St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 3 Week 4

Principal

Loaves, Fishes and Timezone 

I was delighted that Sunday’s gospel was a classic. The loaves and the fishes story is so well known to each of us, probably from childhood. 

I remember first hearing the story as a child and thinking to myself - that’s impossible. I believe my teacher responded with something about it being a miracle. 

A well-worn, well told story that poses the question: how am I nourished? The gospel leads us to the importance of Eucharist in our faith. 

Many people know that each year in December I holiday at Coolangatta with my family. I love the beach there and I love the freedom of allowing the kids to scooter off into the distance as we walk slowly behind with little care in the world. 

One of my seven year old son’s favourite places to go while we are there is Timezone, much to my dismay. I must be getting old, but it is just so loud in there! When I think about his experience at Timezone, I can’t help but think he actually finds it distinctly unsatisfying. 

Like many experiences in our modern age, the games at Timezone are designed to leave him wanting more. Their entertainment value is light and sometimes even hollow. Every time the game ends, or he misses a shot, or the short ride comes to an end, the temptation is to put more money in and go again, only to have the same unsatisfied feeling at the end. Like our own daily doom scrolling, YouTube worm holes and mindless binge watches, while providing a momentary escape, the experience seems to lack substance. 

Sunday’s gospel prompts us to consider what really satisfies us. It is a good question for us to ponder every now and again. The key question: are the things I am spending my time and energy on nourishing me? 

If we as Christians believe that in Eucharist we are nourished to be the hands and face of Jesus for others, perhaps some worthy questions to ask might be: 

• How am I making life better for others, particularly those on the margins?
• Does this move me towards my goals?
• Am I spending time with people who matter to me?
• Do these people, who I am spending my time with, bring out the best in me?
• Am I bringing to life my own God-given potential? 

Grandparents Day Mass

Last week’s Grandparents Day Mass was a wonderful celebration of our community of faith, hope and love and of the gift of grandparents in our lives.

I thank all grandparents who were able to attend for joining us on this day. It was wonderful to watch our students take such wonderful care of their grandparents and extend their hospitality and welcome to these wisdom figures in their lives.

I would also like to acknowledge that Grandparents Day can often be a day of grief and sadness for those in our College family who have recently lost family members, have family who live a long way away or have fractures in their family that make gatherings such as this one difficult to attend. I want these families to know, you too were in our hearts as we gathered for mass last week.

As this newsletter goes to print, we are looking to support Rhiannon in her Jeans for Genes Day fundraising efforts. This week Rhiannon is selling raffle tickets daily for two fabulous hampers and is hosting a bake sale tomorrow for Jeans for Genes Day. Rhiannon’s goal is to raise $7000 for this important cause and show that people with disabilities can do anything. Don’t forget your denim and a gold coin donation for Jeans for Genes Day! 

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony 

Last week, we recognised the outstanding efforts of many of our students at the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony. During the ceremony, I addressed the community, emphasising the significance of excellence as one of our core Mercy values. The ceremony celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of our students in semester one, highlighting that excellence is not solely about academic success or being the best in a particular field. Instead, it is a choice available to everyone, characterised by curiosity, creativity, reflection, and resilience. The awardees have demonstrated these qualities, leveraging relationships, showing grit, and persisting through challenges. They exemplify that excellence is not a fixed trait but a result of intentional effort and wise choices. As we recognised their achievements, we were reminded that excellence is within reach for all of us, and that the benefits radiate from each individual’s choice to be excellent, enriching our community and contributing to a better world. 

Online session with 2023 past student, Amelia Claxton

Year 12 students were pleasantly surprised during their skills lesson this week with a special Zoom session featuring past student, Amelia Claxton. Amelia provided the group with valuable information about the Young Australia League (YAL) and how this organisation has been supporting disadvantaged young Australians with connections and resources to achieve their goals and become empowered, active citizens. Amelia remained online to share her own experiences of transitioning from school to university, answering questions from our soon-to-graduate Year 12 students. Her reflections, insights, and advice were a valuable gift to this cohort, and we thank Amelia for her ongoing contribution to the College community. 

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) application session – Year 12 students 

The College will be running a QTAC Application session on Wednesday next week (Week 5) from 1:15pm in the media room. Students who are intending to apply for tertiary studies are invited and encouraged to attend this session to receive guided support in registering for QTAC and completing their university applications. Applying to university through QTAC can be a lengthy and confusing process. Students who attend—and their parents—can rest assured knowing that they have completed the process correctly, and that the application aligns with the student’s intentions for 2025. 

Year 10 Setting Sail Conference 

The countdown to the Setting Sail Conference is on! Students have selected their cabin buddies and have been provided with a “what to bring” list. Parents, please access the camp information letter and provide consent for your students to attend via the parent portal. Dietary requirements can be submitted via the link in the camp information letter. 

The camp is a compulsory component of the Year 10 development programme. If parents have any questions about the camp, please contact me—discussions are always welcome. 

Subject selections and Year 10 SET planning 

Thank you to all Year 8, 9, and 10 students who selected their subjects last week. Students who did not submit their selections will be supported to complete this process this week. Year 10 SET plan interviews are scheduled for Week 7, and students and parents will soon receive information about this process. Following SET planning, students and parents will be notified of the final subjects and associated book lists. 

All Year 10s will progress to their Year 11 subjects from the beginning of Term 4, when Year 11 students will also begin their summative (Year 12) work. 

Year 11 and 12 exam block

General subject students in Year 11 and 12 have a compulsory exam block running from Wednesday 4 September (Week 9) to Monday 9 September (Week 10). Students who undertake general subjects and have exams, can study flexibly from home at times when they do not have exams. Alternatively, they can attend the library during these times to participate in study. If they are part of a combined general/applied class (e.g. design/fashion, FTV/media arts in practice, visual art/visual arts in practice) etc, students can attend their lesson when not in an exam. General subject only classrooms, however, will not be running during this time. 

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

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

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

As a health and physical educator and a sport fanatic, I absolutely love the Olympics. As I write this, the 2024 Paris Olympics is only up to day four and I have cried multiple times with pure admiration and pride as I watch our Aussie Olympians compete after many hard years of work. For me the Olympics has so much to offer our young people. It is a practical demonstration on how perseverance, hard work, determination and dedication can get you to the top of your chosen field and then how we choose to look at our achievements. For those in some countries, they are the first to ever compete in the event for their country and this is the achievement, while for others winning a medal is the achievement. How we measure our success is different but has a lot to do with our choice and perspective. I watched Samuel Short miss out on a bronze medal by 0.14 of a second in the 400m freestyle final while fellow Aussie Elijah Winnington finished with a silver. It is how we win gracefully in times and lose humbly that defies our achievement in these moments. The Aussie Rugby 7 women spoke about how they didn’t medal last Olympics and how that has driven them to push harder coming into these Olympics….it’s all about perspective and choice.   

I always love an opening ceremony, and this year was definitely Parisian. I asked our students, if we were to run an opening ceremony here at the College highlighting our culture, what would we want to show and highlight to represent this wonderful community? Mrs Wade has challenged the girls all year that it is their community to create as we work with them to create their agency in our community.   

Finally, when I was watching the women’s volleyball and skateboarding events, I marvelled at how far women have come in the last century. Women skating boarding…what a great sight and women playing beach volleyball not in cropped pants and tops but long leggings and sleeved shirts. The Olympics works as a powerful avenue to help women to become empowered in an ever-changing world. Our Coolock House, led by House Leader Injil, will be bringing our communities attention to “body image and perception” this term as the wellbeing focus. They will highlight to students through numerous activities that our view of ourselves and our worth needs to come from deep within. Students will be engaged with material from The Embrace Hub and The Butterfly Foundation and as parents I encourage you to explore these resources and have conversations with your daughters. Some conversation prompts can be found at:  

Tips for parents – Butterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BodyImageTipsForParents.pdf  

Keep your body confidence Safe on Social: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTs2fHZZe6Q  

Toxic Influence: A Dove Film | Dove Self-Esteem Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF3iRZtkyAQ&t=1s  

Last Wednesday, we had the opportunity for Brainstorm Production and RACQ to come into the College to provide worthwhile workshops with our students around cyber-safety and road safety. It is important that our students are equipped with skills in managing their wellbeing to ensure they are successful in their learning when they leave school. As a wellbeing team we have been spending the first six months working on a bespoke wellbeing program that encourages our students to want to come to school due to the sense of community, as well as developing skills to negotiate adolescent issues (social, emotional, physical, cyber etc.) to ensure they are able to be focused, centred and ready to learn in the classroom. It is our hope that not only do students fulfil their learning goals when they leave the College, but they leave with skills that ensure their wellbeing into the life after school.   

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Celebration of Catholic Education Week

Last week, our College joyfully joined the other 312 Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating the invaluable gift of Catholic education, which enriches not only our institution but also the lives of many. We embraced the theme of 'Communities of Faith, Hope, and Love.'

Grandparents Day Mass

The week culminated with the Grandparents Day Mass on Thursday, a beautiful celebration led by Fr Ray Crowley. This special day honoured the important role grandparents play in our community, reflecting the values of faith, hope, and love that we cherish. Grandparents provide wisdom, love, and a sense of continuity, making a lasting impact on our lives. We are incredibly grateful to all the grandparents who joined us for the Mass, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their ongoing support and presence in our community. Following the Mass, we proudly presented the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards to:

• Lucee Robinette, Year 7
• Maddison Kratzke, Year 8
• Felicity Higgins, Year 9
• Katie-Maree Godsell, Year 10
• Olivia Soeters, Year 11
• Nabindu Buloze Adolphine, Year 12
  

Rosies Campaign

Additionally, this term, we are excited to announce our Rosies campaign. We are seeking donations of two-minute noodles, cup-a-soups, cordial, paper towel rolls, tinned foods, and toiletries. If you have any winter woolies, such as shoes, clothes, scarves, or gloves, that you no longer use and are in good condition, these are also greatly appreciated. Your generous contributions will support those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and community service that our College strives to uphold. Thank you for your support!

Volunteering at Vinnie's

We are also proud to share that some of our students have volunteered their time during Wednesday sport to assist at Vinnie's, helping to sort and sell donated items. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the values we promote within our community. Thank you to Chappy Helen for organising this opportunity for our girls to help our community.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Careers Centre

Deadly Start Education2Employment – Connect ‘n’ Grow

Two of our girls, Keasharn Sands-Hart and Rihanna Whittaker have been offered a School Based Traineeship in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

Keasharn and Rihanna will be spending one day a week over the next 12 months working at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service at the Toowoomba Hospital while undertaking their studies. Following the completion of year 12, having successfully completed their traineeship, and meeting the relevant employment requirements for a role, our girls will have the option for ongoing employment.

The Future Doctors Australia program offers a unique opportunity for school students (ages: 14-18) aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. Through engaging sessions led by experienced medical specialists, practical learning activities, and insights into the admission process, the program aims to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their medical journey. 

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance from medical professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of healthcare. The four-day program will be held in Brisbane on 14 - 17 December 2024 and is already 65 per cent full. 

Program Details | Fees | Enrolment Form 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the enrolment process, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Upcoming careers events and dates:

University open days:

• ACU | Brisbane: 3 August 2024
• UQ | St Lucia: 4 August 2024 and Gatton: 18 August 2024
• UniSC | Sunshine Coast: 4 August 2024
• JCU | virtual open day: 6 August 2024
• Torrens | Brisbane: 8 August 2024
• Griffith | 11 August 2024
• UniSQ | Toowoomba: 18 August 2024
• SCU | Gold Coast: 18 August 2024 

Space family fun day, Toowoomba - 17 August 2024 

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer is bringing a space-themed family fun day event to Toowoomba. This exciting event will be a day filled with interactive activities, such as water rockets, lightning talks for children, teens and adults and a sunspots activity with solar telescopes. Our talks will dive into topics such as space technology, moon and mars, and the sustainability of space. Discover the newest space technologies and gain insights into upcoming missions to Mars and beyond. Find out more 

QUT | advice night: 10 September 2024: for current Year 12 students and parents/guardians 

• QTAC applications open: 1 August 2024 

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) 
• Scholarships (griffith.edu.au) 
• Access, Merit & Equity Scholarships | TAFE Queensland (tafeqld.edu.au) (TAFE Scholarship Applications are open now!) 

SBA vacancies 

17/24: Years 10, 11 and 12 - Certificate III in Hospitality – Kingfishers Café. Closing date 08.08.2024. Applicants are to contact Erin on 4636 6688 to arrange an interview. 

18/24: Years 10, 11 and 12 - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Closing date 08.08.2024. Applicants are to contact Erin on 4636 6688 to arrange an interview. 

Further information and help 

Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviour's College Toowoomba (stsaviourscareers.com.au) 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
Acting Career Development Practitioner

Arts and Performance

A standing ovation for “Elf the Musical Jr.” at the Armitage Centre 

As the curtains close on our College production of “Elf the Musical Jr.,” held on the 19 and 20 July 2024, we are filled with pride and gratitude. For the first time, our talented students had the opportunity to shine in the professional setting of the Armitage Centre, a milestone that has significantly contributed to their growth as performers and crew members.  

The transition to a professional venue like the Armitage Centre was a leap of faith that paid off immensely. It provided our students with a taste of the real world of theatre, enhancing their skills and boosting their confidence. The experience has been nothing short of transformative, and the memories created will undoubtedly echo in their artistic journeys for years to come.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Leah Dempster, whose projection work brought a magical dimension to the stage. Rhody Nilon deserves a special mention for his dual role in sound and as assistant musical director, orchestrating a symphony of audio perfection. Kara Jensen stepped up as the assistant director, guiding our stars with a steady hand, while Nik Elwell ensured every scene transitioned smoothly as our stage manager.  

We must also shine a spotlight on Rod Hickey, whose photography skills captured the essence of our production. His keen eye for detail and ability to freeze time with his camera allowed us to preserve the magic of our performances forever.  

Our student creatives were the heartbeat of this production. Ella Giuffrida’s choreography was a dance of joy and precision, ably supported by Georgina Digby as assistant choreographer. Marni Leppien’s role as assistant stage manager was executed with grace and professionalism, and Ella Petrie’s direction brought a fresh and vibrant perspective.  

A production of this scale would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our staff, who supervised and supported every step of the way. To the parents who generously donated afternoon teas and meals throughout the week, your kindness nourished more than just our bodies; it fuelled our spirits.  

Above all, we celebrate the incredible ensemble of over 60 students who were involved both on and off stage. Your dedication, passion, and teamwork have brought “Elf the Musical Jr.” to life in a way that exceeded our wildest dreams.  

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we are reminded that it is not just about the applause or the final bow—it’s about the moments of discovery, the bonds formed, and the joy of creating something truly extraordinary together.  

Thank you, one and all, for making “Elf the Musical Jr.” a resounding success! 

Harmonies of Heritage: Saviour’s Sisters Choir and the Celebration of the Arts 

On the serene morning of Thursday, 25 July, the Saviour’s Sisters performance choir graced the Grandparents’ Mass with their celestial voices, creating an ambiance of reverence and familial warmth. Their melodious tribute was a fitting homage to the generations that have shaped our community.  

Following the sacred ceremony, the Celebration of the Arts Concert unfurled like a vibrant tapestry of talents during the morning tea. The event was a symphony of artistic expression, featuring the full College Choir and the Senior Choir, whose harmonies soared through the halls, touching hearts and uplifting spirits.  

The concert spotlighted a stunning duet by Sophie Moore and Penny Sanders, whose voices intertwined in a dance of melody and emotion.  Madi Smith captivated the audience with a solo that resonated with the depth of her artistry. The new college rock band, the Midnight Mercy Girls, electrified the air with their dynamic performance, heralding the arrival of fresh musical vigour.  

Visual feasts accompanied the auditory delights, with videos of Ella Giuffrida’s Year 10 Musical Theatre Dance Choreography assessment and the ‘Read My Lips’ performance from earlier in the year adding a cinematic flair to the occasion.  

The foyer and hall were adorned with the stunning artworks of Ms Stewart’s Visual Art students, transforming the space into a gallery of imagination and colour. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ms Joanne Stewart for curating the art display and for her unwavering support of our visual art students. As many of the works are 'in progress' for our Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers installation, they will be showcased closer to the event and the completion of the works. 

Special thanks are also due to Mr Rhody Nilon for his dedication to the rock band, Mrs Kylie Parker for her skilful accompaniment of the choir, and Mrs Potter for her masterful conducting and coordination of the mass and choir performances. 

Together, these individuals and groups wove a rich cultural fabric that not only entertained but also inspired. Their collective efforts remind us that the arts are not just a form of expression but a celebration of life itself. 

Thank you to all who contributed to making the Grandparents’ Day Mass and the Celebration of the Arts Concert a resounding success. Your talents and hard work resonate beyond the applause, echoing through the hearts of our community. 

Introducing Kylie Parker: your maestro for piano and strings!

Are you ready to unlock the magic of music? Look no further than our newest addition to the St Saviour’s College community: Kylie Parker!  

Kylie is the newest accompanist for the Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choirs and is also a trained piano and strings tutor. 

Private lessons tailored for you 

Whether you’re a budding pianist or a strings enthusiast, Kylie offers private lessons tailored to all ages and levels. Here’s what awaits you: 

1. Piano magic: dive into the enchanting world of piano with Kylie’s expert guidance. Unleash your musical prowess and explore melodies that resonate deep within. 

1. Strings serenade: violin, cello, or viola—Kylie’s got you covered! Discover the beauty of strings and create harmonies that tug at heartstrings. 

How to get started 

Interested? Email Mrs Potter Jennifer.Potter@twb.catholic.edu.au to inquire about private lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, Kylie will nurture your musical journey. 

Culinary creations: Year 10 hospitality class makes a delicious debut 

Last week marked a milestone for our new Year 10 hospitality class as they embarked on their culinary journey. The kitchen buzzed with excitement and the air was filled with the aromas of their first creations: delicious hamburgers, sweet potato fries, chocolate cake pops, and tropical frappes.  

It was a day of many firsts, as the students demonstrated fantastic collaborative and leadership skills. They worked together seamlessly, each taking the lead, when necessary, to navigate the intricacies of kitchen operations. The result was a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the soul, as the girls took pride in their accomplishments.  

The hamburgers were juicy and perfectly seasoned, the sweet potato fries were a crispy delight, the chocolate cake pops were a sweet sensation, and the tropical frappes provided a refreshing finale to the gourmet experience.  

This hands-on session was more than just a cooking class; it was a lesson in teamwork, patience, and the joy of creating something from scratch. The students left the kitchen with not only new skills but also a sense of confidence that will serve them well in all their future culinary endeavours. 

Kudos to our year 10 hospitality class for a job well done! 

Visual Arts in Practice (A Class) visited South Bank precinct in Brisbane on 18 July. At Griffith University Art Museum we were immersed in the video installation 'Native' by REA and saw the Fine Arts Degree 2nd Year student exhibition. Next, we toured the studio facilities at TAFE, speaking to students about the diverse study options and finally at QLD Gallery of Art viewed the Judy Watson exhibition.

Jennifer Potter
Teacher Arts and Performance

Sports news

Athletics carnival 2024

St Saviour’s College hosted its annual athletics carnival this week, a day filled with excitement, sportsmanship, and record-breaking performances. Held under perfect weather conditions, the event saw enthusiastic participation from students across all year levels. The success of the athletics carnival was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who organised the event. Special thanks are extended to Lauren Murray for the use of the timing gates that allowed St Saviour's College to experience state of the art timing and record keeping. Our staff worked hard to make sure all the students could participate in the various activities in both the track and the field. High levels of participation were evident throughout the day, with nearly every student taking part in at least one event. This widespread involvement not only showcased the diverse talents within the school but also fostered a strong sense of community and inclusivity.
Congratulations to Mia Sloan and the McAuley team who take the win overall with an impressive 1666 points. They also had three age champions and a number of team members in the top five overall for their age group. 

Age champions

12 winner: Chelsea Cameron

12 runner up: Arohamae Fatiaki

13 winner: Ajah Deng

13 runner up: Eliza Digby

14 winner: Isla Pascoe

14 runner up: Happy Mwibusa

15 winner: Ayen Deng

15 runner up: Ava Anderson

16 winner: Dimerica Kalenga

16 runner up: Sophia Stapleton

17 winner: Kaysharn Deemal

17 runner up: Lekaysha Woodbridge

18 winner: Adut Geu

18 runner up: Inji Mwibusa

Total points

McAuley -1666 points

Goretti - 1400 points

Xavier -1200 points

Coolock - 1072 points

Library News

Welcome

Reading is magic! 

What does this actually mean? 

Defining magic and understanding what it means can help us determine the theme’s purpose this year. The definition I liked was from Merriam Webster “an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source”. Why this one you ask? Let me clarify… 

Reading is a source of joy, a source of wonder, a source of understanding. Reading enables you to learn, to comprehend the world around you and to navigate situations that are new in a safe environment. The ‘seemingly from a supernatural source’ aspect is that the combination of words on a page can resonate with something deep inside a person, can connect with the soul of the reader and that is the magic of reading. So take some time this term to explore the world displayed in front of us through the written word and discover for yourself the magic of reading. 

Book Week 

Week 7 Wednesday 21 August – dress up day and gold coin donation for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. A quiz will be run for Years 7-10 during sport time on the Wednesday, this will include the parade of costumes for voting by the students. There will be drinks and snacks available for purchase during the quiz. 

The theme for dress-up is ‘Reading is Magic’ which opens up a plethora of opportunities for all to choose a costume. For example, you might go the theme of magic and choose a magical character to come as like Peter Pan or Tinkerbell, in fact most Disney princess stories have magic of some type in them.  

Or since reading IS magic – it could be the magic you find in a favourite book or series you enjoy reading. Get your thinking caps on and the only limit is your imagination (and the expectations of school acceptable dress for the day)! 

New books in the library! 

Another round of new books on display – come in and check them out! The following books are ready to be borrowed! Check out the images below and our catalogue online to find something that interests you. 

Graphic collection

Manga collection

Senior collection - for our year 10-12 students

Date claimers

17 - 23 August – Book Week 

19 August – Book Week quiz and dress up

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian