Well, the count down to the end of the year is definitely on, this Friday we farewell our Year 10 and 11 students. Last week we said a big goodbye and best wishes to our Year 12 graduands. What an amazing week we had last week not only farewelling our thirty-one Year 12 students but also celebrating the achievements of our students P-Year 12 for 2024. There were many moments I cherish from this special time with our students and their families, from the Prep – Year 12 high fives, the excitement at the ‘gold’ medals earnt or the anticipation held by our Year 12’s as the entered Graduation Mass with their parents. We continue to remind our students that they are always members of the OLSCC family and that even though they have now officially graduated we love catching up with them in the future and hearing about where life takes them. One of our goals in coming years, as we lead into our 150 years of Catholic Education in Dalby in 2027, is to reconnect with alumni both staff and students so if you’ve got a story to share of your journey since graduation we’d love to hear from you. Check out this week’s feature on Pat Boland 2020 Graduate.

Photos

One of our goals at our Week 7 events this year was to capture great photos of our students and to then make these available to our families so you too could share in these. Photos have now been uploaded to our College website – see links below. You should be able to save these images of your child/ren from this location.

College Awards presentations - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

2024 Senior Farewell (part of Awards) - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

College Awards general - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

Year 12 Graduation Mass - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby

OLSCC Christmas Carols

On Monday 2 December we invite our College families and extended community to join us for an evening of Carols on the green (and green it will be after the latest rain). Come and get settled at 6pm with the first class performing at 6:15pm. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs to get comfy and enjoy dinner under the stars with friends. The evening will conclude by 8:00pm. Students and families are encouraged to dress in Christmas themed attire. Each year level will lead a carol throughout the evening for all to enjoy and sing along with. FACE will be cooking up a BBQ with pre-order required via flexischools or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the twilight. A simple bar with be operating for adults and softdrinks and battery powered candles will also be on sale with funds raised going to Yes Arusha. EFTPOS will be available but cash is preferred payment method. 

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Families are encouraged to support this year’s Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal, calling for donations to create Christmas hampers for those in need in our local area. A letter explaining this appeal can be located on Parent Portal. Donations can be dropped into the College office by Monday 2 December. Your generosity is appreciated.

St Vincent de Paul - call for volunteers

Our local St Vincent de Paul Conference is calling for volunteers. Carole Garvey, a Vincentian spoke recently at St Joseph’s Mass about the types of roles they are looking to fill. In the newsletter today is a feature Q & A on the role of volunteers in the Conference and how you can help. If you think volunteering is for you or if you’d like more information, please contact Carole Garvey 0408 438 272 or metrocarole@gmail.com.

2025 Key dates

If you are like me and like to prepare your calendar for the next year ahead of time these dates might help you out.

Pupil Free Days – staff involved in professional learning, no students at the College

• 28 January – Tuesday
• 22 April – Tuesday
• 14 July – Monday
• 1 August – Friday
• 5 September - Friday

Term dates

• Term 1: 29 January Wednesday – 4 April Friday
• Term 2 – 23 April Wednesday – 27 June Friday
• Term 3 – 15 July Tuesday – 19 September Friday
• Term 4 – 7 October Tuesday – 5 December Friday

Final Days

• Year 12 Final Day – 21 November Friday
• Year 10 and 11 final day – 28 November Friday
• Prep – Year 9 final day – 5 December Friday

Important dates – currently set unlikely to change

• 3 February Monday – Commencement Mass
• 4-5 February Tuesday and Wednesday – College Photos
• 12 March – 24 March NAPLAN test window
• 21 March Friday – Year 12 Formal

Where to Find the Organisational Info for 2025?

As mentioned earlier in my newsletter article I love to plan ahead. To assist families with preparedness for 2025 we have three essential places to look for information.

PARENT PORTAL – for existing families – here you will find documents such as class lists, booklists, forms and other essential information for your child

COLLEGE WEBSITE – for all families new and existing – here you will find essential back to school information about uniforms and booklists and links to our College Newsletter and Facebook posts

WEEK 10 NEWSLETTER – our final newsletter for the 2024 year will be an essential read for all families (new and existing) it will contain important information pertaining to the 2025 academic year.

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education