This week marks the beginning of Lent - the most important season in the Church year. It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect and prepare before the celebrations of Easter.  I found this quote which I believe sums up the purpose of Lent beautifully: “Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer.” During this Lenten season our College will go “a little deeper” by celebrating with the Bishop the launch of Project Compassion; acknowledging Ash Wednesday with a College liturgy; praying during the Lenten Program, and raising much needed funds for Caritas. By doing these things, we will go into Easter with an increased appreciation for who God is and what he has done for us. We will have a truer understanding of the significance of the Resurrection. 

This week I am attending the Leading with Integrity Course in Townsville with other senior leaders from the Diocese. The focus of the professional development so far has been Governance and Thinking Strategically. I look forward to sharing my learnings with other staff when I return. While I am away I will also attend the Board Formation with Assistant Principal Pelly Morganson. The theme of the formation is the Role of the Board on School Improvement.

We recently welcomed two new staff members to the College: Samantha Richardson and Devina van Zyl. They will be an invaluable addition to our School Officer team who support students. Shortly we will welcome two new experienced English teachers, Leigh Harding and Nikki Butler. Decisions around changes to teacher allocation are taken carefully and always in the best interests of students. Parents will be notified if there are any changes.

Drafting and Assessment at GSCC

We are now at the time of the term when the assessment load begins to ramp up. Assessment is an extension of the work completed in class, and allows students to demonstrate their application of the skills and knowledge they have gathered across Term 1.  

Drafting is a very important part of the assessment process. Drafts are designed to be the best possible response to the assigned task. Students are reminded to be organised to enable them to complete full drafts by the required date. Teacher feedback on drafts will vary from task to task and is generally subject-specific, thus meaning that how a teacher drafts in English will be different to how another teacher drafts in Maths. Some tasks will see students draft in-class under exam conditions, whereas for other tasks the assignment might be a ‘take home’. 

Drafting at Good Shepherd is a compulsory process that all students are expected to take part in. If students are struggling or finding the drafting process challenging I encourage them to make contact with their classroom teacher as soon as possible. 

Year 11 Information Evening 

To ensure parents and students are fully aware of the demands and expectations of senior schooling and the requirements of both the new QCE and ATAR system, an information evening will be held on Wednesday the 4th of March at 6:00pm, in the Lumin Christi Centre. Some of the items to be discussed on the night include:

• Information about their senior calendar (key dates)
• QCE eligibility
• Subject requirements for general and applied subjects (including confirmation around external exams for general/applied subjects in Term 4 of 2021) 
• Stress management, study tips and time management (particularly around social media use)
• Year 11 retreat this year

It is highly recommended that all Year 11 students attend this evening with at least one family representative. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about senior schooling. Thank you to Miss Dalla Vecchia who has organised this event, along with a BBQ for dinner. 

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN):

A reminder that NAPLAN will take place with Years 7 and 9 students from Tuesday the 12th of May until Friday the 22nd of May. Within this testing window, students will be completing a series of tests that are focused on basic skills that are administered annually to Australian students. 

NAPLAN tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. This testing system identifies whether all students have the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for their learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. Students are assessed using common national tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests broadly reflect important aspects of literacy and numeracy in the Australian Curriculum. 

In 2020 all Year 7 and 9 students at Good Shepherd will complete these tests electronically for the first time. The NAPLAN software will be downloaded onto students computers over the coming weeks and a trial test will take place in Week 9. Please keep an eye on your emails over the coming weeks as more information is sent through.  

We have reached the middle of the term and will soon be moving into our peak assessment period. This can be a challenging time for students and we need to consider the impact that stress and anxiety can have on young people and the importance of them making their mental health and wellbeing a priority. Below are some tips from Health Direct that will assist students to care for their mental health.

Tips for Good Mental Health

1. Build relationships
   Having good relationships with other people is the most important factor contributing to a sense of wellbeing. This can include family, friends, workmates and others in the community. Investing time and energy in your relationships can lead to great benefits for all involved.
   
   
2. Exercise and stay healthy
   Exercise has been shown to increase wellbeing as well as reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Good physical health is related to better mental health so a healthy diet and exercise routine can really help!
   
   
3. Develop gratitude
   Count your blessings. Try to think about 3 positive things for each day - this can lead to increased wellbeing.
   
   
4. Identify and use your strengths
   We all have different strengths and weaknesses but finding out what you are really good at and using those talents can increase wellbeing. Using your strengths to help others or contribute to the community creates a sense of meaning and purpose.
   
   
5. Create flow
   Flow is the state of being so highly involved in an enjoyable activity that you lose track of time. This usually happens when the level of challenge is about right for your level of skill. Flow can happen during work, hobbies, creative arts or sports.
   
   
6. Give to others
   Making a contribution to the community increases social wellbeing. Many people feel a sense of contributing through meaningful work, but this could also mean volunteering, helping a neighbour or performing small acts of kindness. Take some time to do the things you really enjoy. Pleasant events can lead to positive emotions that can cancel out negative feelings.
   
   
7. Spirituality or religion
   For some people, being involved in spiritual or religious practices can improve wellbeing, help in coping with stress and reduce symptoms of mental illness. This can include belonging to a faith community, meditation, prayer, mindfulness or practices like yoga.
   
   
8. Seek help
   If you are struggling to feel happy, cope with everyday life, find meaning or feel connected to others, talk to someone! It is important for students to know that they are not alone, and that there is always someone who can help, they just need to ask the Pastoral Leaders at the College as they are a wonderful source of support for all students and I would encourage students to approach them whenever they have concerns.

With this term travelling so quickly, Senior Exam Blocks are almost upon us. In preparation for Exam Block, it is important students familiarise themselves with the College expectations regarding this time. 

Exam Block expectations are:

• Students should be studying/completing assessment at home; studying quietly in the Study Room (G4, or completing an exam during exam block. Exam Block is not free time.
• Upon arrival and departure at the College students MUST sign in and out of the office.
• Students must be on time and prepared for exams (please see times/exam timetable below). Students must also sign into the exam room.
• Students have been asked to arrive at the exam room 10 minutes prior to the exam commencing.
• Students must wear the full formal uniform when at the College. Students may be sent home to get the correct uniform before sitting your examination.
• Take away food, coffee or energy drinks are not permitted at any time while on the College grounds.
• Students who have overdue assessment will be required to attend school each day during exam block.

Exam Block - Absences

If students become unwell, and are unable to attend an exam you must:

1. Contact the College office ASAP
2. Have a medical certificate to explain your absence.

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 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."

Please note that Year 11 & 12 Exam Blocks do not occur during the same week

Year 11 Exam Block

Term 1, Week 7

Monday 9 – Friday 13 March 2020

Year 12 Exam Block

Term 1, Week 9

Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 March 2020

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 25th of February, our College Leaders and SRC cooked over 300 pancakes for our staff and students to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. 

‘In Australia the day preceding Ash Wednesday is popularly known as Shrove Tuesday. It is also frequently called Pancake Tuesday.

But it is the name “Shrove” that shows its religious origins. Shrove is the past tense of the English verb “Shrive” which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by way of confession and by doing penance. With Shrove Tuesday taking place before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, it was the day when Christians were encouraged to go to confession in preparation for the penitential season that would end 40 days and 40 nights later with Easter Sunday.

Dating back to 1000 AD, over the years Shrove Tuesday not only became a day for Confession but a time for Catholics to feast on eggs, sugar and dairy which are traditionally restricted during the Lenten fast. Not only was Shrove Tuesday a last chance to gorge on such foods but it was also a way to use them up before the fast began.’

Project Compassion Launch - St Joseph’s Primary School

Each year on Shrove Tuesday the Townsville Catholic Diocese launches Caritas’ Project Compassion. ‘Project Compassion demonstrates how we can go further together to transform the lives of others. For more than 50 years, Caritas Australia has been privileged to work together with our neighbours – our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in First Australian communities and in many other countries. Working with our partner agencies in those communities, we have developed the strength to combat poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity of every person.’

This year, for the first time the launch was brought to Mount Isa, where St Joseph's, St Kerian’s, Good Shepherd and St Joseph’s Cloncurry came together with Fr Mick and Bishop Tim to celebrate the beginning of our fundraising journey for Project Compassion this Lenten season. College Leaders, SRC and the Good Shepherd parish Youth Group, Catholics in Action (CIA) attended to represent our College community.

Save the Date cards for the Year 12 Formal and Graduation Events have been posted to households this week. I would like to thank our Year 12 Formal Committee for all the work they have done so far to prepare for this special event. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge Julia O’Keefe who has designed our Save the Date cards. Although there are many exciting events taking place for our Year 12’s this year, it is important that students maintain their focus and dedication towards their studies. It is important that as we approach exam block, students continue to make positive choices, and ensure they are still following the expectations of the College around uniform and being on time for classes. I encourage students to make use of our Homework Help Program which runs each afternoon (except Thursdays) from 3pm - 4pm in the College Library.

It was wonderful to see many of our Instrumental Music students perform at our Scholars Assembly last Wednesday. Senior Music students, Pierre Lepou, Anesu Chitumbura, Shilpantha Dias & Ella Coghlan lead the College in the Australian Anthem. Instrumental students Lisa Hennessey and Olivia Greenhalgh later performed a duet accompanied by Gyan Angon on the piano. All students involved should be very proud of their performances. As a College, we are looking forward to many more performances throughout the year.

Mulkadee 

Mulkadee is a creative art showcase that is facilitated by the Townsville Catholic Education Office. All schools across the diocese are invited to send their students on a week long program, working with industry professionals, culminating in a sell-out concert at the Townsville Convention Centre. Mulkadee is for students with advanced skills in Dance, Drama & Music. This Year, Mulkadee will be taking place from Monday 20th of July - Friday 24th of July. If your child would like to be part of Mulkadee 2020, please email me on jmarinelli@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au.

If your child is interested in any of the following sports, ensure they receive forms and return these individual nominations to the College Office by the due date. For any forms or information please ask for Mr Harries at the College Office.

Today the Australian Defence Force visited the College to discuss career pathways.  They also talked about study support within Defence, Work Experience and what the Gap Year is all about.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Tuesday mornings 8.00 am - 8.30 am

Thursday afternoons 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm

Please be aware that access to the Uniform Shop will not be available outside of the designated hours above. If your student requires socks, a bucket hat or a senior tie, these items may be purchased from the College Office, before and after school or during their lunch breaks. For all other uniform requirements these must be purchased during opening hours only.  Alternatively, you may place an order via our College website https://www.goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/uniform-shop/uniform-shop-online-orders/or collect an Order Form from the College Office. Once the order has been processed it will be passed directly to your student.