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Sunday 11 - Friday 16 Sept - Year 6 Outback Tour
Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 - Year 9 Camp Noosa
Thursday 15 September - Year 2 Invention Convention
Friday 16 September - Term 3 concludes
Principal Learning
Earlier this week all Principals in the Diocese travelled to Cunnamulla for the termly Leadership Forum, where Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Staff join with Principals in learning and collaboration. It is during these weeks where we gain greater insight into the future trajectory of the Diocese, as well as provide support and feedback so that the needs of students, community and staff can be more readily heard and met. There are many exciting initiatives within our Diocese to further develop the capability of staff, as well as new methods from 2024 which will give OLSCC greater authority for the allocation of funds to best meet the needs of our community. We also dedicated a full day to working with Australian Catholic University staff on Exploring the human community in Catholic education. I am also excited to become part of the Principal Wellbeing Project in order to enhance healthy choices so I can perform my best as principal and family man. It was also a privilege to spend some time on the Warrego River, meeting the local community and enjoying some good old fashioned outback hospitality
Fundamental Expectations
Recently there has been much discussion regarding the eligibility criteria that students must meet to participate in camps and extra-curricular activities. The fundamental expectations for all who choose to be part of the OLSCC community are as follows:
- Contribute financially – fees are required to make our funding comparable to state school funding, they are not an “extra” or “bonus”. By enrolling in a Diocesan Catholic school, you are committing to paying fees so that the College can provide the level of education that we budget for. If you have trouble paying your fees, please contact the Business Manager.
- Consistently attend school as well as engage in the learning and life of the College. Attendance under 93% (for any reason) means that there will be gaps in learning. Attendance under 85% (which is 30 days absent per year!!!!) means the gaps in learning will be huge. Learning comes first.
- Maintain appropriate behaviour – a positive school culture is dependent on every student playing their part. Those with good behaviour, that is consistent and reliable, will be able to access all activities.
Reminder on Enrolment for 2023
The Assistant Principals are very busy interviewing and filling places for the 2023 academic year. Please be mindful and communicate with friends that many year levels are now full and future applications for these year levels will be placed on a waiting list. Most importantly, the best way to guarantee a spot for a child’s high school education at OLSCC is to enrol them in Prep, or Year 5 at the latest.
ICAS Maths
Early next week a notice will be emailed to parents of Year 2-11 students regarding the optional engagement in ICAS Maths Assessments. This will be on a user pays system where parents can nominate their child to complete the assessment and see how they perform against students from across the Australia. More information next week!
Peter Cuskelly
Principal
Every second Friday we join together as a College community for our Whole College Assembly. Assemblies are a time for us to celebrate the successes of our students across P-12. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Assemlby is held every odd week at 8:55am in the MPC.
Year 9 Retreat
Last Friday, Year 9 students took part in their annual retreat. Retreats are a time of reflection to connect with each other and the sacred. Year 9’s were lucky enough to spend this time with guest presenter Michael Fitzpatrick. They even sang a tune or two as part of the day.
100 DAYS
Last week our Prep students marked ‘100 Days of Prep’! What an occasion, there was lots of learning about the number 100 and even cake. Our Year 12 students this week marked the ‘100 days to go of Year 12’ with a huge cake! These are important occasions for our students to mark and celebrate, both equally significant in the lives of our young people. As our Preps settle into school life, our Year 12’s prepare for life beyond the school grounds. We congratulate both these groups, as our alpha and our omega, on these milestones.
DAYS OF CELEBRATION – DATE CLAIMER
Wednesday 31 August at 12:15pm – Blessing and Opening of new facilities – The Chapel, Agricultural Precinct, Grounds and Maintenance Shed and the Middle Years Plaza. All students will attend this ceremony and should wear full College formal uniform for this formal occasion. Official guests will be in attendance for this event, including Bishop McGuckin who will bless the facilities and Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director Toowoomba Catholic Schools, who will officially open them with Mr Peter Cuskelly.
Thursday 1 September from 12:10pm onwards – Our Lady of the Southern Cross Day. We will celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Mary on this day. Students are invited to wear their best ‘house colour’ outfits on the day to show their team and College spirit. The celebrations will begin with Mass celebrated by Fr Jim Cronin. Mass will be followed by our whole College Athletics events, Ball games, the Tresillian and Gillespie Gifts, All Age Relay and Staff versus Student race.
These will both be great times to celebrate our Prep to Year 12 College Life and we invite families to join us at these events.
COVID – the next wave
As the next wave of COVID passes through our community it is timely to be reminded of what we can do to slow the wave and protect ourselves and others.
Mask wearing:
Mask wearing is not mandated in schools, except for those staff and students returning from a period of COVID isolation. We also understand that mask wearing is an effective level of defense against the spread of COVID, staff and students are welcome to wear masks as an extra protective measure if the individual wishes to do so. Masks are available in all classrooms if students would like one during the school day.
Ventilation:
Although the weather is cooler we aim to ensure good ventilation in our classrooms to ensure the flow of fresh air into the rooms. If your child is sensitive to the cold please ensure they have appropriate jumper for school.
If you are sick stay home:
If your child is experiencing any of the COVID symptoms they should stay home from school until they are well. These symptoms include
- Fever
- Cough
- Loss of taste and smell
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
It is important to regularly test for COVID if experiencing these symptoms to ensure you are not positive. If you do test positive you should follow the QLD Govt guidelines for isolation. Children and staff who develop these symptoms whilst at school will be sent home and given a RAT to administer.
Good hygiene:
Good hygiene is a great defence against all germs and ‘bugs’ in our community. All classrooms are supplied with hand sanitizer and all bathrooms adequately stocked with hand washing facilities. Students are reminded to practice good hygiene when washing their hands, coughing or sneezing. Together we should teach our children these good practices for life.
Cate Brennan
Deputy Principal Religious Education
A prayer we commonly use in our classrooms and prayer gatherings is the Lord’s Prayer. A prayer based on the gospel, Luke 11:1-13. Students learn this from an early age at home and it is one of the earlier prayers taught in our Catholic Schools. Christ gave us the Lord's prayer as a spiritual instruction. It lays out concise instructions on how to walk in the way of God. Here we reflect on these instructions and their continued relevance today.
"Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name."
God is the Father of all humanity. His name is sacred and should be used reverently.
“Your Kingdom come”
Jesus’ teaching and deeds of compassion show us what this reign of God looks like. We, through the power of the Spirit, are invited to participate in bringing the Kingdom of love, justice and healing to our world.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Be satisfied if your daily needs are met, and refrain from the obsession to accumulate beyond your needs.
“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
God is merciful and compassionate and can and does forgive our sins. We in turn strive to forgive others as Christ teaches. Elsewhere, Jesus tells us that the measure we give will be the measure we get back. (Mark 4:24)
“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
We will be tempted to stray from the path of God, just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Jesus is our blueprint; he didn't give in to temptation but remained in the Father. We have a choice to make, whether to live a God-centred life or an ego-centred life.
Amen
Bunya District Athletics Results
Multi Event Results (100m 800m, Long Jump, Shot Put)
Under 10 Boys – Ben Barwick 2nd, Archie Stephens 3rd
Under 10 Girls – Isabelle Manley 1st, Lainey Geiger 5th
Under 11 Boys – Angus Paffey 4th, Will Hemmings 6th
Under 11 Girls – Gemma Sullivan 1st, Charlotte Colquhoun 2nd
Under 12 Boys – Jasper Filewood 1st, Ryker Filewood 3rd
Under 12 Girls – Molly Gibson 2nd
Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Carnival Award
Isabelle Manley
Students selected in the Bunya District Team to attend the Darling Downs Trials on 24 August; Emily Bundy, Pippa Smith, Mason Francis, Charles Sullivan, Lainey Geiger, Isabelle Manley, Ben Barwick, Archie Stephens, Mac Werth, Charlotte Colquhoun, Molly Gibson, Gemma Sullivan, Talon Burton, Jasper Filewood, Ryker Filewood and Mason Geisel.
QCIS Athletics
The College had a very successful day at the QCIS Athletics Carnival on Monday 1 August. The College finished second in the average points based on school enrolment and third in the overall points. Highlights on the day:
4 x 100m Relay Wins
Under 12/13 Boys, Under 14/15 Girls
Record Breakers
Archie Stephens – Under 10 Boys 100m
Isabelle Manley – Under 10 Girls 200m
Under 12/13 Boys 100m Relay Team
Jasper Filewood, Ryker Filewood, Mason Giesel, Kai Rush
Age Group results are listed below
|
Boys |
|
Girls |
|
1st |
Under 10 |
1st |
|
4th |
Under 11 |
3rd |
|
1st |
Under 12 |
3rd |
|
4th |
Under 13 |
3rd |
|
4th |
Under 14 |
4th |
|
3rd |
Under 15 |
1st |
|
4th |
Under 16 |
4th |
|
3rd |
Open |
2nd |
Primary Touch Football
Expression of interest letters have been sent home to students in Year 5/6 about attending upcoming Touch Football Carnivals. Please see Miss McDuff for further information.
- SWQ Primary All Schools Carnival, Sunday 16 October in Dalby
- QLD Primary All Schools Carnival, 5-6 November in Cleveland
Secondary Touch Football
Congratulations to all students who competed at the SWQ All Schools Carnival on Sunday in Toowoomba. All teams had a few wins and losses on the day, along with getting valuable match practice for the QLD All Schools Carnival early next term. Thanks to Miss McDuff, Mrs Wilkins and Mr Spain for supporting our teams all day at this event.
Under 15 Boys (3rd in Pool B)
Win vs Sophia College Plainlands 4-2
Loss to Kingaroy SHS 2-8 (Runners Up)
Loss to St Joseph’s College 1-5
Quarter Final
3rd in Pool B vs 2nd in Pool A
Loss to Lockyer District SHS 1-8
Under 15 Girls (3rd in Pool B)
Win vs St Ursula’s College 3-0
Loss vs Fairholme College B 1-2
Loss vs Glennie 1-8 (Runners Up)
Win vs St Joseph’s College 2-0
Win vs Highfields SSC 6-0
Under 18 Mixed (3rd Overall)
Win vs Harristown SHS 7-0
Loss to Dalby CC 3-4 (Runners Up)
Win vs Dalby SHS 7-2
Loss to St Joseph’s College 2-3 (Won the Division)
Rugby League
Under 13 DD Rugby League Grand Final
Dalby SHS defeated OLSCC 42-12
Under 18 Berwick / McCullough Shield Game 3
OLSCC defeated Dalby SHS 98-6
OLSCC wins the series 2-1
Catholic Netball
Thanks to Mrs Martin, Miss Comin and Miss Fry for attending the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival with our Year 5/6 Students. A successful day was had by all teams. Game results are listed below.
Year 5 Girls Division 1
Win vs St Thomas Mores 14-0
Draw with Mary MacKillop 5-5
Win vs Our Lady of Lourdes 7-5
Loss to Mater Dei 3-8
Win vs St Saviours 11-7
Year 5/6 Division 2
Loss to St Saviours
Win vs Sacred Heart
Loss to St Stephen’s Pittsworth
Win vs St Monica’s Oakey
Win vs St Thomas Mores
Year 6 Division 1
Win vs St Thomas Mores 18-1
Win vs Mater Dei 17-1
Win vs St Saviours 9-8
Win vs St Joseph’s 10-6
Loss to Our Lady of Lourdes 6-11
Catholic Touch Football
Congratulations to all students who competed in the Catholic Schools Touch Football Carnival. The Year 5 Team had a few wins in the competitive division. Thanks to Miss McDuff and Mr Scheuch for coaching our teams on the day.
Tim Lincoln
Middle Leader Sport
In Week 3, Year 8 students went on a 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Cooby Dam for our camp. This camp was focused on our College Learning Dispositions, specifically resilience and persistence. The activities had a HASS aspect and made us consider our mates, similar to what the ANZACs may have thought of. One of our main goals was to work on our teamwork as a grade, trying to include everybody, and that no-one is left behind.
Now, there is no way anybody can be a team without a mascot! So, each team was assigned a mascot that they were able to name themselves. The mascots included a lion, zebra, and tiger with the names of Emmanuel, Shezza, and Zooper Zebro. As you can tell, the disposition for ‘creativity’ had been ticked off quite early into the camp.
In groups, we had to trudge through a muddy 10k walk, build a bridge only using planks of wood with no ropes or anything else to secure it, build a catapult, attempt a rock climbing wall, archery, ninja-like obstacle courses, and even cross a bridge with no rails and a raging river underneath ... blindfolded. Luckily, we had our teammates to guide us across. Yet of course, we loved the thrill of adventure, and not one student regretted experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We came home tired and with sore muscles from all the walking up and down the hills. Who knew that Dalby was so flat? We had a great time at Camp Cooby and can’t wait for our next camp in Year 9.
Written and edited by Penelope Cartwright and Fiona Brown – Students of the Year 8 cohort.
Headspace Visit
We were very fortunate to have Rikki from headspace join us and speak to some of our parents and students about mental health. Rikki spoke to the year six and twelve students about transitioning to high school and out of school. She discussed noticing when students’ friends might be struggling and strategies students can implement, to the year sevens and eights.
To parents, she spoke about identifying the signs of mental illness and role modelling healthy mental health strategies. For example, if a parent is feeling stressed, they can inform their child about how they are feeling. To feel better, they will take their dog for a walk. By openly discussing mental health in the family, your children/teenagers will feel comfortable talking to you if a time comes where they are concerned about their mental health. Rikki reiterated that your child/teenager will try your coping strategies first when they are feeling that their emotional bucket is full. I’ve added the handout from the session below. Thank you to all the parents who attended.
CSPA 2022 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning
Have your say on what matters regarding the wellbeing and learning of your child.
For example, has COVID or your partnership with the school affected your child’s wellbeing and learning?
If you are a parent or carer with a child in a Catholic school, CSPA would love to hear from you.
Click on the survey link and share your feedback to assist CSPA in reporting to the Federal Government and Catholic education.
Your feedback will remain anonymous.
Click here for CSPA Parent Survey
Katrina Ballantyne
College Counsellor
Year 12 student Jade Alderton has recently competed in the The WorldSkills Australia VETiS Hairdressing Competition in Ipswich. The VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) Hairdressing Regional Competitions test the skills and knowledge of 4000+ apprentices, trainees and students, who have the opportunity to win gold, silver and bronze medals and gain the chance to go on to compete at a national level. Jade took out a gold medal against 10 other competitors. Jade is currently completing her Certificate III in Hairdressing with Elite Hair. Congratulations Jade.
Patrick Boland, 2020 graduate from our College commenced at the QANTAS Group Pilot Academy on 28 June 2021 and graduated 22 July 2022. It was a 13 month training course which was very intensive, including both theory and flight training.
Over the 13 month period Patrick gained his Commercial Pilots License, Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating and Airline Transport Pilots License - Theory. In addition to these qualifications, Patrick gained 3 Diplomas in Aviation.
At the Graduation ceremony, Patrick was awarded the Wings Award (Top Flying Award) and DUX of the Course. We are very proud to recognise Patrick for his outstanding success in his chosen field and we look forward ot hearing where he 'flies' top next.
The OLSCC Library Staff invites P – 4 students
to our annual
Book Week Dress-up Parade
Wednesday 24 August
in the College MPC
from 10.00am
Please come dressed as your favourite book character
The theme this year is ‘Dreaming with eyes open’
Hope to see you there!
Dalby's Delicious and Delightful Festival is not far away and there are a number of activities that students from our College are participating in or are intited to join. Please see the flyers below for all the details.
