This Friday and Saturday I will be attending the upcoming Assembly of the Diocese of Townsville, in Townsville. It is the culmination of the Becoming New in Christ journey of the Church. There has been considerable discernment up to this point about how the parishes in the Diocese and indeed our own here in Mount Isa can be renewed. The Assembly and then later the October Plenary Council will focus on a broad range of issues, in particular, how institutions in the Church can address the following two questions:

1. How might we better see the future of Catholic education (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) through a missionary lens? and;
2. How might we see the future of Catholic social services, agencies and health and aged care ministries as key missionary and evangelising agencies?

In Mount Isa, we are blessed at Good Shepherd Catholic College to be well supported by Fr Mick and Fr Emene and the Good Shepherd Parish. The work that they do to provide local social services via its NWQICSS organisations, is a great example for all parishes in the Diocese.

The ongoing challenge for us is to continue to look for ways to engage more of our young people in our local Parish and involve them in social justice and outreach initiatives, which help others. Some students who do this regularly are the members of the Catholics in Action Youth Group, lead by our Chaplain, James Coghlan. Last week they supported the Multicultural Festival by running the chip van and this week will assist with the Women In Mining and Resources Qld event by providing babysitting. These students are a great example to all of our students about being of selfless service to others.

Year 12 Exams

We wish our Year 12s good luck this week as they complete practice exams to help them prepare for their final examinations next term. This is a busy and stressful time for them and we keep them in our prayers. 

Career Education

We also have a large number of students doing either Work Experience or TAFE next week. Thank you to Mrs Liesel Armstrong and Mrs Fiona Coghlan who do an incredible job by providing an individualised approach to Career Education at GSCC. 

Awards Night

Awards Night is a fantastic event that showcases the year that was, and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the successes we have had. 

Awards Night will take place on 20 October 2021 (Week 3, Wednesday). 

The Year 12 Subject Awards and Dux Scholar Award will be presented at our first Scholars Awards in 2022 after we have received the students' final results. 

Lists of the Awards Recipients will go out early next term.  Please refer to the Year to Date result on your student’s report for eligibility.

Do you want to win $50?!

We are giving away 2 x $50 prepaid Visa gift cards at the end of this term! All you have to do to enter is download, turn on push notifications and log into the Compass School Manager Phone App!

Why is the Compass School Manager App Important?

Using the app you can:

• View the school news feed (I post the What's on @ GSCC document here every Sunday),
• Receive important messages from the school,
• View your child’s timetable and the school calendar,
• Book parent-teacher conferences,
• Add Attendance Notes,
• View academic reports (Term 3 reports for Year 7 - 11 students will be uploaded next Friday 17/9).

As a school, we send a lot of important information through Compass and for families who enable push notifications on their phone apps, these messages come through as immediate notifications.

Compass Phone Apps - Download Instructions

To download the app, simply search for Compass School Manager in the store.

This is how you can enable push notifications on most devices:  

	SETTINGS - Scroll down to Notifications
	NOTIFICATIONS - Scroll down to Compass App icon
	COMPASS APP icon...
	Click on ALLOW Notifications (needs to be green)

To be Eligible for Entry

• You must be a current parent / guardian of GSCC
• You need to download & log into the Compass School Manager App 
• You need to allow push notifications

If you need any assistance with usernames/passwords or general login support, please contact the office before close of business on Thursday, 16 September.

On Friday, 17 September at 9am, we will be downloading the list of names of those who are eligible to receive push notifications through the Compass phone app and will enter those names into the draw. We will then draw two lucky $50 winners later that day.

YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety Presentation

This morning our Year 10 and 11 students attended an important presentation by Melissa McGuinness from ‘YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety’, Australia’s youth-led mission to change driving culture.

Melissa is a mother of three children who lives with the loss of her 18-year-old son, Jordan, who died in a car crash in 2012 in which his choices also killed four other innocent young people.

YOU CHOOSE’s messages are confronting, though extremely important for young people and their decision making as drivers and passengers. Many students were moved to profound introspection about their own families, which is the intent behind the mission's motto - Own the Choice Own the Outcome.  

Melissa challenged the students to consider how they will personally seek leadership in road safety, live life to its fullest, protect their loved ones; and be truly accountable in situations where they need to place their safety and wellbeing at the forefront of decision making.  

As part of today’s presentation, Melissa and her husband Peter asked students to make a pledge to choose road safety for their loved ones.  

As a fully registered non-for-profit charity, YOU CHOOSE relies on donations to take messages about Love, Family, Leadership and the Empowerment of Choice to school communities around Australia. Families are encouraged to contribute at https://www.youchooseyrs.org.au/support-you-choose/donate/.

We are so grateful for Senior Constable Bianca Carloss from Mount Isa Police Station who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise having Melissa and Peter bring their presentation to Good Shepherd. 

For more information, please visit http://youchooseyrs.org.au/ or click the following links: 

• You Choose Information Video You Choose Information Video
• QPS 2020 Christmas Road Safety Campaign QPS 2020 Xmas Campaign
• Australian of the Year Qld Aust Of The Year Award
• SBS Insight SBS Insight 
• Today Show interview with George Gardner:  The Today Show 2020-06-04 YT
• A Current Affair coverage of the You Choose Program:  Facebook Link You Tube Clip
• Studio 10:Studio 10 Fatality Free Friday May 28 2020
• 2021-03-18 – 2GB with Jim Wilson - 2021-03-18 2GB with Jim Wilson

The Peanut Gallery

When I played football there were people on the sideline who would abuse and threaten me and call me all the names under the sun. None of them knew me as a person but the fact I wore a different jersey to the one they barracked for was justification for the abuse and vitriol.

I’m sure Mr Morganson would have experienced the same when he was in the NRL but fortunately with larger crowds you don’t hear as much. None them worried me and none of their words concerned me because the only thing that scared me were the blokes on the other side.

All I needed to know was that those wearing the same jersey’s as me would stand alongside me when the going got tough; that’s all that mattered.

All that should matter to you is the opinion of the people standing beside you in your life. Find the people you can trust and build relationships with them.

They are the people you lean on when the problems from the other side come at you, whether those problems be a person, situation or thoughts; the peanut gallery on the other side of the fence is just that.

They are the people sitting on the sidelines and they have no influence on your life; unless you invite them to. To win you play the opposition in front of you and anyone and everything outside of that is irrelevant.

That also applies to your life.

Deal with the problems you need to deal with to achieve what you want to achieve. Everybody on your team needs to be on your side, and if they aren’t, trade them to another team – in other words get rid of them from your life.

You assemble the team you face life with, no one else. So why do we join snapchat, backchat, what’s that or any other social media and invite peanuts into our life.

Is it because you might miss out on something? I understand that, we all love a bit of drama and gossip; as long as it’s about someone else.

We might say things via technology that we wouldn’t say to someone’s face. We say things and think were tough because we said them but we’re not, what we are when we do this – is part of the peanut gallery.

Daniel Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter), Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Saoirse Ronan, Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig and are just some of the celebrities who are not on social media.

Radcliffe doesn’t for two reasons, the first is it is unhealthy to read comments about yourself by people who don’t know you (the peanut gallery). The second is because he would end up picking fights with random strangers who criticized him on social media.

While engaging with the peanuts in the grandstand you neglect what you have to do to succeed in your life.

Scarlett Johansson can’t understand the need to share what she does every minute of her life and Saoirse Ronan says having a presence on social media requires a lot of work and is stressful to keep up.

However, Benedict Cumberbatch gives the best reason that any young person who wants to make something of their lives needs to hear.

“It would just consume me and I find that whole thing ultimately very toxic. I’d much rather spend my energy doing what brought me to their attention in the first place, which is my work.”

Basically, instead of worrying about engaging with the peanut gallery, worry about yourself and how you can win this game of life. Worry about the team mates who can help you, and focus on the issues in front of you that are preventing your success.

There is no greater feeling than sharing the celebration of achieving success with a group of people. They are the special moments to savour in this game of life, and while your doing that with your friends the peanut gallery is moving on to someone else to pick on to cover their lack of courage to risk having a go.

There is only one selector for your team and that is you; so start picking.

This week at 6:00pm at Good Shepherd Parish is our Youth Mass.

We have Youth Group from 4:00pm - 6:00pm before hand and then dinner after. I am away on camp until Friday so if you want any information contact Charlotte, another member or just turn up.

The C.I.A. Youth Room is situated at the Parish but if you are unsure you can ring me on 0427 192 273 from the car park and we will come out and get you.

Year 12 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Graduation Liturgy 2021

This year all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students from across the Townsville Diocese were invited to attend the Year 12 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Liturgy 2021 which was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville. This was to recognise the achievements of all students for completing Year 12. 

Uncle George Leon even popped in to congratulate these students on their graduation.

We are really proud of how our year 12’s are working and just a reminder to keep going and stay strong. 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary - Indigenous Literacy Day

On Wednesday 1st September some of our Emerging Leader students helped celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day with St Joseph’s Primary students by engaging with activities such as:

• Reading Dreamtime stories to primary school students

• Decorating bookmarks with Aboriginal designs

• Kalkadoon language animal card match game

• Indigenous Literacy Day colouring ins

• Aboriginal puzzles

• Indigenous tribe map and names match game

• Dancing - Taba Naba 

It was a great opportunity for our Emerging Leaders to connect with younger students (making those connections) and being role models. 

Fathers Day Cards

Our year 7, 8 & 9 Emerging Leader students created their own Father’s Day card to recognise the unique role of fathers or father figures in their lives. 

Our Year 12’s are nearly at the end of their high school journey, but it is important to stop and reflect on all the wonderful things they have achieved this year so far. 

The Senior Calendar is quite a busy one for our Year 12 Students, with exams and assessment tasks dispersed sporadically throughout each Term. Although some of our Year 12’s will be sitting mock exams this week in preparation for their external exam block next Term, many of them are also preparing for their final TAFE blocks. This has been a long two year journey for them, and despite the busyness of all of this students have still continued to excel and contribute to many other facets of school life. 

To our house leaders and their contribution to the Inter House Sport over the last few weeks; it has been wonderful to see the engagement of our senior and junior students in sport, encouraging and motivating one another in their teams. Also, a huge thank you to all of our 12’s in each house, who have helped their leaders guide and build house spirit at assemblies and at our College carnivals such as Swimming and Athletics this year. We have had many other Year 12 Students participating in school sports such as Interschool Rugby League and Netball, and Basketball which is coming up in Term 4.

A huge thanks goes to our Year 12 Students who have contributed to the Arts and Technologies Departments. Particularly, those that attended the Arts/Tech Showcase evening and Mulkadee in Townsville. There are also students participating in Rock Pop Mime in October, and Year 12 Students who are actually leading and choreographing one of the performances. Our Engineering and Furnishings Students have made some incredible projects in the workshop this year, and will also be working on creating some graduation items/decorations. We also have a very busy Graduation Committee (made up of 20 members!) who meet regularly each Term and assist with planning for the Graduation events. Furthermore, our students continue to show their GSCC Spirit at many of the fundraising events this year and free dress days. 

Finally, to all of our students who have participated in work experience, school based apprenticeships, and who have/are also completing additional Certificate qualifications in Vocational Education and Training. Congratulations on all of your achievements. A special thanks goes to our Hospitality students in Year 12 who were very busy this year assisting with events and running the weekly Wednesday morning cafe.

All students should be congratulated on what they have achieved and continue to achieve. A reminder to continue to lead with compassion as we near the end of our time here at the College. What is your legacy you want to leave behind as the Year 12 Leaders for 2021? We look forward to celebrating with you at the end of the year at your Graduation events. There will be lots happening at the end of the year. Please see a brief snapshot/timeline of events below. 

Please also see attached an invitation to our College community for the Year 12 Graduation Arrival Ceremony at the Civic Centre on 18th November. All community members are welcome to attend the arrivals. 

Our year 12’s are almost at the end of their schooling life.  

Some know what’s next and others are still deciding.  I am regularly sending job opportunities so please be sure to check your emails.  

If anyone needs additional assistance in working their way through “what’s next?”, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to get the ball rolling.

Chemical Engineer & School Leaver

Glencore representatives Daisy Ambach, Michael Celona (Chem Engineer) and School Leaver Participant, Tryn Butler, spoke to students about their career journeys.  

Michael finished his Engineering Degree and then went to Italy to play rugby union for 18 months, returned to Australia to work in a lab for a couple of years and has now landed in Isa.  For all those wondering if he’s found a union team yet…...yes he has - Cloncurry!

Tryn graduated Year 12 in 2020, started on the School Leavers Program in Technical Services and is now about to commence a cadetship studying Engineering with the support of Glencore.

Careers Newsletter

This edition covers the following topics:

Career as a Geneticist
Employability Skills
Psychology
Apprenticeships
Air Traffic Controller
Interview and Resume Tips

TAFE Excellence Awards

Congratulations to Year 12 Student, Connor Baker, who was awarded TAFE Student of the Year at the awards ceremony last week. 

Congratulations also to all of our Award nominees.  Due to numbers TAFE could only invite Connor Baker and Brayden Kerkhoffs to attend the event.

You’ve done yourselves, your families and us proud!

Parents, have you ever thought about becoming a teacher?  

JCU is delivering a new course starting 2022 titled Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Industry Entry.

There is currently a high demand for Technology Teachers across Australia, especially in rural/remote regions.  If you are a qualified tradesperson e.g. Fitter/Turner or a Chef you may meet entry requirements into the course.  Bridging courses are available if required.  

Take a look at the attached flyer for more information.

This year has been an amazing year for our GSCC Netball club. This is the fifth year we have had a club play in the Mount Isa Ameteur Netball Association. With 50 players and 5 new coaches our club continues to grow and change, which is fantastic to see. This season we have had 5 student teams in the junior competition, with one of our junior teams also playing in the senior competition in Division 2.

Firstly, to our GSCC Storm Team, coached by students Charlotte Coghlan (Yr 12) and Amy Haddon (Yr 11). Congratulations on your achievements this year, you have all grown and developed so much. To another one of our junior teams, the GSCC Wild Ones coached by Susie Neal, we admire your endless positivity and commend you for your improvement this year. Both GSCC Storm and GSCC Wild Ones were in Junior Division 2, and ended up making it to the finals series, placing them 3rd and 4th overall.  Well done to both teams for your commitment and effort this season. 

We also had three junior teams in the Division 1 Junior Competition which was amazing to see - GSCC Honeys, coached by Phoebe Ryder and GSCC Crushers coached by Nikki Barlow and Jenny Tyrrell, and GSCC Roar. Both Honeys and Crushers played hard each week against some tough competition. In the end, they ended up battling each other for 3rd/4th position on the ladder and a second chance in the semi finals. Both teams were outstanding on the court and especially in their demonstration of sportsmanship and teamwork. Finally, our GSCC Roar Team coached by Julie Hutchinson and managed by Sally Holland, who ended their season as runners up in both Junior Division 1 and Senior Division 2, which is a significant achievement. 

Congratulations to all teams. We look forward to continuing to watch all of our players grow and develop over the next few years. Please see a list of names from each team below:

We have loved watching these girls play throughout the season and are also extremely impressed by how much they have all improved. Thank you to all the players, coaches and parents who have made this season great.

What an exciting season of Netball!

The girls have now completed the netball season, with finals finishing on Saturday night. The QISSN girls made both the Junior and Senior Grand Final. The  draw saw the girls play back to back games and they took it in their stride and gave their all for both. They competed well, and fought until the end. Unfortunately, the girls didn’t come away with the win, going down by a close margin in both games; 

Junior Division 1: 28-22

Senior Division 2: 25-21

Congratulations to Chelsea Barlow who was awarded Player of the Match for our Junior Grand Final Game. Congratulations also to Charlotte Fahey, who was named MVP for the Junior Competition in the Mount Isa Netball Association Wednesday night competition. This is decided by the scorers across the season. 

The team should be immensely proud of their development, commitment, and teamwork throughout the entire season. As a coaching and management team, we have seen the girls give 100% at each training, and game, and they have formed an incredible bond that will stick with them for years to come. 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Julie Hutchinson (Coach) and Nikki Henderson (Assistant Coach) for everything that they have done throughout the season. Without your hard work, planning and dedication to this team, they would not have had the numerous opportunities that they have had. The early mornings, long nights, extra responsibilities and organisation not only for the club, but for MIANA has not gone unnoticed and we are forever grateful for it all. 

We would also like to thank each of the parents for taking the time to get each of the girls to training and games, and all of the work that you do behind the scenes. Without your commitment and dedication none of this would have been possible, and we sincerely thank you. 

Also, our wonderful sponsors, GSCC Parents and Friends, Superior Machinery Maintenance, Trekk Advisory, The Irish Club, The Boss Shop and 2Seas. We cannot thank you enough for your support throughout the season, it has allowed the girls many opportunities to compete in these competitions and allow for their growth and development. 

Finally, to the QISSN team, Amy Haddon, Charlotte Fahey, Abby Benson, Darcy Webber, Teuila Kohlhase, Chelsea Barlow, Ally Haddon, Ruby Rixon and Zoe Ryder, thank you for making this year an excellent year of netball. We are so incredibly proud of each of you. Your hard work, determination, teamwork, and growth and development has been a pleasure to watch over the season. The endless laughs, and bond that you have developed as a team has been so wonderful to see, and we cannot wait to see where to next!

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.

Partner of People in Mining