Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 8 - 29TH MAY 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

Good study skills can never be underestimated and as our Year 7-10 cohorts move into peak assessment period, effective study habits are paramount. The environment in which students study plays a very important role in setting the foundations for studying. Having access to a private and quiet study place, along with recommended practices of taking regular breaks and drinking water, can enable students to maintain the focus and concentration that is required for effective study skills. Research also indicates that regular attendance at school and being on time to class are also strongly correlated with good academic outcomes. 

Last week our Year 7 students attended camp at Echo Creek Adventure Centre. From all accounts the students and staff had a wonderful time. Special thanks to Madeleine Carter, Jordan Moy, Michael Barker-Hicks, and Jordan Broomhall for their support and guidance across the three days. We are blessed to have such committed people supporting our students in all aspects of their development at the College.

Last weekend the students of the Columba Cattle Club commenced their annual show circuit with the Clermont Show. Special thanks to Sonia Wood and our team of dedicated parents and staff for their commitment to our students. 

On Monday we reflected on National Sorry Day. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country. 

We also commenced National Reconciliation Week this week and the theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. We recognised the importance of National Reconciliation Week with liturgies, activities and conversation to raise awareness of the importance of working in partnership with each other to benefit all members of our community. I thank each of you: our students, our families and staff for your commitment to the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

Next Friday, 6 June, the College will celebrate Founders’ Day. This is a very important date on the College calendar and allows our community to reflect on our story and the role that St Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice, Archbishop Polding and Catherine McAuley played in modeling the message of Jesus Christ. The day will commence with the Founders’ Day liturgy where we will also take the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful care and service that Christine O’Sullivan and Michelle Burns have given our community leading into their respective retirements. Following the Liturgy we will all enjoy the traditional cream buns and follow up with the Columba Gift, Columba’s Got Talent competition and Feast Day Cup. A special thank you in advance to Matt Tyrie, Karen Casey and the staff who have played a role in organising this event. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by the College community. 

In regards to staffing, it is with great pleasure that I announce Fran Luyt as the Year 5 teacher, commencing immediately. Fran brings a wealth of experience to the College and I am highly confident that she will perform  admirably in her new role on the St Mary’s Campus.  I would also like to acknowledge the great work of our Inclusive Practices Teacher, Kara Hunt, who got the year off to a wonderful start for our Year 5’s.

Shayne Harrison
ACTING PRINCIPAL

FROM THE RELIGION DEPARTMENT - MC CAMPUS

The past five weeks at Columba Catholic College have been a vibrant expression of our faith in action, reflecting our theme for this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope.  Together, we have journeyed through Easter and are now in the 6th week of Easter. Specifically, today is the date of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord and is celebrated. This commemorates Jesus' ascent into Heaven, 40 days after his resurrection. The Ascension symbolises Jesus' victory over death and his promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower his followers. However, we are reminded of the opportunity to grow spiritually through daily encounters with Christ in the simple and sacred moments of school life, in our actions and with others as pilgrims of hope.

• As a faith community, we recently celebrated ‘Year Level Masses’ for Year 8 and 9, where students reflected on their spiritual journeys and were offered opportunities to be united in prayer. These liturgies reminded us of our shared mission and the strength we draw from gathering together as one body in Christ. They were also led by our Parish Priest, Father Emmanuel.
• Recently, our College had the opportunity to represent the Charism and legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice in our Rice House Mass last Saturday evening at the Parish
• Reconciliation Week was also celebrated as a whole campus liturgy in week 6, where the theme Voices for Reconciliation was explored and students were asked,” What does reconciliation mean to me?” This allowed for a moment of reflection and dialogue for some. As a college, we acknowledged the past, prayed for healing, and committed ourselves to walking together in truth and love to consider’ Birdging the now to next’ and that there are still many steps to walk.  ‘Bridging Now to Next 2025’ urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.
• A breakfast club has been started by our Teen Vinnies in recent weeks at Mount Carmel Campus, where students can eat toast, breakfast bars and Milo to sustain them in their day on Thursdays.
• Founders' Day is another highlight, as we remember the courageous men and women who laid the foundations of our college. Their legacy inspires us to live out our values of Courage, Compassion, and Commitment with authenticity and hope. From being in community to joyful celebrations, "Founders' Day" reminds us that we are part of a story bigger than ourselves.  As one college, with one story, the day includes a liturgy, Columba’s Gift and relay from all year levels as well as Columba’s Got Talent, and in all these moments, as a College, it will be spent in unity.

Learning with purpose

Students were examining artefacts in the Brother Foat Museum with the focus on Sacred stories.

A Year 12 Excerpt from Religion and Ethics student Jessica Braes-Polke

At Columba Catholic College, the Brother Foat Museum holds a deeply significant artifact of a white wooden cross adorned with a bible, rosary beads, poppies and bullet casings. This sacred object tells a lesser-known but powerful story of how our Mount Carmel campus was transformed into a military hospital during World War II. Grounded in values of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering faith, this sacred story is deeply woven into our College’s spiritual identity. This project argues that the story behind this artifact remains meaningful and relevant, both as a religious symbol and as a teaching tool for future generations.  

In 1942, during World War II, the Australian Army requisitioned the Mount Carmel campus to establish the 116th General Hospital. The Christian Brothers and thirty borders were displaced and moved into a cramped space known as “The Retreat”. Meanwhile, the nuns at St Mary’s, led by the Mother Superiors, resisted similar military relocation. One Brother later recalled, “Faith became our only certainty when everything else was taken from us” (Foat, personal communication, 2004). In 1944, the Brothers were finally able to return. This event is not just a historical episode, but a spiritual narrative about resilience and hope.  

The sacred story behind Columba’s wartime role and the cross artifact is an essential part of our College’s identity. It reminds us of the power of faith, the strength of community, and the sacrifices made for freedom. It is a place in the Brother Foat Museum that is not just justified but it is necessary. The artifact invites reflection, teaches compassion, and challenges us to uphold our values in everyday life. It remains a timeless lesson in courage and belief, continuing to shape the hearts and minds of today’s Columba community. 

Finally, as Reconciliation week comes to a close, it makes one think that at Columba we are  walking together as the language in our recontextualised College prayer states which was revealed at the start of the school year :

 Loving God, like Jesus, call us to be light to the world every day.

God of all creation (Gaya nganhangu mirangara), as we walk with the Gudjal people, unite us through our shared stories to shape a just future for all.

Matthew Tyrie
ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - MC CAMPUS

FROM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

This term, Year 7 students have been learning about forces and how they affect the way things move. They discovered that when forces are balanced, they cancel each other out, so an object stays still or keeps moving the same way. But when forces are unbalanced, they can make an object start moving, stop, speed up, slow down, or change direction. Students took part in practical activities and experiments to see these ideas in action. These hands-on experiences helped them understand how force, mass, and motion all work together in everyday situations.

This term, Year 8 students learned about plate tectonic theory. They explored how the Earth's surface is made of moving plates and the theory behind how these movements create different landforms. They investigated a historic example of an earthquake, tsunami or volcanic eruption, and explained why this happened in the form of a poster. Cell theory followed, as students learned about the basic unit of life, the structure of cells and how they differ as they become specialised. Using light microscopes, students made slides to view animal and plant cells, as well as learning how to calculate the size of the specimens they viewed.

This term, Year 9 students have been studying the sub-atomic structure of atoms, focusing on how protons, electrons and neutrons give elements different properties. This was consolidated by looking at the arrangement of elements on the Periodic table. Using this knowledge then led to understanding why atoms for molecules for stability, and how this can be expressed in word and chemical equations. Students applied this knowledge by predicting and explaining the outcomes of chemical reactions.

This term, Year 10 students studied DNA and patterns of inheritance. They extracted DNA and studied DNA structure and how this key molecule of inheritance replicates itself. Mitosis and meiosis, forms of cell division, completed the story of how new cells are made, and how a species produces offspring. This was followed by looking at the terminology of inheritance, and how to construct genetic diagrams, Punnett squares and pedigree charts, in order to be able to predict possible patterns of inheritance.

The Senior students have completed their first semester of study in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students have applied analytical skills in data tests, and their understanding of the scientific method in students experiment reports. In Biology, students have been studying cells as the basic unit of life, and how this leads to the formation of a living organism that has the capacity to maintain the balance required for life. In Year 11 chemistry, students have focused on the fundamental ideas behind the Periodic Table, periodic trends and the properties and structure of atoms. Year 12 chemists have studied chemical equilibrium systems, as well as oxidation and reduction. In Physics, students have been investigating linear motion and gravity.

Ben Naughton
MIDDLE LEADER - SCIENCE

SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY REPORT

We are thrilled to share the highlights of what was an inspiring and action-packed day at this year’s Interschool Cross Country Championships, held at the Airport Reserve on Friday 2nd May. Our students showcased remarkable resilience, sportsmanship, and team pride across every age group and event. One of the most inspiring parts of the day wasn’t just the results, but the overwhelming support shown by teammates and staff. Whether it was cheering each other on from the sidelines, offering a helping hand at the finish line, or sharing a post-race snack, our students demonstrated outstanding camaraderie and school spirit throughout the event.

We had a number of standout individual and team results. Notably, Thomas Scholes stormed home to take 1st place as the Open Boys Age Champion. Additionally CJ Knox earned a well-deserved 1st place in the 13yrs AWD Age Champion division. In the team events, our Girls and Boys teams achieved an overall 3rd place respectively, with the College finishing 3rd overall with 831 points. 

Events like this wouldn't be possible without the tireless work of our staff, senior leaders, and parents. A big thank you goes to our PE department, support crew and Scrambled legs Coaches for organising transport, training, and preparation in the lead-up to the event. Special thanks also to the parents who came along to support and to the maintenance and facilities team who helped with setup and transportation. We congratulate Thomas and CJ on their individual achievements and commend all of our runners on their determination.

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

2025 CHARTERS TOWERS NETBALL CARNIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Over the weekend of May 17-18 Charters Towers Netball Association held their annual CTNA Carnival, bringing together teams, families, and supporters from across North Queensland, for a weekend filled with energy, enthusiasm, and exceptional sportsmanship. The event saw teams from various schools and clubs competing across multiple divisions in a series of exciting and fast-paced games. Columba Catholic College had teams competing in four divisions across the weekend. Congratulations to the players, coaches and parents for their outstanding efforts over the weekend.

In addition to medals and trophies for the top teams, special awards were presented for the Most Valuable Player of each division. Congratulations to Bailee Simpson for being selected as the Most Valuable Player of the 15-16 Years A division. 

A big thank-you also goes to our coaches, supporters and parents, your dedication, effort, and sportsmanship made this event unforgettable.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and a sincere thank-you to every team who participated. We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s Netball Carnival!

CAREERS

Charters Towers Careers Expo: A Fantastic Opportunity for Our Students

Our Year 10, 11, and 12 students attended the Charters Towers Careers Expo, an invaluable event that provided them with insights into various career paths and future opportunities.

Held at Poppethead Plaza, Goldtower, the Expo brought together a diverse range of exhibitors, each eager to share their expertise and guidance with our young people. From universities and training organisations to industry professionals, students had the chance to ask questions, explore career options, and gain practical knowledge about their next steps beyond school.

A huge thank you to the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre for organising this incredible event, and to all the exhibitors who took the time to engage with our students. Your support and willingness to share your knowledge have made a significant impact on their career aspirations and future choices.

We look forward to attending future career expos and continuing to provide our students with opportunities to broaden their horizons.

Stay Up to Date with Our School Careers Website!

We want to remind all families that our Columba Careers Website (www.columbacareers.com) is regularly updated with valuable information to support students as they explore their future pathways.

Each week, we upload fresh content across several key areas, including:

• Job Opportunities: Exciting openings for students looking for part-time work, apprenticeships, or career-starting positions.

• Scholarships: Financial assistance options to help students pursue further education and training.

• Newsfeed: The latest career-related updates, events, and important announcements.

Be sure to check the website frequently to stay informed about new opportunities that could benefit your child.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!

Kind regards,
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,

We’ve reached Week 6 of Term 2, and the St Mary’s Campus is certainly alive with learning, growth, and the daily rhythm of classroom life. From the youngest learners to our Year 6 leaders, each day brings new opportunities to deepen understanding, build friendships, and develop confidence.

As Term 2 marks the end of Semester 1, we are beginning preparations for the release of academic report cards. These reports provide an important insight into how your child is progressing—not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. They are a valuable tool in understanding your child’s strengths, growth areas, and overall development throughout the first half of the year.

I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank our dedicated teachers for the time, effort, and professional reflection that goes into writing each report. These are carefully crafted to be meaningful and purposeful for parents, offering clear insights into your child’s learning journey.

This year, you may notice some exciting changes to the report cards, as directed by Townsville Catholic Education. These updates aim to ensure that student progress is assessed more meaningfully and that parents can clearly understand what is being communicated.

Here are the key changes:

• Learning Area Comments have been removed. Instead, each subject will include a Learning Area Statement that outlines the key learning covered throughout the semester.
• Application to Learning is now reported on using a four-point scale: Needs Attention, Satisfactory, Very Good, and Excellent. This reflects the student’s effort, response to feedback, and engagement in learning.
• A statement indicates that the Working With or C achievement level is the expected end-of-year achievement standard. This level of achievement is highlighted in the explanation.
• In Prep, students are assessed and reported on English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, and Religion. Other learning areas are taught but not formally reported.
• Each student’s report will include one general comment personalised by the teacher, offering further insight into your child’s semester.

I am also pleased to share that preliminary NAPLAN results have recently been made available to the school. We have begun analysing this data to celebrate areas of student achievement and to identify opportunities for targeted support and improvement. This information is a valuable part of how we reflect on our teaching and learning practices and ensure we continue to meet the needs of every learner.

I hope these updates and insights support your understanding of your child’s progress. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to nurture and grow every student in our care.

Brooke Stevenson
ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING - SMC

PRIMARY INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL BAKED GOODS

NEWS FROM YEAR 2A

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YEAR 3 NEWS

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Residential Families,

Last week many of our residential students participated in the ASSG Phoenix weekend playing rugby league and netball. The Columba Rugby League First team, led courageously by Tom Scholes and Tom Kirkwood put their counterparts to the sword, winning a cliffhanger of a game 12 - 8. The likes of Blake Wallace with his incisive runs on the wing and Zac Campbell and Will Cursio with their crash plays made it very difficult for the opposition to gain any momentum. Duncan Hewlett was at his defensive best and was ably supported by Jack Davis. The 13 and 15s also won their rugby league games.The Columba girls Firsts Netball team put on the show of the year. Evie Harrington was all over the court and April Keough played tremendously in the centre. The sharpness, athleticism and finesse that the girls played with, truly made it a spectacular event. Well done to all who played. Their sportsmanship, team first mentality, courage and grace was clear to those who spectated at the events. They certainly did their families, selves and school proud.  

This week a number of our boarding students including the Girls’ Residential Captain, Charlotte Coggan, Riley Girdler, Ruby Campbell and Drew, Chelsea and Lucy Fitzpatrick are off to the Clermont Show. At the time of writing this article, the students are all enjoying themselves and competing strongly in all sections that they are participating in. A big thank you to all of the parents including Nadine Lewis, Kylie Williams, Jay Winterburn and Patrick Scharf along with staff members Darkie Abdy, Sonia Wood and Tom McFarlane for making this event an enjoyable one for all of our students

As we are now at the midpoint of the school term, everyone is busily completing assessment, attending Homework Help, participating in sports etc.  It is about this time in the term when many students start to feel the pressures of school life. For the most part, many have everything under control and are sailing along very well. Unfortunately though some members of our residential community have not managed their time as well as they could have. The Residential Houseparents and Heads of Boarding do their utmost to assist their young charges during allocated study times often contacting teachers and Pastoral Leaders to ascertain what assessment/homework students are currently working on.

With our continual community engagement, this weekend will see Ms Ebelt at the Hughenden Show. If you happen to be at the show, please feel free to drop in to say hello. Members of the College leadership team will also be present at the Charters Towers Sunday Vibes Youth Festival at Defiance Park from 10:00 am to 2:00pm. We hope to see some of our boarding parents and boarders in attendance at the event. It should be a great Sunday morning activity.

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - RAISING GIRLS

Raising girls in today’s modern world can be a difficult path for parents and carers to navigate. These days, girls are transitioning to puberty a lot earlier than they used to and the physical, psychological and emotional changes they experience are challenging. As a result, by mid-adolescence, girls are twice as likely to develop mood disorders more so than boys.

Some parents and carers may feel uncertain about how best to support their daughter through the ups and downs of adolescence and how to keep the lines of communication open. With the rise of social media and technology, mental health difficulties in girls are increasing as often they are faced with online images that make it difficult to see themselves as acceptable. Ensuring a daughter’s opinions are heard and her views listened to, will go a long way towards making her feel loved and supported as she tries to establish her own identity.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will attain a clearer picture of what girls are wanting from their adult carers and how best to support them through adolescence.

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 Raising Girls edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-girls

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

MEET THE MONTORS

2025 ATSICHS YOUNG, BLACK AND PROUD SCHOLARSHIPS