Anzac Day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand on April 25th each year.  The Anzac tradition was established on that day in 1915 when the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed on Gallipoli Peninsula.   It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. 

This year we commemorate the centenary of the RAAF.  The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was established in 1921, building on the foundations laid by its forerunner, the Australian Flying Corps, during the First World War.  Ever since, the RAAF has played a vital role in Australia’s military operations.  From the Second World War, through Korea, Borneo, Malaya, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, air force personnel have earned the respect of Australians and people around the world. 

The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.   

Loving God, 

we pray that we may be a people who  

promote justice, harmony and peace in all that we do.  

Help us Lord, to protect the freedom of others.  

God, who is the Source of All Being, Jesus the Eternal Word  

and the Spirit who enables and empowers life,  

bless us now and forever.  

Amen 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE @OLSCC 

Today at the College we paused to mark ANZAC Day as a College.  We welcomed two parents as our guest to represent those who protect our country in the defence force.  Thank you Sargent Mark McNaughton and Lance Corporal Adam Fletcher for joining us, both these men are serving on a part time basis with Alpha Company of our battalion the 25th/49th Royal Queensland Regiment.  We would like to build a data base of past students from St Columba’s St Mary’s and Our Lady of the Southern Cross who have or are serving in the Australian Defence Forces.  If you have the details of a past student please email these details to cate.brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au . 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE in Dalby - Sunday 25 April 2021 

Assembly Point: Students and staff will assemble for the march at Bell Park between 8:50am and 9:10am. March off time 9:30am. From experience it becomes increasingly difficult to get a parking space if you arrive late, so please allow for this in your travel plans. OLSCC Students will assemble from youngest to oldest year levels, with the College Captains carrying the banner at the front of the group.  

Parade Route and Pick-up Point: The March runs from Bell Park to just outside ANZAC Park. Younger students will remain with College teachers until collected by parents. Parents, please ensure you have collected your children by 9:45am as staff cannot be expected to wait indefinitely. 

Anzac Day Ceremony: The ceremony will take place in ANZAC Park from 9.45am10.45am and students are invited to attend with their families. Mr Cuskelly and our College Captains will be representing our College at the Ceremony.  

Dress Requirements: Year 12 — Formal uniform (including tie), blazers for Prefects, hats. Years 1 to 11 — College formal uniform + tie (Years 5-12) + hat. Preps — Usual uniform + hat. 

Hats must be worn with the brim flat. 

CONFIRMATION AND COMMUNION  

Next week students from our College will join with other members of St Joseph’s Parish to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.  We pray for these young people as they take this step of commitment to their faith. 

NAPLAN Online 

At the end of last term all students in Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 completed practice tests for NAPLAN Online which will be conducted in May.  The aim of these sessions is for students to interact with the NAP Browser online platform and experience the types of questions that will be asked.  They all did a wonderful job following the procedures of the test and put their best effort in.  I am happy to report that the practices ran smoothly and have helped refine our process for May. I encourage Parents to check out the NAPLAN website, in particular the NAPLAN Online page https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment. 

There is a great short video (only 2m 11s) called Understanding NAPLAN Online that outlines the move to the online platform.  The other place I would highlight on this website is the Public Demonstration Site – here you can click on your child’s year level and explore what the online platform looks like, sounds like and how they can interact with it.  Perhaps dedicate some time with your child to explore this together – let them show you around.  If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online not answered by this site I am always happy to meet with parents to discuss it further. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education