When George and Colleen Cook enrolled their twins, Anne-Maree and Carmel at St Columba's School back in 1974, they would never have envisaged that 45 years later they would have seen an unbroken commitment with the enrolment of their seven children and four grandchildren at St Columba's, St Mary's and now Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. Their middle son John (who commenced his journey in 1977) and wife Angela's four children have now completed their entire schooling at the College and today marks the graduation of youngest child, Laura and the end of 45 years of continuous enrolment for the Cook Family.

To mark this incredible milestone, George and Colleen have had a magnificent cross made which has been donated to the College and now takes pride of place on the wall at the Library entrance and is visible as you enter the College via the Plaza Walkway. This beautiful symbol was designed and handcrafted by John Cook with the assistance of Adam Luck and the result will be admired and appreciated for years to come. 

The cross was officially unveiled yesterday by George, Colleen and Laura in front of the crowd of Year 12 graduates, their families and staff at the conclusion of the Graduation Assembly. If you were not present and have not visited the College since the cross was put up, make sure you take a moment to come and admire this symbol particularly in the evening when the lighting behind gives it a new visual dimension. All would agree it is very impressive but more importantly, it recognises the commitment of the Cooks to our College and the community around it for an incredible 45 years

The College is immensely grateful to have been given such a significant memento from the Cook family but the most precious gift has been their commitment and dedication to all school activities, the students and staff over 45 years. We thank you.

Farewell Year 12 2018

What a week it has been! The tears, laughter, pride, joy and celebration has been an experience unlike any other.  I wish I was in Year 12 again to experience this the way our students at OLSCC have.  It is a privilege and an honour to be a part of it all, although its remarkably sad to see them move on to greener pastures! The 2018 Year 12 class has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I will miss their many quirky ways.  We wish them all very safe celebrations and all the best for the future. We won’t see you as often, but you’ll always be welcome here!

Congratulations to College Captains

I am enthused by our new team of Captains at the College, as announced yesterday at the College Farewell for 2018 Graduates.  The standard of applications, speeches and interviews were excellent, and all staff reported moments of excellence from this process.  I especially look forward to our transition to our House Cup system for next year.  Under the proposal put forward by Charlotte Crothers,  we will have recognition of Sport, Culture, Spirituality and Academia, as well as an overall House Cup, embracing all aspects of College life.  I am also excited to be working with the new Prefects and College Captains from Monday so as to set a clear direction for next year.  In case you missed all the news, our student leaders for next year are as follows:

Student Representative Council

Year 6 - Loretta Carpenter, Ryan Champion, Jack Hall and Chloe Manteit 

Year 7 - Chelsea Butler, Rohan Cartwright, Eli Harth, Samuel Luck and Amelia McNaughton

Year 8 - Charlie Boland 

Year 9 - Chloe Donaldson, Alyssa Ferguson, Clare Griffiths, Claudia Henderson, Charlotte Kelly and Trent Young

Year 10 - Clancy Biggar and Sophie O'Connor

Year 11 - Margot Gleeson, Kacy Miaco and Breanna Tanks

Year 12 - Rory Ross, John Shorter and Zac Trcka  

House Leaders

Mackillop

Junior - Olivia Burton and Xavier Gibson, Senior - Charlotte Crothers and Samuel Gillespie

McAuley

Junior - Braithern Crothers and Joshua Smart, Senior - Sam Cullen and Vivi Vadasz

Nolan

Junior - Bronson Barnett and Carla Nobbs, Senior - Jacob Duncan-Hildrew and Sarah McQuaid

Rice

Junior - Tiffany Ham and Emma Reed, Senior - Laney Schloss and Zoe Turner

Prefects

Mikayla Leahy, Jonty McDougall, Garet Mathews and Ariella Stephen

College Captains

Laura May and Lytana King

2019 Class Lists

Yesterday the 2019 Class Lists for Prep-Year 7 were released on the SchoolZine App (SZapp) and from this morning have been physically displayed around the College. As per previous communication, these lists have been carefully crafted considering the learning and social needs of all students.  There is always some anxiety with the unknown of your child’s new class for next year, though it is important for parents to understand what the teachers consider when creating the lists, as there are many misconceptions regarding the formation of lists. Please note the following:

• No classes are streamed, at all.  We do not stack naughty children in one class, and really smart kids in another. We base all of our placement on a societal model called “inclusion”.  This model recognises that for our children to prosper in a diverse world, every child should interact with the diverse students that are at our College.  It’s about creating range and balance in every classroom.
• Your child’s current teacher worked with other teachers of your child’s year level to make the class lists, taking into consideration your input. They were focused on learning and social considerations.
• Learning – class teachers look at the progress of students over the past year and consider their areas of strength and development and align that to the best fit class for the following year.
• Social – some children grow and learn best in different social settings, and sometimes, with or without specific other individuals.  Once the individual needs for learning are considered, the teachers consider the groupings to make the best learning environment.
• Composite classes – we don’t stream kids up if they are achieving well, or down if they’re having difficulty with learning.  Why? Because there’s no evidence to say that it makes any difference to student learning outcomes. There is a misconception that composite classes disadvantage kids.  I have taught many composites, and am a product of 5 composite years in my primary education. Research also shows that it makes no difference to performance whether students are in a straight year group or in a multi-age class.  It’s the quality of teaching and learning that makes the difference. NB. My son will be in Year 1 of the Prep/1 O composite next year.

Whilst I acknowledge the process for class lists is quite different this year to the past, it is directly in response to the community feedback given to the review committee in 2017.  Our community asked for better decision making processes and greater forward planning.  I know our teachers certainly appreciate the ability to forward plan for the benefit of our students next year, including “ Up Day” next Friday, and we trust your family is well supported by this also. If you have any concerns about your child’s transition to their class for 2019, please see either their current or future teacher.

College Communication

We have 2 primary modes of communication from the College.  The first and foremost is that of SchoolZine.  It does everything that Skoolbag once did, as well as hosts our absentee form, College calendar, Flexischools (online tuckshop), website and various other items.  Without this app installed on your phone or device, you will certainly miss key events and information. If this is not possible for you, then all information can also be accessed through the College website or via email.  To register form email communication, click on the subscribe button in the Schoolzine Newsletter landing page. Our other form of communication is via FaceBook.  Here we post reminders as well as celebrations of the wonderful achievements of our College and community.  Please ensure you are up to date with these modes of communication and keep your family informed – grandparents love keeping up with the College!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

This week we farewelled our Year 12 Students.  Forever they will be members of our College community and we wish them well in their future endeavours.   

Before you were even formed, God knew you. 
While in your Mother's womb, God named you. 
At your birth, God's breath filled you with life. 
Today we celebrate what you have become at this moment in time. We pray for our Seniors: 

God of our beginnings, 
We thank you for the gifts of these graduates; 
their excitement, their curiosity, 
their open speech and encouraging words. 
Their contributions have blessed and challenged us, 
We have become a richer community because of them. 

As they move out into the world, 
comfort their fears with the full knowledge of your divine presence. 
Strengthen their resolve to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. 
Guide them as they move through life,  
protecting them and guiding their path. 

We ask this blessing  
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Amen 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL 

Each year, we as a College make every effort to support St Vincent De Paul in their challenge to help the needy in our community.  The focus for St Vincent De Paul this year is "supporting families”, who they feel are most in need at this time.  We are seeking donations of gift cards, day to day items, tinned food, as well as some traditional Christmas treats.  These could be items that are considered treats at Christmas or staples to fill a pantry.  To streamline your donations, we are asking each class to donate item as listed in the letters sent home last week.      

 
Even the smallest donation will make a huge difference to families doing it tough this Christmas.  Please place your donations under the giving tree in the College Office Foyer or in the box / basket in your child’s classroom by Friday 30 November.  These donations will then be passed on to our local St Vincent de Paul Society at the College Christmas Fair on Sunday 2 December.  

Cate Brennan

Assistant Principal Mission

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College will conduct an Induction and Orientation program on Friday, 23 November 2018 for current Prep to Year 5 students. We aim to ensure that students will feel confident about their commencement on Tuesday 29 January 2019 by letting them experience a day with their 2019 class.

On Induction and Orientation Day, students will go to their new teacher's classroom by 8.50am. School will conclude at the normal finishing time of 3.10pm.

Final class lists for 2019 were released on Thursday, 16 November via the SZapp app. If you have not downloaded SZapp you would not have received this notification. SZapp is  our primary mode of communication and includes newsletters, College calendar, notifications, Flexischools online tuck shop ordering and absentee forms so please download the 'SZapp' from the app store and subscribe to "Our Lady of the Southern Cross College" today.

We have included a copy of the Class Lists for 2019 below and also a map of our Junior School classrooms. This informaiton is also available on the College Website under Enrolments.

Students of Our Lady of the Southern Cross College are continually committed in their efforts to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Our link with YES Arusha is just a part of the ongoing development of the students understanding of being living witnesses to Christ’s values.

What a wonderful year 2018 has been with our students and families participating in charitable activities at a local, national and international level. How marvellous it has been to hear about the immersion to Nepal on the recent holiday break. These young people highlighted the overwhelming sense of gratitude they now have for the life they live in this abundant country compared with others living in incredibly different environments such as Kathmandu.

Teaching and Learning in Year 8 English and Religious Education has focussed on the global blight which is Poverty. Our Term 4 unit has introduced students to the extent of suffering in our world and the ongoing fight for the development of human dignity for all on earth.  It’s about opening their minds and hearts to the reality of poverty which affects 3 billion people across the globe (that’s half our world population).

The following extract is from the YES Arusha website and captures the essence of the organisation:

“YES Arusha Limited is a small not-for-profit organisation based in Brisbane, Australia. We support young people in Tanzania with access to education. In particular, we work in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania. We are partnered with Haradali Primary and Secondary Schools; a well-established educational institution, which is founded and operated by local Tanzanians.”

The Logo above which has been adopted by YES Arusha was the creative inspiration of one of our past students Tom Caffery. It is a part of the bond that our College has with the work being done in Tanzania. Our commitment to supporting the ongoing work of YES Arusha is one of the many ways our students bring to action Christ’s values in a real and significant way.

I was reading the Parish News on Sunday and listening to Father Jim, I was inspired by the story of the poor widow who gave all she had to the poor. The message is that we all have the opportunity to help those in need. The advances in technology of the past 40 years have led to the phrase, “we live in a global village.” If this is truly the case, then all our lives are intertwined and Jesus’ message of hope rings louder and stronger in the 21^st Century than ever before.

If you are interested in the work of YES Arusha have a look at our website. 

Steve Gillespie.

Chairman of Directors YES Arusha.

On Friday, 2 November, representatives of our SRC and P&F as well as garden enthusiast Ms Joyce made a trip out to Bell school to learn about their position as an 'Eco school'. 

Bell school was awarded silver place in the 'Eco-Schools Keep Australia Beautiful' program in September which is a great achievement in general and especially since they are a small country school. We went to Bell to learn about the program and how it is set up. The program is run by a committee of students, each with a specific role to fulfil. Eco-friendliness and sustainability is incorporated in the curriculum of Year 7 and 8 and although these students are mostly involved, it is a whole school approach and attitude which makes the program a success. 

We learnt about some fantastic ways of recycling paper: one sided printed paper was turned into notebooks and envelopes; 2 sided printed paper was shredded, soaked in water and pressed into paper bricks for burning. The bricks are then being sold with proceeds going to a charity. This way the school involves the greater community as well. It was great to see the students so passionate about what they are doing and the difference they are making. 

Our SRC has been given some great ideas and inspiration to start implementing next year at our school, especially when it involves recycling of paper in class rooms. The P&F is happy to support our students in this when and where they need. 

We would like to thank Bell State School for their hospitality and educating us about their great program.

Last weekend, four students from the College competed at the High School Percentile Cup Campdraft which was hosted by St Margaret's Anglican Girls School and held at Pittsworth Showgrounds.

This event is very unique in that it is specifically for children to compete in as teams and this year attracted almost 200 competitors from across Queensland and New South Wales.

Hugh Gleeson, Hayden Doherty, Sam Welsh and Darby Ryan made up one of the smallest teams in the competition and together they proved that a small team was capable of posting great scores. They ended up placing 16th out of 26 teams beating bigger schools such as Scots, Warwick and Downlands along the way. 

During the grand entry at the commencement of competition, all the teams entered with their school flags, singing the National Anthem and despite campdrafting usually being a very individual sport, the riders were all able to capture a sense of pride in being part of a team and representing their respective schools as well.

Darby and Sam were supportive of their younger team mates, helping them to pick cattle with both Hayden and Hugh growing in confidence throughout the competition. Hayden was able to post his first full course score in a campdraft while Darby took out equal first in the cut out on both days but narrowly missing out on the top 20 final. All four boys posted scores outside the camp.

The Peace Poster Competition was judged on Sunday 11 November.  Judges, Dalby Lions Club President Mrs Julianne Shipway and Peace Poster co-ordinator Mrs Elizabeth Kuruilaca chose an entry by Yolande Gordon as the winner. It was thought that Yolande’s poster best represented the theme of “Kindness Matters”.  The judging was difficult as much effort had gone into the posters and the standard was very thoughtful and considered with all students interpreting the theme in their own way.

The Dalby Lions would like to thank all those students from the Year 7/8 Art class that entered.  There were 15 entries in total and all students were awarded with Participation Certificates while Yolande received an Achievement Certificate.  We wish Yolande all the best in the District Judging.  The Dalby Lions Club looks forward to running this competition again next year.

Junior

Gold Sports Award Recipients 2018

Year 4 - Chris Banks

Year 5 - Carla Nobbs, Gabby Banks, Xavier Gibson

Year 6 - Lyucian King Togia, Maddison Pascoe

Senior

Rugby Sevens

SWQ Sevens Series Results

Boys Under 14

Wins against Scots Warwick and Mary MacKillop Highfields

Boys Under 16

2 Wins against St Mary’s College 2

Girls Under 14

Loss to Fairholme College

Win vs Glennie 3 40-0

Tries Hannah Pattison 4, Clair Harth 2, Yolande Gordon 2

Sports Most Valuable Player Awards

Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball - Sarah McQuaid

Senior Schools Cup Volleyball - Jasmine Houlder

Confraternity Shield Awards

Netball

Elly Appleton Medal – Spirit of the Carnival - Chelsea Champion

Rugby League

Mark Appleton Medal – Players Player - James Hegedus

Player of the Carnival

James Hegedus

Spirit of the Carnival 

Brayden Hughes 

Gold Sports Award Recipients 2018

Year 7 - Blake Jacobson

Year 8 - Ben Forbes

Year 9 - Jennifer Nothdurft, Clancy Biggar

Year 10 - Pat Boland, Sarah McQuaid, Isaac Halling, Lachlan Sankey, Harry Coman, Mitchell Portbury

Year 11 - Jonty MacDougall

Year 12 - James Hegedus, Daniel Gillespie, Josh Halling, Eliza Bradford

Tim Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

Borrowing finishes for another year…

Today (Friday) is the last day for borrowing from the Library (staff excepted). It is now time to return all Library books. As always, the first P-6 class to return all their books will receive a special prize.

Year 7-11 students are encouraged to start returning any textbooks they no longer need.

The Library will still be open and operating till the last day of term.

Reader of the Week

Are you our Reader of the Week? You were spotted reading a book at lunchtime recently. Please see Mrs Jenkinson for your reward. Well done & keep reading!

There is a large container of lost property at the College office which includes the following items;

• boys watches
• girls watches
• blue prescription glasses
• single earrings (silver sleeper, pearl stud, diamond stud and oval silver stud)
• pair of flower shaped diamanté studs
• SRC and Cultural Leader badges
• silver bracelet
• mobile device earphones
• empty glasses case

If you recognise any of these items or have lost anything, please contact the College Office by 7 December, last day of Term 4. After this date, these items will be discarded.

This week we have celebrated the Formal and Valedictory Dinner for our Year 12 students as well as their Graduation Assembly and lastly, their Graduation Mass at St Joseph's Church this morning. We have created three galleries of images from all events for you to enjoy.

Year 12 Formal and Valedictory

Graduation Assembly

Graduation Mass

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Tuckshop Volunteers Welcome from 9am until 12 pm on any day. Please contact the College Office if you can assist.

Price change for Frozen Yoghurt - $2.50