Over the past week, we have had a number of students represent the College at various events.

Thank you to all who attended the WIMARQ International Women’s Day Breakfast last Wednesday. This was a wonderful event celebrating the 2023 IWD Theme of “Embrace Equity”.

Congratulations to Lianna Woodsbey and Lisa Hennessey for the wonderful work they are doing with QMEA this year. The girls attended the QRC/WIMARQ International Women's Day Breakfast in Brisbane last week as they were nominated in the 2023 Resources Awards in the category of Exceptional Female QMEA Student. In very exciting news, Lianna was the recipient of this award (shared) and Lisa was announced as the runner up. This is a wonderful achievement for Lianna and Lisa and we are very proud of them both.

GSCC Alumni News

Congratulations to Jamie Ahearn, 2021 Graduate who has been announced as one of the recipients of a QCoal Foundation Scholarship. It’s always great to hear the wonderful achievements of our past students! To register to be part of the GSCC Alumni click here: GSCC Alumni

Here is an excerpt from the Media Release:

First year Environmental Science and Management student Jamie Ahearn said he was thrilled to be named as the recipient of the $30,000 QCoal Foundation Scholarship. “My parents were also extremely happy and very proud of my achievement. I owe them so much for the support over the years,” he said. “This scholarship will greatly aid me in funding my tertiary education and will allow me to focus my efforts on my study.” Hailing from Mt Isa, Mr Ahearn said he had a strong interest in land and water management and spent the past year working as an environmental technician within the mining industry in his hometown. “I had the opportunity to conduct a wide variety of environmental monitoring alongside industry professionals, as well as learn about the greater mining industry,” he said. “This was a truly gratifying and eye-opening experience for me as a young person. “After graduation, I would be keen to work either as an environmental advisor in the mining industry or as a hydrologist/hydrogeologist.”

QCoal Foundation CEO Sylvia Bhatia said this year’s scholarship selection process was even more challenging than usual with a strong mix of candidates including those from disciplines and areas not previously well-represented. “We were overwhelmed with great candidates this year, including students from north-west Queensland – an area where we have historically had fewer applicants,” Ms Bhatia said.  “The Scholarship Committee and the QCoal Foundation Board were again impressed with the achievements and approach of the students applying and, in particular, their interest in solving the challenges facing rural and remote Queensland.

“This year’s recipient Jamie Ahern is the first of our scholarship cohort to study Environmental Science and we were impressed with his commitment to this field, honed through his recent work experience in his hometown of Mt Isa. These recipients, and all of the applicants, provide strong reassurance that the future of rural and remote Queensland looks bright,” she said.

Above: Jamie Ahearn pictured with another QCoal Recipient Isabella Tritton.

Follow up from last week:

Last week I provided details of an upcoming webinar regarding the harms of vaping. Click on the link for more details and to register: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/vapingwebinar

Share your thoughts on Catholic Education The Queensland Catholic Education Commission 

Dear Parents and Carers

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is conducting an important survey with parents and carers about the Catholic education system in Queensland. QCEC would appreciate your feedback via a short online survey to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence families in choosing a Catholic school. QCEC are working with Market & Communications Research and the Online Research Unit to compile feedback. You can complete the survey online by clicking on the link below. All responses are anonymous. The survey closes Monday 20 March.

Survey Link

Thank you for your contribution.

2023 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All our students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. The short five-minute survey asks graduates about the study and work they have been doing since finishing school. The results from the survey help our school improve our senior programs and prepare students for work and further study.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

ASSESSMENT PREPARATIONS

The distribution of assessment calendars at the beginning of the term allows for a proactive approach to dealing with stress around assessment submission time. This provides us as teachers, students and parents with the opportunity to forward plan our time to meet the allocated due times. In meeting these due dates students can often describe the process as “stressful”. Stress is a natural part of being human. It is one of the ways that our body’s prepare us to face challenging situations. Below are a few tips to help effectively manage time and avoid unproductive stress:

• Create a list of what needs to be done, and then break it down further by writing what needs to be done for each item. Ensure it is manageable and achievable. 
• Use a diary or notebook to keep track of important dates and deadlines.
• Work in 20 - 30 minute chunks and then allow yourself some time to have a break. Limiting distractions to break times makes the time you are working more productive.
• Ask for help if it's not working. Time management is a skill, and like any skill, it takes work and help to master it.

Parents who are concerned about their child are encouraged to contact the relevant Pastoral Leader and inform us, so that we can support you and your child. 

Term 2 Parent |Teacher |Student Interviews

At Good Shepherd, we strongly believe in a three-way partnership between Parents, Teachers and Students, and value communication between this partnership. Parent | Teacher | Student interviews will take place on Tuesday 2nd May (Week 3, Term 2). Bookings for these interviews will be made through the Compass Parent Portal (either phone or desktop versions) and will open at 5pm on Thursday 30th March, after the Term 1 Report Cards have been uploaded to Compass. The bookings will close at midday on Friday 28th April. 

Please see the information below to assist with making your bookings. 

Term 2 Start Date

The Easter holidays are almost upon us, and it has been an incredibly busy term for all. School resumes for Term 2 on Monday 17th April. 

End of Term 1 Celebrations

Please see below an invitation to join us for our End of Term 1 BBQ and Easter Liturgy. Students will be dismissed from the LCC at 1pm. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

Week 8 Focus: All Locations

This week our PB4L focus is on All Locations:

In All Locations around the College it is really important that students follow what we believe encompasses all of our four PB4L College Expectations:  Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Our Best and Be Christ’s Light.  Many of these expectations are outlined in our College policies and procedures and are the attributes of what it means to be a student of the Good Shepherd Catholic College Community.

Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making it more cost-effective and attractive to young people.

Although under 18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping, contain not only high levels of nicotine, but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.

This Special Report highlights the facts around vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks.

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:
https://goodshepherd.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

CONGRATULATIONS  (drumroll please……….)

LIANNA WOODSBEY AND LISA HENNESSEY

Last week these two inspiring young ladies attended a mentoring program in Brisbane hosted by Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).  During the International Women's Day breakfast at the Brisbane Convention Centre (attended by 1000 people) Lianna was announced as joint winner of QMEA Exceptional Female Student of the Year and Lisa was runner-up.

These are well deserved accolades for Year 12 students Lianna and Lisa.  They worked very hard to put themselves in a position to explore their career pathways, and in particular, by joining this program.

I encourage all of our students to step up and apply for opportunities like this because exposure to these types of programs can truly help you to discover the best career for you.

This is what Lisa and Lianna had to say about their experiences:

Whilst in Brisbane, I had the privilege of attending the QMEA/WIMARQ GIRLS Mentoring Program Launch, and the QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Breakfast. The GIRLS Mentoring Launch consisted of an industry visit to BHP’s head office in the centre of Brisbane, where they talked to us about the energy transition, the positives and negatives of the mining industry and the diversity of roles in the sector. We also underwent ‘mentee training,’ where we learnt how to be engaged listeners and resilient individuals. At the IWD Breakfast and Resources Awards for Women, we celebrated the wonderful women in the mining industry and their contributions that led to these opportunities being open to young women like myself. As well as this, GSCC had two students as finalists for QRC/WIMARQs Exceptional Female QMEA student of 2023, where I received runner-up, and Lianna Woodsbey won.

CONGRATULATIONS LIANNA, it was well deserved!

It is SO IMPORTANT for students to participate in these programs. No matter if you plan on going into an administrative role or a technical role in the resources sector, these programs can give you some incredible insight and opportunities into potential jobs (and employers). Plus, they’re fully funded trips, and will basically be the best thing you’ve ever done in your life. This time last year I had no idea what I wanted to do, or what these programs were. Now I want to be a Mining/Geotechnical Engineer, and have been to Newcastle for an industry camp (ARISE Oresome Minds Camp), am part of the QMEA/WIMARQ GIRLS Mentoring Program and have achieved runner-up Exceptional Female QMEA Student. Honestly, just do it.  Lisa Hennessey

It was amazing!! It is such a terrific workshop to be a part of both the QMEA Ambassador program and the WIMARQ  girls mentoring program. Last week I attended the girls mentoring program for 3 days in Brisbane. I was also nominated for the QMEA Exceptional Young Woman of the Year, along with fellow student Lisa Hennessey. I am very excited to announce that I won that award along with Zoe Delroy from Biloela. 

We networked with our mentors and Wednesday morning, we attended the WIMARQ QRC International Women's Day breakfast. 

It is such an amazing experience, a great thing to put on your resume, and the best thing is, you don't have to be a part of any minerals or energy sector to sign up or nominate. There is no problem giving it a go to see if you like and are interested in the minerals and energy sector. Lianna Woodsbey

GYAN…. getting a head start on Uni

Year 12 student, Gyan Angon, is currently undertaking Introduction to Music Technology with University of Queensland’s Enhanced Studies Program.  Gyan is an extremely talented pianist and this course will give him an idea about what to expect should he decide to further his musical interest by studying at University in the future. Below, Gyan provides an insight into his course and why he enrolled.

I enrolled in Queensland University’s Enhanced Studies Program because I wanted to try and get a taste of what attending university would look like! The course I’ve chosen to do is Music and Technology (MUSC1010). Even if it was online, I was able to experience how tutorials and lectures work in university and the immense stresses there are when trying to hand in a project on time. This course has helped me open a pathway in taking a music course in university next year, something I am looking forward to. Overall I am extremely grateful for the course’s amazing teachers and the musical and practical insight they provide. Gyan Angon

To learn more about these and other careers programs please call in and see Mrs Coghlan or email fcoghlan@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au 

Parents, you are always invited to pop in for a chat about your child’s future and what we can offer to help them get started on their desired pathways.

With a busy start to the netball season around the recent weather, the GSCC Netball Club begins round one of fixtures this week! We would like to take this opportunity to announce the talent in our GSCC Netball teams for this season. This year the club features two junior teams, (Cubs and Roar) and two senior teams (Stars and Fire).  

GSCC Fire is preparing for QISSN 2023, and have already played in Charters Towers for the Columba Catholic Schools Carnival.  The team showed great sportsmanship and resilience throughout the trip, and made it all the way to the Grand Final of the carnival! 

A massive thank you to all those who have supported our teams so far this season, with a special mention to our fantastic coaching team and all those who have completed duties throughout grading.  We are looking forward to watching and supporting our teams this season, go GSCC! 

GSCC Netball managers