St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 1 Week 4

Principal

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, an occasion our College gathered for together in house groupings for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. As a community, we committed ourselves to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."

Lent invites us to a different space - a desert time- a time of introspection and prayer. To truly embrace this, we must consciously create space and room in our lives – we must accept the invitiation of the spirit to go to the quiet places. The six week season of lent prompts us to slow down, to contemplate our paths, and to cultivate a mindset open to change and renewal - to moving with more confidence to becoming the version of ourselves our God formed us to be.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical narrative of Jesus' time in the desert, we see a message of of strengthening and fortification. Jesus faced and overcame adversity, which prepared him for his future endeavors. Similarly, we all encounter our personal "deserts"—times of trial such as health crises, loss of loved ones, or family issues.

Our Lenten journey, is about more than just personal reflection; it's about expanding our awareness to the struggles of those around us. It challenges us to think about how we can be more supportive, compassionate, and generous—how we can embody the the Christian and Mercy call to love and serve others in our daily lives.

As we journey through Lent, let us embrace the challenge to be better individuals and a stronger community, reflecting on our actions and their impact on others. Let this be a time of renewal, not just in spirit but in action, as we strive to live out the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that define us.

As always, we can take great wisdom from Pope Francis as we embark on our Lenten journey:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worried and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful

Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled

Fast from words; be silent and listen

Farewell Ms Nicole Booth

It is sadness that we farewelled our Head of Boarding, Ms Nicole Booth this week. Beloved Miss Nicole has led the boarding house with distinction for the past two years, ensuring that it has been a place of exceptional care and a home away from home for our boarders. 

Her wonderful warmth, attention to detail and practical care as well as her ongoing commitment to the learning and educational opportunities for all students have made her an exceptional gift to our College and McAuley House. 

We wish Nicole all the very best for her future endeavours, remembering the wonderful presence Nicole has been in our boarding house most recently as Head of Boarding but also prior to this in her role with Transition Support Services. 

In the interim, we have appointed Ms Kym Stewart to the role of Acting Head of Boarding until a continuing appointment has been made. Kym has a wealth of experience in serving McAuley House and has wonderful relationships with both staff and students of McAuley House.

As always, our senior supervisors and boarding staff, supported by the Catercare team, continue to provide the highest levels of care to all of our boarders and boarding families.

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

A Snapshot of Learning Across the College

I am pleased to report a positive start to the academic year. Observations around the school indicate that students are well-settled and actively engaged in their learning. During a stroll around the school this week, I visited Mr Nilon's Physics classroom, where students were exploring light diffraction with keen interest. In Mr Burley's Year 7 Humanities class, students were delving into the complexities of the water cycle. In the Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice class, Imogen was independently creating a screen print stencil, showcasing her artistic skills and self-motivation. Students in Mrs Rasmussen’s Religion class started their lesson with entries into their gratitude journals, while Ms Weeding, seated in the peaceful Mercy Court, led a small group of Year 7 students in a reading activity to enhance their literacy skills. In one of the science laboratories, Maryam's explanation of the chemistry behind electroplating highlighted student involvement in both practical and theoretical learning. It is a pleasure to see our students thriving individually and collaboratively in a range of learning settings throughout our college.

Enriching Experiences: ATAR Students’ Study Skills Session

A highlight of the last fortnight was the study skills session attended by our ATAR students at St Joseph’s College. This event was a rich source of ideas and strategies, offering our students the privilege to hear from a diverse range of speakers. These included experts from other schools, the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, and the esteemed University of Southern Queensland. The topics covered ranged from effective study techniques and maximising performance in assessments to understanding the essence of academic integrity and the art of goal setting. Such interactions are invaluable in preparing our students for their future academic endeavours and life beyond school.

UCAT Preparation: Stepping Stone to Medical and Dental Careers

Many students across Australia and New Zealand require students to have completed and achieved highly in a University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year before applying to medicine and dental science degrees. This challenging test examines students’ aptitude for verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement – skills considered vital for future clinical practitioners.

In our continuous effort to provide comprehensive support to our students, I am pleased to announce the commencement of UCAT preparation sessions for interested Year 11 and 12 students. These sessions will run fortnightly over the course of Semester 1. During each session, students will become familiar with the various question styles and develop confidence and speed in responding to test items. Students will also have the opportunity to sit timed practice tests to better understand the testing environment and conditions, and to learn where to focus further practice before the actual UCAT in July. 

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

This week we extended our hand of hospitality to all new families to the College at our New Parent Gathering.  The evening allowed staff and parents to build partnerships and connections, enabling a path of communication for the journey ahead.  We thank Ms Dempster and the Senior Elected Leaders for leading us in liturgy where each new student lit their candle as the starting flame to their time at the College.  Each student also received a house badge, symbolising their deepened connection within the SSC Community.  

Students also took their families to Homeclass where their Homeclass teacher demonstrated what this time looks like in the morning for students.  Homeclass is one of the pivotal pastoral activities within the College, allowing students time to connect with their Homeclass teacher, do a wellbeing check-in and then prepare for the day ahead.  Our Homeclass teachers are parents point of call when there are is concerns or requests you may have for your daughter, and they can direct it to the correct people within the College.   

The night ended with everyone enjoying dinner together and a friendly game of tug-a-war, Just Dance and Get-the-ball-in-the-hoop. Our year 7s are already demonstrating that they are lively bunch already showing many of the Mercy Girl characteristics.  We wish them all the best as they head off on camp on Monday as they build cohesion within the cohort.   

Coming to the end of week 4, the Pastoral Team are noticing that students are finding it hard to stay consistent with the great start they had in week 1.  Some are struggling with staying organised and on top of class commitments, others finding friendships have changed over the holidays and upon return things are not quite the same dynamic.  If you are concerned about your daughter, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your daughter’s Homeclass Teacher or relevant Pastoral Leader for her year: 

Year 7 & 8: Mrs Michelle Reid 

Year 9 & 10: Mrs Kim Benvenuti 

Year 11 & 12: Mrs Megan Schulze 

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

As the year unfolds, St. Saviour's College continues to shine as a centre of faith, community, and education, highlighted by several key events. Each of these occasions, firmly anchored in our Catholic values, offers us moments for reflection, celebration, and welcoming. In this update, we're excited to share the standout moments from our recent activities: the Project Compassion Launch, Shrove Tuesday festivities, the observance of Ash Wednesday, and the Welcome Liturgy for our newest students.

Project Compassion Launch at St. Patrick's Cathedral

On Sunday, February 11th, St. Saviour's College was represented at the Project Compassion Launch at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba, by two of our Student Leaders, Maryam Abawi and Giliann Pamalaran, along with members of our Executive Leadership Team. This important event signifies the commencement of Caritas Australia's annual fundraising initiative, underscoring our dedication to global stewardship and compassion. Our participation in this campaign during the Lenten season reflects our collective commitment to supporting those in vulnerable communities worldwide, aiming to foster hope, kindness, and compassion. This effort aligns with the core mission of our school to cultivate a community eager to make a positive impact globally.

In a continuation of our commitment to Project Compassion, this Thursday during assembly, our Youth Ministry took the initiative to launch the fundraising campaign within our school. Each home class was provided with a money box, encouraging donations from students and staff throughout the Lenten period. This internal campaign not only amplifies our support for Project Compassion but also strengthens our school community's engagement with our shared values of empathy and generosity.

Shrove Tuesday: A Celebration of Community and Tradition

The joyous celebrations of Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, saw our school community come together to enjoy a time-honoured tradition that precedes the Lenten period. This event is a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to engage in fellowship, enjoying pancakes made from ingredients traditionally cleared from homes before the fasting season. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and mindfulness as we enter a period of reflection.

Ash Wednesday: Beginning Our Lenten Journey

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a sacred time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Our senior students led the Ash Wednesday liturgies, demonstrating leadership and reverence. The distribution of ashes, a symbol of repentance and mortality, calls us to a deeper reflection on our lives and our commitment to living out the Gospel message. This solemn observance is a poignant reminder of our shared journey of faith and the transformative power of this liturgical season.

Welcome Liturgy for New Students

A highlight of our recent school events was the heartfelt Welcome Liturgy for our new students. This ceremony, rich in symbolism and warmth, served as the official introduction of our newest members to the St. Saviour's College family. Guided by our House Captains and Student Leaders, the ceremony featured the meaningful act of lighting and passing a candle flame, a symbol representing the enlightenment of knowledge, the warmth of faith, and the unity of our community. This light is intended to illuminate the paths of our new students as they embark on their educational and spiritual journey with us. Additionally, the act of receiving the house badge solidified their place within our vibrant community, marking an important milestone in their lives and highlighting our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and open-heartedness.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Boarding House

It is with a heavy heart that I write my last newsletter as Head of Boarding. I have enjoyed every minute of my time with the girls and have been grateful for the support of the amazing team of boarding staff I had the privilege to work with. My last day is Friday 16^th February.

We currently have 53 girls in boarding, and I have been so proud of the way the girls welcomed and reached out to our new residents.

Last weekend some of the girls took up the chance to go for a swim at St Mary’s pool. They enjoyed cooling off and a fun game of touch football in the water.

At last weeks assembly we were proud to see so many boarders receive their  academic awards as well as Meg being voted into the SRC. Congratulations girls.

Wednesday night we will celebrate Galentines. Our girls only take on Valentine’s Day. Watch this space for the night in pictures using our special photo booth.

This Sunday the girls will spend the day at Orion Springfield Central in Ipswich. The girls will enjoy some water activities, shopping, some R-n-R and a picnic lunch. Thanks to Jenny and her team in the kitchen who always go above and beyond.

From the Careers Centre

St Saviour’s College Health Hub 

What a way to start off the year! The first unit covers the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers. We look at these skills in a range of health and community services context where workers may communicate face-to face, in writing or using digital media.   

The photos are based around a set task where students needed to communicate and work effectively as a team to meet the desired outcome. It was very rewarding to see the different schools working together. 

University Showcase at St Mary’s College 

On Tuesday 6 February, St Mary’s College hosted several universities and institutions through the annual University Showcase. There was a mix of presentations, followed by an opportunity for the Year 12 students to speak to representatives at their booth. The presentations gave our students the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future pathways, careers and key dates. The following organisations attended: Australian Catholic University, Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast. 

ACU Uni Step Up Presentation 

On Monday, Students in Year 11 were given the opportunity to hear from Melanie Seal Moradi, QLD Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion, Global and Education Pathways at the Australian Catholic University. Uni Step-Up Online is a free online program that gives students from regional, rural and remote backgrounds the opportunity to study First-Year Units outside of regular school hours and if successful, gain two university credits and an unconditional offer to an aligned ACU course.  
 
This program is ideal for students interested in Nursing / Midwifery / Paramedicine, Business or Exercise Science fields and would like to take a first step towards achieving their career goals. Uni Step-Up students are supported throughout the program, upskilled in Academic literacy, and given access to all ACU resources.  Applications open NOW. Applications close: Wednesday 21 February 2024. 

SBA Vacancies 

Years 10, 11 or 12: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Learning Pathways Early Education, Care and Kindergarten. Working as an Early Childhood Educator, you will assist in the planning of each child’s continuous growth and will carry out the childcare program and daily routines as directed. The successful applicant will learn how to perform a range of tasks including: support inclusion and diversity, support children’s health, safety and wellbeing, nurture babies and toddlers, work effectively in children’s education and care and support children to connect with the natural environment. Closing date 23.02.2024. Workday – Tuesday and school holidays. Work experience is required. Applicants are to email their resume to Director Christy Gentz at hello@learningpathwayschildcare.com.au or call 07 4638 1000 to arrange an interview / work experience.  

Years 10 or 11: Certificate III in Hospitality – Toowoomba Sports Club. The successful applicant will learn how to perform a range of tasks including: provide service to customers, process financial transactions, use hygienic practices for food safety, prepare and serve beverages, provide table service of food and beverage and provide advice on food. Closing date 19.02.24. Workday – one day per week. Work Experience required. Applicants are to contact Ian Evans on 4632 0888 or email your resume and cover letter to ian@tsports.com.au   

Years 10 and 11: Certificate III in Business – Toowoomba Sports Club. The successful trainee will apply critical thinking skills in a team environment, engage in workplace communication, use digital technologies to collaborate in a work environment and actively engage in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Closing date 19.02.24. Workday – one day per week. Work Experience required. Applicants are to contact Ian Evans on 4632 0888 or email your resume and cover letter to ian@tsports.com.au  

Chris Grierson
Career Development Practitioner

Sport News

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

All About the Arts

2024 has started and we have hit the ground running! This year will see several opportunities within the co-curricular Arts, including our College Musical – Elf the Musical, Jr., a fresh new look for the Midnight Mercy Girls Rock Band, Year 7 and 8 Debating teams, many performing opportunities for our constantly growing Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir, and the formation of a St Saviour’s Singers, Senior Performance Choir.  

I am looking forward to the expansion of the Arts Program here at St Saviour’s College as I undertake my new role as Middle Leader of Arts and Performance.  

We have a fantastic Arts Team with Mrs Berni Gray and Ms Kara Jensen teaching Drama, Mr Jed Burley, and Mr Rhody Nilon teaching Music, Ms Joanne Stewart teaching Visual Art and Arts in Practice, Mrs Wendy Collins teaching Media Arts and Film and Television, and myself, Mrs Jenni Potter teaching Dance.  

Toowoomba, 19 -20 July 2024 – Toowoomba residents will embrace their inner “elf” when St Saviour’s College students present their production of Elf The Musical JR., alongside special guest cast members from St Mary’s College Toowoomba. The show featuring over 60 students, from Years 7-12, premieres on 19 July 2024 at the Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre Toowoomba. 

Rehearsals have begun for our 2024 Musical Production, and the students are working hard to bring you a fantastic show for our Christmas in July performances of Elf The Musical JR. 

If you or your business are interested in supporting the St Saviour’s College Musical, through sponsorship or donations of raffle prizes, please contact Mrs Jenni Potter – Middle Leader Arts and Performance for more information, Jennifer.potter@twb.catholic.edu.au .  

Elf The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com.  

Jenni Potter 
Middle Leader Arts and Performance

Library News

Welcome 

The term is flying past us at a rapid rate and the library is no exception. It is Queensland School Libraries week and we celebrate Library Lovers’ week, specifically Library Lovers’ day on 14 February. 

There is no better past-time than curling up with a good book and immersing yourself in the story being told, whether that be based on truth or imagination. Oftentimes we think there are ‘bad books’ but we must always be aware that even if the book doesn’t fit well with you, it may fit well with someone else. There is this great excerpt (from a book surprisingly) about good and bad books. It comes from Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs: 

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?  

We celebrated World Read Aloud day on 7 February.  

What was it about: 

Daddy Wes helps his children hear the rhythm of the earth. And with the rhythm begins a story of the "drum," the pulse which has moved through the African people and through time and place.  

Where did we find this story? 

https://storylineonline.net/books/to-be-a-drum/   

Who are Storyline Online? 

Taken directly from their website:  

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s two-time Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.  

Reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude, as well as inspire a lifelong love of reading. Teachers use Storyline Online in their classrooms, and doctors and nurses play Storyline Online in children’s hospitals.  

SAG-AFTRA = Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. 

Queensland School Libraries Week is held from the 12 February through to the 16 February and as part of this week’s celebrations we also take special note on 14 February: Library Lovers’ Day.  

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We enjoyed a Flash Fiction competition where students were asked to write no more than 50 words for a love story or love poem. Winners will be announced next newsletter. 

The Queensland School Libraries Association still has their state-wide competition running for the next couple of weeks so don’t forget to enter into that competition too. 

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 remember it is a shared space and to keep our voices at a respectful level. 

WHY ARE TLs IMPORTANT? 

REASON 2: GLOBAL CITIZENS ARE INQUIRY LEARNERS 

Related to the first reason (see previous newsletter), one of the most appropriate pedagogical approaches to developing students’ general capabilities/global competence is inquiry learning. This is a pedagogical approach that is central to the work of the TL (Lupton, 2015).  

Inquiry learning enables students to be scaffolded as they move through the information search process, seeking to formulate a well-reasoned and supported response to their inquiry question. Rigorous research through the inquiry process requires students to develop many of the skills identified as underpinning the general capabilities, including (but not limited to!) creativity, critical thinking, reflective thinking, organisational skills, collaboration, communication skills, presentation skills, accessing and locating information, analysing and evaluating information, independent learning and self-discipline (McIlvenny, 2019). 

Developing global competence requires students to respond to complex and challenging questions generated by global issues, intercultural experiences and environments. Advanced inquiry skills will enable these students to continue to grow as global citizens through and beyond their school years.  

New Books in the Library! 

What’s new in the library you ask? Well, check out our new books on display – shown below or come into the library and see them, ready for you to borrow!  

General Collections: 

Senior Collection (for Years 10-12): 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Feeding Tube Pouches – Year 12 Praxis Social Justice Activity

Feeding Tube Awareness Week was celebrated nationally last week. The aim was to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced, as well as highlighting the day-to-day impact of tube feeding on individuals, carers and families. This was a great week for us to launch the Year 12 Praxis Class Social Justice activity. Over the year, students will be making Tubing Pouches to donate to the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Children are often tube fed when they are going through treatment for cancer or if they have developmental delay and cannot feed normally.

I became aware of this issue when my great niece Emily was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma last year and needed a feeding tube during her treatment. Unfortunately, whilst undergoing treatment Emily was unable to fight off an infection and left us for her next big adventure in August.

Tubing Pouches are an excellent way to keep excess tubing clean, safe and out of sight while not in use. No more catching the excess tubing on clothing, items or little hands. Tubing Pouches attach to clothing.

We are aiming to make 500!

Below are some pictures of the students learning to sew the pouches.

Julieanne Rasmussen
Teacher 

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 handed has been handed out in Homeclass 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

Uniform Shop