St Saviour's College Newsletter 2023 - Term 2 Week 2

Acting Principal

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”
Pope John Paul II

The last few weeks our lives have been filled with resurrection stories: our celebration as Christians of Easter and this week we marked another resurrection story, ANZAC Day. Both of these important times in our calendar celebrate rebirth and renewal.

On ANZAC day as a nation, we pause to recall the immense sacrifices others have made to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of the vulnerable around the world. It is the values of the ANZACs, the traits that made their story so unforgettable that we continue to revere and aspire to:
 their sense of humour in the face of a terrible and hopeless situation,
 their ingenuity - their ability to make do and do their best with what ever they had to get the job done,
 their courage and endurance in the face of indomitable enemy fire and advances,
 their mateship: legendary and legacy-making. 

The ANZAC values have been oft repeated and replayed through modern history, through Australian Defence Force service to wars, peacekeeping missions and natural disaster responses both locally and internationally. This week, we remembered their continued sacrifices and sought to learn from their tenacity, endurance, mateship, courage, humour and positivity.

The Easter story, told just a few short weeks ago, tells us of Jesus’ death and resurrection, a miraculous event that symbolizes the triumph of life over death. Just as Jesus’ resurrection brought hope and new life to his followers, the sacrifices made by the ANZACs gave way to a new era of freedom and prosperity in Australia. The resurrection of Jesus and the sacrifices of our ANZACs remind us that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. They remind us that through perseverance and determination, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

As we honour ANZAC day, let us also remember the message of the Easter story: that even in the face of death and destruction, there is always hope for a new beginning. Let us strive to live our lives with the same courage and selflessness that our ANZACs displayed, working towards a future that is worthy of their sacrifices and our commitment to being ‘Easter people with Alleluia as our song’.

Harmony Week

Last week, as a College, we celebrated Harmony Week. Harmony Week at St Saviour’s is one of the highlights of the College year, when we take some time to celebrate the diversity that exists in our community and the richness that your daughters and you as parents bring to our College community.

As the traditional owners of this country, proudly continuing to practice the world’s oldest living cultures, spirituality and languages, First Peoples have a unique place in Harmony Week celebrations of diversity and inclusion. As a College, we honour, respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong and lasting connection to country, to culture, to spirituality.

When you read any number of documents on our website or within a plethora of plans at our school, you will often see the words, ‘diversity is our strength’ … I even said it at a speech last week. But let’s be honest, words are easy, it is actions that speak volumes …

As I looked around, walked around and sat in the Callaghan Centre on Friday, here is what I saw:

• A queue of 20 students long waiting to have authentic Indian henna painted on their hands by Mrs Shah (Dhriti’s mum)
• Students proudly bringing and sharing cultural foods, arts and practices with their peers.
• Students speaking in language at the microphone and being applauded for their efforts.
• Incredible cultural dance performed by soloists, pairs and groups from all backgrounds.
• Students proudly dressed in traditional clothing.

And when I looked closer, here’s what I really saw:

• A celebration of difference and inclusion.
• Joyful sharing of story, culture and acceptance.
• A thriving community of students who supported each other.
• Girls who freed themselves from perfectionism and embraced the moment.
• A joyful celebration of cultures from all over the world.

Yes, it is easy to say that diversity is our strength but after a day like Friday, we as a community know it in our hearts. St Saviour’s College is an incredible community and each and every one of us is fortunate to call it our own.

Thank you to all the students, all the parents and all the staff who played a part in making Harmony Day the incredible celebration it was. There has never been any doubt that ‘everyone belongs’ at St Saviour’s College, not just in Harmony Week, but every day.

Cross Country

On Friday last week, we ran our College Cross Country. The morning was filled with friendship, fun, house spirit and the simple act of gathering together.

It was wonderful to see such high levels of participation, athletic ability and house spirit on show. Our newest Mercy Girls demonstrated their gutsy determination, being our first runners on the track and making it back in record time.

Congratulations to McAuley House under the leadership of Mia Sloan. As always, high levels of participation and great effort got you over the line as winners on the day. Please see the Sports Report below for the age champions.

Special mention must go to Awel, Aleng, Ayen and Ajah Deng (pictured below) - four sisters who won each of their age groups respectively. Well done ladies, you truly are a class act.

New Faces

With Principal, Ms Sharon Collins, on Secondment to Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Dalby this term we have welcomed some staff to new positions. These changes are as follows:

Mrs Jessica Wade: Principal

Ms Leah Dempster: Deputy Principal

Mr Chris Grierson: 7-9 Learning Leader

Mrs Alyson Holmes: Career Development Practitioner

We have also welcomed two new staff members to the College this term:

Ms Tammy Banks joins us as Maths and Science teacher. Tammy brings a wealth of experience in teaching Mathematics and Science in the diocese and has been working at St Mary’s College for the last nine years in their Maths and Science departments. Tammy is also a passionate Touch Football past player and current coach of both Darling Downs and regional teams. We warmly welcome Tammy to our College.

Ms Katey Parker joins us as Business and English teacher, filling vacancies in Term 2 left by Ms Collins secondment to Dalby. Katey joins us from New York in the United States. She is a passionate and experienced English teacher and is looking forward to learning the nuances of schools here in Australia. She holds literature qualifications from New York University in the US and brings a wonderful kindness and fervent energy to the classroom.

We warmly welcome these staff to our Mercy community.

New Students

A warm Mercy Welcome to the following students who have commenced with us this term.

Aurora Ganly
Betty Morton
Charli Seaby
Isabella Collard
Millah Phythian
Paige Talbot
Rheanna Wapau

Our prayer for these newest Mercy girls is that they may flourish here, knowing they are loved, supported and challenged to be their best selves each day. We pray that they may know and bring to life their God-given gifts, for the good of others, because of the Mercy education afforded to them.

Jessica Wade
Acting Principal

Acting Deputy Principal

Inspiring Hybrid Learning Sessions and Term 2 Updates

Last Thursday, our students studying Legal Studies and Specialist Maths had the unique opportunity to participate in hybrid learning sessions, collaborating with staff and students from St Joseph's, Stanthorpe, Our Lady of the Southern Cross College and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. This partnership allowed our students to exchange knowledge and ideas with a diverse group of peers, fostering a rich and engaging educational experience.

During this event, students took part in the second joint face-to-face session, a full-day immersion program that enabled them to work closely with staff and peers from the partnering schools. This session focused on the development of students' Internal Assessments (IAs) and summarising key learning outcomes from Term 1. This collaboration proved to be a valuable opportunity for our students to benefit from the expertise of teaching staff across the Legal Studies and Specialist Maths subject areas.

Term 2 Assessment Dates

As we progress through Term 2, it is essential to stay on top of important assessment dates (listed below). They are also available on the Parent Portal. We encourage you to print these for your daughters so that they can keep track of the assessments ahead in each of their subjects.

Curriculum Staff Changes - Term 2

We have a few changes to our curriculum team this term while Ms Collins is Acting Principal of Our Lady of South Cross in Dalby until the end of Week 6.

• Mrs Holmes, our Acting Career Development Practitioner, is available for assistance with SBAs, Headstart programs, university applications, resumes, and more. Her email is Alyson.Holmes@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Mr Grierson, our Acting Year 7-9 Learning Leader, is available to answer any questions you may have about your child's subjects in Years 7-9. His email is Chris.Grierson@twb.catholic.edu.au
• For any questions regarding subjects for Years 10-12, please feel free to contact me. My email address is leah.dempster@twb.catholic.edu.au

As we reflect on the success of our recent hybrid learning collaboration with St Joseph's, Stanthorpe and the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, we are excited about future opportunities for our students to engage in similar educational experiences. Working together, we can ensure a fulfilling and enriching educational journey for our students.

Leah Dempster
Acting Deputy Principal - Curriculum

Assistant Principal - Mission and Student Wellbeing

Welcome to Term 2, I hope the Easter break was a refreshing time together as a family. The last time we gathered as a College, we reflected on the last days of Jesus' life and especially on the women who supported him in that journey.  Upon returning this term we celebrated the next step in that journey with the resurrection of Jesus, our light in the darkness. Catherine McAuley believed that we should be shining lamps giving light to all around us. Students were challenged to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and Catherine, spreading light to those in need, being hopeful when life is difficult and being the best we can be. 

Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day March and Candle Lighting Ceremony

On 3 May, DVAC will be hosting a Remembrance Walk and Ceremony to focus the Toowoomba community on the impacts domestic and family violence has on our families, our peers, our kids, our community. May is the month of remembrance for the ever-increasing number of those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence. 1 in 3 women (30.5%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15 (ABS 2017).  DVAC’s goal is to fill the Village Green with people who say NO to domestic and family violence. As a community, it is paramount high school students are a part of the conversation as it starts with our kids. Year 11 and 12 students are invited to join staff to make a stance and show our support for those who experience domestic and family violence. Students are asked to collect a permission note from student services and return the signed permission and meet on the 3 May in their formal uniform. 

Parent Engagement

On Friday night, pastoral middle leaders, Juanita Doherty and Michelle Reid, along with myself and acting principal, Jessica Wade, attended the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Event “Parent Engagement in Student Learning”. The evening was led by Dr Janet Goodall, researcher and expert in the field of Parent Engagement. Dr Goodall’s insight was powerful for us as educational leaders but should be comforting to parents. As students move into high school, parents tend to feel that their contribution to students learning lessens. When their child was little, the child would ask questions that parents knew the answers to but as they move into high school parents feel less relevant.  But research shows that:

“Parents matter and their involvement/engagement/interest in their child’s education matters.”

Engaging does not mean being able to sit and help with their child’s senior Maths assignment. It is the parent’s interest in learning, moral support and guidance that highlights to the child that their education matters, a key factor in successful learning. It’s about having conversations at home about school, not class content, that makes the difference. Even when your child response is “Nothing” when you ask about what they learnt at school, this makes a difference. It shows that you care and are invested in their learning, even after getting the blank response. And when you do get hit with a curly question you don’t know the answer to, it is ok to model the response of “I don’t know the answer to that yet, what can we do to find it out?”. Its key is to clearly define the difference between parental involvement with school and parental engagement with learning. Although both are effective in improving student outcomes, the latter is highlighted to move students forward more. 

Dr Goodall’s key message to parents is:

1. What matters is they care about their children and their learning
2. They don’t need to know the answers
3. They need to care that the answers get found

If at any time you have concerns or find that you could help your child have a better schooling experience, please do not hesitate to contact their Homeclass teacher who can direct your enquiry to the appropriate staff member. All staff appreciate parental input into student learning, with this partnership being integral to having a successful schooling experience.   

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Mission and Student Wellbeing

Uniform Change Over

At this week's assembly, students were briefed on our College expectations around uniform moving into Winter. We will have a 2-week changeover period starting today and it is expected that all students will be in full winter uniform by the Catherine McAuley Mass on Thursday of Week 4. Please note that this requires students to wear black stockings (not leggings) instead of white socks and that the blazer is the only acceptable jacket with the formal uniform as well as the green, knit jumper. It is recommended that students also utilise white undershirts for cooler days and wear multiple layers. As we know, Toowoomba winters can be very cold and if we deem necessary, we will call a Code Blue where we will allow sports uniform to be worn or the sports jacket with the formal uniform. This would be the only instance where there would be a mixing of uniforms. To ensure students are kept out of the cold, the school does have the hall open at first break on most days and the media room as well. 

The uniform shop has changed their hours to the following times:

Monday morning 7:30am - 9:30am
Friday afternoon 3:00pm - 5:30pm
All other times by appointment only – contact Dan on 0481 318 398

Although the above is our College uniform expectations, currently there is a shortage in some items at the uniform shop. There is a stock of the blazers, but more knit jumpers will be arriving in the coming weeks.  There is also a lack of track pants, with more stock not arriving until Term 3. Therefore, it has been decided that students are able, for this term, to wear plain, navy tracksuit pants such as the ones shown below if they do not have a pair of College track pants (please click on the links).

As per our normal procedure, if students need to wear something that is not standard uniform, please write a letter explaining the alteration and when you believe it can be rectified to avoid uniform infringement notices.  We apologise for the inconvenience and we hope that the uniform shop can have stock as soon as possible. 

Library

Welcome

New term, new reading choices. Another busy term ahead in the library with May being the National Family Reading month, including May the 4^th be with you, a celebration of all things Star Wars.

I was listening to the radio the other morning and they were interviewing Australian illusionist, Cosentino, and he was recounting his experiences with reading and the impact on his life. With a mother that was a school principal, he was saying she would be ‘pulling her hair out’ with his disinterest. He struggled at school and had some learning difficulties, which meant the library wasn’t a place he was overly interested in and he wasn’t especially keen to even look at a book. Now, he is co-authoring his own books and makes the statement:

“you can come full circle and overcome these obstacles. Things that you used to hate, you may one day love.” (Cosentino in Papin, 2017).

He continued on stating that one day when he was about 12 years old, he found an illustrated book about magic, done with a number of graphics, old advertisements of magicians and it was this book that ignited something in him. This was not just for reading but for his future vocation, but how did he overcome his reading difficulties?

Cosentino stated that this was not a fast process, but it was something he wanted to do – his mother played a role too as she noticed his interest in this book and borrowed it for him. This led to her reading it to him (reading aloud a key strategy even in secondary school). It was from hearing these stories and seeing the instructions for magic tricks at the back of the book that provided the impetus he needed, a long, slow learning process that allowed him to comprehend and decode the instructions and replicate the tricks. Why am I mentioning this? Because there are a few aspects we can take from Cosentino’s story that probably relates to various students in our school communities today. So, what do we get from this?

1. The importance of ‘keep trying’ until something grabs your attention.
2. The role the parent plays in the home.
3. How non-fiction can help the reading journey just as much (if not more for some students) than fiction.
4. The role the library has in making connections with students.

The Teacher-librarian and library officer are there to help both staff and students with any of their resourcing needs. This is no more apparent in our help in finding the “right” information. In our digital world finding information that is correct and credible is becoming more crucial for our students. It still is a place for students to talk about books they love – both online and in person. There are many places that our students can discuss what they read and what others are reading. School libraries and our school library are inclusive and important parts of our students’ development here at St Saviour’s College. Finally, keep trying, one day, at some point, something will grab your interest, perhaps guide your future vocation and your interest in reading.

What’s Happening in the Library?

We are finishing up with our ANZAC Day display this week and moving into our Family Month of Reading. If you missed seeing our wonderful commemoration in the library, check out our images of the display below:

As stated, we are moving into the Family Month of Reading for May and are kickstarting if off with Star Wars week. Various activities will be available through the week with a focus on Star Wars and a display of Star Wars books will be up – both fiction and non-fiction.

May the 4^th Be With You and Revenge of the 5^th and 6^th!

Come to the library and celebrate all things Star Wars! With various colouring in, puzzles and books available through the week, there will be a competition running on May the 4^th – Whose “Star Wars” plane can travel the longest distance?

Sign up will be on the day, as will be the creation of the plane. Prizes for the best plane and possibly the most creative …stay tuned through morning notices for further information.

New Books in the Library!

This week we are focusing on our Manga collection! We have a wide variety of new Manga being added – both continuing series and brand-new series. Check them out below, make a reservation through our online Library site or visit us in the library and see them on display.

Manga Collection - Continuing Series:

Manga Collection - New Series:

Looking to Help our School by Volunteering, we here at the Library are Looking for You!

Interested in volunteering at the library – looking for interested parties to help with reshelving books, helping with displays, laminating, covering books (after a workshop on how to do it) and possible other activities?

If you are interested, please email Andrea King andrea.king@twb.catholic.edu.au with your days and times availability, name and phone number.

Many thanks for supporting our school library.

Date Claimers:

Month of May: Scholastic Family Month of Reading

May 4th: May the 4th Be with You!

May 5th: Revenge of the 5th!

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

From the Careers Centre

Can all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 check emails regularly for information on scholarships, camps and other relevant initiatives and information regarding opportunities that become available. 

Term 2 Date Claimers

26 April - 6.00pm-7.30pm (Year 12): Virtual UQ Medicine Information Event. If you would like to register, visit UQ Medicine Information Evening - Study - The University of Queensland. 

• Explore the current climate and magnitude of medicine.
• Learn how to apply for our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
• Discover our multiple entry routes and partnerships with CQUni and UniSQ.  
• Get advice from recent graduates and current students.
• Engage in an interactive Q&A panel with alumni and current students.
• Network with current medical students.

Tuesday 3 May: TAS is holding a University Accommodation Expo from 4 – 6pm. If you are planning on going to university and will need to find accommodation then it is suggested that you and your parents / carers attend this event. You will have the opportunity to meet with a range of different accommodation providers to help you make an informed decision about where you are going to live when you move away from home to begin university studies. You will need to register at the following link: https://www.taschool.qld.edu.au/secondary-7-12/university-accommodation-expo-2023?fbclid=IwAR1rngZDQyJFseN27ra5OobEUM0xUjpycASpSelM5OoJ39HgAy52Y7Maqno

Tuesday 9 May: Women in Defence Army Base Tour. Enjoy a full day bus tour around the Army Aviation base, lunch and talks from guest speakers, and get your questions answered. Places are strictly limited. Open to students in Years 10 – 12 who have an interest in joining the ADF.  Further information and registration available at: Defence Jobs Australia - Toowoomba: Women in Defence Army Aviation Base Visit

Friday 12 May: Health Industry Showcase Lunch. 1.00pm – 2.30pm. Join this lunch to hear from industry leaders about how their businesses are growing and have the opportunity to speak with industry reps about local jobs and how to get into them.

Tuesday 20 June: UniSQ’s Year 9 and 10 Discovery Day. This provides an opportunity for students to explore a range of hands-on activities from across UniSQ programs, to help you discover skills and talents that you enjoy and are good at and help identify potential future careers. Please register you interest with Mrs Cocks or Mrs Holmes.

June / July Holidays: JCU Engineering Futures 2023.  JCU offer a week long live-in program in the June / July school holidays, offering students in Years 10, 11 and 12 the chance to experience university life during the school holidays. The program is an entirely immersive camp that is fully funded by JCU. It will provide you with an experience of tertiary education in science, engineering and technology-related fields, while you complete high school. Please refer to the brochure found at the link below to determine if you are eligible to apply. Applications close on Friday 19 May. Late applications will not be accepted. {2eddfcf4-3e45-485d-8a89-ed1a478b87c1}_Information_Guide_for_Students_Parents_Final.pdf (en25.com). Please see Mrs Cocks or myself in the Careers Centre if you require more information. This would be a great experience for anyone interested in a career in STEM.

Various Dates: Experience Days at Bond. Walk in the shoes of ‘future you’ with a Bond University Experience Day. Designed for students in Years 11 and 12, Experience Days provide an unmatched opportunity to discover more about your chosen study area – from its facilities to academic staff and everything in between.  You’ll get to don your lab coat, settle in at a Bloomberg Terminal, or take the reins on a project of your own, all with the guidance of our current students and staff. An Experience Day is your chance to ask questions, get up close and personal, and learn the ropes of whatever you’re interested in before you make a decision on what – and where – to study. For further information, visit: Experience Days | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Alyson Holmes
Acting Career Development Practitioner

Sport Report

Cross Country

Congratulations to all students for competing in this year's Cross Country. The morning provided wonderful weather for the students to run the small course around the school grounds. McAuley House claimed the winner's tag for 2023 with some impressive results including all four Deng sisters finishing 1^st in their age groups and the fastest student in the College is Lekaysha Woodbridge with a time of 8.35.80 min, also from mighty McAuley House.

HOUSE LEADER BOARD

2023 CROSS COUNTRY AGE CHAMPIONS

Upcoming Sports

• Saturday Netball Grading and Games start in Term 2
• Bill Turner Trophy (Week 2)
• Darling Downs Schools Volleyball Cup - 10 May
• Queensland Schools Volleyball Cup - 26 May
• Karyn Murphy Cup Rugby League (Week 7)

Wednesday Sport

Students will be selecting Sports for Term 2. Can you please make sure you speak with your student about their selections and cover any costs associated with each activity. For example, Golf and Kloud 9 both have costs that must be paid each week. Students should access their student portal to select their sport.

McAuley House Boarding

Boarding girls have settled into Term 2 at the College and boarding exceptionally well.

Recently we went to the twilight markets where we enjoyed the market stalls, food and entertainment. It was a great afternoon to be out and about.

On ANZAC Day we attended the mid-morning service at the Mother’s Memorial to join the community in paying our respects to the ANZACs, followed by a big baking afternoon making ANZAC biscuits.

Footy season has started and the girls are looking forward to a great season.

Several girls have been training energetically for the Darling Downs footy which will be held on the Gold Coast.  We wish them all the best for a great weekend.

Alison Goldman, our supervisor, is on a mission to raise awareness for Momentum Mental Health by doing a trek to Mt Everest Base camp trek. It will be an amazing trip for her. If you would like to follow her adventure, check out the Momentum Mental Health Facebook page.

We are looking forward to a great second term with lots of activities planned to support our boarders to have a great college Boarding experience.

Nicole Booth
Boarding Manager