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The readings at this weekend’s mass emphasised how God’s salvation and love are unbounded. They are offered to all.
I was reflecting that we describe our College Vision of our students as people of hope who will learn and show the virtues that spring from our College Gospel values. In this, we have a vision for all. Not just the Catholic students, but all who join our Catholic College community.
St Catherine’s Catholic College graduates will be people of hope who:
- Have the courage to proactively seek justice for the common good.
- Have the wisdom to recognise their gifts and to strive to excel for the benefit of all.
- Have the generosity of heart to show compassion, both in their decision making and in their relationships with others.
- Have the integrity to create community through relationships, which are based on respect, inclusion and tolerance.
As a Catholic school, we have foundational beliefs about building ‘right relationships’ and repairing these if they are damaged. Our staff models the way that the intentions expressed above are lived in a community. They provide the basis of the Responsible Decision Making process that underpins life at St Catherine’s, and which can be found on the College website. The Spirit of St Catherine’s matrices outline how this should look for students at different development levels, as they live as a College community member. In this work we further the College Mission - which is the Mission of the Catholic Church: to share the Good News with all.
We recently have had demonstrations of commitment to community and, for staff, to providing experiences for students that will develop a sense of belonging. Camps, debating, Tournament of Minds and sport events - for a small school we offer a great deal. I thank the staff who have accompanied and prepared students for these activities. I encourage students to find something that further connects them with the College, and to make a commitment to building community through their actions.
Principal
Week 7 already! Where has the term gone!
Years 7 to 12 - Charged Device
Recently, we have noticed an increase in students requesting loan devices. To reduce this, students in Years 7–12 are expected to bring their Chromebook to school each day fully charged and ready for learning. Loan devices are only available if a laptop is away for repairs and will not be provided for flat or forgotten devices. A charging station is available in the Library before school and during lunch breaks, but classrooms do not have charging facilities. Being prepared with a charged device helps students start the day well and ensures they are set up for successful learning.
Year 10 SET-plan meetings
A reminder that Year 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan meetings will take place on Thursday, 11 September from 3:15pm to 7:45pm in the Secondary Library. Bookings can be made through Compass under the Conferences tab. SET Plans are a mandatory government requirement for students to progress into Year 11.
The Fatal Five - Staying Safe on the Roads
Last week, our Year 11 and 12 students attended a Fatal 5 presentation, focusing on the main causes of serious road crashes: speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), and not wearing a seatbelt. The session, based on the Queensland Police Service initiative, reminded students of the importance of safe choices on the road and how these behaviours contribute to many fatalities in Queensland each year. We encourage students to reflect on these messages and make safe decisions whenever they are on or around the road. As a Catholic College, we value student welfare and provide opportunities like this to help keep our young people safe.
Day of Play - 4th September 2025
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” -Plato
After its success last year, we will be running ‘Day of Play’ this year for our Prep to Year 6 students. Yes, a day of play - that will sound very exciting for the students… but what is it all about?
EMPOWERING PLAY...
One of the best opportunities for social-emotional learning!
The Day of Play is the grassroots effort created by educators in support of unstructured playtime for students around the world. The campaign was started by a group of six educators in 2015. They realised that playtime for children was decreasing both at home and in school, leading to negative consequences for the children’s development.
For more information, see flyer below:
Farmer’s Market
Last Friday, we held our very first Farmer’s Market — and what a fantastic success it was!
The idea for this Farmer’s Market began with Georgia in Year 4, who wanted to find a way to reduce food waste and rising food costs by giving students the chance to sell fresh produce from their own backyards. Her initiative has grown into a project that now benefits our whole school community.
Our Primary students sold a wonderful variety of goods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, eggs, bracelets, and more. It was inspiring to see how confidently they managed their stalls, from setup to sales and customer service.
The markets will continue every Friday until the end of Term 3 (with Week 8 moved to Thursday due to the Pupil Free Day on Friday). We invite all families to come along, support our young stallholders, and stock up on fresh local produce.
Further information about stalls, including terms and conditions, is attached.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our preparations for 2026 enrolments are well underway.
Last Wednesday, Kindy students from across the region joined us for Step Into Prep. They enjoyed time in the Prep classrooms, toured the Primary campus, took part in a PE lesson, and visited the library. A special thank you to our current Prep students and Year 6 leaders, who were outstanding helpers and wonderful role models in welcoming our new families.
This Thursday evening, we look forward to welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students at Discovery Night. Both our current Year 6 students and new students joining us for high school will take part in activities designed to introduce them to secondary school life and help them get to know each other.
Warm regards,
Samantha Hinton (Deputy Primary)
Kate Moretto (Deputy Secondary)
Strength in Faith: Living our Mercy & Ignatian Story
We’re often asked what makes St Catherine’s Catholic College distinctively “St Catherine’s.” The answer begins with our story and the spirituality that shapes our everyday life.
Our College was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1925 and takes its name from St Catherine of Alexandria. Over time, our community has grown, adding a new campus in 2012 and secondary education in 2013 and our spiritual life has deepened. Through a period of prayerful discernment, we embraced Ignatian spirituality to stand alongside our enduring Mercy charism. Together, these traditions anchor who we are and how we serve.
What does that look like for students and families?
We frame learning and community life through four foundation values: Excellence, Community, Compassion and Justice. These aren’t slogans; they’re daily practices from striving for quality in the classroom, to noticing who needs a hand, to choosing fair and respectful ways of living with others.
Our mission is to educate young people who are strong in faith, ready to serve, and active seekers of truth echoing the Ignatian call to “find God in all things.” In age-appropriate ways, students are invited to pray, reflect, act for justice and bring their gifts to the College and wider community.
We want our graduates to be people who act with courage for the common good, recognise and grow their gifts, show generous compassion, and build inclusive relationships marked by respect and integrity. These habits are practised in homerooms and houses, on the stage and sports fields, and in service initiatives across the year. St Catherine's College
Our parish priest, Fr Shilbin, accompany us in liturgy and formation. With him and with you we nurture a living faith that is expressed in worship, service and everyday kindness.
Students see these touchstones in action through classroom units, retreats, social justice projects, and House activities that highlight our four values. We always encourage families to join us at College liturgies and to talk with their children about how they are practicing Excellence, Community, Compassion and Justice at home.
May St Catherine guide our pursuit of truth, and may the spirit of Mercy and Ignatius keep us rooted in Christ’s love.
God Bless
God's blessings upon you,Julie Hornstra, Shadley Davids
Assistant Principals/ Religious Education
In the Senior Years….
Year 12 External Exam Preparation
Year 12 students have now completed their final internal assessment (IA3) and are preparing for external exams, which begin on 27 October 2025. As part of this preparation, they will complete a mock exam during Weeks 9 and 10 of this term.
How much should a student prepare for the Mock Exam
It is common for students to achieve lower results in the mock exam compared to the external exam. One reason is the limited revision time available after IA3 (around 4–5 weeks). For Mathematics and Science subjects, external exams cover all of Units 3 and 4, which makes revision extensive and demanding. Additionally, some students have previously shown a lack of commitment towards consistent study, which impacts performance.
Strategies to Prepare for the Exam
- Create a realistic study plan by breaking revision into manageable chunks and allocating time for each subject.
- Review notes, past assessments, and practise past exam papers under timed conditions.
- Stay organised by using colour-coded notes, flashcards, or mind maps.
- Maintain healthy habits, including regular sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and exercise.
- Seek support from teachers or peers and practise under simulated exam conditions.
~ Sooraj Fowdar~
Senior Phase Teaching and Learning Leader
Mercy Awards
Week 5
| Year 1 | Averie Taylor, Leon Lozach, Saaya Smythe |
| Year 3 | Nate Smith, Charlotte Webster, Hevaeh Mulvahil, Connor Sun, Tanah Congoo |
| Year 5 | Polly Allan, Ayda Telford, Oliver Seddon-Brown, Kashla Piratheepan |
Week 6
| Prep | Skylah Austin, Brodie O'Keeffe, Jack Faust, Charlie Tydd |
| Year 2 | Teddy Oswald, Xavier Bull, Jax Ingram, Franklin Murton, Lexi Cochrane, Lacey Tydd |
| Year 4 | Riley Courtenay, Dylan Lando, Mylah Godden, Rien Murton, Meehika Kulkarni |
| Year 6 | Lara McIntyre, Savannah Rush, Clancy Gullo, Grace Emmerson, Lewie Atkinson, Rex Morrison, Braxton Stanborough |
Bullying No Way Week 2025
In both our Primary and Secondary Care Groups last week, we discussed the theme for 2025:
“Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.”
It takes courage to spark change. Together we reflected on how bullying is everyone’s responsibility, it takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, both inside and beyond the school gate.
In this edition of SchoolTV - Anxiety & Young People
In this edition of SchoolTV - Anxiety & Young People
Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.
The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media, can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.
When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.
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 Anxiety & Young People edition of SchoolTV
https://prspne.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au
Warm regards,
Hayley Moore
Guidance Counsellor
Year 4 Camp
In Week 4, the Year 4 students enjoyed an exciting overnight camp at Camp Kanga. After a short bus ride, students arrived and met our camp hosts, Allie and Trevor, who warmly welcomed them and explained the camp guidelines. Students were then allocated their cabins before gathering in the Rec Hall for morning tea. The Day One program included a variety of activities such as tackling the obstacle course, completing a nature scavenger hunt, and making friendship bracelets. After lunch, students participated in engaging “Getting to Know You” activities with Mrs Lane. The afternoon was followed by showers and preparation for a shared dinner. Students took part in a class liturgy and thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal of pizza and pasta. Thank you to Mr Sugrue, our fabulous chef, who ensured everyone was well fed. After dinner, students were eager to continue making friendship bracelets and enjoyed playing board games and puzzles before heading to bed.
Day Two began with Run Club, followed by reflection activities that encouraged students to recognise their strengths and share positive notes with friends. The camp was a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships, grow in confidence, and demonstrate the St Catherine’s values of respect, responsibility, and compassion.
A special thank you to our grounds staff, teachers, and Mr Moynihan, whose support and organisation made this camp experience possible.
Senior Students Explore Key Chemistry Techniques
Last Wednesday, during Chemistry lessons, our senior students, guided by Ms Nelson and Ms Fortunato, recently took part in two exciting and meaningful practical activities: creating a solubility curve and exploring electrophoresis. In the first activity, Year 11 students investigated how different temperatures affect potassium nitrate solubility, and with the data collected, the students created a solubility curve. Meanwhile, our Year 12s stepped into the world of biochemistry by trying out gel electrophoresis, a technique scientists use to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins. Through these practicals, they learned important lab skills and discovered how this method is applied in real careers such as medical diagnostics, biotechnology, molecular biology, and forensic science.
A big well done to all our senior chemistry students for their enthusiasm and positive attitude throughout these hands-on sessions!
Building Skills, Strength, and Resilience on the Water
Our Year 11 and 12 Sport and Recreation students have been diving into their current unit, Challenge in the Outdoors, with an exciting focus on outrigger canoeing in partnership with Club Outrigger Whitsunday down at Shingley Beach.
Over the past few weeks, students have been learning and practising a range of skills essential for safe and effective paddling. They now know what to do if they experience a huli – the Hawaiian term for when a canoe flips over – and have worked on developing correct stroke technique to ensure efficiency and endurance while out on the water. Students have also been introduced to the importance of the different positions in the canoe, each with its own responsibilities to keep the canoe moving smoothly and safely.
So far, students have had the chance to put these skills into practice by paddling around to Coral Sea Marina and even making the journey out to Pigeon Island. These sessions not only build physical fitness but also foster teamwork, resilience, and confidence in the outdoor environment.
As part of their assessment, students will demonstrate these skills in performance, as well as apply their knowledge of safety management to plan a land-based skill development session for their peers.
With just one more week of sessions left, students are looking forward to consolidating their skills and enjoying their final paddling adventures with the club.
Year 7 Camp – Camp Gedling
In Week 5, our Year 7 students attended their ‘Sense of Belonging’ camp at Camp Gedling. The camp offered a wonderful opportunity for students to form new friendships and strengthen connections while developing skills in teamwork, resilience, leadership, and self-awareness.
With the support of the Outer Limits crew, students participated in a wide range of activities, including abseiling, mountain biking, high ropes, an Amazing Race, and archery. Many of these activities encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, with abseiling being a particular highlight for many. Students felt a great sense of achievement as they overcame challenges and celebrated success together.
Sleeping in tents and enduring some very cold nights was all part of the adventure. A favourite memory for many was the final evening around the campfire, sharing S’mores and singing Aussie classics, which created a strong sense of community.
The camp was a memorable and rewarding experience for both students and staff, filled with fun, learning, and new friendships that will continue to grow for years to come.
Year 1’s “School in the Olden Days” Excursion
Our Year 1 students recently had a fantastic time discovering what school was like long ago! They travelled back in time with visits to the old St Cath’s school on Marathon Street and the Proserpine Historical Museum to see how schooling has changed over the last 100 years.
At the old school, the children enjoyed a tour of the building led by former student and long-time staff member Mrs Jenny Kent. They also sampled an “olden days” lunch of a sandwich in a brown paper bag, along with a small carton of milk – just like the bottles once handed out daily in schools.
At the museum, students stepped into an old-fashioned classroom, where Mrs Bernadeine Stevens led a traditional lesson and shared fascinating memorabilia from the past.
It was a wonderful morning of hands-on learning, fun, and discovery for everyone!
Educational Tour to Hamilton Island
On 20th August 2025, Year 11 and Year 12 Business and Tourism students participated in an educational tour of Hamilton Island. The visit gave students the chance to experience first-hand the island’s uniqueness—not only as a luxury holiday destination but also in terms of its ownership and management.
Students engaged with Mr Rick Crannitch, General Manager of the Reef View Hotel, who kindly shared insights into his role and career path. He also responded to student questions on a wide range of topics, including seasonal variations in occupancy rates, the island’s key clientele, new target markets, employment opportunities, the impact of COVID-19 and related adaptation strategies, as well as marketing and promotional initiatives.
Tourism students also toured the Reef View Hotel facilities, focusing on features that could be highlighted in promotional campaigns. Meanwhile, Business students visited IGA, where they explored real-world applications of price differentiation strategies in the context of rising input costs.
The group was also welcomed by Mr David Boyd, General Manager of Retail, Activities & Marina, who provided an overview of Hamilton Island’s management. This included staff accommodation, education, and infrastructure. He also answered student questions on diverse topics such as the organisational aspects of Race Week, the golf facilities at Dent Island, processes for establishing private businesses on the island, and opportunities for international investment.
Year 7 Pop Art Portraits
Our Year 7 Visual Art students have been exploring the bold and exciting world of Pop Art, taking inspiration from iconic artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Pop Art emerged in the 1950s and 60s as a reaction against the exclusivity of modernism, bringing everyday imagery, advertising, and popular culture into the spotlight. By using bright colours, striking patterns, and recognisable imagery, Pop artists blurred the line between fine art and mainstream celebrity culture.
In their current unit, students are creating Pop Art–inspired self-portraits, experimenting with colour, repetition, and strong graphic styles. They have been encouraged to think creatively about how to represent their own identity through this vibrant art form, using techniques such as bold outlines, high-contrast colour palettes, and comic-style influences.
The results so far are a fantastic mix of personality and creativity—each portrait celebrating the individuality of our students while paying tribute to one of the most recognisable and influential art movements in history.
Building a Thriving Debating Culture at St Catherine’s
St Catherine’s proudly hosted the second round of the Inter-School Debating Competition and what an event it was! Our students shone in talent, teamwork, and spirit.
With four Senior teams coached by Ms Ryle and Mrs Russell and four Junior teams coached by Mrs Laguna, Mrs Gosselink, and Mrs Atkinson, our students rose to the challenge across both prepared and impromptu debate rounds. The Secondary Library was buzzing with excitement as teams from Bowen State High School (BSHS) and Proserpine State High School (PSHS) joined our St Cath’s debaters, ready for the battles of wit and words ahead.
A big thank you goes to Gina from the tuckshop, who kept everyone fuelled with delicious treats throughout the afternoon.
After two rounds of heated debates, St Catherine’s teams had advanced to the semi-finals in both the Senior and Junior divisions. Our Senior teams debated valiantly, with scoring so tight that an additional semi-final was required to determine who would move through to the finals. In the end, BSHS edged out the win, but our Seniors should be incredibly proud of their effort and determination.
Meanwhile, in the Junior division, Sophie Morgan and Sabine Butler, assisted by Violette Woodridge in the finals, came out victorious! Congratulations to them and to their coach Erin for this fantastic achievement.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made this event such a success:
These events simply could not happen without the generosity and teamwork of so many people. Most importantly, we are immensely proud of our debaters, who continue to strengthen the thriving debating culture at St Catherine’s.
First Class Honours for Klarissa in Music Theory
A huge congratulations must go to Klarissa Croucher who has undertaken her first ANZCA Music Theory Examination and has achieved First Class Honours.
Well done Klarissa, and keep up the good work on your Music Education journey.
Celebrating Indonesian Independence Day
Congratulations to our Language Ambassadors, Henley Murton and Hannah Stagg, together with Bu Bates, for bringing Indonesian culture to life at St Catherine’s!
During the Primary Assembly, Bu Bates shared engaging insights into Indonesian Independence Day, helping students understand the history and significance of this important occasion. To make the learning even more memorable, Henley and Hannah led students in a fun, interactive game that had everyone joining in.
Year 10 Work Experience Week – A Glimpse into the Working World
In Week 4, our Year 10 St Catherine’s students stepped out of the classroom and into
workplaces across the community for their Work Experience Week. From bustling offices to creative studios, healthcare facilities to trade workshops, students immersed themselves in a wide range of industries, gaining invaluable insight into what life might be like beyond school.
Employers consistently praised the enthusiasm, adaptability, and professionalism of our Year 10’s at St Catherine’s. Students returned with a renewed sense of confidence, a clearer idea of the expectations of working life, and in many cases, a fresh motivation to set and pursue their career goals.
Work Experience Week was not just about learning specific job skills — it was about
understanding workplace culture, developing communication and teamwork abilities, and learning the importance of reliability and initiative. These experiences will serve our students well as they progress through senior school and beyond.
We would like to sincerely thank all the businesses, organisations, and mentors who
welcomed our students and provided them with such a positive and meaningful opportunity.Your guidance and generosity in sharing your time and expertise has made a lasting impact on our young people.
Please see the photos below for a quick snapshot of their week.
Year 10 Student Shines During Work Experience at a Local Doctor’s Surgery
Kiera Choban, a Year 10 student, has been recognised for her outstanding efforts during Work Experience Week, receiving special praise and even a bouquet of flowers from the team at a local doctor’s surgery.
Staff members at the practice said they were inspired by her positive attitude and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. As a gesture of appreciation, they surprised her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to thank her for her contribution.
Her teachers have also commended her achievement, highlighting how her hard work and professional approach have set an excellent example for her peers.
Work Experience Week gives students an invaluable opportunity to explore different
industries and develop practical skills. This student’s success story is a reminder of how far enthusiasm and dedication can go in shaping future career pathways.
Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Graduation Awards
Rugby League
Students in Years 5 and 6 have been getting active and developing their skills through the NRL led Sporting Schools Program over the past five weeks during their PE lessons. With a focus on teamwork, focused skill development, and fun, the sessions have introduced students to the fundamentals of rugby league in a safe, inclusive, and engaging way. It’s been fantastic to see students building confidence, learning new skills, and enjoying the spirit of sport. A big thank you to our NRL coaches for delivering such energetic and enjoyable sessions!
Tennis
Congratulations to Indianna Gough, who recently represented St Catherine’s as part of the Northern Team at the Queensland State Tennis Championships.
As both the number-one girl and team captain, Indianna showed incredible leadership and skill on court. Across four days of intense competition, she celebrated some impressive victories, faced tough challenges, and finished 28th out of 48 players statewide.
Beyond the results, Indianna gained valuable experience — developing new techniques, building her mental resilience, and returning even more determined to keep growing her game.
Well done, Indianna!
Netball
Friendly fun! Interschool Netball was alive and well this week with our Year 7 & 8 girls competing against Bowen and Proserpine State High Schools. It was a great afternoon with many highlights and friendly competition.
HPE WEEK - Primary
Week 8 is HPE Week, celebrating all things Health and Physical Education! Next week, students will have a variety of opportunities to participate in fun and challenging activities in class and at lunchtime. Students versed teachers in netball and handball, competed in plank challenges, dance battles, and exercise routines!
In addition to physical activities, we've also focusing on mental health awareness across Prep to Year 6. Each day, students engaged in activities that promote well-being and emotional resilience, with themes such as Mindful Monday, Talk it out Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Safety Friday. These daily themes encouraged students to practice mindfulness, express their feelings, focus on self-care, show gratitude, and learn important safety skills. This holistic approach has helped our students understand the importance of both physical and mental health in leading a balanced and healthy life.
Uniform Shop
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
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Keep up to date with the latest information in regards to upcoming events and those that have happened on our social media platforms.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Paul Bowman Challenge
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