Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 4 - 20th March 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the importance and power of prayer. Prayer provides us with the silent opportunity to reflect and consider our strengths, our frailties and our commitment to loving God and to loving our community. Please see below a prayer for contemplation in this season of Lent.

God, I pray for my prayer life to become vibrant and strong in this season of Lent. I pray that your voice even though a whisper would ring loud and true in my life. I pray for the courage and boldness to follow wherever You lead, to love and serve whomever and however You invite me.

The Columba Catholic College Students & Parents Association (CSPA) gathered for their AGM this week. It is truly remarkable the good work they do and the valuable contribution they make, not only to the resources of the College, but to the sense of community they bring. Many thanks to the outgoing committee members for their leadership and support. The new committee has quite a blend of experience and enthusiasm with  Erin Bryant (President), Fiona Murray (VP - Events), Gina Porter as (Vice President) and Corinna Gleeson (Secretary).  All are welcome at meetings, with the Trivia Night in Term 2 high on the agenda. Next meeting will be Monday 28 April, 6pm, at St Mary's Campus administration.

Last week the Year 12 students, led by Mr Tyrie and the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, and accompanied by Mr Champion, Ms Stead, Ms Moy and Ms Tassan , attended the Year 12 Retreat over on Magnetic Island. This year’s theme was "The Inner Journey". Retreats are a very important component of the religious life of our college and by all reports the retreat was a huge success!

This week our students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 completed their NAPLAN testing. Many thanks to the teachers who not only organised the exams but also the class teachers who have been preparing and encouraging students to do their best. Sometimes in the hype of NAPLAN we lose sight of the fact that “your best is always good enough”. We are looking forward to seeing the results and what we can learn, to continue to effectively support our students.

In regards to staffing, after much careful consideration Chistine O'Sullivan has come to the difficult decision that she will resign at the end of her leave mid next term . She was a boarder herself at Columba and her children were the fourth generation of her family to attend the College. She has worked with us for the last 14 years, 12 of which as the APRE. We wish Christine all the best and look forward to having her back in the near future to see her off in style. 

All of our teaching staff participated in a Twilight professional development on Tuesday afternoon. We were grateful to have Kim McCosker, our First Nations Consultant from TCE, who hosted the workshop with us. The focus was on First Nations cultural competency and First Nations literacy. At the end of the workshop, staff took time to work in their respective curriculum areas to integrate First Nations culture and plan for getting the best from First Nations students.

The last couple of weeks are always hectic and please stay patient, stay safe and stay in contact if you need any support.

Shayne Harrison
ACTING PRINCIPAL

SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Friday 21 March 2025

Venue: Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool

Time: 8:25am - 3:oopm

Dress Code: Full School Sports Uniform

Secondary students will be off-campus for our annual Inter-school swimming carnival at Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool - Charters Towers. The swimming carnival is a compulsory event which all students are expected to attend, as there will be no supervision at school. 

Students are to arrive at the pool at 8:25am and move into their allocated school areas for roll marking. Races will commence at 8:45am and run throughout the day. Day students will be dismissed from the pool at 3:00pm. 

All students are required to wear their full school sports uniform, closed in shoes and their College hat. Students are to bring a water bottle and lunch. The canteen will be open to purchase food. If your student is competing on the day, they are required to bring goggles, sunscreen, swimmers and towel. 

All parents and relatives are welcome to attend and cheer on our swimmers during the day. 

SECONDARY INTERHOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

Friday 28 March 2025

Venue: Airport Reserve

Time: 8:25am

Dress Code: Full House Uniform

Secondary students will participate in the annual Inter-house cross country at Airport Reserve in Charters Towers. This is a compulsory event, and all students are expected to attend, as there will be no supervision at school during the event. Students are to arrive at the Airport Reserve by 8:25am.  Pastoral Care rolls will be taken at this time.

Students are required to wear their full and correct sports uniform with house shirt, including a College hat and bring a water bottle.

All students are expected to run in the cross country.  If your child is not able to run, you must provide a written note to Mr Juhas.  Girls may choose to run in PLAIN BLUE OR BLACK skins, PLAIN BLUE OR BLACK bike pants, or CCC shorts.  Boys must run in PLAIN BLUE OR BLACK skins or CCC shorts.  Please organise this now so that if you make the interschool team you have the correct uniform. 

From 10:30am onwards, students will be bused back to the Mount Carmel Campus for the start of lesson 3.  

For students who drive to school. You must be at school by 8am and drop your keys into the front office. You will be bussed over with the boarders and staff at 8:10am.

All students will run the distance required for their age group.

FROM THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Mathematics at Columba isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about solving real-world problems and developing practical skills that students can apply beyond the classroom. This term, students are tackling a wide range of engaging assessments that showcase the real-life applications of maths.

From planning and financing a liveable shed on a tropical island to designing a custom resin-topped table, students are using measurement, geometry, and financial maths to bring creative ideas to life. Others are modifying drink recipes for a market stall using ratios, designing mountain bike tracks down Towers Hill using functions, or budgeting for a skiing trip to Canada—all activities that connect maths to real-world scenarios.

As maths evolves, so do the tools we use. With more digital technology available, some traditional stationery items— like protractors, compasses, and graph paper—will now be provided in class as needed rather than being included on student booklists. If you have any unused pads of graph paper at home, feel free to send them in—we’d love to put them to good use!

To support their learning, students should be completing maths homework most days of the week. For junior secondary students, this should take about 20 minutes per day. If homework is taking significantly longer than this, please let their teacher know with a quick note in their diary or maths book or via email. Students can access their textbooks online to practice questions, make summary notes, and reinforce their understanding. Regular revision helps build confidence and ensures success in their assessments.

Thank you for supporting your child’s maths journey — we look forward to seeing their problem-solving skills in action.

Leanne Brandis
MIDDLE LEADER - MATHEMATICS

CAREERS ADVISOR

Bond University Representative Meets Students and Staff

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Matthew, a representative from Bond University, to our school. During his visit, Matthew shared valuable insights about Bond University's programs, unique learning experiences, and the opportunities available to students.

Students and staff had the chance to engage with Matthew, ask questions, and learn more about what makes Bond University stand out. It was an inspiring session that left everyone with a better understanding of how Bond University can help shape their future.

We extend our thanks to Matthew for taking the time to connect with our school community and share his knowledge. 

Explore Your Future with Pathways Explorer!

The Pathways Explorer from Study Work Grow is here to help you discover career pathways that match your skills, strengths, and interests. Take a moment to explore the possibilities and uncover opportunities that could shape your future. Start your journey today!

Pathways Explorer

ADF Careers - Charters Towers Trade Careers Information Session.

If you are considering a Trade Career you may wish to attend to see what the Defence Trade options are.  Choose from a wide variety of trades ranging from electronics, mechanics and carpentry to cooking and plumbing, and enjoy training, good pay, mateship and job security.  A Trade role in the Australian Defence Force will see you working on some of the world’s most advanced military technology and equipment.  Attend this info session and speak with current serving military members about their own experience and advice.

Event Date: 1 April 2025

Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Venue: Arthur Titley Centre

Charters Towers Information Session

New Entry to Medicine Guide – Out Now

Gaining entry to medicine at university is a complex process – so Study Work Grow has created this complete ‘how-to’ guide to make it easier for students to prepare, find, and apply for a course in medicine.

This guide covers information on application processes, key dates, pathways, and courses for students in Australia and New Zealand.

Kind regards,
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ST MARY'S CAMPUS

Our first term for 2025 has flown by very quickly indeed and although it is drawing to a close, we still have many things yet, to keep us all busy right up to the end of term. As per Miss Stevenson’s email last week, we have our Parent / Teacher interviews next week on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March. The booking system is still open for making bookings up until 8:00am this Friday 21 March. The appointments are 15 minutes in duration and provide an opportunity for discussion and feedback regarding your child’s academic, social and emotional progress. 

Cross-country training has been running consistently on Wednesday mornings and many thanks to Ms Bridie Johnson and Miss Buck for their commitment to this early morning routine. The Inter-house Cross Country event will be held at Mount Carmel College on Thursday 3 April in the last week of school. A letter will be sent home via email this Friday containing all the necessary information. The Inter-school T-Ball will wrap up this week with our boys’ and girls’ teams competing against Richmond Hill State School at their venue. Our students and teams have put in a stellar performance, along with Ms Johnson, Miss Buck and Mr Webber and we wish them well for the final game this week. 

I mentioned on assembly last week that I have had the privilege of working with the senior primary students with a number of sporting events recently, from Inter-school T-Ball to the Rugby gala day, and also the weekly House Games, and I must say that I have been impressed with their commitment, sportsmanship and desire to do their best. In all things they have represented Columba Catholic College very well indeed. 

NAPLAN, including all the teaching, preparation, and testing is always a huge commitment for students and staff and this year has been no different. Thank you to all our students and teachers and particularly to Miss Stevenson who has overseen and driven the process at St Mary’s Campus this year. The students are very much looking forward to the NAPLAN party that Miss Stevenson has organised for them to celebrate the conclusion of the event. 

The Campus was abuzz with celebration of St Patrick’s day, with the thrill of finding the rare four-leaf clovers and the associated prizes, along with the green jelly cups and icy cups on sale. Thank you to Ms Casey and her helpers for organising this fun activity on this important day. We have also started a Chess Club at lunchtimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for students in Years 4 to 6 at this stage to ascertain interest levels and may open it up on other days to younger students. I will send home information in coming weeks regarding free educational chess software that I have found immensely beneficial for assisting students to develop their chess skills, along with options for discounted gold memberships to the program that other schools use to assist students. 

Thank you for your support of St Mary's Campus, as parents, family and friends throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you at school in the various events throughout this term.

Rodney Lane
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ST MARY'S CAMPUS

NEWS FROM 2A

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YEAR 5 NEWS

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students

The residential students continue to enjoy life in the residences and are busy completing all of their individual academic agendas. This year, Columba Boarding is investigating the way we currently convene study. Improving Study is one of the goals in our Annual School Improvement Plan and we will be making a concerted effort in improving the academic outcomes of our student body as a collective. 

Activities

This fortnight the boarding students have been once again engaged in a plethora of weekend activities including fishing trips to the river, shopping, craft making, cooking, movie nights, swimming, touch footy, Miners rugby league, Club cricket and a bit of shopping at the St Patrick's Markets. Boarding is never a dull place to be - there is a bit of something for everyone. 

Katherine ICPA State Conference 

Last week Ms Carter and myself had the good fortune of attending the Katherine ICPA conference. It was great to catch up with former College parents Henry and Bernadette Burke. Henry gave an inspiring speech about the importance of the ICPA and part it plays as a lobby group for country children. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Country Kids Count” and it stressed the importance that all kids, no matter where they live, should have access to a  quality education. There were some rich debates convened and there was a sense of dynamic energy in the room. It was great to catch up with former students Annie Craig (nee Murray) and Jessica Corones (nee Burke). I would like to thank the Katherine ICPA branch for making us feel welcome. We learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On another note, Columba will be represented at the upcoming Katherine Show and we ;look forward to catching up with both current and prospective families. 

Wellbeing Matters

The Residential Community is largely free of harassment and bullying, but it would be remiss of me to think that it does not occur on occasion! The College does not tolerate bullying or violence in any shape or form. If your child complains of bullying or harassment please let the Head of Boarding or myself know at your earliest convenience so steps can be taken to address the matter in a timely fashion, as everyone at this College has a right to feel safe and welcome! 

Year 12 Retreat 

Last week our year 12 boarders attended their Retreat at Magnetic Island. The retreat was a great experience for our senior students. Congratulations are in order for Mr Tyrie, staff and the Passionist for a well-organised retreat. 

Interschool Swimming Carnival

This Friday, Columba will be competing at the Interschool Swimming Carnival. This is our last major event for the term. Many of our boarders will be participating and I am confident that they will give their absolute best. I am looking forward to catching up with as many boarding parents as possible at the carnival. 

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - SURVIVING FINAL YEAR

The final year of secondary school is a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students. With so much going on it can be hard to find the balance between study and life. With all of this going on, it’s not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice for students and parents to help get through the final year of secondary school.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the Guidance Counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Surviving Final Year edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST