Julie Plath - P 4773 0900 F 4773 0901 E jplath@tsv.catholic.edu.auTownsville Catholic Education Offi ce PO Box 861 Aitkenvale QLD 4814

Term 4 2007

Thank you to those who contributed to this edition of “Our Catholic Schools”. Contributions are always welcome. Please forward editorial and images (jpeg) to Julie Plath at the Catholic Education Offi ce jplath@tsv.catholic.edu.au

Contributions:

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE 2 GARDENIA AVENUE KIRWAN QLD 4817 P 4773 0900 F 4773 0901 W www.tsv.catholic.edu.au E enquiries@tsv.catholic.edu.au

Congratulations to the following teachers and school staff members for their long-standing service to Catholic Education in the Townsville Diocese:

Signifi cant Staff Milestones

Congratulations to the 23 nominees and recipients of the prestigious Townsville Diocesan P&F Mark Mappas awards, which were presented at the annual dinner during Term 4.

The awards commemorate the late Mark Mappas, a member of the P&F committees of Our Lady of Lourdes School and Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham; and a member of the Townsville Diocesan P&F for 35 years in total. This outstanding contribution by Mr Mappas is remembered and acknowledged through the annual presentation of awards for individuals in our school communities who also contribute their time and expertise to their school P&F committees.

Special congratulations to Mrs Bev Preston-Stanley who was awarded a lifetime membership to the Queensland P&F.

The 2007 award recipients:

Townsville Schools:Holy Spirit School Joe & Tracey ApapSt Margaret Mary’s College Pat McGeeGood Shepherd Catholic Community School Kathy ThomasSt Joseph’s School North Ward Jenny EvansSt Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra Cathy DouglasSouthern Cross Catholic School Sue CosierRyan Catholic College Marney WalkerThe Marian School Robyn & PeterSmedleySt Anthony’s Catholic College Sticky & Rhonda ReddicliffeIgnatius Park College Heather McGuire

Northern Schools:Gilroy Santa Maria College Bob Dunbar Canossa School, Trebonne John CazzulinoOur Lady of Lourdes School, Ingham Gerard Girgenti

Western Schools:St Francis School, Hughenden Madonna CowardSt Kieran’s School, Mount Isa John JordanGood Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa Janet Lehmann

Southern Schools:St Colman’s School, Home Hill John PontSt Francis School, Ayr Mark PaigeBurdekin Catholic High School Christine Paine

Life Membership:Ryan Catholic College Bev Preston-Stanley

2007 Mark Mappas Awards

The Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools in Queensland is the statewide parent organisation offi cially recognised by the Church and Catholic Education authorities for the 289 Catholic schools in Queensland. It represents the parents and carers of over 124,000 children in parish, diocesan and religious institute schools in the state.

www.pandf.org.au

25 years:Eric BlythMargaret BullPeter CookDes Fitz-GeraldRobyn GiacomantonioJoan HarveySheryl HerveyCaroline LestoneSharon McLeanMary MudgeAnne ParkerKaryn ParnellMichael PeckColleen YoungImelda Zoller

15 years:Ian DietrichPaula FrenchRay GarlickGary HallCheryl HornerRosslyn KnightJan ReppelVivienne ParryMichelle PerkinsLeonora ReaKath TarttelinKerryn Winen

Dr Cathy Day (Director, Townsville Catholic Education Offi ce) and Carmel Nash (Assistant Executive Offi cer P&F Federation Queensland) pictured with the

recipients of the 2007 Mark Mappas awards.

Message from the DirectorAs the end of the academic year draws to a close it is fi tting to refl ect on the many wonderful events and celebrations that our school communities have been involved in during 2007, including the visit of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon, the very successful Mulkadee Arts Festival, the launch of the Indigenous Sports Academy and the foundation of the Combined Catholic Wind Symphony. Some of our schools also celebrated important milestones such as St Joseph’s School in Cloncurry (100th anniversary) and St Peter’s School in Halifax (80th anniversary).

Amongst these signifi cant events and celebrations of course has been the day to day teaching and learning that is at the core of our Catholic schools. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge our teachers and staff who have supported our students and school communities throughout the year, ensuring they continue to be vibrant places to learn and grow.

This year we welcomed the start of the new Prep Year in our primary schools. From all reports the introduction of this curriculum has been enthusiastically received by students, teachers and parents. Our Prep teachers have continued to work together to share resources and experiences throughout the foundation year. We look forward to welcoming our next intake of enthusiastic fi ve-year-olds!

Best wishes to our Year 12 students and their families as they fi nish their schooling and move into the next phase of their lives. Also to our Year 7 students as they prepare to move into secondary school which is also an important time of transition. We keep you in our prayers and wish you all the best for a happy and fulfi lling future.

To all of our staff, parents, students, families and friends of our school communities, we wish you a very happy and safe Christmas season. May it be a time of rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually as we prepare for another busy year ahead!

Kind Regards

2.......................... Message from the Director; World Teacher’s Day.3.......................... Term Dates 2008; Retirement Acknowledgements; Anzack Newman chosen for AFL Indigenous Touth Team to tour South Africa.4/5 ....................... School News.6/7 ....................... Photo Gallery.Back .................... 2007 Mark Mappas P&F Awards; Signifi cant Staff Milestones.

Contents:

Cathy DayDIRECTOR

Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 2007 Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 2007

Anzack chosenColumba Catholic College, Charters Towers

World Teachers’ DayOn Friday October 26 we celebrated World Teachers’ Day – with the annual delivery of morning tea to all our schools in the Diocese. The following message was delivered to all Queensland teachers in an open letter from the Queensland Joint Parent Committee:

“World Teachers’ Day gives all parents and caregivers an opportunity to refl ect on the way you interact with our children. Be it in the classroom, on the sporting fi elds or in cultural disciplines, every teacher has the opportunity to positively infl uence and help shape the future of a child.

“You become more than teachers in many ways. You are the reinforcer of values from parents and family, a mentor in a particular pursuit, a friend and confi dant in our children’s lives and a role model.

“We salute your professionalism, commitment and concern for the welfare of the children we entrust to your care every day.”

to tour South Africa - AFL Indigenous Youth Team

A modest young man and every bit the accomplished sportsman, at just 15, Anzack Newman is climbing high with his football talents . In Year 10 at Abergowrie College, Anzack has been selected to tour South Africa in February 2008 as part of the AFL Indigenous Youth Team. His selection follows his attendance at the Qantas AFL Kickstart Camp in Melbourne earlier this year. On hearing the news, Anzack confessed to being both excited and nervous about his selection. “I got into AFL when I was in about Year 6 at Bamaga. I just got into the school side and I really liked the game. I think my family w as surprised when they realised I wanted to take the game seriously. Now they are just very proud ,” said Anzack. Anzack admits he hasn’t always had life easily. “Last year was tough for me. My mind was going in all kinds of directions and so that affected not just my football and my school work, but most important, my attitude to life. When I came through last year I came out with a much better and stronger attitude ....one that gave me determination and an ability to stick at things, even when other things around me weren’t going well ,” he said. “ The result of that was that I began to look at myself and my life through different eyes. I made big changes to my life - I gave up playing rugby league this year for the sake of my AFL game, I decided to come to Abergowrie, my family became even more important to me, and I took on looking at my life in a bigger picture. Now I realise that no one else can make my life happen for me....it’s going to be me who has to do the work, put in the hard yards, to make it happen in a successful way.”“Being here at Abergowire has been a very good move for me. Here I stay focussed on where I want to go, I am doing so much better in both my school work and my sport. Most of all it is helping me to take responsibility for myself, to make decisions and to stick to them. With other boys around me who think in similar ways, my life has taken a real upward turn in the past twelve months. Combined Catholic Wind

Symphony On TourThe Catholic Combined Wind Symphony, which was established earlier this year, embarked on their Primary School Tour in Term 4. The visits were enthusiastically received and it was a fantastic way to promote the concept of the Symphony to budding student musicians in our schools. The inaugural Symphony has had a fantastic start, thanks to the dedication and commitment of teachers Matthew Thiele (Ignatius Park College), Emma Crocker (Ryan Catholic College) and Peter Chandler (visiting music specialist). Our congratulations also to the 33 students involved. The group plans to visit more schools in 2008 and their performances will hopefully inspire children to take up an instrument through a school or private music program. Schools wishing to invite the Symphony to perform in 2008 should contain Matthew Thiele at Ignatius Park College.

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Emma Crocker with the Combined Catholic Wind Symphonyperforming at Holy Spirit School

Term 1 Tuesday 29 January - Friday 04 AprilTerm 2 Monday 14 April - Friday 21 JuneNote: 3 week holiday break due to World Youth DayTerm 3 Monday 21 July - Friday 19 SeptemberTerm 4 Monday 06 October - Friday 05 December

2008 Term Dates

Good Friday Friday 21 MarchEaster Monday Monday 24 MarchNote: Easter falls during Term 1, rather than at the end of the Term

Easter Holidays

2008 Pupil Free DaysMonday 14 July - Bishop’s HolidayTuesday 15 JulyWednesday 16 JulyThursday 17 JulyFriday 18 JulyNote: The pupil free days for 2008 have been combined into this week, making the holiday break 3 weeks in total - so that teachers and students can attend World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney.Monday 20 OctoberMinisterial Pupil Free Day to be advised.

Term Dates 2008Catholic Schools - Townsville Diocese

And with that turn has come so many opportunites for me and so many chances...things like being part of the Sports Academy and all that comes with that, coaching and help from staff and boys here. Already I have made eight representative teams this year.” “Lots of people pay me compliments about the kind of fellow I am. When they do that I feel very touched inside because I realise what I have is such a gift. I’m just privileged to be the one to whom all those gifts have been given. And like all precious things that we are given, I want to look after my gifts and to develop them. You know, if I can inspire one other young person to think about where they are going, if eventually I can walk down the street and see kids with real ambitions and hopes, that will be success for me. It’s great to be picked to go to South Africa and I want all the kids to be happy with me. I want them to think about what they can achieve and then give them the support to make changes like I did.” The wonder of Anzack’s story gets even greater when one realises that he was representing North Queensland at the Queensland Athletics Championships when he received the news of his selection. Not only did he reach the fi nals of the Under 15 100m in th o se championships, he was within 0.03sec of being selected in the Queensland Team for the National Championships!“The next few months are going to have lots of training in them for me” said Anzack. “The season may be fi nished now, but I can’t afford to let my fi tness level drop. And I’ll be looking for a few fellas to coming running with me too! But I know the support of my Mum and family and friends is going to make all that much easier.” (article submitted by Sr Liz Wiemers)

Year 10 student at Abergowrie College, Anzack Newman, has been selected to tour South Africa

in 2008 with the AFL Indigenous Youth Team

Staff Retirement AcknowledgmentsCongratulations and best wishes to the following staff members of Catholic Education who will be retiring at the completion of School Year:

• Lorraine Fancourt - Holy Spirit School• Janice Dwyer - Burdekin Catholic High School• Brenda Butler -St Joseph’s School, North Ward• Maria Queale – Townsville Catholic Education Offi ce• Margaret Bull – Ryan Catholic College• Adrian Pfeffer – Gilroy Santa Maria College• Margaret Pether – Gilroy Santa Maria College• Carol Lestone - Columba Catholic College• Wayne Stewart - Ryan Catholic College• Robert Lord - Ryan Catholic College• Robyn Austin - Ryan Catholic College• Beverly Fernance - Good Shepherd Catholic Community School• Dale Camp – St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra

During the year we also farewelled and acknowledged the following on their retirements:

• Althea Norton – Columba Catholic College• Bill Norton - Columba Catholic College• Mary Gardner - Columba Catholic College• Thomas Wilson - Columba Catholic College• Bruce Scott - Columba Catholic College• Judith Hawkins – St John Bosco School• Ray Cloonan - Ryan Catholic College• Jeffrey Garner - Gilroy Santa Maria College

Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 2007Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 20074 5

We arrived in Narita, and then took the bullet train through Tokyo to Hachinohe, making our way up to Hakodate, located in the northern island of Hokkaido. There our sister school Shirayuri Gakuen was to be found. As we entered the school, we were stampeded down by the crowd of Japanese boarding school students who, I have to say, are some of the most beautiful girls I have ever met. They were generous and would never stop giving us delicious Japanese sweets and chocolates. Staying in the boarding school with these lovely girls is something that I will not forget for the rest of my life. From the perspective of a student studying Japanese, it meant so much to be able to catch a few phrases and vaguely understand the conversation between the Japanese girls. This trip to Japan allowed me to use the skills I have developed within the language, by listening to the calls at the train station and reading many of the giant billboards in Tokyo. One day I plan to revisit Japan to see how I can cope on my own surrounded by this amazing language.Going on this trip to Japan wasn’t simply a change of scenery; it was a change of currency, mannerisms, language and above all cultures. It was my greatest learning experience yet.”Madelaine Keogh - Year 11, St Patrick’s College, Townsville

“My greatest learning experience yet”

The group of 12 students from St Patrick’s College during their visit to Japan.

Through the auspices of the Indigenous Parent Reference Group of Holy Spirit School in Townsville, a DVD was recently launched as a learning resource for students, entitled ‘The Yamini Bush Tucker Trail’. School Principal, Paul Lucas, supported the project with the establishment of a bush tucker trail within the school grounds.The school engaged Indigenous Elder of the Banjen people (Hinchinbrook Island), Russel Butler, to feature in the movie. With his relaxed and friendly style, Russel wanders through the bush trail, identifying plants, shrubs and trees, telling of their use as medicines, artefacts or sources of food.Former Holy Spirit School parent and professional artist, Robie Paul, provided the artwork for the DVD footage, arranging permanent interpretative signage along the bush tucker trail. Yamini is an Indigenous word meaning rainbow serpent, a powerful symbol of the dreamtime considered as the protector of the land, its people and the source of all life. The bush trail in the grounds of Holy Spirit School has been established in the shape of a serpent, guiding visitors through the garden. And, in the traditional style of Aboriginal story-telling, the trail outlines a narrative of the natural vegetation and its links with Indigenous traditions.According to Holy Spirit School Principal, Paul Lucas, the project has been a highlight for the school community in many ways.“The establishment of the bush tucker trail and interpretative signage has provided us with a valuable learning resource in both Indigenous culture and environmental awareness,” said Mr Lucas.

Yamini Bush Tucker Trail at Holy Spirit

Year 5 students of Holy Spirit School, Wahkana Taylor; Kimberly Hahn and Mikayla Mayoh walk the Yamini Bush Tucker Trail.

“The bush tucker trail has added richly to our school environment and the children enjoy visiting the area to learn and develop an appreciation for the way our Indigenous ancestors used the land and story-telling in their daily lives.“Thanks to parents, staff and James Cook University, we now have a local ‘ground-breaking’ educational tool which other school communities are welcome to use,” said Mr Lucas.

Students at St Margaret Mary’s College are cooking up a storm in their new Hospitality Centre, which was offi cially opened by Bishop Michael Putney on October 12, 2007. In a facility that would make Jamie Oliver envious, the senior Hospitality students are now able to create culinary feasts in an industry standard kitchen and then serve them in their own restaurant on site. Last year the College purchased the Moduline display room, adjacent to the College on Charters Towers Road. Since then, the site has been transformed into a state-of-the-art kitchen and restaurant complex. Here the students are able to take their creations to completion. So far, a grateful staff have been enthusiastic ‘guinea pigs’ while the students train to deliver a 21st century dining experience in the new facility. The new Hospitality facility focuses on the concepts of ‘motivate, innovate and educate’. Students work in both front and back of house areas using commercial equipment to deliver service that refl ects current industry trends. Offering Certifi cates in Hospitality, students have the opportunity to work towards a future trade and gain valuable qualifi cations.

Cooking up a Storm at SMMC

The offi cial opening ceremony also incorporated the launch of a new Tuckshop that came into operation earlier in the year. Chef, Lee Wall, has entertained the College with a new name for the Tuckshop each day and a vibrant menu that supplies quality meals and snacks at competitive prices.

In today’s world, peace needs to become more than just a word. On September 21 (International Peace Day), the students of St Joseph’s School Mount Isa, took part in an International art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace, by “planting” pinwheels with messages of peace at the school.Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project initiated in 2005 by two art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan in Florida, as a way for students to express their feelings about what is going on in the world and in their lives. In 2005, groups in more than 1,325 locations throughout the world were spinning pinwheels on International Peace Day - approximately 500,000 pinwheels spinning throughout the world. In 2006, more than 1 million pinwheels were spinning in 2,350 locations, including the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, Africa and South America. This project is non-political – peace doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with the confl ict of war, it can be related to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, to peace of mind. To each of us, peace can take on a different meaning, but, in the end, it all comes down to a simple defi nition: “a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from confl ict or disagreement among people or groups of people.”

The students created pinwheels of all shapes and sizes and wrote their thoughts about “war and peace / tolerance/ living in harmony with others” on one side. On the other side, they drew and painted to visually express their feelings. The students assembled their pinwheels on the International Day of Peace and planted their pinwheels on the front lawn of the school.

Pinwheels for Peace

http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com

(L to R) Prep Students Kirra Horsnell, Jackson Willis and Piper Martin with some of St Joseph’s Pinwheels for Peace

St Margaret Mary’s College students, Grace Spottswood, Zoe Stewart and Kristi Cook working in the kitchen of the new hospitality centre.

Students at St Francis School in Hughenden recently enjoyed a three day workshop with “deadly” Aboriginal artist, Arthur Conlan.Arthur held workshops with each class, showing them his very individualistic painting techniques. The children created their own masterpieces, drawing Toddy the Turtle, goannas, geckos, kangaroos, snakes and frilled necked lizards.Students also got to try out their boomerang throwing techniques and shake-a-leg (or corroboree). Teachers and students alike had great fun dancing like the emu, kangaroo and snake.As well as these great activities, Arthur (with the help of the children) created two beautiful murals on the amenities block and on the water tank.The children’s artwork, along with Arthur’s, is now proudly on display in the library. A big thank you to PCAP for their contribution to this event.

‘Deadly’ Art with Arthur Conlan

Arthur Conlan and students at St Francis School, Hughenden

“For years now I have wished to visit Japan; and this year that wish came true. On September the 21st, along with twelve other St Patrick’s College students ranging from grades 10 through to 12, I took the seven hour fl ight to experience the wonders this magnifi cent country holds for eight days.

Students from Good Shepherd Catholic College in Mount Isa who are currently taking part in mock Parliamentary

elections, received some handy hints from Premier Anna Bligh. Pictured (L to R) Jarryd Campi, Sarah Long,

Premier Bligh, Mikko Finnila & Linda Jensen.

Premier Anna Blighvisits Good Shepherd

Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 2007 Our Catholic Schools Term 4, 2007

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Townsville Catholic Education Offi ce welcomed Professor Sandra Harding, Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University, as a guest presenter at the Women in Education function during Term 4. More than 40 teachers and educators gathered to meet and listen to Prof Harding talk about her perspectives of leadership.

Photo Gallery

1. Cheryl Horner (Ryan Catholic College), Prof Sandra Harding (Vice Chancellor James Cook University) and Andrea O’Brien (Ryan Catholic College) at the TCEO Women in Education function.

2. Kathy Park and Marcia Chockman (St Patrick’s College) with Cathy Day at the TCEO Women in Education function with special guest presenter, Prof Sandra Harding.

3. Libby Knight (Catholic Education Offi ce); Anne Henderson (St Patrick’s College); Kim Smith (Catholic Education Offi ce); Paula Henderson (St Michael’s School) at the TCEO Women in Education function.

4. Jenny Herlihy and Karen Carlile of St Patrick’s College at the TCEO Women in Education function

5. Joan Neal (Catholic Education Offi ce); Geraldine Egelton (Holy Spirit School); Carmel Patteson (Good Shepherd Catholic Community School); Connie Lamari (St Anthony’s Catholic College); Fran Scully (Columba Catholic

College) and Cathy Day (Catholic Education Offi ce) at the TCEO Women in Education function.

6. Secondary Principals’ Meeting: Back Row: John Crowley, Allen Wood, John O’Brien, Fr Peter Norden, Peter Griffi n, Marijke Keller Front Row: Rachel Cairns; Anne Henderson; Tim Dark; Bernard Durie

7. L-R: Harold Coutts (St Michael’s School), Pat Arena and Jen Parry (Ryan Catholic College) and Laurie Kelly (presenter) at the School Offi cer Training – Student Learning Styles In-service

8. L-R: Linda Bice, Kerry Lowth, Pamela Fleming and Jenny Reddy from Holy Spirit School at the School Offi cer Training – Student Learning Styles In-service

9. L-R: Zina Serra and Joanna Ellems (Gilroy Santa Maria College), Janeen Guazzo (Canossa School) and Kim Giliberto (Our Lady of Lourdes School) at the School Offi cer Training – Student Learning Styles In-service

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Many of our schools participated in the 2007 Townsville Eisteddfod in the choral, group speaking and drama sections. We had many winners and many fi ne performances, a selection of which is provided below. Congratulations to all students, teachers and schools that entered in the spirit of the Eisteddfod.

Photo Gallery

1. The Junior Choir from St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra received fi rst place in three sections - Junior Primary Choral Championship Year 5 and Under - First Chorus; Junior Primary Choral Championship Year 5 and Under – Unison; Aggregate Junior Primary Choral Championship Year 5 and Under. The Senior Choir was awarded fi rst place in the Primary Choral Championship Year 7 and Under Chief Chorus; and Highly Commended in the Primary Choral Championship Year 7 and Under Choral Work by an Australian Composer.

2. Year 3CO from St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mundingburra received fi rst place and Year 3Ca Highly Commended for their recital of Everyday Things (Verse speaking). Year 4S placed second for The Crooked Man and third place for Don’t Touch. Year 5D was awarded a Highly Commended and Years 5J and 4K shared second place.

3. Year 5/6T from Good Shepherd Catholic Community School won the Drama Section for Year 7 and Under, with Red goes to Grandma’s. The group is pictured with their teacher, Carmel Thompson.

4&5. Year 1A and 6B from Ryan Catholic College each won fi rst place in the Group Speaking section, with Year 6B also taking out the Adjudicator’s Choice for Best Group Speaking as well as Catholic Education Offi ce prize for highest marks of any group in the Eisteddfod. Year 6B is pictured with teacher, Anne Parker.

6. Year 7B from Ryan Catholic College came third place in the Group Speaking section.

7. St Joseph’s School, North Ward was awarded the Perpetual Trophy (Primary Choral Championship) in the Choral Work by an Australian Composer section. The group was led by teacher Kerry Rehn. The St Joseph’s Choir also received fi rst place in the Folk Song section and second place in the Unison Song section.

8. Holy Spirit School’s Novelty Chorus Year 7 and Under were awarded third place.

9. Year 5D at Holy Spirit School received third place in the Year 5 and Under Group Drama; and Year 5B received a Highly Commended in the same section.

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2007 Eisteddfod Champions!