Monday is going to be great!  Everyone currently attending is very excited by the prospect of everyone returning next week. I trust that parents have been keeping up with the updates from the College, especially yesterdays, as they contain very important information for the ongoing function of the College.  Especially to note are the drop off and collection arrangements, as parents and carers are not to enter the College grounds or gather outside the College grounds as per the government’s direction.  This means that pick up and drop off will be hectic, though we will have many staff ready and waiting to support your child both into and out of the College on a daily basis.  Please note that we have requested a Police presence during drop off and collection, so be mindful to follow the road rules.

College Expectations

As we transition back to school we expect all students to be back wearing the correct uniform and present according to our usual expectations.  The Uniform Shop is open at the usual times for any additional items you expect.  Most importantly, this is not a start up week where students are easing back into their education, like they would at the start of the year.  Monday is a full and regular day of learning, and many students can expect that there will be considerable assessment over the next few weeks in the lead up to the reporting period.  Please ensure your child brings back all they need to actively engage in their learning, including their hat.  Most importantly, make sure they have their positive attitude ready so they can make the most of being back at school!

Drought Relief

Our College has been granted Drought Relief Funding which must be utilised to support families via fee relief over the 2019 and 2020 period.  We have a considerable grant available, though require families to either be recommended to us or to contact us directly simply asking that you be considered for fee relief due to the drought. Most importantly, this covers all who have been affected by drought, not just primary producers.  There are many families who are small business owners who have seen significant downturn due to the drought over 2019 and 2020, and this grant is to support you too. There are also many that have been affected that are reluctant to apply because they think others are worse off.  The reality for me is that I have a grant to distribute amongst those affected by drought by offering fee relief, and I would like to use the whole grant to support our community rather than return funds not used.  I will also not make judgements based on how big your house is or what car you drive. It’s about helping those who need a little hand in the reduction of their school fees. 

If you think this applies to you, or you would like to recommend someone for assistance, please contact Elizabeth Kuruilaca, our Business Manager and have a chat.  You will not be required to pass on any of your families financial details or pass an interview, just a conversation so we can determine the amount of fee relief we can offer based on your circumstances.

Report Cards

Prep- Year 11

At OLSCC we will continue to report on student learning via a report card for Semester 1.  Given the impact of COVID-19, the depth of the reporting in some subjects may differ from previous years, though student reports in regard to the learning of Semester 1 will remain.  To allow teachers more time to assess all students and subjects appropriately, report cards will be finalised by teachers in Week 10 and sent to parents in Week 2 of Term 3.  Whilst we will not be hosting a specific event for parents teacher interviews, it is crucial that parents understand that they are able to make a time with their child’s teacher for a parent teacher discussion should they wish. 

Year 12

Due to the changes communicated by QCAA during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessment timelines and requirements have shifted considerably. Accordingly, Year 12 interim Report Cards will be sent out in Week 8 of Term 3.  Be mindful however, that Year 12 results are updated on “MyQCE” on the QCAA site after they are confirmed. In addition, students are welcome and encouraged to discuss their unit by unit results with their teachers.

Tuckshop from Monday 25 May

From Monday Tuckshop will resume, though only via manual ordering (paper bag system) ot via FlexiSchools.  The new Term 2 Menu is attached to this newsletter.  In addition, there will be no walk up purchases at the tuckshop for any reason, by any person and late orders will not be accepted.  Prep – Year 6 classes will have a student collect the box and deliver to each classroom, while year 8-12 classes will have their box collected and delivered to the eating area. Please check the College website for further details regarding Flexischools and the Manual Ordering System.

College Updates

Much is changing on weekly basis according to government advice at present.  The best way for us to communicate these changes is through periodic College Updates which we communicate via Facebook, email and the SZAPP.  We try not to overrun parents with communication, though when you receive these updates, please take the time to keep informed of the happenings and changes at the College.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal 

This week we focus on the Virtue of Transcendence and the Character Strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence.  I hope others, like me, are finding plenty of time at the moment to actually stop and appreciate the world around us.   

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for Your favour and blessing on my life. 

Today I choose to be diligent. 

I choose to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. 

I give You all the glory and thank You for Your faithfulness in Jesus’ name 

Amen 

Donations 

This is a time of great hardship for many people in our community.  I am excited to report that through the efforts of our College we will be donating:  

• $470 to our local chapter of St Vincent de Paul raised through the Easter Egg Raffle. 
• $870 to Project Compassion, Caritas raised through money box donations during Lent. 

Your generosity will help many communities throughout Australia and beyond our borders.   

ECSI Survey Prize Winner 

Congratulations to Chloe Toms who was the winner of the parent completion of the ECSI Catholic Identity Survey.  Chloe will have a term’s tuition deducted from her child’s school fees.  Thanks to all the families that completed the survey.  Your contribution to the future direction of our College is appreciated.   

Cate Brennan

Deputy Princpal Religious Education

As of Monday, all Middle Years students will be back on site. Staff are very excited and have been working extremely hard to ensure a smooth transition back into classroom-based learning. Without doubt, school will still feel a little different for students and parents alike. Some social distancing restrictions are still be in place, which will continue to impact our community, especially around drop off and collection times. It is vital that parents and caregivers pay attention to the arrangements outlined in the College communication (21 May).   

Before everyone returns, I would like to remind families of some College expectations regarding uniforms, personal appearance, jewellery and mobile phones. These are explained in full in the student diary and some of the more pertinent points are highlighted below:

Uniform

The College uniform is a compulsory component associated with the enrolment of all students. It is a sign of unity and belonging for students and should always be worn with pride. Students are expected to present in a complete uniform, being neat and well-groomed in their appearance and exhibiting exemplary behaviour at all times.

In extreme cold, students are encouraged to layer using appropriate thermal undershirts in addition to the College pullover. As the cooler weather is fast approaching, please check the status of your child’s pullover now. If they have grown out of it or it is in a state of disrepair, please visit the College Uniform Shop or our online uniform partner Wearitto (http://www.wearitto.com.au/schools/our-lady-of-the-southern-cross) to replace the item before the cold weather has set in.

Shoes

• shoes should not show any colour other than black in their appearance, including the logo and foam support.

• shoes should also have a sturdy upper, be it leather, vinyl, suede or similar material.

• canvas shoes, such as Dunlop Volleys and Converse All Stars and any shoe with an open section are unsuitable.

Personal Appearance

• hair should be well groomed, brushed and sensible/conservative in nature (e.g. natural hair colours)

• boy’s hair must not be longer than their collar, not tied back and not hanging over the face.

• girl’s hair must not hang over the face and shoulder length hair must be tied back with a black, red and/or white ribbon or scrunchie.

• only clear nail polish is to be worn and makeup must be neutral.

• boys must have their formal socks pulled up and their shirts tucked in.

Jewellery

Jewellery is to be limited to:

• one watch

• one discrete necklace or chain (a plain crucifix or other Christian religious symbol on a chain)

• girls can wear sleepers or studs (one per lobe only)

Note: Any student who chooses to get piercings should ensure the piercing can be removed during school hours, or suitably covered or inserted with a clear stud. Students will be directed to remove non-compliant and/or unsafe jewellery.  

Mobile Phones

The College takes no responsibility for mobile phones and other electronic devices brought to school. It is our preference that these items be left at home. If it is necessary for the student to bring such a device to school, then the following guidelines apply:

1. Accessing the College network falls under the Student Network Access Agreement

2. The device should be only used under the direction of the classroom teacher

3. When not being used under teacher direction, the College expects that the device will be switched off and secured, with their belongings, in the student’s locker or at the College office.

4. A student needing to leave the College because of sickness or emergency must report to the College office or in sick bay, and parents will be contacted by the office staff.

5. Parents who need to contact their child, during the school day, should do so through the College office.

Students found not following these guidelines will have their mobile phones immediately confiscated to be collected from the College office at the end of the school day. Continued disregard for these guidelines will result in parent meetings.

Please discuss the points above with your child and ensure they are ready to return before the Monday next week.

Technology

A number of College laptops were distributed to families in Year 5 and 6 to support Remote Learning. These devices will be required for use on Monday 25 May in all classrooms. Please ensure these devices are returned with all chargers and bags by Monday before school. They can be signed in by students before school in the Library.

If families in Year 6 would like to purchase the computer bag they were loaned in preparation for the 1-to-1 Computer program in Year 7, please contact the administration office to make the necessary arrangements.

Year 7/8 Electives

On Monday, Year 7 and Year 8 students will be issued with new timetables indicating the new elective rotations. The rotations are as follow:

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years

The unit that Year 8 Science students have been doing this term is called 'Energy in My Life'. Students have been exploring how energy, in its many different forms, is an essential part of our daily lives. They are investigating what energy is, and how it is transformed and transferred.  The students have been busy, both at home and at school, building models which demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Energy.

In the photo below, the Year 8 students who were at school were building energy models with dominos and marbles. 

Louise Connellan

Year 8 Science Teacher

We are super excited to be welcoming back the rest of the Early Years students next week. All teachers are looking forward to being able to continue learning without having to do so via the computer screen!

Next Wednesday, 27 May at 11:00am, we look forward to participating in National Simultaneous Storytime. A little bit about NSS –

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 20th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

This year, the book is Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas, written and illustrated by Lucinda Gifford.

Please continue to be mindful of general safety and traffic rules as we see an increase in student numbers next week. Families of students in Years 2-4 (and beyond) are encouraged to use Cooper St as an alternative drop off/pick up site, or consider one of the Nicholson St sites further down towards Aerodrome Road. There has been some undesirable traffic activity from drivers, including parking out of designated zones, completing U turns across the white line, and unsafe reversing practices. All of these issues can be solved simply by having more patience and tolerance for these changed conditions. An extra 2-3 minutes is all that is needed to ensure safe traffic flow for all.

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

With everything continuing as is (and no setbacks with Covid 19) Playgroup will re-commence on Wednesday 17 June… maximum 20 adults in attendance. Please mark this date in your calendar and contact the College Office for more information if required.

Inter House Athletics Carnival

The Inter House Athletics Carnival will not be held at the end of Term 2. The Carnival has not been cancelled, however will move to a new date in Term 3.

QLD All Schools Touch Football Secondary

All students who are part of the Under 15 and Open All Schools Touch Football Teams were sent an email during the week about the All Schools Carnival proceeding this year. A final decision about the carnival being held will be made at the beginning of Term 3.

Representative School Sport

All Bunya District, Darling Downs and QLD School Sport Events have been cancelled for Term 2. No decisions have been made yet about events to be held in Semester 2 along with any Inter School Sport Competitions.

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Each week I will be doing a video showing what’s been going on in The Arts and Culture at OLSCC. The features of the article this week are: Online learning via Instrumental Music lessons and ‘Why do we teach music?’

I hope you find the videos interesting and if you have any questions please email me at neill.thacker@twb.catholic.edu.au

Neill Thacker

Middle Leader The Arts and Culture

This week has been National Careers Week and here at the College we have had to be very creative in how we have celebrated this week. The College Library has had a fantastic display for students which has included Staff profiles. Next week, these profiles will move out around the College for everyone to see. Students will be able to get an insight into the pathways that their teachers have taken and how they ended up in teaching. I can tell you that there are some fascinating stories.

Students have also participated in phone calls to Griffith University representatives so that they could ask direct questions. In these uncertain times University Open Days will not be going ahead in the traditional sense. Students have direct access to university links and course guides through the Pathways and Careers Canvas page. Students have been encouraged to visit that page regularly and take their parents on a little walk through the information. I continually update the page with information on scholarships, courses, and early round entries as they come to hand. I have also included links to TAFE South West and a link to the Certificate III Guarantee option that is available for all Year 12 students once they have graduated. This is a fantastic option if students are considering a GAP Year. Further to this I have also included the information of the Armed Forces GAP Year program as well. 

Attached is PDF about the University of Southern Queensland’s Accelerated Entry Pathway Program. This course is an excellent opportunity for students who may not attain their desired ATAR or who thought that University was not for them but have decided to apply. The course makes sure that students are university ready by ensuring they are able to meet the requirements of tertiary study. It is a free program and it is also a great program for students who may just wish to improve their literacy skills before going to university. The AEPP also offers direct entry to many University degrees upon completion.

AEPP_Information_2020.pdf

AEPP_Information_2020 _pdf 976.34 KB

Check out the link below to an article from the Careers Week website on how parents can support their career aspiring students. Parent and carers play such an important role in helping children make career choices and this link will give you some tips on how to offer the best support.

Parents as Career Supporters

QTAC and Year 12 Student and Parent Pathway Meetings.

These will take place throughout Term 3 and all Year 12 students who are wishing to attend University in 2021 will complete their course selection in the last week of Term 3. The cohort will do this together so that we can be assured that the closing dates have been met. Students will have a copy of their QTAC choices, and I will keep copy as well.

I will send a letter home to parents with times that are available for these meetings and I encourage you to book early. I ask parents to make sure they have as many questions as they can with them. I am very happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Libby Baxter

Careers Development Practitioner

The Tuckshop will be reopening next week with some changes to observe. Ordering will be via Flexisxhools or the packet system only. No orders will be accepted via the old order sheet. Our new menu includes weekly specials for each day of the week with two options per day. Please click on the link below to our webpage for the Tuckshop to check out all the details.

This week, as a nation, we celebrate National Volunteers Week. Despite all the current restrictions on our day to day activities not just at the College but in our whole community, we still want to thank all the families and friends who have volunteered for so many different reasons. We thank the people who come in to read with our students, we thank Lyn and Sammy the reading dog, we thank those amazing ladies who volunteer in our Tuckshop and we especially thank our P & F committee that works very hard to make our school a great place. There are so many people who give up their time to volunteer for many different reasons. We look forward to soon welcoming you back to our College but this week, we say a big thank you!

Any students who access busses to travel to and from school may be eligible to apply for a subsidy during May via the School Transport Assistance Scheme. Please read the attached PDF for more details.

Once approval has been received, we hope to resume Masses in St Joseph’s Church with the allowed maximum of 10 only participating on: 

Pentecost Sunday 31^st May at 9am.

Mass would then be held each successive day (including Sunday) at 9am with the same restricted number. 

At this stage, we propose to gather names of those wanting to attend Mass, and then to work through the list to give everyone, in turn, a chance to come to Mass until larger numbers are allowed.

Please forward your name(s) and phone number to the parish on 4662 4011 (be patient if not answered and let the phone ring out so you can leave a message with your name(s) – family groups acceptable!) – or email the parish with the same info.

dalbyparish@twb.catholic.edu.au

We also propose to open the church for private prayer for a few hours each week; at this time we cannot just leave the church open and unattended.  Ten is the limit for those who may enter at any one time and someone always needs to be present to take contact details of those who wish to enter.  Further details regarding opening hours will be available before Pentecost Sunday.

Prior to all this, we have lots to organise in order to fulfil requirements of the church and the government, beginning with submitting a fairly detailed COVIDSafe plan to the bishop for his approval.  Bell and Jandowae communities are required to submit separate plans for their buildings.

At this time, evening Masses will not be feasible because of the needful attendance of parish staff during and after morning celebrations. 

Fr Jim and the St Joseph’s Staff