Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 9 - 12TH JUNE 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and caregivers and Friends of the College,

As with the busy life of the Columba Community, there is much to reflect on and celebrate. The events over the last two weeks, including both the Primary and Secondary Interhouse Athletics Carnivals, are testament to this very statement. Of course, there is the combined effort of staff, volunteers, parents and friends that enable these opportunities for our students. Congratulations to both Mr Nathan Juhas (Secondary) and Miss Emma Systa (Primary) for overseeing the smooth running of both carnivals.

We have been active in the recent month, visiting our rural communities promoting our great College. Mr Dan Kyle and I visited a number of Primary Schools and caught up with parents as we visited Greenvale, Mount Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton, Cloncurry and Hughenden. We were grateful for Ms Rebecca Ebelt from our Leadership Team being hosted at the Hughenden Show and then travelling this week to catch up with our families on Palm Island. Mrs Caroline Jarmey, Head of Boys Boarding will attend the Richmond Field days this weekend with  Mr Tom McFarlane, Year 9 and 10 Pastoral Leader.

On Friday 6 June, our school community gathered to honor our heritage and the vision of our founders with a special Founders' Day liturgy. The ceremony was a meaningful reminder of the values on which our institution was built—faith, service, and unity. Students, staff, and guests joined together in prayer, reflection, and gratitude, celebrating the legacy that continues to inspire us today. We used this opportunity to say farewell to Ms Christine O’Sullivan and Mrs Michelle Burns. We thank you both  for your years of selfless service, for your unwavering commitment, loyalty and for being a beacon of hope and inspiration to generations of students. May your next chapters bring you much joy and fulfillment.

On Monday 9 June, Columba was privileged in making 2 grand finals of the Blackhawks' Cup at both the Under 15s and Open levels. Both teams represented the school with pride and intensity, finishing as Runners ups in their respective competitions. It was a busy night for the College and our Open Netball girls finished as District runners up. A huge thank you to all staff involved for their time and effort to help our students experience the pride of representing our wonderful College. We look forward to seeing our two open teams thrive at the Confraternity and QISSN carnivals in the first week of the break.

Staffing Updates:

I am delighted to announce Haydn Champion will be stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Principal - Pastoral and Residential for Semester 2. Mr Rodney Lane has been asked to extend his tenure as Acting Principal at St Mary’s in Bowen until the end of Term 3.  We are very grateful that Ms Karen Casey has offered to continue her great work as Deputy Principal of the St Mary's Campus. The College is excited to welcome Ms Kylie Gatenby who will be joining us as a Primary School Officer. 

All the best for the week ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

TRADE AND SKILL TASTER DAYS

On Friday 6 June, fourteen Year 10 students attended the TAFE Try A Trade Program. The aim of the program was to provide students with a taste of various  study and career pathways. It is designed to help students make informed decisions about their future career pathways by offering hands-on experience and insights into selected industry areas. Students who participated in the skill and Trade Tasters were exposed to industry areas such as automotive, electrical, engineering, health and childcare. 

2025 SCHOOL OFFICER DAY

On Wednesday 11 June we celebrated School Officers Day. School Officers make significant contributions every day, supporting students, teachers and learning at our College. We are very grateful for all that they do. Thank you!

SEMESTER 1 REPORTS

Semester 1 reports will be released to parents / caregivers and students in Compass at the end of this term. The report card provides valuable insights into your child’s progress during Semester 1.

Following a review of reporting by Townsville Catholic Education in 2024, there will be some changes to Years 7-10 reports this year.

The key changes include:

• Learning area comments for each subject have been removed. Instead, report cards will contain a Learning Area Statement outlining the key learning undertaken for the semester. 
• Application to Learning will now be reported on using a four-point scale: Needs Attention, Satisfactory, Very Good, Excellent. This reflects how a student responds to feedback and demonstrates interest in their learning.
• Personal and Social Responsibility will be reported on using a four-point scale: Needs Attention, Satisfactory, Very Good, Excellent. This refers to how students meet behaviour expectations, interact respectfully with others, regulate their emotions and contribute positively to the Learning environment.
• A statement indicates that the C achievement level is the expected end-of-year achievement standard.
• One general comment personalised by the Pastoral Care Teacher will be included at the end of the report. 

TERM 3 PARENT STUDENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS – MOUNT CARMEL CAMPUS

Years 7-12 Parent Student Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 23rd  July from 3.30pm – 6.30pm. Interviews will take place on the Mt. Carmel Campus in the Dining Room. 

Students are requested to attend Parent Student Teacher interviews in their uniform. This will provide students with an opportunity to express their needs and set learning goals in partnership with parents/caregivers and teachers for Semester 2. 

Bookings will be opened on Monday 30th June and can be made until Monday 21st July 2025. Parents and Caregivers will be able to book Parent Student Teacher Interviews in the Compass Parent Portal.

Parents/caregivers of boarders who are unable to attend the interviews can request a phone interview with teaching staff. 

If you require a phone interview, please book an interview time through the Compass Parent Portal with the teacher/s you would like to meet with and then email office@columba.catholic.edu.au to let the College know what teacher/s and times you have booked.  

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

YEAR 12s, PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS WEBINAR

The webinar will walk parents, students, and teachers through the post Year 12 transition, including information on:

• Opportunities after high school
• Making career choices
• The support available and how to access it at every step of the journey
• Where to find course information, including entry requirements
• How to apply and alternate pathways
• Course fees and scholarships
• What comes after applying

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

It is hard to believe that we are now in the final stages of Term Two. As usual there is the constant flurry of curricular and extra-curricular activity around the school. Columba is certainly a busy place to be in. This busyness can certainly be seen as a good thing, especially if students live a well-balanced life-style. Maintaining the desirable work/recreational equilibrium is essential for achieving one’s personal goals after all.  

Sleep

A key component of the well-balanced life-style is of course ‘sleep’ and I now draw your attention to some very important research borrowed from the ‘happychild.com.au’ website. It states that ‘sleep is a vital component of physical and mental health in children and adolescents’ and highlights the message that ‘it is a very productive time especially for the developing brain, which attempts to organise itself and consolidates the day’s learning’.

 Poor sleep patterns can be linked with other negative outcomes including inability to concentrate, obesity, poor  cardiovascular health, depression, aggressive/irritable  behaviours  and suicidal ideation. This accentuates the need that parents/care givers ensure that their children receive adequate levels of sleep along with healthy sleeping practices including regular bed times and wake times. The National Sleep Foundation says that teens need approximately 9 ¼ hours sleep per night on average.

Flu Season

As we are in the early stages of the Flu season it can be expected that an increasing number of students will be struck down with the flu. I fully encourage parents and caregivers to have their child/ren administered the flu vaccine if they have not already done so.

Personal Hygiene

Last week Ms Terrina Muston gave a presentation to the boarders on the importance of personal hygiene. Washing hands regularly and sanitising hands in and out of the classroom are constantly reinforced by staff. The College would also appreciate it if parents could reinforce this message at home. If a student is sick with even very mild symptoms they must stay home.

Vaping

Vaping can be an issue within and across a range of cohorts. The research/data in relation to vaping can not be understated. Please feel free to access this Link from SchoolTV if you would like more information in relation to this topic.

Child Protection

Child safety is all about keeping our school as safe as can be. Being a boarding school presents an even greater challenge than a school that only has a Day component, as a boarding school, we must be vigilant 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students need to know who they can trust. The Safe People on the Mount Carmel campus are Mr Shayne Harrison (Principal), Mr Kyle (Deputy Principal – Pastoral & Residential) and Mrs Caroline Jarmey (Head of Boys’ Boarding). On the St Mary’s campus the Safe People are Ms Karen Casey (Deputy Principal), Mrs Adonia Hedges (Head of Girls’ Boarding).

Year 9 Camp Retreat

Next week our Year 9 students will attend their camp at Camp Gedling. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students with many exciting activities on offer. For parents of Year 9 students please ensure that they are adequately prepared for the cold weather that can be expected up on the range at this time of the year.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all who have contributed  in any way to the school this term. It is greatly appreciated by the College. 

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL

PS: You know you are in a country school when a flock of sheep decide to wander into your classroom when conducting a lesson.

SECONDARY INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

On Thursday 5 June, the school oval came alive with colour, energy and house pride as students from Years 7–12 competed in the annual Secondary Inter-House Athletics Carnival. With banners waving, chants echoing and students proudly wearing their house colours, the event was a true celebration of athleticism, team spirit and school community. 

From the opening 400m track event to the final field events, the competition was electric. Students competed in a wide range of track and field events including long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, javelin, 400m, 200m and 100m running. The dedication, training and commitment of the athletes were evident as many students recorded personal bests and demonstrated outstanding technique and determination.

Rice (719) stunned the spectators by flexing their overwhelming might throughout the day to secure victory. Benjamin (683) followed, in second place, with McAuley (606) claiming the third spot and Polding (570) finishing in fourth.

House spirit was on full display throughout the day, with students cheering passionately from the stands and showing support for their teammates across every event. Special mention goes to our Age Champions and Runners Up, who excelled across multiple events and demonstrated excellence in both skill and attitude. Congratulations to the following students:

Highlights of the event included the following records being rewritten this year;

12 Yrs Discuss- Percy Bedourie (23.80)

13 Yrs AWD 400m- Christopher Knox (1.53’’63)

16 Yrs AWD 400m- Azariah Hunter (1.49’’44)

16 Yrs AWD 100m- Azariah Hunter (15.83’’03)

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, timekeepers, and student leaders whose efforts ensured a smooth and successful carnival. Thank you also to the families and friends who came to support and cheer – your presence added to the vibrant atmosphere.

The Inter-House Athletics Carnival continues to be a highlight on the school calendar, showcasing the talents, resilience and camaraderie of our students. We look forward to seeing many of these athletes represent our school at the upcoming Inter-School Athletics events to be held on 31 July and 1 August 2025 at All Souls St Gabriels. 

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

TERM 2 SECONDARY SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Term 2 has been a rewarding and action-packed time for our students, with interschool sport providing countless opportunities for personal growth, competitive spirit and community connection. Across a wide range of sports, our students proudly represented the school with determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. The term’s competitions highlighted not just athletic ability but also resilience, leadership and camaraderie among peers. Each week, students from Years 7 to 12 participated in interschool and town competitions, showcasing their skills across sports such as Netball, Rugby League, and Touch Football. Our junior and senior teams faced tough competition, but their commitment to improving each week was commendable. 

In Netball, our teams made remarkable progress. With strong mid-court transitions and a defensive line that consistently disrupted the opposition's play, the teams delivered several impressive wins. Particular recognition goes to Kalani Geia (U13’s), Bailee Simpson (U15’s), T’ae Struckel (2nds) and Ella MacPherson (1sts) who showed fantastic cohesion and court awareness during their interschool Netball competitions to be rewarded as their teams Most Valuable Player. 

Rugby League continues to be a standout sport, with our U13, U15, Seconds and Firsts boys teams delivering strong performances week after week. Both the U15 boys and First boys, led by a dedicated core group of forwards and fast-paced backs, finished the season 2nd in the Townsville Blackhawks Schoolboy Trophy. With Liam Bartschart and Cooper Nibbs being selected as Player of the Match in their Final. 

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of several students who were selected to represent our district and region in a variety of sports this term. Congratulations to the following students on their selection and contributions:

These students demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication during trials and went on to compete at higher levels with pride. Their efforts not only highlight individual excellence but also inspire their peers to strive for similar success.

Weekly Town Netball and Touch Football teams had a mixed but promising term. The boys and girls touch teams have demonstrated considerable improvement in their passing and field coverage, often dominating possession even in tightly contested matches. The Netball teams showed resilience, earning praise for their communication, volunteering efforts and sportsmanship throughout the term. As these seasons begin to wrap up early next term we wish all the players involved the best of luck as they continue to prove their commitment to the college and their teams over their break. 

On 6 June, our girls' Rugby League teams proudly represented the school at the annual Karyn Murphy Cup, a prestigious NRL competition named after one of Australia's greatest female players. The carnival brought together schools from across the region to showcase emerging female talent in rugby league. Our girls’ teams demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the day. Despite facing tough opposition, the girls played with heart, executing strong defensive efforts and creative attacking plays. Their commitment to supporting one another on and off the field was a highlight and a true reflection of our school spirit.

Our interschool sport program would not be possible without the dedication of our staff coaches, volunteers, and support crew. Their commitment to training, mentoring and supporting students through every game is deeply appreciated. Many gave up lunch breaks, after-school hours and weekends to ensure our students had the best possible sporting experience.

Thank you also to the parents and caregivers who provided transport, attended games and cheered from the sidelines. Your encouragement makes a real difference to our students’ confidence and enjoyment.

With Term 2 now complete, we look ahead to Term 3 with anticipation. Students will have opportunities to compete in track and field events, Interschool Cricket and Softball, and the continuation of Netball and Touch Football Finals. We acknowledge the important role that sport plays in our school – not just as a physical outlet, but as a space to develop life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, goal-setting and humility. We congratulate every student who trained, competed and gave their best effort throughout the term.

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

FROM THE HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

A new chapter in Humanities for Years 7 - 8

This year, our Humanities program for Year 7 and 8 has undergone an exciting transformation as we align with version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. We have streamlined our approach from four disciplines to three, allowing students to engage more deeply with core concepts:

• Year 7 students are studying Geography, Economics and Business, and History.
• Year 8 students are exploring History, Geography, and Civics and Citizenship

Our Year 9 and 10 classes – including the combined Year 9/10 Economics and Business classes – will transition to version 9 next year.

A highlight for our Year 7 students from Week 5 of this term has been their unit on Consumers and Producers. As part of their learning, students have been challenged to think like entrepreneurs by developing and pitching their own business ideas in our very own Shark Tank! These exciting presentations will take place this Thursday and Friday, where our panel of “sharks” will decide which start-ups are worthy of (play) investment funding!

In Humanities and Social Sciences, developing critical thinking is one of the most essential skills for thriving in the 21st century. As students explore real-world issues and diverse perspectives, many are using AI tools like ChatGPT to support their learning. We encourage parents to have conversations at home about using these tools not simply to copy and paste answers, but to research ideas, clarify concepts, and build deeper understanding. When used ethically and thoughtfully, platforms like ChatGPT can empower students to become independent, reflective, and responsible learners. 

This term, we welcome Mr Matthew Luxton to our Humanities Department. Mr Luxton is responsible for Year 7 and 9 classes, and we are delighted to have him join our team!

Should you have any questions regarding your child’s progress or engagement in Humanities, please do not hesitate to contact their teachers or myself. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank all of our students across Years 7 to 12 for their hard work and positive approach to learning, as well as the respect they have shown throughout the term in their classes. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity and commitment in action. We wish them all the best as they finish the term and hope they enjoy a restful and rewarding break.

Michael Ku
MIDDLE LEADER - HUMANITIES

CAREERS

Work Experience for Year 10 - A Chance to Explore Your Future!

Exciting times ahead! Year 10 students will soon have the opportunity to step into the world of work and gain firsthand experience in a work environment. Work Experience is an incredible chance to explore different career paths, develop important skills, and get a taste of life beyond the classroom.

To make the most of your placement, it’s essential to stay curious and ask the right questions. Check out 5 questions to ask while you're on work experience - Study Work Grow they’ll help you gain valuable insights into your chosen field and prepare for your future career.

Make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

We’ve had a fantastic term so far, and it’s been wonderful to see our community coming together in celebration and school spirit. Our Athletics Carnival was a tremendous success! The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship displayed by our students were simply outstanding. A big thank you to the staff and volunteers who made the day run so smoothly, and congratulations to all participants—you truly did your houses proud!

We also celebrated our Founders Feast Day, which was a memorable occasion. It was heartening to see students reflecting on the history and values of our school while enjoying the day’s festivities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making it such a meaningful event.

As the weather gets colder, a friendly reminder about the correct winter uniform: please ensure that students are wearing the appropriate school jumpers and jackets. 

A reminder about morning arrivals—students should not be on school grounds before 8:00am, as there is no staff supervision until 8:15am. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and supervised environment for all students.

Last week was the final round of Inter-school sport for touch. Congratulations to our Girls Touch team who ended up winning the competition and well done boys on a solid effort.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming Coloured Dress Day on 18th June for the next State of Origin match. Students are invited to wear their team colours in support—with a gold coin donation going toward school fundraising for the Year 6 Canberra Camp.

And don’t forget—the Primary School Disco is coming up on Thursday of Week 9! It’s always a fun evening for our younger students to dance, socialise, and celebrate the term’s achievements.

Congratulations to Miss Lara Burns and Miss Brooke Stevenson who are both getting married in the coming weeks. We wish them both all the best for their upcoming nuptials. Thank you for your ongoing support this term and involvement in school life. We look forward to finishing the term on a high note!

Karen Casey
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

NEWS FROM YEAR 2B

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YEAR 4 NEWS

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

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

We have had a great Term 2  in so many ways. The range of activities that our students have had access to including the Interhouse Athletics Carnival, Interhouse Cross Country, Interschool Cross Country,  Club and Interschool sports (rugby league, netball, cross-country, and touch football ), Air Force Cadets, Cattle Club, Chess Club, TAG Club, shopping in Townsville, going to the movies and attending  NRL footy games. These are just a few of the activities that have been on offer for the boarders and coupled with tutoring and study it has made it a very busy place indeed. The students are now gearing up  for that well-earned break.

End of Term Travel

Hopefully by now parents and caregivers have or are in the final stages of organising their child’s/ren’s end of term travel arrangements. As mentioned in previous editions of the Residential Newsletter, please keep the school informed of any changes in travel arrangements including pick-up and drop-off times and who will be collecting and dropping your child/ren off at the College. Furthermore, whilst children are in transit please ensure that your child has sufficient funds on their person, a fully charged mobile phone (if they have one) and a list of emergency contact numbers.

All boarding parents should have received correspondence from the College in reference to end of term bus runs (to Richmond, Mount Surprise and Townsville). This is a service that the College provides for the benefit of our boarding families. Services to each venue will only operate based on a minimum number of students (usually 5 students).

Regards

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - RAISING BOYS

Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex-specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly different in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.

Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys.

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 Raising Boys edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-boys

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

CHARTERS TOWERS BULLS

RAISING HEALTHY MINDS APP

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.  

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.  

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.  

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.  

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind    

COLES WINTER CARNIVAL - LITTLE ATHLETICS QUEENSLAND

Does your child love to RUN, JUMP & THROW?
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2025 Coles Winter Little Athletics Carnival in sunny Townsville!  Nominations close THIS  Monday 16th June.

 Townsville Sports Precinct

 28–29 June 2025

Open to U7–U17 athletes – LAQ & non-LAQ members WELCOME!

Whether you're chasing PBs or just in it for fun – it’s going to be a weekend to remember!

Register now  https://laq.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/3/home

Need help registering?

How to register as an LAQ Member - https://bit.ly/431jBoS

How to register as a Non-LAQ Member - https://bit.ly/431jBoS

Event Draft Order & More - https://laq.org.au/coles-winter-carnival/

SHARKS CAMP 2025 - JULY

GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

The Dates:

8th July | 9th July | 10th July | 11th July

We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up today to secure your spot!!

YEAHHHH SHARKS!!

Visit our website for more information https://sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp.

SAVERS PLUS PROGRAM

To join Saver Plus, you need to meet these requirements:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
• Have a child in school, starting next year, or be studying 
• yourself
• Get a regular income (can be you or your partner in paid work or child support/carers' payment)
• Agree to join in free online financial education workshops