Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 27 No.17 5 December 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Friends of Columba Catholic College.
"Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparation, a time of hope. It is a time to reflect on the coming of Christ into our lives and the world."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 524.
Our 2024 College academic year is now drawing to a close and we are thankful for our many blessings as we celebrate 26 years of Columba Catholic College. Just as Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, the end of our College year encourages our students and educators to reflect on their growth, achievements, and the lessons learned throughout the year. As we light the Advent candles, symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love, we can also celebrate the culmination of a school year filled with Courage, Commitment, and Compassion, preparing us for the next chapter in our educational journey. In this way, Advent not only marks a time of spiritual preparation but also resonates with the themes of closure and new beginnings that characterise the end of the school year in our Catholic context.
Our College has held a range of meaningful celebrations and significant events as we draw to the end of our academic year. We are very proud of our staff and students for their connection and service to our local community. Visits to Dalrymple Villa have helped to spread love and joy via our Primary Choir and student musical performances. Our thanks to Liz Ward and Brooke Stevenson for supporting this special visit. Our Secondary Food Technology and Hospitality classes, and Year 10 and 11 students, also visited Dalrymple Villa this week, sharing their delicious baked Christmas goodies with the residents, sharing Christmas cards, and joining in with a game of Bingo. Our thanks to Christine O’Sullivan, Tonya Burgoine, Cecilia Louk and staff involved for supporting this visit. Last week our Year 7 and 9 students did a wonderful job of cleaning and repainting the Christian Brothers and Sisters of the Good Samaritan graves at the Charters Towers Cemetery.
Last Wednesday 27th November, our College Prep students delighted the audience with their Christmas Performance ‘A Christmas Mystery’. Our Prep students performed their lines, songs, and dances with confidence and enthusiasm, spreading the Christmas Spirit. Our thanks to Lara Burns, Justine Pickering, Suni-Faye Davis, and Brooke Stevenson for their support of this special event.
Our Thanksgiving Liturgy held last Friday at Mt Carmel Campus was a spiritual opportunity for our students and staff to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude for the gifts in our lives. We thank Father Emmanuel and Christine O’Sullivan for leading this liturgy and to all involved. Our Christmas Hampers were presented and received by Mrs Kerry Brown from Prospect, demonstrating our College values of generosity, compassion, and community service.
Last week our Mt Carmel students completed their academic year with an engaging ‘alternative’ program over their final days. Our Secondary students enjoyed not only service and community activities, but also participated in fun activities such as Chocolate Bingo, a BBQ, and a final swim. Our thanks to Dan Kyle for arranging the alternative schedule and to all staff who supported. Our Year 8 students had an enriching visit last Friday attending ‘UniX Day’ at James Cook University in Townsville. Our students had the opportunity to tour the campus, experience different disciplines, such as Sport and Exercise Science, Archaeology, Nursing and Midwifery and Aquaculture and Marine Science. They greatly enjoyed being able to speak to current and past university students. Thank you to Maddi Carter, Jordan Moy, and Jordan Broomhall for their support of this visit.
Our Columba Catholic College Liturgy and Primary Awards Afternoon, held at our St Mary’s Campus last Friday, was a very special and significant event where we publicly recognised and acknowledged outstanding student success in academics, spiritual, cultural, leadership, sporting, and community achievements. We congratulate our students for their commitment to their studies and endeavours and thank our parents, families and dedicated staff for their support. Our special thanks to Father Emmanuel, Colleen Young, Christine O’Sullivan, Brooke Stevenson, Rodney Lane, Liz Ward, Genelle Mitchell, Derryn Oss, Megan Lucas, Katelyn Crouch, and all staff and students involved. We are very proud of all our students. Thank you to our College Primary Choir and to the students who shared their musical talents with us.
Our blessings and thanks to Sonia Wood for leading the Cattle Club this year and hosting the end of year event. We congratulate Sonia Wood for her efforts and to all students involved. We thank our families and community members for their support. Planning is underway for our 2025 Cattle Club program- watch this space!
On Tuesday 3rd December Mt Carmel Campus hosted the Rite of Passage Liturgy followed by a dinner dance. This was a beautiful and meaningful event to celebrate our Year 6 students' end of Primary School and the transition into Secondary School in 2025. Thank you to all involved and a special thank you to Christine O’Sullivan, Rodney Lane, Sonia Wood, Genelle Mitchell, Gerard Webber, Louise Loadsman, Megan Cundell, Phil Capewell and Team, and to Brooke Stevenson for teaching the dances to our Year 6 students.
On Thursday 5th December we hosted our College Step Up Morning at St Mary's Campus. This is a special event that supports the transition of our Primary students as they prepare to change and move up to their next year level. Our thanks to all our staff who supported this event.
Our annual College Carols on the Green on Thursday evening was sadly cancelled due to wet conditions. In it's place each Primary class had the opportunity to sing their Carols following our Thanksgiving Liturgy on Friday morning. Through the beautiful melodies and meaningful lyrics, we were reminded of the true spirit of Christmas and the love of Christ that unites us all. Thank you to our CSPA who kindly supported this event and our appreciation to the OptiMINDS parents who arranged the BBQ.
Staffing Updates to Date - it is with great pleasure that I announce the following staffing appointments for 2025.
I am pleased to announce that Karen Casey has been appointed to the role of Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) at our St Mary’s Campus in 2025. Karen Casey has 20 years’ experience in Townsville Catholic Education, working as a Principal, Assistant Principal Administration, Assistant Principal Religious Education, and a Primary Teacher. She has a Master of Educational Leadership, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Psychology, and a Certificate in Religious Education from the Australian Catholic University.
I am delighted to announce that Matt Tyrie has accepted the Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) role at our Mt Carmel Campus. Matt Tyrie has been working at St Anthony's Catholic College in Townsville for 9 years, serving as Curriculum Leader Religious Education 7-12. He holds a Master of Education Leadership, Masters of Science, Bachelor of Education, and a Grad Dip in Christian Ministry and Theology. Both Karen Casey and Matt Tyrie are eager to support our Catholic Identity and work closely with Father Emmanuel, the Parish, and the College.
We wish all the best for staff taking leave. We thank Christine O’Sullivan for her dedicated service to our College and we wish her the best as she takes some long-service leave, in the early part of 2025. We give thanks and blessings to Gina Porter and wish her the very best as she takes leave next year. Joanne Andrews will extend her leave in 2025. Rodney Lane will continue in the role of Acting Deputy Principal in 2025 at St Mary’s Campus. Brooke Stevenson will continue in the role of Acting Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning.
We give thanks and blessings to staff who are departing our College to explore new adventures. Our thanks to Elena Donohue and Yvette Cassidy for their contributions to Columba. We wish them the best in their future endeavours. They will be forever part of our College history and community.
We welcome back from leave Michelle Burns who will resume her role as Head of Girls’ Boarding in 2025. We thank Natalie Moody for her wonderful leadership support this year as Acting Head. Natalie Moody will support next year as Girls’ Residential House Parent.
We congratulate Jordan Moy who has been appointed as Inclusive Practice Teacher at Mt Carmel Campus for 2025, whilst Gina Porter takes one year's leave.
Next year our College will be expertly supported by three experienced Guidance Counsellors. Michael Dixon is an experienced Guidance Counsellor who currently provides services to Burdekin Catholic College. Michael Dixon will provide Guidance Counselling service to Mt Carmel on Monday's and Tuesday's and he will be responsible for Year 9 and Year 10. Bradley Fissore will service Mt Carmel Campus on Wednesdays and he will be responsible for Year 7 and Year 8. Aleesha Watson will service St Mary's Campus on Tuesday and Wednesday and Mt Carmel on Thursdays and Fridays. Aleesha Watson will be responsible for Primary and Year 11 and Year 12.
Tomorrow we will end the academic year at our St Mary's Campus in prayer at our Thanksgiving Liturgy. We thank Father Emmanuel, Christine O’Sullivan, Rodney Lane, Brooke Stevenson, Genelle Mitchell and all staff and students involved. We recently announced our 2025 Student Leaders of our St Mary’s Campus. We look forward to working closely with our Primary and Secondary College student leaders next year.
As we end the academic year I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all members of our community for your support. In 202, together we will continue to build on our blessings and achievements with our focus on our College Mission, Catholic values, and strategic objectives. Thank you for your support as we grow together in faith, purpose, and knowledge. I wish you a safe and Holy Christmas ahead.
Many blessings,
Jacqueline McNalty
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ST MARY'S CAMPUS
Term Four has been a very busy term as usual, with all our end of year events. Our Graduation and awards assembly last week allowed our College community to celebrate student successes and acknowledgements of student service over the past year. We had our Rite of Passage on Tuesday, Christmas Carols, and our Primary Thanksgiving Liturgy on Friday so the week is still a busy one leading up to the end of the year. Staff and students are keen to finish the year well and are all working hard.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our hardworking staff for the commitment and enthusiasm with which they apply themselves to their multi-faceted roles each and every day. Thank you to our parents who are committing to educating their children at Columba Catholic College and to the concept of Catholic Education.
I pray that this end of year time will be one of refreshing for families and I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.
Rodney Lane
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - ST MARY'S CAMPUS
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING AND LEARNING
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Students,
DALRYMPLE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE UNIFORM
Year 11 students commencing their Certificate II Automotive Vocation Preparation AUR20720, Certificate II in Engineering Pathways MEM20422 or Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation RII20120 in 2025, are required to purchase a College uniform. This can be purchased from W Titley and Co. Please see the letter sent out earlier for further information.
ONLINE RELEASE OF RESULTS AND SENIOR EDUCATION PROFILES (SEPs)
From 9am on Wednesday 11 December, Year 12 students can access their final subject results as well as their SEP in their learning account. Learning accounts are found in the Student Portal, accessed via the myQCE website at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au. Depending on a student’s individual circumstance, their SEP will comprise of one or more of the following documents:
- Senior statement
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
- Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)
From 9am on Friday 13 December, ATARs will be made available via the Queensland tertiary Admission Centre at www.qtac.edu.au/atar. Student must sign up to QTAC’s ATAR Portal to access their ATAR and need to use their name (as shown ingtheir QCAA learning account), date of birth, LUI and email address.
REPORTS
Residential and Academic reports will be released in the Parental Portal in Compass on Monday 9 December. This can be accessed at https://columba-qld.compasss.education. These reports provide an indication of residential and academic progress during Semester Two. To establish good academic habits and goals for next year, I ask that you take some time to reflect on the report with your son or daughter over the holidays.
On a personal note, I would like to say a big thank you to all parents, carers, students and staff who have been so very welcoming and supportive during Term 4. I look forward to working with you all again in Term 1 of 2025.
Have a joyful and holy Christmas!
Ben Naughton
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING AND LEARNING
YEAR 2 NEWS
Our Final Days in Year 2
What a fantastic year it has been in Year 2! Full of exciting learning experiences, engaging school activities, and incredible growth, our students have truly thrived. From exploring new concepts in the classroom to celebrating successes and milestones, it's been a year of progress and fun. As we reflect on this wonderful journey, the Year 2 students have shared their favourite memories of the year—each one a testament to the joy, laughter, and learning they’ve experienced together. Here's to the unforgettable moments that made this year so special!
Cory Pollock: My favourite part of Year 2 has been learning about persuasive writing.
Piper Barnes: I have loved Maths the most because we have done lots of fun activities.
Jaxon McGeorge: My favourite memory in Year 2 is getting to make Art to hang in the classroom.
Wyatt Neilsen: I have loved learning in Maths this year because Miss Stevenson made it really fun.
Alexis Hardy: My favourite part of Year 2 has been the activities we get to do in Maths.
Mia Cooper: My favourite memory of Year 2 is when our Christmas elf came to visit from the North Pole.
Xander Durack: I have loved making different Art work the most.
Jaxx Archer: My favourite memory of Year 2 was the Athletics Carnival because I got to spend the day cheering on my friends.
Ollie Hodgetts: I have loved getting to do reading and other fun activities with our buddies in Year 4.
Liam Standfast: My favourite memory this year was Under 8’s Day because we had lots of fun!
Poppy Lavery: I have loved learning in Year 2, especially Science.
Varnie Mott: In Year 2 I have enjoyed Music the most because we play instruments.
Zayden Nye: My favourite part of Year 2 has been Art because it’s fun and we have learnt lots of new skills.
Paizley Casey: My favourite memory this year was Under 8’s Day because I loved having my face painted.
Alexis Winterburn: My favourite part of Year 2 has been our classroom because all of our work gets displayed throughout the year.
Noah Webber: My favourite memories of Year 2 have been spending time with my friends at Morning Tea and Lunch.
Mercy Lai: I have loved reading with our Year 4 buddies this year because it is fun.
Ava Bailey: In Year 2 I have loved doing Art and learning different ways to make Art like Media Art and Dance.
Cruz Bryant: My favourite memory of Year 2 was when we got to eat lollies and chocolate and write a persuasive text about which one is better.
Ellianna Brown: My favourite part of year 2 has been having Miss Stevenson as our teacher because she makes learning fun and interesting.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful Christmas break, filled with special moments with loved ones and a festive holiday season full of happiness and warmth.
Brooke Stevenson
YEAR 2 TEACHER
YEAR 4 NEWS
As we move into the final week of what has been an incredible school year, I’d like to share some reflections on our learning journey.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - PARFAIT SUCCESS!
Last week, our students showcased their creativity and teamwork in our Design and Technology unit by making their own parfaits. This activity allowed them to:
- Explore the origins of ingredients and their role in a balanced diet
- Develop measuring, portioning, and presentation skills
- Work collaboratively to create a healthy, delicious dish
The students did a fantastic job, and their creations were a testament to their hard work and understanding of the importance of balanced nutrition. It was wonderful to see their pride in the results and hear their thoughtful reflections on the process.
Have a look some of the student’s parfaits in the gallery below.
LOOKING BACK ON A WONDERFUL YEAR
As we wrap up the year, I just want to take a moment to say how proud I am of our Year 4 students. They’ve grown so much, showing curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm in everything they’ve done. It’s been amazing to see them tackle challenges, help each other, and embrace learning in such a positive way.
Lyle Paterson
YEAR 4 TEACHER
