Experience Our Difference Term 1 2021 Magazine

...our Difference TERM 1

TSV .CATH O L IC . E D U . A U

2021

CONTENTS

Executive Director’s Welcome

2

Executive Director’s Welcome

Investment in solar

Each year we are blessed to welcome

benefiting the students

new students and their families to our

of tomorrow 3

Townsville Catholic school community as well as our new teachers and

Experience Your Best:

support staff who all help to make a

School in Profile

4-5

big difference in our students’ lives.

I would also like to welcome our Townsville

Experience Opportunity: 6-7

VET and ATAR

Catholic Education office staff, including our newly appointed Leadership staff;

Experience Belonging

8-9

Director of School Development Services, John Nuttall and Education Consultant,

Experience the Dedication

10-11

David McNeale. Both John and David join us from Principal roles at Gilroy Santa Maria

12

Experience our Difference

Kirwan respectively and we are excited

10 reasons to choose 13

a Catholic School School Photo Collage

College, Ingham and Ryan Catholic College,

14-15

to have their knowledge, experience and wisdom as part of our Leadership Team.

This year has once again seen growth in our student numbers, with many of

Easter Interactive Page

16-17

Northern Schools

18

Southern Schools

19-20

Townsville Schools Western Schools

21-24 25-27

our schools exceeding their enrolment targets. This is a credit to your schools and the dedicated staff who nurture our students to be their best, every day.

students. Staff have also participated in ongoing professional development days including Student Protection and workplace compliance training in readiness to provide a safe and welcoming school environment.

This term, Townsville Catholic Education has launched our new enrolment campaign inviting our communities to Experience Catholic Schools. This new campaign showcases what Catholic schools offer; providing safe and welcoming environments for children of all ages with a strong focus on student wellbeing, inclusion and

For our schools, the new school year starts

excellence. Places where students have

well before students’ first day as our staff

the opportunity to be their best, every day.

have been busy planning to ensure the best opportunities are available for all

Jacqui Francis EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Cover: Students from St Benedicts Catholic School, Shaw.

Townsville Catholic Education acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

All information and images are subject to copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior permission of the Townsville Catholic Education Office. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of print, TCEO takes no liability for any errors, omissions or subsequent consequences on information within this publication. © Copyright 2021

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Welcome to our new principals!

AMANDA JONES

KYLIE HELMORE

NICOLE PREITZ

St Francis School, Ayr

Marian Catholic School, Currajong

St John Bosco Catholic School, Collinsville

Investment in solar benefiting the students of tomorrow TCE Sustainability Officer, James Brunker and St Anthony’s Catholic College Principal, Barry Horner

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote to the

Queensland-based commercial solar

to students and the community that we

world, and Catholics in particular, “On

business, GEM Energy will deliver the

all have a part to play,” said Jacqui.

the Care for Our Common Home” or

solar installations. At this stage, batteries

‘Laudato Si’ as it is called in Italian.

and solar panels have been installed at

Over the past few years, many of our

St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park,

schools and staff have examined the

Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan, Southern

encyclical personally and corporately.

Cross Catholic College, Annandale

“We are reminded that human beings are part of nature, and together with other creatures, bonded in one family, one community of life on earth,” said Jacqui Francis, Executive Director.

Townsville Catholic Education’s solar project is a major step towards a 100% renewable energy future for our schools.

The third stage of the solar project commenced at the end 2020, which will see over 4,000 kWs of solar panels and 7,000 kWs of Tesla battery storage installed across the diocese.

and St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun. It is anticipated that most of these sites will progressively come online during the school holidays.

GEM Energy will continue to roll out this solar project across our other sites over the next 12 months.

This project has allowed our Catholic schools to include practical reallife examples of renewable energy generation to be included in students’ curriculum. Students are learning about our collective responsibility to care for creation through sustainable solar projects and battery storage. They are seeing firsthand how the decisions we make today have an impact on the future.

“This project will see a reduction in grid sourced energy, reducing our reliance

“Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, reminds us

on non-renewable sources and our

that we need to care for and embrace

electricity costs. Our teachers, students

our environment and that we are all part

and school communities are energised

of the solution. This investment we have

about this project and the savings to

placed in the project is not only the benefit

our energy costs will enable further

of the schools, however to demonstrate

investment into resources that support our students' education,” said Jacqui.

TCE Finance Manager, Chris Watts and Southern Cross Catholic College Principal, Greg Cameron with students

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...your Best St Benedict’s Catholic School, Shaw

education and engagement. Students

of the Australian Curriculum, we use

is proof that showcasing world-class

are given the opportunity to be their best

the eProjects concept to draw on

sustainability is possible, no matter

through a variety of different projects.

certain aspects of some subjects

the size or scale of a project. The Prep to Year 6 school is known as one of Australia’s greenest schools, embracing sustainable practices for the natural and built environments, nurturing a love for creation and stewardship.

Having been awarded a 6 Green Star rating (highest rating possible) by the Green Building Council Australia, the school

“At St Benedict’s Catholic School, we believe that some learning is best

learning experience,” said Penny.

done with a hands-on approach where

As shown in the Benedictine value

students are engaged in meaningful

of Stewardship, every student at St

projects,” said Principal, Penny Collins.

Benedict’s is called to encourage the

This is done through the school’s eProjects, the ‘e’ stands for environment, engagement and educational.

continues to promote the importance of

“While we still develop our learning

the environment to their students through

experiences based on the expectations

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to create a deeper, more enriched

sustainable use of all resources and seek to promote an awareness that we are part of a larger world. Our environment has been given by God for the sake of all.

THE ePROJECTS INCLUDE:

Key innovation and environmental

Amongst the students putting together

initiatives that the whole school partakes

their stalls to showcase their initiatives,

in are the Recycling Centre, which

local businesses and groups also partake

beehive and flower garden to encourage

includes recycling bins, food waste to

in the Eco Fest to share their sustainable

lots of birds, butterflies and other

worm farms, chickens and compost

practices and give advice on how we

minibeasts to our play area! Nature

bins, collecting soft plastics, e-waste

can live a more sustainable life.

play and sensory experiences build

and containers for change. The school

the awe and wonder of Creation.

has beautiful outdoor learning spaces,

Students build community connection

including a butterfly garden, billabong,

with Townsville Beekeepers.

windmill, garden maze, stone creek and

• Preps: Minibeasts – Caring for our

• Year 1: Billabong Buddies – Caring

flowers to create a sensory experience.

Through the priority of sustainability, students develop the knowledge, skills, values and world views necessary to contribute to more sustainable patterns of living. Environmental awareness

for our school Billabong and all the

The Bush Tucker Trail is a fantastic

has been made through curriculum

Australian animals around a Billabong.

experience for students to learn about

development, sustainability projects

Connecting with the environment

Indigenous perspectives, culture and to

and the enthusiasm of teachers,

and community by going on an

enhance their connection to nature.

parents and the school community.

excursion to Billabong Sanctuary.

• Year 2: Eggs Benedict – Caring

Each year, St Benedict’s Catholic School hosts their Eco Fest in Term 3

for our chickens! Learning about

where families and the community are

Earth's Resources and how they

invited to attend. The event showcases

are used, animal life cycles and

ways in which students undergo

incubating our own baby chickens.

sustainable practices in their classrooms

• Year 3: Grow and Go – Preparing,

throughout the year in their eProjects.

growing, and looking after our own fruit and veggie gardens. Students will use produce to cook veggie fritters through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

• Year 4/5/6: Reef Guardians – Protectors of the Reef! School waste audit with Tangaroa Blue. Learning about Threats to the Reef. Students will design a solution to a local or global sustainability problem.

Environmental Initiatives at Townsville Catholic Education

The Townsville Catholic Education

committee includes staff from a range of

Environmental Awareness Advisory

schools who plan and coordinate specific

Committee meets each term and works

events such as Eco-Warriors. They support

toward supporting environmental education

schools with curriculum advice and

for schools and parishes throughout

promotion of sustainable practices.

the Townsville Diocese. This dedicated

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...Opportunity Vocational Education & Training Pathways Opportunities for pathways come in

on-site at the school, including hospitality,

Alongside the Townsville Catholic Education

many different ways within our Catholic

business, construction, volunteering,

RTO offerings, some secondary schools

Schools and one of those pathways is

early childhood and education support.

are RTOs and provide their own training,

the vocational training journey through the Townsville Catholic Education’s (TCE) Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

“Our teachers are experts and we have invested in state of the art facilities to ensure our students

Director of Learning and Teaching, Mr Peter

are getting the best start to their

Stower said this innovative and exciting

vocational training.” Mr Stower said.

new initiative aims to provide senior secondary school students with increased access to vocational education and training (VET) qualifications across the diocese.

“As educators, we know that every student is different with their own set of unique skills and strengths. Therefore we know that each student will excel at different forms of learning and as an organisation wanted to ensure we offered a full range of opportunities for them to do that.”

With current training available in hospitality, business, construction, volunteering, early childhood and education support, Mr Stower said there is opportunity to extend the training.

while others engage with external RTOs to offer qualifications in the areas of aviation, fitness, sport and recreation, health and community services, engineering, Christian ministry and theology, automotive, retail cosmetics, hairdressing, and manufacturing.

Not only does studying a VET qualification contribute to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), but it provides students with a nationally recognised qualification that can act as a platform

“We are working with our school

into post-school employment and/or

communities to ensure that we are

further study at TAFE or university.

providing training that meets the needs of the students and with this are planning for the future introduction of a suite of new qualifications in the areas of

“The RTO has allowed each Catholic

electrotechnology, engineering (CAD)

secondary school the opportunity to partner

and agriculture.” Mr Stower said.

with TCE to offer a range of qualifications

Cross-school VET Cross school VET allows senior secondary students from Townsville Catholic schools the opportunity to come together and complete various certificates. This innovative delivery model includes a combination of face-to-face teaching and vocational work placement in industry settings. On completion, students will be able to seek employment as an early childhood educator or school officer – assisting student learning and/or complete further TAFE or university study.

In the 2020 Year 12 cohort, there were 124 distinct VET qualifications completed at the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 3 or higher. This represents 18,413 VET qualifications (Certificate III or higher) being awarded across Queensland.

From VET to university Certificate III or higher VET qualifications can contribute to the calculation of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and can also provide students with a direct entry pathway into university. TCE is currently exploring an articulation agreement with James Cook University to enable students to be assured that on completion of a relevant Certificate III level qualification, they will be eligible for direct entry into a bachelor degree in a similar industry area. For example, Certificate III in Business – Bachelor of Business, Certificate III in Education Support or Certificate III in

Currently 28 Year 11 students are part of the Crossschool VET which sees them completing Certificate III in Education Support at Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale or units toward a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan.

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Early Childhood Education and Care – Bachelor of Education.

Links with Industry Our RTO is continuing to increase its partnerships with industry in order to enhance the employment prospects of students. TCE is currently collaborating with The Ville Resort and Casino to develop a program for students studying the Certificate II in Hospitality to participate in a Hospitality Experience Program whereby they will work and stay at the Ville for two to three days.

CURRENT TCE RTO QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: • Certificates I, II and III in Business • Certificate III in Education Support • Certificates I and II in Hospitality • Certificate I in Construction

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) The education landscape is constantly changing with the introduction of a new QCE system that has included ATAR ranking and external exams for senior students for the first time, the review of the Australian Curriculum and the increasing integration of technology into the learning and teaching space.

Our Year 12 students in 2020 were the first to experience the changes to the

• Certificate II in Active Volunteering

Queensland Certificate of Education with the introduction of an ATAR ranking and

• Certificate II in Skills for Work

external exams. The ATAR ranking is calculated on each student’s best subject results

and Vocational Pathways • Units toward the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

and can include a VET qualification at Certificate III or above. The external exam contributes 25% and up to 50% of the final marks depending on the subject. The ATAR ranking achieved ranges from 0.00 (lowest) through to 99.95 (highest). Students receiving an ATAR score are eligible to apply for tertiary study at a university. Students

FUTURE RTO QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

select their pathway based on their interests and desires for their future careers at the end of Year 10 and undertake two years of senior schooling across Year 11 and 12.

• Certificate II in Electrotechnology • Certificate II in Agriculture • Certificate III in Engineering (Technical)

Contact your Catholic secondary school to find out what VET options are available.

RTO CODE: 31195

Over 70% of students across the diocese achieved a VET qualification

Nearly 400

students received an ATAR score and

747 VET

qualifications were gained

In 2020, there were approximately 660 graduating students from our diocese, of whom

96% were awarded a QCE The outstanding results achieved by our students are testimony to the way teachers have risen to the challenge and inspired their students to do likewise.

It has not always been easy, nothing worthwhile ever is, but our teachers have shown our students that hard work and commitment can pay off.

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...Belonging Our Catholic schools offer a safe and

Team partners with our schools to ensure

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

welcoming environment for all students.

resources and innovative options are

With friendly and collaborative staff,

available to affirm inclusion as part of the

SERVICES WITHIN

we put belonging at the forefront.

apostolate of the Catholic school, not

Wellbeing and care are critical to

an optional add on,” said Kimberlee.

positive communities of learning.

Kimberlee Lynch, Townsville Catholic Education’s Inclusive Education Team Coordinator said that inclusive education is not just ensuring that all students with a disability are able to participate in curriculum and have the same opportunities as their peers, but also how schools are developed and designed, including learning

“We believe that students with a disability should be present and fully participating in the same environment as their peers, learning the same age-appropriate curriculum, with necessary support and adjustments,” said Kimberlee Lynch.

The Inclusive Education team works within the schools educating teachers and school staff not just about best practices, but around the way of thinking about people, diversity, learning and teaching.

There are a number of specialised services within the Inclusive Education

"An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools. An inclusive education finds a place for all and does not select in an elitist way the beneficiaries of its efforts." - Pope Francis.

environments and activities so that all students can learn and participate together.

OUR SCHOOLS:

“A successful model of inclusion

Team who work closely with the Learning and Teaching team to collaborate on dioscean wide initiatives, and collaborate with external agencies to ensure students continuity and consistency of care.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS • Support teachers with planning

purposefully arranges the learning

and ensuring all tasks are

environment, designs curriculum and

accessible to all students with

instruction to meet the needs of all students

language/literacy needs.

and delivers evidence-based intervention through quality learning and teaching.”

• Provides evidence-based Professional Development to schools to support

With no one size fits all approach, each

their knowledge and understanding

TCE school believes that all students

of speech, language, literacy and

belong in our communities and the

Augmentative and Alternative

Inclusive Education Team supports our

Communication (AAC) student

schools, to share the skills and experience

needs, and plan for how to cater for

of our Speech Language Pathologists,

these students within classrooms.

Hearing Impairment specialists, Inclusion

• Support teachers with using

“Being ‘accessible to all students’ is

specialists and English as an Additional

a defining characteristic of a Catholic

and embedding use of any

Language or Dialect specialist.

AAC devices within classrooms

school and the TCE Inclusive Education

and whole school activities.

• Support early identification of speech, language and literacy needs through the Early Years referral screening process.

• Work collaboratively with the wider Inclusive Education team within our schools to support students using the wealth of knowledge each team member can provide.

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Collaborative planning session

ADVISORY VISITING SPECIALIST – EAL/D • Collaborates with schools in the

• children of deaf adults who use

provision of specialised advice to

Auslan as their first language

support students for whom EAL/D

• international students from non-

(English as an additional language or dialect). These students may include: • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students • immigrants to Australia and temporary visa holders from non-

English speaking countries.

• Establishes and consolidates links between home, school and the broader community through community engagement.

• Seeks to support the health and

Through engagement and collaboration with school, parents, parish and community members, together with being awarded a small grant from Catholic School Parents Queensland, 2021 has seen the launch of Townsville’s first CALD (Culturally

wellbeing of all EAL/D students by

and linguistically diverse)

• students with a refugee background

fostering cultural responsiveness

Community Playgroup ‘Spirit

• children born in Australia of

amongst staff, students and

Playgroup’ at Holy Spirit School.

English speaking countries

migrant heritage where English is not spoken at home • English-speaking students returning to Australia after extended periods

the school community.

• Works with key stakeholders to

The Playgroup is open to

ensure all EAL/D students feel safe,

all. If you would like to

valued and engaged in learning.

attend, phone 4779 4255

in non-English speaking settings

ADVISORY VISITING SPECIALIST – HEARING IMPAIRMENT (AVS-HI) • Offer specialist educational support

• Work with staff, both teachers and

for students from Prep to Year

school officers to upskill them on how

12 who have a hearing loss.

to accommodate their needs, and

• Support students to enhance their

work together to plan and implement

resilience in the hearing world

changes to their teaching, planning,

and advocate for their needs.

environment and assessment

• Work alongside teachers and

to cater for these students.

students to build capability to

• Work with agencies, such as Hearing

ensure our students succeed.

Australia and Deadly Ears to provide

• Support students with a hearing loss in the classroom by ensuring

the best care for these students.

• Read and interpret audiograms and

they have adequate and

reports and work with students to

appropriate accommodations and

develop self-advocacy skills so they are

adjustments made for them.

able to articulate their hearing needs.

ADVISORY VISITING SPECIALISTS – INCLUSION (AVS-I) • Works cooperatively and in collaboration with TCE staff, school leadership teams, teachers, other student

with disability have access to a relevant and rigorous curriculum.

• Build staff capability through coaching,

support services team members

observation and feedback to identify and

and parents/carers to ensure that

implement educational adjustments.

students with a disability in schools across the Diocese are supported to engage purposefully in learning.

• Provide an array of services to develop the capability within schools which enables all students to access, participate and achieve in school.

• Collaborates with school staff and parents/carers to ensure students

• Work in an integrated way with existing support services in schools (e.g. AEIOU, Autism Queensland, Autism Hub, AustimCRC) by providing advice on services for schools • Advise school staff and parents/ carers of resources and assistive technology available for students (e.g. specialised equipment, devices)

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...the Dedication COURTNEY DIBBEN | TEACHER

GARY HAYDEN | TEACHER

ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC

GILROY SANTA MARIA

COLLEGE, DEERAGUN

COLLEGE, INGHAM

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A TEACHER?

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A TEACHER?

I chose to become a teacher because it has

I come from a family of Catholic educators

always been a dream of mine. However,

and the decision to teach was made

I found myself in a career in radio for the

early. Initially, I combined my love of sport

decade after school. Following the birth

with teaching/coaching. At university,

of my first daughter, my desire to help

I combined my studies of human

children and make a difference in their

bioscience with teacher education.

lives was stronger than ever and I started

WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

my degree when she was four months old.

Skip forward four years; another daughter

When the students say ‘thank you’ at

(born mid-semester), and it is one of the

WHAT IS THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LIKE?

decisions I am most proud of in my life.

The Catholic school environment is unlike

WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

any I have experienced previously in that

As you can probably imagine from my

with an incredible group of teachers at

previous answer, the thing I love most

St Anthony's Catholic College for whom

about my job is having the chance to work

the needs of children, families, and the

with children. Teaching is one of those

community is central to their practice.

completely dynamic careers where no

Everyday I witness teachers volunteering,

two days are the same and you never

in their own time, to run school sports

know what you are going to get when you

and music programs, provide additional

walk through the doors of the classroom.

tutoring to students, meet with families

I have heard about family pets having

and rally involvement in community events

babies, sporting triumphs, loss of family

like the Townsville to Cairns bike ride

members, holidays, birthday parties and

or Clean Up Australia Day. Every one of

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A TEACHER?

a student who swam through a croc-

my colleagues serves the students and

My ultimate goal as a teacher is that Holy

infested swamp to look for his pet dog

broader community tirelessly and it makes

Grail of teaching – the perfect lesson.

(he survived the swim and found her,

me so proud to be a small part of it.

thankfully). To quote Rita Pierson (who was quoting James Comer) "no significant learning can occur without a significant relationship" and that is why being able to build these bonds with my students is paramount to the joy I find in my profession.

service is at the very heart of it. I work

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A TEACHER? My goal as a teacher is to provide for my students the kind of teacher I would love for my daughters to have. Someone who supports them to achieve their best and be themselves at a time when that is a

DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A TEACHER IN 5 WORDS.

scary thing to do. If I can foster self-belief,

Ms Norbury (Mean Girls) meets Ms Frizzle.

then I feel like I have done my job.

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confidence and compassion in my students,

the end of a lesson they enjoyed.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A TEACHER IN 5 WORDS. In awe of other teachers.

WHAT IS THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LIKE? I have worked at Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham since 1995 and have witnessed firsthand the benefits of a safe and welcoming school environment that combines the values of the Catholic church with excellent educational opportunities.

MEL SIEMER | LEARNING AND TEACHING ADVISER, INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TEACHER ST KIERAN’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, MOUNT ISA

My first teaching position was all the

WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

way back in 1997 at Sacred Heart Parish

All of the different little personalities and

Primary School in Broken Hill. Since then

having something to laugh about every day.

WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING?

we have moved around Queensland managing cattle stations and I have had

DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A TEACHER IN 5 WORDS.

the opportunity to teach in both state and

Compassionate, dedicated, fun,

Catholic schools throughout the 20+ years.

dynamic & full of crazy ideas.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A TEACHER?

WHAT IS THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LIKE?

When I was in high school I spent lots

Holistic, inclusive and warm.

of time looking after my little nieces and nephews, I also completed some of my work experiences in childcare and loved it. At the time it was either teaching or becoming a florist!

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A TEACHER? To ensure that I am catering for the needs of all of the students and that I can support all of our staff to love their jobs as much as I do.

SHADLEY DAVIDS | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, CLONCURRY WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A TEACHER?

WHAT IS THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT LIKE?

My mother was a teacher, while growing

The Catholic School environment

up I saw her passion and love for

encourages teachers to be the best

teaching, and it made me want to do

they can, it focuses on the person as

the same. I also had a few passionate

a whole. It is supportive, welcoming,

teachers in my schooling career who

and inclusive. It is nurturing and aims to

ignited the same passion within me.

develop the individual and their abilities

WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A TEACHER?

I love seeing the academic growth my

learning and engage students in lessons.

students are able to obtain whether it’s from a C level to A level or a D level to C level.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A TEACHER IN 5 WORDS.

My goal as a teacher is to inspire a love for

WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING? I started teaching in 2014 and have worked my way up to a Leadership position.

Positive. Attentive. Enthusiastic.

Dependable. Jovial. Understanding.

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...our Difference WHAT MAKES OUR

“Catholic schools are communities in

Our schools integrate spirituality into

SCHOOLS CATHOLIC?

themselves and we see generations

everyday life, in subtle ways across all

of families come to our schools and

areas of the curriculum, on the sporting

Catholic identity is at the heart of Catholic

cherish being part of it,” said Louise

fields, in the social justice programs, school

education. It is perhaps our biggest

Vella-Cox, Director of Catholic Identity

liturgies and prayer and meditation time.

point of difference as a school system

and Indigenous Education Services,

and the reason many parents choose a

Townsville Catholic Education.

Catholic education for their children.

These school communities are known to

with their body, mind and soul,

At their very core, Catholic schools are

actively support the broader community,

which is especially important as lives

places where the values that Jesus taught

scaffolding within their students a

become busier and faster-paced.

– love, hope, compassion, reconciliation,

lifelong sense of social responsibility

inclusion, justice, a promotion of life in

and engagement to support those in

abundance, liberation and community

need. Staff are focused on providing

– are known and practiced.

the best opportunities based on

However, it is not only through structured Religious Education lessons that our

each student to ensure that they can contribute positively in society.

student body experiences the benefits of

“Catholic identity, social justice, inclusion

a faith-based education. Catholic identity

and excellence are at the core of everything

is woven into the student experience

we do. Respect is important to us and

at every opportunity through the broad

we encourage our students to make

themes of community and spirituality.

positive contributions to society and be their best selves every day,” Louise said.

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Meditation allows students to escape pressures of everyday life and connect

“Our Catholic identity is nurtured through prayer, liturgy, sacred spaces and sacrament striving to be spiritual, respectful and sharing places,” said Louise.

“Students in our Catholic schools don’t just learn about contemplative prayer, they experience it and do it regularly so that it becomes almost second nature to them. Through regularly praying this way, students are given skills to live spiritually in a world of constant change and motion.”

10 reasons to choose a Catholic School 1.

2.

3.

4.

We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

We partner with parents in the faith formation of their child.

We set high standards for all students and assist them to succeed.

We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life.

5.

6.

7.

8.

We provide modern technology resources to ensure education is delivered effectively.

We instil in students the value of service to others.

We teach children respect of self and others.

We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

9.

10.

We nurture and develop our staff to be people who are dedicated, caring and effective.

We provide state-ofthe-art facilities well suited to our 21st century learners.

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What a great start TO

the new school year!

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STEPPING THROUGH the EASTER SEASON L

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A 18

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MAY 2

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Month of the Mother of God

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9 APR 11 Divine Mercy Day

Easter Sunday

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MAY 16

44 45

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46

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APR 4

38

Ascension of the Lord

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2

39

50

MAY 23

Pentecost Sunday

Quiz Time day.

1. There was a prophecy that Jesus would rise on the of the Church.

2. We can say that Pentecost is the on it to remind us that Jesus gave his life for us.

3. The hot cross bun has a when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

4. The apostles heard the noise of Sunday.

5. The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday and ends on

1. Take a candle and scratch an Easter symbol onto the candle 2. Paint the candle 3. Wipe away the paint with a baby wipe 4. Use the candle throughout the Easter season.

Answers: 1. Third 2. Birthday 3. Cross 4. Wind 5. Pentecost

MAKE YOUR OWN EASTER CANDLE

St Peter’s Catholic School, Halifax In 2021, St Peter’s Catholic School

Older students have taken special

had five new prep students join

care with the new students as they

the school community.

learn everything about school.

Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham Year 12 students; Eryn Gusmeroli,

Their prepared speeches were also very

Isabella Melara, Tahlia Nowak and

well researched, presented and interesting!

Darcie Spina competed in the annual Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Quest which was held in mid February.

Zone level with winners from the Lions District – Ingham and Tully. A big thank

were very topical and somewhat

you to teachers Ms Paula Rand and

controversial in our society presently.

Mrs Nicola Winterbourn for helping the

Students answered these questions in a

students prepare. Good Luck to Darcie!

A whole school yarning circle allowed

It was culturally significant to have a yarning

students and staff at St Teresa's College to

circle for staff and students to share their

come together to discuss the significance

stories and perspectives in relation to the

of the 13th Anniversary of the National

apology and the cultural, social, political

Apology to the stolen generation.

and spiritual impacts it has had for First

for all to be heard and to respond.

Nations peoples. The yarning circle began with all participants receiving ochre. The students confidently led the yarning circle with an acknowledgement to country, a

Students and staff at St Teresa's College

slideshow with researched information and

often use yarning circles to collaboratively

a series of points to guide the discussion.

communicate in a creative and safe space.

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Ingham At the beginning of every school year,

the Our Lady of Lourdes Community. This

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School

year, they welcomed 70 new students and

celebrates a Welcome Liturgy for their

their families and seven new staff members.

new staff, students and families.

Listening to the Gospel of Matthew, they

This is always a joyful assembly. The school has a tradition that has been part of their Welcome ceremony for many years, whereby the new members of the school community are called by name and invited to add a blue pebble to their community bowl. Each pebble represents a member of

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Winner. She will now compete at the

very proudly. Their impromptu questions

St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie

trusting relationships and is a place

both Best Public Speaker and Overall

All four students represented the school

way that demonstrated poise and maturity.

A yarning circle is built on respectful,

Congratulations to Darcie Spina who won

learnt from this reading that how we treat each person is important and that we can change people’s lives for the better. As they welcomed new members to their community, they thought about the small acts of kindness everyone could perform to ensure others feel welcome and valued.

St Mary’s Catholic School, Bowen St Mary’s Catholic School has a very

This term, students were overjoyed as

close relationship with their Parish

they harvested their first crop of corn.

and this year, they have combined

Some of the corn was presented at Mass

to create a community garden.

as an offering to the praying community,

The School Chaplain and one of the very dedicated parishioners work together

while the children were also offered to take some home to eat for dinner.

each week and invite students to tend to

St Mary’s Catholic School thanks their

the needs of the community garden, which

Parish for working in collaboration with the

is located within the Church site. The

school to educate the students to care for

students listen and learn how to best tend

our common home and to learn the act

to the needs of growing a variety of plants

of giving of their time to benefit others.

from the wisdom of the keen gardeners.

St Catherine’s Catholic College, The Whitsundays During Week 4, St Catherine’s

grow in its place. He also explained that

Catholic College hosted the launch

to be more generous, compassionate

of Project Compassion which has

and Jesus like, we need to put the

the theme of ‘Be More’ in 2021.

interests of others ahead of our own.

Distinguished guests included

St Catherine’s Assistant Principal of

Bishop Tim, Fr Jose Koyickal, Neil

Religious Education Sue McIntosh said

Helmore (Townsville Diocesan Caritas

that Pope Francis has called Lent 2021

Director), St Mary’s Catholic School,

a season of hope and happiness.

Bowen and local parishioners.

During Bishop Tim’s address, he explored the concept of Lent and reminded everyone that we need to ‘die a little’ to make room for something beautiful to

“We were honoured to host the launch of Project Compassion this year,” said Sue. “Thank you to the TCEO staff and our parishioners who joined us to celebrate this liturgy.”

St Francis School, Ayr At St Francis School, the newly constructed Early Years Hub is buzzing with the excitement of students and teachers.

As Prep students are establishing their routines, Years 1 and 2 have been working collaboratively across their classrooms. As a Professional Learning Community, the Year 1 and 2 teachers have been analysing their student needs as the students rotate through modelled, guided, collaborative and independent learning activities for English and Mathematics.

The students join learning groups and participate in activities tailored to their diverse learning styles and needs. Flexible seating, hands-on resources, technology based learning and working with support staff are all common features in the learning areas. The students are fully engaging in learning experiences in an adaptive, comfortable and fun environment.

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St John Bosco Catholic School, Collinsville St John Bosco Catholic School

and have been focusing on how many

launched their Project Compassion

chickens the fundraising could buy

Appeal this year with a liturgy on

for people in the Solomon Islands as

Ash Wednesday and have started

mentioned on the "What your donations

Chickitas! Chickitas encourages

can do" poster. For each $5.00 raised,

people to bring in chickens.

the school has been putting up a

The students have been enjoying raising funds for Project Compassion

chicken in the office foyer to symbolise the difference they are making. At this stage, they have collected 80 chickens!

St Colman’s School, Home Hill The Prep and Year 1 students at

in their book. This design process was

St Colman’s School kicked off the

followed with a craft activity where the

year with a fancy hat parade.

students could create their hats based on

To develop their skills in the process and application of design technology, the students read the story Hat Parade by Donna Dyson which explores different designs of hats for different situations.

The students were then asked to design a hat of their own by drawing a template

their design. When designing their hats, the students had to keep in mind the resources and materials available, along with the purpose for their design. Once the students worked through the creation stage, they were able to proudly perform their own hat parade for all to see.

Burdekin Catholic High School, Ayr In 2020, Burdekin Catholic High School revamped its Year 6 Transition into High School plan to incorporate transition days across the school year.

Year 6 students visited Burdekin Catholic High School in Terms 3 and 4 for part days and for their final transition day in Week 8 of Term 4 before commencing Year 7 in 2021.

They took part in a number of classes over their three transition days in preparation for their journey from primary to high school.

Students had the opportunity to make pizzas, design and build boxes, create keyrings with the school crest lasered into them, play sports, try out the computer rooms and perform on stage in the Drama room. The success of the transition days was evident when on the first day of school in 2021, students were settled, knew the school and already felt part of the Burdekin Catholic High School community.

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Marian Catholic School, Currajong Gratitude, empathy and mindfulness (G.E.M.) are qualities we all aspire to show but we often need guidance in how to achieve them.

Fortunately, this year Marian Catholic School is part of the highly successful Resilience Project that aims to deliver an emotionally engaging program to students to build positive mental health, resilience and happiness. Miss Therese is leading the lower school classes in their exploration into what gratitude, empathy and mindfulness actually mean to them and the classroom teachers are enjoying working through the program journals in their own classrooms. With current research telling us that one in seven primary school students will experience mental health problems this year, it is important that we all work on G.E.M.

Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan The staff and students farewelled Fr Dave Lancini at their Opening Liturgy and thanked him for his friendship, goodness, compassion and service, and his invaluable contribution over many years.

Just as the parish is named after Jesus the Good Shepherd, Fr Dave was a good shepherd to students, staff and families in many ways – guiding, protecting and nurturing them on their faith journey. He always used analogies and props to explain the meaning of stories, but at the Opening Liturgy the roles were reversed with Fr Dave being dressed up as a shepherd! At one stage he was asked to close his eyes and take a rest (like a shepherd takes a rest under a shady tree), but he was quickly woken by 2000+ sheep from his flock bleating in the audience! Just as a shepherd protects its sheep and brings back those who’ve strayed from the flock, Fr Dave did just that with the Ryan Catholic College community. He is much loved and will be greatly missed.

St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell In 2021, St Clare's Catholic School is embedding 'The Resilience Project' and looking at ways to show gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in their everyday lives.

The Peer Leaders have been teaching their classes the basics and have loved being leaders. In action the children will show gratitude to God in prayers of praise. Jesus is the perfect model of empathy, so the students are looking for moments of empathy or acting this way with others. Mindfulness is something St Clare's Catholic School does well when they meditate.

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St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park St Margaret Mary’s College (SMMC) offers students every opportunity to succeed in their chosen career by offering strong pathways in the Senior school.

The 2020 Year 12 cohort was an excellent example of educated young women of spirit and purpose. Samantha Hughes who was College Dux in 2020, achieved an ATAR of 99.25 and has been successful in her application to the Advance Science (Honours) course at the University of Queensland this year.

Samantha was joined by many other high achievers, four of whom were successful in their application to the James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Program in 2021.

At SMMC individual student success is encouraged through the promotion of

St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra

various career pathways. 2020 Year 12

On the 8th of December 2020, Pope Francis declared that from the

student, Elisabeth Matters was the recipient

8th December 2020 to the 8th December 2021 we would celebrate

of the 2020 Queensland Training Awards,

the "Year of St Joseph" in honour of the 150th anniversary of Saint

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of

Joseph being named as the patron of the Universal Church.

the Year and a finalist in the Aboriginal

In his apostolic letter the Pope wrote:

and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award. Elisabeth is completing her Certificate III in Carpentry through an apprenticeship with Ausco Modular in 2021.

In the Gospels, St Joseph appears as a strong and courageous man, a working man, yet in his heart we see great tenderness, which is not the virtue of the weak but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love.

SMMC is proud of the achievements of the 2020 cohort and the promotion of senior pathways which provide every opportunity for success. After all, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” (Bobby Unser).

As a school, such attributes are an essential part of the Joey’s Way and are very strongly represented in the school motto "Love is Service." Senior students have been called to lead in this call to serve others. To be strong servant leaders, as phrased by Pope Francis "... a sign of strength of spirit ... for compassion, for a genuine openness to others, for love”.

A picture says a thousand words and one image captured the living experience of the Joey's Way. The image was taken at the commissioning of the school leaders. Purely by accident, the photo captured what true service is – without reward and just seeking to serve another, one senior leans across and helps the other senior student pin her leadership badge on, assisting somebody else when the need arises. This is the Joey's Way and this is what it is like to follow in the courageous, compassionate and faith filled footsteps of Saint Joseph.

In this Year of Saint Joseph, the students and staff will be striving to be compassionate, faith and love filled members of the school community with a trust in God.

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Holy Spirit Catholic School, Cranbrook It’s official! On Monday 15 February,

through successfully gaining a grant for

Spirit Playgroup - a welcoming CALD

the project, promoting the playgroup, and

Community Playgroup commenced,

engaging with families and service provides

welcoming parents and young children

who support families from culturally and

The concept of the Holy Spirit Playgroup

linguistically diverse backgrounds.

originated with parents Majella Purcell

Throughout the playgroup sessions, babies,

and Alice Calleja. Active mothers,

toddlers and parents enjoy stories, songs,

Alice and Majella’s combined skills of

craft, a chat and some refreshment.

teaching and nursing developed the idea which has now come to fruition.

Spirit Playgroup is on every second Monday from 8.45am – 10.15am in

In true Holy Spirit hospitality, Rebecca

the Out of School Hours Care facility.

Rowan, TCE's Advisory Visiting Specialist-

Parking and easy access are available

English as an Additional Language or

in Hatchett Street. All are welcome!

Dialect has assisted in driving the project

Good Shepherd Catholic School, Rasmussen Good Shepherd Catholic School recently

2020. Bohle house took out the Swimming

held their annual swimming carnival.

Carnival Trophy and Ross house took out

It was wonderful to hold a school sporting event after having to cancel so many in

the Spirit Award. Thank you to all families and friends who came and supported and helped out at the swimming carnival event.

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Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale • How to help a friend who has a

Southern Cross Catholic College

first aid to their friends. This course

are excited to have been able to

is based on guidelines developed

mental health problem by looking

offer Teen Mental Health First Aid

through the expert consensus of

out for warning signs, asking how

training to their Year 9 students

people with lived experience of mental

they are, listening to their responses,

during their Futures lessons.

health problems and professionals.

helping them connect with an adult,

This training has been conducted by

In these sessions students learnt:

qualified professionals who work in organisations external to the school and are very experienced dealing with young people in need of assistance to manage their mental health.

The Teen Mental Health First Aid course is designed to help high school students learn how to provide mental health

St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun 2021 has seen an increase in enrolments at St Anthony’s Catholic College and the time has come to add another House to the existing pastoral system.

After extensive research and discernment it was settled that St Benedict, O.F.M., would be the House Patron Saint and the House colour would be purple. St Benedict, the son of African slaves, lived in the 16th century, and was a charitable man whose wisdom and counsel was sought by others. He embraced the humility of the Franciscan Charism and nourished his community as a spiritual leader and cook. The Benedict House Crest symbolises aspects of the Benedict House motto “Inspire Through Charity”. Inaugural House Guardian, Mr Knibb, and the House Captains of both the Padua and Assisi Campus look forward to leading their House by living out their house motto to establish an enduring legacy for Benedict House in the College community.

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• Information about mental health problems common amongst young people and the importance of looking out for and getting help for friends when they require it.

• Mental health first aid and how/ when to administer it.

being a good friend and looking after themselves via self-care after difficult conversations with their friends.

Parents of Year 9 students were also invited to attend an information session about the program run by the facilitators. The information presented in this program will add to the wealth of wellbeing information that is provided to students throughout the school’s pastoral care program.

Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa NETBALL ACADEMY SUCCESS AT GOOD SHEPHERD Good Shepherd Catholic College has commenced a Netball Academy in 2021.

It is an elite Junior and Senior development program with the aim to enhance and foster the skills of young athletes to further develop and nurture their netball potential. The Academy aims to build a supportive and inclusive culture of high expectations, performance and leadership; developing the skills and abilities of their athletes by accessing high quality training opportunities and participation at various netball competitions.

Recently the College saw 40 girls trial for the Academy and selected a development squad of 18. Netball Academy Manager, Ms Nikki Dalla Vecchia stated, "It is amazing to see so many students wishing to excel in the sport of netball. There is so much talent amongst young people in Mount Isa and Good Shepherd Catholic College is now in a unique position to further build on that potential.”

St Patrick’s Catholic School, Winton

St Joseph’s Catholic School, Cloncurry

Students in the upper Primary class

includes a Pastoral Care Program.

at St Patrick’s Catholic School,

At St Joseph's Catholic School, classrooms have a poster displayed providing ways

Winton are having their Science

in which people can show respect to themselves, others and the environment.

lessons delivered a little differently.

Each week they meet with Dr Andy, an insectologist who lives in Brisbane. Dr Andy is a scientist who has partnered with the school through the CSIRO

Catholic schools are known for offering a holistic education to students, which

With this focus the school provides a holistic education focusing on the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of all students.

In Catholic education, educators continually strive to find Jesus in all things in churches and liturgies, but also the environment, the people we know and the strangers we meet.

STEM Professionals in Schools Program

The school is known for integrating all facets of life into the daily life of school with

to support St Patrick’s teachers in

students caring for chickens, veggie gardens, as well as looking out for each other. This is

the area of Science. Throughout the

all made possible by the hard work and dedication of the school’s amazing staff members

term, Dr Andy will help students to

who are willing to provide any student with the best possible education experience.

study animal needs and behaviours.

He will guide students to complete experiments as they develop their own inquiry questions such as, “Do bugs prefer hot or cold temperatures?” and “ How does camouflage help animals in their environment?”

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Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers Columba Catholic College’s Opening

from the student body via the Student

reflect the call within the Mission Statement

Celebration of the Word, where they

Representative Council, staff from all areas

to “use their gifts and talents to pursue

gather as an entire school body for the

of the college, parents via Catholic School

excellence and to be a ‘Light to the World”.

first time of the year, took on renewed

Parents Australia and the College Board.

Senior students took inspiration from it as

significance this year as the College unveiled their new Mission Statement.

The resulting statement, a succinct and meaningful representation of who the

Throughout the course of 2020, the

College is, is now being used to guide the

College undertook a rewriting process that

foundations of their work. Their theme for

typified belonging as they sought input

the year, “Arise and Go Out”, was chosen to

St Francis Catholic School, Hughenden Recently students at St Francis Catholic School, Hughenden participated in workshops with Sam Savage and the Pillowcase Project.

The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for grades 3-5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Sam led students through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills.

At the end of the session the students left with a pillowcase in which to pack their personal emergency supplies and a workbook to help them cope with the emotional stress natural disasters can bring.

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they delivered their senior pledge at the liturgy with a focus on service as well as the core values of Courage, Commitment and Compassion. Columba Catholic College is very much looking forward to a year of putting all of these words into action!

St Kieran’s Catholic School, Mount Isa This year at St Kieran's Catholic School, Co-teaching has become the main strategy for supporting all of the diverse learners.

In 2020, they introduced Co-teaching in a small number of classes and after seeing its success have introduced the Co-teaching model into all of their classrooms. In the Key Learning Areas of Literacy and Numeracy, two teachers work together to support the class.

Co-teaching benefits students by providing increased adult attention, shared expertise and shared responsibility. In 2021, St Kieran’s Catholic School is looking forward to the positive growth and learning experiences Coteaching will provide all of their students.

St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mount Isa St Joseph's Catholic School provides their

instruments in lessons, from bucket

The school is also delivering their Deadly

students with a range of specialist lessons.

drumming to playing the recorder. Students

Choices program with middle and senior

are loving this hands-on experience. The

students and this term they have been

school also offers Health which is taught

learning how to cook well balanced

by Mrs Codie Kemp, PE and PMP which are

meals for their family. Students really

taught by Miss Stephanie Apap and LOTE

are 'experiencing opportunity' at St

(Italian) which is taught by Miss Jo Lynch.

Joseph's Catholic School, Mount Isa.

This year, specialisation in The Arts (Music, Drama and Visual Arts), Health, Physical Education and LOTE (Italian) is offered. This term, Arts teacher, Mrs Katrina Woodfield has students playing a range of different

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