St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 1 Week 10
Principal
Happy Harmony Day – the Best of Us
On Tuesday this week, we came together to celebrate Harmony Day, a day dedicated to embracing our diverse cultures and fostering connection and hospitality in our school.
For me, Harmony Day is a moment in time, in which all the other ‘stuff’ falls away and I am left to be truly present and in awe of our incredible community and all we are together.
I am grateful to every student and family who shared a part of themselves with us this week on Harmony Day. To the parents and students who spent the weekend and much of Monday evening baking and preparing food for Harmony Day – thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality.
The day fittingly began with a beautiful whole school Mass celebration, led by Bishop Ken Howell. We extend our immense gratitude to Bishop Ken for his generosity and his inspiring message of inclusion and love. We also thank Fr Michael O’Brien and Fr Ray Crowley for their roles in concelebration, and all those who contributed to preparing the Mass, including Ms Dempster, Ms Lindsay, Ms Potter, the Choir and Demi and the leaders for their stunning song of reflection and praise.
Following the Mass, the excitement continued with our very own World Cup soccer tournament. Students from different grades formed House teams showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. The matches were thrilling, and despite a couple of questionable calls from referees Mr Anderson and Mr Leathart, and it was wonderful to see the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie among our student body.
A true highlight of the day was the food and cultural stalls. These stalls offered a delightful array of dishes from around the world, allowing us to experience and appreciate the diverse traditions within our community.
The concert was simply exceptional. I was moved to tears many times with incredible pride in our students and all they will be in our world. Students spoke eloquently and informatively about their cultures and performed with a range of numbers from the Egyptian National Anthem on Piano (thank you Yoanna!) to the mesmerising Rotuman Dancers (thankyou Daeja, Hanisi, Aire, Mae and Joyce!) to the feast for the senses that was our African medley and our Desi Girls performances. Just as I was in awe of the students on the stage, I was also in awe of the support and joy I saw in the audience as they clapped and cheered their classmates, who with courage and pride, honoured the stories of their family. There can truly be no better place to celebrate Harmony Day than at our school.
Congratulations to Year 8 student Chelsea Cameron who has just returned from the Queensland State Swimming Titles. Chelsea competed in 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 200m medley relay and 200m freestyle relay. She qualified for the state finals in the 50m butterfly and placed 8th in Queensland. Congratulations Chelsea on your achievements, your tenacity, quiet determination and commitment to bringing your best! St Saviour’s is so proud of you.
Basketball and Volleyball Success
Since our last newsletter, both our Volleyballers and Basketballers have played their Grand Finals. I congratulate our College basketballers for their premiership win in the Grand Final over Harristown. They were simply exceptional on the night and, as always, humble victors.
It was many of the same students who backed up on Tuesday of Week 9 to play in the Volleyball finals with a number of teams playing for medal places. I congratulate our senior teams for their win over Fairholme to place third and congratulate our other senior team for their determination, but ultimate second placing to Concordia, in the final.
All of our sporting success relies on the generosity of passionate teachers, volunteers, coaches and mentors. Their time, passion and wisdom is valued. I thank Mr Greg Leathart, Mr Rod Hickey, Mrs Rachel Reen, Mr Rob Anderson, Ms Tammy Bank, Ms Jordie Franke, Ms Kara Jensen and Mrs Megan Schulze for their commitment to coaching sporting teams in Term 1.
I take this opportunity to wish every member of the College family a safe, restful and restorative break. At the end of the holidays, as a Catholic community, we will celebrate Easter, a time to remember the promise of hope that lives in each of us. May the spirit of Easter bring you renewed hope, joy, and love. As we celebrate this season of renewal, may your heart be filled with peace, readied and restored. I wish every member of the College family a wonderful and blessed Easter. I look forward to welcoming all members of the community back to school on Wednesday 23 April.
Jessica Wade
Principal
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning
Year 7 – 10 Interim Reports
We are pleased to announce that the interim reports are now available on the Sentral Parent Portal. For our Year 7 students, we have provided a progress report without grades, emphasizing our commitment to supporting their smooth transition into high school during Term 1. For Years 8 – 10, students will receive graded reports. Each report includes an assessment of learning behaviours observed in class, along with absentee data.
We encourage you to read these reports carefully and use them as a tool for setting goals over the break. Celebrate your child's successes, efforts, and improvements with them. We strongly encourage parents to book parent-teacher interviews, especially if teachers have noted that certain learning behaviours "need attention". This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with teachers and support your child's growth and development.
Parent-Teacher Interview Bookings Now Open
We invite parents to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with teachers and strengthen our partnership in supporting each student's academic growth. Interviews will be held on Monday, 28 April at the Callaghan Centre (College Hall) starting from 1.00pm. Please book your appointments through the Sentral Parent Portal App. We encourage students to attend with their parents to maximize the opportunity for feedback.
Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement
As we reflect on the past term, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our students and staff. The implementation of our Wellbeing Program has been a big undertaking by staff and students, but all have embraced it, and I am positive that every student would have been able to equip their wellbeing toolkit with at least one new strategy this term. Not only is wellbeing education and literacy important but so is having a sense of belonging to our community. Over the past few weeks, many opportunities have bought our community together embracing our Mercy values.
Harmony Day Celebrations
On Tuesday, we celebrated Harmony Day, a significant event that underscores the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion within our community. I was extremely proud of the efforts of our students who put immense work into their stalls and concert items to showcase their culture. Their contributions not only highlighted the rich tapestry of our community but also fostered understanding and empathy among us all. The dedication and hard work demonstrated by our students, along with Mrs Young and Mrs Cocks, in bringing together this event were truly commendable. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this day a resounding success.
Sports Achievements
Our Wednesday night touch team has shown tremendous improvement over Term 4 last year and this year, culminating in impressive performances in the Open Division. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and dedication. Special recognition goes to our trophy winners for this season:
- Most Improved: Kayleigh Reid and Bailey Paton
- Most Consistent: Shari Dynevor
It has been an absolute pleasure for Ms Banks and I to work with such a committed and talented group of students. Well done, team!
Year 8 Camp at Burleigh
Our Year 8 students had a wonderful camp at Burleigh in Week 8, where they built long-lasting friendships and developed personal skills. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond and grow together. The activities and experiences shared during the camp have undoubtedly strengthened the sense of community and camaraderie among our students. We look forward to the Year 7 camp, which has been rescheduled for May 21 - 23 at Camp Cooby.
Merit Trip Success
Congratulations to the 207 students who met the criteria for the merit trip this term. These students consistently did the little things right, ensuring they had the best possible chance at learning and developing skills for future success. Criteria such as wearing the uniform may seem over the top, but these expectations build a community where students take pride in themselves and the community they belong to. When everyone has the same expectations, students can focus on the learning process without worrying about social expectations and fear of judgment from peers.
Those attending the merit trip had a wonderful time viewing "Snow White" at the Strand Cinema.
House Spirit Awards
During our final House meeting this term, House teachers commended the fellow House members for an outstanding demonstration our Mercy values and spirit throughout the term. Term 1 recipients were:
Coolock House: Chloe Sokol (Year 8)
Goretti House: Emily Bignell (Year 7)
McAuley: Macie Creevey (Year 11)
Xavier: Yoanna Baskhouran (Year 9)
Uniform Changeover for Term 2
As we transition into Term 2, students will have the first two weeks to change over to their winter uniforms. By Week 3, all students should be wearing black stockings with their formal uniform. Please note that long sleeve shirts are not to be worn under the blouse or sports shirt. If it is extremely cold, long sleeve shirts may be worn, but it is expected that the jumper or jacket is kept on ensuring they are not visible. Over the holidays, please ask students to take the time to check their stockings, tracksuit pants, and jumper/jackets to ensure they are in good condition ready for Term 2.
Looking Ahead
As we approach Term 2, I hope our students take the time to re-energise and practice self-care. It is essential to balance academic pursuits with personal well-being. Let's continue to support each other and strive for excellence in all that we do.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and enthusiasm. It has been the pleasure of the well-being team to work with many parents throughout the team. Together, we make our college a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow for all students.
Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity
As Term 1 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a lively and enriching beginning to our school year. Guided by the theme Pilgrims of Hope, the College has been marked by a multitude of accomplishments and opportunities for growth -spiritually, academically, and communally.
The spiritual life of our College has flourished through key moments such as the New Parent Gathering liturgy, where we welcomed new families into our community with prayer and hospitality. Our College Open Day also provided a meaningful opportunity to showcase our Mercy traditions and faith-filled culture to prospective families. While some events were unfortunately postponed or cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred, we were reminded of the words of Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Even amidst disruption, our College spirit remained strong.
Celebrating Harmony in Diversity
This Tuesday morning, we celebrated our Harmony Day Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Presided over by The Most Reverend Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba, with Reverend Father Michael O'Brien and Reverend Father Ray Crowley concelebrating, this sacred occasion brought our College community together in faith and unity.
Flags representing nearly 50 nationalities were processed through the cathedral, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our student and staff body. Students carried these flags with pride, a powerful sign of the global identity within our Mercy community. Prayers of the Faithful were shared in multiple languages, honouring the diversity among us, and our College Captain led a stirring reflection with N'kosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. The music, symbols, and sacred space came together to create a moving and memorable celebration of harmony and hope. We were reminded through Scripture and sacrament that harmony is not found in sameness but in the love we share across our differences.
Living Mercy through Project Compassion
This message of unity extended into our Lenten efforts for Project Compassion. Throughout the season, students and staff engaged in joyful and meaningful fundraising activities, including pancake sales on Shrove Tuesday, and Zooper Dooper and lolly stalls during Harmony Day.
Homeclasses M2, G1, G2, and C3 led creative fundraising initiatives such as bake and lolly sales and Easter egg guessing competitions. Thanks also goes to our Youth Ministry team and Miss Charlotte Croker, whose commitment and leadership have been instrumental. Together, our community has raised a generous amount for Project Compassion. The final tally will be announced at our assembly next term.
Serving Others through Rosies Outreach
Also on Tuesday, a team of students and staff participated in our final Rosies Outreach for the term. As part of our commitment to walking in faith and service, this initiative provides students with the opportunity to reach out to those in need, offering companionship, support, and a listening ear to the vulnerable members of our community.
Rosies is a tangible way for us to live out our theme Pilgrims of Hope, extending kindness and dignity to those experiencing hardship. By being present for others, we shine the light of Christ and demonstrate the Mercy values of compassion, hospitality, and service.
All students aged 16 and older are welcome to volunteer for the outreach. If you are interested in joining this meaningful initiative, please see Ms Dempster for more details.
Looking Ahead with Faith
As we move towards Holy Week and prepare for the hope of Easter, we give thanks for the vibrant spirit of Term 1 -grounded in faith, enriched by culture, and lived out in service. May we continue walking as pilgrims of hope, with hearts open to the journey ahead.
Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity
Sports news
Friday Night Basketball
The 11/12 FNB team produced a fantastic win in the Grand Final of the Division 2 competition defeating Harristown State High School 26-22 in a close and physical encounter. These girls have come together and with plenty of interruptions and gel very well as a team, posting some big wins throughout the term against quality opposition. Dimerica Kalenga and Heidi McConachy have been superb, as well solid defensive work from Angel Tchowe and Adelea Feza. Congratulations FNB 2025 Senior Girls. Basketball will continue for students in Term 3 and in Term 4 the 7/8 students will get their chance to impress in a Friday Night style event.
Tuesday Night Volleyball
Our volleyball squad had an outstanding Term 1, showcasing exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination. All 4 teams had a strong performance throughout the term, winning most of their matches. The Year 9 students, while not competing for finals, finished their term strong and have really started to develop their game around areas of serving and setting. Seniors finished 3rd overall defeating Fairholme College in the bronze match. The Year 11 seniors finished 2nd and claimed silver to a very strong team from Concordia. Several players received individual accolades, including MVP Bella Anderson for her outstanding performances. The squad demonstrated significant improvement in their coordination and strategy, reflecting their hard work and dedication during practice sessions which will continue Monday afternoons in Term 2. Some changes to team lineups will be announced by Mr Hickey soon.
Futsal
Our Futsal Squad competed in the annual AFA Futsal titles at UniSQ last week. All 3 teams were excellent in their approach to the games, and it is wonderful to see the improvement and real joy the girls play with. The 14yrs squad is really starting to gel with several players such as Happy, Emily and Ajah all upskilling and growing in confidence each term. Tehnaya Burns and Adela Feza were very impressive and Meg Barry, our senior goalkeeper, provided some excellent saves to help her team to the finals. Results were:
14yrs – Runners Up
16yrs – Mid Table finish
19yrs – Quarter finalists
Futsal will continue for the girls in Term 2 as we head back to Brisbane for the Gala Day 2 & 3 of the QSF Cup in May. Don’t forget that the training is on Wednesday, first break in the hall and new players are always welcome.
Wednesday Night Touch Football
The last few weeks of Touch Football have been difficult considering the weather is really dictating if teams can take to the fields, however the St Saviour's College team, playing under the Rebels badge, has continued to knock over some goals as they prepare for the next round of touch football games which will include Southwest All Schools and the major event at the Gold Coast in October. Finishing mid table, and one of the highlights being a 14-0 win over Fairholme, the girls have really started to turn a corner. Not a bad effort considering most girls are 14yrs and they are playing in a 16yrs competition. Special mention to Bailey Paton and Kayleigh Reid for being awarded Most Improved and for Shari Dynevor for Most Consistent for Term 1. Well done girls.
Cross Country
With Cross Country postponed until after the holidays, it will give students a chance to continue working on preparations to complete the 4km run/jog. The Cross Country will take place in Week 1 of Term 2 during Wednesday Sport time.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Abigail Lasserre (Year 12) who was part of the Darling Downs Softball. Abi was a Co-Captain of the group and lead her team well. After a rain effected championship, they were the only undefeated team and awarded Champions for 2025. Well done, Abi.
Chelsea Cameron (Year 8) has returned from the recent State Championships held in Brisbane last week. This year was Chelsea's best yet! She competed in 50m fly, 50m free, 200m medley relay and 200m freestyle relay. Chelsea qualified for the state finals in the 50m butterfly ~ her first State Final ever!! She placed 8th in Qld for this event which is a wonderful achievement. Superb work Chelsea.
Kiki Sands Hart (Year 12) will compete next term as part of the Darling Downs 17-18 Girls Rugby League. Best of Luck Kiki.
Lanny Boland (Year 7) will visit the Sunshine Coast early next term as part of the Darling Downs 10-12 girls AFL team. Excellent work Lanny and good luck.
Emily Kuhn (Year 9) will visit the UK as part of the Australian Squad through the AFA Futsal pathway. Enjoy and best of luck Emily for your trip.
Upcoming Term 2 Sports
Students will select new sports or continue with Term 1 options during their Wednesday sport time. Students are reminded to select a sport or activity that they enjoy and will engage in.
Tuesday Night Volleyball and Monday afternoon Soccer will again run weekly competitions in Term 2. Please see Mr Hickey or Mr Leathart for more details.
Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE
Arts and Performance news
Harmony Day Mass and Concert: A Celebration of Diversity and Talent
On Tuesday, our Harmony Day Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral was graced with the beautiful performance of our choir. Their harmonious sounds filled the cathedral, leaving a lasting impression on Bishop Ken and all those in attendance. A special highlight was the Gospel solo by Penny Sanders, whose voice resonated with heartfelt emotion. Additionally, the African chorus' Reflection piece, led by Dimercia Kalenga, Elize Tom, Angel Tchowe, Liz Besa, and Dhriti Shah, captivated everyone with its soulful and powerful delivery.
Later that afternoon, the Harmony Day concert showcased the incredible talents of our students and cultural groups. The performances were a testament to the vibrant diversity within our College. Congratulations to all involved; it is always my favourite day of the year, where we get to celebrate the beautiful diversity and talent within our College.
Special mentions go to the Rock Band, Dance Troupe, Year 7 Dancers, and Choir, who all had their first concert performance as new groups. Their dedication and hard work were evident in their outstanding performances.
A big thank you to Mr Nilon for his work with the Rock Band, Mrs Sretenovic for her leadership of the Dance Troupe, and Mrs Potter for her guidance with the choir. Your efforts have truly made this day a memorable one for everyone.
Let's continue to celebrate and nurture the diverse talents within our College community!
Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance
Careers Centre
UniSQ Discovery Day - Years Eleven and Twelve
Yesterday, interested Year 11 and 12 students were given the opportunity to attend the UniSQ Discovery Day where they could explore future careers and courses. From nursing sick patients to delving into the ethics of AI and the world of business to agriculture and making "zines" our students embraced it all and opened their eyes to an exciting future!
Upcoming Careers Events
Scholarships
Remember to keep checking university websites for information about when scholarship applications open and close:
· Find a scholarship - Scholarships - The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
· Scholarships (griffith.edu.au)
· Access, Merit & Equity Scholarships | TAFE Queensland (tafeqld.edu.au)
Further information and help, remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviour's College (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 at any time.
Library news
Welcome
Wow! Where did Term 1 go? It seems like only a couple of weeks has passed since we introduced what the library can do for our community back in Week 2. We have had a busy term, and I don’t think Term 2 will relax in the library space at all.
What’s happening in the Library?
Our card game lunch times are picking up pace and next term we will be promoting our Lego and jigsaw lunchtime activities on Thursdays so stay tuned for that. Check out some of our images below.
With the holidays upon us check out our library online Easter dashboard.
There are some interactive links available to access things all about Easter, plus a little quiz if you are bored. So watch the video about Easter Traditions, click on the link to find some wonderful recipes or to create some gorgeous Easter craft.
BUT if all you want to do is read a book and forgot to borrow one for the holidays – access our Wheelers ePlatform and read an eBook. The link is on our dashboard:
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.
General Collections:
Date Claimers –
Over the holidays:
April 15: World Art Day
What’s coming in Term 2:
April 23: World Book and Copyright Day
April 25: ANZAC day – display and activities in the library.
May 1: Read more in May Month or Get Caught Reading month
May 4: Star Wars Day – May the Force be with you!
May 5 and 6: Revenge of the Sith
May 21: National Simultaneous Storytime
May 22: Sherlock Holmes Day
And more… but all culminating in our FANDOM Day! Friday Week 9 (June 20). This is a dress-up day - bring in a gold coin donation to go to a children’s charity. Look for more information next term!
fan
noun An enthusiast or a devotee of someone or something
fandom
noun A community of fans, gathered around a favourite book, TV show, movie, series…
BYOF – Be Your Own Fan
“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 news
On Friday 21 March, we celebrated our Annual Interact Picnic, and what a fantastic day it was! The free dress code added a vibrant touch to the event, while our bake sale proved to be a huge success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Toowoomba Rotary Club for generously providing a delicious sausage sizzle that everyone enjoyed.
A special thank you to all our incredible volunteers who contributed their homemade treats, making the event even more special. Together, we are thrilled to announce that we raised approximately $900 for our fundraising cause. Your generous support means the world to us, and we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you again for making this day truly unforgettable!
