Commencement Mass

There is something remarkable about the beginning of our annual commencement mass to see our prep students and senior students enter together down the centre aisle and then exchange prep pins and senior badges. This representation of the start and end, or alpha and omega, of the journey in faith and knowledge is one of the amazing benefits we have as a P-12 College. It is also humbling to gather as community and share our first full mass together.  It was heartfelt to have so many parents and community members there with us this year, especially considering the conditions in the MPC.  Thank you to everyone who attended to support the formal commencement of the 2024 OLSCC academic year.

Strategic Plan Launch

On Monday we launched the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan at both the commencement mass, and at a formal gathering in the PAC.  Both of these events underpin the importance of having a carefully considered strategic plan to guide the College over the next 4 years.  Our focus on Living Our Faith, Learners of Influence and Impact, Staff Empowered to Inspire, Our Distinct Identity, and Equipping Our Future are guided with purposeful strategies which we will enact to deliver an ever improving holistic education for all students at our College. 

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and support the College at the commencement mass or the official launch.  A huge thank you to our students, families and staff who were involved in the events, Fr Jim Cronin for being an advocate as always, Mayor Paul McVeigh as an exemplary builder of community, and Dr Pat Coughlan for his ongoing guidance and support.  Thanks also to Mrs Cate Brennan, Mrs Nicole Bryers and our wonderful grounds and IT crews – your effort and determination are highly valued to make the cogs turn at the College.  

College Spirit Alive and Well

Last week’s swimming carnival was an absolute blast!  There was cheering, chanting, and an opportunity for every student to participate in an event.  The competitive races saw everyone give their best and there were some great battles in the pool. This was the first year of bringing all students 9 years to open together for the one carnival and Mr Lincoln and his crew of workers should be very proud of the great success of the day. Well done to our house leaders and senior students who set a wonderful tone for future carnivals to come.

OSHC

Mrs Hall and I met again with Toowoomba Catholic Kindergartens and Care (TCKC) on Tuesday as we start to finalise the arrangements for our OSHS.  We are currently seeking applicants for various roles within the OSHC, including Coordinator – Outside School Hours Care and Children Services Educator  Outside School Hours Care. For further inquiries or assistance in applying, contact Donna Stahlhut, Senior Leader (Kindergartens and Care), at Donna.Stahlhut@tckc.qld.edu.au or phone 0429 449 772.

Our intent is to have the OSHC open in the next few weeks, register your child/children here to ensure you are ready to go! This is an exciting time for our College and creates an exciting opportunity for our community. 

Sue Chandler – Transformative Schools 

Last year we established a relationship with Sue Chandler from Transformative Schools.  Sue is an expert in developing school capability to further enhance the culture of the school and in turn, student wellbeing.  Ms Chandler spent Monday and Tuesday this week at our College talking to staff and students to develop a rich understanding of our context and the opportunities that exist for improvement here.  I encourage you to assist Sue and the College by completing the parent survey (that was sent to all parents) by the end of next week. Sue will continue to work at OLSCC over coming years as we develop and implement our wellbeing philosophy and understandings so that we may progress in this domain. Welcome Sue!

Bold Architects

On Monday we will welcome Stewart Bagley from BOLD Architecture, our newly appointed OLSCC Architects.  We will be meeting with target groups and assessing College resources against current funding requirements to determine the next step forward for the ongoing growth and improvement of facilities at the College.  Throughout this year we will be developing a renewed OLSCC Master Plan for the next 10 years and creating timelines for project completion along with funding opportunities.  We are also confident in our Go For Gold application from 2023 to develop a new sports facility to replace the old basketball courts, which will hopefully take shape as our next project after June this year.  Bold is based in Mackay and last year Mrs Hall and I were inspired by his alignment to our College’s ideology of what matters in learning spaces.  Our focus for the masterplan is to be based on educational research that’s evidence-based, functional, practical and affordable.  We have much to do in the next 10 years and it is the intent of this Master Plan to leave a legacy to the next generation of students, without a large debt!

Mr Peter Cuskelly

Principal

Our liturgical theme this year invites us to “Think Big, Act Boldly, Serve Others”.  Our College has a long and rich history of educating the youth of Dalby and on Monday we celebrated this with our Commencement Mass and the Strategic Plan Launch.  We welcome 106 new students who join our story this year, we are excited to have you and your families join the OLSCC Family. At the Mass our Prep students were welcomed into our College by our Year 12 Seniors.  The Year 12 students presented the Prep students with a special Prep journey pin and our Preps presented our Year 12’s with their senior badges.  The Prep badge was a new tradition introduced in 2023.  This special badge is only given to students enrolled in our current prep class at the commencement of the school year.  As new members of our College community these badges represent the commencement of their journey in faith and knowledge at the College. 

NAPLAN Year 3, 5, 7, 9 

NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.  The test window for NAPLAN is 13-25 March 2024.  

Students and parents may familiarise themselves with NAPLAN by visiting the public demonstration site on the NAP website. Some past NAPLAN papers are also available.  

We will conduct practice tests in preparation for NAPLAN in their class groups to ensure students are familiar with our systems.  Pencils and headphones will be provided by the College for NAPLAN. 

Each fortnight leading to NAPLAN we will include general NAPLAN information in the College Newsletter.  If you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN please contact your child’s core teacher, Andrea Gormley or myself.  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR 

Volunteers in our College  

Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classroom, on excursions and at our tuckshop upon completion of Volunteer Induction Module and return Declaration form. Volunteer Induction must be completed annually at the beginning of the new school year.  Declaration forms must be submitted before your day of volunteering to ensure approval is granted. 

Information regarding the Volunteer Induction Module can be found on Parent Portal or via the link: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/ 

Bike Racks 

Bike racks for storing student bikes have been relocated at the College as redevelopments have occurred.  The bike racks are now located at the side of the MPC between the MPC and Senior Years.  Students who ride bikes or scooters to school should store their bikes at the location on the racks provided and use personal security devices to ensure they are secured during the school day.  No students should be in the bike rack area during the school day.   

ROAD SAFETY AROUND THE COLLEGE 

As you can appreciate we have over 600 students who arrive at and depart from the College each day, varying from age 5 through to 18.  It is important that all drivers around are College are considerate of each other and our students whilst obeying the ‘School Zone’ and parking rules of our area.  Thank you for ensuring you are familiar with the information included in this section both from our College and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure the safe travel of all. 

Parking and Pick up 

Before and after school we supervise a number of areas around the College to ensure safe arrival and departure of the students.  The front footpath is supervised at 8:30-8:50am and from 3:10-3:30pm and the Cooper Street fence line from 3:10-3:30pm.  Parking around the College can be congested at peak times and parents are encouraged to make regular arrangement with their children to save confusion at home time.   

Loading Zone Passengers – 2min max 

In front of Prep we have a designated loading area that allows 2 min drop and go between 7am-9am and 2pm-4pm.  Parents should not disembark and move away from the vehicle from the car in this zone.  Police regularly patrol our school zone to ensure the safety of our students and the compliance of drivers, we encourage this support from the police and we thank parents for following all the road rules. 

Line markings  

Double Lines - As per the road rules You must not cross a double continuous centre line except to safely pass a bicycle rider. 

Yellow Line on edge of road – The yellow edge line indicated no stopping or parking is allowed in this area.  We have a no stopping sign/area before our College driveway. 

Front Car Park & Bus Zone 

It is important that parents and extended family who do pick up and drop off are aware that the bus zone and front car park are not suitable places for drop off and pick up.  Our staff park in this front car park and this is the location of 3 disabled car park which parents can access based on individual needs.  All other student drop off and pick up activity should avoid this area.   

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Does your life in Christ give you strength?
Does his love comfort you?
Do we share together in the Spirit?
Do you have mercy and kindness? 

2 If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. 3 When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble and give more honour to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others. 5 In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5 International Children’s Version 

Prayer of Blessing 

God of all wisdom and knowledge, 

We dedicate our College’s Strategic Plan,  

Our guide for the next four years to your eternal work. 

May our College continue to flourish as a community, 

where students and staff entrusted to us 

are inspired in their journey of faith and knowledge. 

May those who travel beyond our gates do so in humble service to others. 

We strive wholeheartedly to follow Christ, our teacher, 

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. 

Amen 

LENT: Project Compassion 

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign. It mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world. 

Held during Lent, the six-week period before Easter, OLSCC participates in a range of fundraising activities to support Caritas Australia’s programs both overseas and here with our First Australian partners. 

Without the faith, empathy and generosity of supporters like us, Project Compassion could not do the vital work they do. Thank You! 

A very busy start to the term with celebrations and recognitions happen for a wide range of our students and our whole community. It was wonderful to see our Year 12’s welcoming our new prep students and receiving their senior badges. I look forward to the assembly on Friday where the Year 12’s will be presented with their senior tie. As we charge towards assessment, there is plenty going on in the Senior Sector.             

Assessment

Our assessment calendars are available from our college website at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College (dalby.catholic.edu.au). Year 12 and 11 Exam blocks are coming up, these will be published on this web page as our main point of reference for all Senior Years students and families. If you have any questions about assessment, please contact your child's classroom teacher or the relevant Middle Leader Curriculum.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross is responsible for gathering evidence of student achievement on or before the due date for internal assessment instruments.

All students have electronic access to their assessment and it is their responsibility to adhere to these due dates.

Students are responsible for planning and managing their time to meet the due dates.

Students and parents can contact teachers and Curriculum Leaders via phone or email. Teachers are not able to grant extensions directly with students and parents/carers.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is required to adhere to QCAA policies about due dates accepting assignments only on or before the due date unless an extension through AARA processes has been approved.  For example, a student who is absent due to family holidays will not be granted an extension for an assignment as this doesn’t meet the AARA guidelines set by QCAA. Any adjustments requested must be supported by medical or professional documentation.

Student Led Conferences

On Thursday 22 February we host our Senior Years Student-Led conferences, we look forward to the discussions that will take place to support our staff in knowing how your child learns best in our classes. Staff will be able to discuss with you and your student's progress so far this term and how to enhance how your student learns. The approach of being proactive in our conferences rather than reactive and result-driven provides our community with opportunities to collaborate with our staff before we are locked into assessment. We encourage all those who are unable to attend to engage with the teachers early so we can adjust the rudder early and celebrate your child’s success.

Information on bookings and times will be sent out via the parent portal next week.

Growing Our Learners

Our students are performing very well engaging with classes in all the modes we are availing to our students, face-to-face, hybrid, flexible learning agreements, school-based traineeships and apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

All of this supports our students to be critical learners, supporting their development as critical thinkers with the ability to adapt their knowledge to unknown problems growing them as learners.

Students can do a range of things to develop their critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, reflecting and developing thoughts.

Here are some things you can do to enhance critical thinking.

1. CLARIFY YOUR THOUGHTS

The best way to clarify your thoughts is to try and explain your thinking to someone else. Even if you are talking to an imaginary person, you will find that explaining your thinking out loud helps you to see the flaws in your argument.

2. QUESTION ASSUMPTIONS

Don’t take your thoughts for granted, every now and then think about why you believe a certain thought or how you know things to be true. Get in the habit of pausing, looking at what you are thinking, and questioning what thoughts underlie your assumptions. Don’t just conform and accept a view because it is the popular one, instead pause and reflect on the arguments for and against that viewpoint and the strengths of each argument.

3. LOOK FOR OTHER PERSPECTIVES

When you are presenting an argument, imagine yourself in a debate and think about what the opposing side might say. What would someone with a completely opposite view to you believe? Can you understand why they might think that way? Can you see some validity in their viewpoint?

4. KEEP AN OPEN MIND

In order to look for other perspectives keep an open mind. If you immediately dismiss any thought that does not fit into the way you see the world, you will never be able to expand and develop your viewpoints, you will have a very fixed and limited view of the world.

5. BE CURIOUS

Start to look outside the things you normally read and watch and think about. Learn more about things you know nothing about and were not previously interested in. Listen more to what people say, we learn so much more when we really listen rather than spend time planning what we will say next.

6. MAKE INFORMED JUDGEMENTS

It is ok to not have an opinion about something because you don’t have enough information yet. Avoid rushing to judgements, take your time to gather information and evidence and assess it before making a decision. Try not to let yourself be swayed by emotion as this can affect your ability to assess information intellectually.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal – Senior Years

Travis and Emma

Emma and I had the opportunity to be invited to a Leadership retreat held by Griffith University. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity seeing as how over 400+ schools get invited each year and we were one of the 400 to be accepted. The leadership retreat consisted of having multiple guest speakers talk to us about leadership qualities and skills. Not only did it help our leadership skills but introduced us to many other students from other schools from Queensland and even New South Wales. Griffith University also gave us the chance to ask questions about the university and explore its culture and courses. The leadership retreat wasn’t only about leadership, it also gave us the opportunity to meet new people and have fun.

Embracing Change

There is no avoiding it … the first month of any school year is busy. From new classes, new devices, new rooms, new teachers to College photos, Commencement Mass and this year also the launch of a new Strategic Plan. It is just busy. Naturally, the first few weeks also contain a mixed bag full of emotions for students. New students and returning students alike, there is a lot of adjusting to change at the moment and that is a space that many find a little uncomfortable.

Being uncomfortable with change is often only viewed from the negative perspective. However, being uncomfortable with change can also provide a valuable learning experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Below are just some of the lessons that can be learned by students feeling uncomfortable but working through periods of change:

• Self-awareness
  The sense of discomfort with small scale changes within a school setting can prompt self-reflection and introspection, particularly with our older students. It can lead individuals to examine their thoughts, emotions, and reactions, fostering greater self-awareness and understanding of their own limitations and biases. Again, this is more likely to occur independently with our older students. However, with guidance and prompting, our younger students can also begin to reflect on their thoughts and actions to appraise and consider how effective their choices were.

• Acceptance of Impermanence
  One this is inevitable in life, and that is that things will change. It is a constant. Feeling uncomfortable with it can teach our students to accept the impermanent nature of many things in our life. Learning to embrace change as a natural part of life can lead to greater peace of mind and resilience in the face of uncertainty. Learning about how to deal with change at a young age, in a low-stakes environment like school, will better prepare students for the changes that lay waiting in their future adult lives.

• Flexibility
  Being uncomfortable with change can highlight the importance of flexibility and adaptability. It can encourage students to develop the ability to adjust their mindset, behaviours, and plans in response to new circumstances, ultimately increasing their capacity to thrive in dynamic environments. It is important to note, that the best way to support your child while they are working through these feelings is not to solve their problems but to guide them in coming up with their own workable solutions. Problem solving for them fosters dependence and diminishes their ability to apply our Learning Dispositions to independently problem solve later in life.

• Courage
  Like most things, the first time we attempt something it is often the hardest in terms of our emotions. Like the first time we step up to speak in a microphone or complete any public speaking task. The first time is riddled with nerves. But it gets easier. The nerves are an important feeling to work through and to overcome. Dealing with change requires courage and bravery for we are stepping into the unknown. Feeling comfortable with safe risk taking like this can teach our young people to cultivate courage in the face of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort. This empowers them to take risks and pursue growth opportunities. Obviously, I am not suggesting they are forced to do this alone, but we should be encouraging our young people to take age-appropriate, low-stakes risk taking to boost courage and to empower their future.

• Growth and learning
  Feeling uncomfortable with change can serve as a catalyst for learning and personal growth. It can motivate individuals to seek out new experiences, acquire new skills, and expand their perspectives. This will ultimately lead to greater personal growth. The College’s Learning Pit highlights the emotions students may be experiencing with new learning and encourages them to jump right in following the 5Bs (Brain, Book, Board, Buddy, Boss) to work their way out of the pit. The Learning Pit is not just applicable to a maths or science class, but it can be easily applied to all aspects of learning in life. Our teachers are even jumping into the pit with their experiences with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Hiding from change does not make it go away.

• Resilience
  Working through the feel of discomfort towards a solution can build resilience and inner strength. Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace’s respective theories on Evolution both highlight that it is not the strongest species that survives, but in fact the one that is most adaptable to the changing environment around it that typically gets crowned the fittest. Teaching our young people to persevere in the face of adversity, to bounce back when an idea doesn’t work the first time, to try again after a setback, and develop coping strategies to navigate challenging situations with greater ease are all vital life lessons.

Overall, feeling uncomfortable with change in a safe school and home environment can be a valuable teaching opportunity for our young people. I understand that it often seems easier or quicker for us adults to simply provide the solution and to fix the problem. Heck, we are busy too and often in managing our time we feel the need to get the job done. However, are we really helping our young people by fixing all their problems?

Now I am not suggesting that we let them suffer in silence. It is not about throwing them in the deep end to see if they can hack it alone. Quite the opposite. We, the supportive adults in their lives – parents and College staff, need to support our young people to work through the process of forging their own solutions. Listening and prompting along the way. Will it be stress at times - yes. However, learning how to cope with it effectively can lead to reduced feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. This is the best form of help we can offer. Lessons in self-awareness, acceptance, flexibility, courage, learning, resilience and even empathy are found in this space, but only when the student takes the lead role. Embracing the discomfort and leaning into the opportunities for growth that change presents can cultivate greater resilience and adaptability in the lives of our young people. It will best prepare them for the changes that await them into the future.   

Reminder - Year 6 Camp
While it may seem to be a way off at this time, it never hurts to start getting organised. Here is a breakdown of the camp. This information was shared in our last newsletter in 2023, but may serve as a reminder moving forward.

• Camp dates: Sunday 12 May - Friday 17 May
• Students head into Outback Queensland visiting a number of townships, including Blackall, Tambo, Charleville, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton.
• Students will need to organise a swag for their bedding. They are a great birthday present idea, but many families have friends or other family members with swags that can be borrowed too. We ask that flat, rolled swags be used and not large dome-style swags due to space limitations.
• The cost of this wonderful learning experience is approximately $650.

Student Voice
We are working hard this year on empowering our students and listening to their voice cannot be overstated. We want them to have ownership, empowerment, be critical thinkers and problem-solvers, people who seek continuous improvement. Their voice is vital in creating a student-centred learning environment that fosters engagement, relevance, critical thinking, social-emotional development, diversity, inclusivity and will also preparing them to be great members of the wider Dalby community. By amplifying student voice, we educators can more effectively encourage students to become active participants in their education and agents for change in the world. Throughout 2024, we will be aiming to offer numerous opportunities for students to share their thoughts with us and to express themselves authentically, ensuring their perspectives are valued and incorporated into the decision-making process. Capturing student voice can take on many forms, such as:

• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Surveys and questionnaires
• Student representation and panels
• Classroom discussions
• Utilising digital platforms
• Anonymous feedback
• Follow up and action

We will be exploring which strategies would be best to implement this year so that we can more effectively capture student voice and create inclusive learning environments where students feel empowered, valued, and heard.

Snapshot:

Below are some images of the Middle Years students settling into the new school year.

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years

Save the Date: 

Early Years Bush Dance 

When: Friday 15 March 2024 

Where: Main Oval  

Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm 

Who: Your whole family is welcome to attend.  

What to Bring: BYO a rug and a picnic of your choice to celebrate a wonderful start to 2024.  

Our new playground 

Kristen Bennie 

Assistant Principal Early Years 

We are looking for two parents in our community who would like to be a member of the College Advisory Council.

If you would like to be involved please read the Constitution and complete the form below.

College Advisory Council

This will be treated like any recruitment process and you will be advised if you have been shortlisted or unsuccessful.

We look forward to receiving your application – if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the College and we can assist.

Inter House Swimming Carnival

Overall Points

Rice                  1992

Nolan                1734

MacKillop          1541

McAuley           1225

Boys 200m Individual Medley

1^st Lachlan Fraser, 2^nd Fletcher James, 3^rd Tobin Smart

Girls 200m Individual Medley

1^st Macie Allen, 2^nd Charlotte Colquhoun, 3^rd Lucinda Conn

Girls Bomb Dive Competition

1^st Charlotte Bennie, 2^nd Mia Maree Kennelly, 3^rd Lily Martin

Boys Belly Flop Competition

1^st Nate Sloss, 2^nd Ashton Crothers, 3^rd Travis Tia

House Freestyle Relay

1^st Rice, 2^nd Nolan, 3^rd MacKillop, 4^th McAuley

House Captains / Staff Relay

1^st Rice, 2^nd Nolan, 3^rd MacKillop, 4^th McAuley

Boys Principals Gift

Charlie Sullivan

Girls Principals Gift

Darci Geiger

Record Breaker 

Girls U13 50m Breaststroke 

Charlotte Colquhoun 39.71 sec 

Old Record 40.00- Michelle Berting in 1993

Individual Results

Age Champion presentation will occur in Week 5 at the Whole College Assembly.

Bunya District Under 12 Sports Trials

Sign on sheets will be placed on the Notice Board before each trial date for any students wishing to attend. Depending on numbers, a school trial may need to be held in some sports.

13 February – Cricket

19 February – Netball

Inner Downs Cluster 1 Sports Trials

Congratulations to the following students selected in Inner Downs Teams following trials in Highfields last week.

U15 Netball

Charlotte Bennie, Sophie Taylor, Emmy Harms, Lucy Chaplin

U18 Netball

Tiffany Ham, Hannah Taylor, Carla Nobbs, Taylor Marshall, Summer Buckley, Kaitlyn Harms

U18 Basketball

Fletcher James, Travis Tia

Rugby League

Inner Downs Under 15/18 Boys Rugby League Trials will be held on Tuesday 20 February at Pittsworth. Students interested in attending need to sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Students selected in the Inner Downs Teams will attend the Darling Downs Gala Day on Monday 26 February.

Darling Downs Cluster 1 Trials

Congratulations to the following students selected in Darling Downs Teams following trials in Toowoomba this week.

U15/16 Rugby Sevens

Carla Nobbs

U15 Girls Volleyball

Charlotte Bennie, Sophie Taylor, Jacinda Smith

U15 Boys Volleyball

Ziggy Utz

Under 18 Girls Volleyball

Tiffany Ham, Hannah Taylor, Chloe Manteit

Darling Downs Trials

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

Under 12/15 Boys and Girls AFL, Hockey, Squash, Boys Under 18 Rugby Union and Girls Under 15 and Under 18 Rugby League. Students interested in attending any of the above trials need see Mr Lincoln. Students will need to be of a high playing standard to attend the trials.

Mr Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Term 1 is back in full swing and we hope everyone had a wonderful Summer break and great Christmas!

Now that the school year has recommenced and tuckshop is back and busy as ever we would love to reach out to our school community and ask for anyone that maybe interested in volunteering at the tuckshop this year to reach out to us.

Please send an email to Bindy.scott@twb.catholic.edu.au or pop into the tuckshop and have a chat!

Any amount of time - even just one hour is a great help. 

This term we have introduced a few new little snack options including banana bread & mini muffins.

Something important to discuss with your children (especially in the younger year levels) is when ordering frozen yoghurt in a lunch order, children will now receive a small laminated token that directs them to come to the tuckshop and hand their token over to redeem their frozen yoghurt. This ensures it stays nice and cold for them. 

We will be selling ice blocks, chips, cupcakes, small snacks and drinks over the counter at first break for the early years and both breaks for middle & senior years. 

Prices start at $1. 

Special days for the tuckshop this term will be…

Wednesday, HOTDOG day.

Thursday, PIZZA & SUSHI

Friday, BURGERS 

With Lent beginning next week we will have a fish burger available as well as our normal chicken burger.

Have a great week!

Bindy and Jo 

Certificate Course

With the addition of students from year 10 to 12 being able to attend or study certificate courses or Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Queensland schools, it has opened a whole new world of education and training opportunities. Certificate courses generally come in Certificate 1, 2, 3 or 4 levels. If a student is attending either a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship these are most likely a Certificate (III) course, for example, a Certificate (III) in carpentry for a student who is attending a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry or building construction. If a student wishes to gain some more experience in the metal fabrication trades for example, they may wish to attend a Certificate (II) in Engineering Pathways. This usually takes place by attending a one day per week course at TAFE for approximately 12 months. These are generally not associated directly with a trade or traineeship but will provide students with skills and knowledge if they wish to enter a trade or some other pathway such as administration for example. There are also higher-level courses offered at TAFE or other registered training institutions that can offer courses such as a Certificate (IV) in Justice studies or a Diploma in Nursing to name two examples. These courses can generally take up to 18 months to 24 months to complete. Most of these courses require attendance at training institutions for one to two days per week or in a weekly of fortnight block release. Some courses can be completed purely online, depending on the courses available.

Queensland Training Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Queensland Training Awards, celebrating excellence in training and the transformative power of skills. Across a range of categories, the annual awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, training providers, community-based organisations and employers. If you are interested in nominating yourself, please click on the link below for further information. Nominations close at midnight, Tuesday 12 March 2024.

Work Experience

Work experience is offered to year 10 students at the College as a part of the curriculum and learning experience in careers. We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to spend a week with an employer engaging in the workplace. Students can take advantage of work experience from grades 10 to 12 and this can also take place during school holidays or at the end of term 4 when these students finish school earlier than the students in prep to year 9. Work Experience Agreements are organised through the College and these agreements include Insurance. It is recommended that students who wish to attend work experience form year 10 to 12 give two to three weeks’ notice so that the documentation required is obtained and approved by College Leadership.

Experience UniSQ Days

The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba Campus will be holding Experience UniSQ Days for Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in attending tertiary studies after school. These days offer students to explore their campuses, take part in specialised sessions in different study fields, and get a feel for student life at UniSQ. If you are interested in attending one of these campuses, you are required to register on the link below. 

UniSQ Toowoomba 14 March       8.30am – 2.30pm

UniSQ Ipswich         15 March       8.30am – 2.30pm

UniSQ Springfield    15 March       8.30am – 2.30pm

Experience UniSQ Days | University of Southern Queensland  

Future Careers – Minerals and Exploration Industry

For students interested or want to know more about careers in the minerals and exploration industries, Central Queensland University have information for students wanting more information on these possible pathways. Please click on the link below.

Shape Your Future Innovate Our World – Start your career in minerals and energy. 

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Jimbour Beef and Bacon Pty Ltd are offering a traineeship in Certificate (11) Meat Processing at their business located in Jimbour. Any students interested or seeking a career in the agriculture sector please contact the business owner Mr. Steve Donovan on 07 46636137 or contact Mr Garside when school returns in 2024.

Key Dates

19 April                        Yr 10               White Card Training

15 May                        Yr 9                 Industry Dinner

29 May                                                Aspire2Health

10-14 June                  Yr 10               Work Experience

19 July                                                Dalby Careers Expo

August                         Yr 12               ATAR Registration & QTAC Applications

2-4 September            Yr 12               Barista & RSA

9-10 September          Yr 10               Manual Handling & First Aid Course

11-13 September        Yr 10               Barista Course

(tbc) October               Yr 12               SBA/Traineeship Employer thank you lunch.

University Open Days 2024

UniSQ

Ipswich                        11 August            10am-2pm

Springfield                   11 August            10am-2pm

Toowoomba                18 August            10am-2pm

UniSQ 2024 open days

Griffith University

Nathan Campus          11 August

Gold Coast                  11 August

Griffith University Open Day

Mr Dean Garside

Career Development Practitioner

Bell Art Show

Thank you to everyone who entered a piece of artwork for Bell Art Show, they all look great. They will be considered this week and we will communicate with families soon about whether or not they will be submitted to the competition.

For anyone looking to attend the show, here is all the information you need.

The Gala opening and presentation of awards will be Saturday 24 February 6pm at the Bell Bunya Community Centre (Cnr Maxwell and Wallace Streets, Bell). At 7pm it will then move to the Bell Memorial Public Hall (59 Wallace Street, Bell) for the viewing and opportunity to purchase art works.

Admission is $15 per person.

Empire Youth Arts Dalby

Empire Theatre are coming out to the St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Dalby every Friday afternoon to offer Drama Classes.

Empire Youth Arts aims to enrich and empower the young people of the Darling Downs region through weekly drama workshops. Through drama games, group exercises and performance-based tasks run by experienced facilitators Grace Sankey and Jade Moon, participants will learn performance, communication, and teamwork skills, whilst connecting with other drama lovers and having a blast!

Classes are held at St John’s Anglican Church Hall, 153 Cunningham Street, Dalby.

JUNIOR CLASSES (Grades 4 - 7)
$120 per term 
TERM ONE - 2 February - 22 March 
Fridays 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Learn basic performance and creative skills, while building your self-confidence and communication skills through an assortment of drama kid-approved activities. Develop your drama skills in a passionate and supportive environment through storytelling and fun!

SENIOR CLASSES (Grades 8 -12)
$170 per term 
TERM ONE - 2 February - 22 March
Fridays 4.30pm to 6pm
Continue developing your performance and storytelling skills through theatrical challenges, drama games and exercises. Develop your creativity in a safe and welcoming environment for young storytellers and theatre makers.

Proudly supported by Western Downs Regional Council

To enrol, head to their website https://empiretheatre.com.au/community/youth-arts/youth-arts-enrolment

Miss Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader Culture