Contents - Term 2, 2012 3..................Anzac Day 4-6..............Religious Life of the School 7..................Parents & Community 8-9..............Environmental Education 10...............Student Support Services 11................Kindergarten & Early Years
12-13..........Focus On Primary 14-15..........Focus On Secondary 16-17..........Learning & Teaching 18-19.........News from our Northern & Southern Schools 20................News from our Western Schools 21................News from our Townsville Schools
Thank You – Annette and Althea
Director’s Message In the last week of Term I attended a Parliamentary reception in Brisbane along with other TCEO representatives, three of our principals and two P&F representatives from the Townsville Diocese. The reception was held for the Queensland Catholic education community and was hosted by Speaker of the House, Hon Fiona Simpson. Archbishop Coleridge gave an inspiring presentation on Catholic schools as great contributors to society. Premier Campbell Newman was generous in his comments which included an acknowledgement of St Rita’s College where his daughters are enrolled. It was also a valuable opportunity to meet the many newly elected MPs and reconnect with those returning to parliament following the recent election. Earlier in the term we welcomed a visit from Fr Lawrence Freeman, Benedictine Monk and Leader of the World Community for Christian Meditation (UK based). Fr Lawrence last visited Townsville in 2006 when we launched our Christian Meditation in Catholic Schools program. Since this time, all of our Catholic schools now deliver Christian Meditation as part of the life of the school, with some wonderful outcomes. During his visit, Fr Lawrence met with teachers and students to discuss (and practice) Christian Meditation. Further information on this visit is included on pages 4 and 5. Once again our schools were highly visible in our communities in Term 2, celebrating events such as ANZAC Day, Reconciliation Week and actively supporting charities such as Project Compassion, Tour de Cure and many others that are mentioned in the good news stories in this magazine. This is an important part of a Catholic education, giving students the chance to become actively involved in our community and to help others. Pentecost marked the beginning of the Year of Grace for the Catholic Church in Australia. The Year of Grace is a call from the Bishops of Australia to start afresh from Christ and an invitation to renew our faith and life as Catholics. The Bishops have made a video that breaks open the theme “Starting afresh in Christ” and I encourage you to view this on our Diocesan website (www.tsv.catholic.org.au). I also encourage you to visit the Year of Grace website to read more about what the year means and to consider the resources available (www.yearofgrace.catholic.org.au). We will be celebrating as a Catholic Education community in the Townsville Diocese with our Year of Grace Gathering April 10-11, 2013. Next term we will celebrate Catholic Education Week and NAIDOC Week. Almost one thousand students from Catholic schools across the Diocese will gather in Townsville to participate in Mulkadee 2012 – a very busy and inspiring term ahead! God’s blessings
Dr Cathy Day Director
A very big thank you to Annette Cope who has been acting Principal at St Francis School, Ayr throughout Term 1 and 2 of this year. Annette was preparing to retire until she was asked by TCEO to step into this role. We thank you Annette and wish you and your husband well for your retirement travels! Thank you also to Althea Norton, another of our retired principals who has helped us out enormously over the years in acting Principalship roles, most recently at St Mary’s School in Bowen. We are very fortunate to have such experienced and dedicated people in our Catholic education community.
Townsville Catholic Education representatives at the Parliamentary reception for Queensland Catholic Education in Brisbane, June 20. L-R: Peter MacNamara, Cathy Day (Director TCEO) & Kathy Park (Principal, St Margaret Mary’s College).
Follow our schools on Facebook! St Margaret Mary’s College www.facebook.com/stmargaretmaryscollege Ryan Catholic College www.facebook.com/ryancatholicollege St Catherine’s Catholic College, The Whitsundays www.facebook.com/StCatherinesCatholicCollege Ignatius Park College www.facebook.com/pages/ignatius-park-college St Francis School, Hughenden www.facebook.com/StFrancisSchoolHughenden St Mary’s School, Bowen www.facebook.com/pages/st-marys-school-bowen St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie www.facebook.com/pages/abergowrie-college St Anthony’s Catholic College www.facebook.com/SACCTSV Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa www.facebook.com/pages/good-shepherd-catholic-college-mt-isa
“The Catholic school, as part of the Church, witnesses to the wider community through its physical presence and authentic proclamation of the gospel in word and action.”
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Our Catholic Schools mark Anzac Day Burdekin Catholic High School ANZAC day ceremony Top | Mrs Rosemary Menkens (Member for Burdekin), Fr Thomas Nelliany (Parish Priest), Mr Chris Relf (Deputy Principal – Curriculum), Daniella Cardillo (School Captain), Matthew Toumazou (School Captain), Zac Lovelady (SVDP President), Kurt Perry (School Vice Captain), Gemma Pontarelli (School Vice Captain), Mrs Lyn McLaughlin (then Mayor for Burdekin Shire), Captain Matt Hodda, Mr Brett Jones (Deputy Principal – Pastoral) & Mr Tom Kruger (Principal)
Hughenden The students at St Francis School participating in the ANZAC Day march in Hughenden.
Cloncurry Despite a cold and wet Anzac morning, St Joseph’s School was well represented at the Cloncurry Anzac Day march - some of the students proudly wore medals belonging either to their parents or grandparents.
Ayr St Francis School, Ayr students Noah Licciardello and Kristin Petersen with Mr Rob Marriott, a member of Legacy and returned Vietnam Veteran.
Charters Towers A small group of the large contingent of Columba Catholic College Students and Staff who marched on Anzac Day flanked by Father Michael Taylor.
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Religious Life
of the School
World Leader for Christian Meditation visits Townsville Top | Fr Laurence Freeman met with the ‘Leading Teachers Christian Meditation’ to discuss their Christian Meditation programs.
Benedictine Monk and World Leader for Christian Meditation, Fr Laurence Freeman visited Townsville in Term 2 to talk to students and students about the Christian Meditation program that has been practised in our Catholic schools since 2006. During his visit, Fr Laurence visited students at the Year 11 Christian Meditation Retreat at Gumburu, Paluma, worked with teachers and APREs and visited schools. Right | Fr Damian McGrath, Tom Kruger (Principal Burdekin Catholic High School), Dr Cathy Day (Director Townsville Catholic Education), Christian Gordon (Abergowrie College) and students with Fr Laurence Freeman at the Year 11 Christian Meditation Retreat in Paluma.
Fr Laurence Visits Ryan During his visit to Townsville, Fr Laurence visited the children of Prep A, 3C and 4C at Ryan Catholic College. He joined the children by sitting with them in a circle and shared in the sacred form of prayer, Christian Meditation. Christian Meditation is practised daily on the Ryan Junior Campus and we welcome parents/carers, friends and community members to join classes during our Christian Meditations Weeks. Left | Fr Laurence meditating with students and teacher Carmel Thompson at Ryan Catholic College
Whole of School Meditation On the 19th of March and on the 24th of May, schools across the Townsville Diocese stopped at 12 noon to pray and meditate together as one. Right | Kane Lowis (in focus) and Year 2 students at St Colman’s School, Home Hill, during meditation. Far Right | Students at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Mount Isa during a whole of school meditation.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
What is Christian Meditation?
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) Top | Students from Prep – Year 12 in Catholic schools throughout the Townsville Diocese practise Christian Meditation in the classroom. Many secondary colleges now have their own student-driven Christian Meditation groups that meet during lunch breaks and after school to develop the practise. Pictured are students at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham.
Meditation is not about reaching an altered state of consciousness or seeing and experiencing something out of the ordinary. It is about entering more fully into the ordinary, learning to live in the present moment and discovering the ordinary is shot through with the extraordinary. We need silence for our psychological health as well as for our spiritual growth. In today’s busy world, it is difficult to find opportunities for silence and stillness. Children and young people also need silence and stillness.
The fruits - the harvest of the spirit
Real silence is interior. Even if we are in a very noisy place, we can be still and silent if we are concentrated, which means being at one with our own centre.
By practising mediation, you will notice the benefits (the fruits) in your daily life. Your awareness of this personal inner change may not be rapid or dramatic. The change can best be described as the ‘harvest of the spirit’.
We learn to be silent by paying attention. Attention brings the centre of our being to full consciousness.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, gentleness and self-control. Mediation leads to an inner calm and a sense of self-awareness. It helps reduce stress and allows people to appreciate the present moment. Christian Meditation of course also helps people to develop a deep relationship with God, through reciting the mantra, Ma-ra-na-tha, which means, Come Lord. By teaching children to meditate, both at school and at home, it will help them become calmer and develop a greater appreciation for others - which will assist in all of their relationships - in the classroom, the playground and at home.
Picture | Every Monday is ‘Meditation Monday’ at St Francis School in Hughenden. We begin our day with a whole school meditation on our verandas.
Columba Students Participate in the Christian Meditation Retreat On the 8th and 9th May, three Year 11 students from Columba Catholic College in Charters Towers travelled to Gumburu in the Paluma rainforest to learn how Christian Meditation can strengthen the spirit. They were joined on the retreat by other Year 11 students from throughout the Townsville Diocese. TCEO retreat leaders had a smorgasbord of information and experiences for the students, all of which encouraged them to appreciate the power of silence and stillness in forging a stronger bond with God and increasing their attentiveness to everyday experiences. Whilst on retreat, the students received input from Fr Laurence Freeman, the leader of the World Community for Christian Meditation (based in London). Above | Columba Catholic College students, Kelley Miller, Andrea Busiko and Madeleine Ruddle with teacher, Mr Andrew Butler at the Christian Mediation Retreat at Paluma.
The students are planning to provide the opportunity for others at the college to learn how Christian Meditation can enhance their lives.
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HOLY WEEK Top | Students at St Michael’s School, Palm Island re-enact Jesus praying on the hill during their Holy Week Easter Liturgy.
Portrayal of Jesus’ Passion
The Last Supper in Cloncurry As part of Holy Week activities, St Joseph’s School in Cloncurry invited Bishop Austen to the school to re-enact the events of the Last Supper. The students listened as Bishop Austen spoke of the story behind the Passover Meal and why the Last Supper was so significant. Together the students shared unleavened bread and a glass of wine (red cordial) and discussed the link between the Eucharist we share every Sunday and the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples. Below | Bishop Austen re-enacting the Last Supper with students at St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry.
On Good Friday, the College Student Leadership Team at Good Shepherd Catholic College in Mount Isa supported the Parish in the portrayal of Jesus’ Passion according to John. The Parish was impressed with the quality and solemnity of students and their contribution and dedication to the parish and community. Above | Students from Good Shepherd Catholic College portrayed the passion of Jesus on Good Friday at the Good Shepherd Parish, Mount Isa.
Picture | St Joseph’s School, The Strand held an Easter liturgy in the Church with students Daniel Conn, Cohen Skinner carrying the cross. Students Lara Gilbett and Oliver Dickinson led their way with candles.
Washing of Hands at Marian As part of Holy Week preparation, students at Marian Catholic School participated in a liturgy which focused on the Last Supper. During the liturgy students were reminded that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as a model of love and service. They were also reminded that we too are all called to love and serve others just as Christ did. Following the liturgy students participated in a ‘Washing of Hands’ ritual, reflecting on the significance of this simple action and how they might be more like Jesus in their daily lives. Right | Marian Catholic School students participating in the ‘washing of hands’ ritual.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Parents &
Community
HSS Lynch Family Hall opening - history in the making Top | Holy Spirit School Leaders with Simon Lynch and Annemarie Hodson - the children of Ron & Pat Lynch at the official opening and blessing of the Holy Spirit School Lynch Family Hall.
The return of past teachers and families from the 70s, 80s and 90s hallmarked the opening of Holy Spirit School’s BER facilities. TCEO Assistant Director and Past Principal of Holy Spirit School, Ross Horner, performed the official opening ceremony with the assistance of Principal, Paul Lucas and the Lynch family siblings, Annemarie and Simon. The school’s new hall was named in recognition of the generosity of Ron and Pat Lynch who donated the land upon which Holy Spirit School now stands. Not only was the opening of all BER facilities a triumph for staff, it was a joyful celebration for past friends and staff and the children of Holy Spirit School.
P&F News The past months have been very busy for the Diocesan P&F Association. In May, a group of 13 parents attended the Queensland Federation P&F conference on the Gold Coast. During the conference our past Diocesan Chair Karl McKenzie was elected Chair of the State Committee of the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools in Queensland. Kim Bellert was also made a life member. Congratulations to both Karl and Kim. We must also acknowledge the great work of David Taylor also from Townsville who is the outgoing Chair of the State Committee. It is fantastic to see Townsville playing such an active role at the State level. Planning is also well underway for the Townsville Diocesan P&F’s Catholic Education Week Family Fun Day, to be held in Ingham at Our Lady of Lourdes School, 11am2pm on Sunday 22nd July. Our quarterly Council meeting was also taken “on the road” to Our Lady of Lourdes School this month. Thank you to the parents and teachers that took the time out of their busy schedules to attend. Wayne Crase President Townsville Diocesan P&F Association
OUR SCHOOLS IN OUTREACH St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry - Flood Appeal
St Francis School, Ayr Autism Awareness
Sr Lyn Freestone (St Vincent de Paul Society) and Mrs Therese Curley (APRE) with a cheque for $524.40 - a donation from St Joseph’s School to the St Vincent de Paul Flood Appeal.
St Joseph’s School, The Strand –Cancer Council The Prep students at St Joseph’s were proud to launch the school’s ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ fundraiser for the Cancer Council. The children celebrated the occasion by having a Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
On Thursday 19th April, the students at St Francis School turned blue to help raise awareness and funds to support people living with Autism and their families, raising more than $270!
Claire Fanning and Connor Sadler (and teddy bears!) from St Joseph’s School, The Strand.
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Environmental Education
Top | St Colman’s gardeners, Tamika Lehmann and Sian Winchester.
Things are Fruitful at St Colman’s Things are very fruitful at St Colman’s School, Home Hill! Year 6/7 students and local gardener Don once again prepared the vegetable garden for another great season. As well as weeding, preparing and planting the vegetables, the students have also set up a small hydroponic system, growing lettuce and comparing it with the growth of that grown in the garden.
Worm habitats at St Francis, Hughenden
What a Difference a Year Makes! After Cyclone Yasi devastated the grounds at Holy Spirit School in February 2011, North Queensland Dry Tropics came to the school’s aid by drafting a fresh plan to restore trees and gardens throughout the campus – with some creativity! As a result, Holy Spirit School now boasts a Lizard Garden, a Dinosaur Garden and a Sensory Trail which encourages children’s interactivity. With the involvement of groundsman Glen and parent horticulturalist Brendan Lucas, the new gardens were established early this year and are now thriving in beds of recycled bark chips from Yasi’s destructions. Brendan reported great co-operation from the local Day Dawn Nursery as local plant selection was essential but problematic because of limited availability. “While the gardens are somewhat embryonic at present, says Brendan, we hope to expand them with ideas from the student environmental council and the student users.”
Picture | As part of the Carbon Kids program, St Francis School has started a worm habitat, purchasing worm farms for each class.
Eco Warriors at St Joseph’s, Cloncurry Every week our ‘St Joseph’s Eco Warriors’ award the class that has been the most eco-friendly. Examples include switching off lights, setting air conditioners at 25 degrees and the efficient use of paper.
Picture | Holy Spirit School students working in the new gardens.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Right | Two of St Joseph’s Eco Warriors, Georgia Burgess and Darcie Fickling - future leaders working together to nurture our environment.
BCHS Clean Up Australia Day Top | On Sunday, 4th March, Burdekin Catholic High School Year 10 Homeroom teachers and students embarked on a journey along Beach Road for their annual Clean Up Australia campaign. Once again, our volunteers embraced the event for what it is, a wonderful act of service for the wider community. Thank you to all students and teachers involved.
Giant Step Forward in Sustainability at HSS
Helping the environment, one lunchbox at a time!
The Holy Spirit School student environment council (The Busy Bees) is using a ‘Bio-Regen’ machine that mulches food scraps into a bio-liquid. This bio-liquid is then purchased from the school by “Bio-Regen” and sold as fertilizer to North Queensland banana and sugar cane farmers.
The Good Shepherd Catholic Community School Eco Warriors club is encouraging students to bring a litter-free lunch every Friday, with the aim of reducing the amount of rubbish generated at the school. Eco Warriors members said the litter-free lunches are growing in popularity. The Eco Warriors monitor lunchboxes each Friday and award a prize to two students with litter-free lunches. The prizes are designed to promote ecofriendly behaviour.
Holy Spirit also can re-use this bio-liquid as a fertilizer for school ovals, as it decreases the amount of normal watering required. The school now has a working bio-science site - more for the school, less rubbish to landfill, great education in the 5 Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, REPLACE) and an on-tap fertilizer and cleaning product.
Reef Guardians’ Meeting at St Patrick’s College On Thursday 17th May, students from six schools in the Townsville Diocese met at St Patrick’s College to take part in the second meeting of the Reef Guardian Schools’ Environmental Council . The group was given a tour of the College’s environmental initiatives including the herb and vegetable garden, aquaponics feature and drainage rehabilitation program. As future leaders it was a great opportunity to learn how we can protect and nurture the world around us. We enjoyed sharing our concerns and receiving feedback from like-minded leaders. We gathered many useful ideas that we can bring to our whole school community and we can’t wait to meet again at the next Environmental Council Meeting and share news of our progress! Right | St Patrick’s College students participated in the second meeting of the Reef Guardian Schools’ Environmental Council.
Meditation with Art The 15th annual SMMC visual art class camp to Gumburu took place during Term 2. Our focus is to use the beautiful environment to inspire and stimulate our creative outcomes. Gumburu is a sacred place and with no bells and clock-watching, the students were soon under the spell of the surroundings and wonderful art began to appear. It was fantastic to see the girls move into the “zone”, I call it meditation with art. The purpose of the camp is to enable the girls to create a large resource and process folio that will be the inspiration for further developed and resolved work at school. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful retreat centre at Paluma. The Visual art camp is an institution I hope will carry on for many years to come. Picture | Year 11 art students from St Margaret Mary’s College participate in the annual art camp at the Gumburu Environmental Education Centre.
Cath Meharry Art teacher, St Margaret Mary’s College
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Student Support Services Anxiety During Term 2, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 completed their NAPLAN testing. Often children become quite anxious around this time for a variety of reasons.
We Welcome Ann
What is Anxiety? It is a cognitive, behavioural and physical response to a situation or an event. It is also considered to be a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. This can affect how we feel and behave, but can also present as a physical symptom such as feeling sick in the stomach. Some other signs and symptoms may include: Avoidance behaviours Procrastination Perfectionism A constant need for reassurance Worry Cries easily
Useful websites
www.worrybusters.com.au
www.keepkidshealthy.com
www.childanxiety.net
In order to help your child to combat anxiety, whether related to testing situations like NAPLAN, or something else the following tips and strategies may be of use:
Provide Routines: routines provide a sense of security and less risk of making mistakes; it also allows for predictability.
Positive Encouragement: Provide encouragement to cope with change and where possible, provide early notice of change in order to reduce anxiety.
Reward Efforts: children who are anxious often won’t try something, just in case they get it wrong. Providing positive feedback for having a go is very important.
Talk: most importantly, talking about fears and worries helps your child to realise that they are not so different from others. Also, acknowledging your child’s fear helps them feel validated and also helps in reducing their anxiety.
Avoid being dismissive and using a “Don’t worry” approach – saying don’t worry only causes your child to worry more.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
This term the Townsville Catholic Education Guidance Team welcomed a new member. Mrs Ann Pag joined the team and is based in Mount Isa. Ann is a Registered Psychologist and has held registration since 1997. Having previously worked as a School Counsellor at Mercy College in Mackay, Ann is very excited to be back in the school environment and in particular this time, working with primary aged children. Ann and her family have lived in Mount Isa for over five years and they continue to enjoy the challenges and resourcefulness of the community. Ann is currently working part time covering St Joseph’s and St Kieran’s Primary Schools.
Kindergarten & Early Years Education Top | The Prep/1/2 class at St Francis School, Hughenden enjoyed a visit with the local fire truck to learn about fire safety.
Catholic Kindergartens Kindergarten is an important step for your child, helping them to: grow socially and emotionally develop and extend their communication skills build self-confidence and sense of identity learn to be creative and active learners further assist them with reading, writing and mathematics Catholic Kindergartens offer an education program delivered in a Catholic environment where the spirituality of each child is valued. The educational program has been developed from the Kindergarten Learning Guideline set by the Queensland
Studies Authority. It is delivered by a four-year university trained early childhood education teacher, 15 hours a week, 40 weeks a year. Catholic Kindergartens operate under the auspices of St Mary Mackillop Kindergartens. Kindergarten is available at: St Joseph’s School, The Strand Ryan Catholic College, Kirwan St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Mount Isa St Mary MacKillop Early Learning Centres Mundingburra, Kirwan, Rasmussen, Ingham and Mount Isa
Budding Artists at St Joseph’s, Mundingburra Prep students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra have been working with local, award-winning artist Anna Mango to create their own insect portrait. This project has been made possible through the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery ‘Artist-in-Schools’ program. The program has involved weekly lessons with Anna Mango to increase students’ skills, selfesteem and appreciation of art. Students’ portraits will be exhibited in the Perc Tucker Stairwell Gallery in June. The students will visit the gallery and the school will hold a special exhibition for family and friends.
For more information visit www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/kindergarten or email kindergarten@tsv.catholic.edu.au
Preps participate in Cross Country Picture | It was a wonderful occasion for the Prep students at St Francis School, Ayr during Term 2 when they participated in the Cross Country event.
Above | Prep students Lilli Hughes, Elias Shultz, Thomas Gillman, Delaney Brooks, Remi Schiappadori and Taylah Mackay with artist Anna Mango.
Technology in the Classroom Picture | St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School Prep students, James Woodley and Rilee Webber explore the use of ipads.
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Focus on Primary Go Make a Difference As part of the Marian Catholic School 2012 theme, ‘Go Make a Difference’, students were challenged to make a difference for Project Compassion. In the tradition of almsgiving, students were encouraged to give something up for Lent and to donate the money they would normally spend to Caritas. They were also encouraged to make a difference at home by taking on extra responsibilities around the house and including any proceeds in their donation. For every $10 students brought in, a coloured doll was added to create our rainbow. The students watched the rainbow closely to see how much it grew over the 5 weeks. Top | Marie Radford from Caritas along with students, Emily Daumuller, Lewis Chadwick, Jack Mines, Erin Roy, Casey McDonald and Drew Vickers.
Robotics Fun Senior students at St Catherine’s Catholic College have been working with a Robotics program. This is a very challenging process which requires students to build robots from small Lego pieces, and then “program” the robots with the aid of computers, to perform certain tasks. Right | St Catherine’s Catholic College student, Fred Dray, working in the robotics program.
Exploring History As part of their ‘When I was your age’ history unit, Year 1 students at St Catherine’s Catholic College had a day where they came to school dressed in clothes that their grandparents would have worn when they were the same age. Students had a taste of what school life would have been like without air-conditioning and fridges - and their teachers had canes! Students played games from their grandparents’ era before heading off on an excursion to the museum. Many parents and grandparents joined the children on their trek to the museum. Students and adults alike enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Above | Year 1 students at St Catherine’s Catholic College participating in their history unit, ‘When I Was Your Age.’
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Picture | St Anthony’s Catholic College Year 6 students engaging in edible science.
Edible Science Year 6 students at St Anthony’s Catholic College have become ‘Change Detectives’. Students have been investigating the physical and chemical changes that occur to states of matter. 6D used this opportunity to take part in a yummy experiment, making pancakes to get up close and personal with Science. The class, along with their teacher, Erin McBride, measured and mixed solids and liquids to create a delicious pancake batter and watched closely as it cooked. Students observed how heat can change liquids to solids and thoroughly enjoyed taste testing their experiment.
‘Good Stuff Readers’ at Good Shepherd A love of reading has landed the ‘Good Stuff Readers’ team at Good Shepherd Catholic Community School the winning spot at the 9th annual Reader’s Cup Challenge (primary section). Each year the school selects its representative team through hosting their own Readers’ Challenge for children in Years 6 and 7. Sixteen students were tasked with reading the novel, ‘Hitler’s Daughter’ by Jackie French and answering questions on the book at the quiz-style event. The five top scorers were invited to form the ‘Good Stuff Readers’ team to compete in the Regional Challenge, supported by the Townsville community and CityLibraries. The Good Shepherd team competed against forty schools from the Townsville, Burdekin and Ingham regions. The team is now preparing to compete in the State Readers Challenge. The GSCCS Reading Challenge is now an annual event on the school calendar and is a fantastic way to start National Year of Reading for the students at Good Shepherd Catholic Community School. Top | The Good Shepherd ‘Good Stuff Readers’ - Benjamin Stevens, Hannekah Thompson, Elanze Botha, Caitlin Bartholomew and Liam Miles.
Following the Transit of Venus The Transit of Venus is when Venus moves in front of the Sun. Year 3 students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra saw the Transit of Venus on the white board with an image which was projected through the telescope. The students were lucky because it all took place during the school day. Mrs Carroll had to keep moving the telescope because the Sun was changing position - the Earth was moving. The Transit of Venus will not come again for 105 1/2 years. Below | Year 3 students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra viewing the Transit of Venus
The Language of Mathematics At St Colman’s School we have been privileged to take part in Eva de Vries and Elizabeth Warren’s project ‘Role M’, a hands-on mathematical programme currently aimed at the early years. The project targets students’ understanding of mathematical representations and the language of mathematics. Below | Year 2 class with their fraction display after exploring halves and quarters. The students enjoy engaging with the hands on activities to support their mathematical learning.
Student Protection Picture | Year 6 students from St Joseph’s School, The Strand presented Denise and Bruce Morcombe with funds they raised for the Morcombe Foundation.
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Focus on Secondary Good Shepherd Launches WYD 2013 Campaign Good Shepherd Catholic College in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish (Mount Isa) launched their campaign for World Youth Day 2013 during Term 2. A group of 27 students have committed to travelling to South America to celebrate what is predicted to be the largest gathering of World’s youth in history (approximately 6 million). Students have begun fundraising for the trip and attending Mass as part of their commitment. Look out for fundraising opportunities coming your way and please support us on our pilgrimage! Top | Good Shepherd Catholic College students have launched their campaign to attend World Youth Day in Rio in 2013.
SMMC’s Young Vinnies The St Margaret Mary’s College ‘Young Vinnies’ group has continued its proud tradition of community involvement. Activities have included visiting the elderly residents at Loreto Home and signing up as ‘buddies’ for the Edmond Rice Camps. The girls also joined a monthly Zumba fitness class organised by the St Vincent de Paul Refugee Assistance Program. This is a great way for the students to meet and mix with refugee youth from Sudan, Liberia, Rwanda and Afghanistan.
Columba Students Attend State Honours Ensemble Program
Picture | St Margaret Mary’s College ‘Young Vinnies’ members
Seven Columba Catholic College students participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), which took place at St Mary’s Catholic College in Cairns. The students were selected to attend the weekend of intensive workshops where they were fortunate enough to work with educators from Griffith University’s Conservatorium. The amazing talent of North Queensland music students was demonstrated in the concluding concert. Above | Columba Catholic College students attended the State Honour Ensemble Program in Cairns
ECOMAN Studies for Ryan & St Anthony’s ECOMAN is a unique simulated business education activity promoted by the Queensland Private Enterprise Centre in association with Griffith University. The program focuses on developing an understanding of economics and business management and the relevance of these to the future. Ryan Catholic College and St Anthony’s Catholic Collge students applied the knowledge gained during the sessions to a simulated manufacturing company. Students were divided into four company groups and each appointed a managing director and directors of production, sales and marketing, finance and human resources. They then competed against each other for market share, sales and profit, whilst operating in a dynamic business environment over a four year period. Each year of trading brought about different economic climates that lead to numerous decision-making situations. At the end of the four year period each company had to report on the progress of the company to the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Above | Ryan Catholic College students participating in the ECOMAN program
Year 10 Oratory Prize
Movers and Shakers Ten young people from the Townsville Diocese (including eight from St Patrick’s College), attended Movers and Shakers - a Christian Leadership training program for young adults. Movers and Shakers is organised and sponsored by the Queensland Catholic Diocesan Youth Co-ordinators. It has been running for 20 years and has developed into a key strategy in the development of young leaders within the Catholic Church in Queensland and beyond.
Year 10 students ‘seized the day’ with speeches they performed for a persuasive oral on ‘The Dead Poet’s Society’ at the St Margaret Mary’s College Oratory Competition. Congratulations to the winner, Tyla Leo! Above | St Margaret Mary’s College Year 10 student, Tyla Leo with the inaugural Oratory Competition perpetual trophy.
Top | Movers and Shakers from the Townsville Diocese
Mercy Colleges Exchange Visit Since 2009, St Patrick’s College, Townsville and Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta have participated in a Year 10 student exchange program, providing opportunity for the girls to make new friends and establish connections with another Mercy school. Seven girls from Our Lady of Mercy College visited Townsville in April, hosted by St Patrick’s College. Left | Year 10 students from St Patrick’s College, Townsville with visiting students from Our Lady of Mercy College, Paramatta, Sydney.
Advancing Science at BCHS Students at Burdekin Catholic High School had the opportunity to engage with two high level science programs in Term 2. Presenters from the North Queensland Science Education Centre (NQSEC) delivered experimental and theoretical sessions on Nanotechnology and Biotechnology for Year 9 and Year 10 Frontiers students and Year 11 Senior Sciences students. The Nanotechnology session examined ferrofluids, disc diffraction, nano-filtration, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticle diagnostics, quantum dots and nano-coatings - representing sciences that are on the leading edge of scientific study and materials development. In the Biotechnology session, students extracted the DNA from barley seeds and separated DNA by electrophoresis to compare the ‘DNA fingerprint’ of different barley samples. This session used concepts and skills similar to those found in genetics and forensics laboratories. Thank you to the sponsors of these sessions - NQSEC, CSIRO, JCU, TechNyou Science Education Resources, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.
Above | Chiara Pontarelli (Year 10), Hannah Webber (Year 11) & CSIRO Presenter
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Learning & Teaching
Columba’s Teen Vinnies Top | The Columba Catholic College ‘Teen Vinnies’ group visited the residents of the Dalrymple Villa after school to distribute Easter Eggs. It was a delightful afternoon for both the residents and the members of the teen Vinnies group. The students were touched by their interactions with the residents and felt a sense of compassion and willingness to be involved in such activities again in the future.
Young Vinnies at BCHS This year Burdekin Catholic High School has thirteen senior students involved in the St Vincent de Paul group. They meet regularly and organise a roster for staffing the St Vincent de Paul shop every second weekend. Left | Mitchell Sandre, Wynonna Warcon, Corey Marchioni (back row) & Zac Lovelady (front).
St Colman’s Mini Vinnies Once a month students in Year 6/7 at St Colman’s School visit the Home Hill Aged Care Hostel, sharing stories and performances with the residents. During some of their visits students have staged a variety concert, held an iPod day and a St Patrick’s Day puppet show. The students gain a lot from these visits as do the residents, in the way of respecting the stories of older people and an appreciation of them.
Holy Spirit & IPC Reading Buddies The younger students of Holy Spirit School thoroughly enjoy having ‘buddies’ in the upper-school, however it is quite another experience to have a Year 12 boy as a ‘Reading Buddy’. The Ignatius Park College English Communication Class has adopted Year 2 at Holy Spirit School, giving many beginning readers weekly support. Not only is it practical outreach to their neighbours over the fence, but it is an opportunity for mutual learning for both tutors and students. The IPC boys received a special training lesson from Lyn Brodnik, the Holy Spirit School Learning Enrichment teacher, receiving valuable learning-toread ‘tips’ to use with their charges.
Right | Joshua Payne and a resident from the Home Hill Aged Care Hostel.
Vocational Education – STAR Student Picture | Congratulations to St Margaret Mary’s College Year 12 student, Mikaela Houghton who received a Student Training, Achievement and Recognition Award (STAR) at TAFE. Teachers are asked to nominate students of exemplary standard and Mikaela is the first school student to be awarded. Above | Year 12 Ignatius Park College students with their Year 2 Holy Spirit School ‘Reading Buddies’.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Christian Meditation Retreat for Teachers Top | Teachers from 19 Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese attended a 3 day Christian Meditation retreat at Mission Beach.
For a reflective session, some of the teachers were moved to describe what had been discussed through poetry: “Let our lives be guided by the quiet from within, Find a place to meditate and be at one with Him. Lord, open our hearts to see you with us here and now, To accept ourselves and find discipline, Lord, please show us how. And as we learn to listen to the language of the heart, Feel yourself connect with God so you’ll never be apart.” (Meg J)
Indonesian Study Tour for St Catherine’s Teacher Picture | Julia Bates, Indonesian teacher at St Catherine’s Catholic College attended a study tour and reciprocal visit to our sister school in Indonesia, MIN Al-Azhar Asy-Syarif. The experience left her brimming with enthusiasm for cultural and language studies and exchange between our schools.
“To sit in silence And commune with the Spirit A gift to cherish.” (Chris P)
Queensland Education Leadership Institute St Margaret Mary’s College teacher, Michelle Kotzas, was a participant in this year’s Queensland Education Leadership Institute program for Future Leaders - an engaging and rigorous look at the quality of effective leaders. The program runs over 7 phases and is aimed at enhancing understanding of personal leadership capacity, establishing relationships between effective teaching practice and educational leadership, understanding and building successful learning environments and working towards a connected broader community.
Picture | St Margaret Mary’s College teacher, Michelle Kotzas
Teachers Hit the Trails at Gumburu On two occasions this year, a group of teachers have hit the rainforest walking trails at Paluma. The weekend inservices are an important part of camp planning, safety auditing and environmental familiarization – essential skills for taking students on camps and excursions. As all teachers who take students to Gumburu report, immersion in the beautiful rainforest landscape promotes a sense of awe and wonder of the ‘magic’ of nature and appreciation of the cleverness of the Creator. Above | Teachers Mary Ferguson from St Colman’s School, Home Hill and Katie Stedman and Erin Lewis from St John Bosco School, Collinsville at the Gumburu, Paluma.
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Below | Sunrise’s Mark Beretta with students at St Mary’s School, Bowen
News from our
Northern & Southern Schools
Top | Channel 7’s Sunrise Reporter James Tobin with students from St Francis School, Ayr and St Colman’s School, Home Hill during the Tour de Cure.
Tour de Cure The Tour de Cure stopped in at St Mary’s School in Bowen and St Francis School, Ayr during their cycle north. Channel 7’s Sunrise presenters, James Tobin and Mark Beretta were among the celebrities cycling with the Tour. V8 Supercar drivers James Courtney, Jonathon Webb and Tim Slade also joined in the Cancer Council’s fundraising cycling extravaganza.
Centenary Mass for BCHS Picture | Burdekin Catholic High School senior leaders during the Centenary Mass celebrations.
BCHS Year 9 Camp Year 9 students from Burdekin Catholic High School participating in their camp to Keel Bottom Creek during Term 2.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
St Catherine’s Relay for Life Top | The St Catherine’s Catholic College Relay for Life 2012 team.
Mothers’ Day Stall at St Francis, Ayr The Mothers’ Day stall at St Francis School, Ayr was a huge success due to the hard work of many Year 6 and 7 Parents. We thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the day!
Rugby League Selection for Gilroy Student Gilroy Santa Maria College student, Myles Romanello has been selected in the Queensland School Sport 15 years Rugby League Team. He will travel to Darwin for the School Sport Australia Championships in June.
St Colman’s Easter Raffle Year 6/7 students at St Colman’s School, Home Hill hosted an Easter raffle as a fundraiser for Caritas. The students raised $376.30! Left | The winners of the Easter Raffle: Tahlia Ferrando, Caleb Ferrando, Kane Lowis and Chantel Ferrando.
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Rainbow Day at St Joseph’s Mount Isa
News from our Western Schools St Joseph’s Cloncurry Leadership Camp
Top | Our beautiful rainbow is made up of representatives of each class at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Mount Isa. Each person in the school was asked to wear their favourite rainbow colour and we used this as a great way to generate awareness aware of Autism.
Picture | Columba Catholic College’s Age Champions, Jack Pickering and Lachlan Reddicliffe
During the 2 days the leadership team was set a number of challenges to test their ability to work together to find solutions. One of the first activities involved the students creating a leadership flag to display in the Year 7 classroom. This ‘Badge of Honor’ or ‘Code of Conduct’ is a reminder to students of the attributes of good leadership that they will strive to achieve. There will be many opportunities throughout the year to revisit our leadership flag.
Columba Wins Interschool Primary Cross Country! A team of 31 runners from 10 -13 years of age from Columba Catholic College participated in the Charters Towers Primary School Interschool Cross Country championships in April. Under extremely hot and humid conditions, students tried their hardest, representing the College admirably, winning the 2012 Charters Towers Primary School Interschool shield with 44 points. Congratulations CCC!
Picture | Year 7 students from St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry participating in their leadership camp.
Celebrating Mothers Picture | Students at St Francis School in Hughenden celebrated Mothers’ Day with a liturgy and morning tea. Students presented poems and artwork to their mums as well as a whole school DVD with messages of why our mums are special.
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Our Catholic Schools Term 2, 2012
Good Shepherd’s Leadership Camp Picture | Year 12 students from Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa participated in their Leadership Camp held at the Gumburu Environmental Education Centre, Paluma. After a 12 hour bus trip, the students were excited to experience the leadership program in the beautiful Paluma rainforest setting.
Good Shepherd Day On the 4th of May, Good Shepherd Catholic Community School students and families came together to celebrate the charism of the Good Shepherd on the school’s feast day. The day began with a school Mass celebrated by Fr Dave Lancini, followed by buddy class activities that focused on the Good Shepherd and his message for us. The classes then enjoyed a shared lunch together with many parents coming along to help out.
News from our Townsville Schools Top | Fr Dave Lancini celebrates Mass for Good Shepherd Catholic Community School on Good Shepherd Day
Good Shepherd’s Riverway Ramble
Buddy classes were challenged to create a song, poem or rap about the Good Shepherd and present it to the rest of the school. The performances were very entertaining and a great day was had by all.
Mighty Marian Mountathon
Picture | The fifth annual Good Shepherd Catholic Community School Riverway Ramble took place on Friday 21st June.
The students, staff and families at Marian Catholic School have done it again raising $50, 003.95 at this year’s Mighty Marian Mountathon! Congratulations on another mighty Marian effort!
Parents, staff and students from Prep to Year 7 ‘rambled’ from Allambie Lane, along Riverway Drive, to the Riverway Park area in buddy groups. A great day was had by all!
Southern Cross Celebrates Anzac Day
YCS Leaders at SMMC Townsville Catholic Education Director, Dr Cathy Day visited St Margaret Mary’s College to speak to the leaders of the YCS (Young Christian Leaders) group during Term 2. For more information on the Young Christian Leaders, visit www.youth.tsv.catholic.org.au (about us).
Southern Cross Catholic School was well represented at the Townsville Anzac Day march along The Strand. With a growing number of ADF children in our school, it is very important to keep the Anzac tradition alive. The school also held an Anzac Day liturgy and invited along members of the ADF. Right | Lt Col Karl Dubsky, a parent at Southern Cross, giving an Anzac Day address at the school.
New Chaplain for St Joseph’s
Talent on Show at Ryan
Picture | St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra recently welcomed their new School Chaplain, Mr Jonathan Weyand, pictured with students, Finn Knowles, Prue Pillar and Ryder Stephens.
Picture | Ryan Catholic College gave students the opportunity to show off their talents at the ‘I Love Arts’ variety concert in Term 2. All students were invited to audition and from this, a two and a half hour performance was created including dance, singing, poetry and instrumentals. More than 500 people attended a fantastic evening of entertainment.
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