Year 12 End of Year and Graduation

Our Year 12 students have given very positive feedback regarding their preparation and performance in the External Assessment period this year, and many are very pleased with their performance in the examinations. With only Food & Nutrition (Thursday), Math Methods (Friday), and Agricultural Science (Monday) remaining for our students, the finalisation of results from 13 years of education is getting closer every day. I look forward to seeing the seniors of 2024 reap the fruits of their labour through both their attainment of their QCE and the ATARs that our eligible students receive, even though most have early entry offers to university already in place.

In reviewing the incoming marks across Essential and Applied subjects, I am very impressed with the excellence achieved by many students. At many schools, students focussing on transitioning to work or trade meander through their course, though quite the opposite is true at OLSCC. Many of our students enrolled in Applied or Essential subjects are striving to the end and have produced some outstandings results. While these results will not be reflected in an ATAR for university placement, they will most certainly be evident in each student's success after school. 

At OLSCC, our staff arrive at the College every day to "Grow Great People". For us, it's about developing each individual so they can be the best they can be in whatever career they choose in the future. Everyone has the opportunity to become successful in their career, though the trick isn't to simply aim for the highest paid professions and HECS debts, but rather to be the best in the field you choose. This is the determination of success, what great people do, and our graduates of 2024 have potential to take them each individually to whatever level of success they commit themselves to.

I greatly look forward to sharing their Week 7 celebrations, including their Graduation Mass at St Joseph's Parish, and our Valedictory Lunch next Friday. All the best Year 12!

College Awards of Excellence

One of our greatest events of the year is only a few days away! Mrs Brennan and her crew have everything organised and prepared for this years College Excellence Awards starting at 9:15am next Wednesday 13 November. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to celebrate excellence across all domains at our College. Mrs Brennan has all the information you require in her section below. I look forward to seeing you there.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum

Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, is invested in the leadership of the Diocese by bringing together all of the TCS principals every term so we can work together to align our work with the strategic direction of the Diocese. Amongst much other valuable professional learning, this term we were blessed with a presentation from Bishop Ken Howell on Synodality and the focus of Pope Francis on this noble and almost forgotten method of ministry. As a key component of Synodality, which means “journeying together as the people of God”, we are asked to listen. Before dialogue, discernment, decision-making or action, we must first listen. A great note of reflection was Bishop Ken’s reflection that good listening:

• requires patience
• is an act of love
• asks perceptive questions
• is ministry
• reflects our relationship with God
• prepares us to speak well
• Most importantly – Listening breathes love and grace in to other’s stories

Queensland Combined Independent Schools (QCIS)

Every year we engage in a variety of sporting opportunities for the students of OLSCC, Concordia College, Downlands College, Scots PGC College, Mary Mackillop Catholic College and Toowoomba Anglican School through our association, QCIS. This week we held our Annual General Meeting where Mr Lincoln and I continue to lead this organisation as Chair and Secretary. I am very pleased to report that QCIS will be offering further opportunities for engagement in team sports for Years 3 to 6 in Terms 1, 2, & 3 next year, as well as some additional supports for secondary. Our major championships for Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country will also continue into the future. Next year is QCIS's 10th year and we are very proud to be part of this wonderful organisation and look forward to future opportunities it will bring our students. 

Staffing Announcements

I would like to congratulate Danielle Skerman who has accepted the role of Middle Leader Student Services. Danielle has been working as Middle Leader English and Humanities, Learning Support Teacher and Subject Discipline Literacy Coach in 2024 and is excited to venture into Student Services. Danielle is inspired to make inclusive education a core component of every teacher’s practice and philosophy. We welcome her to the role and again thank Mrs Gormley for all of her amazing work in the role over recent years.

Additionally, I would like to announce that Mrs Penelope Geldard has been appointed to the part-time position of Secondary Teacher Agriculture Practices, HPE, and Science. Mrs Geldard has extensive industry experience in Agriculture in many roles, and is greatly looking forward to bringing this knowledge into the classroom role that she will job-share with Mr Coman. 

End of Year Arrangements

Please keep your eye on Facebook and your messages/emails, as well as our newsletter in Week 8 with many details regarding events and information for both the last week of school and the start of 2025! There will be plenty to attend and be part of, with so many highlights up until December 6. It was wonderful to attend the Prep Parent Information Session on Wednesday night, and I look forward to seeing many of you across the next few weeks before we break for the summer Christmas holidays.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal