As we come to the end of a very busy first term there is opportunity to reflect on the journey so far this year and also to outline some of the key developments for next term.

The highlights of the year so far must include the success of many students in trialing for various MISSA sports, The Mount Isa Triathlon teams and the well supported Columba Carnival where the Confraternity Rugby League team and the QISSN Netball team had their first “hit out”. I’ve been impressed with; the hard work of many of the students in the Arts (various ensembles and the musical team), the outstanding service of students in Hospitality (especially the Ronald MacDonald Ball) and student leadership displayed by the Anti-Cyberbullying Committee, the Social Justice Committee and the Students Representative Council. The newly introduced Arrow program (Year 6 Deeper Learning), daily Journaling, a focus on QCS preparations and careful consideration and planning for the new QCE pathway with the Year 10 Information Night and Year 11 data tracking have ensured a curriculum focus. The well-organized Work Experience and Traineeship week should ensure VET pathways are deliverable. We have had some beautiful liturgies and special events including hosting the Opening Mass, Ash Wednesday and Form Masses, and the Ronald McDonald Ball in the LCC.

Next term promises to be just as hectic as it starts with the Year 12 Retreat and Anzac Day commemoration in week 1. Week two sees the Mulkadee Arts Festival in Townsville, where many of our students will participate, this year’s theme being “Peter Pan”. We wish those students auditioning every success. There is also a three game season of Rugby League between GSCC and Spinifex Senior to follow up on last year’s highly successful engagement. I look forward to the college production of The Wiz (Mount Isa style) which is rehearsing regularly and shaping up to be an exciting event in June.

Next term also promises to be important in the overall development of college resourcing and facilities. We are currently with council negotiating the purchase of the warehouse on Simpson Street which will be converted into a purposely designed Trade Centre with rooms for Wood and Metal, Furnishings and Engineering and a Fabric and Printing centre. To add to this we will be reapplying for a BGA Government Grant to build a new two story facility which will host reception and staff on the ground level and 6 flexible learning spaces for senior schooling on the first floor. Let’s hope we’re successful.

We will also welcome several new staff next term including Willard Gono - Mathematic Specialist from the UK where he has been teaching at the Cambridge School, Saskia Brown – Creative Arts from Cairns, Stephanie Massey – who recently complete her PhD in Theology in WA, and Adela Bismark with a range of teaching experience, from Noosa. These new staff will enhance capacity to deliver excellent teaching and learning.

All that is left for me is to wish you a wonderful Easter season and God’s blessing at this significant time in the faith of our community. May “Christ our Light” shine on you.

This term the Year 7s have been learning about Good Shepherd Catholic College and what makes us Catholic. They have explored some stories in the Bible to gain an understanding of how we understand certain texts and what they mean to us today. Below are some statements form Year 7 students about these learnings.

‘In Year 7 Religion, Miss Apap has taught us a lot about religion such as the life of Jesus, the Liturgical Calendar, the definitions of religion, faith and spirituality, sacraments, the timeline of the Bible, the Gospels, the spread of Christianity, the creation story and much more. I have enjoyed learning about the Bible and turning it into a timeline. I also liked the creation story and how Jesus was born.’

‘...we have learnt lots about religion including the New testament and the Old testament, the seven sacraments and christian symbols. What I enjoyed about religion this term was the liturgical calendar. I enjoyed it because it taught me a lot about catholicism and the history of catholicism.’

‘For religion in Year 7 we have learnt about the Bible and what it includes and has inside it. There is the New and Old Testaments and many other small stories. These include the Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It also includes the birth, life, death and resurrection. I have enjoyed learning about all the different religions including Judaism, Catholicism and more.’

This Friday afternoon at 2pm Year 11 students will be performing The Stations of the Cross. The Stations of The Cross tells the story of the events that occurred after Jesus was condemned to death. This performance will take place in the LCC and will conclude Term 1 for 2019.

As we approach mid-semester holidays, I would like to wish all students, families and staff a happy and safe Easter Season. I hope that students in particular, use this time to refresh and reflect on Term 1.

This Term, Parents/Carers will receive Interim Report cards. The Interim Report provides an overview of your child’s commitment to our four positive learning elements (acts respectfully & responsibly, comes organised & prepared to learn, utilises class time effectively and persists to improve) throughout Term 1. This report will also include an interim level of achievement, for all students in Years 7 - 10 and Year 12. This level of achievement will be based on the assessment (either formative or summative) completed in Term 1.

Due to the nature of the new senior system, our Year 11 students will only be receiving a progress descriptor this term for each of their subject areas. This will be indicated on their interim report card under the categories of progressing well, progressing satisfactorily or experiencing difficulties. Please use these descriptors as a guide to booking interviews with Year 11 teachers.

Report Cards will be made available online via the Compass Parent Portal, or via the app on Thursday 4th April. A text message has been sent to all parents about collecting Compass login information. If you have not yet collected this from the College office, please do so before Friday so that you have access to your child’s report over the holidays. This will not be available if you have not collected your login details. The Compass Portal allows you access to live attendance data, Report Cards, and other important information about your child’s education.

Please see the guide attached with further information for using the Compass Parent Portal.

Since this is the first time we are transitioning to online reports, parents that do not have access to a computer and would like to request a hard copy report, please contact the College office to arrange this for Term 2.

We believe successful education is achieved through a three way partnership between parents, students and teachers. Parent/Teacher Interviews provides opportunities for teachers to discuss a child’s progress/behaviour and allows parents & students to discuss concerns or issues. I encourage all parents/carers to attend. I would also strongly encourage your child to accompany you to the interview as this results in a consistent message being communicated to all parties.

As you can imagine, report cards only allow us to give you a snapshot of your child's progress, we encourage and invite you to book a parent-teacher-student interview to allow for more detailed conversations in regards to your child’s learning. Our first parent-teacher-student interview evening will be held on Tuesday 30th April in the Lumen Christi Centre. There are two interview blocks: 3:30-6:00pm and 6:30pm-7:30pm and interviews run for 10 minutes each.

Teachers request parent/teacher-student interviews based on the Term 1 Interim Report. To book interviews we will also be using the Compass Parent Portal. It is just as easy to use as the old online booking system, and it means that reports and interview bookings are all accessible/in the same place for parents. Further instructions on how to use the online booking site will be emailed out to all parents when the booking system opens on Thursday 4th April. The interview system will remain open until 3pm on Monday 29 April. After that, you will only be able to view your bookings. Should you need to make any last minute cancellations or changes, you will need to contact the front office on 4743 2509. We look forward to discussing your child's progress with you.

Below is a link for the Compass Parent Portal Instructions:

Compass_Parent_Portal_Instructions.pdf

It has been a busy and productive start of 2019. From all accounts our new students have transitioned well to become part of our College community. Term 2 will certainly be another busy term.

School photos are taking place on Monday the 29th of April. Photo envelopes were handed out during homeroom this week and are required to be given to the photographer on the day. If your child has not yet received their photo envelope, this can be collected from the front office.

Our Year 12 students will be attending their Year 12 retreat during the first week of Term 2. Due to the recent weather, the retreat had to be rescheduled which also resulted in a location change. Students & Staff will be heading to Magnetic Island for the week. I wish our Year 12’s the best for their journey & hope they enjoy the experience.  

ANZAC Day is nationally recognised as a day to pay respect to and acknowledge those Australian and New Zealand service men and women who have lost their lives in War over the past 100 years. Each year Good Shepherd Catholic College supports the ANZAC day services which are held in the community. Information and a permission note will be coming home in the first week of Term 2 inviting our students to be involved in representing our College at the Anzac Day March on Thursday 25th April.

Date: Thursday 25th April

Venue: Gather outside the Mount Isa Police Station

Arrival Time: Students are asked to arrive by 9am for a 9:30am start.

Dismissal Time: Parade to conclude by 11.00am. Please make prior arrangements with your child.

Uniform: Full academic uniform, including hat. Senior students are required to wear their blazer.

With the first term coming to the end for 2019, students will have completed and submitted all required assessments with their teachers. As all first terms are long I am sure that all students are looking forward to a break and spending quality time with family and friends over the next two weeks.

Over the past few weeks each homeroom has been busily raising money for Caritas and Project Compassion. Homerooms have provided a sausage sizzle, and run fun activities like guess how many snakes are in the lollie jar, Slot car Grand Prix as well as a free dress day.

Next term the Year 8’s will have their retreat day on the 31st May where they will participate in workshops based around Reach up, Reach out theme. Students will rotate through workshops during the morning sessions, lunch will be provided at school on the day. In the afternoon session students will be transported to Ten Pin Bowling for fun and activities. Letters will be distributed to students in the first week of Term 2.

If you have any enquiries or concerns, please do not hesitate contact your child’s homeroom teacher or myself at the College on 47449 9438.  Additionally I can be contacted on email wmorganson1@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au.

Have a great break and I look forward to seeing you all back safe and sound in Term 2.

Students have this week commenced work experience placements for Term 1.  We wish them all the best as they explore different careers. Thank you to the following host employers, without your support we couldn’t offer our students these amazing opportunities:

- North West Hopsital & Health Service

- Salon 91 Boutique

- SMH Equipment

- Cummins

- Buffs Club

- Mt Isa Courthouse

- Stanwell Corporation

- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

- Bush Kids

- Mt Isa Vet Surgery

- Clancy Corporation

- St Joseph's Kindergarten

- Qld Police Service

- Malouf Holden

- Hello World

- St Mary McKillop Early Learning Centre

- MAK Diesel and Earthmoving

- Glencore, Mount Isa Mines

Please see below link for the latest Careers Newsletter.

Snapshot:

•         Police information sessions
•         Useful tips for University Degree
•         Fun jobs that pay well
•         Career in Forensic Science
•         CSIRO Work Experience

https://www.careertools.com.au/resources/newsletters/qld/2019/t1_w9_2019_qld.pdf