A MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL

Welcome to Term 3

It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back from the mid-year break. I hope our students enjoyed some quality time reflecting on their report progress in Semester 1 and feel refreshed and re-energised for the semester ahead. I would also like to warmly welcome our new students and their families to our College community.

There are many events and activities planned for this Term with the highly anticipated Senior Formal taking place this week, College NAIDOC Festival on Wednesday 9 August and of course our Mercy Day Mass and celebrations on 13 September 2023.

STEM Learning Hub Update

The building project is full steam ahead with completion due later this term. An incredible facility that will elevate our STEM programs, provide much-needed additional learning spaces and enable a beautiful new space for our Studies Office and Academic Teaching Team. More regular updates will be provided as we near completion. Our College continues to flourish, and with continued growth expected in enrolments in the years to come, we remain committed to progressing the College Master Plan to ensure our staff and students have the very best environment to learn and grow.

Staffing Update

We are immensely proud of Shari Finlay, who has been carrying out the role of Head of Faculty – Science, who has begun the Semester in the new College role of Dean of Wellbeing. Working closely with Maria Franettovich, Director of Students, this newly appointed role will lead the implementation of evidence-based wellbeing initiatives at the College. Through comprehensive research and analysis, the Dean of Wellbeing will identify and develop programs tailored to address the needs of our students. Shari will also work closely with staff and students to implement these wellbeing initiatives. This strategic addition to our College Pastoral Team signifies our dedication to ensuring that our students have the necessary resources and support to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.

Jordan Stewart, Head of House – Powers will carry out the role of Head of Faculty – Science for Semester 2 and we will be recruiting for this 2024 ongoing middle leadership role. While Jordan leads the Science Faculty, Jess John will carry out the Head of House – Powers role for Semester 2. Jess has previously acted in the Head of House – Principalities role earlier in 2023 and brings considerable experience to the position.

I also congratulate Kate Tomerini, previously a HPE and Science Teacher, who has been appointed to the ongoing role of Head of Department – Health & Physical Education. We are thrilled for Kate and look forward to her leadership of this portfolio area.

We also have some new staff joining the College. Anna Grace has joined our community as the Inclusive Education Program Leader and is absolutely thrilled to be working with Tracy Nioa to continue the improvement agenda in this portfolio area. Shanelle Rubio, a very experienced educator, and past pupil, has also joined the teaching team for a Semester 2 Contract, teaching Science, Humanities and Health & Fitness to cover internal promotions and acting roles. Susana Tapau joined our College Teacher Aide Team late in Term 2 and is excited to be working to support our students to flourish and grow. Melissa Soroka-McCall also began late last term in the role of Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal – Academic.

Mulkadee

Last week many of our students participated in Mulkadee, an incredibly unique performing arts opportunity for students from Catholic Schools in our region to work alongside and learn from industry experts. I would like to congratulate all of our Mulkadee students who took part in the grand performance at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on Friday 21 July.

Catholic Education Week

As Mulkadee draws to a close, Catholic Education Week was launched on 23 July 2023. This week provides the opportunity for our College, along with the other Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote our Catholic mission and ethos. An education in a Catholic school affords young people a holistic experience of formation, placing an intentional focus on helping us to seek to use our God given gifts to make the world a better place for many. The theme for 2023 is ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’ and we look forward to continuing to share and celebrate how our community is faithful, hope-filled and loving, reflecting the gospel values in all that we do.

In Catholic Education Week, school communities acknowledge a Year 12 student with the awarding of the very prestigious Deus Caritas Award, recognising how this young person consistently lives out their commitment to Christian living with a grateful generosity of spirit. I am thrilled to announce that Grace Burbidge, our Faith & Mission Prefect has been awarded this special honour for 2023. She will be presented with this award at a special Mass held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on the evening of Monday 24 July. We will also formally acknowledge this award at our Speech Night in Term 4.

Child Protection

I thought it timely to remind our parents/guardians about the child protection processes at the College. A Copy of the College’s Child Protection Policy and Child Risk Management Strategy are on the College website. The Child Protection Policy outlines how the College will respond to harm, or allegations of harm to students under 18 years; and the appropriate conduct of the College’s staff and students to comply with accreditation requirements. The purpose of the Child Risk Management Strategy is to eliminate and minimise risk to student safety to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students. The College also has five Student Protection Officers who staff, students, parents/guardians and volunteers can seek advice from or report concerns.

STUDENT PROTECTION OFFICERS
Amber Hauff	Principal
Cameran Triffett	Deputy Principal
Courtney Zagami	College Psychologist
Melissa Capponi	College Psychologist
Lisa Mowbray	College Nurse

 

Cameran Triffett

ACTING COLLEGE PRINCIPAL