COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 25 JULY, 2025
Message from the Principal
Megan Wuersching - College Principal
Dear Southern Cross Catholic College Families,
We begin another exciting term, filled with opportunities for students and families to actively engage in our community’s faith, learning and extracurricular life.
As we look ahead, may we be guided by our college motto: To Love, To Serve, To Shine. These words inspire us to approach each moment with compassion, a heart for service and the courage to shine through our efforts and achievements.
To stay informed and involved, please read your child’s class What’s On and follow our school’s social media channels.
As we begin the term, we’d like to remind families of some key policies and processes that support the wellbeing of our community:
Student Protection: Our college is dedicated to the safety and welfare of every student. All staff are trained in student protection protocols, and we follow clear procedures for reporting concerns. As part of Townsville Catholic Education, our school has access to comprehensive support services. As part of Townsville Catholic Education, our school has access to comprehensive support services. You can find more information via this link Student Protection Processes
Volunteer Induction for Parents and Carers: We deeply appreciate the contributions of our parent and carer volunteers. To ensure all volunteers understand their responsibilities, completion of the Volunteer Induction is required before assisting in classrooms or on excursions. This training package is available online. Volunteer Induction
Code of Conduct for Parents: A culture of mutual respect is at the heart of our college community. The Townsville Catholic Education Code of Conduct for Parents sets clear expectations for interactions with staff, students, and other families. We encourage you to review these guidelines to support a positive and respectful school environment. Code of Conduct for Parents
Complaints Process: We value open and respectful communication. If you have a concern, we encourage you to follow our school’s complaints management process, which is designed to ensure a constructive resolution at the lowest appropriate level. The Townsville Catholic Education procedure outlines the steps involved and can be accessed on the website. Complaints Process
By working together and engaging with these important processes, we continue to build a safe and respectful learning environment for every student at Southern Cross Catholic College.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our college community.
Megan
FROM THE DEPUTIES - Primary
Katrina Wootton - Deputy Principal - Primary
The Power of Reading: Building Brighter Futures One Page at a Time!
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to read - and more importantly, the love of reading. Reading is not just a school subject; it’s a foundational life skill that shapes a child’s learning journey and overall development in profound ways.
Reading underpins language development, giving children access to rich vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures. Through stories and informational texts, they learn how language works and how it is used to express thoughts, emotions, and ideas. This exposure builds confident communicators who can listen, speak, read, and write with clarity and purpose.
Reading also fuels cognitive development. It strengthens concentration, memory, and comprehension skills. Whether they’re following a character’s journey or exploring a factual text, children think critically, make predictions, solve problems, and build background knowledge - skills essential across all subject areas from Prep to Year 12.
Equally important is the impact reading has on social and emotional development. Through books, children can see the world through others’ eyes, developing empathy and emotional intelligence. They encounter diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives, helping them better understand themselves and others. Reading together also creates meaningful opportunities for connection and conversation between children and adults.
So, how can you foster a love of reading at home?
Here are some practical strategies:
- Read aloud daily: Even older children benefit from being read to. Use expression, pause for questions, and talk about the story.
- Mark books accessible: Have a variety of books available around the house - fiction, non-fiction, comics, magazines, and even recipe books.
- Follow their interests: Let children choose books that spark their curiosity. The more they enjoy the topic, the more likely they are to engage.
- Model reading: Let your child see you reading for pleasure - whether it's a novel, newspaper, or instructions.
- Visit the library: Regular library visits allow children to explore new books, genres, and authors in a welcoming environment.
- Connect books to real life: Link what they read to their experiences - read about animals before a zoo trip or a story set at the beach before your holiday.
Reading is not a race but a journey. Every child moves at their own pace, and the goal is not perfection but progress and enjoyment. By nurturing a reading-rich environment at home, you are laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Thank you for partnering with us in growing curious, capable, and compassionate learners.
On Thursday, 21 August, join us for Children’s Book Week and dress up as your favourite book character.
FROM THE DEPUTIES - Secondary
Jaye Beutel - Deputy Principal - Secondary
2025 QISSN Carnival
During the recent school holidays I had the privilege of joining eleven tenacious Southern Cross netballers for the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival. This competition boasted 76 teams from across the State, matched by ability over several divisions, with all schools and players showcasing amazing skills and friendship across the week long tournament in Bundaberg. The Southern Cross team was an impressive collection of players from years 9 to 12, demonstrating the depth of talent and playing ability we have in our College.
While the team did extremely well in their division, bringing home a well fought third place. It was the team spirit and personal growth that I watched grow substantially over the week that I feel was the greatest outcome for all involved.
The focus can often be placed on the silverware collected at carnivals such as these. However, there is so much more to take away - our dynamic coach, Mrs Amy Butterworth and manager, Mrs Lauren Dee, could testify to this proposition. They, along with their humble bus driver (me), observed a group of young women all with their individual playing strengths, build strength in unity and camaraderie during the tournament. Supporting each other with tactical advice, personal encouragement and leaning into the knowledge that their greatest advantage on the court was their ability to work well as a team. The take away I got from observing this was shared with the team during the fourth day of play. It was their commitment, each individual was there to give each game their all. Not just for their own sake, but for each other. The unmistakable team bond had been there the entire tour, but had gained momentum as their personal and collective commitment grew and manifested itself to be present at every match, in every pass, through every goal. “Be Committed” or “Be the Pig” soon became a catchphrase shared courtside as the team continued through to their semi-final and then in their bronze playoff match.
I am extremely proud of these ladies and their efforts at QISSN 2025. They epitomised what team sport is all about. Furthermore, they showcased what kind of brilliant, talented, respectful and caring young people make our College what it is. To have these represent us at a State event is a true blessing. Well done ladies!
A loud shoutout to the dedicated parents who joined us courtside, and to those who joined us throughout the match via livestream. Your support, not just financially, was much appreciated and never taken for granted. Thank you.
Valuing Year Level School Camps
During Terms 2 & 3 we have seen three wonderful camps take place for Years 7 to 9. School Camps have long been a valued feature of most school calendars, this has certainly been the case for us here at Southern Cross.
There are many reasons to find value in these events, notwithstand the tremendous pastoral benefits which come from the experience and activities leading up to, during and after. In my experience, and I know that many students and parents have come to the same realisation, that new friendships and connections are formed during school camps. Students who may not get the chance to shine as brightly in the classroom, often have that moment to share their talents and interests, if not their voice, during camps. This is a true blessing for many students that experience this growth. Leading to greater confidence, less anxiety and feeling of potential disconnection at school based on these moments.
In any event, my experience as a teacher and school leader has me well placed as a strong advocate for school camps, retreats and excursions. To that end,I sincerely thank and pay homage to the extraordinary efforts of our Pastoral Leaders and their team of teachers and school officers who worked tirelessly leading into and during these amazing pastoral events. Their efforts, time and energy often go unnoticed, but never unappreciated. We are truly blessed here at Southern Cross to have such a wonderful team of staff who are dedicated to their vocation and making every opportunity available for our students to grow, in and outside the class.
I congratulate and thank all those students who attended their respective camp, well done, I know you would have enjoyed the experience and found it more than worthwhile. To the parents and carers who made it possible through their finances, encouragement and preparation, thank you so much.
As we wrap up the 2025 Secondary Camps, we will commence reflections and then plan for 2026. Students, teachers and families will of course be included into a feedback process as this happens. My hope and drive will be to build upon our camp experiences and look to ensure that all families see the same value in these as we do as a College.
Jaye
From the Guidance Team
When the topic of body image made it to prime time TV, we were hopeful…and then we watched the episode.
There’s a lot to unpack in Channel 9’s recent Parental Guidance episode on body image. The episode shone a light on an issue that deeply affects many families, however, some of the messages didn’t quite land in terms of what the research actually tells us about body image, food and health.
Let’s take a look at what the evidence says, and what parents can actually do to support their kids to build better body image and a shame-free relationship with food and movement.
We’ve put together a response that covers:
- Why “healthy eating, regular exercise and having a positive view of your body” misses the mark
- The surprising truth about processed foods and parenting
- How body talk can quietly harm (even when it seems well-meaning)
…and more! Plus, we've included a free guide to help you support your kids to build better body image at home.…and more! Plus, we've included a free guide to help you support your kids to build better body image at home.
First Nations Education Updates
Primary
A warm welcome back to families in Term 3! We sure hit the ground running! As national and local NAIDOC celebrations were held during the holidays, NAIDOC celebrations at school are being held over the first two weeks. Last week we saw primary classes complete daily activities learning about the history of NAIDOC and also celebrating the achievements of First Nations people, looking at a fact of the day, Dadirri, song of the day, book of the day and show of the day. It was a great way for our entire school to learn about and celebrate the achievements of First Nations people.
And to culminate that together, we had a whole school liturgy with the Shalom Dancers performing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our primary and secondary students who were a part of this as well as families who were able to be there. That liturgy will live rent free in my mind and for anyone who was there, I can agree was something special. The Shalom Dancers were exceptional and the way the entire school community saw pride in culture and felt that pride was extraordinary. And then to top it off, having Southern Cross students in primary and secondary get up and dance with Shalom was a great way to celebrate. All in all, a big thank you to all involved.
From our Defence Mentor
ADF Equip - Parental Absence Workshop
In the last week of Term 2, a selection of students from Grade 3 - 5 attended the ADF Equip workshop hosted by Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS).
The session focused on tips and support for coping with periods of extended parental absence and ideas to help maintain connection with the parent who is away.
At the start of the session, the students participated in an informal activity to get to know each other. Following this, they will participate in various activities where we discussed our emotions that we experience during absence and methods to support us during this time.
Kookaburra Kids Upcoming Events
Please check the Kookarburra Kids Website to register.
- Saturday, 16 August - Cycas Circus, Townsville
- Friday, 19 September - Tamaroo Camp, Townsville
Ms Kira
Defence School Mentor
SPORTS NEWS - Primary
Primary Athletics Carnival 2025 Results
We are delighted to share that our 2025 Primary Athletics Carnival was a resounding success, filled with energy, determination, and an inspiring sense of community. The event was a wonderful celebration of student achievement, school spirit, and healthy competition.
Congratulations to all of our students who participated with such enthusiasm and gave their very best throughout the day.
A special congratulations to Stuart who was awarded the House Spirit Award for their unwavering encouragement and team support across the carnival. We also extend a huge congratulations to Hervey House, who claimed the House Championship Shield for 2025.
Finally, we wish to acknowledge and celebrate our Age Champions and Runners Up. These students demonstrated outstanding athletic ability, resilience, and determination throughout the day.
Well done to all involved.
NQ Schools Netball Cup Success
Congratulations to our talented Netball teams who proudly represented our school at the NQ Schools Netball Cup on Friday 27 June. The dedication, sportsmanship, and determination displayed by all players and coaches were truly outstanding, and we commend them for their hard work and commitment in the lead-up to and throughout the carnival.
Our girls team had a fantastic day on the court, showing continual improvement with every match. Their teamwork, persistence, and positive attitude were evident in every game, earning them an impressive 3rd place finish in their pool.
A special celebration goes to our mixed team, who delivered a dominant performance throughout the carnival. Their skill, strategy, and unity led them all the way to the Grand Final, where they secured a thrilling 14 - 6 victory over Ryan Catholic College. An incredible achievement!
Well done to all!
Rugby League Team Shines at Bill Nettle Cup
On Friday, 27 June, our boys’ rugby league team proudly represented the school at the Bill Nettle Cup, held at Brothers Leagues.
Throughout the day, the team showcased outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination. Their skill and confidence grew with each match, resulting in a strong performance that saw them finish 3rd in their pool, a fantastic achievement!
A special thank you to Mr Lansley for his valuable support and coaching on the day. His guidance and encouragement made a real difference to the team’s performance.
Congratulations to all the players on their fantastic effort.
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.
From the P & F
Last semester, our P&F had 2 representatives attend the Catholic School Parents Qld (CSPQ) conference and had the pleasure of hearing these two ladies discussing 'How to navigate neurodivergence in schools'.
You can see the video below and find some helpful strategies on the CSPQ website.
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 👇🏼
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