Welcome to the end of week 4, already. It seems that the weeks are flying past as we head towards assessments becoming due across the sector. With the last of the short weeks behind us, we can focus now on getting back into a 5-day routine.

Assessment Calendars and Exam Timetables

Year 9 to 12 Exam timetables for term 2 and all Assessment calendars for Semester’s 1 and 2 have been published via the Parent Portal and are available via the college website, Our Lady of the Southern Cross College (dalby.catholic.edu.au)

If you have any questions about assessment, please contact your child's classroom teacher or the relevant Middle Leader Curriculum.

Assessment Requirements

Our Lady of the Southern Cross is responsible for gathering evidence of student achievement on or before the due date for internal assessment instruments.

All students have electronic access to their assessment, and it is their responsibility to adhere to these due dates.

Students are responsible for planning and managing their time to meet the due dates.

Students and parents can contact teachers and Curriculum Leaders via phone or email. Teachers are not able to grant extensions directly with students and parents/carers.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is required to adhere to QCAA policies about due dates accepting assignments only on or before the due date unless an extension through AARA processes has been approved.  For example, a student who is absent due to family holidays will not be granted an extension for an assignment as this doesn’t meet the AARA guidelines set by QCAA. Any adjustments requested must be supported by medical or professional documentation.

Communication

Term 2 is well underway and it is important that we communicate between parents and staff. Parents are encouraged to make direct contact with your child’s teacher should you have any questions about how your students is progressing.

It is also supportive when staff are aware of the challenges facing students, just getting to school can be the biggest hurdle for some of our community which impacts on there mind set impeding the learning process.

We welcome the proactive communication that takes place from our parents to ensure we are able to support your child. Our staff are always willing to be proactive and support our students through positive communication with parents.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools - 2025 External Examination Preparation Program

Year 12’s and their parents will be sent a letter from Toowoomba Catholic Schools later this term outlining this year’s External Examination Program being held in the first week of the September School holidays. Toowoomba Catholic Schools are hoping to offer a similar program to last year (depending on student interest in the Diocese). When you receive the letter you will be asked to register and pay. As a College, we encourage you to attend this excellent preparation program for any of the subjects offered that students study.

Future Focus

At OLSCC we understand that this success doesn't come without its challenges. With assessment due dates upon us, it is essential to ensure students are giving themselves every chance to succeed. We encourage all our students to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and self-care practices to ensure they are looking after themselves. Balancing academics with self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining a proper sleep schedule can significantly contribute to your overall well-being and performance. Remember, your mental and emotional well-being are as important as your grades.

As part of this journey of excellence in our college, we strive to empower our students by fostering a sense of “Student Agency”. We empower students to take ownership of their learning and actively participate in decision-making processes. Students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but valuable contributors to their educational journey through their attendance and engagement at our college. Through student-led projects, personalized learning pathways, and general discussions, we aim to cultivate their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making capacities. Through “Student Agency”, we are preparing our students to become lifelong learners and confident, responsible individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the world beyond.

With the upcoming Year 11 Leadership camp, many of our students across Years 11 and 12 have been reflecting on their own agency in making strong choices for their future and working towards their individual and cohort based goals.

Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years