St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 2 Week 4
Principal

Celebrating Catherine McAuley Day
Yesterday, our College community came together to celebrate Catherine McAuley Day - a highlight in our Mercy calendar. After a beautiful Mass led by Fr Ray, students headed into the wider Toowoomba community to put compassion into action. Across six different service projects, our students encountered both the depth of need that exists in our city and the remarkable people who serve quietly, consistently, and with great love.
Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s belief in 'taking short, careful steps, not great strides,' students returned with stories of listening, helping, and learning that will stay with them long beyond the day. It was a moving reminder that mercy is often found in the most ordinary of moments - and that we are each called to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Careers Week and Mercy Mentors – inspiring pathways
As part of Careers Week, students have been engaging in activities designed to build confidence, spark interest, and explore future possibilities. One exciting initiative has been the Mercy Mentors program - a new offering that connects our senior students with inspiring past pupils. These informal conversations provide real-world insight into various careers and highlight the diverse journeys our graduates have taken.
It’s a powerful reminder that the foundation of a Mercy education continues long after graduation - and that our students are supported by a network of women who walk with them into the future. We were inspired to hear the incredible stories of passion, resilience and creativity from our past pupils. We thank these incredible empowered women wholeheartedly for their generosity in supporting our current Mercy Girls. Parent Engagement Network meetingThank you to all who attended Wednesday night’s Parent Engagement Network (PEN) meeting. These gatherings are a vital opportunity for connection, dialogue, and shared vision between families and the College. A special thank you to Ms Tammy Banks, who presented so passionately about our growing STEM offerings, and to Ms Megan Schulze, who shared valuable insights into Qustodio, the online monitoring software soon to be available to support families in guiding their daughters’ digital habits.
We are grateful for the expertise and care these staff members bring to their work - and for the thoughtful contributions of parents on the day.Our PEN team is keen to begin some further social connections for parents, and we warmly invite all parents and carers to make suggestions or connect with our Parent Engagement Network team. If you have a question, topic, or area of interest you would like discussed at the meeting, please feel free to email me and we will happily present this at our next PEN meeting.Jessica Wade
Principal
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Year 11 and 12 academic updates
Our Year 11 students are currently wrapping up their Unit 1 assessments and content, while also beginning Unit 2 across all subjects. Meanwhile, Year 12 students have started Unit 4. Reports for the completion of Units 1 and 3 will be sent out within the next two weeks, providing students and families with timely insights into academic progress.
For our Year 12 cohort, there are now only two assessments remaining in each subject before graduation. While the finish line is approaching, we encourage our soon-to-be graduates to stay focused and finish strong.
The QCAA external exam calendar has been released and can be downloaded here. Although the external exams are still a few months away, it’s important for families to be aware of the significant academic commitments during this period. We kindly ask parents to avoid scheduling holidays, weekend trips, or busy social activities that could disrupt their daughters’ study and assessment routines.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students achieve their best.
Nurturing courageous learners
Courage is an essential ingredient for meaningful learning, and as Brené Brown’s research shows, there is no courage without risk. True courage means embracing vulnerability - the willingness to face uncertainty, take risks, and put yourself out there even when the outcome is unknown. Brown reminds us that ‘you can’t get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability’ and that stepping into the arena, despite the possibility of failure or criticism, is where real growth happens. For students, this means that learning is not just about getting the right answers but about daring to try, make mistakes, and keep going. The discomfort of vulnerability is the very space where courage and learning thrive.
At St Saviour’s College, our staff deeply value courage as a vital learning disposition and actively support students in embracing the challenges that come with growth. Drawing on Dr Becky Kennedy’s work, we teach students to understand that frustration is a natural and necessary part of the 'learning space' - the gap between not knowing and knowing. Rather than avoiding frustration, students are encouraged to see it as a powerful signal that their brains are rewiring and growing. This ability to tolerate frustration builds resilience and is closely linked to courage, as it requires students to face discomfort, take risks, and persist despite uncertainty. By fostering a growth mindset and normalising the messiness of learning, we help students develop the confidence to step into new challenges and keep moving forward, knowing that real learning happens when they show the courage to stay engaged in that uncomfortable space.
For parents wanting to nurture courageous learners, there are practical ways to support their daughters in developing this mindset. Encourage your daughter to step outside her comfort zone by taking on challenges that stretch her abilities and celebrate her efforts as much as her successes. Model courage yourself by sharing your own experiences of facing fear and uncertainty, showing that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Help her build a growth mindset by framing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than signs of failure. Finally, create a safe environment where she feels supported to take risks without fear of harsh judgment, reinforcing that courage is about showing up and trying, no matter the outcome. By fostering these habits, parents can empower their daughters to become resilient, confident, and courageous learners.
Careers Week review
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Mrs Louise Delahunty, our Career Development Practitioner, and Mrs Lisa Cocks, our Careers Support Officer, who have recently delivered an inspiring and comprehensive Careers Week experience for our students. The week began with a dynamic panel during assembly featuring past students who graduated between the 1990's and 2016. This engaging session was a wonderful opportunity for the entire school community to learn from the diverse career journeys of our alumni. Following the panel, these former students made themselves available to network with current students, offering valuable insights into various career pathways and sharing their experiences.
This week, recent graduates returned to speak directly with our Year 11 and 12 students about their transitions from high school to university and the workforce, providing real-world perspectives that help bridge the gap between school and beyond. A highlight of the week was the Careers Expo, where students from Years 10 to 12, alongside parents, engaged with a broad range of industry representatives in our College hall. This event offered a rich platform for networking and learning about the many opportunities available beyond school. The dedication of Mrs Delahunty and Mrs Cocks in creating such a diverse and inclusive career education program, is vital in helping our students develop self-awareness, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Their work ensures our students are empowered to explore a wide array of career options and make informed decisions about their futures.
Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Over the last decade, Pope Francis showed us the profound impact compassionate and effective leaders can have in creating change. A pillar of our wellbeing framework is leadership and service opportunities. Leaders aren't born; they develop through a collection of skills. If we are courageous enough to embrace and learn these skills, we can all lead and positively impact those around us. At the College we have incorporated through the framework year level specific leadership development strategies, to help all our students grow into competent, compassionate leaders who will one day make a real difference in our world. In Week 2, we welcomed our Year 7’s into the Student Representative Council (SRC) and are excited to have Anita Juac and Ayak Geu join our SRC, a committee of students who look to make our College a better place for all our learners. I thank all the Year 7 candidates who prepared speeches; all students did an amazing job in the preparation and delivery.

Throughout Week 2 our Year 9s ventured to Emu Gully where they grew together through obstacles and collectively drew on each other strengths to complete activities and build resilience and a knowledge of ‘we can do this, I can do this’. This building resilience will not only help with personal challenges still yet to come throughout adolescence and adulthood, but that of leadership when they lead with a growth mindset knowing that to be a good leader we must look to always improve and not be afraid of failure but use it as a strength. I thank Mrs Benvenuti and Mrs Young with their leadership of the camp and Mr Hickey, Mrs Holmes and Mr Nilon who took time to stay with the girls.




Through our Empowered lessons this term, the Year 11’s are working through various leadership workshops, in preparation for the 2026 student elected leaders process that will start in Term 3. The workshops are looking at how all our Year 12’s are leaders regardless of a badge and how we can lead a community of 300 girls through their high school journey. Throughout these workshops, we draw on the servant leadership model and our Sisters of Mercy founder, Catherine McAuley. Catherine, along with other Sisters, were true forces in a poverty-stricken Ireland and their relentless tenacity and willingness to help and support those in need, is truly inspirational and one that our leaders need to embody today.
This brings me to Thursday’s celebration of Catherine McAuley and the wonderful role model she and the Sisters of Mercy are for our students today. My role in Catherine McAuley Day is to bring our community together and create a sense of belonging but also find ways for us to live out our mercy values of justice, compassion, hospitality and excellence. After coming together at Mass to celebrate Catherine McAuley and who we are as a College, students participated in the teacher vs student debate… a way for students to look at ways to fight for justice.

After this, my favourite part of Catherine McAuley Day took place. The middle section of the day engaged students in being compassionate and participating in acts of service with our local organisations who care for the most vulnerable in our community. This part of the day gives students the opportunity to be the hands of Mercy and to move from a ‘me centred’ to a ‘us centred’ approach. I thank the staff who amazingly donated food and toiletry items for students to package and deliver to Tony’s Kitchen (48 treat packs packaged), Protea Place (40 toiletry packs packaged) and The Base Services (30 food packs packaged) and the local Toowoomba businesses who encouraged their employees to donate winter woolies that our Year 11 and 12’s collected to pass onto the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal. It is amazing what communities can do we given the opportunity to come together for a common cause and the vehicle to make change. It is these lessons I hope our students take with them when they leave St Saviour’s College and make a difference in the world.

Our day ended with sharing hospitality through afternoon tea, with house cakes, and then demonstrating our commitment to excellence through competing in a Gaelic Football (Irish traditional game) for Mercy Shield Points. I thank all that helped to bring the day together and I know it will have lasting impacts on our girls once they leave our community.
Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Standing together: candlelight vigil for domestic and family violence awareness
On Wednesday 8 May, over fifty staff and students from our College community joined the Toowoomba Together candlelight vigil at the Empire Theatre, standing in solidarity against domestic and family violence. Organised in partnership with the Toowoomba Regional Council, the Domestic Violence Action Centre, and Zonta International, the event was a powerful expression of remembrance, hope, and resolve.
As part of the ceremony, 113 sparklers were lit — each one symbolising a life lost to domestic and family violence in Australia over the past year. The brief, flickering light of each sparkler served as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the devastating cost of silence and inaction.
Zonta International, a leading global organisation advocating for the rights and wellbeing of women and girls, played a key role in supporting the event. Their ongoing commitment to ending gender-based violence was evident through their presence and advocacy on the night.
Our staff and students represented the College with compassion and grace, embodying the Mercy Values of justice and courage. We remain committed to fostering a community where all people are safe, heard, and valued.

Catherine McAuley Day
Catherine McAuley Day is a cherished tradition in our College calendar, celebrating the life and legacy of the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. This year’s theme focused on water as a symbol of mercy, healing, and renewal, aligning with the Church’s call to be Pilgrims of Hope in a world longing for justice and peace.
The celebration began with a whole-school Mass, where a deeply moving water ritual formed the heart of the liturgy. In the lead-up to the day, students and staff were invited to come forward and pour water into a communal vessel, offering a silent prayer as they did so. This collective act formed our Wellspring of Mercy - a symbol of shared hope, faith, and intention. During the Mass, Father Ray used this blessed water in a ritual of anointing and blessing, reminding us that from our unity flows compassion, strength, and peace.
Inspired by Mercy International’s global mission and Catherine McAuley’s enduring spirit, the celebration invited us to reflect on how we are called to live as people of mercy and hope. In a world often marked by challenge and change, we were reminded that to be Pilgrims of Hope is to carry light, healing, and courage into the lives of others.

Mayoral Prayer Breakfast
On Tuesday 13 May, students and staff from St Saviour’s College attended the 31st annual Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours International. The morning brought together schools, churches, and community leaders to pray for our city and support Red Frogs Australia, a charity helping young people make positive life choices.
Guest speaker Professor Ian Harper AO, a leading economist and person of faith, spoke about how Christian values can shape ethical leadership and economic justice. His message encouraged all present to consider how faith and service can positively influence society.
It was a powerful reminder of the impact of prayer, community, and purpose-led leadership.


Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity
Sports news

Start of Term 2 sports: soccer, volleyball, and Saturday netball
As Term 2 kicks off, our school is buzzing with excitement as students gear up for an action-packed sports season. This term, we are thrilled to spotlight three major sports: soccer, volleyball, and Saturday netball. Our dedicated athletes have been training rigorously, and we can't wait to see their hard work pay off in the upcoming games.
Soccer
Our soccer teams have been hitting the field with enthusiasm and determination. Under the guidance of our experienced coach Mrs Jordan Franke, students have been honing their skills, focusing on teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness. The soccer season promises to be thrilling, with matches scheduled throughout the term. We encourage everyone to come out and support our teams as they strive for victory and sportsmanship. Round 1 had St Saviour’s College play Glennie and although the result was a 3-2 loss, the girls showed plenty effort. Well done to our new players Eresha and Liv on their first ever games of soccer.


Volleyball
Tuesday night volleyball has seen a surge in popularity this year, and our teams are more prepared than ever. Training sessions have been intense, with players working on their serves, spikes, and blocks. Games are across different venues this term so be sure to check with Mr Hickey regarding game times.
Saturday netball
Saturday netball is a beloved tradition at our school, and this term is no exception. Our netball team has been practicing diligently, focusing on agility, precision, and teamwork. The Saturday games are a highlight for many, offering a chance for the community to come together and support our players. Grading will finish this week and at this stage our SSC Stars team will be placed in or around the Cadet D or E division which will then tell us what time they play each week. Stay tuned for updates.
Join us in supporting our athletes
We invite all students, parents, and community members to join us in supporting our sports teams this term. Your encouragement and presence at the games make a significant difference to our athletes. Let's come together to celebrate their dedication, hard work, and passion for sports.
Stay tuned for updates on game schedules and results.
From the Sports Captain Liv Soeters
Kicking off Term 2, some of our sporting teams have taken to the field and court. Our Tuesday night volleyball teams, Monday night soccer and our Saturday netball team have been working hard in training and their first games. Thank you to the coaches who have volunteered their time to develop our school sports.
Just a reminder about sports uniform and Physical Education classes. Please make sure you are prepared for your Physical Education lesson and wearing full sports uniform on practical days. Wearing the sports uniform allows us to move without being restricted and participate in sport in a comfortable way.
I have been collecting data and information on students who play sport to help build their profile on our social media, if your student would like to be a part of this, can you have them email me or come and see me in the playground for more details.
Wednesday sport
Students have selected new sports for Wednesday afternoon; it is important that students have a hat and water for some of these sports as they are often still taking place in the hotter parts of the day. Please speak with your student about their selection to fully understand what they are doing during this time. Having a sport option is valuable for students to disconnect from screens and study and to help balance their mental stress and wellbeing. Attached is a guide for parents and students with the offerings and teacher contacts for Wednesday sport.
Upcoming sports
- Vicki Wilson Netball - 30 May
- Karyn Murphy Cup Rugby League – 12 & 13 June
- Golden Glove Softball - August

Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE
Arts and Performance news

Celebrating student talent at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod and beyond
The Arts and Performance team is proud to celebrate the achievements of our talented Year 10 students, Penny Sanders and Sophie Moore, who recently competed in the Year 10 Musical Theatre Solo section at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod on Thursday, 8 May.
While the girls did not place in this highly competitive section, they delivered outstanding performances, earning impressive scores of 85/100 and 83/100. Penny and Sophie represented St Saviour’s College with pride, professionalism, and passion. Congratulations to both students on their dedication and courage - your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Next up: our choirs take the stage
The excitement continues as our College choirs prepare to perform at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod:
- Saviour’s Sisters (full College Choir)
Saturday, 17 May
5.30pm session
- Saviour’s Singers (small group choir)
Sunday, 18 May
12.30pm session
Our participation in the Eisteddfod is not about winning but about embracing the opportunity to perform in a professional venue, connect with other schools, and experience musical excellence. The feedback from adjudicators is invaluable, helping us grow as performers and as a team.
We wish our choirs the very best as they take to the stage once again, proudly representing St Saviour’s College with their beautiful harmonies and team spirit.

A week of music and meaning
Amidst Eisteddfod preparations, our choir also performed at the Catherine McAuley Day Mass, filling St Patrick’s Cathedral with their harmonious voices. Their performance was a moving tribute to our College’s heritage and values.
Thank you, Abi Allan!
A heartfelt thank you to Year 9 student Abi Allan for her stunning vocal and guitar performance at the Mother’s Day afternoon tea on Friday, 9 May. Abi’s beautiful music created a warm and memorable atmosphere for our guests, and we are so proud of the way she represented the College with grace and talent.

Looking ahead: Showcase auditions coming soon
Once the Eisteddfod concludes, students will begin preparing for our Showcase performances in Week 2, Term 3. Auditions will be held in Week 6 of this term, so now is the time to start thinking about your performance pieces. Whether you sing, dance, act, or play an instrument, we encourage all students to get involved and share their talents.
Support St Mary’s College – “Lord of the Flies”
We also encourage our St Saviour’s community to support our brother school, St Mary’s College, in their upcoming production of “Lord of the Flies”—a powerful adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel.
Performance details:
Thursday, 19 – Saturday, 21 June 2025
Edmund Rice Cultural Centre, St Mary’s College
Tickets: $15–$25
St Mary's College Presents 'Lord of the Flies' Tickets, Edmund Rice Cultural Centre , Newtown | TryBooking Australia
About the play:
'Maybe there is a beast. Maybe it’s just us.' This gripping story explores the fine line between civilisation and savagery as a group of schoolboys struggle for survival on a deserted island. With an all-male cast and immersive staging, this production promises to be a thought-provoking experience for audiences aged 13 and over.
Please note:
The performance includes flashing lights, loud sounds, and intense scenes. A breakout space and sensory supports will be available for audience members who need them.
Let’s continue to celebrate the arts, support one another, and shine on every stage we step onto!
Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Careers Centre
Careers Week
Happy Careers Week!
Mercy Mentors
In the lead up to and during Careers Week this year, we invited back a range of past students (14!) to be part of our Mercy Mentors program. We had Alisha Weston, Jess Gardner, Shannon Smith, Sian Pugh, Dr Amy O’Sullivan, Dr Krystal Schaffer, Paige Skinner and Allison Grimley offer 1-1 mentoring and participate in a whole school assembly careers Q and A session. We were so overjoyed to have these past students return to the College and share their memories and career stories with us and spend some time mentoring students.
We also welcomed back a number of recent graduates who spoke with Year 11 and 12 students about finishing school and transitioning to life beyond school including: full time work, taking a gap year and university studies. These ladies reinforced the importance of setting yourself up for success, having routines and taking advantage of opportunities offered to you. Thanks to Emily, Giliann, Furaha, Maryam, Peace and Adolphine for your time and insights.
If you are a past student or have a story you think would be valuable for our students to hear, please let me know and I will make sure we invite you to share with us hear at the College. We look forward to engaging with people from all walks of life to share their career stories.


Careers Expo
Once again, we ran our annual Careers Expo which allowed Year 10, 11 and 12 students to engage with more than 20+ employers, educational institutions and training providers. We sincerely thank all these institutions for joining with us and exhibiting to our students. This is a most valuable opportunity for our students to learn about opportunities, practice networking and to continue their career exploration journeys.
I would encourage you to reflect with your students on their experience:
- Did they learn anything new?
- Were there any careers, employers or courses that interested them?
- What questions do they have after the expo?
- If they are unsure about future steps, what can they do to keep finding out more about their own skills and interested? (Answer: book a careers consultation!)
Many thanks to our exhibitors: Queensland Ambulance, Australian Defence Force, Darling Downs Health, Newlands Group, Toowoomba Regional Council, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, EzyQuip Hire, FK Gardner, Queensland Police Service (SES), Australian Well Control Centre, Well Life Services, TAFE Qld, UniSQ, TCSO SBA Program, Aurora, Community Services Gateway to Industry Program, Mater Education, DGT, Health Gateway to Industry Program and Golden West Apprenticeships.



Early entry: Quick facts
If you're in Year 12 this year, you've probably already started thinking about university. But you don't need to wait until the end of the year, you can secure your place at university before you sit your end of year exams.
What is early entry?
Early entry gives you the chance to receive an offer to university before you've finished your exams. This can give you peace of mind and help you be more relaxed during what can be a stressful time. One important thing to note is that most early offers are conditional, meaning you need to meet one or more conditions before your offer becomes final. Common conditions include things like completing Year 12, achieving a minimum ATAR, or completing prerequisite subjects.
How do I apply for early entry?
Most universities manage their own early entry programs, so you'll be applying directly instead of through a Tertiary Admission Centre (though sometimes you'll need to apply through both). Unfortunately, this means they all have different application processes and dates.
Want to find out more?
Have more questions? Click on the link for the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about early entry - you can read them here.
Upcoming careers events and university open days in Terms 2 and 3
Career events can provide many benefits for your personal and professional growth. You can learn new skills or update existing ones, which can make you more competitive and confident in the job market. Networking with people who share your interests, goals, and challenges can offer you support, advice, or referrals. Additionally, it can be a great opportunity to explore different career options or paths and discover new possibilities that you may not have considered before.
University open days are all about helping you get a feel for what it would be like to study at a particular university. They’re often a combination of general information sessions, more specific subject area presentations, and a showcase of all the university has to offer by way of facilities and recreational or lifestyle programs.
Date | Event | Further Information |
Sunday 18 May | Creative Arts Open Day – Griffith University | |
Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 June | Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo 2025 (Brisbane Convention and exhibition centre) | |
Wednesday 18 June | #Go Health Careers (Brisbane Convention and exhibition centre) | |
Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 June | St Saviour’s College Year 10 Work Experience program | |
Wednesday 16 July | Toowoomba Careers Expo (Toowoomba Showgrounds) | |
Saturday 19 July | JCU Open Day | |
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July | TSXPO – Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo | |
Sunday 20 July | Uni9SQ Open Day – Moreton Bay Campus | Open Day | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia |
Saturday 26 July | Bond Open Day | Open Day | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
Sunday 27 July | QUT Open Day | |
Tuesday 5 August | Year 9 and Year 11 TAFE Tour (Toowoomba TAFE campus) | |
Sunday 3 August | UniSQ Open Day – Sunshine Coast Campus | Open Day | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia |
Sunday 3 August | UQ Open Day – St Lucia | |
Saturday 9 August | UniSQ – Springfield Open Day | |
Sunday 10 August | Griffith Open Day | |
Saturday 16 August | UniSQ Open Day | |
Sunday 17 August | UQ Open Day – Gatton Campus | |
Monday 25 – Friday 29 August | Year 10 SET Plan Interviews | |
Tuesday 26 August | UniSQ Discover day for Year 7 / 8 students (UniSQ campus) |
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
- Griffith scholarships
- Access, Merit & Equity Scholarships | TAFE Queensland
Further information and help
Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviours 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
Career Development Practitioner
McAuley House news

We finally have all the girls back in the house and we are looking forward to a normal school week – all these public holidays and special events create a different vibe in the house. There are always people coming and going and it is great to see the girls involved in so many sports, but also to spend time with family and friends.
It is great to see the girls commit to taking up opportunities such as TAFE or other courses, choir, debating, cadets, along with our girls who go out to work each week and of course our sportswomen who step up for both school and clubs level sports. Along with that is the commitment of our staff – there are many kilometres racked up in the van each week with all these activities and a very special thanks to the staff who all go above and beyond to ensure that the girls get to where they need to be.
One of our gestures of farewell to McAuley House is our welcoming wall. The staff painted the wall over the Christmas beak and now the girls have been asked to leave their mark – some of these girls are very talented.

Di May
Head of Boarding
Library news

Welcome
Wow! Where did Term 1 go? It seems like only a couple of weeks has passed and this term looks like it is turning out just as busy. We have so much planned!
What’s happening in the Library in this week and beyond?
Following on from this will be our Read More in May celebrations. Throughout the month of May, we will be celebrating various literary components by creating pocket displays throughout the library. Every week there will be a new pocket display added to celebrate another literary part of the library world. Our Read More in May will culminate in showing various fandoms for our students, which will lead to our Fandom Day celebrations in Week 9.

This week we have our Dr Who Fandom display added to our Harry Potter, Star Wars and Disney displays in the library – it is starting to fill up! Will we have enough space for all our fandoms to come? You will have to visit the library to find out…
But here is a sneak peak of our current displays for you…















Check out our library online dashboard to find out more on our current theme. Our library online catalogue reflects the upcoming day. There are some interactive components, including a find-a-word to complete. The link is on our dashboard:
What are our Fandom Day celebrations you ask?
When: Friday, 20 June
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 (all going to plan)
Why: to raise funds for Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice. To enjoy the different ways in which literature is expressed and the importance of literacy for our school community
Reading
I came across this relevant quote from Katherine Paterson the other day (author of Bridge to Terabithia):
“It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations-something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.”
Katherine Paterson wrote a number of children’s literature books, including the classic often read in schools Bridge to Terabithia. She wrote this book in 1977, and you would probably still find some schools in Australia with it as a class novel or in their library. In fact, if you did a search in our online school catalogue (link above) you would find links to the movie and eBook available.
I love this quote because it embodies what we want – students to love reading. To do that we must make sure our library contains resources that students want to read.
So, how do we do that here?
- We use students’ suggestions – this is the school’s library and the students that attend this school therefore have the largest say in what is purchased
- Having a robust buying capability – resources cost money, whether that is ensuring there is a hard copy of the resource available or providing access via online eBooks and audiobooks
- High quality – reading resources that are not high quality will end up not engaging our students
- Current – continual weeding of the collection and purchasing through a collection development policy ensures resources are relevant and up-to-date
How does this happen? Through having a dedicated Teacher Librarian managing the space.
New books in the library!
Come and check out our new books – some are on display and others on the shelf. If there is one you would like to read and you are not sure where it is – just ask at the front desk, we love helping someone make a connection with one of the books waiting to be read. You can also check out our library online through our student intranet.
This selection is entirely Manga from our visit with Zombster from Brisbane.
General Collections:
Manga









Date Claimers
May 12: Dr Who celebration
May 16: International Museum Day – Adventures with Indiana Jones!
May 21: National Simultaneous Storytime
May 22: Sherlock Holmes Day
May 27: Obi Wan Kenobi Day
June 2: Superhero celebrations
And more… but all culminating in our FANDOM Day! Friday Week 9 (20 June). This is a dress-up day.
“Children read to learn -- even when they are reading fantasy, nonsense, light verse, comics or the copy on cereal packets, they are expanding their minds all the time, enlarging their vocabulary, making discoveries: it is all new to them.” — Joan Aiken
Andrea King
Teacher Librarian
Interact Club
Mother's Day Morning Tea at Yukana
On 10 May, our Interact Club had the incredible opportunity to visit the residents of Yukana Retirement Village for a special Mother's Day celebration. The event featured a delightful morning tea, generously prepared by the Toowoomba Rotary Club.
Our visit was more than just a gathering; it was a chance to foster community spirit. Interact members brought smiles and shared stories, highlighting the importance of companionship and support for the elderly. This heartfelt event allowed residents to reminisce about their own experiences of motherhood and nurtured a profound sense of belonging.
A big thank you to everyone involved in making this day memorable!
Interact Committee

