COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 8 August, 2025

Message from the Principal

Megan Wuersching - College Principal

Dear Southern Cross Catholic College Families,

Last week, Southern Cross Catholic College proudly joined schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week - a time to reflect on our shared mission to nurture communities of Faith, Hope and Love.

This year’s theme beautifully echoes the Church’s Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, inviting us to walk together with courage, compassion and conviction. A symbol added to this year’s Catholic Education Week logo, the scallop shell, reminds us that each step we take, individually and as a college community, is part of a wider journey marked by growth, grace, and Gospel witness.

Here at Southern Cross, that journey is alive in every student who strives to love, serve and shine. We see hope in the way our staff nurture curiosity and belonging. We feel faith in the trust placed in us by families. And we witness love in the relationships that bind us together, from the classroom to the community beyond our gates.

The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards honour outstanding contributions to Catholic education across Queensland. Each year, the program highlights the impact of staff, parents, carers and volunteers who uplift our students and communities. Recipients are celebrated across two categories for excellence in leadership, service, initiative and for creating positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

In 2025, we proudly celebrate two staff nominees:

• Katrina Wootton - Spirit of Catholic Education Award
• Bianca Ponti - Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award
  

Catholic Education Week also recognises a Year 12 student who lives out the message of Jesus, reaching their full potential as a compassionate, contributing and life giving presence in the lives of others. This year, we congratulate Andrews Jobby on receiving this honour. 

Additional Pupil Free Day - Start of Term 4
Townsville Catholic Education has advised that an additional Pupil Free Day will be scheduled for Tuesday 7 October, the first day of Term 4. As Monday 6 October is a public holiday, classes will officially resume on Wednesday 8 October.

Staff will be engaged in professional learning on Tuesday as part of our ongoing commitment to growth and excellence in teaching and learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our college community.

Megan

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Primary

Katrina Wootton - Deputy Principal - Primary

Shine and Share: Creating Positive Conversations 
We’ve all experienced those after-school conversations where our children respond with “I can’t remember” or “Nothing happened today” when we ask about their day. Sometimes, tiredness or simply not knowing where to start can make it difficult for students to share.

To help families move past these “one-word answers” and encourage more meaningful reflections, we’ve introduced “Shine and Share” conversation prompts. These simple yet powerful questions are designed to create positive daily habits that foster connection, gratitude, and mindful reflection after school.

Here are some examples you might like to try with your child:

• What’s something you’re excited for tomorrow?
  This shifts their thinking forward and builds anticipation for the next day.
  
  
• What acts of kindness did you notice today?
  A wonderful way to highlight positive behaviours in themselves and others.
  
  
• What’s something that made you laugh today?
  Sharing funny moments is an instant way to lighten the mood and bring joy to conversations.
  
  
• What’s something that went really well for you today?
  This helps children identify and celebrate their own successes, no matter how small.
  
  
• Which mindfulness strategy is your favourite?
  A reminder to practise calming techniques they’ve learnt at school.
  
  
• Is there anything you want to talk about?
  This open-ended invitation can make it easier for children to share worries or thoughts in a safe space.

By using these prompts regularly, you’re encouraging your child to reflect on their day and building a habit of gratitude, emotional awareness, and positive communication. Over time, you may find your after-school chats richer, deeper, and filled with more genuine sharing.

Thank you for partnering with us to nurture positive wellbeing habits at home.

Have a wonderful week!

Katrina

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Secondary

Jaye Beutel - Deputy Principal - Secondary

Secondary Students - Before and After School Expectations
It is timely to reiterate the expectations relating to before and after school. There has been an increase in unsafe behaviour during times where there is no staff supervision, or students populating in areas which are out of bounds before and after school.

Can I ask that parents and carers read over these expectations and reinforce them with conversations at home.  

Before School  - between 7:45 - 8:00am

• Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:45am, unless they are participating in an organised school activity or meeting. 
• Students are expected to move to the Sails waiting area at the front of the College (until 8am) or to the Secondary Buildings areas from 7.45am. 
• Students are not permitted to arrive at school and then leave College grounds. 
• Students are not permitted to gather outside the school gates or at the Bridge area from 7.45am. 
• Bikes, Scooters or E-vehicles are to be safely locked in the bike racks and not to be used again until the conclusion of the school day.
• From 8:00am, no students are allowed to use their mobile phones. These must be out of sight and not in use. 
• Students should arrive at school no later than 8:20am in order to organise their books from their locker and be at Homeroom by 8:30am.

 After School - from 2:55pm

• Students are dismissed at 2:55 pm and should proceed immediately to one of the following supervised areas:
• • • Breeze Way
    • Pick-up/Drop-off area
    • Bridge/Student Carpark
    • For safety reasons, no games or unsupervised play are permitted after school. Including handball on sidewalk areas. 
• Students participating in afterschool programs such as sport, co-curricular or clubs, should immediately proceed to these offerings and not loiter in other areas of the college.
  

Jaye

Steven Cooke - Assistant Principal Religious Education (Acting) - Secondary

Catholic Education Week 2025
Last week, Southern Cross Catholic College joined 313 Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week. Guided by this year’s theme - Communities of Faith, Hope and Love - our reflections and celebrations placed special emphasis on Hope, beautifully aligned with the Jubilee Year’s invitation to journey as Pilgrims of Hope.

Across the College, students gathered in both Primary and Secondary liturgies to honour the mission of Catholic education. Our student leaders also attended the Townsville Catholic Education Week Mass, joining representatives from all 30 schools in our Diocese.

A highlight of the week was the symbolic presence of the scallop shell, a traditional emblem of pilgrimage. At the Cathedral Mass, each school brought a shell representing their community. Southern Cross Catholic College contributed to a meaningful Southern Cross formation created from these shells - a symbol of our unity, shared faith, and commitment to hope.

Project Dignity 2025
This week marked the launch of Project Dignity 2025, a College-wide initiative aimed at supporting members of our community experiencing homelessness. The project focuses on collecting personal hygiene items, which will be assembled into care packs and distributed through the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Each primary year level and secondary homeroom has been assigned a specific hygiene product to contribute. Collection baskets have been placed in all classrooms, and donations will be gathered on Monday of Week 8. The following day, students will participate in a retreat where the items will be packed into individual hygiene kits.

This initiative not only provides practical support to those in need but also encourages our students to live out the values of compassion and service

From the Chaplain

Mikayla Ten Dam - College Chaplain

Hi everyone!

You may already know me since I have been teaching in the secondary school for the past 10 years but my name is Mikayla Ten Dam and I am proud to be the new College Chaplain.

I am still primarily a secondary school teacher (English and Humanities) but am excited about the opportunity to be involved in the Chaplaincy space as well.

A little bit about me is that I was born and bred in Tully in Far North Queensland (the land of green and endless rain) before I ventured to Townsville for University where I have stayed ever since. I have a younger sister Alannah (28) who lives in Cairns and a not-so-little, little brother Logan (21) who is currently fly in and fly out of the mines with his home base being back in Tully. I have now been married for two years (previously Miss Giuffrida) to my husband Jimi whom I met at Courage Training Centre - a Muay Thai and boxing gym! Our world revolves around our five-year-old staffy Baylee Blue who is the most spoiled little dog in the world (yes, she has her own bedroom in the house).

I have great memories about my high school Chaplain and hope to recreate these positive connotations for all students. The thing I am most excited about is being involved in the junior school community and hopefully building stronger connections between the Primary and Secondary sectors.

Our main focus of the year is getting Mini and Teen Vinnies up and running again. So what is Mini/Teen Vinnies you may ask? These are student-led social justice groups that have students learning about social justice issues, developing leadership skills and engaging with the wider Vinnies Community. These groups empower students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting Christian values into action. Students meet regularly (odd weeks for Primary and even weeks for Secondary) to work on these different initiatives.  

As a Catholic School, it is our mission to not just provide a quality Catholic education but to serve our wider community through living out our College Motto of To Love (understanding the needs of others), To Serve (giving so that others may receive), To SHINE (paying it forward so that all may shine with the Spirit) and our Marian Charism which inspires us to live compassionately, courageously and justly to enhance the lives of all. Mini Vinnies involves students from Years 5 & 6 whilst Teen Vinnies involves all secondary students. Both groups are completely voluntary, but we would love to see as many students as possible!

Mikayla

From the Guidance Team

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.

Here is the link to your Edition https://sctsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

First Nations Education Updates

As we charge into Week 4, there are a number of things going on in the First Nations space (with many already on our Facebook page).

Last week I was fortunate enough to go on the Year 4 Excursion to the Museum of Tropical North Queensland. Miss Kira and I had a session working with the students where Miss Kira explored the Defence Box resources from the Museum and then I spoke about weaving - different types of weaving from all over the world and then different of weaving by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples such as those for decoration and special occasions(earrings and bracelets) as well as practical items such as baskets, baby carriers plates and different materials which would have used area (resources in that area). We then had a go weaving with raffia, making bracelets. Year 4 did a great job and it was a great way to plug our newest club as well - Yarn Club for Years 4-6 (which is open to all students in those year levels), held on Wednesday at First Break in the Chapel each week.  During those sessions, we’ll be making weaving creations and beanies to donate.

Other than that, great things are happening with NAIDOC ice-cream starting to be handed out to primary classes. This year we have 5 options to choose from:

• Rivermint
• Davidson plum
• Cinnamon myrtle and caramel
• Finger lime
• Wattleseed and white chocolate

There were some very happy customers!

That’s all from us. Until next fortnight.

From our Defence Mentor

Year 4 Excursion - Museum 
On Friday, I had fun presenting to the Year 4 students showing them real and replica items from both the WW2 and the First Nations and Torres Strait Islander Memorial Boxes. 

The students played a game of Bingo, which entailed them listening intently to all the information otherwise they would miss a clue. We discussed some of the various uniforms over the years, medals and equipment used. It was fabulous to see all the students engaged in this activity. 

Townsville Wears Camouflage Article
I was sent the below article from a former SCCC Primary Student - Ella. Ella was selected as the 2025 Youth Member for Maiwar in this year's Queensland Youth Parliament. Over the past few years I’ve also been recognised in the Courier Mail as one of Brisbane’s 33 most influential young people, named the youngest Ambassador for Children’s Rights Queensland and have been a three-time semi-finalist in the 7News Young Achiever Awards.

Ella has shared her article “Townsville Wears Camouflage”. 

Here is the link to her article: https://yourvoiceheardqyp.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/townsville-wears-camouflage/

Vietnam Day - 18th August
Vietnam Veterans’ Day (18 August) recognises the invaluable contribution of Australians who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War. The RSL QLD have some great resources on Vietnam Day https://rslqld.org/whats-on/vietnam-veterans-day

Dates for your Calendar

Textured Art - Friday 22 August
ADF members and partners over 18 years, unleash your inner artist at our Art Inspired Laugh and Chat Night, where we will be creating a stunning textured wall art. Get inspired, and let your imagination run wild! Whether you are a seasoned artisan or a curious newbie, you will find joy in every texture and embellishment, creating a unique masterpiece to adorn your wall. Unleash your inner artist and let your imagination run wild in this playful and relaxing environment.

This event is strictly for adults only (18+)
Date: Friday 22 August 2025
Time: 6pm
Venue: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-textured-art-laugh-and-chat-tickets-1409866662139?aff=oddtdtcreator

Child of the ADF Medallion Ceremony - Friday 19 September
Come join us for a special medallion ceremony to honour the children of our ADF members. This in-person event will take place at the Wirraway Club at RAAF Base Townsville.

The Child of the ADF Medallion is a small but important way of recognising the children who go through the emotional, and at times, difficult experience of having a loved one serve in the ADF.

Participation in the Child of the ADF Medallion program is open to all recognised dependents of full time ADF members aged up to 18 years of age. Children are only eligible to obtain the medallion once, so if they have already received a Child of the ADF Medallion here in Townsville, or any other location, please do not register them again.

When: Friday 19 September 2025
Time: 5.30pm-7pm
Where: Wirraway Club, RAAF Base Townsville
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-child-of-the-adf-medallion-ceremony-townsville-tickets-1435806398589?aff=oddtdtcreator

Partner Support Information Sessions - 3 & 4 September
Earlier this year, Geckos Family Centre hosted the Army Partner Support Program, which was  over a 4-week period and was well received. Geckos are hosting an amended version over two nights for those whomissed out last time. You will need to attend both sessions and when booking a ticket, you need to book for both nights. This info session will be an intensive and detailed briefing, and we kindly ask for your full  attention throughout. To help ensure the most beneficial and best experience for all participants, we highly recommend arranging alternate care for children during this time.

Dates: Wed 3rd and Thurs 4th September 2025 (mandatory both nights)
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Register: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1441646

Have a great week!

Ms Kira
Defence School Mentor

From the Careers & VET Team - Secondary

Term 3 is one of Careers & VET busiest times as our Year 10 cohort starts thinking about their future careers. SETplan meetings will commence next week and continue until the end of week 8.

Senior Pathways Information Evening
Last Thursday evening the Senior Pathways Information Night was held.  Students along with their parents and carers came along to look at what opportunities are available to them in Senior and speak with Curriculum Leaders, RTO’s, Universities, Apprenticeship and Traineeship organisations and Defence.

Year 12 QTAC
Ms Escriva has delivered two information sessions to Year 12 students about registering for their ATAR, QTAC applications and other relevant post schooling information.  She will share the two slide shows with students and parents soon. 

Ms Escriva and Mrs Glendenning

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

SPORTS NEWS - Secondary

Welcome to Semester Two!
This term we welcome back Holly Harrison to the Program Leader Role for Sports. For any Sport related questions please feel free to contact hharrison4@sctsv.catholic.edu.au

QISSN / Confroternity Carnival Summary
We had two spectacular performances by our Open Girls Netball and First XIII Rugby League teams down south over the holidays. Trips away such as these are not only physically demanding playing games back to back but being away from home also takes its toll. We are incredibly proud of the students that spent many hours training and preparing for these carnivals. Both teams came home after securing the best overall results since Southern Cross joined these carnivals placing third overall in their respective division pools. Sporting trips such as these are not possible with a dedicated bunch of staff that go above and beyond for our teams. We are very grateful for their time and providing our students with these opportunities. 

Inter House Athletics Carnival
What a way to cap off our trilogy of sporting showdowns! On Thursday and Friday of Week Two, the school came alive as our five mighty houses battled it out in the final sports carnival of the year - the Athletics Carnival.

With the weather playing nice, two epic days of sunshine set the stage for a festival of speed, strength, and serious school spirit. From blistering sprints and high-flying jumps to mighty throws, wild ball games, and the ultimate test of teamwork in the tug o’ war, the action was non-stop. Even the staff couldn’t resist jumping into the arena, adding a surprise twist to the competition!

A huge congratulations to our Age Champions and to the unstoppable Stuart House, who completed a clean sweep - three carnivals, three wins. What a dynasty!

And let’s not forget Castle House, who roared louder than ever and proudly took home the Spirit Shield - proving that heart and hype matter just as much as medals.

Age Champions

Until next year - rest those legs, polish those trophies, and hold your house colours high!

CBSQ Trials Wrap-Up & Team Announcement 
Thank you and congratulations to all the athletes who attended the CBSQ trials on Wednesday afternoon of Week Two. It was a high-energy session, showcasing an impressive level of skill, determination, and teamwork across the board.

This year, both of our teams are stepping into higher divisions and tougher competition, raising the stakes and the standard. But with challenge comes opportunity - and we’re confident that the squads selected are more than ready to rise to the occasion.

The athletes chosen will represent the College with grit, resilience, and pride, embodying the spirit of our sporting program both on and off the court.

As our team prepares for their trip aways, BBQ fundraisers will be held on every Friday during Second Breaks for the rest of the term - if you can - please show your support and grab a bite to eat! 

Stay tuned as we head into the CBSQ campaign - this season promises to be one to watch.

Townsville Secondary Schools Surf League
On Friday of week three, our secondary team of Surf Lifesaving superstars competed in the secondary interschool carnival. It was a cold day down on the beach but that didn’t stop the teams from giving it their all.

We competed in a variety of team and individual events across the day and ended up coming third overall for our efforts!

Special mention to our Age Champions and Runners Up
U13 Girls Runner Up - Mila E
U13 Boys Age Champion - Corbin K
U15 Boys Runner Up - Coby M
U16 Boys Runner Up - Tyson A

Other Sports Updates and News
Our Touch Football teams are gearing up for a big weekend at the NQ All Schools Touch Football Competition on August 9 and 10. Please come down in your best maroon and gold outfits to show some support!

All Townsville and Northern Trial information will be shared with relevant age groups throughout the term on Compass. Any questions please feel free to reach out. 

Holly

Media Consent Updates

At the time of enrolment, parents are asked to consent to the use of their child’s name and image in various forms of media to promote the school/College and Catholic Education. If you DO NOT wish to consent to your child's photograph/video appearing as stated in the below, and you wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent, you must notify the school by phone or email (anndle@sctsv.catholic.edu.au) 
 
If we do not hear from you to make any changes, your original consent provided will remain in effect.
 
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/MEDIA CONSENT
Photos, video footage and work samples of students are used regularly by the school/College for the purpose of acknowledging the efforts of the student/College, or for promotion, marketing or advertising the College or Catholic Education.
 
I consent to the student being photographed or filmed for school/College, Catholic Education or Townsville Catholic Diocese related communication or for education purposes. 

I understand this may include media (e.g. television, radio, publications), school/College publications (e.g. newsletters, year books), online media (e.g. websites) and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram). 
 
I understand it is my responsibility to notify the school/College if I do not wish to consent to the student’s photograph/video appearing in any or all of the above, or if I wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent. Please note the student’s name and voice may be included with the photograph/video.
 
I understand the copyright of such images will be retained by the school/College, Townsville Catholic Education, the Diocese of Townsville or their contractors, and there will be no remuneration or compensation for the images.

From the P & F

Parents and carers with children enrolled at Southern Cross Catholic College automatically become members of the Parents and Friends Association and you are most welcome to attend our scheduled monthly meetings.

NEXT MEETING is MONDAY 11 August at 6:00pm

 Primary Staffroom

Head to the College website to check out last meeting's minutes. 

Meeting Minutes - March 2025

The Parents and Friends Association works closely with the College Leadership Team and the Southern Cross Catholic College Community to promote the interests of the College and to further develop school functions and fundraising events to the benefit of the students and their families.

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 👇🏼