Catholic Education Week

Last week we embraced the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful world of Catholic Education across our 4 Dioceses in Queensland. Our system has grown considerably from humble beginnings in the 1800’s, when individuals and religious orders established schools for Catholic families who did not have access to any education. As such, we strive to continue the legacy of our founding charisms and continue to educate our communities based on our strong values emphasised by our founders, the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers. It is these foundations that make us different from other educational sectors. We are not a state school, and we are not an independent school. We are one of thirty-two Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, and we provide a high standard of education for all of those who choose to join our community. I would like to think that parents choose our College based on our reputation of providing a learning environment that is a direct refelection of our values, and this is why we continue to foster an inclusive, like-minded, respectful, safe, secure, and supportive learning environment where our students can learn and grow.

Father Jim Cronin, Mrs Brennan, five students and I were privileged to attend the Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane celebrating 150 years of Edmund Rice Ministries in Queensland with other colleges founded by the Christian Brothers. It was a humbling experience to hear a choir of 50 boys singing ancient hymns as well as seeing the procession of students from all our Colleges join together to enter the Cathedral. I thank Brother Damien Price and his team for the invitation to be part of such a momentous celebration.

I was also fortunate enough to support Mr Spain and Mrs Pevy at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards, where they were both nominated for their leadership in our College. Unfortunately, OLSCC wasn’t represented in the winner’s circle this year, though we continue to be very proud of the leading work being done by our College for the betterment of all schools across the Diocese. As well as Bishops Inservice Day last Friday, which was a wonderful event, our College Liturgy on Wednesday was also a beautiful gathering for us to celebrate with Father Jim as a College community. At the conclusion of the liturgy, Miss Katherine Black, (25 years) and Mrs Nicole Bryers (20 years) were presented with their Long Service Recognition Awards, and for the first time, we presented Catholic School Parent Queensland “Couldn’t Do It Without You Award” to Mrs Anita Jeude. While Mrs Jeude has been a very active volunteer in our College in many roles for many years, this year she was acknowledged for her continued commitment to our College Tuckshop. Every Wednesday, rain, hail or shine, Mrs Jeude gives her time selflessly to support our community serving others.

Last week also reminded me that amongst all the busy things that are bounced around the College, our primary purpose is to provide opportunities for our students to be the best people they can be, to Grow Great People, just like the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers who started our Catholic schools so that Catholic families could be educated out of poverty and make a meaningful contribution to the development of this amazing country. Needless to say, they have achieved their goal remarkably well, and we strive to continue to do so on their behalf into the future.

Tonight, we get to see the many months of dedication and practice by our committed students and staff come to fruition with the opening night of our College Musical ‘Camp Rock’.

Don’t forget to get your tickets (Friday night, matinee on Saturday and finale on Saturday night) it is sure to be a great show! I will see you there!

Mr Peter Cuskelly