Columba Catholic College - Charters Towers eNewsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

As we head toward the final stretch of what has been a wonderful term, students across the College continue to engage in a range of new learning and a rich extracurricular life. This week our Year 12 students began Mock Exams as they prepare for final assessments and external examinations. We continue to keep our students in our thoughts and prayers during this time of preparation, study and engagement.

Pope Francis said; “Let us never forget that authentic power is service.” This week the Mt Carmel Senior Leadership Team had the privilege of supporting our Year 11 students as they applied to serve the College in student leadership roles for 2026. Our Year 11 students reflected and shared their views on servant leadership, and what it means to be a student leader at our College. We encourage our student leaders to engage in activities that promote positive change in our world and model our College’s mission and values; Courage, Commitment and Compassion and to be ‘a light to the world’. Members of the Senior Leadership Team were most impressed during the interviews regarding the passion, knowledge and commitment each student demonstrated when speaking of their vision for student leadership at the College in 2026.

Special thanks to Adonia Hedges, Caroline Jarmey and our Residential Staff for leading a fantastic Long Weekend of activities for our boarding students. We appreciate all of the time and energy they gave to the planning and preparing the three days of activities for our students. The students had a wonderful time and represented the College well.

Last Thursday, we hosted a special Father's Day Liturgy, Breakfast BBQ and activities for our fathers and father figures. Special thanks to James Delaney and Fran Luyt for leading the liturgy; Darren Hope for facilitating the BBQ, and all of the St Mary's Campus staff for providing these experiences for our students and their families. It was great to see so many members of our community joining us on the day.

Last Thursday our Emerging Leaders participated in the Blak Excellence Awards and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Graduation Liturgy. Thanks to Lorette Tassan for all her organisation and Matt Tyrie, Jessie Huen, and Rebecca Ebelt for their support. Our Emerging Leaders presented themselves beautifully and were wonderful ambassadors for the College.

Last Friday our staff were gifted with the opportunity to come together for some professional learning as a part of Reflective Practice Day. Special thanks to our College Leadership Team for leading learning across the day. Special thanks to our Curriculum Middle Leaders who led their teams in preparing for the next phase of our learning journey.

Our Mt Carmel Campus recently hosted a very successful Year 9 and 10 2026 Subject Selection Information Evening and our thanks to Maria Peck and our Curriculum Leaders for their support of this important event.

There is some exciting projects happening for us over the next term with

the walkway outside the MCC Dining Hall being replaced and upgraded,
maintenance on the Mercy Building roof,
replacement of the pool filtration system at MCC pool
Ridley dorm being repurposed into Boarders Study and retreat space
replacement and upgrade of the MCC fire pit
construction of Yarning Circle and sacred space at SMC

Our Year 6’s were able to participate in an amazing opportunity and travel to Canberra last week, experiencing the wealth of educational opportunities available to them in our Nation's capital. The opportunity would not have been possible without the hard work of Gerard Webber as the tour organiser and both Brooke Stevenson and James Delaney who accompanied them for the 5 days.

Term 3 is an especially busy time with enrolment inquiries, and we thank all for the continued interest in our lovely College. To better inform our planning for next year, we ask families to complete their Columba Catholic College Intention 2026 Form. We aim to give any siblings priority placement before looking at our external enrolment requests.

We look forward to next Friday for a fantastic Under 8's Day program. Thank you to Lara Burns and Brooke Stevenson for coordinating this event. Thanks is also extended to all the St Mary’s staff for the hard work behind the scenes to show us at our best to the Community.

Wishing you many blessings and a happy, safe September holiday ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

YEARS 9 and 10 2026 SUBJECT SELECTIONS

Year 9 and 10 Subject Selection Forms for 2026 are due by 8:30am Monday 15^th September 2025. All current Year 8 and 9 students are required to return their Subject Selection Form by this deadline.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTS

In Term 4, Year 12 students will complete external assessments from Monday 27^th October until Tuesday 18^th November 2025. Please note that students must complete the assessments at the designated times indicated in the assessment schedule. Please refer to the assessment schedule below.

2025 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE FOR GENERAL SUBJECTS

The 2025 External Assessment Guide for Year 12 students is now available on the myQCE website.

Please also find attached the following relevant external assessment documents for students and parents. Both students and parents need to be familiar with these documents. Please ensure that students have all the necessary equipment to complete the external assessments.

Directions for Students: External Assessments

Equipment List: External Assessments

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL LEARNING AND TEACHING

Elevate_Education_Webinars_Term3_2025_Aus.pdf

GSF40843.18_25_GSF_2026_Campaign_POSTER_Education_Institutional_Awareness.pdf

TERM 3 SECONDARY SPORTS REPORT

Term 3 has been another action-packed and rewarding season for sport at the College, with students from Years 7–12 competing across a variety of competitions. From team sports to individual pursuits, our students proudly represented the College with determination, sportsmanship, and resilience. Throughout the term, students participated in interschool Cricket, Softball, Track and Field Athletics and Debating, providing valuable opportunities for skill development, teamwork, and personal achievement.

Netball

CTNA Netball has once again been a cornerstone of our secondary sport program. Our teams continued to demonstrate skill, agility, and composure on court. Final standings for the year are as follows

CCC BLIZZARDS	Juniors F	4TH OVERALL
CCC THUNDER	Cadets BD	2ND OVERALL
CCC STORM	Cadets BC	4TH OVERALL
CCC CYCLONES	Cadets BC	2ND OVERALL
CCC VORTEX	A Grade	7TH OVERALL
CCC HURRICANES	A Grade	4TH OVERALL

Softball

Our softball teams enjoyed a competitive and energetic season. Students displayed excellent batting technique, fast base running, and sharp fielding across their fixtures. Team spirit was evident in every game, with players encouraging one another and adapting to different team roles.

CCC 15’s	3RD OVERALL
CCC OPENS	2ND OVERALL

Cricket

Cricket has continued to grow in popularity, with our students showcasing strong batting, bowling, and fielding skills. Our junior and senior teams displayed steady improvement across the term, with several close contests highlighting their commitment and teamwork.

CCC 13’S	3RD OVERALL
CCC 15’S	1ST OVERALL
CCC SECOND XI	3RD OVERALL
CCC FIRST XI	2ND OVERALL

Our FIRST XI cricket team also travelled to Townsville for the Secondary School Cup, playing 3 15-over matches and returned Division 2 champions with an undefeated record against Annandale Christian College (88-76), Cathedral College (67*-64) and Townsville Grammar (113-80). A fantastic team effort across the day led by Mr Justin Dixon and Mr Tom McFarlane.

Debating

Our debating teams have proudly represented the College in a series of lively and thought-provoking competitions. Debating provides students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills while engaging with important contemporary issues. Congratulations to all students who participated in debating this term. Whether preparing speeches, collaborating with their team, or standing at the podium, each debater has demonstrated courage, resilience, and determination.

CCC JUNIORS	3RD OVERALL
CCC INTERMEDIATE	3RD OVERALL
CCC SENIORS	2ND OVERALL

Northern Schools Regional Teams Selections

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of several students who were selected to represent our district and region in a variety of sports this term. Congratulations to the following students on their selection and contributions:

Liam Bartschat - Northern Schools Rugby Union

Lailana Ned - Northern School Rugby League

Laveya Sibley - Northern Schools Rugby League

These students demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication during trials and went on to compete at higher levels with pride. Their efforts not only highlight individual excellence but also inspire their peers to strive for similar success.

Karyn Murphy Cup

On 29 August, our 13’s girls' Rugby League teams proudly represented the school at the annual Karyn Murphy Cup. The carnival brought together schools from across the region to showcase emerging female talent in rugby league. Our girls’ teams demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the day. Despite facing tough opposition, the girls played with heart, executing strong defensive efforts and creative attacking plays. Their commitment to supporting one another on and off the field was a highlight and a true reflection of our school spirit.

Our Columba sports program simply would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, coaches, volunteers, and support crew. Their commitment to training, mentoring, and guiding our students, often giving up lunch breaks, after-school hours ensures every team has the best possible sporting experience. We are incredibly grateful for their passion and support.

We also extend a sincere thank you to our parents and caregivers who assisted with transport, attended games, and cheered from the sidelines. Your encouragement and presence play a vital role in boosting our students’ confidence, enjoyment, and sense of pride in representing the College.

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

FROM THE YEAR 9 & 10 PASTORAL LEADER

As we move through the term, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all students, parents, and staff who have been involved in the SET Plan process. Your efforts and engagement in this important step have been greatly appreciated and will help guide students in planning for their futures.

A reminder to all students about the importance of being prepared for learning each day. Having a fully charged laptop, calculator, pencils, and an assessment folder ready ensures you are organised and able to engage fully in your lessons. These small habits make a big difference in your overall success.

We are also very pleased with the positive effort students are making with wearing hats. Most are remembering to wear them daily—well done! Just a quick reminder: please ensure that the correct day hat is worn with the day uniform.

As we approach the end of term, we encourage students to begin developing consistent study habits. Homework is not a chore—it is a valuable practice that builds confidence and strengthens long-term memory of key concepts. Setting aside even 30 minutes each afternoon or evening for revision or homework can help to ease stress and reinforce what you’ve learned in class. Creating this routine now will benefit you not only this term, but well into the future.

Finally, a reminder that teachers are always here to support you. If you’re unsure about a task, don’t hesitate to ask for help during break times or make use of our Thursday Homework Help sessions after school. Teachers are more than willing to assist students who are willing to go the extra mile to achieve their best.

Keep up the great work, Year 9 and 10!

Tom McFarlane
YEAR 9 & 10 PASTORAL LEADER

KARYN MURPHY CUP - YEAR 7 & 8

The Year 7&8 Division of the Karyn Murphy Cup (Girls Rugby League) was played in Townsville on Friday 29 August, 2025.

The team comprised Lailana Ned (c); Laveya Sibley; Alexandra Poynter; Krystal King; Chelsea Archer; Camille Walsh; Sierra Thornhill; Madelyn-Jayde Foster; Taylah Dallachy-Huen; Poppy Juhas; Leonie Parkinson; and Nykkysha Bowen.

The girls played matches against Kirwan SHS 1 and Kirwan SHS 2, Ryan Catholic College and Saint Margaret Mary’s College, and although they didn’t get a win on the day, the girls tried their best and gained valuable experience.

Best Backs: Lailana Ned and Laveya Sibley; Best Forward: Krystal King; and Player of the Carnival: Chelsea Archer.

Special thanks to Mr Nathan Juhas and Ms Jess Huen for their support on the day.

Andy Butler
COACH

CAREERS

Charters Towers Industry Pathways & Careers Pop-Up

About: Future industries. Local opportunities. Real conversations.

Parents, carers and community members, this free event will help you gain a clearer picture of the jobs and training pathways shaping Charters Towers and beyond.

What to expect:

Industry insights - hear from local employers and leaders about the jobs that are emerging and the skills in demand.
Understand how young people make career decisions.
Local champion stories - real examples of career pathways right here in Charters Towers.
Round-table conversations - connect face-to-face with industry and training providers to ask your questions directly.

This isn’t about theory; it’s about real opportunities that can help families guide their teens with confidence.

Who should attend

- Parents & carers of high school students
- Community members curious about local industries
- Anyone wanting to understand what jobs will be in demand across North Queensland

Tickets - https://tinyurl.com/CTCareers17Sep

Free entry, registration recommended and drop ins welcome throughout the event.

2026 University Study for Graduating Students

Year 12 students and families: university admission centres for 2026 are open. Steps like interviews, portfolios, written submissions, or auditions may have earlier deadlines—often in September. Students must track their own application dates and requirements. I can help with applications but will not remind students of every deadline or component.

QTAC Information

Applications are now open for Year 12 students to apply for university courses commencing in 2026. Students will need to:

create a QTAC Account; and

Register to access their ATAR in the ATAR Portal

Early Bird applications close on 30 September. From 1 October, a higher application fee will apply.

Applications and documentation should be submitted to QTAC by no later than 8 December.

Some courses have alternative timeframes - check QTAC for these dates.

QTAC Student Information Night

QTAC is hosting a free online information session on Wednesday 17 September 6pm - 7pm, designed for applicants wanting to study in 2026. Click here to register.

JCU Early Offer Program

Early offers at JCU are now open - JCU’s Early Offer program

The offer they receive will be “conditional” – basically, this means it comes with conditions. For example, an offer might be conditional on achieving a certain ATAR or completing specific subjects. Applicants must be on track to meet course entry requirements.

Early offers do not apply to competitive courses: Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery, Dental Surgery, Physiotherapy, or Veterinary Science. If considering other universities, check their early offer dates and criteria.

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

Careers Newsletter 8 September 2025

Careers Newsletter 1 September 2025

Columba Careers Page

Certificate II in Electrotechnology

Charters Towers Industry Pathways & Careers Pop-Up.pdf

NEWS FROM PREP

Throughout English this term, our youngest learners have been retelling events and connecting events and texts to personal experiences. What a term to retell events, as students have participated in NAIDOC celebrations, Book Week, as well as an excursion!

Last week, students embarked on a bus trip. The first stop was the Mt Carmel Campus Ag Centre, which was truly a highlight. Students had the opportunity to feed the sheep, collect fresh eggs and pat the chickens. Prep enjoyed interacting with the animals and we thank Miss Carter for making our visit so exciting. Next, students headed to Lissner Park where they had a play on the new playground, and explored the animal enclosure. Then, we headed to our last stop, Towers Hill. Students enjoyed their Morning Tea with a view before taking a photo in the yellow frame. Upon returning to school, students unpacked their adventure by drawing three pictures of their events. They then presented their posters to a familiar audience, orally presenting their own retell of the excursion.

To prepare for the oral presentation component of this task, students have been working on their oral language and communication skills through Show and Share. Over the term, our class pet Lucy the Lion, has been lucky enough to visit each student’s house. Each night Lucy went home with a Prep student and joined in on their afternoon fun. Following her stay, she was returned and her adventures were shared by the students performing an oral retell, supported by pictures or drawings. This has been an exciting part of each day, and let me tell you Lucy has had some fun adventures with our amazing Prep families!

Lara Burns
PREP TEACHER

What a busy and exciting term it has been in Year 2B! Students have worked hard across all subject areas and have enjoyed exploring a wide range of learning experiences.

In English, we have been diving into the world of poetry. Students have experimented with different poetic styles, and learnt how to use amazing alliteration and remarkable rhymes!

In Mathematics, we have been building our number knowledge and problem-solving skills. The students have been practising their times tables and exploring a variety of strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems with confidence.

In Science, our focus was on the properties of materials. We investigated how different materials can be used in everyday life and had lots of fun applying our knowledge to design and create unique sculptures using a variety of craft materials.

In Technology, students explored how data can be represented in different ways. They also had the opportunity to practise and improve their typing skills, building confidence in using digital tools for learning.

In Religion, we reflected on Jesus’ teaching of the greatest commandment: to love God and to love others. We explored what this looks like in our own lives and how we can live out this message each day at school and at home.

It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm, creativity, and persistence of our Year 2B learners this term. We are so proud of their achievements and look forward to another exciting term ahead!

Jemma Webber
YEAR 2B TEACHER

To think that another term is almost over is CRAZY! It has been such a busy and rewarding few weeks in Year 3, and I’m so proud of everything our students have achieved.

We began the term by welcoming Miss Cook, a prac student from JCU, who joined us for the first three weeks. The students loved learning with her, and after a lovely farewell celebration, we surprised her with a very sweet ‘Memories Book’ filled with student reflections.

English has been an exciting adventure into the world of movie trailers. Students explored how trailers capture an audience’s attention by highlighting characters, settings, dialogue, music, and visuals. After studying some popular trailers, Year 3 is now in the process of creating their own—I can’t wait to see the creativity shine! To finish the term, the students will vote on a movie (from those we studied) to watch together.

In Maths, we’ve focused on fractions and interpreting maps. With Miss Cook’s guidance, students explored fractions like halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and tenths through plenty of hands-on activities. They then moved into mapping, creating maps of both our classroom and the school.

Science has been out of this world—literally! Year 3 has loved learning about the Solar System, and we even have an inflatable one hanging from our ceiling. Through role play and exploration, students now understand how Earth’s rotation causes regular changes, including day and night.

In Religion, students learned about the role of the parish, Father Emmanuel, Bishop Tim, and the wider diocese. A highlight was Father Emmanuel’s classroom visit, where he shared his story and how he came to Australia. Students showcased their learning through creative PowerPoint presentations.

Our HASS unit covered both significant Australian celebrations and commemorations and Australia’s neighbours. Students created posters about Australia Day and then built confidence interpreting maps showing temperature and rainfall—skills also strengthened in our Maths lessons.

As we move into the final week, students are looking forward to their chosen movie day (with a few special treats from Mrs S!) and reconnecting with their Kindy buddies in Week 9.

Thank you for your continued support this term. Wishing all our families a safe and happy holiday break!

Leesa Stevenson
YEAR 3 TEACHER

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

WEEK 6 - I AM ATTENTIVE AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Year 6: Reazon Adhikari

WEEK 7 - I CAN BE RELIED ON TO PACK UP AND TIDY WITH LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT

Prep: Tahlia Bashforth
Year 1: Leo Boyden
Year 2A: Rocco Hill
Year 2B: William Jones
Year 3: Savannah Moon
Year 4: Dakodah Butler
Year 5: Jack Maltby
Year 6: Zac Hunter

WEEK 8 - I SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR MY BELONGINGS AND THOSE OF OTHERS

Prep: Chelsea Adcock
Year 1: Kash Martin
Year 2A: Cash Andrejevich
Year 2B: Frankie Duffin
Year 3: Mia Cooper
Year 4: Serenity Price
Year 5: Alyssa Jeffries
Year 6: Drew Fitzpatrick

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - INTERNET ADDICTION

Games are an integral part of human behaviour. It is normal and healthy for young people to engage in play as a part of their daily lives, including playing games online. And like most activities, online gaming can have both positive and negative outcomes. It can be intimidating and confusing for carers trying to understand a young person’s online experiences with many considering that staring at a screen is an unhealthy habit. However, the World Health Organisation does believe that as well as the risks, there are also many positive benefits associated with online gaming and these could be key in nurturing bonds with others.

During the pandemic, there was an explosive growth of gaming as people sought much needed connection during isolation. In the media, gaming often gets bad publicity because most coverage tends to concentrate on the minority of gamers who play to such an extent that it compromises all other areas of their life. However, online gaming can teach young people many skills including teamwork, concentration, communication and problem-solving. It requires a level of interaction and skill from the player; unlike watching television, which is more passive.

Online communities provide opportunities for young people to feel socially connected and have a sense of belonging. At healthy levels, gaming can increase their self-esteem and social acceptance. However, any behaviour, when taken to extreme, can also have a negative impact on a young person’s everyday life. Understanding what your young person experiences online and knowing the warning signs if they are at risk, will help nurture a more positive relationship with online gaming and help your family find the right balance.

If you are concerned about your young person’s online gaming habits, it’s important to consider a number of factors. This edition will provide strategies in how to deal with any issues you may be experiencing.

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 Online Gaming edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-gaming

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

FUN RUN - 24TH OCTOBER

Get ready to put on your running shoes, and join us for an exhilarating event that promises fun, fitness, and community – the School Fun Run!

Mark your calendars because on 24th October, our school grounds will be transformed into a mini marathon. The event aims to promote health, wellness, and community spirit while having an absolute blast!

This will be our major fundraiser for the year, and we’re raising funds for the School and Parish! Sign up at funrun.com. or use the QR code below today to get involved!

PSA: The class with the most profiles by the end of the first week will win an icy pole party!

Get ready to make memories with your kids, while they run, laugh, and enjoy the day with their classmates!

Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 14 - 11TH SEPTEMBER 2025