Anzac Day

In 2020, with heavy COVID restrictions in place, Australians showed their respect and gratitude for our current, former and fallen Defence Force personnel by standing side by side with their letter box. It was quite a sight to see, in person and on the news. Family after family dotted along the streets of Australia standing in silence, with candles in hand, simply to say thank you to those who have given up their future for our present and for those who still risk their tomorrow for our today.

Last year, I also sent out a call for students to send through pictures of themselves holding a Lest we forget poster so that I could create a collage to show that even though we were isolated, we were still one community, connected and appreciative of the life we have been afforded. Well, this year sees a return of the more traditional commemoration services and march. I urge all students to participate in the march this coming Sunday. Our College has such a strong connection to service men and women, past and present, and so it would be great to see a fantastic Middle Years turnout. For the brave, I encourage you to join me at the Dawn Service at ANZAC Park. The service begins at 4:28am and is quite a moving experience. Whichever service you attend, full formal school uniform is expected and not too much to ask considering we are remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by our troops.

Cyber Safety

The College takes the online safety of our students very seriously and as such we are always looking for opportunities to proactively upskill our students on rights and responsibilities of online activity. On Wednesday, we were fortunate to have three members of the Queensland Police Service (Dalby Branch) attend the College to meet with approximately 260 of our students from Year 5 through to Year 9. They conducted several presentations on Cyber Safety and how students can better protect themselves from the dangers in an ever-increasing digital world. Thanks to Senior Constable Dan O’Hara, Senior Police Liaison Officer Jenny Thomas and our Adopt-a-Cop Constable Lindsay Small for giving up their time to meet with our students. They are more equipped now in safeguarding themselves.

Year 6 Camp – Update

Late in Term 1, I communicated an update to Year 6 families regarding the Outback Tour. Thank you to those who completed the Participation Survey component – this data has been most helpful. If you have not done so as yet, please contact me immediately via email so that I can adjust the numbers. I am now also very pleased to report that the College’s application to Queensland Events and Tourism for consideration under the Outback Education Subsidy Scheme has been successful. As a result, the cost/student will be reduced by $150 due to the subsidy. This is a great result.

Further communication on the Outback Tour, including answers to some questions posted in the survey will be distributed to Year 6 families via email early next week.  

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years