Columba Catholic College - Charters Towers eNewsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

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

Over the last couple of weeks we have had many individual students and groups participate in the Annual Charters Towers Eisteddfod. On behalf of our students I would like to say a special thanks to Kalinda Large, Gina Porter, Liz Ward, Larrissa Crowley, each of our Primary Class Teachers and support staff for leading our students and providing them with this wonderful experience. It was a delight to see them perform and have so much fun in the process! Thanks to all of our families and community members for your support. We had some outstanding individual and group performances.

Special thanks to Michelle Burns, Caroline Jarmey and our Residential Staff for leading a fantastic Long Weekend of activities for our boarding students. We appreciate all of the time and energy they gave to the planning and preparing the three days of activities for our students from Friday 1- Sunday 3 September. The students had a wonderful time and represented the College well.

Last Thursday, we hosted a special Father's Day Liturgy, Breakfast BBQ and activities for our fathers and father figures. Special thanks to Jemma Webber and Donna Maxsted for leading the liturgy; Darren Hope for facilitating the BBQ, Joanne Andrews and all of the St Mary's Campus staff for providing these experiences for our students and their families. It was great to see so many members of our community joining us on the day. Special thanks to our Year 6 Fundraising Team and the CSPA for their fundraising efforts. The CSPA have approved a $30K contribution to assist with the costs of the installation of commercial ceiling fans to the St Mary’s Campus Undercover area. We are grateful for their ongoing support and contribution. It is anticipated that these will be installed for the commencement of the 2024 school year.

Last Thursday I traveled to Townsville with our Emerging Leaders to participate in the Blak Excellence Awards and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Graduation Liturgy. Thanks to Natalie Grant and Jessie Huen for their support. Our Emerging Leaders presented themselves beautifully and were wonderful ambassadors for the College. Congratulations to Assariah Lenoy who was nominated as a finalist for Indigenous Student of the Year.

This week is National Child Protection Week. The theme for this year is "Where we start matters". The safety and wellbeing of our children and young people is paramount. Please find here the link to the NAPCAN website for information and resources.

Last Friday our staff were gifted with the opportunity to come together for some professional learning as a part of Reflective Practice Day. Special thanks to Joanne Andrews, Maria Peck and Robecca Sorrensen for leading learning across the day. Special thanks to our Curriculum Middle Leaders who led their teams in preparing for the next phase of our learning journey. Thanks to Gina Porter, Khalid Almaktoum, Maggie Georgopoulos, Dean Johnston, Michael Ku, Neelam Raj and Callan Newman for their efforts. It was also an important time for our School Officers to engage in some professional learning also. Thanks to each of our staff for their collaboration and professionalism.

The Comerford Residence Amenities Block upgrade is now complete. Our Junior boys will begin Term 4 back in Comeford Residence and can begin enjoying the newly completed works which also includes internal painting and some new furnishings. Special thanks to Power Constructions for their work in bringing this upgrade to fruition.

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE Next Thursday 14th September is R U Ok Day?

Inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

Ask R U OK?

Listen

Encourage action

Check in

Please find here the link to the RU OK Day website for your reference and information.

Next Tuesday our Firsts Rugby League team will participate in the School Boys Trophy Grand Final in Brisbane. We wish all of our players, coaches and managers all the best as they travel to Brisbane. We are deeply proud of our students and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck Boys!

This week our Year 6 students have been enjoying their time in Canberra. We look forward to hearing of their adventures when they return to school next week.

Tomorrow we continue our transition program as we prepare for a new school year in 2024. The first of our Prep Come and Try Days will take place at St Mary’s Campus tomorrow. We welcome all new and existing families to Columba and encourage those potential families who have not yet submitted enrolment applications for 2024 to contact the College office on 47 871744 for enrolment information.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - MC CAMPUS

Dear Parents and Caregivers

It seems like Term 3 has flown by… Here we are at the end of Week 8, racing towards the finish line and anticipating our September holidays with the glee of Jack Russell that has escaped its yard! So, let’s take a look at what has been happening this term and what is just around the corner.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Reflection Days: From Tuesday 18^th-Thursday 20^th June, the Passionist Youth Retreat Team worked with Year 7, 8 and 9 students, delivering a powerful Catholic Christian values-based program focussing on age-appropriate topics of relationships and self-awareness, social justice, self-worth, appropriate use of technology, gratitude, and personal identity.
Masses and Liturgies: This term, there have been various Masses and liturgies including the NAIDOC Liturgy (Friday 21^st July), Catholic Education Week Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Townsville on Tuesday 25^th July, the Catholic Education Week Liturgy (Wed 26^th July), McAuley House Mass (Sat 26^th Aug) and Father’s Day Mass where students and staff handed out bookmarks in the Parish (Sunday 3^rd September). Father Emmanuel has celebrated three Masses in the MC Chapel with Year 8, 10 and 12 students. There have also been special Assembly prayers to mark liturgical events, as well as Youth Group in the Parish Meeting Room.
Staff Retreat: On Wednesday 9^th August, College staff were invited to participate in a Retreat called ‘From Keepers of the Story to Recontextualising Its Meaning For All: Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers’. This professional development opportunity enabled staff to learn about the life and charism of Edmund Rice, and provided them with hours towards their Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School/to Teach Religious Education.
Year 11 Leadership Program: From Mon 14-Wed 16^th August, our Year 11 students attended their Retreat at Bluewater Scout Park. This important Retreat was facilitated by the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, and I also wish to thank staff who accompanied me including Elena Donohue, Eddie Green and Haydn Champion. Following the Retreat, students have participated in leadership sessions, a voting ritual and interviews. This important process has enabled them to prepare for being Senior Student Leaders in 2024.
2023 Ignite Conference: From Thursday 21-Sunday 24^th September, 8 students and 3 staff members will attend the 2023 Ignite Conference at St. Laurence’s College, Brisbane. The students include Erika Truong, Bella Grant, Georgia Grant, Grace Kuhl, Amelie Stewart, Bridget Wosomo, Isabella O’Sullivan and Mollie Ebsworth, together with Miss Carter, Ms Georgopoulos and myself. This is a fantastic faith development opportunity for students and staff.

Christine O'Sullivan
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - RELIGOUS EDUCATION - MC CAMPUS

NEIGHBOURS WITHOUT BORDERS

Townsville_2023.pdf

MC CAMPUS CURRICULUM NEWS

YEAR 12 TRIAL MOCK ASSESSMENTS

Year 12 students will undertake trial Mock assessments from Wednesday 6^th September until Wednesday 13^th September. During this time students will attend normal classes unless they are completing an assessment. Students may have two assessments on the one day. The timetable for trial mock assessments has been distributed to parents and students along with a copy of the Directions for Students and the External Assessment Equipment List through Compass emails.

Students are expected to complete the trial Mock external assessments as these will provide them with valuable feedback about how they are progressing in preparation for the upcoming external assessments. Students must arrange all the required equipment to complete their trial assessments now. If students are going to be absent for an assessment, please contact the College office prior to the assessment. Students must complete an AARA form and attach the relevant documentation to it for consideration. Please submit the AARA application to the office.

Students enrolled in Applied subjects will be continuing with course work and completing assessment as per the assessment calendar.

TRY A TRADE

Year 10 students have been invited to participate in the Try a Trade Taster Program conducted by TAFE at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre. On Friday the 8^th September, students enrolled in the program will attend the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre between 9:00am and 1:00pm. Students will be bussed to and from the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre. The program allows students to try a trade through three interactive and hands on rotational lessons.

DALRYMPLE TRADE TRAINING CERTIFICATE III ASSESSMENT WORKSHOPS

Students enrolled in Certificate III courses through the Charters Towers School of Distance Education have been invited to attend an assessment workshop on Friday 8^th September from 8:30am-2:30pm at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre. Students will be bussed to and from the Mount Carmel Campus to attend the assessment workshop. Students and parents have been emailed about this workshop. Parents of Year 12 students should note that all assessment needs to be submitted to their teacher by the end of this term.

DATE CLAIMER: 2024 YEAR 9 AND 10 SUBJECT SELECTION EVENING

Parents/Caregivers of students who will be in Year 9 and 10 in 2024 are invited to attend a subject information evening on Tuesday 10^th October 2023 commencing at 7:00pm in the Mount Carmel Campus Dining Room. Students and parents/caregivers will be able to find out information about the elective subjects on offer in 2024.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTS

In Term 4 students will complete external assessments from Monday 23 October until Tuesday 14^th November 2023. Please note that students must complete the assessments at the designated times indicated in the exam schedule. Please refer to the assessment schedule below.

The 2023 external assessment guide for Year 12 students is now available on the myQCE website.

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

Directions for Students: External Assessments

Equipment List: External Assessments

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

BOOK WEEK ON THE SM CAMPUS

Book Week has come to a close with the students having a greater appreciation for the different categories of books in Libraries. They enjoyed having the Shortlisted Books read to them and then went on to vote for their favourite book in each category. Whilst the SMC winning books didn’t always agree with the CBCA Judges, our choice was picked as an Honour Book. A lot of thought went into the reasons children chose a book as their favourite and it was a pleasure to read through the voting sheets. A variety of activities relating to the shortlisted books were enjoyed by those who came by the Library during breaks. Book flowers and butterflies were made during the week and decorated the ‘Read, Grow and Inspir' corner of the Library.

Dressing up, as usual, was the highlight of the week with children portraying their favourite book character at the annual parade.

Parents and students never cease to amaze with their interpretation of a book character and how it inspires them to create a costume. Special mention to the Penguins who did like Frank’s hats and came to visit the parade.

Book Week finished with Under 8’s day and the Library was transformed into Ireland, complete with an Irish princess and leprechauns. The children caught their Irish icons and were rewarded with their own pot of gold to find a golden chocolate coin. The visit to Ireland finished with bell playing and Irish dancing with the leprechauns. We all had a ring a ding, ding time.

Paula Smith
LIBRARY CO-ORDINATOR - SM CAMPUS

This term we have been busy honing our research skills as we search for key facts to support the information report we are writing. Our year 4 students made a conscientious effort to research one animal from either Africa or South America and they will soon be making a slideshow to present their research to us as a class. The year 5 students are also creating an informative presentation this term but they are focusing on a country from Europe. By the end of the term we will all have a bit more knowledge of countries and animals in the world!

In maths this term we have been learning about the units of measurement used daily to measure various objects. To gain some perspective as to how long animals are in metres, a few students brought tape measures from home to help us measure out the size of the longest mammal on Earth. Did you know the longest blue whale was measured to be 33 metres long? To really ensure we understood that type of length, we headed to the oval to stack our measuring tapes and create a good visual as to how long a blue whale can grow to be. We extended this activity by laying down to see if the length of our class from head to foot would be taller or shorter than the largest mammal on Earth. It turns out, we are barely the same size as the Blue Whale!

In art we are learning about different artists from around the world and their famous pieces of art. We are studying the techniques these artists used to create visual effects and doing our best to replicate these pieces of work. It’s not easy being an artist, but the finished products are turning out to be beautiful and they are a nice way to decorate our classroom!

Samantha Heiskell
YEAR FOUR/FIVE TEACHERS

YEAR FIVE NEWS

Year 5 has had such a busy and productive Term 3.

In HASS, students are learning about North America and Europe. Each student has chosen a country from these regions and has written an information report after learning about this genre in English.

In Science we have been learning about living things and how plants and animals adapt to their environments. We have completed a number of experiments and have been watching some seeds germinate in individual pots which students will take home at the end of the term.

In Religion lessons we are discovering the ways the Holy Spirit is represented in Scripture and how through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to grow in faith and share our faith with others.

In Visual Arts lessons we have been using a variety of mediums to recreate some famous pieces by renowned artists.

We have been working hard across many strands in Mathematics and most recently working on creating simple financial plans.

As well as working very hard in the classroom, we have also participated in Book Week dress up and competed in the Charters Towers Eisteddfod placing 3rd in our section. We have also had students participate in Optiminds in Townsville. Last week Year 5 led an assembly honouring the fathers and father figures in our lives.

We will certainly continue to work hard over the remaining two weeks of term before a well deserved break.

Jemma Webber and Donna Maxstead
YEAR FIVE TEACHERS

BOOK WEEK ON THE MC CAMPUS

Term 3 is always one of the busiest times of year for The Arts at Columba. Not only are we focused on classroom endeavours, but we also offer a range of extra-curricular activities that allow our students to grow and develop as a creative artist.

In the first week of term, a group of talented students performed at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre for Mulkadee. Not long after that our Music students were off on an excursion to the World Theatre to participate in a workshop and view a performance by the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. In week 5, another group of students presented their short play at the World Theatre as part of Queensland Theatre’s Scene Project alongside other Charters Towers schools. This was a fantastic opportunity to show our talents as well as see what other schools created using the same stimulus. Thank you to Nicola Power Photography for the photographs of the day. The year 9/10 Drama class then participated in a film workshop with Orvon Gough from the Charters Towers Council as part of the Towers Rush Festival. You can see our finished product at the Twilight Markets on Friday, 6 October from 6-9pm at the Showgrounds.

Throughout the past few weeks, students across all disciplines of The Arts have been competing at the Charters Towers Eisteddfod. We congratulate those students who have placed, as well as those students who may not have placed but who took the time to rehearse and develop their confidence in performance. It’s not an easy task to stand up on such a big stage in front of an audience.

Georgina Porter
THE ARTS - CURRICLUM LEADER

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

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

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

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

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the Guidance Counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Online Gaming edition of SchoolTV.

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

RESIDENTIAL NEWS - MC CAMPUS

Our boys have certainly been busy in Term 3 with a host of sporting and extra curricular activities undertaken by our boarding students, but we are starting to slow down with the completion of club and schoolboys football and cricket.

These activities would not be possible without the support of, and in many cases the coaching by our Residential Staff, who go above and beyond on a daily basis.

Our Firsts Football team will be heading down to Brisbane in week 9 to represent Columba Catholic College in the NRL Schoolboy Trophy Final against Xavier Catholic College. What an achievement for our dedicated team of young men and their exceptional team of coaches and support crew. We will all be watching.

We now move into the final stages of assessment this term. I will be encouraging the boys to go through feedback provided by their teachers and attend Assessment Support if they need.

As always, they can come to me or the rest of the residential team, if they need any help during study.

Last Tuesday our students vying for both residential and school leadership positions in 2024 gave their speeches to their peers. Congratulations to our Boarding students for stepping up and nominating for a leadership position within the school and the residential setting.

Over the weekend the boys went to Seagulls resort in Townsville as part of our Boarding long weekend program.

We participated in Go Karting, King Pin bowling and Laser Tag, as well as spent some time on the Strand and of course a little retail therapy. Our Senior boys battled it out at Adrenaline Paintball and finished the weekend with a gentlemanly game of golf. We returned to MC Campus on Saturday and we all went out for dinner. This was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to dress up and dine out together in a restaurant.

Thank you to our young men who behave so well in public. It is a pleasure to take them out.

This was a big weekend doing a host of different activities and I am so proud of the boys' behaviour, their manners and respect for staff and others throughout the whole weekend.

As we wind down to the end of term 3, can you please let me know of your son's return home travel plans so we can get our end of term travel arrangements underway?

Thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you all in Term 4.

Caroline Jarmey
HEAD OF BOY'S BOARDING

RESIDENTIAL NEWS - SM CAMPUS

Reflecting on this past term, the word Gratitude comes to mind. We have so much to be grateful for as we head into the final week of Term 3 in the Good Samaritan Residence. It has been an extremely busy term full of wonderful opportunities for our students.

The girls have been given many opportunities to participate in sports and activities including netball, softball, rugby 7’s, touch football, debating, and athletics only to name a few. We are so fortunate to have girls with a wide range of talents who can share their experiences and be inspirations for each other. In recent months, the girls have shown plenty of interest and talent on the footy field, and they are to be congratulated for their commitment to their teams in attending both training and their weekend games. Bridget Wilson, Chantel Wilson, Nikki Bethel, and Ruby King have all represented their sport at a higher level in representative teams throughout Queensland. Congratulations also to the Cattle Club girls, Charlotte Coggan, Chloe Savage, Cheyanne Bridgeman, Abby Leslie, Zahli Scott and Rejina Pedracini as they have also shown their talents at the Shows with cattle judging and leading.

The girls attended a Residential Camp in Townsville over the long weekend where they had a fun-filled and fantastic weekend playing tenpin bowling, laser skirmish, arcade games, ice skating, shopping and spending the afternoon on the Strand. The feedback from the girls suggested that they had an awesome weekend. A very big shout out and special thanks to our wonderful staff Margie Kingham and Kim Johnson who worked tirelessly over the weekend to make this camp possible. I would also like to express my thanks to Lindsay Kirkwood who assisted staff over the weekend not because she had to, but because she wanted to. We are very grateful for such a wonderful team.

As we head into the final week, please email me your daughter’s end-of-term travel arrangements as soon as possible. The Richmond, Mt Surprise and Townsville buses will be running next week, numbers permitting, and Abstudy itineraries will be emailed to you as soon as we receive them.

Thank you for your ongoing support this term and see you all next term.

Michelle Burns
HEAD OF GIRL'S BOARDING