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Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 26 No. 1 - 3rd February 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

This year our College theme is Rise up and Don’t Hold Back. We are called to take up the challenge and use our gifts to enhance our lives and the lives of others. Term one has certainly commenced with great enthusiasm which has been displayed by both new and returning students to the college. This year we welcome 128 new students to Columba and wish all of our students, staff and families a great year of learning.

In 2023 we warmly welcome a number of new staff to our team. Please join me in welcoming:

Mt Carmel Campus Staff:

Mr Greg Buckley - Agricultural Science and Mathematics
Mrs Leanne Brandis - Science and Mathematics
Miss Emma Systa - English and HPE
Miss Jordan Moy - English
Miss Inji Jung - English and Digital Technologies
Mr Khalid Almaktoum - Middle Leader Mathematics
Mr Jaymi Evans - School Officer HPE and Sport
Mrs Suni-Faye Davis - School Officer
Mrs Eileen White Administration- Curriculum and Data Secretary

St Mary’s Campus Staff:

Mrs Belinda Hourston - Year 1 Teacher
Miss Madison Mikletic - Year 2 Teacher
Miss Kara Dawson - Year 4 Teacher
Miss Emma Hembrow - School Officer & Recreation Officer (Residential)
Ms Jessie Buck - School Officer
Miss Jahana Critchley - School Officer

Residential Staff:

Mr Michael Power - Residential Houseparent

This week we also welcomed Mr Jason Buczynsky as he steps into the role of Acting Deputy Principal Pastoral and Residential for Semester One. We look forward to working with Jason and wish him an abundance of blessings as he starts a new journey here at Columba.

Last Sunday we joined members of our Parish community to farewell Father Sylvester. Father Sylvester has been called to take up his next appointment in Mt Isa. We would like to extend our thanks to him for his contribution to our college and for the pastoral care, wellbeing and spiritual guidance he has provided members of our community during his time here in Charters Towers. Mt Isa is blessed.

This week we hosted Parent Information Evenings at both St Mary’s Campus and Mt Carmel Campus. Thank you to our families for their commitment to the education of our students. Special thanks to Mrs Fiona Murray and the volunteers from the CSPA who supported our evening at St Mary’s with a family BBQ. Thanks also to our staff for preparing such great information to inform our families about life and learning at Columba.

Communication at the College:

It is essential that effective communication is maintained between home and school. With this in mind, I encourage all families to ensure that notifications and communications that are provided via Compass, email, Facebook and SMS are reviewed and if clarity is required that the school is contacted directly for support. Communications relating to the college that do not come directly from the school can impede school processes and may not be accurate. Group chats and posts that are not endorsed by the college and are circulated in community forums are discouraged. We have experienced bouts of mis-information and online behaviour that is counter to the values of the college and the parent partnership agreements affirmed at enrolment. If you have any concerns or enquiries please contact the college on 07 47 871 744 or office@columba.catholic.edu.au. Thank you for your support.

Representing Columba:

Representing Columba in any sport, or in extra curricular capacity is a privilege not a right and as such I ask that students and families understand that we expect exemplary behaviour for a student to represent the college. I believe that it is a double standard to enable students to represent the college in a sport of extra curricular activity if their behaviour at school is not of an acceptable standard or does not reflect our core values. Learning is our core work and respect is the cornerstone of high quality relationships. If behaviour at school is contrary to this, a student will not be able to represent the college. In instances where students are suspended they will not have the privilege of representing the college regardless of their sporting capabilities. I name this now as we begin a new year, expecting the best of all of our students in all aspects of College life and supporting them to aspire to be their best and do their best as a student of Columba.

In Focus: Pastoral Care and Wellbeing at Columba

As we begin the school year I would like to focus our attention on Pastoral Care and Wellbeing. It is important that as a community we are all aware of the expectations, processes and procedures in place to support our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students is central to our mission as a Catholic school. In doing so, I wish to draw your attention to the following information.

The ‘Big Five’ Values

At Columba, we focus on ensuring that all actions begin and end with ‘Respect.’ We relate all of our actions and behaviours to the ‘Big Five.’

Respect for Self
Respect for Others
Respect for Learning
Respect for Environment
Respect for Tradition

School Safe Persons are those staff with whom students can discuss any concerns about things that happen at school, such as conflict with peer groups or study stress. Their concerns may also be about things that occur outside of school and more serious issues. Please find here the link to information regarding our School Safe Persons.

Positive Behaviour Support

Promoting and celebrating positive behaviour is highly effective in promoting and coaching positive behaviour at school. Clear expectations, positive feedback, rewards and recognition for personal behaviour choices are important for sustained positive behaviour and for highlighting ways to engage in positive relationships at school. Please find here a copy of the college’s Positive Behaviour Support Framework .

Procedures for Addressing Bullying

Please find here a copy of College Procedures for Addressing Bullying and a copy of the Diocesan Education Council’s Bullying in School’s Policy for Addressing Student Bullying in Schools DEC Policy Both documents are used in the management of matters of this nature at Columba. In the coming weeks, we will be liaising with students regarding other ways to report incidences of bullying or inappropriate behaviour at the College, to ensure that there are a variety of ways that this can be communicated to key personnel in the school.

Guidance and Counselling

The effect of life’s stressors on the personal, social and academic development of students is widely acknowledged. At Columba, the College Guidance Counsellor works in partnership with the College community to promote and foster student development, mental health and resilience. Our Guidance Counsellors are Mrs Aleesha Watson and Miss Sarah Smith. Our counsellor’s are available to meet with students, parents/caregivers and staff to talk about concerns. This is a confidential service. An appointment can be made either by contacting the Counsellor directly or leaving a message with the office staff.

Resources for Families

School TV is a free resource to assist families in raising happy, healthy and resilient youth. These resources are available by clicking on the link on our school website at School TV

Next Tuesday 7th February at St Mary’s Campus at 8.45am we will host our Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders. This is a special time for our students and a wonderful opportunity to come together in community to bless our school year. We hope to see you there.

Today we held our Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The efforts and enthusiasm of our students in the lead up to this event was felt across the week at Mt Carmel Campus. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the day with you. Special thanks to Mr Newman, Mr Evans, our staff and senior leaders who have been preparing for a great carnival!

We are a community focused on high quality learning and teaching. We look forward to growing and learning together. If there is anything that our staff can do to support your child, please let us know. And as we go forth into this new term may we continue to be blessed as we ensure that each young person is known, cared for and respected as individuals.

All the best for the week ahead.

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders

2023 STAFF

* On Leave

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: Melissa Turner

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS:
Joanne Andrews (St. Mary's Campus)
Maria Peck (Administration)
Dan Kyle (Pastoral & Residential) *
Jason Buczynsky (Acting - Pastoral & Residential)

ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
Christine O'Sullivan (Mt. Carmel Campus)

BUSINESS MANAGER: Megan Cundell * On leave as of 10th February 2023

ACTING BUSINESS MANAGER: Daisy Zhao

PA TO PRINCIPAL: Jo-Anne Thompson

TEACHING STAFF:
Fiona Adcock, Khalid Almaktoum, Leanne Brandis, Gregory Buckley, Tonya Burgoine, Lara Burns, Andrew Butler, Cheryl Callcott, Shae-Kia Carroll, Madeleine Carter, Haydn Champion, Thomas Chitongo, Kara Dawson, Elena Donohue, Samantha Heiskell, Belinda Hourston, Dean Johnston, Inji Jung, Stephen Kluver, Michael Ku, Carmen Labuschagne, Kalinda Large, Raj Lutz, Kimberlee Lynch, Deirdre Martell, Madison Mikletic, Jordan Moy, Callan Newman, Michael Peck, Georgina Porter, Neelam Raj, Portia Simelane, Nathaniel Staples, Robecca Sorrensen, Clare Stead, Melissa Stephenson, Brooke Stevenson, Emma Systa, Gerard Webber, Stuart Whitby

* Shirley Champion, Manny Exarhos

COLLEGE CHAPLAIN: Larrisa Crowley

RESIDENTIAL LEADERS:
Michelle Burns (Girls)
Caroline Jarmey (Boys)

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE PARENTS:
Tania Britton, Quinn Carr, Justin Dixon, Matthew Guy, Kim Johnson, Kristine Jonsson, Margie Kingham, Dawn McGill, Michael Power, Penny Reimann, Leesa Rebgetz, Billie Scott, Jessica Van Der Mescht, Wade Willoughby

ACCOUNTS STAFF: Glenys Collins

ADMINISTRATION AND LIBRARY STAFF:
Christine Bell, Anita Dixon, Megan Lucas, Genelle Mitchell (St. Mary's Campus), Paula Smith (St. Mary's Staff), Eileen White

EMERGING LEADERS CO-ORDINATOR: Natalie Grant

HEALTH CENTRE STAFF: Terrina Muston

GUIDANCE SUPPORT STAFF:
Sarah Smith
Aleesha Watson

CLASSROOM SUPPORT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
Lesley Archer, Jordan Broomhall, Jessie Buck, Evelyn Capewell*, Angela Carroll, Jahana Critchley, Larrissa Crowley, Suni-Faye Davis, Jaymi Evans, Brooke Hamlyn, Adonia Hedges, Emma Hembrow, Jacob Johnstone, Agnes Laffey*, Cecilia Louk, Donna McIntosh, Justine Pickering, Karen Spice, Annabella Tse*, Sonia Wood

HOUSEHOLD MANAGER: Debra Naughton

HOUSEHOLD STAFF:
Leesa Currie, Dianne Dunn, Shirley Fleming, Kim Fox, Sarah Fox, Shirley Jackson, Leah James, Dallas Langtree, Hitesh Patel, Carol Ralph, Yvonne Streeter, Denise Sullivan, Maureen Sullivan, Alma Thompson

FACILITIES MANAGER: Phil Capewell

GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE AND STUDENT TRANSPORT STAFF:
Robert Abdy, Darren Hope, James Lee, Ted Neilsen, Daryl Paxton, Robert Thompson

PHOTO DAY

St Mary’s Campus - Thursday 23/02/2023

Mt Carmel Campus - Friday 24/02/2023

School photography day is coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day, a small number of envelopes are available in each campus office.

NEW
advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

3 easy ways to purchase:

LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

visit: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter online order code: GBQ DYW 9M6

School photography information:

Online orders- do not require an envelope returned to your school
Sibling Photos- Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school.
Late fees- a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
Package delivery- School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
Previous Years’ photos- Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Columba Catholic College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

MC CAMPUS NEWS

OPENING CELEBRATION OF THE WORD AND INDUCTION OF STUDENT LEADERS

Next Tuesday, the 7^th February 2023, the Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders will be held on the St Mary’s Campus, commencing at 8:45am. Parents and Caregivers are invited to attend.

Year 7-12 students will commence the day on the St Mary’s Campus. Students are to meet on the Mary Street side of the oval. Parents and caregivers are asked to drop students off at the St Mary’s Campus on Tuesday morning by 8:25am. Following the liturgy, Year 7-12 students will be transported back to the Mount Carmel Campus by bus at approximately 9:45am. Students who attend the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre will attend their classes at the centre following the liturgy.

Year 7-12 students are to wear their formal uniform.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AT THE DALRYMPLE TRADE TRINING CENTRE (DTTC)

Certificate courses at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre will commence during Weeks 2 and 3 of this term. Students enrolled in the Certificate II in Resource and Infrastructure Work Preparation course will commence on Monday 6^th February. Students enrolled in the Certificate II in Health Support services will commence on Tuesday 7^th February. Students enrolled in the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation and Certificate II in Engineering Pathways commenced on Thursday 2^nd February. Students will attend the DTTC on these designated days each week during the year.

Students will be transported to the DTTC by College bus at 8.45am and will be bussed back to the Mt Carmel Campus at 3.00pm. It is expected that students will sign out at the Mt Carmel Office at 8.40am before catching the bus to the DTTC and check in with Ms Lucas when they return at 3.00pm. Students will be dismissed from the Mt Carmel Campus in the afternoon. Students are not permitted to drive vehicles to the DTTC.

If Parents / Caregivers need to pick students up from the DTTC for an appointment, it is essential that the office staff on the Mt. Carmel Campus are informed of these arrangements. The office staff will inform the staff at the DTTC.

HOMEWORK CLUB

Homework Club will commence this week on the Mount Carmel Campus. Homework Club is available to all Year 7-12 students to focus on their homework and academic studies in a quiet, supervised and relaxed environment, where they can receive support from teachers.

Students are able to attend Homework Club to:

Complete homework
Complete assignments
Revise for exams
Gain assistance to help understand subject content, for example, Mathematics, English, HASS.

Homework Club will be held on Thursday afternoon from 3.05-4.05pm in the Library. Teachers volunteer to assist students at Homework Club in subject areas such as English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Religious Education and Health and Physical Education.

Student expectations:

Students will:

Be punctual to the after school session;
Be prepared for each session with adequate homework or assignment or study work;
Work quietly and independently of other students;
Use computers to assist them with their academic studies only (not play games etc).

2023 NAPLAN TESTING

Please note that NAPLAN Testing in 2023 will be held in Term 1 from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March. All eligible students in Years 3,5,7 and 9 are expected to participate in the NAPLAN Tests. Testing will begin at Columba Catholic College on the 15^th March for all students. Year 7 and 9 students will use their own device to complete the testing. It is essential that students bring a fully charged laptop to school each day, so these do need to be charged each night.

All parents of Year 7 and 9 students are encouraged to read the following information about NAPLAN Testing.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS

It’s so wonderful to see our students back for another busy and exciting year at Columba. In 2023, Sarah Smith will be working on our primary campus, and Aleesha Watson will be on our senior campus. Throughout the year we will be sharing articles and information from our SchoolTV site - this information is available all year round and is a wonderful resource for our families, so please have a browse. Starting with the SCHOOL TRANSITIONS edition of SchoolTV.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

At this time of the year, as Columba teams take to the fields and courts around town, it is timely to remind parents and spectators of their responsibilities when attending school sporting fixtures.

The College has clearly developed Codes of Behaviour for parents and spectators (see below). These have been developed with two very important tenets in mind. The first is that young people should be allowed to participate in sport for their own enjoyment. The second is that all coaches and officials must be respected and supported, not undermined.

It is imperative that our coaches are able to train and coach their team without interference. At all times, coaches must be afforded the opportunity to address and direct their teams without having to compete for the players’ attention. Advice given from outside, while well-meaning, may actually contradict team plans and goals of which you are unaware. At all times, the coach’s say is final.

Our coaches and managers give generously of their own time so that your children can play each week. Please appreciate and respect their efforts, and continue to attend fixtures and support our great College teams.

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather winning or losing.
Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

SPECTATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
Encourage players to follow the rules and officials’ decisions.
Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Please be aware that if you are behaving inappropriately, you may be asked to leave school sporting fixtures.

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,

Welcome to the 2023 school year. I hope this letter finds you well and ready to embrace the year ahead. I welcome all continuing and new students to the College’s residential community. The boarders this year hail from all over North and central Queensland as well as the Northern Territory. The life experiences that these students bring to the boarding community can be best described as being rich and diverse in nature; making it an interesting and an exciting place to be.

I would like to personally thank everyone for the warm welcome to the college. I am looking forward to my time at the college while Dan Kyle is on leave for Semester 1. Prior to my role at Columba College, I was Sports Coordinator at St Anthony's Catholic College, Deeragun where I have taught for the past 20 years.

Special thank you to our Boys and Girls Residential Coordinators , Caroline Jarmey, Michelle Burns and boarding parents who have worked tirelessly to help both new and continuing students transition well into the residential community environment. Of course, there is the usual homesickness that students will go through as a result of the temporary separation from their families, but as the term progresses and they settle into a routine, school life will become much easier. We recognise the importance of routine in settling students into boarding school life.

Town leave commenced on the weekend. Boarders were taken by staff to the local supermarkets to purchase incidentals. There have been numerous planned activities. Boarders recently enjoyed team building activities, an Australia Day Pool Party & Barbeque. Last Sunday saw the boarders farewell Father Sylvester at Sunday Mass.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the Boarder Representative Councils will be elected for both Boys’ and Girls’ Boarding. This is a very important group in terms of ‘student voice’ and they will meet with their respective Residential Leaders regularly to discuss all matters pertaining to boarding.

Lastly, teams will start preparing for the Catholic Schools Carnival played in March. Selection for teams commences soon. This annual event is a time of celebration for our school community as the students that participate share their skills, efforts and enthusiasm.

This year the Residential Newsletter will continue to be a fortnightly publication and will be directly emailed to you.

Finally, I look forward to working with you, the parents and caregivers of your children, so that we may provide the best possible level of residential care. Thank you for entrusting the College with the education of your child/ren and I look forward to catching up with as many parents and guardians as possible throughout the year.

Jason Buczynsky
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL