“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Laozi 604BC

Welcome back for Term 2. It promises to be a very busy one. I have so much to talk about this week but let us start with the Commonwealth Games. For anyone who watched the athletes compete (especially the Para-athletes) over the ten days of the games, what amazing achievements were witnessed, what amazing struggles were endured, what amazing stories each could tell? Stories of hardship, struggle, endless hours of training, sacrifices, successes and failures and the undying support of families and friends. Most importantly, as we shared their wonderful journeys and were lifted by their courage, determination and incredible skills we should be reminded of the quote by Laozi, they began with a single step.

There is much in this for us to remind the young people in our care. I had the opportunity last week on assembly to speak to them about this. Firstly we talked about the four College expectations which I summarized as; 1. Hands Off, 2. Show Up, 3. Have a go, and 4. First Time. These expectations, along with our College Motto; “Christ our Light” and our College Mission statement which embraces the ideals of; The Community Experience, Living by Gospel Values and Achieving Success provide us with maps for the journey. This term we want to focus on the central two; show up and have a go. We feel sure that embracing these two will enable the success of our Good Shepherd community and build resilience to ensure students are able to engage with their learning, grow in their knowledge and have a clear and determined pathway for their futures, shall we say, thrive!

The students have already enjoyed several enrichment opportunities since we started last Wednesday and I said, there is much more on offer throughout this long term (11 weeks). This week we commemorate Anzac Day and I am hoping for excellent representation from our student body at the march. The College leaders will gather for the Dawn Service at 6am and then attend Mass at the parish at 8am. On Friday we have the first of our GSCC Concert Series entitled From the Beginning. The first concert is named Tragedies and Carnivals and features international pianist Daniel Johnson and will include art work by students of the college. I am very excited about this inaugural event and encourage all to attend.

We are working very hard at present in shaping our curriculum for the “new senior” (to commence with the current Year 10s) and the staff have been focusing on improved pedagogy to enable the best opportunities for every student at the college. However the most important direction towards the right path is to have our students to become much greater participants in their learning journey. To this end we encourage all students to attend the upcoming Student/Parent/Teacher Night on May 1. It is imperative in contemporary Teaching and Learning that students can articulate clearly where they are in their learning journey; what and why they are learning, where they have been successful, what areas they need to improve on and how they are going to do this. Only when they own their learning can they really be in control of their futures.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I implore you as parents and caregivers to encourage your children to step up, step out, step forward onto the path of learning that will take them onto successful lives, happy lives, fulfilled lives, comfortable that they are able to manage all that the contemporary world may bring to their lives. We at GSCC are ready to take you mon this journey if you are ready to “show up and have a go!”

“You have to apply yourself each day to becoming a little better…by doing this, over a period of time, you will become a lot better.” John Wooden                                                                               

Peter Scott

Welcome back to all students, families & staff for Term 2. I hope that you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Easter Season with family and friends, and I trust that our students are refreshed and recharged ready for the new term.

Student-Parent & Teacher interviews.

On Tuesday 1st May, the first round of Student-parent & Teacher interviews will be held. This important night allows students & parents to have learning conversations around how your child is travelling along their learning journey in the various subjects.  It is important that the students are present at these interviews.

Details around booking these interviews was sent home with your child's Term 1 Interim Report Card. Bookings can be made by visiting the School Interviews website, and using the event code prdrg. We invite you to book interviews with teachers, even if they have not requested one to ensure that we can all work together to support your child in achieving their learning goals for 2018.

Assessment Calendars

Term 2 assessment calendars will be published and distributed to students by the end of this week. These are available via the College Website and the student portals. Students and parents have also been emailed a copy of the Calendars. With such a busy Term, it is important that students are managing their time effectively in order to ensure that all assessment is handed in, fully completed, by the due date.

Exam Block Timetables for Year 10, 11 & 12 students will be released in the coming weeks.

Assessment Policy

This term, the College will implement an updated and revised Assessment Policy which was recently approved through the College Board. Assessment is a vital part of the learning journey that students are on, and it is important that students are organised and committed to ensure that all assessment items are submitted in full on or before the due date.

A copy of the assessment Policy can be found on our College Website.

The updated policy aims to ensure that all students submit a full and complete draft by the required date. This draft becomes the students final assessment submission until it is replaced with an updated version (either on or before the final due date & time). Students who fail to submit a final copy will have their draft marked as the final submission against the standards. Students who choose not to submit a draft will be required to complete the assessment item in the time remaining in that lesson.

Students will be well informed of this new policy, and its processes will be explained in detail as each assessment item is handed out this term.

Ultimately, students who are choosing not to submit their drafts and final assessment items on time will be jeopardising their overall results in that subject. It is vital that students and families are using the Assessment Calendars to manage their time effectively.

Subject Changes - Year 11 & 12 Students

Any year 11 or 12 students who are wishing to change subjects must do so by Monday 30th April. Changes after this time will not be approved and students will need to remain in their current choices for the Term.  Students will be able to make changes at the beginning of Semester Two if they wish.

NAPLAN

The 2018 NAPLAN tests for Years 7 & 9 students will be held from Tuesday 15th May until Thursday 17th May. Students will participate in the Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy. As with all assessment, It is important that students are well rested, have a good night's sleep and are starting their days with breakfast to allow them to work to the best of their ability.

If you do not want your child to sit the 2017 NAPLAN tests please contact me either via email or through the College Office so that we can arrange the necessary paperwork prior to the 14th May. If you would like to discuss this, please don't hesitate to contact me.  

Year 10 into 11

This Term the College will begin working with Year 10 students as they prepare to make decisions around their Transition into the Senior Phase of Learning.  Throughout Pastoral Care, the students will be introduced to the possible options available to them in Year 11 & 12.

On Tuesday 22nd May, the College will hold its annual Senior Phase of Learning Information Night where students and parents will have opportunities to talk to Curriculum Leaders and teachers about possible subject choices as well as exploring the wide range of Vocational Education & Training pathways available.

Welcome back! I hope that students have returned to school refreshed, and ready for the hard work that will be required this term.

Last week, we held an assembly with all students where Mr. Scott reiterated a number of very important College expectations.

1. Hands off: I have spoken to students and written in the newsletter about this issue on a number of occasions throughout Term 1. It is important to remember that a breach of the hands off rule will result in an automatic withdrawal from the College, this will be for a minimum of two days.
2. Right Place → Right Time → Right ‘Stuff’: The return to school after a break often finds students a little disorganized and out of practice. It is important that as we move towards the end of Week 2 that students are on time to their classes and prepared with all equipment required.
3. 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
4. Respect: If we are to create a welcoming and caring school environment, students must respect themselves, others and the grounds. On assembly, Mr. Scott showed students a wonderful clip that talked about the top 20 ways to show respect. When the term becomes busy, students become tired and the ability to make good choices is challenged, this would be a great clip to watch to reflect and remember why respect is so important.

This will be an incredibly busy term, so it is important that students take care of themselves and each other. Some simple ways for teenagers to care for their health include:   

• Sleep! Research suggests that adolescents require 9 hours sleep each night.
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Make time for physical activity
• Maintain social support. Spend time with friends who are supportive, caring and help you to make good choices)
• Be organised!
• Ask for help
• Rest! Allow time throughout the week for meditation, mindfulness, or an activity that helps to minimise feelings of stress or anxiety.

If at any point you have any concerns regarding your child’s well-being, please contact their Homeroom Teacher. If the matter is of a more serious nature, please contact the Pastoral Leader.

Year 7: Mrs. Pelly Morganson pmorganson1@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

Year 8: Mr. William Morganson wmorganson1@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au           

Year 9: Ms. Kylie McCarthy kmccarthy2@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

Year 10: Miss Caitlin Conway cconway@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

Year 11: Miss Jenna Martin jmartin7@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

Year 12: Miss Jade Marinelli jmarinelli@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

College Photos

College photos will take place next Thursday, 3 May. This week, students the photo order envelopes have been distributed to students (envelopes for family photos are available from the College Office).

Please note that these envelopes must be returned regardless of photo purchases as the barcode on the envelope is used to identify students. If you want to purchase school photos, please select the photo package and include payment details. The orders cannot be submitted to the College; students must bring their envelopes next Thursday with the correct money where they will submit them directly to the photographers during their allocated photo time (please note, no change will be given at the office).

As we come to the end of the Easter Season, I wanted to thank everyone again who was involved in our fundraising for the Caritas Australia Project Compassion appeal. The College raised a total of $2615.05, which is a great effort by all involved. Thank you to all students, parents and teachers who have contributed and helped to support. At the end of last Term we announced the homeroom with the greatest amount of donations, which was 11A with a total of $574.90. Congratulations again 11A for all the hard work and effort you put into fundraising this year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the students who performed in the Passion Play at the end of last term. These students worked tirelessly to ensure that the play ran smoothly. These students also then spent the whole day on Good Friday at the Parish where they practiced and performed the Passion for the Church. These students include;

Maddison Dolzan

Abi Constantinou

Zoe Ryder

Ella Coghlan

Will Carland

Brooke Troxell

Charlotte Coghlan

Loree Martyr

Trysten Viney

Darcy Ryder

Willow Denton

Kaleb Bennett

Callum Jones

Kate Troxell

Abbey McKavanagh

Phoebe Ryder

Mikyla Nataya

Thank you again for your contribution and support.

This year as you know is the Year of Youth. To celebrate, the Townsville Diocese will be hosting a concert and mass in Mount Isa, with the theme ‘Celebrate Youth- the life you’re living'. The concert will be held here at the College on the 15th May, which is in Week 5 this Term. This will be a whole school event, that will run from lesson 2 - lesson 5. Students will attend lesson 1, and students participating in NAPLAN will complete exams as per normal, joining in with the rest of the College for the remainder of the day/activities. The day will conclude with a mass for which the Bishop may be in attendance.

Coming to perform at the concert, is international singer/songwriter Jesse Manibusan, who will engage the assembly with music, comedy and story, to connect faith with the lives of young people. More information about the day will be provided in the next Newsletter. We are very excited to host such a significant event for our youth here at Good Shepherd and hope that it will be a success.

This week, the College will hold our annual Anzac service. Here we pay respect to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives to defend our countries. Please see below an invitation for students and parents to join us in the march and morning service on Anzac Day 25th April. Please also feel free to join in the following prayer to commemorate those who fought and died for us.

Gracious and loving God,

On this national day of commemoration, we pray for all who have died in battle, sacrificing their lives for us. We commemorate their bravery and pray for the families who lost loved ones. As we strive for peace in our country and world, help us to become instruments of your peace. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Welcome back to Term 2!

I hope everyone has had a nice and relaxing Easter break and ready to get stuck into the new school term!

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Students have now received their QCE check based on their Term 1 academic results. In Pastoral Care last week I met with all students and outlined how we are travelling as a cohort. Students should now be able to monitor their own progress and set goals to ensure they are always on track to receive their QCE.

The College uses a traffic light system to track the progress of students on their journey to obtaining a QCE. Students placed in the ‘green zone’ are classed as ‘on track to receive their QCE’. Students in the ‘amber zone’ are identified as ‘at risk of not obtaining their QCE’. Most students who are in the amber zone are completing one or more VET Certificates - QCE points from these Certificates cannot be guaranteed until the completion of the course. Students who are categorised into the ‘red zone’ are classified as ‘not on track to receive their QCE. Students who are in the red zone have generally failed one or more subjects or have failed a Maths or English subject which means the student has not met the literacy and numeracy prerequisite the QCE requires. Students must also maintain a sound level of achievement (C level of achievement) in three core subjects for the duration of the four semester of Senior Schooling (two semesters completed in Year 11 & two semesters in Year 12).

If a student has been categorised into the red zone (not on track to receive a QCE) it is compulsory for that student and their Parent/Guardian to attend a ‘Review Meeting’ with myself. If you have any queries regarding the academic progress of your child please do not hesitate to contact me on (07)4743 2509 or jmarinelli@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au

Y Lead

Last week our Year 12 cohort participated in a day long workshop with Y Lead. Throughout the day, students were challenged to make important contributions to the leadership of our College and worked together to unlock their maximum potential. Students had the opportunity to acknowledge their strengths and the strengths of others and developed confidence to strive for excellence in everything they do.

Welcome back to Term 2!

I hope that you all had a restful holiday and are ready to continue to the hard work that was shown throughout Term 1.

Work Experience and TAFE

Many of the Year 11 students have had an opportunity to participate in work experience during Week 10 and Week 1 of this term, which provides them access to a field of work they may be interested in pursuing at the conclusion of their studies at Good Shepherd Catholic College. There are numerous pathways that can be accessed in regards to work experience and TAFE courses, and I encourage all students who would like to take part in these initiatives to contact myself or Mrs Fiona Coghlan to discuss potential positions.

A number of students are currently undertaking their TAFE block as a component of their qualification. It is crucial that these students contact their teachers in regards to missed work during this time.

Year 11 Retreat

The Year 11 Retreat to Sydney and Canberra is fast approaching! A gentle reminder that retreat payments of $350 were due on the 15th of March and the 15th of April, as it is imperative that these deposits are up-to-date in order to confirm numbers and specific details for this trip. Throughout the term students will be issued with a Retreat Pack which will contain a packing list, contact details, an itinerary and a pre-departure letter.

Y-Lead Conference

On Friday 20th April the Year 11 cohort had the opportunity to participate in the Y-Lead program, which focuses on the development of leaderships skills and recognition of the many strengths of our students. This program has the aim of empowering young people to make a positive difference and to be their best. Students were given opportunities to challenge themselves and step out their comfort zone, whilst considering how they can make a positive impact on the school and wider Mount Isa community.

I look forward to a busy and dynamic term ahead! If you have any queries regarding the progress of your child please do not hesitate to contact me.

Welcome to Term 2! On behalf of all of the teachers in the Humanities Department I hope that you had a fantastic break and are refreshed for an even busier term.

In Humanities this term the students are studying the following units:

Year 7: Place & Liveability

Year 8: Landforms & Landscapes
Year 9: Industrial Revolution

Year 10 Humanities: History unit on WWII

Year 10 Legal Studies: Australia's Democracy & the global context

Year 11 & 12 Legal Studies: Introduction to civil obligations

Year 11 & 12 Modern History: Studies of Conflict - The Cold War

Year 11 & 12 Social and Community Studies: Health Recreation & Leisure

Humanities Club

It is with great excitement that I share with you how much our History club loved their first term! In term 1 the students explored the history of the Roman aqueducts and even started designing their very own. The Romans constructed aqueducts throughout their Empire, to bring water from outside sources into cities and towns. The history club worked together as a team to create their aqueducts and even put them to the test with running water.

This term the students have been incredibly busy creating a wreath that will be displayed at both our school and the councils Anzac Day services. We thank Hannah O’Shea-Breed in particular for her involvement in creating the wreath.

We would love to see some new faces in History club this term so please encourage your child to listen to the notices to come and join in on the fun!

Anzac Service at the college - Tuesday the 24th of April:

Students represented the college amazingly in our schools Anzac day service today. Phoebe Ryder and Ella Coughlan presented a speech on two of our fallen soldiers, buried in the Mount Isa Cemetery: Thomas Edward Travers and William David Walls who were both laid to rest in the Mount Isa cemetery in 1958.  These speeches will be repeated at both of the councils services tomorrow, so please join us in honouring the sacrifice of those brave individuals who fought to keep our land free from tyranny and oppression.

The Humanities Department would also like to thank the Army and Airforce Cadets for their effort in our Anzac day service. In particular Matthew Bowler who led the Army Cadets and Kira Brown who led the Air Force Cadets.

Thank you to all of our special guests that came to join in on this service with us, please see below some photos from this assembly:

Welcome back GSCC!

Term 2 HPE and Sport is going to be fun, exciting and very busy.

Health lessons have begun with a range of units to develop the skills and understanding to strengthen sense of self and build respectful relationships. There are opportunities to critique stereotypes by navigating a range of health-related sources, services and organisations to enhance safety and wellbeing. Physical Education lessons will enable students to participate in a range of physical activities as a foundation for lifelong physical activity and enhanced performance. They acquire knowledge of how the body moves and develop an appreciation of the significance of sport in Australian society.

Year 7: Approaching Adolescence and Athletics

Year 8: Supporting Yourself & Others and Athletics

Year 9: Lifelong Physical Activity and Components of Fitness/Athletics

Year 10: Training Sessions and Programs - Application and Evaluation

Senior PE: Biomechanics and Athletics

Recreation: Futsal Training Principles and Programs

During PE lessons, students are required to wear full sports uniform including a hat and white socks. The vast majority of lessons are outside this Term, therefore sun safety is a priority. HPE teachers will communicate home to ensure these and other College expectations are being followed to maintain a safe, highly effective and positive learning environment.

Term 2 Sport will move into full swing in Week 3. Cross Country training, Year 7/8 Sporting Schools after school Rugby League and Senior Girls Karyn Murphy Cup training shall begin. Students can keep an eye on what’s happening through the notices and the GSCC Sports Calendar. Interhouse Futsal will take place during Weeks 3 and 6; teachers will need to start training for the staff v seniors match… 

GSCC, Mount Isa District, North West Regional and Queensland School Sport will be updated on the Sports Calendar @ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pvyaG6gfS8D08DsY6tW0glbFc-eV9dID6-EbQUs_YZM/edit?ts=5a682319

Please feel free to email me for any further information around HPE and Sport.

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."  Tom Stoppard.

ACARA. (2016). HPE. Retrieved 22/04/18 from http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/learning-areas-subjects/health-and-physical-education

WORK EXPERIENCE

A big THANKS to all of our host employers for work experience last term.  

NORTH WEST HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICE (Mt Isa Base Hospital)

ULTIMATE KITCHENS

GLENCORE

ABC RADIO

ST JOSEPH’S KINDERGARTEN

Our Year 11/12 students gained lots of workplace experience and employer feedback has been excellent!

Year 10 students in Rice & Mackillop Houses have the opportunity to participate at the end of this term.  I will be visiting homerooms to discuss over the next week. Parents, if you have any concerns/questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

ICAS
On Tuesday the 8th of May Students will be given the opportunity to participate in the the University of New South Wales ICAS Digital Technologies test. ICAS tests are no stress, run internationally and provide students with the opportunity to compare their understanding against their peers around the world. It also provides valuable experience of an external testing environment. If you would like your student to participate please contact me by Friday the 27th of April.

Try a Graphic Novel....

Ouran High School Host Club, Vol 1 - One day, by Bisco Hatori - Haruhi, a scholarship student at exclusive Ouran High School, breaks an $80,000 vase that belongs to the 'Host Club', a mysterious campus group consisting of six super-rich (and gorgeous) guys. To pay back the damages, she is forced to work for the club, and it's there that she discovers just how wealthy the boys are and how different they are from everybody else. (Volumes 2 – 4 also available).

Stormbreaker (Alex Rider: The Graphic Novel), by Anthony Horowitz - When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, Alex Rider goes from schoolboy to superspy within days as his world is turned upside down. Forcibly recruited into MI6, Alex must discover the truth about the Stormbreaker computer. (Volumes 2 – 5 also available)

Maximum Ride, by James Patterson - Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of her "flock"—Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel—are just like ordinary kids, except they have wings and can fly! It may seem like a dream come true to some, but for the flock it's more like a living nightmare. When the mysterious lab known as the "School" turns up and kidnaps their youngest member, it's up to Max to organize a rescue, but will help come in time? (Volumes 2 – 7 also available)

The Stonekeeper (Amulet Vol 1), by Kazu Kibuishi - After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.  Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves. (Volumes 2 – 8 also available).

Secret Avengers (Vol 1: Let’s have a problem) – The new Secret Avengers are ready to get started...but can they be the world's most eff ecti ve secret squad? Or will their personal issues tear them apart? Why not both? Three missions kick off at the same time, and nobody is ready except the bad guys! Earth is endangered by falling S.H.I.E.L.D. satellites! A post-nuclear warhead goes missing in the Middle East! And the Fury...yes, the unstoppable super hero-killing machine from Captain Britain...reappears deep inside Chinese territory! Can Hawkeye, Black Widow and Spider-Woman save Nick Fury and Phil Coulson from dying horribly in space? Will a wounded Maria Hill figure out what her uneasy ally M.O.D.O.K. is up to? Do the Secret Avengers have a prayer against the Fury? As death hits the Helicarrier, Black Widow faces Lady Bullseye...and Coulson goes rogue!