No. 14 Term 3 - Week 6 Newsletter, 2025
- From the Principal
- From the Deputy Principal
- From the Assistant Principal - Religion
- From the Arts Department
- From the Sports Department
- From the Careers Department
- From the Business Manager
- Additional Pupil Free Days
- Media Consent
- Expression of Interest – Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Program
- Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) 2025 - Townsville Diocesan Update
- Home Hill Junior Cricket
- Burdekin Sports
From the Principal
Clarence Feast Day – Honouring Our Heritage
This week the members of Clarence came together in joyful celebration of Clarence Feast Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring Clarence House. This day is much more than a festive tradition; it is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Br Clarence Cunningham, the founding Principal of BCHS, after whom Clarence House is proudly named.
Br Clarence’s leadership and vision helped to shape the foundation of our school community. His commitment to faith, learning, and service continues to inspire us today, as we strive to live out the values he embodied. On Clarence Feast Day, we celebrate not only our House spirit but also the enduring story of the people who built and nurtured our school in its earliest days.
We give thanks for the life and witness of Br Clarence Cunningham and pray that his example continues to guide us. May Clarence House carry forward his legacy of leadership, service, and faith for generations to come.
Br Clarence Cunningham
This week, I was also privileged to attend the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the country and reflect on the future of Catholic education. I was especially inspired by the challenge presented to us as leaders and educators: to continue shaping schools that are deeply grounded in Gospel values, while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of our rapidly changing world.
Yours in Christ
Lorraine Wolffe
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Year 12 Matters
Students in Year 12 have now moved towards the preparations for their upcoming mock exams scheduled over Weeks 9 and 10. There will still be assessments for Applied subjects due over this time, so Year 12s should be planning their time to ensure they are meeting all deadlines.
In preparation for these mock exams, as well as the external assessments in Term 4, a Google Classroom has been set-up containing essential information from the QCAA focusing on the preparation, directions and essential equipment for Year 12. Year 12s have been invited to this page and they need to join to see this information. Parents, you will see this information on your dedicated Compass portal page.
Year 11 Matters
Year 11s will be nearing the end of Unit 2 over the next five weeks and will then move into Unit 3. Some students will be completing their first summative internal assessment instruments at the end of this year, therefore it is important that students refer to the assessment calendars and plan their time accordingly.
The assessment calendars have been updated to allow for our assessment blocks, therefore, some assessments have moved to accommodate the assessment block. We want to ensure that students are given every opportunity for success in these assessments and the date changes are our way of supporting that opportunity.
Year 10 Matters
A reminder if parents/carers have not already booked a SETP interview to please do so as soon as possible. Further interview times have been opened up in the Week of September 1, so if the earlier times do not suit, there should be a time in that week to make an appointment. A reminder that all SETPs need to be completed by September 4.
At the end of Term 4, our Year 10s will be completing their assessment in a dedicated assessment block. Our assessment block schedule will be across Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 4.
Years 8 and 9 Matters
As indicated in the last newsletter, there will be changes to our timetabling in 2026. This is in line with recommendations from the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board for all non-state schools. This means exciting changes for our Year 9s and they move into Year 10. Further information will be communicated once we have finalised working through the revised time allocations and our new look timetable for 2026. Our Year 8s will be moving into their subject selections based on this information and the goal is to open pathway opportunities for our 2026 Year 9 and 10 students as they begin to move to a world beyond Burdekin Catholic High School.
Years 7 and 8 Matters
Year 7 and 8 students will move to their final elective rotations commencing August 25. They will see these rotations out until the end of the year.
From the Assistant Principal - Religion
Last Friday, 15th August, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption, one of the most important feast days of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, today, 22nd August, a week later is another feast day, though not as big as a solemnity, but still significant, the feast of the Queenship of Mary of Heaven and Earth. This is such a unique feast because it reaffirms our belief in Mary’s crucial position as someone who can and will intercede to God the Father on our behalf. Mary is at the heart of our Marist charism as we see Jesus and God the Father through her lenses. One anonymous Marist priest ones said that being a Marist is like looking through a lamp. Mary is the glass by which we see her son, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
From the Arts Department
Celebrating Our Talented Artists
The Art Department is proud to announce that our students will once again be showcasing their creativity and talent in the Burdekin Art Society Inc. Annual Exhibition, held from 30 August – 6 September 2025.
This exciting event provides our young artists with a valuable opportunity to present their work alongside members of the wider arts community. Each piece reflects the dedication, imagination, and skill of our students, and we are delighted to see them share their work with a broader audience.
We encourage families, friends, and community members to come along and support our artists. Many works will be available for purchase, giving you the chance to take home a unique piece of art while directly supporting the creativity of our students.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our young people and hope you will join us in recognising their artistic contributions to our community.
From the Sports Department
Inter-House Volleyball & the Introduction of the MPC Belt
We are proud to unveil the brand new MPC Belt, a unique award now introduced at BCHS. Representing Marcellin, Polding, and Clarence, the belt isn’t just about winning; it symbolises our inter-house sporting culture, competition, participation, and fun.
Each term, students will battle it out for the MPC Belt, building house pride and creating memories that go far beyond the scoreboard.
This term, we launched the inaugural Inter-House Volleyball Competition. Students represented their homerooms and went head-to-head against the rest of the school. The event was a massive hit, drawing crowds every lunch break. This is just the beginning of the exciting sporting culture we are forging at BCHS.
BSS Mid-Distance & Track & Field Success
Over the past fortnight, students have proudly represented BCHS in a range of athletic events. Our athletes started strong in the middle-distance races, securing some outstanding results.
Notable 1st Place Finishes:
Nate Giddy – 1500m & 800m (13 Boys)
Lily Ahern – 1500m (13 Girls)
Warne McShane – 1500m (14 Boys)
Gabriella Minuzzo – 1500m & 800m (15 Girls)
Isla Chapman – 1500m & 800m (16 Girls)
Precious Rush – 1500m (Open Girls)
What an incredible effort from our BCHS Bears at the Track & Field Carnival! Many students stepped out of their comfort zones to compete in events, ensuring there were no vacant spots. We finished the carnival in style, with our Open Boys winning the 100m relay to close out the day.
We are proud to announce that BCHS finished as Runners-Up overall and proudly brought home the Aggregate Trophy – a true reflection of the determination, teamwork, and school spirit shown by our students.
Congratulations also to our Age Champions:
Charlie Predebon
Gabriella Minuzzo
Makayla Pirrone
Warne McShane
Regards
Brent Mitchell
Sports Program Leader
From the Careers Department
ADFA OPEN DAY
This year I was fortunate to attend the ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) Open Day in Canberra.
The Open Day gave me a deeper understanding of the opportunities available for students interested in a career in the Defence Force – Navy, Army, or Air Force. Having access to areas of the Academy that are not normally open to the public was valuable in gaining a clear picture of life and study at ADFA.
I had the opportunity to engage with ADFA staff, Defence Force Recruiting, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). These interactions provided detailed information about undergraduate degrees, as well as guidance on the application process. A relatively new course is the Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security, now offered by UNSW.
Highlights of the Open Day included the Roulettes aerobatic display and exploring some of the latest military equipment, such as the HIMARS (M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).
BCHS has strong industry ties with the ADF, who are proud supporters of our Creating Futures Career Expo and Subject Selection Evenings.
If you are interested in studying at ADFA, you can explore courses here: UNSW Canberra Courses
For general information about careers in the ADF, visit: ADF Careers
Over the years, I have been able to secure mentorship opportunities for students interested in an ADF career. If this interests you, please book a time to meet with me so we can get the process underway.
Antonetta Dalle Cort
From the Business Manager
School Fees Term 3 2025 Reminder
This is a courteous reminder that school fees are due on Friday, September 5th, 2025. We encourage parents to make payments via BPAY, the Compass Portal, or credit card. Details for these payment options are available on the Compass platform. Alternatively, you may inquire at the school office or contact us by phone at 4783 2366.
We also offer a Direct Debit Service for families who prefer to pay their fees on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. If you wish to set up a payment plan, please follow this link: https://www.bchs.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/school-fees-direct-debit-information/
Families holding a valid Health Care or DVA Gold Card may be eligible for a 70% reduction in Tuition Fees in accordance with TCEO Guidelines. Please note that not all cards are eligible; a valid card must be presented at the School Office for assessment.
If you experience any difficulties regarding payment or are unable to meet the deadline, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely
Aimee Poveda
Business Manager
Additional Pupil Free Days
During this year, the school has been notified of significant changes to curriculum for our students. To support these changes, Townsville Catholic Education have added two Pupil Free Days (PFD) to assist and support schools in undertaking the implementation of the new NSSAB Educational Guidelines. The days approved are:
- Tuesday, 7th October 2025
- Tuesday, 27th January 2026
Our school will prioritise planning / replanning for Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum in light of the revised educational guidelines and associated minimum hours on both days.
Media Consent
Media Consent Updates
At the time of enrolment, parents are asked to consent to the use of their child’s name and image in various forms of media to promote the school/College and Catholic Education. If you DO NOT wish to consent to your child's photograph/video appearing as stated in the below, and you wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent, you must notify the school by phone or email, bchs@catholic.edu.au
If we do not hear from you to make any changes, your original consent provided will remain in effect.
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/MEDIA CONSENT
Photos, video footage and work samples of students are used regularly by the school/College for the purpose of acknowledging the efforts of the student/College, or for promotion, marketing or advertising the College or Catholic Education.
I consent to the student being photographed or filmed for school/College, Catholic Education or Townsville Catholic Diocese related communication or for education purposes. I understand this may include media (e.g. television, radio, publications), school/College publications (e.g. newsletters, year books), online media (e.g. websites) and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram).
I understand it is my responsibility to notify the school/College if I do not wish to consent to the student’s photograph/video appearing in any or all of the above, or if I wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent. Please note the student’s name and voice may be included with the photograph/video.
I understand the copyright of such images will be retained by the school/College, Townsville Catholic Education, the Diocese of Townsville or their contractors, and there will be no remuneration or compensation for the images.
Expression of Interest – Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Program
Burdekin Rotary Club of Ayr are currently seeking expressions of interest from families who would be willing to host Nico, an Italian exchange student here through the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program.
Each family typically hosts for a 3-month period, and while two generous families have already committed, Rotary are now searching for Family #3 and Family #4 to complete Nico’s 2026 experience.
Hosting a student like Nico offers a rich cultural exchange for both the host family and the student. It’s a truly rewarding experience, creating lifelong memories and global connections. Nico is a respectful, engaging student who would greatly benefit from experiencing life with a variety of local families during his stay.
The Rotary Youth Exchange program is regaining momentum post-COVID and continues to provide incredible opportunities for young people. Past BCHS student Ruby Sitton is currently on exchange and loving every moment—she’s excited to return next year and share her experience with students considering RYE after Year 12.
If you’re interested or would like to know more, please reach out:
Lex Cox (Rotary Contact) – 0428 833 261 Alison Sitton (Current Host Family) – 0411 648 053
Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) 2025 - Townsville Diocesan Update
🌟 Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025 – Register Now!
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is fast approaching, and we’re excited to invite our students to be part of this incredible opportunity to grow in faith, friendship, and inspiration with other young Catholics from across the country.
🗓 Final numbers are due by the end of August, so we encourage families to begin the registration process as soon as possible.
🔍 Need More Information?
If your child is interested but would like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
📧 Email: youth@tsv.catholic.org.au or use the
📄 Expression of Interest Form: Click here to complete
Please also refer to the attached Information Booklets for details about the trip and festival experience.
📝 Registration
👉 Register here: Townsville Diocesan Group Link
📱 A QR code is also attached for quick access.
Important: Please do not register via the official ACYF website — registrations must be made through the Harvest Journeys Portal linked above for the Townsville Diocese group.
A step-by-step Registration Guide is also attached.
💰 Cost: $2,095 per person
A deposit of $200 is required upon registration.
If a sponsorship is covering the cost, there is an option to request an invoice through the ‘Sponsorship payment’ section during registration.
🗓 Final payment due: 17 September 2025
🎥 Promo Videos
🌐 More Info: Visit the official ACYF Website
Home Hill Junior Cricket
Cricket is back in Term 4 and there’s something for everyone! Blast Cricket for children 5-10 years and U13 and U15 Junior Cricket. Click the link to register with Home Hill Cricket:https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/home-hill-cricket-association/0a0629e1/register
Or contact antony.stewart@qldcricket.com.au or 0466 795 648 for more information.