiences presented by young experts.  For adults, Ignite Central will feature keynotes and workshops from leading and engaging presenters, covering areas such as spirituality. leadership, justice and culture.  Streams are also available for young adults and primary school students.  If you would like to know more check out their webpage for schedules and registration www.igniteconference.com.au  

REPORT CARDS 

End of Semester report cards will be distributed next week.  These will be uploaded to Parent Portal on Wednesday and hard copies distributed to students on Thursday.  Any report cards not taken by students at the end of term will be posted on Monday 27 June 2022.   

KINDNESS WEEK 

What a wonderful week of joy and the spreading of kindness in our College.  Well done to the SRC students who held lunchtime activities to engage students.  There was colouring in of compliment cards – which were then given out to people in our lives that show kindness to us.  We worked together to play games, showing that by working together we can achieve goals and have fun, it was important that we included others, encouraged others and practiced showing kindness (even when being competitive).  The message of kindness has even been spread to the walkways and gathering areas of our College with chalk messages and affirmations creatively drawn on our concrete – these messages will be here for a few weeks to come so we can really learn from them.  Today we got to show our support by purchasing cookies – these were baked by staff and students and sent a message of kindness.  I was lucky enough to receive a kindness package today – which included letters of support, appreciation and kind words and a delicious cookie – what a way to brighten my day.  There have been so many little things going on this week that have made it a great big week to promote kindness.  Kindness does not stop today just because the week ends.  We take what we have experienced and learnt with us and will continue to work on it in our daily lives. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Last week saw our Year 11 students beginning their leadership journey by participating in their leadership camp. The students demonstrated an outstanding attitude, engaging with each other through a variety of different sessions. The Year 11 group showed true potential as a strong leadership group and we are excited to continue this journey with them over the next 18 months.

Assessment Calendars

Semester 2 Assessment Calendars and exam timetables can be located on the College Website:

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College (dalby.catholic.edu.au)

If you have any questions about assessment, please contact your child's classroom teacher or myself.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is responsible for gathering evidence of student achievement on or before the due date for internal assessment instruments.

All students have electronic access via canvas to their assessment schedules and it is their responsibility to adhere to these due dates.

Students are responsible for planning and managing their time to meet the due dates.

Students and parents can contact teachers via phoning or emailing to help with communication. Teachers are not able to grant extensions directly with students and parents/carers.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is required to adhere to QCAA policies about due dates accepting assignments only on or before the due date unless an extension through AARA processes has been approved.  For example, a student who is absent due to family holidays will not be granted an extension for an assignment as this doesn’t meet the AARA guidelines set by QCAA.

Parent Information for study.

1. How much learning should students be doing each night?

Different schools will have different expectations, but the general guidelines are that junior students should be doing around 1 hour of self-learning most nights, seniors between 2-3 hours most nights.

2. But what if students say they have no homework?

In Primary school, students are used to just doing the work their teacher specifically tells them to do. Many students do not realise that things should be different in secondary school; there are actually two types of learning students should be doing. The first is compulsory work such as homework, assignments, and preparing for tests. The second type of work is independent learning work. If students have no homework that night, they are expected to undertake some independent learning in secondary school. This could be reviewing what they have learnt that week, making a mind map, reading ahead, researching an area of interest, making study notes or reviewing difficult concepts.

3. Can you listen to music while studying?

The general rule is that if students are undertaking learning that is not difficult, it is OK to listen to music. It makes them feel relaxed, makes them feel like the time is going quicker. However, if they are doing work that requires intense concentration or memorisation, it is best to switch the music off (or else have slower music with no vocals such as classical musical) as otherwise it will take them much longer to absorb and learn the information.

4. Is it OK for students to do work with devices or in front of the TV?

Unless students are doing something mindless like sticking things on a poster or colouring in, it is best not to do work in front of any devices such as phones or TV. Instead, students should do their home learning in an environment that is as distraction-free as possible. It works well if students do their learning in distinct blocks of time and remove all distractions during those blocks. Some students find they have the self-discipline to manage technological distractions, others need a helping hand – such as their phone in a different room for the half-hour period where they are focusing on choolwork.

5. How do I stop my student getting distracted when working on the computer?

Have a discussion with students about doing schoolwork in focused blocks of time so that they can really enjoy their time away from the books (or computer). If students find it challenging to be disciplined, they can also look at self-blocking software such as Self Control (MAC) and Cold Turkey (PC). If students are still struggling, parental management programs such as Family Zone allow families to block particular sites at particular times.

Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years

This fortnight, our disposition of focus is resilience – the ability to bounce back when something doesn’t go our way. How relevant and necessary is this for a happy and successful life! With our upcoming Athletics carnival next week, we spoke together about the importance of resilience in the face of strong competition. I know every classroom teacher is also explicitly teaching their students about resilience in their learning and embedding this across the curriculum and our students have proven to us many times what a resilient bunch we have here at OLSCC. Children have a wonderful capacity to respond to the curve balls that life throws at us all – if only we let them. A parent’s first instinct is often to do all they can to smooth out life’s bumps for our children. Those bumps come in many forms. Will I get the report card that I was hoping for? How am I going to go running against my mates at the Athletics carnival? Will I be able to face the crowds as I perform at the Eisteddfod, or at the strings showcase with my guitar ensemble? What will I do if I forget my library bag? How will I manage if my water bottle leaks or I forget my lunchbox?

Each of these presents as challenges of varying degrees of severity to different students. Our goal at OLSCC is to have our students embrace these challenges and learn to thrive on them to work out “what to do when I don’t know what to do”! It is essential to develop these skills in the Early Years to succeed later in their schooling and beyond, in life. To do this, we must accept that sometimes our child needs to experience “being stuck” and not race in to rescue them. As a parent – this is often super hard, but worth it! I encourage you to be brave for your child – allow them to wallow in the learning pit when necessary. It will help to build skills to know that the next time they face a similar challenge, and once again find themselves “in the pit” they have the strategies necessary to get through it. Your child will thank you for it later.

The Year 3 cohort had an extremely successful visit to Australia Zoo last Friday. Whilst the day was long, the students were exceptionally well behaved and fully engaged. Next week, the Year 4’s head off on a day trip to Miles Historical Village. I extend huge thanks to the teachers and school officers who go to great lengths to organize these out of school experiences that our students find so engaging and exhilarating.

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

Darling Downs Rugby League Competition Results

Week 8 Wednesday 8 June

Under 13 OLSCC defeated St Mary’s College 32-0

Week 9 Wednesday 15 June

Under 13 Quarter Final

2^nd in Pool B – OLSCC vs 3^rd in Pool A Harristown SHS

OLSCC defeated Harristown SHS 16-4

Under 18 Semi Final

2^nd OLSCC vs 3^rd Assumption College Warwick

OLSCC defeated Assumption Warwick 40-0

Week 10 Wednesday 22 June

Under 13 Semi Final

OLSCC vs Lockyer District SHS 4.00pm at Brothers Toowoomba

Week 1 Term 3 Wednesday 13 July

Under 18 Grand Final

OLSCC vs Lockyer District SHS 5.00pm Brothers Toowoomba

QCIS Cross Country

Congratulations to all students who competed at the QCIS Cross Country in very cold and damp conditions at Downlands College on Wednesday 1 June. In an amazing achievement for the College, we won both the overall and average points trophies. This is the College’s first QCIS victory in any sport. A great effort with only a small team of runners on the day. Race results are listed below.

Under 10 Girls (3^rd)

Isabelle Manley 4^th, Lexie Forbes 7^th, Ella Ramage 9^th, Lily Ryan 12^th

Under 10 Boys (2^nd)

Ben Barwick 3^rd, Felix Twidale 8^th, Archie Stephens 9^th

Under 11 Girls (3^rd)

Gemma Sullivan 3^rd, Mackenzie Meacle Lyell 9^th, Charlotte Colquhoun 13^th

Under 11 Boys (4^th)

Will Hemmings 5^th, Khoen Darr 10^th

Under 12 Girls (2^nd)

Molly Gibson 5^th, Lucinda Conn 8^th, Sophie Jeude 12^th

Under 12 Boys (3^rd)

Joshua Barwick 1^st, William Barwick 2^nd

Under 13 Girls (3^rd)

Chelsea Cave 7^th, Keira Bryant 11^th, Sharloe Hume 12^th

Under 13 Boys (5^th)

Hudson Marshall 12^th, Innes Dellit 15^th

Under 14 Girls (1^st)

Carla Nobbs 1^st, Monique Smith 6^th, Ella Price 7^th

Under 14 Boys (2^nd)

Jack Gibson 5^th, Judd Alderton 6^th, Charlie Johansen 7^th, Mac Stirling 9^th

Under 15 Girls (1^st)

Taylor Marshall 2^nd, Tiffany Ham 3^rd, Chloe Wilkins 6^th Karlie Falvey 11^th

Under 15 Boys (3^rd)

Cooper Wedrat 4^th, Jack Cave 6^th

Under 16 Girls (1^st)

Emily Griffiths 3^rd, Charlotte Roberts 8^th, Philipa Simpkins 9^th

Under 16 Boys (3^rd)

Bailey Brennan 4^th

Open Girls (1^st)

Yolande Gordon 5^th, Chloe Donaldson 6^th, Georgia Bumstead 7^th, Katie Stenzel 9^th, Claire Harth 10^th

Open Boys (3^rd)

Toby Harms 6^th, Bailey Rathmell 7^th, Brayden Falvey 11^th

Vicki Wilson Cup Netball

Congratulations to the Junior and Senior Vicki Wilson Cup Teams who competed in Toowoomba last Friday in very cool conditions at Nelle Robinson Park. Thanks to Miss Fry and Miss Nicholson for coaching our teams and Donna Smith for umpiring. The Junior Team has three losses by one goal which cost them any chance of a finals berth. The Open Team had a great day winning their pool games before losing the final to St Ursula’s College.

Junior Scores

Win vs St John’s Roma                          16-7

Loss to St Joseph’s Toowoomba             14-13

Loss to Chinchilla SHS                           11-10

Win vs Concordia College                       26-0

Loss to St Ursula’s College                     11-10

Loss to Fairholme College                      17-1

Senior Scores

Win vs Concordia College                       11-6

Win vs Fairholme College                       7-6

Win vs Lockyer District SHS                   8-6

Win vs Centenary Heights SHS               14-7

Win vs St Joseph’s Stanthorpe                12-10

Win vs Chinchilla SHS                            15-7

Win vs Highfields SSC                           17-8

Senior Athletics Carnival

Points

Rice                  1622

McAuley            1296

Nolan                1233

MacKillop          1200

1500m Race Results

Age Group Winners

Under 12 – Molly Gibson & Jasper Filewood

Under 13 – Chelsea Cave & Lachlan Fraser

Under 14 - Carla Nobbs & Charlie Johansen

Under 15 – Taylor Marshall & Cooper Wedrat

Under 16 – Emily Griffiths & Bailey Brennan

Open – Mackenzie Wedrat & Bailey Rathmell

Record Breaker

Jasper Filewood

Boys 12 Under 1500m 5.37.00 - (Bailey Skinner 5.41.00 in 2017)

Boys Under 12 Long Jump 4.75m - (A Foelz 4.61m in 1981) -41-year-old record

Individual Winners

Under 5- Under 11 Inter House Athletics Carnival

The Under 5 to Under 11 Inter House Athletics Carnival will be held next Wednesday 22 June. The timetable for the day is attached to the newsletter. All Relays, and Gift races will be run on Our Lady of the Southern Cross Day on Thursday 1 September.

The Catholic Primary Schools Athletics Carnival will be on Friday 15 July at the O’Quinn Street Oval in Toowoomba. This will be for students in Years 3-6 only. The College Coach will transport students to the event. Students who have been selected to attend will be notified by the end of term.

Catholic Schools Netball and Touch Football Carnival

The Year 5/6 Catholic Schools Netball and Touch Football Carnivals will be held in Week 3 of next term. Class teachers are this week taking nominations for students who wish to attend. Trials to select teams will be held before the holidays.

Dalby Touch Football

Congratulations to the Under 15 Girls and Open Mixed Team who have competed in Dalby Touch Association fixtures this semester. The Under 15 Girls made the Semi Finals of the Ladies Competition and the Under 18 Mixed Team are in the Grand Final of the Mixed A Grade Competition. Season 2 will begin early next term. With Rugby League commitments now finished the Under 15 Boys team will play in the Men’s Competition on a Wednesday night next season. Trials to select this team will be held early next term. Any boys interested in playing need to see Miss McDuff.

Girls Rugby Sevens

The College will participate in a newly formed Darling Downs Independent Schools Rugby Sevens Competition being held on Friday afternoons next term. The first round will be held on Friday 22 July in Toowoomba. Age Groups will be Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18. Any girls interested in playing need to register their interest to either Mr Gillespie, Mr Garside or Mr Lincoln. Training will be held on Monday afternoons. Girls will need mouthguards and football boots. College Football Shorts and Socks are available at the office. Schools involved will be Glennie, Fairholme, Downlands, Scots Warwick and Toowoomba Anglican School.

Confraternity Shield Rugby League

In the first week of the holidays 21 boys from the College will attend the Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival in Mackay. The students are Brayden Falvey, Bailey Skinner, Bailey Rathmell, Lyhkan King Togia, Wil Brady, Hunter James, Joe Gillett, Jaiken Crothers, Charlie Cooper, Toby Harms, Brock Sankey, Tom Gillespie, Lyucian King Togia, Harry Cooper, Dan O’Callaghan, Cody Wenham, Hayden Taylor, Joe Sankey, Jack Marchant, Kelii Leahy and Jacob Utz. The team will be coached by Mr Gillespie, Mr Cuskelly, Mr Spain, Mr Fraser and Mr Lincoln.

QISSN Netball

Next week, 10 Girls will compete in the QISSN Carnival in Mackay. The team will be coached and managed by Miss Price, Mrs Bennie, Mrs Biggar and Mrs Lincoln. The students are – Claudia Child, Claire Harth, Abby Marshall, Hannah Pattison, Mackenzie Wedrat, Chloe Donaldson, Charlotte Roberts, Tiffany Ham, Hannah Taylor and Carla Nobbs.

State Cahmpionships Representatives

We have a number of students who have recently competed for Darling Downs at State Championship events in various sports. These include our Under 15 Volleyball girls - Monique Smith, Tiffany Ham, Hannah Taylor, Bella Buckley, Chloe Manteit, Summer Buckley, Ella Price. Under 12 Touch Football - Jasper Filewood, Ryker Filewood, Will Barwick and Josh Barwick. Under 15 Touch Football - Carla Nobbs, Under 18 Touch Football -Claudia Child, Dan O'Callaghan, Brock Sankey and Mr Lincoln. Sophie Taylor for U12 Netball and Hunter James for Open Rugby Union. Congratulations to all these students.  

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Choir

We enjoyed a wonderful couple of days at the start of June performing at the Dalby Eisteddfod. Our Early Years Choir won the hearts of the audience with their powerful and engaging versions of “True Colours” and “Do Re Mi,” coming away with third place. Middle Years Choir also gave a stunning performance of “Journey to the Past” and came away with a first place ribbon. Congratulations to both choirs! With a new semester ahead, if you are wanting to enrol in the Early Years or Middle Years choirs, all you need to do is fill out this Microsoft Form https://forms.office.com/r/t0Y0vst8BR or contact Miss Nicholson on Harriet.Nicholson@twb.catholic.edu.au

Culture Extra-Curricular Program –Showcase

This week we held our Semester 1 Strings CECP showcase to celebrate the amazing work of our students. Miss Nicholson has been working very hard with both the guitar and violin students to get them ready and wow, they sounded amazing! Congratulations to everyone who performed. We can’t wait to see how you grow in skills and confidence as the year continues.

Lantern Project

This year we were approached by the organising copmmittee of the Dalby Delicious and Delightful Festival to be a part of a special lantern project. They have provided us with some metal lanterns (in addition to our usual lanterns) and the senior students participated in a workshop on Wednesday afternoon during recreation. The lanterns are looking absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to see them at the festival.

Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture

What an exciting week the Year 10 students have had. On Monday, Aaron from Aurora training commenced our first Espresso Coffee making skillset course with our students. The students had the opportunity to complete setting up the second of our brand-new coffee machines and the two coffee bean grinders. The students covered the requirements for hygiene in the workplace and dealing with clients. I would really like to thank the College P & F for supplying these machines for the students and Aurora training for continuing to provide these opportunities for our students. This opportunity has meant that we have been able to provide the students with very valuable skills to gain employment while at school and post school. By Wednesday morning the students were producing coffees for our staff to sample and what a busy day it was. During the first session students produced over 150 coffees for their customers to rave reviews. I think our photos will tell their story. We also have a few quotes from some of the students on what they thought of the barista course and operating the new machines.

"I thought it would be really hard to operate the coffee machine and I was a bit scared of it but it was really easy to use." - Nadine

"My mum and dad have a coffee machine at home like these ones only smaller so now I will know how to use it to make them coffee." – Paddy

"I liked how hands on this barista course has been. I though that only a couple of people would get a turn to make coffee, but we have all been able to do it and make lots of coffees." – Mia

"I am impressed with how well we have all worked together and communicated with each other." - Tenille

Thursday morning saw our Year 10 students and some of our senior students complete our initial First Aid course offered to students at the College. The training was delivered by Michael Darben from Darben Training – First Aid and Lifeguard Education and our own Mr Mike Peeck. Students were very engaged in their training and were eager to learn the skills being presented.

Friday saw the Year 10’s completing their White Card training. This training gave the students valuable skills in Workplace Health and Safety and once again we were lucky to have Downs Group Training deliver the skills to our students. This card will form a valuable part of the student’s portfolio for whatever pathway they choose to take.

Date Claimer - Dalby Career Expo – July 22

The annual Dalby Career Expo will take place on July 22 at the Dalby PCYC. Students from Year 8 – 12 will take part in the event however we are strongly encouraging parents and members of the community to attend. This year we have many universities represented and many of our large local employers attending. We will also have representation from local employment agencies as well. For the first time we will have a Resume and Interview Skills booth. This is available to anyone who would like to brush up on current interview skills and also have their resume checked to ensure that they are ready to get that job.

Careers Development Practitioner

OLSCC Agriculture students have been on the move in the past two weeks. In Week 8, our Year 12 Agriculture students attended FarmFest where they gained familiarity with a large range of agricultural businesses and innovative agricultural resources. Each student enjoyed a fun day out while expanding their knowledge in the agricultural space. In Week 9, our Year 9 Agriculture students were taken on a tour through Queensland Cotton’s Dalby Gin. Students were able to see the process of ginning (separating cotton lint from seed and trash) and how the ginned cotton is compressed into bales. The students were lucky enough to be given a handful of cotton each to feel and play with. They all enjoyed a great morning.

Hayley Kidd

Agriculture Teacher

On Friday 10June, all the Year 3 students went on an exciting excursion to Australia Zoo. At 6am when it was still dark, we boarded the coach super early and left school.

When we arrived at the zoo, we went and listened to a zookeeper named Kayla who told us all about classifying animals and how we can use their features to classify them. We talked about what makes an animal a marsupial, a reptile, or a mammal. We talked about crocodiles, kangaroos, snakes, and how the boa constrictor has its babies live and doesn’t lay eggs. After our talk, we headed straight to Africa. The animals were amazing and we saw giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and meercats.  

The Komodo dragon is a very cool, big reptile that can weigh up to 100kgs and is 3 meters in length. We saw the alligators and the crocodiles and saw how much bigger a crocodile is than an alligator. Next, we explored the Binturongs, dingoes, and tortoises before heading into the reptile shed. Inside the reptile shed, we saw all kinds of snakes. Some have very good camouflage to protect themselves and to attack their prey and some snakes were very active and followed us through the glass. We also saw some brightly coloured poisonous dart frogs, however, their bright colours mean they are, in fact, very dangerous.

Hurrying to our seats in the Crocoseum, we ate our lunch while we watched the Croc show. There were birds flying above our heads, a was man walking around with a snake, and then we saw Casper the Crocodile's tail walk to get its piece of meat. 

We then hopped back on the bus and made the big journey home. Lots of us fell asleep after a big day of walking! All the Year 3 students loved our visit to Australia Zoo. We saw so many animals and had the best day ever!

Year 3 Students 

As we approach yet another farewell to a Year 12 Cohort and a Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s, we thought it might be good time to look back … so to speak. Each year we celebrate this ritual; we wish the Year 12s well; we pray for them and their futures and wave as they walk into the disparate futures that await them. On the 10 Anniversary of the Class of 2012, we asked them, so what are you doing now? It is hoped that we will share more of their responses in the coming 2022 newsletters. If you are in contact with a student from the Class of 2012, who has not yet been featured, and would like to be, please have them contact me via email, kylie.purbrick@twb.catholic.edu.au

Philomena (Philly) Stephen

1. Where has your journey in faith and knowledge taken you in the 10 years since you graduated from OLSCC?

After grade 12 I kicked onto university at UQ where I completed a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy with First Class Honours. While I was at university, I resided at Duchesne College where I made a lot of great memories and mates!

Since graduating from uni, I have been working as an Occupational Therapist, and occasionally as an anatomy tutor, for the last 5 ½ years in hospitals in Toowoomba and Brisbane, across a variety of caseloads including neurology, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, acute medical, oncology and palliative care. While working, I also played AFL for my university club, made plenty of room for travel, and have made a fantastic group of supportive mates.

2. What highlights stand out to you?

My biggest highlights in the last 10 years have included:

My travel overseas, including snowboarding in Japan, jumping off cliffs and bridges in New Zealand, and eating lots of pasta in Italy. Becoming an Aunty – I am now an Aunty to 9 cheeky children - 5 nephews and 4 nieces. Being about to move to London in the second half of this year so I can access $20 flights to Spain and Portugal on my weekends, and keep traveling throughout Europe. (I am lucky as it is very easy to find work as an Occupational Therapist in London!)

3. What have been the challenges?

In 2020, I booked a three month trip with 10 friends with plans to move to London afterwards…. then came along a pandemic! Like everyone else, I found the pandemic and lockdowns challenging, particularly while working in a hospital.

4. What advice would you offer the current Year 12 class?
5. Pursue what you love or what you’re interested in!
6. The opportunities that scare you the most are often the ones you should take!
7. Surround yourself with people who are kind, passionate + bring out the best in you – and remember that you have to be a good friend to have good friends.

Jessie Nott

1. Where has your journey in faith and knowledge taken you in the 10 years since you graduated from OLSCC?

My journey into the life after school started straight after schoolies. I started full time employment at my already part time job at Dalby Rural Supplies. This allowed me to save enough money for an overseas working holiday to Canada. After returning from Canada, I started studying part time to become a Cert IV Veterinary Nurse which was completed over the course of many other jobs including station hand, waitressing, and bar work. After pursuing Veterinary nursing, I changed trades and enrolled in a Cert III in engineering working in the coal seal gas industry around Dalby and Chinchilla.

2. What highlights stand out to you?

I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to travel multiple countries including Canada, America, Ireland, and England. Study highlights include a Cert IV Veterinary Nursing and a Cert III Engineering. As much as these two qualifications are very different, they are both very rewarding and challenging in their own ways.

3. What have been the challenges?

There have been many challenges since leaving school. Juggling study, work and the business of everyday life was one thing that does become easier over time. 

4. If you knew then, what you know now, what advice would you have offered your Year 12 self?

Apply yourself as much as possible and take every opportunity that comes your way.

5. What advice would you offer the current Year 12 class?

Consider a trade as a career pathway. Don’t be disappointed if things don’t work out the way you have planned. There are other ways to get to the same goal. And don’t be afraid to change the goal.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College has been enjoying the benefits of Kindness Week. A big thank you to the staff and students in the Student Representative Committee who organised and supported such a successful Kindness Week. Student led activities included colouring in, tug of war, blindfolded dodge ball, chalk drawing, cookie selling and games on the oval. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Katrina Ballantyne

College Counsellor

The two year 5 classes challenged each other in Maths for revision. There was a standoff between Mrs Hemmings and Will Hemmings, word has it that Mrs Hemmings cheated a bit. Mr Cuskelly had to investigate why there was so much fun going on in the classroom and he then jumped in line with 5B boys in a multiplication relay - they won of course.

The College is selling some of the old classroom fridges which were recently upgraded and are now surplus to requirements. The details are as follows:-

• 9 x 240L Fridges - $150
• 2 x Fridge/Freezers (Fridge 302L/Freezer 91L) - $250

The fridges will be available for pick up in Week 10 (preferably after school). Please pay cash at office. First in best dressed.

Buyers are to arrange their own pick up. No deliveries. For further information, please contact Business Manager Sarah Hall via the College Office or email Sarah.Hall@twb.catholic.edu.au

After a term of meeting to challenge ourselves to think critically and creatively, we are pleased to congratulate the following students who have been selected into the OLSCC Optiminds teams to take place in the upcoming challenge period in Term 3:

On Saturday 27 August, the Dalby Welcoming Community is hosting the annual Lantern Parade as part of Dalby's Delicious and Delightful Festival. This year, the welcoming committee plans to feature the lanterns at the festival much more than previously, having them in Anderson Park for people to admire during the day. At night, this will enable everyone to more easily access their lanterns for the actual parade.

Details include:

• Cost - $7 per lantern. This will be invoiced to your College account
• Must be pre-ordered by Wednesday 22 June for any student wishing to participate
• No late orders can be accepted
• Lanterns will be decorated at school
• Register to order a lantern via this link: Delicious and Delightful Lantern Order
• Please complete a separate order form for each student

We have a long history of participation in this local event and would love to once again see strong representation of Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. We look forward to building on this community festival as we celebrate the rich diversity of cultures across the College.

New Arrival

Twin Pack of OLSCC SOCKS are now in.  $12.50 for a pack of two

Winter Specials

OLSCC Woollen Scarves $25

SNR Woollen Vest  All sizes except size 10 $49

Kind regards,

Maureen

UNIFORM Shop?❄️❄️

Dalby Beck St Kindergarten has a great online raffle this year. It runs until mid July.

Here is the link https://rafflelink.com.au/beckstkindyraffle22 to purchase tickets and the details on prizes in on the flyer below.