That’s a wrap on another wonderful year at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. I took a lovely walk to visit all the classes on Wednesday during Up Day and it constantly amazes me how much our students grow up right before our eyes.  During Up Day, a highlight on our calendar, our teachers handed on the children entrusted to them for education, care and personal growth for the last 12 months and welcomed their “new kids”.  There was so much excitement across the College, with lots of new faces visiting, including Miss Boon and Mrs Pevy.  The excitement was real with new teachers, new classrooms, new kids in classes and lots of fun to be had.  Our Prep students turned into big Year oners, our Year 4’s discovered what it means to be in the Middle Years, and our Year 8’s were inducted in the Senior Years, as well as what it means to become independent, resilient and responsible for their own learning as they progress towards Years 11 and 12.  It was a great day to start the conclusion of a great academic year.

Though it hasn’t all been rainbows and lollipops - as a community we traversed some very tough times in 2023. We lost some of our elder statesman and women in the Dalby community, and of course lost one of our own in Kerrin Simmich.  While there was much sadness and loss, we are now grateful that we had the opportunity to be influenced by these wonderful humans who have blessed our community with their presence. On a positive note, there have been plenty of highlights.  Our Grandparents Day this year stands out for me.  So many important people in our lives, people who are responsible for upholding the values upon which our College is built – all gathered together sharing a cup of tea and some delightful treats – each and every one of them lovingly crafted by staff and students of the College.  We also engaged in our College Musical, ArtsFest, Bookweek and more sport than you can poke a stick at.  We had multiple state and national representatives in various fields including Tiffany representing Australia in Volleyball, Judd taking out a national boxing title as well as an international belt, and Brock making the Qld School Sport Open Touch side.   We completed a school review, wrote a strategic plan to launch early in the new year, passed our Non-State Schools Accreditiation with flying colours, started a coffee shop as well as a breakfast club, made the state finals for Optiminds for the first time in a while, transitioned the formal to earlier in the year and also welcomed Mrs Sharon Collins as acting principal for 6 weeks.  

And all of this is just the fringe.  The bread and butter of our success was in the classroom.  Yet again, our reading data in the primary school shines as a beacon.  Our NAPLAN Data continues to strengthen.  Our impact from Write This Essay shows considerable impact yet again, and our pre-external assessment results were the best we have had.  Our teachers consistently punch well above their weight when it comes to their work in the classroom with our students and I continue to be impressed with the fantastic attitude the staff bring to work everyday so they can do the best work for our students.

As we head into the holiday and festive season, as mentioned in my College update earlier in the week, let us do so with connection in mind.  Connection to people over devices.  Connection to outdoors over reels or games.  Real connection with those we share a house with, a street with, a riverbank with.  I ask us to do this with gratitude and humility, as I spoke about at the awards ceremony.  Let us be generally grateful for everything that has been afforded to us, and let us interact with others over the Christmas holidays with a socially just attitude of humility. One of our greatest successes at OLSCC has been the further development of Praxis, or service learning.  When you have five minutes, have a chat with your middle or senior years child and see if you can hatch some ideas about how you can serve your community during the festive season this holiday.  It might be helping out others with a meal, giving a hand to a registered charity, contributing to the only Catholic Christmas Service (on Sunday 24 December at 7:00pm here at the College – hint hint), or simply helping out a neighbour with some yard work or fix-ups around the home.  As it states in Corinthians, “You do well in everything else.  You do well in faith and in speaking.  You do well in knowledge and in complete commitment.  And you do well in the love we have helped to start in you.  So make sure that you also do well in the grace of giving to others.”

Have some wonderful family time, enjoy your break, and I can’t wait to see you back at OLSCC for the first day of school on Tuesday 23 January.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal

Well that’s a wrap!  2023 has really flown by with so many memorable moments for our OLSCC family.  I would like to thank each family for entrusting us with their young people this year and wish everyone a blessed Christmas season, enjoy the family time and spread the joy of Christmas, Jesus’ birth.  

CHRISTMAS MASS 

We are super excited to host this year’s Christmas Mass at OLSCC in the MPC this year.  Christmas Mass in Dalby for St Joseph’s will be on Sunday 24 December at 7:00pm.  We would love members of our community and the wider Catholic community to join us for this Mass and be involved.  It will be a family friendly mass with space available at the front for children to sit.  Young people are encouraged to get involved in the Mass and I would love some volunteers to take part in the mass as readers, actors for the gospel and a few other roles.  If your family will be joining us and you have young people or yourself who can assist please let me know via email cate.brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au .  We will have a short rehearsal at 10:30am on Christmas Eve in the MPC. 

REPORT CARDS 

Semester 2 Report Cards have been distributed via Parent Portal and in hard copy this week.  Any uncollected hard copies will be posted to families on Monday. We are always trying to improve and next week we will send a survey asking for feedback on the layout and purpose of our report cards to help inform their structure in 2024.  A lot of time and effort goes into writing and delivering report cards and we want to ensure they continue to meet the purpose for both our College and our families.  

NAPLAN 2024 

NAPLAN will again be in March rather than the traditional May test period.  We will conduct NAPLAN Online with our students in Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 at this time.  NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum.  NAPLAN is not a test that children can prepare for in the same way they might prepare for an end of unit test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout the year and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN. 

I encourage Parents to learn more and see the types of questions and related functionalities available in the NAPLAN Online assessment at www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site.  The College provides all necessary equipment, pencils, erasers and headphones for these tests to occur. 

LEAVING AT THE END OF 2023  

If your child is finishing schooling with us at the end of 2023, please be aware that your access to Parent Portal will also conclude at the end of Term 4 2023.  It is important that you download any report cards saved on the portal that you may need for future reference. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal Support  

Thank you so much for your generosity for the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal.  We are helping our local St Vincent de Paul Chapter to reach out and help so many in our community to spread Christmas joy.  If you know of a family in the community that could have the support of a hamper delivered please contact cate.brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au or via the College office. 

CHRISTMAS IN OUR REGION 

Christmas Mass times

Catholic Church Mass times:

• Christmas Eve 5pm – Bell - Our Lady Help of Christians  
• Christmas Eve 7pm – Dalby – Our Lady of the Southern Cross MPC (main hall) 
• Christmas Day 7am – Jandowae – Immaculate Conception 

Dalby Presbyterian Church’s service times are:

• Christmas Eve (Sunday) at 5pm & 7pm with a sausage sizzle dinner at 6pm.
• Christmas Day (Monday) at 7.3.0am.
• New Year’s Eve (Sunday) at 9am

Anglican Church service times:

Dalby

• Christmas Eve
  • 5pm - Family Carols
  • 7pm - Communion
  • 11:30pm - Midnight Mass
• Christmas Day
  • 8:00am Communion

Cecil Plains - Christmas Eve 5pm

Bell - Sunday 17 December 6pm Carols

Durong - Saturday 23 December 9am Communion

Jandowae - Saturday 23 December 6pm Communion

Warra - Saturday 23 December 5pm Communion

Dalby Baptist Church service times:

• Christmas Eve
  • Regular Service 9:30am
  • Family Carols 6pm
• Christmas Day
  • 8:00am 

Salvation Army service times:

Christmas Eve 6pm followed by supper

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation. In fact, the season of Advent focuses on Christ’s threefold coming—past, present and future.

• We await and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.
• We hope and give thanks for Christ’s presence in us and in the Word and sacraments.
• We look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again.

In the coming four weeks, we prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope.

What is Advent? Advent in Two Minutes

Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles 

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world. The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose) joy, and the fourth (violet) love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ. This Advent, we will learn, act and pray for a more just and fair world – a world full of hope, peace, joy and love, where we realise that ‘everything is connected’.

Scripture

First week of Advent (HOPE): Mark 13:24–37

Second week of Advent (PEACE): Mark 1:1–8

Third week of Advent (JOY): Luke 1:46–55

Fourth week of Advent (LOVE): Luke 1:26–38

God of Love, Loving God,

As we wait this Advent, we know you are with us: ever-present friend whose love lights up even the darkest places.

As we wait this Advent, we also pray for all in our human family who, feel the love that comes from caring for others.

God, help us share your love.

Amen

Year 12 Graduation

 

It was great to celebrate the final days with our 2023 Year 12 Graduates and their Valedictory luncheon. We would hope that all the senior students acknowledge that their time at the College has had a positive impact on their lives and we have given them skills that will assist them in the future. They all have such huge potential to make a difference to our society.

As they completed their journey with us we challenged our Year 12’s to become the best versions of themselves as they enter the next phase of their lives. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

“Live in the moment. It’s so important to be present and appreciate the people and the world around you. Life is full of beautiful moments and experiences that are best enjoyed when we’re fully engaged. So, let’s put down our devices, look up, and truly live in the moment”.

The Celebration at mass was enhanced with the sense of community at the Valedictory Luncheon. The connection students had with their parents and friends during this special time was amazing.

Congratulations to Joshua Nimmo who was voted “Seniors Senior”, a empowered recognition to Josh by his cohort.

In writing this newsletter article I have also been informed today that 99% of all our 2023 Year 12 students who applied for early entry into university now have received offers! This is outstanding news and a massive congratulations to all our past students.

As we entered the final weeks of 2023 it has been a very busy time for our college community.

The successes that have occurred this year in academic, sporting and cultural realms have been a true credit to all the students at the college.

Moving into 2024

To assist parents in planning below are some of the significant dates for Senior Years students in 2024.

Year 10 Laptop Collection – 22 January 2023

Year 12 Formal – 24 May 2024

Year 10 Work Experience – 10 to 14 June 2024

Year 12 External Exams – 14 October to 12 November 2024

Senior Years has camps aligned to student outcomes. To assist with your planning, I have attached the rough outline and costings for the camps from Years 9 to 12 with more information available on our website as part of our “Grow Great People matrix”. 

Staff Farewell

This week sees us farewelling 4 of our Senior Years teachers, Miss McKenzie, Mrs Morris (Willocks), Mr Hansen and Mr Paffey.

From all our community we wish these staff all the best in their new roles and may St Christoper guide and protect you on your new journey.

Merry Christmas

I hope that over the holidays everyone is blessed with the opportunity to take a well-earned break to refresh and rejuvenate. Students are also encouraged to engage in the following activities:

• Reading is a great holiday activity because reading fiction aids relaxation but also builds vocabulary, improves reading comprehension and develops written expression, all skills that will assist in future learning. Importantly, reading can also provide students with a vital break from technology.
• Physical activities such as walking, bike riding, going to the beach, going to the gym or playing sport all have great physical benefits but will also aid memory and thinking skills.
• Keeping a journal is a great way to sketch, make lists, keep track of notes, create mind maps, store memorable quotes or pictures or ideas. It doesn’t really matter what is recorded – by regularly putting pen to paper, students think actively and document their thought processes, all habits that help in learning.
• Crosswords, word searches, puzzles and Sudoku books are also great activities as they require you to work through the steps to reason and reach a solution which all help challenge the mind.

I would like to wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable break. Please ensure you take some time to spend together and reflect on the year that has been. I look forward to welcoming you all back to our community in 2024.

God of wisdom,
We thank you
for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life,
for saving us in Christ,
and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year, we voice our gratitude
for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of this College.
We ask you to bless them in your love and give them refreshment and peace.

We praise you, God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.

Year 10 Camp

The year 10 camp was a memorable and exciting experience for all the students and teachers who participated. The camp lasted for four days and three nights, from Monday to Friday, and involved various activities such as sailing, snorkelling, and exploring historical sites. The camp aimed to provide students with opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge, and values in relation to the natural and cultural heritage of Moreton Bay and its islands.

The camp started with a sailing adventure on the South Passage, a 30-metre gaff-rigged schooner that operates as a sail training vessel for young people.  The students learned how to hoist and lower the sails, steer the ship, and work as a team under the guidance of the professional crew. The students also enjoyed the scenic views of the bay and the ocean, and spotted some marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles.

The sailing experience was not only fun, but also educational, as the students gained an appreciation of the history and tradition of sailing, as well as the challenges and rewards of living on board a ship. The students also developed their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as their confidence and resilience.

The students spent three nights on the South Passage, sleeping in bunks below deck. The meals were prepared by the crew and served in the galley. The students also helped with the cleaning and maintenance of the ship and participated in some games and quizzes in the evening.

On the second day of the camp, the students disembarked from the South Passage and explored Tangalooma Island Resort, a beachfront resort on Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the world. They enjoyed snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, creating sand mermaids and playing beach footy.

Students also visited the Big and Little Sand Hills, two free-standing sand dunes on the western side of Moreton Island. The sand hills are amazing because they are free from vegetation and rise up to 60 metres above their base. The students had a thrilling time running down the slopes. The students also enjoyed the panoramic views of the island and the bay from the top of the sand hills.

On the third day of the camp, the students visited St Helena Island, a heritage-listed island in Moreton Bay that was the site of Queensland's first penal settlement.  The island is now a national park and a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can tour the stone ruins of the prison and learn about the lives of the convicts and warders who inhabited the island from 1867 to 1932.

The year 10 camp was a success, as the students had a lot of fun and learned a lot from the various activities and experiences. The camp also helped the students to bond with each other and their teachers as well as develop their personal and social skills. The students returned to school with a sense of achievement, gratitude, and respect for the natural and cultural heritage of Moreton Bay and its islands.

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.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross Dalby and our efforts to help those less fortunate than ourselves links well with YES Arusha. We strive for the ongoing development of the students understanding of the living goodness of Christ’s values.

Teaching and Learning in Year 8 English and Religious Education has focussed on the global blight which is Poverty. This 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.

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

“Vision

Through education, enable a life of choice, opportunity and dignity rather than one dictated by the constraints of poverty.”

What have we achieved?

12 Years ago, a cohort of Year 8 students undertook to provide education for two brothers Kelvin and Baraka. This journey has seen the boys become men and are beginning their university education in the new year. 

Where to next?

Our current Year 8 class has undertaken to raise the money to provide a YES Arusha Scholarship which will see a child be educated through their secondary schooling. Please access the website to find out about this programme - Home | Yes Arusha

Unfortunately, one of major fundraising activities, the Carols evening was cancelled. We are currently working on alternative ways of reaching our goal. Keep an eye on the newsletter in 2024.

As we draw to a close on the 2023 academic school year, I began to reflect on the wonderful experiences our students have been lucky to be a part of this year. I am very proud of the students in the Middle Years and their growth this year and I very much look forward to working closely with students again in 2024, especially as I am excited to once again be teaching in the Middle Years.

Here are some of the highlights from the year that was ….

January
- 52 students transitioned into high school for the first time, a number of these students were also new to the College.
- We also welcomed new students to all other year levels in the Middle Years and new staff to the College also.

February
- Commencement Mass to formally kick off our year. We welcome new staff and students.
- PATR testing for new students (Year 7 & 8)
- Rice House wins the U9-12 Swimming Carnival … Woo Hoo! Go Rice!  
- Rice House wins the U13 to 18 swimming carnival …. Yeah! Go Rice!

March
- College undergoes Toowoomba Catholic Schools Quadrennial School Review process. 
- Headspace visit the College to work with students on personal wellbeing.
- Write that Essay presenters deliver Go For Gold writing improvement session for students in Year 3, 5, 7, & 9.  
- Life Changer Presenters working with Year 8 students on personal wellbeing.
- Year 8 Camp to Camp Coobie to challenge themselves and grow personally.
- NAPLAN testing for Year 5 and Year 7
- Harmony Day celebrated on March 24
- Nolan Day March 31

April
- Mr Cuskelly begins his journey on the Camino. Mrs Collins steps in as Acting Principal.
- ANZAC Day service.
- Darling Downs Rugby League competition begins.
- College Musical: The Little Mermaid

May
- Launch of the Leadership Passport. A new student leadership skill development model
- Street Science visits the College (Year 5/6)
- Edmund Rice Feast Day May 5
- Mental Health Week: student activities
- Step into Stories (Year 5 & 6)
- Year 6 Outback Camp
- Year 6 Origin Solar Buddies Program
- Western Downs Regional Council visit Year 5 students for town feedback
- CECP Showcase
- Life Changer visits  (Year 7 & 8) for personal wellbeing sessions
 
June
- Dalby eisteddfod piano and vocal
- School Officer Day
- Kindness Week
- Rice wins the junior and senior Athletics Carnival. Awesome work Rice House!

July
- Career Intensive Days (Year 6, 7, & 8)
- Year 8 Retreat
- Life Changer sessions (Year 5, 6) for student wellbeing
- Dalby Careers Expo (Year 8)
- Catholic Schools Netball and Touch carnivals (Year 5 & 6)

August
- Justin Coulson: FACE Parent evening.
- Mary MacKillop Feast Day
- Year 5 & 6 Rugby League Gala Day – Toowoomba.
- ICAS Tests: Writing, English, Maths, Science, Spelling
- Dalby Eisteddfod Speech and Drama, Instrumental
- Year 7 Camp: Fraser Coast
- Book Week celebration and parade
- QAMT Maths Competition (Chinchilla)
- Shake’n’Stir performances (Year 6, 7, & 8)

September
- Year 5 & 6 Volleyball Tournament
- Day for Daniel September 8
- Leadership Passport students support Beck Street Kindy
- U13 Boys successful win the Darling Downs Rugby League competition
- SRC Prep to Year 6 Dance
- RUOK? Day September 14
- Grandparents Day September 15

October
- Year 5 Camp: Brisbane, St Helena Island
- CECP Performing Arts Musical
- Catherine McAuley Day October 18
- Year 8 Parliament House HASS Excursion
- World Teachers Day
- 100^th Student volunteers for the Leadership Passport

November
- CECP Showcase
- Remembrance Day
- College Awards celebration
- PATM Testing (Year 7 & 8)
- PATR Testing (Year 7 & 8)
- College Colour Run
- Year 5 Eureka Excursion
- Year 8 Day of Celebration November 27
- UP Day November 29

What a wonderful year. I’m sure next year will be no different! In January, we will say hello and welcome to the new students, including the current Year 4s who will join us as our brand-new Year 5 cohort. Right now, we say congratulations to the Year 8s who have finished their time in the Middle Years and move on to begin their time in the Senior Years Sector. Best of luck to the departing Year 8s. While you will no longer be in the Middle Years, please don’t be strangers. Come and say hi anytime.

Looking Forward - Camps in 2024

Planning ahead is critical, especially when it comes to camps at school. So to help out with the calendar, here is some information about the camps we will be offering in 2024:

Year 5 Dates: October 9 – 11, 2024 Basic Details: Students travel to Brisbane for a three-day, two-night camp. They will visit St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens & St Helena Island.  Curriculum: Religion, Science, HASS Approximate Cost: ~$400 per student

Year 6 Dates: May 12 – 17, 2024 Basic Details: Students head towards Outback Queensland visiting a number of townships, including Blackall, Tambo, Charleville, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton. The camp departs on the Sunday morning and the students return Friday afternoon. Students need to organise and bring a swag from home for this camp. It is a great Christmas or birthday present if you are stuck for ideas.  Students will visit: The Stockman’s Hall of Fame, QANTAS Museum, Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Waltzing Matilda Museum, WWII Base, Cosmos Centre, Bilby Centre, Blackall Woolscour and more.  Curriculum: Science & HASS Approximate Cost: ~$650

Year 7 Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2024 Basic Details: Students travel up to the Fraser Coast to experience all things Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Fraser Island (K’gari). On this five-day, four-night experience they get a chance to have a close encounter with humpback whales, visit Round Island and Fraser Island, go on a 4x4 tour to some amazing sites like the SS Maheno wreck, Eli Creek, Lake Mckenzie, Central Station. Students will also have an indigenous experience on Round Island with elders of the Butchella people and visit the Military Museum in Maryborough.     Curriculum: HASS, Indigenous perspectives Approximate Cost: ~$900

Year 8 Dates: August 26 – 29, 2024 Basic Details: This is a new camp offering. Students will this year travel towards the Bunya Mountains as they learn more about its history, significance to indigenous culture and about the men and women who have forged lives in this special part of the world. Curriculum: HASS, Indigenous perspectives. Approximate Cost: ~$500

Final Message
I would like to wish all the students and their families a very merry Christmas and I hope you all have a great break. I look forward to working with you all again in the new year as we welcome old faces back and plenty of new faces into the Middle Years. Be happy, laugh lots and have a safe break.

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal – Middle Years

Up Day

There was a buzz of excitement around the whole College on Wednesday, as we once again participated in our now well-established Up Day as part of our transition process. This gives all students the opportunity to experience a full day (or half day for incoming preps) in their new classroom with their 2024 teacher and classmates, including students moving to the school next year. This has been very successful in establishing early connections and allowing our students to feel comfortable about the process ahead, rather than spending the holidays wondering what next year will look like for them. In turn, it allows our students to be learning ready from day 1.

Early Years Nativity Play

Congratulations to ALL students on their wonderful performance in the Early Years Nativity Play on Thursday. Our current year 4 students have spent the last few years waiting until they became the ‘seniors of the Early Years’ which in turn, gives them the opportunity to have the lead roles. Each year level performed their song to a high standard after engaging very well during rehearsals, with special mention to the Year 2 students who showed amazing professionalism and resilience when we encountered technical glitches! I want to specifically acknowledge the MANY students who threw themselves wholeheartedly into the learning pit to participate in this public performance. Often well out of their comfort or safety zone, all rose to the challenge to participate fully and leave us with lasting memories. Please enjoy this extensive photo gallery, with thanks to Tamara Creeley and Rachel Thompson for providing us with the images.

As my time finally draws to a close today at OLSCC, this will be my last newsletter piece. Congratulations to all students, families, and teachers on a stellar year across the Early Years.  I am so proud of the continued growth of our students throughout the year across many domains. In particular, I was delighted to see the final reading data gathered for the year once again places Our Lady of the Southern Cross College as the highest achievers across the Toowoomba diocese. It certainly does take a team effort to achieve a result like this, and I acknowledge the remarkable team of educators I have had the privilege to work alongside. This is an exceptionally collaborative team who work with an extremely high degree of integrity, diligence, and dedication. I thank the teachers and school officers for their consistent pursuit of excellence and their willingness to work with dedication to ensure every student is reaching their full potential. I also thank the families for willingly working alongside our teachers, ensuring students receive the support and consistency necessary to achieve. I wish you all the very best for 2024 and look forward to the knowledge and guidance Mrs Kristen Bennie will bring in her new role as Assistant Principal Early Years in 2024. Over and out.

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

We’ve had an amazing year in the Arts this year. Thank you to all the parents who helped with costumes, listened to students rehearse their instruments and, most importantly, encouraged their students to be part of the Arts.

CECP 2024

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Culture Extra-Curricular Program this year. I know you all learnt a lot and had so much fun. Watching your growth was beautiful!

In 2024 we will run the program again, at this stage we are offering Guitar, Piano, Violin and Performing Arts. Agreements will come out the week before school starts next year so make sure to keep an eye on your emails!

The CECP teaches students many important skills that benefit students in all their classes. Here is a great article from the Australian Government on the benefits of Music for children.

https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/musical-benefits#:~:text=Brain%20growth,formation%20of%20new%20neural%20connections.

Music, learning an instrument in particular, is linked to so many areas of improvement for children. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for your students.

If that article doesn’t convince you, here are some testimonials from students who have been a part of the CECP in 2023.

Amity Darby Grade 3 – Violin with Miss Stolz

Hi OLSCC I am Amity Darby and I play the violin. I’ve enjoyed it a lot and I started when I didn’t even know how to play. I would do it again because Miss Stolz is an amazing teacher, and great and friendly. I hope you join next year.

Jean Timms Grade 4 – Piano with Mr Dore

I have really enjoyed piano because I have learnt new things and had fun. I also enjoyed it because now I can go home and perform in front of my parents. I have learnt how to read music and play piano. I have also learnt that Mr Dore is amazing at piano. I would recommend it to the whole of OLSCC because it is fun and the best!

Jack Cuskelly Grade 5 – Guitar with Miss Stolz

I loved guitar because of all the songs we can play. We have learnt a lot of new songs with cords we did not know like Something in the Orange. I would recommend this to people who have watched people play an instrument up on stage. Also, I would recommend it to people who want to play an instrument. 

Sophie Dipplesmann Grade 5 – Performing Arts with Mrs Garside

I have enjoyed Performing Arts all year. I have learnt how to perform a great poem at Eisteddfod.  Yes, I would recommend it for others because it helps to get you into the Arts and make friends with others.

Bell Art Show

This is a reminder that Bell Art Show is in February. If you want to participate you will have to make your artwork over holidays. It can be any subject, any medium. A form will come out in the first week of school in 2024 for those who have created a piece of art.

Don’t forget there’s prizes up for grabs.

Choir 2024

Choir will continue in 2024 being run by our new Early Years Music teacher Miss Sophie Twidale. We will also be opening up choir from Year 2 – Year 8 next year, we can’t wait to see many more smiling faces on our choir stands. Keep an eye on your email for more information in the first weeks of the school year.

I hope everyone has an amazing holidays and I can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity in 2024!

Merry Christmas from the OLSCC Arts Team

Miss Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture

The Careers Office celebrates our first year as a team working towards career education, career development and pathways for secondary students at the College. It has been an eventful and exciting year with events including the year 10 micro skills, year 9 Industry dinner, Dalby Careers Expo, year 6, 7 and 8 Career Days, year 10 SET planning, year 10 and 11 McNab construction tours and year 12 QTAC applications to name a few. We also experienced up to 44 students between from grades 10 to 12 already starting their pathways to work employed in local business and industry as school-based apprentices or trainees. This was celebrated with the 13 current year 12 students this month at the SBA Employer thank you lunch. It is exciting to know that these students have now transferred to full time employment. We look forward to another successful year in the career education and pathway space in 2024.

School Based Apprenticeship

Congratulations to Year 10 student, Bronson Barnett who is our latest school-based apprentice with G.J. Gardner Homes in Dalby in a Certificate III in Carpentry. Bronson will start his SBA this week.

Bronson Barnett and Chris Henry of G.J. Gardner Homes.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Jimbour Beef and Bacon Pty Ltd are offering a traineeship in Certificate II Meat Processing at their business located in Jimbour. Any students interested or seeking a career in the agriculture sector please contact the business owner Mr. Steve Donovan on 07 46636137 or contact Mr Garside or Mrs Boland when school returns in 2024.

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

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

A Boiler making apprenticeship position is available through Golden West Apprenticeship. Please see flyer for more information or alternatively, please click on the link below.

Golden West Apprenticeships - Recruitment Portal

Mr Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

Volleyball

Best of luck to the Girls Volleyball Team who will attend the Australian Schools Cup on the Gold Coast next week. The team has played trial games in the past fortnight against Harristown SHS and the USQ Ladies. The team has put in many hours training before school and on weekends leading up to this event and will compete in Division 1.

Basketball

Congratulations to the Open Boys Basketball Team who defeated Dalby SHS 36-28 in the annual game between the schools. Thanks to Mr Hansen for coaching the boys.

Early Years Swimming Carnival Results

Points

Nolan                379

MacKillop          346

Rice                  312

McAuley           154

2024 Interhouse Swimming Carnival

In 2024 we will be merging the U9-12 and U13-18 Swimming Carnivals into one event. This carnival will be held on Friday 2 February (Term 1, Week 2). 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.

2024 Swimming Carnival Dates

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 1 December. This includes Volleyball Shirts, Rugby Sevens Jerseys, Netball Dresses, Touch Football Shirts and Athletics Singlets.

QISSN Netball

Congratulations to the girls listed below who have been selected in the initial 2024 QISSN Squad. The girls have had six training sessions this term with 25 plus players in attendance each week. Training will resume early next term for the following 16 players.

Emma Donaldson, Kaitlyn Harms, Hannah Taylor, Tiffany Ham, Karlie Falvey, Taylor Marshall, Chloe Manteit, Carla Nobbs, Summer Buckley, Chloe Wilkins, Monique Smith, Arabella Donaldson, Emma Cusack, Olivia Ham, Charlotte Bennie, Lucy Chaplin.

Sports Dates February 2024

QCIS Sports 2024

Next year Mary MacKillop Highfields will join the QCIS Sports Group to make six-member schools

(OLSCC, Downlands, TAS, Scots Warwick, Concordia). Dates for the carnivals are listed below.

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 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

Thank you to students, staff, volunteers and parents for participating in our colour run. We value and celebrate each and every student at our school. We are blessed and thankful for our school community. May your holidays be filled with lots of play and joy.

Katrina Ballantyne

School Guidance Counsellor

Please see below College fees for the 2024 year as endorsed by the College Advisory Council.

School Fee Collection Policy

The College relies on the timely payment of fees and invoices to enable the delivery of high-quality education for our students. From the 2024 year, the College will be adopting the School Fee Collection Procedure as implemented by Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office (TCSO). The new debt collection policy has refined payment terms and strict follow up timeframes to ensure the timely payment of school fees. 

One of the key changes under the new policy is strict 14-day payment terms for all invoices, including term fees. 

It is important that all families are aware of the new terms to ensure fees are paid within the required timeframes unless a suitable direct debit or other agreed financial arrangement or payment plan is in place. Failure to do so may result in debt collection action.

We encourage any families that are concerned about their account to contact the College Business Manager, Sarah Hall, for a confidential discussion.  

Ozcare is having their last catch-up Clinic for the year, is on 5 December 2023 starting 2.00pm – 4.45pm

Ozcare offer access to have your child immunised at no cost (if they are to attend a GP, GP fees are still applicable).

If student’s Care Givers wish for there child to be immunised, they can make an appointment with us via email sip.toowoomba@ozcare.org.au