Welcome to Term 4!

The rain has been a very welcome addition to the new term, with the exception of the students transitioning between the science labs and yellow block today who found themselves in the middle of a downpour.  It is wonderful to see the grass greening up and the water flowing into the dam again.  Thank you to our students who have been mindful of the mess that black mud can make, and have made decisions about where to walk, play and clean their shoes accordingly.  I trust our farmers are enjoying the week!

Australian Council for Education Leaders (ACEL) National Conference

During the last week of the holidays, our College Leadership Team of Mr Hobson, Mrs Brennan, Mr Gillespie and I attended the ACEL National Conference in Melbourne.  What an experience! The speaker line-up included the pinnacle of worldwide educators and researchers who outlined the educational practices that are revolutionising education in Australia, Finland, Ontario (Canada), US, and New Zealand.  We also heard from our own Wimbledon winner, Evonne Cawley and the leaders of education systems in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.  Of greatest value to our team were the conversations regarding Experiential Learning Theory by David and Alice Kolb, Clarity to precision in practice  by Lynn Sharratt, Curiosity by Bryan Goodwin, and Leading from the Middle by Andy Hargreaves.  John Hattie’s keynote was entitled Scaling up success: The implementation dilemma in schools and certainly gave our leaders insight into ways we can work going forward to make the biggest impact on improved learning experiences for our students, leading to deeper, stronger and longer learning.  We also attended many sessions giving us insight into student well-being and how schools have implemented systemic change for greatest impact in student learning and our work toward planning for next year is certainly centred around this. 

1 to 1 devices in Years 7-12, 2019

We are currently receiving quotes to meet our specifications for the roll-out of 1 to 1 laptops in Years 7-12 next year.  It has been a well thought out process ensuring that the devices will cater for every subject and all software that is offered as part of learning at OLSCC.  Our staff are currently enrolled in courses to train in our online Learning Management System (Canvas) which will mean that students will have access to their notes, problems, homework, assignments and other items all day, every day.  In turn, this enables Mastery Learning which is when students understand, explain and can apply their knowledge and understanding in unfamiliar situations. It also allows students to have access to the technology they require at all times, in contrast to current times where the software they need is held only on College computers. 

It is important to clarify that this is not a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) platform where students choose what device they bring to the College.  It is also important to note that all students in Years 7-12 will be required to have a College laptop, and yes, it does come with an additional cost of between $240 and $300 per year.  This is between 66 and 83 cents per day and will be billed with term fees and no concessions will apply to the College laptops.  All students in Years 7-12 will receive a new laptop in 2019, and all students in Years 7 and 10 will receive new laptops from 2020.  This ensures that students have current devices which are capable of performing to the standard required for their studies. Details of payout figures for those who wish the devices after their completion of Year 12 will be included in subsequent information sent to all high school students for 2019.

Attendance

Every day counts. 

Every lesson missed is missed, and teachers can’t repeat them. 

93% is the lowest attendance rate we can expect before an impact on learning occurs. 

Less than 93% and students will have gaps in their learning.

If your child’s attendance is under 80% they will struggle to pass anything.

Even on birthdays – every day counts!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

We kick off this term with the Virtue of courage and the Character Strength of perseverance.  With only nine weeks in this term, we will need to use these attributes to find success. So we pray for  

 Oh God, enlighten my mind with truth; 

Inflame my heart with love; 

Inspire my will with courage; 

Enrich my life with service. 

Pardon what I have been; 

Sanctify what I am;  

Order what I shall be 

and be my guide and salvation. 

Amen  

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

St Vincent de Paul is the largest and most extensive volunteer welfare network in the country with 18209 members and 30910 volunteers. 

(facts compiled by Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ) 

MJR – Making Jesus Real 

On Monday, students from Year 3-6 spent time with Mitch, from MJR – Making Jesus Real.  MJR is a way of behaving and reflecting that opens students and teachers to the presence of the ‘Spirit of Jesus’ in their lives. If you have a child in these year levels ask them to complete this sentence tonight over dinner, I saw the Spirit of Jesus when… Also ask them to explain the OK ding smile idea – it will improve your life. 

Throughout the day, Mitch led experiences with the students challenging them to find the spirit of Jesus in their lives.  Mitch encourage students and staff, in our after-school meeting, to be the best we can be through the Gospel values, a focus on attitude, leadership and self-reflection.  We were encouraged to look for the positives in our lives and to realise we have control over the choices we make each day.  We look forward to further embedding MJR in our College in 2019 and beyond. 

WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL LIBRARY DRONE VISIT 

Have you checked out our drone footage on our College Facebook page?  

RECONCILATION MEETING  

St Joseph’ Parish reconciliation meeting is tonight (Thursday 11 October) at 7:00pm at the Parish Centre.  

TIM STAPLES - THE FULLNESS OF TRUTH 

Next Tuesday 16 October Tim Staples will give FREE talks in Toowoomba at Holy Name.  Tim is a U.S. Apologist and Evangelist who will share his zeal and knowledge with all in free sessions.  This short clip below summarises this tour. See detailed flyer in Newsletter for times, session topics and RSVP details. 

Cate Brennan

Assistant Principal Mission

Senior

Touch Football

The QLD All Schools Touch Football Carnival starts in Brisbane today. Best of luck to the four College teams participating. Results will be in next week’s newsletter.

Rugby Sevens

The College has entered an Under 14 Boys, Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Boys in the South West Sevens Series to be played in Toowoomba starting next week. Girls games will be on Tuesday afternoons starting and boys games on Thursday afternoons.

Triathlon

Any boys or girls interested in attending Darling Downs Triathlon Trials for 2019, please see Mr Lincoln for more information. Students must be born between 2002 – 2006 and be enrolled at school next year.

Tim Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

On Friday, 19 October, OLSCC is hosting a 'McGrath Night In' for girls in Years 9 to 12 to fundraise for the McGrath Foundation. The night will begin at 6pm in the MPC with movies, dinner and a talk from a local McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Maree Wylie. The McGrath Foundation began in 2005, when Jane and Glen McGrath launched the Foundation from their home in Sydney. After Jane was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she was supported by a breast care nurse who both empowered and comforted her and her family. Therefore, it became the mission for the Foundation and an enduring commitment: to ensure every family experiencing breast cancer has the support of a breast care nurse, no matter where they live – for free! Today the Foundation has 120 McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia who have supported over 64,000 families through the challenges of breast cancer. The $25 dollar entry fee for the McGrath Night In will allow for OLSCC to make a generous donation to the McGrath Foundation.

How much would you like to donate?

A donation of $70 provides the practical and emotional support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a patient and their family experiencing breast cancer.

A very kind donation of $140 connects a newly diagnosed patient with a dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse, providing the care, support and information typically required during this traumatic time.

A very generous donation of $910 ensures a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is with a patient and their family every step of the way – for free – throughout the duration of treatment.

Therefore, any donation made, big or small, can make a huge difference to a family suffering from cancer. If you are unable to attend the event your support is still greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to the College office, Facebook page or through the link below. We all hope to see you there for a great night of fun and laughter to support this great cause!

Claudia Nothdurft

Prefect

Year 2A has received the exciting news that their Hanging Basket entry in the Education Section of the Yates, Cobb&Co Museum hanging Basket competition was awarded 3rd place. The theme for this year was Alice in Wonderland and the students came up with a very creative entry which obviously impressed the judges. Congratulations to Year 2A.

All Year 10 students completed one week of work experience at the end of last Term. Students were placed in various positions of their choice, most being allowed the opportunity to experience the fields they are interested in as a career.

Pat Kelly is interested in Marine Biology and was lucky enough to spend the week at Sealife in Mooloolaba while Pat Boland chose to spend the week in the field of aviation working for Easternwell, an onshore oil and gas well servicing and drilling company. Easternwell employs many staff from around the Darling Downs and provides aviation services for Fly In, Fly Out employees throughout Australia.

Margot Gleeson and Zoe Turner enjoyed a week working at Knox Veterinary learning about the fields of veterinary medicine and nursing.

If any other students would like their photographs included in the next Newsletter, please forward them to Dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au

We would like to say thank you to all the employers who allowed our students a work place opportunity for the week. The experience has been invaluable and many students have gained a 'good foot in the door' in their chosen field already.

As the end of the year approaches, it is important that we observe the details for Library borrowing and returns in order to allow Library staff to carry out the stocktake or all books and resources.

Week 1 - 5 – Regular Week for borrowing and class use

• All Yr 12 Textbooks returned 8^th  & 9^th November
• 2^nd last week for Prep to Yr 9 Borrowing

Week 6 

• LAST  WEEK  FOR  GENERAL BORROWING
• Library space open for class use
• Library closes Friday 16^th for borrowing (except Readers)
• Final Due Date for Prep to Yr 9 Borrowing 16^th November

Week 7 – Commence Stocktake of Teacher Resources

• Library space open for class use
• All Returns due back for all Students in all levels 
• Last week for borrowing Readers
• Yr 10 & 11 textbooks return

Week 8 – CONTINUE STOCKTAKE OF TEACHER RESOURCES

• Library space open for class use
• All Readers to be returned

Week 9 – Yr 8 & 9 textbooks return

• Library space open for class use
• FINALISE  STOCKTAKE

Thanks for your help in prompt returns at this busy time of year for us all!

Jacqueline Jenkinson

Teacher Librarian

PEACE 2018 to 2019 - Kindness Matters

Lions International Peace Poster Contest is an international contest that encourages children, aged between 11 and 13, to creatively express what peace means to them. The 2018 to 2019 contest is 'Kindness matters'. The contest allows students to share their unique image of peace with others, so that we may have a greater tolerance and international understanding.

The Dalby Lions Club contact is our College Business Manager, Elizabeth Kuruilaca who can be contacted for more information via email at Elizabeth.Kuruilaca@twb.catholic.edu.au

Some students in the age group of 11 to 13 years will be able to create something during Art with Mrs McArthur, but as not all students will study art this term, those students who would still like to create a poster are very welcome and encouraged to do so. For some inspiration, clink on the Youtube video below.

Follow the link to the Lions Website for more information. 

If you require the College to administer medication to your child at school during the day, the following steps are required:

Prescribed medication from a doctor, dentist or optometrist but NOT a pharmacist

• Medication must be labelled with prescribing practitioners name on the label
• Administration of Medication form must be provided (available from the College Office)

Non-prescribed medication including any over the counter (OTC) medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, eye drops or skin creams

• Medical authorization in the form of a letter from the doctor, dentist or optometrist must be provided
• Medication must be labelled by a pharmacist
• OTC medication can be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or optometrist and include the practitioners name on the label in which case a letter from the practitioner is not required
• Administration of Medication form must be provided (available from the College Office)

All medication for students in Prep to Year 6 including OTC medication is to be administered by the College First Aid personnel at the College Office.

Students in Year 3 or below are required to have asthma puffers kept at the College Office to be administered by the College First Aid personnel

Students in Year 4 to 6 are permitted to self-administer Ventolin at the discretion of parents

Students in Year 7 to 12 are permitted to self-administer medications (EXCEPT Controlled Schedule 8 drugs) at their parents discretion.

For camps and excursions, the same rules apply and NO staff member is permitted to administer any medication to any student unless there is medical authorisation either via a letter from a practitioner or a practitioners name on the medication label and the associated Administration of Medications form from the College. Students in Year 7 to 12 are permitted to self-administer medications (EXCEPT Controlled Schedule 8 drugs) at their parents discretion. In the case of a student becoming ill, no medication will be administered to any child unless medical authorisation is sought.

* "at their parents discretion" means that parents have approved for their child to self administer medication and as such, have determined that the College has no responsibility for the management of their child's medical condition and subsequent administration of medication.

Swimming lessons for Year 1-3 will commence on Tuesday, 23 October (Week 3) and conclude on Monday, 19 November (Week 7) at the Dalby Aquatic Centre:  

A detailed note will be sent home with students in regards to this. 

College Junior Inter-House Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, 30 November from 9.00am - 12.00pm. Students will nominate for their events before the carnival towards the end of the swimming block. 

This silver bracelet with two charms has been handed in to the College Office. If it is yours, please see the staff at the Office to reclaim it.

DALBY NETBALL ASSOCIATION 2019 REPRESENTATIVE TRIALS

The Dalby Netball Association competes in 5 Inter District Carnivals during the netball season. Players who are chosen to represent Dalby Netball Association play with their team at the PCYC/Toowoomba fixtures on Saturday and at Inter District Carnivals and/or other carnivals.

Sunday 14th Oct 2018 9:00am-10:30am
Open/18s (18s- 2001/2002)  

Wednesday 10th October 3:30pm-5:00pm
Under 16s (16s 2003/2004)

Wednesday 17th October 3:30pm-5:00pm
U/13 & U/14(2005, 2006)

Thursday 18th October 3:30pm-5:00pm
U/11 & U/12(2007, 2008, 2009)

Players have the option to trial for a Rep team higher.
However, selectors have the right to select players that fit the needs for Dalby Netball Association.

All players wishing to trial will need to register via Try Booking

Erin Pascoe- 0400773597
Deanna Wilson- 0466303380
We look forward to seeing you there!!

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

***Please Note*** Some minor changes have been made to the Flexischools online tuckshop menu. Thanks to all the families and students who are utilising this convenient tool for ordering daily tuckshop.