Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 26 No. 3 -2nd March 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

Our identity is a reflection of a long Catholic Christian tradition. One that is based on the foundations and teachings of Jesus Christ. Understanding our Catholic identity as it exists now in the context of 2023 is essential for us to ensure that we are supporting all members of the College community. To enable us to gain valuable insights, we will engage again this year in the Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity Project.  Every four years we survey our students, staff and families regarding our Catholic identity. Students from Years 5-12 will complete the survey during a Religious Education lesson. A letter outlining the survey has been sent to all families.

To complete the survey please click on the following link to access the website 

https://ecsi.site/au/assessing/

Login details are as follows:

School: Columba Catholic College

Entry Code: Ghj654

Group Access Code: dCVAmR

Please find attached at the end of my letter, a survey instruction manual for your reference and information.

Families and community members who participate in the survey will be entered into a draw to win a $250 voucher for Harvey Norman. We appreciate your feedback and encourage you to participate in this survey by Friday 31st March.  

Last week there were pancakes aplenty as we acknowledged Shrove Tuesday. Special thanks to Ms O’Sullivan, Mrs Burns and the staff and students 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 students at St Mary’s. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. There were plenty of happy faces on Tuesday.

Last Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday with liturgies on Mt Carmel and St Mary’s Campus. Special thanks to Ms Christine O’Sullivan, Ms Larrissa Crowley, Mrs Joanne Andrews 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.

Staffing Updates:

I wish to announce that Mr Thomas Chitongo has tendered his resignation. We thank Thomas for his contribution to Columba and wish him well.

This week we welcomed Ms Jane Thomas to the Mt Carmel teaching team. Jane is a local educator who brings a depth of experience to the Science department. We wish Jane all the best as she joins our college community.

This weekend students from across the diocese travel to Columba to participate in the Annual Catholic Schools' Carnival. Tomorrow we welcome students, staff and families from our local community and from the following Catholic Schools: Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mt Isa; St Catherine’s Catholic College, Proserpine; St Teresa's College, Abergowrie; Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale and St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde Park. We wish all of our teams, staff and supporters a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing you there!

This Saturday our College Board will engage in a formation program led by Townsville Catholic Education. Thanks to the members of our Board for giving so freely of their time to strengthen our college community through shared mission and vision. 

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us consider the teachings of Pope Francis through his 2023 Lenten message. He stated that "Lent is a time of truth, a time to drop the masks we put on each day to appear perfect in the eyes of the world". May we work together to be true reflections of ourselves; sharing our humanness, our vulnerabilities; our strengths and our gifts as we work together to live as Jesus taught us through the teachings of the Gospel.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

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 assessments. Year 7 and 9 students, during Week 4 and 5, completed 3 online practice NAPLAN tests in preparation for the upcoming NAPLAN Tests which commence in Week 8 this term.

MOUNT CARMEL CAMPUS NAPLAN TEST SCHEDULE

Years 7 and 9 students will complete the NAPLAN Online Tests on Wednesday 15^th March, Thursday 16^th March, Friday 17^th March and Monday 20^th March. It is essential that students attend school on these days to complete these tests. Please refer to the test schedule below.

Pleae see the Years 7 and 9 Exam Timetable below.

Where possible, individual students who are absent at the time of testing will complete missed tests at another time during the school’s testing window.

To ensure that students’ experiences are as stress free as possible, the College is asking parents/carers to assist NAPLAN online preparations by:

• Ensuring that appointments are not made when the NAPLAN testing is scheduled. Please make appointments at another time.
• Ensuring that your child comes to school every day during the testing schedule with a fully charged laptop, a set of headphones and a pencil.
• Treating NAPLAN test days as just another routine event on the calendar. The best way you can help prepare your child for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to advise them to simply do the best they can on the day.

For further information about what is NAPLAN, and how students can prepare and participate in NAPLAN can be found via the following link. Parents should take the time to read and become familiar with the following documents:

• NAPLAN Information for Parents and Caregivers
• Privacy

The College invites parents/caregivers who would like to experience a simulation of the NAPLAN online tests, to explore the public demonstration test site with their child to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools that students will experience.

We, as a College, encourage full participation in NAPLAN by all students. If you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN, please contact Mrs Maria Peck or Mrs Kim Lynch by close of business Friday 3^rd March.

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 2023 Curriculum Middle Leaders.

• English: Ms Clare Stead (cstead@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Mathematics: Mr Khalid Almaktoum (kalmaktoum@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Humanities and Languages: Mr Michael Ku (mku@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Science (Acting) : Mrs Maria Peck (mpeck@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Health and Physical Education: Mr Callan Newman (cnewman2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Technologies: Mr Dean Johnston (djohnston2@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• The Arts and Culture:  Mrs Gina Porter (gporter@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Inclusive Education Program Leader: Mrs Kim Lynch (klynch6@columba.catholic.edu.au)
• Religious Education: Ms Christine O’Sullivan (cosullivan@columba.catholic.edu.au) 
• Careers and Vocational Education and Training (VET): Mrs Kim Lynch (klynch6@columba.catholic.edu.au)

COLLEGE CALENDAR.

A reminder that upcoming College events can be viewed on the College Calendar.

PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGS

Earlier this term Parent Information evenings were held for Year 7-12 parents. Copies of Parent Information evening powerpoints are available through the Compass newsfeed.

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 7-12 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 an application form from the office. Application forms must be signed by the student and parent  / caregiver and have supporting documentation attached to the application (eg. detailed doctor’s certificate or report) for consideration. Once the application has been processed by the class teacher, Curriculum Leader and Deputy Principal Administration, the student will be notified of the outcome of the application.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

CSPA NEWS

Monday March 6th - the Columba Catholic College Catholic Schools Parents’ Association (CSPA) will be holding their AGM at 7pm at the St Mary’s campus. This will be followed by the March general meeting.  All parents are welcome from Prep to Grade 12. All positions will be declared vacant as per our constitution.  All nominations for President, Vice President (2) and Secretary are welcome.

See you all there.

Fiona Murray
PRESIDENT - COLUMBA CATHOLIC COLLEGE CSPA

CATTLE CLUB

SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT - MC CAMPUS

Students in The Arts disciplines have hit the ground running this year with lots of fantastic units on offer. Across various year levels, students in the Art Department are studying Surrealism, Dreamtime stories, Pop Art, mask making, and ways through which Art can be a lens for how we view the world. In Dance and Drama, students are exploring styles that convey a social message, as well as the evolution of Reality TV out of Realism. Music classes are learning about Pop music, Australian music, Musical Theatre, and songwriting. Throughout the year students will be assessed on both written and practical skills relevant to each discipline.

There are also a range of extra curricular activities available to students in The Arts this year. Some of these include Theatre Residency Week, Mulkadee, Scene Project, Country Music Concert, Columba’s Got Talent, Eisteddfod, and SHEP (State Honours Ensemble Program). Information will go out via morning notices in the lead up to each event and students are welcome to contact me for more information or to sign up.

Currently, registrations are open for Mulkadee 2023. This year we embark on a magical re-imagining of the classic tale, Robin Hood. If students are interested in adventuring into Sherwood Forest in the disciplines of dance, strings, band, choir, drama, guitar, or AV media, they should email Mrs Porter to receive a parent information letter and the link to register. Audition requirements have changed this year, so it is important to get in contact and receive the correct information. Applications close this Friday 3^rd March.

Georgina Porter
CURRICULUM MIDDLE LEADER - THE ARTS

HASS NEWS - MC CAMPUS

Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) comprises four subjects - History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business.

The Year 7 and 8 students have commenced their first unit of HaSS with Geography for Term 1.

In the 21st century, Geography is vital to the education of every student. It is the study of places – their environments, populations, economies and communities – and how and why these places are changing. It provides students a holistic view of the world, combining the natural and social sciences. Students can gain the understanding, knowledge and skills to make sense of complex issues such as climate change, drought, aging populations, urban growth, ethnic conflicts and globalisation.

Following on from Year 8 History, Year 9 students focus on modern history - the making of the modern world, commencing with how the Industrial Revolution period has changed and innovated our society into our present day.

On the elective side, our Year 9 and 10 Economics and Business classes commenced their new unit “Fundamentals of Business”, using business case studies to understand the concepts of the basics and structures of business organisations

Subjects in HASS focus on critical study and questioning of the human societal experience, in other words, a broad term used to describe a field of enquiry. Students would therefore, utilise critical and analytical thinking skills.

To improve critical thinking, there are many things to support your child at home to practice these important skills. Debating and discussing as a family is a great way to practice critical thinking skills, and ensure your child has access to different quality reading sources and materials and discuss their reading and/or findings with them. It is vital to explore the benefit of critical thinking with them and help them learn and question everything! 

At home, whilst working on an assessment task with your child, you can practice the ‘Claim, Evidence Reasoning' Writing Activity. Using this format they respond to a question by making a claim. They will need to support the claim with evidence from the text or whatever source of information they are working on, and then connect the claim and evidence with their reasoning. Ask your child questions such as, 'Why is this evidence important? Why do the facts support the statement?'  This strategy can develop their analytical thinking and argumentative writing skills. 

Michael Ku
CURRICULUM MIDDLE LEADER - HUMANITIES & LANGUAGES

FROM THE LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT -

This year we welcome Languages back into our College’s curriculum in Years 4-8. 

All Languages students this year have access to the Quizlet online learning platform for use in class, and at home for support. Quizlet offers learning tasks and tests in Listening, Reading and Speaking. This is particularly supportive for students who do not have anyone at home or in the Boarding house who speaks or understands the student's target language. Through utilising the Quizlet learning platform, the teacher can easily monitor how each student is progressing through set work. 

For students to engage and to develop their language aptitude, it is paramount that they spend time to develop their vocabulary of the target language. Memory begins to fade after it is formed and it could disappear completely if it is not part of the long-term memory. Hence, connecting words to objects in real life will help language learners memorise the words. Vocabulary retrieval and memorisation is important in language learning.

Language learning can increase a student's confidence and sense of personal achievement. Learning another language is an accomplishment of which students can and should be proud! Not only will it help to develop intellectually and emotionally, but it will allow the learner a better communicator, and boost their self-esteem. 

Recent educational research has shown that languages are among the top eight skills required of all occupations - no matter the work sector or skill level, there is a high demand in the government, private and non-profit sectors. 

It is a great privilege for our College to offer the subject Chinese once again, particularly in the regional area of Queensland. 

Michael Ku
CURRICULUM MIDDLE LEADER - HUMANITIES & LANGUAGES

In this edition of SchoolTV - SURVIVING FINAL YEAR

The final year of secondary school is a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students. With so much going on, it can be hard to find the balance between study and life. It’s not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice for students and parents to help get through the final year of secondary school.

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 Surviving Final Year edition of SchoolTV

Aleesha Watson & Sarah Smith
GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS

YEAR FIVE NEWS

The Year 5 class got off to a good start this year! We have embarked on an incredible learning journey by getting to know each other and ourselves better. My 27 ‘goal getters’ set themselves up for success by setting personal goals for themselves in 2023. I look forward to leading each year 5 student towards their goal this year.

We have made good use of every learning opportunity so far. Students have been learning about problem solving in Mathematics and Narrative and Persuasive writing in English. Students had a great time learning about light in Science, and we conducted our first experiment on the formation of shadows. Valentine’s day tied in very well with Religious Education, as we discovered the true story behind Valentine’s Day and spent the day spreading love to our neighbour. In HASS we have been learning about the Australian Gold Rush, and I am very excited to announce that we will take a step back in time to discover our own region’s gold mining heritage. Students will go on a very exciting excursion to celebrate and enhance their learning experience.

We have had a very successful Shrove Tuesday, and I would like to thank every student and parent who contributed to the success of this day. I am especially proud of all the Year 5 Mini Vinnies members who took up this opportunity to make a difference in our school community. 

I am looking forward to all the wonderful opportunities that this year will bring to the Year 5 classroom!

Carmen Labuschagne
YEAR FIVE TEACHER

YEAR FOUR NEWS

In Year 4 we have been working very hard on writing narratives. The class have gone through the Seven Steps for Writing Success, and we will soon begin planning and writing our first draft of our creative writing piece. During our math lessons, students have been working through odd and even numbers, and identifying missing values in sums.

The class have been enjoying our Religious Education lessons, where we have been discussing the values of our Church community and the fruits of the spirit of Jesus Christ - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Here are a few pictures of the dioramas that we have been creating for each of these gifts.

Kara Dawson
YEAR FOUR TEACHER

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,

Boarding Council Representatives

Most recently, Boarders voted on Boarding Council representatives for 2023. A small ceremony was held in the College Chapel. I am confident that they will all do an exceptional  job at leading and will make a positive difference in the lives of others. I would like to congratulate the following;

BOARDER REPRESENTATIVES (GIRLS)

• Year 7: Layne Creek
• Year 8: Shayla Jonsson
• Year 9: Jenna Gallagher
• Year 10: Charlotte Coggan
• Year 11: Bella Duddy
• Captain and Vice Captain -  Chloe Girdler and Lindsay Kirkwood

BOARDER REPRESENTATIVES (BOYS)

• Year 7: Aiden Hoch
• Year 8 : Dakota Struckel
• Year 9 : Shaun Gould/ Riley Girdler
• Year 10: Duncan Hewlett
• Year 11: Max Campbell
• Year 12: Assariah Lenoy

Behaviour Expectations

Columba prides itself on the exemplary behaviour that our students exhibit whether in Day School, the Residences or in the wider community. Sometimes though, some students find it challenging to comply with the College expectations and this leads to consequences that are put in place to enable students to learn and grow. It is important for students to know that if students are not abiding by the expectations of the College, then they forfeit the right to represent our school elsewhere including at events/activities such as Mulkadee, Debating and school sports.  

The Resilience Project

Throughout 2023, we will be working again closely with The Resilience Project to support the wellbeing of our school community. The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.

Our Partnership Program consists of online presentations and weekly lessons for students, professional development for staff, and Parent & Carer Hub (inc. digital presentations) for our parent and carer community. 

Videos are 5-10 minutes long and will walk through the key pillars of resilience: Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness. You’ll hear stories and be introduced to activities to show how these strategies can support our kids' learning and development, and also support you as parents and carers. 

This program is an important part of our school’s effort to look after the mental health of our community.

View the first presentation of the series here: Part 1: Meet Hugh and learn about The Resilience Project - https://theresilienceproject.com.au/parent-and-carer-hub-hugh/

In this presentation, Hugh shares a personal experience about his sister's battles with Mental Illness.

Note: This video contains a story about an Eating Disorder that may be triggering. Please consider this before watching. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Catholic Schools' Carnival

On Friday 3 March, Columba will be hosting the Catholic Schools’ Carnival for the ninth consecutive year. Rugby League, Netball will be contested. The carnival is Boarding’s fundraiser. 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 3.00 pm with an Opening Ceremony on the Mount Carmel Campus. I look forward to catching up with as many Boarding families as possible over the evening.

Jason Buczynsky
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

THE YOUNG ENDEAVOUR

Charters Towers Regional Council is pleased to announce it has secured one berth on the national sail training ship “The Young Endeavour” for a voyage in 2023 and is now seeking applications from individuals interested in taking part in this life changing experience.

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme partners with a number of organisations who offer scholarships for students, staff and young people in the community to join a voyage on Young Endeavour. A voyage on the tall ship Young Endeavour is a life-changing experience and offers much more than simply learning to sail. 

Young people take away with them skills for life, including communication, leadership, teamwork, self-esteem and a greater understanding of themselves and each other. As one of the 24-strong youth crew, the successful candidate will meet the challenges of sailing the tall ship including climbing the 30m mast, setting sails, navigating, keeping watch and taking the helm, and live ‘between decks’ in a close community with other youth crew from a diversity of places and backgrounds.

 NO PRIOR SAILING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED

The successful applicant will sail from Mackay on 18 July and arrive in Cairns 28 July, with transport to the place of departure and home once the voyage has been completed their own responsibility.

 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

For Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme participants, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has partnered with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Australia National Office to enable participants to use their voyage towards their Gold Award, recognising the focus on exciting and challenging personal development outcomes. Completion of the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program, undertaken during the ten day voyage in STS Young Endeavour, meets the Award requirements for either:

• Gold Award – Residential Project
• Expedition Practice Journey

 Applications close 31, March 2023 at 4pm.

More information can be found on Council’s website HERE.