Monday 12 - Friday 16 June - Year 10 Work experience

Wednesday 21 - Athletics Carnival Prep - U11

Wednesday 21 - Enrolments Round 1 Close

Thurday 22 & Friday 23 - Athletics Carnival U12 - U18

Saturday 24 to Friday 30 - Confraternity QISSN & QISSRL

Monday 10 July - Pupil Free Day (Professional Development for Staff Day)

Monday 10 to Friday 14 July - NAIDOC Week

Friday 21 July - Dalby Careers Expo - Years 10 to 12 Students

The Term 2 calendar of events is now available via the link below. You can print this out and have it at home so you know everything that is happening at our College.

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Term 2. I anticipate another very busy term ahead, full of many great and fun learnings and opportunities for our learners to engage in a range of experiences, both curricular and co-curricular.

As was announced last term, I will be replacing Mr Pete Cuskelly as Principal for the first six weeks of this term. I am pleased to be returning to a P-12 co-educational setting having worked at St Francis College, Crestmead, for 4 years early in my career, and at Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, for 8 years as foundation Assistant Principal Religious Education from 2003 – 2010.

I have been immediately struck by the genuine culture that exists at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. From the very first instance when I visited with Pete towards the end of Term 1, I have experienced an overwhelming sense of welcome and kindness, from both staff and students. There is really something special about this place and I think it comes down to a committed staff and committed families who are authentically invested in the education and holistic wellbeing of all students. It is very much ingrained in the culture that we enjoy life, but we take our learning seriously. Nuanced phrases such as 'what we do, we do well' and 'first time, every time' are consistent and timely reminders of the simple, yet very clear expectations that are to be upheld to ensure that quality learning and teaching are the priority.

Thank you for your welcome and please feel free to approach me for a chat. I am very quickly learning that I have many professional and personal links to many of the Dalby families. I fear that the 6 weeks will go way too quickly and that it is going to be very difficult to leave!

IMPERFECT IN OUR BELIEF

The events and messages of the Easter season continue to provide us with lessons that make sense for us in the twenty-first century. Last Sunday’s Gospel, the risen Jesus encountered disciple, ‘doubting’ Thomas, who was not convinced that the person who appeared before him was indeed the risen Lord. Thomas’ immediate response was to request to touch the wounds of Jesus, to prove his legitimacy. Pope Francis, in his reflections of this Gospel, spoke about Jesus’ merciful words to a doubting St Thomas, reminding us that the Lord does not expect us to be “perfect Christians”.

“We too struggle at times like that disciple: How can we believe that Jesus is risen, that he accompanies us and is the Lord of our life without having seen him, without having touched him?

“How can one believe in this? Why does the Lord not give us some clearer sign of his presence and love? Some sign that I can see better,” Pope Francis said.

“Here, we too are like Thomas, with the same doubts, the same reasoning,” he continued.

“But we do not need to be ashamed of this. By telling us the story of Thomas, in fact, the Gospel tells us that the Lord is not looking for perfect Christians. The Lord is not looking for perfect Christians.”

(Pope Francis, 24 April 2022)

What a great relief this is, coming from our Holy Father. Let us use these lessons to remind ourselves that, at times, the struggle in our faith is real. And this is okay. The Pope continued: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is better to have an imperfect but humble faith that always returns to Jesus, than a strong but presumptuous faith that makes us proud and arrogant.”

We pray that we may be like Thomas, and not ashamed to seek clarification when we are uncertain, or to ask the truth when there may be doubt. Our loving God remains steadfast, loving us and beckoning us, despite our imperfections.

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

Congratulations to all the students who receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist this week. It is wonderful that our candidates were confirmed by Emeritus Bishop Bill Morris. Thank you so much to the Parish of St Joseph’s for their work and preparation with our young people, particularly Fr Jim Cronin and Deputy Principal Mrs Cate Brennan, as well as other parents and carers who were most supportive in the preparation process. A special congratulations to our very own Ms Kylie Purbrick who was fully initiated into the Catholic Church alongside our young people. What a special blessing it is that Kylie shares this unique experience with many students from OLSCCC. I ask that you keep all new initiated members of our St Joseph’s Parish community in your prayers.

ANZAC DAY

Next week we gather as a community to commemorate ANZAC Day. This is always a wonderful celebration and a fitting reflection, paying our respects to the women and men who have served our country for our freedom. Many thanks to Mrs Cate Brennan and Mrs Carey Twidale for their organisation of the event. Many thanks to those families, staff and students who will be taking part in the local services including the dawn service, march and commemoration service.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.

CROSS COUNTRY

On Wednesday, the entire College participated in the annual Cross Country event. Needless to say, it was a great day, full of lively participation and spirit. Many thanks to Mr Tim Lincoln for his seamless organisation of the event, and congratulations to the many participants and age champions.

Blessings for the coming weeks.

Ms Sharon Collins

Acting Principal

Welcome back to Term 2, I trust you all had a wonderful break with a bit of down time with your family. As we head into Term 2  

Student Led Conference Feedback  

Don't forget Student Led Conference feedback is valuable for us to continue to improve our processes in this area.  An email was sent to all families on Friday 31 March with the link to a survey to give this feedback.  This form will remain open until this Friday, 21 April.  We appreciate and thank those families who take the time to give us this feedback to inform our future planning.   

Retreat Programs 

The College has a Prep – Year 12 Retreat progression that allows for retreat experiences ace time and space to be reflective.  There is a large amount of variety across the formats, and each year level.  Retreats are an important part of College life as they give students the timings, locations and leaders of retreats and these are targeted at the specific age group. 

Year 10 Retreat 

Next Wednesday, 26 April, Year 10 students will participate in a retreat at the College. The theme of the Year 10 Retreat is ‘Bring true to oneself’ and is a time for students to think about themselves and be themselves.  It will be a great time for the Year 10 group to join together for a day of reflection, fun and a little bit of socializing too.  The retreat will be run by Cate Brennan and Carey Twidale with the help of Year 10 teachers.  

This retreat is time: 

• away from the normal routine to allow students to reflect on their life 
• to experience new things 
• for quiet and to be open to God’s intervention 
• to enjoy being with friends  
• to renew friendships and learn more about others 

• to be a little creative

EASTER 

We have entered the Easter liturgical season of our Church, leading us to Pentecost.  We thank you for your support of our Easter Raffle – we gave away 162 prizes and raised $1601.60 for St Vincent de Paul through this initiative.  A huge thanks to our Year 5 students who take on Mini Vinnies each year as part of their Praxis program.   

Thanks for your support of Caritas through the donation of change into our Project Compassion money boxes. We raised $531.39 for Caritas. 

Year 10 Science Trial Test 

We have been randomly selected to take part in the National Assessment Program – Science Literacy (NAP-SL).  A sample of 20 students from Year 10 students will be randomly selected by Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to complete this test.  The assessment session will last approximately 2 hours and will be conducted on the 11 May from 8:50-10:50am.  Parents will be notified in the coming week if their child has been randomly selected by ACER to take part in this trial.  Information and data from trials such as these is used by ACER to standardise their test platforms like NAPLAN, the Year 6 & 10 Science Literacy, ICT and Civics and Citizenship Tests, and gain a better understanding of alignment of teaching and learning across these curriculum areas.  Schools are not provided with individual data from these trial/sample tests but wholistic national data is presented by ACARA each year.  

DATE CLAIMERS FOR LYF 

24 April – 2:30pm – OLSCC ANZAC Day Service 

26 April – all day – Year 10 Retreat Day  

5 May – Rice Day  

12 May – Prep Mother’s Day High Tea  

2 June – 9:00am - Ecumenical Service  

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

ANZAC DAY – 25th April 2023 

This coming Tuesday, we celebrate ANZAC Day. The Spirit of ANZAC is an intangible thing. It is unseen, unpredictable, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom and peace. This phrase is synonymous with 'The Spirit of the ANZACs' which is frequently used to describe particular actions by, and qualities of, people. However, despite being intangible, the Spirit of ANZAC is a cornerstone that underpins our Australian image, our way of life and is indeed an integral part of our heritage. 

God of love and liberty, 

We bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war.  

We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.  

This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

As we begin Term 2, it is great to welcome you back to school. I hope that you have enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break and are ready to dive back into learning.

Whilst the end of the semester might seem to be a long way off, this term will no doubt fly past like any other busy term.  This can be a distraction to our core business of learning.  I encourage all families and the young people of our community especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each and every student is given the best opportunity to make the most of their talents.

A very important element in helping the students to achieve is what we expect of them. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each student can achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it.  The result will be improved student learning.

Having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning is very complex but high expectations, from the adults in the students lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning goals.

As adults, whatever we want our young people to be, we have to demonstrate it to them and be successful role models for them, so they can see the benefits of what it is we are leading them to be. If we abdicate leadership, we deprive our young people of guidance and create opportunities for perhaps less desirable influences to enter their lives; all the more reason for us to be upfront leaders and role models.

If we are adults who lead, we can create opportunities for our young people to thrive. We should never be apologetic about demanding high standards. Our students need us to set standards and clearly define boundaries where there is freedom for them to make positive choices about their intended achievements and their social responsibilities. We assume leadership in this area, because we are more experienced, knowledgeable and wise. To be successful in this area, we need to be relaxed, warm and accepting whilst still being firm and insistent.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years

Containers for Change

Stewardship of the Earth is a core Catholic Social Teaching. Our Year 7 students are working hard to do their part for the environment by sorting and removing recyclable containers from general rubbish at the College that is destined for land fill.  

Students are using the funds raised to support other student-led initiatives at the College and to enhance the experience of Middle Years students. For example, the 9 Square in the Air equipment was purchased using money raised by the Praxis group of 2021/2022. This inclusive game can now be enjoyed by students across the Middle Years during lunch breaks and before school.

If you would like to support the students, you too can donate containers at any Containers for Change depot and by using the code below, your donation will be added to the student project total.

Leadership Passport – Going live this term!

If your child is interested in participating in this leadership development program, please have them touch base with their Assistant Principal.  

Drafting – Why students should take it more seriously.

Drafting is a vital part in the construction of any assessment item, however, students often say “Well, it’s only the draft”. Only the draft! This is such a dangerous mindset for students to possess.

In life, rarely does the first plan for anything end up being the best plan overall. People often do not get things right on the first attempt … a fact that I often remind my older brother about! It is no different with assessment. Drafting is critical in terms of thinking the topic through, fully. A draft also provides the best opportunity to get teacher feedback specifically about your work. Teachers will also offer generalised feedback in classes, but to have the person marking the assessment provide you with written feedback directly linked to the work you showed them, this level of support is priceless. Unfortunately, it is often squandered by that mindset of it is only the draft!

How can parents help?

Parents have an important role to play in the development of their child’s work. Encourage them to see the draft as a vital step on the journey to success. Do not accept that an incomplete draft is satisfactory. Do not let them think that “near enough is good enough” and ask them to read their work out load. If you cannot understand it, or they cannot even read it smoothly, then there is a great chance that it needs to be adjusted. Due dates are also deadlines.

Winter Uniform   
As of the start of Term 2, the College’s expectation is that boys wear ties with their formal uniform. For the younger students in the sector this may be for the first time and often there can be some anxiety around this. Please review the image below with your son to support them with this process.

The cool weather is also rapidly approaching, please check the state of jumpers etc … and ensure that you have contacted the uniform shop to arrange any for upgrades as soon as possible.

The uniform shop is located in the Senior Years sector.

Normal Trading Hours:

Tuesday: 8:00am to 9:00am

Thursday: 3:00pm to 5:30pm   

Telephone: 07 4672 4193

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years

Congratulations to our Early Years students for the exceptional way they embraced the start of a new term. It is always fantastic to hear the buzz around the rooms at this time of year.

With many items on the agenda for the term, we will continue to focus on building our College Learning Dispositions with our Early Years students. Each fortnight during sector assembly, we highlight one of the dispositions to focus on as a whole sector. This is in addition to the regular, explicit instruction and follow up that occurs within the classrooms. This constant ‘drip feed’ helps to cement the particular language and actions associated with these, such that these traits simply become part of who we are as OLSCC students.  

Many of our classes have off campus excursions and activities planned this term. We are fortunate to have access to our College coach, which makes facilitating these learning experiences more achievable. With visits to Pioneer Park, Cobb & Co Museum in Toowoomba, Jondaryan Woolshed, Australia Zoo, local farms and the first ever Toowoomba Catholic Schools Arts Fest, we have much to look forward to. At OLSCC, we actively seek to take learning ‘beyond the classroom’, engaging curious minds and motivating learners.

Mrs Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

Musical

We have been working super hard, especially over the Easter holidays to polish up a performance that we are sure you’re going to love!

We are now on the countdown so make sure you get your tickets before you run out of time.

https://www.trybooking.com/CGZTP

Arts Fest

This year, Toowoomba Catholic Schools is celebrating our amazing talent throughout the Diocese with the first ever Arts Fest! The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Arts Fest will provide opportunities for students to take part in workshops, to perform in front of audiences, to collaborate with students from other schools and to be inspired by each other – a real celebration of our belief in The Arts!

More information about the workshops and events available will be coming soon! Make sure you keep up to date so you don’t miss out!

Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture

OLSCC Family & Community Engagement (FACE)

Happy Term 2 everyone!

We are very excited to let you all know that our Head of Working Party for the OLSCC Saints Race Day 2023, will be Kristie Hunt. Kristie will be an asset to this working party and has already established a team of parents to assist her. If you still wish to help out in any capacity, please email DalbyFACE@twb.catholic.edu.au and we will be more than happy to put you in contact with Kristie. 

I would like to thank Kristie and her team on behalf of the school community for volunteering their time so this important fundraising event can happen.  

Please ensure you follow both of our Facebook and Instagram pages, so you are always receiving up to date information and you are aware of the exciting plans we have for 2023.

Kaitlin Machin

President - FACE 

Inter House Cross Country Results

Bunya District Cross Country

The Bunya District Cross Country will be held on Friday 5 May at the Dalby AFL Grounds. This will be for students in the Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 age groups. Students will be notified next week if they have been selected to attend.

QCIS Cross Country

The QCIS Cross Country will be held on Tuesday 9 May at Downlands College in Toowoomba. This will involve students in the Under 10- Open Age Groups. Students will be notified next week if they have been selected to attend.

Darling Downs Cross Country

Any students turning 13 -18 this year who would like to attend the Darling Downs Cross Country Trials need to see Mr Lincoln for more information. Trials will be held in Toowoomba on Tuesday 16 May. Students in the Under 10-12 Age Group must qualify for the Darling Downs Cross Country via the Bunya District Trials on Friday 5 May.

Bunya District Under 12 Sports Trials Dates in May

Sign on sheets will be placed on the Notice Board before each trial date for any students wishing to attend. Depending on numbers, a school trial may need to be held in some sports.

4 May – Tennis

5 May – Cross Country

18 May – Rugby Union

Bunya District Soccer

Congratulations to Ben Barwick, Charlie Sullivan, Jack Cuskelly and Joshua McNube who were selected in the Bunya District Team to attend the Darling Downs Trials in Stanthorpe.

Rugby Union

Any boys interested in attending Darling Downs Under 15 Rugby Union Trials please see Mr Lincoln for more information. Trials will be held on Tuesday 2 May in Toowoomba.

Mercy Shield

This Friday to Sunday an Open Rugby League and Netball team will attend the Mercy Shield Carnival in Roma. Other schools involved in the Rugby League are – Assumption College Warwick, St John’s Roma, Marist College Emerald, St Mary’s Toowoomba and St Joseph’s College Toowoomba. Schools involved in the Netball competition include Assumption College Warwick, St John’s Roma, Marist College Emerald, St Joseph’s College Toowoomba, Mary MacKillop Highfields and St Mary’s Kingaroy.

Rugby League

The Darling Downs Secondary Schools Rugby League Competition will begin next week. Games will be played on a Wednesday afternoon after school with some games being held in Dalby and other weeks most games being played in Toowoomba. Students and parents need to coordinate with team coaches about training and travel arrangements each week.

Under 13 – Mr Fraser 

Under 15- Mr Setch

Under 18 – Mr Gillespie

Round 1 Wednesday 26 April

U13 vs Highfields SSC at Highfields 4pm

U15 vs Highfields SSC at Highfields 5pm

U18 vs Assumption College Warwick in Warwick at 6pm

Round 2 Wednesday 4 May

Dalby League Club   

U13 vs Harristown SHS in Dalby 4pm

U15 vs Harristown SHS in Dalby 5pm

U18 vs Harristown SHS in Dalby 6pm

State Volleyball Championships in Brisbane

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Welcome to Term 2 and what a great term we will have. We have some exciting news as we have a newly appointed Tuckshop Assistant, Bindy Scott, to assist me and our amazing volunteers in the Tuckshop. I look forward to working along side Bindy to create some new delicious warm food as the weather cools down.

I would also like to give a BIG shout out to all our amazing volunteers that gave up their time last term to support our Tuckshop. We are very grateful for all your help, laughs and company throughout the term.

If you are interested in volunteering again or for the first time this term, please reach out to me or the office staff and we will get in touch with you. We are currently chasing volunteers for Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

Have a great week !

Kim Francis

Tuckshop Convenor

Barista Course

During Week 10 of Term 1, 16 students attended the espresso machine barista three day course held by Aroura Training. This course gave students the opportunity to make several variations of coffee with activities including; taking orders from staff members at the College, making the coffee to order and delivering these to the appreciative staff. At the end of the three days, the students were awarded with a Certificate II Expresso Machine Barista Course, an impressive array of skills and knowledge and two valuable QCE points. The course also provided skills necessary to run the day-to-day requirements of a café or restaurant. Students also covered budgeting, health and safety, food safe practices, customer service and the art of a barista.

Year 10 Work Experience – Work Experience Agreements

During Week 10 of Term 1, the Year 10 students were given the Work Experience Agreements to take back to their host employer. These contracts are required to be signed by the employer, parent (parent who is on agreement), student and returned to the College office or the Careers office by today 3pm on Thursday 20 April.

University Accommodation – Expo 2023 TAS

On Wednesday 3 May, Toowoomba Anglican School will be hosting Toowoomba's inaugural University Accommodation Expo, where students, parents and teachers will have the opportunity to meet with a range of different accommodation providers to help them make an informed decision about where they are going to live when they move away from home to begin their university studies. All Year 11 and 12 Toowoomba school students (from TAS and elsewhere), as well as their parents and teachers, are invited to attend the Expo. Please see the link below to register your interest.

University Accommodation Expo | Toowoomba Anglican School (taschool.qld.edu.au)

School Based Apprenticeships - Congratulations

Congratulations to Karlie Falvey who was signed up with Ningana to attend an SBA in Cert 111 in Aged Care. This is the first steppingstone in Karlie’s future career in the health profession.

Congratulations to Patrick Forbes who was signed up for a traineeship in Cert 111 in Retail with McDonalds, Dalby. 

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Golden West are offering an apprenticeship in Cabinet making in Dalby please see the link Golden West Apprenticeships - Current School-based Opportunities (mailchi.mp)

Plumbing – A local plumbing business is offering an SBA in plumbing for a student who is interested in this rewarding trade and career. Driver’s licences are preferred. Please see Mr. Garside for further details.

Work Experience Opportunities

Ergon Energy and Energex are offering work experience opportunities for current Year 10, 11 and 12 students to attend work experience this year as an electrician, communication technician, linesperson, underground cable joiner, or diesel fitter (Cairns only). If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact Ergon at workexperience@energyq.com.au

Important Dates: Up and Coming Events – Save the Date

• Wednesday 10 May 2023 Industry Dinner (Year 9 Students)
• Friday 21 July 2023 Dalby Careers Expo (information will be forwarded in          due course)
• University Open Days See below

Year 11 and 12 Students

Any Year 11 and 12 students considering going to university on completion of their schooling, please see below the University Open Day Dates. It is recommended that you attend the applicable open days.

Year 10 & Yr 12 QTAC Information Evenings – ONLINE (via Microsoft teams) FREE EVENTS

If you are a parent or student considering tertiary study, this is your opportunity to engage with QTAC and learn all about the QTAC application process, ATAR, responding to offers and how to order course preferences.

Year 12    Monday 12 June, 2023           6 – 6.45pm

Year 10    Tuesday 13 June, 2023           6 – 6.45pm

Please see the flyer below and click on the link for the session you are interested in.

Griffith University

Creative Arts Open Day                  
South Bank Campus
Sunday 21 May                                10am – 2pm 

Gold Coast & Nathan Campuses    
Open Day
Sunday 13 August                             9am -2pm

Griffith University Open Days

QUT Open Day

Gardens Point & Kelvin Grove Campuses     
Sunday 30 July 2023                          9am - 3pm                   

2023 QUT Open Day

University of the Sunshine Coast Australia

Sunshine Coast Campus     
Sunday 16 July 2023                           9am – 2pm

Moreton Bay Campus                
Sunday 23 July 2023                           9am – 2pm

USC Open Day 2023

UQ Open Day 2023

St Lucia Campus
Sunday 6 August                                9am – 3pm

Gatton Campus
TBC

2023 UQ Open Day

UniSQ Open Days

Springfield & Ipswich Campus
Sunday 13 August 2023

Toowoomba Campus                        
Sunday 20 August 2023

2023 UniSQ Open Days

JCU Virtual Open Day

Tuesday 12 September 2023             3 – 7 pm
Register online

2023 JCU Virtual Open Day

Southern Cross University - Gold Coast

6 August 2023

Southern Cross University Open Day

University of New England 

5 May 2023                                   9am – 2pm
Register online

UNE Open Day

Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

 Vaccinations for all Year 7 and 10 students will be held at the College on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. A team of authorised registered nurses will conduct these vaccinations. Students will receive the following vaccinations:

Year 7:            Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (1 dose)

                        Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (dTpa) (1 booster dose)

Year 10:          Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)

Year 7 students will now not receive a second HPV six months later. Please advise Sandy at the College Office if your child is unwell on this day.

If you have any queries regarding the immunisations, please contact Sandy Brookes at the College Office (07) 4672 4111 or via email Sandra.Brookes@twb.catholic.edu.au