Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby eNewsletter

Don’t miss out! Enrolments open now for Prep to Year 11 2026!

Reminder to you and any friends or families hoping to join the OLSCC Family in 2026 now is the time to enrol.

Enrol online now: https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/enrol-online or contact the College Office on 4672 4111!

5 May - Public Holiday - Labour Day

5 May - Edmund Rice Feast Day

6 - 9 May - Year 9 Camp

6 May - FACE Pie Drive - last day for orders

6 May - QCIS Cross Country Championships

6 May - Year 10 Ag visit - Gatton

7 - 11 May - State Open Volleyball Championships

7 May - FACE Mother's Day Stall

7 May - RICE Day

7 May - DD Rugby League Competition Round 2

8 May - Bunya District Cross Country U10 - 12

8 May - DD Netball Competition Round 1

9 May - Prep Mother's Day Celebration

9 May - Year 1 Cobb & Co Excursion

9 May - Whole College Assembly

9 May - Bunya District U12 Rugby Union Trials

11 - 16 May - Year 6 Outback Camp

13 May - Year 10 Cert II Rural Ops - UQ Gatton

13 May - Year 10 Retreat

13 May - Bunya District U12 Tennis Trials

14 - 16 May - First Nations Year 11 Leadership Camp

15 May - DD Netball Competition Round 2

15 May - Bunya District U12 Touch Football Trials

16 May - Early and Middle Years Assemblies

16 May - QCIS Netball

Welcome back to an action-packed Term 2!

I hope you had a wonderful Easter Break, and that you are enjoying all these shorter weeks and public holidays. It was great to have students and staff attend and represent the College at both the Dalby ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March, and at other events in our extended community. My family spent ANZAC Day in Brisbane attending their street march, it was great to recognise and thank those who work to ensure the continued freedoms we enjoy here in Australia.

The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 21 April was a sad occasion in our church, a very humble Pope for the people. We join with our Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the world with prayers for repose of the soul of Pope Francis and for the College of Cardinals that will begin discernment on May 7 at the conclave to elect our next Pope. May they show the wisdom and humility of Pope Francis in their decision making.

Welcome

This term we welcome back Mr Daniel Cross, as he returns from spending time with his family in Term 1. It is great to have him back with our Mathematics and Technology Middle Years classes. We also welcome Mrs Jacqui McIlroy as our Careers Development Practitioner whilst Mr Dean Garside is on leave. Jacqui comes to us one day a week from St Ursula’s College and she will be a valued member of our Careers team this term. A huge thanks to Mrs Tracey Boland for her work ensuring that all things ‘Careers’ at the College continues in Mr Garside’s absence, we are blessed to have Tracey working in this space so Jacqui can seamlessly join us each week. It is also great to have Ms Katherine Black (1B) and Ms Kristen Joyce (2J) back in their classes. Mrs Jane Cruickshank will join 2J each Friday, we welcome Jane to this role.

Parent Code of Conduct

Earlier in the year, Mr Peter Cuskelly sent out the TCS Parent Engagement Charter and TCS Parent Code of Conduct documents. We are blessed to have active and supportive families in our community that work in partnership with our College. Both documents are available on our website under the Parent Information tab for your reference.

I have witnessed many examples of opportunities to develop the key partnerships between parents and staff to build stronger positive, healthy relationships that are a feature of our distinctively Catholic community in my three weeks of Acting Principal. Last Wednesday evening FACE (Family and Community Engagement) and the College hosted a parent workshop with Tierney Kennedy on ‘How to help with Maths at Home’? This was well supported by our parents and those in attendance were able to ask questions, hear the ‘why’ of how maths is taught and get tips and tricks on how to help at home. I think we all learnt something new to help our own maths as well as to be able to help our children. Volunteer numbers are strong with parents and extended family and community members helping in classrooms, in our tuckshop and on camps and excursions. FACE as well as helping with the social aspects of last week’s maths session is planning a Mother’s Day gift stall next week, a Pie Drive at the end of the month and planning and preparation for Saints Race Day is in full swing. These are just a few examples of ways we can work in partnership together, alongside reinforcing College expectations and supporting classroom teachers with your child’s learning. If you would like to be more involved by volunteering or assisting FACE, call into our College Office and we can direct you to the best contact person.

Illness

Once again as the temperatures begin to cool, we have seen a spike in illnesses within our College community. A recent communique from Queensland Public Health suggests several ways our College community can work together to prevent acute respiratory infections (ARI), which spread quickly in schools where large numbers of students learn and play in close contact. According to the advice the College community has a role in ARI prevention in partnership with families. Together we can encourage good hygiene practices, including coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the inside of your elbow; discarding used tissues immediately into a bin; and cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Families are reminded to keep students’ home when they are sick, so they have time to recover and reduce exposure of others to sickness. Free vaccinations are also available for Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible and chosen by the family. Other ways we help in classrooms is through cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and ensuring good ventilation in classrooms with airflow through the door and windows.

150 years of Christian Brothers

In 1963, the Christian Brothers established St Mary’s College for boys’ education Year 5-10 on our current College site. This later unified with St Columba’s Primary to become Our Lady of the Southern Cross as we know it today. This year the Edmund Rice Ministries Queensland are celebrating the 150^th Anniversary of Edmund Rice Ministry in Queensland. The vision of Edmund Rice to provide education and opportunity for boys initially is lived out throughout the world today and Edmund, is a role model for our students. As part of these celebrations, we will take a group of students to the Mass of Thanksgiving in July. Community members are welcome to attend the upcoming events for the 150 years celebrations.

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Thanks for supporting me in the Acting Principal role whilst Mr Cuskelly has been away, it has been a great experience for me. Mr Cuskelly will be back next week.

Cate Brennan

Principal (Acting)

Term 2 Fees - Due 16 May 2025

A friendly reminder that Term 2 fees have been issued and are due on Friday, 16 May 2025. Please contact the College Business Manager if you have any concerns.

Sarah Hall

Business Manager

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you had an Easter blessed with prayer, family, and plenty of chocolate Easter cheer. The Easter period is a time for reflection, renewal, and the celebration of compassion and kindness. In a world often fraught with challenges, the message of Easter resonates as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of empathy and understanding in our lives.

As our journey continues this term, we look forward to the many occasions, events and milestones we will experience. Life is busy and there is no avoiding it, so I encourage you to talk to your child about events mentioned in our newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and in our Sentral Parents App to be ready and aware of what is coming up.

School is not just about face-to-face classroom learning. It also involves valuable learning experiences, such as negotiating group work, navigating friendships, participating in activities that are challenging, supporting others and the list continues. These activities are sometimes regarded as disposable and of less importance than lessons. However, they teach students how to be in relation to others, which are valuable skills that matter in the long run.

Next week I step back into the Assistant Principal Senior Years Role and Mrs Brennan returns to her Deputy role with Mr Cuskelly returning. It has been a great 5 weeks with a big thank you for the support from our whole community.

ANZAC Day 2025

Last Thursday we joined together as a College for our ANZAC Day Service. Our guest speaker, Mr Jayden Whitby, spoke to us about his experiences serving as a member of the ADF and the strong connection to ANZAC Day through his own family and those he has served with. Staff and student leaders also attended the Dawn March and Service and many marched as a College with our local Dalby community, laying a wreath and reading names of past service people at the Commemorative Service afterwards.

2025 Semester 1 Reports Cards

The purpose of reporting is to improve student learning. It provides an opportunity for parents/legal guardians to engage meaningfully in the learning journey of their child.

Based on our community’s feedback 2024 saw OLSCC change some of our reporting elements. In 2025 we continue to review our reports based on our community feedback and to align with the new Teaching and Learning in Toowoomba Catholic Schools framework.

A significant change is that of removing of the individual Application and Attitude to learning grades that were given “S+, S, S-” grades. This will be replaced with the new single grade of Application and Attitude graded as a 5-point scale. Below is an image that shows the new grading language and the scale definitions that best describe a student awarded each grade.

Staff have been developing their alignment with this new scale, aligning it to the our college expectations of our learners as we prepare for the upcoming reporting period.

Volunteers in our College

Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classroom, on excursions and at our tuckshop upon completion of Volunteer Induction Module and return Declaration form. Volunteer Induction must be completed annually at the beginning of the new school year. Declaration forms must be submitted before your day of volunteering to ensure approval is granted.

Information regarding the Volunteer Induction Module can be found on Parent Portal or via the link: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/

Ignite Conference 2025

In 2025 on the 25 to the 28 September, Thursday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, St Laurence’s College Brisbane will host the Ignite Conference 2025. Students and educators can join over 2,500 high schoolers, young adults, leaders, and other educators, at the Ignite Conference for a transformative four-day experience. This event offers real-world formation, faith renewal, and powerful worship, creating a vibrant community of believers. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with others in a meaningful way. For more information please visit their website National Catholic Conference Brisbane — Ignite Conference 25

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Rodney Spain

Deputy Principal Mission and Identity (Acting)

You Know That I Love You (John 21: 1 - 19)

They knew it was the Lord. The repeated mention of "knowing" it was Jesus suggests that his glorified body differed significantly from the one he had before his death. Even Mary, who loved him deeply, did not recognize him near the tomb, indicating that his appearance had undergone a profound transformation.

What they recognized were the unmistakable signs of Jesus. In a place where there had been no fish, abundance suddenly appeared. After a long, fruitless night at sea with no meal awaiting them, they found a warm fire, bread, and fish. As he shared the food with them, they realized that this stranger was indeed the Lord.

Peter is called to declare his love three times, and though it pains him to repeat it, true love must be reaffirmed time and again to hold meaning. His threefold affirmation redeems his prior denial, and he is entrusted with both leadership and discipleship. This is the heart of Christian leadership: to profess love consistently and to lead with the humility of a follower. Only then are we truly prepared to care for the lambs.

Questions for Reflection

Have you ever found yourself fighting against God? Who prevailed?
What have you seen or heard that helps you to lift the veil between you and glory?
Name those who both lead and follow with love, in your family, community or in our times? What do they teach us?

Action Response

Jesus calls each of us to express love not only in words but through our actions. Like Peter, we are invited to say yes repeatedly—through the choices we make, the way we serve, and how we care for others. Strive to be a leader who serves, someone who uplifts those around you, and who sees Jesus in the everyday gestures of generosity, abundance, and grace. This week, find a meaningful way to “feed the lambs”—extend kindness, foster connection, and let your love shine boldly.

Jesus, help me forgive others as you do. Amen

Carey Twidale

Middle Leader Living Your Faith

Kind Regards

Mrs Kristen Bennie

Prep News

With our love for writing, lots of Prep Green students have been independently writing their class dictated sentences. We are also excited to learn a new group of sounds this term (c/ k/ e/ u/ r) to build upon our reading skills.

Miss Abby Henry

Teacher, Prep Green

Camps - More than just heading offsite

School camps have for a long time offered students a break from the traditional classroom setting. They provide a unique environment where students can development essential interpersonal skills and experience significant personal growth. Here are some areas that camps target and foster development in our students:

Interpersonal Skill Development

Stepping out of your comfort zone.
This is crucial for personal growth for various reasons. When students step out from their comfort zone, they need to confront uncertainty and fear. Each time they face a new challenge and succeed they build resilience and confidence in their abilities. This growing self-assurance can empower them to tackle even greater challenges in the future. In an ever-changing world, adaptability is a valuable trait.
Teamwork
Camps provide greater opportunities outside of the normal classroom for students to engage in team building. For those who do not play team sports, camps may be the only other avenue they have to complete tasks that require working as teams, outside of the classroom and offline. Understanding the importance of cooperation, trust, mutual support, and appreciating different perspectives is critical prior to students entering the workforce as adults.
Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful interpersonal relationships. Camps provide numerous opportunities for students to practice and enhance their communication skills. Whether it's through group discussions, problem-solving activities, or simply socialising with peers, students learn to express their thoughts clearly and listen actively. These experiences help students become more articulate and empathetic communicators, skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts.
Leadership
Unearthing potential leaders has long been a target of many school camps. Designing activities that help to cultivate leadership qualities, assigning specific roles to students, decision making activities and peer guidance are still commonplace in camps. However, our curriculum-based camps don’t solely focus on leadership. Our students are still presented with opportunities for growth in this area by taking on a number of responsibilities whilst away. For example, our Year 8 students completed a series of challenges, such as, caring for an egg for the duration of the camp. Two groups successfully worked together to complete this challenge across the four days of camp.
Independence
Camps provide a structured yet independent environment where students can learn to take more responsibility of themselves. Being away from home and familiar routines encourages them to develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills. They learn to manage their time, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. This independence is crucial for personal growth, as it prepares students for the responsibilities of adulthood. Year 6 camp is a prime example of this. For many students, it is the longest time and greatest distance they have been from the family unit. While this is a challenge, they return having grown significantly more independent.
Resilience
The camp environment, with its mix of physical activities, learning experiences, and social interactions, helps students build resilience. Facing and overcoming obstacles, whether it’s a challenging task or group disagreement, teaches our students to persevere and adapt. These experiences help each student to develop a growth mindset, where they view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable barriers.

I was fortunate to be part of the Year 8 camp this year and was incredibly proud of the students who attended. We were not blessed with the best of weather conditions, in fact, it rained on us for the majority of the time which prompted some itinerary adjustments here and there. Despite this, the students did not resort to complaining or sulking, instead they embraced the opportunities that the shifting weather presented and had a great time in doing so. Well done to the Year 8s. You have demonstrated that both individually and as a group, you have wonderful attributes, are a resilient bunch, and can easily work together when you put your minds to it. Here are some snaps from the camp:

This month, we have our Year 6 group depart for their outback camp. Leaving on Sunday May 11, the students will spend 6 days exploring a series of outback towns, such as Tambo, Blackall, Longreach, Winton and Charleville. I look forward to seeing the photos of their experiences in the coming weeks.

Warm regards,

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years

Welcome back to Term 2. Only a two-day week to begin, however a full five days this week has set the Senior Years sector up well for the term. All staff were involved in a planning and preparation day on Tuesday 22 April. Teachers were split into either the Maths PD run be Tierney – or continued to work on Subject Discipline Literacy (SDL) which has been implemented into the College.

Assessment Calendars

Semester 2 Assessment Calendars were uploaded to the parent portal last week. Students and parents now have all dates and assessment types for the remainder of 2025. Having assessment dates available early is crucial for several reasons including; Planning and Preparation, Wellbeing, Academic Tracking, Accountability and Consistency.

Year 11 Specialist Maths

The Year 11 Specialist maths class attended a Hybrid Day in Toowoomba on Tuesday with other Year 11 students from St Joseph’s Stanthorpe, St Joseph’s Toowoomba and St Saviour’s Toowoomba. This day was run by Mr Joel Speranza who is the Specialist Maths Hybrid Leaning Teacher for the Toowoomba Diocese. The focus of the day was about two-dimensional vectors in the plane and other study tips for their upcoming IA2 Assessments.

Year 11/12 Biology

The Year 11/12 Biology class have undertaken a two-day practical intensive session. This is for their IA2 Assessment due this term. These experiments can include algae balls, agar cubes, potatoes and plyometers. Thanks to Mrs Lilburne, Miss Boon and Mr Storey for their hard work in enabling this for our students.

Winter Uniform in Term 2
Students are required to wear their College tie with their formal uniform. This includes boys having their top button done up. Students in the Senior Years need to demonstrate a high example for our younger students. The cool weather is also rapidly approaching, please check the state of jumpers etc … and ensure that you have contacted the uniform shop to arrange any for upgrades as soon as possible.

ANZAC Day

Thanks to the Senior Years students that attended the Anzac Day services held in Dalby last Friday. It was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. By coming together as a community, we honor the courage, mateship, and resilience of the ANZACs and all who have followed in their footsteps.

Year 9 Camp

Best wishes to Miss Creeley and her team of staff and the Year 9 cohort who will travel to Noosa on Tuesday for Camp. The group will spend four days under the guidance of QCCC staff with activities that are encompassed in the mode of survival and navigation. There are many benefits of attending camps as part of the wholistic education at the College. Camps can improve skill development, social interactions, build independence and confidence, connect with nature, unplug from technology, promote physical activity, emotional growth and a sense of fun and adventure.

Tim Lincoln

Assistant Principal Senior Years (Acting)

In week 1 of Term 2, Our Lady of the Southern Cross College had the privilege of hosting Tierney Kennedy at our school. Tierney is an expert maths teacher who has taught over 37,000 students!

It was a real treat to get to welcome Tierney into our classroom and observe her in action demonstrating hands on maths lessons where students experimented with challenging problems to solve. It was exciting to see every class involved and engrossed in the learning, embracing the challenge. They certainly enjoyed diving into the Learning Pit with Tierney.

Every Maths teacher had the opportunity to observe these lessons and participate in a debrief session after the lesson asking questions and gaining insightful tips on how to improve student learning outcomes and their teaching. They have taken away some very valuable teaching strategies and techniques to use in their classrooms to improve the teaching and learning of Mathematics at OLSCC.

We thank the staff and students for embracing Tierney. We are excited to put some of these tips and strategies into action in our classrooms.

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Louise Pevy

Middle Leader Primary

Volleyball

Congratulations to Charlotte Bennie who has been selected in the QLD U15 Schoolgirls Volleyball Team to attend the National Championships in Adelaide. Charlotte was captain of the Darling Downs Team that attended the State Championships at Caloundra.

Bunya District U12 Sports Trials

Sign on sheets will be placed on the Notice Board before each trial date for any students wishing to attend. Information about the trial will be published on the flyer. Depending on numbers interested in trialling, an intra school trial may need to be held in some sports to select a College team to attend the trials. Nominations will close a few days before each trial. These are all representative trials (not come and try days). Students need to be of a high playing standard to attend. Further information will be emailed to parents once nominations are finalised. Upcoming Trials in Term 2.

9 May - Rugby Union

13 May - Tennis

15 May – Touch Football

Darling Downs Sports Trials

Any boys wishing to attend Darling Downs U15 Rugby Union Trials please see Mr Lincoln.

Bunya District Rugby League

Congratulations to the following boys selected in the combined Bunya District / Inner Downs Rugby League Teams to attend the Darling Downs Trials.

Under 11

Jack Neal, Harry Fleischfresser, Alex Rasmussen, Billy Gillett, Zac McVeigh

Under 12

Jett Price, Walter Boland

Darling Downs Selections

U11 Netball

Darci Geiger, Elsie Chaplin, Matilda Kahler

U12 Rugby League

Jett Price

U15 Boys Touch Football

Jasper Filewood, Ryker Filewood, Oliver Lewington, William Barwick, Max Horchner.

Rugby League

Darling Downs Rugby League Competition Results

Round 1

U13 Dalby SHS defeated OLSCC 38-8

U15 OLSCC defeated Dalby SHS 40-12

Round 2

Wednesday 7 May

Highfields Rugby League Football Club

U13 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 4pm

U15 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 5pm

U18 OLSCC vs St Joseph’s College Toowoomba at 6pm

Round 3

Wednesday 14 May

U13 vs Faith Lutheran in Dalby at 4pm

U15 vs Faith Lutheran in Dalby at 5pm

U18 vs Bye

Netball

This year the College will participate in the Darling Downs Inter School Netball Competition. This will involve the following schools: St Ursula’s, St Joseph’s, Scots Warwick and Concordia College. This will be for the Laura Geitz Team and an U13 Team. The draw for first two rounds is listed below.

Thursday 8 May

OLSCC vs Scots College in Dalby

Thursday 15 May

OLSCC vs St Joseph’s in Toowoomba

Cross Country

Inter House Cross Country Results

	1^st	2^nd	3^rd
Under 6 Boys	Carter George	Ryan Sullivan	Tait McCaffery
Under 6 Girls	Amelia Pigget	Daisy Ashurst	Mia Hewson
Under 7 Boys	Cohen Francis	Connor Maynard	Charlie McClymont
Under 7 Girls	Belle Watts	Lucy Scoins	Addy Hayllor
Under 8 Boys	Quinn McCaffery	Oliver Pocock	Ziggy Fry
Under 8 Girls	Georgia Seis	Piper Winks	Piper Waddell
Under 9 Boys	William Manley	Henry Nevell	Clarry Parsons
Under 9 Girls	Hannah Lincoln	Maya Robinson	Millie Berger
Under 10 Boys	Wylie Timms	Riley Scoins	William Ridge
Under 10 Girls	Ava Robinson	Ruby Watts	Lauren Barwick
Under 11 Boys	Justin Hemmings	Henry Cassidy	Harry Fleischfresser
Under 11 Girls	Paige McNamara	Sophie Lincoln	Darci Geiger
Under 12 Boys	Ace Utz	Oliver Llyod	Harry Felsch
Under 12 Girls	Lucy Scott	Olivia Kane	Pippa Smith
Under 13 Boys	Benjamin Barwick	Cody Mitchell	Cody Hart
Under 13 Girls	Bella Cusack	Lexie Forbes	Milla Gates
Under 14 Boys	Khoen Darr	Tallas Turner	Harry Peach
Under 14 Girls	Mckenzie Meacle Lyell	Sophie Donaldson	Milla Barnett
Under 15 Boys	William Barwick	Jasper Filewood	Joshua Barwick
Under 15 Girls	Molly Gibson	Lucy Cusack	Sophie Jeude
Under 16 Boys	Dylan Peach	Travis Collins	Callum Bundy
Under 16 Girls	Emmy Harms	Lucy Chaplin	Annie Borck
Open Boys	Jack Gibson	Tobin Smart	Judd Alderton
Open Girls	Chloe Manteit	Emma Cusack	Hannah Taylor

Top Ten Junior Boys Under 12- Under 15

1^st	William Barwick	15
2^nd	Jasper Filewood	15
3^rd	Joshua Barwick	15
4^th	Talon Burton	15
5^th	Khoen Darr	14
6^th	Ace Utz	12
7^th	Benjamin Barwick	13
8^th	Tallas Turner	14
9^th	Innes Dellit	15
10^th	Kash Hunt	15

Top Ten Girls

1^st	Bella Cusack	13
2^nd	Molly Gibson	15
3^rd	Lucy Cusack	15
4^th	Sophie Jeude	15
5^th	Emmy Harms	16
6^th	Lucy Scott	12
7^th	Olivia Kane	12
8^th	Chloe Manteit	Open
9^th	Lexie Forbes	13
10^th	Pippa Smith	12

Top Five Senior Boys Under 16- Open

1^st	Dylan Peach	16
2^nd	Jack Gibson	Open
3^rd	Tobin Smart	Open
4^th	Judd Alderton	Open
5^th	Bronson Barnett	Open

Overall Points

	Total
Nolan	823
MacKillop	800
Rice	790
McAuley	763

QCIS Cross Country

The QCIS Cross Country will be held on Tuesday 6 May at Scots College in Warwick. This will involve students in the Under 10- Open Age Groups. Students have been notified if they have been selected to attend.

Bunya District Cross Country

The Bunya District Cross Country will be held on Thursday 8 May at the Dalby AFL Grounds. This will be for students in the Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 age groups. Students have been notified if they have been selected to attend.

Darling Downs Cross Country

Any students turning 13 -18 this year who would like to attend the Darling Downs Cross Country Trials need to see Mr Lincoln for more information. Trials will be held in Toowoomba on Tuesday 20 May. Students in the Under 10-12 Age Group must qualify for the Darling Downs Cross Country via the Bunya District Trials.

Tim Lincoln

Middle Leader Sport

Introduction

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Acting Career Development Practitioner at OLSCC during Term Two while Mr Dean Garside is on leave. With over seven years’ experience as a Careers Counsellor in secondary schools, I am passionate about working with students to explore career pathways which align with their strengths, aspirations and values.

I will be on campus each Monday this term. If your child would like to book an individual careers appointment with me, please email the Career Support Officer, Mrs Tracey Boland, at tracey.boland@twb.catholic.edu.au

New School Based Trainee

A huge congratulations to Year 12 student, Gabriella Banks who recently signed up for a school-based traineeship opportunity with Morgan Pastoral. Gabriella will study for a Certificate III in Agriculture. We thank Debbie Nicholls (pictured) and the Morgan Pastoral team for providing Gabriella with this wonderful opportunity.

Emmanuel College (UQ) Visit

Last Wednesday we were fortunate to have Emmanuel College (UQ) visit our College. Student Ambassadors and Staff held a presentation on life at the residential College covering a range of information from styles of accommodation, meals, sport and culture, life on campus and fees. Emmanuel College is one of many residential colleges in Brisbane.

Year 10 UniSQ Discovery Day

On Tuesday, our Year 10 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the University of Southern Queensland for a ‘Discovery Day’.

Students selected three tailored, taster-style sessions designed to highlight various skills and career possibilities. Highlights of the day included a rocket-building workshop where students used 3D-printed materials to construct and launch their own rockets, and an activity in a simulated nursing ward where students practised basic medical procedures. Other hands-on experiences included Aviation and flying an A320 Simulator, learning how to use drones for cattle mustering and conducting experiments to learn about the science behind sunscreen and UV radiation.

It was a fantastic day, and the students had lots of fun exploring their interests and potential career paths.

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students received their work experience agreement forms on Monday. Please ensure that these are signed by the student, a parent/guardian (named on the agreement) and the employer and returned to Mrs Boland at the Careers window by Tuesday 6 May. If you have any questions about the work experience program, please contact Mrs Boland in the Careers Department.

 University Open Days 2025

Students who are interested in a university pathway are strongly encouraged to attend University Open Days. Open days are an opportunity to get answers to your questions and find out everything else you need to know about university before you enrol. Students can tour the campus and facilities, talk to academics and explore the different courses on offer. Generally, the residential Colleges are open on these days as well.

Toowoomba

UniSQ Saturday 9 August, Springfield & Ipswich

Saturday 16 August, Toowoomba

Brisbane

ACU Saturday 2 August, Nudgee Road, Banyo

Griffith Sunday 10 August, Gold Coast & Nathan (South Brisbane)

QUT Sunday 27 July, Kelvin Grove and Gardens Point

UQ Sunday 3 August, St Lucia Campus

UQ Sunday 17 August, Gatton Campus

Sunshine Coast

UniSC Sunday 3 August, Sippy Downs

OLSCC 2025 Careers Dates

14 May - Year 9 & 10 2025 Career & Industry Evening (registration required - limited numbers)

28 May - various Aspire 2Health (registrations are finalised)

16-20 June - Year 10 Work Experience

25 July - Year 9-12 Dalby Career Expo

4 August - Year 12 ATAR and QTAC Registrations in class

10 September - Year 12 RSA Course

8-9 September - Year 10 First Aid & Manual Handling Course

Year 11 CPR Refresher Course

10 September - Year 12 RSA Course (information to come)

17-19 September - Year 10 Barista Course

23 October - Year 12 SBA Employer Thank You Lunch (invitation to come)

UniSQ Head Start Program

High achieving students in Year 10 and 11 who are interested in university after school may like to consider studying a university subject through the UniSQ’s Head Start program. Students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of university and gain early entry into a UniSQ degree on completion of Year 12. The first course is free. For further information, please click here or speak with the Careers staff.

QUT Senior Subject Selection and Post-School Pathways Webinar

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is hosting a free webinar for parents of Year 9 and 10 students, covering strategies for supporting your child’s career exploration, the future world of work, and useful ways to connect SET planning pathways to career decision making.

Date: Thursday 1 May

Location: Online

Time: 7pm - 8pm

For further information and to register, please click here

Future of Our Regions - Youth Design Challenge

The Future of Our Regions 2035 Youth Design Challenge is a free online design thinking challenge that empowers youth to consider how they can reimagine the future of their regions and make it more sustainable and prosperous. It empowers youth to identify problems, reframe them as opportunities, develop solutions, and create prototypes. Young people aged 10-21 will also be able to enter the challenge and be in the draw to win prizes to help them develop their ideas further.

Close Date: June 30, 2025

To find out more and sign up, please click here

Ms Jacqui McIlroy

Acting Careers Development Practitioner

Musical Rehearsals Rock On!

Our talented students are working tirelessly on the upcoming musical. Rehearsals are in full swing, and the dedication is truly "rockin' the house"! ? Keep an eye out for some exciting character profiles next term – they'll be sure to "shake it up" and give you a sneak peek into the world of our performers. It's going to be a "Camp Rock"-ing good time!

Shake and Stir Performances

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 14 May! The Shake and Stir performances are set to dazzle, including a special workshop for our Year 8 drama students. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from the best and "stir" their creativity. Don't miss out on this "shaking" event!

Important Reminder

Please note that there will be no Performing Arts classes as Mrs Garside is away. However, all other areas of CECP will continue as normal. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resuming Performing Arts in Term 3.

Stay tuned for more updates and keep supporting our incredible students as they continue to shine in the arts!

Tamara Creeley

Middle Leader The Arts

We would like to welcome some superstars, Tania and Gemma, who have joined our volunteer Tuckshop team. And we wish our Friday volunteer Amanda the best of luck in her new venture.

However we now are asking for a new Friday volunteer for 2 - 3 days a term assisting with sandwiches, subs, and salads. Preferably available until 11:30am or an hour between 10:30 - 11:30am.

Without this valuable volunteer support we wouldn't be able to get so much delicious food out to the kids.

Winter will soon be on us, so in preparation for the cold weather we have added chicken and gravy rolls and beef meatball subs to our menu, so keep an eye out for these on Wednesday or Thursday. Hot dogs and cheeseburgers / hamburgers will be back in the Spring. Fresh mandarins and pears are also available in the snack section, and we continue to be able to enjoy sweet watermelon.

A big thanks to everyone that supported the Lent Subs in Term 1, and for now we will leave fish as an option to add to a salad.

Toni Campbell

Tuckshop Convenor

On 20 and 21 July, two teams from Our Lady of the Southern Cross College will be trekking in Australia's toughest team endurance event: The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge (96km). Teams are a mix of both boys and girls consisting of six year 12 students and 2 staff members. 1 teacher and 4 students will be attempting to complete the 96km course with the aid of their support crew, 1 teacher and another two students. The trek will take our teams through more than 5000 meters of elevation and twelve creek crossings through the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland.

Not only is this a personal challenge for each of our teams, but the Kokoda Foundation is helping young people from a variety of backgrounds to gain confidence, direction, new friends and skills to overcome the obstacles that life inevitably casts in our path. The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a Gold Coast charity that runs experiential Youth Programs, inspiring young Australians to reach their full potential. The Foundation takes kids from all walks of life and provides them with free programs that have life changing capabilities. These kids are fondly known as the Kokoda Kids. The trek also honours Australian servicemen who fought on the Kokoda Track during World War II. The spirit of mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice is an inspiration the teams draw upon to help them through the tough course.

OLSCC would like to personally thank the following people/business who have donated/contributed towards helping make this event possible.