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7 - 21 April - School Holidays
18 April - Good Friday
21 April - Easter Monday - Public Holiday
22 April - Student Free Day
23 April - Term 2 commences
23 April - Parent Evening 5:30pm - "How to help with Maths?" with Tierney Kennedy
24 April - Darling Downs Girls Rugby Sevens Trials
24 April - OLSCC Interhouse Cross Country
24 April - ANZAC Day Service
25 April - ANZAC Day - Public Holiday
27 - 30 April - State U15 Volleyball Championships
28 April - Year 1 to Year 12 Principals Tour (9:30am - 10:30am and 5:00pm - 6:30pm)
29 April - Darling Downs U15/18 Touch Football Trials
29 April - Darling Downs Under 11/12 Rugby League Trials
29 April - UniSQ Discovery Day Year 10
29 April - Year 11 SPEC Hybrid Day
30 April - Darling Downs Golf Trials
30 April - Year 11 & 12 Biology - Intensive Days
30 April - Year 7 Retreat
30 April - Year 11 & 12 Business Guest Speaker
30 April - DD Rugby League Comp Round 1
1 May - PREP Come & Try Day for NEW families 9:00am - 10:30am
1 May - Come & Try Day Year 1-11 in 2026
1 May - Hybrid Day - Yr 12 SPEC
1 May - Bunya District U12 Soccer Trials
2 May - Year 11 & 12 Biology - Intensive Days
2 May - Year 3 Australia Zoo
2 May - Early Years Assembly
2 May - Middle Years Assembly
Lent is our time of preparing and waiting for Easter, traditionally a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. In 2025 the Easter weekend ends our holiday rather than beginning it. We walk with Jesus this Holy Week as we consider the last few days of his life from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. I challenge us this Easter holidays to consider what we can do in our everyday lives to make the world a better place rather than what can I stop doing or give up. As we head into two weeks holiday before Easter, think about the little and big ways each one of us can make a difference. Is it pulling up the doona and making our bed each morning, is it grumbling less about getting up early or spending time playing with my siblings to help Mum and Dad? Little acts can make a big difference for those around us. At Easter we remember the hope that Jesus’ death and resurrection brings to our world, and we spread that hope through our interactions with others.
Next term we begin our term with a very short week. Monday is the Easter Monday (public holiday), Tuesday is the pupil free day for students for Professional Learning for our staff, Wednesday and Thursday are regular school days and Friday is ANZAC Day (public holiday). Term 2 is always a mix of shorter weeks due to public holidays and although Week 1 is a short week it is an important week to begin our term, with normal classes and learning beginning on Wednesday.
Enrol NOW
We have hosted two Principal Tours, and a Prep Come and Try Morning over the past few weeks, and it has been wonderful to welcome new families into our College. We love our College and it is great to be able to share this with prospective families. It was exciting for me to see some familiar faces as Alumni of our College, now enrolling their own children to begin their educational journey. We will host two more Principal Tours on Monday 28 April at 9:30am or 5:30pm. We will also host two more Come and Try occasions; Year 1 -11 (full school day) and Prep (9:00-10:30am) on Monday May 1. To register for these, please contact the College Office or email dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au . Enrolment applications can be submitted online via our College website Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby.
Maths Guest Presenter
Tierney Kennedy, of Back to Front Maths has been working with our College for the past two years developing our capability and confidence as maths teachers. This year we have engaged her to spend three full days in our College working with our staff, students and parents. Tierney will begin Term 2, Tuesday 22 April (pupil free day) working with our staff on teaching strategies that can enhance our maths classrooms. We have worked with Tierney in the past and we look forward to this day getting in the learning pit with Tierney. She will then spend the next two days modelling teaching strategies in classrooms with our teachers and our students. We are also excited to have Tierney present a free parent session “How to help with Maths at home?” on Wednesday 23 April at 5:30pm in the PAC. OLSCC FACE (Family and Community Engagement) is joining with us for this parent engagement session, hosting a social gathering at the conclusion of the parent session. FACE has provided a trybooking link to register your attendance so we can ensure adequate seating is available. Bring a friend and learn together. We look forward to learning alongside Tierney throughout this week.
150 Years Of Christian Brothers
This year the Christian Brothers celebrate 150 years of Edmund Rice ministries here in Queensland. In 1963, a group of Christian Brothers, opened our Secondary boys college in Dalby, St Mary’s College which later unified to create our College as we know it today. Our College history is a rich part of this 150 year story and we look to join in the celebrations for Queensland as part of the Edmund Rice Education Association. Members of our College community and extended community are invited to attend the events outlined and can contact Br Damien Price for more information. Representatives of our College will attend the Mass of Thanksgiving in Brisbane in July.
We end the term with this glorious rain, though we think about our fellow Queenslanders who are suffering with vast amounts of rain in the last month. Many families out west have been impacted by this rain event, and we hold these families in our prayers. We will look to how we can help and support them further when we return in Term 2.
I wish all families in our community a happy and holy Easter break. As we conclude Term 1 and this great start to the year, I encourage everyone to enjoy some time of recharging and relaxing over the holidays and we look forward to all that Term 2 brings. I will continue in the Principal chair for the first two weeks of the term, while Pete enjoys some family time in the UK.
Cate Brennan
Principal (Acting)
I have been thrilled this week to step into the Deputy Principal Mission and Identity role whilst Mrs Brennan is covering for Mr Cuskelly as Principal. It is a great experience to see the growth across our college of our dedicated team of educators who consistently go above and beyond to nurture and inspire our students. Our teachers' commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment is truly commendable. They not only impart knowledge but also live the values and bring a sense of community, ensuring that each student feels valued and empowered to achieve their best.
As we approach the end of the school term, I would like to remind everyone that Easter falls in the last week of the school holidays. Easter is a significant date in our calendar, and I encourage everyone to take this time to reflect, rejoice, and create cherished memories with loved ones. This special time offers a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and reflect on the year so far. Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Easter break!
Timetable Changes
We are excited and sad to wish Mr. Dean Garside well as on Friday he takes some well-earned leave to travel through Europe during term 2; While we also celebrate and welcome back Mr. Daniel Cross as he returns to the College after having a term of Long Service Leave supporting his family.
As a result of these staffing changes, we have re-timetabled, our first for the year, to ensure that student’s continuation of learning is not impacted, and quality teachers will continue to teach the subjects being offered here at OLSCC.
Students will be emailed a new timetable this week, with their Sentral portal online timetable updating over the holidays. All families are urged to support students in reviewing their timetable as lessons times and locations may have changed, even if their teacher has not.
We are also blessed to have Mrs Jacqui McIlroy from St Ursula’s College come to support our community every Monday regarding pathways. She will be working with Mrs Tracey Boland as they both continue the support of our students. Mrs McIlroy may also visit the College or be available via TEAMs to support the needs of students. Students can see Mrs Boland to arrange meetings with Mrs McIlroy. In additional to this Mr Cuskelly, Mrs Brennan and Mr Spain will be available to our community to support the growth and directions of our students with regards to pathways. As always, if you, your child, or your family need any support, please feel free to contact the office.
Easter Prayer Celebrations
On the last weekend, of the holidays we celebrate Easter Weekend. Our local parish holds a number of prayer celebrations from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Please see the St Joseph’s Catholic Church Dalby’s Facebook page for days and times. We will join as a college in prayer as we prepare for Easter on Friday 4 April at 2pm in the MPC. Parents are welcome to join us for this prayer celebration.
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. 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 the Parent Portal or via the link: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/
Parking and pick up
As some of you may have notice we have had rangers from the council supervising their parking spaces over the past few weeks. 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. 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.
Loading Zone Passengers – 2 min max
In front of Prep we have a designated loading area that allows for a 2 min drop and go between 7am-9am and 2pm-4pm. Parking is monitored by Western Downs Regional Council and fines can be issued for those not following these zone regulations.
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, utilising the street parking in front of the College or Cooper Street.
Bus transportation
Students who catch buses to and from the College are dropped or collected in the bus zone at the front of our College office. Throughout the morning buses arrive over a longer period of time and staff supervise this arrival as students move from the bus to class. In the afternoon as everyone departs at the same time this area is coordinated by staff on duty. To assist with the coordination of our bus zone in the afternoon we record rolls of bus students.
Please ensure you complete the digital form using the link 2025 BUS TRANSPORTATION to the best of your knowledge as soon as possible to assist with this coordination.
Ignite Conference 2025
In 2025 on the 25 to the 28 September, Thursday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, St Laurence’s College Brisbane will host the Ignite Conference 2025. Students and educators can join over 2,500 high schoolers, young adults, leaders, and other educators, at the Ignite Conference for a transformative four-day experience. This event offers real-world formation, faith renewal, and powerful worship, creating a vibrant community of believers. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with others in a meaningful way. For more information please visit their website National Catholic Conference Brisbane — IgniteConference 25
Rodney Spain
Deputy Principal Mission and Identity (Acting)
Fourth Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 31 March)
You would need a heart of stone not to be affected by the stories we encounter today. Most of us have heard the story of the two sons in The Parable of The Lost Son (Luke 14:11-32) over and over. The brilliance of the way Jesus tells stories is that it still gets under our skin. Here are two young men who think they can live on their own terms. One has a sense of entitlement and demands his share of his father’s estate which he then squanders. He is finally prepared to eat humble pie and find his way home. The other son has a different sense of entitlement. He believes that his hard work and reliability should provide him with a greater share of his father’s love. At different times in our life, we can relate more to one or other of these people. Jesus implies that they are both blind to the way God’s love works and that they both need to grow. They have both been dead and now must come to life.
The story we encounter this week is also deeply moving. Irene, aged 25, lives in the Kongolo region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her father was killed during a war and Irene lived with her mother on very meagre resources, often going hungry for extended periods of time. Irene first became pregnant as a teenager and later had to raise her two children on her own, with the support of her mother. As a single mother, it was challenging for Irene to care for her two sons without a stable income. Irene’s life changed after she participated in the Youth Capacity Strengthening program, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas Kongolo. Through the program, she undertook training in sewing and livestock farming, enabling her to generate income to support her family.
“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.
Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Watch Irene’s story here. (For secondary students and parents)
Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene this Lent?
Photo credit: Arlette Bashizi/Caritas Australia
Donate now via the Project Compassion money boxes in the College office
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Carey Twidale
Middle Leader Living Your Faith
To reinforce our mapping skills, Eme developed an interactive scavenger hunt for our class. She applied her understanding of mapping, grid references, clue creation, and added a unique twist by encoding the grid references in Braille. This required us to utilise our problem-solving skills to decode the Braille, identify the correct letter and number coordinates. This was extremely challenging, but we successfully navigated the hunt and found our prize at the final destination. Thank you so much Eme it was amazing!
Kind Regards,
What a great first term, with so many wonderful opportunities taken by our students.
Year 12 Formal
The 2025 Year 12 Formal was a resounding success. The students arrived in a diverse array of formal attire and in some impressive cars to mark the occasion. Past College Captain Claudia Child was the guest speaker for the evening.
Thanks to Mr Rod Spain in his role as MC and to Miss Sophie Boon and Mr Tyron Fraser for the Red-Carpet arrivals. The night was a culmination of the hard work of Mrs Simone Forbes and her team of helpers to make the evening one that will long live in the memories of the 2025 seniors.
Year 10 White Card Training
On Wednesday all Year 10 students completed White Card training. This is a key prerequisite for all students to attend Work Experience at the end of Term 2. Thanks to the careers teams of Mr Garside and Mrs Boland for organising this training for our students.
Year 9-11 Life Changer Sessions
This week the Year 9-11 cohorts have been involved in Life Changer sessions organised by our College Counsellor Mrs Katrina Ballantyne. The Life Changer team are regular visitors to the College and each year build on the process made in past visits. The focus for the visit this week were:
Year 11- Mentoring
Year 10- Connection
Year 9 – Building Self Esteem
The Life Changer team will be back at the College in Term 3.
Winter Uniform in Term 2
Students are required to wear their College tie with their formal uniform. This includes boys having their top button done up. Students in the Senior Years need to demonstrate a high example for our younger students. The cool weather is also rapidly approaching, please check the state of jumpers etc … and ensure that you have contacted the uniform shop to arrange any for upgrades as soon as possible.
Anzac Day Friday 25 April
It would be great to see many Senior Years students and their families at the Anzac Day services in Dalby. Please see the details below.
4.10am Dawn Service
Anzac Park – Patrick Steet
9.30am Commemoration March
Bell Park, Cunningham Street, and Patrick Street (assemble at 9.10am)
9.45am Commemoration Service
Anzac Park, Patrick Street
Term 2 Major Events
Thursday 24 April – College Cross Country
Tuesday 29 April – Year 10 UniSQ Discovery Day
Tuesday 6-Friday 9 May – Year 9 Camp
Tuesday 13 May – Year 10 Retreat
Wednesday 11- Friday 13 June – Year 11 Leadership Camp
Monday 16- Friday 20 June – Year 10 Work Experience
Friday 20 June – Year 9 Retreat
Thursday 26- Friday 27 June – Under 12- 18 College Athletics Carnival
Holidays
I would like to wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable Easter break. Please ensure you take some time to spend together and reflect on the term that has been. I look forward to welcoming you all back for Term 2 on Wednesday 23 April.
Tim Lincoln
Assistant Principal Senior Years (Acting)
Bunya District U12 Sports Trials
Sign on sheets will be placed on the Notice Board before each trial date for any students wishing to attend. Information about the trial will be published on the flyer. Depending on numbers interested in trialling, an intra school trial may need to be held in some sports to select a College team to attend the trials. Nominations will close a few days before each trial. These are all representative trials (not come and try days). Students need to be of a high playing standard to attend. Further information will be emailed to parents once nominations are finalised. Upcoming Trials in Term 2.
1 May – Soccer
9 May - Rugby Union
13 May - Tennis
15 May – Touch Football
Darling Downs Sports Trials in Term 2
Students interested in attending any of the trials below need to see Mr Lincoln ASAP.
U15 Rugby Union, Golf, U19 Boys and Girls AFL, U12 Softball.
Inner Downs Touch Football
Congratulations to the following students selected in the Inner Downs Touch Football Teams for the Darling Downs Trials early next term.
Under 15 Girls
Molly Gibson, Sarah Hall.
Under 15 Boys
Jasper Filewood, Ryker Filewood, Oliver Lewington, William Barwick, Joshua Barwick, Noah Cook, Khayden Hall, Tyler Stead, Max Horchner, Innes Dellit.
Darling Downs Selections
U12 Girls Cricket
Darci Geiger
U18 Girls Volleyball
Hannah Taylor, Chloe Manteit
U12 Netball
Pippa Smith
Kensei Pain (Shadow Player)
Boys Squash
Jack Gibson, Rory McUtchen
Girls Squash
Emma Cusack, Lucy Cusack, Molly Gibson, Prudence Parviainen
Rugby League
St Thomas Mores College Sunnybank visited the College on Wednesday for a game with our Year 9/10 students. They were on a 3-day country tour with games against St Joseph’s Toowoomba and Assumption College Warwick. St Thomas Mores were victors on the afternoon 12-10 in wet conditions. A credit to the grounds staff at the College to have the oval in a great condition for this game to occur. We are hoping this will be an annual event between the two College’s.
The Darling Downs Interschool Competition will begin next term. The draw for the first two rounds is listed below.
Round 1
Wednesday 30 April
Dalby Leagues Club
U13 OLSCC vs Dalby SHS at 4pm
U15 OLSCC vs Dalby SHS at 5pm
U18 – Bye
Round 2
Wednesday 7 May
Highfields Rugby League Football Club
U13 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 4pm
U15 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 5pm
U18 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 6pm
Basketball
Thanks to Mrs Martin and Mr Storey for organising an Open Boys Basketball Game against Dalby Christian College on Friday. Dalby Christian College were comfortable winners 72-27. More games are planned for later in the year.
Netball
On Thursday evening the QISSN team had a trial game in Toowoomba against the Darling Downs Panthers Emerald Team. This was a busy night for Miss Fry who is coach of both teams. The Panthers were winners on the night 43-25.
Cross Country
The Inter House Cross Country will be held on Thursday 24 April (Term 2 Week 1). All students from Prep – Year 12 will run on this day. An outline of the day is attached to the newsletter.
Upcoming Representative Cross Country Dates in Term 2 are listed below.
Tuesday 6 May – QCIS Championships (Scots College Warwick)
Thursday 8 May – Bunya District Trials (Dalby AFL Grounds)
Tuesday 20 May – Darling Downs Trials (Toowoomba)
Approximate Distances
Some courses do change slightly from year to year due to track conditions.
|
Under 5 |
Born 2020 |
250m |
|
Under 6 |
Born 2019 |
400m |
|
Under 7 |
Born 2018 |
600m |
|
Under 8 |
Born 2017 |
900m |
|
Under 9 |
Born 2016 |
1.8km |
|
Under 10 |
Born 2015 |
2km |
|
Under 11 |
Born 2014 |
2.5km |
|
Under 12 -15 Boys |
Born 2013-2010 |
3km |
|
Under 12- Under 18 Girls |
Born 2013 – 2007 |
3km |
|
Under 16- Under 18 Boys |
Born 2009-2007 |
5km |
Tim Lincoln
Middle Leader Sport
Musical Rehearsals Rock On!
Our talented students are working tirelessly on the upcoming musical. Rehearsals are in full swing, and the dedication is truly "rockin' the house"! ? Keep an eye out for some exciting character profiles next term – they'll be sure to "shake it up" and give you a sneak peek into the world of our performers. It's going to be a "Camp Rock"-ing good time!
Shake and Stir Performances
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 14 May! The Shake and Stir performances are set to dazzle, including a special workshop for our Year 8 drama students. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from the best and "stir" their creativity. Don't miss out on this "shaking" event!
Important Reminder
Please note that there will be no Performing Arts classes as Mrs Garside is away. However, all other areas of CECP will continue as normal. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resuming Performing Arts in Term 3.
Stay tuned for more updates and keep supporting our incredible students as they continue to shine in the arts! ?
Tamara Creeley
New School Based Apprentice
Congratulations to Year 10 student, Chase Price who recently signed up for a school-based apprenticeship with Brackens Field Maintenance located in Dalby. Chase has started an apprenticeship this month and will study for a Certificate (111) in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology. This is a wonderful opportunity for Chase, and we thank Leeroy Bracken for providing him with this on-the-job training and learning.
Career Development Practitioner Arrangements for Term 2
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Jacqui McIlroy who will be acting as the Careers Development Practitioner whilst I am on leave for Term 2. Ms. McIlroy will be available for consultation at the College on Monday’s starting from week 2 of term 2. We are blessed to have Ms. Mcllroy for this time who will work closely with Mrs. Tracey Boland as a part of the Careers Team who will both ensure all important career opportunities and activities remain a focus at the College in Term 2.
University Open Days 2025
Students who are interested in a university pathway are encouraged to explore University Open Days along with residential Colleges in Year 11 prior to entering Year 12 as it is an extremely busy year and applications for residential campuses generally open applications earlier than open days.
Toowoomba
UniSQ Saturday 9 August Springfield & Ipswich
Saturday 16 August Toowoomba
Brisbane
ACU (To be released? August) Nudgee Road, Banyo
Griffith Sunday 10 August Gold Coast & Nathan (South Brisbane)
QUT Sunday 27 July Kelvin Grove and Gardens Point
UQ Sunday 3 August, St Lucia Campus
UQ Sunday 17 August, Gatton Campus
Sunshine Coast
UniSC Sunday 3 August Sippy Downs
OLSCC 2025 Careers Dates
23 April - Year 10,11 & 12 - Emmanuel Residential College (UQ) Presentation 11.30am at the College Chapel – All Parents and students are welcome
29 April - Year 10 - UniSQ Discovery Day, Toowoomba
29 April - Year 11&12 - Griffith University Webinar (Online)
1 May - Year 11 & 12 - University Accommodation Expo 4pm-6pm Toowoomba (see flyer below)
13 May - Year 10,11 & 12 - ADF Presentation
14 May - tbc Dalby BEST Industry Dinner (information to come)
28 May - various Aspire 2Health (registrations are finalised)
16-20 June - Year 10 Work Experience
25 July - Year 9-12 Dalby Career Expo
4 August - Year 12 ATAR and QTAC Registrations in class
10 September - Year 12 RSA Course
8-9 September - Year 10 First Aid & Manual Handling Course
Year 11 CPR Refresher Course
10 September - Year 12 RSA Course (information to come)
17-19 September - Year 10 Barista Course
23 October - Year 12 SBA Employer Thank You Lunch (invitation to come)
Positions Available
Jimbour House are hiring front of house team members. They are seeking friendly, team orientated individuals to join their front of House team. In this role, you would work closely with delivering outstanding customer service, warmly greeting and serving guests, ensuring seamless operations for an exceptional experience. Students have been emailed more detailed information. If you are interested and require further information, please speak with Mrs Tracey Boland in the Careers Office.
Available Apprenticeships
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.
Dean Garside
Careers Development Practitioner
In our staff car park, there is a car park with the 'Saints' designation.
This use of this car park is specifically reserved for the member of our community that wins the exclusive use of this car park annually at our Saints Race Day auction.
We respectfully ask parents and community members not to park in this car park unless they are the auction winner.
We have 3 dedicated parents that will be managing Book Club from next Term.
There are a few changes parents will need to be aware of. Orders will now be online only so parents will need to create an account if they haven't already. Parents will also need to update their child's class in their profile as each class is listed individually. Visit Scolastic to register/update your account, or download the app from either Google Play or the Apple App Store (links are on the website).
Joanna Bremner
