Our Validation as a College was very successful on Monday. Staff, students and parents were asked to share their feedback about our school renewal processes and the Validating panel affirmed our strengths. This process takes place every five years and is an opportunity to develop a strong vision for the school’s growth over the next cycle. Here are the preliminary Commendations and Recommendations from the Panel:

Commendations:

• The Mission and Vision Statements are lived widely throughout the College
• The College is dialogical and sees this as a key school improvement agenda priority
• There is open collaboration across stakeholders in the school
• The school renewal processes are evident (from big picture to where it is part of the daily activities of the school)
• Good reporting of school improvement processes throughout the school
• Staff feedback is valued
• The transition between primary and secondary is handled very well
• The community of the College is a strength of the College
• All of the communication methods used by the school are well received
• Our Positive Behaviour for Learning framework is a great story of school improvement
• The Year 12 Ministry program is another great example of an initiative to bring about improvement

Recommendations:

• Look for an opportunity in Term 4 to seek feedback from stakeholders earlier for the subsequent ASIP 
• Publish widely the yearly Board reporting for the whole community to see
• Consider how the community can be involved in the Retreats
• Give stakeholders more feedback from the surveys conducted
• Consider asking teachers to provide targetted tutoring support 
• Will there be space for quiet study in the new library? Answer - Yes!
• Promote more widely the ASIP and School Renewal Plan
• Consider how the Middle Leaders can play more of a role in the PLP processes

From here the College will be provided a final Validation Report and a School REnewal Plan for 2024-2028 will be developed. We will celebrate the new five year plan with a liturgy for the whole community.

Year 10s SET Plans:

Year 10s have had the opportunity to have a taste of Year 11 and 12 this semester.  

Students should have a somewhat better idea of whether a subject is appropriate for them, and should review their pathways and SET planning before the end of this year.

Selecting subjects that students are good at and enjoy will ensure that they successfully achieve their QCE and pathway after school.

Starting Year 11 in the correct subjects will save students a lot of unnecessary stress and extra work.

Students are encouraged to discuss subject choices with their teachers and Curriculum Leaders.

Choosing the correct subjects:

Considerations when choosing subjects: 

1. Goals. What are you aiming for? Do you have a definite tertiary course in mind? If so, are there any subjects which you must do as prerequisites for entry? 
2.   Enjoyment. Take subjects you enjoy and in which you do well. 
3. Keep your options open. If you are not sure what you want to do after school, then you should keep as many options as possible open, and select a broad range of subjects. 
4. Find out about the subjects you are considering. Before finally deciding on your subjects, discuss your preferences with your parents, members of staff and students. Does the content, style of learning and assessment suit your interests, abilities and goals? 
5. Do some research. Make good use of Curriculum Leaders, teachers, the Careers Adviser, and resources such as: 

• Queensland Job Guide (Careers Room) 
• Queensland Tertiary Courses & the QTAC Tertiary Pre-requisites Guides (Pre-requisite subjects — must be taken for future courses or careers; Recommended subjects — not essential, but may make future courses easie;, Useful subjects — not essential, but give a general background or help develop particular skills). 

6. Applied/VET Subject. Consider an applied or VET subject if you are interested in the content of a particular subject because it relates to future employment or possible TAFE options.

Upcoming Tuckshop Closure

As stated in the Week 3 What’s On @ GSCC Document, the tuckshop will be closed on Monday 7 & Tuesday 8 August. Students must ensure they pack their lunch for those days.

School Website Spotlight

There is a direct link to the GSCC Compass Parent Portal page under the ‘Parent’ section of the school website. I have included some information below to help you effectively navigate and utilise Compass School Manager (for Parents).

Getting the Most out of Compass School Manager

Compass School Manager is the platform used across Townsville Catholic Education to record student data. The parent portal is there for families to use to engage with different aspects of their child’s education.

I will be sending the What’s on @ GSCC Document through Compass from now, and it will remain pinned to your newsfeed for the duration of the week.

What is Compass?

Compass is a school management solution that allows parents and carers to access up-to-date and meaningful information about your school and your child’s progress. Compass includes many different features, including the ability to:

• Monitor your child’s attendance, and enter an explanation for absence or lateness
• Communicate with your child’s teachers, and update your family contact details
• View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
• Monitor your child’s homework and assessment tasks
• Download and view your child’s academic reports
• Book parent-teacher conferences

Please note that you should not be paying school fees using Compass - this feature, although there, is not in use at the College.

If you haven’t done so already, the website linked below provides a wealth of information for families regarding the great features of Compass School Manager. I have also included some images of the most used features below.

Compass Guide for Parents and Families - https://www.compass.education/guide 

Compass Apps

You can download the Compass App on iOS and Android devices, simply search for Compass School Manager in the store.

Using the app you can:

• View the school news feed
• Receive messages from the school
• View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
• View Learning Tasks
• Book parent-teacher conferences
• Add Attendance Notes
• View academic reports

Compass Desktop Site

The home screen provides you with relevant alerts and news, as well as quick access to your child’s profile.

School Calendar

The tools you need to keep track of your students journey through the school gate each day

News

Recent school news items and information relevant to you. This may include newsletters, details of upcoming events.

Your Children

Provides you with a quick summary of available options and highlights a summary of upcoming and overdue tasks.

To access more information click on the relevant quick link or select Profile to access detailed information about your child.

Alerts

Custom notifications for items that require your action or attention. These may include excursion notifications, ordering options for school photos, absence notifications, survey, and student report availability.

Main Menu

Allows you to access other Compass and school resources. The Tools icon allows you to update your contact details and change your password.

Rodeo Dress Up: Week 5

On Wednesday of Week 5 (09/08/23) we will be holding our annual ‘Rodeo dress up’ day at GSCC. Staff and students are encouraged to attend school wearing their best Rodeo get-up. We will have a fashion parade during assembly which all parents are welcome to attend. Winners of best dressed will receive prizes during our Assembly. 

Please feel free to come along and get into the spirit of Mount Isa’s famous Rodeo week. 

SchoolTV:

SPECIAL REPORT: Respectful Language

In today’s world, it is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language around them. It is becoming more common for them to hear derogatory terms or offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. Proliferating the use of such language can sometimes normalise, glamorise and sanitise their impact, taking their meaning out of context. Words can be misconstrued to be hurtful, racist, homophobic, misogynistic or even discriminatory. Using disrespectful language is considered socially unacceptable, and if not addressed early, can become a serious problem.

The use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is actually 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. Therefore, many schools enforce a zero tolerance policy when it comes to such language. Parents and carers also need to play an important role in enforcing this approach by proactively monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to and discussing the use of words or their origin. This can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language being used in the classroom, school yard or other situations.

Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms for attention seeking purposes, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language. As young people develop their language skills, it is important for them to have a clear understanding of the impact of their choice of words on others and how their words can impact other people’s perspective of them - an important and essential skill to learn as they progress in their personal and professional development.

For more information and access to a video which helps to further explores this concern, please click on the following link below: https://goodshepherd.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-respectful-language

A  MASSIVE congratulations to Mikayla Wills on completing her Cert II in Animal Care with CQU. She is the very first GSCC student to complete this program and has definitely set a high standard.

Mulkadee

In early July, the departure of 26 students on their way to a week full of dance, drama and musical events in Townsville. Intensive workshops with industry professionals led the direction of student learning and accompanied an astounding amount of 900 students in a 2 hour performance of Band, Guitar, Strings, Choir, Drama & Dance. The week consisted of students being engaged in a variety of practical activities that extended their skills and talents in their chosen discipline.

When students weren’t busy rehearsing and practising at the Townsville Entertainment Centre they were staying with the other out of town schools within the Diocese. It was a fantastic experience for the students and it was rewarding to be involved and to witness the amazing work that the students completed. 

A big thank you to Ms Catherine Motteram and Ms Bethany Lister for looking after the fantastic group of students. The time and energy that was put into the students to be ready for this amazing event is highly appreciated. Thank you also to Mrs Amy Webb who attended the Mulkadee workshops and joined us in the afternoon activities during the end of the week. The students felt appreciated and highly encouraged from her support and attendance. A special thank you to all the parents who have supported their children in attending this experience.

What an amazing experience for everyone. Involvement in the arts has an assortment of benefits. Mulkadee is an opportunity for students to extend their passion within the arts and to unleash their skills and creativity in their own personal growth. Bring on Mulkadee 2024!

Inter School Rugby League

Throughout Term 3 our Teams have been working steadily in preparation for the School of Origin Rugby League series. This kicks off tomorrow 3rd August at Alec Inch Oval from 3:30-6pm. Come down and support GSCC as we take on Spinifex State College in the series opener! Game times are below

• U13’s Boys - 3:45 pm
• Open’s Boys - 4:30 pm

NW Trial - Athletics

Final reminder for eligible students wanting to participate in the North West Athletics trial in Longreach to return their forms to the office by 3pm today. 

NQ All Schools Touch Football

Our Senior mixed team have been preparing for their upcoming trip to Townsville for the 2023 North Queensland All Schools Carnival. This is the first time since 2017 Good Shepherd has participated in the competition! A big thank you to the coaches, managers and sponsors for supporting our students. 

A reminder that applications are open for work experience placements this term - Closing date 10th of August. Application forms are available in the Careers office should students be interested in applying. Work experience placements will commence in Week 10 of this term and are available to all the year 10’s, 11’s & 12’s. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. 

NQ Training Awards 

Over the weekend, Lianna Woodsbey was awarded the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year at the North Queensland Training Awards. What an outstanding, and well deserved achievement! Lianna will now attend the Queensland Training Awards in September, and we wish her all the best for the next phase of Awards.

Arili Thina Morning Cafe 

Arili Thina Cafe is open every Wednesday Morning from 7.30am - 9.00am, the cafe is located behind the LCC next to the Hospitality Kitchen.

Offering a range of espresso Coffees and cold drinks ; milkshakes, frappes , Iced Coffee. There is also a selection of food : Ham and Cheese Croissants, Bacon and Egg toasties and Smashed Avocado on sourdough, this may change weekly.

Our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality Students run this Cafe to achieve their competencies towards their Certificate ll in Hospitality and also fundraise for Hospitality camp.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Students are welcome to Cafe if accompanied by a parent or adult.

We encourage everyone to dine in.

We look forward to seeing you at the Arili Thina Cafe.

Cheers Mrs Cole and senior Hospitality Students