Rewarding Success 

What a privilege it was to recognise the many amazing achievements of our College family at the awards ceremonies earlier this week.  After a year of hard work and dedication to learning, spiritual formation, sport and culture, there is nothing better than seeing so many smiles come to greet you to receive their award!  There are plenty of images of the award winners later in the newsletter and full lists will be published on the College Website, though there are a few special mentions I need to make, amongst the many amazing achievements.

• Firstly, to everyone for the College Prayer, Song and National Anthem.  Nothing instils a sense of pride like being in the MPC for that awards ceremony.  Likewise everyone’s behaviour, patience and respect throughout the entirety of the ceremony, simply excellent.
• All of our College Icon Award recipients, especially Matilda Ryan, William Cook, Matilda Paffey and Kaitlyn Harms; to demonstrate these virtues at such a young age is admirable. 
• Charlotte Crothers – ADF Long Tan Award, English, Math, Science, RE, History, Geography and Home Ec Subject Excellence Awards, Academic Excellence Award, Academic Distinction Award, as well as many awards on Monday, and topped off yesterday with an outstanding House Leader speech.
• Georgia Ryan – many awards on Monday, ADF Long Tan Award, Math A Subject Excellence Award, Academic Excellence Award, Outstanding Vocational Student Award, Nolan Strength Through Gentleness Award and Catherine McAuley Award.
• Daniel Gillespie – Math B and Chemistry Subject Excellence Award, Academic Excellence Award, Persuasive Literature Award, Gold Sports Award, Sports person of the Year, Our Lady of the Southern Cross Award

As I stated on Wednesday, I was most humbled and proud as the College Principal to a level I’m not sure others would understand.  Looking at the faces of a champion family and seeing such excellence in achievement sure is a great way to be further invigorated in leading the College to even better results in 2019 and beyond.  Thank you to all of our people who were able to be present to celebrate our collective success.  

One to One Laptop Program in 2019

In January next year, we are rolling out the One to One Laptop program for all students in Years 7 to 12.  This aligns strongly with the demands of the workplace that our students will enter in the near future. It also aligns with the type of learning and way of learning that creates MASTERY LEARNING.  Essentially, mastery learning simply means that students are mastering both how and what they are learning so that they can apply their knowledge, understandings and cognitive skill sets to unfamiliar situations to develop a response or solution.  Each student having a laptop means they can access information at any point in time, as well as use the tools of learning/software 24/7.  Through our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), our students will have access to key information and resources at any time they have a connection to the internet.  Resources from the class that day can be uploaded so students can engage in revision to master their learning.  It also enables students to submit their assessment items on line and reduces the tyranny of student notices etc, as students will have 24/7 access to all the information that is made available.

The final model is yet to be finalised as we are scrupulously selecting the best, and most reliable device that can perform to a high standard for all software needs of the College.  We are also ensuring there are excellent standards of service, warranty and accident insurance that come with the device.  The  laptop program will come at a cost to each student in Year 7-12.  For those creating their budget for next year, our current target is $260 per student per year.  At the completion of 3 years with the laptop, there will be an option for students to payout the device and keep it. 

Some FAQs in regards to the program:

• Can I bring my own device? No.  All devices will be the same and owned by the College until the point in time the student/family pays the final payout. This is largely due to software licensing agreements, management of devices, security and online safety of students.
• Can I take the device home on weekends and holidays? Of course – that’s the whole idea!
• How do I pay for the device? All students in Years 7-12 will have a laptop levy in their school fees. There are no concessions or scholarships for this aspect of the fees and this must be paid.  The only other cost will be an excess if the device is damaged or lost.
• What if I don’t have good internet at home?  The device can still be useful as a stand-alone tool, though is most effective when connected.  Documents can simply be saved to the device storage so they can be accessed offline.
• What happens if my device fails?  We will have spares on site and will be working with the students regarding how and where they store their information so that in case of failure they can still access everything they need. All devices will have the same software required for school.
• Can I put whatever I like on my device?  They are owned by the school and will be managed as such, so it is wise to ensure that there is no content that is against the values and expectations of the College
• Does this mean I don’t need books? No. Text books will still be needed, although our new versions will include online resources to support your learning as well. You will also need to write notes and work on paper, but also have the option of doing this digitally if that is what works for you.

The laptops are only one aspect of a complex process of moving to digitisation which supports mastery learning.  The other aspects include: teacher and student training, software and licensing, classroom technology (projectors/interactive screens etc), infrastructure, technical support, Canvas LMS, and most importantly the pedagogy of teachers and engagement of students.  All of this is not able to simply be flicked on like a switch and we know that it will take time to make this as effective as it can be.  We look forward to starting the adventure and further developing our students to be ready for the workplace into which they will enter, and allow them access to support and resources whenever they need it most. 

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

A full list of all the winners from both Monday's Awards of Participation and Wednesday's Awards of Excellence have been uploaded to the College Website. Click here for those results. Please enjoy our photo galleries with images from both events. 

Awards of Excellence

Awards of Participation

This week we celebrate the achievements of our students in all areas of College Life; Academic, Cultural, Sport and Lived Faith.  We joined together and prayed our College prayer at the beginning of each ceremony as it reflects the dedication we strive for each day: 

Lord, help us to do our best in all our challenges 

and learn to appreciate that by doing our best 

with the gifts you have given us, we are serving you. 

Help us to build our community in your presence 

and give us the grace to follow the example 

of Our Lady in faithful service to Our Lord. 

Amen 

AWARD CEREMONIES 

The Award Ceremonies were a wonderful showcase of all that is great about our College.  The lists of Award recipients will be uploaded to our College Website this week. 

We provide three awards in particular, that link our current pupils with our alumni.  These are the Andrew McGahan Short Story Award, the Madonna King Persuasive Literature Award and the David Presley Award.  Each of these past students donates a prize of books or a voucher for the award recipients.  We are excited to promote that Madonna King also donated two of her books to our Colege Library, 'Being 14' and 'Fathers and Daughters', written for parents.  These books are great resources for parents and they can be borrowed by parents and community members from our College Library. 

Cate Brennan

Assistant Principal Mission

For Year 6 students all around Australia, the camp to Canberra is an experience that provides an insight into the workings of the Federal Parliament as well as an opportunity to explore and appreciate the landmarks and attractions found at our nation's capital city. Last week, our Year 6 students made the long journey to Canberra for a busy week soaking up all that Canberra has to offer. Here are a few stories from our Year 6 students describing their Canberra experience.

"After we arrived at Toowoomba, we went to the airport and flew to Sydney then went on the bus to Canberra where we stayed at a cabin ground. We visited the War Memorial where we walked through the field of poppies and went into the learning centre. We learned about the wars that happened throughout the years. We then went to Old parliament House where we participated in a fake election.

The next day, we visited the Governor General's house and we explored and looked at all the paintings and furniture. We went to Telstra Tower where Allie yelled, "Can we get a HOYA?" Someone in the distance yelled "HOYA."

The next day we went to the New Parliament House and did a role play where I got to play the role of President. We were in the Senate voting on a Bill. We then went to the Electoral Centre where we participated in an election.

We visited other places such as the Australian Institute of Sport and the Art Gallery before travelling home on Thursday." - Amelia McNaughton

"Danielle and Gerrard were the best bus drivers throughout the whole Canberra trip because Gerrard had the best jokes and Danielle was kind to everybody. Questacon was the best place we visited during out trip. We learned about earthquakes and saw caged lightening." - Ethan Horrigan

"Canberra is fresh in the mornings as the teachers say (AKA FREEZING). There was that much rain at Wellcamp Airport, you couldn't even see the plane outside the windows. The War Memorial building didn't look that big until you got inside. There are 6 million mosaic tiles covering the walls of the lost soldiers tomb." - Rowan Cartwright

"Canberra Tour 2018 was very educational AND FUN! Our days were packed with exciting activities and boredom was unheard of. The staff that came along were friendly and fun. Also the tour guide and bus driver were knowledgeable and kind. What most people worried about was the food and accommodation but on the contrary, it was five stars." - Travis Tia

We would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Government via the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER).

Last week from Wednesday to Friday, 2 bus loads of 108 Year 4 and Year 5 students and 10 staff travelled to the Tallebudgera Beach School for camp. The group took part in a range of exciting and challenging activities. Everyone was able to test themselves on the high ropes and rock wall, learn about tides and how to surf, make giant catapults, discover the clown within through Circus Skills and work together in beach games. Students experienced living with others in their dorm rooms and how to be more independent. With a full schedule and much to see, we were all very tired by Friday afternoon when we returned. Attending staff members were able to reminisce about their time as students at Tallebudgera Camp and to admire the amazing changes. 

"I liked camp because of the rock climbing, surfing and high ropes." - Alex Boland

"At camp we had an amazing time surfing." - Millie Turner

"I enjoyed having fun with my friends in my group." - Taj Burke

"Tallebudgera was fun. You got to learn about different types of teamwork. My favourite activity was probably high ropes because you don't get that opportunity at many other places." - Emily Clapperton

"Tallebudgera was really enjoyable. It was fun to help others out and do stuff with other people that you don't normally work with. I really liked body boarding because I've never experienced it before." - Penny Kaiteie

Carey Twidale

Year 4/5 Teacher

Last Friday, students from Ms Joyce's Year 2A class helped Mr Trenham and Mrs Kuruilaca with the job of planting out the new trees and annuals in the garden between the PAC and Prep area. If you have been to the College recently, you may have noticed work happening on different areas of garden. Trees and shrubs that were constantly requiring pruning or looked unhealthy were removed and replaced with more suitable specimens. The Year 2A students assisted with planting out the petunias then mulching and watering the new plants in. The weather was quite warm but all plants have fared well thanks to the care and attention of the students in 2A. Red crepe myrtle trees were also planted amongst the petunias and will provide a beautiful display with red blooms once they are established.

Junior

Touch Football

Congratulations to the Primary Mixed Team who competed at the SWQ All Schools Carnival in Dalby on Sunday. The team finished with 2 Wins and 3 Losses. The College was definitely in the stronger of the two Pools which provided quality match practice leading up to the QLD All Schools Carnival this weekend at Cleveland. Thanks to Dan Gillespie and Sarah McQuaid for coaching the team.

Results Finished in 7th Place Overall

Pool B Games

Loss to Roma State College 3-1 (Finished 5th)

Loss to Middle Ridge State School 5-1 (Overall Champions)

Loss to St Joseph’s Chinchilla 4-2 (Runners Up)

Win vs Dalby South State School White 6-1

Cross Pools Playoff

Win vs Toowoomba North State School 6-1

Bronze Sports Award Recipients 2018

Year 5

Cooper Fresser, Emma Reed, Bronson Barnett, Bella Buckley, Summer Buckley, Braithen Crothers, Loretta Carpenter, Josh Smart, Bailie Cook

Year 6

Kaitlyn Harms, Cooper Wedrat, Cobie Wedrat

Senior

Rugby Sevens

SWQ Sevens Series Results

Boys Under 14 Round 1

Wins against Mary MacKillop Highfields and Faith Lutheran Plainlands

Boys Under 16

Unfortunately postponed again due to storms

Girls Under 14 Round 3

Losses against St Saviours College 3 tries to 2 and St Ursula’s College 4 tries to 1

Zarah Manteit was the most improved player

Athletics

Results from the State Athletics Championships held last week in Brisbane. Thanks to Mr Coman and the three students listed below for their dedication to training this year.

Harry Coman – 4th 110m Hurdles Final, 4th 400m Hurdles Final

Eliza Bradford – 6th High Jump 1.53m

Jonty MacDougall – 21st High Jump 1.70m

Rugby League

The 2019 Confraternity Shield Rugby League Squad have a trial game next Wednesday afternoon in Toowoomba vs St Joseph’s College. Best of luck to all involved.

Bronze Sports Award Recipients 2018

Year 7

Brock Sankey, Bailey Rathmell, Harry Cooper, Molly Hartwig

Year 8

Hugh Gleeson, Toby Harms, Charlie Cooper, Jaiken Crothers, Shawnee King, Mackenzie Wedrat, Kaide Hogan, Kelii Leahy, Will Herbert,

Year 9

Michael MacDonald, Morgan Allen, Hugh Clarke, Jack Henningsen, Jack Welsh

Year 10

Brayden Hughes, Declan Crothers, Sam Gillespie, Oliver Harth, Max Ogilvie, , Matt Cuskelly, Charlotte Crothers, Bree Tanks, Margot Gleeson, Kasey Taylor, Zoe Turner, Ebony Rathmell, Hannah Nimmo, Jasmine Houlder, Bailey Cleary, Bronte Kruger

Year 11

Lytana King Togia

Year 12

Scott Jones, Chase Alderton, Jacob Luck, Sam Welsh, Chelsea Champion, Nya Hope, Taylah Hoefler, Jaymee Cooper, Claudia Nothdurft

Tim Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

Would you like to know more about Visible Learning?  Want to know what your child is talking about when they say Learning Intention and Success Criteria?  Next Wednesday afternoon at 2:30pm, and again in the evening at 5:30pm  we will be running two parent information sessions that give a brief introduction into our College's Visible Learning journey (approx 20 minutes).  These sessions will be held in Yellow 3 & 4.  We encourage parents to join us for one of these sessions to learn more about Visible Learning.

Library Link

PREP are on the loose in the Library….

In the past week, Prep students have been allowed to visit the Library during their lunch break. This is a privilege offered to all students from Years 1 to 12. Students are welcome to visit from 11:30am to 11:45am. Here, the students can enjoy board games, Lego, colouring in, reading and computer use (Wednesday only for primary school). It’s also cool in summer and warm in winter!!

Our older students have been assisting Prep in the Library & also making sure they get back to class on time.

Bently, Khayden & Lachlan are proud of the puzzle they put together.

William, Charlie & Benjamin build Lego.

Zia, Amara, Lillianah, Kate & Candice enjoy some colouring.

Reader of the Week

Are you our Reader of the Week? You were spotted enjoying a book at lunchtime recently. Please see Library staff for your reward.  Well done & keep reading!

TUCKSHOP ROSTER