A learning organization depends on a community where all people feel encouraged, respected and committed to a common purpose. In a community, people are able to communicate openly with one another, maintain their uniqueness and be firmly committed to something larger than self-interests. Historically communities of all sorts are based on service, informed participation and individual contributions. So members of communities must have the courage to serve, be active, think critically and maximize their contributions to develop a sense of community to develop. Characteristics of a community include inclusivity, realism and shared leadership.

In a community everyone belongs. Individuality and different viewpoints are encouraged. However, a successful community focuses on the whole rather than the parts and people emphasize what binds them together rather than what separates them. It is important that members speak honestly when their convictions differ from others. Effective fellowship facilitates an environment built on individual differences and the equal worth of those differences which results in realistic and shared ownership.

In a thriving community conversation across traditional boundaries strengthens bonds of trust and commitment. In dialogue each person suspends their attachment to a particular viewpoint so that they can first seek to understand before being understood themselves. While individual differences are acknowledged and respected, the community must search for an expanded collective perspective, a common path. By enabling everyone’s viewpoint a community is realistic appreciating the whole of the issue or problem and the resolutions are typically more sensible, creative and well-rounded.

Furthermore, in a community, a leader is one among many equals. Decentralization is an essential aspect of true community and decisions are reached by consensus. A healthy community creates a “safe” place so that everyone is listened to and able to contribute to decision making. Effective community members throughout the organization share leadership to make good things happen.

At Good Shepherd we have many teams that lead the direction of the college community; the “Orange” team that represent Townsville Catholic Education, the Senior and Middle leadership teams that manage Pastoral and Curriculum, the Student Representative Council and College leaders that represent the student body, the P& F that represent the parent body, the College Board that represent the broader community, and the Good Shepherd Parish that support our ethos and mission. In all these teams we encourage enthusiastic and real dialogue that directs the college as it moves forward. We are always open to conversation that is critical and insightful and no decisions regarding direction are made without this dialogue. We also try very hard to communicate these decisions through the College newsletter, Facebook page, emails and phone calls.

As a member of this vibrant and dynamic community it is very much your responsibility to stay informed, participate in those committees that shape change and be always open to direct dialogue with the College, for it is only through this open and real conversation that we can truly be a successful learning organization.

Next term the College will celebrate our annual Awards Night where students are recognised for their academic achievement. It is a prestigious occasion to share students’ success with the Good Shepherd and wider community, through the official awards ceremony, musical and drama performances, as well as an opportunity to present special awards for outstanding commitment to studies, community involvement and recognition of commitment to the religious life of the College. We invite all parents and students to attend. 

The Senior Leadership Team had an opportunity to review our School Improvement Plan (SIP) earlier this term, which is an annual document designed to set goals for the school for the year. The SIP aims to align with Townsville Catholic Education’s strategic directions, and the various needs of our College in all areas of school life. What we have found is that there have been many curriculum and extracurricular events that have allowed our students opportunities to experience high quality holistic education, in a caring Catholic environment (our College vision). 

A few of these goals achieved in our SIP include;

• An increased interest in the senior Study of Religion subject, creating a new class on the senior line
• Celebration of our College Feast Day
• An increased number of community and other representatives/presentations to classes on various curriculum and pastoral topics
• High percentage of students engaging in VET/TAFE opportunities
• Continued success with our arrow program for Year 6 students
• Commencement of the planning and design for the new industrial arts/technology building
• Completion of quality assurance PD with staff and academic integrity unit with Year 11’s, in relation to the new senior system
• Completion of our first endorsement process within the new senior system

Not too mention, we have continued to offer extra curricular sports and activities (such as interschool sport, Confro/QISSN, Optiminds etc), hosted our College musical this year, completed the last QCS tests for Year 12 students and have offered numerous retreats and camps for our students. Safe to say, 2019 seems to be moving faster than any other year, as we reach the end of another busy Term. It is important that we look back and reflect on all that we have achieved, staff, students and parents/friends, and celebrate all of our success. 

With this theme of celebration, the College will be hosting two major events in Term 4 to acknowledge our students’ achievement;

• Sports Awards Night (Tuesday 15th October) - held in the LCC
• College Awards Night (Wednesday 23rd October) - held at the Mount Isa Civic Centre

Planning is well underway for both Awards Night. In the first weeks back at school in Term 4, lists of award recipients will be published to students. The criteria for both awards nights are used to determine our academic awards and sports awards recipients and will also be published to parents, students and available on the College website under ‘News and Events’, ‘Upcoming College Events’. 

Year 11 Exams

There has been some changes to our Year 11 exam block timetable. The new exam timetable has been shared with Year 11 parents and students. Please contact the College if you did not receive this, or log on to the website to access the exam timetables with the assessment calendars, under ‘Students’, ‘Studies and Assessment’. Exam block for Year 11’s will commence Week 1, first day back on Tuesday 8th October.

I would like to wish all students and staff a safe and restful mid semester break, as they refresh and recharge for Term 4.

College Uniform Expectations

Grooming

Before returning to school in Term 4, it is important that students carefully consider the College uniform expectations. Students are to wear their full academic uniform to arrive and leave the College each day (this includes the senior tie). If you need to purchase new uniforms, the Uniform Shop is open during term time on Tuesdays from 8:00am - 9:30am and Thursdays from 2:30pm - 3:00pm. 

Before the end of the holidays, please ensure that all hairstyles are appropriate, this includes: being natural in colour, neat, tidy and no shorter than clipper no.2. Nail polish (including shellac), acrylic and gel nails are not permitted so please ensure these are removed before Term 4 commences.

Blazers

As we come even closer to the end of the school year, it is crucial that all Year 10, 11 and 12 students own a College blazer. The College blazer is compulsory for all formal events and should be kept in excellent condition. If your child does not have a blazer, please make arrangements to purchase one before the end of Week 1, Term 4.

Lockers

Before the end of the Term, students will need to clean their lockers and take home any unnecessary items. Please note that students will not have access to their lockers over the holiday period, so anything left at school will remain here until Term 4 commences. 

Student Wellbeing

The holiday break offers a welcome opportunity to step back, unwind and rest up for a busy term ahead. Unfortunately, students will often fall into bad habits or undo some of the positive gains made throughout the term due to a lack of consistency and routine. It is easy to stay up late, sleep-in of a morning, spend too much time on screens and devices and occasionally making some poor choices in how students utilize their new found freedom.

Losing the positive social connections, daily routines and learning habits of normal school day can lead to a backward step and poor habits can be hard to break. For senior students who will face assessments early during term 4, staying focused and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices could be the key to success.

There are a number of ways you can support your child's mental health and wellbeing in these term holidays:

Stay connected

Social relationships are important to any young person’s general wellbeing. Having a variety of friendship groups both in and out of school will provide a diverse social support network essential for developing appropriate relationships. 

Stay in a routine

Getting a good night’s sleep not only helps students to feel energised, focused and motivated but is also essential for neurological growth and development.

Stay physically active

Physical activity elevates heart rate, oxygenates the brain and increases the release of endorphins which have positive effects on health and wellbeing both in the short and long term. Often students fall out of the routine of exercising regularly without the structures of school sports and training. Even small activities, like walking the dog, can help relieve stress and frustration, provide a good distraction from worrying thoughts, improve concentration and improve mood. 

Eat well

A healthy well balanced diet doesn’t only reduce the risk of physical health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, but it can also help with sleeping patterns, energy levels, mood, and general health and wellbeing. 

Have a happy safe and enjoyable holiday break and we will see you all back and ready to go in Term Four. For our Year 11 students best of luck with your upcoming assessments in week 1. We also wish our Year 10 cohort a safe an enjoyable camp which is taking place in week 1. 

2019 is definitely flying by as we reach the end of another busy Term.  We have seen many curriculum and extracurricular events that have allowed our students opportunities to experience success both inside and outside of the classroom. I would like to wish all students and staff a safe and restful mid-semester break, as they refresh and recharge for Term 4.

We would like parents to note that the College will be issuing report cards this Term. Please note that year 11 students will not receive a report card as they will not have completed their unit of study until week 1 of term 4. We encourage parents to contact their child's teacher if they have any questions or would like further information regarding their progress.

NAPLAN Reports

The 2019 NAPLAN Reports for students in Years 7 & 9 will be mailed home this week and arrive at some stage throughout the holidays.

NAPLAN Trial
Thank you to all year 8 students for participating in the NAPLAN Trial on Monday the 16th. This was a fantastic opportunity for our school to make sure that the online software will support the 2020 NAPLAN test. This was an effective trial and things are looking good as we transition to the new platform. 

Awards Night

Planning is well underway for the Annual College Awards Night. In the first weeks back at school in Term 4. Lists of award recipients will be published to students in Week 1 of Term 4. The criteria used to determine our academic awards is outlined below. A reminder that results from the full year so far are used to determine recipients. 

Awards Night will be held at the Mount Isa Civic Centre on Wednesday 23rd of October. This is an excellent night that showcases and recognises the achievements of our students. We look forward to seeing all parents and students attend to help celebrate the success of 2019. 

Year 11 Exam Block

A reminder that the year 11 students will have an exam block first week back in term 4. This exam block is to assess what students have completed in unit 2. At the conclusion of this exam block students will begin year 12 content from the beginning of week 2. 

We recommend that all students allocate some time throughout the holidays to study some concepts learnt in class. The act of moving information from short to long term memory is to ensure that information can be used at future times. Below are some techniques to assist students with this process:

• Repetition: students practice recalling information; 
• Elaboration: the process of connecting new information with prior information to build relationships between them;
• Organisational Schemas (study guides, concept maps, comparing and contrasting ideas): this assists our brains to create patterns, making it easier to remember information;
• Multiple modes: using a variety of studying techniques can create stronger memories. Students can engage with information from visual, auditory and/or kinesthetic modes;

Staff v Student Netball

Another victory to the staff on Tuesday, with a convincing 17-12 win. Students are now trailing by 4 games to 1. Hopefully next term they can lift their game! Still lots of matches to go.

On Thursday 19th September, a great number of Year 7 and 8 students competed for their house in either the Netball or Touch football carnival. All matches were played at the College and it also gave the senior students a chance to coach and referee matches.

SPORTS AWARD NIGHT

On Tuesday 15th October, GSCC is hosting our annual Sports Awards Night in the Lumen Christi Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for us as a whole school community to come together and recognise students, parents, staff and community members who have contributed to the success of school sport throughout 2019. 

We also are pleased to announce special guest speaker for the evening, John Doyle. John is a former professional rugby league footballer who played for the NRL in the North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters teams, as well as for Queensland in the State of Origin. John is back living in Mount Isa, and currently committed to coaching and training people locally through Three Sons Fitness. John reflects the values that we wish to instil in our students in giving back to the community and encouraging others to be the best they can be. He is also is a great role model for how sport and involvement in extracurricular activities can assist you later on in your life. As a result, we celebrate the theme of the evening which is ‘Sport - Success for life’.

On the night we will be presenting a wide range of awards for students representing the School, District and North West region in their various sports. There will also be awards for ‘Spirit in Sport’ and the prestigious Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year. For those students who are attending on the night it is important that students are in their full formal uniform. Years 7, 8 & 9 this means they must be wearing their academic uniform with the correct shoes. For years 10, 11 & 12 this means their academic uniform with their blazer, tie and correct shoes.

The criteria and recipients list for awards, will be published to parents and students in the next couple of weeks. We look forward to celebrating with as many of you as possible.