The Phoenix Rising - Term 1 2024

PHOENIX RISING

Term 1 2024

All Souls

St Gabriels School CHARTERS TOWERS

FROM THE HEADMASTER

MR SHANNON LEE

Research shows one of the key factors to success in education is when students feel connected to their school or in other words they feel that they belong.

Each year at Awards Day we listen to our School Captains talk about their secondary school experiences. The auditorium is full of people who feel a great sense of pride listening to their reflections. At the very core we will hear a story which captures a deep connection with their peers, opportunity and school culture, history and tradition.

With 88 new students joining our community to start the School year, our ongoing efforts in building community through connection and belonging remain paramount.

This first edition of the Phoenix Rising for 2024 is full of great examples of students who have contributed to an overall sense of belonging and connection within our school community. Our Senior Students and Prefects have been deliberate in their actions to create a welcoming environment through the activities and events they have hosted; Together Tuesday, Wet Fun Day and their active involvement in the Junior School. Outside the School gates we have experienced examples of the lasting connection that our alumni cherish through the Gabe’s Old Girls Association and Anniversary of the Ordination of past student Bishop Godfrey Fryer.

I am pleased to announce the official opening of our Aquatic Centre, following the closure of our old School pool in January 2023. The completion of this new state of the art facility is another milestone in demonstrating our commitment to ongoing school improvement.

Please enjoy this edition of the Phoenix Rising which shows the many and varied opportunities available to our students. A personal highlight of mine being the whole School musical Finding Nemo Jr.

I look forward to seeing you at the official opening of the ASSG Aquatic Centre or another event throughout the term.

OUR 2024 LEADERS

Congratulations to all of our 2024 Junior & Senior School Leaders. Wish you the best of luck for the year ahead and we know that you will lead with pride and integrity.

2024 SCHOOL CAPTAINS AND PREFECTS

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Junior School Captains - Mason Storey and Ava Crane

Junior School Chapel Prefect - Lucinda Reardon

Junior School Vice-Captains - Mason Brunello and Ella Scanlan

Alban House Captain - Elizabeth Groves

Becket House Captain - Lilly-Ann Hensler

Chad House Captain - Maisie Furber

Ramsay House Captain - Cooper Hamlyn

Feetham House Captain - Kayd Barr

Page House Captain - William Knight

Prefect for The Arts - Raiden Putoko

Year 5 Student Council Representatives

Louis Bennetto and Ella Thomson

Year 4 Student Council Representatives

Jack Price and Sarah Hardy

SENIOR SCHOOL

School Captains - Jacalyn Elliott and Luke Keough

Chapel Prefect - Ben Dickson

School Vice Captains - Dru Mossman and Hunter McKellar

Alban House Captain and Prefect - Emily Maxwell

Becket House Captain and Prefect - Erin Wilkinson

Chad House Captain and Prefect - Tyler Godfrey

Ramsay House Captain and Prefect - Connor Atkinson

Feetham House Captain and Prefect - Clancy Stretton

Page House Captain and Prefect - James Geeves

Academic Prefect - Lauren Atwell

Arts Prefect - Milli Goodwin

Service Prefect - Darnelle Steedman

Rural Activities Prefect - Henry Gale

Prefects - William Blennerhassett, Jaydi Cameron, Danni

Eastaughffe, Georgia Gostelow, Barney Hensley, Anna Milton

CAPTAIN’S CORNER

LUKE KEOUGH & JACALYN ELLIOTT SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Term 1 has been an absolute ripper of a term filled with a whole lot of fun and a busy one that’s for sure!! The start of term kicked off with Day 1 being our official Installation as School Captains and Installation for our fellow Prefects, which took place in our beautiful chapel. We, and the Student Leadership Team are extremely blessed, grateful and honoured to be appointed to these roles as leaders for the amazing school we love. During the installation we as your School Captains and Prefects made our vows during the chapel service to lead our School through the All Souls St Gabriels School’s motto, Servire Regnare - to serve is to reign, and our four values of: integrity, resilience, respect, and service. We are without a doubt kicking goals in the expertise as the Prefect team has created a day called “Together Tuesday,” where the Prefects and seniors every Tuesday lunchtime give up our time to organise games for everyone to play. Our goal for Together Tuesday has been to promote more inclusiveness within the School and simply provide an opportunity for people to have some fun.

Keeping this term busy was a trip down to Brisbane for past student Bishop Godfrey Fryar’s anniversary of his Ordination. This demonstrated a great example to the students who attended how the connection of All Souls St Gabriels School never dies, really showcasing that we are a part of something much bigger than us. It was a privilege to experience first hand the strength of the ASSG connection and how the Phoenix inside all of us can never be killed. Just as Monty Morris said, “ You can’t kill a Pheonix, well not permanently.”.

A common theme we have been expressing towards everyone alongside Mr Lee is to have a mindset that it is courageous to step out of your comfort zone. This means being willing to take a challenging risk that may succeed or fail. Whether that may be in your academics, learning, sports, or extra-curricular activities. By doing this you grow as an individual, become a better version of yourself, and reach your fullest potential. As Michael Jordan said, “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.”

With the term coming to a close, the Prefect team joined forces to provide the School community with a fun opportunity in the final days of Term 1. With the organisation of the end of term water day prepared, run, and packed away by the Senior cohort it truly exhibited the All Souls St Gabriels School motto to its best potential. Ending this term in a great way, it reinforces that All Souls St Gabriels School is something special.

MASON STOREY & AVA CRANE

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Term 1 was a lot of fun in Junior School. We had lots of exciting outdoor education experiences to help our learning. Year 6 went to Magnetic Island for their Leadership Camp and Year 2 went to the Zara Clark Museum. Year 3 and Year 5 worked really hard completing their NAPLAN tests which was a great accomplishment for all of them. We are so proud of how hard they worked and we were really happy to watch them celebrate this great achievement with the Pizza, Popper, Popcorn and Pineapple party.

There was a lot of sporting events happening this term. We had the Inter-School T-ball competition and the Rugby League Gala day for Year 5 and Year 6. We were lucky that most of the T-ball matches were at ASSG and we had great coaching from Mrs Walsh and Mrs Thompson for the whole term. We finished our term with one of the best events of the year: our Inter-House Cross Country carnival.

A highlight for the Junior School this term was the Finding Nemo Junior Musical. We had so many of our Junior School students involved in this wonderful event and we were so excited to watch all of our friends showcase their spectacular acting skills at The World Theatre. We are so proud of each student who gave their very best effort in the musical. We only heard great reviews from everyone who went to watch and we can’t wait for news about the next musical.

We are looking forward to an exciting Term 2 and all of the adventures that await.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

On the first day of term we acknowledged our 2023 Dux of School and Proxime Accessit (runner up to Dux). Our Dux of 2023 was Seth Guldbransen, who also recieved the Morris Prize. Our Proxime Accessit was Darcy Frost. Congratulations boys!

ASH

WEDNESDAY

REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DUST, AND TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN

On the 14th February our Senior School and Junior School students attended Ash Wednesday services at the All Souls St Gabriels School Chapel to prepare for the first day of Lent - a season of penance, reflection, and fasting.

We thank Father Philip and our Chapel Prefect Ben Dickson for the wonderful Service.

2023 Proxime Accessit - Darcy Frost

2023 Dux of the School & Morris Prize Winner - Seth Guldbransen

EMERALD MULTI SPORT TRIP

At the end of Week 4, we had three Netball and three Rugby Union teams travel to Emerald to play in the 2024 Champagnat Cup, hosted by Marist College Emerald for the third year running. Our teams spent the weekend playing games against Marist College Emerald, and Emerald State High School. There were some great wins, a few losses, and many memories made.

A huge thank you goes to the staff, parents, referees and umpires who gave up their time to support our teams over the weekend, it was a fantastic experience for our students and they had a great time!

SENIOR SCHOOL INTER SCHOOL

ANNA MILTON & BEN DICKSON

2024 SWIMMING CAPTAINS

SWIMMING

On the morning of Monday 11th March, the time had come to hit the water for the 2024 Inter-School Swimming Carnival. The morning opened with the 200m and 100m races with loads of our amazing swimmers able to place in the top 3. By the end of the morning we had made a strong lead against the other schools.

After an early lunch we were back in the water with the 50s and relays. After some outstanding performances from our swimmers, we held our lead right to the end. At the end of the day we had a 100 point lead on Columba Catholic College, our nearest rivals.

Our younger girls gave it their all with the majority finishing in 1st or 2nd place. Their efforts were not in vain as it allowed us to come away with the Don Doyle Memorial Shield. The girls’ relay teams put in a tremendous effort, but just fell short, losing the Morton Cup by 3 points to Columba Catholic College. All of the girls who swam did amazingly well and showed what it is to be a St Gabriel’s girl.

The boys pushed it to their limits in the water, with the relay teams bringing home the Griffiths Memorial Shield. In the end the boys defeated Columba Catholic College, winning the A & R Duckworth Trophy by 50 points. All of the boys who swam should be proud of their accomplishments.

Our future looks promising with one of our youngest swimmers Charlie Hourston breaking three records for the 200m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.

We would also like to thank our coach Mr Glover and our manager Mrs Dickson, with your support and encouragement our swimmers were able to prevail.

CONGRATULATIONS

AGE CHAMPIONS

Charlie Hourston 12 Years Boys

Lilah Plant 13 Years Girls

Konnor Laffin 13 Years Boys

Hollie Laffin 15 Years Girls

Anna Milton Opens Girls

RUNNERS UP

Curtis Reardon 13 Years Boys

Matilda Hare 14 Years Girls

Zavier Harper 15 Years Boys

Benjamin Moxham 16 Years Boys

Ben Dickson Opens Boys

SENIOR SCHOOL INTER SCHOOL TENNIS

BARNEY HENSLEY

2024 TENNIS CAPTAIN

On Friday 15th March a group of mighty tennis players were taken over to the town courts to try and score the InterSchool Tennis championship. The afternoon started with a short warm-up and then straight into a doubles round against Blackheath and Thornbrough College.

It was then the singles round against BTC. Opens had a disappointing result against BTC, the U15s were very close only behind by 2 points. The U13s were able to come away with a win.

Next was a doubles round against Columba Catholic College. We all fought hard because we needed a win to get the championship. Opens were able to beat CCC by just 2 points, U15s and U13s easily won against CCC. At the end of the evening, Opens and U15s both came second to BTC but the U13s had a magnificent win, in the lead by a total of 45 points.

BTC ended up winning the overall championship. Although we didn’t win, the afternoon was great fun and everyone enjoyed themselves.

CAMPDRAFT CLINIC

On the 16th and 17th March, All Souls St Gabriels School held their annual Campdraft Clinic. Over the weekend, 15 students participated in the clinic which was instructed by Matt Stanger. Throughout the weekend participants firstly took part in many different exercises, working on chasing each other’s horses around the arena and working on rider position. As the weekend progressed, participants had the opportunity to put these skills to use on the cattle kindly donated by the Allingham family from Fletcher Vale Pastoral Co. Vast improvement was seen throughout all horses and riders with many full rounds achieved.

A sincere thank you goes out to all that made this weekend possible. In particular Mr Teichmann and Mrs Atwell for organising everything behind the scenes. Thanks also to the Allingham family for the donation of cattle, as well as Matt Stanger for his time taken to instruct the participants over the weekend. In addition we also thank all the parents and friends who took time out to help out throughout the weekend. We are very thankful to everyone’s contributions and look forward to the next clinic.

HENRY GALE 2024 RURAL PREFECT

INTER HOUSE

JUNIOR SCHOOL

GIRLS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

6 Years Pippa Walsh Anniyah Pearson-Lawrence

7 Years Darcy Hilditch Alira Newton

8 Years Frankie Fry Phoebe Storey

9 Years Harper Crane Elsie Bennetto

10 Years Georgia Johnson Sarah Hardy

11 Years Ella Thomson Clare Brady

12 Years Lilly-Ann Hensler Ella Scanlan

BOYS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

6 Years Jaxon Single Daniel Groves

7 Years Hunter Woods Beau Thomson

8 Years Oliver Bredden Bodhi Butler

9 Years Jack Price Logan Pemble

10 Years Archie Kennedy Travis Searle

11 Years Reece Kime Nate Musk

12 Years William Knight Kayd Barr

CHAMPION HOUSES

Overall - Becket & Feetham

SENIOR SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

12 Years Mackenzie Woodward Lainee Heading

13 Years Esme Butcher Mackenzie Jonsson

14 Years Eve Crozier

15 Years Pattison Fink Tahira Groth

16 Years Jade Cowan Hannah Knuth

Opens Lynisa Kennedy Tyler Godfrey

BOYS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

12 Years Bruno Bennetto Charlie Hourston

13 Years Blaze Peddle Damien Pedersen

14 Years Lochlan Bonner -Chookie Lianidas Yamashita

15 Years Darcy Cameron Archie Hay

16 Years Ian Lamont William Elliott

Opens Luke Keough Tristan Hopkins-Little

CHAMPION HOUSES

Overall - Chad & Page Boys - Page Girls - Chad

KICKING OFF THE RUGBY LEAGUE SEASON

This year saw our Rugby League season kick off a little earlier than usual with the first three rounds of the Opens Inter-School game taking place in Term 1. This meant that our First XIII boys got to play rounds against Blackheath & Thornbrough College & Columba Catholic College, with the Seconds taking on Charters Towers State High School. We also saw the first round of the 15s & Opens NQISSRL competition take place here at ASSG against Southern Cross Catholic College. Both compeitions will continue in Term 2.

WET FUN DAY

Our Prefects organised a wet fun day filled with water based activities in the last week of Term 1. It was a great way to cool down after a very hot Inter-House Cross Country. With slip & slides, sponge fights and more, it was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the end of exams and a very busy Term 1. Thank you Prefects!

MY favOURITE THING ABOUT BOARDING IS...

LAINEE HEADING

I LOVE seeing all my friends, activities on O’Keeffe Oval. I like the opportunity to play sport like netball, tennis & swimming.

LEON KENNEDY

I love weekends in boarding and the opportunity to go up town, and the ice- cream stall that visits on Sunday. My favourite thing about boarding is the extra activities like the Barra Fun Park Trip and the Emerald Sporting tripthey were really fun!

ABBIE WOLFENDEN

I love spending time with my friends and all the sporting opportunities like netball and tennis.

NEJAIA ROMELO RABUKA

Loves to play footy at the dorm. Playing pool in the common room and watching TV. Love being able to play for the Charters Towers Miners.

CONNOR KENNEDY

I enjoy boarding because I am with all of my friends every day.

EMMA LAMONT

The highlight of my boarding life in Term 1 is getting to be around all of the great people in my dorm.

KAYLA FLYNN

My highlight of boarding is making lots of new friends.

BLAKE SIBSON

The highlight of being a boarder at ASSG is making friends that I trust.

TERESA BARRY

Loves sleeping in and having sleep overs with my friends in other people’s bays. I like going up town, to the Barra Fun Park, and doing lots of different activities on the weekend.

MADDY POPPELL

This term in boarding I have loved starting a new sport, going on Magnetic Island Camp, and making new friends.

CINZIA BELLA

My boarding highlights this term have been making new friends and going up town on the weekend.

HALLE O’SULLIVAN

The thing I have loved about boarding is making new friends and going to the Barra Fun Park on the weekend.

My highlight was when all of the Year 7 Chad boarders contributed to a present for our dormy Alison MACKENZIE JONSSON

ESME BUTCHER

I am a proud Chad House boarder. Boarding is truly a whole new experience with great activities on the weekend. For example - I love the trips to town and excursions to Townsville.

MY favOURITE THING ABOUT BOARDING

DIVING INTO THE DEEP BLUE

On the 8th and 9th March, All Souls St Gabriels School students performed the musical Finding Nemo Jr. 730 tickets were sold over the two nights, which was a great turn out from the community. For our opening night on the 8th March, our start had to be delayed because we were inundated with support from the community and it took longer than anticipated to seat so many people. We would like to thank everyone who came to watch and hope you all enjoyed it. A big congratulations must go to all cast members for performing such a great show. It was great for our School to be able to showcase the wonderful talent that we possess across the Arts department.

FINDING NEMO JR MUSICAL

A massive thanks must go to all staff involved, the musical wouldn’t have been possible without you. We must also thank all the students that helped backstage with moving sets, setting up mics and helping with makeup. A musical is a big production, casting began last year and countless hours have gone into rehearsal, costume design, choreography amongst other things since then. To see so many parts of our community come together and put on such a wonderful show was amazing.

MILLI GOODWIN ARTS PREFECT

BOARDING

VANESSA HERRING ACTING HEAD OF BOARDING

It’s been a fantastic term with many boarding achievements and milestones accomplished!

Our Recreation Program was a huge success once again, many thanks to our beautiful Boarding Recreation and Activities Co-ordinator Natalie who makes it all possible. Natalie has our Term 2 program organised and ready to go, with another 10 weeks of exciting activities and events planned.

Our dormitories continue to thrive with the hum of busy boarders. Term 1 saw all our favourites return such as; Netball, Touch, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tennis, Swimming, Cross Country, Cattle Club, Commercial Band, and Less Talk More Art… just to name a few.

I’d like to end by thanking our All Souls St Gabriels School community for their ongoing support, especially that of our Boarding team – I am truly grateful for everything you do. I look forward to seeing you all again in Term 2.

SENIOR SCHOOL INTER HOUSE SWIMMING

GIRLS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

12 Years Lainee Heading Mackenzie Woodward

13 Years Lilah Plant Isabelle Moxham

14 Years Matilda Hare Brooke Jenkins

15 Years Hollie Laffin Grace Turner

16 Years Stevie Williamson Jae Mossman Opens Anna Milton Yasmin Musk

BOYS

AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP

12 Years Charlie Hourston Elias Kerswell

13 Years Konnor Laffin Kurtis Reardon

14 Years Jack Webb Roary Polkevaz

15 Years Xavier Harper Jake Hall

16 Years Benjamin Moxham Xavier Lord Opens Ben Dickson Cayden Bell

Overall - Becket & Feetham

Boys - Feetham

Girls - Becket

CHAMPION HOUSES

ASSG AQUATIC CENTRE

With the The opening of our new Aquatic Centre is a significant milestone in the history of our School. The closure of our 25 yard pool, originally built in 1922 with recycled red bricks from the mining chimneys demolished during World War 1, necessitated decisive action. The Senior Leadership Team and School Boards were united in their dedication to the construction of a state of the art Aquatic Centre.

Planned usage of the Aquatic Centre, with programs aligned to the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia, includes Learn to Swim, Stroke Correction, Squad Training, Water Safety, Recreation, and the introduction of new sports such as Water Polo. The construction of this facility will be an asset to our students and the wider Charters Towers Community.

We look forward to seeing you at the Official Opening where you will see the facility in use and hear about the planned programs for the future. to our communities.

JUNIOR

PRE PREP

MRS AMY SWEENEY

During Term 1, Pre-prep focused on building relationships between students, teachers and peers, as well as supporting the children to feel comfortable, confident and supported in their new learning environment. To further strengthen relationships and support the children’s transition to school, the Year 11 and Year 5 students visited Pre-prep regularly. This promoted social and support networks for the Pre-prep children beginning their learning journey and promoted a sense of community and belonging in the school. Furthermore, we built routines together that offer powerful opportunities for connection, engagement and development. These flexible routines also support us to learn new skills in safe and familiar settings.

PREP

MRS KATELYN OSBALDISTON

We have gone so far over the rainbow this term! We have learnt each sound in the alphabet, how to say it and write it. Students painted with water on the concrete, formed letters in shaving cream, used wiki sticks, playdoh, coloured sand and drew on the whiteboards, all to support forming their letters in a fun and engaging way. To support sound recognition, blending and hearing the sounds in words, we have played many different games and fun activities and movement. Mrs Fittock, Mrs Cragg, Miss Chloe and I were so impressed at the way the students have improved and worked hard this term. We cannot wait to see the progress next term.

SCHOOL

Welcome to the calm, cool and chilled Year 1 Groovers! We have been busy learning new routines. We love our literacy groups and buddy reading with Year 4 and Year 6. Each day we look forward to new and exciting maths daily reviews, lessons and games. We have been lucky enough to have Miss Haines join us for a week. She is a 3rd year Student Teacher and a past student of All Souls St Gabriels School. It has been fun to teach Miss Haines about our literacy groups and phonics lessons. We cannot wait to have her back again in July. This term we completed units of work focused on light and sound, Eric Carle style collage, poetry and how we change and grow.

yEAR 1

MRS JANITA REARDON

yEAR 2

We are sweethearts in Year Two, Learning is fun, we love school it’s true!

Reading, writing and making magic too, We ENJOY our Art, and think Science is cool. History is intriguing and technology a hoot, Our classroom is colourful with our self-portraits -so cute. We’ve had a busy but productive term, School is great and we’re here to LEARN!

MRS LAURA HEUIR

yEAR 3

MRS AMELIA BUCHHOLZ

JUNIOR

Welcome to the Year 3 PAW-Some Pups! We have been extremely busy this term settling into life in Year 3. Whilst learning across a variety of subjects, we have smashed through and tackled NAPLAN for our first time. A key moment this term however was when we came to school and discovered our chairs were all stacked away. The chairs had had enough and wrote a letter explaining that for them to return we had to convince them. Year 3 worked well using their growing knowledge of persuasive writing and wrote letters to convince the chairs to return. Luckily for us, the chairs returned the next day as we were tired and sore from having to sit or stand all day. The Year 3 students have now written letters to Miss Richards to try and convince her to get a class pet. I wonder if a pet will be waiting for them next term!

yEAR 4

MRS JANE TURNER

MRS MELISSA NICHOLLS

As well as all the wonderful subject learning we have completed this term, Year 4 have been investigating the Zones of Regulation. To introduce the topic, we started with a picture book which promoted a lot of great discussions. We compared the emotions of the characters to those we have also felt and how sometimes our bodies give us messages about the way we are feeling. We then looked at the four zones in more detail and found out All Zones Are Ok. After a matching activity and discussion about which emotions and feelings belonged in each zone, every student, as well as Mrs Turner and Mrs Nicholls, received a keyring with each colour represented. We now all continuously check in with our emotions and recognise which zone we are in throughout the day. We look forward to the next part of this learning journey about regulating our emotions next term.

SCHOOL

Year 5 students enjoyed the range of hands-on learning experiences on offer this term. The Outdoor Education launch and Inter-House Cross Country were favourites among many, while for others being able to learn Drama from Miss V in the Senior School Drama Room was also a highlight. Year 5 also participated in NAPLAN testing and worked hard to serve our Pre-prep class by assisting in the clean-up of Little Souls & Gabes and by playing with the Pre-prep students weekly.

This term Year 6 had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Team Up program run by the PCYC. This program supported us to develop skills in communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership. We were so excited to

MR ALEX DUCKHAM

MS PRUE CLARKE yEAR 5

join the PCYC Team each week and engage in some really exciting, funny, and sometimes tricky activities that required us to really think as a team and negotiate our game strategy to make sure we could all succeed. This summarises our experience with the PCYC Team and their Team Up program:

T = Together we learnt valuable life skills and ways to be the best community members we can.

E = Everyone had an amazing time and we learnt to cooperate and communicate to help each other learn and move forward.

A = Achievement of our best selves and being better classmates is what we hoped to accomplish each week.

M = Many relationships were strengthened, and new friendships were made.

U = Understanding each other and supporting each other are skills that we will keep forever.

P = People worked together to create great things and achieve great results.

JS T BALL

We kicked off our 2024 Junior School Inter-School Sport fixtures with T-Ball, and what a ball we had. We had a very interrupted season due to the Year 6 camp and the school musical rehearsals. In fact, throughout the six weeks of training, we only had one training session where the entire team was present. It was a full team effort from all the Year 5 and 6 students who continued to show up and fill in wherever required.

Watching the students’ confidence, team spirit, and ability grow throughout the season was very rewarding. Both the boy’s and girl’s teams earned the right to chant the Souls and Gabes war cries on multiple occasions, which they did with great pride.

Overall, the Girls finished 2nd on the ladder, and the Boys finished equal 3rd.

MRS JUSTINE WALSH

JS SPORTS CO ORDINATOR

LEARNING TO LEAD YEAR 6 MAGNETIC ISLAND LEADERSHIP CAMP

On Thursday and Friday, 8th and 9th February our Year 6 class spent two days on picturesque Magnetic Island, developing their teamwork, co-operation and communication skills in preparation for their leadership journey. Here they enjoyed a range of challenging and rewarding outdoor education activities which enable them to grow as a group while having a wonderful time. I would like to thank Mr Lee, Miss Clarke and Mrs Clark for accompanying the Year 6 class.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION LAUNCH

This year the Junior School is implementing an Outdoor Education program. As part of this program all students in Prep to Year 6 will have the opportunity to participate in a camp, excursion or outdoor education experience appropriate to their developmental level. This program is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop personal and interpersonal capabilities such as communication, resilience, selfconfidence, leadership, teamwork and more. An official launch of the program was held on Friday 2 February. During this event students enjoyed both House and Year Level challenges and even a campfire (for Year 5 and 6 students).

THE RITE JOURNEY

Early on in the term our Year 9 Students took part in The Departure Ceremony which marks the beginning of the Rite Journey Program. Taking place at Towers Hill, our students reflected on their path so far and began creating goals for the person they wish to be. This process was facilitated by our skilled Rite Journey teachers.

We encourage parents and guardians to connect with their children around this program as we move through the year.

For more information, head to https://theritejourney.com/

Year 7 Camp

ISLAND

After being postponed due to Cyclone Kirrily, the Year 7 students took off to Magnetic Island at the start of Week 5 for the Annual Year 7 Camp.

The students participated in a range of activities including snorkeling, team development, archery tag, beach games, bush skills, orienteering & more.

The activities were designed to establish friendships and team development within the year level and house groups, and were thoroughly enjoyed by all!

SERVIRE REGNARE

Throughout Term 1 there were a variety of different services happening throughout the School. The Leo’s Club had a Valentine’s

SERVICES UPDATE

Day stall selling bags of chips and lots of love related lollies, making a total profit of $647.50. All profits raised from the Valentine’s Day stall were donated to ‘Dolly’s Dream’.

Z-Club had a bake sale this term, baking variety of cake, brownies, rocky road and more. Z-Club had made a profit of around $500, which was then donated to the Isolated Children’s & Parents’ Association.

We look forward to more opportunities throughout the year to serve our School & community.

DARNELLE STEEDMAN SERVICE PREFECT

LUNCH ON THE GO

Year 12 Hospitality kept our bellies full with their 2024 Lunch on the Go. The students planned, practised, priced, took orders, prepared, & packaged a wide range of delicious meals for students & staff.

LADY DAY SERVICE & DINNER

On the evening of Monday 25th March we celebrated The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Year 12 Ladies led the Chapel Service which was then followed by our Lady Day Dinner at Halse Hall .

The Hall was decorated beautifully, we were treated to some lovely vocal entertainment by our talented students; and finally we heard from our guest speakers Kasey (Class of 2019) & Katelyn O’Donoghue from Homegrown Trio.

A big thanks to our amazing Kitchen Staff for a delicious meal and to Alban House who were hosts for the evening.

ST GABRIEL’S OLD GIRLS’ LUNCHEON

Later on in Term 1 our School Captain Jacalyn Elliott, Prefect Anna Milton & teacher Mrs Roberts travelled to Brisbane to attend the St Gabriel’s Old Girls’ Luncheon. The Association presented our Prefects with a very generous $300 donation to the Ponytail Project. This event is always a highlight of the calendar.

Our thanks to Jacki Clayton and Pat Pepper who keep this thriving link with the School going.

BURRY WORK WEEKEND

The annual Burry Work Weekend was a success yet again this year with a number of projects being completed over the course of the weekend. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the past & present students, staff & families who volunteered their time to maintain & improve the School in time for the 2024 School year. It is weekends like this where our school spirit shines!