Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 27 No. 2 - 15th February 2024

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

Learning is our core work. This year we have a continued whole school focus on improving writing across the College. Staff have engaged in targeted professional learning and have been collaborating regarding the use of explicit teaching strategies to improve student outcomes in this domain. This focus will continue through developing enhanced skills in explicit instruction and will involve staff reviewing student writing samples across learning areas to ensure that we target those specific areas that require improvement. I commend the staff for their ongoing commitment to this focus through the use of data and team based practices to ensure our students are being met at their point of need. We are focused on student growth in all aspects of learning at the College. Students are continuing to engage in the use of a resource called Writers’ Toolbox, and we have seen some excellent growth with students seeking feedback on their writing and teachers adjusting learning sequences to meet the range of learning needs within our cohorts.

On Tuesday 6th February we celebrated the Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders for 2024. This is a special time in our community where we bless and welcome our leaders as they begin their leadership journey. It is also a time where we prepare for the year ahead and commit ourselves to the mission of Jesus Christ, through our words and actions, as servant leaders in our community.  At this celebration we also announced the Dux of the College for 2023, Isaac Neilsen. Congratulations to Isaac who received an outstanding ATAR. We wish him well as he embarks on new pathways beyond school to develop his interests and passions. Special thanks to Christine O’Sullivan, Joanne Andrews,  Donna Maxsted and to members of staff who assisted in preparing for this event.Thank you also to the many families and friends who joined us for this celebration.

Last week our Year 7 students attended camp at Echo Creek Adventure Centre. From all accounts the students and staff had a wonderful time. Special thanks to Madeleine Carter, Jordan Moy, Gina Porter, Emma Systa and Callan Newman for their support and guidance across the three days. We are blessed to have such committed people supporting our students in all aspects of their development at the College.

Next Friday 23rd February we will host the Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Thanks to Callan Newman, Emma Systa, Andrew Butler, the Secondary staff and the House Captains for their preparation in readiness for the carnival. We look forward to a great day of competition.

Last Thursday we were visited by the members of the Blue Service from Townsville Catholic Education. The team spent time with members of the Senior Leadership Team team to discuss our 2024 Annual School Improvement Plan and ways to work together to achieve our goals. Special thanks to some of our Senior students for their leadership on the day. Special thanks to our student leaders who led us in prayer and joined the team to share their experience of life at the College. 

This plan is an important part of the school improvement agenda and enables us to have a clear, focused vision. In 2024, we have identified key priorities for student achievement and academic growth across the scope of P-12 and boarding here at Columba. Please find here a copy of our 2024 Annual School Improvement Plan and poster. This plan will be reviewed at interim periods and provides the leadership team and staff with clear direction informed by strategic planning. This document has been shared with a number of key stakeholders 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.

Volunteer Induction: Our College is fortunate to be supported by many volunteer parents and community members and we are very grateful for their contribution as many of the activities and experiences our students are afforded would not be possible without our volunteers. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Induction via the college website that can be found here. This must be completed every three years and then followed up with a Site Induction. Once you have completed the online Volunteer Induction, please contact the college office via Office@Columba or by phoning the office on 47871744. We appreciate your ongoing support.

This week we acknowledged Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday as we prepare for the beginning of Lent. Thank you to the leadership team for their support and spiritual guidance of our students and community during this special time in our Christian calendar. Thanks to our Year 6 students and parents at St Mary’s Campus for their assistance, Michelle Burns, residential staff and students for cooking the pikelets and to the students at Mt Carmel Campus for selling pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. 

This lent, may  we look beyond ourselves, pray for those in need and truly listen with a compassionate heart, just as Jesus listens to each of us. Together may we “hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Pope Francis, LS 49

Uniting together, let us listen to ourselves and one another, praying for justice, peace and hope throughout our world as we walk with Jesus through his life, death and resurrection. Traditionally this is time for prayer and for giving. Please consider how you can pray for, and give to others as we move forward this term.

All the best for the week ahead,

Many blessings,

Melissa Turner
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

Dear Parents and Caregivers

SUBJECT CHANGES

All subject changes have been finalised. It is important that all students develop good study and work habits and routines. Year 11 students can investigate the possibility of changing subjects at the end of Unit 1 if necessary.

ASSESSMENT DATE CALENDARS

Year 7-12 Assessment Date Calendars can be accessed on the Compass Home page. Assessment dates are currently being uploaded. Any changes made to assessment dates during the semester 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.

ACADEMIC DETENTION

Following a review of Assessment Support by Curriculum Leaders and feedback provided by teaching staff it has been decided to introduce Academic Detention on Wednesday afternoon from 3:05-4:05pm. Academic detention will be issued to students who do not submit work at identified checkpoints, complete drafts and final copies of assessment items on or before the due date. Parents will receive an email via Compass from Curriculum Leaders if their son or daughter is required to attend Academic Detention. Students will be required to complete any outstanding assessment and submit it to the Class Teacher prior to being dismissed from the detention. Students may not be able to participate in sport and extra curricula activities if they are required to attend Academic Detention. If students fail to attend Academic Detention on Wednesday afternoon they will be required to attend detention on Friday afternoon (3:00-4:30pm).

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 refer to the attached Curriculum Leaders document below for details of who to contact for the various subject areas and their email address.

YEAR 7 AND 9 NAPLAN PRACTICE TESTS

During Week 5, Year 7 and 9 students will complete online practice NAPLAN Tests in preparation for the upcoming NAPLAN Tests in Week 8 of this term. Students will require a fully charged laptop and a set of headphones to complete the practice tests.

MOUNT CARMEL CAMPUS NAPLAN TEST SCHEDULE

Students on the Mt Carmel Campus will complete the NAPLAN Online Tests on Wednesday 13^th March, Thursday 14^th March, Friday 15^th March and Monday 18^th March. It is essential that students attend school on these days to complete these tests.  Please refer to the test schedule below for when Years 3,5,7 and 9 NAPLAN tests will take place. 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 Gina Porter by close of business Friday 23^rd February 2024.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

DALRYMPLE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE

DALRYMPLE TRADE TAINING CENTRE

Certificate courses are well underway at the Dalrymple Trade Centre. This year the College introduced a new ‘work wear’ uniform consisting of  navy pants and shirt which Year 11 students must wear when they attend the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre if completing the following certificates: Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, Certificate II in Automotive and Certificate II Engineering Pathways. As can be seen in the photo below the students look very smart in their new Trade Training Centre uniform.

PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 26TH APRIL

FROM THE HASS DEPARTMENT

To kick-start 2024, in Term 1, our Year 7 to 10 students have commenced their units for their Humanities learning. 

Below is a list of our department’s teacher emails should you like to contact for further information on how to support your child’s learning.

We are looking forward to working with your child this year in their Humanities learning.

Michael Ku
MIDDLE LEADER - HASS & LANGUAGES

FROM THE HASS AND LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

Saturday 10th February marks the 15 day celebration for the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, repeating every 12 years. According to the Chinese zodiac, the mythical creature is associated with strength, vitality, and good fortune. Dragons are considered powerful and majestic creatures, symbolising success, ambition, and intelligence. People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to inherit these traits, making them charismatic leaders and natural risk-takers!

The dragon’s mythical presence in Chinese culture signifies auspicious beginnings and heralds a period of dynamic energy.

Celebrated with enthusiasm during Chinese (Lunar) New Year, the Year of the Dragon holds a special place in our Chinese cultural traditions and is embraced as a time of growth and prosperity.

Wish everyone for 2024:

恭喜发财 [gōng xǐ fā cái]          (Wish you be prosperous, may you get a fortune)

龙年安康 [lóng nián ān kāng]（Wish you good health and peace in the Year of the Dragon) 

Michael Ku
MIDDLE LEADER - HASS & LANGUAGES

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT - MC CAMPUS

Congratulations to students on their selection in the College Netball Teams

YEAR 6 NEWS

Year 6 has made a terrific start to the school year. The students have been getting through plenty of work in class and are looking forward to all the exciting events this year which come with their final year of primary school. The trip to Canberra is already being mentioned quite often.

Last week, our Student Leaders were presented with their badges and have started taking on those roles such as leading assembly and assisting with House Games on a Monday. Students recently joined Mini Vinnies and nominated for leadership roles. Quade McMahon and Keisha-Rose Nye took on the roles of chairperson and secretary for this group.  Our 6A and 6B class members, Charli Gunderson and Mylah Ebsworth, were elected as class representatives for the SRC. 

In class, the students have been focussing on the Number strand in Mathematics and writing persuasive texts in English. Students have been enjoying undertaking tasks on Writer’s Toolbox and applying the instant feedback this program provides about their writing skills.  

In Religion, the class has been learning about the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and in Science, they have been exploring microorganisms. We have gone back in time in HASS to the 1800’s to explore how Federation occurred and what the pros and cons for this major event were back then.

Interschool sport started last week and we have a 5 round season of tee ball on Friday afternoons. Students will soon start preparing for the Interhouse Cross Country with training happening in the morning with Miss Johnson.

If there are any issues that arise during the term, please don’t hesitate to come and see your child’s class teacher.

Gerard Webber and Donna Maxstead
YEAR 6 TEACHERS

PHOTO DAY

Columba Catholic College
School Photography Date:  SMC - 22/02/2024 & MCC 01/03/2024

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.  

2 easy ways to purchase:

1. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
2. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Or 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 - SMC only sibling photos and combined SMC & MCC sibling photos will be taken 22/02/24.  MCC only sibling photos will be taken 01/03/24.  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

Contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,

The residential students have settled into normal school routine and are very much engaged in the rigors that academic life brings. School work coupled with the extra-curricular activities, makes life at the College for our students, a busy and exciting place to be. 

Last week, our Year 7 students attended the Year 7 Camp at Euramo (Tully). Thankfully, the weather was quite enjoyable as compared to previous years where it has been extremely hot and humid. The students, from what I have been able to ascertain, had a great time. The students not only enjoyed the water component (especially the snorkeling) of the camp but the many other activities on offer as well. The food, which is always at the front of a boarder’s mind, was wholesome and flavorsome. I would like to thank the Heads of Boarding, residential houseparents  for assisting the students with their camp preparation and Ms Carter for organising the entire camp. 

On Tuesday 6 February, our Senior Boarding students participated in the Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders. Not only did they conduct themselves very well, they all looked immaculate in their formal uniforms. Congratulations to Max Campbell, Matthew Hewlett, Charlotte Coggan and Grace Kuhl for being nominated by their peers and staff to represent their respective Boarding houses. Already their presence and great role modeling around the residence can be seen. Our Boarders are in good hands!

Last Friday (9th February) the Boarders attended the Valentine Dance at the PCYC. Even though the night was cut short due to technical difficulties, everyone had a great time. The students all conducted themselves in a manner that made them great ambassadors for their families and College. 

The College will be hosting the Catholic School’s Carnival over the weekend of 1st and 2nd March. Of course many of our Boarders will be involved in this carnival. This year, we intend on introducing a Girls’ Rugby League competition in addition to the Open Girls Netball and the Open Boys Rugby League competitions. Participating schools include, St Teresa’s College (Abergowrie), St Catherine’s (Proserpine), Good Shepherd Catholic College (Mt Isa) and St Margaret Mary's College (Hyde Park). It should be a great weekend and it would be great to see as many Boarding parents there as possible. If you would like to assist in any way, please make contact with me at your earliest convenience. The carnival commences at 4.00 pm on the Friday and concludes at 1.00 pm on the Saturday.

I now turn your attention to the College’s uniform policies and procedures. I feel compelled to make everyone aware that we have a uniform policy that extends to all students - it is not optional to digress from those procedures. Whilst I appreciate individuality in the way one may desire to dress or present themselves, all students must adhere to the College policies and procedures. 

On Friday 16 February, the boarders will be traveling down to Townsville to watch the Harvey Norman All Stars Rugby League game. This is the first time the game has been played in North Queensland and will be a great opportunity for our residential students to see many of the NRL stars in action. If you would like more information in regards to this activity, please make contact with the relevant Head of Boarding and they will address any queries that you may have. Have a great fortnight.

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV -

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school for further information or seek professional help.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV
https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-refusal

ALEESHA WATSON
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
COLUMBA CATHOLIC COLLEGE