Columba Catholic College - Charters Towers eNewsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

During an enrolment interview we ask a number of key questions of parents/caregivers to build a relationship and seek to understand the reason for choosing Columba for their child’s education. One of the most important questions we ask is “Why have you chosen a faith based education for your child?”. Often the response is “because of the values”.

So what does this actually mean for our students, staff and families?

Our community exists because of the centrality of Jesus Christ. We are a Catholic school founded on the mission of Jesus Christ and we articulate this through the pillars of courage, commitment and compassion. We promote these values through the Gospel, through word and in action.

We are courageous. We do our best and aim to be our best in all we do. We try new things and if we don’t succeed; we try again. We are resilient and hope filled people.

We are committed. Columba is an inclusive community committed to academic excellence; nurturing the uniqueness of each individual and aiming to inspire each other. We do not put others down or look for fault. Each individual is made in the image and likeness of God. Each giving life to another through respectful partnerships.

We are compassionate. We forgive just as Jesus did. We are a voice to the voiceless and stand up for what is right. We care for the poor, the sick and the marginalised and provide opportunities for all community members based on love and hope. We care for those who may not always receive the love, care and respect they deserve.

It is for these reasons that we exist. Let us continue to work in partnership to instill these values in our students so that they too can lead into the future and be the custodians of the light of Christ in our school and in the world.

Over the last fortnight we celebrated Book Week at both campuses. St Mary’s Campus celebrated ‘Book an Adventure!’ with a wonderful Book Week parade on Wednesday 13th August with some very creative costumes from students (and parents) and staff. Our Mt Carmel Campus hosted a Book Week door decoration last week and participated in a very colorful Book Week Character dress-up parade on Friday 22nd August. Our thanks to Paula Smith and Megan Lucas for helping to lead in our College Book Week events, and to all staff and students participating and demonstrating our love for reading.

Cybersafe Practices: The online world is an ever changing landscape. I strongly encourage families to continue to monitor and support our young people in the use of safe internet practices. There are several resources available via the Esafety Commission website and parents are encouraged to review this and consider implementing parental controls to manage what children are able to search and access.

We had a huge week, with many outstanding results at the Charters Towers Eisteddfod. We are very grateful to the huge commitment of all the staff in preparing our students for the wide variety of entries and must thank Liz Ward, Kalinda McCarthy and Michael Barker-Hicks for all their hard work behind the scenes making the week such a success for the Arts and the College.

Special thanks to Matt Tyrie, Michael Barker-Hicks, Gina Porter, Lyndon Vince and Leanne Brandis for leading and supporting our Year 11 students as they participated in the Year 11 Retreat program. The students had a great time and are now engaging in preparations for the next step in their leadership journey at the College. We keep them all in our prayers at this special time.

A reminder that next Friday 5th September is a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be engaging in a Professional Learning day centred on Reflective Practice. Professional renewal is an important part of growing as life-long learners and benefits our entire school community.

I am very grateful for the support and encouragement of students, staff and the community in my role as your College Principal and am very privileged to fulfil that honor for at least the next 4 years. I am excited by the energy and enthusiasm of staff and look forward to the difference that we can make together for our students in the years to come.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

MOUNT CARMEL CAMPUS TEACHING AND LEARNING UPDATES

IMPORTANT CURRICULUM UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL STUDENT-FREE DAY

Recently the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) released their Revised Education Guideline for Educational Programs for Non-State Schools. We as a College are currently working through the implementation of these changes. The changes must be implemented from Term 1, 2026.

To assist with the transition and planning for these updates, an additional pupil-free day has been scheduled for Tuesday, 7th October. Please note that Monday, 6th October is a public holiday, meaning Term 4 will officially begin for students on Wednesday, 8th October.

This additional time will allow staff to continue preparing for the rollout of the updated curriculum requirements.

DATE CLAIMER FOR YEAR 8 AND 9 PARENTS

2026 YEAR 9 AND 10 SUBJECT INFORMATION EVENING: TUESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Parents of current Year 8 and 9 students are invited to attend a subject information evening on Tuesday 9th September 2025 commencing at 6:00pm in the Mount Carmel Campus Chapel. Students in Years 9 and 10 select elective subjects that enhance their knowledge and help prepare them for future pathways. For Year 9 students it is a time to choose subjects that may lead to a pathway in the future, while Year 10 students should be starting to narrow a future direction with their subject selection. Students and parents / caregivers will be able to find out information about the elective subjects on offer in 2026 as well as the core subjects that will be studied. If parents / caregivers of residential students are unable to attend the evening, the information distributed will be emailed to all parents following the information evening.

YEAR 12 TRIAL MOCK ASSESSMENTS

Year 12 students will undertake Mock assessments from Wednesday 10th September until Tuesday 16th September 2025. During this time students will attend normal classes unless they are undertaking an assessment. Students may have two assessments on the one day. Students will be provided with an External Assessment Equipment List and will be required to arrange the required equipment for each assessment.

Students are expected to complete the mock external assessments as these will provide them with valuable feedback about how they are progressing in preparation for the upcoming external assessments. If students are going to be absent for an assessment please contact the College office prior to the assessment. Students must complete an AARA form and attach the relevant documentation to it for consideration. Please submit the AARA application to the office.

Students enrolled in applied subjects will be continuing with course work and completing assessment as per the assessment calendar.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL LEARNING AND TEACHING

FROM THE YEAR 7 & 8 PASTORAL LEADER

Our Pastoral Care teachers play a crucial role as the first teacher students see each morning. Please note changes to our Year 7 Pastoral Care classes for Semester 2. We extend our gratitude and thanks to our Pastoral Care teachers, Mrs Porter (7A), Ms Barnes (7B), Mr Luxton (8A) and Mr Tuturas (7B) for their ongoing support in helping set up our students for success each day.

Current and Upcoming Clubs at School

Homework Club: Opportunity for students to seek extra support with homework, assignments and study. Every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00pm in Q3. Snacks provided!

Scrambled Legs: Running club open to all MCC students every Thursday morning at 6:30am. Departs Good Samaritan Dorms at the St Mary’s Campus.

Chess Club: Available for all students to play and learn. Every Thursday 1:20pm in M4.

Upcoming: ‘Threads of Mercy’ CCC Scrunchie Club: Opportunity for students to share their sewing skills with others who are interested in learning. Matching College scrunchies will be sold and all proceeds donated to help others in our world. Students are encouraged to listen out to Daily Notices for location and times at lunch.

Assessment Support: As we approach the middle of the term, please note students will become busier with assessments, including exams and assignments. Students are encouraged to use their Assessment Folder and Assessment Calendar to track when tasks are due, and how they will chunk their assessment into smaller, more manageable tasks. Please find some tips to help support at home. If you feel as though your child is struggling or feeling overwhelmed, please contact us.

Reminder BYOD Laptops: Students are required to bring a fully-charged device to school each day. Due to Workplace Health and Safety reasons, devices cannot be charged at school. Students are strongly encouraged to place their devices on charge the night before.

If your child is experiencing technical difficulties, we encourage them to reach out to a staff member at College IT tech via email . If the College is unable to assist, families are encouraged to seek repairs externally. During this time, students can access a short-term laptop loan from the College library via their Pastoral Leader.

Organisation: Each morning students collect up to seven (7) points for organisation for their Pastoral Care class. This includes having the following items;

A clean College diary,
A full pencil case,
An organised Assessment Folder,
Organised books for each subject,
A clean College bucket hat or day hat (for correct uniform day),
A charged laptop, and
The correct uniform.

We gently remind students and families of the following:

One (1) subject book per subject, not all in one.
Top up pencil cases when materials are low, and
Ensure Assessment sheets are organised in their Assessment Folder.

As we farewell winter and step back into the North Queensland heat, we’re reminding all students to wear a hat whenever they are outside. Thank you to our Year 7 and 8 students for stepping up in this space. There has been a noted improvement! A huge thank you to our staff, in particular our PC teachers, who have been monitoring and reminding each morning. We want to keep our students safe!

Additional Support: If your child isn’t having a great start to the day or is facing challenges at home and or school, please let us know so that we can ensure there is extra support at school and work together with you. Staff and parents can also refer students to our College Guidance Counsellor via our College website. Students can also self-refer via their Student Intranet page.

Please do not hesitate to contact their Pastoral Care teacher regarding matters with absences, uniforms and or organisation. All other matters can be directed to their Pastoral Leader - mcarter2@columba.catholic.edu.au

Madeleine Carter
YEAR 7 & 8 PASTORAL LEADER

BOOK WEEK - MC CAMPUS

Last week, the Mt Carmel Campus was alive with colour, creativity, and a shared love of reading as students and staff came together to celebrate Book Week 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure’ certainly provided the canvas for lots of literary energy as each day brought exciting activities designed to engage young minds and inspire a lifelong passion for books.

One of the highlights of the week was Columba’s ‘Meet the Author’ event, where we showcased our very own Year 8 Author in residence, Gabriel Comrie, who is a boarder from Mt. Isa. Gabriel has now penned two Fantasy novels and is currently working on a third publication which is nearing completion. Students and staff were invited to a Q&A session in the Library with Gabriel sharing his journey to writing a novel. This certainly sparked curiosity and hopefully encouraged many budding writers in our community to pick up their pens and start writing.

As part of the Book Week celebrations, the entire campus was transformed with the ‘Decorate the Door’ competition, where classrooms brought their favourite stories to life through vibrant and imaginative door displays. From the thrilling world of Jurassic Park, complete with roaring dinosaurs and jungle landscapes, to Going on a Bear Hunt, Alice in Wonderland, Dora the Explorer, just to name a few. Each door showcased incredible creativity and teamwork. Students and teachers worked creatively to turn their classroom entrances into adventures to other worlds, reflecting the spirit and wonder of storytelling. The competition not only brightened the campus but also sparked conversations and curiosity about the books that inspired each design.

The week reached a colourful crescendo with the Book Week Costume Parade, where students and staff came dressed as their favourite book characters. From classic heroes to modern favourites, the parade showcased the incredible imagination and effort of the entire school community. It was a joyful celebration of the books that have captured our hearts and minds.

Book Week at Mt Carmel was more than just fun, it was a reminder of the magic that lies within the pages of a good book and the joy that comes from sharing stories together. Thank you to all who participated and made the week truly memorable!

Megan Lucas
LIBRARIAN

This term has been a very busy time in all 4 areas in the Technology Department. Students have been working on a variety of projects ranging from developing Virtual Reality experiences and digital images in ICT, researching and developing feed troughs and biosecurity in Agriculture, sewing bags, creating sushi, and cooking delicious food in Home Economics and constructing dragsters, briefcases, toolboxes, tiling floors and repairing plasterboard walls in the Wood and Metal Workshops.

One of the highlights for our Hospitality students was the Hospitality Experience at The Ville Resort in Townsville. They got to work alongside The Ville Resort staff to experience the hospitality industry from a different perspective. One of the highlights was the sushi workshop where numerous students commented that they loved the food, but they ate too much!

Next term is shaping up to be just as busy. Students have already started working on their next projects. These range from building and tiling a filleting bench, painting and tiling interior spaces, designing a clock or a metal storage rack in the workshops, developing a 3D printed model and VR experiences in ICT to planning and organizing in-house dining packages and delicious meals in Home Economics.

The students have been generating and producing some very interesting ideas and concepts so keep your eyes and ears open for the finished products.

Dean Johnston
MIDDLE LEADER - TECHNOLOGIES

CAREERS

Job Applications Support Available

Whether you're seeking part-time work, applying for jobs, apprenticeships, or training programs, I'm here to help you put your best foot forward.

What I can help you with:

Resume writing and formatting
Cover letter development
Interview preparation tips
General application strategies

Exciting Opportunity Coming Up

Engineering Link Project – Townsville
Date: Friday, 26 September
Who: Year 10, 11 & 12 students

Think engineering is just about building things? Think again! This award-winning program showcases engineering as a powerful force for positive change in our communities.

What you'll experience:

Two hands-on workshops tackling real-world challenges
Collaboration with professional engineers and university staff
Focus on humanitarian and community-centred solutions
Designing innovations that improve lives and create sustainability

This is your chance to see how engineering can make a meaningful difference in the world. More information is available on our Columba Careers website, specifically on the Newsfeed page.

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

Careers Newsletter 18 August 2025

Careers Newsletter 25 August 2025

Columba Careers Page

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

Dear Families,

We’ve had a wonderfully busy and productive few weeks at school, and there’s still more to look forward to as we approach the end of Term 3.

Father’s Day Liturgy and BBQ Breakfast - 4th September 2025
Is fast approaching please let all the dads, grandads, and father figures know that there will be a Father’s Day Liturgy and breakfast BBQ, as well as the opportunity to come and have a look at what your special person has been up to at school and maybe participate in an activity or two. I know that the students are getting very excited, hope to see you all here!

Year 6 Camp – Canberra
Our Year 6 students are currently on an unforgettable trip to Canberra. This camp is packed with learning opportunities and fun activities, as well as giving students valuable insights into our nation's history and democracy. A huge thank you to Gerard, Brooke and James for taking the Seniors on this big adventure.

Year 5 Camp – Paluma
Later this term, our Year 5 students are off to Paluma for their camp experience. This will be an excellent opportunity for them to build resilience, teamwork skills and connect with nature in a picturesque setting amongst the rainforest. We’re sure they’ll create memories to last a lifetime. Please return your child’s paperwork if you haven't already done so.

School Attendance Matters
A gentle reminder to all families about the importance of regular school attendance. Every day at school counts, and consistent attendance helps your child build strong learning habits, friendships, and confidence. If your child is unwell, of course, rest and recovery are essential—but we appreciate your support in ensuring they are at school whenever possible.

Eisteddfod Success
Congratulations to all the students who represented our school so beautifully at the recent Eisteddfod. Every class that participated did a wonderful job, and we are incredibly proud of their creativity, courage, and team spirit. A huge thank you to the staff who prepared and supported the students so well. Congratulations to Mr Webber and the Senior students who took out first place in the Choral Speaking competition on Wednesday evening. As well as the Year 5 and Year 4 who both received Highly Commended for their efforts. There were also some great results for students that entered into solo sections of the eisteddfod for music, visual art, speech and drama. Congratulations to everyone who participated.

Parent-Teacher Interviews Coming Up
Parent-teacher interviews will be held soon, offering a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and discuss their progress. Please ensure you confirm an appointment time through Compass—this partnership is key to supporting your child’s learning journey.

Pupil-Free Day – Friday 5 September
Please note that Friday, 5 September will be a pupil-free day to allow for staff professional development. We appreciate your understanding and support in enabling our teachers to continue growing in their practice.

As always, thank you for your ongoing involvement and support. We’re grateful for the strength of our school community and look forward to finishing Term 3 with energy and enthusiasm!

Karen Casey
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

NEWS FROM YEAR 4

What a fantastic term it has been so far. A big highlight for Year 4 was performing at the local Eisteddfod. Our class competed in the Verse Speaking section and received a Highly Commended award for our lively performance of The Doctor and the Crocodile by Roald Dahl. Congratulations to all the students who performed on the night – you did a brilliant job. A special thank you also goes to every student in the class, as each of them practised with us throughout the term to help polish our performance.

In the classroom, we are working hard in Mathematics, focusing on fractions as well as multiplication and division. Students are developing confidence in using different strategies to solve problems and are enjoying the challenge.

In HASS, we are exploring First Nations culture and history in the lead-up to our learning about First Contact with the arrival of the First Fleet. This has led to rich discussions and a growing appreciation for the significance of Australia’s history.

It’s shaping up to be a busy and rewarding term of learning in Year 4!

Mr Lyle Paterson
YEAR 4 TEACHER

NEWS FROM YEAR 5

What a wonderful and rewarding Term 3 it has been in Year 5 so far! Our learning has stretched across many exciting areas, all while building skills in creativity, teamwork and leadership.

In English, we have been exploring the world of toys by researching and presenting facts to develop our informative writing skills. At the same time, our Science unit on animal and plant adaptations has helped us understand how living things survive in their environments — knowledge we look forward to building on during camp later this term when we venture to Paluma to explore the rainforest first-hand.

In HASS, we are investigating what influences our choices as consumers and how to make informed decisions about real-world issues. During Religious Education lessons, we have reflected on God’s commandment to ‘love one another’ as we prepare for leadership responsibilities at Columba. Mathematics has kept us busy deepening our understanding of multiplication and division strategies, while in Technologies we have applied our problem-solving skills to designing and building bridges.

Beyond the classroom, we had an amazing time celebrating NAIDOC Week at Mount Carmel Campus, learning more about First Nations cultures. More recently, Year 5 proudly represented Columba at the Eisteddfod with our performance of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Tummy Beast’, receiving a Highly Commended award for our efforts. We also celebrated Book Week this term, dressing up in character, enjoying a picnic with friends, and sharing some of our favourite stories.

The enthusiasm, commitment and growth students have shown this term has been wonderful to see. Watching them embrace each new learning opportunity has been a true highlight and we can’t wait to see what they achieve in the weeks ahead.

Mrs Fran Luyt
YEAR 5 TEACHER

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

WEEK 5 - I GIVE MY PERSONAL BEST

Prep: Hallie Moxham
Year 1: Jackson Hill
Year 2A: Poppie Knox
Year 2B: Jameson Eastlake
Year 3: Anna Juhas
Year 4: Sophie Bailey
Year 5: Alexiis Mearns
Year 6: Jeanne Jones

WEEK 6 - I AM ATTENTIVE AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Prep: Natalie Hardy
Year 1: Tillie Brown
Year 2A: Cooper Glindemann
Year 2B: Lockie Risdale
Year 3: Jaxx Archer
Year 4: Noah Germano
Year 5: Jaymee Gundersen

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - INTERNET ADDICTION

In today’s digital environment, the internet can be viewed as a valuable tool for education, research and entertainment. Young people today tend to go from one screen to another, but how much is too much? Time spent in the ‘screen world’ has parents concerned that their kids may be missing out on real life experiences. Therefore, it is vitally important to a child’s wellbeing for parents to regulate a child’s internet use.

Internet addiction can cause significant psychological and social problems for children in years to come. The true effects on future generations is not yet known, but there are strategies that parents can implement now.

In this edition, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg discusses what causes internet addiction, who is most at risk and what parents can do to regulate the amount of time their kids spend online each day.

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 Internet Addiction edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/internet-addiction

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Webinar_QLD_Digital_Media_Literacy_Safety_Part_III_Poster.pdf

Science Saves the Day - Be a Columba Science Superhero at Under 8's Day!

Join us for a morning of hands-on adventures as our youngest learners transform into superheroes of science! Together, they’ll take on thrilling 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 — from meeting friendly animals and exploring bubble play , to balloon creations , obstacle courses , science experiments , superhero crafts and so much more!

Friday 19th September

9:30am – 11:30am

St Mary's Campus | Columba Catholic College

Free for all community members

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘄: https://forms.gle/NU6Gte4cGVrjdLoe8

FATHER'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

2025 NQ SPORTSTAR AWARDS

Nominations are now open for the 2025 NQ Sportstar Awards, which will be held on Saturday, 25 October 2025 at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.This prestigious event celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of young athletes, teams, and volunteers across North Queensland. We encourage schools to nominate worthy students, or share this information with your school community so families can put forward those who deserve recognition.

Award Categories:

Senior Sportstar (18 years and over during the awards period)
Junior Sportstar (Nominees must be under the age of 18 years during the awards period)
Para-Athlete of the Year Award
Rural & Remote Sportstar Award
Team Sportstars Award
Masters of Sport Award
Sports Impact Award
Alan Ticehurst Memorial Service to Sport Award
Sporting Excellence Award

Nominations close: Friday, 5 September 2025For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit:

NQ Sportstar Awards – Charters Towers Regional Council

JUNIOR CRICKET

NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT

NYP_2026_A3_POSTER.pdf

Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 13 - 28TH AUGUST 2025