Commencement Mass and Academic Assembly

Yesterday we gathered as a whole college at our Commencement Mass to celebrate liturgy and recognise the individual and collective achievements of 2019.  A special congratulations to Laura May, our 2019 College Dux, and Rory Ross, the recipient of the Jenny Thornton Bursary.  I would also like to thank those parents that were able to attend considering all of the concerns regarding water levels throughout the day.  One highlight was the donation of $200,000 by the P&F which will go towards the Middle Years Plaza, the recent technology upgrades and other capital projects across the College.  A huge injection of funds such as this allows the College to manage and prioritise larger projects and make them a reality for our students.

Get involved!

In a P&F association, many hands make light work.  At present we have a generous few who are very committed and invest lots of effort to keep the College so well supported.  As communicated last year, we are reimagining the organisation of the P&F so that parents and friends can contribute to the P&F without the need to attend meetings or be given a formal role.  The idea is that we gain insight into areas of interest for individuals, and then engage people in this way.  We know there are some people who would be happy to provide some meals to those in need, or spend some time doing some gardening or yard work, but really aren’t interested in attending meetings or becoming the treasurer.  Accordingly, this week we are sending home the P&F update with further information so that you can express interest in ways you would like to help out.  With the Middle Years Plaza construction coming up next term, we are certainly keen for some people to help out at working bees so we can get the site ready. Please complete the form and return to the office or your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Better Informed

You will note at the top of every newsletter moving forward that there is a table outlining upcoming events so our community is better informed.  In this calendar we will have the coming fortnight, as well as significant events that may require our parents and carers to make work arrangements to attend.  Please make use of this and contact the College should you require any further details of the event.  This is in response to community feedback and I hope it helps everyone keep on top of all the action at OLSCC.

Enrolments @ OLSCC

We are at the point where we have some year levels that are at capacity for students.  This means that unless a student transfers from another Catholic school due to relocating to Dalby, it is not possible for us to take more enrolments.  At present, both Prep and Year 1 are at capacity, and Years 3, 5, 9 and 10 are nearing capacity.  We are also adjusting our enrolment process for Prep in preparation for 2021, with details coming out in Week 1 of Term 2.  Please keep in touch with this information as our intent is to remain inclusive of our community, whilst not increasing our total enrolment levels to beyond a sustainable number. Please ensure you keep up to date with newsletters and information that is communicated via SZapp and SMS so that your family is not too late for our future enrolment dates.

Middle Years Plaza

I have been working extensively on the delivery of the Middle Years Plaza after our disaster in cost estimation at the end of last year.  We have received the plans and cost estimation that allows us to develop detailed plans for the tender process.  This will take place over the next few weeks, and once complete we will go to tender. It is my intention to have this project delivered during this school year, and am comfortable this can be readily attained.  

New College Hats

Our new hats are in production after overwhelming support of the change late last year.  They look fantastic, the samples are in the office and we look forward to having these for sale as soon as they land on our doorstep.  Availability will be advertised via the College Facebook page.

Communication Reminder

The best way to keep informed of the happenings of the College is the use of the SZapp, as well as subscribing to the newsletter via email.  In addition many photos, celebrations, videos and other items are communicated via Facebook, though we understand that not everyone is engaged in this platform.  Please download the SZapp, subscribe to relevant sector groups  and link with OLSCC to keep informed. Please feel free to provide feedback regarding college communication via Dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au. Whilst we can’t cater to every individual need, or continue wasting paper by printing every communication, collective feedback is certainly useful to us to ensure we are getting the message across to our community.  

Pete Cuskelly

Principal