Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 10 - 26TH JUNE 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

As we come to the end of a great term here at the College, there is so much to celebrate and share. The events of the last two weeks are testament to the holistic educational experience provided to our students. 

Special thanks to Paula Smith and Brooke Stevenson for supporting our Primary students who participated in the Readers Cup in Townsville last week. Congratulations to the following students who represented Columba at the event - Samantha Jackson-Patino, Adeline McMahon, Lailah Mott, Eden-Rose Naughton and Jessica Scharf.

Last Thursday night we hosted our Primary Disco at St Mary’s Campus. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Ms Karen Casey, Miss Brooke Stevenson, Mr Gerard Webber, Mrs Georgina Porter and our Primary staff for their support. Special thank you to our Year 6 Parents/Carers for their preparations and support of this event as a part of the Year 6 Fundraising plan for their Canberra trip. Thanks also to our CSPA for their tireless work behind the scenes. The students had a fabulous time.

Last week our Year 9 students were at Camp Gedling, Harvey’s Range. They have been participating in a range of outdoor challenges and team building activities. Special thanks to Mr Tom McFarlane for organising the camp, and to Miss Jordan Moy, Mrs Tonya Burgoine and Mr Michael Barker-Hicks for their support of our students during the three days. The students have had a wonderful time and it has been a fantastic way to end a great term.

On behalf of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, I wish to congratulate Mrs Caroline Jarmey and Mr Andrew Butler for being nominated for the state-wide Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and to Ms Lorette Tassan for her nomination for Aunty Joan Hendricks Award, for 2025. These awards were initiated by the Commission in 2006 to recognise people who are making an outstanding contribution within their Catholic school communities and this is certainly evident in the efforts that Caroline, Andrew and Lorette exemplify in their daily work. All of these staff members go above and beyond to render pastoral care and support to our students. They will be formally recognised during our Catholic Education Week Celebrations in Term 3.

I take the opportunity to announce that Mary-Grace Donnelly has been awarded the Deus Caritas Est award for 2025. This award is inspired by the encyclical Deus Caritas Est recognising loving service lived out with faith conviction. This award will be presented to Mary-Grace at a special liturgy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville on Monday 28 July.

This week our Year 10 students have engaged in a week of Work Experience, either in town or in individual students’ hometowns, as a part of their Career Education Program. Thanks to Ms Rebecca Ebelt, Mrs Helen Milton and Miss Paige Nibbs for the preparation and organisation of this experience for our students. Students have been participating in a wide range of experiences including areas of administration, hospitality, education and trades.

This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally from 6-13 July. As this falls in our school holiday period, NAIDOC celebrations usually take place during the holiday period so we will acknowledge NAIDOC Week in Week 1 of Term 3 with a special program and scheduled community engagement activities.

Next week our Firsts’ Netball and Rugby League Teams travel to Bundaberg and Rockhampton respectively for the 2025 QISSN and Confraternity Carnivals. The teams will be under the guidence of Mr Nathan Juhas, we thank him for all his time and dedication that he puts into these teams throughout the year. I would like to thank Miss Jordan Moy, Mrs Tonya Burgoine and Miss Emma Systa for taking care of the netball team and Mr Rohan Dixon, Mr Scott Bliss, Mr Gerard Webber, Mr Matty Luxton, Mr Justin Dixon and Mr Neil Brown for accompanying the Firsts’ Rugby League team. Your roles as coaches, managers and trainers are greatly appreciated by the College community. 

Reports: Next week families will receive End of Semester 1 Academic Reports via the Compass Portal. These reports are important point in time indicators for our students and will be valuable discussion tools as we head into Secondary Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews in Week 1 of next term. Interviews can be booked through the Compass Parent Portal and I strongly encourage you to take time to engage in these interviews to discuss your child’s learning journey in Semester 1. 

Staffing Updates: Mr Dan Kyle takes a well deserved break in Semester 2 and we are very pleased to announce that Mr Haydn Champion will be Acting as Deputy Principal - Pastoral and Residential for the remainder of the year. Congratulations are in order for Mr Michael Barker-Hicks being appointed as the Acting Year 11 and 12 Pastoral Care Leader. We are also excited to annouced Ms Erica Barnes will be joining our Mathamatics Department full time for Term 3.

As the term draws to a close, I would like to extend my thanks to our students, staff and families. Congratulations to Miss Burns for last weekend on her wedding celebrations and all the best to Miss Stevenson who will be married tomorrow and Miss Carter who will be saying 'I do' this weekend. Well done to all of our students for a great term of learning and thank you to our teaching staff who embrace the vocation of education with head, heart and hands. We wish you all a wonderful holiday and we look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

SEMESTER 1 REPORTS

Semester 1 reports will be released to parents / caregivers and students in Compass on Monday 30th June 2025. The report card will provide parents / caregivers with an insight into their child’s progress during Semester 1.

We encourage parents and caregivers to review your child’s report with them and have a constructive conversation to identify their academic achievements, areas of improvements and to set future goals.

TERM 3 PARENT STUDENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

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.

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

Please book an interview time with the teacher/s you would like to meet with and then email office@columba.catholic.edu.au to let the College know you would like a phone interview and provide us with the time booked and best phone number to contact you on.

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.

COMPASS

Columba Catholic College uses the student management system called ‘Compass’. An important component of this software is the Compass Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is our main point of contact with parents. Each parent is issued with an individual login name and password for the Parent portal.

The Parent Portal allows you to:

• view your child's timetable and the school calendar
• view up-to-date attendance information for your child
• access your child's Semester Reports
• make bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews
• view the news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates
• communicate by email with your child's teachers
• update your contact details (email and mobile phone number)

Parents and Caregivers will need to access Compass to receive your child’s Year 7-12 Semester 1 Report Card and book Parent Student Teacher interviews.

TERM 3 HOMEWORK CLUB

Years 7-12 Homework Club on the Mount Carmel Campus will commence in Week 2 of Term 3, Thursday 31st July, from 3:00-4:00pm in the Library.

QTAC PRESENTATION

On Monday 23rd June, Year 12 students attended an online presentation facilitated by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). They shared important information with students about who is QTAC, how to apply to QTAC, preferencing, what are pathway courses, eligibility requirements and merit, offer rounds, responding to an offer, adjustment schemes, Educational Access Schemes and the ATAR.

Year 12 students have also received their copy of the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre 2026 Year 12 Guide to Further Study. The guide is a comprehensive resource that provides students with valuable information on applying for tertiary courses in Queensland, application procedures, course details and entry requirements.

TASTE OF SECONDARY

On Friday 8th August 2025 we are excited to host the Taste of Secondary on the Mount Carmel Campus from 8:30-3:00pm. 

During the day students will participate in a number of rotational classes  that will familiarise them with the types of experiences they will encounter in Year 7.

To register your interest in attending this day please contact the college office or email hmiller7@columba.catholic.edu.au.

YEAR 10 TRANSITION INTO SENIOR (YEAR 11 2026)

During Term 3, Year 10 students will make important decisions about future study and career goals as they plan their QCE pathway and consider the subjects they will study in Year 11 and 12. Students in Year 11 and 12 will work towards achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education. There are many resources available on the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and myQCE website to assist students in thinking about and planning their pathway. It covers QCE eligibility and helps them to explore future study and career goals.

YEAR 10 DATE CLAIMER: TUESDAY 5th AUGUST 2025

All Year 10 parents and students are invited to attend the Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Parent and Student information Evening at 7:00pm in the Mount Carmel Campus Dining Room on Tuesday 5th August 2025. It is important that all Year 10 students and parents attend this evening as information about the Queensland Certificate of Education, senior pathways available, and subjects / certificates on offer will be shared. The information shared with parents and students will assist in making an informed decision about what to study in Year 11. Curriculum Leaders and teaching staff will be available to provide information and answer questions.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

CONFRATERNITY AND QISSN TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are excited to officially announce the student-athletes who will represent our college at two of Queensland’s most prestigious school sporting events – the 2025 Confraternity Rugby League Carnival and the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival. These competitions are a highlight on the school sporting calendar and offer our students an incredible opportunity to compete at an elite level, build lifelong friendships, and showcase the spirit and values of our school.

Our 2025 Confraternity team features a talented and hardworking group of players who have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and team spirit throughout the season. Trials for the squad were highly competitive, and the final team represents a strong balance of experience, emerging talent, and leadership. Congratulations and best of luck to

Our QISSN squad for 2025 includes a dynamic group of athletes who have displayed outstanding performance, work ethic, and team camaraderie. Selection was based on trial performances, match play, fitness, and leadership qualities, and the team represents a diverse mix of experienced players and new talent ready to take the next step. Congratulations and good luck to

Both teams will now finalise their training and preparation schedules, including fitness conditioning, skill development, team-building sessions, and trial matches. Participation in these events is more than just an opportunity to compete; it is a chance for students to develop as individuals, make lifelong memories, and represent their college in front of a statewide audience. 

We thank our staff, parents, and broader school community for supporting our athletes as they prepare for this exciting journey. We look forward to sharing updates, match highlights, and stories from both carnivals through our Facebook page. Good luck to all athletes involved – wear your school colours with pride and give your best on and off the court and field!

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

FROM THE RELIGION DEPARTMENT

Faithful Hearts, Purposeful Lives- One College- One Story

Dear Community,  

As Term 2 draws to a close, the Religious Education Department at Columba Catholic College is grateful for a term filled with faith, reflection, service, and meaningful learning. Our students and staff have embraced opportunities to deepen their spiritual lives and put their faith into action within the school and community as pilgrims of hope this semester.

In the classroom, students have been exploring important elements of Catholic tradition and beliefs through a range of contexts in current units of work.

Year 7 students have been learning about common beginnings for communities of believers, both past and present, and how they show their understanding of God through sacred texts and stories of patriarchs and prophets, events, rituals and practices.

In Year 8, students have been learning about God's saving plan and Initiation rituals for monotheistic religions. They were introduced to the theme of covenant, as a unique relationship between God and God's people, through exploring the actions and messages of some Old Testament prophets.

In Year 9, students have been learning about the priestly, prophetic, and kingly work of Jesus Christ and how believers live their Christian vocation by participating in this work. It was really interesting how some students elevated their understanding in their writing of how people can influence their world. Some presentations included Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, and Caritas, which inspired, strengthened, and provided guidance for people through living the Catholic social teaching.

In Year 10, students have been learning about various ways in which humans have an understanding of the mystery of God. These included the human experience of the created world; the different representations of God in Old Testament and New Testament texts by various human authors in different historical, social, and cultural contexts. It was insightful how the students created their representation of the mystery of God for an Australian context.

In Year 11, students have been learning about world religions and practices. They were focusing on the diversity and adaptability of religions and repisiutual across different contexts, times and places. This even included Dadidiiru, an Indigenous spirituality of connection to place and being. 

Year 12 students have been engaged in Sacred Stories and how artefacts and stories that are sacred can influence, shape attitudes, beliefs, and even perspectives. More recently, the focus has shifted to Peace and conflict, as we have examined how peacemakers can make a difference in their world.

Catholic Identity Life of the College
This term has been shaped by many liturgical events in the life of our College, which allow us as a community to acknowledge who we are, take time to reflect on our journey and walk together as one College.  Year level masses occurred this term in our Chapel for Year 8 and Year 9, as well as fortnightly assemblies. Founders Day provided the opportunity to reflect on the origin of our shared College story and the gifts of grace each Founder bestowed on Columba. On the Feast Day, through the rituals of Columba’s Got Talent, a shared liturgy, and followed by community activities designed to celebrate the spirit of unity, it was a lovely day.

As we prepare for Term 3, the Religious Education Department is excited about upcoming events, including our NAIDOC Week celebrations, Catholic Education Week, Religion Retreats and reflection days for Years 7, 8 and 9 and a Leadership Retreat for Year 11.

As we depart for the College holidays, it’s important to stop, reflect and pause on the spiritual growth and learning we have and that we are safe in our travels and can return safely to the community for the start of Term 3. 

Matt Tyrie
MIDDLE LEADER - RELIGION

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the gift of this College community, a home away from home, where friendships take root and spirits grow. In this time of rest, we lift to you and give thanks for the term we have enjoyed and the opportunities that came.

Holy Spirit, we ask for your divine protection over our community, students, parents and their families as they may travel at this time and on their way to and from College to begin safely in a new term. Guard their hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits from any form of harm or negative influence.

Amen

CAREERS

Discover Your Future at JCU Open Day – Saturday 19 July

Get ready to explore the possibilities at James Cook University’s Open Day on Saturday 19 July 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm! This is the perfect opportunity for students and families to visit the campus, speak directly with academic staff, and get a taste of university life.

The event will showcase JCU’s wide range of study areas including science, engineering, health, business, education, and the arts. There will be campus tours, live demonstrations, information sessions, and the chance to meet current students and alumni who can share their experiences.

Whether you're considering your options after graduation or just curious about what university has to offer, JCU Open Day is a fun and informative way to help guide your next steps. Don’t miss this chance to discover where your future could begin!

When: Saturday 19 July 2025 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Where: James Cook University campus

QTAC (Qld Tertiary Admissions Centre) Guide 

QTAC guides for 2026 have arrived and have been handed out to students. You can also find the guide online HERE.  

2025 WEX

The 2025 WEX (Work Exposure in Government) Program is now open for applications from all Year 10 - 12 First Nations students who are interested in Australian Government careers.  This fully funded program runs from Sunday 26 October to Friday 31 October 2025 in Canberra.

WEX provides First Nations students with hands-on experience and information about job opportunities and career pathways in the Australian Government.

All transportation, accommodation and meals will be provided at no cost. WEX is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) under its Children and Schooling Program.

To apply, please go to: https://etmp.com.au/programs/wex-canberra-2025/  

For further information on WEX please contact wex@etmp.com.au 

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

As the school term draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank both students and staff for their hard work and dedication to completing all assessments for Semester 1 reporting. 

With Term 3 just around the corner, our Winter Appeal is now underway and will run through to Monday of Week 2. We warmly welcome any donations of food and blankets to help support those in need during the colder months. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Looking ahead, we invite all families to join us in celebrating two important school community events at the start of Term 3. Our NAIDOC Week Liturgy will be held on the Mt Carmel Campus Thursday 24 July in Week 1. Catholic Education Week Liturgy will take place in Week 2 on Wednesday 30 July at the St Mary's Campus. More information will be sent out about these events this week.

We also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Keely and Matilda, who completed our parish Sacramental Program last week. A special thank you to Father Emmanuel and Mrs Leanne Brandis for their guidance and support in leading the students through this meaningful journey.

Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to our school community. Stay safe over the break and we will see you all again in Term 3.

Karen Casey
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

YEAR 1 CLASSROOM NEWS

YEAR 5 NEWS

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

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

At the time of writing this article many of our boarding students will be home with their loved ones enjoying that much needed rest and recreation. I do acknowledge though, that many students will also be engaged in working in their family businesses. Over the holiday period families will receive their child/ren’s report card and this is generally a good time to discuss their academic results. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to discuss areas needing greater focus and/or increased effort. I strongly encourage parents and caregivers to attend the parent teacher interviews evening early next term, as working in partnership with the College staff will provide the platform for students to achieve academic potential. 

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. 

Katherine Show

As the school  continues its community engagement program, College staff will be present at the Katherine Show over the holiday period. Hopefully, our current and prospective parents from the NT will get the opportunity to catch up with members of our boarding community over the show period. 

Boarder Parent Meeting

On Tuesday 22 July at 7.00pm, Columba will host the Boarder Parent meeting. This will be hosted via Face to Face and Zoom in the Mount Carmel Board room. Please note that all boarding parents and guardians are invited to this meeting. It is not a formal meeting, but a gathering of parents and key boarding staff to discuss all matters that relate to boarding. We would be excited to see many family representatives at this meeting. 

Acting Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential)

Semester 2 will see Mr Haydn Champion acting in the position of Deputy Principal Pastoral & Residential whilst I am on long service leave for the remainder of the year. Mr Champion is a former student of the College and has many years’ experience as a Pastoral Leader. I am highly confident that Mr Champion will do a sterling job.   

Thank you to our wonderful Staff and Parents

I would like to say thank you to the College residential staff who have worked tirelessly over the term as they have gone above and beyond what is expected of them. I also thank the parents and caregivers who have entrusted the College with the residential care and education of their children. It is an honour and a privilege to be associated with such a fine body of young men and women. Finally, I wish everybody a safe and relaxing break.

Regards

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - RESILIENCE

Resilience is one of those skills that all kids need and should have. It refers to their ability to cope and adapt in situations when confronted with challenges such as adversity, trauma, tragedy, or even stress. It is essential to their mental health and wellbeing as part of their journey to adulthood. It is a skill that can be learned from an early age through the support of an adult role model.

However, being resilient does not mean your child won't experience any difficulties, but it will better equip them to manage those situations. Over-protective parenting can be viewed as being unhelpful towards the building of resilience. Although this may be a natural instinct, potentially experiencing failure is all part of the process. Encouraging children to take healthy risks will help them trust their capacity to deal with uncomfortable situations and increase their capacity for courage.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will gain an understanding of how to support their child’s brave behaviour to help them adapt and build resilience.

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 Resilience edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/resilience

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

WINTER APPEAL - PLEASE DONATE