At Good Shepherd we are committed to building a strong learning culture. To achieve these we set clear priorities in our Annual School Improvement Plan. Each of our teachers, school officers and office staff have begun the year by engaging in reflective practice to develop a Professional Learning Plan. This PLP is focused on improvement and how we can improve student outcomes at the College. We are looking forward to hosting parents in a forum on Tuesday 21st April, to discuss the important role that parents and families play in the school improvement process. This week I will be attending the Principals’ Conference in Townsville where I will present to others on the many ways Good Shepherd is building a Professional Learning Community.

Next Tuesday (17th March) we will hold our annual Emerging Leaders’ Parent Information Night at 6.00pm. This is compulsory for parents and carers of all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The Emerging Leaders’ Program is an outstanding initiative by the Townsville Catholic Education Office to promote attendance, academic excellence and community engagement. We are grateful to the many teachers and school officers who mentor our Indigenous students to achieve these outcomes. Good Shepherd is extremely proud of our strong participation in this program, which is lead by Ms Dottie Frew our Emerging Leaders Co-ordinator.

Congratulations to our Homerooms who have begun fundraising for Project Compassion. “Let’s Go Further Together" is the motto this year and all monies raised will go to support people in underprivileged communities. Did you know:

• 1 in 7 people still go hungry every day.
• 1.2 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water.
• There are 11 million women and girls in forced labour.

This week we welcome Leigh Harding to our English Department. Leigh is an experienced teacher from Cairns. She will also join our Indigenous Education team, bringing her Masters of Indigneous Studies expertise.

Each week we will profile a section of our Annual School Improvement Plan for 2020. This is the document that guides our plans and priorities for the year. We prepare this document based on initiatives set by the Townsville Catholic Education Office and through consultation with our school stakeholders: parents, staff and students.

NAPLAN Trial - Years 7 & 9
In 2020 NAPLAN at Good Shepherd will be ONLINE!! This means moving NAPLAN from the current paper-based tests to computer-based assessments, which is a very exciting development in the way these National tests are conducted. To prepare our students for this event there will be a trial for all Year 7 and 9 students in Week 9. The students will partake in a 45 minutes Omnibus Test consisting of Language Conventions, Reading and Numeracy. 

This is an amazing opportunity for students to trial the new online platform that they will be using in May of 2020 for the NAPLAN test. This trial will not record students details or their results, it is purely used to introduce the students to the software and check that it will support this amount of users for a smooth delivery. 

Digital Submission & Plagiarism

The College regularly outlines our commitment to developing “Inner-directed and responsible learners”. Assessment is an important part of the teaching and learning process and as teachers, summative assessment is used as a diagnostic tool of the learning your child has undertaken. With the addition of digital technologies, access to information is easier than ever and unfortunately with this brings an increase in the number of incidents of plagiarism - whether intentional or accidental.

The College have a Plagiarism Checking Software, titled ‘Turnitin’ that allows students to submit their drafts and assessments online. The software compares the student's assignment with a database of internet sources, books and journals as well as other assignments submitted by students in the same class and across the world. 

By using the software throughout the drafting and assignment writing process, students will be able to continually check their work to ensure they are accurately referencing as well as further develop and refine their skills in moving from research to completed assignment to show their understanding of the concepts, rather than their ability to locate and copy information from their research. 

Homework

Homework is an important part of the learning process and is used to consolidate the in-class learning that occurs throughout the day. As teachers, we issue homework to students for a variety of reasons. We understand that different students complete homework at different rates. While there is an expectation that students complete homework, we also understand that there may be times where this isn't possible.  The health and well-being of our students is our first priority. If you feel your child is not coping with the amount of homework, or are not able to complete the set homework in a reasonable timeframe, I encourage you to contact your child's teacher to explain, together we can then ensure that we balance the workload as they transition along their learning journey.

Assessment Time

I just wanted to remind all students and families about some important aspects of our assessment policy, especially as we are leading into the busiest time of term for the submission of assignments. 

Assessment must be submitted on or before the due date: if a student fails to submit an assessment on or before the due date (without considerable documentation or extensions forms which have been completed and approved) their draft will be marked and reported on as their final submission. 

Plagiarism: If students have a significant proportion of their assessment plagiarised (equating to 50% or above) the students draft will be used as their final submission. This will also result in an after school detention. At the College we have processes in place to ensure quality assurance is maintained with all assessment tasks. If a student is concerned about their level of plagiarism please direct students to their Turnitin account which provides them with a detailed percentage highlighting what sections of their assessment has been plagiarised and the sources it has come from.  

Zonta Young Woman of Achievement Award

Last week for International Women’s Day our College nominated 6 Senior students in to the Zonta Young Woman of Achievement Awards that were held at the Zonta International Women’s Day Dinner at Buchanan Park Events Complex on Saturday night. 

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Charlotte Coghlan in Year 11 who won the Young Woman of Achievement category out of a field of 16 nominees. Charlotte was nominated by Year 11 Pastoral Leader Ms Nikki Dalla Vecchia who outlined Charlotte’s achievements and community involvements below: 

Charlotte is one of our young leaders of the CIA (Catholics in Action) youth group. She demonstrates great care and compassion and is involved in helping the community at events such as School Fetes, Multicultural Festival, Isa Street Festival and Rodeo. She also contributes to parish initiatives such as cooking and preparing food for Jangawala and Mount Isa Watch House. Charlotte has also assisted with Mount Isa Parish Christmas gift drive and has worked the Parish Chip Van at various events.

Charlotte has not only participated but leads many of these initiatives and fundraising efforts for the younger students at our College and in our community, also demonstrating her strong community ethic. She has assisted on the ticket stall and clean up at Mount Isa Race Club for numerous race days.

Charlotte has also been involved with the choreography of Rock Pop Mime performances for our College. She is an aspiring leader who always strives to bring the best out in others by encouraging them to be involved in various community/college activities i.e., Rock Pop, SRC, CIA Youth Group, Netball etc.

In 2018 and 2019, Charlotte has been a member of the College’s student representative council. She demonstrates exemplary diligence towards her studies and effort in the classroom and always around our school grounds. In 2019, she won the subject prize for Hospitality and was also a recipient of the College ‘Spirit in Service’ award.

Charlotte is a great role model for young women in our College and wider community and a very worthy recipient of this award. Congratulations Charlotte!

REMINDERS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Hands off

Every person in our College community has the right to feel happy and safe. Our College has a strict hands off policy in which students are to keep their hands and feet to themselves and respect all people at the College. It is important to remember that a breach of the hands off rule will result in an automatic home referral from the College.

Uniform

It is an expectation that students arrive to school in the morning and depart in the afternoon wearing their full academic uniform. This includes their black leather shoes and ties for senior students. At any time, students wearing the school uniform are representing the College, and consequences will apply for anyone breaching College expectations.  If your child is unable to wear the full and correct uniform for any reason a signed note from a parent/guardian needs to be presented with the date and reason for incorrect uniform otherwise a lunchtime detention will be issued.

Leaving the College

Students are not permitted to leave the College without having a permission note from a parent/guardian, which is signed, dated and states a reason. The student must present this note to the College Office. Students must also be signed out of the College Office by a parent or guardian.

Student Lunches

If you need to bring your child lunch during the day, please take it to the College Office, and they can notify the student. Students should not be waiting at the front of the College for their lunch to be delivered.

Arriving Late to School

It is important that students arrive to school by 8:25am (first bell). Homeroom begins at 8:30am and if students are late they risk missing out on important notices and information about changes to College routines. Any student who is not here at 8:30am must sign in at the College Office. Students who do not have a note (or phone call) from a parent or guardian will receive a lunchtime detention. Students who are late on multiple occasions will receive an after school detention.

Winter Uniform

Now is a great time for families to begin doing a stocktake of their winter uniforms. We recommend that you purchase winter uniform items before it starts to cool down to ensure we have the stock you require in store.

Did you know the Uniform Shop now has an online order form? You can access this through the Good Shepherd Catholic College Website - Uniform Shop Online Orders

Compass Parent Portal

Earlier this term I encouraged parents to collect their unique login credentials from the office to log into the Compass Parent Portal. If you are yet to collect this login, I again encourage you to do so. A reminder that we are unable to provide login details unless we can see you to verify your details; this is important due to the sensitive and sometimes confidential information that you will have access to on your child’s portal.

At Good Shepherd student report cards are accessible through the Compass Parent Portal, and you must have a log in to access these. I will include specific instructions regarding report card access in the coming weeks, so be sure to stay tuned!

Project Compassion Fundraising

Our fundraising efforts so far this Lenten season have been amazing! We have had bake sales, raffles, guessing games and Zooper Dooper sales. Some Homerooms have already raised over $100.00 which is a wonderful effort two weeks into our fundraising.

Still to come is a lunchtime disco, sausage sizzle, Easter Egg raffles, sherbert making and eating and a whole school free dress day in Week 10 of this term. Students, keep a look out in the daily notices for more information on upcoming events.

Thank you for your support so far.

It has been a very busy year so far, for our Year 11 students who have commenced their new Senior pathway. Students are in the process of sitting their first exam block for their Senior subjects this week. They have been very eager, and have shown great dedication to their studies so far this Term. We wish all of our Year 11 students the best of luck for their remaining exams this week, and for any outstanding assessment tasks.

A big thank you to those parents and students that joined us last week at the parent information evening. Our College community is very fortunate to have such committed and supportive parents. On the evening, some of the topics that were discussed included; 

• Senior calendar (key dates)
• QCE eligibility
• Subject requirements for general and applied subjects (external exams)
• Study tips
• Time management
• Social media and screen time
• Stress management

Attached are some resources shared on the night around study habits and screen time, that all parents might find useful.

Last week three of our student leaders travelled to Brisbane for a Qld Minerals & Energy Academy Girls Mentoring Program.

This is what they had to say…..

The QRC/WIMARQ Girls Mentoring Program in 2020 is tailored to suit year 12 girls, like myself, who are interested in pursuing a career in the resources sector. The program paired me with a mentor who will provide encouragement and support in my final year of schooling. 

My mentor is Carly Doncila who is a Training Coordinator with Thiess in Dysart. Carly is a highly experienced and educated mentor who will be able to provide me with a valuable insight into the resources sector in the next 6 months.

There are many benefits from attending the program. I have the ability to meet many people from different mines and learn about their roles, which will have an influence on my career path. I am hoping that my mentor will be able to assist me in creating a clear direction to achieve my goal of employment within the mining sector.

 We were fortunate to attend the 2020 QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Royal International Convention Centre in Bowen Hills. It was an inspiring event to attend with over 1000 ladies and it was great to hear the stories from people from various cultural backgrounds and how they secured their dream jobs.

 I am grateful for being accepted into this QRC/WIMARQ, Girls Mentoring Program and that rural students were given the opportunity to be part of it. Thank you to Glencore, BHP, Hastings Deering, Idemitsu and MPC Kinetic for sponsoring this program and committing to create a diverse and gender progressive industry.

I found the benefits of the program to be that we are provided with more information about different areas and roles that are available within various companies e.g. Hastings, BHP, Glencore.  My mentor is Stacey Bell, she works in Major Shutdowns for BHP. She is based in Brisbane but works in smaller areas outside of Brisbane and surrounding. What I hope to get out of the program is more confidence in what I want to pursue career wise when I finish school this year and have a more clear understanding of my options.   

The breakfast was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successes within the QLD Resources sector and was an honour to be able to attend and represent Good Shepherd. 

I'd also just like to add that I'm very excited for what this program will hold for Shannon, Kelsey and I and what each of us will get out of it. 

This year I was lucky enough to attend the WIMARQ/QRC trip in Brisbane! This trip exposed me to how the Resources Council influenced young females to work in the mining field. 

The benefits of attending the program included a mentor who works in a field of mining similar to your preferences, learning from a previous mentee how the program had opened up opportunities for her and understanding the importance of women in mining!

My mentor is Angela Kent, a Health and Safety Supervisor based with Rio Tinto. I got to learn a lot about her job just from a short introduction, learning things such as, travelling to different parts of the world and analysing workplace health and safety. Angela is based in the city of Brisbane and lives over an hour from Brisbane, but she enjoys what she does and says it is totally worth the travel!

I hope to gain some experience that will influence my decision as to whether or not I want to work in mining! I’m very excited to hear what my mentor will teach me, and what I can gain from her experiences!

Careers Newsletter

Some of the articles in our latest newsletter include:

• What is an Art Therapist?
• Why should I do an apprenticeship?
• Should High School Students use Linkedin?
• University Open Days
• Defence Force Work Experience
• UCAT - University Clinical Aptitude Test
• Career Targets - see jobs available in your areas of interest

Check out the link for more  https://www.careertools.com.au/resources/newsletters/qld/2020/t1_w6_2020_qld.pdf

It has been great to see students volunteering in their Break Time to assist with Library tasks. Students have been working at the Circulation Desk (borrowing and returns), shelving books, helping with deleted resources, stamping and covering and collecting and washing bottles and cans for recycling. Each task earns students a Merit Award Recognition (MARS) point.

Thanks to the following students who have stepped up to help out

• Adithya Dias
• Josh Thatcher
• Sunny Wolland-Ropiha
• Brock Philip
• Tyler Keegan
• Cody Scarsci
• Mark Pulman
• Jessica Ward
• Dylan Moore
• Tarlee Slatter
• Alaura-Jane Keating

Library Wish List

This year we have implemented the Library Wish list where students can list the books (and games) they would like to see purchased for the Library. This has been a wonderful addition to our collection, with students starting dialogues, and making recommendations, with their friends about their reading choices.

Library Easter Raffle

Students earn one entry into the raffle with each book they borrow. We currently have 51 entries in the draw.

Congratulations to our top borrowers for this week:

1. Beau Kelly
2. Jessica Ward
3. Alison Godfrey, Charlie Klowss, Gabby Stevens, Josh Thatcher
4. Brayden Davies, Bailey Faulkner, Michael Kelly, Dylan Moore, Beau Vlaar
5. Chelsea Barlow, Preston Connelly, Adithya Dias