St Saviour's College Newsletter 2022 - Term 4 Week 4

Principal

A Lesson in Humility

I love working at St Saviour’s College. One of the hallmarks of our community is that we are absolutely catholic (catholic with a small ‘c’ means – “all are welcome”) in every sense. Every day, I encounter different situations which challenge me to stretch myself as person in terms of my humility. I am constantly faced with people whose lives are difficult and challenging, yet they meet obstacles with strength and tenacity. The human spirit that I encounter daily, gives firm reassurance that there is goodness in everyone, and if we are to live our best lives, we are called to do so authentically.

In Sunday’s Gospel, we are challenged by Jesus’s parable told in relation to the aloof Pharisee and a tax collector who were in the temple praying. The Pharisee prayed, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector’. In the distance, the tax collector stood his distance, humbly praying, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner’. In essence, the purpose of Jesus’ parable was to encourage us to be more like the tax collector and less like the Pharisee for, as it is written, ‘whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted’ (Luke 18:14).

I saw this very reality on Wednesday evening of this week. As I do each year, I attended the Mayoral Awards hosted by the Toowoomba Regional Council. This is always one of my favourite awards celebrations to attend. Fifty-eight young people from across our region, from both primary and secondary schools, were nominated by their respective schools to be acknowledged for commitment to their learning journey despite obstacles and adversity. Stories of heroic bravery, and sheer courage were shared. Many of these young people battled through ill health, personal crises and physical obstacles, which affirmed to me how precious life is, and how we are all encouraged to make the most of the boundless opportunities presented to us.

This year, I congratulate the recipient of our Mayoral Achievement Award, Jasmine Wilson. Jasmine is in Year 12 and will be successfully graduating from the College at the end of the year. Sadly, Jasmine’s Mum passed away last year. Despite this, Jasmine has demonstrated incredible persistence in terms of her studies whilst being a great support for her Dad and younger siblings. Given her quiet, unassuming nature, Jasmine does not put herself out there, so this award recognises her courage and poise which has seen her reach her potential despite adversity. Jasmine is a credit to the College and her family. As a wonderful aside, this week Jasmine achieved immediate entry int QUT in 2023 to study a Bachelor of International Business.

We hold in our hearts and prayers all who are presently suffering, and ask for God’s loving presence in their lives, to walk with them during times of challenge.

External Exams

We are almost a week into our External Exams. I thank our Year 12 students for the way they have entered into the experience and I trust that their efforts with study will bring with it, great reward. Special thanks to Deputy Principal, Mrs Jessica Wade, and Admin Support Officer, Mrs Kathy McDonald for their work leading up to and during this busy time. Please continue to remember our senior students in your prayers.

Senior Learning Transition

This week saw our Year 10s make their transition into Year 11 learning, commencing their Unit 1 studies in their respective subjects. In addition, our Year 11 students transitioned into their Year 12 (Units 3 & 4) phase of learning. I thank our dedicated staff most sincerely. This transition is always carried out with a generous spirit, minimal fuss, and a hope-filled disposition, ready to take on this next phase of learning. We wish all our senior students the very best as their take on these new studies!

Blessings for the coming weeks.

Sharon Collins
Principal

Deputy Principal - Curriculum

ICAS Mathematics

This week on Assembly we congratulated our ICAS Mathematics participants. These students sat with determination with challenging problems to test themselves against the rest of Australia. A special commendation goes to our students who attained Credits and Merits:

Merit: Charlee O’Hara
Credit: Hayley Norman and Eliza Morcom

Well done to all students who participated.

Year 10 and 11 Senior Changeover

Year 10s and 11s have now progressed to the next unit in their senior schooling. For Year 10 students this changeover has marked the beginning of their senior pathways and a whole suite of new subjects for them – instead of eight subjects as they had done in junior school, they now have six – all contributing to the completion of the QCE.

Any student who is wanting to change subjects, please email me at Jessica.wade@twb.catholic.edu.au for a discussion about subject changes.

Year 11 and 12 students are reminded that the Queensland Certificate of Education is the certification of students at the end of Year 12, and as a College, we believe every student is capable of attaining either the QCE or the QCIA by the completion of their time at the College. Whilst this is a lofty goal, it is one that is worthy of striving for. In my conversations with Year 11 students, I stress the importance of challenging oneself, but also the importance of being successful. The QCE requires subjects to be completed to a C standard. If students are not attaining a C standard, not only do they not bank any points for that subject, but they are risking not attaining their QCE at the same time.

Year 10 and 11 Report Cards

Year 10 and 11 Report Cards will be published next Friday. Thank you to all staff who are diligently compiling feedback and suggesting ways for students to improve in the coming semester. These will be published through the Parent Portal in the Sentral app next Friday – if you have not downloaded the app, please do so using this link or from the app store: https://sis.twb.catholic.edu.au/auth/portal

Booklists

2023 Booklists have been emailed to all parents this week and will be uploaded to the College Website. They have been completed through Browns Office Supplies.

Jessica Wade
Deputy Principal - Curriculum

Assistant Principal - Mission and Student Wellbeing

Faith and Mission

This week on assembly, we were treated to a full program, with Student leaders Eliza and Abbey leading the College celebrations. Our opening prayer by McAuley 1 and 2 was based on story and acceptance. This was modelled by the diverse and compassionate stories shared during our assembly, including our special segment, “Mercy Moments with Maryam”. Maryam, our Mission and Identity Leader for 2023 welcomed Fr Nathan to chat couch, and chatted about Fr Nathan’s family and life growing up, in a musical family of Catholic faith (mixed with a little humour). We are blessed to have such a vibrant addition of Fr Nathan from St Patrick’s Parish join us for our weekly assembly, and we look forward to when Fr Nathan next joins us as guest; be it in the classroom, the music room, or our College prayer room.

Choc Challenge – Help Support the Families of our Firefighters

In the face of everyone else's fear, firefighters show bravery. They arrive at violent car crashes, and fire situations. These are just a few of the calls that they respond to. Unfortunately, they enter high pressure and purely terrifying circumstances. However, sadly, accidents happen and sometimes these men and women never come home. They leave their friends, families, and fellow firefighters in disarray, mourning and shock. ​

9% of career firefighters lost their lives in 2021. That equates to 202 people. So that means if every student in this hall represented a firefighter, we would have all passed away. ​

I have always been very passionate about firefighters and the sacrifices that both them, and their families make for saving people’s lives. This is why we believe that we must raise both money and awareness to support these brave men and women. We must raise as much support as we can for these men and women who are fighting for us. 

Raffle tickets to be in the draw to win one of five 2kg blocks of chocolate that have been donated to the College can be purchased from Beth and her team during break times in Dublin Place. One raffle ticket is $2 and three costs $5. ​

The first price will be drawn Thursday, November 10. Tickets can still be purchased after this as there are more prices to be drawn. ​

For more information, please contact me, Beth, or Mrs. Hagemann. We would love to see as much support as possible because this is a very important as we can make the change in people’s lives.

Rosies – Our Friends on the Street - Sunday Street Retreat

Coming up this Sunday is our last Rosies Street Retreat for 2022. It is the Rosie’s Team’s mission to ensure that no Queenslander feels left out or disconnected from their community. Rosies aims to provide friendship and unconditional acceptance to those doing it tough with a warm smile and a hot drink. Some of their patrons even equate connection and conversation to be as important as safe accommodation and food.  The stress that comes with homelessness or being at risk of homelessness also increases the risk of mental illness. You’d be surprised what a difference a simple chat and basic hospitality can do to impact an individual’s mental health and physical wellbeing. “Rosies reaches out to those most in need, people who are homeless or at risk, lonely, and socially isolated within our communities.”

If you have not already collected a permission letter from Student Services to volunteer for Sunday’s Rosies Street Retreat, grab one today! As a service-minded community, being of service to others is at the core of our Mercy charism.

Year 10 Retreat Day

This fortnight, students in Year 10 enthusiastically participated in a one-day Retreat and workshop, led by Julie Inskip (Youth Coordinator) and Felicity from St Vincent de Paul. The theme of the Retreat was “Seeing the Face of God in Others”. The day was entered into with eyes wide open; a compassionate approach by all of the participants was what made this day such a success. Fr Nathan and Chappy Cath joined in with the workshop, and provided support, stories and a faith approach to the discussions and activities. Our community is richer for the experience, and we thank Julie and Felicity for their leadership of the Retreat.

Student Wellbeing and Engagement

Student Leadership Pathway Planning

Over the last week, our newly appointed Student Leadership team met for a two day workshop of planning, networking and leadership development.

St Saviour’s College provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through the Student Representative Council and a wide range of leadership positions to support College life. Our student leadership model is based on service to the community, taking example from the lives of Jesus Christ and Catherine McAuley. St Saviour’s College is committed to offering students opportunities to lead their peers, enabling them to grow in maturity and confidence and develop character. 

Student Leadership Structures at St Saviour’s Aims to: 

• Provide girls across all year levels and in the Residential College with opportunities to undertake leadership roles among their peers. 
• Develop a vibrant community among the students of the College through active and effective student leadership. 
• Provide processes to allow students to exercise effective choice in the election of student leaders. 
• Provide support structures within the College to facilitate effective student leadership. 

I would like to thank our Student Wellbeing Team for their mentoring and partnership with the two-day workshop, and our Student Leadership Team for their commitment to Mercy leadership.

Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) Training

This week, a team of staff attended the final days of BSEM training, around trauma-informed positive education strategies. The course provided workshop activities to educate and develop teachers, to better work with students, to provide them with opportunities to develop a regulated body and meet their own needs in healthy ways. The Berry Street Education Model is a training course that enables teachers to increase engagement with students who struggle in the classroom and successfully improve all students’ self-regulation, growth and academic achievement. This unique approach equips both mainstream and specialist schools with strategies to facilitate students’ cognitive and behaviour change, thereby increasing student engagement to significantly progress their academic achievement.

The Berry Street Education Model is offered as a suite of structured professional development, consultation and mentoring programs for school leaders, teachers and support staff. The program employs a blended learning methodology based on instructor expertise, peer-collaboration, and opportunities for participants to learn and experience practical strategies for their schools.

From the Classroom – “Care for Creation” Year 8 Zoo Trip

Our Year 8 cohort will be our early innovators in our partnership program, next month. St Saviour’s are forging a new partnership with the Darling Downs Zoo, in our efforts to “Care for Creation”.

The earth and all life on it are part of God’s plan. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. We are firm believers that our changing environment prompts us to stop and think about how we live on our planet. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living, and we would like to consider opportunities for our staff and students to become more involved. On Monday 21 November, as part this new partnership, we will be visiting the Darling Downs Zoo. This is an exciting excursion and a great opportunity for all students to learn about different animals and their habitats and they will be participating in educational presentations throughout the day.

RAAP Program

Last week, the RACQ Driver Distraction program was presented to the Year 11 cohort. ‘Driver Distraction’ is a road safety awareness initiative aimed at educating senior secondary students, particularly learner and provisional drivers. Recent research is demonstrating that of the Fatal 5, which are the leading causes of crashes on our roads, driver distraction is becoming an increasing concern. As such, students explored the key themes of brain development, the social nature of adolescents, technology and the young, driver space as they relate to distracted driving. Several proactive strategies were discussed and explored to equip the students with real world skills for managing distraction and to empower them to take greater control over their own road safety.  We thank Douglas Maxwell (Station Officer) and his team for presenting our seniors with this invaluable information workshop.

Always Making the Right Choices

At St Saviour’s College we acknowledge that students are under increasing pressure to navigate complex social situations both online and in person.  Student safety is of the utmost priority for all Toowoomba Catholic Schools; therefore, it is paramount that our students receive clear guidance and support in this area.

Toowoomba Lawyer Adair Donaldson attended St Saviour’s College on Thursday 20 October at 1.15pm, to speak to Year 10 and Year 11 students about such issues as disrespectful behaviour, unsafe partying, use of illicit drugs, mobile phone use, consent, mandatory reporting, sexual harassment and discrimination.

Mr Donaldson has extensive experience regarding these issues through his work as a lawyer.  He is passionate about educating young people to build awareness, insight and increased safety.  Mr Donaldson has successfully delivered this education to schools and other organisations, including sporting organisations, for over a decade. 

Outcome
This training was designed to build student self-protective capacity and awareness.

eSafety Website

Young Mentors: eSafety

Schools are reminded that “eSafety” consistently update their offerings on their website. Currently, registrations are open for parents and carers seeking to understand the influence of games, apps and social media on young people's mental wellbeing, or engage in hard-to-have conversations. Topics include: cybersafety and topics usually considered to be taboo or uncomfortable to talk about. A selection of “eSafety” resources are available if you click here. Webinars for parents and carers via the eSafety website provides free webinars for parents and carers to learn the latest strategies for helping children stay safer online.

The eSafety Commissioner has launched a new program that aims to improve older Australians’ digital skills by connecting them with student mentors. 

The intergenerational Young Mentors program brings teenagers together with older Australians to share digital skills and knowledge and help them gain the confidence they need to navigate the online world. The eSafety Commissioner is requesting schools, libraries, councils, aged residential care facilities and other community groups to consider involvement in the program. This opportunity may be of particular interest to:

• School coordinators looking for a service in community, volunteering awards, work experience or leadership program for their students
• School community service program coordinators
• School Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies (DT) lead looking for a program that ties in with an ICT or DT elective
• Coordinator looking for a program for their students to undertake in the Service section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  CSAs are reminded that funding assistance for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
  

Blurred Minds Approach

Blurred Minds has been developed around three evidence-based pillars to create an engaging curriculum mapped learning experience for students.

• Mapped to the Australian Curriculum, targeting years 7 to 10 in Health and Physical Education
• Underpinned by gamification principles to ensure student engagement
• Supports Social Cognitive Theory

Going to the website: https://www.blurredminds.com.au/free-resources/ allows you to view the games and resources, which help parents and their children build knowledge, start the conversation. The website also contains training resources, consisting of four 1-hour, interactive workshops https://www.blurredminds.com.au/workshops/. The workshops are under the following topics:

• Changing Attitudes (1 hour) about alcohol education
• Vape Detective (1-2 hours) Vaping Education and how to make vaping uncool
• Empowering Change (1-2 hours) - a combined drug and alcohol workshop
• Virtual Choices (45 mins). This learning-by-doing approach combines modern development principles from Virtual Reality to help increase your student's resilience and reduce their peer pressure susceptibility. 

Parent Engagement

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation Website

Visit https://danielmorcombe.com.au/safe-bedrooms/ to access this helpful and informative resource for parents and carers and their children and teens. Safe Bedrooms is a suite of resources which equips parents and carers with the tools to lock predators out. Online grooming can happen to any child. However, 97% of Australian parents and carers hadn’t previously considered online grooming a threat. Safe Bedrooms provides information for parents and carers on how to recognise, react and report online grooming. Through the series of videos and resources, parents and carers can learn about the warning signs of online grooming, how to protect their children and what to do if they are concerned about a child. By becoming informed, parents and carers can keep their children safe online.

Behaviour Support for Productive Choices

The College also employs a best practice model of engaging with families and to provide a restorative approach to conflict within the community. Our College Pastoral Program embeds the PERMAH approach to wellbeing, with a Catholic lens of our Core Values. Our Wellbeing team actively encourages:

• Partnerships with other schools (St Mary’s College, St Saviour's Primary School. Our Mercy partner schools and other Toowoomba Diocesan and Catholic Colleges).
• Family Engagement by invitation to our regular College events, our fortnightly newsletter, social media platforms (check out our Facebook and Instagram pages!)
• Strong community ties with local support and social justice agencies such as Toowoomba Transition Support Services, St Vincent de Paul, Protea Place, St Patrick’s Parish.
• Intervention and Postvention strategies on campus for identification and referral for students who may need support, across all year levels.
• A supportive Wellbeing Team, trained and with experience in restorative practices and mental health and wellbeing, consisting of:

Assistant Principal: Mission and Student Wellbeing, Mrs Heather Hagemann
Email: heather.hagemann@twb.catholic.edu.au

Middle Leader Student Wellbeing, Mrs Juanita Doherty
Email: juanita.doherty@twb.catholic.edu.au

Middle Leader Student Wellbeing Support, Mrs Megan Schulze
Email: megan.schulze@twb.catholic.edu.au

A fulltime Psychologist in the role of College Counsellor, Ms Renee Hunter
Email: renee.hunter@twb.catholic.edu.au

A College Chaplain, Wednesday to Friday, Ms Catherine Skuse
Email: catherine.skuse@twb.catholic.edu.au

A Cultural Liaison Champion, Monday to Friday, Ms Amii Brown
Email: amii.brown@twb.catholic.edu.au

Useful Wellbeing and Support Links for Students

Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s best known mental health and wellbeing support organisation. They provide support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses. Along with a comprehensive website, the beyond Blue Support Service provide 24/7 phone support, Chat online 1pm-12am / 7days a week, email support and a range of community chat forums 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline is a free Australian telephone and online (webchat and email) counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25. 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au 

1300 MH CALL: Mental health access line

1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders. 1300 MH CALL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will link to the caller’s nearest Queensland Public Mental Health service.

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/help-lines/1300-mh-call

eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. 

Call 1800 650 890, 9am-1am AEST / 7 days a week. https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/ 

Student Reminders of College Guidelines and Expectations

Use of Mobile Phones and Earbuds

As per the guidelines outlined in the College Student Planner, students are not to use personal electronic devices (mobile phones or earbuds) at school, within the hours of 8.30am – 3.00pm, without permission from the Principal. Any device found switched on in the possession of a student while they are at school will be confiscated and the parent/carer will be contacted by the office. The electronic device can then be collected by the parent/carer at the end of the school day. The instruction is clear and Homeclass teachers spent a good deal of time ensuring this was clearly communicated during the start of year housekeeping session in Week 1. Students have all been asked to sign pages of the Guidelines in their Student learning Journals to indicate their compliance. These can be found on page 8, so please discuss these with your child. We trust that parents and carers are supporting the address of this matter from home, by encouraging our girls to comply with College Guidelines. 

Out of Bounds Areas

The Student Learning Journal (diary) has a clear, colour-coded map of the College grounds, indicating areas which are out of bounds, as well as areas in which students must have adult supervision. I have given several reminders on Assembly to students and staff about this in recent weeks, so please review the Learning Journal to ensure compliance with this document.

Bullying (inclusive of cyberbullying)

There is no place for bullying at St Saviour’s College. Bullying is a repeated pattern of behaviour which includes name-calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments, kicking, hitting, pushing, theft, inappropriate text messaging, sending offensive or degrading images by phone or internet, producing offensive graffiti, gossiping, excluding people from groups and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours.

Cyberbullying is a repeated pattern of behaviour defined as ‘the aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself’. St Saviour’s College is committed to promoting responsible and positive use of social media sites.

Summer Uniform

The uniform requirements are as follows:

• White short-sleeved blouse with red piping
• College striped skirt (*below the knee)
• Red tie with College badge pinned in the centre
• College white formal hat
• Mid-calf, white socks
• Black leather lace up shoes (no buckles, casual styles, raised heels or coloured stitching)

* It is important that students are conscious of their skirt length remaining below the knee. This may require letting down the hem, to allow for a growth in height.

What is not acceptable:

• Makeup or other cosmetics
• Earrings other than one, in each lower earlobe
• Earrings other than one pair of plain sleepers or studs; no ‘decorative’ earrings
• Earrings larger than 5mm
• No other jewellery apart from a plain wristwatch
• Coloured nail polish
• Fake nails
• Headbands with bows or any other detail
• Unnatural hair colours or styles
• Hair extensions
• Black socks

“All laugh and pray together not one cold, stiff soul appears.”
Catherine McAuley, circa 1830

For every day, I give thanks – God bless.

Heather Hagemann
Assistant Principal - Mission and Student Wellbeing

Praxis Graduation

On Thursday 13 October, the Year 12 Praxis students celebrated their graduation from the Living Water Program with a liturgy and lunch. 

They presented their chosen charities with a certificate and the donation amounts from their $5 challenge. They were joined by representatives from Rosies- Our Friends on the Street, and Vinnies Youth Program, as well as Father Nathan, Chappy Cath, Mrs Hagemann (Assistant Principal - Mission and Student Wellbeing) and their teacher, Mrs Jenni Potter. Unfortunately, the representatives from Protea Place Inc. were unavailable on the day, but their donation and certificate have been forwarded.

The Praxis students were then presented with a certificate and a small gift in recognition of their completion of the program and the service learning they have completed throughout their communities in 2022. This fantastic program has allowed these students to learn and grow while serving people in need. 

Library

Welcome

All resources are to be returned before the end of term.

This is the one time of year that everything must be back. There is no borrowing over the Christmas break as we would like all resources returned to their home in the library, so they can be checked over and audited for the year.

Overdue and recall notices will be sent out soon to remind students to return all their resources. Students can access what they have out through our Library Web App – please encourage your child/ren to check what they have out that must be returned.

Stay tuned in upcoming newsletters for activities to keep yourselves reading over the Christmas break.

New Resources

New resources are still available at the moment – come in and check out what is on display. Check the images below to see what is new in our library.

Don’t forget; write your suggestions and put them in the box on the front counter so we know what resources you would like to see available for borrowing.

What's Happening in the Library?

Literacy as a fundamental skill unlocks learning and provides individuals with the means to pursue knowledge and enjoyment independently. Literacy skills grow and mature over the course of every person’s life, giving each individual the reading, writing and thinking skills needed for success in academic, workforce, and personal situations.

How to improve literacy? It can be as simple as immersing yourself in reading. Reading books on the topic you are studying, reading labels, subtitles on the news, song lyrics … and the list goes on. Immerse yourself in different literacy experiences around the content and literacy will develop.

Fiction and non-fiction choices – magazines, articles, reviews, subtitles on shows, labels in shops. Reading a variety of different resources exposes students to more world-wide experiences. Try it today!

Stay safe and keep reading.

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

McAuley House Boarding

Once again it is lovely to have the girls back. I think this term will go by very quickly and it will be holidays again before we know it.

Over the break we have had some repairs completed including the leaking roof, upgrading of some electrical, rebuilding of a retaining wall and some work in the gardens.

Last term, the Barry family (Meg in Year 8) very generously donated a fire pit for our new outdoor area. Our exceptional maintenance team of Abbey and Warren strung some lights last term and we are working with Bunnings and the Toowoomba Men’s Shed to build some pallet furniture for the area. This will take place on the 5^th and 12^th of November, weather permitting. The girls will be supervised to use hand saws, drills, sanders, hammers and screwdrivers. We will finish off the area with a couple of hammocks, cushions and some plants. We are hoping to make good use of the area this term with weekend gatherings around the fire, toasting marshmallows, listening to music and generally just relaxing. We are working to create a number of “chill out” zones outside of the girls’ rooms as some rooms are very dark and not conducive to good mental health.

Over the break we discovered an infestation of case-making clothes moth. The pest services have sprayed for these previously, but they are very difficult to get rid of. The moths create a small cocoon, or case, using fibres in the area such as carpet, wool clothing and other fibres. In our case, they have attached their cocoon to the timber underside of the beds and are feasting on the carpet. Miss Kym and Miss Michelle have spent the last couple of days clearing the larvae and thoroughly vacuuming each room and spraying the contents of the vacuum before disposing of it.  We will have the boarding house treated over the Christmas break when we can use a stronger chemical. The case-making clothes moth does not pose any risk to the girl’s health. We have reminded the girls of the need to keep their rooms clean and free of food, wrappers, gum, drinks and other items.

Last term saw several girls suspended for vaping or purchasing vapes and bringing them into the boarding house. We had the police in to speak with the girls around the illegalities of purchasing or selling vapes to minors. This term Queensland Health will run a couple of sessions with the girls around the significant health issues that vaping can cause. I have included the following link from Australian Boarding Schools Association which contains an excellent, well-resourced article for your information.

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1656904943/boardingorgau/ocwjnkgexphvgfxzzmqh/ABSA3000_lights_out_March_2022-vol15no1-webnew.pdf

Staff have been very busy coordinating Term 4 activities for the girls including a day at Wet and Wild, a trip to the beach, markets, Toowoomba Cultural Festival, an evening walkers’ group, Halloween themed dinner and our usual shopping days and sports activities. Being active and involved makes a big difference to wellbeing and homesickness.

Can I please ask families not to bring take away food or soft drinks into the boarding house. The girls can purchase take away on their shopping days as well as being able to walk to the Spar on Wednesday afternoons and when on leave. The girls are very well catered for. Jenny and her team work hard ensuring good nutrition and portion control. There is always fruit and other snacks available throughout the day if the girls are hungry.

Last Friday we farewelled our only Year 12 student Shai Watson. We had a lovely dinner with Shai and her family last term. We wish Shai every success with her future endeavours.

Sport

Rugby 7s

Weather has already played a part in this year’s Rugby 7s competition. Our Under 15B Girls side have started the competition well, under the guidance of our Boarding supervisor Hannah Purvis. Students are reminded to check the website regularly for any changes to the draw. Training is held Monday afternoons with all games played at the Highfields Sports Precinct on Thursdays. The girls would love some support, so if you can make it Thursday, come cheer them on.

Futsal

Played at Glennie every Thursday night, the SSC futsal squad scored a massive win against their opposition last week and will continue to impress when they line up again this week for Round 3. Most games are played at 6.30pm or 7.00pm and, of course, supporters are welcome.

Players must use the link below to sign up. All players MUST register before taking the court this week.

From the Careers Centre

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jessica Brown on completing her Certificate III in Hairdressing through John’s Hair Studio, to Mierah Staines on completing her Certificate III in Business through the Serengeti Print Group and to Tia Trezise for completing her Certificate III in Business Administration through Affordable Quality Kitchens and Bathrooms. 

QSFT | Career Pathway Information Session: Saturday 5 November 2022, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Are you looking at change or kick-start your career in the screen and media industry? Want to discover more about the industry and the opportunities? Come along to the Queensland School of Film and Television’s (QSFT) next Career Pathway Information Session. This is the perfect opportunity for you to gain knowledge about the Screen and Media industry and career pathway options. You will hear from industry professionals and QSFT trainers for the most up-to-date insights. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/media-film-school-career-pathway-info-session-saturday-05-nov-2022-tickets-429534478187

SBA Vacancy

Years 10 and 11: Certificate III in Cabinet Making – Custom Joinery. Closing date 1 November 2022. Applicants should be genuinely keen, reliable, well presented and have the willingness and ability to commit to an apprenticeship which involves both study and hands-on experience. Workday – one day per week and school holidays. Work experience is required. 

Applicants are to contact Paul on 0404 808 864 to arrange an interview. 

Chris Grierson
Career Development Practitioner

ELIGIBILITY
The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: https://www.schooltransport.com.au/

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY
The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements for Students with Disability click here: https://www.schooltransport.com.au/

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 31 OCTOBER
Applications for the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme will close on 31 October. Find out how to apply here: https://www.schooltransport.com.au/

Would you like to know more about the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme and eligibility requirements? Click on the link below to view the short introductory video:

Transport for NSW 2023 School Travel Applications are now open
Click on the link below for more information: