I am extremely proud of the Year 12 students who began their external exam period today.  They have worked hard over the years of their schooling, learning and balancing all aspects of College life as they've grown and developed.  We look forward to celebrating their graduations with them in Week 7 of this term.  As the end of term fast approaches, please find details in my news today about the events we will celebrate to conclude the 2021 Academic Year.  

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

2022 OLSCC Student Leadership positions are now open for applications.  Full details of our Leadership application process are available on our College Website, Schoolzine and at the College Office.  All students Year 4-11 have received a copy of the application package via email.  We are in the process of reviewing our Student Leadership structure to align with changes to our College structures and Year 12 QCE changes over the past two years.  To apply for any of the following positions: Prefect, House Leader (both Senior and Junior), Student Representative Council, students must write an application letter addressed to Mr Cuskelly. 

END OF YEAR EVENT ATTENDANCE OF COMMUNITY

Awards Ceremony – 17 November 9:15am in the MPC.  This event will be attended by all students in Prep-Year 12.  This will be a ticketed event, as this will then increase the capacity we can have attend from outside our student body. Limited tickets will be available to families of Year 12 students and award recipients.  We will live stream this event due to our limited capacity.  Details on how to book tickets or watch the live stream will become available in the coming weeks.

Yr 12 Graduation Mass – 19 November 9:15am at St Joseph’s Church.  This event will be attended by Year 11 and Year 12 students.  One pew will be designated seating for each of the Year 12 students’ families.  Other limited seating will be available via a ticket system for the extended community.  Details on how to book tickets will be in our next newsletter. 

Christmas Carols – Friday 26 November, 6:00-8:00pm on the OLSCC Main Oval.  This event is open to all students and their extended families and friends.  There are no capacity limits at this event and those in attendance just need to register on arrival using our Qld Government QR Code. 

Early Years Christmas Play – Thursday 2 December at 12:30pm in the MPC.  This will be a ticketed event to increase our audience capacity in the MPC.  Details on how to book tickets will be available in upcoming newsletters.

STUDENT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS CEREMONY

Our College Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday 17 November is a formal event for all students at the College, Prep to Year 12.  All students must wear full formal College uniform on this day, including ties for Year 5-12 students.  Students may swap their sports uniform to Tuesday or Thursday in this week to assist families.

PRAXIS

Year 12 as part of their last Religion and Ethics Assessment and aligning with their Praxis class designed their own projects and worked to make a difference in the world.  Many of the groups gave up their time volunteering at different organisations around town.  One group helped out at St Joseph's Parish clearing overgrown gardens.  St Joseph's sent their thanks stating it "has opened up the garden and this week we had some volunteers notice the free space and came and planted some pots of colour. This will go a long way to making the grounds bright for our Centenary celebrations at the end of November, we appreciate your help greatly." Parish Secretary, Lesley Clapperton.  Other groups volunteered at the Pound, St Vincent de Paul, gathered donations for the Salvos and created video interviews for the 100yr Parish celebrations!  Well done students.

MINI VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL

For most of us, Christmas is a time of celebration with family and friends; the joy of exchanging gifts, making precious memories together and enjoying delicious Christmas treats to eat. However, for many Australians, including families and children living below the poverty line, Christmas can be a time when meeting their most basic needs, like putting food on the table or a place to call home, is a real struggle. 2021 has been a year like no other, with even more people needing support to bring joy back into their Christmas celebrations.

Each year, we as a College make every effort to support St Vincent de Paul in their challenge to help the needy in our community. We are again inviting you to join them in making this Christmas, one filled with joy and happiness for families across Queensland. We invite you to donate goods which can be made into hampers. These could be items that are considered treats at Christmas or staples to fill a pantry. Any donation is appreciated but to streamline your donations, we are asking each class to donate items in the following categories:

Please send your donations into the College with your child by Wednesday 24 November. These donations will then be passed on to our local St Vincent de Paul Society at the College Christmas Carols on Friday 26 November.

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education