Our College celebrated World Teachers’ Day today by acknowledging the vocation of the teaching profession and the wonderful work our teachers undertake each day to educate the students at our school. Teachers celebrated with a morning tea provided by School Officers and Administration staff with a lovely gesture of a balloon gift.

Some responses about what Teachers love about teaching:

Mr Garside – “loves to teach his students!”.

Miss Willocks – “the aha moment on students’ faces”.

Mrs Biggar – “to stay young, to stay vibrant and knowing that you may have an impact on at least one kid. Thank you for giving me this privilege”.

Mr Routley – “it is all about creating human beings that have the capability to contribute positively”.

Mrs Twidale – “It is a vocation of a lifetime”.

Mrs Morgan - “Teaching is made easier with our School Officers and it is wonderful to join with them to celebrate World Teachers Day”.

World Teachers Day

Happy World Teachers Day to all of our amazing teachers at OLSCC!! There is nothing greater than seeing that discovery in a child’s mind when they have learnt a new concept, challenged an idea, created a new understanding or reached a standard above what they ever thought they could.  It’s the laughs, the terrible jokes in the playground, the disastrous art lessons that end up with paint on the ceiling, the new friendships made and the cohesion of our students that makes all the work we do worthwhile.  I know all of our teachers at OLSCC are making a difference in the lives of the children they teach and I would like to thank you all for your continued application to your College and kids, as well as your own family.  The demands of teaching seem to become greater and greater every year, though it is the great dedicated teachers like those we have here that continue to make the difference.  Thanks everyone, and have a great weekend!

Exciting News from the Parents and Friends Association

At last week’s meeting we had a great conversation regarding creating opportunities for more families to be involved with the College.  We acknowledged that one of the hesitations people have when considering the P&F is that they have to attend meetings and will be given a job.  I am very pleased to say that in this newsletter is an outline of new ways we can include our community in our College and our College in the community by thinking outside the square.  

There has been a tonne of research around what truly makes people happy, and you guessed it, it has nothing to do with the material possessions in life.  We hear the failures of those who have won Lotto because they are missing purpose – the reason for their existence.  Jesus teaches us to be selfless and as a servant leader, he exemplifies how we can find true happiness by improving the lives of those around us.  This is the course we provide through Praxis at OLSCC, and through being part of our new P&F structure to make our community an even better place for everyone. Please take the time to have a read and give Lotte or myself a call if you would like to suggest improvements or discuss further!

Staffing Update

As the year rolls on, we are at the end of the year when staff transitions take place and we welcome new staff and continue to recruit new teachers to join our wonderful College. 

At the end of 2019 we will farewell:

Mrs Melissa Irwin – transfer to St John’s Roma

Ms Anne O’Reilly – transfer to Mary Mackillop Catholic College

Mr Aaron Aislabie – return to Stanthorpe area

Mrs Natalie O’Brien – 12 months leave (holiday)

Mr Dean Garside – 12 months leave (holiday) 

In 2020 we welcome:

Miss Joelyn Smith – primary teacher transferring from St Mary’s Charleville

Mrs Maxine Hetherington – continuing from contracts in 2019 to a full-time contract for 2020

Miss Jacinta Willocks – continuing from her permission to teach in 2019

Mrs Andrea Gormley – return from leave

Mr Shane Nott – return from leave

New positions being advertised:

Now that the timetable is remarkably close to finalised, we are advertising a  range of positions that will fill the available roles for 2020.  With an expected enrolment increase of over 60 students for the start of 2020, we are fortunate to be able to create some new teaching roles to best support the learning of our students.  These roles will be advertised on Seek next week. There are also some other positions that will be announced next week including the College Coach Driver and the Assistant Principal Middle Years .

Timetable Update

The final workings of the draft timetable are being finalised and then married with student selections next week.  This is a very complicated logistical exercise trying to find the best combination of teachers, lines, year levels, subjects, rooms and teaching loads to meet the needs of all students across Year 7-12. 

I would like to acknowledge Mrs Brennan and Mr Hodge for the hundreds of hours they have spent implementing the new software and developing our 2020 timetable.  It is certainly no small feat. 

In previous years, we have had significant changes to the structure of the timetable and lines at this period of the year, though for 2020 students will find it similar to 2019.  There will be 40 and 80 minute lessons with subjects receivng the same time allocation. The line structure will remain as it was presented at the information sessions and for subject selection.  One of the more significant changes is that the vast majority of Year 9-12 classes will be in the Senior Years area, making far greater use of Blue and Gold classrooms, which will renamed “Red Block” for next year (to save all the confusion with the other blue block as well as yellow block). In addition to the usual timetabling complexities, this year we have tried to focus staff in either Middle Years or Senior Years in order to align teaching areas and practice to specific students groups. Prior to the release of the timetable, students will be made aware of the elective choices through the posting of Elective Choices in the Senior Years plaza on Tuesday.  The draft timetable will be released in the next week or so, along with the P-8 class lists.

Class Lists

Class lists are being finalised and we are beginning to allocate classes to teachers across Prep – Year 6, as well as finalising the class lists from Years 7-8.  As mentioned previously, we are not having any composite classes in the Early and Middle Years in 2020, with 2 streams of each class for Prep-5 as well as Year 8, and 3 streams for each class from Years 6 and 7.  Our original release date for class lists was 15 November, however we expect to have them complete and available on Schoolzine in the next week or so. 

Reminder Regarding Student Behaviour

I encourage all parents to remind their children of their expectations regarding behaviour for the finalisation of the 2019 year.  It is at this time of year when behaviour standards sometimes slip, and we have already noticed the deterioration of general student behaviour. 

Our 4 College Expectations are very simple to understand and follow.  They are:

1. Learn and allow others to learn
2. Be Safe
3. Be Respectful
4. Be Responsible

Of particular concern for me at present is the willingness of students to be responsible for themselves.  Being responsible for following instructions of staff, being responsible for using only appropriate language, and being responsible enough to follow College standards (chewing gum, mobile phone use, assessment timelines).  Next week we will ensure that all students are aware of the standards and reminding them of the importance of following them. Let’s finish the term well!!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

Last week as a College we focus on the Virtue of Wisdom and character strength: love of learning.  In our final term of the year we prayer for God’s strength in all our learning endeavours.  

Eternal God 
Bless all schools, colleges, and universities, 
that they may be lively centres 
for sound learning, new discovery, 
and the pursuit of wisdom; 
and grant that those who teach 
and those who learn 
may find you to be 
the source of all truth; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen. 
 

MCAULEY DAY 

On Friday, 1 November, the students from Prep to Year 12 in McAuley House will be celebrating McAuley Day. As part of this tradition all students in McAuley House will join at first break for tacos and their lunch, followed by activities organized by the McAuley House Leaders.  

Tacos will be catered by the McAuley staff (1 per student) to compliment students own lunch. 

All McAuley students are asked to bring in a $2 donation on the day for Mercy International. 

McAuley students are encouraged to dress in blue for the day, wearing modest clothing, appropriate for activities. Singlets, thongs and short skirts/shorts are not acceptable.  All McAuley students will eat lunch together on the main oval then move to activities planned by House Leaders and Seniors in this space.  Please ensure you have a hat. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal 

We will again collect donations to support St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal.  We look forward to presenting St Vincent de Paul with amazing hamper supplies again in 2019.  Donations can be placed in the College Office or in Classrooms until Week 8. 

Excellence Awards

This year we will have only one awards ceremony on Thursday, 14 November beginning at 9:00am in the MPC.  Families are encouraged to gather with us as a whole College to celebrate the endeavours of our students in 2019.  The awards this year will focus around excellence in the four dimensions of our College Life: LYF – Spirituality; Sport; Culture and Academia which align to our areas of focus as seen on our College Statement.  A full list of the Awards and their criteria will be distributed via SZApp next week.  We will also announce 2020 student leaders and Farewell as Year 12 students at this ceremony. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Junior

Touch Football

Congratulations to all students who competed at the SWQ All Schools Carnival in Dalby last Sunday. Thanks to Mrs Wilkins and Mrs Tresillian for coaching our teams and to the senior students who assisted on the day. Most students will now attend the QLD All Schools Carnival at Cleveland on November 9-10.

Boys Results

Loss to Mater Dei 0-6

Loss to St Mary’s Toowoomba B 2-7

Loss to St John’s Roma 1-4 (Runners Up)

Win vs Glenvale SS B 4-1

Girls Results  

Win vs St Saviours 8-0

Loss to Toowoomba Anglican School 0-3 (Overall Winners)

Win vs Mater Dei B 2-0

Loss to Glennie 1-2 (Runners Up)

Aquathlon

Eight students will compete at the Darling Downs Aquathlon trials tomorrow at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. An Aquathlon consists of a 1km run, 200m swim, followed by another 1km run. Mrs Karla Knight will be attending with our students on the day.

Senior

SWQ Rugby Sevens Series

Any late draw changes or wet weather information will be available via the SWQ Sevens Series Facebook page or at https://www.downsrugby.com.au/sevens-rugby

Round 2 Results Tuesday Games

Under 13 girls beat St Ursula’s 27 to nil with Breanna Hoskin, Maddie Pascoe, Zahra Manteit and Claire Harth having an outstanding game and Bella Buckley scoring her first try in Sevens Rugby. In the second game they lost 12 to 32 against TAS with Breanna, Abby Wilkins and Maddie Pascoe having an excellent game.

Under 15 girls lost their first game 12 to 24 against Scots which was a very tight game with strong defence on both teams.

They won the second game against St Ursula’s 27 to 5 with an impressive team effort. The girls have demonstrated that they have the skills and dedication to play attacking rugby and this is across the whole team. Special mention goes to Lily Schloss for the go forward and to Lily Coleman for her improvement in both attack and defence as voted by her Captain, Claudia Child.

15 Boys 

The game against Scots was abandoned due to injury but prior to that tries were scored by Brayden Falvey and Lyhkan King-Togia with Brayden Falvey making one conversion.

The second game against Faith Lutheran 2 was played as a scratch match for no points but tries went to Charlie Cooper, Brayden Falvey and Lyhkan King-Togia.

Round 1 Results Thursday Games

13 Boys

Win vs Lockyer District SHS 27-5

Loss to St Mary’s College

Open Boys

Win vs St Joseph’s College 20-5

Win vs Concordia College 50-7

Week 3 Draw

Tuesday 29 October

• College Coach will leave at 2.40pm and return at approximately 9.45pm

Thursday 31 October

• College Coach will leave at 2.30pm and return at approximately 9.00pm

2020 Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Netball Training

The 2020 QISSRL and QISSN Carnivals will be held in Brisbane in the first week of the June/ July holidays. The Rugby League Carnival is open to any boys turning 16 or older in 2020. The Netball Carnival in open to any girls in Years 9-12 in 2020. Training for both teams will start on Monday morning 28 October from 7.00am – 8.15am. Boys will be training on the College Main Oval and Girls Team will train at the PCYC Indoor Courts.

 Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Last week we had an excellent discussion as a P&F in exploring the needs of our College and community.  We are looking into overhauling the traditional P&F structure so we can involve our larger community in a fun and engaging manner. The new structure allows groups of like-minded people to come together and do what they love and relies less on members attending meetings and getting jobs.

We have arrived at the following structure which we think is very inclusive and also supports the needs of the students of OLSCC. Presently these are all just ideas, as the structure is obviously dependent on people who wish to participate in building the community around the College, as well as having a great time.

New Structure

The idea is that people can engage with the P&F without the need to attend meetings or be given jobs that they are not interested in or don’t have the time to do.  Instead, our parents can engage in areas of passion to make a difference.  We will use modern platforms such as Facebook, email and messages (depending of people’s preferences) in order to make contact, rather than requiring everyone to meet. 

The intent of each group is as follows, with the focus always being our students:

Pastoral: Looking after those who most need it.  This may be welcoming new families, providing basic support (such as a nice hot dinner) to those going through a tough time, and thanking those in our community who go above and beyond.

Social: This is purely based on bringing our community together to have a good time.  It is not about fundraising, rather creating a space for all to come together and have fun. It is hoped there will also be a team that looks after the marketing and social media aspects of the P&F.

Environment: Anything involving the physical environment at the College.  From grounds to gardens, working bees to tuck-shop, volunteering. This is the group for you if you prefer to just get in and do it!

Parents in Education: Helping out in classes, showcase your expertise in specialist subjects (e.g. Agriculture, Biology, Medical, Retail, Hospitality, Business, etc.), support parent education or guest speakers for our students and community, or provide additional support with extracurricular activities such as Optiminds, culture or sport. This could be a one-off occurrence or an ongoing committment – it all depends on what best suits you.

Resourcing, Finance and Fundraising: This group will budget expenditure, raise funds, govern the P&F and do all the great things that the P&F is traditionally known for. It will include oversight of the functions and finance of the P&F, as well as the fundraising component which is required for all other areas to function effectively.

Of course, we are looking for people to be key contacts for specific groups and get things going, though again, this doesn’t mean you’ll be caught up in meetings or carrying the burden on your own.  We simply need a spokesperson and someone who will disseminate information to get the group together when needed. 

Click on the link to the PDF document so you can express your interest in which areas you would like to assist with or learn more about. Forms can be handed into the College Office or via class message bags.

Tuesday of last week saw 34 Middle Years students battle it out to be the OLSCC 2019 Middle Years’ UNO Champion. Great fun was had by all, with play being ‘reversed’, players ‘skipped’, cards being picked up and discarded at great speed.

The winning player from each table on the Tuesday went through to the Friday Playoffs.

And the Winners are: Hayden Koehler and Sam Hands! Congratulations Boys!

On Thursday last week, the College hosted our annual Employer Thank you Luncheon for our Year 12 students who have completed a School Based Traineeship or who are rolling over into full time employment from their School Based Apprenticeship next year. The College congratulates Zac Trcka (Certificate III in Business), Lytana King-Togia (Certificate III in Carpentry) and Harrison Gywnne (Certificate III in Agriculture) and thanks their employers Dalby Carpet Court, R and L Gywnne and Supa Construction for giving our students the opportunity to complete these very valuable pathways for their future.

My life has been bit of a journey, moving from city to city, originally starting off in Auckland, New Zealand where I was born. Fresh air, green grass, footy and family. But life changes and a few years later my parents made the decision to move over to Australia. Seven years of age and a new life ahead of me was a definite challenge. Leaving my mates, my cousins and family was scary and daunting, but most of all, exciting. Sydney happened! The culture, the people and the city itself made an indelible impact on me, denting my DNA to make me a diehard NSW Blues for life. New friends were made, new footy club and new school. However, the changes continued and we were to leave this place, this city and friendships after a couple of years. We were heading off to the sunshine state of Queensland. After two years living in Brisbane, we hit the road once again, travelling westward to the Darling Downs where we found home in this little country town called Dalby. I am currently finishing my last year of school at Our Lady of the Southern Cross and it has truly been a journey leading up to graduation. If I was to give my greatest advice it would be to say don’t set yourself low goals, aim higher and give it your all. Everything is possible. Try and step outside of any barriers you may have placed around yourself and do something you would never have imagined yourself doing, be it cultural or sporting. The only thing that you can do wrong is to look back at your High School years and find there is nothing to remember. Try your best in everything you do to better yourself, whether its studying or training and you will start to accomplish things you once thought were never possible.

Lytana King-Togia

I am sure most of have heard past students and teachers warning that, “Year 12 goes in a blink of an eye”, and simply shrugged it off as it didn’t really phase you at the time. Trust me, I was one of those people who did not give it a second thought when first told, but soon discovered it’s definitely something you must experience in order to believe. As a current Year 12 student with only four weeks of school left, forever, I can definitely assure you that it does in fact go faster than one could imagine; perhaps even too fast for our own liking. One word of advice I can grant to all students is to please appreciate every moment at school because it really does go so terribly quickly, and unfortunately, you don’t truly realise how great school is until it’s too late. Year 12 is a year filled with mixed emotions. Whether the result of staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish an assignment due the next day, or creating and expanding relationships with students and staff, or even simply bawling your eyes out because there are just “too many things to handle”, Year 12 is indeed a wild ride. Every Year 12 can agree that they’ve had a rollercoaster of a year in some shape or form, but if it wasn’t for that rollercoaster, we wouldn’t be where we are, or be the people we are today. I hope reading this has opened your eyes up to a much bigger picture; an insight into the experiences of a girl who once dreaded the thought of going to school every day to now never wanting it to come to an end. Don’t take every day you walk into school for granted. Treasure each day as if it’s your last day on earth because I can guarantee that one day, you’ll regret not doing it.

Laney Schloss

At the age of 4, I was already entering a new chapter in my life and it was certainly very daunting. On the plane to Australia, I was scared, anxious and confused. The thought of being in a different family and being in a different culture made me tentative about every action I made. However, I was lucky enough to have such a supportive family who provided me with the opportunity to go to Our Lady of the Southern Cross College where I began my journey in faith and knowledge. Being accepted by the College community and knowing that you have friends and staff to fall back on was and still is a great feeling. Starting in Prep and hopefully graduating this year, I have noticed how much this school and those in our cohort have evolved.  From being the first age group to transition from Kindergarten to Prep and becoming the last ever Year 7s to be in primary school, this grade has experienced some challenges. However, throughout these years, we have also been presented opportunities to create countless memories that will be cherished forever. We may have lost some soldiers along the way, but as a Grade, we managed to fight our way through when faced with adversities that come with being such a small group. We used Emu Gully as an opportunity to show the community our true colours and what we are made of. The camp was a challenge as our cohort was already so diverse for its size, plus we had recently welcomed a few new students into the mix.  But we proved to not only those who doubted us, but also to ourselves, that we could come out of our shells, demonstrating that we could, with great success, move as a unit, not just as individuals. Year 12 is a different chapter but who am I to give advice, I still haven’t attained my OP yet... Honestly, there’s no secret to completing Year 12. The message is transparent: use your teachers and don’t be afraid to ask questions because what’s there to lose? You’re there to learn and teachers are there to guide you through this. They don’t expect you to be experts! Unless you already are...

Jonty MacDougall