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This term has also been filled with many highlights:

• QCIS Success – Our Track and Field team achieved an outstanding result, finishing second overall. This caps off a remarkable year in which �鶹��Ƶ has achieved outstanding results in the QCIS championship sports of Swimming, Cross-country and Track and Field.
• Googa Preparations – We wish our Year 9 students all the best as they get ready for their month at Googa at the start of Term 4. This experience is a significant milestone of their �鶹��Ƶ journey, shaping resilience, teamwork and personal growth.
• Eisteddfod Achievements – Across the arts, our students have again excelled, with many successes in this year’s Toowoomba Eisteddfod. Congratulations to all who have been involved.

Looking ahead, Term 4 is traditionally a quick and busy one, so I encourage families to lock in the many upcoming events into your calendars.

This week, however, the spotlight rightly shines on our Year 12s. This afternoon’s celebrations are a chance to honour these fine young people as they begin to wrap up their school journey in such style. It is always a joy to see them in their finery, but even more meaningful to affirm their parents and staff, whose wisdom and care have established the firm foundations that will continue to shape these students’ lives. My sincere thanks go to the staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this week so special, with a special mention to Ms Leah Bowes for her leadership and care in preparing this graduation event. Thank you also to those who will join in supporting and celebrating our Year 12s during this afternoon’s arrivals procession.

Even as we farewell one group of leaders, the “changing of the guard” is already taking shape. Last Friday, we announced our Senior College leaders for 2026. Congratulations to Meg Osborne and Bruce Omanga, our newly elected Senior College Captains, along with all the newly appointed leaders. We look forward to supporting and watching their growth in the year ahead. The Junior College will announce their 2026 leaders in Term 4.

Throughout this term, students across the College have immersed themselves in an extraordinary range of curricular and co-curricular activities. Their engagement, creativity and resilience have been remarkable, supported every step of the way by parents, families and staff. Thank you for the energy, encouragement, and care you continue to show—together we make �鶹��Ƶ the vibrant, faith-filled community that it is.

�鶹��Ƶ’s Vision Statement reminds us that we are “Inspiring lifelong learners, critical thinkers and caring citizens in a Christian community.” This has again been lived out in countless ways during Term 3—whether through academic achievements and progress, sporting triumphs or artistic creativity. Well done to everyone!

Finally, thank you to all families who partner with us so openly across our three campuses as we work together for the best outcomes for every student in our care. Thank you for your words of encouragement and ongoing loyalty to �鶹��Ƶ.

Wishing you a safe, restful and refreshing term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 7 October for the beginning of Term 4.

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the Week: Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. (Helen Keller)

For the Year 12s and for the rest of us, the school holidays come as a gift, a time to rest and take a deep breath before the final term of the year (or the final exams in the case of the Year 12s).

I love the rhythm of school life – it’s very busy and demanding during term time, but then you have these regular periods of slowing down and rest. I think it would be very difficult to survive in schools long-term without burnout without these regular breaks.

It is interesting that we have a creator who, according to Genesis, rested after the work of creation on the 7th day. He gifted the sabbath, the day of rest, to his people and gave them a command to keep it sacred.

The practice of Sabbath, of taking a regular time to rest, to switch off, to disconnect and perhaps re-connect with God, with creation and with self, is an important one, and one that doesn’t come naturally to our always-on society. I guess we see the fallout in the mental health crisis all around us.

We need a rhythm of regular rest, time to be refreshed, and to disconnect from the daily pressures of life.

May you be able to receive these school holidays as a gift and use them to switch off a little, to disconnect (perhaps even from the demands and temptations of your devices – I am personally working to grow in this area). Use the time to just be, to perceive the beauty around you, to notice the many blessings in your life and to give thanks to the giver of all of this.

God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Gen 2:3)

Have a great break! God bless.

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

We were also proud to announce our new student leadership positions, recognising the dedication and passion of those who will help guide and inspire their peers. Student leadership is a cornerstone of our school culture, and it is always encouraging to see students step up with confidence and a willingness to serve.

Another highlight was our Grandparents Day celebration, where we welcomed families into our college to honour the important role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren. The warmth, joy, and connection felt on the day was a powerful reminder of the value of family and community.

This term we also acknowledged two significant wellbeing events—RU OK? Day and Bullying. No Way! Day. Both encouraged important conversations around kindness, empathy, and the importance of supporting one another. These occasions reinforced our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our school is a place where every student feels valued, included, and safe.

As we look forward to the new term, there is much to be excited about. Our Year 12 students will begin the final stage of their schooling as they prepare for and complete their external exams. We wish them every success and remind them that the dedication they have shown throughout the year will serve them well.

Our Year 9 students will soon embark on the Googa Outdoor Education Camp, a program that challenges participants through teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. This experience is often a defining moment in their secondary school journey and one that they will value for years to come.

We also look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students at the upcoming Year 12 Recognition and Graduation Evening as well as the Year 6-11 Presentation Evening, where excellence, effort, and service will be recognised across all year levels. Finally, our staff and leadership team will begin preparations to ensure a smooth and positive transition into the 2026 school year, setting the foundation for continued success.

The holiday break is an important time for students to rest, recharge, and prepare for the term ahead. Here are a few simple ways families can support student wellbeing during the break:

· Rest and routine – Encourage students to enjoy a slower pace while still maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Adequate rest is vital for wellbeing.

· Outdoor activity – Fresh air, exercise, and time in nature are excellent ways to reduce stress and boost mood.

· Connection – Holidays are an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening relationships that support resilience.

· Digital balance – Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and other activities such as reading, sport, or creative hobbies.

· Reflection and goal setting – As the term ends, it can be helpful for students to reflect on their achievements and set small goals for the coming months.

We are incredibly proud of the effort, energy, and enthusiasm our students have brought to all aspects of school life this term. We thank our staff, families, and wider school community for their ongoing support and look forward to another term of growth, achievement, and success.

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Our See You in September open mornings were a success, with small groups allowing future families to experience the authentic �鶹��Ƶ. These mornings give people a real sense of who we are as a community, not just what our facilities look like.

A standout moment this term has been the start of Stage 2 of our Master Plan.

Watching the new Junior Learning Centre begin to rise is both exciting and symbolic of the College’s commitment to creating spaces that will support students for years to come. It is expected to be finished next year.

Our Boarder Recognition Dinner was a celebration of the remarkable young people who call our boarding house and for our Year 12 students, it is the start of a new life. We hope they come to visit us once they complete all of their exams and head off to their next chapter.

The valedictory dinner for all of our Year 12s is an evening that they will never forget.

Our student leaders for 2026 have also been announced this term. Congratulations to all who were chosen. We are proud of you and know that next year will be another wonderful year under your guidance.

Before we wrap up this term, I want to ask for your help. We are working on how we communicate as a College, and we want to hear your thoughts. What works well for you, what could be better, and how can we keep you informed in ways that feel useful?

It only takes a few minutes to complete our survey, and your feedback will help us serve our community better.

Thank you for your support this term. It has been a big one, and a special one.

Warm regards,

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

One of the highlights of this term has been the Year 6 camp to Cairns. Camps provide such a valuable opportunity for student growth, not only academically but also personally and socially. Our Year 6’s embraced the challenge of being away from home, learning to work together, showing independence and building resilience as they explored the wonders of Far North Queensland. These shared experiences create memories that last a lifetime and strengthen the friendships and connections that support our students as they prepare for their transition into secondary school.

Meanwhile, across other year levels, students have been involved in a wide range of learning opportunities – from hands-on Science experiments and artistic creations, to sporting events and performance opportunities. These experiences remind us that learning is not confined to the classroom but happens in many ways, often sparking joy and curiosity that stay with students long after the school day ends.

As we move into the final term of the year, we are excited that the learning will continue to flourish. We are grateful to our teachers, staff and families who partner together to nurture each child’s journey. We wish everyone a safe, restful and fun holiday break.

Blessings for the week ahead.

to view HSC's Events for Term 4 2025, Week 1.
 to view WSC's Events for Term 4 2025, Week 1.

Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)

This term concluded with a fantastic new tradition: our inaugural ROAR Day! This House-based competition brought students together for a fun-filled, relaxed day of activities drawn from the STEM and Arts fields. From creative problem-solving challenges to artistic showcases, ROAR Day was a wonderful way to wind down the term while fostering teamwork and school spirit. It was heartwarming to see students of all ages collaborate and celebrate their House pride. We’re already looking forward to making this an annual highlight!

This Friday, we mark a significant moment in our school calendar with the Year 12 Arrivals and Valedictory Evening. This event is always a very special occasion at �鶹��Ƶ, as it brings together our senior cohort, their families and our dedicated staff to celebrate the milestone of Year 12 completion. It’s a night to honour their achievements and the bonds they’ve formed with each other and our college community.

As we look ahead to Term 4, I want to wish our Year 9 students the very best as they embark on their four-week Googa Experience. This adventure is a significant challenge, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for them to test their resilience, push their limits, and grow in ways they never thought possible. We’re confident they’ll return with newfound confidence and stories to share.

Term 4 also brings our Awards season, including the Year 12 Graduation & Recognition Evening and the Years 6-11 Presentation Evening. These events are a chance to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our students across all year levels. I’m excited to see our community come together to recognise their efforts.

As we head into the spring break, I wish everyone a restful and joyful holiday. I hope students can take this time to recharge, enjoy the warmer days and make memories with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you back for an exciting Term 4!

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Looking ahead to the break, we remind families of the following return dates:

• Students attending Googa: return to boarding on Sunday, 6^th October.
• All other students: return to boarding on Monday, 7^th October.

As Term 4 begins, please note some important reminders:

• Uniform: Summer uniform is required.
• Boarding essentials: Students should return with all necessary items, including washing powder, toiletries, chargers, etc.
• Medications: All medications must be returned with the students. Please advise us of any new prescriptions or changes to existing ones, as per Miss Libby’s directions.

We’re excited for a busy and engaging Term 4, with activities planned, including a mid-term trip to the Gold Coast, outings to Cloud Nine trampoline park, ten-pin bowling, the movies, and visits to the gardens across Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers.

For weekend leave, we ask that all requests be submitted by Wednesday each week. While we understand that last-minute situations may arise, please direct them to Maureen on 0490890917. We also remind families that the duty phone is a business line. Students are encouraged to use their own phones and dorm Wi-Fi for personal calls, with the duty phone reserved for extenuating circumstances only.

Next term also marks exciting milestones: our Year 11 students begin their transition into Year 12 studies, and we will celebrate the handover of our Boarding Captains. These moments are wonderful opportunities to recognise growth and leadership within our boarding community.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our boarding tutors and supervisors, the kitchen staff, maintenance team, and school staff for their care and commitment. Each plays an important role in ensuring every student is safe, supported and valued.

We wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday. Travel well, enjoy your time together, and God Bless. If you have any travel queries during the break, please don’t hesitate to contact Maureen.

The Boarding team

Maureen

Boarding Coordinator

Before Issue 3 Term 4, where we will delve into the new policy and laws around social media platform use – how they are enforcing change and restrictions for child/ren’s online safety, it is pertinent that we revise broader topics within Cyber Safety first.

These include ,, , , , and others. Click on any of these topics for further reading via our . You might like Dr. Emma Woodward’s approach to social media and its comparison culture in her special report -.

Earlier this year, our Director of Pastoral Care, Mr. Tony Manteufel, and his team, including our College Guidance Counsellor, Ms. Sarah Noffke, were present for a Parent Information Evening on Cyber Safety. Click for further resources to assist families in this area.

Technology is here to stay, for education, social interaction and entertainment purposes. Cyber Safety fosters open communication, implementing appropriate parental controls, and educating the young about privacy and online etiquette. to read more from School TV on this overview and meet their specialists, Susan McLean, Yasmin London, Jen Hoey, & Dr. Elizabeth Molivodov. Scroll down to connect with their short interviews that address parent/carer FAQ’s.

There are links on School TV to send connection or enquiry emails to applicable College staff. These include Director of Pastoral Care, Mr. Tony Manteufel, College Student Counsellor, Ms. Sarah Noffke, and our Learning Enrichment Coordinator, Sonya Holden.

Explore School TV’s Cyber Safety Key Points here.

Make sure you are up to date with our college policies and procedures around Cyber Safety of students – attached here:

Explore full videos from School TVs specialists on Cyber Safety .