Almost thirty years ago in the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Australia held its first Reconciliation Week activity - a week of Prayer for Reconciliation. This was an event celebrated by Australia’s major faith communities of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Today Reconciliation Week is celebrated in schools, businesses, and community groups across the country. The word ‘Reconciliation’ comes from the Latin word reconcilliare meaning ‘go back’ and bring together’. We understand this in modern terms to make friendly or to restore relationship.

Reconciliation Week is held annually and is book-ended by the 1967 Anniversary of the Referendum which saw the removal of discrimination of our First Nations’ people in the Constitution and Mabo Day next Friday which marks the historic Native Title finding of the High Court. It is during this week that we are reminded of the journey we are all on to restore the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that has been so affected over the last 235 years since Australia was invaded and government policies of separation and genocide have ruined lives.

Reconciliation can partly be achieved through education - when our young people are taught the history of this nation, there is a greater understanding of why we need to close the gap for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. When we know the truth about the policies that lead to the stolen generations, we can start to appreciate the need to ‘go back’ and ‘bring together’.

On the weekend we saw a change of Government in the election. I was struck by the immediate acts of reconciliation shown - a promise to enshrine a voice for Indigenous people in the Constitution as outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the  installation of the Aborginal and Torres Strait Island flags in the press conference.

But it is not only up to our schools and governments to enact Reconciliation. It is every one of us - and its benefits are just as profound for non-Indigenous people. True reconciliation stamps out racism for people of all cultural backgrounds and bigotry for all people who experience disadvantage such as people with disabilities. A little kindness to every one has a ripple effect that can be felt the world over.

At Good Shepherd, I see tiny acts of kindness every day - in the smile of a student, when a student picks up a piece of litter instead of walking past it, when a teacher gives up their lunch break to go over a topic that a student missed in class. I also see huge acts of generosity and compassion - this week we sent the money that you raised for Caritas last Term - a whopping $2100. This money is going to communities that really need it.

The challenge for all of us to do just as the theme of National Reconciliation Week says - be brave, make change. Be brave enough to stand up to racism, bullying and nasty behaviour when you see it and take steps everyday in our lives to make positive relationships with those around us and then restore them when those friendships are strained.

One really powerful way to show our First Nation brothers and sisters that we believe in Reconciliation is to support the events of National Reconciliation Week and next term in NAIDOC Week. Next Friday we will host a Movie Night to mark Mabo Day. I hope you will consider bringing your family along and share in this great event.

Finally, our Christian story is full of references to reconciliation. In the Book of Amos Chapter 5 it states, “Let justice roll down like streams of living water…”. There is a sense of things that need to be redeemed and need to be righted. Reconciliation is about justice and righting the wrongs of the past.

In order for that ultimate reconciliation to come about we need to understand that it requires a willingness to give of ourselves. Reconciliation can't just come from one side. And it can't just be seen as like something that you have to do. It's got to be something that we want to do because we know the ultimate reward that's going to come in the end. It requires faith that reconciliation is not just going to be good for us individually, but good for the whole. And in this week of Laudato Si which is about caring for Creation and National Reconciliation Week which is about renewal and restoration - it is the perfect time to be brave and make change.

SPOLIN

This Term the College has begun working with Year 10 students as they prepare to make decisions around their Transition into the Senior Phase of Learning.  

On Tuesday 31 May, the College will hold its annual Senior Phase of Learning Information Night where students and parents will have opportunities to talk to Curriculum Leaders and teachers about possible subject choices as well as exploring the wide range of Vocational Education & Training pathways available.

Below is a list summarising the key points for the night:

• To qualify for a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) students must achieve 20 QCE credits. The students receive a credit per unit for each subject passed
• Students must meet the numeracy and literacy requirements to receive a QCE;
• Subject changes are limited- students need to achieve 12 completed core credits
• All students must study English, Mathematics and Religion in both year 11 and 12;
• To qualify for an ATAR students must study either 5 General subjects OR 4 General subjects and 1 applied or cert III subject;
• Students need to explore the prerequisites for their future career path before choosing their subjects;
• Students need to select subjects that they are good at and that they enjoy.

Year 10 - Senior Subject Trials

Next week, Year 10 students will be asked to select senior subject trials for next semester. These selections will take place using the same format as elective subject selections (online forms). In Semester 2 of Year 10, students will trial subjects in 5 core curriculum areas, these include:

• English
• General English (General)
• Essential English (Applied)
• Maths 
• General Maths (General)
• Maths Methods (General) 
• Essential Maths (Applied)
• Science 
• Chemistry (General) 
• Physics (General)
• Biology (General) 
• Science in Practice (Applied) 
• Humanities
• Modern History (General)
• Legal Studies (General)
• Geography (General)
• Social and Community Studies (Applied)
• HPE
• Physical Education (General)
• Health & Physical Education (Year 10 Curriculum) 

Please note:

• All students in Year 10 will commence Unit 1 of Religion and Ethics (Year 11 work) in Semester 2 this year. Study of Religion will still be available for selection next year for those who want to study the General Religion subject in Year 11.
• Elective Subjects do not change in Semester 2 Year 10; however, students are welcome to make subject changes if they choose at the beginning of each term. Please collect a subject change form in week 10 if you want to move into a different elective for Term 3. There are some subjects that are at capacity, but we do our best to accommodate all subject change requests.

If you have any questions about the senior trials, please contact classroom teachers or Curriculum Leader. More information will also be provided about this at the Senior Phase of Learning Information Evening next Tuesday (31/5).

Year 10 Exam Block

This Semester, Year 10 students will have their first exam block experience. This is an important step in their senior school journey, and is designed to teach them the processes that they will be expected to follow in Year 11 and 12. Next week I will share the Year 10 Exam Block Schedule with students and families. This 3 day block takes place from Monday 13 - Wednesday 15 June.

It is important that Year 10s are developing good study habits now, so that when they sit their first senior exam block in Year 11 they have already embedded excellent practice into their every day routine.

It is particularly important to note that Exam Block is a privilege and all assessments must be completed in all subjects in order to have the flexibility of exam block. If assessment is not complete, students will be required to attend school as normal for the three day block.

Furthermore, to prepare for Year 11 & 12 Exam Block Requirements if you are absent for an exam in exam block you must:

1. Contact the College office ASAP, your parents can contact the College office on your behalf.
2. Have a Medical Certificate.

These requirements are in accordance with the GSCC Assessment Policy “If a student is absent from a Senior Exam Block exam, the student will complete an alternate paper in the next available session and a medical certificate must be provided upon their return. If a medical certificate is not provided the student may not be allocated a result for that internal assessment piece, resulting in no credit for the piece / unit studied."

Semester 1 Report Cards 

Report Cards will be distributed as normal at the end of Semester 1. They will be accessible through your Compass Parent Portal on Friday 24 June. If you do not have access to your Parent Portal, please contact the College Office and we can assist.

Positive Behaviour for Learning
(PB4L)
Week 6 Focus: Lockers

Locker areas can get quite congested during break times and unfortunately it is also a place where students seem to congregate during lunch breaks.  Students sometimes need a reminder that their locker is for safe keeping of their items and must be locked at all times.  Keeping locker areas clean at all times also deters rodents and pests.

Maximum Work Hours for School Aged Children

It has come to our attention that some of our students are working long shifts during normal school weeks. Working long hours in addition to school and extracurricular commitments can take its toll on students and can affect their academic progress.  Part time employment provides students with great workplace skills, opportunities to build good work ethic and also gives students some financial responsibility as they earn their own money.  However, we ask that parents/carers monitor their child’s work hours and ensure that they have school-work-home life balance.

The Child Employment Act 2006 outlines work restrictions for school-aged children:

The Act restricts you employing school-aged children outside of the hours stipulated by the Regulation. The Regulation differentiates between the hours that a school-aged child can work on a day when they are required to attend school and, on a day, when they are not required to attend school.

On a school day a school-aged child can work a maximum of 4 hours. When they are not required to attend school, they can work a maximum of 8 hours.

A distinction is also made between the maximum hours a school-aged child can work during a school week and a non-school week. A school week starts on a Sunday, when the child is required to attend school on any day of that week. During a school week a school-aged child can work a maximum of 12 hours. During a non-school week a school-aged child can work a maximum of 38 hours.

The following table outlines the maximum allowable hours of work for school-aged children:

*A school week is a week commencing on a Sunday, when the child is required to attend school on any day of that week.

The Act makes it an offence for an employer to require or permit a school-aged child to perform work when they are required to attend school. A parent commits an offence under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 if they allow their child to work when they should be at school.

School TV Focus:  Respectful Language

In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for kids who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language filtering into the classroom or the school yard, which is turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we 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.

Here is the link to your special report:

Community

What is a community? By definition it is a group of people living in the same place, having a particular characteristic in common, sharing certain attitudes or having common interests.

An example is family (close or extended), sport (play or support), religion, groups, careers, clubs, country, state, town, street, etc. In a community when someone falls another helps them up, when one is threatened all band together. 

So, what provides the positive feelings we have about being part of a community? One of the things is a sense of togetherness; a sense of belonging. That feeling of being accepted is why many on the edges of society gravitate toward gangs.

Alone they are isolated and ignored but with others they are dangerous and noticed. A great example is the mafia, a community that protects its members by extreme measures but isn’t really the embodiment of what a good community is.

Being part of a community leads to a feeling of pride when it is successful or praised. On the other hand, there is a feeling of hurt when our community is attacked or displayed in a negative way.

The communities we belong to have the power to shape our sense of what good and bad is, in other words it can begin to shape the values we live by. So behaviour we would have personally found unacceptable previously becomes tolerable to us because of the company we keep. 

Even when our moral compass is screaming at us not to do something; if it means belonging we take that step. That’s why so many gang initiations include criminal activity or violence, the first time you do something is the hardest so they use your desperation to belong to make you take that leap.

At times the leader of a gang shapes the personality of those under them with the force of their personality. The way they think becomes the way you think and the lens they see the world through becomes the lens you see the world through.

One of the best movies you can watch to see this is America History X starring Edward Norton. He played a white supremacist who abandoned his ideology after spending time in prison, and then tried to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. 

It is a brilliant depiction of the consequences of giving into anger and allowing it to take over. When we lose our temper our ability to think and so informed decision-making goes out the window and it wasn't until Norton’s character became the target of violence and abuse in prison that he really began to see how his hatred had led him astray. 

Most people are part of different communities and move seamlessly between them. I have a school community I am part of, a family community, communities from the past when I played sports, communities from where I used to work, etc.

If you are unable to move between communities then that might be a sign the community you’re in may not be a healthy one to be part of. A community should make you feel proud to be a part of it, not because others fear you but because of what society thinks of it.

For instance, society admires surf lifesavers and so being part of that community brings great pride and admiration into your life. 

School is such a difficult place to survive in because it is one large community split into many and where you belong is often confusing and frustrating. There are lots of little gangs or cliques that form and sometimes our desperation to be part of them is so great we let our values and morals slip.

We pick on someone because we have the power of many behind us and we haven’t got the courage to stand on our own. I remember at school letting things slide because of the power of the group I was associated with.  

I had certain values instilled in me and I tried to live by them but there were plenty of times when I failed. That’s okay, when that happens you put your hand up, admit your mistake, take your medicine and move on. 

If the community you associate with is not who represents the real you and your values then find another. Be courageous enough to let your decisions define who you are rather than you being defined by following the decisions of others.

Picasso Pots Year 10

This Term students have learned that Pablo Picasso is famous not only for his paintings but also his ceramics.  He turned to ceramics late in his career and enjoyed the 3D experience of art making.

Year 10 have designed their own slab constructed ceramic vessel and will decorate it with a Picasso influence.  They have written an essay about Picasso’s ceramics and how he has influenced their own artwork.

They are now into the making process and enjoying their clay experience.

I cannot believe that we are already halfway through Term 2! The students have settled well, and are completing some excellent work within the classroom. 

The Year 7 and Year 9 students have recently completed the 2022 NAPLAN tests, and we are so proud of each and every student for their perseverance and efforts during this time. I would especially like to thank my incredible team of teachers for the time and effort that has gone into preparing the students for these tests. 

The students are well into their assessment preparations for Term 2, with the remaining year levels receiving their assessments this week. The topics that are being studied in Junior this term include:

Year 7- Can you Persuade Me?

Year 8- Comparing Literary Texts

Year 9- Advertising

Year 10- Contemporary Literature

Senior students are finalising their Unit 1 and Unit 3 topics and are ready to begin moving onto their new units, engaging with Unit 2 and Unit 4 topics:

Year 11 Essential- Texts and Human Experiences

Year 11 General- Texts and Culture

Year 12 Essential- Representations and Popular Culture Texts

Year 12 General- Close Study of Literary Texts

As it is the peak time of term where students are provided their assessments, please ensure that you are familiarising yourself with the College Assessment policy. If your child is absent during this time, and requires an extension of time for their final due date. Students who are in Junior (7-10) will need to fill in an extension form and provide this to their English teacher who will then pass it on to myself (Curriculum Leader) for approval. Those students who are in Senior (11-12) and require an extension will need to follow the same process, and hand the extension form into the Deputy Principal- Teaching and Learning, Mrs Michele Wood. These forms can be found in the College office. 

If you have any questions at any time throughout the term, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher, or alternatively, myself.

Thank you for a great start to a very challenging Semester 1!

GSCC Club Netball

What an exciting start to the netball season for GSCC! We have 5 teams competing in the local MIANA competition each week, and all teams have had an excellent start to the season!

The girls are training hard each Tuesday afternoon, and are playing their games on a Wednesday night. In true GSCC spirit they are giving their all each week, and we have seen immense development and improvement within each team. 

A very big thank you to our student coaches, Amy Haddon, Olivia Lee, Rilee Webber, Trinity Ottaviano, Abby Benson, Charlotte Fahey, Darcy Webber and Sophie Greenhalgh for their efforts with their teams. Also to our teachers who assist each week, Mr Jericho Young and Ms Jane Edmiston and coach Susie Neal for her efforts with her team. A special thank you to Mrs Kate Thinee for all of her assistance with preparing and organising uniforms and also assisting each week at netball! A very, very big thank you to Mrs Julie Hutchinson, who oversees each team and assists in all aspects of the club. 

In exciting news, we are pleased to announce that we are selling GSCC Netball socks. These are $15 each, and are an excellent addition to the girls playing uniforms. If you would like to purchase a pair, please see the College office. 

QISSN Netball

In just 4 and a half short weeks, the GSCC Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) team will embark on their yearly trip to the most exciting carnival of the year. This year, the girls will be playing in Mackay. The girls, and coaching team are very excited to be heading away for the carnival, particularly after the dramatic end we endured last year. 

We have recently received the schedule for the first three days of competition. Please see below the times that the girls will be playing. Our second game of the carnival will be live-streamed on the QISSN Facebook page. This is an excellent opportunity to watch the girls compete in the tournament if you are unable to attend. We will update everyone with the live-stream link once it is up and running. Please support our fantastic girls from near or far!

Without the support and guidance of Mrs Julie Hutchinson (Coach) and Miss Phoebe Ryder (Assistant Coach), the girls wouldn’t have the opportunity to travel away for this important carnival, and compete each week in our local competition. The time and effort that is provided by these two women each week is second to none, and we cannot thank them enough for all that they do to ensure the girls continue to develop and are exposed to a number of opportunities within their netball journey’s. We would like to acknowledge and thank the GSCC Parents and Friends Association and McCarthy’s Newsagency for their generous donations and support. These donations help to alleviate some of the financial cost for families, and it is greatly appreciated. 

GSCC Club Delegate & QISSN Manager
Mrs Sally Holland

GSCC Netball Academy Update

All our Academy girls have had a great start to the year with all their netball commitments through school and club representative achievements. We continue to focus on helping our young netballers towards furthering their skills and knowledge of netball. 

We are very proud to acknowledge Aaliyah Poihipi who has recently represented Mount Isa in U14's NQ Games. Aaliyah was named MVP of the entire U14’s division. Through this accomplishment she has been asked to join the Talent Identification Program for Far North Queensland. We are very proud of Aaliyah and congratulate her on this wonderful achievement. 

With our goal of creating a healthy positive environment for all our Academy girls we hope to continue individual development and give opportunities so they can all advance through their sport of netball.

Academy Coach
Mrs Julie Hutchinson

Hospitality Dinner 

Thank you to everyone who attended our Hospitality Dinner on Friday 13th May.

I am very proud of the Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students who participated on the night. They all did an amazing job to produce restaurant quality meals within set timeframes.
A massive thanks to Sam Dolzan, Emali Nainima, Jarvis Miller, Travis Roberts, Kylie McCarthy and 2 past students Matt Bowler and Cody Weider for helping in the bar.
Thank you to Father Mick and Father Emene for your culinary advice in the kitchen.
For those that missed the night, 100 guests enjoyed the following 4 course meal prepared and served by our hospitality students;

To Start - Cheese and Spinach Puffs | Mushroom Risotto Balls with Tomato Pesto

Entree - Cold Prawn and Avocado Salad with Dill Crème Fraiche Or Sticky Pork Ribs with creamy Coleslaw and Fresh Apple Salsa

Main - Slow cooked Beef Brisket with Red Wine jus, mashed potato and Buttered Beans Or Baked Chicken breast with Bacon & Leek stuffing, Gravy, Mash Potato and steamed Broccolini

Dessert - Chocolate Almond Cake with Mocha Sauce or Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries and Raspberry Coulis.

To finish - Coffee with Orange vanilla shortbread

Hospitality students and I look forward to hosting another Dinner in 2023.

Park Run

In week four, Emerging Leaders had the opportunity to participate in Park Run. Emerging Leaders students & their Mentors volunteered in the organisation of the event including timekeeping and tagging. Otherwise, Emerging Leaders & Mentors participated in the 5km run (or walk) and enjoyed a breakfast together at the school. Congratulations to all of the students who participated and the parents who also joined in our morning.

Thank you to Donna, Travis & Jarvis for cooking the breakfast. We look forward to Emerging Leaders volunteering at Jungawala this weekend.

Mabo Day

Next Friday (3rd of June) ALL FAMILIES are invited to a special movie night screening of "Mabo".

Please join us as we honour Eddie Koiki Mabo and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his victory of the NATIVE TITLE ACT 1993.

On FRIDAY 3RD JUNE, we remember and celebrate Eddie Koiki Mabo who fought for recognition that he owned his land on Mer Island in the Torres Strait and his success in proving he did, as well as creating the pathway for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to claim their land.

Please RSVP to the below form by Friday 27th May.

Good News Story
Good Shepherds Emerging Leaders

Christine Horwood-Palmer

Christine is a Year 7 Emerging Leader student who has taken a massive interest in Humanities at GSCC. Chistine has joined Mr Blake’s history club and is taking part in a competition to write about causes and effects of historical events within the school and state wide.

What makes you so interested in history?

There are many facts that we can learn about history. Investigating history gives us a vision of the past and the things that have happened. There are so many stories and facts, like how many people were living during that time, that help you understand the world today. It gives you many skills and knowledge. Another thing that I like about history is learning about crime and punishments in different societies. This term's topic is Mediaeval Europe! It has been thrilling to learn about how easy it was to be punished back in the Middle Ages- even if it was just to gossip! The crimes and punishments have really changed over time. 

What has been your favourite part about history as a class this year?

Learning about the Romans and Ancient Rome and other ancient societies. There were many different events that took place. Also, the classes of people in the social hierarchy were so different to ours today. There were many facts that interested me! Especially the perspectives on women. Women had different roles and laws compared to men that made it interesting to learn about. It was also good to learn about how people felt threatened by female leaders like Cleopatra from other Ancient societies.

Why did you join Mr Blake's history club? What are you investigating?

I really wanted to challenge myself and expand my knowledge of the past. I wanted to look into perspectives from different nations, countries and civilizations and get an understanding of their views. This will help me with my history skills and build ideas about other topics. I have decided to investigate the attack on Pearl Harbour in World War 2. I will be investigating the causes and effects of the event. I am excited to analyse the planning of the attack on Pearl Harbour. There were a lot of historical figures involved in this event. I also want to investigate the Americans reaction to this attack.

What would you like to do when you finish school?

I would like to research historical events and people and also learn more about my Indigenous culture and histories. I would like to combine both of these things to do a job that I enjoy and travel the world with friends and family.

Interschool Netball

Round 1 of our Interschool Netball series saw both school’s play extremely well, with each school winning 2 divisions each. Our Open’s Boys and 15’s Girls provided a tough contest winning by a considerable amount while our Open’s Girls and 13’s Girls losing with some key players out of action. This Friday the series continues as both schools compete for Round 2 at the Mount Isa Basketball Stadium. Schedule is as follows:

Come down and support our teams as we take on Spinifex! Free entry, plus snacks and drinks available for purchase at the canteen. See you all then. 

Athletics Carnival - Recap

What a day! A big thank you to all of those involved with the event. Especially to our teachers and school leaders who came early to help set up. We saw some amazing results with the  following students breaking records.

Overall winners, Spirit award and Age Champions will be announced at the following school assembly.

When: Thursday mornings
Where: GSCC Oval (Enter via May St Gate)
What time: 7:00am - 7:40am
What is it: Athletics /endurance running and or walking training
Who is it for: All students and teachers
Permission: Students will need to collect a permission note from the office
Cost: Free
How often: Come occasionally or as many sessions as you like
Equipment: Running shoes, comfortable clothing, water bottle
Prizes: Weekly lucky door prize of $10 canteen voucher
2 major awards at Sports Award Evening later in 2022
Information: See Mr Guest for any information/ questions

Term 2 2022 Training Program:

Week 1:
200m repeats x 5 (x 3 sets - 1 min walk/ jog between repeats, 200m walk/ jog between sets).

Week 2:
800m repeats x 4 x 1 set - 2 min walk/ jog between repeats).

Week 3:
500m repeats x 3 (x 2 sets - 2 min walk/ jog between repeats, 400m walk/ jog between sets).

Week 4:
Pyramid: 200m, 400m, 600m, 800m, 600m, 400m, 200m. (1 min walk/ jog between repeats).

Week 5:
400m repeats x 4 (x 2 sets - 2 min walk/ jog between repeats, 400m walk/ jog between sets).

Week 6:
300m repeats x 5 (x 2 sets - 1 min walk/ jog between repeats, 200m walk/ jog between sets).

Week 7:
Pyramid: 200m, 400m, 600m, 800m, 600m, 400m, 200m. (1 min walk/ jog between repeats).

Week 8:
200m repeats x 5 (x 3 sets - 1 min walk/ jog between repeats, 200m walk/ jog between sets).

Week 9:
3000m (alternate striding 100m, jogging 100m)

Week 10:
600m repeats x 5 (x 1set - 2 min walk/ jog between repeats).

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00am
Thursday 2:30pm - 3:30pm
N.B Uniforms will not be sold outside of Uniform Shop hours

Online Order Form

Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your order to be ready.
Payment can be taken upon collection of the order or over the phone.