College Uniform - awaiting stock

Due to changes to our uniform policy as well as issues with supply, we are currently out of stock in a few lines of our College Uniform.  Whilst we await delivery, we understand that we must be accommodating of students who cannot purchase items at the moment.  If you are unable to purchase required items, please send an email to the College and someone will get back to you to make arrangements for the interim.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.  

Items most affected include: size 8-12 woollen College pullovers, College ties (boys and girls), and some sizes of College formal socks for boys.   

School Review and Improvement Process

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is scheduled for a School Renewal and Improvement quadrennial school review from 5 August to 9 August.

The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has a school renewal and improvement framework in place which has a key element in the quadrennial school review. In this review, a panel consisting of senior staff from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) Teaching and Learning Directorate and a peer principal from another school in the Diocese, visits the school for five days. The aim is to assist schools to strategically plan to improve teaching and learning and these reviews occur in all TCS schools.

Through a process of appreciative inquiry, panel members interview staff, parents/carers, students and community members. The questions asked are “In your opinion, what is going well at the school?” and “What could be done better?” The purpose is for the panel to report to the school community its findings and suggested improvement strategies. These inform the process of strategic plan development and the annual action plans which are also linked to the TCS Strategic Plan.

The review team would like to hear from the school community and I encourage anyone who is interested to have their say. Your feedback is important and will help us to continue to achieve the two pillars of TCS; that all students will come to personally know Jesus and that all students will achieve academic success. Feedback can be provided to the review panel in person or by telephone. All feedback remains confidential. Please contact the school office if you are interested in speaking to a reviewer. You may also register your interest by emailing dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, including the Aunty Joan Hendricks Reconciliation Awards, are presented annually as part of Catholic Education Week (CEW) celebrations. The awards aim to recognise those who are making an outstanding contribution within the Catholic education community. Catholic school communities in Queensland are invited to nominate individuals or teams in the community (staff members, parents/carers or volunteers) who are making an outstanding contribution to the life of the community in at least one of the following areas:

• Showing outstanding integrity in leading a school community or program
• Implementing change that improves teaching and learning and supports greater equity in education
• Building Catholic education identity and ethos in ways that support exceptionally life-giving relationships and build hope in school communities or Catholic education agencies
• Demonstrating excellence in team work that supports and builds Catholic education
• Demonstrating outstanding service to others in the school education community and beyond

Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award

• Creating positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff and/or developing improved understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage in Catholic school communities.

If you believe that someone in our community addresses one or more of the above and deserves a nomination, find out more at: https://catholiceducationweek.com.au/catholic-education-week-awards/ and complete the nomination by scrolling to the bottom of the page and completing the details.

Check the Calendar!

We have many events happening in Terms 2 and 3, and as such, encourage everyone in our community to get onboard with College website and the SZapp.  Through these platforms you can keep up with the news through news feeds and newsletters, as well as see the College Calendar to ensure you don’t miss anything.  In addition you can contact the College, lodge and absence, contact us, order tuckshop (via Flexischools) among many other features.  Both of these platforms are free and require no logins, so all of your family can get involved in supporting your children.

Pete Cuskelly

Principal

Earlier this year, the Year 12 students went on Retreat to the Bunya Mountains and at the conclusion of this event, they prepared a prayer celebration together.  This prayer, that they adapted for the occasion, has sat on my desk ever since and so this week I share it with you: 

Dear Lord, 

Help us to have the strength to move forward in the future. 

No matter what happens, may our hearts be in the right place. 

May we look out for each other. 

Grant us harmony in our lives as we journey together. 

Amen  

Youth Mass 

This Saturday is youth led Mass for the St Joseph’s 6pm Mass.  All young people and their families are encouraged to attend and join in where possible.  These youth masses are held on the first Saturday Mass of each month. If you would like to get involved in one of the jobs, eg welcomer, reader, singer or musician, please contact Cate Brennan via the office or email Cate.Brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au

Intergenerational/Intercultural Wisdom needed 

OLSCC is seeking interested persons to be a part of a PRAXIS initiative with Year 9 students, running from Term 2 until the end of the year. The project will involve developing relationships with students and sharing stories, interests and wisdom. Participants will then be interviewed over a series of sessions in order to create films about their life which they will be gifted at the end of the project. Sessions will take place at OLSCC on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:30pm. We hope this project will assist students to learn from other members of the community who have experienced different generations and cultures and strengthen the bonds of our St Joseph’s Parish/OLSCC community.

If interested, please contact Cate Brennan (Cate.Brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au)

or Nicholas Blauw (Nicholas.Blauw@twb.catholic.edu.au)

or call 0746724111 for more information.    

Sewing help needed 

Are you a sewer who would be able to hem squares of material for our prayer tables?  Material and thread will be provided.  If you are able to assist, could you please contact Cate Brennan via email Cate.Brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au or the College office. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religius Education

What is a “million word gap”? This term has been coined following a recent university study finding that children whose parents read them five books a day go into kindergarten having heard about 1.4 MILLION words more than children who are never read to. No time to read five books a day? Even kids who are only read one book a day will still hear about 290 000 more words by the time they are five years old than those who aren’t read to at home. Author of the study, Jessica Logan, says “Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school. They are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.”

Plus, it’s not just the words kids hear during story time. Parents usually talk to their kids about the book they're reading, or add their own details to the story. This added talk reinforces new vocabulary and may introduce even more words. In addition, all important skills of comprehension are also honed during this discussion time.

There’s no reason to stop sharing books aloud with your children just because they have learnt to read themselves! Reading with your children can continue to be a cherished pastime for many years, and for good reason! Not only does it promote togetherness, but it teaches kids important skills they’ll use later in life. And if you’re really striving for the best results, researchers say to skip the e-books and stick to print books when you’re snuggling up for a story.

The Early Years have welcomed two new students, Imogen Earley and Koby Ashurst and both have joined Year 1D in the last few weeks. Imogen likes the fact that she is able to see her cousin at school, and Koby likes being able to go and play soccer with his friends at OLSCC. Welcome Imogen and Koby!

During the week, I have had the pleasure of visiting many of the Kindergartens and Daycare centres in town, discussing some of the upcoming events that are occurring at OLSCC over the next couple of terms. We have invited younger children to join our community for these special celebrations, including

• National Simultaneous Story time on 22 May
• Book Week Costume Parade on 22 August
• Under 8’s Festival of Fun (under 8’s day) on 19 September 

Various members of our staff have enjoyed interacting with the children in their Kindy and Daycare settings and we will continue these regular visits throughout the year.

The first of our Preppie for a Morning sessions occurs next Thursday, 9 May with an opportunity for incoming Preps and their parents to observe and interact with a Prep class in action. If you know anyone interested in attending, please encourage them to RSVP to the College office.

Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years

Junior

Rugby League

The ARL Development Cup Competition will be held again in Term 2 for schools in our region. Games will be played on Wednesday afternoons. This is for boys and girls turning 11 or 12 this year in Years 5/6. A draw for the season is listed below.

Round 1 Wednesday, 8 May OLSCC vs Dalby SS at 3.30pm Dalby League Grounds

Round 2 Wednesday, 22 May OLSCC vs Dalby South SS 3.30pm Dalby League Grounds

Round 3 Wednesday, 29 May OLSCC vs Pittsworth 4.00pm Pittsworth Rugby League Grounds

Finals Wednesday, 5 June 3.15pm or 4.00pm Dalby League Grounds 

Tennis

Any boys or girls in the under 12 age group who wish to attend Bunya District Tennis Trials on Wednesday, 15 May, please see Mrs Forbes for more information.

Athletics

Bunya District U12 Athletics Trials

This year, the Junior School Athletics Carnival (Under 6-Under 11) is scheduled for Friday, 17 May. The Senior School Athletics Carnival (Under 12-Under 18) is scheduled for 26-27 June which is after the Bunya District Athletics Carnival. Any students in the under 12 age group only (born 2007) who wish to compete for the College at the Bunya District Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 4 June must attend school trials during Week 3 at lunchtimes. Please the summary of events and dates listed below.

Tuesday, 7 May – High Jump

Wednesday, 8 May – Shot Put and Discus

Thursday, 9 May – Long Jump and 100m

Friday, 10 May – 800m

Monday, 13 May – 200m

Netball

Best wishes to Emma Reed for a speedy recovery after breaking her arm at the Darling Downs Netball Trials on Monday. All the best Emma. Congratulations to all the students from OLSCC who played for the Bunya District Netball teams at the Darling Downs Netball trials.

Senior

AFL

The College has withdrawn both the Year 7-9 and Year 10-12 Boys AFL Teams that were scheduled to play in the AFLQ Competition this Friday due to lack of numbers for both teams.

Rugby League

Darling Downs Rugby League Competition Round 1

Under 13 OLSCC defeated Wilsonton SHS 34 - 18

Tries –Lyucian King Togia 2, Bronson Barnett 2, Dan O’Callaghan, Luke Wallen, Josh Nimmo

Conversions – Lyucian King Togia, Bronson Barnett, Tate Woodward

Under 15 OLSCC defeated Wilsonton SHS 32 - 0

Tries – Joe Gillett 2, Charlie Cooper 2, Bailey Rathmell, Bailey Skinner

Conversions – Will Herbert, Joe Gillett, Hunter James, Charlie Cooper

The College has a fantastic start to the season with both teams recording victories. Thanks to the parents and staff who came to support our teams. A special mention to Bronson Barnett and Braithen Crothers from Year 6 who played in the Under 13 team to make up numbers. The boys ran out with only eleven players but showed great passion and commitment to win the game. The Under 15s dominated from the start against a much bigger Wilsonton opposition and were very happy keeping the opposition scoreless.

Round 2 Draw

Wednesday 8 May Dalby Rugby League Grounds

Under 13 OLSCC vs Harristown SHS 4.15pm

Under 15 OLSCC vs Harristown SHS 5.15pm

Cross Country

The Under 12 – Open Cross Country will be held on Wednesday morning 8 May. A timetable is listed below. Any students interested in attending the Darling Downs Cross Country in Toowoomba on 21 May need to see Mr Lincoln.

9.05am Girls Race

9.25am Senior Boys Race (Under 16-Open)

9.50am Junior Boys Race (Under 12-Under 15)

10.10am Trophy Presentation

Touch Football

Congratulations to Ky Kirtley, Lachlan Wilkins, Charlotte Crothers, Claudia Child, Lily Schloss, Shawnee King, Hannah Pattison, Abby Wilkins, Tim Mauch and Bailey Skinner who all successfully completed a Level 1 Touch Football Referee Course run by QLD Touch Football Development Officer Terry McSweeney at the College last Friday.

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Religious Education / Faith Development is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of Christian faith and life in the Catholic tradition. This journey allows the development and application of attitudes, values and skills.

In Year 12 Study of Religion, students are undertaking a unit on religion-state relationships: Colonialism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spiritualties and religions. They have started their term with a review of the religion-state relationship as set down in the Australian constitution. This has been followed by discussion of and interaction with basic knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal spirituality, reviewing the concept of ‘the dreaming’ which encompasses kinship, ceremonial life and connection to land and people. Although the dreaming is different across different groups, all concepts are understood as ‘the oneness’. These understandings of Indigenous Spirituality will be studied in relation to Australian colonial and Federal government policies and Christian missionary influences to evaluate divergent changes over time.

While Year 12 Religious Education and Ethics are undertaking a unit on social justice. Social justice is defined as "... promoting a just society by challenging injustice and valuing diversity." It exists when "all people share a common humanity and therefore have a right to equitable treatment, support for their human rights, and a fair allocation of community resources." (Toowoomba Catholic Education, 2006). Working for justice in the world requires both acts of charity and a commitment to identifying and advocating for changes to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals. Students created a list of cognitive verbs around the objectives of their unit that focused on personal, relational and spiritual perspectives. They addressed understandings of four key concepts pivotal to their unit, namely charity, justice, equality and equity. Ashley Dean commented, “We can choose a social justice issue to research and present a campaign for change”.

In Year 11 Religious Education this term, students are undertaking a unit called, What makes up the belief system of the average ‘aussie’ – The Australian Scene. A variety of religious traditions, belief systems and spiritualities exist in Australia. These exist and develop within cultural, historical, and sociological contexts. In this unit, students will explore the religious traditions and belief systems influenced by an Australian view of life. Furthermore, they will explore how the understandings and expressions of religions, belief systems and spiritualities in Australia have changed over the years. Students began by looking at Australia’s historical context and influence of colonization. Bree and Shiro remarked that “Religion allows us to follow our own faith in our own time and way”.

The first of our Preppie for a Morning events in on next week, Thursday, 9 May. Any child aged four before 30 June 2019 is eligible to enrol for Prep in 2020 and is invited to come along and experience Prep at our College. If you would like to register your child, please contact the College Office. See the flyer for all the details.

The College Musical, The Wiz is well into it's second term of rehearsals and the costume department are busy perfecting the main leads costumes. We are preparing for two huge nights of performances at the Dalby Great Hall on Friday and Saturday, 26 and 27 July. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 27 May. The Musical group will be catering for the Principal's Forum which is being held at the College on Tuesday, 28 May. If you would like to be involved in this to assist the Musical production team with fundraising, please contact Sarah Lilburne at Sarah.Lilburne@twb.catholic.edu.au

The College Musical Costume department are looking for a number of items to put towards the costume wardrobe for The Wiz. If you have any of the following items, we would love to either borrow or have them:-

• Old hats/ fascinators
• Frilly shirts
• Waistcoats
• Feathers, lace, doilies
• Old brooches, costume jewellery
• Colourful half aprons
• Belts &braces
• Ankle boots/ high boots
• Leather or leather- look fabric

Any items can be dropped off on Wednesday or Friday afternoons during rehearsals to the tuckshop or to the College Office.