St Saviour's College Newsletter 2024 - Term 4 Week 2

Principal

Welcome to Term 4

I would like to express my great care and a warm welcome back to school to all students and families. Term Four has long been my favourite term; in other year’s a week shorter than the other terms and always blessed at the end with the stretch and promise of summer holidays. It also holds the hopes and dreams of the graduating class and is always hope-filled as we begin our planning for the following year.

Generosity - a gift of grace

I would like to take a moment to express my deepest thanks to the many exceptional staff of St Saviour’s College and their generosity in providing excellent opportunities for our students. Many of these opportunities require a level of sacrifice in the family and personal lives of teachers and staff. I would like to acknowledge and express my appreciation for these sacrifices.

Over the holidays, Mrs Greenhalgh and Ms Hunter accompanied 14 St Saviour’s College students to Japan. While an international study tour is always an incredible opportunity, managing 14 students 24 hours a day for 10 days in an unfamiliar environment presents a challenging and tiring experience. I thank Mrs Greenhalgh and Ms Hunter for their wonderful generosity in providing this incredible opportunity for the girls.

Last weekend, Ms Banks, Mrs Schulze and Mr Hickey drove 12 students to the All-Schools Touch Carnival, generously giving up their long weekend with family to ensure our students had outstanding opportunities in sport. When I asked Mrs Schulze, Ms Banks and Mr Hickey how it was, they said that the kids were great, and they improved so much across the weekend. Ms Banks’ comment was that ‘it was just so good for their game’. Clearly, the staff were so passionate about the students’ success that they did not mind being away from family and missing their long weekend. But I could tell it was a tiring weekend - and I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the generosity of these great teachers.

On Sunday evening, a number of staff boarded a bus at 3.00pm, not to return until after midnight. This was to ensure that our students had the opportunity to experience the gift and promise of the Arts, watching Wicked at the Lyric Theatre. Again, while the theatre is always an uplifting experience, it is the generosity of teachers and staff to drive buses, accompany students on weekends that make these opportunities possible.

These are just three examples from the last two weeks, there have been countless others across the year. A teacher’s duty statement is confined to the school day, and yet we are so blessed to have teachers at our great college who every day go above and beyond to ensure the education students receive at St Saviour’s College is exceptional. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Go Isla!

I would like to wish Isla Pascoe all the best for the Nationals Athletics Titles being held this weekend. Isla will complete in the 3000m event for Queensland. When I asked Isla how she was feeling about her training, she said, ‘well my legs are pretty sore, so I must be ready.’ Isla, I know you’re ready and the whole College community will be cheering you on.

Year 12

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Year 12 students all the best for their final weeks. I know they are working diligently in ensuring their final results match their potential and that they are well prepared for their upcoming exams.

Native Pathway

On the first day of this term, Mr Hickey gathered his Ag Science students together to lay the final deco for the path through the new native edible garden. What he didn’t share so willingly was that Mr Hickey, with the help of his partner Barb, spent many hours on the tools over the holidays creating and making this pathway. This is yet another example of the incredible generosity of our staff. We are looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the garden this term and will open it officially in 2025.

Pathways Assembly

It was a joy and a delight to commend so many students on their attainment of certificate courses at our Pathways celebration today. At St Saviour's, we are proud of all pathways and value them equally. The sheer number of students attaining multiple qualifications in addition to their in school subject enrolments is a testament to the well-rounded educational opportunities students receive at the College and the tenacity and practicalities of our learners.

It is clear that students and employers alike value both ‘book-smarts’, strong literacy and numeracy skills and then the ability to practically apply these in a workplace environment.

Congratulations and thanks to Mrs Delahunty and Mrs Cocks for their work in preparing this celebration of our students.

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Year 10 and 11 senior subject changeover 

The start of this term marked a pivotal moment for our Year 10 and 11 students with the senior subject changeover. This is a prime opportunity to ensure your child is on the best academic and vocational path. To discuss subjects or academic progress for your child, please contact me at eleighta.hannam@twb.catholic.edu.au. For more information about TAFE, SBA, traineeships, or other vocational paths, please contact Mrs Delahunty, our Career Development Practitioner. 

Academic leave policy 

Absences extending beyond two days require an official academic leave application. The process is straightforward:

• Parents should inform the school about the upcoming absence 
• Students collect a yellow academic leave form from the student reception 
• Students have a discussion with each teacher to determine what work needs to be completed either during the absence or beforehand 
• Students have Ms Hannam sign the form, indicating school approval for the leave 

Term 4, 2024 assessment dates 

Term 4 is a shorter term than others. Therefore, time management is crucial for students. We urge parents to check the assessment dates listed on the Parent Portal. Any modifications to the schedule will be updated there promptly. Please ensure students are using diaries, Microsoft Outlook or other study management apps or programs to manage their assessment load and exam preparation. 

Year 7 - 11 Awards Ceremony 

Save the date! Our annual Year 7 - 11 Awards Ceremony is slated for 21 November, starting at 8.45am. It is a morning event designed to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of our students in the academic, sporting, service and cultural dimensions of the College. Award recipients will be notified in the coming weeks. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to attend this joyous occasion. 

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

My household is heavily invested in rugby league, so Sunday’s NRL grand final was an exciting event for us…until the final score when no one in my house supported the Panthers. Often my favourite part of the coverage is the preshow when they show the obstacle a player has had to overcome or the impact it has on a family or community when one of the players is playing in a grand final for the first time. I love the hype and the stories and one that stuck with me was about the club success of the Melbourne Storm and their ability to stay at the top of the game for so long. The article highlighted the success to be the result of coach Craig Bellamy’s “character’ test for all potential recruits. The recruitment style is that they recruit on character and then they educate them. They go back to the school, they will phone the principals, school teachers, they go to junior coaches, people in the area where they grew up - and if one or two people say 'he's a bit arrogant', they don't sign them. As part of the character test, Coach Bellamy takes potential recruits to a cafe and if they don't say please or thank you - he doesn't care how good they are, he won't sign them. I believe that there is a clear link between character and success not only in sport but in life. We are fortunate that here at St Saviour’s we have four cornerstone values that allow character to develop – hospitality, excellence, compassion and justice. When we think about our students and what we want from their education, not only do we want a sound academic outcome but one that develops character. I am a true believer that this is the point of difference for Catholic schools. Not only do we concern ourselves with ensuring a student can access and achieve the curriculum, but they develop holistically with the ability after school to live life with a sense of social justice and make a change in the lives around them with their God given gifts. I look forward heading on camp with the Year 11s next week to uncover further their God given gifts, further develop them and the skills of the collective group as they move into their leadership roles for our community in 2025. It is these opportunities that ensure our girls leave equipped with the skills to be resilient and impactful well into their future.   

I would also like to thank the 12 students who competed at the Queensland All Schools Touch Competition on the Gold Coast. The girls competed well above their weight in an opens division with only one student currently in Year 12. Throughout the two days, I saw girls give their best and lead by example, improving along the way and never willing to give up. Congratulations to these girls and a big thank you to staff Rod Hickey and Tammy Banks who also accompanied the team.   

Final assembly

Next Friday at 2.00pm we farewell our Year 12s for the final time and wish them well for their external exams and wherever the road may take them. Year 12 parents are welcome to this final celebration at the Callaghan Centre.   

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Welcome to Term 4

As we enter the final term of the year, we begin by reflecting on Mercy Day, an occasion that holds special significance for St Saviour’s College.

Mercy Day

Mercy Day commemorates the founding of the Sisters of Mercy by Catherine McAuley in 1831. Traditionally celebrated on 24 September, it marks the anniversary of the day Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, a place dedicated to the care and education of the poor, sick, and vulnerable. Over the years, this day has become a celebration of the Sisters of Mercy’s enduring legacy of service and compassion, which continues to inspire communities worldwide.

This year, Mercy Day fell during our school holidays, so we celebrated it on our first day back. The day began with a meaningful prayer, themed Through Open Doors, reminding us of our call to extend kindness and mercy to others. Inspired by Matthew 25:31-45, the theme resonated with our school’s values, encouraging both staff and students to embody the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, who established our college more than 150 years ago.

Our Mercy Day celebration was not only an opportunity to pause and reflect on the history of the Sisters of Mercy, but also to look back on our achievements of the year. The theme, Through Open Doors, urged us to consider how we have opened our hearts to others and how we can continue to do so in the future.

Social Justice Award: Recognising the "Walking Nuns" Collection Initiative

On Thursday, we were honoured to have Bishop Ken present the Social Justice Award during our school assembly. The award was given to the "Walking Nuns" Collection initiative, an inspiring project organised by our Assistant Principal, Mrs Megan Schulze, with the support of Ann Young and Helen Ryan. Launched for the first time on Catherine McAuley Day, this initiative successfully engaged Year 11 and 12 students and staff in a community-driven effort to support the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal, paying homage to the Sisters of Mercy. Known as the “walking nuns” for their dedication to visiting the poor and sick in their homes, the Sisters left a legacy that this initiative sought to honour.

In partnership with local businesses, students collected donations of blankets, warm clothing, and food. These items were gathered on Catherine McAuley Day and later sorted by the Youth Ministry team before being donated to St Vincent de Paul. The initiative addressed immediate community needs while fostering a spirit of solidarity, generosity, and compassion within our school.

Given the overwhelming success of the "Walking Nuns" Collection, we are excited to announce that it will become an annual event, ensuring ongoing support for those in need and inspiring future students to engage in meaningful social justice efforts, in line with the values of the Sisters of Mercy.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

From the Careers Centre

Vocational awards 

Congratulations to Injil Mwibusa who won the Downs Industry Schools Co-operative Vocational Encouragement Award at the recent Year 12 Awards Assembly. Injil completed her School Based Traineeship this year with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance at Point Podiatry. She showed commitment and determination in completing her training to further her skills as she pursues a career in the healthcare industry after school. Injil is commended for her attitude towards her training and for the caring way she engaged with the clients.

Congratulations to Eliza Morcom who won the School Based Apprentice / Traineeship of the Year. Eliza exemplifies what it means to be the SBA Student of the Year. She is committed to her studies and maintains excellent grades in her subjects. Eliza has worked hard with her traineeship study commitments and feedback from her employer indicates she loves her work and is committed to giving her best when dealing with the children.

Important future events 

Toowoomba ADF Gap Year information session

Tuesday 29 October 2024, 6pm – 8pm

17-24 year olds are eligible to apply to undertake an ADF Gap Year to get paid experience in the Navy, Army or Air Force without making a long-term commitment.

To register: ADF Careers - Toowoomba Gap Year information session 

Toowoomba Airforce Careers information session

Thursday 21 November 2024, 6pm – 8pm

Would you like to learn about the wide variety of Air Force careers available? Join ADF Careers for an information session and speak with current serving members about entry pathways and career opportunities.

To register: ADF Careers - Toowoomba Air Force Careers information session

Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career convos!

16 October 2024, 5.30pm – 6.30pm AEST

Join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.

In the webinar, you can expect to learn:

• How can you positively influence your young person in their career decisions
• How can you effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options
• How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration

All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible!  Further information is available at: Career Conversations @ Home - Helping parents have positive career convos! Tickets, Wed 16/10/2024 at 6:30 pm | Eventbrite

Scholarships  

AFTRS First Nations Scholarships

Value: Up to $25,000 AUD

Open date: 19 June 2024 and closing date: 11 November 2024. AFTRS First Nations Scholarships are awarded based on creative excellence or equity. The scholarships are intended to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the costs associated with higher education at AFTRS. AFTRS First Nations Scholarship funds are provided by The Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust. Find out more

QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship

Value: $24,000 AUD

Open date: 28 July 2024 and closing date: 10 January 2025. The scholarship will support budding student entrepreneurs and engage their passion for entrepreneurial action in the for-profit or for-purpose space. Find out more

Macquarie Regional and Remote Support Scholarship

Value: $10,000 AUD per year

Open date: 1 April 2024 and closing date: 31 January 2025. A scholarship to support rural and remote students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree. Find out more

SBA Vacancies

Years 10, 11 and 12: Certificate III in Hospitality – Kingfishers Café – Closing date 17.10.2024. The successful applicant will learn how to perform a range of tasks including: provide service to customers, process financial transactions, use hygienic practices for food safety, prepare and serve beverages, provide table service of food and beverage and provide advice on food. Applicants are to contact Raz on 0434 773 552 to arrange an interview.

Years 10, 11 and 12: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery - Closing date 17.10.2024. The successful applicant will learn how to perform a range of tasks including: Preparing a range of dishes inspired by local and international cuisine, understanding special dietary requirements, apply safe food handling and safe work practices and collaborate effectively in a commercial kitchen environment. Applicants are to contact Raz on 0434 773 552 to arrange an interview.

Louise Delahunty
Acting Career Development Practitioner

Maths news

UQ/QAMT Problem-Solving Competition

The annual UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Competition is a fantastic opportunity for all secondary school students in Queensland to test their mathematical prowess. This competition challenges students with five intriguing problems, awarding marks not only for correct answers but also for the thought process and working shown. While the problems don’t require knowledge beyond that of a diligent student, they do demand a good deal of ingenuity and critical thinking.

On April 26, we had 16 students from Years 9 and 10 who stepped up to take on this challenge. Given that all papers are meticulously marked by hand, the results took a bit longer to arrive. Although our students didn’t place in the top ranks across Queensland, we are incredibly proud to announce that two of our participants received commendations for their outstanding efforts. Congratulations to Hayley Norman from Year 9 and Indiana Cavendish from Year 10!

A heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated. Your willingness to engage and push the boundaries of your mathematical abilities is truly commendable. Keep up the great work!

Narinder Loi
Curriculum Leader Mathematics

Arts and Performance news

Year 12 farewell concert - a celebration of talent and dedication  

On Wednesday 9 October, we got to celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of our Year 12 students at the Year 12 farewell concert. For the past six years, this incredible group has graced our college with their creativity and passion, from unforgettable musicals and plays to powerful choir performances, innovative media arts films, and captivating art displays. 

As they prepare to graduate, we came together to honour their hard work and achievements one last time. It was truly a night to remember! 

A bittersweet farewell at the Year 12 Valedictory Mass 

On Wednesday 11 September, the Year 12 Valedictory Mass was held, marking a significant milestone for our graduating students. This year’s Mass was particularly poignant as the Saviour’s Sisters Performance Choir led the hymns, filling the ceremony with their beautiful and harmonious voices. 

This event was especially meaningful for the choir as we bid farewell to ten of our original members. These students have been dedicated members of the Saviour’s Sisters since the choir’s formation in 2021. Their commitment and passion have been instrumental in shaping the choir’s success and spirit. 

As we celebrate their achievements and contributions, it is a bittersweet moment. We are incredibly proud of their journey and wish them the very best in their future endeavours. Their presence will be deeply missed, but their legacy will continue to inspire future members of the Saviour’s Sisters. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable students and look forward to seeing the wonderful paths they will carve out in the years to come. 

First Eisteddfod performance 2021 

Eisteddfod 2022 

Eisteddfod 2023 

Eisteddfod 2024 

A Thrillifying Night at the Theatre!

On Sunday, 6 October, 31 of our day and boarding students, along with 5 staff members, had the incredible opportunity to watch Wicked at QPAC. For many, it was their first time experiencing a professional musical production, and it was nothing short of spectacular!
Our students’ behaviour was exemplary, and they found the performance completely “thrillifying.”

Why is this important?

•    Cultural Enrichment: Broadens horizons and deepens appreciation for the arts
•    Inspiration: Sparks artistic passions and aspirations
•    Educational Value: Offers new perspectives and insights
•    Community: Fosters a sense of shared experience and connection
•    Behavioural Development: Teaches important social skills and theatre etiquette

We are so proud of our students and look forward to more enriching experiences like this! 

Celebrating our Piano Students 

Over the holidays, our wonderful private piano students performed in a concert with our private tutor, Mrs Kylie Parker.  The girls represented the College beautifully and had a wonderful time showcasing their progress. 

Discover Your Voice with Jon Maskell! 

Are you ready to take your vocal skills to the next level? Starting from Term 4, we are excited to announce limited availability of much sought-after vocal lessons with our talented instructor, Jon Maskell. 

Jon Maskell brings years of experience and a passion for music to every lesson. Whether you’re a beginner looking to find your voice or an experienced singer aiming to refine your technique, Jon’s personalised approach will help you achieve your musical goals. 

Why choose Jon Maskell? 

• Expert instruction: learn from a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of vocal techniques 
• Personalised lessons: tailored to your individual needs and skill level 
• Supportive environment: encouraging and motivating atmosphere to help you thrive

Details: 

• Start date: Term 4 
• Cost: $38/half hour lesson
• Location: PD4 (music practice room)
• Contact: Jennifer.potter@twb.catholic.edu.au   

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your vocal abilities and discover the joy of singing with Jon Maskell. Sign up today and let your voice shine! 

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:

• 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 
• 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

Summer State Titles AFA Futsal Competition

Library News

Welcome

All resources to be returned before the end of term. 

The one time of year everything must be back. There is no borrowing over the Christmas break as we would like all resources returned to their home in the library so they can be checked over and audited for the year. 

Overdue and recall notices are being sent out over the next few weeks and continuing through the term to remind students to return all their resources. Students can access what they have out through our Library Web App – please encourage your child/ren to check what they have out that must be returned. Go to the link, sign in using the Single Sign on blue button. 

Stay tuned in upcoming newsletters for activities to keep yourselves reading over the Christmas break. 

New resources

New resources are still available at the moment – come in and check out what is on display. Check the images below to see what is new in our library.  

Don’t forget: write your suggestions and put them in the box on the front counter so we know here in the library what resources you would like to see available for borrowing. 

Senior (Years 10-12)

Biography

Fiction

Fiction - family and relationships

Non-fiction

What's happening in the library?

International School Libraries Month: October – School Libraries: Community Connectors 

We are currently celebrating International School Libraries month and tying it into our Halloween with the theme of Connecting through community events A great time to celebrate with being creative and imagining all the spooky goodness of Halloween and connecting with what is happening in our community at this time of year. 

What are the objectives of International School Libraries Month? 

• To promote literacy 
• Foster lifelong learning
• Advocate for school libraries
• Build community connections 
• Celebrate diversity
• Empower student voice
• Support professional development
• Raise Awareness 

Retrieved from: https://iasl-online.org/ISLM-Theme  

Love Your Bookshop Day – 12th October: Giving the Gift of Imagination 

Free your imagination at your local bookshop 

The theme of Love Your Bookshop Day (LYBD) 2024 is Giving the Gift of Imagination, celebrating the crucial role bookshops play in inspiring our imagination. 

Bookshops don’t just sell books; they are gateways to endless worlds. Stepping into a bookshop can transport you to a universe where you can explore the depths of Greek mythology, attend schools of magic, or journey through space with a little prince. Your local bookshop is your passport to anywhere your imagination takes you. 

Your local bookseller adopts the role of travel guide, navigating you through these unique worlds and providing you with your next potential obsession. 

Head to your local bookshop on Saturday 12 October to find your way to a world of infinite possibilities. 

Retrieved from: https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/  

Remember though the best bookshop is the free bookshop – Your school and public library so check out a book and sit back, relax and READ. 

Stay safe and keep reading.

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian