16 February2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message:

Dear Parents and Caregivers

At our Beginning Year College Mass and leader induction, our four school leaders addressed the College community on their hopes and aspirations for 2018. This address by the leaders was outstanding and laid the foundation for a great year. The points that the students made in their addresses that stood out the most for me were their statements about; being thankful for the opportunities and support they have been provided, striving to achieve to the best of our abilities at all times and being involved in all aspects of College life. These messages are certainly something that we would hope the students would have heard clearly from their leaders and we thank the leaders for setting a great example and tone for the year.

During the week that has just passed Mrs Margaret Grew (Principal of St Mary’s School) and I have had the pleasure of hosting Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese Executive Director Dr Patrick Coughlan, the other 29 Principals from the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese and members of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office staff in Warwick. To begin the week Dr Coughlan addressed the gathering, outlining the key aspects in what he referred to as, “Building the Bottom Line.” These key aspects clearly highlighted the standards and expectations that should exist in our community in order to us to function as a high performing school.

While I was listening to Dr Coughlan’s address I could not help but reflect on the similarities between the message that he was delivering and the message that our school leaders provided at our College Mass. Dr Coughlan was asking us (the Principals) to work in conjunction with our staff and the members of our wider community to achieve to the best of our abilities at all times, so that we can provide the best educational experience for our students. Similarly, our College Leaders were imploring the rest of the student body to get involved in school events and strive to be the best student they can be so as to take advantage of the opportunities they are provided.

As a College we look forward to working with parents/caregivers and students in building on the importance of striving to be best we can be at all times. We also encourage our parents/caregivers to make contact with the College at any time to provide constructive feedback on the efforts we are making to provide a great education for our students.

Lord God
Thank You for all the blessings and gifts that You have given us.
Thank You for giving us the opportunity of an education.
We lift this day to You, Lord; may you guide use in making decisions
and may You assist us to demonstrate persistence and determination to make the most of the opportunities we have been provided.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

P&F Executive Committee

Last Monday evening we held the P&F AGM and I am happy to announce that our P&F Executive Committee will consist of the same members as it was in 2017. I would like to take the opportunity to thank these generous people and the extended P&F group for their continued support of our College.

President – Mr Bill McVeigh
Vice President – Mrs Lara Farrell
Secretary – Mrs Tanya Gordon
Treasurer – Mrs Regina Henry

Have a lovely week
Kort

TERM 1 – 2018 DATE CLAIMERS

Pastoral Care News:

By Mr Craig Frattini, Deputy Principal

Parenting Ideas Insights

Exposing Kids to Challenges Helps Prevent Anxiety In Later Life
By Michael Grose

Two important Australian studies released recently support what teachers and mental health experts have been saying for some time: that exposing kids to safe challenges in childhood promotes resilience and better mental health in later life.

The results of a study into children’s wellbeing by mental health organization beyondblue found young people who were able to talk about their emotions and who were exposed to failure and loss at a young age are better equipped to deal with a variety of challenges as they grow.

Similarly, findings of a Macquarie University long-term study into children’s mental health found that children who were exposed to safe risks were happier, less anxious and more able to handle every day problems such as rejection, teasing and failure.

Both studies point to the need for children to experience failure, to be involved in play with peers and to be encouraged to face their fears rather than avoid them. With one in six Australian children and teenagers experiencing anxiety on a regular basis it’s essential that kids of all ages are provided with the skills and experiences they need to develop mental resilience. Let’s kick off this process with the following five strategies:

1. Encourage kids to spend more time with other children
2. Help children be good losers and gracious winners
3. Encourage kids to talk about emotions and feelings
4. Model calm and rational thinking
5. Encourage children to become independent problem solvers

Stepping back and allowing children and teenagers to experience many of life’s challenges, whether social, academic or physical, can be a difficult thing to do for well-meaning adults. However, part of growing up means that children and young people need to develop the skills and aptitude they will need to manage a range of challenging situations well after they have left the safe confines of school and family.

As the research is telling us, the best way for them to do this is to allow our kids to navigate their challenges by themselves, surrounded by supportive, rather then over-protective adults.

APRE News:

By Mrs Kate Cullen, APRE

Hatch Retreat Letters for Year 7 and 8

Letters have been prepared to go home to our Year 7 and 8 students for their Hatch Retreats on the 27th and 28th of February. The slip only needs to be returned if students are unable to attend on the day, to help with the booking/costings, otherwise it is a normal school day for the students.

They will attend Pastoral as normal and then head down to St James Hall for the day with the usual lunch breaks etc. Students are very lucky that if the heat continues they will be in the newly air-conditioned hall for the day. I look forward to the student’s commitment to the events that are a part of the religious life of the College.

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Year of Youth Mass

To mark the occasion on Friday the 9th of February a group of Year 12’s volunteered to represent the College and attend the Year of Youth Mass with schools from the Dioceses at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Toowoomba. Thanks to our students and for those who volunteered to do particular readings for us. The prayer below was shared on the day:

Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland

Inspire our entire faith community, as we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God.

Come Holy Spirit of Youth

Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ;
enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth;
guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast.

Come Holy Spirit of Faith

Empower our community to be courageous;
unite your people as witnesses of love.
Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship;
accompanying young people as we renew the Church together.

Come Holy Spirit of Vocation

Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call;
reveal to us the graces of young people;
guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices
To build a civilisation of love.

Amen

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.

Just Leadership Day

We were invited to attend the Caritas social justice day aiming at inspiring our students to make a difference by reflecting on the harsh realities of life for many within our world today. The day certainly was eye-opening regarding the stats and figures presented to our students but I think more importantly was the sharing of the change made through the work of Caritas Australia and Caritas International. The stories about children from across the globe, in particular, remind us of the blessings many of us have. I am looking forward to some new initiatives from our leaders who attended the day as they work with their House groups to develop greater awareness of the social justice needs of others and how we can contribute to be the change in others’ lives.

Project Compassion- Caritas

The yearly Easter Fundraiser was launched with students at the Ash Wednesday Liturgy on Wednesday the 14th of February.

Each pastoral class has a collection box at the start of each day for students to bring in small or large donations of a morning.

Please view the following link to watch some of the films on the work of Caritas that will be shared with our students

Below is a basic summary of what one young women – Janaki from the clip can achieve with the help of project compassion donations. She was empowered by the work of Caritas and is now empowering others.

A Just Future Starts with Empowerment

Janaki from Nepal

Janaki is a young entrepreneur from Nepal, who has turned her life around. Growing up in a world of poverty and disadvantage, coupled with a forced marriage at the age of 12, she was in a very vulnerable position. Even more so when her husband died just two years into their marriage. She’s now running her own successful sewing business and has become an inspirational community leader.

In 2015, Janaki joined a youth club formed by Caritas Australia partners, Caritas Nepal and the Ekata Foundation Surkhet, as part of the Children and Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) which provides youth with job skills and income-generating projects. She took a loan from the youth club to purchase her first sewing machine.

Two years on, Janaki has 11 sewing machines and is running her own business, teaching others and is considered a community role model.

I’m happy that I’m motivating and teaching other people as well. I appreciate all those respected peoples of Australia who are supporting this wise cause, with your help, women who experience domestic violence and who are financially vulnerable are getting new hope in their life which I think is very generous and kind. I thank you from bottom of my heart." - Janaki

Still Life Retreat

Year 12 Retreat- I would like to thank all the students and staff who came along for a wonderful retreat last week. Students met every challenge they were given, they listened well to each other’s responses to various activities and were highly competitive in the more physical challenges as well as in their group Here it Goes Again Challenge. I hope they have positive, happy memories from the three days but more importantly got to know their peers better and possibly learn something knew about just what they are capable of achieving this year.

Curriculum News:

By Mrs Anna Hardy,, Assistant Principal—Curriculum

Congratulations to all students who received academic awards badges for Semester 2 2017. There were a total of 40 students awarded with a gold, silver or bronze badge and these were presented after the Induction Mass. All parents and students celebrated with a morning tea together. It is wonderful to see students excited with their academic efforts and I am looking forward to seeing these students wear their badges with pride

Thank-you to all the Year 12 students and their parents for attending the academic interviews held last week. These are a valuable opportunity to sit with each student and discuss their academic progress. These will be held for all year 12’s again in Term 3. Year 11’s will also go through this process in Term 3.

Tutoring:

Tutoring has started – Thursday afternoon from 3:15pm – 4:15pm in room 311. Students will not be released until 4:15pm unless a parent comes in to the room to collect their child. A few staff across subject areas will be present to help with classwork, homework and assessment. It is a valuable opportunity and we hope that students will make use of the sessions.

Assessment Calendars:

Assessment calendars will be made available this week. Don’t forget too that the College has an assessment policy. This policy ensures equity and just processes when it comes to assignments and exams. A reminder that parents will be notified via SMS when their child has not submitted assessment on the due date. We encourage you to contact the College office if you have questions or queries around this process. If you receive an SMS and would like more information, please contact the teacher via the College office or email. I strongly advise that all students and parents make themselves familiar with this policy to avoid any issues regarding assessment; it is available on the College website.

Reports:

Term 1 Progress Reports are scheduled to be issued to students and parents at the end of this term and will be sent home with each student on the last day of term. These reports are followed by parent and teacher interviews early in Term 2. This report is designed for parents/guardians to see their child’s progress after the first term of a new year. Semester 1 reports are issued at the end of Term 2.

QCS Special Consideration:

Special provision is available to students who are affected by a medical condition, impairment or exceptional circumstances that may act as a barrier to their access on the QCS test or to their demonstration of achievement in the test. If any year 12 student needs to apply, they should see Mrs Hardy this term. The QCS test is run over two days in late August for all OP eligible Year 12 students.

University of New South Wales ICAS:

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is an independent, skills-based assessment program, which recognises and rewards student achievement. At the College, we value academic progress and achievement. Students will receive UNSW certificates or medals depending on their achievement and will be recognised for their accomplishment. Students from Years 8-12 have been selected based on 2017 results and will be invited to attend via a letter sent home. We would like to extend this opportunity to any other students who may be interested. We would also like to call upon any Year 7 student who would be interested in sitting the tests as their 2016 results were not available to access and select students.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding curriculum please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sport News

By Mrs Julie Collins, Program Leader Sport

Library News

By Mrs Mary-anne Driver

We have discovered a new magazine that we LOVE that is produced in Toowoomba called bella rae.

This magazine is a small but bold publication committed to empowering young women to band together, speak out and challenge the culture they are in towards a respectful, authentic and beautiful representation of women - check it out in the library. A subscription is around $40 (great gift)!

Their website: BELLARAEMAG.COM is a space where young women can interact with the magazine online, as well as find opportunities to contribute their stories, opinions and artwork.

They are currently offering ‘women adventure grants’ – $5,000 plus gear in four different categories. Their aim is to ‘support epic women and their adventures’. Go to the website for details, applications close 28th February.

Things You Can Do in The Library:

Business News:

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager.

School Fees were posted out last week and are due on the 2nd March. If you have a Direct Debit agreement with the College, please disregard the due date. If your student is attending an excursion please make sure you pay any costs before they attend. If you have any queries or concerns please contact our Business Manager, Mr Scott Clegg at the College, via phone on 07 4660 4000 or via email at Scott.Clegg@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Cleaner Required

The college requires the services of a qualified cleaner on a casual basis for up to 10 hours per week. If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact our Business Manager, Scott Clegg at the college via phone on 07 4660 4000 or via email at Scott.Clegg@twb.catholic.edu.au.

General Notices:

Year 12 Induction Mass

School Photos

School photos will be taken on 1st March. Order envelopes have been distributed to the students and all orders can be returned back to the front office.

Unleashing Personal Potential Growth Mindset Program

Unleashing Personal Potential Growth Mindset Program will be held on Tuesday 20th February. Students in Years 7,8 & 9 will participate in workshops across the day and they are asked to wear their sport uniform.

Year 11 & 12 Sport and Recreation - St Mary’s Sport Program

Year 11 and 12 students in the Certificate III Sport and Recreation class have started working with students in Years 4 and 5 from St Mary’s. Students are undertaking the role of coaches and are planning and running sessions in Basketball and Touch Football. The program will run each Friday across the term.

Immunisations

A reminder that the Immunisation program begins Tuesday the 20th March. Forms have been distributed and need to be returned to the office by Wednesday 28th February. If you have any questions, please call the front office on telephone number 4660 4000.

Ash Wednesday

Year 11 Biology

Year 11 Biology students have been learning about the Human Body Systems. In one of our recent lessons, students conducted a heart dissection using bull hearts. This allows students to consolidate their understanding of the structures of the heart and gives our future surgeons a practice run!

Annual Events Planner

Important Student Absenteeism Information

Clean Up Australia Day

Clean Up Australia Day
When the rubbish is gone, nature can carry on
Schools Clean Up Day – Friday 2nd March
Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 4th March

St Mary’s Catholic Parish:

St Marys School:

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