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Last Day of Term 1: Friday, 31st March
First Day of Term 2: Monday, 17th April
Primary Campus Cross Country: Monday, 27th March (rescheduled)
Purple Day (Epilepsy) SECONDARY CAMPUS ONLY: Monday, 27th March
Prep Easter Bonnet Parade: Friday, 31st March
Year 11 & 12 Japan Trip: 1st to 12th April
Year 7 Immunisations: Thursday, 20th April
ANZAC Ceremony: Friday, 24th April
Anzac Day Public Holiday: Tuesday, 25th April
Secondary Parent/Teacher Interviews: Thursday, 4th May
School Council Meeting: Thursday, 27th April
P & C Meeting: Tuesday, 2nd May
Mother's Day Breakfast: Friday, 12th May
Year 12 Formal: Friday, 23rd June
Prep 2024 Parent Expo: Tuesday, 18th July
Trivia Night: Saturday, 5th August
RACE Showcase: Thursday, 12th October
There are useful resources to stay connected to our College.
- Register for QParents to view our events calendar, assessment schedules, attendance information, timetables and invoices. Invitations were sent out at beginning of term or you can email admin@redlynchsc.eq.edu.au to request another invite.
- Subscribe to our newsletter via https://redlynchsc.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe
- Follow us on Facebook or non-Facebook users can view the College Facebook feed via our website.
Please ensure the parent/carer contact details we have on file for your child are up to date. Our most common forms of communication are email and SMS, so please ensure we are able to contact you. To update your contact details, please email Student Services via admin@redlynchsc.eq.edu.au
Any changes to your email, mobile or mailing address—or the contact details for your child’s emergency contacts—should be advised via the above email address.
Wishing everyone a restful two week holiday break and I look forward to seeing our students and staff in Term 2.
Mike Hansen
Executive Principal
It only feels like yesterday we were welcoming our students and staff back to school, getting to know new students and celebrating new teachers who have joined our fantastic team on the Primary Campus.
Term 1 kicked off smoothly, with students happy and engaged in their learning and teachers equally happy and enthusiastic about the learning happening in their classrooms.
Our 2023 priorities include:
- Ensuring quality teaching and learning is happening in every classroom using evidence based best practice in the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.
- Monitoring each students’ learning progress to make sure they are on track for positive learning outcomes, to set goals and plan for individual intervention and enrichment.
- Providing quality transitions from Kindy to Prep and Year 6 into Year 7.
- Familiarisation and planning for Australian Curriculum v9 in English and Mathematics.
In the last few weeks I have spent some time working with our Student Council leaders. It was a joy to see them engaged in meaningful and thoughtful conversation at leadership camp about their action plans for school improvement in 2023. They spent time developing an achievable and well thought out plan around school, environmental and community actions to drive their agenda for the remainder of the year. I look forward to seeing their plans come to fruition and to working with them on their initiatives.
Student wellbeing - Students and cyber-safety
The internet is an integral part of our lives both personally and in our learning. It has an increasing impact on our student’s social development, interactions and wellbeing. While being on-line can be a positive experience, just as with face to face interactions, sometimes bullying and harassment can occur. It is important that your child is aware that not everyone on social media is a friend. Unfortunately, some people use technology to send nasty & inappropriate messages. To support your child’s on-line experience ensure they know how to block, unfriend and report inappropriate online behaviour. Encourage your child to think before they share or post – is it true, useful and positive? Encourage your child to never respond to a bully as this may make the situation worse. If your child thinks they are being bullied or encounters offensive on-line content, encourage them to find someone they feel safe talking to. It is also important to remember that most social media platforms restrict access to children 13 + years.
Hearing Friendly Classrooms
This year our campus has taken a whole school approach to providing better access for students with hearing impairment. The strategies implemented not only benefit students with hearing impairments, but all children in the classroom along with the teacher.
- All teaching spaces have been fitted with sound amplification systems.
- Teachers have had professional development in the use of these systems.
- A “Soundfield Champion” has been identified to support teachers.
- Teaching blocks with the concertina dividers have had them replaced with solid walls.
- Teaching blocks have, or will have, new carpet installed instead of the current vinyl.
- 5 staff have been trained in using Sound Scouts, a program for identifying students who may have a difficulty in hearing.
Parking around our School
There are NO EXCUSES for parking illegally around our school. Parents often complain about the congestion and use it as an excuse for parking illegally. If you are parking illegally, you will get caught.
Parking restriction signs are there for a reason and that reason is the safety of all of our children in the school environment. But let’s not forget the safety of everyone else. When you park illegally you are putting everyone at risk, you are impacting on the ability of other vehicles to leave and enter the school zone safely and you are modelling poor driver behaviour for your children who will be drivers in the future.
Here are some parking safety tips:
- say goodbye to your children on the school side of the road—never get them to cross the road to their school’s entrance alone
- walk across the road and meet your children after school (never call out to them from the other side)
- try to leave home early to avoid arriving at the busiest times or arrive a few minutes after the designated school finish time at kiss and drop zones
- follow the directions of all signs
- abide by the 2-minute limit in the kiss and drop area. If your child is not there you need to complete a loop and come around again.
- park a safe distance from all crossings
- always single park (double parking causes accidents and traffic jams)
- always park in designated parks, do not park on grass verges
- try parking a few streets away from the school and walking with your children
- organise a car pool with other parents—to reduce the number of cars trying to park around your children’s school.
Patience is the best attribute when driving in a school zone. Kids take time to learn to use the road system correctly. Let’s give them the chance to grow up by driving safely around them.
For more information go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au
Samantha Molloy
Head of Campus (Primary)
Prep – Year 3 News
Our Prep team have been busy preparing for our Easter Bonnet Parade which will take place on Friday 31st March. It is always an exciting time and an event that is remembered by our students well into the future. We welcome Prep parents to come and experience this event with us.
Our Easter Raffle is up and running. There are loads of great prizes to be won. The proceeds of this raffle go towards our nature playground. Please click on the link to order your raffle tickets: https://rafflelink.com.au/rsceaster23
Due to wet weather, our Cross Country event has been postponed to Monday, 27th March. This event sees our little runners running in and around the school. We are hoping for good weather and great participation from our students.
Our Prep students have done an amazing job settling into ‘Big School’. They are growing their brains every day and have been learning to take turns, get along with others, read, work with numbers and much more. We are so proud of the great RSC students they have become. It is a delight to see them all sitting up whole body listening to our leaders on parade each Friday. We are all so excited to watch them grow and learn.
Prep Enrolments for 2024 are now open. If you, a family member or a friend has a student ready for Prep next year, please spread the word. Our first event will be our Prep Expo on the 18th July followed by our Prep transition program. For more information, you can look on our website or pick up an enrolment pack or flyer from the Primary Campus Office.
Year 4 to Year 6 News
Students in Year 4 to Year 6 have settled into their daily routines and are working well under the guidance of our amazing teachers and teacher aides. We are seeing daily successes in all classes in many subject areas as well as socially in the playground. We are very proud of the efforts and work our wonderful students are achieving and know that the year ahead will be a great one for all. The support from parents and carers makes all this possible and assists in making the learning run smoothly. Please take the opportunity to congratulate your child for their individual efforts.
Our Wellbeing Warriors have also settled in extremely well into their leadership roles and are regularly assisting fellow students in various areas in the playground making sure that students feel happy and are playing safely. On Parades our Wellbeing Warriors do a wonderful job of informing students of the weekly Character Strengths as well as the recycling initiatives from the tuckshop.
Finally, our Student Council Executive, Sports Leaders and Campus leaders, are all carrying out their Leadership duties with high levels of respect and ability and are setting a great example for all students to follow. Our Student Council meet regularly and are focusing on their goals for the year, our Sports Leaders are helping with our daily sports equipment borrowing as well as helping with lunchtime soccer games and our Campus Captains and Vice Captains are proudly displaying their leadership skills on our weekly Parades as well as in their duties across the Campus.
Welcome to Term 1 adventures in our Primary Library.
We have begun the journey to make our library space flexible to cater for our many different student ages and needs. Everyone is welcome in our library and our students are encouraged to visit for many different purposes. We offer age-appropriate play at lunchtimes, computer lab and a citizenship opportunity with our Library Monitor program.
Our students are loving the changes to the library space and we have regular times scheduled for each class to visit the library. Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 come to the library every week for lessons and borrowing. These weekly visits are full of fun as younger students are introduced to new stories with engaging storytelling. Year 1 and Year 2 are always keen to delve deeper into discussion about author choices in each book we read. Each Prep class enjoys a lesson focussed on reading and dramatic retelling with some fine motor craft related to each new story. It is an absolute pleasure to encourage reading and library use amongst Redlynch’s finest young readers.
Our library is a hive of activity most of the school week! A new initiative to make our library accessible for all is our Sensory Library Time. Every Monday at afternoon tea, our library is modified to provide a dedicated library time for students with a variety of sensory needs. We are considerate of how light, sound and movement in the library can make it a more enjoyable space for everyone. Monday afternoons are perfect for Sensory Library Time, giving all students the chance to use the library and consider themselves a part of our wonderful library community.
2023 is going to be a very busy year for us. We have our Scholastic Book Fair and National Simultaneous Story Time in Term 2 and our Book Week Parade in Term 3. Keep your eyes on our Redlynch State College Facebook page for updates.
Readers are leaders,
Christie Thackray
Library Teacher
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a whole school framework that promotes positive behaviour across our school and helps us to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
On the senior campus this term, we have had a whole school focus on explicitly teaching expected behaviours through weekly PBL focuses that have been taught specifically during form time. Staff have then acknowledged our students who are meeting the PBL focus.
Our week 7 focus was “Right Place, Right Time” which had a focus on students being on time to class, lining up outside with materials ready to learn. Our week 7 PBL winners were Jeremy in Year 8 and Jack in Year 10.
Workplace Health & Safety Presentation
We were thrilled to have staff member Mrs Kylie Child's father, Lieutenant Graham Houldsworth (retired), attend RSC to present to our Year 11 English Essentials classes on Monday 27th February. The topic was Workplace Health and Safety and Lt. Houldsworth brings a wealth of knowledge to this important issue through over 50 years of service with the Royal Australian Navy. Students were stunned to hear how intense some of his investigations have been, covering lots of blood and near misses and, unfortunately, the worst possible outcome in a workplace accident.
This talk from someone in the field aims to help students complete their upcoming exam on Workplace Health and Safety. Thank you Lt. Houldsworth!
The Tropical Writers Festival was an excellent experience for all students invited, who are wanting to improve on their creative writing ability. The day started off with a workshop to give us a better idea on how to create a story from scratch. At first we were hesitant to participate, however as the workshop continued people were more and more eager to share what they had come up with. Dr Karl’s talk was the highlight of the day. Everyone was engaged in what he had to say about climate change, his background, and current issues such as COVID. There was plenty of time afterwards for students to ask any questions they were curious about, and he was more than happy to spend the time to answer each question. Overall, the Writer’s Festival was a great time. Thank you, Mr Hansen for supporting us to go to this terrific event.
Department News
As Head of Department – HPE I have encouraged my staff to emphasise to students that they need to do their best at all times. By best, I mean being respectful, being committed to their learning and participating safely in their lessons. I encourage Parents/Carers to look over your child’s workbook (electronic or hardcopy). Also, students are currently undertaking assessment tasks - assessment schedules can be found on Q parents.
Sun Safety
At Redlynch State College, we are committed to providing a sun safe learning environment for your child. Given that students are at school during peak ultraviolet radiation (UVR) times throughout the day can you please assist us by ensuring that your child has a school bucket hat and they take it with them every day to school. Wearing a school bucket hat during HPE lessons is mandatory.
2023 House Captains
The 2023 House Captains have hit the ground running having participated in a secondary leadership camp in week 3 and our cross country during week 8. They have been working with Mr Fleeting to prepare our 2023 school carnivals and new ways to promote physical activity. The captains are very motivated. They are great role models and are all looking forward to spreading the house spirit at the carnivals and our sport events throughout the year.
House Captains
| Cascades | Falls | Rapids | Torrents |
 Sophie
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Sport Prefects
 Keely
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CISSA Sport
Redlynch State College is involved in the Cairns Inter-School Sports Competition (CISSA) for the thirteenth year running. The competition takes place each Wednesday afternoon during school time throughout semester 1 for students in Years 11 & 12. The competition is run on a home and away basis, with 8 local schools involved. This competition provides senior students with many valuable experiences and opportunities for success in a friendly interschool sporting arena. We have been involved in many finals over the years and we are looking forward to this year’s teams making an impact in the competition.
Sports in the CISSA competition include:
| BOYS | GIRLS |
| AFL | Netball |
| Basketball | Basketball |
| Soccer | Soccer |
| Touch Football | Touch Football |
| Volleyball | Volleyball |
The results so far are:
- AFL is currently second on the ladder
- Touch Football girls are currently second on the ladder
- Touch Football boys are currently forth on the ladder
- Volleyball girls are currently forth on the ladder
2023 Carnivals
Our Track and Field pre-carnival events will be held prior to the carnival on Wednesday 21st June (Week 10, Term 2). The Track and Field carnival will be held on Tuesday 11th July (Week 1, Term 3).
Our annual swimming carnival has been moved to Term 3 Week 10 Friday 15th September at Marlin Coast Swimming Pool Smithfield. Students from grade 7 to 12 will be taking part in the carnival through competitive and non-competitive races. To increase participation, students have the opportunity to participate in various novelty events.
These carnivals are whole school events where attendance is mandatory. There are opportunities for students to compete at a high level, to break school records and secure a position on the school team to compete at the Trinity Coast North and at a recreational/fun level to gain points for their individual houses. It is often the house with the highest numbers of recreational/fun competitors that wins the carnival, so the more students representing their house, the greater their chance of victory. Each carnival has a theme so students can dress up and show their school/house spirit to gain more points.
Extra-Curricular Sport
Redlynch State College takes parts in a number of extra-curricular sports over the course of the year. Students are able to nominate and trial for these teams which will either; compete at Gala Day competitions or after school over a number of weeks. Students will need to listen on parade and during morning notices to receive information regarding various sports and trials.
TCN/Peninsula
If students wish to make a Peninsula team they are required to make the Trinity Coast North (TCN) team and compete at the Peninsula trials. Parents will receive emails from our Sports Coordinator Brett Fleeting in which you will need to register your child’s interest in trialling for TCN by filling out the form. These links are emailed to parents at the start of each month. We will then email the required permission notes to the interested parents. Students need to ensure parents fill out and sign these forms, bring them to school to get signed by one of the 3x Deputy Principals, Head of Campus or Executive Principal. Students and parents need to ensure the permission forms are completed within 48hours of the trial. They will then need to take these forms to the trial.
If you require any additional information regarding sport at Redlynch State College please contact Mr Fleeting via email bflee4@eq.edu.au or phone.
Cross Country
This year we ran our secondary cross country at Goomboora Park, Freshwater Creek on Tuesday 14th March.
The following students were awarded age champions:
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | |
| 12 years Girls | Ruby P | Bianca A | Grace M |
| 12 years Boys | Charlie D | Jake W | Connor A |
| 13 years Girls | Emma H | Lucy B | Gemma G |
| 13 years Boys | Coby W | Imani G | Yusuf C |
| 14 years Girls | Chelsea W | Eleanor K | Sienna H |
| 14 years Boys | Michael I | Lachy F | Isiah L |
| 15 years Girls | Talia M | Macy B | Jenah W |
| 15 years Boys | Matthew C | Marquis R | Houson J |
| 16 year Girls | Marnie B | Zoe I | Isabella T |
| 16 years Boys | Ben F | Josh S | Declan S |
| 17 years Girls | Rachael H | Danielle M | Hannah T |
| 17 years Boys | Liam K | Ace A | Dylan M |
| 18 years Girls | Sophie Z | Megan R | Acquisha C |
| 18 years Boys | Ronan F | Matthew B | Koby L |
Outdoor Rec
Year 10 ORE students spent the term studying a Swift Water Rescue unit. They learned how to read water, rescue stranded people and avoid dangerous objects. Students spent three days on the Tully river. They camped at Tully Gorge campground and engaged in rescue activities at Lava Flow rapids. Staff and students were treated to beautiful weather and crystal-clear water. Students threw throw bags and rescued teachers who got stuck on rocks. A big thank you to Mr Martineau & Mr Johnson for providing the opportunity for students and making everyone smile. Lots of learning, laughing and fun had by all.
Louise Harcourt
Head of Department HPE
Queensland Youth Parliament
Elsie
Participating in the Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane was by far one of my favourite school experiences. I’m very grateful to have been granted the opportunity that has not only provided extensive first-hand knowledge for my legal studies but was able to improve my social skills as there were many friendly faces participating as well. As someone who doesn’t like standing outside their comfort zone, this was definitely worth the nerves in the end. This is a very realistic experience of having to process a Bill in Parliament and I have definitely gained skills, confidence and enthusiasm to continue with opportunities like this one.
Isabella
I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane. It’s an amazing experience, to understand how a Bill is passed in the Queensland Legislative Assembly and listen to my peers from around Queensland talk about serious issues surrounding their area. I feel the hands-on experience has prepared me, and given me a valuable insight into the inner workings of Parliament. As someone who one day wishes to be a member of Parliament, to be able to stand up in front of my peers who share similar goals as me has given me the confidence to pursue further opportunities like this one.
What a wonderful experience to once again proudly watch Redlynch students gracing the halls of Queensland Parliament House and owning the floor during a Bill debate on the floor of our Legislative Assembly. Isabella and Elsie looked professional and at ease in this intimidating location and both presented their arguments with responsibility and confidence. Many thanks to the office of Craig Crawford MP for assisting the girls in travelling to Brisbane to be able to participate in this significant event. The influence of this opportunity on the development of these two wonderful students is immeasurable and I was very pleased by their enthusiasm before and after the event. Having two more politically articulate students in Redlynch State College can only be beneficial.
Greg Bayldon
Head of Department Humanities
Instrumental Music
Music ensembles are off to a great start this year despite not having the overnight intensive rehearsal camp. We have senior concert band rehearsals every Tuesday afternoon, beginners concert band will commence in term 2 on Wednesday mornings and the Intermediate concert band on Thursday mornings. For the jazz students, we have stage band 2 on Tuesday mornings and Stage Band 1 on a Thursday afternoon. String students will have all secondary lessons on Fridays, with orchestra practice taking place early Friday mornings.
RACE Performing Arts
RACE drama, dance and music have all completed the second round of auditions for our 2023 classes. Nominations are now open for Year 6 into 7 students wishing to enrol at RSC in 2024. Existing students in RACE Year 6 do not need to re–apply yet, this round of auditions is for new students to RACE who plan to be enrolled at RSC in Year 7, 2024. Nominations close Friday 1st April 2023. Forms available now on the RSC web page.
RACE Dance students have completed their weekend intensive workshops and are now in the processes of polishing choreography for the rounds of competitions next term including Innisfail & District Ballet & Dance Society, Cairns Eisteddfod and FNQ competitions. Most costumes are now ordered and delivery is expected very soon.
RACE Music students have finalised a playlist of popular music in preparation for their recording studio experience and other events on the RSC calendar. This year we have two RACE music classes with students across Years 6 – 12. RACE music students are working on a recorded demo track in preparation for this year’s RACE Showcase, details are a closely guarded secret but it’s already sounding like a show not to be missed.
RACE Showcase will be held Thursday 12th October at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), tickets will go on sale in Term 3.
RSCS: Redlynch State College Singers, meet for singing practice every Wednesday morning, starting at 7:45am in music room PM05, secondary campus. All secondary students and teachers welcome to come along and sing. A great way to start the day.
Robert Crookes
Head of Department - Performing Arts
Knights of the Round-Table
The RSC Chess Club had an outstanding start to the year with many enthusiastic students showing up for our first Chess Club meeting. Our chess enthusiasts were eager to learn and compete with each other in friendly matches. Throughout the year, the club will provide a welcoming environment for students of all skill levels to develop their chess strategies and hone their gameplay. All interested players can participate in the junior and senior chess tournaments later in the year. We also hope our RSC Chess Club will challenge other schools at a later date. This would be a fantastic experience, offering students an opportunity to represent our school and test their skills against unknown opponents.
We look forward to a successful and enjoyable year of chess at Redlynch State College. All new chess players are welcome.
Blake – Year 12
Dare to be Different - Purple Day (Secondary Campus), Monday, 27th
RSC Secondary Student Council is hosting Purple Day to raise epilepsy awareness, and increase support for people living with epilepsy. This year’s theme is ‘Dare to be Different’. Monday 27th March is a free dress day for Secondary students and students are encouraged to wear purple for a gold coin donation. Student Council members will be in the playground at lunch time to spray student’s hair purple. Our school nurse, Miss Carla, will be out at lunch time to inform students about the condition.
Make sure to bring extra coins to get your purple. RSC has several students who live with epilepsy and the Student Council is proud to show their support.
The P&C held their AGM on Tuesday the 14th March and have welcomed back Donagh Freestun as President (for her final term), Pam Dean as Treasurer and Alison Gaustad as VP Governance. We also welcomed Kristy Vallely as VP Business Units and Sandra McCormack as Minutes Secretary. We unfortunately did not fill all positions - we are still seeking a VP Community and Fundraising and Correspondence Secretary. If you would like to hear more about these roles and get involved, please contact us on pandcoffice@redlynchsc.eq.edu.au. It is really important to fill all these roles so that we share the load. Thank you to Jackie Willmott and Heidi O'Hanlon who were part of the P&C exec in 2022 - so good to have you involved for the last 12 months.
As part of the AGM the Annual Financial Report was presented and the Annual Report from the President. 2022 was once again a successful year for the P&C. Please see below the Presidents report that talks about the year in review.
Presidents Report 2023 AGM
As I reflect on 2022, I think of all the achievements for the year and marvel at the amazing team of employees, executive and volunteers we have that allowed us to finish the year with a great result.
2022 started with minor hiccups with the delayed start to schooling because of the COVID restrictions being removed and the population having a bloom of the virus. Our canteen and tuckshop missed the first few weeks of school trade and reduced levels once we came back to school, but in spite of this, both business units managed to come back in to the black and trade well throughout the year. In fact, all our business units ran successfully this year under the guidance of each unit’s manager.
In terms of community, we ran successful Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls and breakfasts, offered book club each term to families and ran a successful well-coordinated trivia night thanks to the effort of the team that are passionate about the event. We supported the Primary Campus in running an Easter raffle, ran a monster raffle that was unfortunately poorly supported (with only around 10% of family’s buying a ticket), but finished the year with the Christmas Wrapping at Smithfield shopping Centre that was a great success.
With our many volunteers at Smithfield, we showed that RSC values not only being able to support the wider Community but also our own. Working beside parents, carers, College staff, students, grandparents and Community members, wrapping presents was probably the highlight of the year for me personally as I often struggle with the lack of engagement and support we receive as a P&C in such a large College. Being surrounded by these amazing people worked to restore my faith in our Community.
On a financial front, we donated around to $100K to the College including the repayments of the treasury loan, and have made a further profit of $160K+ that will go back to the school to support projects that will see our students supported to achieve their best educational outcomes. All in all, a successful year and a successful organisation.
Back to School and Shop
Back to school stationery and uniforms were massive this year. It seems to grow each year and keeping up with orders and making sure we have enough stock is something that we are constantly refining. At the end of 2022, Sonia resigned from her role as the shop manager and we had to rely on our staff who were not permanently working in the shop to run Back to School. They did an awesome job under difficult circumstances so thank you to these staff members.
Special mention also needs to go to Pam our Treasurer who over the holidays came in and sorted out orders, packed and helped to stay on top of the process so that January ran smoothly. This year we have added Megan to the team who comes to us with a variety of skills including events management. Megan started last week and we are very excited to have her on board to not only do the shop but assist the executive in other areas.
Looking to 2023
We have a few projects and events already scheduled for 2023. Events-wise, our usual Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls and breakfast are being planned in addition to a trivia night to be held on the 5th August and the Family Festival to be held towards the end of the year. We are still waiting on confirmation of ride providers to lock in this date. The festival will need to move to the Primary Campus this year with the major building project starting on the Secondary Campus so this will make for some more involved planning. If anyone would like to coordinate this or be involved, please let me know.
Projects that we are currently working on with the school include:
- the refit of the Student Services building on the Primary Campus to be the new shop location with a hope to be in there before Semester 2
- plans for the Secondary Canteen to fix the imbalance between the current facility and what is required to service a campus of more than 1200 students. Funding applications for this to be submitted by 31stMarch with results coming out in July
- The adventure playground – SSS funding has been applied for to go with the funding from Government and our commitment to the school. Again, funding results should be known by mid-2023
- Primary campus entry area refurbishment.
In Summary
As you can see from the above, we not only volunteer and fundraise, we are also part of the consulting process for school infrastructure & policy, are involved with financial planning and budgeting, assist with school functions and apply for grant moneys that the school cannot access themselves.
As part of our role, we are also involved with the School Council which this year has welcomed a number of new members. It is a dynamic group working with the College leadership team on strategic planning and future proofing of the College. With the current Council I believe the College will continue to improve partnerships with community and business and ultimately work towards the best outcomes for all students.
My ongoing concern is that at our College, we have close to 2000 students but at our meetings during most of 2022 we are lucky to get 15 people. I was very excited to see so many and especially new faces at our last meeting. I am hoping this bodes well for the rest of 2023. We have had a very committed group however a full executive team and growing the membership and volunteer base needs to be a focus for 2023. Our executive is made up of people who all work - the majority including myself being full time roles. We understand that life is busy but sometimes it is just a small thing that needs doing and being able to get help means we don’t end up having to do all the small things which turns in to one great big thing. Thank you to Pam, Alison, Jackie and Heidi for your tireless efforts in 2022. Running with reduced exec meant that the load had to be spread with a lot of this falling to Pam to do - so thank you for the extra you always put in.
On a personal note, my tenure as president needs to come to an end. I have been in the role for over 5 years now and involved with the P&C for over 14 years. 2 of my 3 children are no longer at school and my youngest has only a few years to go. I have enjoyed my time but feel that a new President would allow for fresh ideas and leadership which is always important in a volunteer organisation. There are projects that I would like to see through so am not planning on going anywhere but I will not be re-standing in 2024 and this year I am happy to step aside and support someone else in the role rather than taking it on myself if someone is interested. Please reach out if you are keen to take things on.
On a final note I would like to thank Mike Hansen who continues to work closely with the P&C. Our weekly meetings certainly assist in maintaining a strong and relevant relationship where we can support each other in the many projects we are working on.
2022 has been an amazing year. I look forward to 2023 being no different.
Cheers
Donagh Freestun
President 2022
It has been a very busy term for our Defence students and families. We started off the term by welcoming our Defence families to our College for 2023 with a morning tea. We had a wonderful turnout and have ensured moving forward this event will continue to take place each year.
Throughout the term our Defence students have enjoyed engaging in a range of activities. We have focused on normalising the ADF lifestyle with the Junior students by sharing discussions about where we have all lived. It’s been very interesting for our students to learn that some of their peers have been very lucky to experience living in another country as part of their journey. As absence is a common theme, students have also enjoyed making “Welcome Home” posters for their loved ones return and also creating a little care pack to share with someone who they feel may need a little TLC.
Our Secondary Defence students have been busy creating poppies for our upcoming ANZAC Ceremony in Term 2. The Student Council will also have poppies available for purchase for $2 each during Week 1 of Term 2.
Defence Mentor
2023 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
All our students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. The short five-minute survey asks graduates about the study and work they have been doing since finishing school. The results from the survey help our school improve our senior programs and prepare students for work and further study.
We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.
For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
Vistas Easter Egg Hunt
Greetings from Cairns Libraries
Get ready for a very animal-ey school holiday experience this April! Please find attached our 2023 April School holiday poster and program booklet, there are so many FREE activities and events that we’re looking forward to offering to families over the break. We are also celebrating QLD Youth Week from 11 – 17 April.
For more information on our events, visit Cairns Libraries’ events calendar.
Saver Plus Program
Helping take the stress out of back to school time
The Saver Plus community program has helped over 55,000 Australians take the stress out of back to school time. It’s free for eligible people to join. At Saver Plus, we pair you with a savings coach while you budget and save over the next 10 months. Learn tips, skills and receive information to grow your budgeting and savings skills. Once you reach your agreed savings goal, your savings are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500. You can use that money towards education costs such as uniforms, text books, laptops or extra-curricular activities such as sport or music. You could be eligible to join Saver Plus if you: • have a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card • are at least 18 years old • have some regular income from work (you or your partner) including casual, part-time, full-time or seasonal (we also accept child support and carer’s payment as income) • have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself. If you’re eligible, start now and we’ll help take the stress out of next year’s back to school. To find out more, or to apply, go to www.saverplus.org.au or call 1300 610 355
