COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 2 May, 2025
LEADERSHIP
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Megan Wuersching - College Principal
Dear Southern Cross Catholic College Community,
As we begin Term Two, our community finds itself reflecting on two significant moments - one of global importance and another woven into our national story.
The Passing of Pope Francis
We join Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, dedicated his life to serving God and the Church. His papacy was marked by an unwavering voice for the poor, advocacy for the environment and a call for inclusivity within the Church and beyond. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we give thanks for his example and leadership. May we carry forward the values he championed by living out our College motto - To Love, To Serve, To Shine - and strive each day to be a light for others.
Anzac Day: Remembering Sacrifice and Service
Last week, we commemorated Anzac Day, marking the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings - a defining moment in the history of Australia and New Zealand. Our College community gathered to honour the memory of the Anzacs and all who have served our nation. Through prayer, reflection and the laying of wreaths, we paid tribute to their sacrifice and reaffirmed our commitment to peace and justice. Let us continue to remember their sacrifice by fostering unity, gratitude and service within our school and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Megan
Federal Election
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has developed a suite of materials to assist in the lead up to the federal election on May 3. These materials are now available on NCEC's website. The 2025 Federal Election page includes:
- A two-page Parent Priorities document (pictured below)
- A School Funding Explainer
- A Dispelling the Myths page
Please visit the link below for further information.
ADMINISTRATION
Katrina Wootton - Deputy Principal - Primary
Welcome back to Term 2!
Please see important dates below.
Cross Country
Our Cross Country is next Tuesday morning, starting at 8.30 am. Parents/Carers are very welcome to attend and cheer on our primary people!
Anzac March
We are very proud of all our primary students who marched in the Strand Anzac Parade last Friday. Our SCCC Marching Band were fantastic!
Healthy School Lunches
A healthy school lunch is vital in supporting students' learning and overall development. Nutritious meals provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy that young minds and bodies need to stay focused, alert, and engaged throughout the school day. When students eat balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, they are better equipped to concentrate in class, retain information, and perform well on tests and assignments. Additionally, establishing healthy eating habits at school helps promote lifelong wellness and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. In short, a well-balanced school lunch is not just about feeding students - it’s about fueling their success.
A healthy school lunch for primary children should include a balance of foods from all five food groups: grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruit. Examples include sandwiches with lean protein fillings like turkey or chicken, cheese, and veggies; pasta salad with vegetables and lean protein; or a fruit and vegetable platter with yogurt.
Primary Disco
Just a reminder, our primary disco is next week and the theme is “Sports Stars”.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Katrina
Jaye Beutel - Deputy Principal - Secondary
Term 2 has hit the ground running! Almost warp speed it would seem. A sincere thanks to all members of the Southern Cross community for their energy and positivity as we get underway.
Having just experienced an extremely short first week, to then follow it with a string of public holidays and a student free day over the first few weeks, it is imperative that we remain aware of how quickly the term will flow. I encourage everyone to keep a close watch over the College Calendar and Assessment Calendars. Being aware of all the competing priorities ahead of time will indeed lessen the stressors in the long run.
Secondary Student Handbook - Agreed Protocols
There have been a number of updates to the College website, one of significance for secondary students and their families is that of the publication and access to the Secondary Student Handbook - Agreed Protocols. This document is a useful guide when understanding aspects of secondary school life; from uniform expectations through to lockers, homeroom and consequence protocols.
SHINE Postcards
There are so many great things happening each and every day here at Southern Cross, all of which is created by our amazing students and teachers. At times with the busyness of school life and routines, the small and great achievements and moments are missed as points of recognition and celebration. To help us as a community to identify these moments and share them with parents, families and students, we have reimagined our SHINE Postcards and created a new set just for Secondary School.
Staff will be able to send these home at any time as a small recognition of their observation and appreciation of a student’s efforts. The themes for these are directly linked to The Southern Cross Way and Marian Charism, as well as our Growth Mindset.
I am looking forward to students and families receiving these moving forward.
REMIDER: Cross Country - Rescheduled Event
Sadly, we had to postpone our Inter-House Cross Country event due to the impact of constant wet weather on our ovals and surrounding running circuit. However, our dedicated Acting Program Leader (Sports) Mr Roberts, has found a space in our busy college calendar for us to hold this much anticipated event.
Secondary Cross Country will take place on Thursday, 15 May from 8:30am.
Jaye
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Dot Parnell - College Chaplain
Hello Everyone
Week 2 already! I hope everyone was able to take time to relax, have fun and refresh during the holidays.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been reflecting on what has been occurring around the world, but especially in our own country. It seems to me that, more and more, our peace is being eroded by those who want everyone to think as they think and do what they tell people to do. This is not the peace of the Easter joy. The true meaning of Easter is about the love that Jesus has for us and the joy, purpose and peace that he gives us - by his life, death and resurrection.
We live in the hope that God’s peace of justice and mercy will triumph over the so-called “peace” that is control, manipulated by fear and intimidation. We are told, indeed our faith tells us, that we must be actively engaged in looking outwards - to care for the underprivileged, to forgive those who hurt us, to seek justice for the oppressed. Sometimes some people need a little more help than we really know!.
Despite the injustices, hatreds and horrors of what we see and hear about today, we must open our hearts and minds to experience the peace of God - peace that is centred in respect, justice and hope for all peoples, wherever they are in our world, but especially in our homes, communities and our country.
Pope Francis, God bless his soul, was a great model of respect, tolerance, justice and hope - inclusive of all peoples - a life modelled on Jesus. May he rest in peace.
“To Love, To Serve, To Shine”. Our College motto says it all this Easter season.
God’s blessings for a great week, and remember, “In a world where you can be anything - BE KIND.”
Dot
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELLBEING UPDATES
Four skills that will help your child succeed at school and life
Andrew Fuller – Clinical psychologist
We all want our children to live life to the fullest, wherever it takes them. There are four skills you can nurture that will help them along the way, says Clinical psychologist and family therapist Andrew Fuller.
Little kids are a bit like roosters - they get up early and make a lot of noise. Then they start to ask weird questions like, ‘Why aren’t frogs purple?’ or ‘Do clouds talk to one another?’
Children’s brains are like sponges soaking up all they can about the world. Learning is the best and most fun game in town. This is driven by the wonderful imagination and creativity of children. Our aim is to keep it that way.
Four ingredients of success
Your love for them helps them to feel safe and secure and is the basis for everything.
Parents’ language and perspective are incredibly influential. They provide a lens through which their children see the world.
There are four additional skills that every parent can help their child develop to provide the basis for success in school and in life:
Click this link to read more: https://theparentswebsite.com.au/andrew-fuller-four-skills-that-will-help-your-child-succeed-at-school-and-life/
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
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, 12 May at 6:00pm
Primary Staffroom
Head to the College website to check out last meeting's minutes.
Meeting Minutes - February 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 Pre-Loved Uniform Shop and our dedicated team of wonderful volunteers will be stationed under the Primary Shed every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month during the school term, from 8:00 am to 8:45 am.
Friday, 9 May - *MONSTER SALE*
Friday, 23 May
Friday, 13 June
👉 Calling All Parents, Carers, and Grandparents! 👈
We warmly invite new members to join our team and support our cause. Jenny, Cathy and Lauren, our fantastic volunteers, are eager to welcome you. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please reach out to the ladies via email at c39pandf@sctsv.catholic.edu.au.
'Grab your tickets to the annual Mothers Day event at 'A Touch of Salt', proudly supported by the P & F. Check out our Facebook event for how to book and pay- get some girls together and celebrate the amazing Mothers, and Mother figures that make our SCCC Community so wonderful!'
DEFENCE NEWS
Anzac Trivia Night
We had a great turn out for our Anzac themed Trivia night, with lots of the questions focused on the Gallipoli campaign. It was fabulous to see students of all ages participating in the event.
A big thank you to our Year 11 Modern History class who did an amazing job with writing the questions. Anna, Braith and Harry for being our MC’s, our Hospitality classes for making the delicious platters and our Year 10 helpers for making the event a success.
A big thank you to our RSL Volunteers for hosting the sausage sizzle for the event.
Postcards of Honour
Our Year 3's received a visit from Kate from the RSL as part of the 'Postcards of Honour' initiative. They discussed the importance of Anzac Day and decorated a postcard and then “posted” the cards.
The completed postcards will now be delivered to veterans on Anzac Day and also throughout the year with hospital visits, age care visits and displays in Anzac Lodge.
Drawing Competition - Remembering 110 Years of Gallipoli
This year we hosted a Drawing competition with the theme of remembering 110 years of Gallipoli. Thank you to all the students who entered. I had a very difficult job of choosing the winners with so many amazing drawings. In all 28 students were commended for their efforts and their drawings displayed on the breezeway.
Poppy Stall
A big thank you to all my year 6 helpers who helped sell items for our Poppy Stall. Funds raised will be donated to the Townsville RSL.
Anzac Day - Liturgy
Our Anzac Day Liturgy was an opportunity to pay reverence to all our servicemen and servicewomen past and present. We were very fortunate to have Australian Army Nursing Officer, Lieutenant Crowley, from 4th Health Battalion as our guest speaker.
The Secondary Voices and Mezzos choir who sang beautifully ‘In Flanders Field’ ‘We are Australian’ and the New Zealand Anthem, Australian Anthem and Harvey did a fabulous job as our Bugler.
Our College Marching Band, students and staff marched in the Townsville City Anzac Day parade honoring the ANZACs. Our Student leaders laid a wreath during the Dawn Service at Anzac Park.
Students also participated in the Anzac services at Cungulla, Woodstock and Alligator creek.
Have a great week
Ms Kira
Defence School Mentor
CAREERS & VET
Welcome back to Term 2!
This is a busy term for Careers & VET with students engaging in various programs within the community.
Tafe Trade Taster
This week, the much coveted ‘Tafe Trade Taster’ program commenced. This program gives students in Year 10 an opportunity to experience a variety of trades each Tuesday for 8 weeks.
Women Who Weld
Next week six female students from Year 10 will be attending the ‘Women Who Weld’ program at TecNQ. These workshops introduce students to welding, advanced manufacturing and STEM careers, offering hands-on experience and panel discussions with industry professionals.
Townsville Hospital High School Health Careers Program
The Townsville Hospital High School Health Careers Program has another two sessions this term with senior students interested in Allied Health and Medicine gaining insight into various fields through engaging activities that simulate real-world healthcare scenarios.
Year 9 & 10 Futures Expo
At the end of term we will be holding a Futures Expo for our Year 9 & 10. We are excited to have some of our parents involved in this. If you would like to be an exhibitor please contact us by emailing careers@sctsv.catholic.edu.au
That's just the beginning. We will keep you updated throughout the term.
Ms Escriva, Mr De Luca and Mrs Glendenning
Careers & VET @ SCCC - Opportunities…Support…Empowerment…
THE ARTS
SPORTS NEWS
PRIMARY SPORTS NEWS
Townsville School Sports Trials
In term 2 there will be Townsville trials for the following sports listed in the table above.
Students interested in trialling for a particular sport need to be regularly playing the sport to trial and their ability must be of a very high standard. If your child is 11 or 12 and interested in trialling, please email Mrs Holmes for consideration (mholmes10@sctsv.catholic.edu.au)
Please send through current information, such as the highest club level represented, position and alternative position. Please note, we can only send a limited number of students to these trials therefore, unfortunately not all candidates will be selected and each sport will be decided on an individual basis based on the number of nominations that are received.
Northern School Sports Results - Basketball
A big congratulations to Koen J and Millah S who attended the Northern Basketball trials last term. Koen and Millah were selected in the team and will now travel to Brisbane to participate in the State Championships.
We wish them both all the best for the next stage of the competition.
Well done Koen and Millah.
Northern School Sports Results - AFL
Congratulations to Koen J and Nate G who were selected in the Northern AFL team this week. The boys will now travel to Maroochydore to compete at the State Championships.
We wish the boys all the best for the next stage of the competition.
Good Luck boys.
FNQ Futsal Trials:
- Under 10 Boys
- Under 12 Girls
- Under 12 Boys
Congratulations to our Southern Cross Futsal teams who all attend the FNQ Futsal trials on Monday and Tuesday this week.
All students put in 110% effort showing amazing sportsmanship, skill and team spirit. The students went from strength to strength all day and all three teams managed to secure themselves a spot in the grand final match.
Congratulations to our Under 10 Boys and Under 12 Boys who managed to bring home the championship shield.
A massive shout out to our girls team who worked hard all day and fought until the end in their grand final match. Unfortunately, the result did not go the girls way however these students should be super proud of their efforts throughout the day getting strong each game.
Overall an incredibly successful day on the futsal court with a number of our students being selected to represent at the FNQ National School Futsal Championships later this year.
- Koen J
- Flynn Z
- Connor O
- Braxton H
- Kyan B
- Harry D
- Colton G
- Jason N
- Orlando S
- Brodie M
- Ella P
- Ava O
- Eimear D
- Charli D
A big thank you to Mr Knight, Miss Pontarelli and Miss Hocking for leading these teams to victory.
Congratulations to all.
Under 10 Boys Official Results:
SCCC v Belgian Gardens girls 8-0
SCCC v Belgian Garden boys 2-0
SCCC v St Benedicts boys 3-2
SCCC v St Benedicts girls 9-1
Final: SCCC v Belgian Gardens - boys 2-2, SCCC winners via penalty shootout.
Under 12 Boys Official Results:
SC v St Benedict’s 2-1
SC v Belgian Garden SS White 4-0
SC v Currajong SS 1-1
SC v St Joseph’s Mundingburra 6-1
SC v Ingham State High School 1-0
Final: SCCC v St Joseph’s Mundingburra - 2-0
Under 12 Girls Official Results:
SC v Our Lady of Lourdes Blue 1-4
SC v St Benedict’s 3-0
SC v Good Shepherd 3-0
SC v Currajong SS 3-0
SC v Marian Catholic School 1-1
SC v Our Lady of Lourdes Yellow 4-1
Final: SCCC v Our Lady of Lourdes - 4-1
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.
LOST PROPERTY
A reminder to keep checking our lost property baskets as they fill up quite regularly.
Our baskets are located outside of our Primary and Secondary Administration.
Unclaimed items will be donated to the Pre-loved Uniform Shop or St Vincent De Paul.
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
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRINCIPAL
We invite you to register today for one of 3 face-to-face sessions or our Zoom session to share your feedback with College Principal, Megan Wuersching as part of our School Renewal process.
Sessions will be quick and some light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas and opinions on how we can create a stronger and more vibrant College community together, as we move into the next phase of growth for Southern Cross Catholic College.
Register today, places at these sessions are limited. https://www.sctsv.catholic.edu.au/parents/conversations-with-the-principal/
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