We started our school year with the wonderful news of the confirmation of the canonisation of Mother Mary MacKillop that will take place in October. Many of our schools have a special connection to Mary MacKillop and together with our Diocese, we will be celebrating and sharing her remarkable story as Australia’s very first Saint.

This year we are placing a special focus on our environment, keeping in line with the official Queensland Year of Environmental Sustainability (YES 2010). Some of the fantastic environmentally sustainable projects that are taking place in our schools are featured in the new environmental section of this publication. We have also redesigned the environmental news section of our website to include ongoing stories of eco projects throughout the Diocese.

Unfortunately due to the arrival of Cyclone Ului, we had to postpone our planned Parents as Partners conference for principals and members of school boards. This workshop will be rescheduled for later in the year, providing us with an opportunity to discuss the theory and practice involved in encouraging and implementing effective parent leadership in schools. Certainly, we consider parents to be the first and foremost educators of their children, with schools being partners on this journey. If you have any questions about how you can become more involved in the life of your school, I encourage you to talk to your principal.

I am always inspired by the incredible work that is taking place in social justice in our schools throughout the Diocese. This term we have again focused our collective efforts on Caritas Australia’s annual Project Compassion campaign. This publication outlines the many ways in which our school communities have contributed to fundraising and have engaged in education about the work of Caritas. Social action is one of the cornerstones of a Catholic education and by teaching our students to become aware and involved in social justice, we are living out the Gospel values of Christ.

We certainly have much to celebrate in our school communities and much for which to be thankful.

God’s blessings

Dr Cathy Day Director

Director’s WelcomeDiocesan Education Council Update

Contents - Term 1, 2010

Several key education issues were introduced and highlighted during Term 1, including the launch of the Federal Government’s My School website, the introduction of the Australian Curriculum and the Queensland Government’s Green Paper A Flying Start for Queensland Children that in particular refers to the movement of Year 7 into secondary. The following websites provide information on these key issues:

My School Website - www.myschool.edu.au Australian Curriculum - www.acara.edu.au/curriculum.html A Flying Start Green Paper - www.qld.gov.au

Ryan Catholic College hosted one of the Queensland Government’s community forums during Term 1 to discuss the Green Paper A Flying Start for Queensland Children. Students Tim Huppatz, Brittnay Gay, Jacqualine Kosanovic and Alex Papageorgio with Education Minister, Geoff Wilson.

Education Issues - Useful Websites

A new decade has begun and the Diocesan Education Council (DEC) met for the first time this year on February 3rd. At each meeting the DEC considers ways in which Catholic Education responds to the Bishop’s agenda by engaging in discussion about trends, actions and ways forward.

Bishop Michael Putney’s agenda for the last few years has focused on the following issues:1. Catholic families who have children attending non Catholic schools, particularly those who are doing so due to financial reasons. What can we do to reach these families and how do we reach them? 2.   The commitment to the enrolment, retention and educational achievements of Indigenous Students.3.   The commitment to spirituality, meditation and prayer for students and staff in our schools.

One of the DEC’s primary responsibilities is policy in Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese. There are a number of policies up for review this year: • Sexual Harassment • Discipline• Resolving Conflict within our Schools• Commercial Sponsorship in Catholic Schools• Opening, Modification or Closure of Educational Facilities• Teaching of Human Sexuality                            We look forward to another year of support and involvement in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Townsville.

Prof Sue McGintyChairDiocesan Education Council

2 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

3.............Project Compassion 20104-5.........Religious life of the school6.............Parents & community7.............Environmental news8.............ICT in our Catholic schools9.............Early Years Education10-11....Focus on Primary

We are now on Twitter

Follow us atwww.twitter.com/tceo

12-13.....Focus on Secondary14-15.....Teaching & Learning in our Catholic Schools16...........Student Support Services in our Catholic Schools17...........News from our Northern & Southern Schools18-19.... News from our Townsville Schools19...........News from our Western Schools

roject Compassion is an annual fundraising campaign through Caritas Australia that began in 1966 and is now the largest humanitarian fundraising campaign in the country.

As Project Compassion falls across the six weeks of Lent, Catholic schools and parishes throughout Australia received educational materials aimed at broadening the way we view the world. International speakers from partner organisations also visited Australia to participate in a public speaking campaign at schools, parishes, community groups and through the media. These international visitors told of their personal experience with some of the hundreds of grassroots community development programs that are supported by Project Compassion.

Blueprint for a Better World - 2010 Project Compassion theme

Blueprint for a better world is the 2010 theme for Project Compassion, inspired by the Millennium Development Goals (also known as the MDGs). These are eight life-changing goals to halve world poverty by 2015. With 1 billion people still living in extreme poverty, we must become aware of the sufferings of humanity, and put our compassion and faith into action. Source: Caritas Australia www.caritas.org.au

Project Compassion Launch at The Marian SchoolOn Shrove Tuesday, The Marian School hosted the Launch of Project Compassion 2010. Representatives from Catholic schools and parishes gathered with Bishop Michael Putney to mark this annual event. Students from Year 7 happily made pancakes on the BBQ that were later enjoyed for morning tea.

Fr Peter Quilty and Bishop Michael spoke of the positive and life giving effects that Caritas, through Project Compassion, has on the most vulnerable in our world. Those present were encouraged to not only support Project Compassion themselves, but to join in solidarity with others to bring a loving, healing presence of Christ into the world. This year’s Launch was the final one for Fr Peter who, after many years is handing on the baton as the local face of Caritas to Mrs Marie Radford.

All at The Marian School wish Fr Peter and Mrs Radford God’s blessing in their new endeavours.

Caritas CafeSouthern Cross opened its inaugural Caritas Café during Lent, using proceeds to purchase a cow for a family in Uganda. The cafe sold milkshakes and‘mooalicious’ ice cream cones with sprinkles.

The senior students of the school also participated in a global reality meal during Lent. Only a small number of students left with a full stomach, however all left with a greater understanding of the inequality of our world in relation to the global issues of hunger and poverty.

ProjectCompassion2010

At the Car Wash!There were soap and suds galore on Saturday 6thMarch, as students from St Colman’s School held a car wash to raise money for Project Compassion. Organised by year 6 student Liam, to fulfil his leadership goal, it was a fantastic day with excellent results. $270 dollars was raised which will be given to Caritas to support Project Compassion. It was fantastic to see so many students taking part in this wonderful cause. The day would not have been possible without Liam and his family for organising the event, students who helped wash cars and everyone who took their car down and supported this event.

Students at the Junior Campus at Ryan Catholic College supported Project Compassion in a ‘cool way’ this year. Each year students from Prep to Year 4 make and sell ice cups with all proceeds going to Project Compassion.

“The students really like the fundraiser as it gives them a chance to participate in this wonderful charity,” Deputy Principal Junior Campus, Paula Duffy said.

Supporting Project Compassion in a ‘cool way’

Students feast on ‘mooalicious’ ice cream cones atthe Caritas Café.

Students Kate Todd (Prep), Jerricho Crame (Year 2) and Sierra Laidlow (Year 2) enjoying the ice cups.

St Anthony’s Catholic College Social Justice

Ministry made pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, raising funds for Project Compassion.

3

P

TOP | Prep students at St Peter’s School in Halifax meditating for the first time…some of them thought that closing their eyes meant covering them with their hands!BOTTOM | The Ladies Auxilliary at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Mount Isa have raised funds to purchase prayer tables and hand-painted crosses for each classroom. Pictured L to R is Jess Clarke, Louise Armstrong, Rebecca Pascoe, Roanne Elliott, Janelle Troxell and Jodie Sharp (standing behind)

School Leaders Choose the Tau CrossPrayer and Worship are integral to the life of St Colman’s School in Home Hill. We begin each year with a Liturgy of the Eucharist where, as a school community, we ask God’s blessing upon our Year 7 students (our school leaders) and the journey we embark on together.

This year has a special focus on environment being the Year of Environmental Sustainability and the United Nations Year of Biodiversity. His Holiness Pope Benedict asked us to care for the earth and be good stewards of creation.  

Year Seven, after much research and reflection, took the Tau cross of St Francis of Assisi as their symbol for the Year. St Francis is the Patron

Saint of ecology and used the Tau cross as his symbol. Each student took a jigsaw piece and decorated it with a value that

would enable them to be good leaders, then put the pieces together to make the cross. The banner will hang in the

classroom for the remainder of the year along with their Leadership Pledge as they live out the Gospel values they espouse as leaders.

Religious Life o f the sc hool

Creating a Franciscan Spirituality at St Anthony’sA school in the Franciscan tradition aims to create…

• an atmosphere that is fraternal• a sense of solidarity and belonging among all persons at the school• a community of self-disciplined persons• a place of pardon and peace• a community of service within the larger social community• a human environment of beauty

St Anthony’s Catholic College is founded in the Franciscan tradition and to this end teachers gathered on 22nd January to explore Franciscan spirituality and how it permeates the everyday lives of the community at the College.

Franciscan Missionary Sister Sr Pauline Robinson FSC led teachers through sessions exploring the evangelical foundations, theological expressions and devotional forms of Franciscan Spirituality. Teachers were given the opportunity to discuss and share their experiences of the many ways Franciscan spirituality can be embedded within all aspects of school life.

As a result of this experience the college will continue to focus on and develop knowledge of the Franciscan traditions so as to enrich the lives of their students. Throughout the course of this year, all students and staff will make use of strategies and resources identified on the day to continue to build the Franciscan charism of our College.

“Where there is love and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance.”  - St Francis of Assisi

4 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

LEFT | Year 7 students at St Colman’s School in Home Hill

selected the Tau cross of St Francis of Assisi as their symbol for

the year.

The diagram below represents the four components of the Religious life of the school (source: Guidelines for the Religious Life of the School, Brisbane Catholic Education).

• Religious Identity and Culture• Evangelisation and Faith Formation• Prayer and Worship• Social Action and Justice

Each component, while being interrelated and mutually reinforcing, provides a significant focus on a distinctive aspect of the religious life of the school.

Students learn about the work of Caritas AustraliaSome of our schools were fortunate enough to host a visitor from Malawi, Africa, brought to Australia by Caritas Australia, to speak of the effects of immense poverty in his country. Mr Carsterns Mulume is a strong advocate of the poorest of the poor and this has seen him joining national networks that advance this course. His major achievements include facilitating production of a strategic plan that focuses on empowering communities to undertake development on their own for their own destiny. Year 7 students at The Marian School in Townsville were captivated by the first-hand experience of a man who has encountered such poverty. Thestudents were very interested to hear how children and families survive such conditions and they came away with a sense of deep gratitude for all that they have in Australia.

The students and their teachers, Janette Power and Robecca Sorrensen have undertaken to learn more about Caritas Australia and Project Compassion and the work that they do globally. The classes have

been working through the Millennium Goals and could relate Carsterns’ experience with the work they have been doing in class.

Carsterns was thrilled with the response he received from the Year 7 students and felt they were very well informed with issues concerning Caritas. The students of

The Marian Catholic School wish to thank Carsterns for giving his time to share his experiences, and also thank Mrs. Marie Radford for organising the visit.

Finding Your Song - The Courage to Lead

The St Margaret Mary’s College leadership camp for Year 12 students held during Term 1 fulfilled the Evangelisation and Faith Formation components of the Religious Life of the School. The girls enjoyed spiritual formation, celebrating and working with

each other on ways to communicate their message to other students.

The theme for this year’s camp was Where is Your Song – Finding the Courage to Lead. Students had the opportunity through workshops and activities to metaphorically reflect on the song they will sing this year and having the courage to sing it. Dance was also

a significant part of this camp, where students in their House groups prepared presentations that were later performed at the College’s pre-swimming carnival assembly – an annual showcase event.

Certainly, in only three days, it was encouraging to see how the girls worked together to discern their theme and choreograph an all-singing, all-dancing routine reflecting this theme. The seniors of 2010 are set to surprise us all with their extraordinary talents and enthusiasm, their energy and sense of fun. They stand at the foot of the climb that is Year 12 and they are ready to take on the challenge and leave their mark.

Leadership RetreatYear 12 students of St Anthony’s Catholic College attended a Leadership Retreat on Magnetic Island, providing them with opportunities to pray, reflect and develop skills in areas of leadership. The students were also given the opportunity to explore and develop the Franciscan culture.

Congratulations!Congratulations to two of our teachers who have recently completed further study - Justen Orford (Holy Spirit School) has completed his Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Erin Fuller (The Marian School) has completed her Master of Theology. Congratulations to you both!

Caritas’ international guest speaker, Mr Carsterns Mulume, visited several schools in theTownsville Diocese. Mr Mulume is pictured with Helen Forde (Caritas) and students, Sesedzah Mutero and Michelle Kahondo at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Mount Isa

St Anthony’s students at their Leadership Retreat at Magnetic Island.

5

St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell

Minister Craig Wallace, Cathy Day (TCEO Director), Bishop Michael Putney, Ben Simpson (Stockland Project Manger –North Shore) and Fr Giles Setter (Parish Priest, Deeragun) at the official media launch of St Clare’s Catholic School.

In a strategic effort to plan for the needs of the growing communities of the northern suburbs of Townsville, the development of a new Catholic school was recently announced. St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell will open for the 2011 school year with up to 130 students from Prep to Year 7. The school will eventually grow alongside the northern suburbs communities to cater for up to 800 students.

Assistant Director School Services, Ross Horner, said the announcement of the development of St Clare’s has been met very positively by the local community, “Within a month of the announcement inviting parents to apply for enrolments, we had received 30% of our target for2011. Since then this figure has continued to grow and we are very confident of reaching our goal for the first year,” Mr Horner said.

St Clare’s Catholic School has been architecturally designed to deliver 21st century education in a contemporary way. Consulting architects G+M Consultants have designed both inside and outside learning areas with an emphasis on collaborative learning and connectivity. The schoolwill have an environmental focus in keeping with the Franciscan charism of the St Anthony’s Parish, to which it belongs.

“Construction is due to begin in June and we will be appointing a Principal in the second half of the year. Until then our office will manage the process to ensure the school will be open for

business come January 2011,” Mr Horner said. St Clare’s will be developed on Burdell Drive, Burdell. Enrolment applications are available either by phoning Townsville Catholic Education Office on 47730900 or visiting www.tsv.catholic.edu.au. Townsville Catholic Education Office would like to acknowledge the funding contribution of both the Queensland and Australian Governments.

Parents& Community 2010

What a busy start to the year! We have had the launch of the somewhat controversial My School website www.myschool.edu.au – take a look and see what you think.

The State Government’s Green Paper ‘A Flying Start for Queensland Children’ community forums were held in Townsville and your Diocesan P&F Association was represented. We were able to have meaningful discussions with the Premier, Anna Bligh, and the Queensland Education Minister, Geoff Wilson. Both were genuinely interested in parents’ issues and input into education. The biggest issue was the Year 7 move to secondary. You can go online www.qld.gov.au and have your say as the Government is interested in your views.

The QCPAC (State School P&Cs) invited parents from both Catholic and State schools to attend their antibullying conference. It was well attended and very informative. We hope to reciprocate and have a similar day later in the year.

Remember, we at the Diocesan P&F Associations around Queensland and the P&F Federation are out there representing all parents and carers, working hard to make sure your voice is heard.

Love God, love one another

Karl McKenziePresidentTownsville Diocesan P&F

Diocesan P&F Update

Several of our Catholic schools in Townsville are fortunate enough to have on staff a Defence School Transition Aide, dedicated to working with defence force children and their families. Defence School Transition Aides provide support to these children, particularly during their transition into and out of a school on posting or during parental absences due to deployment, exercises or courses. These positions are funded by the Department of Defence through the Defence Community Organisation wherever in Australia there are significant numbers of Australian Defence Force families.

The Defence School Transition Aides provide a number of services including:• Assisting ADF parents and children to become familiar with the school and its facilities;• Coordinating appropriate welcoming and farewell activities for ADF children involving the school community;• Supporting children at school during times of parental absence from home for service requirements;• Monitoring ADF children’s personal issues such as friendships, peer groups and any classroom difficulties;• Contributing items of interest to the school newsletter and website;• Providing opportunities for ADF families to meet other ADF families within the community; and • Maintaining contact with ADF families who are enrolled in the school.

Our eight Defence School Transition Aides working in Townsville Catholic Schools met during Term 1 and presented Townsville Catholic Education Office with three defence force bears which were gratefully received. This group together work with more than 300 children and their families in our schools.Source: Defence Community Organisation

Defence School Transition Aides working in our Catholic schools

TOP | Our Defence School Transition Aides pictured with Gail McDonald (middle front row) from the Defence Community Organisation.BELOW | Defence Force Teddy Bears presented to Townsville Catholic Education by the Defence Community Organisation.

6 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

To support the Queensland Government’s vision for sustainable schools in Queensland, 2010 has been declared the Year of Environmental Sustainability (YES) in Queensland schools. The aims of the Year of Environmental Sustainability are to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of environmental sustainability issues; • Support teachers to include environmental education for sustainability elements in their teaching practice; • Empower students and schools to be more environmentally sustainable in everyday practices to reduce their ecological footprint; and• Promote the achievements of Queensland schools and their students in adopting environmentally sustainable practices.

As a partner in education in Queensland, Townsville Catholic Education is supporting the 2010 YES campaign and in doing so, has adopted the YES logo (featured above), designed by members of the Holy Spirit School Greening Committee. This logo is now being used within school communities across the Diocese.

For further information and useful resources in relation to the Year of Sustainability please visit: http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/learning/sustainability.html

REDUCE | REUSE | RECYCLESource: Education Queensland

EnvironmentalNews

Recycling Gets Glam!Townsville City Council waste collection trucks have been wrapped in a new, recycling smart design and will be prominent on the streets of Townsville. The new makeover was made possible thanks to the help of students from Ryan Catholic College’s Go MAD Group. The group submitted the design as part of the Townsville City Council and Queensland Nickel’s National recycling week art competition that was held late last year.

Cr Vern Veitch, Environment and Sustainability Committee Chair, said that the final product looked great and sent a gentle reminder to residents to reduce, reuse and recycle. The truck will display the student’s artwork for the remainder of 2010.

Holy Spirit School Reduces Carbon FootprintAs part of its Year of Sustainability focus, Holy Spirit School designed a special logo (pictured above) to inspire students, staff and families. With two different sized footprints set on a blue globe representing the planet, the green motto represents the community’s main aim for the year, that of lowering its carbon footprint.

Principal, Paul Lucas, has been measuring the school’s footprint for the past two year using Ecotude, a calculator available on the Sydney Powerhouse Museum website.

With staff making personal and corporate commitments to live more sustainably, Paul is confident that the Student Environment Council (The Busy Bees) will receive its best support yet.

“It’s our aim to lower our carbon footprint in little and large ways” says Year 1 teacher, Sally Heslop.

“We will be installing a 2kw photovoltaic panel set to generate our own power as well as installing movement sensors to control light settings in fourteen areas. This will be in addition to many power saving strategies already introduced with our Save a little power every hour programme,” she says.

Hi-Tech Ovals Help the Environment The two new ovals located in Joanne Street (adjacent to the St Anthony’s

Catholic College Assisi Campus) were handed back to the College at the start of the school year. These ovals now feature a fully electronic watering

system which adjusts watering requirements to 32 mm per week and has a direct injection system for fertilization that eradicates the need for chemical applications and reduces downtime of the ovals.

A computerised weather station (accessible at www.weatherdata.net.au/sacc) automatically adjusts the watering system in response to any rainfall resulting in considerable water savings.

In a strategic effort to plan for the needs of the growing communities of the northern suburbs of Townsville, the development of a new Catholic school was recently announced. St Clare’s Catholic School, Burdell will open for the 2011 school year with up to 130 students from Prep to Year 7. The school will eventually grow alongside the northern suburbs communities to cater for up to 800 students.

Assistant Director School Services, Ross Horner, said the announcement of the development of St Clare’s has been met very positively by the local community, “Within a month of the announcement inviting parents to apply for enrolments, we had received 30% of our target for2011. Since then this figure has continued to grow and we are very confident of reaching our goal for the first year,” Mr Horner said.

St Clare’s Catholic School has been architecturally designed to deliver 21st century education in a contemporary way. Consulting architects G+M Consultants have designed both inside and outside learning areas with an emphasis on collaborative learning and connectivity. The schoolwill have an environmental focus in keeping with the Franciscan charism of the St Anthony’s Parish, to which it belongs.

“Construction is due to begin in June and we will be appointing a Principal in the second half of the year. Until then our office will manage the process to ensure the school will be open for

business come January 2011,” Mr Horner said. St Clare’s will be developed on Burdell Drive, Burdell. Enrolment applications are available either by phoning Townsville Catholic Education Office on 47730900 or visiting www.tsv.catholic.edu.au. Townsville Catholic Education Office would like to acknowledge the funding contribution of both the Queensland and Australian Governments.

Ryan Catholic College students Cara Eaton-Squillair, Taylor Cabassi and Samantha Bruinn with Cr Vern Veitch in front of the newly painted waste collection truck.

Year 7 students Georgia Ryder and Faith Duffy participate in “Clean Up Australia” day at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburraand Erin Carnwell from Queensland Nickel.

St Anthony’s students enjoy the new high tech ovals with a computerized weather station.

7

YES 2010

St Anthony’s

8 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

ICT in our Catholic Sc hoolsTalking with Our ICT Team

Kevin PollardICT Support Manager, Townsville Catholic Education Office

Q. What does your role involve?A. I am responsible for the IT infrastructure projects in the Diocese such as the networking and wireless infrastructure project to meet the Digital Education Revolution program. I am also responsible for service delivery to schools through the ICT team and high level project design for our secondary colleges.

Q. What do you mean by ‘high level project design’?A. A good example is the work I am currently doing at Ryan Catholic College. Ryan is in the process of rolling out 600 notebooks through the Digital Education Revolution and for this to happen, their entire computer network had to be reviewed and now has to be redesigned to cater for this new technology.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your day to day job?A. I am happy that what I am doing is directly affecting student outcomes. If students have a good IT experience in their classrooms, it will facilitate and impact learning in a positive way. I also like working with teachers and staff in schools – helping them to maximize the use of the technology in their classrooms and day to day life in the school.

Q. What qualifications do you have?A. I have industry accreditation in Microsoft Certified Systems Engineering and am constantly updating my skills through ongoing professional development. I have also just initiated a certification program for our ICT team for Network Plus certification. This will enable our team to have a high level understanding of our wide area network and networks in schools.

Education Revolution Delivers Laptops to Ryan’s Year 9 Students

The education revolution came to Ryan Catholic College during Term 1 with the roll out of the Netbook program to Year 9 students. Under the Federal Government’s National Secondary Schools Computer Fund, the College purchased 230 HP Mininote computers for use by students.

The College’s ICT Committee spent many months researching what would be the best use of the funding allocation. “The choice of these computers allows teachers and students the ability to access resources anywhere, anytime in and out of the College,” Principal David McNeale said. “These computers will bring the College to a 1:2 computer ratio for students in Years 9 to 12 and with additional Governmentfunding we aim to be at 1:1 by the start of 2011.”

On hand for the launch was Federal Member for Herbert, Mr Peter Lindsay and Director of Townsville Catholic Education, Dr Cathy Day. With the dedicated work of the College’s ICT staff and assistance from Townsville Catholic Education ICT staff, the rollout went off without a hitch and students are enjoying the freedom that these devices provide them.

Keeping smart and safe onlineSOURCE: Federation of Parents and Friends Association of Catholic Schools Qld newsletter, Volume 28, No. 7, November 2009.

We see and hear in the news of the high incidence of cyber bullying and many parents think that their child wouldn’t be involved in that type of behavior. The fact is however, between 7-10% of students are bullied either by mobile phone or on the internet (emails, youtube, facebook, twitter etc). There are much larger numbers of students who participate in this bullying simply by forwarding one of these emails, photos or videos on to someone else. They do not think of this as bullying, but by simply passing it on, they are encouraging it. More than 15% of students are having a cyber conversation with someone they do not know and this could represent a danger to your child if they give out personal information. There are many programs available that provide information for parents and students. One of the latest is Smart Online, Safe Online www.soso.org.au which offers the following checklist for children

Cyber Bullying involves:

• Teasing someone by posting nasty comments on their facebook or myspace page/wall;

• Not telling someone who you are online and telling them to “guess”;• Creating an internet poll about someone without their consent (either over IM

or on a web site);• Creating a group page or forum thread about someone without their consent• Posting photos or information about someone on a website without their

consent;• Teasing or frightening someone over an MSN chat;• Changing your profile status to embarrass or hurt someone’s feelings;• Forwarding a private email or MSN message without the permission of the other

person;• Logging on to someone else’s social network without their permission; and• Sending threatening or unwanted messages

The Australian Government also has a website www.cybersmart.gov.au that has important information for teachers, parents and students. There are downloadable resources for parents including strategies for keeping children safe.

Federal Member for Herbert, Peter Lindsay and Catholic Education Director, Cathy Day with Year 9 student, Emma-Lee Lancaster.

9

ICT in our Catholic Sc hools Early Years Education

What the new Australian Curriculum means for Prep YearParents may be wondering how thenew Australian Curriculum willbe implemented in the Prep year.

Currently Prep is based on ‘play-based’ and ‘inquiry-based’ learning approaches.

‘Play’ provides opportunities for students to ask questions, create, imagine, test ideas, solve problems and engage in critical thinking, form social groups and build new understandings1. ‘Inquiry-based’ learning provides children with opportunities to investigate questions that are meaningful to them and to take action as part of the inquiry. Both play and inquiry based concepts increase the child’s engagement in the learning process and helps them to develop high-order thinking.

The draft Australian Curriculum for Kindergarten (Prep in Queensland) recognises that play-based and inquiry-based learning remain important and strives to provide a balance between this and the formal teaching of four core learning areas (English, Mathematics, Science and History).

These learning areas will be delivered in an ‘inquiry-based’ approach. For example, in English, children will use informal talk effectively to engage in pair, group and class discussions and participate in group tasks. In Mathematics, children will identify simple strategies to investigate solutions and strengthen their reasoning to solve personally meaningful problems.  In Science, children will explore and investigate things around them and in History, children use their interest in people and how things work to make sense of their world, through experimentation, practice and play2.

At this stage, the Townsville Catholic Education curriculum team is involved in the review of the draft Australian Curriculum and is in consultation with ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) in the lead- up to implementation in schools from 2011. (Full implementation is required by 2013).

“The new Australian Curriculum is being developed by the best team of curriculum professionals in Australia,” said Dr Cathy Day, Director of Townsville Catholic Education Office.

“Their brief has not been to ‘cherry pick’ from existing curriculums, rather to look to best-practice in the international arena.

“Research has confirmed that children from as early as the age of three are more than capable of formal learning, in fact, they enjoy the challenge and accomplishment.

“We are welcoming this national approach to curriculum and look forward to the implementation of it in our schools and classrooms,” Dr Day said.

References:1. National Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Government, 2009.2. Australian Curriculum - Draft, ACARA, 2010.

Bridging the Gap between home and child careSource: National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) Factsheet for Families

An excerpt from the NACA Factsheet, Bridging the Gap between home and child care

Maintaining consistent routines and experiences for children across home and child care is very important, especially for babies and young children who may be entering care for the first time. Having elements of familiarity can relieve children’s anxiety about separating from their family, particularly while they are settling in to care. Continuity helps children to predict what is going to happen next and encourages them to feel as though they have a sense of control over what is happening in their environment. This empowers children and supports their developing independence.

Mary MacKillop Childcare centres have a range of NCAC factsheets and other information relating to families, children and early years’ education available for parents.

Mary MacKillop Childcare has vacancies in all three centres – Mundingburra, Kirwan and Ingham. Parents should contact Tanya Amos at the Mary MacKillop office on 4723 8487 to discuss your childcare needs.www.childcare.tsv.catholic.edu.au

TOP | Prep students at St Mary’s School, Bowen

Early Years Education Advisory CommitteeThe mission of the Early Years Education Advisory Committee is to engage in professional dialogue around early years’ education, review current documentation and reform and advise the Director, through the Assistant Director, on the Early Phase of Learning (P-3) in Catholic schools across the Townsville Diocese. In 2010 the committee will focus on the following goals:

• Provide support and advice to schools in the implementation of the K-2 Australian Curriculum;

• Provide schools with a deeper understanding through examples of good practice of student-led investigations and open inquiry-based teaching and learning in the early years, particularly in Prep;

• Provide current information and resources regularly to P-3 teachers in schools across the diocese, using technology;

• Support the Mary MacKillop Child Care Centres across the Diocese;• Support Kindergarten teachers in the Mary MacKillop Child Care

Centres and in schools;• Keep abreast of current national, state and local early years policies,

guidelines and resources and respond accordingly;• Participate in consultative forums and provided feedback on national, state and local early years issues; and• Publish a Religious Education resource book for all early years

teachers across the diocese.

The Early Years Advisory Commiittee L-R | Caroline Fuller (St Colman’s School), Ann Wuth ( Holy Spirit School), Lee-Ann Barton (Townsville Catholic Education), Tanya Amos (Mary MacKillop Childcare), Diana Buzzo (The Marian School), Linda Jones (St Joseph’s School, The Strand), Katie Whitworth (Townsville Catholic Education).

Hughenden Students Discover Antarctica!Cultural studies teacher at St Francis School in Hughenden, Mrs Terressa Ford, chose Antarctica as the whole school study for Term 1. Year 5/6/7 teacher, Miss Suzie Hennessy, knows someone who works in Antarctica and this has made the study so much more interesting for students. Each week the school emails Miss Hennessy’s friend Wal, with questions about life in this arctic land.

The students read the questions and answers after lunch every Tuesday to get a fascinating glimpse of life at the South Pole. Here are some of our questions…….Q. What has the temperature been like this week?A. Last week the temperature was fairly typical. It went from minus 15 degrees to minus 60 degrees centigrade!!!! BrrrrrrrrQ. Do you see much wildlife?A. At the moment there are 50 elephant seals on the beach. They are three metres long and weigh over two tonne. The penguins are always inquisitive and will come right up to check out who you are and what you have.Q. Does a compass work at the South Pole? A. Yes, there is true south pole and magnetic south pole.

Good Shepherd Catholic Community School’s Readers’ Cup Challenge is an in-school challenge that leads to the selection of the team that will compete in the Regional Readers’ Cup Challenge to be held in Term 2. 17 students participated in the GSCCS Readers’ Challenge, having all read the required book, Wish, by Felice Arena. The students were challenged to correctly answer as many questions as possible about the book.

Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic Community School, Ed Burke said the

event is a fantastic way to encourage reading and literacy. “Staging our own

school based version of the larger Regional Readers’ Cup Challenge helps us generate interest and enthusiasm for the event and encourages students to get involved,” Mr Burke said.

St Catherine’s Aussie Dress Day for Haiti What makes St Catherine’s School (Proserpine) such a special place is that we show we care about others in need. We certainly showed this on Friday the 29th of January when we had such a tremendous response to our Aussie Dress Day.

Students dressed in an array of Aussie colours and costumes and together raised $592.00.  This money went toward supporting the people of Haiti who are suffering the effects of a terrible earthquake. The money was forwarded to Caritas, the Catholic aide organisation. The school also prayed for the families who have lost their loved ones, for the rescuers and volunteers and that out of this devastation, all Haitian people will work together to rebuild a stronger nation.

Focus on Primary

The Winton schools have taken delivery of professional musicalproduction and recording equipment thanks to funding secured through PCAP. The package consists of a stand-alone, hard-disk digital recording studio facility, professional vocal, instrumental and condenser microphones, with a 12 channel recording capacity. There is also an amplification system incorporating a 10 channel mixing desk and 2x250 watt powered speakers for live or “studio” performance orproduction.

Students and visiting artists working with students will be able to use this as a powerful tool in music education, giving immediate feedback on musical production as well as enhancing all forms of musical performance.

The total cost of the wonderful facility is $9,000 with PCAP providing just over 70% of the funding and the Winton schools providing the balance. The equipment will also be available to community performing arts groups as these contribute substantially to arts education and performing arts opportunities for local students.

Miss Debbie Jensen, music teacher at St Patrick’s School (and a performance jazz musician) will conduct initial training in the use of the equipment. Mr Bill Reidy of BC Music Education will visit Winton Schools in early June 2010 to conduct music performance workshops. He will also spend extra days and evenings conducting community workshops and producing community based performances. He will offer training programmes on how to get best value

out of the functionality of the recording and production equipment.

The equipment will be housed at St Patrick’s School and anyenquiries from interested persons or groups could be directed to David Manning at St Patrick’s School.

Winton is Wired for Sound!

Debbie Jensen, music teacher at St Patrick’s School Winton pictured with the

music and recording equipment.

Katya Bandow dressed up for the Aussie Dress Day to raise funds for the victims of the Haiti’s devastating earthquake.

Readers’ Cup Challenge Starts Early at Good Shepherd

Winners of GSCCS Readers Challenge - Samantha McKenzie, Christine Hislop, Elliott

Cleverly, Paige Bauer and Brayden Cameron

10 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

Literacy

Geography

Music

SocialAction

St Joseph’s Mundingburra Helps to Clean Up Australia!

St Joseph’s Cloncurry Welcomes Rugby League Promoters

Focus on Primary

The coach of Australian Women’s Rugby League, Graham Murray, along with Queensland Rugby League Trainee Development Officer, Matthew Toby, visited Year 4 students at St Joseph’s School in Cloncurry during Term 1 aspart of their tour to promote rugby league.

The students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra participated in a Clean Up Australia Day on Friday 5th March. Some of the Year 7 students walked around the playground, wearing placards promoting environmental messages about the amount of time it takes for different types of rubbish to break down eg: a banana skin compared to a plastic bag. It was an effective way to deliver the message about rubbish, recycling and looking after the environment.

Writer in Residence at Ryan Catholic CollegeStudents at Ryan Catholic College were treated to a visit from author Pat Flynn during the annual Writer in Residence week recently. An acclaimed children’sauthor, Pat spent time with students discussing what it takes to be a published writer. One of Pat’s books, The Tuckshop Kid, received an Honour Book prize in the 2007 Awards as well as being short listed for the Queensland Premier’s Award.

Pat worked with students, guiding them through the techniques of story writing, from the ideas phase through to editing the story for publication.

Ryan Catholic College would like to thank Thrifty Car and Truck rental and Pickering’s Motors for their support of the Writer in Residence program.

Prep students Oliver Oh, Zane Mu doch, Jake Gilmore, James Hick-Ledez and Flynn Mintern with Year 7 student Zita Mitchell, wearing the banana breakdown placard

St Joseph’s Cloncurry Year 4 students with Graham Murray and Matthew Toby.

Year 7 Leadership Day at Southern CrossYear 7 students at Southern Cross Catholic School participated in a Leadership Day early in Term 1. The group looked at various styles of leadership with particular emphasis on the leadership style of Jesus Christ.

Among the speakers for the day were Luke O’Donnell from the Cowboys and the school’s Adopt-A-Cop, Mark Ryan. The children participated in a number of group activities that involved solving problems and working together in physical activities. The culmination of the day’s activities saw the Year 7 students leading their sports house in the war cry in preparation for the school swimming carnival.

Students Sarah Kuskopf, Catilin Deon, Aiden Standly and Mitchell McKee pictured with North Queensland Cowboys player Luke O’Donnell.

11

Leadership

CreativeWritingEnvironment

Sport

St Anthony’s Students Sign Up for the

Sports AcademyThe St Anthony’s Catholic College Sports Academy is up and running for the 2010 school year with twelve students from Years 8-12 participating. The Sports Academy offers opportunities to all Indigenous students in the secondary school and aims to provide them with the motivation to finish Year 12, or a vocational equivalent, and to reach their full potential both physically and academically.

Although not yet big on numbers, the Sports Academy program at St Anthony’s is certainly big on talent and sporting prowess. Many of our Sports Academy members represent the school in the inter-house swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals.

Josh Battersby made the Australian Futsal team who will be travelling overseas in April. Most of our Sports Academy students compete at a high level across a range of sports such as AFL, Rugby League, Soccer, Netball, Volleyball and Futsal. 2

2009 saw many of our students receive awards for their efforts in sport, culture and school. Bonnie Lewis received a Silver Level award, and Justin Lauder, Jai Anderson and Sheniece Lee received Bronze Level awards. We hope to build upon the success of 2009 by involving all of our Indigenous students in seeking excellence across all sporting, cultural and academic endeavours.

Focus on Secondary

JUST LEADERSHIP Day “Aspire not to HAVE more, but to BE more”

Recently, a group of 60 students from Catholic secondary schools in Townsville, Ingham and the Burdekin attended a Just Leadership Day at St Patrick’s College, The Strand. The day was facilitated by Jenifer Byrne, Queensland Global Education Advisor for Caritas Australia’s Global Education Program. The program provides students with an opportunity to gather for activities involving social justice awareness raising, advocacy and action.

Jenifer’s compassionate nature and moving stories involving real people with fresh hope for the future resonated with students and teachers alike. The students developed profiles of six people from different countries, including Australia and Papua New Guinea, who have had their lives changed by Caritas Australia. Jenifer encouraged everyone to “aspire not to have more, but to be more”. Issues raised included justice in leadership, global poverty, hope and peace.

Approximately 1 billion people worldwide live on less than US$1 per day and 73 million primary school-aged children do not attend school. Nearly 10 million children under the age of 5 die each year, many from easily preventable causes.

Students from St Patrick’s College at the Caritas Just Leadership Day.

A group of sixty students from Catholic secondary colleges in Townsville, Ingham and the Burdekin attended the Caritas Just Leadership Day.

Students at the St Margaret Mary’s College Choir Camp 2010

St Margaret Mary’s College Choir Camp 2010The well renowned St Margaret Mary’s College Choir, Bella Voce, started the year with a camp at James Cook University. The girls stayed at St Raphael’s College and enjoyed the hospitality of the Combined Catholic Colleges.

The camp was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. The girls left school on Friday after a prayer service held to mark the start of the school year. Everyone left school in high spirits and arrived ready to sing. Sing they did! The girls learned a wide variety of songs in three and four part harmony. The repertoire included some difficult songs and while no one can claim to have learned everything perfectly, it has set the choir up for another great year.

On Friday night the girls participated in exercises designed to help them get to know each other and operate as a team. The games caused great hilarity and many excelled at charades. The camp finished on Saturday evening with an open rehearsal. In spite of appalling weather, parents and other family members turned up to listen to the girls singing. It was a great performance in a relaxed and very supportiveatmosphere.

Choir is a collaborative effort and can only happen with the co-operation and generosity of school, parents and students. Bella Voce is fortunate to have these.

12 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

SocialJustice &Action

Music

Sport

Burdekin Catholic High School’s Buddy ProgramThe Burdekin Catholic High School Buddy Program has started the year as a huge success. A key strategy of the program is to help Year 8 students feel a sense of belonging and to break down barriers.

In doing this, the senior students organised a two week volleyball competition for the Year 8 students, volunteering to coordinate, participate and coach the teams.New Deputy Principal and coordinator of the Buddy Program, Mr Brett Jones said the competition was a key strategy in getting the Year 8 students active immediately.

“The competition was very successful as students consistently turned up for games,” Mr Jones said.

“We are hopeful that many barriers have been broken down and the Year 8 students can  now  genuinely feel that they have senior students who know them and who they feel comfortable interacting with.”

Students Experience Army Reserve LifeOne hot day in February saw 26 Year 11 students from Ryan Catholic College swap their uniform for army cams for a lesson with a difference. The group comprising 14 Certificate III Fitness and 12 HPE students took part in a day’s work experience with 11 Brigade at Lavarack Barracks…getting a lot more than they bargained for!

For the members of 11 Brigade, the experience gave them an opportunity to promote a career in the Army Reserve to these willing participants in intensive training sessions. For the students, it gave them an insight into different careers involving fitness and what fitness levels it takes to be a soldier.

Major Michael Lunn, who also teaches technology at Ryan Catholic College, was on hand to take students through 11 Brigade procedures.

“This is the first time 11 Brigade has welcomed a large group of students for work experience,” he said. “These sessions were the first of many planned for the students as part of the ongoing fitness sessions that are held weekly at Ryan.”

Peer Skills Training at St Patrick’s CollegeStudents at St Patrick’s College participated in a two day workshop to support and help their friends through the Lifeline Community Care Peer Skills program. Students were trained in support skills, help seeking, communication and problem solving strategies in a bid to prevent everyday problems escalating to more serious issues such as depression and self harm.

Focus on Secondary

SMMC Student to Represent NQ in National Schools

Constitutional ConventionThe North Queensland Constitutional Convention was one of a series of conventions held around Australia during the past 12 months. This year in Townsville, it was held on the 5th March at the Thuringowa Library and Council Chambers. Approximately 30 students from Townsville and surrounding districts attended the convention which considered the need for a preamble in the Constitution.

Students discussed issues such as what it means to be Australian, whether the current preamble reflected current Australian society and what should be included in a preamble to the Australian Constitution.

Three guest speakers presented their views, which included a legal perspective, indigenous perspective and immigrant perspective, before school students delivered a four minute speech on the topic - Why the content of the Preamble to the Australian Constitution matters.

St Margaret Mary’s College student Saamiah Khan and Abergowrie College student Mangu Yanner were elected to represent North Queensland as delegates at the National Schools Constitutional Convention.

The annual National Convention involves approximately 140 students from all over Australia coming together in Old Parliament House to engage in debate about constitutional issues. The Convention seeks to promote understanding and informed discussion amongst young Australians about the Australian Constitution and system of government.

Year 10 and 11 students from St Patrick’s College, Townsville, participated in the LifelineCommunity Care Peer Skills program.

The winning Year 8 volleyball team ‘Water’ - Curtis Castiglione, Brendan Montafia, Alicia Kirk, Maygan Valle, Daniel MacDonald, Annette Higginson, Damien Gorizia, Ashley Spencer, Shakieta Sollitt, Jacob Kenniff

L-R Year 12 students from St Margaret Mary’s College, Sally-Maree Herlihy, Saamiah Kahn, Greer Halloran and Elisha Hudson at the North Queensland Constitutional Convention. 

13

Constitution& Government

PeerSupport

Careers

PeerSupport

Teac hing&Learning

Focus on Australian Curriculum

A number of our teaching networks (Key Learning Area Panel; Curriculum Developers; Principals) have participated in discussions around the recently released draft Australian (national) Curriculum and have been encouraged to develop responses to feedback to the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) regarding the Australian Curriculum. Townsville Catholic Education Office will be developing a plan to facilitate the implementation of the national curriculum across all schools and colleges in the Diocese.You can view the draft curriculum and have your say by visiting www.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Michelle O’Grady Year 4 teacher St Catherine’s School, ProserpineQ. How long have you been teaching?A. Four years

Q. What was your motivation to become a teacher?A. When my eldest daughter started preschool I was entranced with the whole environment and what was going on in there. I would go in as a parent helper for a session and found that I did not leave until the school day finished. I decided to take the plunge and have not looked back since.

Q. What is the most satisfying aspect of your day to day job? A. Seeing the ‘lights go on’ in a child when they understand and can apply this understanding to their day to day life, both at home and in school. The excitement and enthusiasm that a child displays when they get it and gain control over their own learning is worth it all.

Q. What words of wisdom can you offer those starting out in their teaching careers?A. Build a rapport with your students and get to know them. Laugh, dance, sing, and create with them. Most importantly listen; really listen when they talk to you. They will tell you what they need to help them succeed.

Q. You must have many special memories spanning your career – would you mind sharing an example with us?A. Of course there are many but I take great pride over this one…Last year when teaching Prep -1 visual art, we were learning how to ‘see’ (Learning to see means being attentive to things, seeing familiar things anew, seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary). Anyway the classes all decided to look closely at an animal. We had varied learning experiences tailored so that the children could really understand the aspects of that animal. On one of these occasions we were flying like birds on the oval and this experience reached a Prep boy who had not shown any interest before in art. When we got back to the classroom and the children had to draw the bird that they were on the oval, the picture that he produced was amazing. He blew me away - what he produced was the end result of obvious listening and attention to detail which I assumed that he had missed. It made me really realize that time to stop and stare, to touch and listen, time to explore and make choices, and time to just be, is essential. He ended up showing me many things that day.

Focus on Numeracy

Teachers from Catholic schools in the Diocese participated in the professional development program First Steps: Mathematics (Number) during Term 1. This program is an important resource that schools can use at all year levels to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics. Teachers will participate in a follow up in-service in April and the program will then be formally rolled out to schools in subsequent terms.

Focus on Differentiation

Teachers are currently focusing on the development of strategies to differentiate their curriculum in the class-room to meet the individual learning needs of students. During Term 1, Learning Enrichment Teachers met with Sue Stephens who specializes in Gifted and Talented education. Sue provided teachers with strategies to identify gifted and talented students and extend their lessons to meet their needs. Teachers will participate in another in-service in Term 2, providing further strate-gies for curriculum differentiation.

Talking with our Teachers

Congratulations and Farewell –Staff Retirements

We farewelled six of our long standing staff members in Term 1 who have been with Townsville Catholic Education for many years. Our school communities acknowledged the retirements of Helen Martin from St Colman’s School, Home Hill (31 years), Carmel Patteson from Good Shepherd Catholic Community School, Rasmussen (27 years), Cheryl Gossner and Vivienne Parry from Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham (24 years and 18 years respectively), Norma Smith from Columba Catholic College (23 years) and Ailsa Vernon from Burdekin Catholic High School (19 years). On behalf of Townsville Catholic Education we thank you for the way in which you have served the students, parents and families in our schools and wish you congratulations on your retirement.

Focus on Curriculum

14 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

A silent retreat for teachers was held at Mission Beach during Term 1. Periods of extended silence was a new experience for most of the teachers, yet by undertaking a number of reflective activities, they felt they had a chance to re-engage with scripture and the Catholic tradition of wisdom. The formation sessions were on the‘Spirituality of Listening’ and many felt this opened opportunities to again look carefully at their own teaching and life in general.

In the Name of Stillness

Teac hing&Learning

Mulkadee 2010 Mulkadee is a key teaching and learning opportunity for students and teachers in our Catholic schools who are interested in developing their skills and knowledge in the arts. Mulkadee 2010 is scheduled to take place from Tuesday 17 – Friday 20 August, 2010, returning to the original structure of four days of intensive arts workshops and rehearsals, culminating with a Friday night performance.

For those who are new to the Mulkadee experience, it is an annual event for students in all Catholic primary and secondary schools in the Townsville Diocese. The program offers students the opportunity to workshop with experienced professionals in various arts including choral, band, strings, dance, drama, visual arts and multi media. Students then have the opportunity to perform at a culminating event. Teachers are also invited to be involved in the program as a professional development opportunity for their own knowledge and skills as arts educators.

Mulkadee has grown each year since its humble beginnings in 2006 and this year Townsville Catholic Education is pleased to present the event at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. We are hoping to have up to 700 students participate in the event this year. There are some new as well as familiar faces in our team of workshop leaders this year.

We are once again very pleased to have secured David Lawrence (UK) who will be returning to Townsville to lead our choral workshops and performance. Other workshop leaders include:

Band Peter Francis (Iona College, Brisbane)Strings Louise King (Cello Dreaming, Sunshine Coast)Drama Anne Frawley Mangan (Director Litmus Productions, Brisbane)Dance Kylie Ball (Artistic Director/ Choreographer Extensions Youth Dance Company, TownsvilleChoral David Lawrence (UK)

Other highlights this year will include the Battle of the Bands, a multimedia project and a visual arts roadshow. Information will be communicated to parents and families through schools.

Students Learn About the Work of Caritas

This year for the first time, as part of Project Compassion, Caritas Australia made available a Just Leadership Day for primary schools. Year 7 student leaders from Catholic primary schools in Townsville and Palm Island participated in the program, hosted by Holy Spirit School and facilitated by Jenifer Byrne, Queensland Global Education Advisor for Caritas Australia.

The program introduced students to the eight Millennium Development Goals that were set by the United Nations in an effort to reduce global poverty by 2015. Activities worked to educate and challenge students to take a stand about the injustices in the world. Students looked at a range of case studies of people living in communities throughout the world as they related to the Millennium Goals.

According to Holy Spirit School APRE, Justen Orford, the day was a unique learning opportunity for all involved. “It was a great opportunity for school leaders to come together to learn about and take on the challenge of facing global issues such as poverty and famine, “Mr Orford said. “Although these are such huge issues, it was a powerful way for the children to find out about the small ways they can work as individuals toward the greater good.”

St Joseph’s Welcomes Scientists and MathematicianTeachers and staff at St Joseph’s School, The Strand are fostering positive and ongoing relationships with two partner scientists and a mathematician. The CSIRO Scientist in Schools program and the Mathematician in Schools subprogram, allows scientists, mathematicians and schools to work together. This project was funded under the Quality Outcomes Program administered by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Scientists in Schools such as Dr Donna Rigano (School of Education, James Cook University) and Dr Nadine Marshall (CSIRO Research Scientist – Sustainable Ecosystems) have joined with Mathematician Dr Fiona Walls, to work with Curriculum Teacher Developer, Gail Woodward and staff from Prep to Year 7.

These experts work in partnership with schools, contributing in many ways to the richness the school provides through its curriculum.

Year 7 student leaders from Catholic primary schools in Townsville and Palm Island participated in the first Caritas Just Leadership Day for Primary Schools.

Dr Nadine Marshall with students Indiana Marshall and Harper Weekers at St Joseph’s School, The Strand.

TOP | Christin Mallon ( RyanCatholic College) and Michael Sibley (St

Michael’s School, Palm Island)

MIDDLE | Lewis Spriggs ( The Marian School) and Logan Cook (Holy Spirit School)

BELOW | Connor Mathews (Good Shepherd Catholic Community

School) and Laura Barratt ( St Joseph’s Catholic School,

Mundingburra)

15

16 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

Student Support ServicesStudent SupportServices in Our Catholic SchoolsTownsville Catholic Education has a dedicated Students Support Services team comprising five Guidance Counsellors and two Speech Pathologists. The team provides additional specialist support for students, parents and staff of our Catholic schools. This includes counselling, student support and psycho-educational auxiliary services to primary schools and some secondary schools in the Diocese. For Further information on our Student Support Services team, visit www.tsv.catholic.edu.au (our departments).

Social Skills Program at St Michael’s School, Palm Island

Eight students from Year 2 at St Michael’s School, Palm Island participated in a nine week social skills program in 2009.

The focus of the program was on noticing and handling feelings, problem solving, recognising different ways of behaving (assertive, passive and aggressive ways), making friends and how to handle teasing.

The program was run by Helene Malouf and Tamara Hogan from Child and Youth Mental Health Service. The school’s Guidance Counsellor, Kellie Burton also assisted. Due to the success of this program, plans are under way to run another program for another group of students in 2010.

Students at St Michael’s School on Palm Island participating in the Social Skills program.

Physical Activity Increases Learning

Research has found that physical activity benefits children in many ways. Some of the benefits include strong muscles and bones, weight control, decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, better sleep and a better outlook on life.

Recent research also links physical activity with enhanced learning, memory, concentration and mood. Children get most of their physical activity through strenuous play; therefore, keeping your children active is an important part of their healthy development.

As a parent you have the power to develop a lifelong appreciation for physical activity. Here are some ways you can help keep your children active:

• Be a good example – be active yourself if you want your child to be active. Set a good example by doing things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking further from the entrance of stores. It is important to never make exercise seem like a chore or

punishment – the best way of doing this is to find activities the whole family can do together – this also allows for some family time.

• Put a limit on screen time – watching television, video games and computers encourage a sedentary lifestyle by limiting movement for long periods of time. Children that watch more than five hours of television a day are eight times more likely to be obese than children who watch less than two hours of television a day. Limit the number of hours they’re allowed screen time – bored children will find things to do.

• Promote activity rather than exercise – Each child is different and organised sports aren’t for everyone. Encourage physical activity rather than the sport. For example if your child likes craft, go for a scavenger hunt walk to find items that can be used for craft, or if your child likes shopping, go for a bike ride or walk to the shops.

• Start young – incorporating physical activity into our children’s lives at an early age sets up a good foundation for fitness habits in years to come.

Protective Behaviours resource for classroomsThe 2010 Protective Behaviours Calendar was launched during the March Principals’ Meeting as a new tool for teachers to be proactive in educating children on safe behaviours and creating safe environments. The resource is part of Townsville Catholic Education’s Kids Feel Safe strategy and was developed in partnership with Centacare and the Family.Life.Council.

Each month features a different theme that teachers are encouraged to reflect on with students through discussions and activities. Themes include emotional expression (safe and unsafe feelings), bodies and personal space, safety and safe choices, rights and responsibilities etc. Each page on the calendar offers teachers a range of age-appropriate ideas for activities and discussions. The information provided helps children identify their emotions and feelings, to think about their behaviour and gives them appropriatestrategies to use in certain situations.

Rebecca Maunsey (Centacare), Gary Burdett (Townsville Catholic Education) and Nicole Stott-Whiting (Family.Life.Council) launch the Protective Behaviours calendar.

TJ Ryan CommendationGilroy Santa Maria College Year 12 graduate (of 2009) Stephen Sherratt, was a recipient of 2010 TJ Ryan High Commendation and a Certificate of Merit during the annual TJ Ryan Memorial Medal presentation ceremony at Queensland Parliament House. The awards program supports exemplary Queensland students who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their school and community and academic excellence through their achievements in Year 12.

Two Captains in the Perry Family!The Perry family in Ayr has achieved a rare double with eldest son, Jake, being appointed school captain of Burdekin Catholic High School in the same year as youngest son, Kurt, appointed school captain of St Francis School. Congratulations to the Perrys!

BCHS Leaders’CommissioningSchool leaders of Burdekin Catholic High School received their badges of office at a commissioning rite in Term 1. Parents were invited to pin the badges on to each student after they were presented to the school. Students from Years 8-11 asked each of the Year 12 leaders if they were willing to accept leadership of the school community. At the same commissioning rite, year 8 students

were also officiallywelcomed to the school. They were invited to the assembly where each one was welcomed by older students and presented with a small gift.

St Colman’s Farewells Helen Martin(Provided by St Colman’s School)

Helen accepted the vocation to teach in a Catholic School in June, 1979, teaching a Year 2 class. Since then she has taught all year levels. Even though there have been many changes some things don’t change; the traditions that continue through events such as St Patrick’s Day, and the big involvement in eisteddfods and end-of year concerts. There has always been strong support from the parent body who have always been so willing to lend a hand, to improve the school and provide resources.

Her immediate plans are to spend more time relaxing at Cape Upstart with her husband, Ross and spoiling her new granddaughter Lila. She is grateful for the wonderful opportunity she has had in working with Catholic Education and feels privileged to have worked with such caring and supportive people. Helen has found teaching rewarding and challenging and will look back on her career with many fond memories, particularly of the people she has had the pleasure of meeting over the years.

School Captains, Jake and Kurt Perry

Helen Martin with the Mercy Cross at St Colman’s School, Home Hill

Corey Rees and Tegan Jansen (Captains); Layton McGregor and Angel Shaw (Vice Captains) and Mitchell Clarke, Mikaila Norman, Georgie Bailey and Patrick Mahood (Sports Captains) of St Catherine’s School, Proserpine with Fr Jose

School Leaders Welcomedat St Catherine’s

2010 Captains of Burdekin Catholic High School: Claire Barbagallo and Jake Perry

17

News from ourSouthern & Northern Schools

Students from St Peter’s School, Halifax

Ryan Welcomes Back the Class of ‘09 The Class of 2009 was welcomed back to Ryan for an early reunion during Term 1. On hand to welcome them was Year Level Coordinator Lyall Herlihly, past Principal Mrs Andrea O’Brien and new Principal Mr David McNeale. The gathering was a chance for staff to catch up with students and find out what has happened since leaving school at the end of 2009. Some students spoke of their ability to gain apprenticeships, traineeships and university places. Year Level Coordinator Lyle Herlihy said that the College hoped to make this an annual event.

News from our Townsville Schools

Chicky Tuesday at Good Shepherd, RasmussenEach year to promote fund raising for Caritas and Project Compassion, the Good Shepherd Catholic Community School decides on an animal theme – with funds raised used to purchase that particular animal for a developing community as identified by Caritas. This year’s chosen animal is the chicken and thus Chicky Tuesday was born!

Students and staff participated in a day of activities including costumes, games and chicken dances to raise money to buy chickens for a needy community. Chicky Tuesday was a great success!

The 2010 North Queensland Cowboys’ Adopt-A School program was officially launched at St Joseph’s School, The Strand on Wednesday 17th March, with this year’s sponsor, Stockland. The program has been running since 2002 as a way of giving local schools an opportunity to utilise their ‘adopted’ Cowboy as a role model for students. NQ Cowboy player Aaron Payne is the ‘adopted’ Cowboy for St Joseph’s School, The Strand and was on hand to launch the 2010 program, much to the delight of students!

Physical Activity Support Program at Southern CrossSouthern Cross Catholic School is adopting the Physical Activity Support Program offered through the Townsville Catholic Education Office. Physical Activity Project Officer, Andrew Bent, hosted the staff for a one hour introduction to the program. Each class and teacher has had a session with Andrew leading the activities. The equipment for the program has arrived and the teachers are enthusiastic and keen to implement theactivities.

Andrew Bent with students from Southern Cross Catholic School participating in the Physical Activity Support Program.

Adopt-A-School Program Launched at St Joseph’s, The Strand

Aaron Payne (NQ Cowboys) and Ben Simpson (Stockland) with students at St Joseph’s School, The Strand for the launch of the

2010 North Queensland Cowboys’ Adopt a School program.

Chicky Tueday at Good Shepherd Catholic Community School

Luke Hanna (Dance North) and Luke O’Donnell (North Queensland Cowboys) with students at Southern Cross Catholic School for the pre-launch of Dancenorth’s Gracei photographic exhibition.

Ryan Catholic College welcomed back the Class of ‘09

18 Our Catholic Schools Term 1, 2010

Ordinary People Can do Extra-ordinary ThingsThe theme for St Kieran’s School, Mount Isa, for 2010 is, Ordinary People can do EXTRA-ordinary Things, such as the examples set for us by the Saints.

Each class was asked to choose a Saint and create a canvas based on their selection. These beautifully prepared canvases were presented at the school’s Beginning of the Year Mass and are now on display in the foyer.

News from our Western Schools

Columba’s Swimming ChampionsA highlight in the Charters Towers competition calendar is the Interschool Swimming Carnival which was held on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 February at the Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool in town. Throughout the night of excitement, the Columba swimmers showed excellent fighting spirit, pushing for every possible point available. Three new records were set during the carnival, all by Columba students.

Columba Catholic College finished the carnival with the following trophies: the Morton Cup - awarded to the school who scored the most points in the girls relays events; the Don Doyle Memorial Shield - awarded to the school who scored the

most points in the 13, 14 and 15 girls events; the Coleman Cup awarded

to the school with the highest girls aggregate; the Championship Shield - awarded to the school who accumulates the most number of points over the carnival.

Forensic scientists in Hughenden

Students in Year 5/6/7 at St Francis School in Hughenden had a great time learning about crime scenes and the scientific ways used to convict criminals. They also fine tuned their observation skills to ensure that no piece of evidence was overlooked. A trip to the Hughenden Police Station organised by adopt-a-cop, Sergeant Dave Hunter, further increased the students’ knowledge of this interesting branch of science.

“Rice House” supporters at the Good Shepherd Catholic College swimming carnival that took place on Wednesday 13th February, 2010.

Year 7 leaders of St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry. L-R: Bob Grant (Principal) Sr Lyn Freestone, Courtney McMillan and Patrick Wall (School Captains), John Burgess and Caroline Gray (Sports Captains -Flinders) Darcy Kersh and Larissa Robinson (Sports Captains - Kennedy)

BELOW | Year 7 leaders of St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry. L-R: Bob Grant (Principal) Sr Lyn Freestone, Courtney McMillan and Patrick Wall (School Captains), John Burgess and Caroline Gray (Sports Captains -Flinders) Darcy Kersh and Larissa Robinson (Sports Captains - Kennedy)

ABOVE | School leaders of St Joseph’s School, Cloncurry participate in their leadership camp during Term 1.

Christian Brothers 50th Anniversary Mount Isa2010 is a very special year for Good Shepherd Catholic College and Catholic education in Mount Isa. This year marks 50 years since the opening of St Kieran’s Christian Brothers College (which has become Good Shepherd Catholic College) and 50 years of ministry by the Christian Brothers in Mount Isa. St Kieran’s Christian Brothers College opened on 25th January 1960 with three teaching Brothers and 132 boys. The College continued as an all boys school until the rationalisation of Mount Isa Catholic schools in 1985 when the boys were joined by the girls from San Jose College and secondary co-education began on the campus.

The College has been very privileged to have been served by the ChristianBrothers who still remain active in the College today. Br Brian Cumming (a past Principal of the College) continues to influence the education of Mount Isa’s young people and support staff as the College Chaplain.The ministry of the Christian Brothers will be acknowledged many times throughout the year and it featured prominently at the College’s Beginning of the Year Mass. The Cross was constructed by staff at the college to acknowledge the link to the Christian Brothers. Teacher Suzie Hennessy,

pictured with Year 5/6/7 students at St Francis School in Hughenden.

Clockwise from top left: Champions Haynes Butler, Jaydon

Busiko, Abby Blaikie and Caitlin Taylor with Shields and the Morton Cup.

Jackson Moes, Sam Wilkinson and Scott Perry with the Celtic Cross that was blessed during the Good Shepherd Catholic College Beginning of the Year Mass, presided by Fr Mick Lowcock.

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