As I prepare to write to you this week, our Year 7s and Year 9s are busy with their NAPLAN testing. While this may come with a little anxiety for some, it is such a necessary part of current educational practice. Data from these tests of Literacy and Numeracy, provide invaluable information for the teaching and learning development of each individual student. It will enable teachers to identify and address gaps in learning and provide a focus for ongoing support and development. Apart from this, testing by external agencies is becoming a common agenda as we move towards the new QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) and the reintroduction of external exams which are part of this change. It is vitally important that students get used to this process. I was pleased to see how well the students engaged on the first day and everything ran very smoothly.

Last week I had occasion to address the students on assembly about teamwork and college spirit. I talked about how important it was for them to realize the contribution that they make to the spirit and efficacy of the college. By realizing that they are part of the Good Shepherd team, each individual can grow and be uplifted by being part of that team. Just as important is the fact that each one in support of the team can ensure its success. I went on to talk about the many events that the college is engaged in between now and the end of term and how through their support not only will members of the team benefit but so will the supporters because it is in collaborative and collegiate effort that we grow and thrive. So too it is with the parent body and the wider community of Good Shepherd. You, by taking the time to read this and staying informed, already enter into the spirit of engagement and support for the college.

The upcoming events that I mention are as follows. The first afternoon of the Tri Series Rugby League clash with Spinifex is Thursday afternoon starting at 3.30pm at the Alec Inch Oval, three games – Under 15 Boys, Open Boys and Open Girls. The following two afternoons of the series will be May 31 and June 14. This is a great opportunity to engage collegiately with Spinifex and follows a very successful similar event last year. It would be great to see this extend to other collaborations in the future. Next Thursday evening May 23, we have our SPOLN (Senior Phase of Learning Night) where we will address parents and students on the transition from Yr10 into Yr11 and discuss subject selection and career pathways. This is always a significant evening in the Yr10 calendar and Curriculum Leaders will avail themselves on the night to talk about their subject offerings. On Friday May 24 the college will compete in the Interschool Athletics. We are currently forming and training our team with hopes of winning the carnival this year (especially after our highly successful cross-country results). On Saturday June 1 we have the wonderful college production of the musical “The Wiz” at the Mount Isa Civic Centre. This is a “can’t miss” event and I encourage you to get along (two shows – 1.30 and 7.30pm) for a fun filled, humorous and slightly cheeky modern version of “The Wizard of Oz”. The college will run its Interhouse Athletics on Friday June 7 and we will conclude the term on Friday June 28 by celebrating NAIDOC Week.

In all these events the success of the college will come with excellent participation and enthusiastic support. In all things we should remember that Good Shepherd is a community that will function best when everybody is committed to engagement, support and a sense of being part of this team.

Last week I attended the ASREAP Conference in Brisbane with a number of other delegates from the Townsville Diocese. This conference allows Senior RE Leaders and Teachers to explore areas of interest related to Senior Syllabus Topics. Throughout the three days we explored the current issues facing Millenials (10- 25 year olds), the importance of good liturgy and prayer experiences, as well as learning more about the five world religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism) from key members of each of their communities.  

From the Jewish community, we heard from Rabbi Gaad from Sydney, who addressed the delegates offering an insight into Judaism and their understanding of scripture and Law.

We also participated in meditation at Chung Tian Temple which is a Zen Buddhist temple, and were given a guided tour of their sacred space. We also visited the Holland Park Mosque, one of Australia’s oldest mosques, home to the SBS series ‘The Mosque Next Door’. Here the Imam spoke to us about the issues facing the Islamic community since 9/11 and how we can speak to students about these concerns. It was a great experience that has allowed us to connect with key members of other religious communities to better understand each other and support our students in learning about other religious traditions.

This term students in Year 9 have been exploring how Christian Beliefs and Church Teachings have been interpreted and applied across cultural and historical contexts. They will soon begin to explore a variety of individuals, both past and present, whose deep connection to Christ and Christianity resulted in life/historical changing experiences.

Year Level Mass dates for Term 2

Wednesday 29th May (week 6- Years 7 and 12)

Wednesday 12th June (week 8- Years 9 and 11)

Wednesday 26th June (week 10- Years 8 and 10)

Over the past week we have discussed the importance of wearing the FULL academic school uniform at all times. There is still a number of students who do not come to school wearing their full school uniform (this includes ties for senior students). Students who are not wearing their full academic school uniform will receive a lunchtime detention.

Last week I sent an email to all parents regarding winter uniform options. Please note that senior students (Year 10 - 12) are NOT PERMITTED to wear any College sports jacket with their formal uniform.

We have had a number of students in the last few weeks considering subject selection which is excellent to see that they are reflecting on the choices they have made. This has been good timing to then reflect on the process of changing subjects. This specifically applies for senior students at the College, and students in Years 9 & 10 that have chosen certain electives.

1. Students may collect an ‘Application to Change Subject’ form from the front office.
2. They must then consult with their current and future teachers of that subject they are wishing to change from. Their teacher will then sign the form to accept the change.
3. The student will need to take this form home to their parents for consideration. In many cases, students will be wishing to change senior pathways, and we must ensure that parents are also aware of the implications of this.
4. The student will then hand the form back to the front office.
5. The subject change may then be processed and the student will be issued with a new timetable in homeroom that week (NB: It is unlikely that students will receive new timetables the day after their forms have been submitted).

Students should not be in new classes unless this process has been followed completely. Any senior student who is wishing to change subjects must do so by Monday 27th May. Changes after this time will not be approved and students will need to remain in their current choices for the remainder of Term.  Students will be able to make changes at the beginning of Semester Two if they wish.

We understand that some absence from school cannot be helped especially if students are sick. However, taking time off from school to attend music festivals, weddings or other social events does prove problematic. While these decisions rest with families, missing one day of school is hard to catch up on - particularly in Year 11 and 12 - let alone missing a week of school.

As a Mount Isa College, we also recognise that travel is part of our student’s lives. At times, we have to travel to access medical appointments or family functions. While we will try and accommodate absence it there are some points for students/families to consider:

• Absence in assessment time or in exam block can be tricky and we cannot always allow students to complete tasks upon their return as this may constitute a disadvantage for the rest of the cohort.
• Students are reminded to take ownership and responsibility for catching up on missed class work (this may include copying another student’s notes from class or contacting the teacher).
• Absence due to music festivals or other social events will not result in extensions
• Teaching & learning will still occur in the final week/on the final day of school each term.

We encourage all students/parents to familiarise themselves with the assessment policy, which can be found on the College website. The policy provides guidelines around student absence from assessment.

The 2019 NAPLAN tests for Years 7 & 9 students were held this week. Students participated in the Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy tests. We were very pleased with the students behaviour and attitude to the tests. All seemed to apply their very best effort which was wonderful to see. A huge thank you must go to Mr John Harrop for assisting with and facilitating the exams/preparation. We must also thank the teachers for their preparation in the lead up to these exams. Finally, a reminder to the students that ‘grades don’t measure intelligence’, but you must be willing to learn, develop and work hard in life. As it is written in Colossians 3, do this with all your heart.

District Athletics will be commencing on Friday of Week 5, 24th May. Under 12's will be commencing on Thursday 23rd May. All students who would like to nominate themselves need to complete the google form that was emailed to them last week. Please sign up and be part of the GSCC team to represent the school against Spinifex next week. Events are 1500m, 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Putt, Javelin and Discus. Sign up for one or more! Our school carnival is on Friday of Week 7, 7th June –please make a note in your diary.

The first game of the Rugby Tri Series against Spinifex will be held this Thursday starting around 3.30 pm. GSCC Senior Boys, Open Girls and U15 boys will be competing. Please come along and support the school. Good luck to all those involved.

GSCC dominated the Cross Country district festival last week. Not only did we win the Senior shield, but we doubled the score of the second placed school overall. A great achievement by all the competitors involved. Winners on the day were Jayden Boshoff ( U16 Boys), Mitch Thinee ( U15 Boys), Abbey Benson ( U14 Girls) and Pratik Seegoolam ( U12 Boys). Congratulations to them, and all the others that competed. We gained a lot of second and third places as well!

Congratulations to Ryan Myers who was selected in the MISSA Rugby League U12 team last weekend. He has now been selected for the next stage which is the State Championships. We also had  3 boys attend the U12 Soccer Trials last Monday and both Pratik Seegoolam and Samuel Winks have progressed to the NW trials. Well done to you both.

At Good Shepherd Catholic College, our students’ future is our primary concern. Every encouragement and opportunity is provided to enable students to succeed in their chosen needs and we continue to develop a well rounded curriculum that is responsive to the needs of the students.

Curriculum is at the heart of a school – it is an integral part of the school and has both formal and informal facets. In fact, it includes everything that the student experiences in the school. The subjects studied, the development of sporting skills, debating and public speaking, values of honesty and integrity and the fabric of courtesy and manners are all part of the curriculum.

On Thursday the 23rd of May we will be holding the Senior Phase of Learning Information Night in the LCC, commencing at 6pm. We encourage all year 10 students and their families to come along to receive information and resources to help support students in making subject selections in 2020.

Welcome to our new online Uniform Shop Ordering System. School Uniforms can now be ordered online. Please fill in the the order form on the GSCC Website and click on send. This form will be emailed to the Uniform Shop Staff for collating, once the uniforms are ready a staff member will phone you for payment options. After payment is made staff will hand out the uniform to your student. 

Last Friday, the GSCC Zonta Z group volunteered at the St Kieran's Mother’s Day Fete. Lillian and Maddison put Ms Keating to shame as they were natural pros on the fairy floss machine. While Tara, Kombo and Alyssa made snow cones for those daring to try the icy treat as winter rolls into Mount Isa.

Thank you to the girls for volunteering their time to help. The Zonta Z group help fundraise for Zonta’s various projects for supporting women both within the community and world wide.