Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 11 - 31ST JULY 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

The term has certainly got off to a flying start with many curricular and extracurricular activities igniting the light in our community to commence a new term. This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week. A time for us to give thanks and remember our history, tradition and culture. Celebrated annually at this time, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for the 309 Catholic Schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. The theme for 2025 is "Pilgrims of Hope".

During the first week of the school holidays our Firsts Netball Team participated in QISSN in Bundaberg. I would like to congratulate Ms Jordan Moy and Mrs Tonya Burgoine for their leadership of our girls and for organsing this opportunity for our students. The girls did the College proud and made some great connections for future development of our program. Thanks also to Miss Emma Systa and Mr Nathan Juhas for assisting the students and staff across the week.

Congratulations also to our Firsts Rugby League Team who participated in the Confraternity Cup in the holidays and as always were very competitive and well respected in their division. A very big thank you to Mrs Anita Dixon, Mr Gerard Webber, Mr Rohan Dixon, Mr Scott Bliss, Mr Justin Dixon, Mr Neil Brown, Mr Matthew Luxton and Mrs Caroline Jarmey who supported our students across the week. The students performed very well on and off the field and we are blessed to have such good people who give so freely of their time to enable our students to engage in experiences such as this. Thank you to the many parents and community members who joined the players, coaches and managers in supporting our students. Your presence is valued and appreciated.

Staffing Update: We welcome some new staff to our community who commenced over the break or the start of the term - Sam Hughes (Science Lab Tech), Lyndon Vince (Business & Humanities Teacher), Erica Barnes (Maths Teacher), James Delaney (APRE-Primary), Mikala Goodwin (Boarding), Kristy Cashion (Boarding), Connor Bowley (Tech), Marissa Clacy (Cleaner), and Kerry Hansen (Cleaner). There has also been a shuffle within the Guidance Counselor roster and we thank Michael Dixon for his time with us but also welcome Teneille Jorgensen.

On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July past students of Columba Catholic College gathered for the Annual school reunion at St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. Coordinated by past student Ms Carmel Brougham (nee Lyons) students from Mt Carmel College, St Mary’s College, St Columba’s Primary and now Columba Catholic College gathered to share stories and connect. We were very grateful that past student and current Assistant Principal, Mrs Brooke Franettovich (Stevenson) and her husband attended a Mass, Morning Tea and Lunch with past students. It was an important time to hear about our history and tradition and to share updates of progress at the college in 2025. Special thanks to all in attendance. 

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of last week we hosted our Year 7-9 Reflection Days. Special thanks to Mr Matt Tyrie and our supervising staff for supporting this spiritual experience for our students. Congratulations to our students also. In speaking with the facilitators from the Passionists they were very impressed with the attitude, commitment and behaviour of our students. 

On Wednesday evening we hosted Parent/Teacher Interviews. Thank you to all Teaching staff for their preparation for these interviews and to Mrs Maria Peck, and members of our administrative team for assisting with the organisation of these interviews for us. Thank you to our parents and caregivers for engaging in these learning conversations. It is this partnership that enables us to continue to build a strong focus on learning. We strongly encourage parents/caregivers to speak with their children about their academic reports and to seek support from the college if required. We are all on the same team and want to work in partnership with you to support your child to do their best, and to be their best.

Last week we celebrated NAIDOC Week at Columba. Thanks to our First Nations team who did an amazing job on the NAIDOC Liturgy and the great variety of cultural experiences they organised for all of our students throughout the day. We were very fortunate to have staff member Jessie Huen, who is a proud Gudjal woman, to welcome us to Country and then be inspired by guest speakers, Brett Greinke who was a former Bronco and Daisha Johnson, who has inspired many through her progress locally in supporting First Nations health.

Last Friday students in Year 11 and 12 attended the Interschool Formal hosted by Blackheath and Thornbrugh College at the Arthur Titley Centre. The students represented the college well and had a great time. Special thanks to Mr Haydn Champion, Mrs Tonya Burgoine, Miss Jordan Moy, Ms Kalinda McCarthy and Mrs Maria Peck for supervising across the evening. Thanks to our families for enabling our young people to participate in this safe and supported experience for the youth in our community. The students looked amazing and had a great time.

The Charters Towers Show then kicked into gear over the weekend and early this week with so many students and families involved in many aspects of this wonderful community event. Congratulations to all of our Cattle Club participants and many thanks to Mrs Leanne Brandis and the many parents that assist in making this great experience possible.

On Monday evening members of our college community attended the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards ceremony in Townsville. Mary-Grace Donnelly was awarded the prestigious Deus Caritas Award Est for outstanding service to our community and commitment to Christian living. 

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards were also awarded to Mrs Caroline Jarmey and Mr Andrew Butler. Mrs Jarmey was recognised for outstanding contribution to pastoral care within our Boarding community and Mr Butler was recognised for 35 years of dedication to supporting the growth of students and staff within our community. The Aunty Joan Hendricks Award was also presented for outstanding service to our First Nations students and families, with Lorette Tassan a very worthy recipient. We extend our congratulations to Mary-Grace, Mrs Jarmey, Mr Butler and Ms Tassan and thank them for their commitment to our community.

This Thursday and Friday we will be competing at the Secondary Interschool Athletics Carnival at All Souls and St Gabriels. Our Year 12’s will be attending to cheer our team on and all are welcome to join.

On Tuesday next week we host our Year 11 2025 Parent and Subject Selection Information Evening. Special thanks to Mrs Maria Peck for her organisation of this event and to the many senior staff, Year 10 students and their families who will attend. This is an important time for our Year 10 students as they begin to map their pathways for future learning and training.

As we continue to celebrate Catholic Education Week this week, let us consider how we can each continue to live the mission of Jesus Christ. As we walk together as one, let us continue to look for new ways to enable our students to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society in a community of Faith, Hope and Love.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

Welcome back to Term 3! This term students will have many opportunities to engage in a range of academic, sporting, and cultural activities. We look forward to a term filled with continued growth, achievement, and meaningful learning.

YEAR 10 STUDENT AND PARENT SUBJECT INFORMATION EVENING

Year 10 students have reached an exciting crossroad in their secondary schooling as they contemplate the future career pathways available to them and choose the subjects they will study in Years 11 and 12.

To assist students to make informed decisions about their future pathways and subject choices all Year 10 parents and students are invited to attend the Year 11 2026 Parent and Student Subject Information Evening at 7:00pm in the Mount Carmel Campus Dining Room on Tuesday 5 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. Representatives from James Cook University, TAFE, Binnacle and the Charters Towers City Council will also be in attendance.

We look forward to seeing you at the Parent and Student Subject Information evening on Tuesday 5 August 2025.

TASTE OF SECONDAY: FRIDAY 8 AUGUST 2025

The 2025 Taste of Secondary will take place on the Mount Carmel Campus on Friday 8 August 2025. Year 6 students not participating in the Interschool Athletics Carnival from the St Mary’s Campus will attend the day as well as students who have indicated interest in attending the College in 2026. Year 6 students will have other opportunities to further prepare for their transition onto the Mount Carmel Campus later in the year as well.

Students are to assemble at the marquees outside the office at 8:30am. During the day students will participate in a number of rotational subjects that will familiarise them with the types of experiences they will encounter in Year 7. At 3:00pm, parents / caregivers are to pick up their son / daughter from the marquees outside the office.

Students are to wear their sports uniform and College hat, and need to bring a water bottle with them. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. If your son / daughter has any special dietary requirements, please notify Heather Miller as soon as possible via email: office@columba.catholic.edu.au. 

We are looking forward to meeting the students on Friday 8 August as we begin to prepare them for their transition to the Mt Carmel Campus in 2026.

NAPLAN INDIVIDUAL STUDENT REPORTS (ISR)

The parents / caregivers of students in Year 3,5,7 and 9 who completed NAPLAN testing in March will receive their child’s Individual Student Report (ISR) shortly. These reports were posted this week along with a fact sheet: NAPLAN Individual Student Report Information for Parents and Carers.

These reports provide useful information on a student’s results in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Since 2023, NAPLAN results have been reported against proficiency standards that provide information on student achievement. The standards are set at a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students know and can do at the time of testing.

There are 4 proficiency standards:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

In 2025, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will be the first cohorts of students to have completed 2 cycles of NAPLAN using the proficiency standards. This means that parents and caregivers will be able to compare their child’s proficiency levels on their 2023 and 2025 Individual Student Reports.

TERM 2 TAFE AND SEMESTER 1 CHARTERS TOWERS SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION REPORTS

Term 2 TAFE Progress Reports and Semester 1 Charters Towers School of Distance Education Reports have been uploaded  into the Compass Portal. Students and Parents will be able to view the reports in Compass. 

YEAR 12 TRIAL MOCK EXAMS

In Weeks 8 and 9 (Wednesday 10 September – Wednesday 17 September) of this term, students will complete trial mock assessments. Please note that the final exams will be held on Wednesday 17 September. Students can expect to have up to 2 exams timetabled each day. The Trial Mock Exam Block will prepare students well for the rigors of the actual external assessments and provide them with valuable feedback. 

Students will attend school as usual, coming out of class to undertake the assessments. Attendance until the end of term is important as students will have trial mock assessments as well assessment items in applied and certificate courses to complete. Please take this into consideration when making travel arrangements at the end of the Term 3.

MY QCE COMPETITION FOR YEARS 10-12 STUDENTS

The myQCE competition opens on Monday 14 July and closes on Friday 19 September 2025.  It offers Year 10-12 students the chance to win one of 3 prizes.

To enter the competition students must: 

• follow the myQCE Instagram account 
• like the myQCE competition Instagram post 
• tag three friends in the comments 
• register for the Student Portal (if they haven’t already), log in and check/update their information such as their personal email address and phone number.

Refer to the information below for more information about the competition.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

CONFRATERNITY RUGBY LEAGUE TOUR DIARY

Below is our tour diary from our trip to Rockhampton to attend the QISSRL Confraternity Carnival, which was hosted by The Cathedral College. 

Saturday 28th June

It was an early morning start and a long bus trip to Rockhampton. Tour rookie, Mrs Jarmey, joined Mr Webber this year as co-bus driver. Plenty of bad music was heard along the highway before arriving at our accommodation late Saturday.

Sunday 29th June

After a late morning sleep in, the team departed for a team walk along the Fitzroy River. The squad attended the Opening Ceremony at The Cathedral College, before coming back to a great meal prepared by Mrs Dixon. 

Monday 30th June

The first match of the carnival was against eventual carnival winners, St Laurence’s College, Brisbane. The team were gallant in defeat and were still in the game in the final minutes before a late St Laurence’s try made the final score 16-6. Player of the Match for Columba was Cooper Thomas. 

In the afternoon match, Columba played Clairvaux MacKillop, Brisbane. It would prove a crucial game for the rest of the week for the Columba side as it would determine whether Columba would qualify in the Plater or Bowl Division. Columba were gutsy and led until a late try by Clairvaux in the final minutes meant Columba went down 14-10 in a heartbreaking loss. It was a case of ‘What could have been?’ as Clairvaux went on to make the Semi-Finals for the carnival. Player of the Match for Columba was Cooper Nibbs.

Tuesday 1st July

In the final pool game, Columba played St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba. Columba were dominant and always in control to convincingly win 20-6. Players of the Match for Columba went to Zach Campbell and Cooper Nibbs. 

This result meant Columba finished 3rd in their pool and qualified for the Confraternity Bowl Division.

Quarter-Final

In the afternoon Quarter-Final, Columba played arch rivals All Souls St Gabriel’s. Despite leading 10-0 well into the second half, Columba went down in a heartbreaker 12-10 in the final minutes of the match. Player of the Match for Columba was Duncan Hewlett. 

Wednesday 2nd July 

After the team slept the morning away, the squad ventured off to the shopping centre, Rockhampton Zoo (which was very popular) before heading off for their annual Ten Pin Bowling trip. Fortunately, the boys proved they were better footballers than ten pin bowlers!

Thursday 3rd July 

As Columba had bowed out in the Quarter-Final on Tuesday afternoon, Columba would now playoff for a ladder position in the final 2 matches of the week. 

Columba played St Thomas More College, Sunnybank and came ready to play in what was their best performance of the week. Columba were in control the entire match and were convincing winners 40-6. Callum Bartschat was awarded Man of the Match. 

In the evening, the team held their annual Presentation Dinner with family and friends. Some worthy gimmick awards were presented to all the players by coach, Rohan Dixon, with plenty of laughs. It was great to be able to thank sponsors and all the families and friends who travelled to Rockhampton to support the team throughout the week.

 The following players received our annual awards:

• Player of the Carnival – Cooper Nibbs
• Spirit of the Carnival – Callum Bartschat
• Rookie of the Carnival – Zach Campbell & Blake Wallace
• Travis Green Memorial Players’ Player – Cooper Nibbs
• Captain’s Award – Thomas Scholes

Friday 4th July

Columba played off against Assumption College, Warwick in their final game of the carnival. Columba again showed how strong their defence was with a dominant 14-0 victory. Jesse Lavery was awarded Man of the Match.

This meant Columba finished the week with 3 wins and 3 losses for the carnival.

Thank you

Finally, the team would like to thank our generous sponsors:

• Will and Lisa Guy from Richmond Spar
• Darren and Audra O’Neill from Lontrans Transport
• Greg and Terressa Ford from Hughenden Station
• Neil and Kerry Brown from Hi-Tech Solutions

To Mrs Anita Dixon, thank you being the Mum of the trip to 19 players and helping the Manager, Mr Webber, along the way. To Neil Brown for assisting with strapping the players and first aid each day. To Justin Dixon for being the best trainer on the field a coach could ask for. A big thank you to tour rookie, Matt Luxton, for being our touch judge for the week. To Scott Bliss for being Assistant Coach and once again being involved in the rugby league program this year. To Mr Rohan Dixon, thank you for coaching the side again this year. Finally, thank you to the boys for a fantastic week in Rockhampton and to the many parents and supporters who came along throughout the week to cheer on the squad.

Gerard Webber
MANAGER

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QISSN 2025: A Carnival of Heart, Hustle and Columba Pride

The QISSN 2025 Carnival was more than just a sporting event—it was a week of challenge, growth, resilience, and unforgettable memories for our Columba Catholic College Netball team.

From the moment they stepped onto the court for Game 1, the tone was set. In what became one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament, our girls edged out a 21–20 victory—scoring the winning goal on the buzzer. Every player gave it their all, with Charlie Limpus earning MVP for her relentless defence and commitment.

As the competition heated up, so did the challenges. Game 2 brought a hard-fought contest against St Michael’s, Merrimac. Despite going down 20–10, the team showed true grit, and Chantelle Santo-Hero shone through as MVP for her leadership on the court.

Day 3 tested the team with a triple-header:

• A tough loss against St Augustine’s saw Charlie again recognised for her tireless defence.

• In Game 4, Captain Zyanne Bartlett led by example, guiding the team against Fraser Coast and earning MVP honours.

• Game 5 against St Luke’s went down to the wire, ending in a narrow 18–16 defeat. April Keough earned MVP for her agility and composure.

The team was lucky to be joined by past Columba student and current Director of Netball at Downlands College, Meg Vinson, who provided valuable coaching insight and encouragement throughout the week. Her presence was a powerful reminder of the legacy and connections formed through sport.

Game 6 vs St Anthony’s was streamed live and filled with spirit. While the scoreboard didn’t favour us, Evie Harrington took MVP for her fight and strength under pressure. That same day, the girls had the exciting surprise of spotting NRL legend Cameron Smith in the crowd—who generously posed for a photo, much to everyone’s delight!

Game 7 saw another determined effort, with MVP going to Zyanne for her consistent work ethic and skill.

Off the court, the team bonded with a night of bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a fiercely competitive round of laser tag. Mr Harrison impressed on the lanes, Miss Systa redeemed herself on the green, and Miss Moy claimed the ultimate laser tag victory—although Chantelle topped the leaderboard with the highest tag rate!

Day 4 brought the intensity of finals:

• In the Quarter Final, the girls faced St John’s, the top team in their division. Ella MacPherson stood tall in the shooting circle and was named MVP for her calm execution and responsiveness to Meg’s guidance.

• The Semi Final against St Mary’s was an emotional battle, with Columba even leading at one point before being narrowly edged out. Jess Braes-Polke earned MVP for her consistency and grit, and a beautiful show of sportsmanship followed with praise from the opposing team.

That evening, the team came together for a celebratory dinner at The Lighthouse Hotel—a well-earned moment to pause, reflect, and laugh. In a serendipitous twist, the girls bumped into Cameron Smith again, proving once more that QISSN was full of surprises! During the dinner, two special awards were announced:

• Charlie Limpus was awarded Most Improved Player of the carnival.

• Ella MacPherson received the Best and Fairest award for her outstanding performance and leadership throughout the week.

Adding to the heartfelt nature of the night, Captain Zyanne Bartlett surprised everyone with handmade goodie bags for each team member and staff member. Inside were a variety of gifts, including personalised key rings and individual quotes chosen specially for each person—a thoughtful and emotional gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the week. A beautiful surprise for all!

The carnival concluded on a high note with a final game win against All Souls St Gabriel’s, 18–12. The team showcased everything they had learnt, with calm, confident play and seamless teamwork. Ella once again stood out and was named MVP.

While she couldn’t take the court due to injury, Anastacia Johnson remained a vital member of the team throughout the week—showing up to every game and taking on the role of chief cheerleader and team photographer. Her positivity, support and presence were deeply appreciated by players and staff alike.

We proudly farewell six Year 12 students who have now played their final QISSN match for Columba. Their legacy will be remembered in the culture of camaraderie and determination they leave behind.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated staff who made this journey possible: Miss Moy, Miss Burgoine, Mr Juhas, Miss Systa and Mr Harrison—your time, support, and encouragement created memories that will last a lifetime.

And finally, congratulations to Chantelle Santo-Hero, who was named QISSN 2025 Carnival MVP—a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering impact across the week.

QISSN 2025 was not just about results. It was about growth, laughter, leadership, friendship, and the unshakeable pride of wearing the Columba colours.

Jordan Moy
COACH

FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

What’s Happening in English This Term?

It’s an exciting and thought-provoking term in English across all year levels, with students engaging in rich texts, big ideas, and creative assessment tasks that develop both critical and expressive skills.

Year 7 – Exploring Bravery and Identity through Mulan

Year 7 students are examining how animated films like Mulan communicate messages about honour, courage, and individuality. As they explore the film’s historical and cultural context, they’re also learning how filmmakers use visual and language features to shape meaning. Their assessment is an oral presentation, where they’ll share their interpretation of the film’s key messages.

Year 8 – Crafting Original Stories 

In Year 8, students are studying narrative structure through television shows and film, learning how character, setting, and conflict come together to create compelling stories. Their major task is to write a short story inspired by a TV show, using narrative techniques they’ve studied in class.

Year 9 – Analysing Character in The Sapphires

Year 9s are diving into the Australian film The Sapphires, analysing how the film constructs memorable characters to explore themes such as race, resilience, and identity. Their assessment involves delivering an oral presentation on character construction, supported by evidence from the film.

Year 10 – Who’s to Blame in Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare takes centre stage in Year 10, where students are exploring the themes, characters, and conflicts in Romeo and Juliet. Their task is to produce a podcast analysing who is most to blame for the tragedy, developing skills in persuasive argument and close textual analysis.

Year 11 General English – Deep Dive into Drama

Year 11 students will be completing Unit 2 with an in-depth study of a selected play. Through reading, discussion, and analysis, they are exploring how playwrights develop ideas and perspectives. The term concludes with an analytical essay focused on character, conflict, and dramatic techniques.

Year 11 Essential English – Australian Heroes

In Essential English, Year 11 students are studying the representation of heroes in episodes of Australian Story. They are considering how everyday Australians are portrayed through narrative and media conventions. Students will respond by writing a series of diary entries from the perspective of a featured figure, blending factual understanding with creative reflection.

Year 12 General English – Othello 

Year 12 English students have begun their external exam preparation with a detailed study of Othello. They are analysing Shakespeare’s language, themes, and characterisation, with a focus on how power, jealousy, and manipulation drive the tragedy forward. This unit sets them up for success in their final exam.

Year 12 Essential English – Themes and Voices in contemporary Australian television

To end the year, Year 12 Essential English students will be engaging with Boy Swallows Universe, examining how contemporary Australian stories explore themes of family, redemption, and identity. They will study how characters are constructed and how the novel represents social issues, leading to a final analytical response.

From Shakespearean tragedy to modern Australian storytelling, this term is full of meaningful learning experiences and memorable texts across the English faculty.

Clare Stead
MIDDLE LEADER - ENGLISH

CAREERS

As Term 3 continues, there are exciting opportunities and important dates coming up for students planning their pathways beyond school.

QTAC Applications Open on 5 August 2025 

QTAC applications for tertiary study in 2026 officially open on 5th August. Year 12 students are encouraged to start exploring course options and gathering the necessary information. I’m here to help with preferences, prerequisites, and everything in between!

Year 10 Subject Selection & Careers Conversations 

Year 10 students, now's the perfect time to think about your future! Subject selections can shape your path whether that’s university, TAFE, or the workforce. I encourage you to book a one-on-one careers appointment to chat about your goals and explore options. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join!

Need help with your Resume?

If you're not sure how to write a resume, don't worry you're not alone, and we're here to help. Whether you're starting from scratch or just need guidance along the way, we can support you step-by-step to create a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and strengths. Pop into to see me on Tuesday or Wednesday and we will make a start.

If you have any questions or would like to book a session, please feel free to reach out. Let's build confident futures together.

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

Welcome Back to Term 3 at Columba Catholic College!

We are excited to welcome all students, staff, and families back to another wonderful term at Columba Catholic College. A special welcome is extended to Mr James Delaney, who joins us as Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education - St Mary's Campus for Term 3. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to our school community. I will continue in the Deputy Principal role again this term as Mr Rodney Lane is still seconded to St Mary's in Bowen.

Our popular Morning Munchies will be available again on Monday and Wednesday mornings, while Icy Cups will continue to be sold on Wednesday afternoons. Thank you to all the senior students that have put their name down to help.

A huge shout out and thank you to everyone involved in the recent NAIDOC celebrations. It was a fantastic day filled with lots of activities and community spirit. Similarly, the Catholic Education Week Liturgy provided a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a whole College to celebrate our Catholic traditions, and live out our call to be "Pilgrims of Hope".

Inter-School Sport will commence this Friday - with our Year 6 students heading off to either soccer or netball with Miss Systa and Mr Webber. The students that are staying at school will be participating in a Sustainability, Recycling and Gardening Project (Green Guardians) which will be run by Mr Delaney. 

Looking ahead, the Primary School Athletics Carnival is scheduled for Friday, 8th August 2025. Students who have been selected to participate are to be dropped off directly at the venue in the morning and collected from there in the afternoon. Except for students aged from 5 to 8 who will return to school by bus after their sprint events. We wish all participants the very best as they represent Columba Catholic College with pride and enthusiasm.

For those Year 6 students not attending the Athletics Carnival, an exciting alternative awaits at Mt Carmel Campus with the Taste of Columba event. Please remember to drop students off and collect them from Mt Carmel as outlined in the information letter sent home last week. 

Taste of Columba activities continue on Saturday 9th August with Taste of Prep happening on the St Mary's Campus. This is a great opportunity for people to come along and have a look at what we have to offer at Columba. So if you know anyone that may be interested in enrolling their child at Columba let them know they are welcome to come and have a look around as we will have a few classrooms open and people to have a chat with.

We look forward to a vibrant and engaging Term 3 filled with learning, celebration, and community spirit. 

Karen Casey
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

YEAR 1 NEWS - TERM 3 BEGINS🌟

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope the recent break provided an opportunity for rest and connection with your families. Firstly I would like to say that I am really looking forward to working in the Residential space for the semester whilst Mr Dan Kyle takes some well-deserved long service leave. I hope I can meet many families over the coming semester as it is always great to put a face to a name.

Over the school holidays, several of our students proudly represented the College at two major events. Our girls competed in the QISSN Netball Carnival, while our boys took part in the Confraternity Rugby League Carnival. While the results weren’t always what we wanted, our students sportsmanship, dedication, and the way they carried themselves as representatives of their families and our College community was outstanding and commendable.

It has been a busy but exciting return to campus, and we are pleased to share that the students have settled back into boarding life with energy and positivity.

Back at school, we recently celebrated NAIDOC Day under the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” This important occasion allowed us to come together to honour and learn from First Nations peoples, their cultures, and their contributions. It was a meaningful and inspiring day for all involved.

Our senior students in Years 11 and 12 also enjoyed a highlight of the school calendar—the Combined Schools Formal. It was a wonderful evening of elegance, celebration, and camaraderie, and our students truly did themselves proud.

Additionally, students across the boarding houses participated in the Charters Towers Show. From enjoying the rides and exploring exhibits, to competing in Horse Sports and presenting livestock through the Cattle Club, there was something for everyone. It was fantastic to see such strong involvement and enthusiasm from our boarders.

Looking forward, I wish the best to all of our athletes as they compete in the Interschool Athletics. In Week 4 on Tuesday 7 August, we will have our Boarder Parent Meeting which will give parents an opportunity to discuss all matters related to boarding. This is a great forum for our parents and caregivers, and it is therefore timely to note that all Boarding parents and guardians are welcome to attend. More information will be sent out soon via the Compass and Facebook.

Later this term, both Boarding Houses will travel away for the Boarders Long Weekend (5-7 September). Boys are heading off to Cairns Coconut Resort while the Girls are saving travel time to maximise relaxation and fun time by going to the Big4 Holiday Park just north of Townsville. I am sure they will all have a great time!

Thank you once again for your continued support of our boarding community. We look forward to a productive and rewarding Term 3 ahead.

Regards

Haydn Champion
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - SCHOOL REFUSAL

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

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 School Refusal edition of SchoolTV

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

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

MIKE CARNEY ARTS CENTRE - SILENT DISCO

KAREN YOUNG WEBINAR

SAVER PLUS