COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 27 JUNE, 2025

Message from the Principal

Megan Wuersching - College Principal

Dear Southern Cross Catholic College Families,

This term, our students have truly shone in every area of school life. Our inspiring presentations and outstanding academic, cultural, artistic and sports achievements have truly reflected our college’s excellence. Every creative, competitive and innovative moment is a testament to our community’s spirit, and a heartfelt thank you goes especially to our dedicated staff, whose commitment makes it all possible.

During our Feast Day celebrations in week 8, we installed our College Student Leaders for 2025/2026. The process for selection was difficult due to the high calibre of the Year 11 students who expressed their passion and willingness to lead and serve our school community. We received numerous outstanding applications and were inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by all of the students. I thank all students who nominated for positions and encourage those who were unsuccessful in formal positions to continue to lead with courage and passion.

Congratulations to the following students who will hold a 2025/2026 Student Leadership role:

Looking ahead, Term Three promises to be equally engaging. We are preparing for key events and initiatives that will further build on our successes - whether it's embracing innovative learning approaches, including our thoughtful integration of AI tools, hosting exciting school events or continuing our commitment to community engagement. Every step we take is part of our shared journey towards nurturing each student’s personal growth.

As we enter the school holiday period, I encourage you to take time for rest, reconnection and renewal. Enjoy the simple blessings of shared meals, outdoor adventures  and moments of quiet that re-energise the spirit.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and blessed holiday break.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our college community.

Megan

Calling all past Students of St Mary's School, West End
St Mary's School West End is reaching out to all past Students to reuinite and to unveil the time capsule that was buried in the front lawn of St Mary's Church by students before the school closed in 1995. The unveiling of the time capsule will be occurring on Monday, 6 October 2025 in front of St Mary's Church, Ingham Rd, Townsville West. For further information go to their Facebook Reunion Page.

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Primary

Katrina Wootton - Deputy Principal - Primary

THANK YOU 
I am sincerely grateful for your consistent support throughout this busy and eventful semester. Our SCCC primary students have had the opportunity to SHINE in many opportunities. This term, students have participated in the Young Speechmakers Competition, Athletics, and Cross Country. They have also participated in discos, Feast Days, sporting events, captivating Instrumental Music evenings, and the Reader's Cup. There have been a multitude of other activities that have enabled students with interests in many areas to pursue opportunities to share their gifts and talents. 

Staff
A special thank you to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to prepare students for these events and presentations, ensuring their success and growth. I feel truly fortunate to work with such an amazing staff who always go the extra mile to make our College a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and thriving place of learning. Our community is very much focused on the holistic development of the young people we are here to serve. The opportunities they are presented with allow them to develop socially, emotionally and spiritually and provide a connection to their College that would not otherwise occur. This connection is pivotal for effective learning to occur and is why we offer as broad a range of offerings as possible. 

Parents/Carers
I am also deeply thankful to you, the parents and caregivers, for your constant encouragement and for supporting your children's strengths by bringing them to these enriching activities, constant practices and special events. Parental involvement in a child's education is crucial for their academic success and overall development. When parents actively participate in school activities, such as attending parent-teacher meetings, supporting extracurricular events, and engaging in learning, it creates a supportive environment that reinforces the importance of education.

Farewell, Dot Parnell, our Much Loved College Chaplain
Dot Parnell began her teaching career in 1969 at Garbutt State School, where she met her future husband, whose father was the school principal. In 1972, following the impact of Cyclone Althea and with their first child, Kellie, Dot and her young family relocated to Brisbane. That same year, she joined the teaching staff at St Joseph’s School, Bardon. The following year, she returned to North Queensland to teach Year 6 at St Joseph’s Mundingburra, where one of her students was Kris Kingston. In 1974, Dot welcomed her second child, Colleen, and in 1975, she taught the inaugural Year 7 girls’ class at Holy Spirit School. In 1976, she moved back to Brisbane to teach English to migrant children from Vietnam and Timor at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Darra - a role she found incredibly uplifting and meaningful.

From 1977 to 1980, Dot returned to Holy Spirit, teaching Year 6 (in a makeshift classroom in a tractor shed) and Year 4. Between 1981 and 1986, she worked at St John the Baptist School in Harbord, near Manly, before moving to St John Fisher’s Christian Brothers College in 1987. She taught Years 4 to 7 there and witnessed the school’s transformation into Marian School in 1988 through an amalgamation. Dot served as a Research and Development Officer at the Catholic Education Office from 1989 to 1991, before returning to the classroom at St Joseph’s Mundingburra in 1992. She became Principal of St Joseph’s School, Giru, from 1993 to 1996 and then returned to the Catholic Education Office as a Curriculum Officer. In 2000, Dot joined Southern Cross Catholic School, where she taught and led curriculum until she retired from full-time teaching in 2015. Her final years in education were spent in chaplaincy roles, first at St Patrick’s College and then from 2018 to 2025 at Southern Cross Catholic College.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Dot Parnell for over 50 years of exceptional service to Catholic Education. From her early days in the classroom to her leadership and chaplaincy roles, Dot’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to nurturing young minds have left a lasting legacy in every school community she has touched. May God continue to bless Dot and her family.

Have a wonderful holiday break.

Katrina

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Secondary

Jaye Beutel - Deputy Principal - Secondary

As we reach the midpoint of the year and conclude Semester 1 for 2025, it is timely to reflect upon all the wonderful achievements and moments we have had along the journey so far. Too often we can look at ending the term or semester as “survival or surviving”, when we should be focussing on the journey shared and enjoyed along the way. One filled with milestones and achievements, personal and academic, but in any sense they are a summary of the hard work and dedication we have demonstrated along the way - which is why we feel tired and ready for a break. 

To that end, it is important that students reflect upon their results from assessment tasks completed this semester, and teacher advice to come in Semester Reports. Ensuring they are setting themselves up for success as they move into next semester by prioritising study, revision and assessment work. Planning out that ever important balance between school, sport & activities, social life and home with family.

It seems fitting that Semester 1 concludes with Year Level Retreats, which are an excellent opportunity to engage in activities and discussions aimed at personal growth and development, both in a spiritual and pastoral sense. I have enjoyed sitting in on a good number of the retreats this week and have been awestruck by the maturity and engagement of students. They have truly leaned into this space and made use of it in a meaningful way. The Pastoral Team and I are looking forward to how we can build upon this engagement into Semester 2 and beyond. 

Good luck and safe travels to our Confraternity and QISSN Teams heading away to Rockhampton and Bundaberg respectively. We know they will represent themselves and the College superbly, as they mix it with the best in the State on the rugby league fields and netball courts during the first week of the break. A sincere debt of gratitude to the wonderful group of staff who are heading away with these teams - your professional expertise and experience is so valued, as is your time away from home to support these opportunities to take place in our College. 

Term 3 Commencement & Readiness
Term 2 will commence on Monday, 14 July and will be a full school day for all students with Homeroom starting at 8:30am, then into an Assembly for Period 1. 

As you would expect, uniform and appearance expectations for the first day back give us an opportunity to start the term on a positive note, and to exemplify what it means to follow The Southern Cross Way. I encourage all students and families to check uniform and appearance expectations out on our college website should you be unsure of any element. 

Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday, 22 July
Parent Teacher Interviews are a great opportunity for parents and carers to meet with your student’s teachers. I encourage all parents and carers to take up this opportunity as we work in partnership to ensure each child achieves their very best academic results. 

Jaye

From our Chaplain

Dot Parnell - College Chaplain

Hello Everyone

It’s time for all to have a break from the school routine - for our children, a rest from their academic learning; for our parents, a rest from supervising homework, answering questions and school drop-offs; for our teachers and support staff, a rest to refresh and clear the mind and relax.

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling and depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.” Henri Matisse (Famous French Painter)

Think of this next time you sit in your favourite armchair. Isn’t this what holidays are for?

How’s this for inspiration!

“If you were born with the ability to change someone’s perspective or emotions, never waste that gift. It is one of the most powerful gifts God can give - the ability to influence.” Shannon L. Alder (Author and Therapist)

How true is that of parents, teachers, school officers. Never underestimate that the small things you do for others can change their lives. We influence others with our love, understanding and compassion.

This is my last newsletter as retirement calls at the end of this term. I have enjoyed every single moment of being a part of the Southern Cross Community since the year 2000, when I joined the staff as a Year 3/4 teacher. How our small school then, has grown into the best P-12 College is amazing. Our unbelievable staff members embody the Shannon Alder quote, as they work with the children in their care and with each other. They are certainly using the gift God had given them, with love, understanding and compassion.

God’s blessings for an enjoyable and relaxing break from the school routine.

AND … remember always and forever; “In a world where you can be anything - BE KIND.”

Dot

From the Guidance Team

New podcast episode for families: Supporting children’s wellbeing during a separation or divorce

Navigating through separation and divorce can understandably be one of the hardest and most stressful experiences for a family. It’s a time of big changes and uncertainty, so it can be hard to know how to talk to children about what’s going on when we as parents may have many unanswered questions ourselves.

In this episode, host Nadia Rossi speaks with Alesha Akintoye, a family law counsellor who works with families to navigate through their separation and divorce. Alesha shares how we can best support both our children and our own wellbeing through this difficult experience.

Supporting children’s wellbeing during a separation or divorce is now available to share with families via YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the Emerging Minds website.

Listen to the episode

New podcast episode for families: Supporting gender and sexual diversity in children and young people

Many parents struggle to navigate gender and sexual diversity with their children and young people. They might feel unsure of how to best support their families in what can seem like a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode, host Nadia Rossi welcomes back Jason Tyndale to offer advice to parents on how you can create a safe space for your child to communicate their diversity with you. Jason also shares his experience of supporting his child on their journey.

Supporting gender and sexual diversity in children and young people is now available to share with families via YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the Emerging Minds website.

List to the episode

First Nations Education Updates

NAIDOC
As NAIDOC Week falls in the school holidays, school celebrations will be held in Term 1 of Week 3. All families are invited to attend the Liturgy on Friday the 18th from 11:50am - 12:40pm, with Afternoon Tea in the Chapel afterwards.  

Events Over The Holidays

Townsville NAIDOC Celebrations there are a number of events celebrating NAIDOC Week in Townsville including (outlined in the link above).

• NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony (at Jezzine) on Sunday, 6 July.
• The NAIDOC March (starting at Kirwan High) and Deadly Day Out (at Riverway) - both on Friday, 11 July.

Coming of the Light Day is celebrated each year on July the 1st. The Coming Of The Light Day commemorates the moment in 1871 when London Missionary Society missionaries landed on Erub, bringing Christianity to the region with the support of local leaders. Please find Townsville celebration details at St John’s Anglican Church, in South Townsville.

TAIHS 50 Year Celebration this year TAIHS is celebrating 50 years of working in Townsville, with an event at Jezzine on Wednesday, 2 July. Inviting all families, there will be a number of activities such as performers and Blak Art Markets just to name a few.  Please see this link for further information and a flyer.

Other than that, wishing everyone a wonderful and restful break and looking forward to seeing everyone back on desk in Term 3!

From our Defence Mentor

Legacy Games
A big thank you to our Year 6 students who assisted with the facilitation of the Legacy Games on our Feast Day. It was fabulous to see all the students having fun at their carnival themed activities. 

We were able to raise over $1400 to go towards Legacy. 

Colour Fun Run
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the colour fun run and the fundraising efforts for our Shine time charities.  It was fantastic to see all the smiling faces as the students ran around the obstacle course.

A big thanks to the our Parent volunteers and personnel from 3CSSB who came and joined in the colour fun run activities.

Our heartfelt thank you to Angela from the P & F for all her hours behind the scenes coordinating this event. It was such a wonderful experience for all our students and we are forever grateful.

Have a lovely school holiday break. See you all in Term 3

Ms Kira
Defence School Mentor

From the Careers & VET Team - Secondary

As the term draws to a close and excitement builds for the next two weeks of holiday bliss our team would like to take the time to say goodbye to our wonderful VET Program Leader - Mr Sam De Luca. He will be truly missed and we thank him for all of the great work he has done with our VET students over the years. We wish him all the best.

Yr 9 & 10 Futures Expo
Last week our Year 9 & 10 students attended a Futures Expo in the Hall as part of our recognition of National Careers Week.  For a fledgling event it turned out to be a great afternoon with students having the opportunity to speak with various exhibitors from different industries, education centres and RTO’s (Registered Training Organisations). Feedback from both students and exhibitors was very positive. A big thank you goes out to the businesses and organisations that agreed to be a part of this event.

Ms Escriva, Mr De Luca and Mrs Glendenning 

Careers & VET @ SCCC - Opportunities…Support…Empowerment…

SCCC Music Academy

🎵 End of Semester Concert Success
Congratulations to over 220 students who performed in our End of Semester Concert. It was a brilliant evening filled with wonderful performances from our large Music Academy ensembles. A big thank you to our dedicated Music Academy staff who have continued to inspire and motivate these ensembles week after week.

🎵 SHEP Townsville
Congratulations to the 15 students who participated in the State Honours Ensemble Program. Students were involved in the Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble. Each of these wonderful musicians represented Southern Cross admirably and we’re incredibly proud of their commitment, achievements and attitude over the entire weekend. They accomplished so much in such a short time frame, and performed wonderfully at the Gala Concert for their friends and family.

🎵 World Music Day Celebrations
During Week 9, our entire College came together to celebrate World Music Day. One day wasn’t enough, so we celebrated all week! Wind Symphony performed at Primary Assembly, Buskers were out and about on campus, students performed at the final Twilight Recital of the semester, and we culminated the week with Little Day Out, a rock festival where bands from Ignatius Park College & Ryan Catholic College joined the SCCC band ‘Apollo’ to perform alongside each other!

SPORTS NEWS - Primary

At the time of printing the Athletics Carnival was happening so stay tuned to Week 2, T3 for the updates!

Parkrun every Saturday morning at Riverway or North Shore, it’s free! Just register online at https://www.parkrun.com.au/register/  and add SCCC as your running club.

Library News

Scholastic Dino-Mite Book Fair
We are thrilled to express our gratitude to our college community for supporting our Scholastic Book Fair.

Book sales totalled $12,227, providing $2,142.72 in scholastic rewards to go towards purchasing news books and learning resources for our college.

Fostering a love for reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students. By supporting events like these, you're helping to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

2025 North Queensland Readers Cup Competition
We're thrilled to announce that our students proudly represented Southern Cross Catholic College at the recent North Queensland Regional Readers Cup Competition on Monday 16 June 2025. This event brings together schools from across the region to celebrate and showcase their love of reading. The competition was fierce, with a total of 60 teams participating across three age categories.

We would like to congratulate all six of our teams for their dedication to reading the books and working together as a team. An honorable mention goes out to our year 5-6 team the Bookhounds for being awarded a bronze medallion for 3rd place.

The School Locker

The School Locker Uniform Shop is opened on the following days each week.

Tuesday           8.00am – 10.00am

Wednesday      2.00pm – 4.00pm                            

Friday               8.00am – 10.00am  

Important Events & Date Claimers

Stay up to date with what's happening in your childs class with the weekly 'Whats On' documents.

Check out upcoming events and important whole college messages below 👇🏼

Register for a Conversations with the Principal session here:  https://www.sctsv.catholic.edu.au/parents/conversations-with-the-principal/