Family and Community Engagement (FACE) – Saints Race Day

We held our final FACE executive meeting for the year on Tuesday evening, reflecting on the amazing day that was Saints Race Day 2025. 

Despite the rainy start to the day, over 300 people attended the event and enjoyed the fun and excitement of some local races, brilliant entertainment and magnificent company throughout the afternoon and evening.

There were a few key players that made this event happen, no more so than our FACE President, Alicia Karlish, and our Saints Co-ordinator, Nicole Horchner. With their merry helpers they organised, planned, liaised, booked, created, installed, laboured for months in advance to make the day so successful for our community. The focus of Saints is to create a chance for our OLSCC community, predominantly parents of our students, to come together and have a great day out and connect with one another. 

The Saints committee certainly delivered that. In addition, they also raised over $20 000 from the event, which will go towards the long-term goals of FACE to install a new digital sign at the front of the College.  

A huge thank you must go out to everyone who organised, sponsored, attended, donated towards, or just supported Saints Race Day 2025.

A special thanks to those who came back early the next morning to do the dirty work and ensure that everything was clean, tidy, and packed away.

Saints Race Day 2025 was certainly a great day out!

Check out the photos here – a big thanks to Jamielee Saunders Photography

End of Year Events and Date Claimers 2026

Its that time of year when things start to come and go very quickly. To keep up with the events, please keep an eye on the calendar, though especially note the following dates both upcoming and for next year:

In addition to this, teachers have been toiling away confirming class lists and book lists. Staffing is also almost finalised for 2026, as is the timetable and subject offerings. I expect booklists to be up on the website early next week, class lists in Week 6, and the 2026 timetable will be released (via student timetables in Sentral) prior to the completion of the academic year. 

An important consideration for myself during this time is class sizes. At OLSCC, we have worked consciously to keep class sizes reasonable and considerably smaller than many schools. While this is admirable, there is much we must sacrifice to make this affordable. Many of our year levels currently have enrolments in the mid-50’s and affordability of staffing is a concern at present. Due to this, I have made the decision that year levels with 56 or fewer students in Year 4-10 will operate as 2 classes, while those with 57 or more will operate as 3 classes. With current numbers, there will be no impact outside of Years 4-10. It is important to note that even at 2 classes, 28 students is the lowest number of students in the target class sizes according to the current enterprise bargaining agreement for the Diocese. While we will publish the class lists based on current expected numbers for 2026, should we end up with more or less than 56 students in a year level, then class lists will be redistributed supporting the new structure.

Supporting our Students

As mentioned previously, some students find it hard to continue being engaged at this end of the year. Please continue to support your child/ren and reach out to your child’s teacher or College support staff if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education, wellbeing, or relationships. We are here all the way up until the close of business on Friday 5 December, and can also be contacted during the holidays by calling the College Office, emailing dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au, or making contact via the website contact page. 

Mr Peter Cuskelly

As we approach the halfway point of the term (Wednesday Week 5 for P-9) may our focus remain on our learning to finish the year strongly.  Our Year 12’s have commenced external exams and assessments are being worked on in all areas of the school.

As time flies by towards the end of the year please mark these very important events on your calendar that will conclude our final weeks of the term.

Remembrance Day

Students will pause and commemorate Remembrance Day 11/11 at 11:00am with their classes. It is a day when we acknowledge and honour those who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations.  This is the anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 that ended fighting in World War 1. As part of our commemoration we will all observe one minutes silence on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month because that’s when the Armistice came into effect.

Blue Card Changes

The Queensland government has recently updated their requirements for Blue Cards.  The implementation of recent changes to the Blue Card system is governed by legislation and, as such, cannot be altered or delayed by individual organisations. These changes form part of a phased legislative reform under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000, which commenced on 1 July 2025, with further provisions taking effect from 20 September 2025. The reforms aim to strengthen safeguards for children in Queensland.

Historically, parents volunteering in activities directly involving their own child have generally been exempt from holding a Blue Card. However, effective 20 September 2025, this exemption will no longer apply to certain types of volunteer activities. In these cases, parents will be required to hold a valid Blue Card that is linked to the relevant organisation. A Blue Card will now be required for parent volunteers participating in any of the following specified activities.

1. Activities not involving their own child

Example: Parents who volunteer exclusively in their own child’s classroom (e.g. assisting with reading groups) are not required to hold a Blue Card. However, if a parent is asked to support other classes or work individually with children outside their own child’s class (e.g. in the library), a Blue Card is required.

2. Overnight excursions or camps

Parents must hold a valid Blue Card to participate in any overnight excursion or camp, regardless of whether their own child is attending.

3. If their volunteering includes close personal contact with another child

A Blue Card is required if a parent’s volunteer role involves close personal contact with children other than their own.

Examples include:

• assisting a child with toileting
• helping young children change clothes (e.g. Prep students changing out of wet swimwear)
• volunteering in the uniform shop, or
• any other setting where close personal contact is necessary.

4. If the parent is a restricted person

A restricted person is a person who either

• has been issued a negative notice
• has a suspended Blue Card
• is a disqualified person
• has been charged with a disqualifying offence that has not been finalised, or
• is the subject of an adverse interstate Working with Children Check decision that is in effect.

If you have a family member, not a parent, who would like to volunteer they must have a valid Blue Card, have completed our Volunteer Induction and be approved by the College to be eligible to assist.  A more detailed letter regarding these changes will be email home next week with some example scenarios. 

Parent Portal access

If your child is graduating or leaving the College this year, your access to Parent Portal will conclude in 2025.  Please ensure you have downloaded relevant report cards before the end of 2025 to ensure you have access to these in the future.

Preparations for 2026

As part of our preparation for 2026 we are currently working on staffing, timetables and class lists for 2026. Preparing for a new school year whilst maintaining focus on our current year is a huge task and one that we take very seriously.

Over the next few weeks, we will

• Finalise student subject selections for Year 11 2026 (Week 4)
• Release and finalise student subject selections for electives Year 10 2026 (Week 5 & 6)
• Release and finalise student subject selections for electives Year 9 2026 (Week 5 & 6)
• Release and finalise student subject selections for Arts and Technology electives Year 8 2026 (Week 8)
• Release 2026 class lists (Week 6) to students and their families
• Semester 2 Report Cards on Parent Portal (Week 8)
• Release preliminary timetable to students (Week 9)
• Host UP Day Wednesday 3 December (Week 9)

 College Awards of Excellence

On Wednesday 19 November at 9:15am, we will host our 2026 College Awards of Excellence. All students receiving Awards at this event have been added to an activity on Sentral for Parents “2025 Awards of Excellence Recipients”, please check your Sentral for Parents to determine if your child/ren are receiving an award.  These students will attend the rehearsal on Tuesday 18 November in preparation for this event. All families are welcome to join us at the MPC for this event.  Students are asked to wear full formal uniform – sports uniform may be substituted to either Tuesday or Thursday to assist with uniform requirements This year we will have the blessing of our new fans in the MPC for this event; students may bring plastic water bottles to Awards if they need to stay hydrated. We ask that no metal water bottles are brought into the MPC as they can be very disruptive when moved around.

AWARD CRITERIA

SENIOR ACADEMIC – special senior and pathways

These categories focus on the Academic achievement in particular areas of focus and align with pathways of senior students.

These special awards encompass all that we aspire to provide at OLSCC, to grow great people. 

Events to Farewell our Year 12 students

Whole College Farewell

As part of our College Awards of Excellence we will farewell our Year 12 students.  This is the last whole school gathering of their education at the College. At the conclusion of the ceremony, they will exit via a guard of honour created by our students and families and ring the journey bell for the final time.

Graduation Mass

On Friday 21 November at 10:00am, we will celebrate our Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cunningham Street.  Students in Year 10/11 will attend this Mass to support our graduating class.  Year 10 and 11 Students are asked to wear full formal uniform – sports uniform may be substituted to either Tuesday or Thursday to assist with uniform requirements. We will transport the Year 11/10 students via bus to the Church for this event.

Crutches

In our Senior Years we have several classrooms upstairs.  It is important for student safety that when students are on crutches, we relocate their classrooms to downstairs classrooms wherever possible.  If your child is in Year 9-12 or studying Drama in Year 7-8 and they have an injury that requires crutches, please let the College office know so we can make arrangements to move their classes downstairs for the duration of their recovery. Once they are off their crutches we will return their classrooms to their normal location.

Reconciliation

St Joseph’s Parish is now enrolling students from Year 2 and above in their Sacrament of First Reconciliation program. 

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Mission and Identity

All Saints’ Day – 1^st November

Scripture:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

All Saints’ Day reminds us that holiness is not just for a few special people—it’s a call for all of us. The saints were ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives because they trusted God completely. They teach us that being holy means loving God and others in the small things we do every day.

On All Saints Day, think about one saint who inspires you. What can you learn from their life? How can you show kindness, forgiveness, or courage like they did? Remember, we are all called to be saints in our own way.

Pope Francis says: “To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.”

Mary MacKillop: A True Australian Saint

Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, showed what it means to live with courage, compassion, and faith. She founded the Sisters of St Joseph to provide education for children in remote and poor communities, believing that every child deserved a chance to learn. Her determination, even when facing hardship and criticism, reflects the true Australian spirit of resilience and fairness. Mary stood up for what was right, worked hard, and cared deeply for others—values that continue to inspire Australians today.

Reflection Questions

1. Mary MacKillop believed in helping those who were poor and in need.
   How can you show care for people who need help in your school or community?
2. Mary never gave up, even when things were hard.
   What is one challenge you face, and how can you keep trying like Mary did?
3. Mary worked to make education available for everyone.
   How can you use your learning to make a positive difference for others?
4. Mary trusted God in all things.
   How can you show trust in God in your daily life?
5. Mary showed kindness and forgiveness.
   Who can you forgive or show kindness to today?

Lord God,
We thank You for the example of the saints who lived lives of faith, hope, and love. Help us to follow their example by loving You and serving others every day. May we grow in holiness and bring Your light to the world. Amen.

Mrs Carey Twidale

Year 12 External Exams: A Pivotal Moment

Our Year 12 students are engaged fully in their external exams, with some students already completing half of their external exams this week. These examinations make up 50% of the final result in Science and Mathematics subjects and 25% for all other subjects. These exams are not just a test of knowledge; they represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. We look forward to celebrating all their success in the coming weeks.

Assessment Underway for Years 9 to 11

It's not just the Year 12 students feeling the heat of assessment. Year 9 to 11 students are also amid their assessments and exams. These assessments help our students build important study skills and prepare them for the rigours that lay ahead. To our younger students, remember that these exams are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and growth. Study hard, stay organized, and don't forget to take breaks to recharge your mind.

2026 Year 9 to 11 Subject Information and Selections

This week sees all our current Year 10 students finalising their Year 11 subjects. There has been a great amount of collaboration between students, parents and staff to get to this point and we are excited by the future focussed choices our students and making.

This week will also see some exciting information about subjects for students currently in Years 8 and 9, for their future pathways in 2026 Years 9 and 10. Please keep an eye on your emails and the Sentral portal.

Year 10 Camp

Next week sees our Year 10 students embarking on their Sailing Adventure, South Passage. A huge thank you to Miss Boon, Mr Storey, Ms Knight and Mr Hammermeister for volunteering their time to ensure this experience is able to be offered. We look forward to hearing the stories from the different trips. When students are not away on the Sailing Adventure then classes will be running here at the college. Below is the alternate timetable for students during week 5 and the start of week 6.

Maintaining Academic and Behavioural Standards as the Term Finishes

As the term comes to an end, all students need to maintain their academic and behavioural standards. The final weeks of the year are just as important as the rest, and it's the perfect time to review and consolidate what you've learned. Our teachers are here to assist, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help. Let's finish the term strong and celebrate your achievements together.

How can parents support their child during assessment periods

Supporting students during high school exams is crucial, and parents can play a significant role in helping their children succeed. Here are some key ways parents can support their students during this challenging period:

1. **Create a Positive Study Environment:** Ensure that your child has a quiet and well-organized space to study. Minimize distractions and provide the necessary school supplies.
2. **Set Realistic Expectations:** Encourage your child to set realistic goals and expectations for their exams. Help them break down their study schedule into manageable tasks.
3. **Provide Encouragement:** Offer emotional support and reassurance. Let your child know that you believe in their abilities and that you are there to support them, regardless of the outcome.
4. **Effective Time Management:** Help your child create a study schedule that balances study time with relaxation and exercise. Teach them the importance of time management and sticking to their schedule.
5. **Healthy Lifestyle:** Promote a healthy lifestyle by ensuring your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in physical activity. A well-rested and nourished mind performs better.
6. **Test-Taking Strategies:** Familiarize your child with effective test-taking strategies, such as time management during exams, reading questions carefully, and checking answers before submitting the test.
7. **Access to Resources:** Make sure your child has access to necessary study materials, textbooks, and online resources. If they have questions or need additional support, consider tutoring or online resources.
8. **Open Communication:** Encourage open and honest communication. Let your child express their concerns, fears, and challenges. Be a good listener and provide guidance without added pressure.
9. **Practice Past Exams:** If possible, find past exam papers or practice questions that your child can work on. This helps them become familiar with the exam format and content.
10. **Offer Breaks and Relaxation:** Remind your child to take regular breaks during study sessions. Short breaks can help them recharge and improve concentration.
11. **Be Mindful of Stress:** Keep an eye out for signs of excessive stress or anxiety. If your child is struggling with anxiety, consider discussing stress management techniques or seeking professional help if needed.
12. **Stay Informed:** Keep yourself informed about your child's school schedule, exam dates, and any important announcements. This will help you offer the right support at the right time.
13. **Celebrate Achievements:** Acknowledge your child's efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation.
14. **Encourage Self-Care:** Teach your child the importance of self-care, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress reduction strategies.
15. **Stay Positive:** Maintain a positive attitude and help your child focus on the long-term benefits of their education. Positivity can inspire resilience and determination.

Remember that every student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailor your support to your child's individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, your unwavering support and encouragement will make a significant difference in helping your child navigate the challenges of high school exams.

As we enter this busy period, let's remember the importance of balance. Academic success is essential, but so is maintaining physical and mental well-being. Encourage your children to make time for relaxation, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the festivities of the season.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We look forward to a successful end to the year, and we can't wait to celebrate the achievements and growth of our amazing students.

Assistant Principal Senior Years