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On Friday last week, the Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students provided meals at the Eat Street Event. This was set up in the form of market stalls with different cuisines on offer. The offerings were excellent and the students and Mrs McDiarmid are to be congratulated. I witnessed the huge amount of effort both before and after the evening. The event, though, was notable for more than the food. It provided a chance for different members of the College community to meet, chat and just enjoy the company of children and adults. In addition, the musical offerings showcased the talents of our students. Thank you to staff, students and families.
We have planned a similar event at the start of Catholic Education Week: our Centenary Community Picnic. This will happen at St Catherine’s in and around the Tom Gard Centre (TGC), on Sunday 27th July and begins a week of celebrating 100 years of catholic Education at St Catherine’s. I was keen to ensure that all members of our College community would feel welcome, and that the celebrations are cost-neutral with no financial constraints to prevent families from celebrating. Families can pack a picnic and join others for music, games, tours, and connection - especially with past members of the school community. Limited food options will be available to purchase. I am hopeful that you will keep the day free and drop in for whatever time you can set aside to support this community event.
You are, of course, always welcome at St Catherine’s Parish church. On Sunday 27th July, the start time for mass has shifted to 9am to allow a slightly later start than normal and alignment with our 100th celebration.
To conclude Catholic Education week - and our 100th celebrations - a College mass on Friday 1st August will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Harris and our parish administrator, Fr. Shilbin Kurian MCBS. Bishop Timothy will also bless and open our new building - the St Francis Hub. The name of the building references St Francis Xavier, one of our House patrons. As a companion of St Ignatius of Loyola, St Francis connects with the Ignatian spirituality, which, combined with our Mercy charism, is foundational to St Catherine’s. Because St Francis Xavier was a founder of the Jesuit order, his name also pays tribute to our previous pope, a notable Jesuit.
We have two athletics events in the closing weeks of term 2: the Mercy Carnival this Thursday, and the Y3-12 Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 25th June. I look to parents to support our gospel value of Community by ensuring that all students are in attendance unless unwell. Our staff and House Leaders are working to enhance a culture of attendance, participation and peer support: please assist them.
Board news
Led by chair, Bec Murton, the College Board consisting of: Fr Shilbin, Mandy Ayers, El Long, Ravid Royston-Jennings, Brad Sobott, Tundi Gosselink, Sarah Rogers, Suzi Bellert, Kate Moretto and myself, met at the start of June.
The agenda included formation around the ECSI project (some of you will recall the recent surveys) which will help when we receive, and need to analyse, 2025 survey results. The meetings usually involve policy review - and the College uniform policy was the main focus of this meeting. Names for the new building were discussed, with recommendations made to TCE. The Executive Director, Mrs Jacqui Francis, consults with the Bishop on such matters.
The Board discussed traffic congestion at the end of the day in the primary carpark and concerns about safety. Buses depart from 3.05 to around 3.15pm, with a fairly constant flow of buses in and out of the College during these times. It was noted that, should families delay pick up until 3.10pm, the carpark is relatively clear and exit easier. This is recommended. However, the College leadership team and College Board will continue to explore solutions to congestion, through consultation with the council.
Our next Board meeting will be held on August 5th.
Katherine Nelson
Principal
Fire and Lockdown Drills
As part of our commitment to student safety, we regularly conduct lockdown and fire drills to ensure that all staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency. These drills are a normal and important part of our safety procedures. You may hear your child talk about these experiences at home—please be assured that they are carried out in a calm and supportive manner. Practising these routines helps everyone know what to do and builds confidence in responding appropriately during real situations.
Secondary Late Students
We are noticing a pattern of a few secondary students regularly arriving late to school. While occasional lateness may be unavoidable, consistent late arrivals can significantly impact a student’s ability to start the day well. Arriving on time allows students to settle in, organise themselves, and be mentally prepared for learning. It also helps establish positive routines and ensures they do not miss important instructions or activities at the beginning of the day. We encourage all families to support students in arriving promptly each morning so they can make the most of every learning opportunity. If you are unsure if your child is arriving late to school, please check your Compass app as students’ attendance is recorded for every lesson. Check the attendance tab within your child’s profile and it will show unexplained absences.
Compass - A guide for parents & families - https://www.compass.education/guide/
Athletics Carnivals
Our upcoming Athletics Carnivals are a highlight of the school year and a great opportunity to celebrate participation, effort, and house spirit. The Mercy Carnival for Prep to Year 2 will be held on Thursday 19th June, and the Years 3 to 12 Carnival will take place on Wednesday 25th June. In preparation, students have been training during their HPE lessons, and our long jump and triple jump pits have been freshly topped with new sand. We encourage all students to attend, get involved, and proudly support their house. Let’s make it a fun and memorable event for all! We love to see parents and families at these events too to cheer this student along.
New Playground on Secondary
Our junior secondary students have been making the most of the new playground, which has become a popular spot, especially with the cooler weather. It’s great to see students spending more time outdoors and engaging in active play during their breaks.
Warm regards,
Samantha Hinton (Deputy Primary)
Kate Moretto (Deputy Secondary)
In the Early and Middle Years….
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
- year of schooling
- category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
- level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
- formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
- consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
- develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
We are currently finalising our data for the 2024/2025 year (August - August).
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding NCCD and the data collected at the school level. Further information can be found at the NCCD website.
~ Erin & Emma ~
~Emma Hiscox & Erin Laguna~
Assistant Principals - Learning and Teaching
In the Senior Years…
Year 12 students (General subjects) will be completing their final internal assessments by Week 5 of next term. Given the shorter time available to study Unit 4, effective time management is essential for students to successfully balance academic work, personal commitments, and relaxation.
- Creating a personalised calendar that includes deadlines, exams, social events, and personal time allows students to visualise their schedules and avoid surprises. Digital tools like Google Calendar, Trello, Asana, or physical planners can help organise long-term and daily tasks.
- Setting reminders for micro-tasks ensures deadlines are met without last-minute stress. Personalising the schedule according to individual rhythms—such as studying during peak energy times—can enhance productivity.
- Prioritising tasks based on urgency and energy levels, while also learning to say no to non-essential commitments, helps maintain balance.
- Breaking large assignments into smaller, manageable steps reduces feelings of being overwhelmed and minimises procrastination.
- Utilising techniques like the Pomodoro Method and avoiding multitasking improves focus and efficiency.
- Eliminating distractions by turning off notifications and using website blockers also supports concentration.
- Importantly, time management should include regular breaks, sufficient sleep, and personal downtime to protect mental health.
- Seeking support from friends, study groups, or academic resources can further improve organisation and accountability.
- Flexibility and realism are key; students should allow room for unexpected events and be patient with themselves when plans change, fostering a healthy and balanced approach to time management.
- Physical activities (walking, jogging, swimming, etc) and/or meditation help to develop mental wellbeing.
- Having good sleep hygiene is crucial for optimal cognitive function. (Click here)
(adapted from “8 Time Management Tips for Students,” summer.harvard.edu)
~ Sooraj Fowdar~
Senior Phase Teaching and Learning Leader
Principal’s Tour & Information Afternoon – Year 7, 2026
We are pleased to invite families to our second Principal’s Tour and Information Afternoon for students enrolling in Year 7 in 2026, taking place on Wednesday, 18th June at 3:30pm.
This session is a wonderful opportunity to explore our campus, meet staff, and learn more about the exciting learning pathways and opportunities available at St Catherine’s.
If you attended the first tour earlier this year, you are not required to attend again however, you are more than welcome to return if you have further questions or would like to take another look around.
To RSVP or find out more, please email: enquiries@prspne.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to welcoming you!
Year 10 into 11 Information Night
Families of Year 10 students are warmly invited to attend our Year 10 into 11 Information Night on Tuesday, 25 June 2025, from 6pm to 7pm in the Secondary M13/M14 classrooms.
This session is designed to support students and parents as they prepare for the transition into senior schooling. We will cover important topics such as:
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What is QCE and ATAR
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The difference between applied and general subjects
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The flexible pathways available for senior students at St Catherine’s
This evening is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and learn more about subject selection, future pathways, and how to make the most of the senior years.
We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, please contact us at enquiries@prspne.catholic.edu.au.
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.
In 2024, the Catherine McAuley Society held a ‘clothes drive for PNG’. This year, on the 18th April, Molly Bennett was able to travel to Papua New Guinea to deliver the clothes to the many villages along the Kokoda Track as well as some local schools in Port Moresby. Molly spent 8 days walking the track with Adventure Bound Tours, and commemorated ANZAC Day with a Dawn Service at Isurava Battlefield. The villagers were very grateful for the donations and could not thank St Catherine’s enough for their generosity.
Students across Year 5 to Year 9 recently took part in the 2025 b Kinder School Summit, a powerful event focused on spreading kindness, building empathy, and inspiring real-world change in our schools and communities.
Our Year 5 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend a dedicated primary summit, where they collaborated to identify areas of the world that could benefit from more kindness. They brainstormed thoughtful, creative solutions and demonstrated true compassion and teamwork throughout the day. It was inspiring to see their young minds so engaged in making a positive difference.
Meanwhile, selected students from Years 7, 8, and 9 also participated in the summit, presented by the b Kinder Foundation in partnership with Illuminate Education Australia. This immersive, full-day experience encouraged student leaders to design kindness-based initiatives tailored to their school and wider community. Working in teams, they tackled real-world challenges and presented their ideas to a panel of guests.
Some of the standout initiatives included:
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Cleaner Kindness: Encouraging students to show respect for cleaning staff by keeping school areas tidy, with consequences in place for those who don’t.
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Recycling House Bins: Designing recycling bins in house colours to help reduce waste and ease the load for cleaners.
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Sensory Support Boxes: Creating classroom sensory kits with headphones, fidget tools, soft music, and calming materials to support students with sensory sensitivities.
These ideas showcase the creativity and empathy our students bring to problem-solving and how they’re already making steps toward creating a more inclusive, compassionate school environment.
We are incredibly proud of the students who took part in this initiative and look forward to supporting them as they implement these kindness-driven projects at St Catherine’s.
| PREP | Ruby Greatz, Dustyn Guthrie, Arlo Volpato |
| YEAR 1 | Jack Martin, Colt Lawrence, Parker Wall, Lotte Brazowski, |
| YEAR 3 | Hannah Murphy, Rosie Long, Mia Fairweather, Shakita Daniel-Fenn |
| YEAR 4 | Meehika Kulkarni |
| YEAR 5 | Isla Appleton, Fletcher Rose, Levi Smith, Bria Wallen |
Week 8 Mercy Awards
| PREP | Mathilde Brazowski, Ayvah Le |
| YEAR 2 | Arlo Travis, James Gibbs, Harry Chegwidden, Kollins Verwoerdt, Franky Riley, Jack Glashoff, |
| YEAR 4 | Maisy Edmunds, Jude Vanderpoel, Thomas Bettinzoli, Emilee Dibben, Meehika Kulkarni |
Week 9 Mercy Awards
| PREP | Charlie Tydd, Freya McIntyre, |
| YEAR 1 | Celeste Bonanno, Stevie McNab, Finn Long, Thomas McCabbin, Bob Davies, |
| YEAR 2 | Brodie Jackson |
| YEAR 3 | Sadie Clinton, Ryan Bakker |
| YEAR 5 | Adelyn Drury, Tex Peterson, Maeve Dichiera |
| YEAR 6 | Georgie Linneweber |
Celebrating Our Flame Award Recipients
This week, we proudly celebrated students who received Flame Awards in Xavier and Ignatius 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!
IGNATIUS
| 00A | Archer KEY |
| 00A | Ayvah LE |
| 00A | Brodie O'KEEFFE |
| 00A | Jack MCCABBIN |
| 00A | Madeleine PARNELL |
| 00A | Oscar HARRIS |
| 00B | Bernadette VAN BLERK |
| 00B | Freya MCINTYRE |
| 00B | Harvey JACKSON |
| 00B | Jordan MCNICHOL |
| 00B | Layla BAYLDON |
| 00B | Nevaeh MCKELLIN |
| 00B | Sierra LAWSON |
| 01B | Blake Clinton |
| 01B | Noah Logan |
| 01B | Bailey MORLEY-HART |
| 01B | Thomas MCCABBIN |
| 02A | Asher GODDEN |
| 02A | Banjo Peterson |
| 02A | Oliver McNichol |
| 02A | Lexie Cochrane |
| 02A | Brodie Jackson |
| 02A | Bonnie Smith |
| 02A | Emersyn GRIFFITHS |
| 02B | Emmy Briffa |
| 02B | Arlo TRAVIS |
| 02C | Harry CHEGWIDDEN |
| 02C | Kollins VERWOERDT |
| 04A | Buachomphu O'DWYER |
| 04A | Freya HOWSE |
| 04A | Luka STEVENS |
| 04B | Angus MOYNIHAN |
| 04B | Norah CHRYSTAL |
| 05A | Blake CHRYSTAL |
| 05A | Ella MCELHINNEY |
| 05B | Mackenzie BENNETT |
XAVIER
| 00A | Archie HANDFORD |
| 00A | Hudson BATES |
| 00A | Ike MCNEILL |
| 00A | Mathilde BRAZOWSKI |
| 00A | Skylah AUSTIN |
| 00B | Ashtryd DE GUZMAN |
| 00B | Arlo VOLPATO |
| 00B | Hunter GLEESON |
| 00B | James SMALL |
| 00B | Jack FAUST |
| 00B | Madeline DUFFY |
| 00B | Mia PENGLASE-FORTUNATO |
| 01B | Lotte Brazowski |
| 01B | Peter Salmond |
| 02A | Harry FAUST |
| 02A | Isla JOHNSTON |
| 02A | Leo MITCHELL |
| 02A | Mason BRADFORD |
| 02B | James Gibbs |
| 02B | Emmett Blair |
| 02C | Franklin MURTON |
| 02C | Harrison GRIEVE |
| 02C | Jack GLASHOFF |
| 02C | Phoebe EMMERSON |
| 04A | Rien MURTON |
| 04A | Thomas BETTINZOLI |
| 04B | Eden MCKERROW |
| 04B | Sienna REGAN |
| 04B | Thomas GIBBS |
| 05A | Alana SALMOND |
We’re incredibly grateful to Rob Taylor and Brad Sobbot for inviting St Catherine’s to be part of the Taylor’s Bandicoot Book Club, a fantastic initiative designed to support and encourage our young readers.
Each month, a Primary student is recognised with a special book award for showing outstanding improvement in their reading. This month, we’re proud to congratulate Mathilde Brazowski, who received the award for her impressive progress! The book she received will now be added to our Primary Library collection for all students to borrow and enjoy, a wonderful way to inspire more reading across our school.
Taylors latest initiative is all about motivating young readers to dive into more books and be rewarded for it!
Primary students who read 10 books will not only be recognised at assembly with a special certificate, but they’ll also receive an awesome prize to celebrate their achievement!
If you’re unsure how it works or how to get involved, Miss Rani is the go-to person, she’ll happily explain everything you need to know.
Thanks again to Taylors for helping make reading fun, exciting, and something our students strive toward!
Run Club continues to stride ahead this term with strong momentum! We've had an exciting wave of students reaching Silver Level, earning themselves a personalised drink bottle as a mark of their commitment and consistent effort.
Bronze Level achievements are also stacking up across the Primary school, with students from Kindy to Year 6 getting involved and enjoying the benefits of moving each week. It’s fantastic to see so many young people embracing it.
Run Club isn’t about being the fastest, it’s about participation, building healthy habits, and enjoying the challenge. Whether you're walking, jogging, skipping, or sprinting, every step counts.
And with Gold Level in their sights, we know our runners won’t be slowing down anytime soon!
Warm regards,
Hayley Moore
Guidance Counsellor
A huge congratulations goes to all the students involved in the recent Eat Street Market event held on Friday night. As part of their semester assessment, the yr 11 and 12 hospitality students spent weeks planning, preparing, and trialling a variety of dishes from global cuisines. Their hard work and dedication culminated in a highly successful evening where they served over 170 guests with a main meal and dessert.
The evening showcased the students' creativity, teamwork, and professionalism. The following students played key roles in organising and running the event:
Jake Andrews, Mae Carter Attewood, Makenzie Dawes, Jess March-Peach, Cheryl Marshall, Grace O'Rielly, Robert Sam, Matilda Stevens, Noah Vine, Harry Craig, Lexi Weldon, Pieper Van Muyen, and Ruby Irving.
Additional thanks go to Alfie Moretto, Chloe Bennett, Sonny Telford, Noah Baxendell, Shiloh Brett, Mason and Ryan Andrews, Amelia McKay, Laura Johanson, Aleena Gerrard, and Tamryn Brown for their assistance throughout the day and evening, helping to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The evening was made even more special by performances from talented students in the choir, band, and instrumental ensembles, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of staff members: Chantal McDiarmid, Kate Moretto, Betsy Atkinson, Shadley Davids, Nat Hazleton, Meryn Connors, Lou Uhl, Tundi Gosselink, Brooke Harris, and Penny Grossi. Their guidance and support were deeply appreciated.
Congratulations once again to everyone involved, a truly memorable evening for our school community!
Careers Day Competition Winners Announced
Earlier this term, Tassal joined us for our Careers Day and hosted an exciting competition for students. At last week’s Secondary Assembly, Nic the Feed Senior Technician from Tassal returned to draw the lucky winner. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and engagement with our students.
Also during assembly, Mrs Brown Kenyon presented award packs to students who took part in the Careers Day scavenger hunt, a fun and interactive way to explore the many opportunities available on the day.
A big thank you to Tassal and all involved for making Careers Day such a rewarding and memorable experience!
Well done to our Year 7/8 teams who represented St Catherine’s in the Readers Cup competition held at Mirani State High School last week. This engaging event gave students the opportunity to test their reading knowledge, work collaboratively, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts from across the region.
Our students had been preparing diligently throughout the term, and their hard work was evident on the day. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and love for reading made us incredibly proud.
A big congratulations also goes to our Year 5/6 team, who competed in Mackay. They too represented our school with pride and showed great dedication and sportsmanship.
Fantastic effort from all involved, your commitment to learning and literature is amazing!
Design in Detail: Stunning Woodwork Projects
In Senior Industrial Technology & Design, our students have been hard at work producing some truly impressive timber pieces under the expert guidance of Mr Melvin.
The students recently completed handcrafted mirror racks that showcase both functional design and fine craftsmanship. Made from beautifully selected timber, the pieces feature intricate joinery, smooth finishes, and detailed elements like heart-shaped cutouts and individual storage hooks, all thoughtfully designed and carefully constructed by the students.
The attention to detail is evident in every piece, from the neatly routed edges to the precision of the mirror framing. These projects are a testament to the patience, skill, and dedication of our senior students, and we're incredibly proud of their achievements.
Sweet Creativity in Food Production
Our talented Year 9 and 10 Food Production students have been busy in the kitchen, combining creativity and culinary skills for their latest assessment task, a Celebration Masterpiece Cake!
Using the popular “Woollies cake hack” method, students transformed humble supermarket mudcakes into stunning celebration cakes. The brief required them to apply their knowledge of buttercream piping, fondant modelling, and chocolate work to design and decorate a cake fit for any special occasion.
From bold colours to delicate details, the results were as impressive as they were delicious. This hands-on challenge not only allowed students to showcase their cake-decorating skills but also encouraged them to think critically about design, flavour, and presentation.
Well done to all students for your effort, imagination, and hard work.
Learning from Country: Year 3 Explores Firestick Farming
As part of their Science unit exploring life cycles and living things, our Year 3 students had the privilege of hearing from local Indigenous owner, Robert Congoo, last week.
Robert introduced students to the traditional Aboriginal practice of firestick farming,a land management technique involving controlled burns. This method has been used for thousands of years to promote biodiversity, reduce bushfire risks, and maintain healthy ecosystems.
The session offered students a valuable perspective on how Indigenous knowledge and practices play a crucial role in caring for the land. We thank Robert for sharing his time and wisdom with our students.
Cattle Club
A Strong Start to Show Season – Pioneer Valley Show
The St Catherine’s Cattle Club Team kicked off their 2024 season at the Pioneer Valley Show, with six students proudly assisting in showing Cambil Stud cattle and competing in both the Junior Judging and Junior Parading events.
Due to some last-minute changes, only Andie Stevens and Amber Hinschen were able to represent the team in the Junior Judging on Saturday afternoon. Andie placed 2nd in the 14–15 years age group, matching the judge’s selections with great accuracy. Amber competed in the highly competitive Open category but was unfortunately edged out of the placings.
Six students took part in the Junior Parading competition, where they were assessed on their ability to control and present their animals in the ring. Both Hannah and Sienna Stagg dealt with particularly spirited heifers, a bit of bad luck on the day. Despite the challenge, the team still saw excellent results. In the Under 13s, Laila Peneglase-Fortunato received 2nd place. In the 14–15s, Andie Stevens secured another 2nd place. Amber Hinschen also earned 2nd place in the Open division.
The team displayed impressive progress and showmanship, especially considering they had just one walk-through earlier in the week due to a late season start, ongoing rain, and unfamiliar cattle.
There is now growing anticipation for the Proserpine Show, with Cambil Brahmans expected to have a few bulls ready for the ring. This year, the Proserpine Show will welcome entries from multiple schools and studs, including some travelling from Townsville and Charters Towers, a fantastic chance for the team to compete against like-minded peers from across the region.
St Catherine’s looks forward to seeing supporters at the Proserpine Show this Saturday morning to cheer on their dedicated team in the Junior Competition!
Year 9 Students Pitch Big Ideas in Future Anything Showcase
As part of the 9@St Caths program, our Year 9 students recently completed the Future Anything Activate program, a nationally recognised initiative that empowers students to design sustainable, innovative, and scalable solutions to real-world problems they care about.
Students worked in small groups to develop their ideas, learning valuable skills in collaboration, entrepreneurship, and creative thinking. The program culminated in a showcase event held on Friday, 23rd May on the Secondary Campus, where students pitched their projects to a panel of guest judges and the school community.
We extend our thanks to our guest judges, Sam Hinton, Bec Murton, and All Grundy, who generously volunteered their time to evaluate the pitches and select the Judge’s Choice Award winner. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, adding to the excitement of the day.
The quality of ideas presented was outstanding, with students demonstrating thoughtfulness, passion, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Several projects will now be recommended for submission to the national Future Anything competition, where they may have the chance to win funding and support to bring their concepts to life.
Congratulations to all our Year 9 students for their creativity, innovation, and dedication throughout the program. We are incredibly proud of what you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your ideas might take you next!
Mr Grundy Takes Centre Field at Gold Coast Suns Event
Congratulations to our very own School Officer and Groundsman, Mr Al Grundy, who recently had an incredible opportunity to represent the Whitsundays and speak about tourism at the Gold Coast Suns Chairman's Club Lunch.
Invited by Mackay Regional Council, Al addressed a room of 200 business leaders, sharing insights into tourism and opportunities within our region. His passion and knowledge clearly left an impression, as he was then invited behind the scenes to visit the dressing sheds and watch the Suns players warm up.
The highlight of the day came when Al was honoured with the privilege of tossing the coin at the start of the game, a moment he described as unforgettable.
Well done, Mr Grundy! What an amazing experience and a fantastic representation of both our school and region.
Year 3 - 12 Athletics Carnival - Wednesday 25th June
The St Catherine’s Year 3 - 12 Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 25th June on the Secondary Oval. With increased numbers it will be a full day carnival starting at 8.40am with students to meet for roll marking in their classrooms (primary) and homerooms (secondary). All students will be expected to participate in field events and the 100 races. If your child will be having tuckshop, it is imperative that orders be made online (flexischools) and please be aware that there is only one lunch break scheduled (11 am until 11:40 am). Students are encouraged to wear their house colours, a hat and pack a water bottle. Sporting carnivals are always a key event on a school calendar and a wonderful opportunity for students to display a range of talents and abilities. We are anticipating a fantastic carnival, filled with House and College spirit.
Netball
Bowen Friendly Matches
Last Thursday our Year 7, 8 and 9 Netball students played friendly matches against Bowen SHS. It was a great outing for our ladies who thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our Year 7 team was the standout of the carnival with some very strong players joining to dominate the courts. Thanks to Mrs Laguna for coaching.
Mackay Winter Carnival Wrap-Up
Three St Catherine’s netball teams hit the courts in Mackay for the Winter Carnival and while it may have been winter, the weather was anything but cool. Our players gave it their all under the hot sun, with red faces to prove it!
From our enthusiastic U10s playing in their very first carnival, to the Under 12s finishing runners-up in the 12D division, and our Mixed QISSN team getting in some great pre-carnival match practice, it was a weekend full of skill, teamwork, and school spirit.
A big shoutout to all our students for their dedication, sportsmanship, and energy across two big days of netball.
A huge thank you to Mrs Hiscox, Mrs Bennett and Mr Laguna for coaching and guiding our teams, and to all the parents and supporters who cheered us on from the sidelines. These carnivals mean the world to our players and simply wouldn’t happen without your time, support, and encouragement.
- Thursday 19th June - Mercy Athletics Carnival Prep - Yr 2
- Wednesday 25th June - Year 3 - Year 12 Athletics Carnival
Birri Gubba Club Buzzing with Excitement!
There’s been plenty of excitement in the Birri Gubba Club this week, with some fantastic new resources arriving to help students further explore and connect with First Nations culture.
The weekly memory game continues to be a crowd favourite, sparking fun and friendly competition. New scratch art supplies have also landed, adding even more colour and creativity to our sessions.
Birri Gubba Club is open to all students in Years 3–6 and runs every Tuesday at lunchtime with Miss Justine. If you're curious, creative, and ready to learn, come along and be part of the fun!
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.
Whitsunday Transit After School Activity Bus
