Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you had an Easter blessed with prayer, family, and plenty of chocolate Easter cheer. The Easter period is a time for reflection, renewal, and the celebration of compassion and kindness. In a world often fraught with challenges, the message of Easter resonates as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of empathy and understanding in our lives. 

As our journey continues this term, we look forward to the many occasions, events and milestones we will experience. Life is busy and there is no avoiding it, so I encourage you to talk to your child about events mentioned in our newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and in our Sentral Parents App to be ready and aware of what is coming up.

School is not just about face-to-face classroom learning. It also involves valuable learning experiences, such as negotiating group work, navigating friendships, participating in activities that are challenging, supporting others and the list continues. These activities are sometimes regarded as disposable and of less importance than lessons. However, they teach students how to be in relation to others, which are valuable skills that matter in the long run. 

Next week I step back into the Assistant Principal Senior Years Role and Mrs Brennan returns to her Deputy role with Mr Cuskelly returning. It has been a great 5 weeks with a big thank you for the support from our whole community. 

ANZAC Day 2025 

Last Thursday we joined together as a College for our ANZAC Day Service. Our guest speaker, Mr Jayden Whitby, spoke to us about his experiences serving as a member of the ADF and the strong connection to ANZAC Day through his own family and those he has served with. Staff and student leaders also attended the Dawn March and Service and many marched as a College with our local Dalby community, laying a wreath and reading names of past service people at the Commemorative Service afterwards. 

2025 Semester 1 Reports Cards 

The purpose of reporting is to improve student learning. It provides an opportunity for parents/legal guardians to engage meaningfully in the learning journey of their child.

Based on our community’s feedback 2024 saw OLSCC change some of our reporting elements. In 2025 we continue to review our reports based on our community feedback and to align with the new Teaching and Learning in Toowoomba Catholic Schools framework. 

A significant change is that of removing of the individual Application and Attitude to learning grades that were given “S+, S, S-” grades. This will be replaced with the new single grade of Application and Attitude graded as a 5-point scale. Below is an image that shows the new grading language and the scale definitions that best describe a student awarded each grade. 

Staff have been developing their alignment with this new scale, aligning it to the our college expectations of our learners as we prepare for the upcoming reporting period. 

Volunteers in our College  

Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classroom, on excursions and at our tuckshop upon completion of Volunteer Induction Module and return Declaration form. Volunteer Induction must be completed annually at the beginning of the new school year. Declaration forms must be submitted before your day of volunteering to ensure approval is granted.

Information regarding the Volunteer Induction Module can be found on Parent Portal or via the link: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/

Ignite Conference 2025

In 2025 on the 25 to the 28 September, Thursday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, St Laurence’s College Brisbane will host the Ignite Conference 2025. Students and educators can join over 2,500 high schoolers, young adults, leaders, and other educators, at the Ignite Conference for a transformative four-day experience. This event offers real-world formation, faith renewal, and powerful worship, creating a vibrant community of believers. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with others in a meaningful way. For more information please visit their website National Catholic Conference Brisbane — Ignite Conference 25