Industrial Action at Queensland Catholic Schools

You may have heard that some staff in Catholic schools in the Toowoomba Diocese, including Our Lady of the Southern Cross, have elected to take protected industrial action. This action is part of negotiations towards an enhanced Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and may include non-attendance at playground duty, withdrawal from attendance at staff meetings and non-acceptance of covers or extras beyond a teacher’s regular timetable.  Presently it does not involve strike action. 

At Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, the education and wellbeing of students remains the collective primary concern. Whilst the industrial action is most certainly having an impact, which is the primary purpose, there is no doubt that all staff at the College continue to have the best interests of the students at heart.  There have been no issues of students being unsupervised in the playground or the classroom and the College is well prepared and organised to ensure that there is to be no impact on students during this phase.

The upcoming possibility is that the negotiation evolves to the point where it is necessary for the staff who are active IEU union members to consider the option of striking. At this stage we have no advice of this taking place, though it is a possibility for the future.  Should this take place the community will be well informed and the College will be adequately prepared so that there is no impact on the safety and supervision of students, whilst also minimising the impact on student learning. Negotiations with the union will continue in good faith with the goal of reaching a resolution in the near future.

I think it pertinent to acknowledge the remarkable collective attitude of our staff at OLSCC during this period.  Whilst union members are taking action, as we encourage active union members to do, there has never been a time when any of our staff have placed student safety or learning in jeopardy. Beyond this, I have received many emails outlining continuing commitment to extracurricular activities, excursions and student opportunities where teachers have stated that they are active union members that are taking action, though in doing so, will not take action that reduces the additional opportunities for our students.  In reading these emails I am so glad that my wife and I have entrusted the education and wellbeing of my son to the amazing staff at OLSCC.   

Year 12 Grad Week 2019

Next week sees a celebratory and sad week as we farewell the current Year 12 cohort and send them graciously into the rest of their lives.  There will continue to be new learning for the Seniors throughout the week as well as ceremonies, Graduation Mass, Valedictory Dinner and College Awards and Farewell on Thursday.  Please see the details of the events of Grad Week later in newsletter and take the time to value our Seniors as they transition from schooling into their adult life.  Thanks also to the Seniors for the graffiti on the windows, the disruption to the pathways throughout senior years and for their general nuisance today!! Lytana in a netball dress wasn’t what I expected to greet me this morning….

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum

When working in a progressive education system such as the Toowoomba Catholic Schools, it is imperative for school leaders to keep up to date with the system as well as have input into what the system can do to best support the education of our students.  Of most significance is the address of Dr Pat, our Executive Director, who last week focussed on the notion of “Vulnerability” in challenging his school leaders.  We were challenged that without risk, uncertainty and emotional exposure we are simply going through the motions of management.  He inspired us to continue challenging ourselves to be vulnerable, as without taking (well informed and well planned) risks, we cannot make change that will improve the culture of the College for the wellbeing of our students, or the learning progress of our students. 

The week was yet again remarkably informative as well as challenging, and continues to place us in good stead to be best prepared for 2020 across all facets of College life.

Reading Assessments in Year 7-12

You may have noticed that many Year 7-12 students have completed reading assessments over the last couple of weeks. This is unusual and not a very common practice for high schools to engage in, though this year we have taken the step in earnest as we continue our focus on the Reading Improvement Strategy.  And what’s more, these assessments are being done by the collective high school staff, and the learning of the staff is fantastic!  Not only does it give staff the additional opportunity to spend some time with individual students, they get to delve deeply into the student’s repertoire of reading skills to determine their capabilities in reading and comprehension, and identify the next steps for that child. Whilst it seemed a daunting task at first, teachers are thoroughly enjoying the learning and are already making changes to their teaching practice to accommodate for individual needs in their classrooms. This is all a part of the College ensuring that students are continually progressing.  It is not about the data, it’s more about being accountable to all students that we are improving our practice as teachers to do our best, learn new things (like we expect students to) and be responsible for making a difference. May I also add that the performance of some students truly impressed some staff and due to this, staff are now raising the bar and encourage students to perform to a higher degree. Thanks again, to our amazingly dedicated staff for being the difference in the education of our students!

Term Dates 2020

Getting organised for your holidays for next year?  Prior to our calendars going out, below are the term dates for 2020.  Please note that these are the dates for the students and staff dates are slightly different.

Term 1:  Tuesday 28 January – Thursday 2 April

Term 2:  Monday 20 April – Thursday 25 June

Term 3:  Monday 13 July – Thursday 17 September

Term 4:  Tuesday 6 October – Friday 4 December

Middle Years Plaza Planning

Our planning for the construction of the Middle Years Plaza has drawn to a sudden halt with yesterday’s communication from the architect outlining that despite consistent financial limitations being maintained throughout the planning process, costings have come in at over 250% of the total allocated budget.  Accordingly we will be expanding our search for the best company to plan for, project mange and construct this area, though unfortunately I can no longer guarantee that this will come to fruition by the start of 2020. This is a disappointing setback and although upset that I cannot meet the timelines I had promised to our community, I will ensure that the project both meets the needs of the students and is best value for money without drawing resources from other areas of the College.  An update will be included in future newsletters.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal