St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 1 Week 2

Principal

Salt and Light

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024. What a privilege it is to welcome all our continuing and new families to our wonderful Mercy community.

I am confident that as you come to know this place, you will find a community that lives it’s values every day. Sooner rather than later, I hope all new families get to meet and know the staff here who are generous, kind and warm, and are immersed in our culture of hospitality, justice, compassion and excellence.

There are two important upcoming events I would like to draw your attention to.

New Parent Gathering: Tuesday 13 February 5:30pm - 7:30pm
In 2024, the College will transition to a Parent Engagement Network model. The Parent Engagement Network will replace the College Board and P&F. This model of parent engagement will give all parents an opportunity to be involved in the life of the College. I invite all parents to attend our first meeting.

Parent Engagement Network: Wednesday 28 February 6:00pm
Last week we gathered as a whole school and celebrated our Opening Liturgy, Induction of New Leaders and 2023 Academic Awards. In his homily, Fr Nathan led us to reflect on Matthew’s gospel, that we are both Salt and Light for the world. In his homily, Fr Nathan reminded each of us of our worth, our innate preciousness and reminded us that God loves us just as we are - for our salt and for our light. What better message could we have to start the year?

Whilst this reminder of our innate worthiness and goodness was for all of us, it was particularly powerful for both our class of 2024 and our class of 2029.  

For our class of 2024, who embark on their final year, that they know and understand the bright light they are and can be for others is so important. As the leaders of our school, we look to them to show us the way - to be beacons of the Mercy girl way within our community. This is a responsibility I know our exceptional Year 12 cohort of 2024, will take in their stride and live out, as Catherine McAuley did, in small steps each day.  

For the class of 2029, it was also an important message for our newest Mercy girls to hear. The beginning of secondary schooling is a time of great uncertainty and a time where confidence can dip. I am sure this is familiar to many parents. Once confident, carefree and extroverted, the beginning of high school can be a time when girls become more introspective, reserved and unsure of themselves. Fr Nathan’s reminder that we are unconditionally loved by our God and, made to shine, was timely.   

Our Year 7s have been introduced to new subjects, new friends, a new school environment, the joy of navigating lockers, maps, timetables and specialist classrooms. They have probably come from places where they were comfortable and known. These feelings of comfort and belonging will return with time as your daughters adjust to life at St Saviour’s College; a place where she will be known, nurtured and supported to succeed. 

First Day of Term 1

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Phones Away for the School Day  

I would like to congratulate all students for the manner in which they have responsibly ensured that their phone is not on their person whilst at school. We are keen to ensure our College is a place where students can learn free from the distraction of phones and notifications.  

Whilst students can have a phone at school, it must be in their locker throughout the day. If you need to contact your daughter, please contact the office and they will get the message to your daughter or have her call you from the office at break time.   

A reminder that students cannot use phones to make purchases from the Tuckshop; they will need either cash or an EFTPOS card.  

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

As we embark on this new academic year, I am thrilled to join the St Saviour’s College community in my first year as your Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning. It has been a joy to witness the bustling corridors and courtyards filled with eager minds as we gear up for a year of transformative learning and growth. 

Our academic journey commenced on a high note with the presentation of the Academic Excellence Awards at a special ceremony in Week 1. Celebrating our students’ achievements in Semester 2 2023, we awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates. These awards, recognising hard work and dedication, were given to students who achieved 30% As, 50% As, and 80% As respectively, while maintaining no less than a C in other subjects. A special commendation is extended to those students who consistently demonstrated excellence throughout the year, earning a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Badge for their remarkable achievements. (See photos of some of our award recipients below).

This week, we have commenced academic interviews for our Year 12 students. Members of our leadership team are meeting with students to discuss their progress and aspirations beyond St Saviour’s, ensuring each student receives the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential and achieve their personal goals.  

Many of our Year 11 and 12 students have also, this week, embarked on an exciting journey with the commencement of hybrid and cross-school learning. This innovative model allows them to enrol in senior subjects online or join classes at other schools within our diocese, offering a broader spectrum of subjects to tailor their learning experiences to their unique paths. This flexibility in learning is a stepping stone to their future success, preparing them not just academically, but also in adapting to diverse learning environments. 

Building on this foundation, next week offers a valuable opportunity for our Year 12 ATAR students as they visit St Joseph's College for a Study Skills morning. This session, aligned with our commitment to holistic education, is designed to provide practical strategies for effective studying, aiming to enhance academic performance. It complements our hybrid learning approach by equipping students with the skills necessary to maximize their learning potential, both in and out of the classroom. 

Finally, as we settle into the rhythm of school life, I encourage our students from all grades, to establish a structured study routine. A dedicated space for study, where concentration is fostered and support is readily available, is key to academic success. This practice not only reinforces the lessons learned through our diverse educational offerings but also instils a sense of discipline and responsibility, essential qualities for lifelong learning. 

Together, let’s make this year at St Saviour’s College a journey of academic discovery and excellence, where each step, whether in a traditional classroom, through online platforms, or in external academic settings, contributes to a rich, well-rounded educational experience. 

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Free Cybersafety Webinar

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Welcome to the 2024 school year. I feel very privileged to continue in the College Leadership team in a permanent capacity and in a role that I am extremely passionate about. I never intended to be a teacher … my path had me off to University of Queensland pursuing Physiotherapy but as time continued in my degree, I wanted more. I wanted to be and do more. This led to my love of sports and physical activity into the Health and Physical Education world. My units in my Human Movements degree prepped me for a robust understanding of the HPE world along with Science. 

For HPE teachers, we have had an ever-increasing change in our curriculum due to a range of challenges that our children face in an everchanging world.  Their health and wellbeing falls directly into our hands and my encounter with adolescents adapting to their environment is that it is tough! The demands of schooling, social networks and the strains of living in such an uncertain time impacts our teens in ways that we are still managing to understand.  

I have three young children and my eldest asked why does he need to go to work when some of his other friends’ mothers don’t work? I first went to respond with the financial requirements and providing a secure future for him but realised at nine years old he just wanted to have his mum around more. 

Instead, I considered my response and answered with the real reason I have pushed myself to extend into leadership, past the comforts of teaching … “Well mate, when mum and dad send you to school each day, they hope that you feel safe, that you feel a sense of belonging to the community, that you feel you can achieve in your classes and that you develop a love of learning. When mum’s girls come to school, their parents hope the same for them and that's mum’s job to make sure that happens”. He then responded that it’s really important that I should go to school, which I agreed.

At times I question my decision to go into leadership but realise that the wanting to do and be more, is in this position – one where I can try to have the most impact on all students rather than just the girls I teach in HPE or coach in sporting teams. It is a privilege to hold this position, but it is also one that I know requires a real commitment to improving every students' wellbeing and therefore their educational outcomes. 

The Pastoral Team and I are committed to this work and want to work with families to ensure success is possible for each student.  Please never hesitate to contact our Pastoral Team:  

Year 7 & 8 Pastoral Leader: Michelle Reid 

Year 9 & 10 Pastoral Leader: Kim Benvenuti  

Year 11 & 12 Pastoral Leader and AP: Megan Schulze  

College Chaplain: Helen Ryan 

College Counsellor: Renee Hunter 

This year we look to reinforce the good things that happen in our community and celebrate students who strive to be the best they can each day. Communication around the implementation of the Merit System has been emailed to all families this week and students were briefed on the first day assembly and in year level meetings. I would like to note that this system is not based on academic achievement but students who are meeting the criteria that is essential in developing great work habits in preparing students for life outside of school and achieving success – whatever that looks like for them. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

Last Thursday, we celebrated our Year 12 students with their Leaders' Induction ceremony.  I am very excited by what this cohort has to offer the College community and I know they can make a difference and a lasting impact in their final year. Some of the year 12s still laugh how in our little Year 7 Maths class I said, “I’m new just like you and we can figure this school out together”… and here we are, figuring out this leadership business and making a difference to our community together. I look forward to walking this journey with them and the team of staff who will support them throughout their final year.   

This year we welcome 55 new Year 7s to our College and 14 new students in Years 8-12. We are blessed to have them share their God given gifts with our community and we look forward to walking with them on their educational journey. 

Our Year 7s engaged in a transition week for Week 1 and have started their classes this week with much success. For new families, please keep an eye out for the New Family Gathering invite that will appear in your inbox soon for Tuesday 13 February, 5:30pm-7:30pm.  

Next Tuesday 6 February is Safer Internet Day which encourages students to consider how they connect, reflect and protect in the online world. As a community we will be discussing some of the concerns students have about the digital world and delve into digital wellbeing.   

Our teenager’s presence in the online world poses many challenges, often ones that I find require myself and parents working together to help students navigate. The following resources are available to equip parents to continue these conversations at home:  

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Welcome to the 2024 school year! As the newly appointed Assistant Principal for Mission and Identity, I am honored to lead and share in our journey under the inspiring theme "Through Open Doors." This year promises to be an exciting and transformative period for our College, filled with opportunities for growth, learning and community building.

Theme for the Year: "Through Open Doors"

"Through Open Doors" is our chosen theme for 2024, deeply embedded in the Mercy tradition. It draws on the legacy of openness and hospitality symbolized by the doors of Baggot Street, serving as a reminder of our commitment to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for all. These doors represent not just a pathway into our school but a gateway to new possibilities and a promise of growth for every member of our community.

In the Spirit of Catherine McAuley

As we move forward into our 151st year, we are guided by the enduring values of Justice, Compassion, Excellence and Hospitality. Our aim is to foster a haven of warmth and support, ensuring that every individual in our community feels valued and empowered. Inspired by Catherine McAuley, we strive to embody love, courage and a relentless pursuit of excellence and justice in all that we do.

Staff Mass and Mercy Heart

The year began with a Staff Mass that centered around the concept of our Mercy Heart. This symbol of commitment was brought to life as each staff member contributed a word that represented their dedication to the year ahead, placing it on the heart as a testament to our collective mission.

Opening Liturgy and Commissioning of Our New College Principal

The Opening Liturgy and the commissioning of Mrs Jessica Wade as our new College Principal were significant moments that marked the beginning of our journey under "Through Open Doors." The College Lantern, introduced by our new College Captain, Eliza, and the lighting of the College Candle by Mrs Wade, symbolised new beginnings and the guiding light of leadership and unity that will lead us through the year. This event encapsulated the spirit of community and the forward momentum we aspire to maintain.

In the first weeks of this school year, the spirit of our theme has already manifested through the enthusiasm, positivity and collaborative spirit of our students. The vibrant atmosphere, echoing with laughter and warm greetings, marks the return of a complete and united community.

I am deeply moved by the acts of generosity and resilience I witness daily within our school, embodying the true spirit of Mercy. These actions are a powerful reminder of the significance of our theme as we embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Let us embark on this journey together, with open hearts and minds, ready to explore the endless possibilities that "Through Open Doors" offers. Here's to a year of empowerment, growth and unity.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Careers Centre

How to Start a Business in Senior School 

See how you can start a business while you’re in high school, including things to think about before you start and steps to get your business up and running. How to start a business in high school - Study Work Grow 

Top 10 Most Popular Job Spotlights of 2023 

Study Work Grow have covered hundreds of jobs over the years on their website - here are the most popular Job Spotlights of 2023.
Top 10 most popular Job Spotlights of 2023 - Study Work Grow 

Why choose a School-Based Apprenticeship / Traineeship  

• Support transitions from school to work and promote education, training and employment opportunities for secondary school students.  
• Provide students with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge relating to actual employment situations.  
• Allows students to start, and in some cases, complete, a vocational qualification while still at school.  
• Improve post-schooling employment and training pathways for students. 
• Improve links between education and industry, school and local community.  
• Apprentices/Trainees generally have stronger graduate employment outcomes than the average VET graduates.  

SBA Vacancies 

01/24: Years 10, 11 and 12 - Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement) at Gentle Dental – Drayton and Highfields. Closing date 5 February, 2024. Applicants should be willing to specialise in customer service skills as well as learning procedural and clerical tasks that require technology and business skills. The successful trainee will deliver and monitor a service to customers, respond to the service needs of customers, assist with customer difficulties, and apply critical thinking skills in a team environment. The trainee will also be clinically trained but will focus on customer engagement. Workday – one day per week, Saturday, and some evenings (12 – 15 hours per week). Work experience required.  Applicants are to email their resume and cover letter to Amy at managergentledental@gmail.com to arrange an interview. 

02/24: Years 10, 11 and 12 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting at Gentle Dental – Drayton and Highfields. Closing date 5 February, 2024. Applicants should be willing to prepare patients for dental examinations and assist dental practitioners in providing care and treatment. This traineeship is best suited for those with good customer service and communication skills. The successful trainee will greet patients and prepare them for treatment, prepare for and assist with dental procedures, assist with dental radiography and apply basic principles of infection prevention and control. Workday – one day per week, Saturday and some evenings (12 – 15 hours per week). Work experience required. Applicants are to email their resume and cover letter to Amy at managergentledental@gmail.com to arrange an interview. 

SBA vacancies are advertised each fortnight in the newsletter and will be emailed directly to all students in Years 10, 11 and 12. If you wish to apply for a vacancy, please ensure you have completed an SBA Referral form, your resume is updated, you have written an appropriate cover letter, and that you follow the application directions in the advertisement. Once these documents are completed, hand them (or send via email) to Mrs Cocks, Career Support Officer at  lisa.cocks@twb.catholic.edu.au for submission on your behalf (unless the advertisement has specifically stated that you need to apply online or visit the business directly). 

Chris Grierson
Career Development Practitioner

Sport News

Please see information below regarding SSC sport and upcoming Darling Downs trials.

Library News

Welcome

Welcome to a new year at St Saviour’s College. A fantastic start to 2024, our Year 7 students were part of the orientation week last week, which included a look at our library. 

The library is a community orientated space that welcomes all students and parents into its space. It acts as a link between curricula, social and personal aspects of our students’ lives.  

Free reading has been identified as having a positive impact on literacy levels and we try to keep our resources up to date and relevant, both to our students’ interests and to classroom learning. 

Library Hours

Monday to Thursday:  8.00am – 4.00pm 

Friday:  8.00am – 3.00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: On occasion, there may be unforeseen circumstances, therefore the library may be closed. 

Please keep looking at the library section of the newsletter for further updates. 

What’s Happening in the Library? 

Library Lover’s Day is coming up soon (14 February) 

Library Lover’s Day (information retrieved from: Alia – Library Lover’s Day) 
The theme for Library Lovers' Day 2024 in our library is: Love Libraries for Life.

Queensland School Libraries Week (information retrieved from: http://www.qsla.org.au/qslw) 

Queensland School Library Week will be celebrated from Monday 12 to Friday 16 February. Our theme is Our Heart, Our Stories.  

Secondary Competition

Secondary students (Year 7 - Year 12): Our Heart, Our Stories. There are two categories. 

1. Produce an artwork or take a photograph to reflect the theme Our Heart, Our Stories. 
2. Write a short story to reflect the theme Our Heart, Our Stories. There is a word limit of 300 - 600 words. 

General Reminders

Students must remember to look after their resources; it can be very easy for an item to be damaged: 

• because a water bottle has leaked or even just having water condensing on the outside of the bottle 
• left out on lockers overnight 
• thrown into bag on top of fruit/food 
• books need to be returned or charges will apply for replacement and time in following up 
• damaged books will be charged for either replacement or repairing fee.

Please help us keep our resources in an appropriate state so all students can borrow them for a long time. 

The library will be open at lunch times from Monday – Friday where possible. There will be times where the library will need to be closed but we try to keep it open as often as possible. 

Manners in the Library

Please remember to say “good morning” or “good afternoon” as you come into the library. We love seeing the students using our library, especially when they are polite and respectful to both the staff in the library and the users of the area. “Please” and “thank you” are expected in asking and receiving help at any time in the library. Also remembering it is a shared space and to keep our voices at a respectful level. 

Scholastic Book Club 

We do run Book Club through Parent Loop – our Year 7 students will receive the booklets; other year levels may access online. Issue 1 will be given out soon to our Year 7s. Remember to register through Scholastic and assign St Saviour’s College as your school. Payments are all online – orders will be delivered to the school unless you have requested home delivery. Orders will be given to the student to take home when they arrive at school. 

What do TLs do?

Quite often our job is misunderstood as to what we do, besides purchasing books. 

Our job is to ensure that learners (this can be students, staff and/or parents) are effective users and producers of ideas and information. This is across all grade levels and learning areas. We teach and model: inquiry/research; evaluating resources; digital citizenship; creating and sharing. 

My job is to liaise with teachers and work with classes around ICT capabilities specifically in relation to research skills, as well as managing and resourcing the library with relevant resources for both curriculum and pleasure reading. 

Why are TLs important?

REASON 1: GLOBAL CITIZENS HAVE WELL DEVELOPED GENERAL CAPABILITIES 

In the Australian Curriculum, we have five General Capabilities, which are described as knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions needed to equip students to live and work successfully in the 21st century (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], n.d.). When we compare the General Capabilities Framework with the construct of Global Competence (OECD & PISA, 2018) it is easy to see an overlap. Both are future focused, and aim to build students’ skills, behaviours and attitudes in areas that include intercultural and ethical understanding, critical and creative thinking and personal and social capability. 

The general capabilities have wide acceptance but teaching and assessing such complex and developmental concepts is incredibly challenging (Gilbert, 2019). TLs, with their unique qualifications in both education and information management, are perfectly situated to support teachers in the development of curricula that provide the opportunities students need to develop the skills that underpin the general capabilities (Kelly, 2019; La Marca, 2013). As educators who are not directly responsible for a specific subject area, and who work with students at every stage in their learning journey, TLs can support teachers and students as these capabilities are integrated across subjects and over time. The developmental nature of the general capabilities is therefore perfectly suited to the way in which TLs may continue to build students skills over years, assessing informally and providing feedback to the relevant teacher at various points in the learning. 

(Retrieved from https://librariesresearchgroup.csu.domains/) 

Check back next newsletter for the next reason! 

New Books in the Library! 

Come and check out our new books – some are on display and others on the shelf. If there is one you would like to read and you are not sure where it is – just ask at the front desk, we love helping someone make a connection with one of the books waiting to be read. You can also check out our library online through our student intranet.   

General Collections

Senior Collection (for Years 10-12)

Date Claimers: 

• 12 - 16 February: Queensland School Libraries Week 
• 14 February: Library Lovers Day 
• 8 March: International Women’s Day 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Immunisation Program

The Queensland School Immunisation Program for Year 7 and 10 students will take place on the following dates:

TUESDAY 12 MARCH: Year 10

MONDAY 22 JULY: Year 7 and Year 10

Year 10 Students
Consent paperwork will be handed out in Homeclass on Monday 12 February and needs to be returned to the College by Wednesday 21 February. The Clinic will then visit the College on Tuesday 12 March to dispense vaccinations. The second, or booster short, will be dispensed on Monday 22 July.
Boarding families will have the consent paperwork posted home to be signed.

Year 7 Students
Consent paperwork will be handed out in Homeclass on Monday 29 April and needs to be returned to the College by Wednesday 8 May. The Clinic will then visit the College on Monday 22 July to dispense vaccinations.
Year 7 Boarders will be given the consent paperwork at the end of Term 1 to bring back when Term 2 commences.

If you have any questions regarding the Immunisation Program, please contact the Principal's Assistant, Fiona Roberts, by email: fiona.roberts@twb.catholic.edu.au