Welcome Back!

It was such an amazing time on Monday morning to welcome back all of our students at OLSCC for 2022! It was clearly evident that most students were itching to get back to school and learn, or maybe hang out with their mates, and some of our parents were ready to head home for a little lie down it seemed! Hearing the stories of holidays, travels, new pets, new little sisters, pets and much more, certainly was a timely reminder why those in schools choose to work with children – the smiles, enthusiasm and excitement this week has been a little more intense than usual for me, though there sure have been some laughs in the last few days.  I would especially like to thank Year 3B and 3C for using me in their “High 5 of a Sentence” lessons on Thursday – it seems as though Year 3 students can make up some funny sentences when the principal is the subject in their sentence!!  I’ll let you guess what they wrote about, though I’m certainly not sharing it here!

I am particularly impressed by the manner that the students have begun their academic year, particularly the Senior Years children.  Throughout this first week I have noticed the increased maturity of many students and the way that they are approaching their behaviour and learning in 2022.  I look forward to seeing this continue throughout the year, especially for the Year 12 cohort who have the opportunity to excel in their successes across all domains this year.

Middle Years Plaza

Our Middle Years students arrived to the welcome site of the Middle Years Plaza ready to rumble on day 1, and to say it is well appreciated would be a massive understatement.  They finally have a space to call their own, room to breathe and talk and play, plenty of space in the sun and in the shade, and a locker area that is the envy of the Senior Years students. There are still a few areas that require tidying up and finishing off as we head towards practical completion, though I must say that the project has been a massive challenge, and a huge success. An announcement will be made in coming weeks regarding the official opening and blessing of the area by Bishop Robert McGuckin once the date has been confirmed.

Student Protection Contacts @ OLSCC

At OLSCC, we are always focussed on ensuring every child is well educated, and well looked after.  We have a large staff who all work with our amazing students all day, every day.  When children are at their most vulnerable, however, they may not be sure who they can talk to.  Please refer to the poster below and talk to your child about who they can see if they are ever concerned for their safety, or if something has happened that they are scared to share.  Your child may list off many trusted adults in the College community, though some may be unsure.  Please reiterate with your children that they can always talk to the staff members at the College about issues that effect them, though they can always speak to our Student Protection Contacts if there is anything they are really worried about.  This conversation is very important for students of all ages at OLSCC, from 4 year olds to 18 year olds – the problems may be very different, but the need is just the same. 

Our Student Protection Contacts at OLSCC are:

• Mr Peter Cuskelly (Principal) – peter.cuskelly@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Mrs Andrea Gormley (Middle Leader Student Services) – andrea.gormley@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Mrs Katrina Ballantyne (College Guidance Counsellor) – Katrina.ballantyne@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Mrs Carey Twidale (Middle Leader LYF/ Teacher Middle Years) – carey.twidale@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Mrs Simone Forbes (Middle Leader Senior Years / Teacher Senior Years) – simone.forbes@twb.catholic.edu.au

Extra-Curricular Activity and Camp Eligibility

Providing additional opportunities for our students is something we have always done to ensure that we are growing great people at OLSCC. This is something that the vast majority of our students and families are appreciative of, and accordingly, we will continue to offer these opportunities for the students at OLSCC.  In fact, we have mapped out a matrix of all the additional camps, excursions, incursions, retreats and extra-curricular activities that we intend on providing this year, which will be distributed to families in the near future. 

However, in 2022, we need to ensure that our students and families are making a fair commitment to the ongoing success of the College prior to being eligible to engage in such opportunities.  Essentially, this is about student attendance, student behaviour, and the payment of College fees. I ask you to ensure that you are aware of your child’s current position by maintaining contact with the College regarding these three areas. Students in Middle and Senior Years can track their own attendance through Sentral, and this is also available through the Parent Portal. If your College fees are in arrears I would encourage you to bring this to current. Please talk to your child regarding their eligibility for events this year and make a plan to ensure that every OLSCC student can engage in every program and event we have to offer.

Have a Great Start!

This year, we have the same work to cover, the same number of events taking place, and 2 weeks less to do it all in.  I encourage students of all ages and stages to start strong and hit their learning with a robust pace to begin 2022.  Many Year 11 and 12 students are currently completing their first Internal Assessments, and their final exams are now less than 30 school weeks away!  I am very pleased with the teaching and learning that is happening across all sectors of the College already this year, as we continue to see standards increase across many learning areas. I am looking forward to an ever better year in 2022 at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College.   

Peter Cuskelly

Principal 

Welcome back!  It is great to have our students back at the College.  We had missed the laughter and the noise of learning over the past few weeks. It has been great to hear the Journey Bell ring out as we welcomed 92 new students to the College on Monday.   

As we settle into the year it is important that we remain vigilant with our measures to prevent the  spread of COVID.  Please ensure you are taking the time to read our College updates that are emailed home.  Though they may be long, they contain vital information to keep our community safe. These updates are uploaded and saved on the Parent Portal.  

Parent Portal 

It is essential that all parents can access their Parent Portal.  This platform is used for communication home, recording attendance, permissions, student information including timetables and report card storage.  

Highlights on this platform: 

Student Absences can be submitted – Absences tile 

History of absences - Web Portal tile under Student Summary 

Letters and College updates – Newsfeed or Resources tiles 

Student Led Conference bookings – Interviews tile 

Web Portal tile – individual student pages – with timetables, report cards, attendance %, Activity notes and Student Plans (where applicable) 

We do not presently use the message function on this App.   

Cog (top left-hand side to edit account details) – do not be alarmed if you have no emergency contacts listed – this is a glitch with the system to your details. 

An email has been sent to all new families to assist with the set-up of this platform which has a mobile App – Sentral for Parents.  If you have been part of our community in previous years you will have previously received this email and used this platform.  If you need this email to be sent again, please email tracey.boland@twb.catholic.edu.au with the subject line Parent Portal. 

Family Contact details 

It is essential that the College has the most up-to-date contact details including email address for our families.  If your details have changed please contact the College office to update these.  You may view your family contact details on the Parent Portal, you can also submit edits for approval in this app.  Please be aware the Emergency contact section will be blank on Parent Portal but it is not blank on our system, this is a glitch with the system. 

Timetables  

Student timetables can be viewed on both Student and Parent Portal.  These are accurate every day with any staff or room changes.  It is important we build student habits to look to these online platforms to view these.  We discourage students from printing their timetables as they can change as we settle into the year.  Referring to the online copies has two benefits – it will always be the most up-to-date and we are also reducing our carbon footprint which aligns to the Catholic Social Teaching of ‘Stewardship of Creation’. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

It is so important that we help young people encounter Jesus, who is already here in our lives and in our hearts. We are called to have a relationship with him, who loves us without end. We are never alone because Jesus is always with us. We have a purpose. There is a plan for our lives. Jesus will show us the way. It is so important for us to share the love of Jesus Christ with the students in our schools. We help them hear the call of Jesus in their hearts and live in joy as his disciples. 

Heavenly Father,  

As I adventure with you today be the compass that guides me, 
the light that shines on my path, the only one I follow. 
As I adventure with you today be the word that encourages, 
the hand that reaches out, each time I stumble 
As I adventure with you today let me glimpse our destination, 
and appreciate the places through which you lead me. 
As I adventure with you today, be the strength I need to follow, 
and as the day draws to a close let me rest in your embrace. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Welcome to the new school year. I hope everyone had a restful and refreshing break and all students are ready for the year ahead. We welcomed many new faces into the Middle Years this week, and while the majority were in Year 7, there are also new students joining the other three cohorts as well. Its great to have new families join us.

There was a real buzz around the students on Monday they entered the improved Middle Years Plaza area for the first time. From the new locker area to the eating areas and the undercover assembly space it has been wonderful to see students spreading out at breaks and capitalising on the extra space they have been afforded. So popular is the new area, we have had many older student visitors strolling through at break time simply to have a look. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful space for our Middle Years students to enjoy.

It is important that students get back into good routines and habits as quickly as possible, so they hit the ground running this school year. Thank you to the parents that responded to the letters and correspondence regarding uniform and haircuts that have been distributed over the last few weeks. Please check your child’s diary for information regarding the uniform and grooming.

I encourage all students and their families to think about the study spaces they have set up in the family home. A designated area for students to complete homework that is free from distraction is a vital part of completing the necessary work outside of school. Often, the student’s bedroom is not the best place for this outside of school work. In many cases there are too many distractions in that space or students cannot be adequately monitored while completing work and therefore the standard of work can decrease, or the students become less time efficient while completing work.

Sleep routines are also another important factor that needs adjusting now that school has returned. The holiday period often can result in a relaxation of bedtimes, and it is important that students get sufficient levels of sleep to perform at their best while at school. [ 

I wish every student a wonderful start to the year.

Craig Cullen  

Assistant Principal 

This year, we welcome Manpreet Kaur and Caitlin Fry to the Middle Years teaching team and Jodie Biggar who is the Middle Leader of Middle Years. We caught up with these ladies during their first week of school with their classes.

Caitlin is teaching Year 6 English and HASS and Year 7 Religion and so far, she loves how friendly and helpful everyone has been. Caitlin is heavily involved in the sport of Netball and has recently been awarded her advanced level coaching accreditation. In fact, Caitlin is the youngest person in Queensland to achieve this, something of which she is very proud. As a teacher in the Middle Years, Caitlin aims to be friendly and approachable and looks forward to making a positive difference in the lives of people she interacts with daily.

Manpreet is also teaching English, HASS and Religion in Year 7 and 8 and says she appreciates the warm welcome she has received from staff as well as excellent support and a great work life balance at OLSCC. In her spare time, Manpreet likes Yoga, riding her bike, cooking, watching movies and being outdoors. In her role in the Middle Years, Manpreet aims to build a good rapport with staff and students, learn practical and effective classroom management strategies and grow personally and professionally.

Jodie Biggar has been on the staff at OLSCC for many years. Her son Clancy, a College Captain, graduated in 2021 and is starting university this year. Jodie teaches Year 7 and 8 Science and Maths, Year 7 Technology and Year 8 Praxis. She is also the Rice House Connect Teacher and is happy to be the Middle Leader of all Middle Years students. In her spare time, Jodie likes to walk her dog and play lawn bowls and loves that Dalby and OLSCC is so community minded. This year, Jodie looks forward to supporting students through their years in Middle Years and then their transition to Senior and she also hopes to help others achieve to the best of their ability.

Congratulations on an excellent start for all students across the Early Years this week! The preparation by both families and staff, including engagement in our exceptional transition program, has meant we have been able to engage in quality learning from day 1. The Journey Bell once again rang out loudly as we welcomed new classmates across all year levels as they began their journey in faith and knowledge here at OLSCC.

We are excited to welcome new teachers and school officers to the Early Years:

• Miss Emily Comin (3C)
• Miss Emily Blair (4B)
• Mrs Marian O’Shea (School Officer)
• Miss Rachel Doyle (School Officer)
• Mr Florian Scheuch (School Officer)

Whilst uniform standard was high throughout the Early Years, there are a small number of items that need attention. Please refer to the Uniform Guidelines 2022 on the College website for further clarification.

• Formal uniform must be worn with appropriate black footwear. No white soled shoes
• Sport shoes are to be black with minimal white or red trim only.
• Please pay particular attention to the simplified jewellery expectations. The following is taken directly from the College website.
  • Visible nose rings and non-ear piercings are not permitted.
  • Small and discrete sleepers or studs – one per lobe only

Any other jewellery does not fit the uniform guidelines.

Your prompt attention to these matters will ensure we can concentrate on teaching and learning and avoid difficult conversations.

Drop and Go Zone – Two Minutes ONLY:

Please note the first 10 carparks in front of the Prep playground are TWO MINUTES ONLY zones. To facilitate a smoother flow of traffic, these parks are to be used by parents to drop and go only.

If parents wish to stop the car and walk into the College, they should park:

• Further along Nicholson Street in front of the staff carpark
• On the opposite side of the street to the College
• Further along Nicholson Street in front of the Senior School. This is also a viable option for drop and go, as students can enter the College by following the cement path and heading towards the Early Years without having to cross a driveway or the road.

Thank you for your consideration of others. On Wednesday afternoon, all Prep students had been collected by 3:17pm, only 7 minutes after the final bell, showing that if the flow of traffic is controlled, all families can exit in a safe and timely manner.

Lastly, please remember that teachers are available for you to contact (via dojo, email or phone) for any queries you have regarding your child, or any classroom matters and should always be your first point of contact. Whilst friends and acquaintances from your child’s class or across the College may have advice for you, the best person for any clarification is always the teacher. This way, you can always be assured of getting the right information, first time, every time, from the source!

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

Welcome back to our Culture program for 2022! This week we’ve been very busy setting up all the fun things for our students to participate in this year.  

To begin with we have our ever-growing Culture Extra Curricular Program (formally known as our Instrumental Program). We have some great tutors this year for Piano, Strings and Performing Arts. We still have some openings in Piano if you’re interested in expanding your musical knowledge and expressing yourself through this creative outlet. If you’re already part of this program, don’t forget to return your agreement form! 

Miss Nicholson is busy getting ready to begin choir for the year. Rehearsals will start later this term. We’ll be sending out some correspondence around this soon so keep a look out!  

Just in case this isn’t enough culture for you we’ve got lots of other exciting things coming up including Art Competitions, Eisteddfods and more!  

We can’t wait to see what you create this year. 

Miss Creeley 

Middle Leader Culture  

Sports Dates February 2022 

Swimming 

• Thursday 24 February - Bunya District Swimming Trials 9.00am- 11.30am. 
• Friday 25 February - Under 13 – Under 18 Inter House Swimming Carnival All Day. 

Inner Downs 13 - 18 Years Sports Trials  

• Tuesday 15 February – Under 15 & 18 Touch Football Trials in Dalby. 
• Wednesday 23 February - Under 15 & Under 18 Netball, Soccer, Rugby League and Basketball Trials at Highfields.  

Darling Downs 13 - 18 Years Sports Trials  

• Tuesday 22 February - Touch Football and Volleyball.  
• Monday 28 February - Darling Downs Under 15/18 Rugby League Gala Day.

Sports Darling Downs Awards  

The College has been shortlisted for the Darling Downs Secondary School of the Year Award for 2021. This is based on the outstanding achievements our high school students had last year in Volleyball, Touch Football, Rugby Sevens, Netball and Rugby League. The other finalists are Fairholme College, Toowoomba Anglican School, Harristown SHS, Scots Warwick and St Saviours College. Unfortunately, COVID has cancelled the awards dinner, however, a virtual online presentation night will be held this weekend.  

Volleyball 

The first weekend of the December holidays saw the Year 8 Girls Volleyball Team attend the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup Competition on the Gold Coast. The girls had a tremendous carnival finishing with the Bronze Medal in the Honours Division. A huge thanks to Mrs Lincoln and Mrs Wilkins for coaching and organizing the girls for the week and to the wonderful group of parents, friends and staff members who came to watch games throughout the week. All game results are listed below. 

Pool Games  

OLSCC defeated Cleveland SHS 3 - 2 

Burnside SHS defeated OLSCC 3 - 2 

OLSCC defeated Caloundra SHS 3 - 0 (Caloundra SHS finished 2nd overall) 

Mansfield SHS defeated OLSCC 3 - 0 

Gold Medal Qualifier 

Mansfield SHS defeated OLSCC 3 - 1 

Bronze Medal Qualifier  

OLSCC defeated Cleveland SHS 3 - 0 

Bronze Medal Game  

OLSCC defeated Burnside SHS 3 - 0 

Bunya District Swimming Trials  

The Bunya District Under 9-12 Years Swimming Trials will be held on Thursday 24 February at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Students who have qualified to attend this carnival will be notified next week.  

The Under 13 - Under 18 (Born 2009 – 2004) Inter House Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 25 February at the Dalby Aquatic Centre. Under the Covid safe plan in place, no parents or spectators will be in attendance. Students will travel on the College Coach leaving at 8.50am. Students will be back at school by 3.00pm. Swim shirts are optional for all races. Students may wear their house colours on the day.  

Darling Downs 13 - 19 Swimming Trials  

Any students interested in attending the Darling Downs Trials need to see Mr Lincoln next week with a list of events and times swum at previous carnivals. The Darling Downs Trials will be held in Gatton on Tuesday 1 March.  

Inner Downs Cluster 2 Trials  

Inner Downs Trials in Netball, Rugby League, Basketball and Soccer will be held on Thursday 24 February in Highfields. All these sports will select separate Under 15 and Under 18 Teams. The College Coach will transport students to the trials. Students interested in attending need to sign on via the Sports Notice Board.   

Darling Downs Trials  

Students will directly nominate to Darling Downs Trials held in March for the following sports:  

Under 15 Boys and Girls AFL, Hockey, Squash, Girls Under 16 Rugby Sevens, Boys Under 18 Rugby Union and Girls Under 15 and Under 18 Rugby League. Students interested in attending any of the above trials need to sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Students will need to be of a high playing standard to attend the trials.  

Laura Geitz Netball 

Any Year 7 - 9 Girls who would like to be considered for the Laura Geitz Netball Carnival need to nominate via the Sports Notice Board. Trials to select a team to attend the carnival will be held next week. The carnival will be held at Downlands College in Toowoomba on Sunday 13 March. After winning Division 2 last year, the team will be playing in Division 1 this year. 

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Welcome to Katrina Ballantyne, our College Guidance Counsellor.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big hello to our school community. It’s been so lovely to see all the student’s smiling faces and seeing the College full of action. Well done to all our new students, who demonstrated immense courage by bravely turning up on the first day. This is especially difficult with the extended school holidays.

My role

My role is to support our student’s mental health and wellbeing. It is a priority for me to support students to access the curriculum.  What this may look like is me being in classrooms, running workshops or supporting student committees. If one to one counselling is required, it will be with the goal to support the student and caregivers in finding specialised professional support according to their situation and with some immediate strategies.

What can I do if my child is feeling anxious?

There is an excellent free online program that supports students who are showing symptoms of anxiety. This could look like them being constantly worried or fearful of the future. It is for students aged 8-17 and includes four different age-appropriate programs. This program is created by psychologists and demonstrates that it is effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety. Please find the link below.

Brave Program - Home (uq.edu.au)

Have a wonderful week

Katrina Ballantyne

College Guidance Counsellor

This week the Year 12 Food and Nutrition students enjoyed being back in the kitchen to make deep-fried ice cream balls. In this task, they were investigating the role of fat as a heat transfer medium and what better way to investigate it! By all accounts, the results were delicious!

Simone Forbes

Middle Leader Senior Years

College Photos will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday 1 and 2 March. A timetable and more details will be in the next newsletter. Photo envelopes will be sent home with your child next week.

A friendly reminder for those parents that have not paid their 2021 Term 4 Fees to please make payment as soon as possible. Please contact our Business Manager, Sarah Hall, if you are experiencing any difficulties.

For any families experiencing genuine financial hardship, the College does offer concessions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the College Business Manager if you believe this applies to you.

sarah.hall@twb.catholic.edu.au

Hi Parents and Students.

Tuckshop is back in action with all classes utilising the ‘Flexischools’ ordering system. Using  Flexischools is the way we all now order lunches and afternoon recess. We no longer use the paper bag system. There have been no price changes as yet but this may occur in the future depending on wholesale price increases.

I am still looking for volunteers to help in the tuckshop. Our busiest times are between 9am and 11.30 am, Thursday and Friday being our busiest days. If you could spare a couple of hours to help out, I would appreciate it.

Give me a call  4672 4111 or email DALtuckshop@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Kathy Crump

Tuckshop Manager

This year, a number of students have expressed interest in competing for the College in the Interschool Equestrian competition. The College is in the process of renewing the afilliation with Equestrian Queensland so students can participate.

The College equestrian uniform also includes a red saddlecloth with the College logo and there are currently none available for sale. If you are interested in participating in the Equestrian Queensland Interschool competition, please email Sarah Lilburne at sarah.lilburne@twb.catholic.edu.au so we can work out what is needed and who wants to join the team. Click on the image below for the fact sheet from EQ for Parents and Riders 2022.

4pm to 5 pm

Wednesdays during school term

$50 a term per player

Contact tarlee.pharaoh@pcyc.org.au