Good Day, Good People,

Welcome back to Term 3. I was away in week one but I am back and getting into the
swing of second semester.

We have been given some new guidelines with regards the indicative hours each
subject is taught beginning in 2026. Due to this the Townsville Catholic Education
office has designated two additional Student Free days- one occurring this year and
one next year. The dates are Tuesday, 7 th of October, 2025 which is immediately
following the King’s Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 6th October and Tuesday
27 th of January, 2026 which also immediately follows the Australia Day Public
holiday on 26th January 2026. These days will ensure our staff have the curriculum
in order going forward. There is also an annual gazetted Student Free Day on
Friday 5th September 2025 in which our staff will use to undertake Professional
Development.

I want to thank our staff who accompanied our QISSN Netballers and our
Confraternity Rugby League teams over the holidays. This is a big commitment by
both staff and students to train and organise themselves to compete in these annual
competitions. Well done to all and thank you to our families for your support.

We have celebrated a few things already this term. In week one we had our NAIDOC
day with both campuses joining for part of the day. Last week Padua celebrated
Grandparents day. This was an opportunity to thank our Grandparents for all they do
for our community.

This week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. Our College leaders and our
Padua Campus captains represented us at the Cathedral where many came
together. Bishop Tim spoke of the importance of Catholic schooling in our
community.

Our Winter Carnival is fast approaching. If you can help in any way please contact
the P&F. A reminder we finish school at 12.20 on Friday 22 nd of August as we
prepare for the carnival.

Finally, I hope we have had the chance to read the Semester One report cards. I
urge you to continue to discuss school with your children, encouraging them to put in
the effort to reach their potential.

Barry Horner
Principal

LEARNING & TEACHING

JAPANESE IMMERSION PROGRAM from 2026 ONWARDS

Can you believe we will have the first students moving into high school in 2026 that began their Japanese immersion journey in Year 1 at Padua? Those students who have chosen to continue the Japanese immersion pathway will be able to do so in Year 7 at Assisi. Parents and students were invited to an information session last Wednesday night at the Padua library.

YEAR 11 2026 SUBJECT INFORMATION.

Students in Year 10 began their journey into senior schooling this week with presentations from Curriculum Leaders, the Career Development Practitioner Miss Tebble and me. There was also a Year 10 subject expo on Tuesday evening.

The next step is for parents and students to undertake a Senior Education and Training (SET) plan interview with a staff member. The SET plan process maps out an action plan to ensure students remain on track for success in senior. Parents of Year 10 students will have received SET plan information and are required to book an interview through Compass to discuss their child’s move into senior schooling.

Subject handbooks for Year 11, 2026 can be found using the following link
https://www.sacc.catholic.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum-overview/curriculum-handbooks/

YEAR 9 & 10 2025 SUBJECT SELECTIONS

Subject information sessions for subject selections will occur in Week 7. After an information session, students in Year 8 & 9 will receive an email with instructions on how to select their subjects for 2026. Subject selections are due no later than Thursday 4 th September at 9 am.

Subject handbooks for Year 9 & 10, 2026 can be found using the following link
https://www.sacc.catholic.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum-overview/curriculum-handbooks/

2025 NAPLAN RESULTS (Year 7 & 9 students)

Results for NAPLAN tests completed in March have been mailed out to families.

In this edition of SchoolTV - Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Sibling Relationships edition of SchoolTV
https://sacc.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

Update to Student Recognition – Shining Star Slips

We’re excited to share a small change to our student recognition program at Padua. Shining Star

Slips will now replace the previous Franciscan of the Month slips.

These slips are part of our SHINE initiative and are used by staff to acknowledge students who consistently demonstrate outstanding behaviour, learning, and the Franciscan spirit. Each Shining Star Slip acts as a nomination toward the Franciscan Award for the term.

At the end of each term, one recipient from each year level will be selected to receive the Franciscan Award and will be invited to share a special morning tea with Mr Horner at 10:45am on the Friday of Week 10.

Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate the many ways our students shine each day.

Our SHINE focus for Week 4 is:

SHINE award winners from Prep - Year 3

SHINE award winners from Years 4- 6

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Students from both the Assisi and Padua campuses came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The day was filled with vibrant, market-style activities, including Indigenous games and storytelling, dance and art workshops, as well as food preparation and tasting experiences.

A heartfelt thank you to all the organisers, guests, and special visitors who contributed to making the day such a meaningful and successful celebration of culture and community.

Assistant Principal Administration (Acting) - Padua Campus

Applying to study at university in 2026

QTAC Applications

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is responsible for managing the undergraduate university and tertiary education admissions process in Queensland.  

Queensland Year 12 students can begin their QTAC Application for courses commencing in 2026  from Tuesday 5 August. Students will need to:

• create a QTAC Account; and
• register to access their ATAR in the ATAR Portal

To stay informed about key dates and receive timely reminders, students can sign up for QTAC’s Remind Me service. Sign up now to go in the draw to win prizes such as Google Nests, Beats Headphones and more.

JCU Early Offer program

JCU’s Early Offer program is a pathway to give students some peace of mind knowing they have a place at university next year, and is one less thing to stress about during exam time. The offer they receive will be “conditional” – basically, this means it comes with conditions. For example, an offer might be conditional on achieving a certain ATAR or completing specific subjects. Students considering applying for an early offer are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss with Miss Tebble.

University key dates and events 

JCU Open Day Excursion – Year 10 & 11 Students Explore Future Pathways

We were excited to take 40 of our Year 10 and 11 students to the JCU Open Day for Schools at the end of Week 1. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore a wide range of study and career pathways, tour the campus, and gain a real sense of university life. From hands-on activities to engaging presentations, the day sparked curiosity and inspired future thinking. A big thank you to our students who represented the school so positively throughout the day — your enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behaviour made us proud. 

Discover the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre (TCTC)

Unleash your imagination at the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – where creativity meets cutting-edge tech! At the heart of Heatley Secondary College, the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre delivers nationally accredited Certificate II & III courses across creative tech disciplines like Printing & Graphic Arts, Music Production, Screen & Animation, and Game Design—all taught using industry‑standard equipment and software. 

With skilled industry practitioners designing the curriculum, TCTC emphasises real‑world outputs—like graduates’ show reels and portfolios—that open doors in digital media, entertainment, and creative industries. 

Here are some upcoming opportunities to explore a future in creative tech:

•  Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – TCTC Information Evening
  • Date: Tuesday 26 August
  • Time: From 6:00pm
  • Location: TCTC, Heatley Secondary College
  •  Explore 2026 course options in:

CII in Creative Industries - Animation

CIII in Screen and Media (Screen)

CIII in Information Technology - Game Programming

CIII in Music - Sound Production

CII in Printing and Graphic Arts

CIII in Visual Art - Photography

•  Meet the teachers and tour the facilities
•  See student projects and equipment in action
•  RSVP: Call 4726 8333 to confirm your attendance

•  Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – TCTC Taster Session
  • Date: Thursday 4 September
  • Time: 8:50am – 11:20am
  • Experience:
  • Game Design
  • Music & Sound Production
  • Animation
  • Film & Media
  • Graphic Arts
  • Photography
• Expression of Interest: contact Mr Kyle or Miss Tebble to submit an EOI form
• RSVP by Wednesday 3 September
• Transportation: the School will arrange transport for students to attend this event

Morrisby Career Profiling and Career Action Plans

This week, our Year 10 students completed their Morrisby career profiling quiz as part of their SET Plan process. The Morrisby tool helps students identify their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. It provides personalised insights and suggestions to assist with subject selection, further education options, and long-term career planning. We encourage families to talk with their child about their Morrisby results and explore the career ideas together.

To complement this, students are also completing a Career Action Plan during homeroom this week and next. This plan encourages students to reflect on their goals, skills, and career aspirations, and helps prepare them for their upcoming SET Plan interview. Families are encouraged to discuss these plans at home to support their child’s future planning.

Key Events

For career counselling and information:

Miss Kathryn Tebble

Career Development Practitioner 

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

www.stanthonyscareers.com