Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 2 - 20th February 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

Learning is our core work. This year we will have continued focus on writing and also will be working closely with teachers to fine tune their teaching practice to optimise the learning in our classrooms. Staff have engaged in targeted professional learning and have been collaborating regarding the use of explicit teaching strategies to improve student outcomes in both these domains. The writing 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 18th February we celebrated the Opening Celebration of the Word and Induction of Student Leaders, from both Year 6 and Year 12, as they lead their respective Campuses for 2025. 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 2025, Adam Brandis. Congratulations to Adam who received an outstanding ATAR. We wish him well in his future endeavours and studying Veterinary Science this year. Special thanks to Karen Casey, Matt Tyrie 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.

Next Wednesday 26th February we will host the Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Thanks to Nathan Juhas, Andrew Butler, and the Secondary staff and the House Captains for their preparation in readiness for the carnival. We look forward to a great day of competition.

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.catholic.ed.au or by phoning the office on 4787 1744. We appreciate your ongoing support.

All the best for the week ahead.

Many blessings,

Shayne Harrison
ACTING PRINCIPAL

2024 COLLEGE DUX

OPENING LITURGY AND INDUCTION OF STUDENT LEADERS

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FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

ASSESSMENT DATE CALENDARS

Year 7-12 Assessment Date Calendars can be accessed on the Compass home page. 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.

ACADEMIC DETENTION

Academic Detention runs 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 or 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. If students fail to attend Academic Detention on Wednesday afternoon, they will be required to attend detention on Friday afternoon (3:00-4:30pm).

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 Weeks 7 and 8 of this term. Students will require 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 12 March, Thursday 13 March, Friday 14March and Monday 17 March. It is essential that students attend school on these days to complete these tests. 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 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 Mr Ben Naughton or Ms Jordan Moy by close of business Friday 28 February 2025.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Ben Naughton
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

FROM THE RELIGION DEPARTMENT - MC CAMPUS

Deepening Faith and Connection at Columba Catholic College

Over the last few weeks, students in the Religious Education department from years 7-10 have been engaging in introductory units that explore the rich faith traditions of Columba Catholic College and our story. A key focus has been on the Columba story, the College Prayer, and the significance of sacred spaces, encouraging students to reflect on how these elements shape their own faith journey and connection to the school’s mission.  Students explored Icons around the College and related this to our Founders and their charism that was gifted to the College which shaped who we are in our Columba way today in 2025.

A highlight of this learning experience was a visit to the Br Joe Foat Museum, where students from Years 7-10 had the unique opportunity to uncover artifacts linked to their family members—parents and even grandparents—who once graced the grounds of Columba or in our teams and groups. This moment of discovery created a powerful sense of belonging and appreciation for the school’s history, with a personal connection for the students.

It has been wonderful to see our students engage so meaningfully, deepening their understanding of faith, community, and the lasting legacy they are part of at Columba Catholic College.  I would like to acknowledge the expertise of the Religion Department Faculty by designing units with real connection, joy, and success for our Year 7-10 students to gain from these experiences. 

Matthew Tyrie
ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - MC CAMPUS

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FROM THE HASS AND LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

As we embark on an exciting new year, our students have begun their Humanities and Languages units for Term 1, diving into thought-provoking topics that will spark curiosity and critical thinking. 

A list of our department’s teacher emails is provided below for those who would like to reach out for more information on supporting their child’s learning.

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

Michael Ku
MIDDLE LEADER - HASS & LANGUAGES

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 - Do not 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

PREP NEWS

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YEAR 6 NEWS

Year 6 have 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 which comes with their final year of primary school. The trip to Canberra in August is already on their minds!

This week, all of our Year 6 class and captains 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 have nominated for Mini Vinnies and SRC. Although some students may also be a captain, every single student in Year 6 is a leader for the younger students.

In class, the students have been focussing on the Number strand in Mathematics and writing persuasives 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 completing a short unit on the history of Columba Catholic College and the charisms around our house names. Soon they’ll start a unit of work on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

In Science, we have been exploring microorganisms. We have gone back in time in HASS to the 1800’s to explore how Federation occurred and what were the pros and cons for this major event back then.

Interschool sport starts on Friday after a rainy delayed start, with a 5 round season of tee ball on Friday afternoons. Interhouse Cross Country with Miss Johnson is underway, and 12 students are also training for a Rugby Union Gala Day in Townsville in March.

If there are any issues that arise during the term, please do not hesitate to come and see me.

Gerard Webber
YEAR 6 TEACHER

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

PRIMARY PIANO LESSONS

Piano classes have begun again for the year at the St Mary's Campus! Sessions are held twice a week, with each class running for 45 minutes.

Wednesday's – After school

Thursday's – Before school

To ensure a quality learning experience, class sizes are limited to 10 students.  

If your child is interested in learning piano and you have a keyboard or piano at home, please collect an information form from the St. Mary's Campus office, or email reception.

For any questions about the lessons, feel free to contact Ms Liz Ward at lward7@columba.catholic.edu.au.

We look forward to another wonderful year of music!  

MORNING MUNCHIES - ST MARY'S CAMPUS

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 extra-curricular activities, Columba at this very point in time is a busy and exciting place to be. 

ACTIVITIES 

Over the last fortnight the boarding students have been engaged in a myriad of weekend activities including Valentine’s Afternoon Tea surprise (Girls’ Boarding), shopping, craft making, cooking, movie nights, scavenger hunt, swimming, touch footy on the ovals just to name a few. Boarding is an exciting place to be! 

PAST STUDENT NEWS

Last Friday, former boarder - Azzariah Lenoy - made his first grade debut for the North Queensland Cowboys. It is needless to say but the boarding students and staff were extremely excited to watch him perform on the big stage. We wish Azzariah all the best as he move into the next chapter of his rugby league career. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

This year it is the College’s intention to continue to embed itself more not only into the Charters Towers community but the extended community as well. This means that members of the College Boarding and Leadership team will be conducting a number of tours north and west of Charters Towers. These tours are not only essential for maintaining meaningful and productive relationships with existing families but prospective families as well. Next month, Ms Carter (Year 7 & 8 Pastoral Leader) and myself will be attending the Katherine’s State ICPA conference. We are excited about the prospect of catching up with some of our Northern Territory families. 

BOARDER REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

It is with great pleasure that I announce the Boarder Representative Councils for 2025. Please refer to the list below for the successful candidates: 

CAMPS AND RETREATS

Please note that the Year 7 camp has been postponed due to the recent weather event and that the Year 12 Retreat (12-14 March) has been moved to Magnetic Island due largely to the damage being inflicted on the road to Paluma. 

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORD AND STUDENT LEADER INDUCTION 

On Tuesday 18 February, Charlotte Coggan, Thomas Scholes, Shakarleah Hunter and Tom Kirkwood received their Residential Leader badges. I am highly confident that these young men and women, with the support of their fellow seniors, will do a sterling job leading their respective residences.

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - FRIENDSHIP & BELONGING

Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally; for others, this can be much harder to navigate. In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to support their young person’s friendship so that they experience a sense of belonging.

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

Here is the link to the Friendship & Belonging edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/friendship-belonging

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

CHARTERS TOWERS JUNIOR MINERS