Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 25 No. 3 - 4th March 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

We appreciate the flexibility and adaptability of our students and staff over the last week as they have managed to endure this recent heat wave. Special activities have been prepared and spaces made available to reduce the time students and staff spend out in the heat. A gentle reminder to all members of our community that we are a Sun Safe school. Please find below an extract from our Parent Handbook which is available here:

• Sunscreen and school hat must be worn at all times whilst outdoors. 
• Caps are not part of the school uniform because of sun safety reasons. The rule is no hat, no outside activity during the school day. 
• Students should be under a shade structure unless wearing a clean, neat and graffiti free College hat or College House Hat. 
• The navy wide brimmed College Hat or House Hat (for students on the Mt. Carmel Campus) is to be worn for sun safety purposes (Sun Safety Policy). 
• Sunglasses may be worn outdoors. 

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to keep our students safe when outdoors. 

Last Monday 21st February we hosted the Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Thanks to Cecilia Louk, Jerry Cakau and the secondary staff for facilitating a great Swimming Carnival. Special thanks to Melissa Wilson and the team from Charters Towers Amateur Swimming Club for their support of our carnival also. Congratulations to Benjamin House who were overall points winners on the day.

The Galbirri Room is in full flight at St Mary's this year. Last Friday there were 30 keen young people accessing this space to engage in activities, games and reading. Special thanks to Mrs Evelyn Capewell for the energy she is bringing to the role of Indigenous Education Worker at Columba. 

This week there were pancakes aplenty as we acknowledged Shrove Tuesday. Special thanks to Mrs Grant and the girls of the Good Samaritan Residence for preparing the pancakes for Mt Carmel Campus. Thanks also to the Year 5 and 6 staff, parents and students for preparing the pancakes for the team at St Mary’s. There were plenty of happy faces on Tuesday.

This Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday with Liturgies on Mt Carmel and St Mary’s Campus. Special thanks to Ms Christine O’Sullivan, Mr Ryan O’Connor and Father Emmanuel for preparing the way for us as we gathered to mark the beginning of Lent.  Lent is a significant time in our Catholic Christian story. It is a time for reflecting, praying and being faithful to the Gospel. May we all use this time to consider ways we can live a faith filled and Gospel inspired life.

Today we acknowledge Clean Up Australia Day. Special thanks to our students on both St Mary’s and Mt Carmel Campus for making such a great effort to keep our beautiful college clean. Today students displayed their commitment by bringing food in containers, using beeswax wraps instead of packets and being acutely aware of our commitment to keeping our school and wider community beautiful. It also reminds us of how lucky we are to have such a wonderful team of committed Grounds, Maintenance and Cleaning Staff. Special thanks to the team for all you do to help Columba shine! 

Today we were visited by the members of the Orange Team from Townsville Catholic Education. Led by Mr David McNeale, our Education Consultant, the team spent time with members of the  leadership team to discuss our 2022 Annual School Plan and ways to work together to achieve our goals.

This plan is an important part of the school improvement agenda and enables us to have a clear, focused vision. In 2022, our staff have reflected upon our point in time. We have identified key priorities for student achievement and academic growth across the scope of P-12 education here at Columba. Please find here a copy of our 2022 Annual School Improvement Plan. This plan will be reviewed at interim periods and provides leadership and staff with clear direction informed by strategic planning. This document has been shared with a number of key stakeholders for feedback and we are confident that in addressing this plan we will be growing the learning opportunities for our students in a targeted, collaborative and productive way.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

REMINDER - CSPA MEETING

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have just passed the half point of the term, and students are well immersed in their learning and completion of formative and summative assessment.

ASSESSMENT DATE CALENDARS

Year 7-12 Assessment Date Calendars can be accessed on the Compass Home page. Any changes made to assessment dates will be made on the calendar that feeds through Compass. It is important that students and parents regularly check the Assessment Date Calendar, so that they are aware when assessment is due and exams are timetabled. Students are reminded to record their assessment dates in their diary.

If students have commitments that involve them missing school, such as sporting events or medical appointments, they must ensure that they catch up on any work missed. This also applies for students who are completing a certificate at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre or a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. These students have spares in their timetable to provide them with time to do this each week. It is expected that students use this time wisely to keep up with their studies. Teachers place work for students to catch up on their Google Classroom. If students require further assistance with work they don’t understand, they should contact their class teacher.

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHING STAFF

Communication between students, parents and teachers is vital to ensure the academic progress of all students. Parents / Caregivers are encouraged to make contact with your child’s teacher initially if you have any concerns. Contact can be made by ringing the College on 4787 1744 and asking to speak to the teacher. Alternatively teachers can be emailed. Teachers will return your phone call or respond to your email as soon as possible after you make contact with them. Each subject area has an assigned Curriculum Leader. The Curriculum Leader, in consultation with subject teachers, are responsible for developing the curriculum and assessment for their particular subject areas. Curriculum Leaders should be contacted after you have discussed any concerns with the subject teacher.

Please note the email contact details for the 2022 Curriculum Middle Leaders.

• English: Ms Clare Stead (cstead@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Mathematics: Mr Murray Griffin (mgriffin3@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Humanities and Languages: Mr Michael Ku (mku@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Science: Ms Maryann Ebsworth (cmebsworth2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Health and Physical Education: Mr Jerry Cakau (jcakau@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Technologies: Mr Dean Johnston (djohnston2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• The Arts and Culture:  Mrs Jessica Simmons (jsimmons2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Inclusive Education Program Leader: Mrs Chloe Shaw (cshaw2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Religious Education: Ms Christine O’Sullivan (cosullivan@columba.catholic.edu.au) 

2022 NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing this year will be conducted between Tuesday 10^th May and Friday 20^th May 2022. There are four tests that years 3,5, 7 & 9 students will undertake:

• Writing
• Reading
• Conventions of Language
• Numeracy

Year 7 and 9 students will participate in a compulsory practice test on Thursday 24^th March. Students and parents are encouraged to access the NAPLAN public demonstration site prior to this to become familiar with the types of questions that students will be required to answer and the skills required to complete an online test. More information about NAPLAN can be obtained from the National Assessment Program website.

ASSESSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

A copy of the Columba Catholic College Assessment Policy and Procedures is available on the College website. This document should be referred to by all Year 7-12 students and parents. The document includes details about:

• Submission of assessment.
• Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA)
• Drafting, scaffolding and response length.
• Academic integrity.

YEARS 7-12 ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS (AARA), INCLUDING ILLNESS AND MISADVENTURE

Columba Catholic College recognises that some students have disability, impairment and/or medical conditions, or experience other circumstances that may be a barrier to their performance in assessment. Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) are designed to assist these students.

AARA are provided to minimise barriers for eligible students so that they can demonstrate their learning, knowledge and skill in assessment. These barriers could be permanent, temporary or intermittent. Students may also be eligible for AARA where illness and misadventure (i.e. unforeseen circumstances) or other situations may prevent students from demonstrating their learning, knowledge and skill.

Students are not eligible for AARA on the following grounds:

• unfamiliarity with the English language
• teacher absence or other teacher-related difficulties
• matters that the student could have avoided (e.g. misreading an examination timetable, misreading instructions in examinations)
• matters of the student’s or parent’s/carer’s own choosing (e.g. family holidays).

Application forms for AARA can be obtained from the College Office.

YEAR 7-12 APPLICATION FOR EXTENSIONS / CHANGE OF DATE OF AN ASSESSMENT ITEM

Year 7-12 drafts and assessment items are due on or before the due date. If a student knows they will be absent on the day that an assessment item is due, then they must organise themselves to submit it on or before the due date. Extensions or sitting an exam on an alternative date will not be granted for planned absences such as family holidays, attending rodeos, social events, leaving early at the end of term etc. If a student is absent on the day that an assessment item is due, it must be emailed to the teacher of the subject by 3.00pm.

YEAR 7-10 STUDENTS who need to apply for an extension or change of date for an assessment item due to illness, misadventure or unforeseen circumstances must collect a green ‘Application for Extension / Change of Date of an Assessment Item’ form from the office. This form needs to be completed and signed by the students and parents / caregivers. The form must be submitted to the class teacher for consideration. Documentary evidence such as a doctor’s certificate or detailed letter must be attached to the application detailing why the student is applying for an extension or change of date. Where possible this application should be submitted prior to the due date of the assessment item. The classroom teacher will inform the student if their application has been successful.

YEAR 10 RELIGION & ETHICS STUDENTS AND YEAR 11 AND 12 STUDENTS who need to apply for an extension or change of date for an assessment item due to illness, misadventure or unforeseen circumstances need to collect a pink ‘Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments’ (AARA) form from the office. This form needs to be completed, signed by your parents / caregivers and submitted to your class teacher for consideration. A Confidential Medical Report / detailed Medical Certificate or other suitable documentation must be attached to the application. The Confidential Medical Form template is available from the office. Where possible this application should be submitted prior to the due date of the assessment item or on the day that you return to school. The classroom teacher will inform the student if their application has been successful.

Year 10, 11 and 12 students, please note that the QCAA has stipulated that the medical certificate cannot just state ‘medical condition’. The medical report or certificate must contain the following information:

• diagnosis of disability/medical condition
• date of diagnosis
• date of occurrence or onset of the disability/medical condition
• symptoms, treatment or course of action related to the disability/medical condition
• information about how the diagnosed disability, impairment or medical condition affects the student participating in assessment, particularly timed assessment when considering external assessment
• professional recommendations regarding AARA

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

Students must study Units 3 and 4 as a pair. Year 12 students are no longer able to make subject changes and must study the subjects they are enrolled in for Units 3 and 4.

All Year 12 have a Learning Account that provides information on their subject enrolments and Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credits. Students need their LUI number to access their personalised account. Each student’s Learning Account can be accessed via the myQCE website. It is each student’s responsibility to notify the College if any personal details have changed or their subject information is incorrect.

To receive a QCE, students must achieve the set amount of learning, in the set standard, in a set pattern, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements.

If students are not currently achieving a passing grade in any of their subjects, it is important that they contact their subject teachers to discuss the steps that are required to meet a C level or above in any upcoming assessment tasks.

Students are able to access the following support structures to assist them with their studies:

• Assessment Support on Wednesday afternoon, 3:05-4:05pm in M4
• Homework Club on Thursday afternoon, 3:05-4:05pm the Library
• Maths sessions at lunch time – Mr Griffin
• Study classes. If a student is undertaking an external course, they have study spares incorporated into their timetable each week to catch up on work missed while attending training and/or completing course workbooks, online classes or SDE recorded lessons.

Students who do not meet the QCE requirements at the end of Year 12 can continue to work towards their certificate after finishing Year 12 through the completion of additional learning such as vocational education and training courses or traineeships. Once eligible, students will be issued a QCE in the following July or December.

If you wish to discuss your child’s progress in regards to their QCE eligibility or future pathway options. Please contact the College to arrange a meeting with one of the following staff:

• Maria Peck, Deputy Principal Administration
• Christine O’Sullivan, Senior School Program Leader

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

SECONDARY INTERHOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

 On Monday 21^st of February the Columba students showed up eager and ready to go for the annual inter house swimming carnival. Congratulations to our Years 7 - 12 students who participated with fantastic spirit and great sportsmanship at our Swimming Carnival last Friday at the Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool. An event that is often approached with some apprehension, the 200m freestyle got the carnival underway. Despite the mammoth distance, our swimmers showed immeasurable grit and determination to finish. At the conclusion of the distance events the race for the title was tight with the leader changing regularly. Lunchtime allowed the students to cool off in the pool before they began the sprints. A big thank you also goes to all our teachers and our volunteers who were a huge help throughout the day. Congratulations to Benjamin House who were the winners in a very close carnival, followed by Rice, Polding and then, McAuley. We would also like to thank our Multi Class athletes as this year we had three students competing. We would also like to congratulate our students who stood out during the carnival allowing them to go into the records as Age Champions. The House War Cry was won by Polding House who stood out with their cheering amongst the rest of the three houses. We would like to wish our student representatives in the Interschool Swimming Carnival our very best wishes.

Inter house Swimming points -  

• Benjamin             628
• Rice                        534
• Polding                 463
• McAuley              392

Jerry Cakau
CURRICULUM LEADER - HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS PROGRAM LEADER

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SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

YEAR TWO NEWS

Year 2 have begun the term at full speed and have settled in beautifully. We have already explored so many familiar and new concepts, it is hard to pick a favourite. The children have decided that so far, this is the best part of Year 2: 

• Season - Using the chromebooks. 
• Elsie - Writing twice a day.
• Audrey - Using the chromebooks for Studyladder. 
• Makenzee - Reading with my group. 
• Emmi-Belle - Counting in 3’s. 
• Lanah - Being a weekly helper.
• Lochlan - Doing Book Club everyday. 
• Summer-Rose - Having Mrs Pilcher as a teacher. 
• Jaymee - Using Studyladder on the chromebooks. 
• Archie - Using the chromebooks. 
• Alyssa - Making three digit numbers. 
• Ada - Doing Book Club every day. 
• Summer - Reading with the reading buddies. 
• Jack - Counting with numbers every day. 
• Alexiis - Counting in patterns. 
• Jayde - Doing some craft activities, like the All About Us people. 
• Eliza - Reading chapter books. 
• Grace - Doing Book Club every day. 
• Maicey - Using the chromebooks for Studyladder. 
• Hamish - Using the Three Little Pigs story to look at materials in Science. 
• Harry - Looking at books about the past in HASS.
• Nate - Having Mrs Pilcher as a teacher. 

We are looking forward to having some more favourite moments in Year 2 this year. 

Toni Pilcher
YEAR TWO TEACHER

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and Staff,

It is now Week 6 and it has been a very busy start to 2022. The students have settled into the daily routine of residential life. For the majority of students, the adjustment back into boarding life has been relatively smooth, even in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent Inter House Swimming Carnival was a great success for our school and many of the boarding students performed very well. Of note, was Chloe Girdler who swam well, taking out Age Champion. All students who participated are to be congratulated for their wonderful efforts.   

It is at this stage of the term that ‘time management’ becomes crucial for achieving academic success. Stress levels can be elevated at this time of the term when the majority of assessments are due. Stress is your body’s natural response to challenges, and in this instance, I am referring to both personal and or school related stressors. Stress can be helpful though in motivating oneself into taking  action. Too much stress, however, can not only impede motivation, but can also have long term health side effects on your body and general wellbeing.

It is therefore important to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress and how one can manage it. Healthy lifestyle choices will contribute to healthy mindsets. The importance of healthy eating, regular moderate exercise, and adhering to good sleep pattern routines can not be emphasized enough when managing one’s stress levels.

Whilst on the topic of health, you may be aware that we have had some cases of COVID in the residences. This has been well-managed by the staff of the College. Ms Terrina Muston has done a sterling job in ensuring our students are healthy and safe. I would also like to thank our boarding staff who have also worked tirelessly in this space.

As the Road Map out of the COVID19 Pandemic eases restrictions, so too will Weekend and Town Leave. This means that Boarders may apply for Weekend Leave commencing Friday 4 March. Last weekend we opened up Town Leave to students which was well-received by all. A little bit of shopping can be good therapy for residential students.

On Friday 11 March, Columba will be hosting the Catholic Schools’ Carnival for the eighth consecutive year. This year we will only have a limited number of schools participating due largely to the impact of Covid-19 and team readiness. Rugby League, Netball and Debating will be contested. The carnival is Boarding’s major fundraiser for the year. So, if you have time to spare, whether it is running a line or flipping burgers in the food stall, you are most welcome to help out. It will be a great evening commencing at 4.00 pm on the Mount Carmel Campus. I look forward to catching up with as many Boarding families as possible over the evening. 

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

FROM THE RESIDENTIAL LEADER - GIRLS

Although the start to the year wasn't what we expected, we welcomed our Boarding girls back with glee. We've been busy making the dorms more homely with tassel garlands, wool wrapped initials and we've created our GSR family tree using our handprints.

The girls have been enjoying the pool and did us proud at our Interhouse swimming carnival. With the amount of time spent in our pool at GSR, I wasn't surprised to see we have a few super fish in residence!

We have done a lot of cooking in dorms and the girls bake afternoon tea each weekend. We are hoping to create a cookbook at the end of the year with all of our favourite recipes.

All our after-school sports are back. This is our busiest time of the term with almost all of the girls choosing to participate in various after-school activities. I will endeavor to make my way around to all sports to snap photos for those who can't make games.

Natalie Grant
GIRLS' RESIDENTIAL LEADER

FROM THE RESIDENTIAL LEADER - BOYS

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our students, parents and staff who have contributed to the Boys’ Boarding Program this term. After a difficult start to the College year, we have experienced both staff and students being struck by Covid 19, only to see them bounce back into the swing of things with a smile. Our start to Term 1 was delayed by 2 weeks, although we now find ourselves only 4 weeks from the end of term.

Special thanks must go to our College Nurse, Miss Terrina, who has worked tirelessly in order to care for our Boarding family. Thank you very much Miss Terrina. Likewise a big thank you to our Head of Boarding, Mr Kyle for his continued support and direction for all. I also consider myself very lucky to be surrounded by quality Boarding Supervisors:- namely Mrs Griffin, Mrs Jarmey, Mrs Rebgetz, Mr Willoughby and Mr Dixon, who work very well together and combine to make a formidable team. Congratulations to our Boys’ Boarding Captain, Preston Ah Wing and Boys’ Residential Vice Captain Liam Young. Thank you for your assistance knowing that we will all continue to grow and learn to contribute to day to day life in the residences as the year unfolds. 

Finally, our hardworking staff have recognized one strong positive from our Covid experience. Younger lads have accepted the opportunity to share a House with older students. It’s wonderful to witness friendships develop amongst boys, irrespective of their age or school year.  May we all enjoy our Boarding experience and look to make a positive contribution for the betterment of all.

CSPA - COOKBOOK