It is always a joy to attend the Parent and Friends’ Committee each month. We have such a faithful and enthusiastic band of Parents willing to be involved with the latest initiative or interested to hear about the school’s improvement agenda. Some of our Parents attend every meeting, while others drop in when they can. We value the participation of every Parent or Carer in our community and we are always looking for more people to join us. We meet every month at 6.00 pm in the Library and our dates can always be found in our College calendar.

This Thursday our Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will be attending a special Graduation Liturgy in Townsville with all of the other secondary schools in the Diocese. Congratulations to the following Year 12 Emerging Leaders:

Izaiah Crosbie

Alina Dempsey

Chavez Hegarty

Clum Ingram

Patric Murphy

Keith Quinlan

Charlie Saunders

This Friday is a Student-free Day for all years. Our teachers will be participating in our annual Reflective Practice Day which will be focused on how we ensure our pedagogy, curriculum and assessment is truly inclusive. Our school officers will also be involved in e-learning modules focused on inclusive education and joining other school officers at St Joseph’s to further their knowledge. At Good Shepherd Catholic College, we are committed to providing a quality education to all of our students, one that is inclusive of all learners’ abilities.

As we approach the last two weeks of Term, can I please encourage our Parents and Carers to ensure their son or daughter attends school every day? We do not finish learning after our assessment and indeed teachers will start new topics in Week 9 and 10. If your child is involved in TAFE or Work Experience, it is vital that they see their teachers about any work that is missed. 

Have a blessed week.

External Assessment Timetable and Royal Queensland Show Holiday

Last week, the Queensland Government announced that the Ekka Public Holiday for the Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim local government areas has been moved to Friday 29 October - the first Friday of the Year 12 External Exams in Queensland.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Board resolved that the least disruptive option is to commence the exam period early by moving forward the subjects currently scheduled for 29 October to Friday 22 October.

This adjustment does not create any new timetable clashes or significantly change the order of exams for the majority of students. Students can still look forward to their subject results and ATARs being made available on 17 December, as planned.

This change will cause some disruption to planned school activities, and these changes will be communicated.

The revised timetable is available on the QCAA website.

To support Year 12 Students undertaking external assessment for General subjects, the QCAA has updated its online resources:

• External assessment: A guide for 2021 Year 12 students: A resource to help students understand external assessment, including the updated timetable, what is tested and tips to help them prepare.

• External assessment videos: A suite of videos from QCAA learning area managers, with insights and advice to help students prepare.

• Equipment list: An updated list of approved equipment for all assessments.

• Directions for students: An updated list of requirements students must follow.

Subject Selections / Changes - Frequently Asked Questions 

As we approach the end of Term 3, students might be casting their mind into the next term. Below are some frequently asked questions!

I am in Year 8 - 10 and considering an elective subject change for next term… What should I do? 

Please complete the paperwork in Week 10 this term to ensure you make the most out of a very short Term 4.

I am in Year 10 and am wondering if I can change senior subject trial subjects? 

Of course you can! The process is the same as any subject change. Like the elective subject change, please complete the paperwork in Week 10 this term to ensure you make the most out of a very short Term 4.

I’m in Year 7 - 9 and am thinking about what subjects I will do next year… What is the process for this? 

Don’t worry! Subject Selections for 2022 will be sent mid-Term 4, so there will be ample time to consider your options.

I am in Year 11 and want to change subjects, what should I do? 

Please make a time to meet with Mrs Wood asap to ensure the change won’t impact your QCE or ATAR eligibility. The sooner you make changes the better.

I am in Year 10 and I haven't selected my subjects for Year 11, and haven’t booked a SET Plan Meeting, is it too late? 

Of course it’s not too late! Please contact the College Office asap and we will book you in. We can select subjects during the meeting.

Compass School Manager - Parent Guide continued

At the end of this term, interim report cards for students in Years 7 - 11 will be uploaded to Compass. To access these, follow the instructions below.

Viewing Academic Reports

From the home screen, click on the ‘View Academic Reports’ item or navigate to the ‘Student Profile’ and click the ‘Reports’ tab.

A list of ‘Academic Reports’ will be displayed. Click the report title to download the PDF.

Awards Night

YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety

Next Wednesday, our Senior Students will be listening to a presentation by Melissa McGuinness, from YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety, who is coming to speak to them about Australia’s youth-led mission to change driving culture.

YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety is a highly acclaimed program, and winner of the Australian Road Safety Award for school programs.

Melissa and her husband Peter have appeared on SBS Insight, The Today Show, A Current Affair, Studio 10, Women's Weekly and many more.  Melissa is a Gold Coast Woman of the Year - People’s Choice’; and recently, runner up Queensland Australian of the Year.

Melissa is a mother of three children, whose 18-year-old son died in a horrific car crash he caused in 2012, which also killed four innocent young people.

YOU CHOOSE engages schools around Australia, sharing highly relatable, lived experiences with tens of thousands of students, teachers and parents. The program extends beyond a cautionary tale, by positively uplifting young drivers and passengers to protect their families and their communities from the preventable misery of youth road trauma. Messages are focused on love, family, and the empowerment of choice.

We acknowledge that some students may find some of the content confronting, however, we believe that it is important to introduce students to real-life lessons, and to a mission for change that they can take immediate personal accountability for.

YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety is strongly advocated by professional educators, police departments, parents, students and by numerous industry groups such as the Australian Road Safety Foundation and Youth Leadership Academy Australia.

If you would like more information about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me on 47432509 or please visit http://youchooseyrs.org.au/

Change of Date for Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Yesterday I spoke with our Year 12 cohort and followed up with an email to all Year 12 families about the College having to change the date of the Year 12 Farewell Assembly.  Mrs Wood’s newsletter article this week also addresses why a change of date was necessary, particularly with changes to the Year 12 External Exam timetable .  Therefore, to align with the new start date of external exams, the Year 12 Farewell Assembly will now be rescheduled to:

DATE:  Thursday, 21st October 2021

TIME:  2:00pm

VENUE:  Lumen Christi Centre, Good Shepherd Catholic College.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.  If you would like to discuss this matter any further, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Nikki Dalla Vecchia or myself on 47432509 or via email.

You’re Not Crazy

“I would never commit suicide, but I can see the other side.”

I remember saying those words to my wife when I was at the lowest ebb of my life. What I meant was that I was at a point in my life where I could see the reason to do it.

Fortunately I was old enough to know that as bad and as low as I was feeling there would come a turning point. The reality of life is that we have good times and bad and when we are aware of this we know, no matter how bad things get, we will survive.

I had two uncles who committed suicide and after a fatality at the mines my father had a breakdown. Luckily he was strong enough to ask for help and a very smart doctor was able to help him.

He would tell people what he went through and as a result there were numerous workers at the mines who sought him out to talk about their suffering. Some did so because they had reached the point of no return and he was their last hope.

We had a very smart doctor he could lean on and who, for me, I was able to talk openly about how I felt. Genetics can play a part and that is the case for me, so medication will be a lifelong partner.

For many people hitting rock bottom is the catalyst and launching pad for their greatest achievements. Sometimes the reason we experience these low times is because our subconscious is preparing us for a significant change in our life.

I’d had enough but there was something inside that needed to get out. After low points in my life I’ve started a magazine called MYISA, wrote a novel and changed jobs to give a few examples.  

Sometimes we don’t know what it is and that is why we feel so much pain. It is so hard to explain to people because all the pain is inside your head and it, literally, drives you crazy.

You think you are the only person in the World that feels this way and that makes you think something is wrong with you. Fortunately I had my father to lean on and a wife who supported me and tried to understand what I was going through. It was hard for her, as it is for anyone who hasn’t experienced those feelings.

That is why I am open with what I went through; so people know they are not alone if they have those feelings. I read a book called Broken Open about ABC Sports Broadcaster, Craig Hamilton, and it brought a huge sense of relief for me.

I used to envy Craig because he got to commentate on football games but on the eve of the biggest break of his career he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Instead of covering the Sydney Olympics he was confined to a padded cell in a mental institution and later diagnosed as suffering bipolar disorder.

As I read through the book I identified with all the warning signs that might have told him he was in serious trouble if he knew what he was looking for. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children and had a successful career; yet his mind was full of demons.

You can’t see mental illness and that is why many people think they are going crazy. But there are signs and if you go to the right people they recognize those signs and are able to help.

The only thing preventing that is fear. We are scared of what people will think but 46% or nearly one in two Australians will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime; it is just the severity that differs.

I’m at a point now where I can feel the emotions and feelings sending me to a low point in my life. Because of my past experiences I no longer fear how I am feeling but am starting to think what change in my life is my subconscious directing me toward.

If you ever think you are all alone with how you feel, ask for help. You can ask me, Yvonne the school counsellor, your Pastoral leaders or even visit your local doctor or headspace, ring Beyond Blue or Kids Helpline.

Facing your fear will make you stronger and we are here to help.

Sports Awards Night

In preparation for our Annual Sports Awards Night, I would like to ask all parents, guardians and students to check our list of award recipients to make sure I have added all students correctly. Please note that this list does not include special awards such as Sports Person of the Year, or Spirit in Sport Award Recipients. Also attached is a Criteria Sheet explaining the criteria for awards. A reminder that if a student is yet to participate in their next phase of competition before the awards night, they will be acknowledged at the following year's Sports Awards Night.

Boulia Golf Open

Over the weekend, the Boulia Golf Club hosted the Boulia Golf Open. Year 8 student, Jordan Frost, competed in the Junior Division, and it gives me great pleasure to announce that he won. I have been told that he conducted himself very well and played to the best of his ability, which has obviously shown in his results. Congratulations Jordan, we wish you all the best in your future golfing endeavours.

On the evening of Tuesday, 24th August, the Arts and Technology Departments showcased all of the wonderfully creative work that our talented students had produced. The night began with a prayer read by Lisa Hennessey, and Acknowledgement of Country read by Darcy Webber. Year 12 student and Chisholm House Leader, Peter Mataia, was our MC for the event, and did a fantastic job. 

Family, staff and students were entertained throughout the evening with performances by the Year 11 drama students, and a video showcasing an array of projects completed by students from the Arts and Technology Departments. The instrumental band performed a number of pieces conducted by Catherine Motteram. Gyan Angon displayed his incredible talent for the piano by playing a number of pieces beautifully. There was a static display which showcased students' works from Visual Arts, Visual Arts in Practice, Media Arts, Design, ICT, FFP, Woodwork, Metalwork, Furnishing and Engineering Skills and Construction. 

The quality of work produced and displayed by our wonderfully talented students is testament to their hard work and focus this year. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Creative Arts and Technology teams who go above and beyond for our students. Also, to the students and their families who attended the event.

It has been another SMASHING term of study for the Yr 11 and 12 Science in Practice Students. The basis of their coursework was an investigation into Car Evolution, focusing on the type of glass used in vehicles (both past and present) and how the advancements in science and technology has made auto glass safer. Students designed their own experiments and compared the fracture patterns in laminated glass and float glass. A big shout out to the team from Mount Isa Glass and Aluminium who went above and beyond to help our students with their experiment. Mount Isa Glass and Aluminium cut down, donated and delivered samples of laminated glass, float glass, tempered glass as well as an entire car windscreen, making this experiment all that more authentic for our learners. We are very much appreciative of their support. Also thanks to our ever committed Laboratory Support Officer, Matt Kiely, for going above and beyond to organise resources and ensuring that we can perform these experiments safely.  

Download the pdf below and click on the links within it to view videos of the experiments.

Last Thursday, the GSCC Senior and Junior Rugby League teams played Game 2 of our 2 game School of Origin Rugby League series against Spinifex State College. It was a great afternoon with both schools showcasing some exceptional young footballers. 

The Junior Boys put in a spirited effort against Spinifex’s Under 13-15yrs Team, losing 28-10. The improvement in the side was on show for all to see, as the boys were on level terms at halftime. Special mentions to Eddy Harstoff and Cooper Biel who showed that they will both be members of the Senior side next year, making some big yardage gains up the middle. Additionally, the efforts of a number of Year 7 and Year 8 boys was outstanding considering their age.

A special thanks to Mr Lachlan Toal for coaching and training the boys, and Mr Steve Guest for helping out as trainer. The effort and enthusiasm that has been evidenced by the Junior side is great to see; hopefully they can play some more games in 2022. 

The GSCC Senior Rugby League Team enjoyed a series winning 32-18 victory against Spinifex. Leading 16-6 at half time, Spinifex were able to wrestle momentum back to be leading 18-16 halfway through the second half. A controlled message behind the try line from five-eight and vice-captain, TJ Tapu, was able to steady the ship and ensure the boys came out on top. A special mention goes to Jake Russell who was awarded Man of the Match in his last game for the College. All year, Jake has epitomised the team’s culture with his actions on and off the field, by being a player his team mates want to play with and a leader who the younger boys can look up to.  

It was pleasing for the boys to get the victory in the last game for so many. We thank the following boys for their commitment and effort to GSCC Rugby League throughout the years: Chavez Hegarty, Jake Russell, Peter Mataia, Boston Inthavong, Cooper Guningham, Prosper Gono, Lochlan Hazle, Brodie Roberts and Lewis McCoy. All the best in the future boys. 

Throughout the year, the Senior side has been supported by Col Ryder whose insight and experience has been invaluable as Assistant Coach, Jordan Harries for his brilliant organisation and team management, as well as Mel Hodgetts for her infectious spirit and planning. Thank you all. 

We look forward to games once again next year, and a possible 9’s Carnival in Term 4.

GSCC Senior Rugby League would like to use this avenue to once again thank Brumby’s Mount Isa, 2Seas Catering, Top Fire Constructions, Mount Isa Mining Supplies, Clancy Corporation and The Buffs Club for their valuable donations to our team. 

Heroes for Health 

JCU’s Heroes for Health applications are now open.

If you are in Year 11 or 12 and wish to explore Health Careers now is your chance.  

The two day workshop is on 12 & 13th October (Week 2 of Term 4).  Places are limited.  

To apply click on link:  Heroes for Health 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10TH SEPTEMBER

Careers Website

Just a reminder that you can access our Careers Website at https://www.goodshepherdmtisacareers.com/ 

Access lots of very helpful information including quizzes, resume and cover letter examples, career ladders, how to get a tax file number and much more.

TAFE FOR 2022

Applications are now open for TAFE courses for next year.  If you are currently in Year 10 or 11 now is your chance to apply.  See or email Mrs Coghlan for more information.  

Some of the courses include:

Automotive, Electrical, Plumbing, Diesel Fitting, Cosmetics, Health

Book Week Winners

Congratulations to all the students who entered the Book Week Competition and identified old worlds, new worlds and other worlds in the literary world.

Junior Winner - Tahliah Green (Year 7)

and the runner up was Ashley Knudson (Year 7).

Senior Winner - Tarlee Slatter (Year 10)

and the runner up was Thomas Radford (Year 11).

The prizes are the result of 544 plastic bottles and cans collected at GSCC in the past month.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The challenge closes this Thursday, 2 September. 20 students from Year 7 - 9 have participated with 15 successfully completing the challenge of reading 15 books from May to August. There is still time for the students to come to the Library and update their reading totals. Prizes will be given to the top readers, (the current record is 35 books.)

All students will receive a certificate of achievement or participation.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reflect on Multicultural Sunday last week, we are reminded of the rich cultural diversity of our students at Good Shepherd Catholic College. We are proud to say that we have more than 15 Indigneous language groups at the College, a vibrant Filipino community, South African families and many, many more groups represented. This Friday the 3rd September, our local Parish is hosting their annual fundraiser the Multicultural Festival. The College will be supporting the event with a large group of students assisting at the Glowstick Stall. Please come along and enjoy the amazing food on offer (all from the South Asia regions). Tickets in their major $10 000 prize are still on sale, online and from the Parish Office.

Our August P&F Meeting was held on Tuesday night in the library.

Discussion was had surrounding our up and coming events for September & October:

• GSCC Service and Spirit Awards
• 2022 Senior Polo Shirts
• WIMARQ Women in Mining & Resources Queensland Function in the LCC
• Melbourne Cup Trivia Night
• Multi Draw Raffle

P&F hold various functions and events where all monies raised goes directly back into the College. Below are just a few of the many ways we have provided support in recent months:

• New Cold Room attached to the Hospitality block
• Resources for the Design & Technologies Centre
• Travel Assistance for QISSN and Confro Teams
• Travel Assistance for Mulkadee students
• New seating for the cultural precinct
• Sponsorship of GSCC Spirit & Service Awards
• Sponsorship of the Year 12 Polo Shirt for 2022
• Contribution to the Year 12 Graduation

Another huge thank you to all of those parents and friends who have supported us this Term. If you're able to help out with any of our functions coming up please do not hesitate to contact the P&F at c56.pandf@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au.

On behalf of Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), I would like to formally invite Good Shepherd Catholic College to the Glencore-sponsored Careers Networking Breakfast, taking place in Mount Isa on 24 September 2021 at the Buchanan Park Entertainment Centre, from 7.00 - 8.30am. 

The Careers Networking Breakfast aims to connect students, universities, professionals and the regions over a delicious barbeque breakfast on the morning of the AusIMM Regional Mining Conference which will be attended by up to 500 industry professionals from across the region. The breakfast is open to grade 10-12 students who would like to connect with university advisors, university students and industry professionals to find out about study pathways into the minerals and resources sector. There is also an opportunity to attend the conference and a site visit at the Mount Isa Mines, pending student interest. 

Further details about the breakfast, conference and potential site visit can be found in the attached Expression of Interest Letter, promotional flyer and brief to be shared with students. 

We would like to invite students, teachers and parents from your school's community to attend the breakfast. Please encourage those who wish to attend to complete the Registration Form linked in the brief. 

Kind regards,

Daisy Ambach

WIMARQ NWQ Committee

 http://www.womeninminingqueensland.com/

Join WIMARQ

Dear Friends in Christ,     

The Queensland Parliament, in the next few weeks, will be debating and voting on controversial laws to make euthanasia and assisted suicide legal in the state.

These laws, if passed, will overturn foundational principles that have underpinned our medical and legal systems for centuries – the ethic of ‘do no harm’ and the prohibition on killing. We need to do all we can to protect Queenslanders rather than assist them to die. Euthanasia and assisted suicide laws undermine the fundamental relationship of trust that should exist between a patient and their doctor. They have the potential to put vulnerable Queenslanders who are elderly or terminally ill at risk of wrongful death, including placing pressure on them to take their own lives so as not to be a ‘burden’ on their family and friends. We have seen this occur in countries overseas which have gone down this path.

I am asking you to take two important steps today.

First, I ask you to sign this petition to the Queensland Parliament, asking them to reject these euthanasia and assisted suicide laws. The petition is sponsored by HOPE, a single-issue coalition of groups who oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Petition link:  https://www.noeuthanasia.org.au/petition_2108_qld_townsville

Second, I ask you to email your Queensland State Member of Parliament and urge them to oppose the introduction of these laws.

Send an email to your MP.

link: https://www.noeuthanasia.org.au/petition_2105_ocp_qld

This matter is now urgent.

Vulnerable sick and elderly people in Queensland need your help to ensure these lethal laws are not passed in this state. I urge you to sign the petition and email your MP today, and ask friends and family to do the same.

As always in the Lord,

MOST REV. TIMOTHY J. HARRIS DD

BISHOP OF TOWNSVILLE

T. 07 4726 3202 F.07 4726 3212 
E. BISHOP@TSV.CATHOLIC.ORG.AU 

Every Wednesday morning from 7.00am - 8.30am. Parents and Friends are invited to The Arili Thina Cafe to purchase your morning coffee and breakfast.

By doing so you are supporting our Hospitality students to achieve their competencies towards their Certificate ll in Hospitality. 

There are a range of coffees, cold drinks and breakfast food available. Please see our Menu. Our students are becoming fantastic baristas. Come see for yourself how good they are.