Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 12 - 14TH AUGUST 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

The term has got off to a busy start with students engaged in a range of learning programs. Preparations for Book Week celebrations and the upcoming Charters Towers Eisteddfod are also well underway. There is so much to be thankful for as we reflect on the events of the last couple of weeks.

Last week we began our secondary transition program for 2026 with the college hosting a Taste of Boarding, a Taste of Secondary and our inaugural Taste of Prep. Special thanks to Caroline Jarmey, Adonia Hedges, Haydn Champion and our Residential staff and students who supported our families and showcased residential life at Columba. Thanks also to our residential staff for nurturing and supporting our new boarders as they joined us for the first time. Thanks is also extended to Maria Peck, Madeleine Carter, our Curriculum Leaders, teaching staff and our Office Administration Team for their work in preparing for a Taste of Secondary. The students participated in a range of learning sequences across the day. Congratulations to Brooke Stevenson and our St Mary's teaching and admin team for our first Taste of Prep.  Special thanks to all involved in this three day program and for the support of our students and families at this very important time of transition. We look forward to meeting you all and embarking on this new journey together.

Congratulations to our students from St Mary’s Campus on their great result in Primary Interschool Athletics Carnival held last Friday. Thank you to Emma Systa and the team of dedicated staff that assisted preparing the students to find their best.

Academic, Sporting and Cultural Bursary applications are now being accepted for 2026. Information regarding these can be found here. This term we have welcomed a number of new students and families into our community. Enrolments are currently being accepted for now and the 2026 school year. If you or someone you know is interested in securing a place for the 2026 school year, please encourage them to contact the office on 4787 1744 or via email  at office@columba.catholic.edu.au. We have some classes with waiting lists in Primary; as well as limited vacancies in boarding. Early application is essential.

This week our Year 11 students headed off to Bluewater for their Leadership Retreat. Many thanks to Matt Tyrie, Michael Barker-Hicks, Gina Porter, Lyndon Vince and Leanne Brandis for making this enriching experience possible.

A reminder that Friday 5th September is a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be engaging in a Staff Professional Learning day centered on the Australian Curriculum and Reflective Practice. Professional renewal is an important part of growing as life-long learners and benefits our entire school community.  Thank you for your support.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

What an incredible day of competition, sportsmanship, and school spirit at this year’s Interschool Athletics Carnival held at All Souls St Gabriels School on Thursday 31st July and Friday 1st August. Students from across the district came together to compete in a wide range of track and field events, proudly representing their schools and showcasing the results of weeks of training and preparation.

From the moment the first events began, the atmosphere was electric. Students filled the oval with cheers, supporting their teammates and competitors alike. Our athletes gave it their all, and it was clear that every student involved, whether competing, supporting or helping with logistics played a vital role in making the day a success. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between schools was evident throughout the day and truly reflected the spirit of interschool competition.

Outstanding Performances

Several standout performances lit up the track and field. Congratulations to our New Record holders.

Age Champions Team Results

Congratulations to all our  Age Champion Runners-Up and Age Champions, who demonstrated excellence across multiple events. These students showed not only individual talent but also versatility and consistency across the day. Age Champions were awarded in each division, recognising those who earned the highest number of points for their age group.

Team Results

A huge thank you goes to all staff, coaches, volunteers, and officials who made the event possible. Their organisation, encouragement, and commitment ensured that the day ran smoothly and safely. Behind every athlete’s performance is a team of supporters, and we’re grateful for the parents, carers, and school community who continue to support student sport. Thank you also to the student helpers who assisted with timing, measuring, and marshalling. Their leadership and maturity were highly appreciated and added to the professionalism of the carnival.

Our students now look forward to Northern School Sport regional Trials to be held in Townsville on Wednesday 3rd September at the Townsville Sports Reserve. We would like to wish all of our student competitors the best of luck and congratulate them on their achievements thus far.

Nathan Juhas
MIDDLE LEADER - SPORT

FROM THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

This term, most year levels in Maths are speaking the same language—algebra.

In the junior years, it’s like solving puzzles where numbers are hiding behind letters. In the middle years, students are cracking codes by simplifying expressions and solving trickier equations. Our seniors are tackling the big stuff— functions, inequalities, and equations that could launch a rocket (well, almost).

And it’s not just theory—algebra pops up in everyday life. Farmers use it to work out how much fertiliser to spread across a paddock or how to calculate the best planting times. In sport, algebra helps calculate the required run rate or bowler's strike rate, or in footy, to determine the perfect angle for a winning shot.

From finding x to modelling real-life challenges, algebra is giving everyone the brain tools to think sharper, work smarter, and maybe even impress their parents at the dinner table.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and perseverance our students are showing as they tackle algebraic challenges. By building these skills now, they are setting themselves up for success in the years ahead  

Leanne Brandis
MIDDLE LEADER - MATHEMATICS

CAREERS

QTAC Applications Now Open for Year 12 Students

Year 12 students, it's time to take the next step in your post-school journey! QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) applications are now officially open for 2026 course entry. This is your gateway to university and TAFE programs across Queensland, so don't delay in getting your application started. The application process can feel overwhelming, but remember that support is available every step of the way. I encourage all Year 12 students to book an appointment with me to discuss your course preferences, entry requirements, and application strategy. Whether you're certain about your path or still exploring options, we can work together to ensure your QTAC application reflects your goals and maximises your opportunities for success.

Year 10 Subject Selection and SET Plan Support

Year 10 students, your subject choices for Years 11 and 12 are some of the most important decisions you'll make in your school journey. These selections will shape your senior pathways and influence your post-school opportunities. I'm available to meet with all Year 10 students to discuss subject selection questions.  

Inspiring ADF Presentation for First Nations Students

Last week, we were privileged to host Tanieka and Jaidyn from the Australian Defence Force, who delivered an exceptional presentation to our First Nations students in Years 10, 11, and 12. Their engaging session highlighted the diverse career opportunities available within the ADF, from technical trades and logistics to leadership roles and specialised training programs. The presenters shared personal stories about their own journeys and emphasised how military service can provide valuable skills, qualifications, and experiences that translate into civilian careers. The interactive nature of the presentation allowed students to ask questions and gain genuine insights into life in the defence forces. It was wonderful to see our students so engaged and asking thoughtful questions about potential pathways they may not have previously considered.

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff,

As we move further into Term 3, it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm for learning alive and well at our St Mary’s Campus. At the beginning of this year, we began our journey with DIBELS testing in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 as part of the implementation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9. This assessment measures key areas of reading — including fluency, accuracy, and comprehension — and helps us identify strengths and areas for support early, so we can target teaching and interventions more effectively.

One of our Annual School Improvement Plan goals for 2025 is to improve literacy outcomes across the school. We are delighted to share that, after completing both our Beginning of Year and Middle of Year testing, we have seen very positive growth in our students’ reading results. This progress is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support from families at home. We are excited to continue building on this momentum and look forward to our End of Year testing, where we will measure a full year’s worth of growth.

We encourage families to continue supporting literacy at home — whether it’s reading aloud together, asking questions about the story, or encouraging your child to explain what they have read. Every small habit helps strengthen comprehension and fluency.

Looking ahead, Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 8, on Tuesday 9 September and Wednesday 10 September. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress since their Semester 1 report card and to explore how we can best prepare them for a strong finish to the year and a confident start to 2026.

We are also analysing our recent NAPLAN results, which, alongside our DIBELS data, are guiding us in refining teaching and learning practices to ensure continued improvement in 2026.

Please take note of the following upcoming dates:

Reflective Practice Day – Friday 5 September (Week 7, Term 3):

This will be a pupil-free day. While students have the day at home, our teachers will be on campus taking part in professional development focused on the Science of Learning and refining teaching approaches to help improve student outcomes in 2026.

Additional Pupil-Free Day – Tuesday 7 October (Week 1, Term 4):

Townsville Catholic Education has approved this extra pupil-free day for teachers to become familiar with upcoming NSSAB (Non-State Schools Accreditation Board) changes and to continue planning and implementing updates from the Australian Curriculum. Both of these days are valuable opportunities for staff to strengthen their skills and ensure our teaching remains of the highest quality.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping every student at our school grow and succeed. Together, we are making great strides towards our shared goal of excellence in literacy and learning.

Important Dates – Save the Date

📅 Friday 5 September – Reflective Practice Day (Pupil-Free Day)

📅 Tuesday 9 September – SMC Parent/Teacher Interviews

📅 Wednesday 10 September – SMC Parent/Teacher Interviews

📅 Tuesday 7 October – Additional Pupil-Free Day

Brooke Stevenson
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PEDAGOGY AND LEARNING - SM CAMPUS

FROM THE RELIGION DEPARTMENT - SM CAMPUS

Greetings Columba Catholic College community, 

It is with great pleasure that I am addressing you all, and introducing myself formally for the first time. 

My name is James Delaney and I am acting in the capacity of Assistant Principal Religious Education on the St. Mary’s Campus for Term Three. 

I have come from Cloncurry, where I have lived since January of 2018. All of the things that I love about Cloncurry – namely the warm and welcoming community feel - I have experienced this in droves since deciding to make Charters Towers my temporary home away from home. The rich history and tradition that is ingrained in this college is truly inspiring. The stories of the Religious Orders, founders, the key figures in Columba’s history, and their gifts are deepening my faith – it’s like a new journey each and every day. I have been telling people about walking aimlessly around the campuses for hours, plural, in the week before our students returned. I feel truly blessed. 

Not that I had much time to ease myself into life at Columba because this term has begun in an explosive manner. Both NAIDOC and Catholic Education Weeks gave me an early insight into the school community and how we come together. I have been to rugby league trials in Townsville, Inter-school athletics, and am looking forward to my first trip to Canberra and a long-awaited return to Gumburu for upcoming camps. 

I am so incredibly proud of the student leaders at St Mary’s Campus. Their willingness to lead selflessly, even in Term Three, when it’s no longer novel and cool fills my heart with hope. A prime example of this was this past weekend. We had Year 6 students give up their Saturday morning to assist us and future Prep families at the Taste of Prep event. A massive thank you to these exemplary student leaders. 

Mini Vinnies

In preparation for their leadership camp at Gumburu, I am looking forward to running the Young Ozanam Leaders program with the Year 5 Mini Vinnies. Named after the founder of the St Vincent De Paul Society, this leadership formation program encourages students to understand their own values and leadership qualities, so that they can be of service to their communities. 

This week, the Year 6 Mini Vinnies will continue discussions, developing task forces, and delegating roles and responsibilities for this term’s fundraiser: Dressed by Vinnies. Our Dressed by Vinnies day will be on the second last day of term (Thursday 18/09). This is a day that encourages students to visit their local Vinnies shop to purchase a new outfit. As an alternative, we will be running a ‘swap’ day in the lead up. Year 5 and 6 students can bring their own donations in from home, the Mini Vinnies will sort the clothes into sizes, and a new outfit can be purchased for the price of a gold coin donation. More information about this event will come out in the coming week. 

Class Masses in the Chapel

This Friday (15/08), the Year 3 and 6 classes will join together for a short Mass, presided over by Fr Emmanuel. We are so excited to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The next Chapel Mass to follow will be with our Year 4 and 5 classes on Friday 29 August. 

Galbiri Room

On Thursdays, at Second Lunch, students are welcome to join in on some authentic and meaningful First Nations activities. In addition to some engaging arts and crafts, we will be running some structured yarning circles using a culturally responsive model and approach from the Stronger Smarter Institute. A huge thank you to Mrs Kylie Gatenby and Mrs Annabella Tse for being so dedicated and involved in this worthwhile group initiative. 

Reminders/Upcoming Events

• Morning Munchies before school every Monday & Wednesday
• St Mary’s Campus Assembly every Thursday from 8:35am
• Year 4 & 5 Chapel Mass - Friday 29/08
• Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast & Assembly Prayer - Thursday 4/09
• Dressed by Vinnies day (Year 5 & 6) - Thursday 18/09

James Delaney
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - SM CAMPUS

NEWS FROM YEAR 2A

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PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - SLEEP

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.

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 Sleep edition of SchoolTV

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

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

PUPIL FREE DAY - TERM 4

MCAULEY HOUSE MASS

COMMEMORATING 80 YEARS

COUNTRY TO CANBERRA 2025 LEADERSHIP COMPETITION