I have been thrilled this week to step into the Deputy Principal Mission and Identity role whilst Mrs Brennan is covering for Mr Cuskelly as Principal. It is a great experience to see the growth across our college of our dedicated team of educators who consistently go above and beyond to nurture and inspire our students. Our teachers' commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment is truly commendable. They not only impart knowledge but also live the values and bring a sense of community, ensuring that each student feels valued and empowered to achieve their best. 

As we approach the end of the school term, I would like to remind everyone that Easter falls in the last week of the school holidays. Easter is a significant date in our calendar, and I encourage everyone to take this time to reflect, rejoice, and create cherished memories with loved ones. This special time offers a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and reflect on the year so far. Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Easter break! 

Timetable Changes 

We are excited and sad to wish Mr. Dean Garside well as on Friday he takes some well-earned leave to travel through Europe during term 2; While we also celebrate and welcome back Mr. Daniel Cross as he returns to the College after having a term of Long Service Leave supporting his family. 

As a result of these staffing changes, we have re-timetabled, our first for the year, to ensure that student’s continuation of learning is not impacted, and quality teachers will continue to teach the subjects being offered here at OLSCC. 

Students will be emailed a new timetable this week, with their Sentral portal online timetable updating over the holidays. All families are urged to support students in reviewing their timetable as lessons times and locations may have changed, even if their teacher has not. 

We are also blessed to have Mrs Jacqui McIlroy from St Ursula’s College come to support our community every Monday regarding pathways. She will be working with Mrs Tracey Boland as they both continue the support of our students. Mrs McIlroy may also visit the College or be available via TEAMs to support the needs of students. Students can see Mrs Boland to arrange meetings with Mrs McIlroy. In additional to this Mr Cuskelly, Mrs Brennan and Mr Spain will be available to our community to support the growth and directions of our students with regards to pathways. As always, if you, your child, or your family need any support, please feel free to contact the office. 

Easter Prayer Celebrations  

On the last weekend, of the holidays we celebrate Easter Weekend.  Our local parish holds a number of prayer celebrations from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday.  Please see the St Joseph’s Catholic Church Dalby’s Facebook page for days and times.  We will join as a college in prayer as we prepare for Easter on Friday 4 April at 2pm in the MPC.  Parents are welcome to join us for this prayer celebration. 

Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classroom, on excursions and at our tuckshop upon completion of Volunteer Induction Module and return Declaration form. 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 the Parent Portal or via the link: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/work-and-learn-with-us/volunteers-and-visiting-service-providers/  

Parking and pick up  

As some of you may have notice we have had rangers from the council supervising their parking spaces over the past few weeks. Before and after school we supervise a number of areas around the College to ensure safe arrival and departure of the students.  The front footpath is supervised at 8:30-8:50am and from 3:10-3:30pm and the Cooper Street fence line from 3:10-3:30pm.  Parking around the College can be congested at peak times and parents are encouraged to make regular arrangement with their children to save confusion at home time.  Police regularly patrol our school zone to ensure the safety of our students and the compliance of drivers. We encourage this support from the police, and we thank parents for following all the road rules.  

Loading Zone Passengers – 2 min max  

In front of Prep we have a designated loading area that allows for a 2 min drop and go between 7am-9am and 2pm-4pm. Parking is monitored by Western Downs Regional Council and fines can be issued for those not following these zone regulations.  

Front Car Park & Bus Zone  

It is important that parents and extended family who do pick up and drop off are aware that the bus zone and front car park are not suitable places for drop off and pick up.  Our staff park in this front car park and this is the location of 3 disabled car park which parents can access based on individual needs.  All other student drop off and pick up activity should avoid this area, utilising the street parking in front of the College or Cooper Street.     

Bus transportation  

Students who catch buses to and from the College are dropped or collected in the bus zone at the front of our College office.  Throughout the morning buses arrive over a longer period of time and staff supervise this arrival as students move from the bus to class.  In the afternoon as everyone departs at the same time this area is coordinated by staff on duty.  To assist with the coordination of our bus zone in the afternoon we record rolls of bus students.    

Please ensure you complete the digital form using the link 2025 BUS TRANSPORTATION to the best of your knowledge as soon as possible to assist with this coordination. 

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 — IgniteConference 25  

Rodney Spain