Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 15 - 16TH OCTOBER 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

Welcome back to Term 4!! The final term for 2025 is off to a busy start with students engaging in a range of activities both in and outside the classroom.  As we begin a new time of learning, it is a time of renewal as we recommit to providing the best possible learning opportunities we can to the students at Columba. A very special welcome is extended to  new students and families who have joined our community this term. 

During the holidays, we had the tremendous opportunity to tour China. The 22 students were fantastic ambassadors for the College and in the last two days negotiated their way past a super typhoon to make it home as scheduled. Thanks so much to our tour staff, Michael Ku as organiser and Rebecca Ebelt, Ben Naughton, Michel Barker-Hicks and Deirdre Martel for giving up their time for this amazing experience for our students.

Last weekend we hosted two activities as part of the Towers Rush. This is a fantastic community event and thank you to Tonya Burgoine and Brooke Stevenson for their hard work with staff on each campus to put Columba on the program!

I wish to advise that after 35 years as a teacher at Columba Andrew Butler  has made the decision to retire. He has made such a positive impact on our College over generations and decades. We look forward to the opportunity to recognise Andy’s wonderful work over the remaining weeks.

Thank you to the families who have returned their College Confirmation of Re-Enrolment for 2026. To ensure that we can best support our families, please ensure that applications for enrolments are submitted as soon as possible. Waiting lists apply to a number of year levels and in Boarding. Please contact the College for more information.

We will be hosting a Colour Run on each Campus this semester with the MCC event being next Friday 24 October.  Students will be working hard to not only earn some great prizes but also to support our Parish who will be receiving all money raised.

October is Mission Month. Students across both campuses will be participating in a range of “Socktober” activities to raise awareness and funds for those less fortunate than ourselves. Please keep an eye out for events and activities on our calendar this month.

This Friday our Emerging Leaders participate in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow in Townsville. Special thanks to Lorette Tassan, Bec Ebelt, Jessie Huen, Michael Ku, Dan Tuturas, Andy Butler, Annabella Tse, Kalinda McCarthy and Mikala Goodwin for their support and assistance. The students will be informed and engaged by a range of special guest speakers.

I wish to recognise the important work of the Guidance Counsellors in our school. Thursday 9th October was Guidance Counsellor Appreciation Day! This day coincides with Queensland Mental Health Week and emphasises the important role our counsellors play in supporting children and young people to develop the foundations for good mental health and to support students with mental health problems. Special thanks to Aleesha Watson, Bradley Fissore and Teneille Jorgensen for their outstanding support of the children and young people in our care.

Please find here the link to the Qld Mental Health Week website. We pray for all those who need strength, courage and the light of Christ in their lives in times of challenge. May they be renewed and comforted by God's love.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Shayne Harrison
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

Welcome to Term 4

We extend a warm welcome back as we commence Term 4. Although this is the shortest term of the year, it is undoubtedly one of the busiest, with a number of significant events, assessments and celebrations taking place in the weeks ahead as we bring the academic year to a close.

YEARS 7-10 PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT TEST (PAT) ASSESSMENTS

Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) assessments measure what students in Prep to Year 10 know, understand and are capable of across domains and help monitor progress over time. Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will undertake PAT adaptive Maths and PAT adaptive Reading tests in Weeks 2 & 3 this term. Students will complete the assessments during an English and Mathematics lesson. It is important that all students complete these tests and do their best.

YEAR 11 ASSESSMENT BLOCK

Year 11 students will complete assessments that require longer blocks of time during Week 4 of Term 4 (27 – 31 October 2025). The Exam schedule has been shared with students. Students are expected to attend school during this block and attend classes indicated in their timetable unless they are completing an exam. Applied subjects also have assessment such as projects, investigations, folios etc that will be due when indicated on the assessment date calendar which can be accessed in Compass and on the College website.

YEAR 11 COMMENCEMENT OF UNIT 3

For the majority of subjects, Year 11 students will complete Unit 2 on Friday 31^st October 2025. Unit 3 will commence on Monday 4 November 2025. It is essential that students remain focussed and dedicated to their studies until the end of the year as students will be commencing new Unit 3 learning and teaching. It is imperative that Year 11 students remain at school and attend classes until the last day of Term 4. Please plan travel arrangements taking this information into account and ensure that students remain at school until the last day of term.

YEAR 11 SUBJECT CHANGES

Year 11 students wishing to investigate the possibility of a subject change for Units 3 and 4 need to arrange to meet with Mrs Peck to discuss the change. Subject changes need to be finalised by Friday 14^th November at the latest.

YEAR 12 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

The QCAA has developed some resources to assist students to prepare for their external assessments which will take place from Monday 27^th October until Tuesday 18^th November. Students and parents / caregivers are able to access the resources by using the following link to the QCAA website. Students should take the time to carefully read the 2025 Assessment Guide available on the QCAA to assist them in their preparations for the upcoming external assessments.

Doctor Judith Locke also provides a number of Health and wellbeing tips.

2025 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE

Please carefully read the Assessment Timetable and take note of when students are required to attend school to complete External Assessments. It is crucial that students are present and punctual to each external assessment. Students must arrive on campus 30 minutes before the assessment is scheduled to commence. When not completing External Assessments, it is expected that students would be at home studying and preparing for upcoming External assessments.

The External Assessment timetable can also be accessed online here. Students are also reminded to arrange all of the equipment that they require to complete their external assessments now and read over the Directions for Students. We wish our Year 12 students well in their upcoming external assessments.

Please note that all Year 12 students are required to attend school during Week 7 of this term, commencing on the 17 November 2025.

MOUNT CARMEL CAMPUS AWARDS EVENING

Please note that the Mount Carmel campus awards evening will be held on Tuesday 18^th November at the Mount Carmel Campus commencing at 6:30pm. All students, parents and members of the College community are invited to attend.

2026 NEXT STEP YEAR 12 COMPLETERS SURVEY

Year 12 students, please check that your contact details are correct in your learning account with the QCAA student portal, https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/. In March 2026, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting you to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey, following up on your activities after graduating. You may also receive an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Your feedback helps our school improve services for future students, and you can win a laptop for participating. For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING & TEACHING

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Faithful Hearts- Purposeful Lives -One College - One Story

Welcome back to a new Term 4 and the final for our College Year.  It is a joy to have all the kids return to our community.  At the heart of every Catholic school lies our mission grounded in a climate of courage, commitment and compassion. This mission is a living call to action—a daily invitation for students and staff to embody the values of the Gospel in all they do. As a college, we seek to nurture the whole person: mind, body, and spirit, to inspire young people to grow in wisdom, compassion, and integrity, shaping them into leaders who serve others and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Over the last few weeks, there has been much activity in the mission and life of our College.  

• In early August, our Year 11 students attended their Leadership retreat at Tamaroo to begin their leadership journey.  In three days, we unpacked and explored the concept of servant leadership and styles. Building on this, we experienced a series of Leadership workshops later in Term 3, before beginning the election process.  Throughout, it was hope-inspiring to listen to these capable teenagers share their dreams for leadership and desires to serve their community. In fact, it was an honour to be a part of.  As all Year 11 students will receive the passing of the light soon, we are excited about the hope that the community’s chosen leaders for 2026 will bring.
• October in the Catholic Church is Mission Month, and this year, ‘ Catholic Mission’ has chosen Zambia, which is experiencing hardship for their women, and their goal is to help mothers in Zambia feed their children and build a brighter future. Tomorrow on the Mt Carmel Campus, students will have a visit from John Ducker, the Director of Catholic Mission, to inform us about the work they do.  We will be running ‘ Crazy sock day’ on Wednesday Week 3, to raise awareness for a donation, and in Week 4, we’ll be doing a ‘Sock a goal shoot out’ with Sock balls as are used in poor areas of Zambia.
• The College’s annual fundraiser will also be running as a Colour Fun Run on the 24th from second lunch in Week 3.  This will also be the last official day of instruction for our Year 12s. You may have been asked by your son or daughter to donate on their behalf and you are all encouraged to contribute if you can, as the proceeds this year will be gifted to the Parish, which needs repairs to its Church roof. Thanks for your support towards our community in this way.
• Year 7, 9 and 10 have all had the opportunity to participate in Year level masses with Father Emmanuel presiding in our Chapel during the last two weeks.
• Also coming up will be our Benjamin House mass on Saturday night, the 25th, at the Parish, and you're all invited to attend.

In Hope,

Matt Tyrie
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - MC CAMPUS

CAREERS

 Richmond Regional Community & Jobs Expo

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Richmond Community and Jobs Expo and what a fantastic experience it was!

The journey began with a quick stop at the newly opened Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Hughenden. This modern facility offers a welcoming and well-equipped space for regional students to pursue their studies locally. It’s exciting to see such resources becoming available in our communities, and I encourage anyone considering tertiary education to check it out.

Friday evening kicked off with a vibrant Networking Dinner, where I had the opportunity to connect with educators, employers, and community leaders. These conversations are invaluable in helping us build stronger pathways for our students.

Saturday morning started with a lap around Lake Fred Tritton in Richmond. A highlight was spotting the Cowboys NRLW Captain Tallisha out training, proof that elite athletes never truly take an off-season!

Throughout the day, the Expo buzzed with energy. I spoke with parents, future students, and past students. It was also a great opportunity to connect with other exhibitors and learn about exciting new opportunities for our students.  And just when you thought things couldn’t get more action-packed, the bomb squad added a bit of explosive fun with a live detonation demonstration!

The day wrapped up with a drone display, barrel racing, and dummy roping all enjoyed from the comfort of the grandstand. 

A huge congratulations to Braden, Scott, and Cait for organising such a well-run and inspiring event. Your efforts made a real impact, and I’m already looking forward to next year!

Kind regards
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

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FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

A warm welcome back to all our students and families for Term 4! We hope you had a restful break and are ready for an exciting final term of the year. 

Please note a change to our school assembly schedule: assemblies will now be held fortnightly, commencing in Week 2 at the new time of 2:15 pm on a Thursday afternoon.

Our intensive swimming program for students in Prep to Year 2 is already underway, running over Weeks 1 to 3. Please ensure your child brings their swimming gear on the scheduled days.

For our older students, Years 3 to 6 will be having another lesson on Monday at SMC focusing on correct stroke development before the carnival. There swimming lessons will commence in Week 4 at SMC as part of their HPE lesson  

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Swimming Carnival for Prep to Year 6 will be held on Thursday, October 23rd, in Week 3. Please make sure that you have completed the online nomination form that was sent out this week as well as the permission to attend notice.

Congratulations to our Year 6 Quest for Knowledge team who took home 2nd place! We are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievement against all the other schools in our diocese.

October is Catholic Mission Month, and to raise funds for the mission, we will be hosting a Crazy Sock Day! Details on the date will follow soon, so start planning your wackiest socks!

All members of our school community are warmly invited to the Benjamin House Mass on Saturday, October 25th starting at 6pm.

Day for Daniel - just a heads-up that we will have a free dress day encouraging students to wear red clothing in support of this important initiative. More details to come!

Finally, a reminder to all families: if you have not yet submitted your intentions for the 2026 school year, please do so as soon as possible. This information is vital for our planning for the year ahead.

Karen Casey
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SM CAMPUS

DIVING INTO TERM 4 WITH YEAR 1

NEWS FROM YEAR 2B

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

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

Welcome back for Term 4!

I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday with your children. Term 3 was an incredibly busy and rewarding one for our Boarders, and Term 4 promises to be no different. Last term’s highlight was no doubt the Boarder’s Long Weekend, where all students had fun at their respective locations. Thank you must go to Caroline Jarmey, Adonia Hedges and their teams for the organisation and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure the kids all enjoyed themselves. Both accommodations in Townsville (Girls) and Cairns (Boys) commented on the incredible behaviour and respect displayed by our students. We should all be very proud.

For our Year 12 students, their lives as students at this College is quickly drawing to a close. I have many conversations with the senior students about their future and the way they may feel when time comes to leave our College for the final time. It is a period filled with mixed emotions — excitement, anticipation, a touch of fear of the unknown, and often a deep sense of sadness as they prepare to leave their friends and the place they have called home. I genuinely believe that the Boarding experience is something our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The Boarding experience in Charters Towers offers students unique and invaluable opportunities that set them apart from those completing their schooling via distance education. Living and learning within a vibrant residential community fosters independence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. Academic evidence consistently highlights that boarding students often achieve higher levels of engagement and academic success due to structured study routines, direct access to teacher support, and immersion in a culture of learning. Moreover, students in Charters Towers benefit from diverse sporting, cultural, and leadership opportunities, from inter-school competitions and cattle club to performing arts, debating, and outdoor education. These experiences enrich their development and prepare them for a wide range of career pathways. These opportunities not only complement their academic growth but also help shape confident, capable, and community-minded young adults.

Over the coming weeks, Year 12 students should become completely engaged in completing the final chapter of their academic journey. I have no doubt they will maintain the focus and determination required to reach their full potential. I wish them every success as they take these final steps toward graduation.

As the Year 12 students of 2025 depart, the future looks incredibly bright with strong enrolment numbers forecast in boarding for 2026. As well as this, last week’s announcement of the 2026 Residential leaders fills us with both pride as well as excitements as I am sure Will Cursio and Shaun Gould from the Boys’ and Charlie Guild and Anastacia Johnson from the Girls’ along with the other senior students with lead their respective boarding houses to great things in 2026. Congratulations must go to all applicants who were willing to put their hand up for next year. Exciting times ahead.

On behalf of the College, I wish everyone a wonderful and productive term ahead. Blink and you will miss it.

Haydn Champion
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL & RESIDENTIAL

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - ANXIETY

Most young people today experience anxiety at some point in their life. Sometimes that slight rush of anxiety that occurs prior to an exam or sporting event, can enhance their performance. However, experiencing too much anxiety, over long periods of time, can be extremely damaging to their health and wellbeing. There is a difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ anxiety.

Statistics show, that the psychological health of young people today is far worse than it was a generation ago. This is having an adverse affect on children in both primary and secondary levels. Some of their issues of concern include stress, school, study, body image and friendship.

Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of ‘bad’ anxiety. There are preventative measures parents can implement as well as teaching kids the skills to cope more efficiently with their anxiety.

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 Anxiety edition of SchoolTV

https://columba.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/youth-anxiety

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

TMR FREE WORKSHOP

JUNIOR CRICKET