St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 2 Week 10

Principal

Going the extra mile: thank you to our co-curricular coordinators and coaches

At St Saviour’s College, we talk often about helping our girls discover who they are and all they’re capable of becoming. And while that absolutely happens in the classroom, it’s also happening after school, on buses to games, in early morning rehearsals, and on the sidelines of a hard-fought match. 

This week, we gathered for a special breakfast to acknowledge and thank 15 of our incredible staff who have given so generously of their time across Semester One to lead and support co-curricular opportunities in volleyball, futsal, basketball, debating, and choir. These teachers and school officers have shown up again and again - coaching, coordinating, encouraging - and always with our girls’ best interests at heart.

We know that this kind of commitment comes at a cost. It means time away from their own families. It means planning, preparation, and turning up even when the days are long. But because of their generosity, our girls are having experiences that help them grow in confidence, resilience, and joy.

Sport and the arts teach our students things they can’t always learn from a textbook - how to be brave, how to work with others, how to lose well (and win graciously), and how to dig deep in the final ten minutes when the pressure is on. Sometimes things go your way, and sometimes they don’t. But every time, they learn something about themselves - and that’s what it’s really all about.

To our co-curricular champions: thank you. Your time, your talent, and your belief in each girl’s potential are what make these moments possible. We are so grateful.

As we wrap up a busy and rewarding Term 2, I wish all members of our College community a refreshing and restorative break. May the holidays offer you some well-earned time to rest, reconnect and recharge.

A reminder that Monday 14 July is a student-free day, with classes resuming on Tuesday 15 July.

Looking ahead to Term 3, we will be engaging in our School Review and Improvement Process in Week 4, and we warmly invite families, students and staff to be part of these important conversations about the future direction of our College. 

Staff farewell

This week, with sadness we farewell Mrs Adele Sretenovic and thank her for her outstanding contribution to the life of St Saviour’s College since joining our community in 2019. A passionate and skilled educator, she has been instrumental in broadening our curriculum to include subjects such as Modern History and Literature, offering students rich opportunities to think critically, find their voice, and engage deeply with the world around them. Her classroom has always been a place of excellence — rigorous, relational, and full of heart.

Beyond the curriculum, Adele has given generously to the co-curricular life of the College, coordinating initiatives such as the Interact Club, Girls’ Night In, Pi for Polio, and most recently supporting our Dance Troupe with creativity and energy. Her presence will be greatly missed, and we thank her sincerely for the many ways she has shaped our students and enriched our College community. We wish her all the very best as she begins her new teaching role at Fairholme College.

We also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Rasmussen for her wholehearted commitment and contribution to our Religion department. A gifted and passionate teacher and wisdom figure, Mrs Rasmussen has guided students with both wisdom, joy and care. While we farewell Mrs Rasmussen from her current role, we’re grateful that she will not be a stranger to our school and continue to support our students as a relief teacher into the future.

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 is 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

Academic reporting

We are pleased to inform you that the Semester One academic reports for all Year 7 to Year 10 students will be published this week. These reports provide valuable insights into your child’s progress, achievements, and areas for growth across all subjects.

The academic report is more than just a summary of grades - it is a comprehensive reflection of your child’s learning journey over the past semester. We encourage both students and parents to:

• Review the feedback carefully: teachers provide detailed comments that highlight strengths and suggest ways to improve
• Celebrate successes: recognising accomplishments boosts motivation and confidence
• Identify areas for development: understanding challenges early helps set goals for the next semester
• Start meaningful conversations: discussing the report together fosters a supportive learning environment at home

Reports will be available through the Sentral Parent portal. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the portal, please contact the school office for assistance.

We recommend setting aside time to sit down with your child and go through their report in detail. Together, you can celebrate their hard work and plan for continued success in Semester Two. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers if you have any questions or concerns. Open communication between home and school is key to helping students reach their full potential.

Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR)

This week, our pioneer group of eight teachers embarked on a second round of Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR). This involved observing lessons, coding evidence of teaching practices, and entering into robust discussions about the practices observed.

What are quality teaching rounds?

QTR is a collaborative professional learning process designed to enhance teaching quality and student learning outcomes. Through structured classroom observations and reflective dialogue, teachers identify effective strategies and areas for growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Highlights from this round

During this second round, our teachers demonstrated remarkable commitment to deepening their understanding of high-impact teaching practices. By coding evidence from observed lessons, they were able to pinpoint specific techniques that engage students and promote deeper learning. The subsequent discussions were rich and insightful, allowing participants to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and collectively develop new approaches to their teaching.

The impact on our school community

Quality Teaching Rounds not only support individual teacher growth but also strengthen our school’s collaborative spirit. As our pioneer group leads the way, their learnings will inform whole-school strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Ultimately, this initiative contributes to creating more engaging, effective classrooms where every student can thrive.

We are proud of our teachers’ dedication to professional excellence and look forward to sharing more updates as the QTR journey continues.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

What an incredible term! Our girls have been working hard across so many aspects of their learning and, as a wellbeing team, we feel privileged to walk alongside them each day - supporting them to ensure a flourishing school experience.

College expectations

Students and staff have worked collaboratively this semester to consolidate our College expectations, ensuring that every student, every day, has the opportunity to access and excel in their learning journey. The reworking of our expectations - guided by student and staff feedback - ensures clarity around learning behaviours and contributions to engaging classrooms.

Each classroom displays the poster below as a reminder of our College expectations. We will continue to unpack these next semester to reduce cognitive load and provide consistent, predictable routines in every classroom.

Term 2 Merit Trip

Congratulations to the 169 students who met the Merit Trip criteria this term! Your consistent effort in doing the little things well has not gone unnoticed.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear writes:

“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”

This simple yet profound idea reminds us that just like money grows through compound interest, our actions - especially the small, consistent ones - accumulate over time to shape who we become. He also notes that:

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals - you fall to the level of your systems.”

Success isn’t about one big leap, but about building a system of small, positive habits that support your goals every day.

This is especially relevant in a school setting. Whether you're a student, teacher, or parent, the little things - showing up on time, listening attentively, encouraging others - create a culture of excellence. Over time, these habits shape not just academic outcomes, but character and community.

As we move into next term, let’s remember: small choices, made consistently, lead to big changes. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process.

Special recognition – 100 per cent attendance

A special mention to the following students who received a 100 per cent attendance certificate for the semester at the Week 9 assembly. This is an incredible achievement, and your dedication does not go unnoticed:

• Year 7 – Youliana Baskharoun, Emily Bignell, Diella Munyandekwe
• Year 9 – Rianne Caggauauan, Yoanna Baskharoun, Lakshitha Muthuramalingam
• Year 10 – Sophie Moore, Kayleigh Reid
• Year 12 – Caitlin Easterbrook

We congratulate all students who qualified for the Term 2 Merit Trip and hope those who attended Inflatable World enjoyed the opportunity to have fun and socialise with peers.

Qustodio parent app – final chance to sign up

Our College has partnered with Linewize to provide parents access to the Qustodio Parent App. As students spend more time online, ensuring their digital safety and wellbeing has never been more important.

This app enhances our ability to keep students safe online while empowering you, as parents, with valuable insights and tools to support your child’s digital journey.

Features include:

• 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 – view detailed insights into your child's online activity
• Expert advice – access guidance from online safety professionals within the app

In addition to protecting the school-managed device, this offer allows you to protect one personal device per child (e.g., mobile phone, tablet).

To be part of the rollout next term, please complete the short questionnaire by the end of this week:  https://forms.office.com/r/1Hmm2aFXdv

If multiple caregivers would like access, please complete the form again with their details. Caregivers must be listed as contacts in our school system. For questions, contact me at megan.schulze@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Uniform expectations

At St Saviour’s College, we take great pride in our uniform - it represents who we are and our identity. Thank you to the students who received an “always” on their report card for uniform. Your pride in our College and commitment to expectations is appreciated.

A wise principal once said:

“When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good.”

This highlights the powerful connection between appearance, self-esteem, and performance.

"When you look good..."
This refers to taking care of your appearance - dressing well, grooming, and presenting yourself confidently. It’s not about vanity, but about self-respect and self-expression.

"...you feel good..."
When you’re happy with how you look, it often boosts your mood and self-confidence. This can lead to a more positive mindset and greater emotional well-being.

"...and when you feel good, you do good."
Feeling confident and positive can enhance your performance - whether at work, in relationships, or in personal goals. You are more likely to take initiative, be kind, and act with purpose.

In essence it suggests that self-care and confidence can create a ripple effect - starting with how you present yourself and extending to how you interact with the world. It also ensures that students are having positive conversations with staff and building lasting relationships which endure into their learning.

One area we often remind students about is jewellery. Please ensure that if students are getting a second ear or nose piercings over the holidays, they can be removed before school resumes. We recommend getting new piercings during the Christmas break to allow time for healing.

Piercing policy:

• One small, plain stud or sleeper (no more than 10mm) in the lower lobe
• Clear earrings may be worn in other ear piercings
• No facial piercings (not decorative or clear)
• No tape coverings allowed

Nails: If students wear fake nails or polish during the holidays, please ensure these are removed before returning on Tuesday 15 July.

Winter uniform reminders

With cooler weather approaching, please note the following:

• Spray jackets are only to be worn with the sports uniform
• Formal uniform requires the jumper and blazer; scarves are optional layering
• Long-sleeved white shirts may be worn underneath but should not be visible
• No white socks with skirts - black stockings must be worn until summer uniform changeover
• Tracksuit pants must be College-issued (no substitutes)
• Students must bring their hat every day

If your daughter is missing any items, Student Services has a limited number available to borrow (to be returned daily). Please ensure that students are wearing the sports uniform on Wednesday and contact the school via phone, email or note about any uniform discrepancy and we will try to help the student amend it at school to ensure they are consistent with the expectations. Students who get three uniform infringements, will have a lunchtime reflection with Wellbeing Staff. This happens weekly. 

A reminder that the uniform shop is open:

• Monday mornings: 7:30am - 10:00am
• Thursday afternoons: 2:00pm - 4:30pm

Online orders: https://theschoollocker.com.au. – delivered to the College for student pickup.

I hope students have a restful break and enjoy the cooler winter and the opportunities that come with it to relax and recharge. 

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Vinnie’s Winter Appeal

Last Thursday at our assembly, we celebrated the incredible success of our Term 2 fundraising focus - the Winter Appeal for St Vincent de Paul. The stage was adorned with generous donations from our students, parents, and local businesses, many of which were collected during Catherine McAuley Day and thoughtfully bundled by our dedicated Youth Ministry team.

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed, collected, and sorted these items. Your generosity and hard work turned this Winter Appeal into a wonderful success.

We were honoured to welcome Julie from St Vincent de Paul, who graciously accepted the donations. These contributions will now be distributed to those most in need across our local community, bringing practical support and comfort during these cold winter months.

The impact of your generosity cannot be overstated. Rising living costs have hit the most vulnerable especially hard, and your donations will offer vital warmth, hope, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Thank you once again for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to making a real difference in the lives of others. Together, we have shown what can be achieved when we live out the spirit of mercy in action.

Year 9 Retreat – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

On Wednesday 25 June, our Year 9 students gathered for their retreat, centred around the powerful theme that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Throughout the day, students reflected on this message - recognising the unique, God-given dignity present in themselves and every person they encounter.

Through a series of engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and prayer, they were encouraged to appreciate their own gifts and talents, embrace their inherent worth, and honour the dignity of those around them. Together, they explored what it means to live in a way that celebrates the light and goodness that God has placed within each of us.

It was a meaningful and uplifting experience that inspired our Year 9s to see themselves and one another as truly precious in God’s eyes.

A heartfelt thank you to Kellie-Marie Ford for facilitating this retreat so beautifully and guiding our students on this special journey of self-discovery and faith.

Grandparents’ Day Mass

We are excited to announce that St Saviour’s College will be celebrating Grandparents Day on Thursday 31 July. This special event will be held at The Callaghan Centre from 8:45am to 11:15am, and it will include our Semester One Academic Awards ceremony followed by a delightful morning tea. We warmly invite all grandparents and members of our community to join us for this joyous occasion.

To ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably, please RSVP by Tuesday 22 July at via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DCUWL 

If you have a photo of your child with their grandparents, please send it to Lucy Lindsay at Lucy.Lindsay@twb.catholic.edu.au to be included in the event slideshow.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special day with our beloved grandparents.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Sports news

Sports jerseys and equipment

As the school term winds down and our sports seasons wrap up, it’s time for a quick but important reminder to all students and parents: please return all borrowed sports equipment and team jerseys. 

Our school’s sports program thrives on teamwork, responsibility, and respect - not just on the field, but off it too. Every jersey, ball, bat, and piece of gear is a shared resource that helps future players shine. Please return these shared resources to the sports office or student services.

Why it matters:

• Limited budgets: Replacing lost or unreturned gear takes away from funds that could go toward new equipment, uniforms, or even tournament travel
• Team spirit: Uniforms help build unity and pride. When pieces go missing, it affects the whole team
• Preparedness: Coaches and players need to know what’s available for next season. Missing gear causes delays and stress

What you can do:

• Check your bag: Look through your locker, sports bag, or even under your bed - jerseys and gear have a way of hiding
• Return promptly: Bring items to your coach, the sports office or student services by Friday 27 June
• No questions asked: Even if it’s late or a little worn, we’d rather have it back than not at all

Touch football

Term 3 and 4 touch football update – get ready to play

We’ve got an exciting lineup of touch football opportunities coming up for Term 3 and Term 4. Here’s what you need to know:

Swans Cup – Term 3

• When: Monday nights, 21 July – 25 August
• Time: 4:30pm to 7:30pm
• Divisions: U13, U15, U18
• Cost: $20 for the 5-week competition

Premier school events

• All Schools Southwest Touch Carnival
  Sunday 3 August | 7:30am to 3:00pm
• QLD All Schools (Gold Coast)
  8 - 12 October
  Cost: $200 - $300 (includes travel and accommodation)
  Fundraising efforts will be underway to help reduce costs

Toowoomba Touch Junior Competition – Term 4

• When: Wednesday nights, starting Week 2 of Term 4
• Divisions: U14 and Opens
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Cost: approximately $100 - $120

Training commitment

All players are expected to train during sport time every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

Student achievements

Congratulations to Emma Norman (Year 8) and Hanisi Pene (Year 7) representing Toowoomba Netball Association in U14s at the interdistrict carnival at Roma over the weekend. Both girls played extremely well.

Best of luck to Lekaysha Woodridge (Year 12) who continues to prepare for her next round of boxing fights in Thailand and China in Term 3. All the best Lady Lekaysha and we look forward to hearing about your results.

Congratulations to Liv Soeters (Year 12), who represented the region as an official at the recent touch football state championships in Brisbane. It is wonderful to see that there are pathways for students in other areas within sports.

A special shoutout to Rianne Caggauauan (Year 9) who was not only named the most consistent player in the intermediates but also took home the title of most valuable player across all teams for Term 2 Volleyball. Superb job, Rianne.

Athletics carnival (Term 3 Week 4)

Here are some practical and easy-to-follow tips to help students prepare for their upcoming school athletics carnival:

Start training early

• Practice your events: whether it’s sprints, long jump, or shot put - get familiar with the techniques
• Build endurance: go for light jogs or do interval training to improve your stamina
• Stretch regularly: flexibility helps prevent injuries and improves performance

Fuel your body right

• Eat balanced meals: focus on carbs for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and plenty of fruits and veggies
• Stay hydrated: drink water throughout the day, especially leading up to and on carnival day

Get the right gear

• Wear proper shoes: make sure your runners are comfortable and supportive
• Pack essentials: hat, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and your house colours or uniform

Rest and recover

• Sleep well: Aim for 8 - 9 hours of sleep each night in the week leading up to the carnival
• Don’t overtrain: Give your body time to rest between sessions

Know the schedule

• Check event times: Know when and where your events are so you’re not rushing or missing out
• Warm up before events: Light jogging and dynamic stretches help get your body ready to perform

Stay positive and have fun

• Support your teammates: Cheer them on and enjoy the team spirit
• Do your best: It’s about participation, effort, and school pride - not just winning

More information about our athletics day will be provided early next term.

Upcoming sports and events in Term 3

• 13-14 DD rugby league trials – 25 July
• Red Lion Soccer – 29 July
• AFA Champions of Champions – 30 July
• Swans All Schools Touch Football – 3 August
• QSF Futsal Gala Day 3 – 4 August
• 10-19 DD Track & Field Trials – 21 and 22 August
• Golden Glove Softball – 29 August

Continuing sports

• Saturday Netball – 9:00am each Saturday and Club Duty Day 23 August
• Monday afternoon soccer
• Swans School Cup (Monday evenings)
• Tuesday night volleyball

Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE

Arts and Performance news

St Saviour’s College arts and performance – Semester 1 highlights  

As Semester 1 draws to a close, we reflect with pride and gratitude on the incredible achievements of our Arts and Performance students and staff. It has been a semester filled with creativity, collaboration, and community spirit, and we are thrilled to share some of the highlights. 

Music and choir excellence

Our choir, the Saviour’s Sisters, reached new heights this semester, performing at multiple College events including the Opening Mass, Harmony Day, and the Catherine McAuley Day Mass. Their standout moment came at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod, where both the full choir and the smaller ensemble achieved our highest scores to date - 87 points each! This marks a significant milestone as it was the first time we had enough members to enter the Secondary Schools Choir section. Congratulations to all involved, and a heartfelt thanks to conductor Mrs Jenni Potter and accompanist Mrs Kylie Parker for their dedication. 

Rock Band and solo performers

Under the guidance of Mr Rhody Nilon, our Rock Band has grown in strength and sound, welcoming new members and performing at events including the College Open Day. Meanwhile, soloists Penny Sanders and Sophie Moore represented SSC with pride in the musical theatre section of the Eisteddfod, earning impressive scores and showcasing their talent and resilience. 

Drama Club and Scene Project

Led by Ms Kara Jensen, our Drama Club has flourished, with students participating in the Scene Project - a collaborative initiative with Queensland Theatre. A recent Artist in Residence workshop helped students refine performance skills and prepare for their upcoming showcase. Their creativity and commitment are truly inspiring. 

Dance Troupe and workshops

Our newly formed Dance Troupe, led by Mrs Adele Sretenovic and Ms Elizabeth Bennett, has had a dynamic start performing at Harmony Day and participating in a special workshop with professional dancer Justin Tamblyn. Year 9/10 Dance students also attended Marrow by Australian Dance Theatre, deepening their understanding of Australian identity and culture through movement. 

Visual Arts and community engagement

Visual Arts students, under the guidance of Ms Caitlin Devenna, have been exploring abstract art and preparing for a major community project. This week, they are finalising a mural at Grand Central Shopping Centre - a vibrant contribution to Toowoomba’s public art scene and a proud moment for our College. 

Media Arts and Film and Television

Mrs Wendy Collins has continued to grow our Media Arts and Film and Television programs, with students showcasing their work at Open Day and preparing for the upcoming Showcase. The arrival of new equipment has further enhanced learning opportunities in these popular electives. 

Coming soon: Arts Showcase – Wednesday 23 July

Rehearsals are now in full swing for our biennial Arts Showcase, taking place in Week 2 of Term 3. With over 70 students involved across Dance, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, and Media, this promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the breadth of talent at SSC. 

• Venue: St Saviour’s College 
• Doors Open: 5:30pm | Concert Begins: 6:00pm
• Entry: Free
• Extras: Sausage sizzle (Interact Club), snacks and drinks (SRC), hot beverages (hospitality students), raffle tickets, and stunning displays of student artwork and media projects

We warmly invite all families, friends, and community members to join us for this celebration of the Arts at SSC. 

Thank you to our arts and performance team

None of this would be possible without the passion and dedication of our incredible staff. A heartfelt thank you to: 

• Mrs Jenni Potter 
• Mrs Kylie Parker
• Mr Jon Maskell
• Mr Ian Dixon
• Mrs Adele Sretenovic
• Ms Elizabeth Bennett
• Ms Kara Jensen
• Mr Rhody Nilon
• Mrs Wendy Collins
• Ms Caitlin Devenna 

Your commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in our students is truly appreciated. 

Here’s to a spectacular Showcase and an even more inspiring Semester 2! 

Bond University hosts inspiring BUFTA x Essential Screen Skills Student Conference

On 6 June, Bond University on the Gold Coast, in collaboration with Essential Screen Skills, hosted the inaugural BUFTA x Essential Screen Skills Student Conference, a groundbreaking event aimed at inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. The one-day conference brought together film, television, and new media students, as well as media arts in practice students across Southeast Queensland, for an immersive experience in the screen and media industry.

Participants engaged in a series of workshops covering key areas such as scriptwriting, directing, and cinematography. These sessions were designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for their future careers. The conference also featured talks from leading industry professionals, who shared insights on the latest trends and developments shaping the world of film and media.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to meet Natasha Pizzica, the producer of Playschool, Limitless staring Chris Hemsworth and Gogglebox Australia. Her presence provided a unique chance for attendees to gain firsthand knowledge from a seasoned professional in the industry. Additionally, students enjoyed exploring the picturesque campus of Bond University, adding to the overall enriching experience, including a picnic on the lawn.

This conference marked the first opportunity for film, television, and new media students, along with media arts in practice students from St Saviour's College, to attend an excursion as part of their new subject curriculum. Special thanks go to Support Officer - Ali Coorey for attending the excursion and supporting our students throughout the day.

This event not only ignited passion and creativity among our students but also marked a significant step towards their future careers in filmmaking.

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Food Technology news

Year 9/10 Food Technologies – cooking up something special

This term, our Year 9/10 Food Technologies students have been hard at work in their 'food for special occasions' unit, where they’ve taken on the exciting challenge of planning and catering a child’s birthday party.

As part of this assessment, students are required to design a full event proposal, including a themed menu, invitation, venue details, and a costed recipe. This task not only encourages creativity and event planning skills but also embeds important literacy and numeracy components. Students must write in procedural text format, calculate total and per-person costs, and justify their food choices based on the theme and dietary needs of their guests.

In the kitchen, students have been practicing their baking and decorating skills, experimenting with different techniques and designs in preparation for their final cake creations. Through trial and error, they’ve been learning how to refine their ideas, manage their time, and apply safe and effective food preparation methods.

The final cakes were baked in Week 7 and decorated in Week 8.

This unit is a fantastic opportunity for students to combine design thinking, practical cooking skills, and real-world problem solving - all while having a little fun along the way.

Tammy Banks
Curriculum Leader Science and Technology

Careers Centre

Over the past week, our Year 10 students stepped out of the classroom and into the workforce as part of our annual work experience program. From bustling allied health clinics to working with children in primary schools and working in accounting offices, our students embraced the opportunity to explore potential career paths, develop practical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the working world.

Work experience is more than just three days away from school - it’s a chance for students to:

• Build confidence in real-world settings
• Develop communication and teamwork skills
• Understand workplace expectations and responsibilities
• Explore career interests and refine future goals

Many students returned with glowing feedback, sharing stories of supportive mentors and exciting challenges.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the local businesses and organisations who generously hosted our students. Your mentorship and guidance have made a lasting impact and helped shape the next generation of professionals.

As students reflect on their experiences, many are already thinking about part-time jobs, future study options, and how they can build on what they’ve learned. We’re proud of their enthusiasm, maturity, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Congratulations to all our students for making the most of this opportunity — your future is looking bright!

Lillianna Tierney at Highfields Veterinary Surgery.

Poppy Diesing at Fernwood

Anna Shibu John at Toowoomba Dental and Medical Clinic

Clovelly Leonard at Therapy Alliance Group

Further information and help

Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviours College Toowoomba Careers website and also 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

Year 7/8 term reflections

As we approached the end of another busy term, the Year 7 and 8 students gathered in their respective year levels to reflect on their Empowered lessons and the term in general. 

Our Year 7 students have learned some wonderful lessons about friendships and how to speak respectfully to each other to help maintain relationships. Some students have successfully solved friendship issues independently, while others have sought help from the Pastoral Team to guide these tricky conversations. Both approaches have helped students navigate and manage some of the complexities that arise from forming new relationships in secondary school. They are to be commended on their demonstration of our mercy values and support of others in their short time at St Saviour’s College. Their commitment to self-reflection and self-improvement has been evident in their camp experience and retreat days. 

Our Year 8 students have focused more on individual strengths and developing resilience, as well as discussing online use. Our College monitors online searches and we encourage parents to reinforce the message of using College provided laptops for school use only. Parents also have access to the Qustodio parent app, which supports parents in setting device boundaries while at home – timely just before the holidays! Teenagers need guidance and support in appropriate online behaviours. 

We have also collectively reflected on the impacts of assessment periods on our relationships with others. Assessment periods can significantly affect relationships, both positively and negatively. The stress and pressure of exams can lead to increased tension and conflict among peers, family members, and teachers. Students might experience heightened anxiety, which can strain their interactions and communication with others. We have discussed the following strategies, which can be reinforced at home for greater impact.

Supporting Year 7 and 8 students during stressful periods: 

• Open communication: Encourage students to talk about their feelings and stressors. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns 
• Time management skills: Teach students effective time management techniques to help them balance study and relaxation 
• Healthy lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, to help manage stress  
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Introduce mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help students manage anxiety
• Parental involvement: Be supportive and understanding, providing a stable and reassuring presence at home
• Positive reinforcement: Recognise and celebrate students' efforts and achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation 
• Professional support: If necessary, seek help from our school counsellor, pastoral team or mental health professionals to provide additional support for students struggling with stress 

Michelle Reid
Middle Leader Pastoral

Library news

Library Fandom Fest: A tribute to diverse literacy tastes and community spirit

On Friday 20 June (Week 9), our school hosted a vibrant and engaging Fandom Day, where students and staff alike dressed up as their favourite characters from various fandoms. This event was a celebration of diverse literacy tastes and interests, bringing together the community in a fun and educational way.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a scavenger hunt for little books, which ran during both breaks. This activity encouraged students to explore different genres and discover new literary treasures (and receiving a chocolate for their efforts!). The excitement and enthusiasm were palpable as everyone eagerly searched for hidden books around the school grounds.

Year 12 students played a crucial role in the success of Fandom Day. They managed the stalls during both lunch times, handling ticket sales and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Their dedication and hard work were evident as they set up and packed up the event, demonstrating excellent leadership and teamwork skills. Not to be outdone, a number of staff members supported this wonderful celebration of Fandomania! by donating goods and time - thanks to Mrs Pamela Nielson, Mrs Jane Greenhalgh, Mrs Jenni Potter, Ms Cat Massa, Ms Penny Freeman, Ms Lori Pott and Ms Barb from the Tuckshop. Without their kind donation of goods and time the day would not be the success it was, both for the goods available to purchase and the funds raised.

The highlight of Fandom Day was its charitable aspect. All proceeds from the event were donated to Hummingbird House, a charity dedicated to supporting children whose only solace is in the world of fandom literature. This initiative not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also highlighted the importance of literature as an escape and a source of comfort for many.

Fandom Day was a resounding success, fostering a sense of community and celebrating the diverse literary interests of our students and staff. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future, continuing to support literacy and charitable causes.

It is great to see all the diverse ‘fandoms’ coming out on our Fandom Day – check out our ‘bug’ enthusiast below!

Holiday time at SSC Library!

Our Winter holiday dashboard: SSC Library Online

Read or listen to a book online over the holidays through our subscription with Wheelers ePlatform. These can be accessed through our online catalogue or use the direct link on the Library dashboard – click on the Wheelers image. Any sign on requested is the students’ school logon details or via a click of the button!

Movie watching more your thing? Check out what is available in the movies and TV section of ClickView, another subscription the school (and Diocese) deploys. This is a great way to see shows, especially during this cold period!

Borrow a book from the library – if you are up to date with your loaning (no overdues, everything ready for loaning over the holidays) then borrow books from the library and curl up under a warm blanket and read a good book. Visit the library and see our latest and greatest. 

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

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Interact Great Debate

On Thursday 12 June, our Interact Team once again showcased their debating prowess at the 2025 Annual Great Debate against the Rotary Club. This year's topic, 'teenagers are more likely to survive a zombie apocalypse than adults,' sparked a lively debate, with SSC proudly taking the affirmative stance. While it was a close debate, their dedication and teamwork ensured they brought home the prize money and trophy. After an incredible 16-year winning streak in the competition, it is time for a new challenge – a debate against other Interact Clubs! Congratulations to those involved, and we look forward to the Inaugural Interact Club Debate next year!