What a week!

Opening Mass is always a wonderful start to our school year and Wednesday did not disappoint! As a Catholic College, this event serves as a poignant reminder of our shared commitment to living with God in our hearts. It reinforces our identity as a Christian community, bound together by love and care for one another.

We also had the privilege of presenting badges to our 2024 College Leaders. These students serve not only as representatives of their peers but also as shining examples for our entire school community. Our College Leaders embody these values through their dedication to service and leadership. They inspire us all to strive for excellence and to uplift those around us.

Wednesday proved to be a bustling day as we continued with our College Meet and Greet event. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child," and gatherings like these are invaluable in fostering stronger connections within our school community. The opportunity to come together in such settings significantly benefits us all.

We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the many people who contributed to the success of this event. We would especially like to recognize our devoted, dedicated, and compassionate staff, who generously sacrificed their personal time for this occasion, recognizing its significance and value. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Parent and Caregiver community for their effort in attending and engaging with the staff of our College. Last but not least, a special acknowledgment to our wonderful P & F, who enticed us to the event with the promise of complimentary sausages!

We wrapped up Week 3 with Jangawala! What a morning that was. Good Shepherd Catholic College was rostered on for our Parish Drop In Centre and we would like to thank the many people and students who cooked, dropped in meals, and volunteered to assist on the day to prepare, serve and clean up. In the words of St Anthony, “Preach the Gospel at all times: if necessary use words”. He too would agree that no words were necessary on Sunday.

The warmth and inspiration found within the Good Shepherd Community never fails to touch my heart. I consider it a true privilege to be a part of such a remarkable community.

Have a fabulous fortnight!

Meagan Waldon

As part of our ongoing efforts to support families, we wish to provide you with information regarding the Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS), an initiative funded by the government and managed by Queensland Catholic Education Commission.  

About:

• What is it: The Students with Disability program helps reduce transportation costs for families of those students whose disability necessitates transport assistance to and from non-state schools.
• Application Process: We encourage you to visit https://www.schooltransport.com.au/ for a straightforward online application.  

• When to apply: 

• Semester 1 Travel: Please apply in May 2024.  
• Semester 2 Travel: Application opens in October 2024.

What’s New in 2024:

Following the discontinuation of the Education Adjustment Program (EAP), the eligibility criteria has been updated.  

Revised Eligibility Guidelines: 

• NCCD Requirement:
• The student must be recognised in the most recent NCCD submission as requiring supplementary, substantial, or extensive adjustments due to a disability. OR 
• If the student is in Prep or a new student, the student must have a diagnosed disability and the school must confirm by the end of Term 1 that the provided adjustments align with the descriptors of supplementary, substantial or extensive in the NCCD guidelines. 
• Individual Education Plan:
• An Individual Education Plan or equivalent document must highlight transport needs unique to the student’s disability, that are demonstrably different to those of their same age peers. 
• Travel Capability Rating (TCR):
• The student must have a TCR of C, D, E, or F as per the Student Travel Capability Rating Scale. 
• Or meet Exceptional Circumstances eligibility:
• Additional provisions are in place for those meeting specific exceptional criteria.

We recognise the complexities surrounding these changes and wish to assure you of our support throughout this process. Our goal remains to facilitate a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for your child and family.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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 30 - 60 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, like any skill - it sometimes takes work and help to master it.

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

COMMUNICATONS:

Attendance Matters

As Term 1 reaches the halfway point, it is important that students are coming to school on time, everyday, prepared to learn! We understand that there will be times when students need to stay at home because they are unwell; however, it is important that they make an effort to catch up on any work missed.

If your family is planning a holiday, it is important that this takes place in the allocated school holidays times.

If students are absent on an assessment due date/scheduled exam, please note the following from the GSCC ASsessment Policy

Absences 

The College understands that expected and unexpected absences may occasionally result in a student not being able to  submit an assessment item on the due date. When students know in advance that they will be absent on the due date, the  assessment must be submitted prior to the due date or the student must apply for an extension of time. For an unanticipated  absence, students are encouraged to make every effort to submit their final assessment item to the teacher either in hard  copy or electronically preferably on the due date, or immediately upon their return to the College. 

If a student in Junior is absent due to illness on the due date / exam date the assessment will be recorded as a late submission  and students will be required to complete that assessment item / exam upon their arrival at school. A medical certificate should be attached to the assignment for all Year 11 and Year 12 students. If a medical certificate is not produced for  students in Years 11 – 12, the draft / work completed up to the due date will be marked as their final submission. 

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 provided upon their return. If a medical certificate is not provided the student may not  be allocated a result for that internal assessment piece, resulting in no credit for the piece / unit studied.  

Appropriate Use of Technology - short term loan equipment

The College does have a small number of laptops that students can hire if they are awaiting computer repairs.These will only be loaned to students on a short term basis, once all appropriate paperwork has been completed. Short term loan paperwork is available from the College Library.

Please note that the College does not have a supply of laptop chargers available for hire. Students should be coming to school each day with a fully charged laptop. If they find that the charge doesn’t last a full day, there are charging stations in the library that can be accessed during both breaks. Students should not be charging their laptops in class, as the cords create a workplace health and safety hazard.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the relevant Pastoral Leader.

We have had a busy start to the term, plenty of sports, arts, music, and cultural activities that contribute to our thriving community. I want to thank our parents, staff and students for adding to the Pastoral Care community we have at GSCC. 

I am so impressed with how our Year 7 students have started, and found their feet within our College, Ms. Cooper has played a massive role in organising and guiding these students in their first few weeks. The Year 12 students have shown great leadership already through a Valentine’s day initiative facilitated by Mrs. Thinee. A massive thank you to the amazing Cassandra Hosking who partnered with the Year 12’s in this initiative and baked cookies to support HeartKids and the Year 12 graduation funds. 

I am very happy with the progress of our whole school, once again, I thank all school staff, parents and students for your contribution to our wonderful school. 

Upcoming Pastoral events: 

Year 7 Retreat, Week 5 Friday: Focused on a sense of belonging and building positive relationships, this retreat will take place at the Good Shepherd Parish starting at 8.30am and later in the day we will head to the Town pool on a bus where students will be collected at 2.45 pm. Please ensure all Year 7 families have returned their notes, the College will contact you if we are missing your child's note. 

Although last year we focused a lot on Vaping and e-cigarettes, I would like to bring your attention back to the following article from SchoolTV. Vaping is beginning to become a concern again in our College, and as a community I would like to phase this out for the youth at GSCC, and that starts with us, educators and parents as the main influences in these students' lives. 

SchoolTV: Vaping and e-cigarettes

Over recent months, there has been a growing concern about the impending epidemic affecting young people in relation to the use of e-cigarettes and the trendy pastime of vaping. As this activity grows in popularity, most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and the potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health.

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available here for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of vape products containing nicotine. Unfortunately, manufacturers are developing vaping devices that are cheaper and easier to hide than conventional cigarettes, making it more attractive and cost-effective for impressionable young people.

For more information click here to download vaping fact sheets from the Lung Foundation Australia.

Or, if this Special Report has raised some issues, please seek support from your medical practitioner or one of the following services:

Lung Foundation Australia 1800 654 301 • Quitline 13 78 48

Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 • Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84

To view this article, please see the following link: https://goodshepherd.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

If you are aware of any concerns related to Vaping or any other pastoral concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, or a member of the Pastoral team at GSCC. 

Townsville Catholic Education Office has approved an additional professional development day in 2024.  The date will be Friday 26th April, 2024 and will be a pupil free day. This day follows on from the ANZAC day public holiday on Thursday 25th April. The reason for granting this additional professional development day is to provide the time and opportunity for all teachers to prepare for the implementation of V9.0 of the Australian Curriculum at the commencement of 2025. This planning day will focus on supporting teachers to have a deep understanding of the changes to content and assessment from the current Australian Curriculum to the newly revised curriculum.  There is much planning already occurring in all schools to ensure all teachers are well placed to provide rich learning experiences for their students.  This additional professional development day (pupil free day) will only occur in 2024.

Jangawala Thank you

Thank you to all the Good Shepherd Catholic College community who volunteered to cook, serve, and clean up at Jangawala on Sunday, 11 February. We served over 40 meals and were able to put other meals aside for future services. The generosity of our community is a true testament to our college’s commitment to being Christ’s light into the world.

Season of Lent

This week, we commenced our Lenten journey. On Tuesday morning, 13 February, Pancakes were cooked by our staff and college seniors and served to the students before school. Wednesday, was Ash Wednesday and marked the beginning of Lent. The Year 12 senior leaders supported by Mrs Webb and Mrs Thinee attended the Good Shepherd Parish Mass at 6:30am and then, we held our annual whole college Ash Wednesday liturgy with Frs. Mick and Emene.

During the Lenten season, Ignatian Solidarity Network will offer daily reflections to your email inbox based on Psalm 23. The Psalm reminds us of God’s intention for us to find times of refreshing, “Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” St. Ignatius of Loyola refers to these times of refreshing as consolations: a deep-seated sense of God’s presence leading to spiritual growth. Throughout Lent, writers from the Ignatian network will guide listeners in a season of refreshing. Sign up for the FREE accompanying daily email here: igsol.net/lent. They also have a Lent 2024: Refresh podcast available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple podcasts.

A reminder that the tuckshop will not be selling any meat products on Fridays as is traditional during the time of Lent.

Project Compassion

As with previous year’s, homerooms will be fundraising for Projection Compassion. We will be holding one event, a mini fete, where every home room will run a stall. Your child’s Homeroom teacher will be in contact once a decision has been made about what their Homeroom will be contributing to the Project Compassion Mini Fete.

As part of Project Compassion, each week, we will hear stories of people who have been assisted by the funds raised during Project Compassion. Last newsletter we engaged with Ronita’s story. This fortnight we share a short video from Bishop Tim launching this year’s Project Compassion campaign.

School based starters!

Congratulations Hayley and Michande

Two of our senior students have recently commenced school based apprenticeships/traineeship.

Hayley Moran has commenced her apprenticeship with Terrace Gardens this term and will complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

Michande Hayes has recently started her school based apprenticeship with You Beauty will complete a Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

We wish Hayley and Michande all the best as they commence their careers, whilst still at school.

Savannah, Caitlyn, Bailey and Lilly getting a headstart on Education.

Our Year 11 students have been particularly busy over the last month securing apprenticeships, traineeships and now Savannah, Caitlyn, Bailey and Lilly  have commenced the following education qualifications:

Both Savannah and Caitlyn will work towards a Certificate III in Education Support and will attend placement at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. 

Both Bailee and Lilly will commence a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care and  will complete their  placement hours at Red Oasis Early Education and Care.  

We wish all of these students the best of luck as they commence qualifications and learn new skills that will bring them one step closer to their desired career pathways.

Glencore School - Visit

Last week Glencore visited the college to speak to Year 11 and 12 students about their work experience program, what is on offer and how to apply. 

Please see link to apply - Glencore Work Experience application

The placement dates are as follows - 

Week 1 : 25th - 28th March (week 10) year 11 & 12 students who are not undertaking ATAR subjects or TAFE  are able to participate. 

Week 2: 2nd - 5th of April (first week of the Easter Holidays) year 11 & 12 Students undertaking ATAR subjects are able to participate.

Any students wishing to participate will need to see Mrs Holohan in the Careers Office for important additional information. Parents and caregivers are able to contact Mrs Holohan on (07) 47432509.

Other programs mentioned were 

• Girls for Mining Mentoring

• School Leavers - you must achieve your QCE to be considered

• Excellence Scholarships

• Apprenticeships - you must achieve your QCE to be considered

• Graduate Program

• Vacation Work

The key message to students was to take advantage of these opportunities to help discover the different jobs available in the workplace.

TAFE

Next week (Week 5) will see the commencement of TAFE for a number of our Year 11 & 12 Students.  During the year they will undertake up to 6 weekly blocks learning new skills and working toward a formal qualification in their area of interest.  The courses include automotive, health, engineering (diesel fitting), electrical and cosmetics,.  We wish our TAFE students the best of luck as they embark on their new learning journey.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE VISIT

Also next week, on Monday at First break, ADF representatives will visit  the college to talk to students about the various jobs within defence, benefits, study support, Gap Year and more. The Students are encouraged not to miss this wonderful opportunity.

CAREERS NEWSLETTER

Please see the following link to the latest Careers Corner Newsletter.  

Career tools newsletter

Topics discussed In this Issue -

• Defence Careers Australia
• National Apprenticeship Week
• 2024 Apprenticeship Priority List
• 4 Steps to An Apprenticeship
• First Nations Apprenticeships Program
• Get involved -  Get involved in these extra-curricular challenges and competitions to pursue your passions, build your skills, and develop your portfolio. All are free (unless otherwise stated), and many offer amazing prizes!

             - Fantastical Sharks & Rays

             - Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize 

            - QUT Blueshift Business Case Competition

            - 2025 Year 12 QTAC Guide Competition

WORK EXPERIENCE IN TERM 1

Applications are now open for work experience placements this term. (Application forms available available in the Front office) Work experience opportunities will commence in week 10 and the first and second week of the school holidays. Placements are available to the Year 10 students of Rice & Mackillop Houses only, year 11’s and 12s. Please contact Mrs Kim Holohan should you have any questions or concerns.