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- From the Principal
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- First Nations Education News
- Year 12 Formal Photos - A Night of Glitz and Glam
- SCCC News
- Community News
And so, we come to the end of another term. One of my colleagues sent a message yesterday to remind people we are half-way to Christmas! I am sure that students and staff alike are looking forward to some rest and relaxation.
Next term is a significant one for our community, with our 100th celebrations taking place between July 27th and August 1st. This is during Catholic Education week - and the mass on Friday 1st will provide a chance to recognise our College’s nominees for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award.
The College’s nominees are:
Sam Hinton, DP-Primary; and St Catherine’s Ground Team - Adam Murray, Colin Smith, Peter Murdoch and Al Grundy.
Sam has been focussed, across many years, upon ensuring that our students have access to quality education through the development of programs and processes. Her quiet, ethical leadership is directed towards collaboration with staff and parents, equity, reflection and innovation. Sam’s work in The Spirit of St Cath’s document demonstrates her commitment to our Catholic Identity - through consideration of how our Gospel values must inspire action at children’s different developmental stages.
Our Grounds team takes pride in the presentation of our College - and I know that many parents and visitors are impressed by our physical environment. What visitors may not recognise are all the other aspects of grounds work that align with our mission as a Catholic College. They have been instrumental in building our environmental sustainability; have contributed to the development of innovative and attractive spaces for our students; are always supportive of colleagues and willing to go the extra mile to assist with logistics and organisation in College community events. As we have grown as a College (to just over 730 students) the team has adapted and developed their skills of collaboration to support this growth.
Congratulations to Sam, Adam, Colin, Pete and Al! You thoroughly deserve this recognition.
Last week’s Mercy Carnival for our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students, and this week’s Year 3-Year 12 Athletics Carnival provided opportunities not only to showcase student talents, but also for parents and family members to connect and support students and the College. Both events were celebrations of community. I thank Mr Laguna and Mrs Falconer for their organisation - and thank all the staff who ensured that the days ran safely and efficiently.
I wish to acknowledge the teachers (Mrs Moretto, Mr Spencer and Mr Laguna) who will give a week of their hard-earned holiday to accompany and support St Catherine’s QISSN teams in Bundaberg. I am looking forward to seeing them compete.
Whilst acknowledging staff, I would like to wish Kate Riley the very best with a family move and a new position in Mackay. She will be missed.
Finally , one of our Year 12 First Nations students, Robert Sam, has created a painting of the old school, which was on display at Show Whitsunday. Although it may not do it full justice, an image is provided here. Head along to the Centenary celebrations to see it properly!
Best wishes for the holiday ahead.
Katherine Nelson
Principal
As we wrap up another busy term, we want to thank all our students, staff and families for their continued efforts and support throughout the past ten weeks. It’s been a term full of learning, growth and community spirit — from academic achievements and sporting events to liturgies and celebrations.
NAIDOC Celebrations
NAIDOC Week 2025 will be celebrated nationally from 6th–13th July. As this falls during our school holidays, St Catherine’s will mark the occasion during the first week of Term 3.
We will begin our celebrations with a whole-school NAIDOC liturgy on Monday 14th July, followed by a range of activities throughout the week that honour the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an important time to reflect, learn and stand in solidarity in support of reconciliation and respect for the oldest continuing cultures on earth.
We look forward to celebrating together as a school community.
Term 2 Highlights
As Term 2 comes to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the many achievements and memorable events across our College community:
- College Musical – A true highlight of the term! Our talented students wowed audiences with their outstanding performances, showcasing weeks of hard work, teamwork, and creativity. Congratulations to all involved!
- Athletics Carnivals – A fantastic display of house spirit, participation, and sportsmanship from Prep to Year 12.
- Subject Selection and Pathways Planning – Year 10 students engaged in important conversations around their future senior pathways.
- Academic Progress – Students completed key assessments and demonstrated ongoing growth in their learning.
- Celebrations – From our ANZAC Day liturgy to Reconciliation Week to Under 8’s day, students showed respect and engagement across multiple events celebration and activities..
- New Secondary Playground – A popular addition for our junior secondary students, encouraging active play and outdoor connection.
- Wellbeing and Behaviour Focus – Continued promotion of respectful behaviour and responsible choices, including vaping education and support programs.
In Term 3, we will hold the official events to celebrate our centenary. We’d love to see you all at our Centenary Community Picnic on Sunday, 27th July, 2025.
Picnic Food Options
Please start thinking about your food options for the day. If you would like to order a picnic box, you will need to pre-order for pickup on the day. See details and the link: Order Picnic Box here
Picnic Merchandise Packs
You can purchase a picnic merchandise pack via Flexischools app or via https://ordering.flexischools.com.au/m/st-catherines-catholic-college-events-100yr-memorabilia-picnic-pack
Pack are to be collected on the day. There will also be other St Cath’s merchandise available at the Picnic.
We encourage everyone to take time over the holidays to rest, recharge and enjoy time with loved ones. Term 3 will bring new opportunities and exciting events, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to go.
Warm regards,
Samantha Hinton (Deputy Primary)
Kate Moretto (Deputy Secondary)
Our focus on nurturing the Religious Life of the College has been seen through classroom prayer experiences, engaging RE discussions, and participation in justice initiatives. We continue to be inspired by the way our students respond with compassion and leadership when given the chance to serve others.
One significant focus this term has been staff engagement with the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) Project through professional development and participation in the Practical Theological Instrument (PTI) Dialogue. This has offered a valuable opportunity for our staff to reflect on the Catholic identity of our College and how we can continue to authentically express faith in a way that is meaningful for our community today. This work is ongoing and will continue into the coming terms, eventually extending to include our students in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
A heartfelt thank you to all students, families, and staff for your incredible generosity towards the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Your contributions whether through warm clothing, blankets, or non-perishable goods will make a tangible difference for individuals and families doing it tough this winter. Together, we live out the Gospel call to “love your neighbour” in real and practical ways.
We pray that the upcoming break provides time for rest, renewal and connection for every family. We look forward to another term of learning, growing, and walking in faith together.
Wishing you a safe and blessed holiday,
God's blessings upon you,Julie Hornstra, Shadley Davids
Assistant Principals/ Religious Education
In the Early and Middle Years….
P-10 Reporting
Report Cards are now available on Compass. There are some important changes to how these reports are constructed. These changes were outlined in a letter sent by Katherine Nelson earlier this term and are also outlined below.
Prep-Reporting Changes
This year, there have been some important changes to the way assessment and reporting are approached in Prep. These updates follow the latest advice from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and aim to support a strong foundation in early learning.
Prep students are now formally taught, assessed, and reported on in four key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, and Religion.
They also experience learning in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts (including Music), Technologies, and Languages. While these areas will be taught and learning monitored, they will not be formally assessed or graded in Prep
What can you expect to see in your child’s report?
- Learning Statements: All subjects including those not formally assessed will include a learning statement that outlines the focus of the learning for the semester.
Example Learning Statement
English
- Grades: For English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, and Religion your child will receive one of the following grades based on their achievements this semester - AP (applying), MC (Making Connections), WW (Working With), EX (Exploring), BA (Becoming Aware).
- Application to Learning: In addition, students will also be awarded a mark for their effort and engagement in each subject- Excellent, Very Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement.
- General Comment: A comment from your child’s classroom teacher. This comment will often mention how a student’s behaviour/interactions/efforts reflect College values.
- Parent Teacher Interview: All parents are invited and welcomed to attend interviews that will take place in Week 2, Term 3. If a teacher has requested an interview, parents are strongly encouraged to make a time with this teacher/s when Conference bookings open in Week 1.
Year 1 - 10 Reporting Changes
Some changes to what you will see on your reports are outlined below.
- Learning Statements: All subjects will include a learning statement that outlines the focus for the learning over the semester as well as specific learning experiences and assessment that was undertaken.
Example learning statement:
- General comment / Homeroom comment: A comment from the classroom / Homeroom teacher that is written in collaboration with feedback from any specialist/subject teachers. This comment will often mention how a student’s behaviour/interactions/efforts reflect College values.
- Removal of subject comments: Reports will no longer include individual subject comments; however, they will indicate student’s level of application on a sliding scale.
- Parent Teacher Interview: All parents are invited and welcomed to attend interviews that will take place in Week 2, Term 3. If a teacher has requested an interview, parents are strongly encouraged to make a time with this teacher/s when Conference bookings open in Week 1.
~ Erin & Emma ~
~Emma Hiscox & Erin Laguna~
Assistant Principals - Learning and Teaching
QTAC Information Night – Supporting Year 12 Pathways
Parents and carers of Year 12 students are invited to attend our upcoming QTAC Information Night on Wednesday 23 July, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the Secondary Library.
This session will provide valuable information about the QTAC application process, including timelines, how to preference courses, and tips for navigating tertiary applications. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to better understand the next steps as students prepare for life beyond school.
We encourage both students and parents to attend to help make informed decisions about future study and career pathways.
For any enquiries, please contact: enquiries@prspne.catholic.edu.au or phone 07 4945 1630.
Week 10 Mercy Awards
| PREP | Oscar Harris, Olive Harriott, Kieley Ahangama, Ashtryd De Guzman, Bernadette van Blerk |
| YEAR 2 | Freya Stokes, Roze Vanderpoel |
| YEAR 4 | Archie Vakirevic, Sienna Regan |
| YEAR 6 | Isaiah Gorfine |
Celebrating Our Flame Award Recipients
This week, we proudly celebrated students who received Flame Awards in Frayne and McAuley house. This award is a special recognition for achieving 100 class acknowledgments that reflect the true Spirit of St Catherine’s.
These acknowledgments recognise consistent positive behaviour, effort, kindness, and a commitment to our school values within the classroom. Congratulations to all our Flame Award recipients for setting such a fantastic example for others! Keep the fire burning bright!
FRAYNE
| 00A | Archie HANDFORD |
| 00A | Hayley MAGEE |
| 00A | Jolie BREDL |
| 00A | Josie DRAY |
| 00A | Kieley AHANGAMA |
| 00A | Leo FUZIER |
| 00A | Olive HARRIOTT |
| 00A | William CAREY |
| 00B | Archer HORSFORD |
| 00B | Charlie TYDD |
| 00B | Dustyn GUTHRIE |
| 00B | Remi EASTWOOD |
| 01B | Peggy DEICKE |
| 01B | Remi PEERS |
| 01B | Thea WEBSTER |
| 02A | Ellie APPLETON |
| 02A | Jackson CAREY |
| 02A | Lacey TYDD |
| 02A | William STAGG |
| 02B | Raymond Scerri |
| 02C | Jax INGRAM |
| 02C | Pippa DAVIS |
| 02C | Remy LOZACH |
| 02C | Thomas UNDERDOWN |
| 03B | Ryan BAKKER |
| 04A | Jude VANDERPOEL |
| 04A | Lehan AHANGAMA VITHANAGE |
| 04B | Henry UNDERDOWN |
| 04B | Milly MYORS |
| 05A | Arabelle BREDL |
| 05A | Isla APPLETON |
| 06A | Emilia MOLLOY-HUNT |
MCAULEY
| 00A | Emma CONNORS |
| 00A | Fletcher DITCHBURN |
| 00A | Harrison TIVENDALE |
| 00A | Imogen MITCHELL |
| 00A | Logan FLAHERTY |
| 00B | Amelia DIXON |
| 00B | Elivia JAMIESON |
| 00B | Luca INZITARI |
| 00B | Olivia MIOTTO |
| 00B | Ruby GREATZ |
| 01B | Rubi BROWN |
| 01B | Saaya SMYTHE |
| 02A | Grace MIOTTO |
| 02A | Xavier BULL |
| 02B | Jack Turner |
| 02C | Freya STOKES |
| 02C | Jack MEE |
| 02C | Sunny ROBINSON |
| 02C | Zayden MOORE |
| 03B | Alice TIVENDALE |
| 03B | Wilson HOUNSELL |
| 04A | Meehika KULKARNI |
| 04A | Quentin FLAHERTY |
| 04B | Anna MIOTTO |
| 04B | Billie JAMIESON |
| 04B | Leila BONNICI |
| 05A | Maeve DICHIERA |
| 05A | Jayden EDMUNDS |
| 05A | Alice MATTHEWS |
| 05A | Fletcher ROSE |
| 05B | Clare ANDERSON |
Run Club Wraps Up Term 2 on a High!
As Term 2 comes to a close, Run Club has been powering ahead with more students than ever hitting the track! We've seen a huge number of Bronze and Silver achievements handed out, including those coveted personalised drink bottles for our Silver runners.
It’s been fantastic to see such strong participation from Kindy to Year 6. Whether they walked, jogged, or sprinted, every student gave it a go and embraced the fun.
Well done to all our runners, Term 3 is coming, and Gold is in sight!
In this edition of SchoolTV - Surviving Final Year
The final year of secondary school is a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students. With so much going on it can be hard to find the balance between study and life. It is a time when personalities start to emerge, there are more complex interpersonal relationships and there is the pressure to perform academically. With all of this going on, it’s not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.
Some kids will need more support than others. Keeping the communication lines open with your child, their teachers, mentors and other parents will be crucial. Being aware of your child’s mental and physical wellbeing can play a vital role in their success.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice for students and parents to help get through the final year of secondary school.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Surviving Final Year edition of SchoolTV
https://prspne.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12
Warm regards,
Hayley Moore
Guidance Counsellor
As we close on another busy term, it’s a great time to reflect on the social and emotional wellbeing of the St Catherine’s students and community. School life can be full of challenges, with academic pressures around assessment time, along with friendships and personal growth playing an important role in shaping the students experiences at school.
As school chaplain, I am here to offer support to the students and community by creating a safe and caring atmosphere, a listening ear and connecting students with additional resources. Encouraging open conversations both at home and at school about feelings, resilience and kindness helps build strong emotional foundations. I invite students and families to reach out if you need support or simply someone to talk to.
Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating break.
Rugby League
Xavier House Captain, Lily Sainsbury, is a determined Rugby player. Impressively, she returned from the QLD Under 18 Rugby 7 Championships awarded as the NQ’s Best and Fairest. Congratulation Lily!
Mercy Athletics Carnival a Day Full of Spirit and Smiles!
Last week’s Mercy Athletics Carnival was a wonderful celebration of participation, school spirit, and fun! From the morning’s activity stations to the exciting track races in the afternoon, it was fantastic to see students giving their best and encouraging one another along the way.
Congratulations to Ignatius House, who took out the House Cup for their outstanding enthusiasm and involvement, their war cries echoed proudly across the school!
A big thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for cheering our students on throughout the day. And of course, a special thank you to Mrs Falconer for her incredible effort and organisation in making the carnival such a memorable event.
Year 3 - 12 Athletics Carnival – What a Day!
A huge well done to everyone who participated in our Year 3–12 Athletics Carnival this week! The day was filled with excitement and team spirit from start to finish.
Thank you to the parents who came along to cheer, and a big shoutout to our Parent Engagement Group for keeping everyone well-fed with the delicious sausage sizzle. A special thank you goes to all our staff who helped the day run so smoothly and especially to Mr Laguna for his outstanding organisation and dedication!
House Results:
-
Spirit Cup Winner – Frayne
-
House Champion – McAuley
Congratulations to our 2025 Age Champions:
| Age | Girls Champion | Boys Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Aurelia Mitchell | Wilson Hounsell |
| 9 | Billie Jamieson | Thomas Gibbs |
| 10 | Maeve Dechiera | Murphy Jamieson |
| 11 | Billie Stevens | Seamus King |
| 12 | Tia Galton | Declan Dechiera |
| 13 | Acacia Rock | Jaxson Farley |
| 14 | Isabella Pisanello | Ljay Barton |
| 15 | Lucy Bennett | Karl Ward |
| 16 | Maya Gerrand | Reef Peel |
| Opens | Lily Sainsbury | Mason Andrews |
Well done to all our students for giving it their all, we’re proud of your efforts, spirit, and teamwork!
Emerging Leaders Represent St Catherine’s
Two of our Year 12 students, Gabi Antrim and Amber Hinschen, were recently selected to represent St Catherine’s Catholic College on the Emerging Leaders Student Council. As part of this role, Gabi and Amber joined students from 12 other schools across the diocese in a collaborative Zoom meeting.
The council meets once each term to share ideas and provide feedback on how to enhance the Emerging Leaders program. We’re proud to see our students contributing to leadership development on a diocesan level.
In the event of a cyclone or severe weather impacting on our Catholic schools, regularly updated information will be available on the following:
- Townsville Catholic Education website www.tsv.catholic.edu.au LATEST NEWS section on homepage.
- Twitter – you can follow us on www.twitter.com/tceo.
- Facebook – you can follow us on www.facebook.com/TownsvilleCEO
. - Listen to local radio stations (ABC in all regions) plus various local commercial stations for updates.
- Instagram – Townsville_Catholic_Education.
- School’s web page
If a decision is made overnight to close schools, this message will be broadcast from 7am or earlier, if possible, through the local radio stations. Please refrain from calling schools as this causes disruption to vital communication networks, ask parents to be patient, information will be broadcasts as soon as practicable.
Please refer to the above methods of communication as your first source of information. Please use your best discretion in the interests of safety at all times.
Storybox Library resource
Did you know you can access Storybox, a terrific resource available to our College families that provides free access to awesome stories and helpful resources. Click the following link to check it out. https://storyboxlibrary.com.
2025 Term dates
| Term 1 | Tuesday 28 January - Friday 4 April |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 22 April - Friday 27 June |
| Term 3 | Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 7 October - Friday 5 December |
Year 12 School Year concludes on Friday 21 November 2025
Secondary Classes (7-11) conclude on Friday 28 November 2025
Primary Classes (P-6) conclude on Friday 5 December 2025
Follow us on Social Media
Keep up to date with the latest information in regards to upcoming events and those that have happened on our social media platforms.
ALL RUNNERS UNITE!
Join us Sunday July 20th for the 1km or 2km Primary School Challenge as part of the annual Airlie Beach Marathon Festival. The school challenge is awarded to the primary school with the highest combined percentage of participants in both the 1km and 2km (combined) races.
For the past 4 years our College has taken home the top gong, being crowned the champions. As a result of this we were fortunate enough to also win the cash prize of $750. This prize money has been used to support our school Run Club specifically for the purchase of personalised water bottles, t-shirts and towels as Platinum, Gold and Silver prizes.
This year, it is now a $1000 cash prize which will enable us to sustain the Run Club and continue purchasing prizes. We would love to see as many St Catherine's students participate as possible.
For our regular College Run Clubers, the ABMF 2km course is roughly 10 laps of our Run Club course.
The school will also be entering a staff team in the 5k corporate challenge
For more information or to register please use the following link
https://runairlie.com.au/
