Deputy News
Every second Friday we join together as a College community for our Whole College Assembly. Assemblies are a time for us to celebrate the successes of our students across P-12. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Assemlby is held every odd week at 8:55am in the MPC.
Year 9 Retreat
Last Friday, Year 9 students took part in their annual retreat. Retreats are a time of reflection to connect with each other and the sacred. Year 9’s were lucky enough to spend this time with guest presenter Michael Fitzpatrick. They even sang a tune or two as part of the day.
100 DAYS
Last week our Prep students marked ‘100 Days of Prep’! What an occasion, there was lots of learning about the number 100 and even cake. Our Year 12 students this week marked the ‘100 days to go of Year 12’ with a huge cake! These are important occasions for our students to mark and celebrate, both equally significant in the lives of our young people. As our Preps settle into school life, our Year 12’s prepare for life beyond the school grounds. We congratulate both these groups, as our alpha and our omega, on these milestones.
DAYS OF CELEBRATION – DATE CLAIMER
Wednesday 31 August at 12:15pm – Blessing and Opening of new facilities – The Chapel, Agricultural Precinct, Grounds and Maintenance Shed and the Middle Years Plaza. All students will attend this ceremony and should wear full College formal uniform for this formal occasion. Official guests will be in attendance for this event, including Bishop McGuckin who will bless the facilities and Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director Toowoomba Catholic Schools, who will officially open them with Mr Peter Cuskelly.
Thursday 1 September from 12:10pm onwards – Our Lady of the Southern Cross Day. We will celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Mary on this day. Students are invited to wear their best ‘house colour’ outfits on the day to show their team and College spirit. The celebrations will begin with Mass celebrated by Fr Jim Cronin. Mass will be followed by our whole College Athletics events, Ball games, the Tresillian and Gillespie Gifts, All Age Relay and Staff versus Student race.
These will both be great times to celebrate our Prep to Year 12 College Life and we invite families to join us at these events.
COVID – the next wave
As the next wave of COVID passes through our community it is timely to be reminded of what we can do to slow the wave and protect ourselves and others.
Mask wearing:
Mask wearing is not mandated in schools, except for those staff and students returning from a period of COVID isolation. We also understand that mask wearing is an effective level of defense against the spread of COVID, staff and students are welcome to wear masks as an extra protective measure if the individual wishes to do so. Masks are available in all classrooms if students would like one during the school day.
Ventilation:
Although the weather is cooler we aim to ensure good ventilation in our classrooms to ensure the flow of fresh air into the rooms. If your child is sensitive to the cold please ensure they have appropriate jumper for school.
If you are sick stay home:
If your child is experiencing any of the COVID symptoms they should stay home from school until they are well. These symptoms include
- Fever
- Cough
- Loss of taste and smell
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
It is important to regularly test for COVID if experiencing these symptoms to ensure you are not positive. If you do test positive you should follow the QLD Govt guidelines for isolation. Children and staff who develop these symptoms whilst at school will be sent home and given a RAT to administer.
Good hygiene:
Good hygiene is a great defence against all germs and ‘bugs’ in our community. All classrooms are supplied with hand sanitizer and all bathrooms adequately stocked with hand washing facilities. Students are reminded to practice good hygiene when washing their hands, coughing or sneezing. Together we should teach our children these good practices for life.
Cate Brennan
Deputy Principal Religious Education