Merry Christmas!

As our 2021 school year comes to a close, the season of advent is just beginning.  Whilst there is much busyness and many social events, as well as the beginning of school holidays, this is mostly a time of preparedness.  Traditionally Advent was a time for preparation for the sacraments, though now it is rather enacted in modern society as a time to prepare to celebrate the tradition of Christmas.  A time of coming together, a time of family, a time of giving more than receiving, and a time for renewal and transition to a new year. Amongst this time, it is often easy to avoid the solemnity, preparation, and gratitude in the preparation of celebrating the birth of Jesus, God's gift to humanity.  

At OLSCC, we focus on the Christian values of Wisdom, Humanity, and Justice as the premise of our work, and emphasise the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Human Dignity, Stewardship of Creation, and Community and the Common Good.  I encourage everyone in our community to remember these and choose one of our values or Catholic Social Teachings to focus on this Advent.  With the current environmental and social issues that plague our society, focussing on one of these simple ideals and playing a small part in improving our world, everyone's small acts of kindness and generosity can culminate to make a big difference.

Thank you

I am sure everyone agrees that 2021 has soared.  It seems only yesterday that we were welcoming our new students and celebrating the newness of another school year, and now the end has come.  I would like to offer a sincere and heartfelt thanks to our staff, community and students who have made the year another of great success and growth at OLSCC.  While this work is never-ending, I am very proud of the position of the College as it continues to flourish for the community of Dalby.  Thanks to everyone, no matter what part you played, for a great year.  At Up Day today, we were all starkly reminded of the growth of our students this year, and the work ahead of us to continue to grow great people throughout 2022. 

Staffing Changes

One of the saddest parts of my year is the farewell of our departing staff, and one of the most enjoyable is welcoming new staff.  Although various changes have been communicated throughout the year, below are listed our farewells and welcomes for the 2021/2022 transition.  We wish everyone departing a bright, successful, and prosperous new year, and welcome our new staff with warmth to our community.

Farewell:

Mr Matt Hodge

Mrs Judith Appleton 

Mr Shamnad Alikutty

Mrs Kylie Clarke

Miss Jade Manteit

Mrs Belinda Griffiths

Mr Wayne Dunbrack

Ms Glisten Deepwater

Mr Harry Milford

Mr Bradley Grayson

Mr Shaun Chen

Mrs Vicki Murphy

Mrs Kaitlyn Machin

Welcome:

Assistant Principal Senior Years – Mr Rodney Spain

Senior Chemistry / Mathematics / RE - Ms Suzana Djakovic

Senior / Middle Years Visual Art – Mr David de Costa Silva

Year 6/7 English / HASS / RE - Miss Caitlyn Fry

Year 7/8 English / HASS / RE - Miss Belinda Daff

Year 9/10 English / HASS / RE - Miss Nicole McKenzie

Transition:

Miss Lucy Price has moved from the Middle Years to Year 2P (replacing Miss Jade Manteit)

Miss Jacinta Willocks has moved from the Middle Years to Senior Years English / SOR (replacing Mrs Judith Appleton)

To be announced over the holidays:

IT System Administrator

IT Technical Officer

Prep Red School Officer

School Officer - Assisting Student Learning

Senior Biology / Mathematics

COVID Update

As we transition into the 2022 school year, we are again reminded of the ongoing influences of the COVID pandemic.  The recent announcement of mandated vaccinations for school staff and visitors, as well as predicted outbreaks as the borders open, means that we do not know what 2022 has in store for us just yet.  Though rest assured, just like in the past, the College will be well prepared to deliver the best learning for our students no matter the circumstances when Tuesday, January 25th rolls around. Over the holidays, the College will communicate emerging issues via email, so please keep on top of this communication.  For your families, I suggest getting organised with uniforms, booklists and everything else you need, well in advance of the January rush if possible.  Included in this newsletter are our opening hours for the uniform shop for your information.  Please also note that there are some additional items coming for Middle Years and Senior Years winter uniform, so if possible, I would refrain from purchasing new winter wear until this is confirmed and announced early in the new year.

Uniform and Student Presentation in 2022

Please be mindful of the uniform requirements at OLSCC, which have also been linked below.  We expect all students to arrive at school in the appropriate uniform, ready to learn, from January 25th.  Traditionally we spend much of the first few weeks debating uniform, though in 2022 students will be required to immediately rectify their presentation or to go home until they are able to comply with the expectations of the College.  This is usually regarding hairstyles for boys (which does not include mullets or hair at the collar or longer), more than one piercing in each ear for ladies, non-natural hair colourings, excessive fake eyelashes, and fake nails.  To avoid disruption to the start of your child's year at OLSCC, please ensure you have these issues addressed with your children prior to the commencement of 2022 at OLSCC. 

Other Basic Standards

As has been communicated in previous newsletters, for students to represent the College in any shape or form from 2022 onwards, student attendance over 85% and up-to-date fees are mandatory.  If you are behind on fees, the Business Manager will be contacting you in due course so you can make a commitment to rectifying this in the near future.  In order for us to provide the service of educating your children, we need our funding to be comparable to that of State Schools, and the payment of school fees bridge this gap.  Whilst we always work with families who are struggling financially in the short term, we simply cannot continue to provide our services to families who refuse to pay for them or refuse to discuss their situation with us. Additionally, from now, all payments made to the College will be credited against the furthest outstanding debt. This includes payment for sports, camps, retreats, instrumental music, and other extra-curricular items.  Now is a great time to call the Business Manager and start your plan to get ahead with your fees!

Pete Cuskelly

Principal

LEAVING AT THE END OF 2021  

If your child is finishing schooling with us at the end of 2021, please be aware that your access to Parent Portal will also conclude at the end of Term 4 2021.  It is important that you download any report cards or documents saved on the portal that you may need for future reference. 

Christmas Carols  

As the rain, which has continued to fall, cancelled our Christmas Carols this year we held our Christmas Cheer Free Dress day on Friday 26 November.  We raised over $1000 towards our goal to help YES Arusha. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal Support  

Thank you so much for your generosity for the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal.  we delivered a ute load of goods to be made into hampers to the helpers of St Vincent de Paul this week. 

Catholic Christmas Masses around the region 

Communal rite of Penance 14 December 7pm at St Joseph’s  

Christmas Eve 

Immaculate Conception, Jandowae 6:00pm 

St Joseph’s, Dalby 7:00pm  

Christmas Day 

Our Lady help of Christians, Bell 7:00am  

St Joseph’s, Dalby 8:00am  

Keep an eye on the St Joseph’s Facebook for details on how to book  

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. Talk to your family about how you are doing in attending to your spiritual life as a family. Recommit yourselves to praying daily, reading Scripture, and staying faithful to God’s commandments. Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again. 

Prayers for each week of Advent 

First Week 
All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. 
Amen. 
 
Second Week 
God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. 
Amen. 
 
Third Week 
Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 
 
Fourth Week 
All-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Early Years Swimming Carnival Results

Age Champs

Under 6 – Flynn Southall-Shuker & Claire Sullivan

Under 7 – Ethan Dippenaar & Darci Geiger

Under 8 – Charles Sullivan & Pippa Smith

Runners Up

Under 6 – George Stephens / Frankie Machin & Amity Darbey

Under 7- Daniel Brennan & Eve Henry

Under 8 – Jackson Simmich & Harriet Manley

Record Breaker

Girls Under 6 50m Breaststroke

Claire Sullivan 1.18.00min (Darci Geiger 2020, 1.19.50min)

Points

MacKillop          165

Rice                  122

Nolan                117

McAuley            103

Return of Sporting Uniforms

Replacement bills will be issued to students with uniforms not returned. This includes Under 15 Girls Touch Football Singlets, Boys Under 15 Touch Football Shirts and Boys and Girls Rugby Sevens Jerseys.

Brisbane Broncos Visit

Last week students in Years 3, Year 7 and Year 8 had a visit from the Brisbane Broncos Development Staff and players. This included Sam Thaiday, Darius Boyd, Jordan Riki and Michael Hancock. Thanks to Darren Burns for organising this visit for our students.

Volleyball

Best of luck to the Year 8 Girls Volleyball Team who next week will attend the Australian Schools Volleyball Cup on the Gold Coast. The team will be playing in the Honours Division. The girls have pool games against Mansfield SHS, Burnside SHS, Caloundra SHS and Cleveland SHS before finals games and cross overs later in the week. The team has put in many hours training before school and on weekends leading up to this event.

Touch Football

The 2021 Touch Season has been highly successful for College Teams with all teams playing finals in the Dalby Touch Competition and the Under 18 Mixed Team making the Semi Finals at the QLD All Schools Carnival. Planning has already started for 2022 with the Under 15 Girls and the Under 18 Mixed College Touch Football Teams to compete in Season 1 of the Dalby Touch Association fixtures which will begin in the early February. If required trials will be held early next year to select teams. An Under 15 Boys team will be entered in Season 2 of the Dalby Competition.

QISSN Netball

Congratulations to the girls listed below who have been selected in the initial 2022 QISSN Squad. The girls have had five training sessions this term with 25 players in attendance. Training will resume early next term for the following 18 players.

Claudia Child, Grace Wilkie Boulus, Violet Wilkie Boulus, Chloe Donaldson, Mackenzie Wedrat, Dakota Wilson, Abby Marshall, Hannah Pattison, Claire Harth, Zahra Manteit, Charlotte Roberts, Kaitlyn Harms, Carla Nobbs, Tiffany Ham, Hannah Taylor, Bella Buckley, Summer Buckley, Monique Smith.

Sports Dates February 2022

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

This Year in Focus

What a Year!

Well, what an amazing year we have had in Performing Arts! Our students developed skills in reading with expression, singing in tune and as a group, dramatic performances, team work in group performances and games, using a microphone correctly, improvisation, characterization and so much more!

It was an absolute joy to watch our students get up on stage at Eisteddfod, for many this was their first time. Not one student was too afraid to perform, and they all did a fabulous job! In the Vocal Eisteddfod, our groups and individuals received many firsts and seconds, as was the case in the Speech and Poetry Eisteddfod.
This term we have added some more skills to our repertoire, with the children learning to play simple tunes on the glockenspiel and piano. The really fun part was when we learnt to play those songs as a round. How marvelous that the children were able to think about their part, listen to the others so that they kept in time, and play it accurately on the piano!

Another fun activity that we began this term was using traditional folk song – Weevily Wheat - and cups - to sing a song with complicated actions. These types of activities are proven to be an excellent brain gym, with many areas of the brain having to work and coordinate to complete the task. They have been shown to increase neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to form many new networks, assisting with speech, motor coordination and problem solving.

"You can’t use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have."
Maya Angelou

"Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life."
Pablo Picasso

Michelle Garside

Performing Arts Teacher

On Tuesday, Senior teachers put on their thinking caps to come up with some fun activities to engage with classes from our Early Years as they came to visit. Our Science, Physical Education, Drama, Home Economics, Visual Art and General Learning areas welcomed all the younger students for an afternoon of fun and learning in the 'big' school. There was 'Minute to Win it', gingerbread cookie making, weaving, fun physical games and planting a sunflower as well as giving the students in our Early Years time to meet the Senior teachers and some of our 2022 College Student Leaders. We hope parents heard some fantastic stories of the fun activities the Early Years students participated in on Tuesday. A huge thank you goes to the Senor teachers and Student Leaders who gave up their time to welcome the 'little' people for the afternoon. 

COLLEGE OFFICE CLOSURE

The College Office will be closed on Tuesday, 18 January due to staff training.

MEDICATIONS NOTICES

• Medication Collection

If your child has medication at the College Office, please collect the medication from 2.30pm on Friday 3 December. If they are leaving to go on holidays earlier, please come into the Office from 2.30pm on your child’s last day. Parents must collect the medication, not students.

• Medication 2022

If your child is requiring medication at school, please ensure all paperwork is dropped into the College Office on 17th January 2022 and speak with Mrs Tracey Boland. All Medical plans and letters must be dated the current school year which will be January 2022. Medication must be purchased on prescription and an administration of medication form will need to be filled in.

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS

The College Uniform Shop has extended hours in January. Please see below. There is also a link to these hours on SZapp.

Wednesday 1 December - 2.30 to 5.30pm
Friday 14 January 2022 - 9am to 2pm
Saturday 15 January 2022 - 9am to 12 noon
Monday 17 January - 9am to 2pm
Tuesday 18 January - 9am to 1pm
Wednesday 19 January - 12 noon to 4pm
Thursday 20 January - 12 noon to 4pm
Monday 24 January - 8am to 12 noon
Tuesday 25 January - 7.30 to 10.30am

SZAPP ROLLOVER

Now is the time to ensure that your settings on your SZapp app are up to date for 2022. We have created target groups for Early Years, Middle Years and Senior Years and specific information may go out to those specific groups only. To ensure your App is set with the groups relevant to your child/children, please go to your SZapp, click on the 'manage' tab and ensure your toggles are switched to the correct target groups. We have also added some helpful quick link tiles to Book Lists and Uniform Shop Opening Hours so this information is right at your fingertips.