Good Day, Good People,

Welcome to our last term for 2025. We look forward to a big finish.

We would like to congratulate the winner of this year’s Mark Mappas Medallion. This award is given by the P&F Association for a community member who has contributed to the College over the years. This year’s award goes to Rebecca Matthews. Rebecca is a past President of the P&F and has worked at numerous Winter Carnivals and many other community events for the College. We thank Rebecca for her contribution.

A reminder to our Padua parents of a few changes. Karen Krzelj is on leave for four weeks. Tamara Templeton is acting in this role. 

We had a group of students and teachers head to New Zealand for a skiing holiday. This was an exciting opportunity for our students. From all reports a good time was had by all. I take this opportunity to thank the staff who accompanied the group.

It is Awards Season and we look forward to our Year 12 Awards night next Tuesday the 14th of October. This will be followed by our Sports Awards on Wednesday 22nd of October.  

Our mixed open Touch team is away in Brisbane representing the College at the Queensland carnival that draws teams from across the country. We know they will do us proud.

Yesterday was Guidance Counsellors Appreciation Day. We take this opportunity to thank our four counsellors who do outstanding work for the College. Thank you Stacey, Peter, Andrea and Pim.

The upgrade to the Assisi Bus Zone is continuing. We ask that all of us take extra care during the construction phase. We hope this will be finished in the near future.

Barry Horner 

Principal

RE MATTERS

Good day, good people,

Welcome to Term 4.  We know this term goes extremely quickly and we all hit the ground running.  We have a busy term on both campuses, starting with the celebration of St Francis’ Feast Day (which occurred over the holiday break).

The week prior to the holidays was the Year 12 Retreat, with students reflecting on their journey so far, and where they might be heading into the future. This term also sees us celebrate together as a community with our Sports Awards Night (Assisi), Year 12 Awards Night, Rite of Passage (Assisi and Padua), Graduation and our End of Year Masses on both campuses.  It is a wonderful time for us to celebrate the successes of our students and the year as a whole with our St Anthony’s family. 

FEAST DAY OF ST FRANCIS

On Friday, 4th October, was the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who modeled his life on the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. St. Francis embodied the message of love in all that he did, reminding us of the transformative power of love and wisdom: "Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance" (St. Francis of Assisi). 

Even though this feast day did not fall within the College term, it is important to acknowledge the Franciscan heritage of the College. At St. Anthony’s, we embrace the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching alongside the values of our Franciscan charism: promoting the dignity of the human person, fostering community and care for creation, and serving with humility like St. Francis and St. Anthony. On this special Feast Day, we are reminded of the significance of these values and the importance of prayer in our everyday lives. Some of our staff celebrated this feast day by joining a Pilgramage to Assisi, Italy, an experience that reinforced true sacredness of our Franciscan Charism.

In the Franciscan tradition, prayer acknowledges that life may be unpredictable, but we trust that God is always with us, within us, and surrounding us with His boundless love. Through prayer, we draw closer to God. The Peace Prayer of St. Francis resonates with his philosophy and continues to inspire us as a powerful expression of peace and humility.

Peace Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; 

where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; 

where there is doubt, faith; 

where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; 

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, 

to be understood as to understand, 

to be loved as to love.  

For it is in giving that we receive, 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

God Bless

Rachel Bond                                                                          Rose  Fitzsimmons

 Acting APRE (Secondary)                                                       APRE (Primary)             

Welcome to Term 4; a quick and busy one. Below are some learning & teaching date claimers at Assisi. These dates should also be on the College calendar that can be found on the College website and Compass.

October-

• Week 1: PAT assessments for Year 7-10 students.
• Tuesday 14th: Year 12 awards night.
• Thursday 16th: Final day for Year 11 students to apply for subject changes as they move into Unit 3/4.
• Monday 27th: External assessments for Year 12 students in General subjects commence.
• Friday 31st: Unit 2 (Year 11) reports released in Compass.

November-

• Friday 14 th: External assessments conclude.
• Monday 24th: Year 11 testing window commences for first internal assessment.
• Friday 28th: Year 11 testing window concludes.

December-

• Friday 5th: Semester 2 (Year 7, 8, 9 & 10) reports released in Compass.
• Wednesday 17th: Year 12 results and Senior Education Profile released.
• Thursday 18th: ATAR release date

PAT ASSESSMENTS AT ASSISI
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) assessments measure what students in Prep to Year 10 know, understand and are capable of across domains and help monitor progress over time. Students in Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 will undertake PAT Maths and PAT Reading tests in Week 1 & 2 at Assisi. Students will be using their own devices to undertake the assessments, with assessments taking place in a Maths and English lesson.

YEAR 12 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTS
Year 12 students studying General subjects will commence External Assessment on Monday 27th October. The timetable is below and can also be accessed on the QCAA website. Year 12 students undertaking external assessments can access their examination timetable in Compass.

Helen Rainnie

AT PADUA CAMPUS OUR STUDENTS SHINE

The SHINE focus for Week 2 is:

We’ve had a wonderful start to Term 4. Our students are truly shining and showing pride in their school by wearing their uniforms correctly. There are lots of happy faces, and it’s clear many of our students have had growth spurts over the break!

The Positive Behaviour Support Team (SHINE Team) has been reflecting on our progress and exploring ways to make SHINE even bigger and better in 2026. Everyone at St Anthony’s can feel very proud of the collective efforts that have created a school community that truly shines in the Franciscan tradition.

FIRST NATIONS NEWS

Term 3 was wrapped up at Yabana Club, where Padua students continued deepening their understanding of culture. Inspired by Our Flag, Our Story, students created delicious treats representing both the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags.

Teachers at Padua will be reviewing Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) over the coming weeks. Once reviewed, PLPs will be emailed home at the end of the term. If you would like to discuss your child’s PLP, you are welcome to contact their class teacher directly, or you can reach me via email at gmitchell6@sacc.catholic.edu.au or through the Office on 4751 7200.

Gracelyn Mitchell

Assistant Principal Administration (Acting) - Padua Campus

Book Week 2025

Sue Keith

Teacher Librarian

Padua Campus Library 

   

“If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” – Roald Dahl

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.

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. 

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 November

Program start date (and Induction): Monday 1 December 2025

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 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:

• Andria Direen
• Melanie Blacklock
• Rylee Hewitt

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. However, 

University key dates and events 

Scholarships

Scholarships can make a big difference when it comes to the cost of education. Whether students are finishing school or thinking about further study, there’s a chance they could be eligible for one or more scholarships – and they don’t have to be the top student to apply.

A scholarship is money that helps you pay for expenses related to education. It doesn’t need to be paid back, and it’s usually given to in one of two ways:

• as a lump sum (e.g. $5,000 once)
• or in smaller instalments (e.g. $1,000 each semester)

Scholarships can cover course fees, books and equipment, travel, living costs – or just help take the pressure off. They’re funded by universities, businesses, community organisations, individuals, and sometimes government departments. Each one will have its own goal – some are set up to support students with financial hardship, others aim to attract talented students into specific fields.

The following articles may be helpful with finding and applying for scholarships:

• Unlocking scholarships: Application tips and advice
• 7 tips for maximising your scholarship application

Townsville Catholic Education Office

Townsville Catholic Education is taking a hands-on approach to attract future educators by offering targeted scholarships. Three scholarships have been created specifically to address the national teacher shortage and provide financial assistance to local high school and university students who are passionate about pursuing a career in teaching:

• Year 10 students completing the CIII in School Based Education or CIII in Early Childhood Education and Care in Year 11
• 1st Year University students in the Bachelor of Education in 2026
• 3rd Year University students in the final two years of study in an approved education course (third year of an approved Bachelor of Education or first year of a two year Master of Teaching in 2026)

Scholarship applications for 2025 are currently open, and close on Friday 10 October! 

James Cook University - Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship

The JCU Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship is part of JCU’s commitment to rewarding and supporting high-achieving school leavers with an ATAR of 97.00 or above. $40,000 will be awarded for up to four (4) years of study ($10,000 per year). The Scholarship provides financial support to high-achieving undergraduate students commencing full-time study at JCU in Study Period One, 2026. The JCU Vice Chancellor's Scholarship is assessed automatically for Year 12 applicants. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. Course exclusions: Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry.

James Cook University - Deans’ Scholarship

The JCU Deans’ Scholarship is part of JCU’s commitment to rewarding and supporting high-achieving school leavers with an ATAR between 95.00 and 97. $20,000 will be awarded for up to four (4) years of study ($5,000 per year). The Scholarship provides financial support to high-achieving undergraduate students commencing full-time study at JCU in Study Period One, 2026. The JCU Deans’ Scholarship is assessed automatically for Year 12 school leavers. There is no separate application required for these scholarships.Course exclusions: Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry.

James Cook University - QCoal Foundation Scholarship

The QCoal Foundation Scholarship will be offered again this year to a student from regional or remote Queensland who is planning to study at James Cook University (JCU) in 2026. The QCoal Foundation Scholarship is a $30,000 scholarship provided over three years for students from a range of disciplines including medicine, vet science, speech pathology, chemistry, engineering, geology and dentistry.  The scholarship is not only for students who do well academically, but also for those who are supporting their local community and who have an aspiration to work in regional and remote locations after graduating.

Value: Up to $30,000 

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026 

James Cook University - Cullinane Law Scholarship

The Honourable Kerry Cullinane QC has had a long-standing interest in supporting students to study law in North Queensland. This has driven his valuable connection with JCU’s Law School which started with him being part of the steering committee that established the School in 1989. This program has been established with a generous donation from Professor Cullinane to support students aspiring to study law at JCU in North Queensland.

Value: up to $6,000 

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026 

James Cook University - North Queensland Gas Pipeline Regional Women’s Scholarship

North Queensland Gas Pipeline (NQGP) is committed to supporting women to enter non-traditional professions such as engineering, advanced science and environmental science. To assist with this commitment, NQGP is establishing a scholarship program for regional women, who have completed secondary school in a regional or rural location in Queensland.

Value: $8,000 

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026 

James Cook University - Pat and Bill Mahoney Scholarship (First in Family)

Ms Sue Kosse graduated from Queensland University and during her studies was a student of JCU’s predecessor institute, the University College of Townsville. As the first in her family to attend university, Sue recognises the positive impact that having a tertiary education has made upon her life. To acknowledge the financial support and sacrifices made by her parents and siblings in order for Sue to attend university, she would like to establish an enabling scholarship for other first-in-family students to attend James Cook University - open to first year students whose parents are guardians have not attained a bachelor level qualification.

Value: $5,000 

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026 

James Cook University - George Alexander Foundation Scholarships 

The George Alexander Foundation has an emphasis on helping talented young people, especially those from regional and rural areas and those who must move away from home in order to undertake higher education. The Scholarship Program forms the core of the Foundation’s work and the first programs commenced in 2002.This scholarship is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value: $8,000 per year for up to 3 years

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026 

James Cook University - CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) would like to support further engagement with the sciences for Indigenous Australians, by supporting JCU Indigenous STEM students to complete their studies. Established in perpetuity, this scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework study in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree at JCU. This scholarship is also an opportunity to engage with the CSIRO and build a relationship and pathway into a career in the Sciences

Value: Up to $40,000

Open Date: 1 October 2025

Close Date: 16 January 2026

Griffith University - George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Students Relocating to Study

This scholarship assists a school-leaver with costs associated with accommodation. To be eligible, you must have recently completed secondary school and be accepted for full-time admission to an undergraduate degree at Griffith University.

Value: Up to $24,000 

Open Date: 1 July 2025

Close Date: 19 January 2026

University of Melbourne Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship Program for Education or Accommodation Costs

The Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship program is provided by the Australian Government and offered to Indigenous students who are enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate coursework course.

Value: Up to $36,000 

Open Date:4 August 2025

Close Date: 13 January 2026

Healthcare Education Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

At GlobalHealth Education, we are passionate about supporting healthcare students on their education journey. This is why we have created our Healthcare Education Scholarship to provide financial support to a health student who experiences financial disadvantage and has the potential for far-reaching positive impact on the community. The scholarship award money can be used for tuition fees, learning materials, course equipment and travel costs.

Value: $5,000

Open Date: 27 March 2025 

Close Date: 28 February  2026

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

For career counselling and information:

Miss Kathryn Tebble

Career Development Practitioner 

4751 7300 or ktebble1@sacc.catholic.edu.au

www.stanthonyscareers.com

A Special Report: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October as a reminder of the importance of mental health to our overall wellbeing. It is a day that encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities across the globe to start conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the support available for those who may be struggling.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike. Recognising this helps us create more compassionate and supportive environments.

Parents and caregivers play a central role in shaping the mental health of their children. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pressures young people face in today's world and how we can best support them. Whether it's helping children find balance between school, technology, and rest; encouraging open conversations about feelings; or modelling healthy coping strategies ourselves - small steps at home can make a big difference.

By engaging with resources and discussions on this day, families can strengthen their understanding of mental health and contribute to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

This Special Report highlights the importance of World Mental Health Day and offers practical suggestions for how your family can acknowledge and support it together.

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-world-mental-health-day-au