As students pass through the halfway mark of the term, it is a good time to remember why we come to school each day. Although the social aspect of school might seem like the most important part of the day, it is crucial that students are actively engaging in their classes, asking questions and completing all tasks (this includes both class, home and assessment work).

The curriculum moves quickly, so attendance really does matter. We understand that there will always be times where students are genuinely unwell or are unable to attend school. Where days like these span over several days please ensure you contact your child’s Homeroom Teacher or Pastoral Leader. They will be able to assist with the communication to classroom teachers. It is important that students who have been absent catch up on any work missed.

We are also noticing a rise in students arriving late to school. It is important that students arrive at school by 8:20am in order to be ready for Homeroom to commence at 8:30am. Homeroom is a really important time of day, where students receive notices and information relating to daily organisation. 

Below are some startling statistics that remind us how important it is for students to attend school on time, every day.

Absence from school

We understand that some absence from school cannot be helped especially if students are sick. However, taking time off from school to attend music festivals, weddings or other social events does prove problematic. While these decisions rest with families, missing one day of school is hard to catch up on - particularly in Year 11 and 12 - let alone missing a week of school.

As a Mount Isa College, we also recognise that travel is part of our student’s lives. At times, we have to travel to access medical appointments or family functions. While we will try and accommodate absence it is not possible for students to simply catch up on a week’s worth of lessons. Catching up is problematic in practical subjects.

Absence in the peak assessment times of a term, or in exam block, is even more challenging and tricky. We cannot allow students to complete all assessments on their return as this may constitute a disadvantage for the rest of the cohort. Again, we will try to be flexible with legitimate absence but there seems to be more and more students missing school at the busiest times of the term.

It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on missed class work, not the teacher’s responsibility.  

For planned absences during assessment time in Year 7-10 students should collect an extension form from the office, and complete and return the form to their teacher with any supporting documentation at least 3 days before the assessment is due.

For planned absences during assessment time in Senior School, approval must be sought from QCAA, and an extension form as well as supporting documentation must be submitted.  

We encourage all students/parents to familiarise themselves with the assessment policy, which can be found on the College website. The policy provides guidelines around student absence from assessment.

Awards Night

The 2022 GSCC Awards Night is fast approaching! It’s a time for students and parents/carers to celebrate your child's academic achievements over the course of this year. If your child is receiving an award, we’d ask that you RSVP by the 9th November via Eventbrite to reserve your seat and that no more than 3 tickets be reserved per student due to limited seating on the night. Emails have been sent out if you are receiving an award, we congratulate you all on your efforts this year and we look forward to celebrating with you.

St Joseph’s Farewell Mass

St Joseph’s is holding a final Family Mass for the year which includes a Blessing of buildings before demolition, held on Sunday 20th November from 11am. GSCC students have been invited to join them at San Jose Library to say goodbye to the building that some of you may have walked through in primary school. They will be having a BBQ and Potluck lunch prior to the Mass. Please RSVP Nikki Henderson by Monday 14th.

Emergency Contact Information update request

Parents could you please update your chrildrens' emergency contact information. College staff have had some instances this year where we have had to make contact for a student, however no current or in town contacts were available. If you believe your emergency contact details are out-of-date, or unsure if they are and wish to ask, please email enquiries@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au. Please do not update details to anyone that is out of town.

Year 9 Science News

This Term in Science the year 9 students have been learning about energy transfers through waves. One of the topics was sound. The students explored how sound traveled in different mediums and applied their knowledge to resonance in different musical instruments.

One of the most interesting instruments was the yidaki/didgeridoo.

Year 7 student Denan Dauncan , a proud Kalkadoon/ Yullunna young man, demonstrated to one year 9 science class  how to make the yidaki resonate at  different frequencies to give low and high pitched sounds.

Denan also shared his knowledge on the cultural protocols of preparing and playing the yidaki . He spoke of how he and his father had prepared a fallen branch and painted it to make the yidaki that he played.