St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 3 Week 4

Principal

Announcing our 2026 College Captains

It gives me great pride to announce Ayen Deng as our 2026 College Captain, and Abinaybi Araya as our 2026 College Vice Captain.

Both girls shone throughout the election and discernment process. Their leadership, diligence, poise, and grace will serve them and our community well as they step into these important roles. I thank them for their willingness to lead and to serve, and I look forward to seeing their vision for our College come to life. With them at the helm, I know our student leadership is in very good hands.

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend all those students who applied for captaincy positions. Over the past fortnight, we’ve been reflecting as a College on what it means to speak and act safely, kindly, and bravely. There is nothing braver than putting yourself forward – sharing your voice, your vision and your hopes – knowing only two positions are available.

To each applicant, thank you for your courage, your generosity, and your desire to serve. While it may feel like cold comfort in the sting of disappointment, I want to say this clearly: leadership is not defined by a title or a badge. Some of the most powerful and influential leaders in our College, in the community and in the world wear no official title at all. 

To each of the students who applied but were not selected, please know this – your gifts are real, your voice matters, and your light is needed. You have an incredible capacity to form our College in new and exciting ways in 2026. 

Athletics Carnival

Wednesday was a glorious day of school spirit and delight at our College Athletics carnival. One of the hallmarks of our College is a sense of fun and joy and this was proudly on show for all to see on Wednesday. I offer my congratulations to all those who ran, jumped and threw their way to success on Wednesday and also to all of those students who leaned into the day and had a go in any way possible. 

Special thanks to Mr Greg Leathart for his organisation of the day. 

I also offer special thanks to Mrs Kim Koosache and the hospitality students for supporting the hungry tummies on the bbq throughout the day. 

School Review and Improvement Process

This week we have had the privilege of participating in the School Review and Improvement Process with a panel of critical friends from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. I offer my indebted gratitude to the panel, proud past pupils Madonna Sleba (Director: Education Services), Ms Angela Travers (Senior Leader: Mission and Identity) and Ms Angela Collins (Principal: St Mary’s Goondiwindi), who were joined by Mr Chris Golightly (Senior Education Leader). I also extend my immense gratitude to all members of our parent, student and staff body for their time and willingness to provide feedback on the future direction of our great school. 

Across the week, key messages became clear: our families appreciate the personalised care and warmth they receive here, our students appreciate their teachers and support staff, who time and time again go above and beyond to support them, and our staff are keenly invested in the future growth and development of our school, both in its physical and human resourcing. 

It has been five years since our last SRIP and much has changed in that time. It was a great gift to work with the incredible leadership team of this College to map out our story of growth and development. I thank these incredible people for their wisdom, energy, joy and commitment to St Saviour’s College. It is a privilege to be the Principal of this school. 

A copy of the College SRIP report will be provided to me in the coming weeks and I look forward to sharing its formal commendations and recommendations with you and the wider community. 

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Last week, our school community gathered to honour the remarkable achievements of our students at the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony. This event was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, who have excelled in their academic pursuits during Semester One. In my address to the community, I emphasized that excellence is one of our core Mercy values. It is not merely about achieving top grades or being the best in a particular field. Rather, excellence is a mindset, a choice that each of us can make. It is characterised by curiosity, creativity, reflection, and resilience.

The students we celebrated have embodied these qualities. They have built strong relationships, shown determination, and persevered through challenges. Their achievements are a result of intentional effort and wise choices, demonstrating that excellence is not a fixed trait but a journey.

As we recognised their accomplishments, we were reminded that excellence is within reach for all of us. The benefits of striving for excellence extend beyond individual success, enriching our community and contributing to a better world.

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) Application Session – Year 12 Students

The College will run a second QTAC Application session on Monday next week (Week 5) during year 12 Skills class. Students who are intending to apply for tertiary studies are invited and encouraged to attend this session to receive guided support in registering for QTAC and completing their university applications. Applying to university through QTAC can be a lengthy and confusing process. Students who attend can rest assured knowing that they have completed the process correctly, and that the application aligns with the student’s intentions for 2026. One on one support for QTAC applications will also be provided through our careers office.

Excitement Builds for the Setting Sail Conference

The anticipation for the Setting Sail Conference is high! Students have chosen their cabin mates and received a detailed "What to Bring" list. Parents, please make sure to access the camp information letter and provide your consent for your child's participation through the parent portal. Please take notice of the processes for administering medication during camp. Additionally, any dietary requirements should be submitted via the parent portal app. This camp is a mandatory part of the Year 10 development program. If you have any questions or concerns about the camp, please feel free to reach out to me.

Subject Selections and Year 10 SET Planning

Thank you to all Year 8, 9, and 10 students who selected their subjects last week. For those who haven't yet submitted their choices, support will be available throughout this week to ensure everyone completes the process.

Looking ahead, Year 10 SET Plan interviews are set for Week 7. Students and parents will soon receive detailed information about these interviews. After the SET Planning phase, notifications regarding final subject selections and the corresponding book lists will be sent out.

As we approach Term Four, all Year 10 students will transition to their Year 11 subjects. Concurrently, Year 11 students will commence their summative Year 12 work.

Year 11 and 12 Exam Block

Students in Year 11 and 12 General Subjects will have a compulsory exam block from Monday, 8 September (Week 9) to Monday, 15 September (Week 10). During this period, students with exams can choose to study from home when they do not have exams. Alternatively, they can use the library for study sessions.

For those enrolled in combined General/Applied classes (e.g. Design/Fashion, FTV/Media Arts in Practice, Visual Art/Visual Arts in Practice), students can attend their lessons when they are not scheduled for an exam. However, classrooms for General Subjects only will not be in session during this time.

Students who undertake Applied subjects will attend school as usual, and their classes will continue to run as timetabled, as their subject syllabuses do not have the same exam requirements.

The exam timetable for this exam block will be published later this week.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

This past month, I’ve returned to yoga - a practice that always brings me back to myself. One of my favourite parts is Shavasana, the meditation at the end. I especially appreciate when the instructor gently reminds us that this is the time to clear our minds. Thoughts will come, and thoughts will go. We don’t attach to them. We simply let them pass.

It's a powerful reminder, and one that made me reflect on our young teens. For many of them, thoughts come thick and fast - worries, comparisons, pressures - and the ability to let them go can be incredibly difficult. It’s something we need to teach and model: the art of noticing without holding on.

Last week at assembly, I spoke to students about Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory. It’s a simple but profound idea: we cannot control others, only ourselves. We must learn to let others be who they are and not allow their actions or opinions to impact our sense of self. Instead, we focus on what we can control - our choices, our reactions, our values. It’s about saying, “Let me be me,” and giving ourselves permission to live authentically.

This theme of empowerment continued into our Wednesday Empowered lessons. Our Year 11 students welcomed RACQ for their Driver IQ Provisional presentation, which offered practical advice and insights for safe driving. Meanwhile, our Year 7 - 10 students were treated to Wired, an engaging and entertaining performance by Brainstorm Productions. The show delivered important wellbeing messages in a format that truly resonated.

Students shared a wide range of reflections after the performance, highlighting the impact of the messages delivered. Key themes included:

• Mental health awareness: Understanding anxiety, depression, and the importance of seeking help.
• Reaching out: Knowing it’s okay to talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or friend when feeling overwhelmed.
• Online safety: Being cautious with personal information and avoiding harmful online behaviours like cyberbullying.
• Self-worth and resilience: Learning to ignore mean comments, take breaks, and not let others define you.
• Empathy and kindness: Recognising that everyone has a story and being mindful of how we treat others.
• Balance and organisation: Managing stress by planning ahead and not overloading ourselves.

One student summed it up beautifully: “You’re not alone in the things you’re facing - there are people who care about you.”

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Celebration of Catholic Education Week

Last week, our College proudly joined 312 Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week - a time to recognise the enduring gift of Catholic education in shaping hearts, minds, and communities. This year’s theme, Communities of Faith, Hope, and Love, invited us to reflect on the ways our shared values nurture not only our students but society as a whole.

At the heart of our celebrations was the theme of hope - a virtue that sustains us through challenges and inspires our vision for the future. In Catholic education, hope is not wishful thinking but a deep trust in God's presence, guiding us to create a more compassionate and just world. It calls us to see the potential in every learner, to accompany one another with patience, and to believe that transformation is always possible.

Grandparents Day Mass

Catholic Education Week concluded with a joyful and meaningful Grandparents Day Mass, led by Fr Michael O’Brien. This special liturgy honoured the vital role grandparents play in our lives and the profound impact they have in shaping our faith, values, and sense of belonging.

A highlight of the Mass was a heartfelt reflection delivered by Year 10 student Leen Zahlouk, who shared a deeply personal and moving tribute to her grandparents. Drawing on the Gospel of Luke and the story of Simeon and Anna - two elders who waited patiently and prayerfully for the coming of Jesus - Leen reflected on how her own grandparents have helped shape her into the person she is today.

“Just like Simeon’s strong faith in the Lord,” she said, “I believe my grandparents have held that same immeasurable faith in me.” Leen described how her grandparents’ belief in her extended beyond academics and into the daily lessons of life - teaching her compassion, acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding. One piece of wisdom that has stayed with her is her grandmother’s reminder: “Trust in God’s timing.” These words, she shared, have helped her find calm in stressful moments and reminded her that even delays have purpose.

She also spoke tenderly of her grandmother who lives overseas, describing the strength of their bond despite the physical distance: “I don’t remember her departure, only her love, which continues to surround me.” Her reflection invited all present to pause and consider the ways their own grandparents have shaped their lives - with stories, quiet strength, faith, and love.

As part of the Mass, we were delighted to present the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, recognising individuals in our community who embody our College Values of compassion, excellence, justice and hospitality.

Year 7 – Emilyn Haycock
Year 8 – Piper Melrose
Year 9 – Bailey Paton
Year 10 – Jathumitha Jesu Sebastian
Year 11 – Yvonne Down
Year 12 – Lillian Findlay
Staff: Veronica McGovern and Christie Ollier

A special mention goes to Ms Charlotte Croker, Mr Roderick Hickey, and the QuickSmart Team - Molly Urqhart, Sara Lawson, Jordan Franke, and Michelle Reid - each nominated for the Spirit of Catholic Education Award. Their commitment to student learning and wellbeing reflects the deep care and purpose that defines our mission. We also congratulate Mr Roderick Hickey on his additional nomination for the Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award, recognising his work in fostering understanding and justice.

We also extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs Jessica Wade, our College Principal, who this year celebrates a remarkable milestone - 20 years of dedicated service to Catholic Education. Her leadership, faith, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire our community and shape the future of our College.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the grandparents who joined us for this special celebration, and to those who were with us in spirit. Your presence, encouragement, and unconditional love continue to enrich the lives of your grandchildren and the broader College community in immeasurable ways.

Supporting Rosies – Friends on the Street

As part of our ongoing commitment to living out the values of Catholic education, we are continuing to support Rosies – Friends on the Street throughout Term 3. We invite all families to contribute non-perishable goods, toiletries, and winter woollies to assist those doing it tough in our community.

Donations can be placed in the Rosies collection baskets located around the College. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for supporting this important outreach initiative.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Sports news

Athletics Carnival  

On Wednesday 6 August the Annual SSC Athletics was held, completing the 3 major carnivals for 2025. This year it was a vibrant celebration of school spirit, determination, and sportsmanship. Students from all year levels showcased their talents across a wide range of track and field events, with many personal bests and standout performances throughout the day. House pride was on full display, with enthusiastic cheering and colorful displays creating a lively atmosphere. 

The competition was fierce yet friendly, with close finishes and impressive efforts in both individual and team events. Highlights included a range of new records broken, and the inclusion of Novelty events, which drew large crowds and plenty of excitement. 

The event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers, and the energy from participants made it a memorable day for all involved. The carnival not only celebrated athletic achievement but also strengthened the sense of community and camaraderie across the College. 

Athletics Carnival Thank you

There are several people involved in organising and running the carnival and they require a big shoutout and thanks for their help and support. This includes Barb and her catering team in the tuck-shop, Kim Koosache and the hospitality crew, Ann Young and the SRC and Lucy and Ali, who helped with bookings and paperwork. Thank you to Ms Jordan Franke for organising the pre carnival scores and the printing of all the checklists etc. and for staff that contributed all day, the College acknowledges your commitment to student opportunities.  

Saturday Netball  

Saturday Netball’s SSC Stars team continue to show fantastic growth and resilience each week. While wins may be elusive, the improvement in teamwork, skills, and confidence is clear to see. Players develop strong connections on court, learning from each game and showing great commitment to training and match play. The journey is just as important as the results, and SSC is heading in the right direction. The Club will have its final Duty Day for 2025 on the 23 August (Round 10) which will require helpers for the morning session. If you can help, please contact Kym, Kellie or Mr Leathart in the Sports Office.  

Futsal  

On Wednesday 30 July, the Under 14 girls AFA futsal squad competed in the Champions of Champions tournament at Nissan Areana in Brisbane. Despite the issue with traffic the girls managed to top their pool with 2 wins in the group stage. Upon reflection, we feel the girls would have won the game they had to forfeit due to being stuck on the Ipswich Motorway. The girls then took their revenge on St Ursula's in the quarter final to take the semifinal 3-1 against Lindisfarne. After being locked at 1-1 all in the final the girls ran out of steam and went down to a College that has over 200 students in its football program alone. The girls have still qualified for the next stage of the competition in November. On Monday 4 August, the same squad will finish their gala days for the QSF competition. Well done Girls.   

SSI Red Lion Cup  

On Tuesday 29 July, the St Saviour's College Senior Soccer Team showed immense skill and sportsmanship at the SSI Red Lion Cup held at Captain Cook Oval. Facing 5 teams from Toowoomba and Stanthorpe, our girls held their own in a test of determination and resilience and despite not going home with the result they had hoped for, we are endlessly proud of their commitment to each other and for representing our College with pride. We thank Jordan Franke for her exceptional organisation and unwavering support on the day and in the lead up to this competition. 

SWQ All Schools Touch Football  

The SWQ All Schools Touch Football Day served as a crucial preparatory event for the 13 and 18 teams gearing up for the major school's carnival on the Gold Coast in October. Held on Sunday 3 August in shockingly cold and blustery conditions (the weather some of the worst in recent years), the day tested not only the players' skills but also their resilience and adaptability. 

Despite the chill, teams from across the region embraced the opportunity to refine their strategies, build cohesion, and assess their readiness against strong competition. Coaches and Coordinators used the event to trial combinations, evaluate fitness levels, and identify areas for improvement ahead of the high-stakes October carnival. 

The harsh weather added an extra layer of challenge, with icy winds and low temperatures affecting ball handling and player comfort. However, the experience proved invaluable, simulating the unpredictability of tournament conditions and reinforcing the importance of mental toughness and preparation.  

Results  

18 Years – A tough day at the office for the 18 years. Close games against St Ursula's and Centenary Heights State High School which allowed our girls to score some points.  

13 Years – Wins against Centenary Heights State High School, Glennie and Fairholme in the pools meant our girls made the semi-finals running out of steam in very cold conditions.  

For full results of the day head to: Association: South West Queensland Touch Association - Touch Football Australia 

Student Success  

Congratulations to Daeja Pene (Year 9) and Joyce Litidamu (Year 10). Both girls travelled to Townsville for State Championships for U16 Girls' Rugby Union - coming 3rd overall. From this, both girls were selected for the Queensland Country U16 Girls Junior Orchids where they had a two day turn around and straight into a six day camp at the Sunshine Coast. This was a national event with the girls first game being City v Country. They were victorious in this game, coming away with the gold medallion.

Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE

Arts and Performance news

Exploring the Power of Movement: Year 9/10 Drama takes on Physical Theatre 

This term, our Year 9/10 Drama students are embarking on a unique and transformative journey into the world of physical theatre, using masks as their primary tool for storytelling. 

By removing the ability to express themselves through facial expressions and voice, students are challenged to communicate solely through body language, posture, and gesture. This approach not only deepens their understanding of theatrical techniques but also highlights the importance of non-verbal communication in everyday life. 

Through workshops and performance exercises, students are discovering how subtle shifts in movement can convey emotion, intention, and narrative. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are told without words. 

We’re excited to see how this exploration shapes their creativity and confidence - and we look forward to sharing their progress with you throughout the term. 

Shining on Stage 

Over the weekend, Year 8 student, Lucee Robinette participated in the Dance section of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod with her K2Crew from Pinnacle Performing Arts. 

She continues to be a passionate spokesperson for Dance at St Saviour’s College, and we are proud of her achievements in this exciting extra-curricular pursuit.  

Congratulations, Lucee! 

Celebrating the Arts at St Saviour’s College 

The co-curricular Arts program continues to thrive this term, with students showcasing their talents across music, drama, and dance. 

On Thursday 31 July, the Saviour's Sisters choir led the hymns during our Grandparents Day Mass, filling the Callaghan Centre with their signature warmth and harmony. As always, their beautiful voices rose to the occasion, creating a moving and memorable experience for all in attendance. Special thanks go to their accompanist, Mrs Kylie Parker, and conductor, Mrs Jenni Potter, for their dedication and musical leadership. 

Looking ahead, the choir is now preparing for their performance at the Paul Morton Choral Festival on Monday 25 August. This annual event celebrates the outstanding youth choral work happening across Toowoomba’s secondary schools. This year’s guest conductor and adjudicator is Ms Haley Sugars, a highly respected local teacher and vocalist with an impressive international career, including performances in Europe, with Opera Queensland, and New Zealand Opera. 

The Paul Morton Choral Festival is a highlight of the choral calendar and promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment. All members of the community are warmly invited to attend. 

Ticket Information: 

• Adult: $13.00 

• Concession: $10.00 

• Child: $8.00 

• Group of 6: $48.00 
  Tickets are available via the Empire Theatre box office or website (booking fees apply). 

Meanwhile, our senior Drama Club members are busily preparing for their Scene Project Outcomes Day in Brisbane on Friday 29 August, where they will present their creative work alongside other schools. The Dance Troupe is working on fresh performance pieces and eagerly seeking their next opportunity to shine and our Rock Band continues to grow in confidence and skill, rehearsing weekly and building a strong musical identity. 

It’s an exciting time for the Arts at the College, and we’re proud of the creativity, commitment, and collaboration our students bring to every performance.  

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Library news

Book Week is coming! Book Week is coming! Is your costume ready? Wednesday 20th August is Dress-up day for a gold coin donation to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation – supporting literacy development through the communities. Book Week will be celebrated in week 6 and the theme is “Book an Adventure”. 

Our Book Week quiz will be held on Wednesday during sport in the Hall for years 7-9, sorry year 10s you will be on your conference.  

This is also a dress-up day for all years and a gold coin donation going to Indigenous Literacy Foundation. 

Q.What does this charity do?
Reading Opens Doors to future opportunities and choices. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity of the Australian Book Industry, working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia. 

Their core programs included providing new, culturally relevant books to remote Communities across Australia, books and resources for early learners and supporting Communities to write and illustrate their stories in the language of their choice. Some great initiatives and if you would like to find out more about what they do please visit their website: https://www.ilf.org.au/  

What’s happening in the Library? 

Celebrating our winners from Fandom Day 
It has been a long time coming but here are our winners from our Fandom Day celebrations at the end of Term 2. First our Design a new character winners! 

Well done to Annabel DeFreece as the winner of our competition. 

Second place was Charlotte Stallan-Stritch 
And in third place – Estelle Harlen 

And from our Fandom dress-up day… We raised $783.79 dollars for Hummingbird House. What a fantastic effort, and massive thanks to all who supported this day in any way. 

Our winning costume designs include: 
Most Creative – Charlotte Stallan-Stritch 

Most in Character – Kath, Kim and Sharon (or Macie Creevy, Aleisha Webb and Mrs Alyson Holmes as we know them!) 

In-sync Group 

Zoe Rabbit-Sutton, Emma Norman and Piper Melrose as the three Chipmunks 

Most recognisable Anime/Manga 

Nezuko (Demon Slayer) – Laureen Asanza 

Originality  

George Washington and Alexander Hamilton – Lillian Findley and Hope Meldrum 

Individual character 

Edna from The Incredibles – Ayen Deng 

 And best teacher dress up – Ms Tammy Banks as the Mad Hatter 

Thanks to your support in dressing up for the day – and we do it all again during Book Week! See you there with more prizes up for grabs. 

NOTE: All Fandom Day prizes for these groups will be available in the library – if you are part of a group your whole group is needed to receive the prizes. 

Date Claimers: 
August 16-23 – Book Week 
August 20 – Book Week Quiz and Dress up. Gold Coin donation for Indigenous Literacy Foundation 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

From the Business Manager

Parking and traffic around the College

As part of an ongoing program, Toowoomba City Council and Toowoomba Police will commence monitoring parking and traffic around the College at pick-up and drop-off times.

They will be monitoring vehicles speeding through the school zone and parking across and obstructing residents’ driveways in Lawrence Street and Neil Street.

The safety of our students, parents and staff is our top priority along with minimal disruption to our neighbours.  Please be mindful when picking up and dropping off your daughter.