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Good Day, Good People,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your financial contribution to the College. The payment of school fees is a very important part of our relationship. This ensures we can continue to provide an educationally sound and safe environment for your children and our staff and students.
As you are aware most of our income comes from the Federal and State government through your taxes, however school fees make the difference in terms of what we can offer to your children.
I know that currently, the rise in the cost of living seems to never end and that this is getting more difficult for some of our families. School fees need to be a priority on your budget. Our College is also facing rising costs and needs your commitment.
If school fees are ever a problem, I ask that you make contact with the College and speak to our Business Manager- Sharni Henshall or myself. With regards to school fees, the Townsville Catholic Education office has employed a person, Cecilia Taylor to assist schools with retrieving outstanding fees. Cecilia is also available to assist you in this area and can be contacted at TCEO on 47730900.
The upgrade to the Assisi Bus Zone is continuing. We ask that all of us take extra care during the construction phase. Please remember that the temporary bus zone is not to be used as a drop-off zone and there is also no parking permitted in this area to ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians.
We had a celebration of the Arts with our Arts Spectacular recently. Well done to all involved. Many of our students are now involved with the Eisteddfod. We wish them well.
Barry Horner
Principal
| Term 3 - Week 10 |
|
All week: - Year 11 Unit 2 Exams & Eisteddfod Tue 16 - Fri 19 September: - Year 12 Retreat Mon 15 September: - House Cup Party (1:20 - 2:50pm, Assisi) Mon 15 September: - Marketing visit to St Clare's (1:30 - 2:45pm, selected students) Fri 19 September: - Last day of Term 3 Mon 22 - Tue 30 September: - Ski tour Fri 4 October: - St Francis of Assisi Feast Day |
| Term 4 - Week 1 |
|
All week: Thur 9 - Sun 12 October: Qld All Schools Touch Carnival (Open Mixed Team) Mon 6 October - King's Birthday Holiday Tue 7 October - Pupil Free Day Wed 8 October - Term 4 commences |
Good day, good people,
As we come to the close of another busy and grace-filled term, I am reminded of the words of St Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” These words capture so much of the daily life of our school community, from our littlest Preps taking their first steps in learning, to our Year 12 students preparing to step into the wider world with courage and hope.
In the Franciscan spirit, we strive to live with simplicity, care for one another, and respect for all of God’s creation. Each day, in classrooms, playgrounds, and on the sports field, we see our students encouraged to grow not only in knowledge, but also in kindness, humility, and service.
Thank you for walking alongside us in this mission, and for the love and support you give your children each day. Together, as one Franciscan family, we continue to build a community of peace and joy.
The Season of Creation is a special time when Christians around the world come
together to care for God’s creation. It’s a chance to reflect on how we live, celebrate the beauty of our world, and take action to protect it.
The season begins on September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and ends on October 4, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology who is loved by many Christians.
Pope Francis officially welcomed this season into the Catholic Church in 2015. During this month, we join with other Christian communities in prayer and practical actions to look after our common home—the Earth.
One thing we all can do is sit by a window or take a walk outside today and contemplate our oneness with the Universe.
For the love of
Creator God,
You show us what love is through the beauty of the earth and the gift of your Son.
For the love of… animal and plant mountain and forest sea and city woman and man friend and family those who live far from us and those yet to be born
Move us to live more simply, to protect the earth and to speak up for those in need.
Amen.
Prayer: Sarah Hagger-Holt/CAFOD
SACC Spectacular
Our recent SACC Spectacular was a wonderful celebration of the artistic and musical gifts within our school community. From the youngest students to our seniors, the talent, creativity, and confidence on display were truly inspiring. We are so proud of the way our students shared their gifts with such joy and teamwork—it was a reminder of the richness of the arts in our Franciscan school family.
As we enter the holiday break, may it be a time of rest, renewal, and joy for all our families. In the spirit of St Francis, let us take time to pause, appreciate the simple gifts of life, and care for one another. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the opportunities of Term 4, as we continue our journey of learning, faith, and community together.
Ozanam Youth Leadership Graduation
The Ozanam Youth Leadership Program, run by the St Vincent de Paul Society, equips young people to lead with faith, service, and compassion. Through mentoring and community engagement, participants grow in confidence and commitment to justice. This year, four of our students will graduate from the program - Olivia Lawrence, Dominique Millican, Isla Bobongie and Frasier Swinton. We celebrate their leadership and dedication to the Vincentian mission. We congratulate these students for completing the course and making a difference in the world.
“In Christ we are seeds of peace and hope.” - Pope Leo XIV
Winter Carnival – A Wonderful Community Celebration
What a fantastic night our Winter Carnival turned out to be! It was wonderful to see so many of our families, staff, and friends come together to enjoy an evening of fun, food, and celebration. Events like this remind us of the strength of our community spirit and the joy of sharing time outside the classroom.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped make the night possible: our dedicated staff, hardworking volunteers, and enthusiastic students. Your efforts with planning, setting up, running stalls, and cleaning up afterwards were truly appreciated.
The Winter Carnival is one of the biggest events on our College calendar, and this year’s success is a credit to the generosity and teamwork of our whole community. We are also delighted to share that the event raised valuable funds to support various programs, resources and projects for our students.
We look forward to making next year’s event just as memorable!
Friendships in Primary School
We are noticing more students referring to each other as “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” in the playground and classroom. At this age, these labels are usually playful and come from curiosity or things children see in media or hear from older peers. However, they can sometimes cause confusion, exclusion, or distraction from learning. Please take the time to read the following article.
“Boyfriends and Girlfriends” in Primary School: Understanding and Supporting Young Children’s Social Development
It’s not uncommon for young children in primary school to refer to one another as “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” These declarations are often innocent and light-hearted, driven more by curiosity, play, or imitation than by any mature understanding of romantic relationships. However, while this stage of social development can be harmless for some, it can also lead to confusion, emotional challenges, and distractions in the classroom setting.
As parents and educators, it’s important to understand what might be behind these early “relationships” and how we can best support children’s emotional and social wellbeing. Children aged 5 to 12 are in a stage of rapid social learning. They begin to explore concepts of friendship, loyalty, and belonging. Often, the idea of having a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” is learned through media, older siblings, or playground talk. At this age, these labels typically reflect admiration, close friendship, or a desire for connection, rather than a romantic relationship. In most cases, children don’t fully understand what the term “relationship” implies. However, the language they use can still influence how they interact with each other and how they’re perceived by their peers.
When children start labelling each other as boyfriends or girlfriends, a few social difficulties can arise:
Exclusion and Peer Pressure: Children not included in these pretend relationships may feel left out or worry that something is “wrong” with them. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety or efforts to “fit in” by rushing into similar labels before they’re socially or emotionally ready.
Social Tension: Young children often change their minds quickly. Today’s “girlfriend” might be tomorrow’s “not friends anymore,” causing hurt feelings and playground conflicts. These ups and downs can be intense for young children who are still learning how to manage emotions.
Distraction from Learning: At school, the classroom should be a safe space for learning, exploration, and building positive peer relationships. When romantic language or preoccupation with “relationships” becomes part of the day-to-day conversation, it can impact focus in several ways. Children might become preoccupied with who is “going out” with whom, especially if disagreements arise. These distractions can carry over into learning time and make it harder for some students to concentrate. Teasing, gossip, or arguments over who is in a relationship with whom can cause disruption and even lead to bullying. Some children feel confused or upset if they aren’t part of these “relationship” dynamics, diverting their energy away from developing healthy, age-appropriate friendships.
As parents and educators, our role isn’t to shame or punish children for exploring social ideas, but to guide them gently toward understanding appropriate relationships for their age. Here are a few ways you can help:
Talk Openly and Calmly: If your child mentions having a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” ask them what that means to them. Keep the tone light and open, avoiding judgment. Often, their explanation is more innocent than we assume.
Encourage Inclusive Friendships: Emphasise the value of all kinds of friendships regardless of gender. Encourage your child to make friends with many different children and focus on kindness, sharing, and cooperation.
Set Age-Appropriate Expectations: Explain that while it’s okay to care about others, primary school is a time to focus on learning, playing, and building strong, respectful friendships, not dating.
Limit Media Influence: Be mindful of what your child watches or plays. Many shows and games aimed at older audiences introduce relationship themes that younger children may not yet be ready to process.
Schools and families work best when they collaborate. Teachers will often address these topics in the context of respectful relationships and personal development. Together, we can help children develop the social and emotional skills they need, at the right pace for their age, so that they can enjoy healthy friendships and learning environments without unnecessary distractions.
God bless,
Karen Krzelj - Deputy Principal (Acting), Padua Campus
SHINE
This fortnight’s SHINE focus is:
Congratulations to the Prep - Year 3 SHINE award winners.
FIRST NATIONS NEWS
Last week, Padua students celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day under the theme “Strength in our Stories: For Now & Future Generations.” Students gathered in classrooms and the library to watch a live-streamed event from the Sydney Opera House, featuring a film about storytelling in remote Aboriginal communities, along with performances from Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassadors and special guests.
The day was a meaningful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the rich cultures and languages of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Across the campus, students also explored First Nations storybooks in our pop-up libraries and created their own story bags using traditional First Nations symbols.
URSTRONG/FRIENDOLOGY
Research shows that about 85% of conflicts at URSTRONG Schools are what we call: Friendship Fires. These are normal, low-level friendship issues like misunderstandings, hurt feelings and disagreements.
Knowing how to put out those fires and get friendships back in that Green-Zone on the Friend-o-Meter is one of the most important friendship skills in the Friendology curriculum.
This month, we’re focusing on FORGIVENESS.
|
No friendship or relationship is perfect - and neither are we! Sometimes we might hurt a friend’s feelings, misunderstand them, or make an unwise choice. When this happens, it’s important to take responsibility by offering a sincere apology. A genuine apology can help “put out a Friendship Fire” and repair the relationship. By apologising and talking things through, we can move toward forgiveness and get our friendship back into the healthy zone of the Friend-o-meter. |
Gracelyn Mitchell
Assistant Principal Administration (Acting) - Padua Campus
We have had a quieter fortnight to report on. Our Year 12s have been in their Trial Exam period. While this assessment is only formative, it certainly does go a long way to prepare them for external exams next term. It is also hard to believe that the year is nearly up for them.
Last week we celebrated HPE Week. There were plenty of activities where the students took on the staff, that they competed against each other and even tried out wheelchair basketball. We had plenty of students come down and try out new sports and have a good time. Mr Frost handed out a range of certificates and even Tuckshop vouchers for winners of the different competitions.
Last night a group of students went along to Caesar, the Shakespeare in the park performance. We hope they had a great time.
Only one more week of school to go and we hope the students focus and work hard right to the end. We hope you all have a good holiday break or a break from the school routine. We look forward to seeing all the students back for our last term on Wednesday 8 October .
Until next Newsletter or I see you, take care.
Nick Antoniazzi
Deputy Principal - Assisi Campus
Showcasing Learning at St Anthony’s
Over the past few weeks, we have had the privilege of celebrating the incredible learning journeys of our students in a variety of enriching ways.
Our Year 6 Market Stalls were absolutely buzzing with excitement and pride. Students embraced the challenge of running their own stalls, applying their learning in a fun and very real-world way. It was wonderful to see them confidently explain their products, share their ideas, and eagerly sell to staff and visitors. Their pride in their work was clear as they proudly showed me around their stalls.
The SACC Spectacular was another highlight. An evening filled with energy, creativity, and joy as our little performers stepped into the spotlight. Each child had their moment to shine, and the audience was treated to a celebration of talent and hard work. The atmosphere was alive with excitement, and it was truly a night to remember.
This week, our Year 4 students shared the culmination of their learning with loved ones. Families were invited to see, listen, and enjoy the wonderful achievements of the term. The pride on students’ faces as they shared their work spoke volumes about their commitment and growth.
Meanwhile, all classes are busily preparing for the upcoming Eisteddfod in Week 10. This special event brings an exciting – and sometimes nervous – energy to our school as students practise their performances. Working together as teams, they are refining their poetry, music, drama, and art pieces, ready to shine on stage. The Eisteddfod is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing as part of a community.
As a curriculum leader in our school, it is very rewarding to see learning come to life in such meaningful ways. These events not only celebrate knowledge and skills but also highlight the joy, confidence, and engagement that authentic learning experiences bring.
ATTENDANCE IN WEEK 10
Learning and teaching will continue in Week 10 and it is expected that students attend the last week of the term. Assessment often happens in this week.
YEAR 7-10 PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT TEST (PAT)
Commencing in Week 1 Term 4, Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students will undertake PAT Adaptive assessments in their Mathematics and English classes. The two tests they will be doing are PAT- R (Reading) and PAT-M (Maths). The tests are online.
PAT Adaptive assessments create an individualised test experience for an even more precise picture of student achievement – and a more equitable way to assess.
In conventional assessments, students answer the same questions. But in adaptive assessments, students’ responses determine the content, resulting in personalised test pathways. The result is a highly detailed picture of achievement, enabling teachers to more precisely diagnose student needs and target teaching where it is needed most.
PAT Maths Adaptive
- Measures mathematical ability across three strands:
o Number and algebra
o Measurement and geometry
o Statistics and Probability - Addresses the proficiencies of fluency, understanding, problem solving and reasoning
- Automatic assignment of students’ entry levels
- Personalised test pathways determined by student responses
- Multiple choice and some interactive questions, administered in 40 minutes
- Mapped to the Australian Curriculum
PAT Reading Adaptive
- Assesses reading comprehension, covering four strands:
o Retrieve
o Interpret implied
o Interpret explicit
o Reflect - Provides five text types and 16 strand processes as organising components of reports
- Automatic assignment of students’ entry levels
- Personalised test pathways determined by student responses
- Multiple choice and complex multiple-choice questions, administered in 45 minutes
- Mapped to the Australian Curriculum
MISSED ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS IN YEAR 7-10
To ensure that assessment remains fair and equitable for all students, the following applies to Year 7-10 students.
- If a student misses an examination, parents are required to contact the class teacher to inform them of the absence. An alternative date and time for the student to undertake the examination will be determined by the class teacher in consultation with the Curriculum Leader: in most cases this is the next lesson following the student’s return to school.
- When a student does not submit a response to an assessment instrument on or before 3 pm on the due date, a result will be awarded using evidence from the preparation of the response that is available on or before the due date.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL.
For planned absences from school (matters of the student’s or parent/carer’s own choosing), a “Notification of Absence” form is required to be completed by parents/carers and returned to the College. Parents are required to complete the ‘assessment missed’ section on this form in additionto the reason for absence. Assessment dates can be found on Compass and Year level assessmentcalendars on the Website. The form can be found on the College website and at Student Reception.
Helen Rainnie
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships explained
SBATs let high school students combine school, paid work, and vocational training. Students can start in Year 10, 11, or 12 and split their time between schoolwork, formal training, and part-time employment.
They’re ideal for students who:
- Learn best by doing
- Want a head start in your career
- Prefer practical skills over university right away
How it works
- Usually takes 1–4 years, depending on the qualification and work hours
- May need to continue training after school to finish
- Requires balancing school, training, and work commitments
What you gain
By Year 12, students could have:
- Their high school certificate
- A nationally recognised qualification
- Paid industry experience and mentors
- Skills, contacts, and sometimes a full-time job offer
Eligibility
Student must:
- Be 15 or older and enrolled full-time at school
- Have parental permission (if under 18)
- Gain school approval and an employer
Who’s involved
- Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP): helps set up your training contract and support
- Employer: provides paid work and on-the-job training
- Registered Training Organisation (RTO): delivers your formal study (TAFE, uni, or school)
- School & Parents: support your timetable and commitments
- Student: commit to school, training, and work
Getting started
- Research industries and careers
- Talk to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble
- Connect with employers for work experience
SBATs have been around since 1996 and are often fully government-funded, making them accessible for most students. They’re a proven pathway to practical skills, qualifications, and future careers.
The Ville 2026 School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Intake program
The Ville Resort Casino is excited to open their 2026 school-based traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities early to capture passionate individuals who want to kick start their careers in hospitality earlier. Their goal is to help individuals develop valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow with the largest private hospitality employer in the region in shaping the future of hospitality in North Queensland.
Available Traineeships in 2026 are:
- 3 x Food and Beverage positions - Certificate III in Hospitality
- 1 x Hotel Reception position - Certificate III in Business
Available Apprenticeships in 2026 are:
- 2-3 Chef apprenticeship positions - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Key Recruitment dates:
Applications open: Monday 29 September
Applications close: Monday 10 November
Candidate shortlisting: 11-14 November (all students will hear from us during this time - successful students will progress to interview stage
Interview evening for shortlisted candidates: 17 or 18 October
Program start date (and Induction): Monday 1 December 2025
Our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble will be attending an online Teams information session (for school career advisors) next week on Tuesday 16 September, from 3.30pm - 4.15pm. Interested students are welcome to join Miss Tebble in the School boardroom for this information session (please email Miss Tebble asap if you would like to attend)
To be eligible students will:
- be entering Years 10 or 11 in 2026
- be able to have a weekly release day from school
- have private transport to and from work
To express your interest in the school-based traineeship:
- reach out to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble, about your interest in a school-based traineeship and how it aligns with your SET Plan.
Cowboys Leagues Club 2026 School-based Traineeship Intake program
The Cowboys Leagues Club is excited to welcome applications for their 2026 School Based Traineeship programs!
Available Traineeships in 2026 are:
- Certificate III in Hospitality
- Certificate III in Business
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
CLB will be holding 2 information/enrolment sessions in October:
Session 1: Tuesday 21 October, 4pm
Session 2: Thursday 23 October, 4pm
Location: Cowboys Leagues Club, Flinders Street
Interested students must register their attendance and bring along a parent/guardian.
In these sessions CBL will explain the various Traineeships, what’s involved, and why the Club’s traineeships are an incredible opportunity for students interested in developing a career in Hospitality or obtain a nationally accredited qualification.
To be eligible students will:
- be entering Years 10 or 11 in 2026
- be able to have a weekly release day from school
- have private transport to and from work
To register to attend the information/enrolment session:
- email your resume to Anita Poorta at Cowboys Leagues Club
anita.poorta@cowboysleagues.com.au
- reach out to our VET Coordinator, Mr Kyle, or our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Tebble, about your interest in a school-based traineeship and how it aligns with your SET Plan.
Celebrating early university offers
We proudly acknowledge and congratulate the following Year 12 students who have accepted early conditional offers into their preferred course in 2026 at James Cook University:
- Dalys Coleman
- Kate Hammett
- Kaia Harris
- Sienna Matthews
- Gian Hilapo
- Olivia Jack
- Joshua Jago
- Emily-Rose Jones
- Rory McPherson
- Oscar Miles
- Clancy Yeoman
Applications are open for JCU’s Early Offer program. Students considering applying for an early offer are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss with Miss Tebble and submit their nomination form for School recommendation before 7 October. Applications close Friday 10 October 2025. To reduce distractions for students, offers will not be made during the external examination period.
QTAC Applications
Applications are now open for Year 12 students to apply for university courses commencing in 2026
Early Bird applications close on 30 September. From 1 October, a higher application fee will apply.
University key dates and events
|
Date |
Event |
|
Tuesday 30 September |
JCU Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science dual applications due |
|
Tuesday 30 September |
QTAC Early Bird Applications close (higher application fee applies from 1 October) |
|
Tuesday 7 October |
JCU Early Offer Nominations close |
|
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 |
Job Opportunities and Vacancies
Townsville City Council - 2026 Traineeships and Apprenticeships Intake Program
Do you know a school leaver looking to kick start their career? Applications are now open for:
Apprenticeships
- Apprentice Diesel Fitter
- Apprentice Electrical and Instrumentation (dual qualification)
- Apprentice Fitter and Turner
- Apprentice Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
- Apprentice Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic
- Apprentice Parks and Gardens
- Apprentice Boilermaker
- Apprentice Parts Interpreter
Traineeships
- Trainee Veterinary Nurse
- Trainee Learning & Development
- Trainee Animal Care Services
- Trainee Business (Business Support Environmental Health and Regulation)
- Trainee Business (Customer Experience)
- Trainee Business (Procurement Administration)
Applications close Monday 6 October.
Need help with updating your Resume, or writing an engaging cover letter? Reach out early for an appointment with our Career Development Practitioner, Miss Kathryn Tebble.
SEEK - Apprenticeships and Traineeships
The following positions are currently advertised on Seek.com
- Carpenter Apprenticeship - Community Solutions
- Landscaping Apprenticeship - Community Solutions
- Apprenticeship Opportunity: Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic & Panel Beater - Royans Transport Accident Repairs
- Storeperson Traineeship: CIII in Warehousing & Logistics - Western Truck Group
- 1st Year Apprentice Mechanic - MyCar
- Apprentice Sport Turf Management - Green by Nature
- Apprenticeships various opportunities with Department of Housing and Public Works
- Carpenter, Electrical, Plumber, Painter, Refrigeration Mechanic (school-based positions also available).
- Apprentice Spraypainter - NQ Commercial Finishes
- Electrical Industry Technical Traineeships - Ergon Energy Townsville
Sun Metals- Expression of Interest in CIII Process Plant Operator Traineeship
Community Solutions, in partnership with Sun Metals, are posting an expression of interest for 2025 school leavers looking to start a career with a 24-month traineeship to gain a Cert III in Process Plant Operations, commencing January 2026. Interested students can submit their Expression of Interest online at the following link:Apply here. Application Deadline: Thursday, October 31st, 2025
Events & Open Days
Upcoming Automotive Meet & Greet in Townsville!
Looking to jumpstart your career in the automotive industry?
Don’t miss this opportunity hosted by Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)!
When: Thursday, September 18 | 3:30 PM AEST
Where: Tropics Golf Club, Nineteenth Avenue, Kirwan, QLD
This event is perfect for:
School Students (Year 12) exploring apprenticeships and real-world industry experience
Job Seekers eager to connect with business owners and leaders
Business Owners looking to meet motivated candidates and grow their teams
Expand your network, discover career opportunities, and create meaningful connections in the automotive sector. Register for the event here
Scholarships
Westpac 2026 Young Technologists Scholarship Online Information Session
Organisation: Westpac
Date: September 25, 2025
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is for talented and inquisitive high school graduates looking to strengthen their passion and expertise in technology and inspire good in the world of STEM.
Applications for Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships are open from 2 Sept 2025 - 13 Jan 2026 and are valued up to $20,000 each. With a weeklong disruptive leaders program in Singapore and access to mentoring and networking opportunities, this scholarship is a unique opportunity to strengthen your passion and expertise in technology and inspire new ways of thinking.
Thinking of applying for a Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, but have some unanswered questions? Register for the online information session that will cover everything from the eligibility criteria and funding guidelines to key attributes of a Westpac Scholar and tips to complete your application. You'll also get to hear from past scholars who can give you more insight into what to expect, and there will be time for Q&A at the end. Find out more and register
Griffith University George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Students Relocating to Study
Organisation: Griffith University
Value: Up to $24,000 AUD
Open Date: July 1, 2025
Close Date: January 19, 2026
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship for Talented School Leavers in STEM
Organisation: Westpac
Value: $20,000 AUD
Open Date: September 2, 2025
Close Date: January 13, 2026
University of Melbourne Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship Program for Education or Accommodation Costs
Organisation: University of Melbourne
Value: Up to $36,000 AUD
Open Date: August 4, 2025
Close Date: January 13, 2026
Key Events
|
Date |
Career Event |
|
Thursday 18 September |
MTA Automotive Meet and Greet |
|
Monday 29 September |
The Ville 2026 School-based Apprenticeship & Traineeship applications open |
|
Monday 6 October |
Townsville City Council 2026 Apprenticeship and Traineeship applications close |
|
Tuesday 21 October |
Cowboys Leagues Club 2026 School-based Traineeship Information/Enrolment session |
|
Thursday 23 October |
Cowboys Leagues Club 2026 School-based Traineeship Information/Enrolment session |
For career counselling and information:
Miss Kathryn Tebble
Career Development Practitioner
4751 7300 or ktebble1@sacc.catholic.edu.au
A Special Report: R U OK? Day & Child Protection Week
This week, as we observe both R U OK? Day and Child Protection Week 2025, we’re reminded of the vital role kindness, connection, and open conversations play in supporting our children’s wellbeing. The theme for Child Protection Week 2025 is “Every Child, Every Voice, Every Right”, highlighting the importance of listening, protecting, and empowering every child.
Young people today face many pressures, from academic stress to social media, and these challenges can impact their mental health. R U OK? Day encourages us all to check in with genuine care and compassion, because every conversation matters. As parents and caregivers, fostering positive, stigma-free discussions about feelings and wellbeing helps create safe spaces where children feel valued and supported.
Together, let’s promote kindness, resilience, and positive mental health, showing our children that their voice is heard and their wellbeing is our priority.
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression, and self-harm are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the well-being of their children.
R U OK? Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
Engaging in R U OK? Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://sacc.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day
Child Protection week resources
https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe/child-protection-week-resources/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
As we wind down to the end of the term some items on the menu may not be available. Please check the menu daily for any changes. Assisi Tuckshop will be closed both Thursday and Friday of Week 10 however sausage sizzles and alternative options will be available for purchase at the front of the SDC. Please remember to bring your lunch if you are not buying from the fundraising stalls.
Padua Tuckshop will be closed on the last day of term so please remember to bring a lunch box.
With 2026 just around the corner bookings have now opened in Compass for appointments at the Uniform Shop in January. All current families who will need to try on items will need an appointment to be made through Compass in the same way as parent teacher interviews. If you cannot access Compass, please contact the College Office for assistance. All new families will need to ring through to the College to make an appointment. Families with 3 or more students will need to make a double appointment.
Please do not make one appointment per child as we are able to fit out two students from the same family per time slot.
If you are ordering via Flexischools during the term all Padua items will be sent to class teachers and all Assisi items will need to be collected from the tuckshop. Please remind your student to pick up if you have ordered items. Term time hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 8.30am or outside these hours by appointment only.
If you are ordering via Flexischools in January for return to school, you will not need to make an appointment to pick up your items. Please keep an eye on our socials and compass for the uniform shop opening hours for January 2026.
Thank you from
The Tuckshop/Uniform Shop team.
Have you been impacted by a serious illness during your years at school? Are you leaving school to go to university, or to complete an apprenticeship/vocational training next year? Then this scholarship could be for you!
A serious illness can make it very difficult for young people to continue their education and achieve their life goals. Our Charlie Bell Educational Scholarship will award grants of $5,000 to deserving young people to help them follow their career dreams. Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia is here to help the recipients to succeed in their chosen career. The money can go towards university or VET fees, apprenticeship tools, books or supplies, etc.
Applications are now open for eligible young people:
- between 15 and 20 years old;
- who have suffered from a serious illness at some point during their schooling years; and
- who are leaving school and enrolling in a university or VET course for 2026.
The online application form requires you to supply:
- Educational information/history
- Relevant medical history
- An outline of your study aims, career pursuits, personal achievements, community involvement & goals for your future
- A written personal reference
- A written Education/Employer reference
- Signature of parent/guardian (if under 18 years)
Applications close 30th November 2025.
Apply online now at: https://rmhc.org.au/what-we-do/charlie-bell-scholarship/
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel welcome to contact us:
Belinda O’Neill
Education Services Manager
- (07) 4775 5600
- belinda.oneill@rmhc.org.au
Shakira Beale
Learning Program Coordinator
- (07) 4775 5600 – Ext 201
- shakira.beale@rmhc.org.au
Assisi Languages
This year in Japanese, our students have taken part in a wide range of exciting opportunities. They exchanged letters with their buddies in Japan, attended the James Cook University International Youth Conference to learn about the value of language learning, and represented our school with distinction in the Japanese Language Speech Competition hosted by Ryan Catholic College. These experiences highlight the strength of our Japanese program in fostering both language skills and global connections.
