Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 24 No. 18 25th November 2021

A Message from the Principal

Dear Columba Families,

2021 has been abundant with rich educational and life-giving experiences for our students. As we inch closer towards the end of what has been a wonderful year of learning, let us give thanks for the opportunities and community spirit alive here at Columba over the last couple of weeks.

Last Tuesday we hosted our Annual Awards Night for Mt Carmel Campus. Special thanks to members of our community who donated prizes and continue to support our College in so many ways. Congratulations to all of our award winners and to the staff for the contributions to the event. Special thanks to Mrs Maria Peck, Ms Christine O'Sullivan, Miss Kalinda Large, Mrs Gina Porter, Ms Megan Lucas and Mrs Jo-Anne Thompson for their part in bringing our awards celebration to fruition. 

Last Thursday we held our last Assembly with our Year 12 students. This was followed by a Graduation Liturgy and Graduation Dinner on Thursday evening. Special thanks to Mr Haydn Champion for the organization of the Graduation dinner and to Ms Christine O’Sullivan for the preparation of the Assembly and Liturgy.  I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the many people who assisted in preparing and organising these events for our students: Mrs Nita Dixon, Mrs Jo-Anne Thompson, Miss Christine Bell, Mrs Cecilia Louk, Mr Jordan Marty,  Mr Dan Kyle and the wonderful College Facilities Team including Mr Daryl Paxton and Mr Phil Capewell who worked behind the scenes to prepare spaces across a number of venues. We are blessed to have such a committed team of people.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for being a part of these special celebrations with us. We wish all of our Year 12 Graduates the very best for the future endeavours and look forward to hearing of their success in the years to come. 

Last week our Year 6 students visited Cairns for Camp. I would like to extend a huge thanks to Mrs Jo Andrews for her organisation of this camp and to Mr Ryan O’Connor, Mrs Alexandra  Marty and Ms Sonia Wood for their support of the students whilst on camp. The students had a great time and have much to share about their experiences across the week.

On Monday we hosted our Year 7 Transition Day and Information Evening for families. Thanks to Mrs Maria Peck, Miss Madeleine Carter and Mr Dan Kyle for their organisation of activities for our students. Special thanks to our staff for facilitating specialist lessons to orientate our new students to life and learning at the College. We look forward to the new journey ahead with our new Year 7 students and their families.

Staffing Updates: It is with great pleasure that I announce the following appointments for 2022:

Joining the team at Mt Carmel in 2022 is Fiona Adcock. Fiona is an experienced teacher who has taught across both Primary and Secondary. Fiona has expertise in Mathematics, English and HASS and we look forward to working with Fiona in 2022. Fiona joins us from the Cairns Diocese.

Mr Dean Johnston has been appointed to the position of Middle Leader Technologies. Dean has been a member of the Columba team for several years and is an experienced educator with specialisation across the technologies area. We wish Dean all the best as he embarks on this new role and look forward to working with him in this capacity.

Mrs Natalie Grant has been appointed to the position of Acting Residential Leader of Girls' Boarding for Term 1, 2022. Natalie is currently our College Chaplain and has been working with the team at the Good Samaritan Residence this year. Natalie will replace Michelle Burns who will be taking up a temporary role as a Project Officer supporting the Leadership Team in the review of boarding at Columba. We wish both Natalie and Michelle all the best for their new roles.

It is at this time that we also give thanks for the contributions of those staff who will be leaving the College in 2022 to pursue new pathways in education. 

We say farewell to:

• Mrs Alexandra Marty who is relocating to Townsville.
• Ms Marie Coleman who is relocating to the Gold Coast.
• Mr Telfer Robertson who is relocating to Brisbane
• Mr Riley Wagner who is relocating to Brisbane.
• Miss Mia Doyle who is relocating to Townsville.
• Mr John Hegarty who is relocating to Brisbane.
• Mr Jordan Marty who is relocating to Townsville.

We also wish Mrs Sophia Michaelis all the best as she will be taking extended leave for 2022.

Today we acknowledged the achievements of our Primary students at our Annual Awards ceremony at St Mary’s Campus. We congratulate our students on their academic, leadership, community and sporting achievements.

Junior Student Leadership Team for 2022: It is with great pleasure that I announce the following:

• St Mary’s Campus Primary Captains:
  • Grace O'Connor
  • Sam Flood
• SRC Prefect:
  • Renee Meehan
• Benjamin House Captains:
  • Isabella O'Sullivan
  • Kyler-Jane Walsh
• McAuley House Captains:
  • Will Scholes
  • Erika Truong
• Polding House Captains:
  • Liam Bartschat
  • Mikayla Gleeson
• Rice House Captains:
  • Michael Archer
  • Mary Sproat

As the year draws to a close, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all members of our community for your contributions to the life of Columba. We are a community of people who are drawn together to share in the gift of education through the mission of Jesus Christ.

To those staff, students and families who will be leaving the College in 2021, we wish each of you the best for the year ahead and remind you that whilst they may be leaving Columba, you never leave our community.

I wish each of you a happy and holy Christmas. May God bless your family and your plans with peace, renew your hearts and fill them with joy this Christmas Season. May each of us be blessed in our journey together in 2022 as we celebrate a significant time in the history of our College together.

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

Carols on the Green

Mt. Carmel Campus Awards Night

Congratulations to all our students who received Awards at the Mt. Carmel Campus Awards Night on Tuesday 16th November 2021.

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Thank you to our Sponsors - Awards Ceremonies

Thank you to the following sponsors for kindly donating to our Awards Ceremonies:

• Goldfield Bakery
• Catholic Women's League
• Red Rooster
• L & F Transfers
• Charters Towers Regional Council
• Jim Roberts Locksmith
• Charters Towers Toyota
• Robbie Katter
• Charters Towers Bulls Association
• W Titley & Co
• The Bolt & Fodder Shop
• Airtec
• Zapps Birite Charters Towers
• Datacom System (AU) Pty Ltd

From the Assistant to the Principal Religious Education - Mt. Carmel Campus

Somehow, once again, we’ve managed to fit so much into Term 4! Below is a snapshot of some of the key happenings and events:

Opening and Blessing of the MC Icon:  In Week 2, the opening and blessing of the new icon was held on MC campus. We began with a special liturgy on the Bullring Terrace and then the entire campus moved up and stood around the icon while Father Emmanuel blessed it and Mrs Turner officially opened it. If you haven’t seen the icon yet, take a look at photos on Facebook, or better still, come up at night and see it all lit up! Light to the Word indeed!

Dressed by Vinnies’ Day, Monster Bake Sale and Vinnies’ Sleepout: On Friday 15^th October, all students and staff were invited to wear either an outfit that they’ve purchased from or intend to donate to Vinnies. Prizes were awarded for the Best Dressed (by Vinnies) students. At morning tea, students and staff purchased freshly baked goods. Students from Years 5-12 were then invited to participate in the Vinnies’ Sleepout on Friday evening. The theme of the evening was ‘Walking In Another’s Shoes’. Students learnt about homelessness, social justice, and the importance of living our faith out through active service, participated in a liturgy and made and decorated Christmas cards to go with the Prospect hampers. Money raised from the free-dress day and bake sales, together with generous donations from the students who attended the Sleepout, was used to purchase $500 of cleaning products for Prospect and $500 of Christmas goodies for our hampers. Thank you to Mrs Grant, Mrs Marty and Mr O’Connor who assisted me on the night.

World Mission Month: In Week 4, we celebrated World Mission Month with a whole campus liturgy, House Money lines and Crazy Sock Day and Soccer Game. Congratulations to Benjamin House who led the way with the longest money line. Thank you to Mrs Grant and the students who created soccer balls that were used for the soccer game. Fortunately, Father Emmanuel brought along his favourite soccer ball as it got a little competitive out on the field!

Year 12 Final Assembly: On Thursday 18^th November, all Year 12 students gathered in the Iona Centre for their final assembly. This is a special assembly where the current Year 12 cohort hand over the symbols of the leadership to the incoming leaders, there is a blessing of the graduating class and then the Year 11 students form a guard of honour as our Year 12 students depart. The theme of the liturgy was ‘Journeys and Plans for the Future’, and following on with our College tradition, Mr Butler played the guitar and Larrissa Tindale sang ‘Strength for the Journey’. The Year 12 students also presented a gift to the College – a new altar cloth that is beautifully embroidered with their names, ‘The Class of 2021’ and the values ‘Courage, Commitment and Compassion’. This new altar cloth will be used for MC year level Masses and the 2022 Celebrations Mass.

Graduation Liturgy: On the evening of Thursday 18^th November, Year 12 students, together with their families, gathered in the MC Dining Room for the Graduation liturgy. The theme of this liturgy was the same as the College prayer theme for 2021: ‘Arise and Go Out’. Students were presented with lanterns and they then used them to light the way for their families as they walked through a guard of honour leading out onto the basketball courts.

CCC Youth Group: In Week 3 and 6, the CCC Youth Group met. The theme of the final meeting was ‘Advent/Christmas’ and our students enjoyed making Christmas Angels, Advent calendars, Grateful Hearts and eating Christmas treats. Our Year 12 students who have helped to plan and led sessions throughout 2021 were presented with ‘thank you gifts’. These students include Olivia Stevenson, Lily Duddy, Kolby Amos, Kieran Burns, Bailey Bliss, Georgia Kirkwood and Elle Beare. In particular, thank you to Olivia Stevenson who has often stepped in for others and assisted in the overall leadership of this group.

Visit to Dalrymple Villa: Some of our students have recently made and decorated Christmas cards with beautiful, individualised messages. On Friday 26^th November, these cards, together with some freshly baked items, were delivered to Dalrymple Villa to share the Christmas joy. This is our way of letting them know that we are thinking of them, even though we can’t visit them due to Covid-restrictions.

Year 11 Retreat (2021) and Year 12 Retreat (2022): In Week 1, our Year 11 students gathered for their Leadership Retreat which was run by Jo McDade from the Passionist Youth Retreat Team. Over three days, students learnt about different leadership styles and approaches, and their journey with God. Thank you to Mr Champion, Mr Marty, Mr Ku and Miss Apap for their supervision of this Retreat.  Last week, a letter and permission slip were emailed to all parents/carers of students who will be in Year 12 in 2022 detailing the Year Retreat to be held at Magnetic Island from 16-18^th February. The theme is “called to love and be loved”. It will centre around the call that God places in our lives to love ourselves, others and God. Furthermore, this Retreat calls us to action what we can do with that love.

Advent and Christmas 2021: Advent begins on Sunday 28^th November. This four-week period leading up to Christmas is a time of preparation and expectant waiting for the birth or Nativity of Jesus and return at the Second Coming. During this time of spiritual preparation for Christians, we are reminded of the sacred or real meaning of Christmas. You may like to see the handout included in this newsletter, titled ‘5 Christmas Rituals’, for ideas that could become new rituals in your home during this period.

Christmas Mass Times: Mass will be celebrated at St. Columba’s Parish on Friday 24^th December at 7.00pm (Christmas Carols begin at 6.30pm) and on Christmas Day at 6pm. There will be no 6pm Vigil Mass.

Have a happy, holy Christmas with your loved ones.

God Bless.

Christine O'Sullivan
APRE - MC CAMPUS

Senior Graduation 2021

My New Gallery

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Important Dates for Year 12 Students

ONLINE RELEASE OF RESULTS AND SENIOR EDUCATION PROFILES (SEPs)

From 9 am on Friday 17 December, Year 12 students can access final subject results as well as their SEP in their learning account. Learning accounts are found in the Student Portal, accessed via the myQCE website at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

ATAR

Students will be able to access their ATAR on Friday the 17^th December via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre at www.qtac.edu.au/atar.

YEAR 7-11 REPORTS

Year 7-11 reports will be released in the Compass Parent portal on Monday 6^th December 2021.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

CSPA - Melbourne Cup Luncheon

The CSPA would like to thank the Year 11 Hospitality students and Mrs Burgoine for their fabulous food and help throughout the day. Thank you also to our caterers for the amazing mains and desserts. The compliments were abundant for the food. Thank you also to Ms Crowley for coming in during her breaks to take photos for us and Mr O'Connor for hooking us up so we could watch the race and enjoy music.

Thank you to all of the businesses who have kindly donated to the CSPA this year.  The generosity of our community always astounds us and makes us proud to be a part it.  Thank you to the following businesses: Minjar Gold Pajingo Mine, Evolution Charlton Mine, Charters Towers Toyota, The Bolt and Fodder Shop, Jett Industrial, Eye Care Plus, Fushia Belle, Zapps BiRite, Titley’s,  Herbert Hall, Towers Motorcycles, Garbold Haulage, Soko Hair, The CNC Shop, Silver Emporium, Flowers in the Towers, Griffiths Pharmacy, Poppet Head, Art by Ange, Home Timber and Hardware, Charters Towers Second Hand Shop, Stomping Elephants, Red Rooster, Sally Forgan, Pauline Goodwin- Lorraine Lea Linen, Woolworths, Towers Power Equipment, Gold City Motorcycles, Hollimans, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Towers Gas and Camping.

We would also like to extend a big thank you to all of the parents who donated their time for our many events and the staff at Columba for always being available to help out. Our school community is an amazing one.  

The CSPA Executive would like to wish all parents and staff of Columba a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy festive season. 

Fiona, Kate, Erin and Mick
CSPA EXECUTIVE

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St. Mary's Campus Awards

Term 4 Week 6 - Has a positive outlook and attitude in the Classroom

• Prep: Sophie Pilcher
• Year 1: Archie Hodgetts
• Year 2: Fletcher Scholes  
• Year 3:  Charlie Webb
• Year 4: Bridie Jenkins
• Year 5: Mikayla Gleeson
• Year 6: Bobbi Jenkins 

Term 4 Week 7 - Treats shared spaces and materials with care and consideration

• Prep: Olivia Solari 
• Year 1: Lanah Emerson 
• Year 2: Zoe Dyball
• Year 3: Bella-Rose Ambrose
• Year 4: Chelsea Archer
• Year 5: Mary Sproat
• Year 6: Away on camp 

Prep News

As we embark on our final days of Prep, we begin to reflect on the amazing year we have had. Students are more knowledgeable as they have explored the curriculum across all subject areas. They have made friends, who they have supported, played and learnt with. On top of this, the students have experienced many firsts as they have participated in carnivals, school events and experiences. 

In the classroom, students have loved participating in daily writing. They have been able to use their letter and sound knowledge and beginning writing behaviours to write impressive creative and informative sentences. Throughout Maths, they have been learning the days of the week and connecting special events at school and home to each day. 

On top of this, we have been busy exploring the features of special places throughout our community and school. Students have investigated the observable properties, particularly in their special places. During Religious Education, students have learnt about God’s creation and how we can follow his plan to keep us safe and happy. 

This term, students have loved having Dance and Drama each week. They have been working very hard to prepare for their end of year Christmas Concert. This year the students go on a journey to find the perfect Christmas tree, but will they find one? We can’t wait to share it with our families and buddies in Week 9. 

It has been an absolute pleasure to watch the students learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally this year. I wish them all the best for their new adventure in Year 1. 

Lara Burns
PREP TEACHER

My New Gallery

Year Two News

Can you believe that we are almost at the end of the school year? We can’t! Year 2 have decided to share some of our favourite memories of the year with you: 

• Flynn - I liked the swimming carnival because I got 4 first ribbons. 
• Louis - I liked cross country because I like running. 
• Clare - This year, I liked the Under 8’s Day. 
• Sammy - I liked cross country because we got to run on the fields. 
• Nash - This year, my favourite part was when we did the swimming carnival. 
• Harriet - My favourite part of the year was the disco because my brother won the raffle. 
• Zoe - My favourite event was the colour fun run. 
• Lainee - I liked the swimming carnival because we swam a lot. 
• Dom - I liked PE swimming lessons because we got wet.
• Alex - My favourite part was our excursion to the Weir. 
• Jack - I liked the Colour Fun Run because we got hit with all the powder. 
• Kambelle - I liked the pyjama disco because we were very comfy. 
• Adeline - I liked the Colour Fun Run because we got squirted with colours. 
• Logan - My favourite part was all the swimming we did. 
• Ella - I liked the first day of Year 2. 
• Eden-Rose - I liked Cross Country because we got to run a long distance. 
• Lucy - My favourite day was Socktober because I got to wear my fluffy eye mask for the games. 
• Isabelle - I liked all of the sport carnival days. 
• Cade - I liked the swimming carnival because I got to compete and swim long distances. 
• Jayce - My favourite part was Music lessons because I got to dance. 
• Jessica - My favourite part of Year 2 was learning chance and data. 
• Fletcher - My favourite part was the first day of Year 2 because I got to meet Mrs Pilcher and all of my friends. 
• Cody - My favourite thing of Year 2 was the swimming carnival. 
• Georgia - This year, I liked the athletics carnival. 
• Chayse - My favourite part was the Colour Fun Run because my white shirt got lots of colour on it. 
• Chance - My favourite part was the Under 8’s Day. 
• Luis - My favourite part of the year was my very first day at Columba. 

You have grown so much inside and outside the classroom, Year 2. Thank you for a wonderful year! 

Toni Pilcher
YEAR TWO TEACHER

Primary Interschool Swimming Carnival

With several weeks of early morning training at the St. Mary’s Pool, 26 swimmers  came away victorious at the recently held Interschool Swimming Carnival on Friday 12th November 2021. What started as a warm, sunny day ended with the heavens opening to some much needed and wanted rain.

The children performed wonderfully and were ably supported by Captains Bailey McGuire, Aaron Murray and Connor King.

This year, the Columba team won both the Aggregate and Average Trophies. Thank you to my wonderful swimmers for your early morning training commitments, great sportsmanship on the day and to the many parents who attended and supported the children.

Congratulations to the following swimmers -

Age Champions

• 9 Years girls -  Brodie Beatty
• 11 Years boys - Liam Bartschat

Runners Up

• 9 Years girls - Molly Sproat
• 9 Years boys - Lane McCabe
• 10 Years boys- Clayton Walsh
• 11 Years girls - Baylee Kerr 
• 12 Years Girls - Bailey McGuire.

Deirdre Martell
COACH/MANAGER

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Residential News

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,

At the time of writing this article, the residential students can see the finishing line. At the end of this week the students will be home with their parents and caregivers. The holidays will be a good time to recharge the energy levels for 2022.  

Last week we said goodbye to the Year 12s  as their time as students of this College  came to an end. The liturgy and Graduation dinner were well-planned and convened and our thanks go out to Melissa Turner (College Principal), Haydn Champion (Year 11 & 12 Pastoral Leader) and Christine O’Sullivan (Assistant Principal – Religious Education) for the roles they played in seeing the evening come to fruition. The young ladies looked very elegant in their gowns and the boys looked quite dapper in their suits.  The Graduation dinner was divine to the palate and from all accounts of what I personally observed, everyone had a great time. 

For the remaining students at the College, it is business as usual as they go about completing their final assessment agendas. I wish them all the success they deserve. When families receive their child/ren’s report cards, it will provide the opportunity to ascertain where their child/ren are currently at academic wise.  It will also provide the platform for discussing areas needing further attention in order to realise future optimum academic performance.  

Last fortnight I sent out a survey to parents requesting feedback in relation to all things Boarding. To gain valid and accurate data, I encourage parents who have not completed the survey to do so as a matter of priority so that we can improve the residential experience for our boarding students. This week I will be seeking student feedback by sending out a survey that pertains to boarding. The data gleaned from these surveys will prove invaluable to improving Boarding.  

Finally, I would like to say goodbye to this year’s seniors. It has been both an honour and a privilege to have played such a small part in your lives. I truly hope you leave this College with fond memories that will be etched in your minds forever.  May you realise all your dreams! To the parents, I sincerely thank you for choosing and entrusting Columba to educate your child/ren. 

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

Meet our Residential Staff

Mrs Terrina Muston

College Nurse

How long have you worked at Columba? : 5 years and 1 term.

Skill Set: Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Nursing Science.

School Attended: Roseville Ladies College (Sydney)

Previous Work Place: Townsville Mater Hospital working as a Sleep Studies Nurse.

Favourite Meal: Salmon and Salad. Loves to eat berries. 

Favourite Movie: Lady Hawk

Favourite Music: I love country music. My favourite song is “Something like that” by Tim McGraw.

Dislikes: Uncomfortable clothes.

Proudest moment/s: Becoming a mum four times over.

The best piece of advice I have received:  Be careful for what you wish for.

What do I do in my own time: I love camping, reading (for pleasure and work) and learning new things.

What excites you about 2021 and beyond: To start a successful side business (Spinal Flow Technique).

Community Carols

Charters Towers Cricket Association