Verbis - Term 1, Edition 5 2023 Verbis - Term 1, Edition 5 2023
30 March 2023
Year of Simplicity - Travelling Lightly
From our College Leadership Team
Acting Principal - Ms Catherine Allen
Dear Parents and Carers,
This is our last week of Term 1, then we enter our Easter holiday. Easter is the most significant time in our calendar. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His ministry, life, death and resurrection guide us to Eternal Life. The resurrection is His rebirth. Today we express this celebration with many symbols. Many make their annual appearance but, perhaps, without understanding. Christians symbolise the egg with the tomb from which Jesus Christ broke forth and rose from the dead. Jesus is considered the light of the world and candles are symbolic of this. The bunny symbolises new life. As we head into this most special time of the year, let’s celebrate the Good News and embrace the meaning of all these symbols. This is the time of year when we reflect on Jesus, our Saviour. We celebrate His invitation to share in the new life, with Hope.
In many respects, the Term seems to have gone so quickly. It has also encompassed so many events and experiences. We have learned lots, both within and outside the classroom. Our community has welcomed new students and staff, hosted a soiree and parent engagement evening, academic information sessions, completed assessments, participated in NAPLAN and formation activities, participated in excursions, incursions and performances, attended camp, played in myriad sporting competitions, performed wonderful concerts, debated, prayed, Walk(ed)Out, raised funds and awareness. Schools host so much, all through the enthusiasm and efforts of the community. Thank you to all members of our community who have enlivened our Actions and Words.
In this Lenten season, please support Caritas in our Year of Simplicity.
May everyone enjoy an Easter filled with Hope, and a holiday filled with happiness.
God bless you all
Ms Catherine Allen
Deputy Principal - Studies, Mrs Maree Trims
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews for all Year levels will be conducted on Monday 24 April and Tuesday 2 May from 3:30pm-8:30pm. The Online Booking System will open on Wednesday 5 April at 7:00am and close on Sunday 16 April at 11:59pm. The information below gives an overview of the process.
Years 5 and 6 interviews are 14 minutes long with the core classroom teacher only.
Years 7 – 12 interviews are 7 minutes long with subject teachers.
We will use the ‘virtual’ interview format, utilising the online meeting platform, Zoom, which has been favoured by parents for these Interviews. Students are required to attend the interviews (where possible) as it is advantageous for them to also hear the feedback.
The purpose of the interviews is for students and parents to hear the feedback provided by teachers on the learning that occurred during Term 1. We thank our teaching staff for their diligence and resourcefulness in providing this opportunity to discuss your daughter’s learning progress in their classrooms.
Assistant Principal - Mission, Mrs Erica Qureshi
Throughout the Term, we have been collecting money for Caritas’ Project Compassion. Many thanks to our students, staff and parents and all in our extended community who have contributed to this wonderful cause.
Our Easter liturgy will take place tomorrow afternoon. This liturgy encourages our community to reflect on our Lenten promises and challenges us to live the message of Easter – to be people of hope. I thank the Year 11 and 12 Religion, Meaning and Life class who will deliver this liturgy for the whole College. Coming together in prayer is the way we seek connectedness because of the Jesus story.
Finally, as we move closer to Jesus’ death and resurrection, I offer you this prayer –
God of wisdom and compassion,
You gave us the example of your Son, Jesus, to show us the way to live the life you desire.
Give us courage to do what Jesus did – to reach out to someone with patience, without judgement, and with the sensitivity needed to heal the wounds and struggles of our time.
Amen.
Best wishes over the Easter break. Please take time for reflection, stillness and prayer. May God’s love continue to bless the St Rita’s community and the hope of the resurrection continue to sustain us into the future.
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching, Mr Martin Lobb
NAPLAN Update
Congratulations must go to the Year 5, 7 and Year 9 cohorts for the way they have conducted themselves during the recent NAPLAN Tests. All students were well prepared, perfectly behaved and applied themselves throughout all tests. Luckily, the online platform behaved, and the tests progressed smoothly.
A reminder that NAPLAN Online Reading, Numeracy and Conventions of Language use a tailored test design. The tests automatically adapt to a student’s test performance and asks questions that match the student’s achievement level. Tailored testing allows all students to demonstrate their knowledge and encourages students to stay engaged with the test. Tailored testing also provides teachers and schools access to more targeted and detailed information on students’ performance in the online assessment.
Changes to NAPLAN Reporting
As a part of the changes to NAPLAN this year, education ministers agreed to change the reporting of NAPLAN results in response to the online testing transition and the move to earlier NAPLAN testing in March. The new proficiency standard has four levels of achievement for each year level and replaces the previous 10-band structure and the national minimum standard used across the four domains.
The four levels of achievement are:
- Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support.
From 2023, the individual student report (ISR) will also change. The ISR will be based on the four levels of achievement. It will also continue to show the national average, the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in each year level, and a dot placement for the student comparing their achievement against these measures. This new standard and its benchmarks will provide information to parents/carers and teachers about what a student can do against a challenging but reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy expected for students at the time of the tests.
For more background to these changes, please access the link below:
Primary Years
Head of Primary, Ms Georgina Howard
It has been a busy and exciting time to be in our Primary Years! As we come to the end of our first term as a full Primary cohort, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all who have helped us learn and grow. It has been a joy to watch our Year 5 and Year 6 students engage in College life, and this is only made possible by the efforts and thoughtful consideration of so many in our community. From setting up our Primary events to organising concerts, sporting opportunities, Book Clubs, study skills sessions, uniform fittings, the list goes on... We are very grateful for the support of our College community.
This Term we officially began our adventure as a Year 5 and Year 6 cohort and have had many exciting ‘firsts’ over the past 10 weeks. We have had our House Representatives lead our Primary House Assemblies and experienced our beautiful new playground. Our students were excited to venture out of the College for our Year 5 excursion to Lone Pine and Year 6 excursion to the Planetarium. We have enthusiastically established our Mini Vinnies group and worked hard to embody our Learner Qualities in class. Congratulations to our Primary students and their amazing teachers for making our Primary Years such a lovely place to be!
I hope you and your families enjoy a blessed Easter season and restful break.
Pillar Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Pillar Award this week:
- Compassion: Marley Grimward, Savannah Denovan, Isabelle Charlesworth, Thea Tyrrell, Kate Russell
- Hospitality: Kayla Subritzky, Millie Fox, Ebony Arnold, Emma Chu
- Simplicity: Charlotte Oliver, Eloise Busch
- Hope: Amira Tassis, Angelique Dale, Charlotte Bayo
- Justice: Sydney Josephson
- Courage: Ava Hardingham, Ava Talbot
Learner Quality Awards
We are very proud of our learners in Primary! Congratulations to the following students who worked hard to receive a Learner Quality Award:
Achiever Award: Elizabeth Coleman, Eadie Merritt, Amelia Lane, Willa Koch
Organiser Award: Caitlin Niere
Applier Award: Sadie Buchanen, Alyssa Ryan
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Dates to Note
- Friday 31 March - Term 1 concludes
- Saturday 1 April - Water Polo QLD State Titles begin - U12s, U16s and Opens
- Wednesday 12 April - Water Polo QLD State Titles begin - U14s and U18s
- Monday 17 April - Term 2 commences
- Tuesday 18 April - Collins and Nagle Community Mass
- Tuesday 18 April - Parents & Friends Meeting
- Saturday 22 April - Downey Park Club Netball commences
- Monday 24 April - ANZAC Day Liturgy
- Monday 24 April - Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
- Tuesday 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
- Wednesday 26 April - Year 8 Camp
ANZAC Day Ceremony - Clayfield
Students are invited to represent St Rita’s College at the upcoming ANZAC Day commemorations at the Kalinga Park Gates, Park Avenue, Clayfield. The Ceremony starts at 8:00am. Students are required to be in full school uniform. Please click here to register your child's attendance. Further details will follow.
Library Author Event - Wednesday 3 May - Rebecca Sparrow in conversation with Allayne Webster
The Think Project: Rebecca Sparrow in conversation with Allayne Webster
Join us to celebrate the release of Allayne Webster's new book, Selfie.
At a time when it is increasingly difficult for young people to distinguish between reality and digital distortion, Selfie invites us to reconnect with our true selves.
Event:
The Nano Nagle Library invites parents and children to join Rebecca Sparrow and Allayne Webster on Wednesday 3 May at 6:30pm at the St Rita's College Trinity Centre for a rich discussion on separating what’s real from the glossiness of the online world. This event is open to all Year levels, however the book’s target audience is middle grade/early young adult (11-14 year olds).
Tickets:
The $30.00 ticket price includes one copy of the book Selfie by Allayne Webster and attendance for one adult and child at the author event.
You may purchase additional copies of the book ($18.00) and additional tickets ($6.00) via Humanitix.
Book Collection:
St Rita’s College students can collect their copy of the book from the College Library prior to the event. All other patrons can collect their copy of the book on the night of the event at the Riverbend Books stand. Please bring your ticket as proof of purchase.
Click here to book your tickets before Friday 28 April.
Primary Mother Daughter Evening – Friday 12 May – Book Tickets Now
We are very excited to invite you and your daughters to our inaugural Primary Mother Daughter Evening.
At St Rita's College, our Mother Daughter events aim to celebrate the special bond between mothers and their daughters and provide an opportunity to acknowledge this bond as a community. Held on our beautiful College grounds, the evening will be tailored for our Years 5 and 6 students and their mothers. We look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the special role of the mothers in our St Rita's Primary community!
- St Rita’s College Years 5 & 6 Mother Daughter Evening
- Friday 12 May 2023
- 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Cove Lane, St Rita’s College
Tickets: $50 pp (Includes Canapes) - Cash Bar Available
Note: One ticket per person needs to be purchased for mothers and daughters, e.g. if you and your daughter plan to attend, two tickets will need to be purchased.
Dress: Smart Casual
Click here to book your tickets by Friday 5 May.
iPhone users: If the 'Buy Tickets' button does not appear at the Humanitix link, please select the 3 vertical dots in the top right hand corner and select 'Open in Browser'. The 'Buy Tickets' button should now appear.
Mother Daughter Dinner 2023 - Saturday 20 May - Book Tickets now
St Rita's College Mother Daughter Dinner 2023
Saturday 20 May 2023, 6:00pm for 7:00pm
Royal International Convention Centre, Halls A&B, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
A fabulous evening of dinner and dancing awaits Mums and Daughters of St Rita's for Years 7-12.
- $90.00 per person (plus booking fee). Includes two course meal. Cash bar.
- Dress Code: Cocktail
- Elite Photographics will be located in the concourse area from 5:30pm
Bookings are required by Friday 12 May.
Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Anna Martini at aamartini@optusnet.com.au
There are two booking options available:
- A Table of 10 of booking single seats. When booking a table, full payment for all 10 guests is required at the time of booking (seats cannot be 'reserved', for later payment). Please note: Tables can only seat a maximum of 10. The venue is unable to accommodate tables for 11 or 12, which has been possible in previous years.
- Booking individual tickets. If booking individual tickets and you wish to be seated at a particular table, please ensure you tell us who your 'Table Captain' is at the time of booking. If the person booking the tickets is the Table Captain, please place your name in that question box.
If not booking under a Table Captain name, every attempt will be made to seat you with families from the same Year level.
You will be asked to provide the name, email and mobile number for each attendee. Please take the time to enter this information accurately as it is required under the venue's COVID Safe event management plan.
This is an official College student event and behaviour rules apply. Alcohol will not be served to students of legal age.
Click here to book tickets now.
Rita's Longest Lunch - Sunday 11 June - Book Tickets Now
- Rita's Longest Lunch
- Sunday 11 June 2023, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
- Hogan Place, St Rita's College
- Tickets: $50.00 Single (1 person) OR $90.00 Double (2 people)
- With live entertainment by Brisbane musicians, The Bentleys
Rita’s Longest Lunch is presented in the traditional European Long Lunch style where parents, alumnae and friends of St Rita’s can indulge in their preferred culinary experience along one grand table. Skilled food and wine lovers, contemporary cuisine artisans, or those who prefer a home brought hamper or even Uber Eats, will delight in this day out on Hogan Place at St Rita’s enjoying time with friends and live music.
Tickets cost just $50.00 single (1 person) or $90.00 double (2 people) by pre-purchase only.
Rita's Longest Lunch attendees can choose to BYO food or purchase through one of our preferred suppliers (details will be sent to attendees closer to the date). A selection of Champagne, Sparkling, Wine and Beer will be available for purchase at the event (EFTPOS or cash). Champagne may be pre-purchased with tickets by 10:00am on 7 June 2023 and collected from the Bar on arrival. Water is provided at each setting. No BYO beverage is permitted, including non-alcoholic.
Rita's Longest Lunch is an 18+ years event only and is not open to students.
Click here to book your tickets before Friday 9 June.
Social Science News
Queensland United Nations Youth Conference
On Friday 10 March to Sunday 12 March, three St Rita’s College students, Libby Tiffin, Bonnie-Rose Irvine and Poppy Hughes, attended the Queensland United Nations Youth Conference. The Conference began at the University of Queensland, with an overall discussion of the concepts and ideas that would be covered over the weekend (Conflict in the Modern Age). Students debated the usefulness of resolutions whilst investigating case studies of the 2019/2020 Hong Kong protests. They then travelled to the Sunshine Coast venue, forming strong diplomatic relations (through the medium of TikTok) and had a trivia night.
On Saturday, the students took part in two Model United Nations debates (MUN) and an Interactive Problem-Solving session (IPS). MUNs are a debate (often for a few hours) between countries on a proposed resolution, which included The Questions of Arms Trade and The Question of Media Safety. The debates were fast and chaotic, often resulting in amendments and new clauses which would see the world fall apart if the debates were not resolved. The IPS resembled a war-cabinet where groups were split in two, given a hypothetical war situation and had to navigate their side to victory without knowing their enemies moves in advance. That night they had a dance before going to bed at a somewhat reasonable hour, ready for world domination the next day.
On the final day, the students met for their first General Assembly, which were MUN debates but with every country present rather than being in smaller groups from the day before. Firstly, they discussed The Question of Women in Conflict and later The Question of the Laws of War, with some questionable amendments made.
This was a successful weekend which gave students an insight into geopolitics, international relations, law, and the workings of the UN in a fun and innovative environment and we look forward to offering this to more students in 2024.
From the Library
Happy Easter reading!
Study Skills News - Ms Amanda Wallas, Head of Study Skills
Setting up for success in Term 2
As we approach the end of term, no doubt with sighs of relief from both your children and yourselves, we can take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the first ten weeks of the school year.
The holidays are a wonderful – and necessary – opportunity to rest, relax and recharge our batteries. I encourage you to invite your child to read widely and often – not just for educational purposes, but for pleasure. If your daughter is not a keen reader, audio books are a great alternative.
There are also some very useful preparations your child can make in order to set themselves up for success next term, which only take a short time, but which could make a big difference.
- Make a list of all the successes they have experienced throughout the term
- Make another list of the beneficial study skills and habits (including wellbeing habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, electronic sundowns, controlling screen time and managing sleep patterns) they have developed and that they would like to maintain
- Consider areas for improvement
- Make a third list of study habits and skills that they would like to develop.
Of all study skills, the most important, fundamental one is time management. If your child does not have a study plan (or has one but is not following it), the holidays are the perfect opportunity to set this up for next term.
In addition, they could take the time to set up an Assessment Calendar for next term so that they are all ready to go when things get busy again, and so that they stay on track of all work needed for assignments and exams.
I wish all families a restful and happy Easter break and look forward to seeing your children back at school at the start of Term 2.
Amanda Wallas
Head of Study Skills
Hogan House News
Hogan Donut Day
Wednesday 8 March saw the success of Hogan House’s annual Donut Day, which aimed to raise money for the Presentation Sisters of PNG. The day was a roaring success with over 300 dozen boxes being sold and 250 individual donuts put up for sale, resulting in a total profit of over $3400, the most proceeds we have ever raised! Hogan House is very appreciative of the generosity shown by our St Rita’s community to raise money for a worthy cause. We hope that the Donuts were glaze-ing!
Tilly Hughes and Lottie Cooper - Hogan House Captains
Music - Mr Craig Kennedy, Head of Cocurricular Music
Jazz Concert with JMI
We had a fantastic night of jazz music last Monday evening when the Nudgee College Stage Band and the Jazz Music Institute’s Jazz Orchestra joined us for our inaugural Jazz Concert. Our two jazz bands, Big Band and Jazz Ensemble, also performed to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience in the Trinity Auditorium.
The concert provided a relaxed atmosphere for each ensemble to perform and be inspired by the musicians from JMI. Dan Quigley, Head of School at JMI, ran a workshop for each of our ensembles in the afternoon before the concert and our Big Band felt very privileged to have Dan perform alongside them during the concert. After the three school bands performed, the audience and our students were then taken on a journey by the JMI Jazz Orchestra through a selection of music from Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Thank you to Dan Quigley, JMI and the Nudgee Stage Band for helping us make this such an enjoyable event.
Young Conservatorium Concerto Concert
Our students have had numerous opportunities this term to be inspired, and a combined concert with the Young Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and our own Symphony Orchestra was another such occasion. Tuesday night’s performance was an outstanding showcase of orchestral music from both orchestras and the level of competence from the three Young Conservatorium soloists was superb. Culminating in a combined performance of Saint-Saens’ Bacchanale, the St Rita’s Symphony Orchestra and the Young Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra filled the Trinity Auditorium stage and left the audience wanting more. Thank you to Stefanie Smith and the Young Conservatorium for once again bringing this concert to our community.
Upcoming Events in Term 2
An overview of Term 2 Music Events was sent out via the College App last week. For further details please follow this link.
Sport - Mr Joshua White, Director of Sport
Sport Update
As we end Term 1, we reflect on a huge term of sport. At the top of the review reel is the CaSSSA Swimming win, a highlight that has set us up for a huge goal of #all3in23 where we dream of taking home all three CaSSSA Carnival Trophies. Can it be done? It won’t be easy, that’s for sure, and we put the call out to all our runners to mobilise and give us the best chance of continuing the dream in CaSSSA Cross Country.
We have also seen fantastic results in Water Polo, Tennis, AFL and Volleyball and of course the development programs creating our next sporting legacy.
We look forward to Term 2 where Netball will be a large focus for us, along with Touch Football, AFL All Schools and Volleyball All Schools. Our teams will fly the flag in Tennis at the QSS Team Tennis Competition, and of course our Cross Country runners will compete for the College at Limestone Park for CaSSSA.
Well done on a great start to the year and roll on Term 2!
Mr Josh White
Director of Sport
Netball
We announced to the Club Netball program that Lara Dunkley has stepped away as Head Coach of Netball. Lara will be very busy with Vice Captain Duties with the Firebirds, and we wish her the best of luck. We have listened to feedback from players and parents, and made a focus on improving our communication and administration of the program. The College has chosen to split the head coach role into two pathways: Coaching and Communications. We welcome our new staff:
Coach Development Officer: Georgia Mulder (Commenced this week)
Georgia is a past St Rita’s student and has been with the program for several years. Georgia will lead the coaching and game day operations of the Netball program. Georgia’s role will be working with both coaches and students at training and games, ensuring our development into the future.
Netball Admin Officer: Shan Caruana (Commencing Term 2)
We are excited to bring Shan on board this year to be our point of contact for all things Netball. Shan has extensive experience in both sports administration and Netball, and has spent several years running the netball program at another CaSSSA College. Shan will also assist with Water Polo (in season) and lead the Primary Sports program.
Our primary method of contact for Netball during this changeover and going forward is via the following email: netball@stritas.qld.edu.au
Tennis
Our Tennis program has been competing all term on Saturdays. This year has seen some very hot days, with our teams digging deep to stay hydrated and focused. This year is the first season in several years where all rounds have been completed, after years of rain and COVID-affected seasons. We thank Mr John James and his coaches for the dedication shown towards our students and congratulate all teams on their season.
With finals last Saturday at UQ Tennis Centre, we had two teams who have had an exceptional season - our Junior A Team and Open A Team. Both teams came up against the best players from All Hallows in the final and both won the CaSSSA Premiership Pennant. Well done to these players and parent supporters.
We now look forward to the Queensland Secondary School Championships where we will enter two teams to compete towards State Titles. Our development program will also return in Term 2, with 30 players returning to hone their skills for later competition.
CaSSSA Team Sport
This week is the CaSSSA Sport grand finals for Term 1. We have had AFL, Volleyball and a handful of Rugby 7s players out for 8 weeks of games.
Our AFL team is sitting in second position heading into the final round. With automatic qualification to AFL Schools on the line for the winner we are hoping for certain results to go our way, to claim the top of the ladder. Our players have worked hard all season and we wish them the best. The AFL team will continue into Term 2 with the Schools AFL comp rounds.
Volleyball will also play for placings this week. While we are not competing for any premiership pennants, we have three teams in the minor premierships aiming for third position. Our Open team will also continue into Term 2 as they prepare for Volleyball All Schools competition.
The QRU has staged a pilot program for Years 7 and 8 for Rugby 7s. We have a handful of students who have attended this program and hope to receive some updates on how the remainder of the season will look for Rugby 7s to continue our development in this fast and fun sport.
Water Polo
BWPI Finals Series
Congratulations to all teams that competed in the BWPI competition throughout Term 4 2022 and Term 1 2023.
The Grand Finals were held on 18 March, with five St Rita's College teams competing.
We had some outstanding results –
17A Won Silver Mermaids Pink 10 v SRC 6
17 Dev Won Gold Stuartholme 5 v SRC 7
18A Won Silver Mermaids Pink 17 v Polo Bears/SRC 6
18 Dev Won Silver Polo Bears/SRC 4 v Mermaids White 5 (SO CLOSE!)
18C Won Silver Vikings 7 v SRC 3
The support from the St Rita’s community in the stands was amazing and added to the electric atmosphere. Thank you to all those that attended and cheered on our players, it is much appreciated.
I also want to congratulate all teams that competed in the BWPI competition throughout Term 4 2022 and Term 1 2023. It was a great season, and a big thank you to all players and their families for your support throughout it.
Madison Wall
Head Coach - Water Polo
Interhouse Cross Country
We are so happy to have been able to hold the first Interhouse Cross Country event since 2019. We were blessed with a great day (perhaps even too hot!) for our House groups to go to battle for the day.
This year we changed the format of the event to be more inclusive of House spirit and competition. With three events on offer, there was an exciting atmosphere on the day.
We congratulate our Age Champions and House Champions below.
Thank you to all the staff and students for a great day of racing. Way to go Kildare House on a close win!
Community Notices
Cocurricular Sport Coaches - Seeking Expressions of Interest
The College is currently seeking expressions of interest for Cocurricular Sport Coaches for our rapidly growing Netball program, currently consisting of more than 200 students. The role of the Coach is to deliver coaching sessions that provide a safe environment for players and to develop skills, tactical awareness, teamwork and enjoyment of the sport.
Cocurricular Sport Coaches are paid on a casual basis (minimum two hour shifts). Coaching commitments are usually four to six hours per week, comprising of 1-2 week day training sessions and one game play. Pay rates vary according to qualifications and range between $36 - $41 per hour.
For more information and to apply, please click here to visit the Seek advertisement.
Iona Easter Passion Play
