It has been a great two weeks since our last newsletter! Returning to the College after my long service leave it didn’t take long to appreciate all over again just how grateful we should be for the amazing community we have here at OLSCC. I am constantly told by visitors to our College what an amazing place we have here – how it just feels different to other schools. I believe it’s a culmination of the little things that make our College such a wonderful place to learn, work and play everyday. Maybe it’s just the way our students welcome and greet people to our College, maybe it’s the importance placed on our College values and the Catholic Social Teachings that is exemplified in the attitudes of our community. Maybe it is that through Religious Education and service learning (or Praxis) that students come to a realisation that the world is not all about them, and there is something greater than themselves. It could also be the close connection between adults and students – where names are known, relationships are strong, and support is both mutual and responsive. It could be that our teachers know, develop and deliver the curriculum in ways that mechanised curriculum simply cannot replicate. But then, it could be a million other things too. Whatever it is, it sure is affirming to return to the College and embrace the wholistic education we provide here at OLSCC.

Engaged students, learning

The first pillar in Toowoomba Catholic Schools Strategic Plan is Engaged students, learning. When I look around the College I am excited by the manner in which students are engaged in their education as well as in College life. This has been a distinct focus for many years at OLSCC and is something we are extremely proud of. It is also the cornerstone of creating wellbeing for our students – by giving them purpose and meaningful work and interactions. 

In the past two weeks, there have been plenty of opportunities for engagement in learning and life that our students have embraced. The high levels of uptake and participation is certainly evidence of why we are a good choice for our community. For us, engaging students is the foundation to both wellbeing and academic success, and what sets us apart from the majority of schools in the Darling Downs and beyond. In the last 9 days, some amazing examples of what we have provided for our students includes the following:

• QCIS cross country – one of many QCIS opportunities provided throughout the year – capably lead for all schools by Mr Lincoln
• QCIS Secondary Netball
• Musical rehearsal (Camp Rock – 8/9 August: Save this date in your calendar!)
• Year 10 Retreat w/- unOther
• Instrumental Music with specialist Guitar, Performing Arts and Piano teachers
• Staff extended twilight professional development with unOther.
• Confraternity Rugby League preparation
• QISSN Netball preparation
• Year 6 Outback Camp
• Year 9 Leadership Camp

Our students also had a great time participating in local events and competitions such as:

• Bunya District Sporting Trials such as Cross Country and Touch Football
• Inner Downs and Darling Downs trials
• Darling Downs Rugby League Competition for Under 13, Under 15 and Open teams
• Darling Downs Independent Schools Netball (Under 13 and Under 15)
• Busy at Work Career Evening

And all this in just the first 9 days! 

2026

Because of what we offer, our standards and expectations, and the safe supportive learning environment we provide for our students and staff every day, we find ourselves in high demand for 2026. It looks as though we are expecting well over 700 students already, and to be honest, we are simply running out of room in many year levels. Our first round for applications has closed and those with applications submitted will be contacted shortly for interviews and we will offer enrolment where possible. 

It is important to note that we staff and organise our College differently to many schools in the local area. It is now, in Term 2 where we determine the class structure for the following year, and develop the teaching staff team, as well as the buildings, resources, technology and budget so we are sure we can continue delivering the environment and education that we continue to provide. 

Based on our enrolment applications so far, we have very few positions remaining for Prep, Year One, and all year levels Year 4 - Year 10 for 2026. This includes Year 7. For it to be sustainable to open a third stream for Year 7 more enrolments are required. Should we not reach the target for a third stream, unfortunately there will only a few spots available which students from small state schools and other catholic schools will receive priority.

Therefore, if you, or any family or friends would like OLSCC as an option for a high-quality education, please get your enrolment applications in as soon as possible. As mentioned above, this is especially important for all year levels Year 4 - Year 10, especially Year 7, as well as Prep (currently interviewing and almost at capacity), and Year 1. Please contact our office if you would like to come and have a tour to see what the learning environment is like.

Farewell

Yesterday we farewelled Mr Bharath Vajram, our IT Support Officer for the past two years. He has a wonderful plan involving much travel and starting a cricket bat empire, and I am sure he is going to thoroughly enjoy himself as he takes some well-earned time away from work. Bharath has been an excellent member of staff, always giving of himself and placing others before himself. He has been flexible, thorough, and committed to solving the IT problems at the College for the benefit of learning. We thank Bharath for his support and wish him all the very best!

Next week Miss Laura Richter begins her maternity leave - what an exciting time for her and her family! We wish Laura, Andrew, and their families all the best of health and good fortune as they venture into the wonderful adventure, they call parenthood. Enjoy this special time!

As our OSHC families have heard this week, Miss Tahlia Tuite is stepping down as our OSHC co-ordinator for personal reasons. Tahlia has done a wonderful job growing our OSHC for both outside of school hours care and vacation care since starting here. Toowoomba Catholic Kindergartens and Care are recruiting a replacement for Tahlia at the moment. Tahlia will continue with the service as an educator, so we will still see plenty of her around the place!

Welcome

On Monday 28 April, we welcomed to our community, Mr Shijumon Elias, our new IT Support Officer. After a busy few weeks learning the ropes, he is now taking the reins until a replacement for Bharath is appointed over the coming weeks. Shijumon has already been a great addition to our team and look we forward to all he will contribute to our College in the future. Welcome Shijumon!

We will also have a very exciting announcement for a recently recruited teacher starting in the Senior Years in coming weeks. Secondary parents please keep an eye on your email next week!

We are currently recruiting for the following positions:

Coach Driver

ICT Support Officer

If you know anyone that would suit these positions, please encourage them to apply!

Staff Happenings

Mrs Cate Brennan is today and yesterday attending the Association of Catholic Secondary Schools of Queensland (ACSSQ) Conference – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the focus. In a message from Cate yesterday she was so excited to be attending the conference, with many ideas and ways of working she cannot wait to share with us all. It is through engagement with educational experts and people with experience on the ground, that we continue to challenge our thinking to be the best we can!

Next week I am off to Goondiwindi to collaborate with Principals in our Diocese as well as staff from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office! The TCS Leadership Forum is a time for all Principals to reflect, share, engage and strategise to align our practices and understandings of Diocesan initiatives. I look forward to new learnings and planning. Cate will be Deputising during this time.