Columba Catholic College Newsletter Volume 28 No. 7 - 15TH MAY 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Columba Families,

As we head into the second half of the term there are so many wonderful things to share and to celebrate as a community here at Columba.

Learning is at the centre of our mission. Being in the classroom is the most effective way for students to learn and grow. A gentle reminder to all families as we head into the winter flu season that if your child is unwell, please keep them home. Students are unable to fully engage in learning when they are not feeling their best.  We also need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child, our student body and our staff. We appreciate your ongoing support with this matter.

As many of you would be aware, Charters Towers hosts the annual Country Music festival. People come from all over the country to attend this well-renowned festival. The Mount Carmel campus hosted their own country music concert on Friday 2nd May to set the mood for the weekend. Many thanks to Mr Champion and Mrs McCarthy for organising the concert. This was followed up by the Float procession down Gill Street. This year’s theme was “Steve Irwin” and our students and staff wore khaki in honor of his great work for our environment . They marched behind our fantastic float all kitted out with croc’s, rocks and, “Crikey” so many Prep Irwin’s. Congratulations are in order especially to Ms Wood, Mr Hope, Ms Buck, Mrs McCarthy and Mr Barker-Hicks for all of their efforts in organising the parade and or dressing of the Float. 

Mothers' Day is an opportunity for sons and daughters to show their love and appreciation of their mothers. Mothers after all are our first teachers, they nurture and shape us as human beings, often making many sacrifices along the way for our benefit. Last Friday, the St Mary's campus students held a Mothers Day Liturgy and morning tea which is a wonderful tradition here at Columba. It was very fitting that all our female staff received a flower on Friday as a tribute to their amazing contribution to caring for all of our students and community.

This week we celebrated National Boarding Week. The theme was Threads of Connection.  Students participated all week long in a range of activities which started with the traditional Boarders' Formal Dinner. I would like to thank all our residential staff, students and families. Residential life is unique and without the ongoing partnership that exists between the College and our families, we couldn't continue to provide the opportunities to our students that we do.

Mr Kyle and I were both very grateful for the hospitality we have received on our Western Schools promotional tour this week. We visited schools in Greenvale, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton, Cloncurry and Hughenden as well as catching up with current and prospective boarding families.

Tomorrow night members of our community will gather at the Arthur Titley Centre for the 2025 Catholic Debutante Ball. Debutantes and their partners have been preparing for the last few months with the support of Miss Brooke Stevenson and Miss Lara Burns. We look forward to celebrating this important event and to welcoming Bishop Tim Harris and Father Emmanuel who will both be joining us to celebrate the occasion.

Staffing Updates: Dan Kyle is taking a very well earned break and will be on leave for Semester 2. The Deputy Principal - Pastoral and Residential position has been advertised. We are very pleased to announce that Lyndon Vince will join us all the way from Dalby as a Business, Humanities, and English teacher from the start of Semester 2.

All the best for the fortnight ahead.

Shayne Harrison
ACTING PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK

This week on the Mount Carmel Campus (12th – 18th May) we celebrated National Careers Week. Thank you to Mrs Milton who organised many activities during the week including career activities to be completed during morning pastoral care, a career wall highlighting lots of different job opportunities available to students, a presentation to students by JCU representatives and a number of tradesmen across a range of industry areas available to talk with students and answer questions for those interested in entering a trade. The theme of National Careers Week this year was “Future Frontiers: Navigating New Career Pathways”.

2025 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE NOW AVAILABLE

The 2025 external assessment timetable for General subjects is now available on the QCAA website. It is available here.

Students’ final results for General subjects are based on their achievement in three internal assessments and one external assessment that is: 

• common to all schools 
• administered under the same conditions, at the same time and on the same day 
• developed and marked by the QCAA according to a commonly applied marking guide. 

External assessments will be held during Term 4 from Monday 27th October until Tuesday 18th November 2025.

ATTENDANCE

As we progress through Term 2, we ask for continued support in ensuring excellent attendance and punctuality to school everyday. Arriving on time to school each day and having regular attendance reduces stress and anxiety for students and improves student outcomes. Missing school, even just a few minutes, can impact learning and interactions with others.

School commences at the same time each day on the Mount Carmel Campus.  The warning bell rings at 8:25am and school commences at 8:30am. A consistent start time supports routine, wellbeing and academic success.

The following visuals help to highlight how valuable learning time can be missed through lateness and absence. Arriving on time assists in setting up students for success as everyday counts. It is also essential that students arrive at school with all the necessary equipment for learning, including a fully charged laptop, writing equipment, notebook and diary.

TERM 2 YEAR 11 AND 12 ASSESSMENT PERIOD: 19th MAY – 23rd MAY 2025

Year 11 and 12 students will complete many assessment items, as indicated on the Assessment Calendar in Compass between the 19th – 23rd May 2025. Students are expected to attend school during this period to complete examinations and submit assessment items, on or before the due date.  During this time students will be attending normal lessons unless they are required to complete an examination. Following the exams, students will return to classes indicated on their timetable.

It is crucial that students set aside blocks of time to study and complete assessments each day and establish a routine. At peak assessment times it is expected that students will need to dedicate additional time to study.

If your son/daughter is absent on the day of an examination, an Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) form will need to be completed. An AARA form can be found at the College Office. For AARA eligibility information contact the College. Please contact the College to notify staff of any absenteeism.

YEAR 11 UNIT 2 SUBJECT CHANGES

A reminder if Year 11 students wish to investigate the possibility of changing subjects they need to email Mrs Peck and make an appointment to investigate the possibility. Subject changes during Year 11 and 12 are not recommended as they may disadvantage students as they may not have the foundation skills needed to achieve on Year 12 assessment. Subject changes may also impact on a student’s ability to achieve a QCE. Year 11 subject changes must be finalised by Monday 9th June 2025. Subject changes will be considered based on curriculum merit.

2025 CHARTERS TOWERS CAREERS EXPO

Year 10, 11 and 12 students will attend the Charters Towers Regional Council at Poppet Head Plaza on Thursday 29th May. The Careers Expo will provide students with valuable information about various career paths, different educational and training options, make connections with potential employers and industry professionals.

Maria Peck
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHING

FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Students in The Arts are off to a fantastic start this term with an exciting range of units on offer. Across different year levels, Art students are exploring diverse themes such as Surrealism, Dreamtime stories, Pop Art, and Ceramics. Senior students are also investigating how Art can serve as a form of communication through various media. In Music, students are diving into Pop music, Australian music, Musical Theatre, and songwriting. Throughout the year, assessments will focus on both written knowledge and practical skills tailored to each discipline.

Students have proudly represented the Arts at Columba, delivering stunning performances for both the ANZAC Day commemoration and the Country Music Festival. These events have beautifully highlighted the incredible talent within our college community. A special congratulations goes to Andrew Scharf, who composed and performed his own song at the College’s Country Music Concert as well as on the main stage at the showgrounds. Andrew has been travelling to Tamworth to collaborate with some of the best talents in the Country music industry and has had the invaluable opportunity to be mentored by the CMAA Academy of Country Music.

Exciting News! Columba’s Got Talent will take place on the 6th June this term as part of our Founders' Day celebrations. If you have a special talent or are eager to perform on stage, be sure to watch out for details on how to register your interest. Auditions will be starting in the coming weeks, so get ready to showcase your skills!

In the meantime, registrations are now open for the Charters Towers Eisteddfod and the Annual Show. For more information on how to enter, please see Mr Barker-Hicks or Mrs McCarthy. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities!

Michael Barker-Hicks
MIDDLE LEADER - THE ARTS

CAREERS

Student Success: Heroes in Health

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 11 student Ethan Ford, who was recently selected to participate in the Heroes in Health program—an initiative led by James Cook University (JCU) and Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

With 238 applicants from across the northern region, only 30 students were selected for this prestigious two-day immersive experience, aimed at fostering future health professionals. Ethan’s selection is a testament to his dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for exploring a healthcare career.

Throughout the program, students engaged in hands-on learning, clinical simulations, and career discussions with industry experts, gaining valuable insight into the diverse pathways available in the health sector. From medicine and nursing to physiotherapy and radiology, the experience allowed participants to explore their interests and envision their future careers.

We are incredibly proud of Ethan for representing our school so well and embracing this incredible opportunity for growth. Congratulations, Ethan! We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Students Explore Health Careers at Townsville Hospital Health Service Careers Program

Last week, ten students participated in the High School Health Careers Program held in Townsville. Accompanied by Mrs Milton and Miss Goodwin, the students commenced their journey early in the morning, prepared for a day of hands-on learning and career exploration.

The program is designed to immerse students in health sciences, offering a simulation-based education experience that enables interactions with real-world scenarios in a high-challenge, low-risk environment. Throughout the day, students rotated through various career experiences, exploring pathways in nursing, midwifery, medicine, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, radiology, speech pathology, nutrition and dietetics, social work, pharmacy, medical sciences, and exercise physiology.

The experienced health professionals provided invaluable insights into the responsibilities and opportunities within their specific field. Through interactive clinical simulations, guided tours, and career discussions, students could envision their future in healthcare while gaining firsthand knowledge of the profession’s demands and rewards.

The students represented our school commendably, displaying curiosity, engagement, and respect throughout the experience. This program remains a valuable opportunity for young individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their future careers.

We anticipate seeing more students participate in upcoming programs and explore the extensive possibilities within the health sector.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service School Visit: Exploring Careers in Nursing and Midwifery

Last Friday, representatives from Townsville Hospital and Health Service visited our school to discuss careers in nursing and midwifery. The session included activities such as hand hygiene, bandaging, applying slings and neck braces, respiratory care, and delivering a baby using a simulation mum and baby, concluding with a CPR relay.

The visitors described the pathways for entering the nursing and midwifery professions and the career options available upon graduation. The visit provided students with information about careers in the healthcare field.

Our visitors were very impressed by the assistance provided by the students who helped with unloading and moving resources.  

James Cook University Inspires Future Careers at Columba Catholic College

As part of National Careers Week, we had the privilege of hosting representatives from James Cook University (JCU), giving students valuable insights into university life and future career opportunities.

Our Year 10 Careers Classes enjoyed engaging sessions, learning about the diverse pathways available at JCU and what studying at the university entails. From academic programs to campus life, students were able to get a taste of higher education possibilities.

During morning tea, Year 11 & 12 students had the chance to drop in and ask questions about their options, helping them make informed decisions about their future studies. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to James Cook University for their visit and for sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students. Events like these encourage informed choices and help shape the leaders of tomorrow!

Building Connections: Trade Lunch

At Columba Catholic College, we believe in providing students with real-world insights into career opportunities. Our recent Trade Lunch was a fantastic chance for students to engage with local tradespeople, ask questions, and explore pathways in the trades industry.

Throughout the event, students gained invaluable insights into the wide range of career opportunities within the trades industry. From manufacturing and construction to boilermaking, fitting, plumbing, electrical work, and mechanical trades, students explored various pathways that align with their interests and strengths. Engaging conversations flowed as industry professionals shared their first-hand experiences, offering guidance on the essential skills, training, and qualifications needed to thrive in these dynamic fields.  

We are immensely grateful to the local tradespeople who took the time to share their expertise and inspire the next generation. Their generosity in answering questions and providing career information made the event an invaluable experience for our students.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Trade Lunch! We look forward to continuing to support our students in exploring their future career paths.

Kind regards,
Helen Milton | Careers Advisor

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TIME IS FLYING IN PREP!

YEAR 6 NEWS

PRIMARY CLASS AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL NEWS

Dear Residential Families,

The last fortnight has been extremely busy for the College with the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March, Interhouse Cross country, Interschool Cross Country, Rugby League, Netball, Country Music Concert and street parade and the list goes on. Time management is obviously key for our students to manage both extracurricular and academic agendas. 

Western Tour

This week, College Principal, Shayne Harrison and myself had the good fortune of travelling to a number of regional communities to not only promote our College Boarding community but to engage with our boarding families in their own backyards. We visited regional schools in Greenvale, Mount Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Cloncurry and Hughenden. Our aim is to strengthen community relationships and provide valuable information about educational and boarding  programs that our College offers. 

National Boarding Week

This week is National Boarding Week and thus far it has been an outstanding success, highlighting the unique experiences and strong bonds formed within our boarding community. This year's theme was Threads of Connection - and it beautifully captured the spirit of our boarding community. Like threads in a tapestry, the bonds formed between students, staff, and families are what truly holds our boarding community together. Every individual contributes their own unique thread—strengthening the entire fabric that promotes personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a true sense of belonging and connectedness. The highlight for the week was hands down - the Boarding Dinner. The food was by all accounts, divine to the palate. Mrs Jarmey, Mrs Hedges and the Kitchen staff have to be commended for a job well done. 

ANZAC Day: Honoring Tradition and Sacrifice

ANZAC Day is a day that our students and staff look forward to every year. Our students  distinguished themselves with exceptional representation at both the Dawn Service and March. The Columba students marched out like old soldiers and did their school, families and themselves proud. Their respectful conduct and participation reflected the college's commitment to remembering and honoring Australia's military history.

Interhouse Cross Country

This year's Interhouse Cross Country competition saw Polding House emerge victorious, showcasing exceptional teamwork and athletic prowess. The event highlighted our students' commitment to physical fitness and healthy competition. Well done to the Polding team.

Interschool Cross Country Performance

Our athletes performed admirably in the Interschool Cross Country event, demonstrating skill, determination, and school pride. Tom Scholes, the Boys’ Boarding captain won his event for the second year running. Well done Tom!

Staying Well

As we are now heading into the dreaded flu season, the number of students falling ill has increased. It is therefore imperative students do what they can to avert illness. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious eating regime, engaging in regular physical exercise and stress minimisation strategies (including regular sleep schedules), staying up to date with current vaccinations and practicing good hygiene are all recommended tips to staying healthy over the coming winter months.

Regards,

Dan Kyle
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL/RESIDENTIAL 

IN THIS EDITION OF SCHOOLTV - BULLYING

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying. 

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

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 Bullying edition of SchoolTV

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

Aleesha Watson
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY!

CSPA TRIVIA NIGHT - 31ST MAY 2025

Little Athletics Event in Townsville!

 When: 28–29 June 2025
 Where: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville
 Who: Open to all U7–U17 athletes — no LAQ membership required!

It's the perfect way to try athletics, stay active, and enjoy the Queensland sunshine during the Winter school holidays. All welcome!

 Register now through our NEW Sport:80 platform:
 https://laq.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/3/home

 Need help registering as a non-member?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide: https://bit.ly/431jBoS

 Come for the PBs or just for the fun — either way, it’s a weekend you won’t forget!

 More details: https://laq.org.au/coles-winter-carnival/