Hi, my name is Margot Gleeson, and I’m one of the Prefects for 2020. This year, as a leader, I am really looking forward to helping everyone to feel welcome and confident to take part in all activities around the College. In my last year at OLSCC I want to make the most of every opportunity and challenge myself in everything I do, not only academically but as a leader and member of the College. When I’m not at school I love music and helping at the family farm.

Hi, my name is Patrick Boland, and I am one of the Prefects for 2020. One of the things I’m most passionate about at OLSCC is Confraternity Rugby League, although I won’t be fit to play this year, I will be cheering the boys on in Brisbane. The Subjects I enjoy most as a student are English, Film and Television as well as Physics. Outside of school I’m very passionate about swimming and I hope to make Nationals in 2020 or 2021. As a Prefect I’m looking forward to seeing each and every student thrive in whatever they desire to succeed in. I’m also looking forward to making 2020 a memorable year for every person involved within our College community. As a Year 12 student, I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow peers succeed in their Academic, Sporting and Cultural endeavours and I’m hoping that 2020 will be a year of great success for students from P-12.

Hello, my name is Mitchell Portbury I am one of the Prefects for 2020. At home my interests are motorbike riding and horse riding. I am involved in many extracurricular activities such as cattle showing and soccer refereeing. This year as a student leader I am looking forward to supporting not only my fellow seniors, but also to help in the Spiritual, Academic and Sporting growth of all students across the College. As a leader I am excited to watch the growth of the College and students within it throughout the year. As this is my final year at OLSCC, I am not only looking forward to studying hard and achieving my personal set goals, but I am also eager to see the personal growth of my fellow peers around me. As a graduate, I am keen to leave a lasting legacy of the 2020 Seniors which will be remembered not only by the staff and the students, but also the broader Dalby community.

Hi, my name is Sam Gillespie and I am one of the Prefects for this year. My interests include playing various sports including Rugby League, Touch Football and Cricket, both for the school and in the community. This year, as a leader of the school, I am hoping to enjoy my last year at OLSCC and set myself up for the next chapter of my life. I hope to set a good example to my fellow students by being a role model in our school community. I look forward to working with the other members of the student and school leadership team in 2020.

This week I have the pleasure in leading the Year 12 Retreat at James Byrne Centre. This is a time for our Senior students to reflect on their last 12 years of schooling and look forward to their future adventures.  Together we pray with them as they journey through their last year of schooling at our College and we remind them that Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.

PROVERBS 3

 My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do.  My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.  Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.  If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.

 My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you.  They will provide you with life—a pleasant and happy life

Commencement Mass

Next Wednesday 12 February at 12:15pm we will celebrate our Commencement Mass in the Multi-Purpose Centre.  This year we welcomed 105 new students to our College and we look forward to this our first liturgical celebration of the year as a whole College.  Seniors will be presented with their senior badges during this Mass and we will officially congratulate the 2019 College Dux, Laura May.  All families and community members are welcome and encouraged to join us for this occasion.

Upcoming Course For Spiritual Growth

BISHOP ROBERT BARRON’S EUCHARIST: SACRED MEAL, SACRIFICE, REAL PRESENCE.

Christ is alive and fully present in the Eucharist. Join us as we delve into the “source and summit” of our Faith with Bishop Barron’s DVD-based program: Eucharist:  Sacred Meal, Sacrifice and Real Presence. This spiritual study will give you a deeper understanding of the precious gift of Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity that you can receive at each and every Mass. On Sunday February 23rd from 5 to 6.30pm, our parish will begin this six session Eucharist program. Stay tuned for details of how to register!

Bus transportation

We are currently compiling lists of students who catch buses from the College in the afternoons to assist with smooth transition from school to buses. If your child is planning on using bus services in the afternoon to get home please complete the attached form by scanning the code below or returning the slip sent home with students earlier in the week.  Additional copies of the slip are available at the College office. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

What’s your plus (+)?
I recently spent time talking to our Year 12 students about their year ahead. This cohort has some high aspirations for the pathways that they would like to follow when they complete their QCE. Many students can be drawn into having a very focused view on their studies and this consumes their entire lives. The consequence of this view is that students miss out on the broader opportunities that exist at the College and within the community.

I mentioned that these students should consider what their pluses (+) will be for the year. These pluses bolster resumes to show that each student had has a more rounded school experience. This makes students more competitive when they are applying for scholarships, apprenticeships and employment. Additionally, pluses provide a break from the intense study that is required to be successful in Year 12.

I challenge our Year 12 students to find their pluses for this year. Take a chance, learning something new or join a new group. You will be glad that you did!

UQ Young Scholars
Year 12 student, Kacy Miaco, recently attended the UQ Young Scholars Program. Here is a reflection from Kacy:

In the first week of the Christmas holidays, I had the opportunity to participate in the Young Scholars Program hosted by the University of Queensland in Brisbane. I was very fortunate to be selected as part of the 200 students across Queensland to gain valuable insights into university and college life, as well as meeting incredible like-minded students. Throughout the five day camp, I had the chance to explore a variety of study fields and options that have not been encountered as part of the school curriculum. I had the privilege to hear from aspiring leaders and thinkers, as well as engage in discussions and collaborative forums which reinforced my skills in leadership and approach to future challenges. The academic program not only enriched my passions for leadership and aspirations for academic achievement, it enabled me to develop diverse friendships from all around Queensland.

Assessment Calendars
The Year 9-12 Assessment Calendars have been emailed to students and their parents. These calendars contain assessment tasks for the entire year, which the SY teaching team hopes will support students in balancing their school, work and family commitments. If you have any questions regarding these calendars, please speak to your student’s teacher in the first instance.

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years

This week we introduce our amazing team of Year 6 teachers who are the professionals that guide our students through their last year of primary style classroom learning and prepare them for the changes ahead in Year 7.

Karla Knight believes she has the privilege of sharing teaching of the 6KY class in 2020. She is at the College on Thursday and Friday and on these days she teaches HASS, Religion, The Arts and components of Mathematics as her core class. Karla comes with a varied teaching background, having been a languages specialist as well as teaching in the year levels anywhere between Prep to Year 12. During her career, Karla has found the most enjoyment and reward in the Middle Years Sector of education and she is excited to spend another year in this sector at our College. Please feel free to contact Karla and any time via the College Office on 4672 4111 or via email karla.knight@twb.catholic.edu.au

Sally Tresillian is teaching Year 6 this year as a team teacher with Karla Knight and is at the College from Monday to Wednesday. Sally says it has been a pleasure working at OLSCC for the past ten years and is looking forward to sharing many wonderful events that are part of the school year with everyone in 2020. Sally can be contacted via the College Office on 4672 4111 or via email at Sally-Anne.Tresillian@twb.catholic.edu.au

Leah McDuff is very excited to be commencing her teaching journey at OLSCC and is looking forward to working with students and families in 2020. She says she can't wait to see what the year holds for OLSCC and her amazing Year 6 students. You can contact Leah via the College Office on 4672 4111 or via email at Leah.McDuff@twb.catholic.edu.au

Melinda Crow is very excited to be teaching in the Middle Years again for 2020 and this year she will be extending her Mathematics teaching to Year 6 and 7 classes. Melinda is looking forward to meeting and spending another great year with students and families at OLSCC. Melinda can be contacted via the College Office, Dojo or via email at melinda.crow@twb.catholic.edu.au

Students (and some staff) in the Middle years have been playing in the Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship but this event has a different look to what one might think. Mr Cullen has coordinated the Championship and students who nominated to 'play' submit a 'round' by secret selection on a paper form which is then pitted against another student who has also made their selections. Each round is knock out style and who ever won the most games from each round knocks out that opponent and moves to the next round. The results of those who won for Round 1 are listed below.

Thankyou to all for an incredibly smooth start to the year! Students have been engaged in active learning and many have begun homework routines this week. Homework in the Early Years at OLSCC is an important part of the preparation of our students as they progress into other sectors of the College. As such, setting up healthy homework routines now creates good habits for later. The scaffold for homework here at OLSCC is that is interactive in the Early Years, moving to more independence during Year 4, in readiness for the self directed nature of homework required in the Middle Years.

Reading should constitute around half of the time allocated to homework and for Years P-3, this means reading with someone, and engaging in conversation about the text. Your child's teacher will guide you with the kind of questions to ask during the reading process to support the concepts being covered in the learning in class. No homework in the Early Years is given purely ‘for homework’s sake’. It is consolidation of routine skills and content covered in class. It should not be arduous, should not introduce any new content, and should be able to be completed without angst or anxiety. If you feel your child is having difficulty with their homework, please make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher to discuss how to prioritise the homework. 

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

Junior 

Inter House Swimming Carnival 

The under 9 under 12 (Born 2011 – 2008) Swimming Carnival will be held tomorrow, Friday, 7 February and should finish around 12.30pm. Buses will leave the College at 8.50am. All students who are swimming in the 100m Freestyle event need to be ready for a 8.45am start. It will be best if these students get dropped off at the pool and do not catch the bus. Order of events for the Carnival is 100m Freestyle, 12.5m Kickboard, 12.5m Freestyle, 25m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 25m Backstroke, 50m Backstroke, 25m Breaststroke, 50m Breaststroke, 25m Butterfly, 50m Butterfly and Relays. Programs are available at the College Office. Showery conditions are predicted for Friday so please ensure students have appropriate warm clothing for the day. 

Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival 

The Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday, 12 February at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Students will be notified shortly after the school carnival if they have been selected to attend.  

Bunya District Swimming Trials  

The Bunya District under 9-12 Years Swimming Trials will be held on Tuesday, 25 February at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Students who meet qualifying times to attend this carnival will be notified after our school carnival. 

Senior

Inter House Swimming Carnival 

The 13- 18 Years Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, 14 February from 9.00am to 2.30pm. Buses will leave the College at 8.50am. Order of events is 100m Freestyle, 25m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 25m Backstroke, 50m Backstroke, Boys Belly Flop Competition, Girls Bomb Dive Competition, 200m Individual Medley, 25m Breaststroke, 50m Breaststroke, 25m Butterfly, 50m Butterfly, Principals Dash, All Age Relay, House Captains / Staff Relay. Programs will be available at the College Office in Week 3. 

Touch Football 

Season 1 of the Dalby Touch Football Competition starts on Monday, 10 February for the Open Mixed Team (Stingers) and Wednesday, 12 February for the Under 15 Girls Team (Vipers). Students interested in playing in these teams at the SWQ and QLD All Schools Carnivals need to sign on via the Sports Notice Board and are invited to play in the first two rounds of the Dalby Touch Competition. If required, trials maybe held to finalise teams after these two rounds. The draw for the games will appear on the Dalby Touch Football website. Please note an Under 15 Boys Team will still be attending the School Carnivals later in the year but the team will only play in Season 2 of the Dalby Touch Football Competition due to the majority of the boys having many other football commitments in Semester 1. Trials to select this team will be held later in the term. Any queries please see Mr Lincoln. 

2020 Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Netball 

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. The Netball Carnival in open to any girls in Years 9-12. Morning training for both teams will recommence in on Monday, 3 February at 7.00am. Final team selections will be announced by the end of February.   

Netball 

The Laura Geitz Netball Competition will be held in Toowoomba on Sunday, 23 February. This is for girls in Year 7-9. The College will be sending one team to attend this carnival. Girls interested in playing need to sign up via the Sports Notice Board. Selection trials will be held on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes with Mrs Appleton. 

Inner Downs Cluster 1 Trials

• These trials will be held on Tuesday 11 February in Dalby
• Sports involved will be U15 Boys and U15 Girls Touch Football, Open Boys and Open Girls Touch Football, Open Boys and Open Girls Tennis
• Inner Downs Teams will be selected to attend the Darling Downs Trials in Toowoomba on Thursday, 13 February
• Please note this is now only two days after the Inner Downs Trials and students selected in Inner Downs Teams will need to register online for the Darling Downs Trials.

Darling Downs Volleyball Trials  

• A team of under 15 girls and a few under 15 boys and open girls will attend Darling Downs Volleyball Trials in Toowoomba on Thursday, 13 February.
• Students attending must have nominated online to register for the trial

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

On Friday, 14 February, OLSCC is pleased to be able to offer all students from Prep to Yr 6 the opportunity to participate in the Words Out West Writers Festival being hosted by WDRC Dalby Library (Yr 7s who are not involved in the 13-19 yrs swimming carnival will also join in). We are extremely fortunate that our community is hosting an event involving presenters of a very high calibre right here in our town!  

Students from different year levels will be attending sessions throughout the day and due to the volume of students attending, we will be accessing our own College coach as well as external providers. As such, it is ESSENTIAL that all Minor Excursion Consent forms are returned by Tuesday, 11 February. Individual teachers will inform classes if there are any changes to lunch or tuckshop routines for their particular year level. 

The festival continues throughout the weekend of Feb 15-16 with a variety of talks and workshops from notable authors, illustrators, journalists etc, including topics such as: 

• Craft of writing workshops 
• Cartooning workshops 
• So you want your own podcast workshop 

Take a look at the full program here

https://www.westerndownslibraries.com/wordsoutwest/

You are sure to find something of interest! 

The Senior Choir has already met with Mrs Baxter to commence their preparations for the year ahead. The first event for the Choir to perform is the College Commencement Mass next Wednesday, 12 February. Practices will be held this Friday at first lunch, Monday, first lunch and Tuesday morning from 8 to 8:40am in the Senior Music Room. Any student from Year 5 and upwards who is interested in joining the Senior Choir is encouraged to come along to rehearsals to see Mrs Baxter or Mr Thacker.

Photographs are due to the College Office by Friday 14 February.

Conditions of entry:

• Preferred photo size is 5” x 7” (13cm x 18cm). The smaller size of 4”x 6” (10cm x 15cm) is also acceptable.
• The same image may not be entered into more than one class.
• A maximum of 3 entries per entrant in each class.
• All entries must be securely mounted on black A5 cardboard to allow for the entry to be pinned. Use glue which does not buckle your photo.
• All entries must have the Exhibitor’s Name, Address, Phone Number and Class Number clearly marked on the back of the cardboard at the top left-hand corner. Hint: use sticky labels or white marker pen.

 Section K- Photography

Junior Section (15 years and under)

K21 Flower

K22 Coloured Pencils

K23 Eyes

K24 Leaves

K25 Pet animal

Note: any person can enter the Open Section.

OPEN SECTION: COLOUR PRINTS (Amateur Photographers only)

K1 Hats and Boots

K2 Sunset

K3 Signpost

K4 Wrinkles

K5 Tree bark

K6 Any parrot species

K7 Fence posts and/or gates

K8 Metal

K9 Shadows

K10 Leather

Bell Show is on Saturday 29 Feb and Sunday 1 March, so check out your photos there.