6 December - Last day of Academic Year - Reset Day

11 December - Year 12 External Assestment Results released

20 December - 5 January - OLSCC Office Closed

9 December - 27 January - School Holidays

28 January - Pupil Free Day

29 January - Academic Year commences

31 January - College Assembly - Senior Tie Presentation

4 - 5 February - College Photos

6 February - Inner Downs U 15/18 Sports Trials 1

7 February - OLSCC Swimming Carnival U9-U18

That’s a Wrap

It has now been seven years since my family and I were welcomed into the OLSCC community. At that time, 32 students were preparing for Prep in 2018, with my son being one of them. Last week I was thrilled to attend his year level’s graduation from Year 6. It was a wonderful event organised by families, for families, to celebrate this great milestone. Thank you to everyone who supported this event with generosity, time and general assistance to ensure our Year 6 cohort had a memorable evening. 

And now, seven years later, we are preparing for 73 preppies to start their journey in faith and knowledge at OLSCC in 2025. Like each of our students enrolled for 2025 classes, they had an awesome time Wednesday at Up Day learning the routines, rituals and ways of working that will help them succeed next year. Up Day is a significant part of the transition each and every year from Kindy to post-year 12 pathways at OLSCC, and a critical component to students ongoing success as they progress through their 13 years of schooling. It was so special to see students arrive full of nerves and anxiety, and leave with their questions answered, an understanding of what is to come, and some great new friends as well. This is the best day for student wellbeing on the calendar – real wellbeing – it’s all about letting students experience the future and reducing the anxiety in the 5 weeks over the holidays.

As the year rounds out for 2024, I wish all of our community a hope-filled and Merry Christmas. It is at this time that we remember how the birth of Jesus brought eternal hope to our world, and provided us with the salvation that we need to guide us every day. Although much has changed since Jesus’s time, one thing always remains, the need for wisdom, justice and humanity in our ever-turbulent world. Do your bit this Christmas and lend a hand, judge less, sacrifice a luxury for the benefit of someone in need, and don’t be afraid to remind yourself how important you are in making positive, selfless contributions to the world – in whatever field you are able. Enjoy some family time together, be good to your siblings, eat plenty of treats and I hope Santa finds all the children for Christmas. 

2025 Beginnings

We are expecting 694 students at OLSCC for the commencement of the 2025 academic year as the College continues to grow. Our class lists are locked in, our teachers are all confirmed, and we are well organised after Up Day for our students to hit the ground running on Wednesday 29 January 2025. For everyone to be best prepared for the new school year, we have ensured that you have all the information available that you need. Many specific items have already been sent home via Sentral for Parents (aka Parent Portal), a term date/pupil free day/holiday calendar is included in this newsletter as well as a major event planner, the website has booklists, College fees, and this newsletter is jam packed with plenty more information for the new year including uniform shop hours and much more. 

As you prepare for 2025, please refer to this newsletter, the website and parent portal, and keep your eyes on Facebook and parent portal for any updates in January.

2025 OLSCC Staff Roster

Attached below is the full staff roster for OLSCC in 2025, with only a few places left to fill. Our timetables are complete and have been emailed to students this week in preparation for next year. As always there may be minor changes to room allocations etc in the new year, so we encourage students to check the accuracy on their timetable in Sentral when they begin the 2025 year. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the staff involved for continuing to provide both staffing and timetables in advance for our community. This is far beyond the common practice of schools distributing timetables, teachers, classlists and booklists during the holidays, and it is wonderful timely information like this that sets OLSCC apart from the norm. 

Excitedly, we welcome to the staff for 2025:

• Mr Brad Kilgour – Grounds
• Miss Brooke Heness – Learning Support Teacher
• Miss Sophie Maudsley – Year 3 (3M)
• Ms Vicki Knight – Secondary Visual Art
• Mrs Sara-Jayne Rogers – Middle Leader Curriculum: English and Humanities

Also very exciting is the new offering of languages in 2025 for Years 3-8. Students in these year levels will finally have access to learning language again, and for 2025 we are starting with Spanish, with a Latino (South American) focus in culture. More details will be shared in the newsletter, though this is a very exciting opportunity that we hope to see grow all the way through the senior years.

Sadly, we have had Mrs Debbie Harwood resign to move back to the coast. We thank Debbie for her amazing work at the College – she will be dearly missed!! Our College will forever be better for having you here.

We have quite a few staff who are moving to town over the coming month or so, and the real estate market is quite tight at present. If any of our families are looking for some fantastic tenants for their properties for 2025, please let the College Office know and we can arrange a mutually beneficial relationship. We are looking for apartments, duplexes, single accommodation and larger houses, so please let us know on behalf of your friends also.

2024 OLSCC Masterplan

Our College is growing, the needs of modern education continue to evolve, and some of our more traditional buildings need some rejuvenation or replacement so we can continue to offer a quality education at OLSCC. Accordingly, throughout 2024 we have developed a conceptual Master Plan to address these needs. Much has been considered in this development, including enrolments, current facilities, Block Grant Authority (BGA) funding requirements, as well as play spaces, sporting facilities and integrating into the local landscape. I am very proud of the Master Plan developed by Bold Architecture and Interior Design and know that its implementation will make a big difference for learning and wellbeing at our College. 

Last week our architect, Stewart Bagley, dropped in for a site visit to begin discussions regarding the needs of the first phase of the Master Plan, which will be the new early years classrooms and multipurpose rooms. These are necessary to accommodate the ever-increasing enrolment in the 3 streams across the early years, as well as accommodate this growth all the way through the Middle Years to Year 8. Stewart will return in February with sketch designs and we will begin developing the detailed design with the intent of beginning construction in late 2025. 

This construction will see the growth in the early years and middle years catered for and accordingly, future developments will focus on renewing many aspects of the Senior Years. It is anticipated that these stages will be significant, costly, though also timely for the continuation of the large cohorts coming through the early years. There are already some exciting concepts for the senior years – specifically in creating connected, contemporary, accessible and carefully designed learning spaces to replace Red and White block.

Please see the attached concepts for both the early years and elements of the senior years as a taste of what is to come.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

WHAT A FABULOUS YEAR!

When I look back over 2024 so many great moments come to mind, so much has happened this year for us to be proud of and celebrate. Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting classrooms around our College for UP Day. Our young people have grown so much this year, learnt so much and are so ready for all the challenges and new learnings that await them in 2025. Our staff have again gone above and beyond to create safe and engaging classes that inspire our learners to give their best and strive to meet their potential. I am grateful for being a part of this vibrant and caring OLSCC community. Enjoy your quality time over the Christmas and New Year break it is well earned by all, students, staff and parents. Merry Christmas.

OLSCC Christmas Carols

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the College Christmas Carols – this simple event is to bring our community together and to celebrate the season of Christmas. Although we had a last-minute location change (which worked really well) it was a great evening of fellowship and singing. Thanks to all our students and teachers especially our music teachers, Miss Sophie Twidale and Miss Amie Stolz for their hard work in the lead up. Thanks also the FACE volunteers who cooked the delicious BBQ. The evening also raises funds for Yes Arusha as we contribute $3000 a year to the educating a student in Haradali, Africa each year. 

Report Cards

On Monday Semester 2 Report Cards were published to Sentral for Parents (Parent Portal) and students can also view these on Sentral for Student Portal. After the large amount of changes in Semester 1 there were minimal changes this semester. One slight improvement to Year 7-8 Reports was the inclusion of the individual subjects that fall under Humanities, Arts and Technologies. In Year 7 and 8 they may not cover all of these subjects each semester but those that were delivered were included under the overall Subject title. This video can help you access reports via Sentral for Parents https://youtu.be/8tuVVtE02ow

Mini Vinnies

Thank you for donations towards our Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Each year your generosity is overwhelming as we dig deep to help out those who need it most this Christmas. Your donations will be used by our local St Vincent de Paul to create hampers to brighten someone’s Christmas. 

EdLead 2025

This week from Monday to Wednesday our Prefects and Mr Tim Lincoln attended the EdLead 2025 Conference with other young leaders from Edmund Rice Schools throughout Queensland. It was hosted at Nudgee College and was a gathering of over 60 students from 13 schools.

The students who attended wrote of the experience:

“On the 2nd of December the Prefect team travelled down to Brisbane to attend the 2025 Ed Lead conference. This retreat involved a variety of activities consisting of leadership skills, networking with other leaders as well as a spiritual dive. We were also lucky enough to be spoken to from a variety of special guest, who told us their stories and how they have grown as individuals from the power of leadership. This opportunity has given us multiple ideas that we can implement within our College to grow our College spirit and build a strong lasting legacy. One of the key takeaways the group has been left with is that leadership is not about what you do or say, but instead how you make them feel. From this camp not only were we able to grow as people but further extend our leadership qualities and skills.”

Leaving at the End of 2024

If your child is finishing schooling with us at the end of 2024, please be aware that your access to Parent Portal will also conclude at the end of Term 4 2024. It is important that you download any report cards saved on the portal that you may need for future reference.

2025 Key dates

If you are like me and like to prepare your calendar for the next year ahead of time these dates might help you out.

Pupil Free Days – staff involved in professional learning no students at the College

• 28 January – Tuesday
• 22 April – Tuesday
• 14 July – Monday
• 1 August – Friday
• 5 September - Friday

Term dates

• Term 1 - 29 January Wednesday – 4 April Friday
• Term 2 – 23 April Wednesday – 27 June Friday
• Term 3 – 15 July Tuesday – 19 September Friday
• Term 4 – 7 October Tuesday – 5 December Friday

Final Days

• Year 12 Final Day – 21 November Friday
• Year 10 and 11 Final day – 28 November Friday
• Prep – Year 9 Final day – 5 December Friday

Important dates – currently set unlikely to change

• 3 February Monday – Commencement Mass
• 4-5 February Tuesday and Wednesday – College Photos
• 12 March – 24 March NAPLAN test window
• 21 March Friday – Year 12 Formal

Where To Find The Organisational Info For 2025?

As mentioned earlier in my newsletter article I love to plan ahead, to assist families with preparedness for 2025 we have three essential places to look for information.

SENTRAL FOR PARENT PORTAL – for existing families – here you will find documents such as class lists, booklists, forms and other essential information for your child

COLLEGE WEBSITE – for all families new and existing – here you will find essential back to school information about uniforms and booklists and links to our College Newsletter and Facebook posts

WEEK 10 NEWSLETTER – this newsletter is an essential read for all families (new and existing) it contains important information pertaining to 2025 academic year

Student Timetables 2025

Students in Year 5 - 12 2025 were emailed their v1.0 of their 2025 timetables this week. They can access this through their school email account. As the staff are updated we will continue to update student timetables. Timetables will be updated on Sentral for Parents and Students after the 13 January, until this time email is the way we communicate these. We believe it improves wellbeing for our students to provide this information once it is available so we will keep them updated in the new year. 

NAPLAN 2025

NAPLAN for students in Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be from 12 - 24 March 2025. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a test that children can prepare for in the same way they might prepare for an end of unit test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout the year and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

I encourage Parents to learn more and see the types of questions and related functionalities available in the NAPLAN Online assessment at www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site. The College provides all necessary equipment, pencils, erasers and headphones for these tests to occur.

Christmas Church Services

Our College community and the wider Dalby community is blessed with many religious and spiritual denominations. We encourage you to embrace the meaning and spirit of Christmas and attend a church service with your family this Christmas. I encourage you to connect with your local church via Facebook for times for all Christmas services. Times currently available to us from our area are:

St Joseph’s Catholic Church Dalby – Christmas Eve 6pm & Christmas Day 9am

Our Lady Help of Christians Bell – Christmas Day 7am

Immaculate Conception Jandowae – Christmas Eve 6pm

St John’s Anglican Church Dalby – Christmas Eve 5pm, 7pm, 11pm & Christmas Day 8am

Dalby Christian Family Church (Pratten St, Dalby) – Christmas Eve 6pm

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education

Advent 2024

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. When we light the candles on the wreath, it symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world.

Candle 1 (violet): represents hope

Candle 2 (violet): represents peace

Candle 3 (rose): represents joy

Candle 4 (violet): represents love

The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ.

This Advent we will learn, act and pray for a more just and fairer world – a world full of hope, peace, joy, and love.

First Week of Advent – Hope

Advent is a special time in the church when we prepare and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Luke 21:25-28. 34-36

"Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. On earth, nations will be afraid because of the roar and fury of the sea. They will not know what to do. People will be so afraid they will faint. They will wonder what is happening to the whole world. Everything in the sky will be changed. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, don’t fear. Look up and hold your heads high because the time when God will free you is near!"

"Be careful! Don’t spend your time feasting and drinking. Or don’t be too busy with worldly things. If you do that, you will not be able to think straight. And then that day might come when you are not ready. It will close like a trap on all people on earth. So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen. And pray that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflect:

• What do you know about Advent?
• What are some things that you look forward to? How do you prepare for them?
• Why is Jesus asking us to pray?
• How can we show Jesus we are hopeful?

 

Second week of Advent - Peace

Advent has a focus on light, not darkness. Christ will come again as the light of the world. 

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:1-6

“This is a voice of a man
     who calls out in the desert:
 ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.
     Make the road straight for him.
 Every valley should be filled in.
     Every mountain and hill should be made flat.
 Roads with turns should be made straight,
     and rough roads should be made smooth.
 And all people will know about the salvation of God!’”

Reflect:

• John the Baptist told people to make way and prepare for the love of God. How can we get ready for more love in our lives?
• The gospel talks about forgiveness. Identify a time in your life that you would like to ask for God’s forgiveness. Is there something you need to forgive?

Third week of Advent – Joy

The third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday, from Latin meaning ‘rejoice’. 

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:10-18

The people asked John, “What should we do?”

John answered, “If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.”

Even tax collectors came to John to be baptized. They said to John, “Teacher, what should we do?”

John said to them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to take.”

The soldiers asked John, “What about us? What should we do?”

John said to them, “Don’t force people to give you money. Don’t lie about them. Be satisfied with the pay you get.”

All the people were hoping for the Christ to come, and they wondered about John. They thought, “Maybe he is the Christ.”

John answered everyone, “I baptize you with water, but there is one coming later who can do more than I can. I am not good enough to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the chaff. He will put the good part of the grain into his barn. Then he will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out.” And John continued to preach the Good News, saying many other things to encourage the people.

Reflect:

• What is the good news John shared?
• What response did John the Baptist give to the people when they asked, “What must we do?”
• John is asking people to have a change of heart. How will you share this week? How can you encourage others to share too?

Fourth Week of Advent – Love

Our final days of Advent, are a time when we can reflect on our Advent journey.

Gospel Reading

Luke 1:39-44

Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the mountains of Judea. She went to Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside Elizabeth jumped. Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out in a loud voice, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby which you will give birth to. You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. You are blessed because you believed what the Lord said to you would really happen.”

Reflect:

• Why do you think that baby John jumped with joy in Elizabeth’s womb?
• Can you remember a time when you have leapt for joy?
• Do you think a personal visit from a cousin is more special than a phone call?
• Who will you be visiting this Christmas?

Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a College this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

Carey Twidale

Middle Leader Living Your Faith

The year that was: A recap of 2024

As the 2024 academic year comes to an end, I've been reflecting on the fantastic experiences our students have enjoyed. Last newsletter, I shared some of the extra-curricular successes from across the year and this time around I would like to focus on our departing Year 8 cohort, who move across campus into the Senior Years come January.

I'm incredibly proud of all the Middle Years students and their progress this year, especially the Year 8s. They do not always get it right, but that is one of the reasons for our Middle Years sector. Its a safe place to grow, to develop, to make mistakes and to learn from them. All the while becoming a better version of yourself. Below is a little descriptive story summing up the Middle Years journey:

The Middle Years: A time of great change As the students enter the Middle Years and begin this transitional period of their life, they can feel like there is a storm brewing. Not in the sky above, nor on the far horizon. Instead, this storm is brewing within them. Deep within their very being, yet very hard to define or explain. Next come the changes. Boys can wake to suddenly find their voice has transformed, almost overnight. It cracks and crackles, like a radio that needs to be adjusted to a slightly new frequency. For girls and boys alike, their reflection in the mirror seems different too. Faces can become dotted with the first signs of adolescence. Limbs grow, becoming awkwardly long, as if too long for the body they are connected to. Coordination that once was simple and natural, becomes more clumsy and uneasy.    At school, the world shifts around them. Friends, once carefree and playful, are now grappling with their own changes. Emotions run high, like waves crashing against the shore, unpredictable and intense. Conversations once built on laughter begin to develop a suite of new and sometimes unpredictable emotions. Friendships get tested by the tides of growing up. Some bend under the pressure, taking on a slightly different shape, others fracture and break.   Despite the chaos, there is a sense of wonder in this transformation. Students discover new interests and passions. Their mind expands like the branches of a Moreton Bay Fig. Some find solace in music or in books. Others develop physical powers that act to amplify their abilities, allowing them to take great leaps forward in their sporting prowess. Some others immerse themselves in online worlds where they try to escape to a realm where almost anything is possible.  As the seasons change, so too do all Middle Years students. Over the course of time, they learn to navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence, finding strength in the support of their family, friends, and teachers. In time, the storm within begins to calm and on the other side emerges a new individual. A little bit older,  a little bit wiser, and a little bit more resilient. In the end, the students realise that this journey, though challenging, was a beautiful part of growing up. A time of discovery, of forging an identity, and of learning who it is they wish to become. As they end their time in the Middle Years, students feel well cared for, well prepared, and more confident to tackle the next set of challenges that lay ahead of them, here at school and beyond the classroom.

While we soon welcome a new cohort of Year 5s into the fold, it is at this time we also need to say goodbye to the seniors of the sector, our departing Year 8 cohort. Thank you to the role models, and the leaders among you. Thank you for the laughs and the memories. There were challenges along the way, but that is part of growing up in the Middle Years. I trust that you are excited about your next phase (and definitely the holidays). We wish you all the best for your move into the Senior Years.

Staying Safe online through the holidays

Christmas is a wonderful time of giving and receiving. Technology and personal devices re a common gift each Christmas and with that in mind, it is important that families work proactively to ensure our young people stay safe online this holiday break. Here are some tips from the eSafety Commissioner:

• Build an open trusting relationship around technology
  Keep communication open and supportive so your child knows they can come to you if something goes wrong or does not feel right online.
  
  
• Co-view and co-play with your child online
  This will help you understand what they are doing and why they enjoy an app, game or website, as well as providing a great opportunity to start conversations about online safety.
  
  
• Build good habits and help your child to develop digital intelligence and social and emotional skills
  For example: respect, empathy, critical thinking, responsible behaviour and resilience — and practice being good online citizens.
  
  
• Empower your child
  Wherever possible, help them make wise decisions for themselves, rather than telling them what to do. Try to provide them with strategies for dealing with negative online experiences that will build their confidence and resilience.
  
  
• Use devices in open areas of the home
  This can help you manage and be aware of who your child interacts with online through phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other connected devices.
  
  
• Set time limits that balance time spent in front of screens with offline activities
  A family technology plan can help you to manage expectations around where and when technology use is allowed — search online for templates or examples.
• Know the apps, games and social media sites your kids are using
  Make sure they are age-appropriate and learn how to limit messaging or online chat and location-sharing functions within apps or games, as these can expose your child to unwanted contact and disclose their physical location. The eSafety Guide includes information to help parents and carers choose safer apps and report and block unwanted contact and sexual approaches.
  
  
• Check the privacy settings on the games and apps your child is using
  Make sure their profiles are turned on to the strictest privacy setting. Restrict who can contact your child or ask them to check in with you before accepting new friends.
  
  
• Use available technologies to set up parental controls on devices
  Choose technology that can filter harmful content, monitor your child’s use and limit or block their time on connected devices or functions (e.g. cameras, in-app purchases).
  
  
• Be alert to signs of distress and know where to go for more advice and support.

For the full document about keeping children safe online, please use this link to the Online Safety Commission document – Keeping Children Safe Online - Advice for Parents.

Middle Years Camps

In the Middle Years, we aim to provide a diverse array of experiential learning opportunities. From gold-hunting excursions and visits to Parliament House to incursions featuring guest speakers such as representatives from the Queensland Police Service, we strive to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom. These experiences allow students to engage with education in various environments. Our camps are a crucial component of this approach.

Here is what is on offer in the way of camps in 2025:

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday period. I look forward to working with you again in 2025. 

Kind regards, 

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years

Senior Sector Joy

As we reach the end of the school year, many students have shared their excitement for the upcoming holiday and a well-deserved break. It's a time to celebrate all that we've achieved and to look forward to some relaxation.

Before we sign off for the year, I have one final request. Take a moment to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge the times when things didn't go as planned. This reflection is a wonderful opportunity to identify areas for growth and set some inspiring goals for 2025. Whether it's focusing more on your studies, participating in more school activities, or putting extra effort into subjects you find challenging, writing down these goals can set you on a path to success.

It's also a great time to refresh your wardrobe! Say goodbye to those old, worn-out socks, torn shirts, and grass-stained shorts. Let's start the new school year with a fresh, respectable look by updating our uniforms.

For me, the end of the year is an exciting time to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. It's a moment to pause, take stock, and look forward to a fresh start and renewed focus for 2025. Enjoy your holiday, and let's come back ready to make the next year even better!

Senior Years Up Day

This week, we welcomed our 2025 Year 9 and 10 students to the Senior Sector of the College. The classes were filled with enthusiasm and excitement as we welcomed the current Year 8 students into the senior years. It was great to see the support among the students and the staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The day was designed to help students transition smoothly, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in their new academic journey. The positive energy and engagement from both students and staff made the day impactful.

Setting strong expectations for 2025 was a key focus of Up Day, and it was evident that the students are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. The classes focussed on  the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and mutual respect, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming year. The collaborative spirit among the students and staff was inspiring, and it was clear that they are prepared to support each other in achieving their best.

Year 12 Successes

In writing this newsletter article I have also been informed that 100% of all our 2024 Year 12 students who applied for early entry into university now have received offers! With only 5 students waiting for offers (to courses that did not accept early entries) through the standard pathway.

Its is also great to hear 100% of our 2024 Year 12 students, not opting for a university pathway, have been successful in transitioning to their chosen pathway/profession since leaving the college.

 This is outstanding news and a massive congratulations to all our past students.

Our current Year 11 students have also been achieving well with 80% of all Year 11’s achieving an A grade in at least one of their senior subjects. This bodes very well for the 2025 Year 12’s achieving great things.

As we entered the final weeks of 2024 it has been a very busy time for our college community.

The successes that have occurred this year in academic, sporting and cultural realms have been a true credit to all the students at the college.

Moving into 2025

To assist parents in planning below are some of the significant dates for Senior Years students in 2024.

Year 10 Laptop Collection – 24 January 2025, 10am–3.30pm & 28 January 2025, 1pm–6pm

Year 12 Formal – 21 March 2025

Year 10 Work Experience – 16 to 20 June 2025

Year 10 School Education & Training Meetings – 4 to 8 August 2025

Year 12 External Exams – 14 October to 12 November 2025

Senior Years has camps aligned to student outcomes. To assist with your planning, I have attached the rough outline for the camps from Years 9 to 12 with more information available on our website as part of our “Grow Great People matrix”. Costing for these camps is now inclusive in the new fee structured mentioned in this weeks news letter.

Staff Farewell

With the end of each school year comes the inevitable staff farewells and offering of thanks to others whose role may be changing at the school. These changes to staffing roles and farewells can be both quite sad, and exciting as it brings new opportunities and possible adventures for those departing or changing roles.

This week sees us farewelling 3 of our Senior Years teachers, Mr Setch, Mr DeCosta Silva, and Miss Stoltz.

From all our community we wish these staff all the best in their new roles and may St Christoper guide and protect you on your new journey.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a celebration that spans cultures and generations, holding a special place in our hearts. As our homes light up with festive decorations and an air of warmth and joy, we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Christmas. However, it's important to remember that Christmas is more than just a holiday; it's a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and empathy.

One of the most significant aspects of Christmas is the act of giving. We exchange presents to show love and appreciation for our loved ones. However, Christmas giving should go beyond material gifts; it should come from the heart, not just the wallet. For instance, a simple act of kindness, like helping a neighbour with their gardening or doing volunteer work, can have a profound impact.

I hope that over the holidays everyone is blessed with the opportunity to take a well-earned break to refresh and rejuvenate. Students are also encouraged to engage in the following activities:

• Reading is a great holiday activity because reading fiction aids relaxation but also builds vocabulary, improves reading comprehension and develops written expression, all skills that will assist in future learning. Importantly, reading can also provide students with a vital break from technology.
• Physical activities such as walking, bike riding, going to the beach, going to the gym or playing sport all have great physical benefits but will also aid memory and thinking skills.
• Keeping a journal is a great way to sketch, make lists, keep track of notes, create mind maps, store memorable quotes or pictures or ideas. It doesn’t really matter what is recorded – by regularly putting pen to paper, students think actively and document their thought processes, all habits that help in learning.
• Crosswords, word searches, puzzles and Sudoku books are also great activities as they require you to work through the steps to reason and reach a solution which all help challenge the mind.

I would like to wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable break. Please ensure you take some time to spend together and reflect on the year that has been. I look forward to welcoming you all back to our community in 2025. 

God of wisdom,
We thank you
for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life,
for saving us in Christ,
and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year, we voice our gratitude
for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of this College.
We ask you to bless them in your love and give them refreshment and peace.

We praise you, God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years

Our last Student's Say YouTube Short video can be viewed here.

Merry Christmas

Middle Leader Sport

Career Reflection for 2024

This academic year has been a very successful time for the students and the careers office. A big congratulations is extended to the Year 12 cohort of 2024 where they have all achieved their chosen pathway. This also includes the 11 of the 16 applications for university placements for 2025 who have been provided with early entry offers. This is an excellent result for our College, as we have a greater percentage of early offers to most of the secondary schools in the diocese.

We also celebrate our eleven, Year 12 school based apprenticeship students who have all successfully transitioned into full time employment positions in November on the completion of Year 12. This celebration also extends to our current School Based Apprentices that will be continuing or starting their apprenticeships in 2025. We have had very successful partnerships with our employers and trainers in the last 12 months and we appreciate the support for all our young people in their transition into a future career.

Skill training for grades 8 to 12 was also a focus for the careers department during the academic year. This included activities such as White Card Training, First Aid and Manual Handling, Expresso Machine Barista Course, Aspire to Health program, Year 8 and Year 10 UniSQ Discovery Days, University of Queensland in-service and in partnership with the Dalby BEST Group, the Dalby Careers Expo. A big thank you and a Merry Christmas from the Careers Department.

Available Apprenticeships

Plumbing Apprenticeship 2025

A local plumber is offering a year 12 school leaver a full-time apprenticeship in plumbing. If you are interested in this position, please contact Mrs Boland or Mr Garside for details.

Dalby General Steel

This work would suit people that want to gain skills in a retail environment and would like to build a career in Sales, Warehousing and Purchasing. Or for people that want to enter the workforce directly after finishing year 12.  

• Sales and Retail – Tasks include serving customers across multiple industries both over the counter and via the phone and email sales. There is a wide range of product to learn that can transfer across industries. Our salespeople have built careers where they earn $80 – $100k per year with Dalby General Steel. Other long-term former employees have gone onto become purchasing managers for large manufacturers or to procurement roles in mining and gas earning $100k – $150k.
• Warehousing – Opportunity to learn skills of warehousing and gain licences such as forklift, HR truck and Cert 3 in Supply Chain Operations. Our experienced warehouse people earn approx. $80k per annum.
• Stock Control and Purchasing – As an addition to the sales and retail role we also train our people in Purchasing, Procurement and Stock Control. Building relationships with suppliers and shopping around the best value for products and services.

Gap Year Opportunity

There is an opportunity to work in the agricultural sector starting this year as part of a gap year. A local agronomist company is seeking a student who will complete year 12 this year to start at the end of November and work through to the end of April in 2025. You will also receive on the job training and work as a labourer for an agronomist. This job will be for 4 days per week and 11 hrs. per day. You will need a manual driver's license and be physically fit and do not mind working outdoors over the summer months. This position also pays $30/hr.

If you are interested, please speak to me or contact Kylie Fuelling form Fuelling Agriculture Company on 0428 716 502. 

Work Experience, School Based Apprentice Opportunity (Chinchilla)

Qube Heavy Lift located in Chinchilla are offering work experience opportunities for students that may potentially lead an apprenticeship in AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Please see the contact below.

Anthony Hunt (Manager), Phone 0428 486 330

Email anthony.hunt@qube.com.au

Dean Garside

Careers Development Practitioner

There have been some changes to the College fees for the 2025 year, particularly in relation to the introduction of a student levy. The student levy incorporates both the laptop levy for the relevant year level, as well as the average cost of the year level camps by sector. It is the intent that the introduction of the student levy will assist in making year level camps accessible to all families and ease the financial pressures of a camp by spreading the cost over the year, rather than on one invoice. Please note, as year level camps are curriculum based and the curriculum program for their duration, it is the intent of these changes that all students will attend these.

There has been an adjustment to the capital levy to make it a flat 20% of tuition fees for the relevant year level. While this isn’t a significant change, it makes it relative to the cost incurred at different year levels. As always, this will assist capital infrastructure development into the future as our College grows. You will see this in action in the construction of phase 1 of the Master Plan.

For families in the Senior Years, please note that there are some subject specific levies for 2025. These levies have been re-introduced in order to provide the appropriate materials for subjects in INTAD and Food. This means that students won’t need to supply their own materials for practical lessons in these subjects.

College fees are determined as an annual fee and the College will continue to invoice this on a per-term basis. A reminder that the College has strict 14-day payment terms for all invoices issued.

Included in the College Fee Schedule is a suggested weekly instalment amount for the year level that your child is in. This weekly instalment is based on 52-week payment terms and we would strongly encourage you to begin making instalments now, to ensure your account is paid in full by the end of the College year. Further information around payment options can be found on our website, including direct debit.

Please find below the 2025 College Fee Schedule as endorsed by the College Advisory Council (CAC).

On 10 August the Dalby Events Centre came alive with Elvis in the building along with 200 of the best dressed ladies in town.  The luncheon was a success and everybody in attendance had the best afternoon out!

The focus of the event was to bring awareness to Share the Dignity and ensure that we could raise money to support the Share the Dignity organisation along with ensuring all students at OLSCC are never disadvantaged and have access to products when they need them.

The College will be installing a vending machine (no charge to products) in the Senior, Blue and Yellow Block toilets for the use of anyone that requires it.

We donated a baby and ladies goodie bag along with $6647.84 to Share the Dignity to continue the wonderful work they do. Will Cook & Kaitlyn Harms making the presentation to Angela Prenzler, Share the Dignity volunteer are pictured below.

Please check out the Share the Dignity website in case you may be able to assist to help this wonderful organization continue their mission.

A big thank you to Kaity and Will (2024 College Captains) along with their team of Year 12’s to bring this legacy to fruition!