Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 27 No. 12 - 5th September 2024

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Friends of Columba Catholic College.

I hope that all had a wonderful Father’s Day last Sunday and we thank all our Fathers/ Grandfathers and those who have ‘Fathering’ roles. It is hard to believe that we will soon be approaching the end of Term 3 and I am certain that we are all looking forward to the September school holidays for some rest and time with family, friends, and loved ones. 

Over the past few weeks we have celebrated many College events and we are grateful to the hard work of our students and staff, and the continued support of our families and College community. On Monday, Rodney Lane and I met with our CSPA and formally thanked them for their kind support of the fridges for our St Mary’s classrooms, and their support of our St Mary’s Year 3-6 swimming program at the  Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool. Access to training at this pool will help our College students get better prepared for carnivals. On Thursday evening I will meet with our College Board, along with Maria Peck, to update our College Board on our recent College developments, representing the great work of our College team.

The College Senior Leadership Team has been focused on strategic planning for 2025 and I thank them for their leadership expertise and support. Last Friday I met with several TCEO department leaders to discuss various strategic areas and we thank TCEO for their support. We are thrilled and blessed to have a new College school bus approved for Term 4. We are also most pleased to receive approval for a new playground for our St Mary’s campus, planned to be installed over the December holidays, and also recent approval for new road resurfacing for our Mt Carmel Campus (with St Mary’s resurfacing in the 2025 budget). 

Term 3 is an especially busy time with enrollment inquiries, and we thank all for the continued interest in our lovely College. To better inform our planning for next year, we will soon send out a Columba Catholic College Intention 2025 Form so that we may survey our existing College parents for their needs. We aim to give any siblings priority placement before looking at our external enrollment requests. 

Our focus on Learning and Teaching remains our core focus and business. Our thanks to Maria Peck and Brooke Stevenson for leading last Friday's Reflective Practice Day with all College staff. Our talented staff engaged in QCAA professional development, V9 Australian Curriculum planning, and engaged in professional training around Literacy. Our Mt Carmel Campus recently hosted a very successful Year 9 and 10 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening and our thanks to Maria Peck and our Curriculum Leaders for their support of this important event. Other successful developments include the College winning the OptiMINDS challenge-  and we have been invited to compete in the State Finals in Brisbane on 12th-13th October. We are very proud of our recent College participation in the Charters Towers Eisteddfod, showcasing our students’ gifts and talents in the Performing and Visual Arts. At the time of writing this College newsletter, our Year 6 students have departed for Canberra as part of an educationally rich and rewarding Year 6 camp. Our thanks to Gerard Webber, Sonia Wood, and Jahana Critchley for supporting this wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students. 

On Thursday 29th August, our College Year 12 Emerging Leaders First Nations students, participated in the Blak Excellence lunch at Rydges Southbank Townsville, supported by TCEO, the First Nations Emerging Leaders Incentive Scheme, and the Australian Government National Indigenous Australians Agency. Attendees had the pleasure of hearing from inspirational First Nations Peoples guest speakers, such as Stan Grant, Thomas Mayo, and Tristan Nelliman-Adams, who shared their words of wisdom with all.  We thank Tammi Webber, TCEO Learning and Teaching Advisor First Nations and Emerging Leaders Project Lead, for her leadership and direction of this area and all TCEO staff involved for their support. Our sincere thanks to Lorette Tassan, Jessie Huen, and Kitrina Otto for their commitment in leading in the important area of Emerging Leaders/ First Nations Peoples at our College. This special day concluded with a moving Graduation Liturgy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral with Fr Emene Kelemete presiding. Our College Emerging Leaders Year 12 Graduates each received a special blessing and were presented with their graduation certificate and stole. Congratulations and blessings to all our graduates. 

It is important as a Catholic College that we stay connected to and support our local community. On Wednesday 21st August, it was an honour to attend the Charters Towers Business Breakfast and meet community leaders and support groups. My thanks to our staff for their support at the recent Prospect Community Day Markets, held in the beautiful Centenary Park on Sunday 25th August. It was a privilege to meet other serving members of the community and chat about our wonderful College, including the Hon Bob Katter MP. 

Next week we wish our College Firsts XIII the best of luck as they head to the Gold Coast on the 11th September for the NRL Schoolboy Trophy Grand Final to defend their title from last year. We thank our dedicated College coaches including Rowan Dixon, Gerard Webber, supporters, staff, students and families for their support and wish the College team well! I will also be attending on the day, supporting our College at this important school event and speaking to attendees about our wonderful College.  

Last week I announced College staffing updates with the successful appointment of Ben Naughton as Acting Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching. Ben Naughton will commence Term 4 (week 2). He has worked as a leader for Townsville Catholic Education, from St Margaret Mary’s College, and comes to us with many years of experience including QCAA curriculum management, exam marking, endorsement, and confirmation experience. Ben Naughton has significant experience in boarding/ residential and pastoral care. He stood out as a very strong candidate with his positive and collaborative nature, modelling our own College values of Courage, Commitment, Compassion. 

I would like to sincerely thank Maria Peck for her expert leadership and wish her a rewarding long service leave for Term 4 2024 and Term 1 2025. Our thanks also to Christine Bell and Stuart Whitby for their service to our College and we bless them as they move forward in their next adventures with the Irish Blessing. ‘May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home, And may the land of a friend always be near’.

Our thanks to our dedicated College staff, students, families, and Parish community for supporting our school, as we grow together in faith, purpose, and knowledge. 

Wishing you many blessings and a happy, safe September holiday ahead. 

Jacqueline McNalty

PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING

YEARS 9, 10 AND 11 2025 SUBJECT SELECTIONS

subject selections for 2025 are due on Friday 6^th September at 9am. All students should have received instructions, via email, outlining the process for selecting subjects.

YEAR 12 TRIAL MOCK ASSESSMENTS

Year 12 students will undertake trial Mock assessments from Wednesday 4^th August until Tuesday 10^th September. During this time students will attend normal classes unless they are undertaking 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.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTS

In Term 4 students will complete external assessments from Monday 21 October until Tuesday 10^th November 2024. Please note that students must complete the assessments at the designated times indicated in the exam schedule. Please refer to the assessment schedule below.

2024 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE FOR GENERAL SUBJECTS

The 2024 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. Both students and parents 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

Regards,

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

We’ve had a massive term where so much has happened and is happening over the coming weeks, especially in the Religious Life of School. Let me share some of these happenings with you:

The Catholic Identity Team and the Rewriting of the College Prayer: Over the last few years, we have been exploring the need to rewrite the College Prayer. This is so the language of the prayer is more relevant to all, as many students, staff and parents/carers indicated that they say the original prayer but don’t actually know what some of the words and phrases mean. Rewriting the prayer is also part of the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project (ECSIP) and the Hermeneutical Shift, as well as recontextualising our symbols, images and prayers to make them more meaningful in contemporary society. Thank you to all students, staff and parents/carers, as well as Board members, the CSPA and, who’ve engaged in this lengthy process by responding to surveys and sharing suggestions. Thank you, in particular, to the Catholic Identity Team, and Mary Mudge and Lee-Ann Barton from TCE, who’ve acted on survey data and feedback, and used it to inform the writing and rewriting of the new College Prayer. The new College Prayer will be released at the beginning of 2025 during the Staff Orientation Week and will be rolled out using information packs for all Primary and Secondary teachers to use in their classes.

Year 11 Retreat and Leadership Program: Throughout this term, our Year 11 students have participated in a Leadership Program. As part of this program and preparation for them to lead our College in 2025, all Year 11 students attended a Retreat at Bluewater Scout Park, north of Townsville. Led by Tom Warren from the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, this outstanding retreat empowered students to see their unique gifts and talents, as well as those of others, to give and seek forgiveness, and to come together as a united group of servant leaders who are ready to make a difference at Columba. After a number of leadership sessions, students who are wishing to represent the College presented leadership speeches, completed leadership applications, participated in interviews with SLT members and their Pastoral Leader, and engaged in a special voting ritual in the MC Chapel. During this week, the 2025 Senior Student Leadership Team will be announced.

At the end of Week 3 in Term 4, our Year 11 students will receive the symbols of leadership from the Year 12 leaders, and will effectively step up and into the leadership of the College as our Year 12s begin their final examinations. I want to sincerely thank the current Year 11 students who’ve been an absolute pleasure to work with during this program and encourage them to continue being servant leaders at Columba and beyond.

Ignite Conference: From the 18-24^th September, Grace Kuhl and Mollie Ebsworth will be attending the Ignite Conference at St. Laurence’s in Brisbane. This is a Catholic Youth Conference, attended by thousands of young people and adults. It is the Church gathered and alive on mission; it is God’s people united with one heart. Our students will travel with the Townsville Diocesan group and other schools throughout North Queensland. They will also spend one day at a theme park, do some shopping, and possibly fit in a trip to Starbucks!

Ongoing Professional Development for Staff: On Wednesday 14^th August, staff were invited to participate in Staff Retreat 2 which focused on the ‘Ten Characteristics of Prayer in a Catholic Dialogue School’ and followed on from the Term 2 Staff Retreat. Lee-Ann Barton and Mary Mudge, from TCE, then continued on with this same content at a whole staff meeting on Tuesday 20^th August.

Year Level Masses: In addition to the Polding House Mass held at St. Columba’s Parish on Saturday 3^rd August, we’ve also had a Year 12, Year 11 and Year 9 Mass in the MC Chapel, led by Father Emmanuel. At the Year 12 Mass, Father Emmanuel’s excellent homily reminded the Senior students to remember God, and that all they have and achieve are because of God's grace. Thank you also to Father Emmanuel for coming along and speaking with our Certificate II in Active Volunteering students about faith. We are very grateful for Father Emmanuel’s presence in the College and Parish communities.

New Curriculum: Teachers of Religious Education are continuing to develop new units, resources and assessment tasks throughout this year as we roll our new curriculum in P-12 across the College. This is indeed an exciting space to be working in and we thank these teachers for their ongoing commitment!

 Regards,

Christine O'Sullivan
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

NORTH QUEENSLAND ATHLETICS TRIALS

Congratulations to Andrew Hancock and India Bulsey who represented Charters Towers at the Primary NQ Athletics Trials in Townsville, on Tuesday 27/8/2024; and to Lailana Ned; Jorja Holznagel; Dale Beatty; Ashlyn Hoey; Clay Struckel; Blake Wallace; Nicolas Moore; William Fisher; Travis Mitchell; Harry Pickering; Thomas Scholes; and Braydon Wallis who represented Charters Towers at the Secondary NQ Athletics Trials, also in Townsville, on Thursday, 29/8/2024. (Note: Latika Porter, Will Scholes and Conrad Spratt were also selected in the Charters Towers Athletics Team but were unable to attend the NQ Trials.)

All students performed well and gained valuable experience, competing against the top school age athletes in the region. Notable results included:

Lailana Ned: 13yrs Javelin - 1st (24.54m)

Dale Beatty: 16 yrs Shot Put - 2nd (9.69m)

Harry Pickering: 16 yrs Discus - 2nd (26.33m)

Thomas Scholes: 17 yrs 1500 - 1st (4:37.38); 800m - 2nd (2:10.52)

Braydon Wallis: 17 yrs Discuss - 1st (31.39m)

Special congratulations to Thomas Scholes who gained selection into the North Queensland Team to compete at the State Athletics Championships in Brisbane, 10-13 October.

Andrew Butler

COACH

MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS

The Queensland Government remains committed to ensuring the safety of students travelling to and from schools and will install flashing school zone signs (FSZS) in 100 school zones across Queensland, during the 2024-25 financial year.

It gives me great pleasure to advise you that Columba Catholic College (Charters Towers) will be receiving FSZS in the Columbia Street/ Gauvin Street school zone. A representative from the Department of Transport and Main Roads will contact you to discuss the planned works several weeks prior to the installation and before the end of June 2025. 

Installation of FSZS at Columba Catholic College (Charters Towers) will improve visibility of the school zone and serve as an active reminder for motorists to slow down when children are out and about. Several important factors are considered when assessing school zones for flashing lights, such as crash history, traffic volumes, pedestrian movements, the speed limit and visibility. This ensures FSZS are delivered to priority sites across Queensland. FSZS have been a success since the program was introduced in 2012. Since then, FSZS have been installed at more than 1390 Queensland school zones. 

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,

In approximately one week’s time the College’s Boarding students will be going home for the September holidays. Whilst I do acknowledge that many of the Boarders will be working within their family businesses, I trust that they will have the opportunity to spend some of that much needed quality time with each other. 

End of Term Travel

This leads me to my next point - end of term travel. Please contact the relevant Head of Boarding (Mrs Moody or Mrs Jarmey) to let them know of your child/ren’s travel intentions, if you have not already done so. If your child is traveling via public transport, please ensure that they have a fully charged mobile phone with a list of emergency contact numbers and sufficient money on their person.

Study

The majority of students appear to be working well and should achieve their academic objectives for this term. There are some residential students though, that still need to be constantly reminded to engage in productive study habits if they are to realise desirable academic outcomes.  I acknowledge that all students may not be on an academic pathway, however, the College expects that every student tries to their best of ability to obtain the best academic results possible. In addition to night study, students do have access to Homework Club which is on every Thursday afternoon from 3.05 pm to 4.05 pm. 

Boarders’ Long Weekend

Last weekend was the Boarders’ Long Weekend. The boys traveled to Bluewater and the girls to Airlie Beach. From what I have been able to ascertain, everybody, including students and staff, had a wonderful time engaging in a wide range of activities. I would like to thank Mrs Jarmey and Mrs Moody in particular, for organising their respective weekends. 

Rugby 7s Gala Event

Next week, Tuesday 10 September, the College will be hosting the annual Rugby 7s Gala event. This is a hotly contested interschool social competition and is always played in a great atmosphere. So if you are keen to watch some great footy and enjoy a great burger or two with a refreshing drink, then Columba is the place to be next Tuesday afternoon. Mrs Jarmey, Mrs Moody and Boarding staff will be serving up some great food from the canteen area on the night. 

NQ Representation

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate one of our boarders, Thomas Scholes who has made the NQ Athletics team for the 1500m event. This result comes not only from raw talent but through sustained hard work and focus.  

 Regards,

Daniel Kyle 
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL & RESIDENTIAL

THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - A SPECIAL REPORT: VAPING

Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making it more cost-effective and attractive to young people.

Although under 18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.

This Special Report highlights the facts around vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks.

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

Here is the link to your special report:
https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS

This year’s Eisteddfod was an exhilarating and busy week, showcasing the talents of our music students. For many, it was their first solo piano competition. Toa Waerea earned a Highly Commended in the Year 5-6 category, while Jessica Scharf came third place out of 13 competitors—a testament to their hard work and dedication.

In the vocal categories, Adeline and Samantha shone brightly in the duet section, and the primary vocal group won their category with a standout performance of ‘The Fox.’ Our Year 1-4 choir also made us proud by securing third place on the final evening.

Piano classes continue with junior students meeting on Wednesday afternoons and seniors on Tuesday mornings. Our choir practices on Tuesday afternoons. We are looking forward to new repertoire and performances at special assemblies, and for the residents at a retirement village in Term 4. Any students are welcome to join the choir at any time.

A heartfelt thank you to all parents for supporting your child's musical journey. Congratulations to all our performers for their remarkable achievements!

Liz Ward

PREP-YEAR 6 MUSIC TEACHER

YEAR 3 NEWS

In Year Three, we have recently made Father's Day cards using our newly learned paper quilling skills. Sophie from our class, taught us very competently, how to perform this art form and we made our cards using this method.In Religion this term,we are learning how God's family cares for each other and how God wants us all to live in harmony with him and with each other. To help us do this, God gives us guidelines on how to live and to treat each other with love and dignity. The students explored how in the Old Testament, God gave us the 'Ten Commandments,' through the prophet Moses, and then in the New Testament, Jesus himself gave us 'The Beatitudes. At our assembly we displayed our illustrated information reports to show what we had been learning in Science about the Sun, Moon and Planets. In HASS, we learnt about the emblems and flag of each State or Territory, with a particular focus on either The ACT or Tasmania. We each shared a cool fact from our reports about one of these with the audience.. Additionally, they have been learning about key events that are celebrated in Australia such as the Vietnamese New Year and the National 'Sorry Day.'  In our Maths lessons, we have been learning about: subtraction with trading and regrouping, telling the time with 5 minute intervals on analogue and digital clocks (to and past the hour). In measurement we have been learning about area and perimeter and how to collect and interpret data on graphs. We have been using an educational software program called Studyladder to reinforce these skills.  We continue to enjoy reading time after lunch, with Roald Dahl's 'Charlie and the Glass Elevator,' which is a follow up book from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."Once again ,it has been a very busy term and we can't believe we only have two weeks of learning left this term. 

Jacqueline Joliffe-Martin

YEAR 3 TEACHER

YEAR 2 NEWS

Somehow we blinked and our calendar says September! It feels like only yesterday we had returned from the June/July holiday break, buzzing about the activities we enjoyed during those three weeks of holidays, and now here we are, nearing the end of Term 3!

This term has been a whirlwind of learning, challenges, and growth. We’ve explored exciting new topics, tackled tricky problems, and watched everyone blossom in their own unique ways. Term 3 is renowned for lots of ‘light bulb’ moments for the students, as all their hard work throughout the year begins to connect and make sense in a new light. It is extremely rewarding as a teacher to see so many faces light up with excitement as they realise they’ve mastered something new.

As we enter the final stretch of the term, we have a lot to look forward to. The last two weeks are packed with fun learning activities and special events, including our much-anticipated Under 8’s Day. For the Year 2 students, it will be their final year participating in this event, so I have no doubt they will make the most of it. It’s going to be a wonderful way to wrap up the term, with plenty of hands-on learning, games, and laughter for everyone.

Of course, after such a busy and productive term, we’re all ready for a well-deserved break. I hope everyone has the chance to relax and recharge over the holidays. It’s important to take some time to rest so we can come back refreshed and ready for the final term of Year 2, where even more adventures and learning await!

Here’s to a fantastic end of term and a restful break!

Brooke Stevenson
YEAR 2 TEACHER

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

YEAR 1 NEWS

Another busy term is upon us. We have been having a great time this term delving into our artistic sides, exploring the seven elements of art and creating some really fantastic pieces of art. In their final piece, children will be challenged to design and create their own masterpiece using their favourite elements of art. We are looking forward to showing off all of the art items at the Year 1 Art Show.

In English this term, we have been learning about narrative writing. Children have been identifying the different parts of stories and over the next few weeks will start to adapt a known story or attempt to write and illustrate one of their own.

We enjoyed our visit from the RACQ Road Safety team. Miss Penny told us all so much about how to be safe when crossing the road, not only at Children’s School Crossing but also when at Zebra crossings or traffic light crossings as well. We learnt how it was important to “Stop! Look! Listen! and Think!” before crossing any road.

Thanks,

Mrs Belinda Hourston

YEAR 1B TEACHER

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

SMC SPORTING NEWS

Cricket Crazy

This term, our students have been truly cricket crazy! In P.E. , from Year 3 to Year 6, they have been learning and honing their cricket skills, from batting and bowling to fielding and teamwork. The highlight of the term was undoubtedly their participation in the Cricket Blast Cup at Mosman Park. Our teams competed with enthusiasm and skill, with the Year 5 team, brilliantly led by Charters Towers representatives, Harry Petersen and Toa Waerea, standing out as particularly talented. Their experience and skill paid off as they won the entire competition. A special mention goes to Alexander Jeffries for his outstanding play on the day, contributing significantly to the team's success. It was an enjoyable day for everyone involved, with plenty of fun and fantastic cricket on display. Well done to all our budding cricketers!

Aspiring Athletics

This term, a key focus for many students has been dedicated training to elevate their athletics skills to new heights. After impressive performances at the Primary Interhouse Athletics carnival, 37 talented students moved forward to represent CCC at the Primary Interschool Athletics carnival hosted at the Mt.Carmel Campus in July. The team's motto was all about achieving personal bests, with every second shaved off or centimetre gained celebrated as a victory. The team went on to win the carnival!

Adding to this success, seven of our primary students were selected to compete at the Northern trials in Townsville last week. Congratulations to Ned Webb, Charlie Webb, Toa Waerea, Cooper Groves, Harry Petersen, Samantha Jackson Patino, and Sarayha Groves for this outstanding achievement.

A special mention goes to champion shot putter Toa Waerea, who dedicated significant time to training, upskilled himself by analyzing recent Olympic performances, and set clear performance goals. His hard work paid off as he came 5th overall in North Queensland, improving his throw by an impressive 2 metres approx. His commitment to excellence and determination to push his limits have been truly inspiring.

Well done to all our aspiring athletes and thank you to Miss Jessie Buck for helping to support the team throughout.

It’s all about the PB……

UNDER 8'S DAY

TRANSITION DAYS TO PREP 2025