Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby eNewsletter

This week, all parents were sent an email asking for feedback on the College’s next Master Plan.

The Master Plan is a strategic document that sets out our long-term facility development. We anticipate this Master Plan to cover at least the next 10 years of facility development at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College.

The Master Plan is an important document and is something that we would value our community’s input on. Please find below a survey for completion that will allow us to consider your input into our next Master Plan:

Master Plan Feedback

Please note, this form will close at 5pm, Monday 23 October 2023.

Term 4 fees were issued on the 12 October 2023, with a due date of 9 November 2023.
If a family has any concerns or questions regarding this invoice, please do not hesitate to contact the College Business Manager, Sarah Hall.

Year 12 Week 3

Yesterday was the last day of regular timetable and school routines for our Year 12 students and today they enjoyed their final retreat as a cohort. This means that the students now focus on their external exams preparation as they progress through 17 days of state synchronised exams. It also means that students on a pathway that doesn’t include general subjects will only return to school for the final few days of Week 7 leading up to graduation. There is a wide range of emotions amongst the students and staff including anxiety, excitement, happiness and sadness, though we know for sure that our Year 12 students are as ready as they ever will be to finalise their assessment over coming weeks and move onto the next chapter in their lives. Our Year 12 students are a great collective group, as well as great individuals. They will go on to make a great contribution to our world, and we wish them all the best in their External Assessment! See you all in Week 7 for awards and graduation!

Mrs Brennan 5 Year Review

On Monday Mrs Brennan will undergo her 5-year review in her role of Deputy Principal Religious Education. I will have Ms Angela Travers (TCS Senior Leader Mission and Identity), Mr Chris Golightly (TCS Senior Education Leader) and Ms Kellie-Marie Ford (St Jospeh’s College Acting Deputy Principal) join me in the panel as we collate feedback from interviews and surveys to determine her progress in her role as well as informing the direction for the next 5 years. Thank you to those families who have received and completed the surveys for Mrs Brennan, as well as those who will be attending interviews on Monday to give feedback regarding her role. This process is crucial for all senior leaders in schools at TCS and we look forward to the insights we gain from this valuable opportunity.

Staffing Updates

We are currently placing recruitment advertisements to ensure we deliver the full compliment of subjects available at OLSCC, with the expansion of the Early Years to three streams in Year 1, as well as Prep again in 2024. Sadly, we will have some staff departing at the end if this year, which we will announce in the week 5 newsletter. We are also refining the Middle and Senior Years timetables to ensure we have the best structure for our students to learn. The roles being advertised include the following:

Teacher: Year 1

Teacher: HPE & Science

Teacher: English & Humanities

Teacher: Physics, Maths & Science

Teacher: Design Technology

These roles will be advertised at the same time as our available Middle Leader positions which have been confirmed for the foreseeable future. This Middle Leadership Structure is intended to focus on support to enhance teacher practice in the classroom, more precise curriculum planning and delivery, and greater support for early and middle years through more committed time from a primary middle leader. These Middle Leader positions are not fulltime positions. The Primary Middle Leader will have 50% release from classroom teaching, and P-12 and Secondary Middle Leaders also receive some release from their teaching loads. Our confirmed Middle Leadership (ML) Structure from 2024 is:

P-12 Middle Leader Roles:

Living Your Faith (LYF) - Mrs Carey Twidale (continuing)

Sport - Mr Tim Lincoln (continuing)

Student Services - Mrs Andrea Gormley (returning from leave)

Secondary Middle Leader Roles:

Mathematics - Recruiting

English & Humanities - Recruiting

Science & Technology - Recruiting

Pedagogy & Engagement - Mr Tyron Fraser (continuing)

Pedagogy & Engagement - Recruiting

Arts - Miss Tamara Creeley (continuing)

Primary Middle Leader - Recruiting

I have also applied to Toowoomba Catholic Schools for approval to appoint an additional Assistant Principal to the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Principal - Administration. This role is intended to support the ever-increasing administration demands at the College, take responsibility for the timetable and oversight of daily covers, oversee The Arts, HPE and Languages curriculum areas for Year 7-12, manage all professional learning and development for staff, and be responsible for the development of a “High Potential Learners” framework, underpinning best teacher practices in advancing capabilities of high performing students in every class and lesson across the College. This position also includes a 50% teaching load. Once this position is approved, it will also be advertised.

If you know of people who match the values and mission of our College who would love to work with a fantastic staff such as ours, please refer them to Seek or the Toowoomba Catholic School website where these positions will be posted in the next few days.

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal

This week signifies a milestone for our Year 12 students as they conclude their formal schooling at OLSCC and prepare for External Exams and life beyond school. We know that they have skills and tools for this next step and pray that they have the support and wisdom to use all they have learnt here at the College as they graduate from our College in just four weeks’ time.

House Leaders

This Friday at Whole College Assembly we will announce our final positions of House Leader for McAuley House Leader, Nolan House Leaders and Rice House Leader. In 2024 we will move the House Leader application so that they occur after the Prefect application and announcement.

2023 Awards Ceremony

Our Prep – Year 12 Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday 15 November at 9:15am in the MPC. Students receiving awards have been notified through the Student and Parent Portal. Whilst we do not announce before the day which awards students will be receiving it is important to us that students and their families are aware if they are receiving an award in advance.

Mini Vinnies Christmas Hampers

Christmas can be a tough time financially for many in our community and we would like to help where we can. Our Year 5 students are currently in the planning stages of the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Keep an eye out for a letter which will come home in the next few weeks about donations we will be collecting to assist our local St Vincent de Paul Chapter. If you know of a family that are in need of a hamper or assistance I can be contacted through the College office.

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

This year after feedback from families we have relocated our Christmas Carols to the Thursday evening in Week 9 of this term. Students will lead our community in an evening of Christmas Carols. Battery powered candles and drinks will be available to purchase on the evening with funds raised going to Yes Arusha. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the end of the year and the Christmas season.

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 – just wear your best Christmas shirt, both students and their families and join in the Christmas Cheer.

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

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

When recently looking through the September issue of the Toowoomba Diocese magazine ‘Horizons’, I was intrigued by the interesting images of an article titled ‘The Crack in the Window’ written by Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran. It is a story of a church window with a large crack in it. It tells of faults and weaknesses and how instead of looking at them as something needing to be fixed, perhaps God values these cracks as something beautiful. Maybe, it is a case of God choosing broken vessels and imperfect people; the flawed, the ‘messed up’ for a purpose. We all have these cracks, and they allow us to see our weaknesses and mistakes which in turn helps us to reach others. The article ends by suggesting that we can be witnesses of God’s kingdom to others through these small cracks. This article resonated with me and my busy life of aiming for perfection. A good friend recently said to me ‘Don’t let perfect get in the way of good’. This article reminds us of that. An article definitely worth casting your own eyes over.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for the opportunities you have bestowed upon us. We thank you for the chances to take time with our imperfections, to reflect on our journeys, and to find ways to extend a helping hand to others.

In our moments of self-doubt and vulnerability, you remind us that imperfections are the canvas upon which your grace and wisdom can work wonders. You teach us that it is through our own struggles and growth that we gain the empathy and compassion needed to help those who journey alongside us.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognise these opportunities for growth, and the strength to embrace them. Help us to be instruments of your love, sharing kindness and understanding with those who seek solace in their own imperfections.

May we always remember that in our shortcomings, your divine light shines through, guiding us to serve others with humility and love. We are eternally grateful for the grace you bestow upon us, and we ask for your continued guidance on this path of self-improvement and service to others.

Amen

Year 12 External Examinations

All year 12’s have received information from the College and QCAA about the upcoming External Examinations.

The external assessment timetable for 2023 is located here.

QCAA external assessment timetable 2023

QCAA has an excellent resource on the myQCE website called the “External Assessment Guide for students”. This is found on the website External assessment | myQCE (qcaa.qld.edu.au)

How can I prepare?

Senior syllabuses

General senior syllabuses provide information about external assessment for each subject.

Sample papers

View the sample papers for the subjects you study, to get an idea of what external assessment will be like. You can find them in the Assessment tab on each General syllabus page on the QCAA website.

Equipment

Each syllabus details the equipment you will need for the external assessment. It may include:

Blue or black pens
Pencils (2B)
A sharpener
A clear plastic ruler
An eraser
Approved calculator
Specific equipment

On the day, students may bring your equipment in a clear container or zip-lock bag. Students may also bring water in a clear unlabelled bottle.

Mobile phones, smart watches and/or other electronic devices will not be permitted in the examination room.

The External assessment equipment list (PDF, 175.3 KB) contains information about the approved equipment for all assessments, including calculators, student devices, subject-specific equipment and prohibited items.

The 2023 external assessments will be held from Monday 23 October to Tuesday 14 November.

The 2023 external assessment timetable has been designed to:

minimise clashes for students across the 17 days of external assessments. Where there is a clash within a morning or afternoon session, students will be allocated to the alternative session on the same day
ensure students sit no more than two external assessments on one day
provide sufficient breaks between external assessments for popular courses and frequently combined courses
enable all external assessments to be marked in time for students to receive their final Year 12 results.

Directions for students

External assessments are administered by schools in line with the QCAA’s requirements. Students must also follow the requirements outlined in the Directions for students (PDF, 243.1 KB).

Year 9 2024 Subject Information

As students progress through secondary schooling, the demands and expectations will increase. Students are responsible for their studies and the results that they achieve. Parents/Guardians and teachers can offer guidance and support, but ultimately success will rely on the student’s ability to apply themselves to their studies, establish good study habits, set goals, revise work consistently, and persevere.

Information about subjects and the selections process has been sent to families with reponses due 27 October.

RE: College Photoshoot.

On Tuesday 24 October 2023 photographers aligned with our promotional team, DMS, will be at the College to take promotional photos of the students to be used as part of marketing and advertising for the College.

We have selected classes from across the College to have their photo taken. Some of the current Year 9 and 10 classes will be a part of the photo shoot, running from 8.50am to 3.10pm on this day.

Students will not be required for the entire photo shoot, only for the style of photos they would be best suited to i.e., AG students dressed in AG attire involved in AG class photos.

Personal grooming should be of a high standard. The only jewellery acceptable is PLAIN sleepers or studs (no coloured or pearl earrings, no necklaces).

Top 10 tips for studying smart

Plan your study time into 50 minute blocks. Take a break. Reset your brain for maximum concentration.
Schedule what you will do during break times. Refresh your mind by moving your body – walk the dog, dance, go for a run.
Focus on understanding rather than memorising. The more you understand the less your have to remember.
Make posters of important dates and equations and stick them up in your room, in your shower (laminated) or on the back of the toilet door.
Use wordle.net to create word clouds of key themes and topics.
Visit Khan Academy online. Khan will tutor you for free with online videos.
Sleep 9.25 hours per night for optimum brain function. Keep a notepad on your bedside table to stop diarrhoea of the brain and make notes if you can’t sleep.
Know the schedule of exams and allow plenty of time to get there. Avoid the early morning rush.
When it all get to much, go sit in a tree to get a fresh perspective.
Be Positive. A positive mindset will not create talent but it will release it.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal – Senior Years

Mia Marchant & Kaity Harms

At the end of last term, we got the opportunity to attend a leadership camp for year 11 students. The camp took place at Nudgee with plenty of other school students from Brisbane to Townsville. The camp was led by brother Damien Price, and we had plenty of guest speakers and leaders come to talk about leadership and how we are going to lead our school better. It was a great opportunity to meet new like-minded people and expand our skills in leadership. The highlight of the camp for was playing wheelchair basketball and our team winning.

Although we had lots of fun and met many new friends it was also a time to reflect on our leadership journey ahead and what type of leader we wanted to be. We learnt that it is important to lead by example even if it is the smallest action and many characteristic traits that come into leadership.

One of the thoughts they left us with and that has stuck with us is, “Plant a seed that will one day grow to be a great tree that will give shade to people you won’t know” We are excited to start planting these seeds for OLSCC.

Kaity Harms & Will Cook

As we are approaching the middle of our last term for the year and it also being the year 12’s last week of official school before externals start, we are wanting to wish all the Year 12 students the best of luck with their upcoming exams. Although the year 12s schooling life is coming to an end, and it is an exciting time for them, they have been an integral part of the OLSCC community, and we will miss them all greatly.

On Tuesday 17 October we were very lucky to have Glen Gerreyn from the Hopeful Institute come out to us year 11s. It was great to be a part of the experience, and there was a lot of information that we will be able to use. Some students that attended the day described it as “inspirational, motivating, something I will never forget”. On behalf of all the grade 11s we just wanted to thank Glen for coming out and look forward to seeing him next time.

On the 23 November 2023 the school will be holding the colour run. This is a very exciting event that the students loved last year, and everyone was excited to be a part of. This year all grades will get to have the privilege to participate in the colour run as it will be on the last week of school for year 10 & 11 but the second last week for prep- grade 9, which means we should have a record attendance with all grades as excited as each other.

We are excited to continue the Early years Friday games and Monday morning Breakfast club which this year’s leaders started. We have been able to see that all the younger grades love the Friday to be able to tell funny story and jokes to older kids. The breakfast club has also been a big success, so we want to make sure that we carry this through to next year. We are also planning some other exciting experiences for the school.

Leadership Passport - update

I am pleased to report that we have cracked a milestone! We now have over 100 students who have volunteered to be part of the Leadership Passport model of student leadership development. Well done to Hugh Walker (Yr 9) for being the 100^th student to take up the challenge.

We now have 118 students who have taken on the challenge of developing their leadership skills. This is a fantastic result considering the passport model was only launched in Term 2. Below is a breakdown of the students and their levels:

	Totals	Senior Years	Middle Years	Early Years
Level 1	114	24	38	52
Level 2	3	1	1	1
Level 3	1	-	1	-
Total	118

Well done to all the students who are working their way through their passports. The best part of the program is that students can complete challenges with their mates. Just like Innes and Archie from Year 7 who signed up this week to start their leadership development journey together. Well done fellas!

Social Media Threat and Online Protection

Protecting children from inappropriate online materials is a crucial component of responsible parenting in the digital age. Establishing rules and boundaries as to how technology and personal devices can be used in and around the home is key. Forming great habits, albeit a challenge, is a much easier step than trying to break poor online habits down the line. This week you would have received a letter via email from our Principal outlining some concerns regarding online content and the current hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. If you have not seen this email yet, I strongly encourage you to check your inbox and take the time to become aware of the key message – protecting children from exposure to the atrocities of war via social media content.

Unfortunately, the reality is that students who are active on social media platforms are most likely going to be exposed to distressing content relating to this scenario. What is seen, cannot be unseen. Please refer to the letter from Pete for some proactive steps that parents can take to ensure the online safety of their children at home.

Empathy and respect are interconnected.

One of College’s four expectations of students is Respect. A word that most students know of and can use, and one that many of us learnt to spell when we were younger thanks to Aretha Franklin’s help. Empathy on the other hand, is a term that some students are not so familiar with, however, it is closely interconnected with respect and they often go hand in hand. Here is why:

Understanding Others
Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others. When we practice empathy, we are making an effort to see the world through the eyes of others. This understanding is a fundamental aspect of showing respect because we must first acknowledge the validity of their thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledge Dignity
When we empathize with someone, we recognise their inherent worth and dignity as a human being. This acknowledgment of dignity is not only one of the Catholic Social Teachings but also a cornerstone of respect. We should treat others as equal, regardless of their background, beliefs, or emotions.
Listening Actively
To be empathetic, we must start by listening. Unfortunately, we are living in a world where all too often people listen in order to respond, not to understand. When we listen actively and attentively, we are demonstrating respect of that person.
Avoiding Judgement
A key aspect of empathy is suspending any judgement and avoiding the making of assumptions about others or the situation. We must not rush to judge or criticize. Respect the individuality of others and the uniqueness of their experiences.
Conflict Resolution
In situations of conflict or disagreement, empathy can be a powerful tool for maintaining respect. By attempting to understand someone else’s perspective, we can acknowledge their emotions, then approach the disagreement in a way that preserves dignity and feelings.

Empathy and respect are closely related because empathy fosters a deeper understanding of others, promotes compassion and care, encourages active listening and a non-judgemental attitude. When we practice empathy, we naturally cultivate an environment of respect where a range of perspectives and boundaries are valued.

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal – Middle Years

Uniform expectations

Congratulations to the majority of our students who wear their uniform in excellent condition and with such pride. As many are already preparing for 2024, it is timely to remind families of uniform expectations in the early years, in particular with shoes.

Formal Uniform Yrs 1-4: Black LEATHER or LEATHER LOOK joggers or LEATHER lace up dress shoes (including ‘Mary-Jane’ style shoes for girls). Currently, some students are wearing black mesh joggers with formal uniform. This does not meet the uniform guidelines. To avoid having to purchase additional sets of shoes next year, please ensure your formal shoe purchases now and for 2024 are LEATHER or LEATHER LOOK.

Prep uniform and Yrs 1-4 Sport uniform: From 2024, sport uniform shoes will be all black. Please do not purchase shoes with any other trim or colour on them as you will incur unnecessary expense in having to purchase another pair of shoes to meet the uniform guidelines.

These are acceptable for formal AND sport uniform.

These are acceptable for SPORT UNIFORM ONLY.

Juiced up Groms

Your child may have come home last week with a small business card asking you to scan the QR code. This was given out in conjunction with an exciting incursion last week with the team from Juiced Up Groms. Along with some very important messages about engaging in active play for healthy bodies, the team also shared some excellent information about healthy foods that directly links to our health curriculum. The students welcomed an ice cold fruit smoothie at the conclusion of the incursion, a welcome retreat from a very hot day! The QR code on the card links to some great recipes and food ideas as a follow up to the presentation.

Mrs Katrina Walton
Assistant Principal Early Years

We have some very exciting tuckshop news to announce, starting from today we will have ice blocks for sale!

We know this has been a highly requested addition to our tuckshop, so we are so excited to bring in some fun & refreshing cool treats.

We will be stocking Home Ice Cream ice blocks and the flavours available are lemonade, raspberry & orange water ice blocks ($1), raspberry split ($1.50) and the classic Bowen mango bar ($1.50).

They are naturally flavoured & coloured and gluten free.

The ice blocks will only be available for over the counter sales and are available to the whole school, including preppies! Iceblocks are for sale at first break and during playtime only for early years!

For the younger early years students we recommend sending money in a small ziplock bag or envelope with your child’s name, class & the amount enclosed.
This is an excellent way for children to learn money handling in a real world scenario.

Stock will be limited on ice blocks meaning it will be 1 ice block per service time for each student and if we do sell out we do sell other treats over the counter. Cupcakes ($1), assorted chips ($2.50), frozen yoghurt ($3.50) and frozen pineapple and orange ($2).

Some more exciting news will be announced in the next newsletter and keep an eye on flexischools for a new addition we will be hopefully adding next week as a trial!

We hope everyone is enjoying our new summer specials and value any feedback anyone may have.

As always we do still need a few volunteers to maintain the great variety of options we have available, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our tuckshop team to discuss volunteering! Even if it is only for half an hour, any time at all is a huge help that is so appreciated.

Thanks,

Bindy & Jo.

We have just recently received our finalised constitution which has set out the fundamental rules that determine how our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) committee is to be run.

As previously communicated, this is a change from how our previous P & F was structured, and we will be sharing more of these updated changes as we navigate through this transition.

We would also like to acknowledge and say a huge thank you to the following students who assisted with the OLSCC Saints Race day. Your support and contribution is truly appreciated.

The following students assisted with the setup, as well as helping the committee at the event:

Joshua Nimmo
Zahra Manteit
Jacob Utz
Clare Boland
Will Cook
Felicity Stephen
Emma Donaldson

Lastly, we have some exciting news hitting our social media accounts tomorrow regarding our fundraising target for the Early Years Playground upgrade. Be sure to be following us on Facebook and Instagram.

OLSCC FACE - Instagram

OLSCC FACE - Facebook

Kaitlin and Kate

Adair Donaldson

visit Dalby on 31^st October

to deliver two sessions for the Dalby community

at Dalby State High School Great Hall.

This year, our year 10, 11 and 12 students worked with Lawyer Adair Donaldson about social media, consent and the law. Although the presentations can be confronting (and honest), student feedback was immensely positive. Our community is fortunate enough to have parent presentations by Adair this October, which has been organised by the Dalby welcoming community. Please find the details below:

These two sessions would be ideal for any parents who want to be informed, parents of teenagers and young adults in the workplace. The sessions are free and everyone is welcome to attend one or both sessions.

5:30 – 6:30 pm

Digital footprint – legal issues arising out of social media and the internet, including rights relating to cyber-bullying, stalking and harassment, and what to do if you receive indecent messages online.

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Consent and Protective Behaviour – safe partying, drinking, drug use and the law, consent, and sexual assaults.

Adair Donaldson, a Toowoomba based solicitor, is the creator of the acclaimed preventative law resource Putting Youth in the Picture, and the more recent Fall Out resource.

These resources educate young people on the legal consequences of alcohol abuse, sexual assaults, consent, illicit drugs, violence, social media and the illegal use of technology.

Adair has presented workshops to thousands of students, parents and athletes over the past decade. He recently delivered three workshops to Year 10 - 12 students at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College

For more information, contact Lucie on 0448230111 or Beth 0419645671. Please RSVP by Friday 27 Oct to either number or admin@deliciousanddelightful.com.au

Gabby and Nataleah are raising money for mental health with the Black Dog Institute fundraiser One Foot Forward. Nataleah’s goal is walk 100kms and Gabby’s is to run 80kms. Please find their message below:

In case you haven’t heard of the fundraiser, it helps to spread awareness of mental illness as well as funding research to help Australians struggling with mental illness. With our small funds at the moment, we have been able to:

Support 17 Australian to access the myNewWay app to improve their mental health.
Reached 1,199 school students to talk about their mental health and wellbeing.
Teach 690 children with anxiety or depression healthier ways of thinking.
Help 550 people with suicidal thoughts seek help when they need it most.

Links to our pages:

Nataleah: https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/nataleahrussell/

Support my 100km challenge for mental health research!

Together, we can help create better mental health for all.

www.onefootforward.org.au

Gabby: https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/GabbyBanks160091/

Support my 80km challenge for mental health research!

Together, we can help create better mental health for all.

www.onefootforward.org.au

We started this challenge as we understand the discomfort, pain, confusion and much more that mental illness can cause to individuals, friends, and families. It’s important that everyone can speak up in these difficult times and get the help that they need. The Black Dog Institute makes it their mission to create mentally healthier lives. This is done by research and education, it is important that young people get the education they deserve about mental health, as it might just save their life! We are participating in this challenge as an attempt to raise as much awareness as possible surrounding the topic, and to do our best to encourage those struggling to reach out.

A huge congratulations to Gabby and Nataleah for not only having the courage to talk about mental health but for also taking action and serving the community and school community. Your leadership will aid the normalisation of mental health discussions which could make an enormous difference in many people lives. Thank you for your efforts and commitment to this cause.

Katrina Ballantyne

School Guidance Counsellor

Over the last 6 months, we have relevelled, top dressed and re-seeded Brother’s Oval and have also recently installed new football posts. We thank our community for the kind donations we have received to date to make this project possible, including the donation of cotton trash from Neil McVeigh and the donation of machinery and labour to spread the cotton trash from Dalby Machinery Centre.

Some photo’s of progress are included below:

There is still plenty more to happen as part of the oval refurbishment. Watch this space for updates!

QANTAS Group Pilot Academy

On 9 October, Year 10 students Joab Jocson and Jack Cave visited the QANTAS Group Pilot Academy at Wellcamp, with an interest in a career in aviation. Joab and Jack met with the Director of the Pilot Academy who gave them an insight into a career in aviation and the demanding criteria necessary to be accepted into this aviation school. The boys then spent some time on a tour of the QANTAS facilities including two flight simulator rooms, classrooms, briefing rooms, the hangar and tarmac. Joab and Jack were provided lunch in the cafeteria and then proceded to take a tour of the student facilities and accommodation. Both boys clearly enjoyed the experience and are considering a career in aviation post Year 12 education.

UniSQ Visit – Head Start Programs and Scholarships

On Wednesday 11 October, representatives from the University of Southern Queensland presented to Year 10 and 11 students on topics including the Head Start program and what to expect when attending University. Head Start is a program where universities such as UniSQ offer students subjects that they can study whilst attending school. These subjects are tailored to provide students with alternative subjects while study for an ATAR. The benefits with taking on a Head Start program can be that students can shorten their degree course up to 6 months and a financial benefit where the subjects studied while at school can be a considerable lower cost than when attending university as an adult. Please click on the link below for more information.

Head Start - University Courses For High School Students | University of Southern Queensland (unisq.edu.au)

The current year 12 students who have been offered a place at UniSQ or are planning to attend the university in the future were also provided with a presentation by the university representatives. This presentation was designed to assist students on how to access and apply for the 32 different scholarships on offer from the university. They were also provided with further information on scholarship opportunities that were external to the university. Please see the links provided below.

University Scholarships | University of Southern Queensland (unisq.edu.au)

Important Dates: Up and Coming Events – Save the Date

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.

Apprenticeship opportunity CEC

Apprenticeship opportunity CEC 173.88 KB

A Fitter & Turner/Machinist apprenticeship is available at White Industries. Please see the flyer for more information.

White Industries Apprentice Fitter and Turner

White Industries Apprentice Fitter and Turner 63.75 KB

Trainee Accountant and Administration Traineeships are available at BMO Business Centre in Dalby. Please see flyer for more information.

BMO Professional Pathways Program 2024

BMO Professional Pathways Program 2024 663.16 KB

Mr Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

Performing Arts Musical

Wow what a performance!

Congratulations to all the performing arts students on an amazing night. I know how hard you all worked and it definitely paid off! Congratulations to Mrs Garside and the parents as well for all the outstanding work and hours they put in behind the scenes.

I love seeing how excited everyone gets and their enthusiasm is so contagious.

If you want to be a part of the Performing Arts CECP program next year make sure you look out for information at the end of this year.

CECP Showcase

This term our piano, guitar and violin students will be showcasing their excellent work in our second CECP concert for the year.

It will be a great opportunity to see what your students have learnt this year and how much they’ve grown in their instrument!

Date: Thursday 2 November (Week 5)

Time: 4:30pm

Location: PAC

It would be wonderful to have a supportive audience of parents and friends at this event!

Miss Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture

Primary Touch Football

Congratulations to all students who competed at the Swans All Schools Carnival in Dalby on Sunday. Thanks to Miss McDuff and Miss Fry for their assistance in coaching our teams and to Senior students Karlie Falvey and Jack Gibson for refereeing. Game results are listed below.

Mixed Team –3^rd in Pool A

Loss to Mary MacKillop (Runners Up) 1-3

Loss to St Thomas Mores 2-6

Win vs Dalby South 9-0

Win vs Concordia College 5-2

Win vs Drayton SS 11-0

Win vs Wynnum SS 6-2

Boys Team – 4^thin Pool B

Loss to St Mary’s B 0-9

Loss to Wynnum SS (Runners Up) 1-8

Loss to Dalby South 2-5

7^th Place Playoff

Draw with St Mary’s C 5-5

Rugby Sevens

Under 15 SW Sevens Results Round 1

Loss to Glennie 0-36

Win vs TAS 10-0

Secondary Touch Football

Congratulations to all students who attended the QLD All Schools Carnival at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. Thanks to Leah McDuff, Kaysey Wilkins, and Lorelle Sankey for their assistance in coaching our teams, along with Brenton McMillian, Claudia Child and Monique Smith who refereed on behalf of the College.

Under 15 Boys -57^th from 87 Teams

5^th in Pool G

Win vs Highfields SSC (Pre Carnival) 6-0

Loss to Miami SHS (Quarterfinalists) 1-6

Draw with Holy Spirit Mackay 3-3

Loss to Shalom Bundaberg 2-5

Loss to Noosa District SHS 2-8

Draw with St Columban’s Caboolture 3-3

Under 15 Girls - 58^th from 110 Teams

5^th in Pool I

Win vs Glennie (Pre Carnival) 2-1

Loss to Emmaus Rockhampton 1-7

Win vs Muller College 5-1

Win vs Nerang SHS 1-0

Draw with All Saints Anglican 2-2

Loss to Ryan Catholic College (Quarterfinalists) 4-5

Loss to Unity Caloundra 4-5

Under 18 Mixed Team - 17^th from 59 Teams

3^rdin Pool C

Win vs Harristown SHS (Pre Carnival) 7-2

Draw with Benowa SHS 4-4

Loss to St Michael’s Carrara 2-3

Win vs Mt Maria Mitchelton 6-4

Win vs Trinity Lutheran Ashmore 8-0

Win vs St Anthony’s Townsville 6-4

QLD Schools Cup Volleyball

Best of luck to the Year 7 and Year 8 Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams who are competing this weekend at the QLD Junior Schools Cup Competition at the Gold Coast. Full results are scores will be in the next edition of the newsletter.

Darling Downs Schools Cup Volleyball

The College sent seven teams to the Year 7/8 Darling Downs Schools Cup Competition. Thanks to Mrs Lincoln, Mrs Sullivan and Mrs Biggar and Senior Students – Chloe Manteit, Chloe Wilkins, Tiffany Ham, Arabella Donaldson and Hannah Taylor for coaching our teams.

Highlights included:

Charlotte Bennie – Most Valuable Player of the Tournament

Year 8 Boys Team 1 and Year 8 Girls Team 1 both finished with the Silver Medal.