St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 2 Week 8

Principal

Deep fakes, group chats and AI: our changing world

Like many others, I’ve been deeply disturbed by recent stories highlighting just how easily deep fakes and AI-generated pornography can be created and shared - and the devastating, irreversible damage they can cause.

Local legal expert and social change advocate, Adair Donaldson, has been shedding light on this confronting topic through his Instagram channel. In a series of reels, he demonstrates just how accessible these technologies are - anyone can download an app and, in a matter of minutes, create harmful and deceptive images that can be used for image-based abuse.

Watching these reels, I’m left with three urgent questions:

• How do we ensure our girls are not victims of deep fakes?
• How do we ensure our girls are not perpetrators of image-based abuse?
• And perhaps most importantly, how do we help our girls understand that no matter how overwhelming something feels, nothing is so bad that it can’t be shared with a trusted adult?

As parents, many of us joke, 'Thank goodness social media wasn’t around when we were young.' And truly - we were lucky. Platforms like Snapchat can be confusing, fast-moving, and sometimes harmful - and they are the spaces where many young people are spending their time.

I encourage all families to start a conversation at home. Talk about what image-based abuse is, how it happens, and how we might respond if our daughters - or someone close to them - were to experience it. You might be surprised at how many deep fakes your daughters have already encountered in group chats or social media threads.

So, what can we do? Let’s open the conversation:

• Watch some of Adair Donaldson’s reels together. Ask your daughter what she thinks: Watch here
• Ask her: Have you seen a deep fake of someone you know?
• Talk through scenarios: What would you do if someone made a deep fake of you?
• And as a parent: How would you respond if your daughter confided in you that a deep fake of her was circulating on Snapchat?

Finally, it’s critical that our girls know this is not just 'drama' - image-based abuse is a serious crime. Help them understand their rights and responsibilities by exploring trusted resources together:

• eSafety Commissioner: Image-Based Abuse
• eSafety Commissioner: Deepfakes and AI

These are hard conversations - but they’re the ones that matter most. When we, as parents and teachers, lean in with openness, clarity, and compassion, we help ensure our girls are not only protected - but empowered.

Generative AI at St Saviour’s College

Over the past few weeks, staff at the College have been deep in discussion about how we might shape our AI integration strategy to best serve our community. I won’t sugar-coat it - these conversations have been big, complex, and at times confronting. The reality is clear: the world is changing rapidly, and so are the learning tools available to our students.

As part of our discernment, I’ve been speaking with students about their current experiences with generative AI - how they use it, and what they’ve learned about its power and its limits. Just last week, I was struck by the reflections of our Year 12 Captains, Demi and Elize. They spoke with ease about four different AI tools they regularly switch between, each serving a distinct purpose.

When I asked them about AI’s impact on their learning, their honesty was refreshing. They acknowledged the temptation of quick wins, but they also clearly articulated the difference between shallow, AI-generated answers and the deep, meaningful understanding that comes from genuine learning struggles. Both girls demonstrated strong self-awareness and discernment as learners - Demi showed me an app that generates revision questions for science and maths, while Elize explained how she uses a tool to give her feedback on her writing. It was evident that they knew how to walk the line: using AI to enhance their learning without compromising their integrity or understanding.

In a separate conversation with a Year 9 student during a science class, I saw another thoughtful example. I watched her copy a section of a complex scientific journal into an AI tool, asking it to simplify the language and explain the concept. She glanced back at me - perhaps a little startled to find the principal reading over her shoulder - and explained, 'It’s good, Miss. It helps me understand these journals that are so complex.' In that moment, it was clear: she wasn’t using AI to bypass the work - she was using it to unlock knowledge that would have otherwise remained out of reach.

As we continue to shape what AI looks like at St Saviour’s, one thing is certain: many of our students are already navigating this terrain. Our task now is to ensure they do so with purpose, confidence, and integrity.

We want the best of both worlds - students who are savvy in their use of generative AI and students who are deeply engaged, critical learners who know when to lean on technology and when to lean into the challenge.

Looking ahead to next term, we will continue our discernment and begin to shape clearer guidelines and strategies for how AI is used in learning and teaching at the College. As part of this process, we warmly invite feedback and perspectives from parents and carers. Your insights are invaluable as we work to ensure our approach reflects the values of our community and equips our students for a future in which both ethics and innovation matter.

Announcing our SRIP: Term 3 Week 4

St Saviour’s College is scheduled for a School Renewal and Improvement (SRIP) quadrennial school review from August 4 to 8. 

The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has a school renewal and improvement framework in place which has, as a key element, a quadrennial school review. In this review a panel consisting of senior staff from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) Teaching and Learning Directorate and a peer principal from another school in the Diocese, visit the school for three days. 

Through a process of appreciative inquiry, panel members interview staff, parents/carers, students and community members. The questions asked are very simple:

 'In your opinion, what is going well at the school?' and 'What could be done better?'

The purpose is for the panel to report to the school community, its findings and suggested improvement strategies. These inform the process of strategic plan development and the annual action plans which are also linked to the TCS Strategic Plan. 

The aim is to assist schools to strategically plan to improve teaching and learning and these reviews occur in all TCS schools. 

The review team would like to hear from the school community, and I encourage anyone who is interested to participate in this important process. Your feedback is important and will help us to continue to achieve the two pillars of TCS: that all students will come to personally know Jesus and that all students will achieve academic success. 

Feedback can be provided to the review panel in person or by telephone. All feedback remains confidential. 

Please contact my PA, Mrs Stephanie McCully (Stephanie.McCully@twb.catholic.edu.au) if you are interested in booking in a timeslot to speak with a member of the panel.

Coming soon: Shaping our Futures Survey

Every two years, families from our school communities share their views through the Shaping our Future – Perception Survey. It’s a valuable way for us to reflect on how our school is living out Toowoomba Catholic Schools shared purpose: enabling full and flourishing lives.

This year’s survey will be sent via Sentral on Monday, 21 July.

Please keep an eye out for it – your feedback helps shape the future of all 32 Toowoomba Catholic schools, but most importantly, your daughter’s school, St Saviour’s College.

We will also be asking Years 5 to 12 students from across the diocese to complete a student version of the survey during Catholic Education Week at school.

For more information please email: Stephanie McCully Stephanie.McCully@twb.catholic.edu.au

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Attention – the gateway to learning

Last week, I spoke to the College about the vital role of attention in learning. When students pay focused attention, their brains release neurotransmitters - chemical messengers that stimulate the formation of new synaptic pathways. These pathways are essential for encoding memories and enabling students to recall and apply knowledge in the future.

To help your daughter make the most of her learning experiences, here are some practical ways she can be attentive in class:

• Following the speaker closely: actively listening to the teacher’s explanations and demonstrations helps her brain absorb new information
• Asking curious questions: encouraging her to ask questions deepens understanding and keeps her engaged
• Taking notes and drawing diagrams: writing key points and sketching visual aids supports memory by involving multiple senses and reinforcing concepts

In addition, setting clear goals during study sessions can sharpen her focus. For example, deciding to master a particular topic or complete a set of practice questions helps direct her attention to specific learning outcomes.

Finally, minimising distractions during study time is crucial. Creating a quiet, organised space free from phones, social media, and other interruptions allows her brain to fully engage with the material.

By fostering these habits, we can help our daughters develop stronger attention skills, which are foundational to effective learning and long-term academic success.

Thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing attentive and motivated learners.

Academic interviews with Year 11 students

This week, we have been conducting academic interviews with our Year 11 students, providing a valuable opportunity for them to meet with members of the leadership team. These conversations are designed to support students in several important ways.

During the interviews, we review each student’s recent academic report, celebrating successes and identifying areas for growth. This reflection helps students understand their progress and set realistic goals moving forward.

A key focus of these discussions is exploring post-school pathways. We talk about students’ interests, aspirations, and possible career or further education options, helping them to continue shaping a meaningful future that aligns with their strengths and passions.

Wellbeing is also a central part of these meetings. Checking in on how students are managing the demands of school life ensures they feel supported and balanced as they navigate this important stage of their education.

We were pleased to welcome many parents who attended the interviews alongside their daughters. Your involvement is invaluable in reinforcing the partnership between home and school, and in helping students feel confident and motivated.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

It is my hope for you, that your households have had some determined and regulated students over the past couple of weeks as student’s complete assessments and that they haven’t become too overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Please let your student’s home class teacher, or year coordinator, know if there is anything we can do to assist. Keeping open communication with your student’s teachers can help make this tricky time of term a little easier.  

In the last newsletter, I announced our partnership with Linewize to give parents access to the Qustodio parent app. As students spend more time online, ensuring their digital safety and wellbeing has never been more important. We are committed to providing a secure online learning environment and equipping families with the tools to confidently navigate the digital world. This will enhance our ability to keep students safe online while empowering you, as parents, with valuable insights and resources to support your child’s digital journey.  

The Qustodio parent app will provide you with:   

• Content filtering - manage which websites and content categories your child can access
• App and game blocking - prevent access to distracting or inappropriate apps
• Custom routines - set different rules for different times (e.g., homework, bedtime)
• Internet pause - temporarily disable internet access on your child’s school device (outside school hours)
• Activity reports - get detailed insights into your child's online activity, including search history
• Expert advice - access guidance from online safety professionals directly within the app. In addition to protecting the school-managed learning device, this offer will enable you to protect one personal device per child (attending the school), e.g. mobile phone, tablet, etc. 
  

To register for a log on to use the Qustodio app, please complete the short questionnaire to ensure we have all the correct details.   

https://forms.office.com/r/1Hmm2aFXdv 

If you would like multiple caregivers to have access, please complete the form again with their details. Those who wish to register must be in our school system as a contact. This registration will be open until the end of the first week of the holidays when our IT will collate the information, ensuring it will be ready for parents at the start of Term 3. Please reach out to me at megan.schulze@twb.catholic.edu.au if you have any further questions.   

The merit trip is looming with the end of term in sight. This trip is a celebration of those students who do the little things well all the time. To continue to do wonderful activities that the students enjoy, there will be a cost to merit trips moving forward. This term, the cost will be $15.00 for students to be bussed to the venue, have fun and socialise, and return to the College. The venue will have a small canteen available, but students are welcome to use the tuckshop at school or bring their own food.   

Throughout the term the Wellbeing and Engagement Team work in partnership with students and parents to look at strategies to improve attendance and work pastorally with students who do not meet our uniform and punctuality expectations. The team work with students to come up with strategies to help with organisation and also access to resources that they need. When other students attend the merit trip, we use this time with those students who did not meet the criteria, to work with members of staff in a proactive manner in helping students set goals and strategies on how they can make improvements for the following term - to help them do the little things well.   

With the cold weather kicking up a notch, SRC are working with Youth Ministry to bring hot chocolates to students on Monday and Fridays. Students are encouraged to bring their own travel cup with the cost being $2.00 plus 50c for marshmallows. On Friday's starting next week and into Term 3, we will also be playing a movie in the media room for students to get out of the cold.    

Our houses try and raise awareness around issues that are prominent for our students and give skills and strategies to help our community engage. Thank you to Xavier House for their messages and actions around bullying at the start of term and Coolock House this week encouraging our students to be BodyKind. Coolock have utilised the Butterfly Foundation’s BodyKind initiative as it supports body image and creates safe and positive environments which encourages everyone to be kind to their own body and to others. In the world we live in, it can be challenging to find ways to like, accept or even feel positive about our body. Being kind to ourselves and our body can help support body image, mental health and wellbeing. Being BodyKind is how we move, nourish and nurture our bodies. It’s the language we use out loud, online and in our heads – to ourselves and to each other. Coolock have challenged students to move their body in fun ways by playing dodgeball against teachers and nurture their body and mind through meditation and affirmations in Homeclass. The Butterfly Foundation have some wonderful resources if you wish to explore more with your students: https://butterfly.org.au/  

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

AMSSA conference reflection – community, connection and celebration

Ms Eleighta Hannam and I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) staff conference in Perth, hosted by Santa Maria College. The conference brought together Mercy educators from across Australia and New Zealand for a rich time of community, connection, and celebration.

The conference featured a series of engaging keynote speakers, including Professor Br David Hall FMS, Dr Mark Williams, and Dr Helen Street, each offering powerful insights into leadership, neuroscience, wellbeing, and the future of education. Their wisdom challenged us to reflect more deeply on how we form young people academically, spiritually, and emotionally in today’s complex world.

A standout moment was A Pilgrimage of Mercy, where we retraced the journey of Sr Ursula Frayne and her companions - the first Sisters of Mercy to arrive in Australia. We followed their historic path from Bathers Beach in Fremantle, travelling by riverboat up the Swan River to the site of the first Mercy school in Australia. This moving experience reminded us of the courage, faith, and vision that continue to shape Mercy education today.

The opportunity to connect with colleagues, reflect on our shared mission, and deepen our understanding of the Mercy charism was truly valuable. We returned feeling renewed, grateful, and more committed than ever to fostering Mercy in our own school community. We extend our thanks to Santa Maria College and the AMSSA organising committee for their hospitality and leadership. May we continue to grow the circle of Mercy, together.

Bishop Ken's visit to the College

Last Friday, we were honoured to spend time with Bishop Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba. As the spiritual and pastoral leader of our Diocese, Bishop Ken’s presence was a meaningful reminder of the shared faith and mission that unites all Toowoomba Catholic Schools.

During his visit, Bishop Ken spent time in classrooms, met with our Parent Engagement Network, and joined our College Leadership Team for morning tea. His genuine interest in the lives of our students, staff, and families was deeply appreciated. We are grateful for his continued care, support, and encouragement of our College community.

Hot chocolates for a cause

This winter, our Youth Ministry and Student Representative Council are joining forces to bring warmth and kindness to our community. Starting last week, hot chocolates are available for purchase on Mondays and Fridays. Sales will take place in Dublin Place or, on particularly cold days, outside the Media Room - where movies will be playing to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Students are encouraged to bring their own cup. Hot chocolates will cost $2.00, with marshmallows available for an additional 50c. All profits raised will go directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, supporting those in need during the colder months.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Sports news

Volleyball

Tuesday night volleyball continues into Term 2 with both teams demonstrating great determination and application. The senior team have had two wins but have definitely played some great volleyball in all games so far. Bella Anderson and Ella Giuffrida have benefited from playing with more experienced players. This new team is working towards improving their teamwork and hoping to continue their run of wins going into the break. The intermediates have begun this season well with three wins from four games. They are progressing well and really starting to develop as a team. With three games of the season to go, we look forward to continued improvement prior to the finals.

Vicki Wilson netball

On Friday 30 May, 20 of our keen netballers braved the cold rainy weather for the Vicki Wilson carnival. Their day was full of fast-paced games, laughter, and more than a little rain. The girls did an amazing job, playing top teams from around Toowoomba, as well as teams from as far away as Roma. With only short 20-minute breaks between their games, the girls all did a wonderful job representing the College and supporting each other. Our junior team did an exceptional job under their newly appointed coach Abi Allan (Year 9), who pushed the girls to play stronger and introduced them to the world of rolling subs (much to Miss Jensen’s dismay). Thank you so much to all the parents who came and cheered our girls on, and a special thank you to Eileen McKay for umpiring our senior team.

Junior team:

• Lucinda Allan
• Sarah Castle
• Yar Deng
• Alexa Farr
• Hanisi Pene
• Chelsea Cameron
• Piper Melrose
• Emma Norman
• Maddison Kratzke
• Emily Castle
• Abi Allan – Coach/Manager

Senior team:

• Hayley Norman
• Meg Barry
• Abinaybi Araya
• Ayen Deng
• Shari Dynevor
• Mary Inkindi Sine
• Kalani McKay
• Ashayla-Mia Mitchell
• Bridget Staines
• Isabella Wiggins

Student achievements

Congratulations to Daeja Pene (Year 9) who was part of the girls under 16 Darling Downs State Championship team for Rugby 7s. The squad are the silver medal winners for the 2025 competition. Daeja was also named Player of the Match against South Coast. Superb job, Daeja.

Congratulations to Lanny Boland (Year 7) who was part of the 10-12 Darling Downs AFL team that competed in the state championships at the Sunshine Coast. The College is very proud of your efforts, Lanny.

Well done to Emily Khun (Year 9) who has recently returned from a tour of the United Kingdom with the 14 years Australian Futsal Association Squad. Emily has proven herself quite the handy futsal player and her skills and talents in the game only continue to grow. Well done, Emily.

St Saviour’s College shines at Karen Murphy Cup Gala Day

The spirit of rugby league was alive and well as St Saviour’s College proudly took part in the Karen Murphy Cup Year 7 and 8 Gala Day yesterday, showcasing determination, teamwork, and school pride.

Despite fielding an inexperienced side, with several players pulling on a jersey for the very first time, the St Saviour’s team rose to the occasion with grit and enthusiasm.

The girls quickly found their rhythm, learning and improving with every match throughout the day. Their efforts culminated in a thrilling playoff for third place against Harristown State High School.

A special thank you goes to the coaching staff Mr Anderson and to the NRL for providing the carnival including conducting sessions on being tackle ready.

Well done to Plamedi Kalenga who has led the squad and offered advice to newcomers, players like Yar Deng and Grace Maker who had wonderful introductions to the game of rugby league.

We look forward to seeing the full results as they come to hand and wish the Year 9 and 10 and opens girls all the best in their Gala Day today (Friday).

Outstanding sports uniforms form gala days

Students and parents are reminded to check for any sports uniforms that are owned by the College and to return them to the sports office or student services as soon as possible. Netball dresses and touch football shirts and shorts need to be returned for upcoming events. Please check with the sports office if you are unsure. Volleyball and soccer still have ongoing competitions that require uniforms, so there is no need to return these at this stage.

Upcoming sports

• AFA Futsal Champion of Champion Day – Under 14 Squad
• Athletics carnival – Term 3

Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE

Arts and Performance news

The past fortnight has been a vibrant and exciting time in the arts world at St Saviour’s College, as preparations are now in full swing for our much-anticipated biennial Arts Showcase.

Students from across the College have been enthusiastically attending auditions in dance, music, and drama, all hoping to secure a spot in what promises to be a spectacular evening of creativity and talent. With over 70 students accepted to perform, many of whom are involved in multiple acts, the showcase is shaping up to be a true celebration of the arts.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Sretenovic, Ms Bennett, Mr Nilon, Ms Jensen, Ms Massa, and Mrs Potter, who are generously giving up their lunch breaks and after-school hours to support and rehearse with our performers over the next six weeks.

The Arts Showcase will take place on Wednesday 23 July in Week 2 of Term 3. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the concert beginning at 6.00pm. The evening will be more than just a concert - it will be a full community event! There will be:

• A sausage sizzle hosted by our Interact Club, proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club Toowoomba
• A canteen with snacks and drinks run by our Student Representative Council (SRC)
• Hot beverages prepared and sold by our Certificate II Hospitality students
• Visual Art displays curated by Ms Devenna and her students
• Media Arts and Film & Television creations presented under the guidance of Mrs Collins

With nearly half the student body involved in some way - whether performing, creating, or supporting - this event truly showcases the spirit and talent of our College community.

We warmly invite all families, friends, and members of the wider community to join us for this unforgettable evening of artistic excellence and celebration.

Senior Drama Club – Scene Project Workshop

On Wednesday 4 June, our Senior Drama Club students took part in an exciting Artist in Residence workshop as part of their preparation for the Scene Project performance next term.

The Scene Project, run by Queensland Theatre, is a dynamic and collaborative drama initiative that invites students from across the state to explore a specially commissioned script. Schools work with professional artists to interpret, rehearse, and perform their own unique version of the script, culminating in a shared performance day where they present their work and engage with other schools.

This workshop was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their creativity, refine their performance skills, and receive expert feedback from industry professionals. It also gave them a chance to dive deeper into the world of dramatic arts, learning new techniques and building confidence in their storytelling.

A special thank you goes to Ms Jensen for her dedication in facilitating and overseeing these Drama Club opportunities, and for supporting our students as they grow as performers and collaborators.

The girls are now well on their way to creating a powerful and original performance piece, and we can’t wait to see how their work evolves in the lead-up to the final showcase next term.

Stay tuned for more updates as our drama students continue to shine on stage!

Year 9/10 dance students experience the power of live performance

On Thursday 29 May, our Year 9/10 dance students attended Australian Dance Theatre’s production of Marrow at the Empire Theatre. This contemporary work, known for its emotional depth and physical intensity, offered students a unique opportunity to witness professional dance that integrates powerful First Nations perspectives.

The performance directly supports our current unit on Australian dance, where students explore how movement can express identity, culture, and connection to Country. Seeing Marrow live allowed students to engage with these themes in a real-world context, enriching their classroom learning and inspiring their own creative practice.

We are incredibly grateful to Mrs Potter and Mrs Sretenovic for generously giving up their evening to accompany the students and provide this valuable learning experience. Opportunities like these remind us of the importance of the Arts in education and the lasting impact of live performance.

Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students bring colour to Grand Central

Over the past few weeks, our talented Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students have been taking their creativity beyond the classroom—straight to the walls of Grand Central Shopping Centre’s carpark!

As part of the Floral Mural Project, students have been invited to contribute to a large-scale community mural celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. This exciting initiative brings together local schools and artists to transform the carpark into a vibrant celebration of colour, culture, and community spirit.

Each student was tasked with designing a unique flower to be included in the mural. In doing so, they were encouraged to reflect on the themes of the Carnival and to respectfully incorporate NAIDOC-inspired designs, acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples.

This project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in meaningful community involvement, collaborate with other schools, and connect with local businesses. It’s also a powerful way for students to see their work celebrated in a public space—making art that is not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in local identity and pride.

A huge thank you goes to our amazing Visual Arts teacher, Ms Caitlin Devenna, for spearheading this initiative. Her dedication, creativity, and willingness to give up her time to support the students has been instrumental in the success of this project.

Be sure to visit Grand Central and see their work in person - it’s a blooming masterpiece!

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Humanities news

Year 8 humanities excursion

During Weeks 7 and 8, our Year 8 humanities classes ventured to Picnic Point for an excursion as part of our geography unit, Landforms and Landscapes. Students were able to learn about the mountain Meewah (Tabletop Mountain) and its significance for First Nations people, in particular learning about the Battle of One Tree Hill. Then, students examined the impact humans have had on the natural landscape of Picnic Point and considered whether these impacts have overall been positive or negative for the environment. They concluded their time by observing the valley around Tabletop Mountain and constructing a field sketch. This excursion provided a valuable learning opportunity for students to put into practice, the theory and skills they have been engaging with in the classroom.

Year 9-10 legal studies excursion to the Toowoomba Courthouse

Our Year 9-10 legal studies class recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the Toowoomba Courthouse. The excursion provided students with a firsthand look at the workings of the legal system. Students observed proceedings in the Magistrates Court, where they witnessed a case being heard and decisions being made. They then moved to the District Court to watch a sentencing, gaining insight into the judicial process and the factors considered in determining sentences. The highlight of the day was observing the jury empanelment and the beginning of a trial. This experience allowed students to understand the importance of jury duty and the role of jurors in the justice system. Overall, the excursion was an invaluable educational experience, offering students a deeper understanding of legal processes and the functioning of courts.

Year 9-10 business ventures

Over the past few weeks, business students transformed Dublin Place into a bustling hub of creativity and commerce. As part of their major assessment, the girls pitched innovative start-up ideas, developed detailed business plans, and secured loans from the prestigious Bank of Mrs Holmes. Our students gained invaluable real-world experience in communication, time management, organisation, customer service, money handling, bookkeeping and loan repayment (with interest!) We’re so proud of their entrepreneurial spirit and the incredible effort they put into bringing their businesses to life.

Chris Grierson
Acting Middle Leader Humanities and Religion

Careers Centre

Parent Information Webinar: Wednesday 16 July | 6.00pm – 7.00pm | Online 

As a parent, your support is vital in your teen's journey to university. Whether they're still figuring out what to do next or are already planning their future, UniSQ are here to help you feel informed, confident, and ready to support them. Join the free parent information webinar where they will cover everything you need to know including entry options, ATAR requirements, career paths, support services and more.  

Study Work Grow Careers Newsletter Queensland 

Topics covered this week include: 

• ATARs and selection ranks: what are they? 
• 5 questions to ask on work experience 
• Scholarship application tips and advice 
• Micro career moments in primary classes 

There is five new scholarships and competitions in free money, four new events, and a professional athlete job spotlight. 

Upcoming careers events and university open days in Terms 2 and 3 

Career events can provide many benefits for your personal and professional growth. You can learn new skills or update existing ones, which can make you more competitive and confident in the job market. Networking with people who share your interests, goals, and challenges can offer you support, advice, or referrals. Additionally, it can be a great opportunity to explore different career options or paths and discover new possibilities that you may not have considered before.   

University open days are all about helping you get a feel for what it would be like to study at a particular university. As such, they’re often a combination of general information sessions, more specific subject area presentations, and a showcase of all the university has to offer by way of facilities and recreational or lifestyle programs. 

Scholarships 

Remember to keep checking university websites for information about when scholarship applications open and close: 

• Future students | UniSQ 
• QUT - Scholarships 
• Find a scholarship - Scholarships - The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) 
• Griffith University Scholarships (griffith.edu.au) 
• Access, Merit & Equity Scholarships | TAFE Queensland (tafeqld.edu.au)  
• Enterprising Girl of the Year | Academy For Enterprising Girls

Further information and help 

Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviours College Toowoomba careers website. Students and parents are welcome to contact or make an appointment to discuss any of the above and other career related information with Mrs Delahunty any time. 

Louise Delahunty
Career Development Practitioner

McAuley House news

Well, the cold weather has certainly hit us with a vengeance this week. The chilly wind makes it even colder. The girls are rugging up, both for school and here in the Boarding House. Winter ailments are starting to impact on health, and we remind all girls to stay warm and take care if they are unwell.

Saturday night we had very few girls in boarding, so we took the opportunity to take the girls out for dinner. We went to the City Golf Club and all the girls certainly seemed to enjoy the change to routine and the opportunity to dress up a little.

The end of term is fast approaching and travel plans have been sent to all ABSTUDY families. Most of the girls are departing on Wednesday 25 June. Would all other families please advise travel plans for your daughters in the coming week.

Di May
Head of Boarding

Library news

What’s happening in the library in this week and beyond? 

Check out our library online dashboard to find out more on our current theme – tthis week we are displaying our dashboard in line with Superheroes and then Fandom Day. On the different dashboards available there are some interactive components, including a find-a-word to complete, music to listen to and even videos to watch. The link to our dashboard is: 

 SSC library online  

Fandom Day is coming! 

What are our Fandom Day celebrations you ask? 

When: Friday 20 June  

What: A day to dress up as a favourite character from a book or TV/movie adaption from a book

How: Stalls of various goods will be for sale for students to purchase (all going to plan!) 

Why: To raise funds for Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice. To enjoy the different ways in which literature is expressed and the importance of literacy for our school community. 

Here are some price lists, however they are subject to change. Pre-purchasing of tickets is available during break times in the days leading up to Fandom Day too. So, get in quick and have your tickets ready to buy all the yummy goods that will be for sale!  

These prices may be adjusted as we finalise the goods for the day.

Price lists: 

Why do school libraries matter? 

Reading in secondary students: What do we know?

What a fascinating little read! This delves into the idea that need to be reading initiatives in secondary school are necessary and so reading promotion is needed. This is the role of our school library to support the concept and ideology of reading and its role in our students’ lives. This brief review of the overall research report suggested targeting reading behaviour and reading affect (among other aspects too). Reading behaviour is the ability to support students’ choices in reading materials and to encourage more reading! Exactly what our school library embraces through our book displays (online and physical), purchasing of new books and providing space for student suggestions. Reading affect looks at the motivation of students to read and how enjoyable they find reading – again a fantastic domain of the Teacher Librarian and the role of the library within the school. 

Part of this leads us to the role of the Teacher Librarian in the school library. One aspect of this role is to ensure a rich reading culture, for both reading for pleasure and curriculum support. Within the syallbus is the clear link to providing texts that represent different values and perspectives, including historical, cultural and social contexts. As well as that is the ability to respond to texts with unfamiliar content and complexity of texts in the general capability literacy. What better way to ensure this is enabled across the years by having the expertise of the Teacher Librarian in your school library across all the years with that knowledge to build the reading capabilities of our students. 

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: 

New books

Date claimers 

June 20: It’s nearly here! Fandom Day!

And more… but all culminating in our FANDOM Day! Friday Week 9 (20 June). This is a dress-up day. 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian