Student Leaders 2019

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting with our current Year 10 and 11 students to discuss student leadership at the College for 2019.  In the room we had an enormous amount of leadership potential for the upcoming year and I am already encouraged by the nominations I am receiving for College Prefects and Senior House Leaders.  We spoke about the opportunities that this group has to have significant impact on the progress of our great College over the coming year.  As entrepreneurs and advocates for the student body, it is wonderful to have so many strong people who are able to lead the College.

On Monday, our staff will be hosting discussions with year levels to discuss the process of student leaders selection as well as have conversations about the roles and what other students expect of them.  The application packages are currently available at the Office including all of the details for our applicants.  Please note that no late nominations will be accepted.

The student leadership positions in 2019 are as follows:

CTJ Day

Monday, 22 October is the annual pupil free day where senior panels meet to moderate senior student work and all other teaching staff in the Diocese meet with others to discuss student learning and achievement, plan for upcoming changes and challenges, as well as celebrate success!  As such all of our primary teachers will be attending St Mary’s College in Toowoomba where we will be presenting our story and success so far in Visible Learning.  We will also have the opportunity to see where other schools are gaining success in their improvement journey.  Our secondary teachers will be attending St Joseph’s College in Toowoomba where they will be working in collaborative groups planning for the implementation of the new senior syllabus for every subject going into the new ATAR and QCE system for Year 11 students in 2019. 

Please ensure you have made suitable arrangements for your child/ren for Monday and we look forward to seeing the school return to life on Tuesday!

2019 Classes and Timetables

Mr Hobson and I are currently finalising the draft timetable for 2019 and are intending to have the Year 7-12 timetables out shortly. We acknowledge that it is well past our intended date for this, though we are doing all in our power to get it finalised ASAP.  Year 9/10 subject choices are out tomorrow and we request these are returned ASAP.  Although this does not affect the timetable as such, it allows us to give students a timetable that is accurate for them. There are a few critical changes to our timetable for next year to align our educational agenda with our educational practice.  These include:

• The timetable is now based on 40 minutes, rather than the current 30 minute basis. 
• There are 5 lines for Years 11 and 12 and no more “study”. 
• Accordingly, the bell times will change.  School will still start at 8:50 and finish at 3:10, though First Break will be from 11:30 – 12:10 and second break will be from 1:30 - 1:50. 
• In Years 11 and 12, students will have 4 hours for each subject – 2 single lessons and 2 doubles
• Assemblies will take place on a weekly basis alternating from sector (Early Years/Middle Years/Senior Years) to whole school.  This is a great way for parents and community to see what is happening at the College!
• We are implementing “Living Your Faith” (LYF) at the College.  This includes Religious Education, as well as Praxis, which is practicing our faith.  Religious Education and Ethics will be everyone’s sixth subject, with the exception of 2019 Year 12 students who have already started Study of Religion (SOR).
• We are also introducing bells that signal the transition time to go from one class to the next.  This will improve the amount of time students are actively engaged in learning.

Enrolments (Again!)

Our primary staffing model is largely complete and our secondary is only dependent on adjustments according to those who are successful in their application for Middle Leadership positions at the College. As such, if anyone you know has children they intend on enrolling at our College, please let them know so we can include them in our calculations and make our staffing model the best fit possible.  We have a great intake of Preppies for 2019 with over 50 on the books already! 

Peter Cuskelly

Principal

Jesus couldn’t have done it by himself – he had a team he worked with, the disciples and supporters whom continued his work once he was gone with the support of the Holy Spirit.  This week’s character strength in teamwork.  Sometimes it is hard to ask for help and work with others in a team but it is a skill we all need in life just as Jesus did.  So we look to the Bible for inspiration:  

 
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: 
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

Caritas Australia raised $30 million for the poor in 2017.  

(facts compiled by Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ) 

We were part of this at OLSCC with our donations to Project Compassion in 2017 & 2018 raising over $2000.  

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION @ OLSCC 

At OLSCC all students contribute to the religious life of our Catholic College.  They do this in numerous ways and at different levels; for example by their active involvement in the liturgical and prayer life of the College, House days and knowledge of College Icons and more formally through the key learning area of Religion.  Every child in Prep-Year 12 studies Religious Education for a minimum of 2.5 hours per week.  In Prep – Year 10, students' RE program delivers the Religious Education Curriculum developed by Archdiocese of Brisbane.  Currently in Year 11 & 12 students choose between Religion & Ethics (REE) and Study of Religion (SOR).  As we move into the new Senior School Assessment system in 2019, all Year 11 & 12 (2020) students will study the subject of REE and have the option to choose SOR as one of their electives.   

Cate Brennan

Assistant Principal Mission

The Year 9 students travelled to Lake Perseverance north of Toowoomba late last term for their annual camp. It was a great experience based around team work and the great outdoors. Students were assigned to cabins for the two nights and participated in a number of activities during the days. Abseiling and Orienteering were highlights with the instructor giving well-deserved praise for the efforts of those who had existing talents but also those who faced personal battles especially when coming down a 6-meter rock face.

On the second night we held our retreat which was a great opportunity for students to reflect on the way their lives are changing. It gave them time to think about the gifts they have been given that are going to shape the men and women they will become.

The camping experience also gave these young people an insight into the skills and strategies needed to function as a group. Discussions focused on the importance of using communication techniques that brought out the best in others. The idea that our words have lasting effects and immediate impacts on the group dynamic moving forward was reinforced constantly in both positive and negative episodes. The outcome of effective and supportive relationships is one we are continuing to explore as we move through Term 4.

The camp experience always allows teachers to see students at their best and this camp was no different. The Year 9’s were a great bunch to take away and they had the opportunity to work with each other in ways that will strengthen their unity into the future.

The College was fortunate at the end of last week to have many of our students participate in a Hearing Screening Research Project conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor Joseph Kei from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Queensland.

Research has shown that hearing loss can produce adverse effects on the development of children’s speech, language, social and emotional skills. Unfortunately, most hearing loss in childhood is not observable unless children’s hearing is checked using appropriate equipment. It is recommended that a chid have a hearing screener every 12 months.

Students had their auditory function checked through a number of clinical tests lasting around 10 -12 minutes. The results have been forwarded to parents and a follow up meeting with Learning Support is advised for students who identified with possible hearing difficulties.

The College would like to thank Associate Professor Joseph Kei and his team of student researchers for this wonderful opportunity for the students of our College.

Junior

Touch Football

Best of luck to the Year 5 Mixed Touch Football team members who will compete in the Swans Primary All Schools Competition in Dalby on Sunday. Thanks to secondary students Dan Gillespie, James Hegedus, Sarah MacQuaid and Ky Kirtley for coaching the team at lunchtimes leading up the carnival.

Athletics

Best of luck to Xavier Gibson and Gabby Banks who will compete at the State Athletics Championships in Townsville this week. Gabby will then attend the State AFL Championships later in the week in Brisbane.

Senior

Touch Football

Results from the Qld All Schools Touch Football Carnival held last weekend are listed below. Thanks to Mrs Gleeson, Mrs Hegedus and Lorelle Sankey for their assistance in coaching our teams and to the parents and past students who came to support the College. It was very disappointing for the carnival to be cancelled with two days remaining. This is only the second time in the carnival's 36 year history this that has happened.

The Under 13 Boys had a great has a great start to the carnival winning two out of three games. The team was on track to win the last three games on Saturday which would have qualified them for the Final 16 on Sunday.

U13 Boys – 3 Win and a 1 Loss

Win vs Centenary Heights SHS  (pre carnival)        3-0

Win vs Holland Park SHS                                      10-2

Loss to Cleveland SHS                                          2-4

Win vs Rochedale SHS                                          5-0

The Under 15 Boys team had a sound carnival finishing with 2 Wins, 2 Draws and 1 Loss. The team did well considering they only had 9-10 players for all their games and most oppositions had squads of 14.

U15 Boys – 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss

Draw with Dalby Christian College (pre carnival)   3-3

Win vs Runcorn SHS                                           5-2

Win vs Centenary Heights SHS                            6-1

Draw with Pacific Pines SHS                                2-2

Loss to Coombabah SHS                                     0-9

The Under 15 Girls had a young team this year with most girls only 12-14 years of age and will be able to play in this age group for the next few years. The team had two losses by just the one try to show that they were competitive in most matches.

15 Girls – 2 Draw and 4 Losses

Loss to Chinchilla SHS (pre carnival)                     1-2

Loss to Emanuel College                                      0-7

Loss to Chancellor SHS                                        1-9

Draw with Victoria Point SHS                                1-1

Loss to Ferny Grove SHS                                      0-1

Draw with Noosa District SHS                               1-1

The Open Mixed Team had a successful campaign being undefeated with 5 wins. The cancellation of the event was very disappointing for the team as most players were in Year 12 and won’t have another opportunity. The team were on track for a Quarter or Semi Final finish. Once final results were calculated it ranked Our Lady of the Southern Cross Mixed Team as a Top 4 team which all students are very proud of.

Open Mixed 5 Wins

Win vs Dalby SHS (pre carnival)                           4-1

Win vs Tannum Sands SHS                                  7-0

Win vs Brisbane Bayside College                          12-1

Win vs Calamvale SHS                                        10-4

Win vs Emmaus Gladstone SHS                            8-1

Changes for 2019 All Schools Touch Football

Under 15 Boys and Girls Teams will compete from Wednesday, 9 October until Saturday, 12 October. Open Mixed will compete from Friday, 11 October until Sunday, 13 October. We won’t be sending an Under 13 Boys team in 2019.

Rugby Sevens

The College has entered an Under 14 Boys, Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Boys in the South West Sevens Series to be played in Toowoomba. Girls games began on Tuesday with games against Downlands College and Scots College Warwick. Whilst our girls went down in both games they thoroughly enjoyed the experience as the majority of girls were playing their first game of Rugby.

Week 3 Draws

Under 14 Girls

5.40pm vs Glennie 1

6.20pm vs St Joseph’s

Under 14 Boys

4.40pm vs Mary MacKillop Highfields

5.20pm vs Faith Lutheran Plainlands

Under 16 Boys

7.00pm vs St Mary’s 1

7.40pm vs St Mary’s 2

Tim Lincoln

Sports Coordinator

Library Link

A campaign was launched this week by The School Library Coalition called ‘Students Need School Libraries’.  

Students Need School Libraries

• Did you know… that your school library supports your child to engage with a diverse range of books to extend their imagination and develop a lifelong love of reading?
• Did you know… that school libraries are responsive and collaborative learning spaces that provide students with access to a wide range of resources that are relevant and appropriate to their learning needs?
• Did you know… that school libraries support your child to reach their potential by teaching them how to become capable researchers and to navigate the world of online information and fake news?
• Did you know... that teacher librarians hold specialised qualifications as both a teacher and a librarian? Quality library staff are trained to support keen and reluctant, successful and struggling learners.

Students need school libraries. If you are keen to ensure that EVERY child in Australia has access to a quality school library, check out the information available at 

Click here to watch some short videos on what a school library means for any school.

Reader of the Week

You were spotted reading a book at lunchtime recently. Please see Mrs Jenkinson for your reward. Well done & keep reading!

From 18 September 2018

From 16 October 2018

Swimming lessons for Year 1-3 will commence on Tuesday, 23 October (Week 3) and conclude on Monday, 19 November (Week 7) at the Dalby Aquatic Centre:  

A detailed note will be sent home with students in regards to this. 

College Junior Inter-House Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, 30 November from 9.00am - 12.00pm. Students will nominate for their events before the carnival towards the end of the swimming block. 

Due to an increase in Tuckshop orders, particularly on Friday, we need volunteer helpers to help the Tuckshop ladies from 9.30am until 12pm on any day. You would be required to assist with food preparation and packing class orders. Any help, even just for an hour, would be greatly appreciated. 

A letter went home to the youngest in the family yesterday with the following document about the National School Resourcing Board collecting student residential address information. If you have not received your letter, click on the link below to read this important notice.

If you require the College to administer medication to your child at school during the day, the following steps are required:

Prescribed medication from a doctor, dentist or optometrist but NOT a pharmacist

• Medication must be labelled with prescribing practitioners name on the label
• Administration of Medication form must be provided (available from the College Office)

Non-prescribed medication including any over the counter (OTC) medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, eye drops or skin creams

• Medical authorization in the form of a letter from the doctor, dentist or optometrist must be provided
• Medication must be labelled by a pharmacist
• OTC medication can be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or optometrist and include the practitioners name on the label in which case a letter from the practitioner is not required
• Administration of Medication form must be provided (available from the College Office)

All medication for students in Prep to Year 6 including OTC medication is to be administered by the College First Aid personnel at the College Office.

Students in Year 3 or below are required to have asthma puffers kept at the College Office to be administered by the College First Aid personnel

Students in Year 4 to 6 are permitted to self-administer Ventolin at the discretion of parents

Students in Year 7 to 12 are permitted to self-administer medications (EXCEPT Controlled Schedule 8 drugs) at their parents discretion.

For camps and excursions, the same rules apply and NO staff member is permitted to administer any medication to any student unless there is medical authorisation either via a letter from a practitioner or a practitioners name on the medication label and the associated Administration of Medications form from the College. Students in Year 7 to 12 are permitted to self-administer medications (EXCEPT Controlled Schedule 8 drugs) at their parents discretion. In the case of a student becoming ill, no medication will be administered to any child unless medical authorisation is sought.

* "at their parents discretion" means that parents have approved for their child to self administer medication and as such, have determined that the College has no responsibility for the management of their child's medical condition and subsequent administration of medication.

MAJELLAN MASS

The Majellan Mothers Group at St Josephs Parish will be celebrating the feast of St Gerard Majella, the patron saint of mothers, with a mass and morning tea at the parish centre on Sunday the 21st of October at 9.00 am.

Children are invited to lead the congregation to sing the Butterfly Song (‘If I was a Butterfly...’) after Communion.

A practice will be held at the church at 3.30 pm on Wednesday, 17 October.

All welcome!

TUCKSHOP ROSTER