Congratulations Mrs Gormley, Mrs Bennie, Mr Fraser and Mr Spain

On Wednesday evening, the annual Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Dinner was hosted at Preston Peak Winery by our Executive Director, Dr Pat Coughlan.  These awards recognise members of the TCS community who create exemplary places of learning where every student experiences academic success and comes to know and experience the loving presence of Jesus.  This year we had finalists in three of the ten award categories, which is an amazing feat.  The night rapidly improved, as each of our finalists was announced as the winner of their category.  The winners received a certificate, an excellence award pin, and a cash prize. 

Congratulations again, to these amazing staff members at OLSCC, as well as their peers for recognising their excellence and nominating them for an award:

• Andrea Gormley (Middle Leader Student Services) – Excellence in Education Support: Teaching and Learning Support
• Kristen Bennie (Year 3 Teacher) – Excellence in Teaching and Learning: Primary Expert Teacher
• Tyron Fraser and Rod Spain (as part of the eLearning Collective) - Excellence in Teaching and Learning:  eLearning

How blessed we are to have so many amazing staff members across our College to support the learning and wellbeing of our students. 

Class Lists and Subject Selections for 2023

2023 Classlists for Prep – Year 12 will be released Monday 7 November 2022. As always, the class lists will be physically displayed throughout the College on Monday afternoon so that students can see their classes and teachers for the 2023 academic year.  It is also a timely reminder that at OLSCC we do not change class lists once they are developed.  These are the final class lists for 2023, with changes only occurring due to incoming students.

Parents of students in 2023 Year 7-12 should keep an eye on their email as subject selection information and confirmation is distributed over these last few weeks. As always in small high schools, subject offerings depend on the volume of students selecting subjects, so changes may occur over time.    

Staffing Changes for 2023

We love all our staff members at OLSCC, though it is that time of the year where I announce staff that won’t be with us in 2023 and welcome new staff to the community.  I am rather pleased with our trajectory with staffing for 2023, with only a few teaching and non-teaching positions outstanding. Mrs Brennan is excitedly drafting the 2023 timetable, and although always a challenge, is confident of delivering a great timetable for all students and staff at the College.

Outgoing Staff Members:

Miss Harriet Nicholson is relocating to the Gold Coast after 2 years making excellent contributions to the Cultural department and Senior Years groups in particular. 

Mr Kris Kingston is completing his contract after a big first year of teaching at OLSCC and pursuing other opportunities. 

Miss Emily Comin is finally able to travel overseas after having her travel plans ruined by COVID for a few years.  We wish her all the best as she sets off to explore the world!

Staff taking leave 2023:

Mrs Andrea Gormley is taking 12 months leave to rest and refresh – and well rewarded after her big win this week at the Excellence Awards!

Mrs Rebecca Martin is taking 12 months away from the College to focus on family, though will still be helping out with a project between OLSCC and Australian Catholic University.

Mrs Libby Baxter is having 12 months of leave after her many years of dedication to OLSCC and the building of the Careers department in recent years.

We wish all of our outgoing staff and staff taking leave all the best and sincerely thank them for everything they have done for our community!

Incoming Staff 2023

I am very excited to announce the amazing new staff we have recruited for 2023! We have managed to recruit some excellent applicants and I am greatly looking forward to working with the new staff as they integrate into our community.  We welcome:

Mrs Danielle Skerman – Learning Support Teacher (4 days per week). 

Danielle comes to us with a wealth of experience from the state system.  She has many skills and fortes from instrumental music to AUSLAN, and leadership development.  Her distinct skill set will be of great benefit to our College for many years to come.  Danielle’s 2 children, Audrey and Xavier, will also join her at OLSCC.

Miss Sophie Twidale – Year 3 Teacher. 

Sophie has been teaching at St John’s School in Roma in Years 5 and 3 for the past 2 years.  Her principals are sad to see her go, though we are very happy to welcome her on relocation as she transitions to Dalby.  Miss Twidale will be one of 2 new teachers in Year 3 who will bring bright new ideas to the Early Years as well as be supported by the experienced teachers.

Miss Abby Henry – Prep Teacher. 

Abby was identified as an outstanding candidate through the Toowoomba Catholic Schools graduate recruitment program and is very excited about joining our Prep team in 2023.  She has a passion for early primary education and has received excellent reports from her previous mentors.  Miss Henry will be joining us for the Prep transition events so our newest students will get to know her before classes begin next year.

Miss Amie Stolz – Senior and Middle Years Music and Instrumental Music

Amie is a highly skilled musician specialising in viola, violin and cello from the Queensland Conservatorium.  Miss Stolz has been teaching as a music and instrumental teacher across independent, Catholic and state schools in the metropolitan area and is greatly looking forward to her move to Dalby to settle into her new role.

Mrs Kristen Bennie – Middle Leader Student Services

Kristen has been an expert teacher at OLSCC for many years and will now transition into leading Student Services to support the learning of all students at OLSCC.  Mrs Bennie enjoyed her time replacing Mrs Walton earlier in the year and now looks forward to continuing the excellent work of our Student Services team!

Mr Dean Garside – Careers Development Practitioner / SY Teacher

Dean has been studying careers at university and is excited to enter this field of interest in 2023.  He brings a wealth of experience from the classroom, his study, and his various roles in industry and life prior to starting his teaching career.  Mr Garside is also well connected to the community and looks forward to continuing the progress of Careers at OLSCC.

Mrs Tracey Boland – Careers Support Officer

Most would be familiar with Tracey’s welcome in the front office for many years, though after completing her study in careers, she is now transitioning to a full-time role working as the Careers Support Officer.  This means she will be doing the vast majority of the administration and organisation of careers, school based apprenticeships, and various events. 

Ms Leah Parker – SY Design Technology, Food & Nutrition and Mathematics

Ms Parker was looking for a change of scenery from her previous College where she had worked for most of life, and very fortunately, we found her!  She has varied experience across leadership, pastoral and teaching initiatives and is very keen to begin her teaching at OLSCC, particularly working alongside Mrs Forbes.  I look forward to the impact Ms Parker will have in the Design Technologies spaces as we enhance this area of the College over coming years!

Positions Advertised

We have advertised or are advertising the following positions to fill our staff roster for 2023:

• SY Physics and Mathematics
• SY Science and Mathematics
• SY English and Humanities
• EY Teacher
• Admin Officer (x2)
• Additional school officers (yet to be finalised)

Peter Cuskelly

Principal