Up Day

There was a buzz of excitement around the whole College on Wednesday, as we once again participated in our now well-established Up Day as part of our transition process. This gives all students the opportunity to experience a full day (or half day for incoming preps) in their new classroom with their 2024 teacher and classmates, including students moving to the school next year. This has been very successful in establishing early connections and allowing our students to feel comfortable about the process ahead, rather than spending the holidays wondering what next year will look like for them. In turn, it allows our students to be learning ready from day 1.

Early Years Nativity Play

Congratulations to ALL students on their wonderful performance in the Early Years Nativity Play on Thursday. Our current year 4 students have spent the last few years waiting until they became the ‘seniors of the Early Years’ which in turn, gives them the opportunity to have the lead roles. Each year level performed their song to a high standard after engaging very well during rehearsals, with special mention to the Year 2 students who showed amazing professionalism and resilience when we encountered technical glitches! I want to specifically acknowledge the MANY students who threw themselves wholeheartedly into the learning pit to participate in this public performance. Often well out of their comfort or safety zone, all rose to the challenge to participate fully and leave us with lasting memories. Please enjoy this extensive photo gallery, with thanks to Tamara Creeley and Rachel Thompson for providing us with the images.

As my time finally draws to a close today at OLSCC, this will be my last newsletter piece. Congratulations to all students, families, and teachers on a stellar year across the Early Years.  I am so proud of the continued growth of our students throughout the year across many domains. In particular, I was delighted to see the final reading data gathered for the year once again places Our Lady of the Southern Cross College as the highest achievers across the Toowoomba diocese. It certainly does take a team effort to achieve a result like this, and I acknowledge the remarkable team of educators I have had the privilege to work alongside. This is an exceptionally collaborative team who work with an extremely high degree of integrity, diligence, and dedication. I thank the teachers and school officers for their consistent pursuit of excellence and their willingness to work with dedication to ensure every student is reaching their full potential. I also thank the families for willingly working alongside our teachers, ensuring students receive the support and consistency necessary to achieve. I wish you all the very best for 2024 and look forward to the knowledge and guidance Mrs Kristen Bennie will bring in her new role as Assistant Principal Early Years in 2024. Over and out.

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years