St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 3 Week 6

Principal

Principal’s Forum

Last week I attended the Principal’s Forum in Chinchilla. For four days, every Week 5 of each term, the Principals from all Toowoomba Catholic Schools (primary, secondary and P-12 schools) gather to listen to our leaders from Toowoomba Catholic Schools and learn from our peers. It is a privilege to spend this quality time with such inspiring leaders and to work alongside such exceptional professionals - many of them the primary principals of your daughter’s primary schools.

As I gathered with Mr Golightly (formerly of OLOL), Mrs Butlin (St Stephen’s Pittsworth), Mr Maher (Sacred Heart), Mrs Pfingst (St Anthony’s), Mr Barrett (St Monica’s), Mrs Haig and Ms Crawford (Sacred Heart Cunnamulla), Mr Hannant and Mrs Sleba (SSPS) plus others, there was only one topic on their mind: the students they had known for so many years. They often asked after your daughters, their progress, their achievements and their future pathway. They reminisced about the potential of these girls when they had known them, and celebrated with me in the stories I was able to share.

I am always delighted to report on how different students are going and sharing the success of our Mercy Girls with them. The strength of the system is clear: the care and support that teachers and principals feel for their students, and their wholehearted belief in their potential, is authentic and travels with students beyond their enrolment in our schools.

As our Year 12 students move toward many of their final rites of passage, I can’t help but feel the same way - enamoured and mesmerised by the incredible potential of our students to bring good into the world; to be people who walk with compassion, act with justice, warmly welcome others and strive (before my eyes) to bring to life their God-given potential. 

2025 Captain’s announcement 

It is with much delight I introduce our Captains for 2025 with you. 

2025 College Captain: Dimercia Kalenga

Dimercia has long been a leader of our College. Her commitment to leadership in sports, both soccer and basketball, her leadership in arts, through singing solos in liturgy and a long-standing participation in choir, as well as support for arts at the College and showcase have been exceptional. She has always served the College with generosity and hospitality. More than her participation in the numerous teams she has been a part of, Dimercia is a leader amongst her peers and younger year levels in the College. She has always been a passionate supporter of the Japanese program and a wonderful representative of our College in the community. Dimercia will be an exceptional 152nd College Captain.

2025 College Vice Captain: Elize Tom

Elize is a long standing leader in our College. She has served our College Arts program with distinction over many years, including involvement in choir and musicals, led dance programs that support younger students to celebrate and showcase their culture and supported our College volleyball team for many years as a reliable and positive teammate. Her leadership is typified by respectful relationships with all members of the community, kindness and empathy for others and the desire to be a model of excellence for all. I delight in announcing Elize Tom as our 2025 College Vice Captain. 

2025 McAuley House Residential Leader: Paige Mills

Paige is a warm, inclusive and hospitable leader in McAuley Boarding House. Students from all year levels look to Paige as a friend and ally and she responds to all in kind, supportive and friendly ways. Paige’s leadership is typified by her inclusive approach, moving easily between groups and across year levels to create a culture where students feel safe, comfortable and at-home. Paige’s warmth, kindness and authenticity will make her an exceptional McAuley Boarding Residential Leader. 

NAPLAN 

This week the National NAPLAN results were released. This means that as a College, we have been able to see our performance relative to the rest of the nation.

I am proud to report that our results, and those collectively of your daughters are simply outstanding. Across four of five domains in Year 7, our students have significantly outperformed their peers nationwide. In Year 9, across reading and writing and grammar and punctuation domains, our students have excelled.

As suspected when the state results were released, we have excelled in both reading and writing across both Years 7 and 9. This is a testament to the professional excellence of our quality teachers who teach literacy across the curriculum and specific to their subject.

It is also a testament to the specialist knowledge of our teachers who coach students in small personalised groups each week and the efficacy of this program. As a College, we are heavily invested in ensuring your daughters have the building blocks of success; reading proficiency is one of these essential building blocks.

As the data shows, Mercy girls CAN. WRITE. Our exceptional results in this domain are a testament to the whole school approach we have adopted as teachers to improve the confidence of our students to write on demand, as is required in the NAPLAN test (and in a variety of lifelong contexts.) The results in this domain point to the success of this program and the capacity of our Mercy Girls to write for a range of purposes and audiences.

For our College and many of your daughters, numeracy continues to be our work. While these results are below the national mean, I would like to emphasise that our Year 9 numeracy results in 2024 represent a considerable gain for this cohort and our numeracy results have been on an upward positive trajectory for the past four years across both Year 7 and 9. Our approach to numeracy growth and improvement is multifaceted and responsive to the varied needs of students in our classrooms. 

Year 7 results

Year 9 results

Rites of Passage details for Year 12 families

Earlier this week, I emailed all Year 12 families outlining the details for the upcoming few weeks and months for Year 12 students. I draw your attention to this communication; please ensure you have received and noted these dates with your daughter. 

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Insights from our Year 11 Leaders 

Last week, I had the privilege of watching eighteen of our Year 11 student leadership candidates deliver speeches to their peers about their ideas of leadership. I was astounded by our students’ insight and the conviction in their speech. Each candidate, despite the inherent challenge of public speaking and the personal vulnerability required in a leadership campaign, delivered their speech with remarkable confidence and conviction. Each student stood tall, showcasing their readiness, not just as individuals, but as a group, to take on the leadership of our College.  

Our students' insights into leadership were varied, reflecting the diverse personalities and perspectives within our school community. One insight, in particular, prompted me to delve deeper, especially in relation to learning. One of our students discussed the value of being coachable, emphasising how essential it is for leaders to remain open to feedback and continuous learning. This perspective underlines the importance of adaptability and humility in leadership roles, qualities that enable leaders to grow and respond effectively to changing circumstances. 

Being coachable is an indispensable trait for any student committed to lifelong learning and improvement. It embodies a willingness to listen actively, accept constructive criticism, and seek out opportunities for personal and academic growth. This openness to feedback facilitates a deeper understanding and integration of new knowledge, allowing students to adapt and refine their skills continually. In the educational context, coachable students often excel because they view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to success. They engage more fully in the learning process, question constructively, and absorb insights from teachers and peers alike. This mindset not only enhances their current academic performance but also equips them with the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate future complexities in both personal and professional settings. 

Academic support for assessment preparation

Students and parents, please remember that help is available for preparing for assessments. We offer mathematics tutorials every Tuesday morning before school and Thursday afternoon. Additionally, during first break each week, our curriculum leaders are ready to provide academic support in the following learning areas: 

• Mondays: Mathematics with Mrs Loi in MR10
• Tuesdays: Science with Ms Banks in JG3
• Wednesdays: Humanities with Mr Grierson in MR6
• Thursdays: English with Mrs Sretenovic in KR8 

We also encourage students to proactively discuss their academic needs with their teachers. If a task seems insurmountable, even after attempting it from multiple angles, please don't hesitate to seek help immediately. 

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Welcome to the part of the year where we feel so entrenched in 2024 but no closer to the end in sight. Our teens definitely feel the pinch of this and can often exhibit behaviours that appear out of character.  At a professional development I attended last week in restorative practices, Marg Thorsborne, the presenter of the workshop, challenged all participants to be ‘curious not furious’. Ever since I was a third year teacher and learnt a lesson the hard way, it has become a mantra in my practice to approach, as Ted Lasso would say, with “curiosity not judgement”. When students are not compliant in our classrooms, often it is because they are lacking some skill which is reflected in negative behaviours. It is our job to work with teens to help problem solve to work out which skills are lacking and come up with a plan to develop these. Although I find this easy in my teaching practice, it is something I fail to commit to in my parenting. I find it even more difficult with my own child to sit with, give space and allow the curiosity to ponder. It is a practice I am working on and sometimes I think with the busyness of our lives and the current demands, curiosity appears to be time consuming; especially when all I want is for my three year old to put on her clothes, shoes and get in the car at 7:30am in the morning. We always have the best intentions, but it may just not come out that way. Often this happens when teens come to their parents with a problem or a concern which results in an argument. US psychologist Lisa Damour writes that teenagers reject their parents’ solutions to their problems because:  

1. They just needed a sounding board to find relief from articulating their worries and concerns 
2. They are seeking empathy – much of what bothers teenagers cannot be solved but having a problem is not nearly so bad as feeling alone with it 
3. They could use a vote of confidence…rushing in with suggestions may suggest the idea that you think they can’t fix it, but you can. It may appear to be a vote of no confidence from you when they were just seeking reassurance  
4. They want ideas, not instructions
   

It’s a tough gig but I encourage you to sit in silence a bit longer with your teens, especially when things are at the pointy end of the term. Hold back all those urges to step in and help but ask questions such as “Tell me more about that,”, “How does that make you feel?”, “What do you want to do about it?”.   

Over the last two weeks students have been participating in our SSC Olympics for Mercy Shield Points to celebrate the Paris Olympics. Students have enjoyed plenty of fun at lunch with Xavier coming out the winner! Thanks to the SRC for helping in the organisation of the activities! 

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.  

The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour. This week our girls have been able to wear purple hair accessories and swap out their plain earrings for purple ones. The College has had a touch of purple and it is wonderful to see a stance against bullying.   

The theme for this year's campaign is everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected. 

“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023). 

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website. 

During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion. We have many supports at the College if you feel your daughter is being bullied. We have zero tolerance for students feeling unsafe at school. 

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Feast of the Assumption

This week, on Thursday 15 August, we gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption during our assembly, honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Known as the 'Dormition of the Virgin Mary,' this feast commemorates two significant events: the departure of Mary from this life and her assumption, body and soul, into heaven.

The Church teaches that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed into heaven. While the Christian scriptures do not record her death, tradition holds that Mary lived for 11 years following the death of Jesus. The term 'Dormition' reflects the belief that Mary died peacefully, in a state of spiritual serenity, and this day marks her "heavenly birthday." Thus, it is a day of celebration rather than mourning, rejoicing in her union with her beloved son, Jesus.

Mary occupies a special place in our faith as the mother of Jesus, playing a vital role in God's plan by bringing the Saviour into the world. Her life stands as a symbol of love, devotion, and unwavering faith. Despite having the choice, she accepted God's call with humility and grace, making her an enduring model of holiness and inspiration for all.

Catholics often turn to Mary in prayer, seeking her guidance, protection, and intercession. We believe she can intercede with God on our behalf, helping to bring our prayers closer to Him. As a mother, she offers both comfort and powerful advocacy.

The Feast of the Assumption reflects our belief that Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, was assumed into heaven. During our assembly, we not only celebrated Mary but also took the opportunity to honour the women in our lives. Women play indispensable roles in shaping our world, and this gathering allowed us to express our deep gratitude for their contributions.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen.

Homeclass Liturgy: Justice and Through Open Doors

This term, our Homeclass liturgies, held in the College Chapel with Chappy Helen, are focused on the theme "Justice and Through Open Doors." This week, McAuley 1 joined Chappy Helen in the chapel, where they were encouraged to reflect on the concept of justice by imagining a hallway filled with doors, each symbolising different opportunities, such as education, career paths, and life experiences. Ideally, these doors should be open to everyone, regardless of background, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, the reality is that some doors remain closed or more difficult to access for certain groups of people. Through this reflection, we are reminded of the importance of advocating for equal opportunities and removing barriers that prevent access to these vital resources.

Additionally, the liturgies emphasise the choices and responsibilities associated with justice. Every day, we are faced with decisions that reveal our values and beliefs about what is just. By standing up against injustice, supporting those in need, and engaging in community service, we can embody justice in our actions. These individual choices, although small, contribute to the collective effort of building a more just and equitable society for all.

Rosies campaign and outreach

As a reminder, our Rosies campaign is ongoing and we greatly appreciate your continued support. We are collecting donations of two-minute noodles, cup-a-soups, cordial, paper towel rolls, tinned foods, and toiletries. Additionally, if you have winter clothing such as shoes, scarves, or gloves that are in good condition but no longer needed, these items are also welcome.

We are also pleased to announce that the next Rosies Outreach will take place this Sunday, 18 August. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chappy Helen and our Year 11 volunteers who will be serving patrons on this day. Your generous contributions and active participation in the outreach embody the spirit of compassion and community service that our College values so highly. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Careers Centre

Careers for Net Zero Qld Roadshow 

Students from Year 9 and 10 were given the opportunity to attend the Careers for Net Zero Roadshow at UniSQ to talk with industry representatives about current and future jobs emerging in energy and related industries.  

Students were able to explore career pathways and learn about the diverse roles available in the clean economy. They heard from experts in renewable energy, critical minerals, green manufacturing, and more.  They learnt about what it’s really like working in a clean and green job from the Careers for Net Zero Champions.   

Upcoming careers events and dates:

University open days:

• 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!) 

Further information and help 

Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviour's College Toowoomba 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

Join the Harmony: The Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir at the Paul Morton Choral Music Festival  

We are thrilled to announce that on Monday, 26 August 2024, the Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir will grace the stage at the esteemed Paul Morton Choral Music Festival. This prestigious event will unfold at the iconic Empire Theatre on Neil Street, Toowoomba, promising an evening filled with melodious choral performances that celebrate the spirit of our community. 

The festival, named after the renowned Paul Morton, stands as a beacon of choral excellence and is one of the most anticipated musical events in Toowoomba. It’s not just a concert; it’s an experience that brings together voices from across the region in a resounding display of talent and passion for music. 

Event details: 

• Date: Monday, 26 August 2024 
• Time: Performances begin at 6:30pm 
• Venue: Empire Theatre, Neil Street, Toowoomba 

Tickets: Spectator tickets are priced at a modest $7 per person. These can be acquired through the Empire Theatre box office or via their website (note: booking fees apply). We encourage everyone to secure their seats early, as this event is known to sell out quickly! 

For the parents and guardians of choir members: please ensure you grant permission and process the payment for your student’s participation through the Parent Portal and the provided Trybooking link. Your support is crucial in making this event a success for our young performers. 

We invite all members of the community to join us for this enchanting evening. Let’s come together to support the Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir and immerse ourselves in the beauty of choral music. 

P.S. Choir members are reminded to don their full winter formal uniform, complete with black stockings, and to be present by 4:00pm on the day of the event for preparations and rehearsals. 

Spotlight on Talent: Mrs. Jenni Potter in Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’ 

Attention all theatre enthusiasts! 

We are proud to share that Mrs Jenni Potter, our esteemed Program Leader for Arts and Performance at St Saviour’s College, will be showcasing her acting prowess in the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre’s upcoming production of Neil Simon’s acclaimed play, ‘Rumors’. 

This comedic masterpiece by one of America’s greatest playwrights, promises to deliver an evening of laughter and entertainment. Mrs Potter’s involvement is a testament to her dedication to the arts and her exceptional talent, which we have the privilege of experiencing within our College community. 

Show dates: 

Start: 24 September 2024 

End: 5 October 2024 

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Mrs. Potter’s performance and support local theatre. Tickets are available for purchase on the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre website. We encourage you to act quickly, as seats are filling up fast for this limited-run engagement. 

Let’s rally behind Mrs Potter and enjoy a show that’s sure to be the talk of the town! 

Check the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre website

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. 

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Sports news

Golden Glove Softball 2024  

Last Thursday, the recently formed school softball team participated in the Golden Glove Softball tournament. This tournament was offered to encourage girls to try softball and revitalise softball within the school. Despite the lack of training and difficulties in organising the team, the girls displayed diligence and excellence both on and off the field. Having to play against other students, some of whom are Australian schoolgirls players, the St Saviour’s College team showed wonderful courage and improved as the day went on.  

They demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and positivity throughout the day by encouraging each other. The girls have persisted for the return of a St Saviour's College Softball team for many years, and this team will emerge as a stronger team for next year. 

Women in Sport Summit 2024  

Earlier this term the Year 11 and 12 physical education students attended the first ever Women in Sport Summit in Brisbane. The lecture style presentation was hosted by Australian Women’s Cricket player Holly Ferling. The students heard from speakers such as Shannon Baker, Taylor Olzard, Lizzie Welborn, Ilene Hauser and Amanda Fielding. These women are all respected in their fields which include sports management, player agents, social media for the Brisbane Lions and Queensland Rugby League as well as sports fitness testing and STEM in sport. The girls enjoyed the day with access to lunch and snacks plus some free stuff from our hosts. This was a wonderful opportunity to see where our students could find employment and with the Olympics in Brisbane 2032, this is a very exciting time for women in sport.  

Student achievements  

• Dajea Pane: U13/14 Darling Downs Girls Rugby League 
• Joyce Litumanu: U13/14 Darling Downs Girls Rugby League  
• Chelsea Cameron: 12yrs Queensland Short Course Champs at Chandler (she qualified for three events: 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly)
• Piper Melrose: 12yrs Zone Track and Field Team 
• Meg Woodcock: 18yrs Football Queensland Team National Championships 
• Ajah Deng: 13/14 Darling Downs Futsal Team 
• Emily Kuhn: 13/14 Darling Downs Futsal Team shadow  

Humanities

This term, our humanities teachers have been busy sourcing a variety of opportunities for our students to bring to life their classroom learning.

Year 7 Humanities – First Nations Cultural Week “Have Another Look Captain Cook”

Our Year 7 students recently enjoyed a valuable and engaging excursion to the Cobb & Co Museum as part of the First Nations Cultural Celebrations Week, titled ‘Have Another Look Captain Cook’. The event commenced with all groups joining together for a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, setting a respectful and inclusive tone. Throughout the day, students participated in various activities, including learning about traditional bush tucker, medicines, tools and weapons, exploring First Nations’ artefacts, trying their hand at boomerang and spear throwing and expressing creativity through First Nations art and weaving. At lunchtime, all groups came together for traditional dance and didgeridoo playing by First Nations performers, which was a highlight of the day. Overall, the excursion was a wonderful success, providing students with a deeper connection to and understanding of First Nations cultures.

By Mr Jed Burley

Year 9 and 10 Geography – Water Management in East Creek

Our Year 9/10 Geography students recently embarked on an excursion to East Creek waterway to study environmental change and management. It provided students with a hands-on learning experience about the geographical challenges of change over time in the environment, especially because of human impact. Students examined the current land use and water quality of the East Creek waterway and identified environmental changes of the area, the sources of pollution and their impact on the ecosystem. Despite the rain and cold, the girls diligently collected data and walked a full five kilometres. Their exemplary behaviour and positive attitude throughout the day were commendable. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into environmental stewardship and showcased the students' resilience and dedication.

By Mrs Sylvia Prinsloo

Year 11 and 12 Modern History - Guest Speakers: Vietnam veterans

As an ongoing study, our current unit in senior Modern History is Australia’s engagement in the Vietnam War. We have been learning why this war came about, especially after finishing our study on the Cold War, then looking at reasons Australia became involved, through to the public perceptions and the coming home of our troops. It was with great pleasure and such a privilege that we had two veterans of this war come into our class and provide us with their experiences of their time. Duncan Finlay and Dennis Smith (both with connections in the school) gave up their time to speak to the class about such personal and emotional experiences through their stories and guided by questions from our students.

This was a fantastic opportunity, one the students will not soon forget; this is living history in its element. Thank you to all involved for the organisation of this speaking event.

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to listen to people who had experienced firsthand the war in Vietnam, and hear about their individual experiences that aligned with content I already knew. – Mairead Obst, Year 12 Modern History student.

By Mrs Andrea King

Chris Grierson
Acting Curriculum Leader - Humanities and Religion

Library News

Welcome

Reading is Magic! 

Book Week is here!!! So much excitement and joy is to be had in reading and enjoying literature of all different forms and what a way to celebrate. We are celebrating in the library in many magical ways, both through the visual extravaganza of the library and participation in events leading up to and through Book Week. 

First, come and check out our library and see what we have for all to enjoy – from the magical lights and maze of curtains. Can you read what is through our entryway? Keep a look out for our amazing, magical, mystical, fantastical feature that will be up in the library soon, our central focal point for our theme Reading is Magic. 

Sneak Peak

Not into the competitions? Try our Words are Magic board, just as some students are already doing below: 

What's happening in the library?

Book Week competitions

Guessing the CBCA winners! 

That is all you have to do – grab an entry form, check the books out and guess which ones you think would win each category. You don’t have to enter every category; you can only enter once, and the winners are drawn before Book Week starts. 

There are three categories of books the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has shortlisted books for, using particular criteria against the published books from the past year or so. They have narrowed it down to six books per category and the categories you get to vote in are the younger reader category, older reader category and the Eve Pownall Information book category. 

Older Reader - more mature books, some of these may be senior fiction – check the stickers on the books, senior fiction will have a senior fiction sticker on them restricting them for loan to Year 10 and above. 

Younger Reader

Eve Pownall Information Book – any age from young to 18+. 

Check out the display in the library:

Second competition: Book in a Jar competition 

A popular book has been cut up so everyone can have a little piece, but can you work out the book title? 

Entries to put your guess in are in the library – come and check out the jar. 

Third competition: Daily quiz questions 

Fourth competition: What is Mrs King today? 

And finally….. our main competition running in the library: Magical Reading Spots!  

Can you match the bookworm to their reading nook? 

These are the competitions running over the week – but don’t forget we have our dress up and quiz as our main event!  

Week 7 Wednesday 21 August costume and quiz day 

Wednesday 21 August is a dress-up day with a 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 where students will vote for their favourite costume. 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 with 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. 

Picture Book Collection

Non Fiction Collection

Short stories

Historical Fiction

Adventure Fiction

Humour Fiction

Family and Relationship Fiction

Fantasy Fiction

Mystery Fiction

Love/Romance Fiction

Senior collection - for our year 10-12 students

Date claimers

17 - 23 August – Book Week 

21 August – Book Week quiz and dress up

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian