This week I worked with a group of our new teachers about Visible Learning in our College.  The aim of Visible Learning is for students to understand what they are learning and why they are learning it, the learning process and to use this knowledge to progress and find success at school.  When we learn we get in the Learning Pit and have to use our Learning Dispositions.  Our teachers facilitate visible learning in a number of ways.  One important way is the use of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria with our students to frame their learning and so students alongside the teacher can reflect on what they are learning and how they are going with that learning.  Often as parents we say to our children at pick up how was your day?  What did you do?  Today try framing that question a little differently and ask what did you learn today?  

NAPLAN 

Well done to our students for their commitment to the completion of NAPLAN.  Student in Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 have worked hard over the past two weeks to complete both their normal schoolwork and the NAPLAN tests.  We are proud of their efforts and look forward to receiving their results next term to assist us with our teaching.  A huge thanks to all our staff who administrate, supervise and support during these test sessions. 

Sentral for Parents App – student details 

Sentral for Parents individualises for each of your children our students.  This short help video explains how to access information specific to each of your children.  Under your Student details you will find a list of your child’s teachers, a summary of their attendance, past Academic Reports, their individual timetable if in Year 5-12 with edits for changes each day, a timeline which includes details of signing in and out at the College, Activity Participation which contains details for excursions and extra-curricular activities involving your child and their NAPLAN summary from previous years.  It is a great reference point for you as the parents and is also replicated in Sentral for Students so they can also see these details on their account. 

You can view a demonstration video here.

Student Attendance and extended planned absences 

It is important that the College is notified of all student absences and in advance if your child/ren are going to be away from school for an extended period during term time.  In some circumstances a parent can apply from an exemption from school when they have a planned absence for more than 10 consecutive school days that aligns with the criteria set for us by Toowoomba Catholic Schools.  We use the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Managing Attendance Guideline to lead our process. 

What is an Exemption from compulsory schooling? 

Exemptions from compulsory schooling are available when a child or young person cannot attend or it would be unreasonable in all the circumstances to require them to attend school, for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days. A parent/carer may apply for an exemption from compulsory schooling for their child. An exemption excuses parents/carers from their legal obligations regarding compulsory schooling or the compulsory participation phase. 

Some examples of when an exemption may be granted: 

• diagnosis of terminal medical condition  

• illness or hospitalisation (including recovery period at home) for a period greater than 10 consecutive school days  

• ‘carer’ responsibilities 

• diagnosed mental health condition 

• temporary interstate or overseas relocation where the family intends to return to Queensland and to the school.  

The guidelines outline for the College what may be granted and what does not apply for an exemption. Our College Assistant Principals are skilled in providing more information about extended absences, exemptions and how to apply for one for your child. Exemptions are pre-approved absences and as such do not count towards a student’s absentee percentage.  If you would like to apply for an exemption or discuss the guidelines further for your future family planning, please ensure you contact the College office and make an appointment to meet with your relevant sector Assistant Principal. Ensure that you allow time for this process to be followed from initial meeting to application through to approval. 

150 years of Catholic Education 

In 2027 we will celebrate 150 years of formal Catholic Education in Dalby.  It is amazing to consider all the lives that have been educated and have taught in our Catholic schools here in Dalby! One of our goals over the next two years in the lead up to this celebration is to collect updates on “Where are they now?” from students and staff who attended our College, and past two schools, St Mary’s and St Columba’s.  Our history is different to so many other schools, we have over the past 140 years varied as an education institution from being co-educational, to primary and secondary, single sex and even boarding at one point, and as such we regard anyone who attended or worked at our College at some point in time part of our OLSCC Family.  We do not limit ‘membership’ in our family to only those who graduated Year 12 at our College.  We all have different pathways that life takes us, and we would like to celebrate them all.  If you have a story to share, please email it to our College email dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au – please include with it your full name including maiden name and years and school/s you attended or worked here.   Don’t forget your best contacts so we can keep you updated about our 150 year celebrations. We can’t wait to hear from you. 

Did you know?   

Our primary school used to be named St Columba’s and was located in the centre of town on the corner of Jimbour and Bunya Street.  Our secondary school was named St Mary’s College and was located on our current site on the corner of Nicholson St and Aerodrome Road. 

SACRAMENTS OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION 

Children who are baptised and have celebrated First Reconciliation (Confession) are eligible to enrol. Please contact St Joseph’s Parish to enrol your child:    

Bishop Ken Howell will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday 20 May 6pm. 
The Sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated during 9am Mass on Sunday 25 May. 

If your child is age 7 years and older and you would like them to prepare for First Reconciliation, you can also email the Parish to be put on the First Reconciliation list.  At St Joseph’s we celebrate Reconciliation in November each year, you will then be contacted later in the year with additional information. 

Cate Brennan