St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 2 Week 6

Principal

Pope Frances has named this coming weekend as World Children’s Day. In reading Francis’ letter to children all over the world, it was his message for simple fraternity that was most striking. In a letter written simply, in language accessible and straightforward, Francis encouraged children to be prayerful, to be gracious, to be grateful and to appreciate their god -given gifts.

To me, this simple message is not just for children but for all of us. Francis encouraged us to start with the little things: ‘like saying hello to others, asking permission, begging pardon, and saying thank you. Our world will change if we all begin with these little things, without being ashamed to take small steps, one at a time.’ Wow what great advice for all of us!

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week begins this weekend on 26th May with National Sorry Day. For our College and for our wider community it is a great time to bring our reconciliation efforts to the centre and remember that, following last year’s divisive referendum results, we need to answer the call to reconciliation, ‘Now More than Ever’.

The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

The 27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The 3 June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.

These are important dates in Australia’s history and it is our responsibility to know them and recognise them as watershed moments in our national story.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. As a College, we appreciate the opportunity that Reconciliation Week provides in allowing us to reflect on what has been achieved in reconciliation and commit to being the workers who will continue to make gains in closing the gap for our First Peoples.

As such, I take this opportunity to invite all community members to attend our College Assembly for Reconciliation Week next week on Thursday at 10.50am or our Reconciliation Breakfast to be held on Friday 31st May at 6.45am. All are welcome.

Outstanding Student Achievement:

I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some outstanding student achievements:

The following students have participated in Darling Down Representation. They have achieved well at State levels and been formidable on the field:

• Aleng Deng: 17-19 Years Girls Basketball
• Eliza Morcom: 16-18 Years Girls Rugby League
• Angel May Monagle: 14-15 Years Girls Rugby League
• Claire Eckersley: 16-18 Years Girls Football
• Meg Woodcock: 16-18 Years Girls Football
• Georgia Denning: 13-15 Years Girls Hockey
• Tehnaya Burns: 13-15 Years Girls Hockey
• Chelsea Cameron: 10-12 Years Girls Swimming
• Abi Lasserre: 13-19 Years Girls Softball

Further congratulations goes to Meg who has been named in the Queensland Schoolgirls U19 Football team as goalkeeper! We are all incredibly poud of you and cannot wait to see you shine on the field when you travel to Perth, later in the year, for the National competition. 

Eisteddfod performance

I had the pleasure of attending the Toowoomba Eisteddfod on Saturday evening and was awed by the grace and talent of our senior choir on stage. The students performed an ethereal rendition of Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’. Clearly the song choice was a hit amongst the students on the balcony as it was met with gasps from the other schools.

I would also like to take this opportunity to commend two students who entered the Dance sections of the Toowoomba eisteddfod - Ella Guiffrida and Zoe Sutton-Rabbit.

These students excelled in their sections and despite the nerves, rose to the occasion and excelled.

All of our eisteddfod entrants and Darling Downs representatives are proof that we can do difficult things that require our personal effort, commitment and time. When we work hard to perfect, strengthen, master or polish something - whether we achieve an accolade or not- it is in the joy of progress and growth we find the gold.

Well done to all our representatives and eisteddfod entrants.

Parent Engagement Network (PEN) - Executive Appointments

Congratulations to the newly appointed PEN appointees. 

• Chair: Maria Morcom 
• Secretary: Kevin Stapleton

We look forward to working with you and committee members over the coming months. 

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

As we approach a crucial time in the academic calendar with assessment drafts, final submissions, and exams on the horizon, it is essential that our students equip themselves with strategies to manage and organise commitments effectively. The key to success during this period lies in meticulous planning and prioritisation. Students are encouraged to create a detailed study schedule, breaking down their tasks into manageable chunks and allocating specific times for each subject. This not only helps in avoiding last-minute cramming but also ensures a balanced approach to all subjects.

It is also important to utilise available resources efficiently. Teachers, peers, and online tools can provide valuable support and clarification on challenging topics. At St Saviour’s College, we have multiple resources available. Online learning supports include IXL for improving skills in English and Mathematics. Many of our senior subjects have access to Atomi resources, a complete set of short videos mapped to the English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and physical education syllabuses. Teachers place additional resources on each subject’s Canvas page. Furthermore, our lovely librarians are always ready to help students requiring help with research.

Don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Regularly attending tutorial sessions can also enhance understanding and retention of key concepts. Organising a group study session in the library is also a great way to work with your peers to get ready for assessment. Remember, collaborative learning can often lead to deeper insights and a more comprehensive grasp of the material.

Finally, maintaining a healthy balance between study and rest is crucial. Overworking can lead to burnout, which negatively impacts performance. Ensure to take regular breaks, engage in physical activities, and get the right amount of sleep. A well-rested mind is more productive and capable of retaining information effectively.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Although students are in the grind of consolidating their learning, we have been busy providing many opportunities outside of the classroom for students to help feel connected and have experiences that may not always be available to all.   

On Friday 10th May, we had mothers and daughters join us in our annual Mother’s Day celebration.  This year we partnered with Stellarossa and enjoyed a high tea for afternoon tea blessed with entertainment from Mariead Obst and Maddie Smith.  Thanks to all those who attended and celebrated motherhood with us.  

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Last Thursday, 8 staff and 108 students ventured to Suncorp Stadium to cheer on the Queensland Women’s Maroon team in their first State of Origin game for 2024.  Our girls showed true passion and excitement, leading the Queensland cheer numerous times.  The girls were exceptionally behaved and thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Brisbane.  Thank you to all the staff who went and for parents picking up girls at 11:30pm upon return.   

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This week our year 9s have been away on Camp at Emu Gully.  It is one camp that the girls definitely look forward to as it gives experiences not available to the every day life.  Reports from Year 9 Coordinator, Mrs Benvenuti, were: 

“Yes, there were complaints about the bucket showers, the toilets and the ration packs, but seeing them tackle each challenge with determination was nothing short of inspiring. 

The mud, the swags, the teamwork—it all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Over the three days, we saw a shift in mindset, from individual concerns to a collective spirit. The girls learned to support each other, share responsibilities, and most importantly, they learned that they are capable of so much more than they thought. 

I'd like to extend special recognition to a few students who exemplified the spirit of the camp: 

• Isobel W, for her unwavering participation and courage in facing her fears. 
• Irene N, whose kindness shone brightly, offering support to those in need. 
• Joyce L, for her energetic leadership and organisational skills. 
• Anna Shibu J, for her perpetual positivity, gratitude towards leaders, and willingness to assist others. 
• Beyonce T, whose dance moves brought joy and energy to our evenings. 

I am immensely proud of each student's growth. The skills and lessons learned during this camp are invaluable, and I am eager to see how they translate into their daily school lives.” 

We thank Mr Burley, Miss Franke and Mrs Benvenuti for supervising this camp and ensuring these experiences are available to our girls.   

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Teenage years can be a battle and one where many arguments break out between adolescents and parents.  It can often be difficult and take great restraint to try and not engage.  Linda State has an interesting perceptive for us to take.  Enjoy reading with your morning cuppa: An angel at school and a terror at home: Our psychologists explain why (inspiringgirls.info) 

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Year 7 and 8 Retreats: A Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery

Last week, St Saviour's College hosted enriching retreats for our Year 7 and 8 students, focusing on faith, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Year 7 Retreat: Who I Am

On Thursday, the Year 7 retreat, themed "Who I Am," began with a warm welcome, music, and games, setting a positive tone. Students engaged in activities to create their personal code of values, reflecting on the importance of their relationships and the people who inspire them. Discussions emphasised the significance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and recognising the small actions that make a big difference. Inspirational sessions included examining role models and discussing Pope Francis' influence, highlighting how everyday actions can impact those around us. The retreat concluded with students writing letters to their future selves, capturing their aspirations and the type of person they strive to be.

Year 8 Retreat: The Real Gift

Friday's Year 8 retreat, "The Real Gift," focused on recognising and celebrating personal and others' giftedness. The day started with a welcoming session followed by activities exploring personal values and the significance of relationships. Through engaging discussions and a lively singing competition, students learned about the power of focus and choice in shaping their actions. A particularly touching session involved students identifying and celebrating their peers' positive qualities, fostering a strong sense of community. The day concluded with reflections on recognising "God moments" in daily life and a gratitude ritual, where students expressed thankfulness for the inspiring qualities of their peers.

These retreats provided our students with meaningful experiences, helping them to grow spiritually and personally, and strengthening their bonds with each other and their faith.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Careers Centre

National Careers Week 

The St Saviour’s College Careers Expo proved to be a great success, leaving attendees with valuable connections and options for future study. Students warmly welcomed 25 exhibitors including trainers, employers and educators onsite to engage in career conversations with our Year 10, 11 and 12 students on Wednesday afternoon.   

The Careers Expo hosted representatives from business, industry, and community organisations. These representatives highlighted examples of opportunities available to students beyond secondary school. The expo provided insights into trade, tertiary education, and employment pathways, which may help students transition successfully to further studies or work.  

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Students also had the opportunity to attend morning teas with various professionals including health and lawyers during the week and participated in quizzes. Congratulations to Hope Meldrum who won the Passport prize and Angela Asis who won the 'Who Am I' quiz. 

More information  

This week we have emailed students about the following opportunities: 

• BHP Apprenticeship Opportunities 
• Women in Construction Breakfast  
• The UQ Enhanced Studies Program  
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Servies 2 Day Camp (Year 9 and 10 students only) 
• Traineeship Opportunities in Construction, Commercial Cookery and Hospitality 

 Students can pop to the Careers Centre to get further information about these and many more opportunities. 

Students and parents may also access the Careers Website to make a booking for a consultation and to access tools to help explore opportunities like resumes and scholarships and the dates of University Open Days and other events: www.stsaviourscareers.com.au 

Please check in with your Year 10 Student in relation to how they are going organising and submitting their work experience forms. 

Not all work experience will be watching and learning (and even it is, at least your observational and note taking skills will be top notch by the end of it). In reality, you’ll probably be leaving your placement with new or improved technical skills that are specific to each job or industry.  

Skills you’ll learn from work experience 

• Problem-solving 
• Time management 
• Communication 
• Teamwork 
• Professionalism 
• Networking 
• Business etiquette 
• Initiative 
• Work ethic 
• Willingness to learn 
• Computer, technical, and practical skills 
• Customer service
• Confidence and self-esteem 

To get the most out of work experience… 

Ask lots of questions at your placement to maximise the benefits from being there. Your employer and colleagues recognise that you’re there to learn, so don’t feel embarrassed or that you’re annoying them. 

If appropriate, take a notebook and write things down as you go. You might think you’ll remember all the important stuff, but knowing it’s all written down is great peace of mind. Once your placement is over, think about the skills you gained from your experience and make sure you add them to your resume or portfolio. 

Louise Delahunty
Acting Career Development Practitioner

Arts and Performance Update

Celebrating Excellence in the Arts: St Saviour’s College Shines at Toowoomba Eisteddfod 

The recent Toowoomba Eisteddfod was a showcase of talent, dedication, and hard work, and St Saviour’s College had much to celebrate. Our Mercy Girls represented the college with pride, achieving remarkable results across various categories. 

Zoe Rabbitt-Sutton: A Hip-Hop Dynamo In the 12 Years Hip-Hop section, Zoe Rabbitt-Sutton wowed the judges and the audience alike. Her energetic performance earned her an impressive score of 81/100. Zoe’s commitment to her craft and her passion for dance were evident on stage, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement. 

Ella Giuffrida: Highly Commended in 14 Years Hip-Hop Ella Giuffrida’s dedication paid off as she competed in the 14 Years Hip-Hop section. Her dynamic routine earned her a Highly Commended award, with a score of 84.5/100. Ella’s hard work and artistic flair were evident, and she truly shone on the Eisteddfod stage. 

Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir: A Beautiful Rendition Our Senior Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir delivered a moving rendition of “What Was I Made For” from the Barbie movie. Their harmonious voices blended seamlessly, creating a magical moment for the audience. With a score of 84/100, this performance marked their best result in the four years they have competed. Their dedication to rehearsals and their passion for music were evident in every note. 

Acknowledging Our Accompanists: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Nathan Webb, who accompanied the choir once again. His musical expertise and unwavering support enhance our performances year after year. Mrs. Potter, too, played a crucial role in preparing all entrants for the competition. Her guidance and commitment ensured that our students were well-prepared and confident on stage. 

Father Nathan and Mrs. Potter Shine in St Mary’s College Choir:  Not only did Father Nathan and Mrs. Potter support our students, but they also showcased their own talents. In the St Mary’s College Past and Present Choir, they sang their hearts out. Their performance in the Sacred Choral section earned them third place, with an outstanding score of 91/100. Additionally, they achieved a great result in the Contemporary Choral section, scoring 87/100. Their dedication to music and their ability to inspire others are truly commendable.

Celebrating Toowoomba’s Arts Community: Eisteddfods provide invaluable opportunities for our staff and students to immerse themselves in the vibrant Arts community right here in Toowoomba. We celebrate not only the scores but also the passion, creativity, and teamwork that make these achievements possible. Congratulations to all involved! 

As we continue to nurture our Arts program, we look forward to more moments of excellence and inspiration. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our success at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. Let us carry this momentum forward, knowing that the Arts enrich our lives and connect us in profound ways. 

Elf the Musical Jr.: A Journey of Magic and Music 

The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the excitement is palpable. St Saviour’s College is thrilled to present “Elf the Musical Jr.” in partnership with St Mary’s College Toowoomba – an enchanting production that promises to warm hearts and ignite imaginations. As our talented students immerse themselves in rehearsals, the magic of musical theatre comes alive. 

Rehearsals in Full Swing 

Rehearsals for our upcoming College Musical, “Elf the Musical Jr.”, are in full swing. Our dedicated cast and crew are putting in up to six hours a week, fine-tuning their performances, and bringing this heartwarming story to life. Led by our talented choreographer, Year 10 student Ella Giuffrida, alongside Directors Mrs Potter, Ms Jensen, and Ella Petrie, the songs are sounding fantastic, and the dance scenes are taking shape. 

The Story Behind the Magic 

“Elf the Musical Jr.” is based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema film. It features delightful songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. The musical transports us to the North Pole, where a young orphan named Buddy mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts. Raised by elves, Buddy lives happily, unaware that he is actually human. But when his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities reveal the truth, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. 

Tickets Are Selling Fast! 

Don’t miss out on this heartwarming holiday adventure! Tickets for “Elf the Musical Jr.” are now on sale. Visit the Empire Theatre website, https://empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/elf-the-musical-jnr to secure your seats before they sell out. Whether you’re a fan of uplifting musicals or simply want to experience the joy of Buddy’s quest, this show promises goodwill, wonder, and cheer each day. 

Fundraising and Fun 

As we prepare for this magical production, we’re also continuing our fundraising efforts. Our incredible multi-draw raffle will be drawn on the closing performance night. Raffle tickets can be purchased through TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CRVSO for just $3 each. The prizes are as diverse as they are exciting – from Grand Central Gift Vouchers to Gym Memberships, Date Night packages, and even a ukulele! Your support ensures that our students shine on stage and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Support Our Cast and Crew: Elf the Musical Jr. Bake Sale! 

In the spirit of community and creativity, the cast and crew of “Elf the Musical Jr.” are hosting a delightful bake sale and market stall. This event is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a chance to support our talented students as they prepare for their magical performance. 

Event Details: 

• Date: Tuesday, 11th June (Week 9) 
• Time: First Break (10:32-11:12am)  
• Location: St Saviour’s College Dublin Place 
• Payment Options: Cash and EFTPOS available 

What’s on Offer? Indulge in an array of delectable treats – from freshly baked cookies and cupcakes to savory pastries and more. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory delights, there’s something for everyone. Plus, explore the market stall for unique handmade crafts and goodies. 

Why Attend? By participating in the bake sale, you’re directly contributing to the success of our production. Funds raised will go toward costumes, props, and set design – all essential elements that bring “Elf the Musical Jr.” to life. Your support ensures that our students shine on stage and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a delightful day of treats, laughter, and community spirit. Let’s make this bake sale a sweet success! 

Jennifer Potter 
Program Leader - Arts and Performance

McAuley Boarding News

My how the weeks have flown… we have passed the halfway point of the term and before you know it, the holidays will be here. Boarding has been busy with the usual round of sports training and games to keep us all on our toes. A special thank you to our supervisors who go above and beyond to ensure that our girls get where they need to go on time, every time!

Our trip to the Women’s State of Origin with the College was an awesome event, which would have been made better with a Queensland win, but it was still a great trip and the girls are to be commended for the way they conducted themselves.

The Treasure Hunt and Boarder’s Festival were great hits with the students over the past weekend.

The Year 10 girls have been busy organising their Work Experience for the last week of term and almost of them are organised and ready to go. Well done girls!

Travel plans have been submitted to Services Australia for end of term travel and we are waiting for itineraries to arrive so that we can notify families of travel arrangements.

Diane May
Boarding Manager

Library News

Welcome

Read more in May is a time to support the idea of modelling reading in all facets of our lives, both in the home and at school. Libraries are a great equaliser for all as a place to loan all forms of reading material free of charge. And our school library here at St Saviour’s College is no different. A place where we encourage student contributions to our collections – it is our school’s library, and our students are at the heart of it.  

Books are a great way to learn new concepts, from the best time to plant different trees and flowers, to cooking different styles of meals, to learning about the universe and watching the stars above. This is without considering the ability to immerse yourself in a completely new situation or even world. The variety of information both factual and fiction available in books is truly mind-boggling.  

During our Read More in May promotion, we are displaying a variety of fandoms in our library and the different genres associated with the fandom that can be explored. Please, come on into the library, see our books, experience the information, and take yourselves on a journey. 

What can you do at home? 

1. Set aside for the entire family to read – no technology unless it is an eBook. 
2. Provide a ‘menu’ of books for your family – find out what interests them and what they enjoy reading about. 
3. Read 1 book together – have discussions about the part just read. Set goals for each week/month, in other words, create your little book club at home or invite other family members or friends to join. Maybe each member gets their turn at choosing the book everyone is to read and discuss. 
4. Visit the library together and borrow books. Maybe as a treat go to a bookstore or second-hand bookstore and browse, perhaps purchase. 
5. Choose dinner recipes together and organise ingredients and go through the cooking instructions together – great way to engage them in life skills too! 
6. Invite a character to dinner! Discuss what that character might like for dinner e.g. Harry Potter might like chocolate frogs and pumpkin juice. 
7. Who am I? Discuss personality traits of a favourite or main character and guess who it is! 
8. Create a book nook – a comfy place to read. 

And many more ideas…  

Why: 

1. Builds connection. 
2. Develops language. 
3. Creates listening skills. 
4. Teaches life skills. 
5. Broadens creativity. 

What’s happening in the Library? 

Check out our Library Online Dashboard with lots of different titbits for these days and more will be added as more of our promotional days are celebrated. 

Also, check out our physical displays in the library and pick up a book from a ‘fandom’ to read! 

Competition Time: 

During this month we are running a competition for students – create a Fandom Day advertising poster – A4 size, digital or hand illustrated. Closes 31 May. 

What are our Fandom Day celebrations you ask?  

When: Friday June 14th  
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 
Why: to raise funds for Hummingbird House, Qld’s only children’s hospice. To enjoy the different ways in which literature is expressed and the importance of literacy for our school community.

Fandom Books in the Library! 

Come and check out our different books on the different fandoms! 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 (especially our Fandom Day activities) through our student intranet.  

International Harry Potter Day

May the 4th Be With You Day – Star Wars 

Peter Pan Day - Disney 

International Museum Day – Indiana Jones 

Dr. Who Day 

Sherlock Holmes Day – A day of mystery! 

Date Claimers: 

May 22: National Simultaneous Storytime and Sherlock Holmes Day

And more ... but all culminating in our FANDOM Day! Friday Week 9 (June 14). This is a dress-up day. 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Maths Support

Japanese Host Families Wanted

The College is seeking host families for visiting Japanese students. Please see the flyer below.