Culminating Term for 2023

It was remarkably refreshing to hit the ground running yesterday and see students and staff both positive and engaged in rigorous teaching and learning from day 1.  We know that Term 4 is such a crucial term in the school calendar as we realise the fruits of our labour in the success and development of our students. It is critically important that students do not receive the message that they are nearly done and can cruise along throughout this last term, no matter how old they are. Teachers and students need to finish strong and finish well in order to perform to their potential. 

As I walked among the students on Tuesday morning, checking in with students and staff, I couldn’t help thinking to myself how fortunate our children are.  There were stories of adventure, exploration and exotic holidays, as well as happy, healthy children who loved being back amongst their College community.  As I mentioned to 2P with Mrs Martin just before 3:10 on Tuesday, we must exercise gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that we are given, and then ensure that we use the learnings from our experiences to make life better for others around us.  And this consolidates the importance of “finishing strong” in Term 4. 

This was well exemplified in the Broncos vs Panthers grand final.  The Broncos started the game adequately, made some silly errors, and held their ground until half time.  For the first 20 minutes of the second half, they dominated.  Their lead was considered by many as unsurpassable.  The Panthers were beaten and downtrodden – down on their luck, missing key players, drained, and out of energy.  In my household I was telling my boys how critical it was that the Broncos were communicating about how to get to 50 points.  When Harry asked “Why?” I explained that when you think you are going to win, you often lose – especially against a team like the Panthers.  The Broncos went from a whisker away from becoming grand final heroes, premiers, the victors from Queensland – to the team that lost.  The Panthers on the other hand, accepted the position they were in without blaming anyone, lifted their heads up, and got on with the job.  They focussed on quality set completion, minimal errors, strong defence, and making the most of every opportunity that presented itself.  And when they couldn’t get any good luck, they made their own through grit and determination. Despite being so far behind with little time to go, their finish was excellent, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and will always be remembered for a heroic finish.

Funnily enough, we are at the 60 minute mark of our school year.  It’s the perfect time to hit your straps and drive strongly towards the finish.  If you find yourself in a great position, its time to knuckle down and do everything you can, put in every ounce of effort to ensure that there is no doubt you will succeed.  If you haven’t started well and find yourself behind on the scoreboard - NOW is the best time for you to stand up and do your best.  You can’t change your start, but you surely can change where you finish! 

Let’s make the collective effort to finish strong and be the best version of ourselves as we progress through Term 4 at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College.

EdLead

I was privileged to spend the first 3 days of the holidays with Kaitlyn Harms, Mia Marchant and 50 other Year 11 leaders from Edmund Rice Education Australia schools at EdLead24.  This is a formational opportunity for the best leaders in EREA schools to engage with other leaders and develop skills and attitudes that will inspire success into the future. There was a significant focus on the EREA Touchstones which include:

• Liberating Education
• Gospel Spirituality
• Inclusive Community
• Justice and Solidarity

In the next newsletter, Mia and Kaity will share their reflection on their experience at EdLead24, though I would like to thank Brother Damien Price and the rest of the committee of EdLead24, including Mrs Brennan, for this amazing opportunity for student leadership development.  Additionally, I would like to thank our hosts at Nudgee College for sharing their campus, boarding houses, resources and history with the group over the 3 days. I look forward to seeing the next staff member and student leaders experiencing EdLead25 next year.

Year 12 Success

The end of Year 12 can be a stressful time for our senior students as they engage in rigorous assessment as well as the process of transitioning from schooling into further education, training, or the workforce.  In recognition of this, Mr Spain and I provided the opportunity for every year 12 student to meet with us to share information with each individual about their current trajectory, and set some goals so they can strive to finish Year 12 in the best possible position.  This has been done for many years now at OLSCC, and I am very impressed with the current trajectory of our Year 12 co-hort.  Whether they are aiming for a QCE, a targeted ATAR for university entrance, or an aspirational QCE to gain entry into high demand fields, our students are well informed and well prepared for the end of the year.  In addition to this, many Year 12 students engaged in the External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP) which engages students in learning with experts teachers in focus subjects to support even greater success in external examinations.  This program was developed by secondary principals and curriculum leaders with the introduction of the new QCE system and is the envy of many dioceses. Please keep your eye on the Facebook page as we continue to celebrate successes of our students towards the end of the year, and into the future.  We already have half of our University -bound Year 12 students with early offers, and the vast majority of our students ready to go into the workforce with apprenticeships, traineeships or jobs already secured.  Well done Year 12!

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal

Welcome back to Term 4, I hope everyone had a great break from the routine of school.   

Now we head into the countdown that is last term: 

Its only… 

2 weeks until Year 12 last day  

2 ½ weeks until Year 12 external exams start 

5 ½ weeks until our College Awards 

6 weeks until Year 12 Graduation day 

8 weeks until end of term 

11 weeks until Christmas 

House Leaders 

At the end of last term we reopened applications for House Leaders from current Year 11 and Year 10 students, for 1 McAuley House Leader, 2 Nolan House Leaders and 1 Rice House Leader. These applicants will be interviewed, present speeches and there will be voting over the next two weeks.  We will announce the successful candidates on Friday 20 October at our Whole College Assembly, 8:50am in the MPC. 

In 2024 we will move the House Leader application so that it occurs after the Prefect application and announcement.   

GRANDPARENTS DAY 

Thank you to all the wonderful grandparents and special people in our lives who attended Grandparent’s Day on the last Friday of Term 3.  It was great to join together to celebrate the wonderful role grandparents play in our lives and to share with our grandparents what school is like for our students.   

2024 Preparations – staffing, class lists and so much more…. 

This is an exciting time in the administration of the College as we work hard to finish our current year strongly and look strategically toward 2024.  I am currently working alongside my colleagues on the staffing needs for 2024; our subject options across all year levels but in particular Years 9, 10, 11 & 12; and our timetable for 2024.  There are many layers to this work and we are dedicated to ensuring our students have the best opportunities to achieve their future pathways through their educational journey at our College.  This journey begins in Prep.  We have commenced interviewing staff candidates for 2024, to fill our College with staff who are passionate about their subject areas and about the success of their students.  If you know of any teachers looking to be part of our dynamic community please encourage them to make contact with Pete or myself to discuss opportunities at our College.   

Class lists, all parents were emailed on Thursday morning about the process will follow as a College to create our class lists.  The drafts of these are currently being developed by classroom teachers.  Parent input is invited via the Class Consideration form, details on the intention of this input and the link to the form is in the aforementioned email and on the newsfeed of Parent Portal. This form will close at 9am on Friday 13 October.   

So much forward planning goes into the functioning of our College each year and whilst at times it can be challenging it is rewarding to see our students thriving in their learning.  We often speak to our students about our learning dispositions as life skills and about the importance of being life long learners.  Term 4 is an exciting time in the College where as a leadership team we get to flex, develop and grow our own ability in these learning dispositions. 

Date Claimer Term 4 

Announcement of House Leaders (additional positions) – Friday 20 October  

Year 12 Last Official ‘school day’ – Friday 20 October 

Awards Ceremony Rehearsal – Tuesday 14 November in MPC 

Awards Ceremony – Wednesday 15 November 9:15am in MPC 

Year 12 Graduation Mass – Friday 17 November 10:00am at St Joseph’s Church  

College Christmas Carols – Thursday 30 November 6:00pm-8:00pm  

College Uniform Requirements for Upcoming Events 

All students Prep to Year 12 will attend the College Awards Ceremony.  Prep students may wear normal sports uniform.  All Year 1-Year 12 students should wear formal uniform with ties (Year 5-12) to attend the College Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 15 November.  If this is a normal sports uniform day for your child you may substitute this for Thursday of this week (Week 7). 

Students in Year 11 will attend the Graduation Mass on Friday 17 November to support the Year 12 students.  Students should attend full formal uniform with ties. 

Christmas Carols Thursday 30 November – wear your best Christmas shirt, students and families to join in the Christmas Cheer. 

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

Always a favourite of mine and one I use when I feel like I have lost control or don’t know ‘where to next’. It is the beginning of another term. Term 4 to be exact, the final one of this year and from past experiences, the one that slides by so quickly but so full of ‘things’ to get done. It is important that when we feel like it’s all too much, we put our trust in God that he has it all planned out. It is something we want our students to do, particularly our year 12 students as they enter the final stage of their education. This is sometimes easier said than done but who to be better role models than parents and educators. So, over the next few days as we start planning out our term, I urge you to take the time to sit and talk and listen to God. He knows what our path is, and He will show it to us. We need to trust God. He will never let us down. 

Dear God, We ask of you many things.  

We ask you now to please lead, guide, and direct us in our lives, families, work, church, and everything we do.  

Please help is to trust you with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, help us to acknowledge you.  

We believe, we trust that you will make our paths straight.  

May it be so, we pray in Jesus’ name. 

Amen 

It was good to welcome everyone back on Tuesday. Students are in high spirits as we embark on the final term of the school year.  

Term 4 is a special time in our calendar. It's a time when we reflect on the progress we've made, celebrate our successes, and set our sights on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. It's a time for students to consolidate their knowledge, for teachers to inspire and motivate, and for parents and guardians to continue their invaluable support. Together, we will make these final weeks of the school year truly memorable. 

As we navigate this final term together, let us remember the importance of collaboration, resilience, and gratitude. Let us celebrate the journey we have undertaken and look forward with optimism to the future. 

I am confident that Term 4 will be filled with many achievements and memorable moments. Together, we will finish this school year on a high note and send our students off into the world, prepared to make a positive impact. 

There are many events and opportunities for students in Term 4. Please stay up-to-date with our correspondence, and encourage your child to be involved in as many opportunities and activities as possible. As a timely reminder we would like to highlight to all families that if your contact details registered with the College need to be updated, please contact the Office or via your Sentral Parent Portal. 

Brief overview of some key Term 4 events: 

• Assessments for all students and in particular Yr 12 students sitting their External Exams for their General subjects 
• Graduation  
• Awards Ceremony. All are welcome and invited. 
• Term 4 is the beginning of Unit 3 for many of our Year 11 students. This means that for General subjects, student assessment is now summative and contributes to ATAR calculations (if the student is ATAR eligible). 

Term 4 is certainly shaping to be another full and exciting term, with many opportunities. 

On Wednesday, I spoke specifically to our senior students and acknowledged that the year is coming to an end, but reminded them that this does not mean that we lose focus and encouraged them to maintain momentum with their studies until the very end. I specifically spoke about the power of reflection. Reflection means that you honestly think about and evaluate your past performance. Reflection provides an opportunity to alter or change your course of action, your approach, or your habits. It is a change to start fresh and re-focus. 

As our Year 12 students enter the final stretch and undertake last-minute preparations in their classes for External Exams, or are working on that last piece of assessment, I encourage them to reflect. For instance, reflect on their mock exam results and use that practice run to their advantage to guide their preparation over the coming weeks. Additionally, reflect on teachers’ feedback and advice they have received to ensure that their final assessment is of a high standard. 

The external assessment period is fast approaching and both parents and students will receive more information about the external exams in the coming week such as the assessment schedule, information about processes and expectations. This is a time when students need to draw upon all the information, they have received about time management strategies, study schedules, organisation and study techniques. Equally, it is important that students look after their wellbeing during this time. Balance, quality sleep, exercise and a good diet are also key to achieving success. In the final race to the finish line, the College sincerely wishes Year 12 all the best for their exams and final assessment. 

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal – Senior Years

By Will Cook and Travis Tia

The start of term 4 has now arrived, meaning the end of the year is fast approaching. For the year 12 cohort it is not just the end of term but the end of their journey here at OLSCC which means in the coming weeks they will begin their preparations for the upcoming external exams. On 6 October selected students will be representing the college at the Gold Coast Titans all schools touch comp, this year has the highest attendance of teams with over 530 teams competing over the weekend, so we would like to wish the boys and girls playing luck over the coming days.

We also would like to welcome Ms Lucienne Camenzuli to the college community. Ms Camenzuli will be teaching in the Senior Area. She will be teaching Study of Religion and English. If you do see her around, greet her to our school and introduce yourselves.

Good luck to the students that are running for house captains, and we wish you luck for the speeches in the coming weeks. We hope to see all the elected candidates ready for the exciting times to come with some new and thrilling ideas for us.

Student Leadership – Celebrating Success

Opportunities for student leadership, no matter how small they may seem, are an important strategic mechanism for fostering overall personal development. For growing great people. Openly engaging in a range of school-based leadership roles allows students to develop a skillset that will be beneficial now with their schooling and also later in life. Managing time, setting and achieving goals, working collaboratively with others, communicating clearly – these skills will also support students as they begin to enter the workforce with causal jobs outside of school time.

I am very pleased to report that 95 students across a range of year levels in our three sectors have now been brave enough to take the first step in beginning their leadership skill development through the passport model. This in itself is no small feat. I used the word brave, as even booking a meeting with an Assistant Principal to discuss leadership within the College takes courage. Australian culture, unfortunately, has a well-entrenched social phenomenon called tall poppy syndrome where some portions of society are reluctant to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and success of others, and instead tend to criticize, downplay, or even resent the success of others. While this phenomenon is clearly visible in the media and far more prevalent in wider society, we are certainly not completely immune to its effects here at the College. The fear of standing out may cause some to hesitate or be reluctant to showcase their abilities or ambitions to be leaders among their peer group, however, the courageous will rise above this fear and tackle it head on.  

What is pleasing to report is there are a good number of brave students who have set about completing the required tasks and are closing in on their graduation from Level One of the Leadership Passport Model. Two students, Eve Henry (4B) and Kaitlyn Harms (11A) have already made this transition and should be congratulated for their efforts. Well done Ladies.

Eve Henry	Kaitlyn Harms

One motivated and determined young lady, Lexie Forbes (6A), has also work tirelessly to graduate from Level Two of the model,. Lexie is our first student to commence Level Three of the Passport model and is to be congratulated for her persistence, determination, and the initiative she has shown in completing the required tasks.

Since beginning her leadership development journey earlier this year, Lexie has completed:

• 5 x Above and Beyond tasks
• 2 x Public Speaking tasks
• Participated in significant College events.

Our community is benefiting from her dedication. Lexie has been actively involved in many projects, events, and tasks this year, including:

• Assisting Year 12 students in serving at the Breaky Club on Monday mornings before school in Term 2 and Term 3.
• Having a significant role in the College Musical production.
• Helping to lead the organisation of the College Disco in Term 3.
• Being a Bus Buddy to a prep student helping him to and from the classroom
• Reading to a prep student twice a week for Term 2
• Participating in the Dalby Vocal Eisteddfod

Lexie has demonstrated that she is driven and has a strong work ethic. She is responsible, reliable and is constantly seeking opportunities for improvement. Best of all, it is inspiring others. Whenever we contribute to the community, be it here within the College or beyond the gates, we help inspire others to do the same. Above and Beyond Tasks encourage students to demonstrate their initiative to not walk past and opportunity to make a positive difference, but instead to do something positive about it. This causes a ripple effect, encouraging more people to get involved and in the end the difference made grows.

Well done to every student who has begun their leadership development journey through the Passport model. For those who have been thinking about it. It is not too late to join in. Here is the process to get onboard:

• Student books a meeting with their Assistant Principal through the office staff.
• Meet with the Assistant Principal and get their passport.

It would be wonderful if we could have 100 students begin their journey this year!

Sporting Representation

It was wonderful to see students from the Middle Years representing in various sports over the holiday period. From state representation to other representative teams, from volleyball to touch football, well done to everyone. Being selected in representative sporting teams is a testament to your dedication and work ethic from training to the sporting area. We may be a little school in terms of numbers but we certainly compete very well against those form much bigger places.  

Year 5 Camp
Yesterday a very excited cohort of Year 5 students departed for their annual camp to Brisbane. Here are some snaps from Day 1 – visiting St Stephen’s Cathedral. Day 2 sees the students head out on the bay to visit the former penal colony at Saint Helena Island.

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal – Middle Years

How fantastic to see our students so engaged upon their return to classrooms this week! It is shaping up to be another exciting term across the Early Years, with several opportunities for ‘learning outside of the classroom’ this term.

Congratulations to our Year 2 cohort who ran an excellent Invention Convention at the end of last term, coupled with a beautiful prayer celebration and sausage sizzle. The learning dispositions were well and truly called upon, and there was an astounding amount of curiosity, creativity and optimism on show. The students also handled being interviewed by the myriad of parents and grandparents who visited their exhibition, showing excellent use of oral language and dialogue. Special mention to school leaders Josh, Kaity and Claire who helped out with the sausage sizzle. These wonderful leaders show up many, MANY times throughout the year to assist the Early Years in a myriad of ways and we are so grateful to have such positive role models for our youngest students.

Our Year 3 students will once again be venturing off campus as they explore the history of Dalby with the assistance of some of our alumni, participating in a ‘bus-about’ tour of town. As this newsletter goes to print, Mr Cuskelly and I will be joining our Year 4 students on camp at Columboola Environmental Education Centre at Miles. Next week, all our Early Years classes will participate in an incursion with the Juiced Up Groms – Healthy Living for Kids team, supporting our health units in reinforcing the messages around the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles.

This week you will have once again received the Term 4 outline of what your child is learning about in the classroom. Remember that this is a great document to refer back to or print out and stick on the fridge, to enable you to have meaningful conversation with your child about what they are learning at school. This gives a great base for the vital questions of

• what are you learning?
• how are you going with the learning?
• what do you have to do to bump your learning up?

Early Years Nativity Musical

Preparations are underway for our annual Nativity Musical. Details of the performance times are:

Day: Thursday 30 November

Time: 9:30am (note: earlier performance time this year)

Venue: MPC

Who: All classes P-4

All families and friends are welcome to join us for the performance.

Year level roles and costume requirements are listed below:

Please note that the intention is for costuming to remain as simple as possible for families to access. There is no need to purchase specific costume items for the musical with most pieces able to be gathered at home.

Mrs Katrina Walton
Assistant Principal Early Years

Saints Race Day 2023 was such a fantastic day. Thank you to all of the students, staff and working party who helped with the preparation and the running of the day.

A huge thank you to all patrons who turned up for support, as well as the sponsors and local businesses who generously donated to our fundraising goal.

Funds raised from this event will be going towards the playground upgrade, between prep and early years. This will be a wonderful addition to our school and we will communicate in the next newsletter on the final figures raised and all of our prize winners.

Next FACE Executive meeting will be communicated shortly, along with information on our next social event.

Kaitlin and Kate

Saints Race Day working party 2023 from left to right, Hannah Gilliand, Erin Fry, Hamey Hayllor and Kristie Hunt.

Expresso Barista and Responsible Alcohol Service Course

Toward the end of term 3, eighteen year 12 students elected to participate in an Expresso Barista course and a Responsible Service of Alcohol Course (RSA) at the College which was presented by Aurora and supported by the College. These courses are aimed at providing students with additional skills and knowledge to provide opportunities in part time employment in hospitality whilst attending further study in the coming years. These extra courses were requested by these year 12 students, and it is has been encouraging to have these students preparing themselves for the workforce and their careers in the future.

School Based Apprentice/Trainee and Employer Lunch

Parents/Careers with students currently in year 12 and attending a traineeship/SBA would have received an invitation, via email, to attend the annual Year 12 school-based apprenticeship and trainee Employer thank you luncheon. This is being held on Thursday 19 October from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at the Russell Tavern in Dalby. If you have not emailed your RSVP, please do so as soon as possible to the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office 4687 4350 or leesa.vanzandbergen@twb.catholic.edu.au or Tracey.Boland@twb.catholic.edu.au

Important Dates: Up and Coming Events – Save the Date

• 11 October UniSQ Visit re Headstart and scholarships (Yr 10-12)
• 19 October – SBA/Trainee Employer thank you lunch – Russell Tavern 1pm -2:30pm
• 25 October – McNab Tour

Apprenticeship Opportunities

A Carpentry Apprenticeship for a graduating Year 12 Student to commence in 2024 is now open with Turner Building & Carpentry in Dalby. To apply please email your expression of interest and resume to lex@turnerbuildingcarpentry.com.au

An Electrical Apprenticeship is also available for a graduating Year 12 student to commence in 2024 with CEC (Condamine Electric Company) in Dalby. Please see the flyer for more information.

Mr Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

After a busy & fun term 3 we have some very exciting things happening in the tuckshop for term 4.
Firstly we now have our tuckshop ladies sorted with Bindy & Jo working together to serve our school community, but we still need a few volunteers on the 3 days we are open. Please contact the College if you would like to volunteer some time, even 1 day a term or 1 hour when you can fit it in would be really appreciated. (Tasks include labelling bags, making toasties, icing cupcakes etc)

We have also made some slight changes on flexischools with how food can be ordered, we encourage you to make sure you familiarize yourself with these changes so you are ordering exactly what you want. (Example: with OLSCC subs now you start with a roll & chicken strips and you add on exactly what you want – so if you would like cheese & mayo make sure you select those! Same changes have been made with the tender burgers and hotdogs.)
We also have a gluten free section to make sure ordering GF items is a lot easier for those families and limits people accidentally ordering gluten free when it is not required.

If you do miss the flexischools cut off or need to order after 8:30am please feel free to pop into the tuckshop and we will get you sorted.

Lastly we have some delicious & healthy SUMMER SPECIALS coming up in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for those! 

We are looking forward to a great term 4.

Bindy & Jo

QCIS Boys Rugby Sevens

Results are listed below from the Inaugural QCIS Boys Rugby Sevens Competition held at Downlands. Thanks to Mr Fraser, Mr Setch and Mr Garside for coaching our teams.

Under 13 (third place)

Win vs Concordia                       22-17

Win vs Scots Warwick                26-21

Loss to TAS                               0-30

Loss to Downlands                     0-24

Under 15 Boys (fourth place)

Loss to Concordia                      14-24

Loss to Scots Warwick               12-35

Win vs TAS                               10-5

Loss to Downlands                     0-66

Under 18 Boys (third place)

Win vs Concordia                       30-7

Win vs Scots Warwick                19-17

Loss vs TAS                               5-41

Loss to Downlands                     0-42

Darling Downs 2024 Triathlon Trials

Any students who would like to attend the Darling Downs Triathlon Trials for 2024 please see Mr Lincoln for more information. Students must be 13-18 years of age in 2024.

Darling Downs Aquathlon Trials

Any Boys or Girls turning 11 or 12 in 2024 (Born 2012 or 2013) who would like to participate in the Darling Downs Aquathlon Trials please see Mr Lincoln for more information. An Aquathlon consists of a 1km run, 200m swim, followed by another 1km run. These trials will be held at the Dalby Aquatic Centre on Friday 27 October. Students must be able to swim the 200m without stopping.

Primary Touch Football

The College has nominated a Boys and a Mixed Team in the SWQ Swans Primary All Schools Touch Football Carnival in Dalby on Sunday 15 October. Further details will be passed onto students next week.

Secondary Touch Football

Day 1 of the QLD All Schools Touch Football Carnival began on the Gold Coast today with the Under 15 Teams competing. The Under 18 Mixed team begin their carnival tomorrow. Full results will be available in the next newsletter.

Volleyball

Next Tuesday teams from Year 7/8 will compete in the Darling Downs Schools Cup Competition at Harristown SHS. Many of these students will then attend the QLD Schools Cup on the Gold Coast the from October 20-22.

QISSN Netball / QISSRL Rugby League 2024

The 2024 QISSRL and QISSN Carnivals will be held in Townsville in the first week of the June/ July holidays. The Rugby League Carnival is open to any boys turning 16 or older in 2024. The Netball Carnival in open to any girls in Years 9-12 in 2024. Both squads will begin training in Week 3.

Mr Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport