Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 1 - 6th February 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

What a great first week back! All students were onsite from day 1 and settled into College life, ready for a new year of learning. Thank you to all students, staff and families for your support last week. This year we welcome our new students to Columba and wish all of our students, staff and families a great year of learning in our community.

Our College theme for 2025 is in line with the theme of the Church’s Jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope”. It will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.

This week we hosted Parent Information evenings at both St Mary’s Campus and Mt Carmel Campus. Thank you to our families for their commitment to the co-education of our students. Thanks also to our staff for preparing such great information  about life and learning. These events are important as we continue to build positive family-school-parent partnerships here at Columba.

Communication at the College:

It is essential that effective communication is maintained between home and school. With this in mind, I encourage all families to ensure that notifications and communications that are provided via Compass, email, Facebook and SMS are reviewed and if clarity is required that the school is contacted directly for support. Communications relating to the College that do not come directly from the school can impede school processes and may not be accurate. Group chats and posts that are not endorsed by the College and are circulated in community forums are strongly discouraged. We have experienced bouts of mis-information and online behaviour that is counter to the values of the College and the parent partnership agreements affirmed at enrolment. If you have any concerns or enquiries, please contact the College on:  07 47871 744 or email office@columba.catholic.edu.au . Thank you for your support.

Parent Code of Conduct:

Strong relationships are built on respectful partnerships. Please find here a copy of the Townsville Catholic Education Parent Code of Conduct for your reference and information.

Representing Columba:

Representing Columba in any sport, or in extra curricular capacity is a privilege not a right, and as such I ask that students and families understand that we expect exemplary behaviour for a student to represent the college. I believe that it is a double standard to enable students to represent the College in a sport or extracurricular activity if their behaviour at school is not of an acceptable standard or does not reflect our core values. Learning is our core work and respect is the cornerstone of high quality relationships. If behaviour at school is contrary to this, a student will not be able to represent the College.

In Focus: Pastoral Care and Wellbeing at Columba

As we begin the school year I would like to focus our attention on Pastoral Care and Wellbeing. It is important that as a community we are all aware of the expectations, processes and procedures in place to support our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students is central to our mission as a Catholic school. In doing so, I wish to draw your attention to the following  information. 

The ‘Big Five’ Values  at Columba, we focus on ensuring that all actions begin and end with ‘Respect.’ We relate all of our actions and behaviours to the ‘Big Five.’ 

1. Respect for Self 
2. Respect for Others 
3. Respect for Learning 
4. Respect for Environment 
5. Respect for Tradition 

School Safe Persons are those staff with whom students can discuss any concerns about things that happen at school, such as conflict with peer groups or study stress. Their concerns may also be about things that occur outside of school and more serious issues. Please find here the link to information regarding our School Safe Persons.

Positive Behaviour Support: 

Promoting and celebrating positive behaviour is highly effective in promoting and coaching positive behaviour at school. Clear expectations, positive feedback, rewards and recognition for personal behaviour choices are important for sustained positive behaviour and for highlighting ways to engage in positive relationships at school. Please find here a copy of the College’s Positive Behaviour Support Framework.

Procedures for Addressing Bullying: 

Please find here a copy of College Procedures for Addressing Bullying and a copy of the Diocesan Education Council’s Bullying in School’s Policy and the College Policy for Addressing Student Bullying. Both documents are used in the management of matters of this nature at Columba. In the coming weeks, we will be liaising with students regarding other ways to report incidences of bullying or inappropriate behaviour at the College, to ensure that there are a variety of ways that this can be communicated to key personnel in the school.

Guidance and Counselling: 

The effect of life’s stressors on the personal, social and academic development of students is widely  acknowledged. At Columba, the College Guidance Counsellors work in partnership with the College  community to promote and foster student development, mental health and resilience. Our Guidance Counsellors and the days they are on Campus:

Michael Dixon -  Mt Carmel on Monday's and Tuesday's.
Bradley Fissore -  Mt Carmel on Wednesday's.
Aleesha Watson -  St Mary's on Tuesday's and Wednesday's and Mt Carmel on Thursday's and Friday's.

Our counsellors are available to meet with students, parents/caregivers and staff to talk about concerns.  This is a confidential service. An appointment can be made either by contacting the Counsellor directly or leaving  a message with the office staff.  

Resources for Families:

School TV is a free resource to assist families in raising happy, healthy and resilient youth. These resources are available by clicking on the link on our school website at School TV

Next Tuesday 18th February at 8.30am we will host our Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders at St Mary’s Campus. This is a special time for our students and a wonderful opportunity to come together in community to bless our school year. We hope to see you there.

We are a community focused on high quality learning and teaching.  We look forward to growing and learning together. If there is anything that our staff can do to support your child, please let us know. And as we go forth into this new term may we continue to be blessed as a community to ensure that each young person is known, cared for and respected as individuals.

All the best for the week ahead.

Many blessings,

Shayne Harrison
ACTING PRINCIPAL

STUDENT LEADERS 2025

2025 STAFF

* On Leave

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL:  Shayne Harrison

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS:
*Joanne Andrews (St. Mary's Campus)
Rodney Lane (Acting St. Mary's Campus)
*Maria Peck (Learning & Teaching)
Ben Naughton (Acting Learning & Teaching)  
Dan Kyle (Pastoral & Residential)

ASSISTANTS TO THE PRINCIPAL - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
Karen Casey (St. Mary's Campus)
* Christine O'Sullivan (Mt. Carmel Campus)
Matt Tyrie (Acting Mt. Carmel Campus)

ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION:
Rebecca Ebelt (Mt. Carmel Campus)

ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING:
Brooke Stevenson (St. Mary's Campus)

BUSINESS MANAGER:  Megan Cundell 

PA TO PRINCIPAL:  * Jo-Anne Thompson

CAREERS ADVISOR: Helen Milton

TEACHING STAFF:
Fiona Adcock, Michael Barker-Hicks, Leanne Brandis, Tonya Burgoine, Lara Burns, Andrew Butler, Madeleine Carter, Haydn Champion, Kara Hunt, Manny Exarhos, Sabia Farnaz, Dayle Hackett, Belinda Hourston, Bridie Johnson, Dean Johnston, Nathan Juhas, Michael Ku, Louise Loadsman, Kalinda McCarthy (Large), Deirdre Martell, Thomas McFarlane, Jordan Moy, Lyle Paterson, * Georgina Porter, Clare Stead, Leesa Stevenson, Emma Systa, Dan Turturas, Liz Ward, Gerard  Webber, Jemma Webber

RESIDENTIAL LEADERS:
Michelle Burns (Head of Girls' Boarding) 
Caroline Jarmey (Head of Boys' Boarding)

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE PARENTS:
Quinn Carr, Bradley Christensen, Jahana Critchley, Justin Dixon, Adonia Hedges, Caitlin Hawkins, Kim Johnson, Margie Kingham, Tanisha Martin, Dawn McGill, Natalie Moody, Kylie Pitt, Michael Power, Ariana Pugh, Jessica Van Der Mescht

ACCOUNTS STAFF:  Madonna Wagland

ADMINISTRATION AND LIBRARY STAFF:
Lesley Archer (St. Mary's Campus), Katelyn Crouch, Anita Dixon, Megan Lucas, Heather Miller, Genelle Mitchell (St. Mary's Campus), * Paula Smith (St. Mary's Campus)

EMERGING LEADERS CO-ORDINATOR:  Lorette Tassan

HEALTH CENTRE STAFF:  Terrina Muston

GUIDANCE SUPPORT STAFF:
Aleesha Watson, Bradley Fissore, Michael Dixon

IT SUPPORT:  Saahid Khan

CLASSROOM SUPPORT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
Lesley Archer, Ken Blakoe, Jordan Broomhall, Jessie Buck, Suni-Faye Davis, Brooke Hamlyn, Adonia Hedges, Jessie Huen, Cecilia Louk, Kitrina Otto, Justine Pickering, Karen Spice, Annabella Tse, Sonia Wood

HOUSEHOLD STAFF:
Dianne Dunn, Shirley Fleming, Kim Fox, Shirley Jackson, * Leah James, Dallas Langtree, Yvonne Streeter, Alma Thompson

FACILITIES MANAGER:  Phil Capewell

GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE AND STUDENT TRANSPORT STAFF:
Robert Abdy, Darren Hope, James Lee, Daryl Paxton, Robert Thompson, Phil Cottle, Clay Elder and Timeka Underwood 

OPENING LITURGY AND INDUCTION OF STUDENT LEADERS

PLEASE NOTE: All Secondary day students are to be dropped off at the St. Mary's Campus via the Anne Street entrance by 8.30am. Students will be bussed back to the Mt. Carmel Campus following the Liturgy.

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to our continuing families and a warm welcome to our new families commencing with us at Columba Catholic College – Saint Mary’s Campus for 2025. It has been an enthusiastic start to the formal school year, and I am very thankful for the many and varied efforts of everyone to ensure that we have had a smooth start.  We are blessed to have Mrs Leesa Stevenson (Year 3) and Ms Karen Casey (Assistant Principal – Religious Education) join us this year as well. A big thank you to Mrs Kara Hunt for standing in as our Year Five teacher as we go through the process of securing a new teacher to replace Mrs Jolliffe.

 Our younger students are enjoying their new playground equipment immensely and we are very hopeful that we will be able to have a new one for our older students before the end of the year. The current wet weather means that we make temporary adjustments to the routine for the day that is wet. This can vary from staying in class all day if the rain is continuing to come down during play time, to coming out to eat in covered areas for a period of time to have a break from being indoors.

This term, like every term in every school, will be busy and event filled, and we will endeavour to communicate regularly to ensure that everyone is kept informed. Interschool sport will commence for our Senior Primary students next week with T Ball and Round One will be held at BTC. Our Year 5 students will be going on camp later in the year to Paluma Environmental Education again and our Year 6 students will be on their annual camp to Canberra with further information on both camps in coming weeks. Our School photo day will be Thursday 27 February so if families could ensure that children come to school in their best uniforms with clean shoes and appropriate haircuts that would be most appreciated. Our Parent / Teacher Interviews will be held in the second last week of school this term over two afternoons – Tuesday 25 March and Wednesday 26 March from 3:00pm until 6:00pm both days. Further information will be sent out to ensure everyone is aware of the process for booking an interview time.

In conclusion, I wanted to mention two important ‘housekeeping’ matters. The College’s duty of care each day officially commences at 8:15am when we have staff on duty in the playground and surrounding areas. Any students who arrive before 8:15am should wait in the Covered Area until the duty staff arrive and the bell to play rings at 8:15am. Please ensure that your child is not dropped off at school too early, for their own safety. If parents could ensure that we are starting the year well with correct uniforms, and neat and tidy haircuts, it would be very helpful. I am appreciative of the opportunity to be part of the Columba Catholic College community and am thankful for the wonderful staff we have at both of our campuses. Please feel free to contact me via the office and make an appointment to see me if you would like to speak with me on any matter. 

Thank you for your support, as parents, family and friends throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you at school in the various events throughout this term.

Rodney Lane
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

FROM THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

Dear Columba families

Welcome Back to 2025!

It has been fantastic to see our students return for an exciting new school year!

On the Mount Carmel campus, we have introduced a new timetable structure featuring a five-lesson day, with each lesson now 60 minutes long. By minimising transition time between classes, we have seen students fully engaged in outstanding lessons delivered by our dedicated specialist staff.

On Friday, 31 January, we conducted our first evacuation drill of the year. Our students did an excellent job following staff instructions, allowing us to fully evacuate the College in under 10 minutes. These drills are essential for ensuring that both students and staff are familiar with emergency procedures—saving crucial time and preventing panic in the event of a real emergency.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events on the horizon. On Monday, 10 February, the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre classes will recommence, providing our Year 11 and 12 students with valuable hands-on learning from industry-trained specialists. On Friday, 14 February, our Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place at the Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool—a highlight of the school calendar. Then, on Tuesday, 18 February, we will proudly induct our student leaders during one of our most significant annual events, the Opening Celebration of the Word.

We look forward to a fantastic term ahead and thank our students, staff, and families for their continued support of the College.

Rebecca Ebelt
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL - ADMINISTRATION

MC CAMPUS LEARNING AND TEACHING UPDATES

NAPLAN

Students will be sitting NAPLAN between 12 and 24 March 2025.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

Read the NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers. To see the format of the tests, visit the public demonstration site.

NAPLAN is for everyone: help for students with disability sitting NAPLAN

NAPLAN is for everyone. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is committed to an inclusive testing process that allows all students to participate in the National Assessment Program.

NAPLAN’s disability adjustments enable an equivalent learner experience for students during testing and include, for example, magnification, alternative questions, keyboard accessibility, extra time, rest breaks and tailored testing.

Please contact Jordan Moy if you would like to discuss disability adjustments available further.

PAT TESTING

New Year 7-10 students will complete PATM and PATR testing between Weeks 3 and 5 during Term

2024 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Academic Subject prizes for rotational subjects in Years 7 and 8 and Years 7-10 Semester 2 subjects in 2024.

2025 DALRYMPLE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE (DTTC) CLASSES

Classes at the DTTC commenced this from Monday 10 February (Week 3). Students will attend the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre on the following days of the week to complete their certificate.

Students will attend classes at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre each week between 9.00am and 3.00pm. Students will be transported to the DTTC by College bus at 8.45am and will be bussed back to the Mt Carmel Campus at 3.00pm. It is expected that students will attend Pastoral Care at 8:30am and sign out at the Mt Carmel Office at 8.40am before catching the bus to the DTTC and check in with Mr Broomhall when they return at 3:00pm. Students will be dismissed from the Mt Carmel Campus in the afternoon. Students are not to permitted to drive vehicles to the DTTC.

If parents / guardians / caregivers need to pick students up from the DTTC for an appointment, it is essential that the office staff on the Mt. Carmel Campus are informed of these arrangements. The office staff will inform the staff at the DTTC.

Students are reminded that they are required to wear their “work wear” uniform if completing the following certificates: Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, Certificate II in Automotive and Certificate II Engineering Pathways.

Ben Naughton
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

PHOTO DAY

Columba Catholic College
School Photography Date:  SMC - 27/02/2025 & MCC 06/03/2025

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.  These envelopes will be distributed to the students during week 2.  There will be extra envelopes in the office on each campus if your child misplaces their envelope.  

Two 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 - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before St Mary's Campus 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 Mt Carmel Campus photo day.  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

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS

STUDENT UNIFORM INFORMATION

Please refer to the following link for information pertaining to student uniform requirements. 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

At this time of the year, as Columba teams take to the fields and courts around town, it is timely to remind parents and spectators of their responsibilities when attending school sporting fixtures.

The College has clearly developed Codes of Behaviour for parents and spectators (see below).  These have been developed with two very important tenets in mind.  The first is that young people should be allowed to participate in sport for their own enjoyment.  The second is that all coaches and officials must be respected and supported, not undermined.

It is imperative that our coaches are able to train and coach their team without interference.  At all times, coaches must be afforded the opportunity to address and direct their teams without having to compete for the players’ attention. Advice given from outside, while well-meaning, may actually contradict team plans and goals of which you are unaware.  At all times, the coach’s say is final.

Our coaches and managers give generously of their own time so that your children can play each week. Please appreciate and respect their efforts, and continue to attend fixtures and support our great College teams.  

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather winning or losing.
• Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

SPECTATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

• Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
• Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
• Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and officials’ decisions.
• Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Please be aware that if you are behaving inappropriately, you may be asked to leave school sporting fixtures.

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students, Staff and Friends of the College,

Welcome to the 2025 school year. I hope this letter finds you well and ready to embrace the rigors and excitement that school life brings.

I warmly welcome all continuing and new students to the Columba Catholic College Boarding community. This year the boarders hail from all over north and central Queensland. The life experiences that these students bring to the boarding community can be  best described as being rich and diversified in nature making it an interesting and often an exciting place to be.

In regard to the Student Weekend Leave process, we ask that both the Parents/Caregivers and students to use the online leave application app “REACH”. This is paramount with the positive intention of always keeping children safe. Weekend leave must be applied for by 4:00 pm on Thursday. The onus is on the students to ensure that the leave process is followed by the due times otherwise leave will be denied. This procedure not only allows the College to adequately cater for students remaining in-dorms for the weekend but also teaches the students organisational skills.

Last week all parents and guardians were provided with the link for the College’s Residential Handbook. I encourage you to familiarise yourselves with this document which outlines the policies and procedures pertaining specifically to Boarding. Furthermore, it provides vital contact information for parents and caregivers. It is important that open communication channels are maintained between the College and boarding families so that optimal residential care can be provided for your child/ren.

The Residential Newsletter will continue to be a fortnightly publication and will be directly emailed to you.

There have been some significant changes to the Day School timetable whereby the students now have only five lessons a day compared to last year’s timetable which consisted of seven lessons. The changes were deemed necessary to accommodate the learning needs of our students.

Finally, I look forward to working with you, the parents and caregivers of your children, so that we may provide the best possible level of residential care.  Thank you for entrusting the College with the education of your child/ren.

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

It’s so wonderful to see our students back for another busy and exciting year at Columba. In 2025, Aleesha Watson will be working across our primary and secondary campuses, whilst Brad Fissore and Michael Dixon will be visiting Mt Carmel. We’re looking forward to working closely with our students and families. 

Throughout the year we will be sharing articles and information from our SchoolTV site - this information is available all year round and is a wonderful resource for our families. 

The SCHOOL TRANSITIONS edition of SchoolTV is a great place to start. 

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.  

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Aleesha Watson, Brad Fissore & Michael Dixon 
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

2025 SCHOOL TERM DATES

SAVE THE DATE: CATHOLIC DEDUTANTE BALL

STEM - YEARS 5 & 6

SPARQ-ed