A reminder to Parents and Carers that the College Office will be closed during the Awards Ceremony Wednesday 15 November.

9.15 - 11.30am

Our Identity at OLSCC

At Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, we value our Catholic Social Teachings.

We reflect on our moral imperative of “Growing Great People”, and we align our work with our values of Wisdom, Justice and Humanity. We have received wonderful feedback throughout Quadrennial School Review processes in both 2019 and 2023, and this feedback has been enacted through the creation of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.  A key message heard through the review process is that while the College is continuing to improve, the performance and perception of the College should now shift from great to excellent. 

This isn’t a shift that will happen quickly, easily or without significant impact on the ways we do things as staff, students and parents at OLSCC.  This is a change of culture from mediocrity to excellence. Its also about being an excellent Catholic P-12 College in Dalby.  We must not lose sight of who we are and what our purpose is.  In order to become excellent, we must be realistic that no school can excel in everything – so we must focus our energies on key improvement strategies. This means that we may not be the school of choice for some families in Dalby and surrounding areas, and that is okay.  We value that parents have a smorgasboard of educational options available to them and respect their choice of schools for their children.  What we value the most is the parents who choose us as the educators of their children – who make the deliberate choice to engage in a Catholic P-12 Education at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College.

In our next Strategic Plan, we have a distinct focus on just a few things, and will do them well. Namely, the five key areas of the Strategic Plan are:

While this terminology may be new, the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is well considered to shift to a new era of success by being well adapted to leading educational practices.  Though the vast majority of what we do will essentially stay the same.  Our uniform will stay the same, our behaviour standards will continue to be high, we will continue using the Learning Pit and Learning Dispositions in every classroom and we will continue doing NAPLAN.  Our fees will continue to offer our families excellent value for money in all aspects and we will continue to offer additional opportunities for student learning as well as camps that are curriculum related, fun and socially rewarding for our students. 

So this isn’t about changing what we do.  This is simply about changing HOW we do what we do.  HOW students turn up to class ready to learn.  HOW staff plan rigorously and provide every opportunity for every child to succeed.  HOW student leaders inspire the student population to engage and be their best.  HOW the College Leadership Team, and the Senior Leadership Team, communicate with others and deliver high quality work promptly.  HOW students stand up for their mates when others are making poor behaviour choices.  HOW everyone takes responsibility for their role as a student, staff or community member.  HOW we work together to support each other to make light work of the tough issues.  HOW we help our friends when poor decisions have been made.  HOW we understand the psychosocial development of our students and help them to understand themselves as they grow. HOW we all present to school with a positive mindset, expressing gratitude for all we have been afforded, and considering HOW we can positively contribute to others, the class, the culture of the College. 

So, early in the new year when we launch our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, please take the time to have a cup of tea and have a read.  This plan is not about big shiny ideas or creating a new logo, its about progressing how we work, plan, communicate, behave, interact and learn. Please consider this thought and how it could impact the life of your family at home.  Great people have great mindsets, positive dispositions and look for solutions rather than problems.  As you may be able to tell, I am very excited to be leading OLSCC through this journey and to even greater prosperity and sustainability in the future.

Staffing Update

Sadly, we find ourselves at the time of the year where we farewell our valued members of staff who are moving onto new ventures for the 2024 school year.  While its always a tough time to see people move on from OLSCC, we must be extremely thankful that these staff members have given us some precious time of their life to educate the students in Dalby.  We also trust that they leave here as a better educator than when they arrived, and progress in their career to make a greater impact on our world.  This is strongly aligned to our vision where we state: “To guide the young people entrusted to us through their journey in faith and knowledge so that they may know the value of their own lives and contribute positively to the community and world in which they live.”

We wish the following teachers all the best for 2024:

• Mrs Jacinta Morriss (nee Willocks) - Transfer to St Joseph’s College Toowoomba
• Mr Jay Hansen – Transfer to St Joseph’s College Toowoomba
• Miss Manpreet Kaur – Relocating to Brisbane
• Mrs Nicole McKenzie – Relocating to Brisbane
• Mrs Katrina Walton – Retiring to the farm until she sends Nev mad and he ships her off to another job
• Mr Luke Paffey -  relocating to Toowoomba school

In addition, we also thank Mrs Kathy Morgan, Mrs Simone Forbes, Mrs Jodie Biggar and Mrs Jacinta Morriss  for their roles as Middle Leaders at OLSCC.  Due to the Middle Leader restructure, these roles will not continue into the future, though we thank the ladies for their outstanding work in delivering improved outcomes for the students at OLSCC.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, we have our 2024 advertising for teaching staff on seek at the moment as we endeavour to employ the best possible teaching staff for our College in 2024 and beyond.  Responses to our advertising has been strong thus far and some great applicant discussions have taken place. As mentioned last week, we have the following vacancies to be filled. 

• Teachers: Year 1, HPE & Science, English & Humanities, Physics Maths & Science, Design Technology
• Middle Leader: Primary, Mathematics, English & Humanities, Science & Technology, Pedagogy & Engagement.

We look forward to fulfilling these vacancies over the next few weeks. It is always exciting to welcome new people to the OLSCC community, especially considering the quality of the applicants currently coming through.

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal

How time flies here we are in Week 5 of our nine-week term.  Over halfway through this term.  Students are busy drafting and completing assessments and I know that means you are supporting them through this time at home.  Our Year 12 students are over halfway through their final school exam block, our Year 11 students are almost ready to begin their next unit of work which leads them into Year 12 and it is only 53 days until Christmas.  This week at our PLC (teachers weekly meeting for professional learning), we celebrated the successes of our students and explored our 2023 NAPLAN data.  As teachers it was great to see the success we are having across all year levels.  This success is a result of our hard work and dedication to improvement and progress for all students.  There was a buzz in the room at our meeting.  Even though the year is wrapping up in so many areas I wanted to highlight this week that our dedicated staff whilst finishing this year off never stop learning and working towards what is next for our students.  They are also deep in the learning pit of preparing for the ACiQ v9.0 which is the updated version of the curriculum that we will begin to implement in 2024.  Like the students, we will continue to work to the end of term ensuring we finish strong in preparation for 2024 and beyond. 

Year 12’s last full school day 

On Friday 20 October, on our Year 12’s last official full day of school, we hosted their Last Day Retreat.  Staff had a bit of fun and dressed as Seniors for their last assembly! 

At the retreat students spent time reflecting on their schooling years and considering that they will always be members of the OLSCC community.  It was a day of reflection and joy as they pondered the memories they hold dear and what comes next.  They were joined via Teams by past pupil Alexander McKinnon.  Alexander who was school captain in 2003 of St Mary’s College spoke about his life journey and encouraged our seniors to be open to opportunities that may challenge their plans.  Alexander now practices as a barrister in corporate and commercial law in Brisbane.    

In the work they did at retreat Year 12’s created some advice they would offer to others. 

• Cherish the moments you make 
• Don’t always expect people to understand where you are coming from 
• It is okay not to go down the path you expected to take 
• Catch the opportunity, don’t wait for it to come to you 
• Throughout life you will face some ups and downs but when its your time you will shine 
• Be strong, be open to failure 
• Accept yourself and you’ll succeed
• Try not to sit with an issue/problem, work through it to progress 
• Everyone will venture down their own paths at their own speed 
• You can’t always take the easy was out 
• You win some, you lose some  
• Believe in yourself 
• Life can be scary but learn to live authentically and passionately 

2003 Class Reunion 

The class of 2003 celebrated their 20-year reunion in Dalby on the weekend and it is great to see familiar faces who still have links to the College 20 years on.  We love to reconnect with past students, feel free to reach out to the College if you are ever planning to be back in Dalby.   

House Leaders 

Congratulations to our additional House Leaders who were appointed on Friday 20 October.  Our Student Leadership Team for 2024 are active in their roles from Term 4 2023.  They are: 

College Captains:    Will Cook and Kaitlyn Harms   

Prefects:  Emma Donaldson, Olivia Koehler, Mia Marchant, Travis Tia     

House Leaders:  

2024 Class Lists 

The development of class lists is a multi-layered process.  Classroom teachers and the leadership team work together to determine placements based on the social, emotional and academic needs of students to ensure classes are balanced and will provide optimal learning and teaching for all.  The process is explained in detail on our website: https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/classallocation 

2024 Class lists have been developed in consultation with college staff and parents over the last 10 weeks.  They will be released this week via Parent Portal to existing families and via direct email to incoming families.  We also display them for the students around the College, as they love to see the full lists with their peers.  Parents play a significant role by being positive and encouraging to their children once these are announced to ensure a smooth transition into the new class in 2024.    

2023 Awards Ceremony 

Our Prep – Year 12 Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday 15 November at 9:15am in the MPC.  Students receiving awards have been notified through the Student and Parent Portal.  Whilst we do not announce before the day which awards students will be receiving it is important to us that students and their families are aware if they are receiving an award in advance.  Please check your Parent Portal to see if your child is receiving an award.  An important part of our Awards Ceremony is our whole College farewell to our Year 12’s, we invite all community members to join us for this important occasion in our calendar. 

Year 12 Graduation Mass 

On Friday 17 November Year 12 students will graduate from our College at their Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s Church.  The Mass commences at 10:00am.  Year 10 & Year 11 students will attend this mass in full formal uniform.  They will travel by bus to and from the church for this mass.  Community members are welcome to join us for this mass. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Hampers 

Christmas can be a tough time financially for many in our community and we would like to help where we can.  Our Year 5 students are currently in the planning stages of the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal.  Keep an eye out for a letter which will come home in the next week about donations we will be collecting to assist our local St Vincent de Paul Chapter.  If you know of a family that are in need of a hamper or assistance I can be contacted through the College office. 

Christmas Carols Thursday 30 November 6:00pm-8:00pm 

This year after feedback from families we have relocated our Christmas Carols to the Thursday evening in Week 9 of this term. Students will lead our community in an evening of Christmas Carols.  Battery powered candles and drinks will be available to purchase on the evening with funds raised going to Yes Arusha. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the end of the year and the Christmas season. 

College Uniform Requirements for upcoming events 

All students Prep to Year 12 will attend the College Awards Ceremony.  Prep students may wear normal sports uniform.  All Year 1-Year 12 students should wear formal uniform with ties (Year 5-12) to attend the College Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 15 November.  If this is a normal sports uniform day for your child you may substitute this for Thursday of this week (Week 7). 

Students in Year 11 will attend the Graduation Mass on Friday 17 November to support the Year 12 students.  Students should attend full formal uniform with ties. 

Christmas Carols – just wear your best Christmas shirt, both students and their families and join in the Christmas Cheer. 

Date Claimer Term 4 

Awards Ceremony Rehearsal – Tuesday 14 November in MPC 

Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 15 November 9:15am in MPC 

Year 12 Graduation Mass – Friday 17 November 10:00am at St Joseph’s Church  

College Christmas Carols – Thursday 30 November 6:00pm-8:00pm  

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Next Friday, 11 November, we observe Remembrance Day. At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month each year we remember the moment in 1918 when World War I came to an end. On Remembrance Day, we remember Australian men and women who have served in war and peacekeeping activities. Remembrance Day does not glorify war – it honours the memory of all those who laid down their lives for Australia. As a mark of respect to those who have served, we stop to observe one minute’s silence. This year will mark the 105th anniversary of the Armistice, which ended the First World War. One thing we can do for the people who fought for our country, is to continue the tradition of remembering them. With so much war and turmoil on our screens and in our feeds, it is a good time to reinforce with students that the day is about remembering and honouring our peacemakers and not glorifying war. A long time ago a man called Fred Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This quote can be used to remind us to not focus on the devastation but to look at the good in humanity, to see people Making Jesus Real. 

Scripture  

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. 

John 15:12-17 

A prayer for Remembrance Day: 

On this day of Remembrance, we remember the courageous men and women who give and have given their lives in wartime. 

As we remember the lives that have been lost, let us promise each other to work for the freedom of all who are oppressed in the world today. 

We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus who taught us how to live. 

Amen 

**Year 12 External Exams: A Pivotal Moment**

Our Year 12 students are engaged fully in their external exams, with some students completing all their external exams this week. These exams are not just a test of knowledge; they represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. We look forward to celebrating all their success in 2 weeks.

**Exam Blocks Underway for Years 9 to 11**

It's not just the Year 12 students feeling the heat of assessment. Year 9 to 11 students are also amid their assessments and exams. These assessments help our students build important study skills and prepare them for the rigours that lay ahead. To our younger students, remember that these exams are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and growth. Study hard, stay organized, and don't forget to take breaks to recharge your mind.

**Maintaining Academic and Behavioural Standards as the Term Finishes**

As the term comes to an end, all students need to maintain their academic and behavioural standards. The final weeks of the year are just as important as the rest, and it's the perfect time to review and consolidate what you've learned. Our teachers are here to assist, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help. Let's finish the term strong and celebrate your achievements together.

**End of Year Celebrations**

As we approach the end of the year, there are many planned activities to celebrate our students' hard work and the spirit of togetherness that defines our school community. Here are some of the highlights:

• Week 6 - Year 10 South Passage Camp
• Week 7 - Awards Celebrations, Year 12 Graduation and Valedictory Luncheon
• Week 8 – Year 10 & 11 Trip, All Years Colour Run, Year 9 Drama Incursion, Final day for Year 10 and 11 students
• Week 9 – Year 9 Pink stumps, Year 9 QCAA LUI and USI sessions, Early Years meets Senior Years, Up Day, Christmas Carols, Reset Day, and conclusion of the academic school year.

These events are designed to bring us all together to celebrate the successes and growth we've achieved over the year. Please stay tuned for more information on dates and details.

**How can parents support their child during assessment periods**

Supporting students during high school exams is crucial, and parents can play a significant role in helping their children succeed. Here are some key ways parents can support their students during this challenging period:

1. **Create a Positive Study Environment:** Ensure that your child has a quiet and well-organized space to study. Minimize distractions and provide the necessary school supplies.
   
   
2. **Set Realistic Expectations:** Encourage your child to set realistic goals and expectations for their exams. Help them break down their study schedule into manageable tasks.
   
   
3. **Provide Encouragement:** Offer emotional support and reassurance. Let your child know that you believe in their abilities and that you are there to support them, regardless of the outcome.
   
   
4. **Effective Time Management:** Help your child create a study schedule that balances study time with relaxation and exercise. Teach them the importance of time management and sticking to their schedule.
   
   
5. **Healthy Lifestyle:** Promote a healthy lifestyle by ensuring your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in physical activity. A well-rested and nourished mind performs better.
   
   
6. **Test-Taking Strategies:** Familiarize your child with effective test-taking strategies, such as time management during exams, reading questions carefully, and checking answers before submitting the test.
   
   
7. **Access to Resources:** Make sure your child has access to necessary study materials, textbooks, and online resources. If they have questions or need additional support, consider tutoring or online resources.
   
   
8. **Open Communication:** Encourage open and honest communication. Let your child express their concerns, fears, and challenges. Be a good listener and provide guidance without added pressure.
   
   
9. **Practice Past Exams:** If possible, find past exam papers or practice questions that your child can work on. This helps them become familiar with the exam format and content.
   
   
10. **Offer Breaks and Relaxation:** Remind your child to take regular breaks during study sessions. Short breaks can help them recharge and improve concentration.
    
    
11. **Be Mindful of Stress:** Keep an eye out for signs of excessive stress or anxiety. If your child is struggling with anxiety, consider discussing stress management techniques or seeking professional help if needed.
    
    
12. **Stay Informed:** Keep yourself informed about your child's school schedule, exam dates, and any important announcements. This will help you offer the right support at the right time.
    
    
13. **Celebrate Achievements:** Acknowledge your child's efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation.
    
    
14. **Encourage Self-Care:** Teach your child the importance of self-care, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress reduction strategies.
    
    
15. **Stay Positive:** Maintain a positive attitude and help your child focus on the long-term benefits of their education. Positivity can inspire resilience and determination.

Remember that every student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailor your support to your child's individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, your unwavering support and encouragement will make a significant difference in helping your child navigate the challenges of high school exams.

As we enter this busy period, let's remember the importance of balance. Academic success is essential, but so is maintaining physical and mental well-being. Encourage your children to make time for relaxation, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the festivities of the season.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We look forward to a successful end to the year, and we can't wait to celebrate the achievements and growth of our amazing students.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal – Senior Years

Reminder to Year 10 Parents and Carers, that the first round for ordering calculators closes on 5 November 2023.

The year 8 RE students worked on a formative task where they aligned the Catholic Social Teachings with certain events from around the world.

Plans are well underway to ensure all students have a successful transition into 2024. Class lists will be released very shortly (hopefully by the time this newsletter is printed!) and with that will come conversations with your children about the excitement of change, the developing of new classroom relationships and settings. It is important to model positive behaviour to your children as we work through this important change process. Remaining optimistic will help them to do so. All of this will be consolidated on our Up Day on Wednesday 29 November, when all students will experience a day in their new classrooms, with new teacher and new classmates, including many new students to the College who also join us on the day. This is an important part of our OLSCC transition process and we have found that it has enabled a very smooth start for the following year.

Booklists are also being finalised, and I once again urge you to purchase EXACTLY what is on the list, including brands and item numbers, as these have been found to be the most cost effective, long term learning tools for classroom use. Purchasing the correct items initially will also save you any extra expense of having to replace inappropriate items. The advice given to us by our local suppliers is that prices for these regular classroom tools drop significantly once wholesalers begin the ‘Back to School’ rollout. This generally begins 1 December, so it would be wise to wait until after this date to complete your purchase.

Uniform reminder: As I know many of you are looking at updating uniforms in preparation for 2024, please remember the shoe guidelines that were also highlighted in last weeks newsletter:

Formal Uniform Yrs 1-4: Black LEATHER or LEATHER LOOK joggers or LEATHER lace up dress shoes (including ‘Mary-Jane’ style shoes for girls). Currently, some students are wearing black mesh joggers with formal uniform. This does not meet the uniform guidelines. To avoid having to purchase additional sets of shoes next year, please ensure your formal shoe purchases for 2024 are LEATHER or LEATHER LOOK.

Prep uniform and Yrs 1-4 Sport uniform: From 2024, sport uniform shoes will be all black. Please do not purchase shoes with any coloured trim, white or any other colour, as these will need to be replaced.

These are acceptable for formal AND sport uniform.

These are acceptable for SPORT UNIFORM ONLY.

Attendance
As we approach the middle of the term, many classes are taking the opportunity to collect evidence of the learning that has been consolidated this year in order to provide families with the most accurate information possible in the upcoming reporting period. As such, your child is disadvantaged if they are not in attendance as they do not have as many opportunities to show their learning. Whilst it is of course essential for any student who is genuinely unwell to stay home, this is even more reason to ensure every child attends school every day that they are able to. Every day counts. Classroom curriculum is always the first priority for our students, so unsatisfactory attendance is likely to result in poorer social connections, interrupted continuity of learning and may impact on their ability to participate in any of the extra-curricular activities offered at OLSCC. Please – send your child to school every day that you can.

Communication Reminder:
Please ensure that any message you need to get to your child throughout the school day, eg change of pickup procedure, comes via phoning the College office. Dojo should not be relied upon during the school day 8:30am-3:30pm as teachers are not always able to check these messages as they are busy teaching face to face, carrying out lunch and afternoon tea duties, fixing scraped knees, sorting leaking waterbottles, dispensing ice packs and band aids, or facilitating extra activities in lunch and afternoon tea breaks. The lovely office staff will ensure the message reaches the teacher on your behalf.

Mrs Katrina Walton
Assistant Principal Early Years

The Year 3 Students who have nominated to work towards a Leadership Passport recently facilitated our annual Socktober Fundraiser. It was an exciting activity that they worked on for a few weeks – building soccer balls out of recycled materials to have a shootout! The Year 3’s presented themselves with an outstanding amount of maturity as they ushered students from the Early Years into the MPC at lunchtime and had multiple goals for them to shoot into! They raised just over $150 for children in Timor-Leste who grapple with poverty, low quality healthcare and infrastructure, corruption and inequality. Well done Year 3’s!

 

Every Friday, Angela from Story Dogs volunteers her time to read with some of our students in the Early Years. Story Dogs is a wonderful organisation that aims to foster improved reading behaviours resulting in more fluent readers. Some Year 2 and 3 students volunteered their time during lunchbreaks to ice and decorate 200 cupcakes! Thankyou to the staff who helped making the cupcakes, the students raised just over $290 to go towards this wonderful organisation.

Here are a couple of photos from the Prep visit to St Joseph’s Catholic Church yesterday.

CECP Showcase

Our CECP students have been working hard over the last few weeks preparing for their final showcase of the year! I just know they will be brilliant. So wonderful to see how much the students have grown over the year.

Here is a testimonial from a Year 8 Student who has done Violin with Miss Stolz this year.

“While learning how to play the violin, I have found a passion for music. Not only has this taught me skills like how to read music, but this can also be transferable between all instruments.  This year I have completed my first violin exam; the school has made the process very easy and has been very supportive. Since I have started playing an instrument here, I have significantly improved.”

If you would like your student to be a part of this amazing next year make sure you have a look out for some information coming over the next few weeks!

Bell Art Show 2024

Early in 2024 is the Bell Art Show and we would love to engage in this community again.

We will be opening the opportunity to any students from Prep – Year 12, however there may be a limited number of artworks chosen. It can be any subject and any medium.

The piece will need to be delivered at the beginning of next year so your artwork can be something you have created this year or something you create over the Christmas holidays.

There is no entry fee however it is the artist’s responsibility to ensure all entries are framed and able to be hung safely. NB “D” hooks are essential. Unfortunately, unframed works cannot be accepted, except for works done on stretch canvas.

There are also prizes available for both first and second prize in each class as well as Western Downs Regional Council Championship Junior Art Award for 2024.

If you would like to enter a piece you need to talk to either myself (Miss Creeley) or your Art teacher before the end of term. You may also get a tap on the shoulder from a teacher if the believe you should participate in this great opportunity! There will be a nomination form that comes out at the beginning of 2024 so keep an eye out for that!

Miss Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture

We have more exciting news from the tuckshop!

We now have pizzas available on Wednesday's in 5 delicious flavours; Hawaiian, meat & cheese, cheese, vegetarian and BBQ chicken!  

Sushi is now available as well on Thursdays and Fridays, orders must be placed by 8:30am the Friday before. 

Our summer specials have been very popular and we have also sold out of ice blocks but more are arriving on Thursday! 

It is great to see these new items being so well received! 

Most excitingly to announce we now have a fun option for children celebrating their birthdays at OLSCC - THE BIRTHDAY BUCKET!
Orders are to be placed by 8:30am the day before and at a time suitable to the class teacher a bucket of Quelch iceblocks will be delivered to your child's classroom in the birthday bucket and the birthday student also receives a small party bag!

4HT was the lucky first class to have a birthday bucket and all students seemed to enjoy it! 

The tuckshop is in need of some volunteers, particularly on every 2^nd Thursday - but any day, even if it is only once a term or for just ½ an hour, we would appreciate any help! Please get in contact with Bindy at bindy.scott@twb.catholic.edu.au or pop into the tuckshop and say hi! 

Stay tuned for some festive fun! 

Bindy & Jo

Colour Run 23 November 12:10 – 3:10

OLSCC’s school colour run is almost here! Please find below the approximate timetable for students running. Please ensure that students come to school wearing white. They are likely to get wet so can bring a pair of dry clothes to change into. We would love for you to come along and run with students or view from the sidelines. Feel free to be bring some water guns to squirt students as they are running past. School colour run is all about embracing play, so please release your inner child with us.

Thank you to everyone who has been participating in the fundraising. I know some of the kids are being incredibly persistent with their fundraising. Funds from the colour run will go towards resources that will support the wellbeing of our students.  This will look like resources for our play areas that will promote a diverse range of activities such as construction, arts & crafts, performance and imaginative play and quiet areas. It is important to us that students have a range of activities to choose from at play time so that their personal strengths and interests can be practised and celebrated.

Here is the link of last year’s colour run for your reference.

https://youtu.be/LlvKQgsKZ68?si=fPz_YBMG1kJyC7sg

Katrina Ballantyne

School Guidance Counsellor

School Based Apprenticeship – Employer Thank You Lunch.

On Thursday 19 October, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office organised a thank you lunch for year 12 school-based apprenticeship students and employers. This luncheon was hosted at the Russel Tavern in Dalby with Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office School-Based Apprenticeship representatives, Karen Coulston and Karen White in attendance. Current year 12 students who have completed traineeships, currently attending traineeships and school-based apprenticeships along with employer representatives and trainers attended this event. Not only did this event celebrate the year 12 students’ successes in their early career choices but a gratitude of thanks was given to the employers, businesses and industries that provided these young people with these opportunities. Congratulations to the following students and their employers.

Dakota Barnett – Western Downs Traffic Control

Claire Boland – Kids Club Dalby

Finn Campbell – Boundy Construction

Dean Clapperton – JA Clapperton

Kurt Clarke – Brackens Field Service

Harry Cooper – Lowes Building and Design

Angus Cronin – Dudley Cronin Family Trust

Will Elder – JG & RJ Elder

Samuel Garside – Goldings Airconditioning and Heating

Lachlan Hart – Golden West Apprenticeships/ Dalby Golf Club

Blake Jacobson – Dalby Mower Supplies

Zahra Manteit – Baker Rossow Consulting Engineers

Holly Oliffe – Cockerill Family Farms

Joey Sankey – GJ Gardner Homes

Jacob Utz - Baker Rossow Consulting Engineers

Cody Wenham – MAG Farms

Abby Wilkins – Dalby Day Care Centre

McNab Builders Tour – Police Precinct, Dalby

Back in May of 2023, several students from the college who demonstrated an interest in the construction industry, were invited to attend a tour of the partly renovated and new construction site of the Dalby Police Station. On 25 October, these same students were invited back to this site to take a tour of the nearly completed project. This tour gave these students an insight into the progress by the building company McNab Constructions and its contractors over the past six months. As this is a multimillion-dollar project, this has enabled students to gain some excellent insights and opportunities into the construction industry and the multiple pathways that can be taken. It was interesting and encouraging to note that McNab had relied on almost all its suppliers and contracts from the local area and the greater Darling Downs Region. The college would like to thank McNab Builders with providing our students with this rewarding insight into careers in the construction industry.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

A Carpentry Apprenticeship for a graduating Year 12 Student to commence in 2024 is now open with Turner Building & Carpentry in Dalby. To apply please email your expression of interest and resume to lex@turnerbuildingcarpentry.com.au

An Electrical Apprenticeship is also available for a graduating Year 12 student to commence in 2024 with CEC (Condamine Electric Company) in Dalby. Please see the flyer for more information.

A Trainee Accountant & Administration Trainee positions are available at BMO Business Centre in Dalby. Please see flyer for more information.

An Apprentice Fitter & Turner/Machinist position is available with White Industries. Please see flyer for more information.

Mr Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

SW Rugby Sevens Competition

Under 15 Girls Results

Round 2

Loss to Fairholme                       0-35

Win vs St Saviours                     29-0

Round 3

Loss to Downlands                    12-22

Loss to Mary MacKillop               7-12

Early Years Swimming Carnival (Under 5- Under 8)

The Early Years Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 24 November at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Students will travel on the College Coach leaving at 8.50am. Students will be back at school at 12.00pm. Swim shirts are optional for all races. Students may wear their house colours on the day. Nomination links will be emailed home to all families.

2024 Interhouse Swimming Carnival

In 2024 we will be merging the U9-12 and U13-18 Swimming Carnivals into one event. More details and a confirmed date will be available in the next edition of the College Newsletter. This new event will provide greater school and house spirit along with interactions amongst a broader range of students. It will allow for a more efficient schedule and increase the excitement and overall quality of the day. The 2024 House Captains and Prefects have begun planning for this carnival.

Volleyball

Congratulations to all students who competed at the QLD Junior Schools Cup Volleyball Competition at the Gold Coast. It was a great experience to send three teams to this event. Many early morning and after school trainings have occurred in the past few months in preparation for this event. This couldn’t happen without the support of the parents who attended, our high school coaching assistants and referees (Taylor Marshall, Monique Smith, Arabella Donaldson, Hannah Taylor and Emma Cusack) along with staff members Lisa Lincoln and Jackie Sullivan. Game results and set scores are listed below.

Year 8 Girls Division 1

2nd in Pool B

10^th in Division 1

16^th in Year 8 Girls Overall from 87 Teams

Draw with Capalaba SHS           1-1

Win vs St Benedicts                   2-1

Win vs Redlands                        2-0

Win vs QASMT                           3-0

Crossover Round

2^nd in Pool B vs 3^RD in Pool A

Loss to Bray Park SHS               0-2

9-12^th Semi Final

Win vs Gladstone SHS               2-0

9^th Place Playoff

Loss to Calvary CC                    1-2

Year 8 Girls Division 2 Green

3^rd in Pool A

4^th in Division 2 Green

45^th in Year 8 Girls Overall from 87 Teams  

Loss to Clairvaux                      0-2

Win vs St Thomas Mores           3-0

Loss to Ormeau Woods              1-2

Crossover Round

3^rd in Pool A vs 3^rd in Pool B

Win vs Bayside SHS                  2-1

Qualifier Round

Win vs Ormeau Woods              2-0

Bronze Medal Match

Loss to Meridan SHS                 1-2

Year 8 Boys Division 2 Red

3^rd in Pool A

6^th in Division 2 Red

50^th out of 72 Year 8 Boys Teams Overall  

Loss to Sheldon                        0-2

Win vs Caloundra CPS               2-1

Loss to Calamvale CC                0-2

Crossover Round

3^rd in Pool A vs 3^rd in Pool B

Win vs Chinchilla SHS                2-1

Qualifier Round

Loss to Citipointe CC                 0-2

5^th Place Playoff

Loss to Caloundra CPS              0-2

Primary All Schools Touch

Best of luck with Year 5/6 Mixed and Boys Touch Football Teams who will compete at the QLD Primary All Schools Carnival at Cleveland this weekend.

Return of Sporting Uniforms

As the end of the year is fast approaching, I am making an urgent request for the return of any sporting uniforms that may be still outstanding. Please return them ASAP. Replacement bills will be issued to students with uniforms not returned by Friday 24 November. This includes Volleyball Shirts, Rugby Sevens Jerseys, Netball Dresses and Athletics Singlets.

Sports Dates Early Term 1 2024

Dates will be updated in the next edition of the Newsletter.

Gold Coast/ Brisbane Sporting Events in 2024

Please use the dates below as guide for the following carnivals in 2024. Accommodation prices have increased greatly in the past two years. It may be beneficial, if you think your child will be attending any of the events listed below to look at booking accommodation early (especially if you can get a full refund, closer to the event).

QLD Beach Schools Cup Volleyball at Coolangatta, 3-4 March

QLD Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball Year 9/10 at the Gold Coast, 31 May 31- 2 June

QLD Senior Schools Cup Volleyball Year 11/12 at the Gold Coast, 9-11 August

QLD Secondary All Schools Touch Football at Runaway Bay, 3-6 October

QLD Junior Schools Cup Volleyball Year 7/8 at the Gold Coast, 18-20 October

QLD Primary All Schools Touch Football at Cleveland, 1-3 November

Mr Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport