As we reach the middle of the term, we find ourselves deeply immersed in teaching and learning with our classes.  So this week we pray the Serenity Prayer, a simple prayer asking God for his support.  We often see the first four lines of this prayer reproduced but today I include the full version: 

God grant me the serenity 
to accept the things I cannot change;  
courage to change the things I can;  
and wisdom to know the difference. 
 
Living one day at a time;  
enjoying one moment at a time;  
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;  
taking, as He did, this sinful world 
as it is, not as I would have it;  
trusting that He will make all things right 
if I surrender to His Will;  
that I may be reasonably happy in this life 
and supremely happy with Him 
forever in the next.  
Amen. 

Reinhold Neibuhr  
 

LYF @ OLSCC – Praxis  

Praxis – this aspect of the LYF Program may be unfamiliar in name for parents, teachers and students but the concept of living out our faith, to impact positively on others is not.  Praxis is experiential faith-based service learning where students actively reflect and engage on the needs of our community. This practical application of living Christ’s values aims to result in connecting with unity and trust in our community with integrity, acceptance and goodwill of our responsibility and beneficial desire to serve.  We define community in a number of ways including our class groups, our College community and our wider community external to the College.   

Praxis is an important element in our LYF program across all year levels from Prep – Year 12.  It is also a dynamic concept that looks different in each year level and stage in our students lives.  In Years 7-12, 80 minutes of class time is devoted to this important element of LYF.  It is amazing to visit these classes in our College and hear about the amazing ideas and practices our students and teachers are developing in this area.  In Prep – Year 6 Praxis takes many forms from buddy programs to a variety of outreach programs throughout the year.  Praxis is an exciting element to the LYF program, if you would like more information about Praxis or would like to get involved with our students and teachers we would love to hear from you.   

Staff will take part in a retreat that focuses on the LYF program and, in particular Praxis, on Friday 5 April.  We look forward to sharing our learning next term from this retreat.  If you would like to discuss any of these in more detail or you have ideas you would like to contribute contact any of our teachers or myself cate.brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au . 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Mission

Gratitude: The Things You Find on a Learning Walk

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn

Our Senior Years teachers have spent the last week developing new strategies for teaching reading and literacy across Years 9 -12. The adage that all teachers are teachers of literacy is true; however, I would extend this to claim that all students are learning of literacy… no matter what year level they are in.

There are many benefits of continuing to develop the reading ability of students in the Senior Years. These are just five reasons:

1. Expands Vocabulary
   Regular reading exposes students to numerous writing styles and a chance to learn new vocabulary. Students become exposed to proper grammar and while looking at the words, their minds can comprehend and store the information. Even when they come across new words that they may not understand, students absorb something from the context that may help deepen the understanding of it the next time is it encountered.
   
   
2. Boost Creativity
   Fiction books increase creativity, especially at a young age. It’s been widely known that creativity can help solve problems, write books, produce music and spark innovation. Being able to write creatively is also highly beneficial in high school as it is examined in senior subjects.
   
   
3. Improve Writing Skills

With an improved vocabulary and increased creativity, students have a better chance of writing exceptional written work. While reading, students unconsciously absorb the grammar and writing style of the author.

4. Develop Analytical Thinking Skills

Reading enhances knowledge by exercising the brain and causing it to think more, therefore enhancing intelligence. This helps students to study subjects with more ease and retain the knowledge received from the subject, making them more knowledgeable. Studies have shown that reading enhances analytical thinking as readers are able to spot patterns quicker.

5. Enhances Memory

Memory and reading are closely linked. Regular reading helps improve memory at a young age as they help you stretch your memory muscles because it requires you to remember details, plot lines, themes, facts and figures and characters.

 Matrix Education https://www.matrix.edu.au/5-reasons-students-should-read-books-2/

I encourage all our students to pick up a book and read (once they have finished their homework!).

Academic Success Interviews
Later in the year, most of our Year 12 students will sit the Queensland Core Skills Test (QCST). They will be the last cohort at OLSCC to sit this exam and preparations have already begun to ensure that they have the necessary assessment capability to achieve success in this important exam.

As part of this year’s preparation, we have engaged in a QCST consultant to spend some time preparing our Year 12s, and work with our teachers in the preparation of these students. A letter will go home to Year 12 parents to provide some more details of training. The first day will be on Monday 18 March.  

The following is a short blurb from our visiting consultant;

Matt Rigby has run an independent literacy consultancy, Go Grammar Consulting Brisbane, for more than 10 years. Prior to that, he taught Senior English and Modern History and Junior History, Geography and English, for 20 years in state and independent schools for 20 years in Queensland. He has worked with more than 40 Catholic, independent and state schools and colleges in Queensland and Sydney delivering student Year 12 QCS Test and Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN coaching workshops and staff professional learning workshops on explicitly teaching grammar, writing and reading comprehension strategies. He is also a member of the Brisbane management committee of the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland and has been the co-convenor of the annual ETAQ state conference for the last six years.

We look forward to welcoming Mr Rigby to our College later in the term.

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years

This is our time of term, the middle! We are continuing to work towards positive outcomes for all our students. We are meeting with parents of Year 6 students to discuss this year’s trip to Canberra. A number of students are trialing for Bunya and District, Inner Downs and Darling Downs in different sporting endeavours. Musical auditions are taking place. These activities are important to the wholistic education of our students and the academic program also continues.

I have been reinforcing with the students the need to think before we act or react. When we are using the computers, we need to remember that if what we are writing is not supportive or kind then we should not send it. In the playground and on the verandahs, we have to develop problem solving techniques that don’t resort to aggressive behaviours. Making the best choices in the way we interact with others is a vital key to harmonious and successful community.

Teachers were involved in a meeting discussing the promotion of positive literacy practices. These strategies focus on the students ability to interact with the many and varied texts that they will encounter on a weekly basis. It is through a range of techniques that students are able to comprehend at increased cognitive levels.

I have continued meeting and chatting with a number of parents of students in the Middle Years. This interaction gives me greater insight into the young people in my care. If you have any worries or questions please don’t hesitate to make an appointment to see me.

Steve Gillespie

(acting) Assistant Principal Middle Years

Junior

Swimming

Congratulations to the following students selected in the Bunya District Team to attend Darling Downs Swimming Trials in Gatton on Wednesday.

Isabel Johnston, Alexandra Boland, Heidi Reed, Carla Nobbs, Thomas Calver, Noah Cook, Lachlan Fraser, Lucas Galligan, Hayden Koehler, Mac Stirling, Archie Smart

Bunya District Under 12 AFL Trials

Any boys or girls who wish to attend Bunya District AFL Trials, please sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Trials will be held on Monday 4 March.

Bunya District U12 Touch Football Trials

Any boys or girls who wish to attend Bunya District Touch Football Trials please sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Trials will be held on Thursday, 7 March. Depending on numbers, a school trial may need to be held before the Bunya Trials.

Bunya District Under 12 Cricket Trials

Any boys or girls who wish to attend Bunya District Cricket Trials please sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Trials will be held on Thursday 14 March.

Bunya District Under 11/12 Rugby League Trials  

Any Boys wishing to attend Bunya District Rugby League Trials please sign on via the Sports Notice Board. Trials will be held on Tuesday 19 March. Separate Under 11 and Under 12 Teams will be selected.

Senior

Inner Downs Rugby League

Congratulations to the following boys selected in the Inner Downs Rugby League Teams to attend the Darling Downs Gala Day in Toowoomba on Monday.

U15 – Jack Welsh, Jack Henningsen, Joe Gillett, Wil Brady

U18 – Lytana King Togia, Sam Gillespie

Cricket

Round 2 of the DDSWQ 20/20 Competition will be against Oakey SHS next Wednesday 6 March in Dalby for a 2.30pm start.

Darling Downs Cluster 2 Trials  

Darling Downs Trials will be held later this term in Under 15 Boys and Girls AFL, Under 15 and Open Rugby Union, Golf and Open Hockey. Students interested in attending these trials need to sign up via the Sports Notice Board.

Rugby League

The College has nominated a Year 9 Team in the Broncos Challenge Qualifying Day for 2019. If successful on this day the team will play in the highest level of competition in QLD in the Michael Hancock Cup. Training has started on Tuesday afternoons from 3.15pm – 4.30pm. Boys born in 2005 or between July – December 2004 are eligible to play.

Inner Downs Netball

Congratulations to Hannah Pattison who has been selected in the Inner Downs U15 Netball Team for the Darling Downs Trials in Toowoomba on 12 March.

QISSN Netball

Congratulations to the following girls selected in the College Team to attend the QISSN Carnival in the first week of the June / July holidays in Bundaberg.

Gabby Parker, Laney Schloss, Jasmine Houlder, Shiro Frid, Bree Tanks, Sarah McQuaid, Bronte Kruger, Claudia Child, Charlotte Crothers, Maggie Laffy.

Tim Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

Parenting can be hard work; it’s okay to ask for help and free help is available.

Triple P - Positive Parenting Program is a world-renowned program that helps make raising children and teenagers easier.

It is available free of charge and on a voluntary basis to all Queensland parents and carers of children up to 16 years.

No matter what stage of life your child is at or what challenges you’re facing, Triple P can help you learn simple but proven ways to parent more effectively and give your children the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

The program will give you practical skills and tools, and help build the confidence you need, to:

• manage your children’s behaviour
• set family routines and rules that everyone follows
• develop positive relationships, so you can get along well with your kids and argue less
• raise happy, healthy and confident children
• balance work and family without stress
• create a happy, safe environment where your family can thrive.

What support is available?

How much support and what support you receive is totally up to you.

The program consists of a range of seminars, group workshops and one-on-one consultations, delivered as either one-off sessions or as part of a series of sessions over several weeks or months.

It also includes Triple P Online, an intensive, self-paced online course for parents to learn about the full suite of Triple P parenting strategies.

The range of options available means you can receive as much or as little help as you like, depending on your individual preferences and situation.

How can I access Triple P for free?

Free Triple P seminars, workshops and courses are available.

Visit the Triple P Queensland website to learn more about the program and to find out when a free Triple P session is being delivered in your local area.

You can also search for a free Triple P provider in your local area.

You can register for the Triple P Online parenting course at any time via the Triple P Queensland website.

Luke Holmes

College Counsellor

Dates:           U/6 – U/11   -           Term 1 Week 10, Thursday 4 April

                     U/12 - Open -           Term 2 Week 3, Wednesday 8 May

Training:       -     Tuesday afternoons beginning Tuesday 5 March

• 3:30pm – 4:15pm
• With Mr Coman and Mrs Tresillian – Meet at the Sports Shed
• All students welcome

Course:

• Please note;
  • Start/finish western side of primary eating pavilion
  • U/6 run to point A then proceed to finish line (~480m)
  • U/7 run to point B (1 loop on back oval) then proceed to finish line (~830m)
  • U/8 run to point C (2 loops on back oval) then proceed to finish line (~ 1.2km)
  • U/9 run to point D then proceed to finish line (~1.6km)
  • U/10 run 1 full lap (without the loops on the main oval) (~2.3km)
  • U/11 – U/15 Boys & Girls run 1 full lap (~3.2km)
  • U/16 and Open Girls run 1 full lap (~3.2km)
  • U/16 and Open Boys run 2 laps (1^st lap includes loops on main oval, 2^nd lap no loops on main oval) (~5.5km)

The audition process for the cast of the College musical, The Wiz is winding down with one last day of auditions scheduled for tomorrow. The cast will be announced on Monday via a notice on the board outside the Tuckshop. All those successful cast members will then receive their Rehearsal Schedule with all the important dates and times listed.

If you think you would like to audition, don't be shy, give it a go! Head to the Senior Music Room tomorrow in first lunch to audition.