No. 21 Term 2 - Week 2 Newsletter, 2024
From the Principal
ANZAC DAY
This week we commemorated ANZAC DAY and over two days, both Wednesday and Thursday our community came together to pay our respects and honour the ANZACs. For our community, it is a time for us to reflect on the importance of standing up for what is right and just, and to recognise the humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance. It is a day of Respect, a value that is at the heart of Burdekin Catholic High School.
On Wednesday, with invited guests, I was both moved and proud of our community. Our Anzac Day service was respectful and reverant. ANZAC Day is a day when Australians and New Zealanders remember and honour those who fought and died for freedom. We gathered not to glorify war but to remember those who have served our country during times of crisis and to reflect upon their selfless sacrifice. Our School service was a time for remembrance. Within Ms Rigano's reflection is a clip of our students who remember the family members who have given service for our country and worked toward continued freedom.
At the Wednesday dawn and midday services that I attended with our young people, I heard John 15: 13 being referenced "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." This is not a passage about dying for others, it is a passage about love. If we take the words around it.... "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love… “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." For us today, the reflection on scripture shows agape love - the highest form of Christian love, a pure, willful, sacrificial love that intentionally desires another’s highest good. To love so much that you are willing to do the ultimate sacrifice to protect others - this is what we remembering.
The Ode
For the Fallen
They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, And in the morning
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Enhancing Catholic Identity in Schools
Townsville Catholic Education has embraced the project, Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI). This is a project that examines the ways of enhancing Catholic identity in schools within an increasingly secular and pluralising global society. The ECSI Project offers the opportunity to better understand and clarify Catholic identity and beliefs in Townsville Catholic Educaiton schools.
I would like to share with our community that I have been accepted to be a part of this project. Next week, I will be in Rockhampton completing a Masters level unit of study through the Australian Catholic University, THCT605: Enhancing Catholic Identity: Introducing the Leuven Project. Then in September, I will be going to Brussels, Belgium to complete two weeks of intensive study at Leuven University.
While I appreciate the wonderful professional opportunity this is for me personally, I will return with a depth of focus on how we continue to be a welcoming community while promoting our Catholic identity within the Burdekin community.
I thank all of our community, especially the Senior Leadership Team, who will support all of you during my absence.
Yours in Christ
Lorraine Wolffe
Principal
Enrol for 2025
Enrolment applications for Year 7, 2025 (current Year 6 students) have opened. Please enrol now.
Online applications can be completed here:
When you have reviewed the information on this page, you can start an online application.
We understand that this is a very important decision and to assist you in deciding if Burdekin Catholic High School is the right school for your child there are two very important dates that will help you:
Year 5 and 6 Taster Day - Wednesday May 1
Twilight Open Evening - Thursday May 16
We firmly believe that an early connection to a school is vital to assist incoming students feel prepared to transition into secondary education.
To enquire about vacancies in other year levels, please contact our School Office 47832366.
From the Deputy Principal
ANZAC Day
For over one hundred years, Australia and New Zealand have commemorated ANZAC Day. A day for us to remember, reflect and contemplate the supreme sacrifice of those who fought for us. Although ANZAC Day began as a memorial to the “War to end all Wars”, in the years to come it has come to include World War Two, Korea, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions in countries such as East Timor. Burdekin Catholic High School has a connection with all of these conflicts, a connection we possibly didn’t realise until the call went out to our families for our school ceremony.
A invitation was sent out to all families to share memories of family members connected with the defence forces. It was an honour to receive this precious information and an honour to create a tribute to their family members. Created for our school-based ceremony was a digital scrapbook of memories against the backdrop of a new version of “Waltzing Matilda”. As the images came in, so did the stories. Some tragic, others inspiring, but all a source of pride.
By including the stories and images of family, the link was made with our theme for this year, “Called to Service”. What made this year even more special was the inclusion of Lt Stuart Clive as our guest speaker. Lt Clive was a 2017 Senior of Burdekin Catholic High School and graciously came back to share a story that was personal and inspirational, capturing vividly the essence of what it means to be, “Called to Service”. Stuart’s presence was also very special for his grandfather Roy. Roy plays the bagpipes each for us and this year was our chance to say thank you in an even more special way.
Also joining us were CPT Jessica Yeh from the 4th Health Battalion, Lavarack Barracks, Andrew Wilcox MP, Dale Last MLA, Councillor Pierina Dalle Cort and special guests from Townsville Catholic Education. All were moved by our service and were especially congratulatory about the students of Burdekin Catholic High School. From our School Captains setting the atmosphere, to our student leaders laying their poppies, all students assembled understood the importance of the occasion. What made the ceremony even more powerful was all students exiting the ceremony in silence, capturing not only the dawn silence of that day in 1915, but also the solemnity of the occasion.
Students then took this reverence to the ceremonies across the district. Burdekin Catholic High School students and staff were present at every service held across the Burdekin. The number of students who were part of the marches was a proud moment for our school. Our students were outstanding. Our students marched as one and represented their families and our school with distinction.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Elisa Rigano
Deputy Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Pastoral
Positive Reward System
Praise Notes have been a huge success this year, with 2458 Praise Notes awarded just in Term 1! This incredible total reflects the positive behaviour choices our students have been making. It also reflects the attitude of our school and staff, which prioritises noticing and rewarding positive student
behaviour choices. Specifically, our students are awarded a Praise Note for showing respect to themselves, others, their faith, our school and/or learning. Praise Notes are reinforced regularly, with students receiving a voucher to redeem at the tuckshop by their Pastoral Leader for every five they receive.
To further strengthen our positive behaviour reward system, students who consistently meet our high expectations are invited to attend a Rewards Day at the end of each semester. At the end of this term, there will be a small part-day Rewards Day during the final week, and this is currently being planned during our SRC meetings. Our full-day Rewards Day will be held at the end of Term 4.
To be eligible to attend Rewards Days, the requirements are as follows: No more than six Respect
Room detentions during that semester.
Year Level Marist Charism Awards
Four students were recognised for living out their year-level Marist Charism during our whole school
assembly last Wednesday. Congratulations to the following students:
Year 7 ‘Family Spirit’ – Andria Reinke
Year 8 ‘In the Way of Mary’ – Tate Horan
Year 11 ‘Presence’ – Lily Kiehne
Year 12 ‘First Light’ – Brock Conway
Chiara Guy
Assistant to the Principal - Pastoral Care
From the Assistant Principal - Religion
Welcome back to Term Two
The last week of term one was a very exciting and action packed week for your school community: Year 12 Retreat, Easter Liturgy and Project Compassion Caritas Walkathon.
The Year 12 Retreat at Magnetic Island was a three-day event facilitated by Marist Youth Minister Sinead Fitzgerald. This was the second time that students had the pleasure of having Sinead present to them, the first time was at the beginning of the year to unpack the 2024 Marist theme, First Light. Without a doubt these three days of disconnecting from everyday routines helped students refocus on their spirituality, relationships and self-awareness before they leave our school with strong minds and gentle hearts. Special thanks to teachers who attended; Mrs Wolffe, Mrs Stennett, Mrs Ryder Mrs Giddy, Mr Guy and Mr Marano. Without their assistance and leadership in small group activities the year 12s would not have had such a memorable Retreat.
The Easter Liturgy on the last day of school was without a doubt an emotional and moving experience.
Easter is about betrayal, suffering, torture and death, It is also about courage, conviction. love, passion, hope and faith. The liturgy was made up of performances by the year 7, 9 and 10 drama classes. They brought to life the events leading up to Jesus’ death and celebrate his resurrection and we were reminded of the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” The 9/10 Drama class narrated Jesus’ journey in the last hours of his life from the perspective of a Roman Soldier, Witnesses, Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdelene. All four viewpoints spoke to students about what they saw and were feeling as they saw Jesus carry his cross, be crucified and resurrection. The final performance, Easter Hallelujah had the school community mesmerised by the vocals of Sari Oar and Harper Nucifora. As they sang Hallelujah the drama class acted out the crucifixion of Jesus and resurrection. In the Old Testament Hallelujah appears in the book of Psalms. It is a combination of “hallel” meaning praise and “jah” meaning God. This word sums up the feelings and emotions in reaction to the Resurrection. Special mention to our Drama teacher Mrs. Liccardello for these polished performances.
Easter Liturgy
After the Liturgy it was time to tighten up shoelaces and get ready for the Walkathon. This was the major fundraiser for Project Compassion Caritas. The goal set at the beginning of Lent was $4000. I am proud to announce that the final amount raised was $4 150.50. Special mention to our Service Leaders, Mia Galbraith and Ella Pirrone who kickstarted our fundraising efforts with their Valentine’s Day Stall that raised over $400.
Walkathon
This term in week four we will celebrate our Mother’s Day Mass on Wednesday 8 th May at 12
pm in the Marcellin Centre. After Mass light refreshments will be available. Please RSVP
your attendance for seating and catering purposes by Friday 3 rd May by using the
following link:
During the Mass, we will celebrate the amazing work our Mothers, Grandmothers, and special
women in our lives do for us. You are invited to share a photo of Mothers in the workplace or with
their families. Please email your photos to pdobbins@bchs.catholic.edu.au
Antonetta Delle Cort
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
ANZAC DAY
We are very proud of the commitment of our students, staff and families who attended services in the Burdekin District. Here are the photos of our community representation.
Giru Anzac Day Service
Dawn Service - Ayr
Brandon Anzac Day Service
Ayr Anzac Day March and Service
Home Hill Anzac Day March
From our Parish
From the Business Manager
School fees are now overdue.
If for any reason you are finding it difficult to pay school fees, please contact me to discuss the matter. You are most welcome to email me apovedaprieto@bchs.catholic.edu.au
Just a reminder that our preferred way of payment is now BPAY and those details are on your statement. There are number of ways you can pay, by credit card or cash or we can set up a direct debit through Pay way. You may also pay via Compass.
If you currently pay your fees by direct debit, please check that the fortnightly amount is enough to cover your fees for the year, as there has been an increase. If you are unsure, please contact me.
If the statement does not look accurate and you do not agree with balance or if you have any issues or
questions regarding the statements please do not hesitate to contact me.
Aimee Poveda
Business Manager