College Athletics Carnivals

The Athletics Carnivals in Term 2, Week 10 each year are wonderful events and a great way to finish a term! The last 3 days have provided insight into what makes us tick at OLSCC, as I witnessed the students and staff of OLSCC wholeheartedly engaging in Athletics this week. These carnivals are a complicated dynamic. It is a mix of competitiveness, house spirit, support, independence, challenge, participation, wins, losses, surprises and disappointments. Students do a lot of growing up on these days and I am very proud of every student who turned up this week and did their best. As I told my boys, its not all about the wins, it’s about turning up for your house and doing your bit. 

As emphasised last newsletter, these days are a critical component to both student wellbeing and College life. Turning up, having a go, and spending some quality time with your mates not only creates lifelong memories, though also helps significantly in shaping great people who are willing to give of themselves for the benefit of others.

The Executive Director Visit

Dr Patrick Coughlan, our TCS Executive Director, came to Dalby for a quick visit and a walk around our campus on Tuesday. He gave some wonderful feedback regarding: the safe and supportive learning environment that was clearly evident; how well the students were learning both inside and outside the classroom; the quality of teaching; the engagement of students; and the general presentation, organisation and management of the College. Dr Pat is also an avid believer that we must strive to develop high standard facilities so that our students can learn, play and grow in positive environments, and is excited by the facilities projects currently being developed including the Early Years Master Plan, refrigerative air conditioning of classrooms, ongoing refurbishment of ovals and grounds, irrigation project, and the installation of fans in the MPC. Thanks for the visit Dr Pat!

 Farewell and Welcome

This week we farewell Mrs Kelly Muller and Mr Lyndon Vince from our College.

Mrs Muller has been a brilliant addition to our College in Prep Blue on Fridays for the year, and we value all the love, care and education she has provided for our community over the past semester. We wish Mrs Muller all the best as she focusses on her passion for early childhood education. 

We also wish Mr Lyndon Vince all the best as he starts his journey at Columba Catholic College in Charters Towers. Mr Vince has brought much experience to the humanities at OLSCC, and I thank him for his dedication to our College over the last 3 semesters.

On a positive note, we welcome Mrs Dimity Whitby to Prep Blue on Mondays, as Mrs Gleeson changes her days to Tuesday to Friday for the remainder of the year. Mrs Whitby is certainly no stranger to the Early Years in her role of Specialist Art Teacher, and is excited by the opportunity in Prep Blue. 

We are also finalising the processes and look forward to announcing our new Secondary English/Humanities teacher who will start early in Term 3. 

TCS Excellence Awards

Today it has been announced that OLSCC has two finalists in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards. Mr Rodney Spain has been selected as one of three finalists in "School/ Kindergarten Leadership", while Mrs Louise Pevy is a finalist in "Middle Leadership". It is very exciting that from a staff of over 1600, two of our own are amongst the 25 finalists in our Diocese due to the wonderful work they do in their role. We wish both Mrs Pevy and Mr Spain all the best for the announcement of the winners at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards Dinner in Catholic Education Week. 

2026 Enrolments

Again, I urge everyone in our community to support their friends and family members regarding enrolment at the College. We are still receiving late enrolment applications for next year, many of which we are now unable to offer a place to. Also, if your family has plans for 2026 that involves leaving the College, please let an Assistant Principal, Mrs Brennan or I know, confidentially if you wish, so we can offer a place to a family on the waitlist.

Confraternity QISSRL QISSN

Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to all involved in QISSRL and QISSN over the next week. After 3 terms of preparation for our senior rugby league and netball teams, the time has finally come to show up and show the state wide communities what we are capable of at OLSCC. We are very highly respected and regarded at these carnivals with a reputation of punching well above our weight, no doubt a reputation that will continue after next week’s carnivals. We pray for injuries to be few and far between, our game plans strong, our mindsets stronger, and a great time away with thousands of other likeminded individuals. 

A huge thanks also to all our staff who are engaged in these teams. All the preparation, training, organising, and giving up the first week of your holidays every year is greatly appreciated. Many don’t realise that every sport team at OLSCC is coached by teachers who volunteer to provide these opportunities for our kids. Without your kindness and generosity these memories would not be made – so thank you.

See you all in Term 3, 2025. Please don’t forget that Monday 14 July, Friday 1 August and Friday 5 September are Pupil Free Days next term!

Mr Peter Cuskelly