COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 17 OCTOBER, 2025

Message from the Principal

Megan Wuersching - College Principal

Dear Southern Cross Catholic College Families,

Welcome back to Term Four. As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, I hope everyone had a restful break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting weeks ahead. Term Four is always a special time, filled with celebration, reflection and preparation for the future.

Congratulations to the recipient of this year’s Mark Mappas Medallion - Mr Tony Earwaker. This award recognises a community member who has made a significant and lasting contribution to Southern Cross Catholic College. Tony, as President of the Parents & Friends Association, has been a tireless supporter of our College, generously giving his time and energy to numerous community events. We are grateful for his dedication and service. Tony will be officially presented with the Mark Mappas Medallion at our Southern Cross Awards Evening later this term.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Nicholas (Nick) Ambrozy to the position of Deputy Principal Secondary, commencing at the beginning of the 2026 school year. Nick is an experienced and dedicated educational leader who brings a wealth of knowledge in secondary education, faith leadership and curriculum. He is currently serving as Director of Learning and Teaching at Mercy College, Coburg, where he has also held the role of Deputy Principal. Throughout his career in Catholic education, Nick has held both senior and middle leadership roles, including Deputy Principal at St Anthony’s Catholic College. He holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from the University of Melbourne, majoring in Mathematics and Information Technology. We look forward to welcoming Nick back to Townsville and to our college community in 2026.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Dominic Purcell to the role of Assistant Principal Identity and Culture (Secondary) commencing in 2026. This leadership position focuses on Catholic identity, pastoral care and Religious Education within our Secondary campus. Dom is a familiar and respected member of our College community, currently serving on the College Leadership Team. Please join me in congratulating Dom on his appointment. We look forward to his continued contributions to the life and mission of Southern Cross Catholic College. Recruitment for Dom’s current position - APRE Primary - will be underway soon.

Wishing you all a term abounding with joy, gratitude and opportunities to live out what makes Southern Cross Catholic College truly special.

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

Megan

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Primary

Katrina Wootton - Deputy Principal - Primary

World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October as a reminder of the importance of mental health to our overall well being. It is a day that encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities across the globe to start conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the support available for those who may be struggling.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike. Recognising this helps us create more compassionate and supportive environments.

Parents and caregivers play a central role in shaping their children's mental health. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pressures young people face in today's world and how we can best support them. Whether it's helping children find balance between school, technology, and rest; encouraging open conversations about feelings; or modelling healthy coping strategies ourselves - small steps at home can make a big difference.

By engaging with resources and discussions on this day, families can strengthen their understanding of mental health and contribute to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

This Special Report highlights the importance of World Mental Health Day and offers practical suggestions for how your family can acknowledge and support it together.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://sctsv.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-world-mental-health-day-au

Staying SunSmart at Southern Cross Catholic College
Australia experiences some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world, and Queenslanders are particularly at risk. Research tells us that two in three Queenslanders will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime - and that many of these cases can be prevented with simple, consistent sun protection measures, especially during childhood.

Our SCCC SunSmart Policy, developed in partnership with Cancer Council Queensland, reflects our shared responsibility to protect students, staff, and families from the harmful effects of UV exposure. The policy applies to all members of our college community and to every school-related activity - whether on campus, at sports events, excursions, or camps.

As a SunSmart school, we are committed to:

• Promoting awareness about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
• Encouraging personal responsibility for sun safety.
• Ensuring all students and staff wear SCCC hats and SunSmart clothing, including long-sleeve sports shirts that are available

• Reinforcing the “No Hat, No Play” rule to keep students safe during outdoor breaks.

• Providing access to shade where possible and sunscreen being available

• Embedding sun protection education into our Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Families also play an important role in helping children develop lifelong sun-safe habits. Please remind your child to bring and wear their SCCC hat every day, apply sunscreen before school, and make good choices about playing in the shade where possible.

Together, we can ensure that our students are sun safe!

Have a wonderful week

Katrina

Dominic Purcell - Assistant Principal Religious Education - Primary

Welcome back to Term 4 everyone. I hope you all had a restful break and managed to spend quality time with family and loved ones. This October brings with it World Mission Month and the Month of Mary- traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

Pope Francis called us to be “missionaries of hope among all peoples”, and Pope Leo XIV echoes this call, inviting us to step out in faith, to walk with those on the margins and share the hope of Christ through acts of love. It’s an important time for us to recognise within our College community, our ability to enact a positive change in the lives of those less fortunate from all over the world. On Wednesday the College held its annual Socktober event- raising money and awareness for Catholic Mission- which will be used to support communities around the world who are hopeful of a better future. In this Jubilee year of Hope, it has never been more important to be missionaries of action- for it is in the doing that we can truly make a difference to the lives of others. 

October is also the Month of Mary- a fitting celebration within our school community given the College’s Marian Charism. Living Courageous, Compassionate and Just lives as Mary did, is central to the Culture and Catholic Identity of the school. There has not been a more fitting example of this Charism in action in recent weeks then Year 5 student- Jach Marsden. What a wonderful example young Jach has been for all of us.

As we commence the final 8 weeks of the school year, let us be reminded of the importance of providing hope for all around us.

God Bless,

Dominic

FROM THE DEPUTIES - Secondary

Jaye Beutel - Deputy Principal - Secondary

Seniors Week - Week 3
Next week sees a switch up in the program for our Year 12s as they enjoy a final week of pastoral events and activities as a cohort. Leading off from this they will find themselves in the thick of external assessments and finishing up all other tasks before calling time on their formal schooling journey. 

Seniors Week is such a wonderful time, made possible by our talented and tenacious Ms Tab - supported by Mr Travis Roberts our Yr 12 Pastoral Leader. They have toiled hard over the past months to make the Seniors Week what will be a memorable one without doubt. 

To all the seniors: soak in every moment of this week, lean on each other, and step into your exams with confidence. You’ve come so far - now’s your time to shine. 🎓✨

Uniform Expectations - Facial Hair & Earrings 
As we transition back into school routines following a well-earned holiday break, we understand that re-establishing expectations can be challenging, especially in Term 4 when energy levels may be waning. At Southern Cross, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, and we continue to shine as a community that wears its uniform with pride.

Since the start of Term 4, we’ve observed a rise in students not meeting expectations around facial hair and jewellery. These standards are clearly outlined in our Secondary Student Handbook - Agreed Protocols, which are available on our website for easy reference.

We ask families and students to take a proactive approach in aligning with these expectations, ensuring that our shared values are reflected in every aspect of school life.

If there are any circumstances that may impact a student’s ability to meet these expectations, we encourage families to reach out directly to their child’s pastoral leader. Open communication helps us support each student with understanding and care. 

Putting Green - Secondary Students
After a hiatus, our beloved Putting Green is making a comeback! Nestled along the north-eastern side of the Secondary Admin Building, this cherished space has been lovingly restored by Mr Rigano and our Facilities Manager, Mr Pearce. Their dedication and passion for growing perfect cooch, this project has truly brought the green back to life, and we’re all the better for it.

In the very near future, the Putting Green will be open once again for students and staff to enjoy. But before we start tapping away and sinking those putts, it’s important that we all understand how to use the space safely and respectfully.

Please read the guidelines and expectations below, to ensure this area remains a fun, inclusive, and well-maintained part of our college grounds.

Battle of the Bands - House Competition
The stage was set, the amps were buzzing, and the crowd was electric as students from Years 7 to 12 took to the spotlight for this year’s Battle of the Bands this past week. A high-energy House competition that brought music, talent, and school spirit to the forefront.

Representing Castle, Hervey, Elliott, Louisa, and Stuart, student bands showcased their musical flair with everything from classic rock covers, hits from the 90s, 80s and more. The performances were nothing short of spectacular, with each House bringing its own unique sound and style to the stage.

The judges had their work cut out for them, but in the end, it was the camaraderie, creativity, and courage of all performers that stole the show. Congratulations to all participants for making this event a true celebration of talent and teamwork.

A special thanks to Ms Tess Higgins for her energy and stewardship for this event - yet again our college is the beneficiary of such dedicated and talented staff.

Jaye

From the Chaplain

Mikayla Ten Dam - College Chaplain

Welcome to the last term of 2025! How fast has the year gone by?

We waltzed into the term with an “Aussie Icons” themed disco for our primary students which was a fantastic and fun night whilst also raising funds for our Project Club. There were some amazing Aussie costumes and any song from KPop Demon Hunters was a huge hit on the dance floor.

From Weeks 3-8 we will be running our Vinnies Christmas Appeal which involves each class donating a specific food item to be made up into gift hampers; these will then be delivered to people in need or who are socially isolated in our local community just before Christmas in order to make this often financially difficult time, just that bit more cheerful. 

Our Mini and Teen Vinnies have been putting their heads together at our most recent meetings and brainstorming ideas to promote this appeal within our College community. Hopefully you will hear about some of these coming to fruition in the next few weeks!

We are also in the process of organising our first visit in a long time (thanks COVID!) to a local nursing home with our Mini Vinnies students so watch this space! We plan to make these visits a termly event as they have so many benefits for both the residents and our students.

To finish off, I have attached some photos of all our collection items from our Term 3 Project Dignity Appeal. It is wonderful to see the generosity of our College community and hope this can be maintained for our Christmas Appeal! As said in Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

God Bless!

Mikayla

From the Guidance Team

Helping girls to stand tall

Helping girls manage conflict is complex. Unlike conflict between boys which is loud, boisterous, and over as quickly as it began, most conflict between girls lingers on, taking up unwanted mind space and harming their mental health. “She’s so mean to me. I hate her,” is the type of statement that many parents have heard their daughters utter.

Girls handle conflict in one of three ways: like a shark (aggressively), a turtle (passively) or an owl (assertively). Let’s look at each style:

Shark (aggressive)
A shark is intent on winning and coming out on top when there’s a problem. Shark behaviours include a raised voice, shouting, physical contact, threats, and name-calling. Sharks are effective at getting what they want but they can hurt people in the process.

Turtle (passive)
A turtle pulls its head in and hides in its shell when conflict arises. When treated unfairly girls retreat into themselves, experiencing frustration, anxiety and even sadness. In extreme cases turtles become targets for less pleasant girls, who know they won’t retaliate.

Owl (assertive)
An owl deals with conflict without avoiding the issues. Owls express their rights and needs in positive ways and do their utmost to resolve problems rather than try to gain a personal win. They use assertive communication strategies rather than aggression or passive acceptance.
 
How to help
Parents can help their daughters develop the skills and behaviours needed to effectively resolve conflict and manage difficult feelings. Sibling and parent-child disagreements are fruitful grounds for girls to learn how to better manage themselves and others during disputes. Here are three owl-like conflict resolution strategies girls can use:

Teach I-statements
Learning to use these statements empowers girls to take responsibility for communicating how they feel. I-statements help your daughter express her feelings appropriately without being aggressive or intimidating.

The script for I-statements is:
When you……………… I feel/felt………………because……………… I would like ………………
e.g. When you went to the movies with her, I felt angry because I was left out of the group. I would like you to let me know next time, instead of keeping it a secret and going behind my back.

Encourage strong body language
A girl’s non-verbals including tone of voice, posture, eye contact and head positioning influences how much others take notice of her. A strong “This is what I want” verbal message delivered in a whiny, high-pitched voice or muttered with the head down indicates that a girl doesn’t intend to be taken seriously. The same statement issued with strong body language and a firm voice helps her be taken seriously by others. Her message is only as strong as the body language that supports it.   
Speak with intent
Girls of all ages have a tendency to pepper their conversations with qualifiers such as, “I think…”, “This may not be right, but…”,” This might sound crazy….”, “I know it is not my turn, but I was thinking that, like, …” and so on. Qualifiers dilute the power of a girl’s words, indicating uncertainty, lack of confidence and demonstrating a need for validation that undermines her authority.

If your daughter continually speaks with qualifiers, respectfully make her aware of this propensity. “Darling, you don’t sound convincing. What exactly do you want?”

Most of us resolve conflict in ways that we learned at home in our families. Help your daughter develop effective patterns she can use to resolve conflict amicably, respectfully, and effectively so she can stand tall and feel confident in her own skin.

Common sense strategies for raising girls
by Dr Justin Coulson

As a father of six girls I’m often asked for strategies for raising girls to be happy, responsible and strong. Here are my top five strategies that are relevant for parenting girls of any age.

Help her feel connected
When you connect with your daughter you help her to feel seen, heard and valued, which are vital psychological needs. You connect by helping her feel your delight when she walks into the room. You connect by stopping what you’re doing and really listening when she speaks to you, and by ensuring she feels truly worthy and loved.

Help her feel she’s enough
On Father’s Day 2020, a 12-year-old girl completed a quiz about her dad, answering questions such as “What’s your favourite thing to do with your dad?” “What’s your favourite memory of  your dad?” “What’s your favourite song to sing with your dad?”

One question asked her to complete a sentence: “I know my dad loves me because…” His daughter wrote, “Because I’m me, and that’s all he wants me to be.” Help your daughter feel that she’s enough because she is.

Help her navigate friendships with grace
Research highlights that girls have more friendship challenges and experience more relational issues than boys. Girls are more socially oriented. They fight more with words and emotions than boys who tend to fight with their bodies. Girls also ruminate more than boys. While fitting in is important for both genders, girls use social exclusion and relational aggression in unique ways that can really hurt.

If your daughter struggles with friendship issues there are no easy answers, however your attitude will make a huge difference. Gentle conversations that emphasise her value and worth, reinforcing your relationship are important when girls struggle. At some stage ask your daughter to reflect on these questions, “Do I like myself when I’m around those people?” and “Do I feel like I’m being true to who I am when I’m around these people?”

Help her love her body
Most girls want to feel beautiful. It’s a parent’s job to let them know they are – always. And that beauty comes from the inside. Never talk negatively about your daughter’s body. Body shaming doesn’t encourage healthier behaviour. It just makes girls want to disappear into the black hole of unworthiness. Remind her that it matters more what she can do with her body than how it looks.

Remember to let go
A parent’s job is to prepare them for life without them. You’re playing the long game, so the quality of your relationship really matters. Raising them to let them go is hard. But that’s just how it should be.

Britt, Claire, Julie & Teneille

From the Careers & VET Team - Secondary

Welcome to Term 4!
During the holidays we had a number of students who attended work experience in various fields. It is wonderful to visit the students when on work experience as I receive such great feedback from the host employers about our Southern Cross students.  Also, it was good to have such a varied selection of industries such as:

• Barber
• Architect
• Furniture maker
• Radiographer
• Medical
• Electrician

Linkin at Gentleman Jones (Photos courtesy of Stephen Jones - Gentleman Jones Barbers)

Ms Escriva, Mr Roberts and Mrs Glendenning 

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

SCCC Music Academy

🎵 Music Academy Ensemble Showcase Evenings
This year, we will be splitting our annual Ensemble Showcase Evening in two: our Secondary Ensemble Showcase and Primary Ensemble Showcase. See below for dates and times.

While these nights promise to be a spectacular showcase concert filled with outstanding performances, it will also be a special occasion to celebrate our graduating Year 12 and Year 6 students as they proceed into the next chapter of their musical journey. In addition, we are excited to introduce a new suite of Special Music Academy Awards, recognising excellence, growth and dedication across our program. These include Most Improved, Encouragement, and Outstanding Contribution Awards, as well as Most Outstanding Awards in each faculty - Woodwind, Strings, Brass, Guitar, Voice, Percussion, and Piano.

Ensembles performing at the Secondary Ensembles Showcase Evening (in no particular order): Wind Symphony, Southern Cross Voices, Secondary String Ensemble, Senior Flute Ensemble, Secondary Guitar Ensemble, Secondary Guitar Quartet, Stage Band, Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet

Ensembles performing at the Primary Ensembles Showcase Evening (in no particular order): Primary Concert Band, Beginner Band, Southern Cross Trebles, Junior Reed Quintet, Junior Flute Group, Primary Guitar Ensemble, Primary Guitar Quartet, Primary Brass Ensemble, Primary String Ensemble, Southern Cross Mezzos

🎵 Queensland Symphony Orchestra Percussion Workshop
Last week, four students were selected to participate in a workshop with Principal Percussionist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, David Montomery, while the Orchestra was in Townsville for their performance at the Townsville Civic Theatre. Students learned first hand what it’s like to be part of an orchestra as a career, refined some of their performance skills, including two mallet marimba skills, and worked on some new repertoire reading. A big thank you to David and the QSO for sharing his invaluable knowledge. Congratulations to Ashton, Hudson, Keon & Zachary for sharing your talents.

🎵 State Honours Ensemble Program 2026 - North Queensland
SHEP NQ is running March 6 - 8 2026 at St Mary's Catholic College in Cairns. For the first time next year, the college will be offering to organise all transfers, accommodation and food for all students who are successful in their nomination. Nominations for SHEP NQ close Monday October 20. If you’d like to nominate yourself for the program, please contact Miss Belford at rbelford1@sctsv.catholic.edu.au

Rianta

Primary Choir

Souther Cross Trebles
Year 2's are now invited to join the Southern Cross Trebles for Term 4!

Rehearsals begin in Week 2 (Thursday) from 7:55am - 8:30am, in the Primary Music Room and all are welcome.

SPORTS NEWS - Primary

Primary Swimming Carnival Information
Our Primary Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 14 November at the Long Tan Memorial Pool, 316 Fulham Road, Heatley.

The event is for year 3-6 students only.

All Primary students will be catching the bus over to Long Tan Pool at 8:30am, therefore students need to be at school by 8:20am at the latest. They will return to school by bus at approximately 2:45pm.

There will be canteen facilities available on the day. The canteen will be on offer for students to purchase a treat only during the day. It is not to purchase lunch. As a result, we ask that you please pack lunch for your child.

Students need to arrive at school in their swimmers with their sports uniform over the top. The students also need to bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, towel and lunch.

Please feel free to attend the Swimming Carnival to watch your child/ren perform.

More information and a program will be shared in the coming weeks.

In order for the students to attend the swimming carnival and leave the school grounds, compass consent must be given via the compass portal. A nomination google form must also be filled out stating the events in which your child/children will be participating in on the day. If you have not yet filled this out can I please ask that you do so asap through your child’s compass portal.

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to email me mholmes10@sctsv.catholic.edu.au

Blackhawks Challenge
A big congratulations to our Southern Cross Under 10’s Rugby League squad, who proudly represented our school at the Blackhawks Challenge on the final day of Term 3.

Our team, made up of talented Year 3 and 4 students, faced some tough competition, taking on strong sides from Ryan, Hermit Park, St Clare’s, and Kirwan. Despite the challenges, the boys showed incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the carnival.

A special thank you to Mr Lansley for his support and coaching on the day. Your guidance was greatly appreciated!
Well done to all the players involved.

Mel & Karina

SPORTS NEWS - Secondary

CBSQ Basketball Success
We begin with some fantastic news from the Championship Basketball School Queensland (CBSQ) competition, held on the Gold Coast at the end of last term. Both our Open Boys and Open Girls teams represented Southern Cross with excellence:

• Open Boys - Gold Medal
• Open Girls - Bronze Medal
  

These results are truly historic - the best we’ve achieved since we first joined the carnival in 2021. As a result of their outstanding performances, both teams will move into Division One of the competition in 2026. This is a significant milestone for our basketball program and reflects years of steady growth and hard work.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our students, coaches, and support staff, and a perfect example of The Southern Cross Way - striving for excellence, supporting one another, and representing our community with pride both on and off the court.

International UK Sports Tour 2026
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming International UK Sports Tour, planned for September 2026. A select group of our Football and Netball students (current Years 9–11) will have the extraordinary opportunity to represent Southern Cross overseas.

The tour will feature a series of competitive fixtures against schools and clubs across the United Kingdom. Students will experience different styles of play, compete in new environments, and showcase their skills on the international stage. Beyond sport, the journey promises rich cultural exploration - from historic landmarks to new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Parent Information Session: Next Wednesday, 6:00 pm

More details can be found on Compass, or you can reach out via email with any questions.

Touch Football – Queensland All Schools
In Week 1, students in our Open Mixed Touch Football team participated in the QLD All Schools competition on the Gold Coast. With over 800 teams participating in the carnival this year and 81 teams in the Mixed Open Division the team were up against some strong competition. The team played with high sportsmanship and showed continuous respect to referees and other teams throughout the week. They ended with 5 wins and 1 loss in the round games to place them in 2nd place in their pool. From here the team made the Finals day top 16 round and played off against Kingaroy, resulting in a loss to a very strong team who ended up in the grand final. Overall, the team finished in 10th place out of 81 teams which is an exceptional effort. For a mainly younger side the Team competed extremely well and demonstrated the strength of the program in years to come - which is very exciting.

Interschool Swimming Carnival
Week 2 is set to be action-packed, starting with the Melton Black A Schools Interschool Swimming Carnival on Wednesday. Our swim team, known for its depth and strength, will take to the pool ready to challenge some of the best competitors in the region. 

Deadly School 7’s Rugby Union
Also on Wednesday of Week 2, two of our Open Rugby Union teams will compete in the Deadly School 7’s Carnival. This fast-paced format demands speed, strategy, and stamina, and our players have been training hard to refine their skills.

The tournament is always a highlight on the rugby calendar, providing opportunities for players to test themselves against strong opposition while embracing the values of teamwork, respect, and resilience.

All Schools Hockey Carnival
Rounding out a busy week, our Hockey stars will hit the pitch for the All Schools Hockey Carnival from Thursday to Saturday of Week 2. This three-day competition is a major event, bringing together talented teams from across the state for a series of high-intensity matches.

Looking Ahead
It’s shaping up to be a memorable term across all our sporting disciplines. From the courts to the pools, the fields to the pitches, our students continue to embody the spirit of Southern Cross: commitment, teamwork, and pride.

I look forward to sharing updates on our teams’ performances in the coming weeks and celebrating their achievements with our entire community.

Holly

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 👇🏼