On Wednesday of this week we celebrated School Officers’ Day at Good Shepherd Catholic College. Our teacher aides in the classroom, front office staff, and people such as our Careers Officer, Chaplain and Groundstaff are the ‘glue’ that holds our school together. Their daily assistance in all areas of the school is invaluable for the teachers to be able to do their job. Their patience, attention to detail and care for our students does not go unnoticed and we thank them for the many ways they contribute to the success of our school.

Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners

Last week we announced our Spirit Of Catholic Education Award winners. Here is an excerpt from each of their nominations:

Mrs Fiona Coghlan

“Fiona always presents a positive attitude to the students and staff. Her attention to detail allows students to gain valuable opportunities for experiences to explore vocations and careers. Fiona has been able to establish partnerships between the community of Mount Isa and abroad and our College which has benefitted many of our students. Fiona personifies many aspects of Saint Mary Mackillop's quote "Never see a need without doing something about it".”

Ms Yvonne Van Den Worm

“Yvonne is an outstanding Guidance Counsellor. She is an expert in her field and is absolutely committed to improving the mental and emotional wellbeing of the students in the College. Yvonne works always from a 'team' perspective, supporting and advising the Pastoral and Administration Leaders in the best practice for supporting students with learning or socio-emotional difficulties.

Yvonne has worked with many students and families to access external agencies to ensure they receive the best possible care. Yvonne has managed to make extensive contacts with support services which have benefited our students. Yvonne has a strong faith and is a regular participant in our Staff Prayer and Lenten/Advent Programs. She demonstrates strong Christian values and this is obvious in her caring and compassionate work with young people. Yvonne espouses the ideals of Catholic education, in the way she instills hope in the young people she meets. Yvonne is an outstanding role-model to others and demonstrates excellence in team work which supports and builds Catholic education.

Have a blessed week.

Kathleen McCarthy

Year 10 Semester 2 Senior Subject Trials 

The Year 10 students have an opportunity in Semester 2 to trial subject selections for Year 11. This opportunity provides students with an idea of what to expect in Year 11 and 12. Please have some conversations at home on future career pathways and subjects that your child is interested in, leading up to Semester 2.  

Different pathways are available post-schooling, and as such students need to assess their interests, strengths and talents to make an informed subject selection decision. 

The subject selection that students make over the coming weeks and into Semester 2  will set them up for success in Senior Schooling. We have high expectations of our Seniors and we look forward to working with our Year 10 students and their families throughout the coming months, as students develop their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans. 

While we want students to choose wisely, we do acknowledge that knowing what they want to do at this stage is often challenging. The Semester 2 electives program will assist students in picking the right subjects for 2023.  Check out the Careers Ladders, which can be helpful too.

Students are asked to make a choice of six subjects (one Maths, one English, one Religion and three electives).  Students can consider one of the following pathways for Senior Schooling: 

•       An academic pathway (QCE and ATAR) must include at least 4 General Subjects (with a recommendation of 5 General Subjects). This pathway is best suited for students who would like to participate in tertiary study at university, as it will best prepare them for direct tertiary entrance into competitive courses. It is important to review course prerequisites when considering subject selections. QTAC can be a valuable site to visit. 

•       A Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) pathway. This is best referred to as the vocational pathway, which can include any combination of subjects (fewer than 4 General Subjects). Students who select this pathway will have the flexibility to complete Certificates that are offered at the College or TAFE, work experience and participate in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. This pathway prepares students for further courses after school or entry into employment. 

Do some research, talk to people in the industry, and make good use of Curriculum Leaders, teachers, and our Careers Advisers.

Year 10 Senior Subject Trials

Subject Selection forms for Semester 2 Senior Subject Trials opened last Friday. A reminder that students need to complete this form as soon as possible this week.

End of Term Schedule

The final day for Term 2 is Friday 24 June. As always, we will end the term with a number of activities followed by a BBQ. Families are most welcome to join us for the BBQ, which will take place outside the Cafe. School will conclude for the day at 1pm. The full schedule for the last day of school is below:

Compass Parent Portal

It’s the time of term again for me to remind families to check Compass logins. 

Semester 1 Report Cards will be uploaded on the last day of school. Parent Teacher Interview bookings will open once Report Cards have been released.

If you are having issues logging into Compass, please contact the office as soon as possible so they can assist.

Term 2 Year 10 Exam Block

A reminder that Year 10 Exam Block commences on Monday.

Monday 13 June – Wednesday 15 June 2022
Exam Room – LCC      |     Study Room – F1/F2

Exam block is not free time and all Year 10 students should be studying/completing assessment at home; studying quietly in the Study Room or completing an exam during the three day block. If students have overdue assessment, they are expected to attend school for the duration of the exam block.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Week 8 Focus: Front Office / Tuckshop

The Front Office and Tuckshop areas require that students are always behaving responsibly and safely at all times as they are areas that are often shared with lots of other members of the community.  We often need to remind students about lining up patiently and waiting for their turn to be served.  We also want to ensure that students know that they must always sign in and out of the office when arriving late or departing early. 

Reminders for Students and Families

Lateness

As the Term has progressed, there has been a large number of students arriving to the College after the first bell (8:25am). Our expectation is that students are lined up outside their classroom when the bell sounds for the beginning of Homeroom at 8:30am. Unless students have a dated note from their parents /carers with an explanation for their lateness, they will be issued with a detention should they arrive late to school.  Three late to school detentions in a two-week period will result in an after-school detention.

Leaving the College Throughout the Day

Students are not permitted to leave the College without having a permission note from a parent/carer, which is signed, dated and states a reason. The student must present this note to the College Office. Students must also be signed out of the College Office by a parent or carer and not just meet their a parent in the carpark.

Food and Drink Items not Permitted at the College

A reminder that students are not permitted to consume soft drink, energy drinks, frozen and hot drinks, and takeaway foods during breaks at the College. If a student is found with one of these, they will be asked to put it in the bin immediately.  If you need to bring your child lunch during the day, please take it to the College Office, and they can notify the student. Students should not be waiting at the front of the College for lunches to be delivered.

With the cool weather starting we have also seen an increase in students bringing 2-minute cup noodles for lunch. These are not permitted as the boiling water poses a work place health and safety risk. 

In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL REFUSAL

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

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 school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV

Why Study Art?

There are opportunities for self-exploration and self-expression, the chance to broaden horizons, build mental focus, physical dexterity, reduce stress, and increase personal enjoyment. 

From Page to Stage

Year 7's have been working hard on their script writing before they will present a performance.

Open Night

Come to the GSCC Open Night and watch them perform!  It’s on the 15th of July from 4:30 to 6pm

These are some of the Trophies awarded to our talented Art students in the field of Music and Drama. 

Save the Dates

Drama Workshop with Clint Bolster from Homunculus Theatre
For all students enrolled in Drama 12th July 2022

High School Musical 

26th August at 6:30pm for 7:00pm start - Lumen Christi Centre

27th August at 1:00pm (Matinee) and 6:30pm for 7:00pm start - Lumen Christi Centre

Careers Week - Guest Speakers

Last week our students were able to learn more about a range of professions.  

A BIG thanks to all of our presenters for taking time out of their busy days to share their experiences and job information with students:

• Health, including medicine, physio, occupational therapist, social worker, Police/ Law Enforcement - JCU and the Mount Isa Police Department did an amazing job covering ALL topics in 30 minutes!

• Electrical, Boilermaking, Diesel Fitting - Glencore Mount Isa Mines - Simon Wilcox

• Solicitor / Law - Anderson Telford Lawyers - Holly Trentin and Micheal Barclay

• Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships - Zoe Douglas

The Ugly Chaplain

I look in the mirror and I think to myself, “God you’re ugly.” I see a picture of myself and think “God you’re ugly” but there is not much I can do about how I look.

I go to the gym but I like to eat and have a drink so I’ll never have a body like Chris Hemsworth and unless I get a truck load of plastic surgery I’ll never look like Brad Pitt. So, when it comes to looks I’m a rotten apple on the ground compared to the shiny new fruit on the branches.

So, if you have limited ability to change your appearance then how can you ever be beautiful?

The first thing you have to do is define what beautiful means because there is a difference between a beautiful person and an attractive one.  An attractive person is one who is appealing to look at while beauty is more a collection of features.

You may think that you are not as attractive as others around you but that does not make you less beautiful. In fact you should be looking to surround yourself with people who see the beauty in you.

Attractiveness is superficial and fades whereas beauty shines through long after attractiveness has disappeared. So what can you do if you don’t think you're attractive?

Well, you can do a little bit with your outside, like dress nicely, stay fit and healthy, and keep yourself manicured. However, you can do plenty to work on your insides to make you more beautiful.

When I was a young man at school there was a girl a couple of grades below me who was not as attractive as other girls at school. However, she had a beauty that radiated from within her.

That’s the thing with beauty, it makes you shine from the inside because you are happy, confident and love the person you are. In fact you can’t fully love someone else until you truly love yourself because until you do you will settle for less than you deserve.

If you think the person you are with is more beautiful than you then you cede control of your relationship to them. It is something that domestic violence perpetrators prey on, by making you feel inferior you stay because you feel you are lucky to have them and allow them to dominate you.

To love yourself you need to be happy with who you are as a person and that, for some of us, can take a long time. So, the earlier you start the earlier you will reach that stage and the better your life, and relationships will be.

Learning to love yourself means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness, it means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others.

That girl I spoke of earlier, she kept fit and made sure she was always well-dressed and manicured. What made her beautiful though was the confidence she had in herself and who she was. At such a young age that was a gift but most were jealous and said she was “up herself”.

She had lots of friends though because they wanted to be around her because of her confidence and self-assuredness. It helped them feel the same way about themselves.

There’s a game I know people play called kiss, kill and marry; which I don’t like but let’s take a look at it. Obviously, the kill is someone you don’t like but the other two explain my point. You want to kiss the one who is attractive but marry the one who is beautiful, one is short-term, the other long-term.

It is essentially the difference between lust and love. When you’re young testosterone and estrogen kick in almost anytime an attractive boy or girl walks past. It stems from our evolutionary need to reproduce; so it is hard to control (any male remembering their teenage years will testify to that).

Attraction is driven by the parts of the brain that control reward behaviour and release dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They can make you so giddy, energetic and euphoric that you have a decreased appetite and insomnia; in other words, you can be so “in love” that you can’t eat or sleep.

It is the reason the first few weeks or months of a relationship can be so exhilarating and all-consuming.

However, long -term relationships are built predominantly on attachment which is led mainly by a chemical called oxytocin; nicknamed ‘the cuddle hormone.”

68% of teenage girls think they are less attractive than the average girl let alone looking like Bella Hadid or Beyonce. So what is it that Beyonce is most concerned about passing onto her daughter Blue; is it make-up secrets, hair tips or fashion advice?

"My biggest thing is to teach her not to focus on the aesthetic. It's really about who you are, and the human being that makes you beautiful."

National Reconciliation Week

In Week 6, we celebrated the beginning of National Reconciliation Week with a special Reconciliation Week Assembly. Special guest Rodney Kumsing, a proud Gangalidda man, delivered a deep, breathtaking performance of the didgeridoo as we all entered the assembly and sat in our seats.

Our Emerging Leaders then spoke passionately about the 2022, National Reconciliation Week theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” and discussed how National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year, think of how you can be brave and make a change to a more reconciled Australia? What can you do as part of your daily lives - where you live, work, play and socialise?

Jangawala

Also In Week 6, on Sunday, our Emerging Leaders volunteered to prepare and serve food at the Jangawala Drop-In Centre located at the Good Shepherd Parish. The service is run by the North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services (NWQICSS) and aims to ensure that people who are less fortunate are provided with one nutritious meal daily. 

Our masterchef Emerging Leaders expertly prepared Spaghetti Bolognese, Butter Chicken with Rice and Curried Sausages with Rice in three different groups, with help from parents and staff. It was an engaging and enjoyable day. All of our students undertook the theme of community and embraced their own leadership, as “Leadership must first and foremost meet the needs of others”. 

We all look forward to being able to help out again, as we know getting a nutritious hot meal can make all the difference, especially in this colder weather and a special thank you to Travis for dropping off the food, Clynton Munns and Vanessa Munns for assisting with cooking and Lynn and Emali for dropping in extra meals.

Mabo Movie Night 

Last Friday marked the 30th Anniversary of the Mabo Decision. We honoured and celebrated Eddie Koiki Mabo for his victory of the Native Title Act 1993, proving terra nullius legal fiction by hosting a special movie night. 

‘Mabo’ a heartwarming retelling of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s life was watched by families and staff who enjoyed a serving of delicious pizza and popcorn. Before the movie, sitting around the firepit, an unforgettable tribute was shared by Mrs Pelly Morganson on the significance of Mabo Day and our Emerging Leaders also honoured Eddie Koiki Mabo with a reflection and a heartfelt tribute poem.

Thank you to all who attended on the night, for it truly was a memorable evening. It was such a great opportunity for our Emerging Leaders to experience the movie together, and also to connect with and meet some of our beautiful families. Thanks again!

Good News Stories

Good Shepherd is blessed to have many talented athletes. Further, our Emerging Leaders are constantly involved in community sport.

We have three deadly NRL fans and players at our school that definitely bring their team-work and enthusiasm into the classroom! 

Denan, Taige and Ryan all play in the Mount Isa Rugby League and have represented Mount Isa at various levels across the last few years. 

Taige & Denan play for Wanderers and Ryan plays for Brothers. Taige and Denan are looking to be the future props of the Queensland team! While Ryan aspires to carry the second row. 

Below is a Q&A completed by our three Year 7 Emerging Leaders.

First Historical Dress up Day in GSCC

On Monday 6 June we celebrated Historical Character Dress Up Day. Students and staff dressed up as historical figures. It was a very enjoyable day with numerous students and staff dressing up. The characters they represented were all important historical figures. Among the characters on the day were a Suffragette, Amelia Earhart, a Plague doctor, Cleopatra, Princess Diana, a Viking and Jesus. It was a really good event and all the participants had a lot of fun. It also highlighted the importance of history and appreciating the value of having some knowledge of the past. Of course, 6 June was chosen because it is D Day when the Allies landed in France during WW2 and commenced the liberation of Western Europe.
Greg Blake
Curriculum Leader - Humanities

“Well done!” to all our student and staff “Historical Dress up Day” participants and congratulations to our Historical Dress Up Contest winners. Winners’ names will be published in the newsletter next week. Stay tuned until then for more photos of the event. 

As the end of Term approaches, the Sports Department would like to thank everyone involved in the many exciting events throughout Term 2. We also look forward to the many upcoming opportunities in Term 3 such as; Interschool Athletics Carnival, Interschool Rugby League, Interhouse Swimming Carnival and the Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball teams travelling to Mackay to compete with the very best in Queensland. 

Interschool Netball

Last Friday was the final round for our Interschool Netball Tri-series which saw GSCC fall short in claiming the title. Both teams competed at a high level, showcasing their skills and competitiveness in all three matches. Congratulations to Spinifex State College as they claim the 2022 Interschool Netball Overall winners. A big thank you to our staff and parents who came down to support our teams throughout all 3 rounds and thank you Mount Isa Basketball for hosting our events. 

QPS Reconciliation Week Event

Last Friday, Uncle George and QPS hosted a Reconciliation Week event at the Touch Fields. The Sports Department took a very keen group of Year 9’s to compete against other schools and community groups to celebrate community and reconciliation. Thank you to QPS, Mount Isa Touch and all who helped organise a great community event. Additionally, thank you to our Year 12 coaches, Amy Haddon, Darcy Webber and Sela Naituku.

Interschool Athletics

Our Interschool Athletics event will be held on Thursday Week 2 of Term 3 (21st of July), with nomination forms being handed out shortly. These will be due Week 1 in Term 3. If students do not bring back their note, another student will be asked to take their place. 

Expression of interest: if any parents have experience in managing athletic events and are able to assist as a volunteer in any way please contact me by email (below).

Upcoming Events

Challenge Games:

There is an expression of interest for any athletes who may be interested in gaining a National or Provisional Classification (Physical Impairments), to compete in para athletics and those up for National Reviews.  An opportunity will occur for athletes with a physical impairment during the Challenge Games to be classified face to face by an assessor. Students who are interested will need to complete an Expression of Interest Form located on the Athletics North Queensland website.  Details are still being finalised. A good contact to talk to if you need more info is Lynne Derry.  She is an organiser of the Challenge Games and will be able to give you more information about it.  Lynne's contact details are lynne@thechallengegames.com.au.

Outback QLD Masters:

Please see the flyer below for more information on Free Junior Golf Clinics in July.

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).

Term 2 College fees were due on the 7th of June 2022. Thank you to those families who have paid or who have organized a payment plan.

Accounts are generated on a per Term basis and are emailed out to each individual debtor on the account. It is an expectation that accounts are paid on time. If you are not currently on a payment plan but would like to organize one, please call the College and speak with the Finance Manager or email accounts@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

The College’s preferred payment options are BPAY or PAYWAY. Your BPAY reference number can be found on the top right of your fee statement. For more information on our PAYWAY deductions (Direct Debit or Credit Card Payments) please contact the College.

Centrelink Concession Cards

Good Shepherd Catholic College offers a discount on tuition fees for families who have a current Centrelink Concession Card (NB conditions apply). If you have not already made the College aware that you have a card, please bring it into the office asap. A discount will then be applied to the following Terms fees, for more information on Concession amounts please contact the College.

Concessions

We understand that in these uncertain times people’s lives can change dramatically in a short period of time. We are here to support families who may be suffering financial hardship and who may be in need of fee relief. If you feel that you are unable to meet our payment deadlines and are genuinely experiencing hardship, please contact the College to organize a time with the Principal, to discuss the possibility of a concession. 

College Fees for 2022

There are different charges for students in different year levels at the College.There are also levies that are charged on a per family basis and discounts on tuition fees for multiple students attending the College. Below for your convenience is a list of fees for different family Scenarios.

New students to the College (Yr8-Yr12) will be charged an additional $20 lock hire fee.