Every year students who have graduated high school are sent a survey to complete which documents their post-school pathways. The Next Steps Survey collects data about the types of training, education and employment that our past students engage in once they leave school. Here are some key findings from our graduates of 2022:

The really encouraging news for Good Shepherd Catholic College is that 98% of all graduating students of 2022 who were surveyed, were actively engaged in either education, training or employment in 2023. The percentage of those students involved in education and training has grown strongly from 60% in 2019 to 68% in 2022. 

For our students in paid employment, it is interesting to see the diversity of careers that they are moving into. This includes any full-time, part-time or casual employment:

As the Principal, I am extremely proud of the determination and commitment of our staff to support our students and help prepare them for an enriching and fulfilling post-school pathway. This work starts on day one of Year 7 and all staff - teachers, school officers and administration staff play a role in helping our students in their education journey. It is indeed a privilege to be given the opportunity to walk with our Parents and Carers during this time.

Have a blessed Term.

Kathleen McCarthy

Release of Year 12 results - QCE

I’d also like to remind all Year 12 students to register on the QCAA myqce Student Portal to be able to access their results from 9am on Friday 15 December 2023.

From 2020, QCAA no longer prints and posts Senior Education Profiles (SEPs) to all Year 12 students. Students may print their own SEP or they may request a printed copy of their SEP from the QCAA in the Student Portal. SEPs printed by the QCAA are no different to those that students can print for themselves. SEPs printed by QCAA are not official documents and are provided for students’ convenience only. SEPs contain an embedded digital signature to confirm they are authentic, and they cannot be altered.  They can be authenticated by users by scanning a QR code on the SEP documents.  

SEPs are issued as electronic documents stored in students’ learning accounts. These documents are official and can be downloaded as secure PDFs. Students can save their SEP on a computer or mobile device and provide it to third parties electronically or they can print it.

Assessment Calendars

Assessment Calendars were distributed to students this week. A copy has also been emailed to all parents/carers. The live Assessment Calendars are available via the College website under the Studies & Assessment page.

Assessment Calendars should inform:

• the amount of study and assignment work needed at different points in the term
• scheduling of specialist appointments and trips around due dates where possible
• the commitments students make
• minimising of any paid work (e.g. students should cut back work during busy weeks of the term)

Exam timetables will be released in the next few weeks. This Term there are 2 exam block periods:

•       Year 11: Week 4
•       Year 10: Week 8

Parents & carers with any questions or concerns in regards to subject curriculum or assessment are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher first. Following this, the Curriculum Leader for each Learning Area is available to speak with you regarding any concerns you may have.

2023 Awards Night

Awards Night is a fantastic event that showcases the year that was, and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the successes we have had. 

Awards Night will take place on 8 November 2023. 

The Year 12 General Subject Awards and Dux Scholar Award will be presented at our first Scholars Awards in 2024 after we have received the students' final results. 

Lists of the Awards Recipients will go out early next week.  Please refer to the Year to Date result on your student’s report for eligibility:

Term 4 Subject Changes

A reminder that Term 4 subject changes have now closed. Students should now be settled into their classes, working hard in what is a very short term!

2023 Awards Night - Wednesday 8 November

Preparations are well underway for the 2023 Awards Night. As you would know, we are moving the ceremony back to the Civic Centre this year. I will send information regarding rehearsals home with students early next week.

Congratulations goes to both students and their families, as achieving success is a team effort!

2024 Elective Classes (Year 8 - 10)

In the coming weeks, students in Years 7 - 9 will have the opportunity to hear from the Curriculum Leaders of the Arts and Design & Technology. It is important that students take note of what these teachers say, so that they are able to make good decisions about their elective class choices for 2024.

Towards the end of this term, I will send students their elective subject choice forms (these are online forms). Here, they will select their preferences for elective subjects for next year. It is important that students complete their forms promptly, as practical subjects have a capped number of students.

The elective subjects for 2024 are:

Year 8

English/Languages

Italian (tbc)

Arts

Drama

Music

Visual Art

Design & Technology

Food and Fibre Production

Engineering Principles and Systems (Metalwork)

Materials and Technologies Specialisations (Woodwork)

Digital Technologies

Year 9

Arts

Drama

Music

Visual Arts

Design & Technology

Food and Fibre Production

Engineering Principles and Systems (Metalwork)

Materials and Technologies Specialisations (Woodwork)

Digital Technologies

Year 10

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Certificate I Hospitality

Arts

Music

Drama

Visual Art

Design & Technology

Food and Fibre Production

Engineering Principles and Systems (Metalwork)

Materials and Technologies Specialisations (Woodwork)

Digital Technologies

In week 4 this term, Year 11 students will sit their next Exam Block. This block will take place from Tuesday 23 – Thursday 25 October 2023.

Student Expectations for Exam Block:

All students should be studying/completing assessment at home; studying quietly in the Study Rooms (F1/F2), or completing an exam during exam block. Exam block is not free time.

During exam block, students should:

• Be on time
• Follow all regular College Expectations
• Sign in at the front office when you arrive and then sign out before you leave
• Be prepared! Don’t leave your study until the last minute.
• Get a medical certificate if you are unwell and unable to attend an exam - CONTACT SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE SICK AND CAN’T ATTEND YOUR EXAM
• Only come to school if you have exams to sit, or assessment to complete.
• Come to school in your FULL Academic Uniform (your PL can send you home to change if you don’t adhere to this).
• Use the study room appropriately (quietly & productively).
• Only bring approved snacks (takeaway food, soft drink, energy drinks etc are not permitted).
• Adhere to the mobile phone policy (phones not permitted for use on the grounds between 8:30am - 3pm)

ALL ASSESSMENT MUST BE COMPLETED IN ALL SUBJECTS IN ORDER TO HAVE EXAM BLOCK PRIVILEGES.

If you are absent for an exam in exam block you must:

1. Contact the College office ASAP, or your parent can contact the College office on your behalf.
2. Have a medical certificate.

These requirements are in accordance with the GSCC Assessment Policy “If a student is absent from a Senior Exam Block exam, the student will complete an alternate paper in the next available session and a medical certificate must be provided upon their return. If a medical certificate is not provided the student October not be allocated a result for that internal assessment piece, resulting in no credit for the piece / unit studied."

This week is Queensland Mental Health Week, 2023. To celebrate we are echoing the theme for this year by raising awareness, connecting, and advocating for a sense of belonging. During homeroom this week we will be running small activities to explore how we are all affected by mental health, but trying to look at it positively and seek ways that we can access support and strategies to work on this actively. 

Please take some time to work with your students to talk about the different strategies they have explored this week, as we are all subject to mental health either positively or negatively, however, it is our actions that will dictate how we feel moving forward. 

Below are useful numbers that are available to anyone hoping to receive support: 

Year 12 Leavers:

As of Monday 9th, October we currently have 10 days remaining before the Year 12 students leave us (outside of graduation week). I want to take this opportunity to thank the parents, guardians and supporters of these students. For everyone involved it has been a long journey, but a rewarding one. I am confident in the young men and women that are nearing their last days at GSCC. What a wonderful bunch of humans you have allowed Good Shepherd to help guide in their academic and holistic growth.

Although there is only 10 days left, my hope is that each student makes the most of this place before they are off on their next journey. Whether it is the work force or University our prayers will always be with them, as our alumni. Our first ‘goodbye’ for the Year 12 students will be at our Year 12 farewell assembly, which is the 20th of October, Friday @ 1.45pm for a 2pm start. All parents, guardians and family members are welcome. 

School TV: The State of Youth Mental Health

The current state of youth mental health is concerning, with recent research indicating a rise in mental health disorders among young people. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among young people, with increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels reported. Academic pressure and social media use can also negatively impact youth mental health, leading to higher levels of stress and negative emotions. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting healthy habits, encouraging open communication, and seeking professional support when necessary. Parents can play a vital role in supporting their children's mental health and well-being by staying informed and engaged in their children's lives.

Please see the following link for more information: https://goodshepherd.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health

If you believe your child is struggling from Mental health concerns, please access one of the above supports, or contact myself or a pastoral leader at the college to check in regarding your child. 

A WEEK of PERFORMANCES 

Students enrolled in Drama showcased their dramatic, artistic and creative talents during the end of the Term 3 Performance Assessments. 

Year 8’s presented Melodrama plays, 9’s performed Verbatim Theatre while the 10’s enacted a Greek tragedy  “Oedipus at Colonus” by Sophocles.

It was so rewarding to watch how all the students had developed their onstage persona and gave out their best !

On the 7th and 8th of September , GSCC had the opportunity to provide High School life experience to our feeder schools in the community.

Year 6’s were on a 2 full days schedule attending various classes including Drama. In Drama, they were introduced to the core of the subject: Responding and Performance. Activities during the lessons included games, role playing, fashion parades and Just Dance.

Students wore masks, costumes and props while on stage. It was a fun-filled session as the students thoroughly enjoyed the activities. Every single kid left the room with a bright and happy face. Some students made remarks like “ I can’t wait, I will definitely choose Drama as one of my subjects next year”.

Year 11 VAP Term 4

The year 11 VAP students are creating a garment from recycled materials this term.  This may be using plastics, recycled food containers or fast fashion. The concept is based on consumerism and the importance of recycling.  This unit has several components, the first being a fashion poster, next the garment and lastly an article about the collection of garments for a Fashion Magazine.  The images you see are the completed Fashion Posters.

If anyone would like to do a wardrobe or clutter cull, year 11 would appreciate the resources.

Sports Awards Night

The Sports Department would like to welcome all to Term 4! We are steadily preparing for our annual Sports Awards Night next Wednesday 18th October. All parents and friends are welcome to help the College celebrate an amazing year of Sport. Our guest speaker – Murray Hurst (2001 North Queensland Cowboys Head Coach, NRL Head of Wellbeing and Education) is excited to bring his insight to our students and speak on the importance of Caring for Creation on the sporting field. 

We ask for all parents and students to please check the recipient list below. Participants below are expected to be in full academic uniform on the night. There will be rehearsal on the day with more information on our student notices. If students cannot attend the event or if there are any errors please contact me immediately.

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