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Parking changes now in effect
Parking changes are now in place with the new signage in front of the Prep area. There are now ten parks that are a designated no standing – 2 minute zone. There is likely to be an increased police presence along with this change however this should not bother anyone who simply adheres to the guidelines for parking.
As communicated previously, if parents wish to stop the car and walk into the College, they should park:
- Further along Nicholson Street in front of the staff carpark
- On the opposite side of Nicholson Street to the College
- Further along Nicholson Street in front of the Senior School (where there will soon be the new parks painted in). This is also a viable option for drop and go, as students can enter the College by following the cement path and heading towards the Early Years without having to cross a driveway or the road.
Welcome to Term 2 everyone! Whilst we are very glad that the lockdown of last term has not progressed any further to impact us this term, it is a timely reminder for everyone in our community to remain vigilant with social distancing and effective hygiene practices. Thanks to you all for understanding that we are at the mercy of the Health directives as they come to hand, as well as the disruption these cause in our day-to-day lives.
ANZAC Day
Please refer to the previous communications and Mrs Brennan’s summary of the arrangements for ANZAC Day ceremonies in Dalby and across the district on Sunday. Our College will actively participate in both the dawn and morning march/services on Sunday and look forward to maximum participation on the day. Please read these communications carefully and encourage your children to actively participate in the memory of our past service men and women in preserving those aspects of Australian culture that we hold so dear. I look forward to seeing many of you there and will be sure to take best care of your children who participate in the marches. Students are also welcome to march with the Year 12 students at the dawn service if they wish. To do so, please meet at the ANZ Building (cnr Cunningham and Patrick Streets) at 4:00 am for a 4:15 am march in formal uniform (no hat).
Staffing
This week we welcome Mr Anthony (Tony) Walsh to our teaching staff as he replaces Mrs Maxine Hetherington in the senior years teaching English, Social and Community Studies and Religion. Mr Walsh has already proved himself as a strong educator and we look froward to his ongoing success at OLSCC.
We also thanks Mrs Sandy Jones, who has been an excellent cleaner at OLSCC for over 10 years, and today transitions to retirement. Every day our children and staff enter clean, safe and secure classrooms thanks to the efforts of our amazing support staff such as Sandy. Thank you, Sandy, for your care, conversation and dedication to our College. Your efforts are certainly valued and appreciated and we wish you all the best in your retirement.
At the end of this term, we will also be farewelling Mr Dave Kavney who has been a groundsman here for the past 3 years. You often see Dave digging, gardening, weeding, mowing and generally working to improve the overall facilities of our College. We trust Mr Kavney will be back to help out with the coach from time to time and will find it difficult to keep away for too long!
OLSCC also welcomes two preservice teachers who are completing their practicums this term. Miss Sophia Sloss is working with Year 5 students and Mrs Priebbenow whilst Miss Katherine Henning is teaching across the Senior Years with Miss Purbrick. We trust that they both have an amazing learning journey in their time here.
Upcoming Events
As you continue through this newsletter you will note that there are many opportunities for the community to engage in events throughout the term, particularly through sport starting with the College Cross Country and the Rugby League competition. The cross country details are in Mr Lincoln’s section of the newsletter, and include the renewal of community attendance at College functions. Likewise, the rugby league for the term starts next week with a home game at Dalby Leagues grounds against Dalby State High School in all 3 grades (u/13, u/15, Opens).
For the remainder of next week, we ask people to make a donation to the Catbagan Family via the jar in the College Office. These funds will be used for the education of the Catbagan children which is something that was very important to Richard. Next Friday, we will be hosting a 'Day for Richard' with further information coming out about this early next week.
I wish everyone a safe and prosperous Term 2 and encourage all parents to label their student’s winter clothing so we can save lost uniforms throughout the cold period. See you on Sunday!
Pete Cuskelly
Principal
Anzac Day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand on April 25th each year. The Anzac tradition was established on that day in 1915 when the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed on Gallipoli Peninsula. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
This year we commemorate the centenary of the RAAF. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was established in 1921, building on the foundations laid by its forerunner, the Australian Flying Corps, during the First World War. Ever since, the RAAF has played a vital role in Australia’s military operations. From the Second World War, through Korea, Borneo, Malaya, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, air force personnel have earned the respect of Australians and people around the world.
The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.
Loving God,
we pray that we may be a people who
promote justice, harmony and peace in all that we do.
Help us Lord, to protect the freedom of others.
God, who is the Source of All Being, Jesus the Eternal Word
and the Spirit who enables and empowers life,
bless us now and forever.
Amen
ANZAC DAY SERVICE @OLSCC
Today at the College we paused to mark ANZAC Day as a College. We welcomed two parents as our guest to represent those who protect our country in the defence force. Thank you Sargent Mark McNaughton and Lance Corporal Adam Fletcher for joining us, both these men are serving on a part time basis with Alpha Company of our battalion the 25th/49th Royal Queensland Regiment. We would like to build a data base of past students from St Columba’s St Mary’s and Our Lady of the Southern Cross who have or are serving in the Australian Defence Forces. If you have the details of a past student please email these details to cate.brennan@twb.catholic.edu.au .
ANZAC DAY SERVICE in Dalby - Sunday 25 April 2021
Assembly Point: Students and staff will assemble for the march at Bell Park between 8:50am and 9:10am. March off time 9:30am. From experience it becomes increasingly difficult to get a parking space if you arrive late, so please allow for this in your travel plans. OLSCC Students will assemble from youngest to oldest year levels, with the College Captains carrying the banner at the front of the group.
Parade Route and Pick-up Point: The March runs from Bell Park to just outside ANZAC Park. Younger students will remain with College teachers until collected by parents. Parents, please ensure you have collected your children by 9:45am as staff cannot be expected to wait indefinitely.
Anzac Day Ceremony: The ceremony will take place in ANZAC Park from 9.45am10.45am and students are invited to attend with their families. Mr Cuskelly and our College Captains will be representing our College at the Ceremony.
Dress Requirements: Year 12 — Formal uniform (including tie), blazers for Prefects, hats. Years 1 to 11 — College formal uniform + tie (Years 5-12) + hat. Preps — Usual uniform + hat.
Hats must be worn with the brim flat.
CONFIRMATION AND COMMUNION
Next week students from our College will join with other members of St Joseph’s Parish to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion. We pray for these young people as they take this step of commitment to their faith.
NAPLAN Online
At the end of last term all students in Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 completed practice tests for NAPLAN Online which will be conducted in May. The aim of these sessions is for students to interact with the NAP Browser online platform and experience the types of questions that will be asked. They all did a wonderful job following the procedures of the test and put their best effort in. I am happy to report that the practices ran smoothly and have helped refine our process for May. I encourage Parents to check out the NAPLAN website, in particular the NAPLAN Online page https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment.
There is a great short video (only 2m 11s) called Understanding NAPLAN Online that outlines the move to the online platform. The other place I would highlight on this website is the Public Demonstration Site – here you can click on your child’s year level and explore what the online platform looks like, sounds like and how they can interact with it. Perhaps dedicate some time with your child to explore this together – let them show you around. If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online not answered by this site I am always happy to meet with parents to discuss it further.
Cate Brennan
Deputy Principal Religious Education
I hope that our Senior Year students and their families had an opportunity to take a break over the holidays. Term 2 is a busy period as we look to consolidate our learning and start to demonstrate increased mastery in newly learnt skills.
Student Led Conference
Thank you to the many students and parents who attended the first round of Student Led Conferences. It was terrific to hear the buzz of students, parents and teachers talking about learning and the key areas that students need to focus on to maximise their learning. I encourage parents to keep in contact with our teachers, as continued communication is a powerful tool in supporting our students.
Parent Information Session – Year 9/10 Introduction to the QCE
On Tuesday 4 May, we will be holding a parent information session that will introduce the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) for Year 9 and 10 parents and students. The session will be held in the PAC. I invite interested parents and students to attend.
Uniform/Presentation & Grooming
Adherence to the College Uniform Policy is a key focus in the Senior Year this year as we aim for our Year 9-12 students to set the highest example to our younger students. During Terms 2 and 3, all students are required to wear their College tie with their formal uniform. This includes boys having their top button done up.
The red College pullover is the item that students are to wear with their formal uniform. In extreme cold, students are encouraged to layer and may wear the College Sports Jacket on top of the pullover. Please note that students who attend school in their formal uniform and only have the sports jacket on will be asked to remove the item. To avoid being cold, students need to ensure they are wearing their uniform correctly.
Communication and Pastoral Concerns
Throughout the year, parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s subject teachers as an initial point of contact for any pastoral or academic matters. For further matters, please contact me through the College Office or by email matthew.hodge@twb.catholic.edu.au
Matt Hodge
Assistant Principal Senior Years
Anzac Day
In 2020, with heavy COVID restrictions in place, Australians showed their respect and gratitude for our current, former and fallen Defence Force personnel by standing side by side with their letter box. It was quite a sight to see, in person and on the news. Family after family dotted along the streets of Australia standing in silence, with candles in hand, simply to say thank you to those who have given up their future for our present and for those who still risk their tomorrow for our today.
Last year, I also sent out a call for students to send through pictures of themselves holding a Lest we forget poster so that I could create a collage to show that even though we were isolated, we were still one community, connected and appreciative of the life we have been afforded. Well, this year sees a return of the more traditional commemoration services and march. I urge all students to participate in the march this coming Sunday. Our College has such a strong connection to service men and women, past and present, and so it would be great to see a fantastic Middle Years turnout. For the brave, I encourage you to join me at the Dawn Service at ANZAC Park. The service begins at 4:28am and is quite a moving experience. Whichever service you attend, full formal school uniform is expected and not too much to ask considering we are remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by our troops.
Cyber Safety
The College takes the online safety of our students very seriously and as such we are always looking for opportunities to proactively upskill our students on rights and responsibilities of online activity. On Wednesday, we were fortunate to have three members of the Queensland Police Service (Dalby Branch) attend the College to meet with approximately 260 of our students from Year 5 through to Year 9. They conducted several presentations on Cyber Safety and how students can better protect themselves from the dangers in an ever-increasing digital world. Thanks to Senior Constable Dan O’Hara, Senior Police Liaison Officer Jenny Thomas and our Adopt-a-Cop Constable Lindsay Small for giving up their time to meet with our students. They are more equipped now in safeguarding themselves.
Year 6 Camp – Update
Late in Term 1, I communicated an update to Year 6 families regarding the Outback Tour. Thank you to those who completed the Participation Survey component – this data has been most helpful. If you have not done so as yet, please contact me immediately via email so that I can adjust the numbers. I am now also very pleased to report that the College’s application to Queensland Events and Tourism for consideration under the Outback Education Subsidy Scheme has been successful. As a result, the cost/student will be reduced by $150 due to the subsidy. This is a great result.
Further communication on the Outback Tour, including answers to some questions posted in the survey will be distributed to Year 6 families via email early next week.
Craig Cullen
Assistant Principal Middle Years
How wonderful was it to see all our Early Years students begin the term so enthusiastically? The classes were a hive of activity within minutes of the bell ringing with students reviewing goals from the end of Term 1 and preparing themselves to be the best learner they can be during Term 2.
There are obviously many “tools” that are necessary for a classroom and a school to run smoothly. One of the most important tools for a child’s day to run smoothly is the simple act of bringing a hat to school. Without a hat, it becomes impossible for a student to participate fully in PE lessons or lunchtime play, as well as the myriad of other times hats are needed when classroom lessons are conducted outside the confines of the physical room. We would never expect a child to get through a school day without ready access to pencil and paper – and the same consideration should be given to having a hat on hand every day. Please support your child with this in order for them to be able to fully participate.
Katrina Walton
Assistant Principal Early Years
**UPDATE**
So far one very kind family has offered a donation as well as physical help but this is not really enough to save the Prep Tunnel. If you can assist in anyway, please email Mrs Morgan as soon as possible. If we can't get some input, we may see the end of the Prep Tunnel.
One of the longstanding features in the Prep playgrounds is the big cement tunnel and dirt mound that is easily visible from Nicholson Street. The tunnel is particularly enjoyed by our Prep students as they can get up high and they love to run up and over the top. Recently, the retaining walls that supported the soil on either side of the entrance to the tunnel on both ends had to be removed due to rotten timbers. This much loved item in the playground has now become a safety concern as the soil is collapsing around the ends of the tunnel and the feature is looking a little unloved. We would like to put a call out to parents, particularly anyone with building know-how to volunteer to give our tunnel a bit of a facelift. This may include replacing the retaining walls that were removed and also updating the protective tubing that prevents injury on the edges on the cement ends on the tunnel. Perhaps the part of the cement that can been seen could do with a groovy paint job. The softfall at the entrances to the tunnel also needs some maintenance. Our Preppies would love to see their favourite tunnel updated and improved so here's a chance to give something to our College and make a stamp on something that our Prep students enjoy at school.
If you think you can help, please contact the College via Mrs Kathy Morgan on Kathy.Morgan@twb.catholic.edu.au
Inter House Cross Country
The Prep – Under 18 Cross Country will be held on Friday 30 April. A schedule for the day will be published next week. Times are to be used as a guide only. This is a COVID Safe Event, parents will be allowed to attend on the day. There will be two areas to watch all events (the Pavilion area and the carpark entrance on Brothers Oval). Both of these areas are in yellow on the map attached. All spectators must stay in the designated areas and sign in via the QR Codes provided.
Rugby League
The Darling Downs Secondary Schools Rugby League Competition will begin next week. Games will be played on a Wednesday afternoon after school with some games being held in Dalby and other weeks games being played in Toowoomba. Any boys wishing to play in the Under 13 and Under 15 Teams, training for Round 1 only will be on Tuesday 27 April from the 7.15am – 8.15am on Brothers Oval. Year 6 boys who are turning 12 this year may play in the Under 13 Team. Round 1 Games are as follows:
Round 1 Wednesday 28 April Dalby Leagues Club
Under 15 OLSCC vs Dalby SHS at 4pm
Under 13 OLSCC vs St Mary’s at 5pm
Under 18 OLSCC vs Dalby SHS at 6pm (this will be Game 2 in the Berwick / McCullough Shield which OLSCC currently is ahead 1-0 after the victory as part of the Matt Hughes Charity Shield Day).
Round 2 Wednesday 5 May
Under 13 OLSCC vs Highfields SSC at 4pm (Dalby Leagues Club)
Under 15 OLSCC vs Highfields SSC at 5pm (Dalby Leagues Club)
Under 18 OLSCC vs Highfields SSC at 6pm (Highfields – we are trying to get this game moved to Dalby)
Bunya District Soccer Trials
Any boys or girls who wish to attend Bunya District Under 12 Soccer Trials need to sign on via the Sports Notice Board. The Bunya District trials will be on Tuesday, 27 April at the PCYC Fields from 3.30pm – 5.00pm.
Bunya District Tennis Trials
Any boys or girls who wish to attend Bunya District Under 12 Tennis Trials need to register their interest with Mrs Forbes. The trials will be held on Wednesday 5 May.
Bunya District Rugby League
Congratulations to the following boys selected in the combined Bunya District / Inner Downs Rugby League Teams to play at the Darling Downs Trials next Tuesday.
Under 11 – Archie Martin
Under 12 – Chase Price, Dylan Richards, Jackson Domjahn
Tim Lincoln
Middle Leader Sport
UNIVERSITY OPEN DAY DATES FOR 2021
Following are some dates for University Open Days for 2021. At this stage, the dates are coming out very slowly and I would suggest that this is due to COVID 19. I will say that students and parents must register for the Open Days on the University Websites. Some other Universities appear to be having virtual open days however I will confirm this as soon as possible.
OPEN DAYS
University of Queensland | Open Day 2021
9:00 am – 3.00pm August 01, 2021. St Lucia Campus
Griffith University
Sunday 8 August 2021
9 am - 2 pm
Queensland University of Technology
On campus
Date
Saturday 24 July
Time
9am–3pm
Location
Campus and facility tours at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses
Lunchtime Sessions for Grade 12’s
This year I will be running several lunchtime sessions for Year 12 students to come in and register for their ATAR and QTAC accounts. I will also be running sessions on applying for courses and putting together choices. Students who are not wanting to pursue a University pathway are also encouraged to attend one of the sessions so we can look at resumes etc.
Libby Baxter
Careers Development Practitioner
Term 2 sees The Arts and Culture at Our Lady in full swing with students across Drama, Music and Visual Art working tirelessly to improve their skills and knowledge in these specialist areas.
Extra-curricular instrumental music and performing arts students have resumed tuition and are steadily improving their abilities in their chosen field of expertise. Many of our wonderful students have entered Dalby Eisteddfod this year and I know we are all excited for them to have this wonderful opportunity to showcase the development of their talent.
As a reminder to families with students participating in the instrumental music and performing arts program, if you have received an “Agreement” form via email late last term, this MUST be signed and returned to the office ASAP. This is required for continued participation in the program.
Our College is pleased to announce that expressions of interest for the formation of a Senior Choir and Senior Drama Club will be emailed through to all students in Years 7 – 12 this week. The choir will be conducted by our talented music teacher Miss Harriet Nicholson on a Thursday each week, and Drama Club will be led by the inimitable Ms Creely - rehearsal times will be finalised by next week and detailed notices will then be sent to all interested students.
Glistening Deepwater
Middle Leader The Arts and Culture
The Optiminds Critical and Creative thinking club will begin on Wednesday, May 7 (week 3 of term) and run until Week 9, June 16, from 3:15 – 4:00pm. The club will meet in room Blue 6.
Registrations remain open for both the Term 2 Critical and Creative Thinking Club and the Optiminds Challenge in Term 3. Whilst it is desirable to participate in the Club in term 2, it is not a mandated requirement for participation in the Optiminds Challenge in term 3, however those who are able to build their skills over term 2 will find the process more engaging and effective. Please fill in a separate form for each child who wishes to participate. Team selections will be finalised mid Term 2. Click here to register:
Please click on the link below for the fact sheet on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) which takes place every year. The NCCD is a collection that counts school students receiving an adjustment or help due to a disability and the level of adjustment.
From the Uniform Shop
Please be advised that fleecy jackets in size 4 and 6 have arrived and are available for purchase now.
