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Good Day, Good People,
Today our Year 12 students finished their final lessons. They now have three weeks of external exams. Today we had a short Liturgy to send them off to exams. We will welcome them back for their Graduation ceremony and their Rite of Passage Liturgy later this term. In the meantime, we wish them well for their upcoming exams.
Michael Carr-Gregg spoke to our Principals earlier this week about the upcoming legislation (16 year age limit) about social media that is to come in on the 10th of December. Michael is involved with School TV. School TV is a helpful site on our website for parents. School TV is going to put something on the website in the near future. In the meantime I thought I would share a few things he shared. He said we need to treat this issue with care as our children have been used to having access. We need to listen to their concerns. He also suggested talking to them about the time they will gain from less screen time and what they may do with it. The other thing he spoke about was that current under 16 uses will lose everything when the date arrives. His suggestion is that our young people copy their material before this happens.
I was able to attend the 2025 Emerging Leaders Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow for secondary students last week. It was a very informative day with many guest speakers working with our Emerging Leader students. This was another good opportunity for our First Nations students and I thank the staff for their involvement.
We are into the end of year celebrations. Last week we had our Year 12 Awards night and this week our Sports Awards night. Both events ran very well as we celebrated the success of many of our students. We also had our Visual Art students display some of their work from the year. Our Hospitality students were also involved in providing food and drink for the night. Thank you to both groups and their teachers. I was a very proud principal.
Next Friday 31st October is “Day for Daniel” where we encourage our community to wear red. We also celebrate World Teachers’ Day on Friday 31st.
Barry Horner
Principal
| Term 4 - Week 4 |
|
All Week: External Exams Tue 28 Oct. - P&F Meeting Fri 31 Oct. - Assisi Unit 2 Reports released Fri 31 Oct. - Day for Daniel Fri 31 Oct. - World Teachers Day |
| Term 4 - Week 5 |
|
All Week: External Exams Tue 4 November - Year 11 Design Excursion (HR-P2) Tue 4 November - Melbourne Cup Wed 5 November - First Nations Families End of Year Celebration / Emerging Leaders Awards (5-8pm SDC) Wed 5 November - Welcome Back Seniors 2024 (5:30 - 7:00pm, Venue Bohle Barn) Wed 5 November - We SHINE Wednesday Fri 7 Nov. - National Tuckshop Day |
Good day, good people,
We are well and truly into the rhythm of Term 4, and there is plenty happening in the religious life of the College. Today marks the final day of classes for our Year 12 students, and we will farewell them with a special Liturgy at the Padua Campus. This is a beautiful opportunity for students and staff to thank our seniors for their leadership, friendship, and contribution to College life, and to wish them every success as they prepare for their external exams.
Yesterday, we gathered for our final College assembly with our 2025 leaders and Year 12s - a joyful occasion for our Assisi community to express their support and best wishes. We look forward to celebrating with them once more at the upcoming Rite of Passage Liturgy and Graduation Formal.
As our Year 12 students prepare to move beyond our College gates, we hold onto the theme of hope - hope for their future, hope in the gifts God has given them, and hope that they will continue to let their light shine wherever life takes them. Hope reminds us that endings are also beginnings, and that with faith and courage, new paths unfold.
Prayer for Year 12 Students
Good and loving God,
We thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with our senior students in their time at our College.
Please bless our Year 12s as they reach the end of their schooling and as they chart new beginnings.
May what they have learned by being in our College allow them to truly let their light shine, and may what we have learned from them enable us to do the same.
Please help them to approach their upcoming exams with a clear, focused mind and enable them to do themselves proud.
Help them to use all that they have learned at our College to make the world a better place — to serve others in solidarity and fraternity, to seek ways to help the poor, the marginalised, and those who are suffering, and to always seek the greater good.
Amen.
As we move further into the term, our focus also turns outward to those in need through the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Each year, our College community comes together to collect donations and create Christmas hampers for local families doing it tough. These hampers are a practical way of living our Franciscan values, showing compassion, generosity, and hope to others during the Christmas season. Students and families are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items, festive treats, or small gifts to help make Christmas a little brighter for others.
The Month of the Rosary
October is traditionally celebrated as the Month of the Rosary — a time to reflect on Mary’s deep faith and her closeness to Jesus. The Rosary invites us to meditate on the life of Christ through Mary’s eyes, drawing us into prayer and peace amid our busy lives. As we honour Mary this month, may we find strength and hope in her example of trust, humility, and love.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Rachel Bond Rose Fitzsimmons
Acting APRE (Secondary) APRE (Primary)
Shining Bright at Padua!
It's fantastic to see our classes well and truly settled back into the swing of things, and it is wonderful to see our students shining every day, both in the classroom and in the playground. As we continue on with what is shaping up to be a busy term, we wanted to share a few of the fantastic events and achievements that have already taken place.
Sporting and Academic Success
We’ve had an action-packed start to the term, celebrating both sporting spirit and academic innovation.
A huge congratulations to our students who proudly represented the school at the Interschool Swimming Carnival. Our swimmers showed exceptional spirit, dedication, and sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud of how beautifully they represented Padua and their hard work paid off with the school achieving 3rd place overall in the carnival!
Our Year 6 students also had a fantastic opportunity to put their critical thinking and digital technology skills to the test. A selected group was invited to participate in a Robosumo robotics competition against other primary schools within Townsville Catholic Education. Our teams had an enjoyable day and demonstrated innovative practice in both their robotic designs and programming—well done to all involved!
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The term is also well underway with some of our important extra-curricular and essential skills programs.
Our youngest students, the Preps and Year 1s, have started their swimming lessons. They are very excited to be travelling for these lessons and have already made a strong start to their water safety and skills program. Please remember that these lessons take place every Thursday and students need to bring their swimming gear. Please contact their teacher if you are unsure of the requirements.
We are also delighted that our much-loved Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is back up and running! Our Year 3 students have begun their cooking lessons, and we can’t wait to hear about the delicious creations they’ll be making and the sustainable gardening knowledge they’ll be gaining.
This term is already filled with fantastic opportunities, and we look forward to upcoming events in Term 4.
Tamara Templeton
Deputy Principal (Acting) - Padua
What a fortnight we have had. There has been lots for us to celebrate. We had our annual Year 12 Awards and Sports Awards. This was a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of these students in the classroom and out representing the College. We thank you for your support of your child in their endeavours as it is a partnership we have to give them these opportunities.
We also had the amazing skill and craft of our arts students on show last week. The SDC was filled with all of their work and we thank all of the parents and students who came along to check it out.We also celebrated for the first time last week the Design & Technology Week. There was plenty to be involved in and we had some great achievements from our students we celebrated at our assembly yesterday.
Last week our First Nations students participated in the Emerging Leaders Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow. This was a great opportunity to learn more about creating a positive wellbeing, celebrating the importance of their culture and even listening to Johnathan Thurson in person.
This year the Interschool Swimming Carnival happened in Term 4. It was an adjustment for us and we managed to fit in some training prior to the event. Our students did a great job representing the College. This year for the first time we have launched the Dragons Sporting Program. Parents were briefed last week about this program as it tries to develop both the strength and conditioning part of our Dragons sports as well as the skills for each sport. The aim is to lift the standard of our players to give them the opportunity to be the best they can be in their sport.
Finally we have seen the end of classes for our Year 12 students. They have enjoyed the chance to dress as one of their teachers and then bring anything but a bag to school. Today they started with a Breakfast put on by the Year 11s and our staff, then down to have a formal farewell from the Padua Campus. On their return to Assisi they heard from Allister Crocker on St Vincent de Paul and Nick Dametto on the importance of voting. The Tuckshop kindly gave them a snack as part of their farewell to them. They were then informed about what they needed to know with regards to the Rite of Passage, Graduation Formal and some last reminders about exams. Finally we ended the day with a Liturgy to wish them the best for exams. We will not see them altogether again until the Rite of Passage, so we wish them the best for those sitting exams.
Until next Newsletter or I see you, take care.
Nick Antoniazzi
Deputy Principal - Assisi Campus
As we come to the end of another wonderful year, we would like to invite our First Nations Padua Families to the First Nations Education End of Year Dinner and Assisi Emerging Leader's Award Night. Please check your emails for your invitation, including a google form to complete as it is a catered event. A buffet dinner and entertainment will be provided on the night.
If there are any issues with completing the survey please send through your RSVP to cmorritt1@sacc.catholic.edu.au including the number of attendees and any dietary requirements.
Gracelyn Mitchell
Assistant Principal Administration (Acting) - Padua Campus
At St Anthony’s, we know that every minute of learning counts. During our recent professional learning, teachers explored how even small, frequent interruptions throughout the day can have a surprisingly big impact on students’ progress, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
We are working together to make the most of every moment in the classroom. Families can help by ensuring students arrive at school on time and by avoiding non-essential appointments or early pick-ups during the day whenever possible.
By working together to protect learning time, we give every child the best opportunity to grow and succeed.
Together in learning,
Nichole Denman
Assistant Principal – Pedagogy & Learning
PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT TEST (PAT)
PAT has concluded for 2025 at the Assisi Campus. The two tests undertaken by Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students assessed skills in comprehension and mathematics. If your child has missed the PAT assessment days and would like to undertake the tests, please contact me at the Assisi Campus.
DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators for Basic Literacy Skills)
Students in Year 7 & 8 will be undertaking a 3-minute literacy assessment in their Science class in Week 4. The DIBELS test can be used to detect risk and monitor the development of literacy and reading skills. Students do not need their devices for the test. If you wish to find out more about the DIBLELS program here is the website:
https://dibels.uoregon.edu/about-dibels
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
External examinations for Year 12 General subjects commence on Monday 27th October. The External Assessment timetable for General subjects is publicly available on the QCAA website. All students that are undertaking external exams can find the schedule for their examinations on their Compass timetable and on the shared Google Classroom site that all Year 12 students have been asked to join.
During external examinations, the morning session will commence at 8:45 am and the afternoon session at 12:15pm. Students should aim to be at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the session starting. When they arrive on the Assisi campus each student will need to sign in at the student reception and wait quietly outside the examination room. Examinations will be in N Block unless otherwise indicated. Compass will have the rooms included. At the conclusion of an examination, students need to sign out at the student reception and leave the College grounds. If a student has two examinations in one day, a supervised study room will be available.
Embrace learning,
Helen Rainnie
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Orders for Book Club issue 7 will close Friday 24th Oct and this will be the last order for 2025.
Many thanks to the parents/carers who have ordered Book Club throughout the year. The reward points we have earnt have allowed the library to purchase many books across the year. This helps keep our library stocked with new and vibrant titles students are eager to borrow.
Library staff have spent Weeks 1 and 2 speaking to students who have very overdue Library books. Classroom teachers will also be sending reminder emails out to parents to please help your children find their outstanding books and return them before the end of the school year.
Certificates for those who participated in the 2025 Premiers Reading Challenge have arrived and will be handed out to students at the Padua Assembly in Week 4 for Years 4 – 6 and Week 5 for Year 1 to Year 3.
Congratulations to all those who participated.
Sue Keith
Teacher Librarian
Padua Campus Library
"Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift." — Kate DiCamillo
Wishing Our Year 12s All the Best!
As our Year 12 students begin their final exams, we wish them every success and confidence for the weeks ahead.
Whether their next step is an apprenticeship, traineeship, employment, further training, or university study, we are proud of all that they have achieved and excited to see where their pathway leads.
Transitioning from School to Work
The end of Year 12 can be both an exciting and overwhelming time. Parents and carers play an important role in helping their young person navigate this change with confidence, and there are many ways they can help prepare them for life after school.
Begin with helping your young person to update their resume and collect written references from teachers, employers, or supervisors.
Encourage them to register with online job boards such as Seek, Indeed, Jobs North Queensland and Smart Jobs, and follow local businesses and groups on social media for opportunities - Townsville Jobs Central, Townsville Job Vacancies, and Townsville Job Vacancies.
Encourage a social media detox to maintain a positive online image for employers, as they often check online profiles, so make sure theirs reflects the professional image they want to present.
If your young person is interested in a trade or traineeship, explore apprenticeship networks or training providers to find openings. They can also gain valuable experience through casual or part-time work, volunteering, or short courses such as First Aid, RSA, or White Card training.
Finding Your Next Step
It’s completely normal (and common) for young people to feel uncertain about what comes next after school. Career paths aren’t straight — many people explore a few different jobs, courses, or industries before finding a right fit.
You can support your teen by having open conversations about what they enjoy doing, what they are good at, and the kind of lifestyle they would like. Encourage them to talk to people in different careers, try work experience or short courses, and stay open to opportunities that help them learn new skills.
Most importantly, reassure them that it’s okay not to have everything figured out — career journeys often take many paths. Remind them that their next step doesn’t have to be forever, it’s just a starting point or a bridging pathway. Every experience helps them discover more about themselves and what they want.
If your young person would like some help exploring options or planning their next step, reach out to our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble, for guidance and support.
Celebrating early university offers
We proudly acknowledge and congratulate the following Year 12 students who have recently accepted early conditional offers into their preferred course in 2026 at James Cook University:
- Fraser Bentley
- Isabella McRae
- Harrison Bowes
- Liam Kleier
- Jerome Feliciano
- Malcolm Rose
- McKenzie Koops
QTAC Applications
Year 12 students can still apply for university courses commencing in 2026. The due date to apply for the main offer round in January is Monday 8 December.
University key dates and events
|
Date |
Event |
|
Monday 1 December |
CQU’s Principal’s Recommendation Scheme applications close |
|
Monday 8 December |
QTAC due date to apply and submit supporting documentation |
|
Wednesday 17 December |
QCE results available from 9am in the myQCE Student Portal |
|
Thursday 18 December |
ATAR release |
|
Tuesday 23 December |
December (early) Offer Round |
|
Thursday 15 January |
January (main) Offer Round |
2026 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
Year 12 students are encouraged to check that their contact details are correct in their learning account with the QCAA student portal.
In March 2026, students will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting them to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey, following up on their activities after graduating. They may also receive an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Their feedback helps our school improve services for future students, and students can win a laptop for participating. For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
Work Experience
Ergon Energy (Energy Queensland)
Applications are now open for students in Year 10 to 12 to gain trade-based work experience with Ergon Energy in 2026. Placements are for dates between 2 February 2026 and 15 May 2026. Interested students will need to apply now as applications close at 5pm on Sunday 19 October. As part of the application, students will need to have their General Construction Induction card (White Card). Click on this link to apply: Energy Queensland - Jobs List - Trade and Technical
As school approval is required, and to help navigate the application process, please reach out to our Industry Liaison Officer, Mrs Kiah McKenzie, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Kathryn Tebble, regarding your child’s interest in Ergon’s work experience program.
Key Events
|
Date |
Career Event |
|
Thursday 30 October |
Year 10 Work Panel Interview (during Ubuntu, on campus) |
|
Thursday 13 November |
Year 9 Work Panel Interview (during Ubuntu, on campus) |
| Monday 10 November | The Ville School-based apprenticeships close |
| Wednesday 26 November | JCU Year 8 UniX excursion (further details coming soon) |
For career counselling and information:
Miss Kathryn Tebble
Career Development Practitioner
4751 7300 or ktebble1@sacc.catholic.edu.au
