Recently the College had a visit from our Executive Director Ms Jacqui Francis and she reminded me that in our work we sometimes need to take time to reflect on the things we should Stop, Start or Keep doing. It is true in our own personal life as it is easy to get on the spinning wheel of our daily existence and not take the time to reflect on the things in our life that bring us joy and those activities that perhaps are not life-giving. Christian meditation or prayer experiences such as Lectio, Audio or Visio Divina are invitations to stop and bring God into our lives. This week our Teachers participated in a Prayer workshop, led by our APRE Ms Mel Puxty. It was an opportunity for us to reflect on our ‘Good Shepherd’ story and consider how we live out the qualities of the Good Shepherd Jesus in our school and in our personal life. Perhaps you might like to consider what you need to Stop, Start or Keep doing.

We had a fun day on Wednesday celebrating Rodeo Week with a themed Cafe breakfast and our Rodeo Dress Up day at Assembly. Congratulations to all of our Year level winners.

As we prepare for the celebrations of Rodeo and related events this weekend, I would like to encourage our Parents to speak to their students about safety at events such as concerts and Rodeo events where they may be gathering in their social networks. Here are some tips for safe partying for our young people:

• Have clear discussions about where they are going; who they are going with; what time they are coming home and all the travel arrangements;
• Have a back-up plan for them if travel arrangements fall through; perhaps have a ‘code word’ that they can use to signal that they need to be picked up urgently;
• Discuss with your student access to money, mobile phones and transport if they get into any difficulty;
• Talk to your student about the dangers of alcohol and drug-taking - establish clear expectations and curfews;
• Encourage your student to stay with their friends and keep an eye on each other throughout the night;
• Encourage your child to stick with their friends and look out for each other;
• Finally - discuss self-protective behaviour with your student.

Our School TV has a wealth of great resources for talking to your son or daughter about safe partying. Please take some time to navigate the invaluable information.

External Exam Preparation

External examinations for Year 12 are coming up in Term 4 for all general subjects. These examinations are created and marked by QCAA. Students' grades from the examination will contribute towards their overall subject result. The examinations for Maths and Science subjects will equate to 50% of a student's grade in that subject. 

Students have been preparing for these examinations throughout their Senior schooling. Our teachers have undergone training in the QCAA’s Assessment modules and have been implementing their learnings throughout the grades.  Student's assessments across Year 11 have also mirrored their assessments in Year 12 which has provided them with not only the knowledge of the syllabus but the skills needed to complete this external examination. 

Later this term, we will begin an intensive program designed to prepare students for their external exams. This will occur in each of the general subjects during their timetabled classes.

There will also be a 'mock exam block' in Week 9 of this term which will mirror the duration and style of examinations that students will complete in Term 4. The school administered mock exams will be delivered for each General Subject.  These have been produced by QCAA. The teachers will mark these examinations and will provide students with in-depth feedback on how to improve. 

In Term 4 students will have 3 weeks at the College before their exams begin in Week 4. These 3 weeks have been left for examination prep and skill development. 

If students are concerned about their preparation for these examinations or require additional assistance we recommend that they contact their classroom teacher as soon as possible.  

Year 11, 2022 SET Plan Meetings

Compass Conference bookings will open soon for SET Plan Meetings. These will take place with students, families and a member of the College Tracking Team in Week 7 (22-26 August). Each interview will be approximately 30 minutes, and a parent or guardian must attend this meeting for all students.

As you may be aware, in Queensland, students must be "learning or earning" for two years after they complete Year 10 OR they must complete a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), QCIA, Senior Statement or Certificate III or IV.

In the senior phase of learning (Years 10-12) students can choose from a wide range of learning options that will help them when they leave school whether they are planning to go to university, TAFE, take up an apprenticeship or get a job.

To assist with the transition into Year 11, all Year 10 students across Queensland develop a senior education and training (SET) plan. A SET plan is a confidential document that students will develop, in consultation with their parents/carers and key staff at Good Shepherd to map their learning and career pathways. These SET plans help students to:

•  set & achieve learning goals in Years 11 & 12
•  include flexible pathway options in their senior course of study
•  think about their education, training and career options after Year 12
•  structure their learning around abilities, interests & ambitions
•  communicate with parents, teachers & guidance officers about learning pathways &  post-school plans.

In preparation for this meeting, we have compiled this pathways planning information presentation to outline the SET Planning process, and senior school journey. Please take some time to look through the slides and write down any questions you might have so that we can discuss them at your meeting.

To book an interview please login to your Compass Parent Portal. If you have any questions or concerns (or need help booking!), you can email me, or contact the College office on (07) 4749 9400. Bookings will close this Thursday, 18 August.

QMEA/WIMARQ Girls Mentoring Program

Last week I traveled to Brisbane with Amy Jones, Sienna Te Wani, Renee Moran and Mirari Villanueva for the Finale of the 2022 QMEA/WIMARQ Girls Mentoring Program. This program provided the girls with an opportunity to boost their confidence, network with others within the resources field and gain career perspective. Nominations for the 2023 program will open in the coming months, and I would encourage Year 12 female students to apply.

Queensland girls poised to become resources’ next leaders and innovators
August 4, 2022

Queensland’s potential resources’ superstars of tomorrow are being carefully moulded by the leaders of today through a unique six-month female mentoring program which concluded in Brisbane today.

A cohort of 20 Year 12 students from across Queensland celebrated the finale of this year’s Girls in Resources Life Skills (GIRLS) Mentoring Program, an annual initiative delivered by the Queensland Resources Council’s Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

The purpose of the program is to connect knowledgeable women in resources with female students who want to know more about career opportunities in the sector.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said this year’s female students from QMEA-associated schools across Queensland have kick-started their way to a rewarding career in resources as well as boosted their life skills like networking, communication, and confidence.

“Over the past six months, these young students have been guided and inspired during regular meetings with their individually-matched, female industry mentors who have imparted invaluable professional and personal advice,” Ms Jones said.

“This mentoring program, now in its fourth year, plays an essential role in the industry’s efforts to attract more young females into resources and energy.

“By having successful role models from various specialties across the industry give these students first-hand insight into the different exciting and rewarding career opportunities on offer, we hope this year’s group of young women will go on to become the Queensland resources sector’s next leaders and innovators.”

QRC Chief Executive, Mr Ian Macfarlane praised the GIRLS Mentoring Program in a speech at today’s finale, saying it is helping young females create valuable and lasting relationships while learning about the increasing diversity of roles and professions on offer in the resources sector.

“Women currently make up 20% of the resources and energy sector’s workforce, which is an impressive 53% increase in the past six years and the result of deliberate and strategic targets and actions by companies across our industry,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Our industry continues to go from strength to strength in the diversity and inclusion space, and this program would not be the success it is without our generous platinum sponsor Rio Tinto, and further support from BHP and the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Coronado Global Resources, Idemitsu Australia, and South32.”

This morning, ahead of the finale celebration, mentees had an opportunity to visit Rio Tinto’s Brisbane office and hear directly from other experienced professionals about their education and training pathways to a prosperous career in resources.

Rio Tinto’s General Manager – Operational Excellence and WIMARQ Co-Chair Sally Rayner said the GIRLS Mentoring Program offers guidance and support to young women at a pivotal time in their schooling journey.

“Engaging with students in their last year at high school allows these passionate and aspiring young women to make informed decisions about their own tertiary education or training pathways,” Ms Rayner said.

“The GIRLS Mentoring Program has seen a year-on-year increase in the number of applicants since it first launched in 2019, and this just proves how important initiatives like this are for the future of the resources sector.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with over 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Week 5 Focus:  Lockers

PB4L Rewards Outing

Last week we had the PB4L Rewards Outing for students who received 20 or more praise notes in Semester One.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to attend ten pin bowling. However, the students chose to go to the Buff’s Club for a sit-down lunch and we then did a quick trip out to Lake Moondarra.  It was a great way to have students from different year levels sharing a meal, celebrating their achievements and having some well-deserved time off campus.

In this edition of SchoolTV - PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & EXERCISE

In the last decade, children’s participation in physical activity and exercise has been in decline. In this digital age, children are using computers and mobile devices, not only for learning, but for relaxation and recreation purposes. This sedentary lifestyle is having a detrimental effect on today’s youth. The key is finding the balance.

Research shows, that regular physical activity and exercise leads to changes in the brain. It improves cognitive function, elevates mood, enhances learning and improves academic outcomes. Playing sport helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. Parents play an important role in helping children establish positive habits that will benefit their children in the long-term.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice relating to the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, as well as tips on how to get their kids motivated and moving more.

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 Physical Activity & Exercise edition of SchoolTV.

SchoolTV Newsletter

Wave Model

The Year 11 Physics class were charged with the responsibility of producing a model of a standing wave. The students were given a large bag of sour patch kids jubes, a roll of gaffer tape, and a packet of wooden skewers.

After viewing the You tube clip the students set about making a wave that allowed them to demonstrate all the properties of waves that they were learning about.

GSCC and St Joeys Cloncurry Soccer

Next Friday Good Shepherd will host a Junior Soccer game with our friends from St Joseph's Catholic School Cloncurry. The game will be on Friday 19th of August from 1pm followed by a BBQ, families and friends are welcome to come along. This game will be a great way to connect with our neighbouring school and will also serve as a trial for a combined Junior representative team in the upcoming Catholic Schools Soccer Carnival in Burdekin later this Term. Students interested in participating in this game are encouraged to collect a permission note from the office! 

Swimming Carnival

The Sports Department is hard at work in preparation for our annual Swimming Carnival in week 8 of this Term, 1st September. This will see another great day for our students to get involved, compete and show house spirit in their respective houses. Race nominations begin in week 7 during house assembly. 

Representative Netball

Over the last few weeks, our students have been selected for a number of representative opportunities. A massive congratulations to the following students.

Northern Mendi Rays State Title Team - Rilee Webber, Zoe Ryder, Ally Haddon & Chelsea Barlow
First Nations Vicki Wilson Cup Team - Trinity Ottaviano 
International Junior Netball U14 Squad - Aaliyah Poihipi

Aaliyah will be part of a select team to tour Fiji and compete in test matches against their national team in December 2023, followed by touring England and France in January 2024. She will have the opportunity to be coached by high level coaching staff made up of ex-Australian Netball players and will undoubtedly be an experience of a lifetime. 

Cowboys Development Visit

Players from Year 7 through to Year 12 were lucky enough to take part in a Cowboys Development Session this week at the College. Before undertaking some skills training, the boys were spoken to about the genuine pathways that are available to them in rugby league and that there are no shortcuts to success in the game. 

The Development Officers also stressed to the boys that with the right attitude to training and their education, they are putting themselves in the best position for success in the game and life. Thank you to Mr. Young for organising the visit which will hopefully become a regular part of our school rugby league calendar. 

School of Origin Rugby League – GSCC vs Spinifex

Congratulations to the GSCC Senior Rugby League who defeated Spinifex in a series winning victory, 32-14, last Thursday in game 2 of our School of Origin Series. With a number of key outs, the boys had to adopt a next man up mentality with some players going above and beyond with their efforts whilst playing out of position. 

Asesela Naituku was brilliant out of dummy half in defence and ran away with a 70 metre try in the second half to put the game out of Spinifex’s reach. Special mention goes to Talvin Aukuso who was awarded Man of the Match for continuously putting his hand up for the tough carries coming out of our own end. 

Our U13 and U15 teams continue to grow at training and in their games without getting the winning result. Both teams were beaten by Spinifex last week, but the commitment, toughness and desire that each player has shown has been brilliant to see in both games. 

All three grades will play once again next Thursday the 18th of August from 3:50pm onwards at Alec Inch Oval on Thomson Street. Please come down and support these boys as there is still plenty to play for, as a win in all three grades will mean GSCC would secure the combined School of Origin Trophy. 

GSCC Rugby League would like to use this avenue to once again thank Brumby’s Mount Isa, 2Seas Catering, Mobilise, The Buffs Club, P & F Association and Robbie Katter: Member for Traeger for their valuable donations to our team. 

Congratulations Hadley and Lianna

Year 11 Student Lianna Woodsbey has recently commenced a school based apprenticeship with Sandvik.  Lianna will study for a Certificate III in Engineering.

Year 12 Student Hadley Plumb has commenced her traineeship with Happy Valley Kindergarten and will study for a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

This week’s Careers Corner Newsletter:

Good Shepherd Striders Running Club                

When: Thursday mornings. Recommencing Week 2, July 21 ,2022.
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.
Information: See Mr Guest for any information/ questions. 

Term 3 2022 Training Program:

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).