No. 11 Term 2 - Week 10 Newsletter, 2025
From the Principal
As Term 2 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy, achievements and community spirit that have been so evident throughout the term.
We also send our best wishes to our Open Boys Rugby League team as they travel to Rockhampton for the Confraternity Carnival. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to compete, build friendships, and represent our school with pride under the leadership of Coach Marano. Importantly, this trip would not be possible without the generous support of our incredible local sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge:
Lammon Plumbing
Kiehne Guy Farms NQ
Delle Baite Earthmoving
Burdekin Tyre Service
Tropical Aqua Blast
Ruddy, Tomlins & Baxter Solicitors
Brett Butler PT
Elders Insurance
Ferguson Plumbing
Your support of our students and our school community is deeply appreciated.
Another major highlight was our Careers Expo, which offered students valuable insights into post-school pathways and career opportunities. A big thank you to the many local businesses, industry representatives, training organisations, and service providers who gave their time and expertise to support our students. The connections made and the conversations shared will no doubt have a lasting impact. This incredible expo is part of the school's Creating Futures careers program under the leadership of Mrs Delle Cort, Careers Advisor.
Wednesday, this week, the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) group came together to run the BCHS Burger Bar - Showbooth. It is a wonderful community event bringing parents, teachers and students together to raise funds for our students. We are very grateful for the time given by so many but particularly, Sandra Reents, Shannon Pirrone and Shane James.
One of the stand-out events for the past two day was our Athletics Carnival, which was an incredible showcase of house spirit, sportsmanship and participation. From start to finish, students gave their all, cheering each other on and competing with enthusiasm and pride. Thank you to all staff, volunteers and families who helped bring this event together so successfully.
A particular highlight this term has been witnessing the incredible application of our students to their learning and assessment. Across our schools, students have demonstrated persistence, focus, and a strong sense of responsibility for their own progress. This is a testament not only to their own efforts, but also to the environments we cultivate as leaders, where learning is valued, and every student is encouraged to strive for their best. Our student reports will be issued today and having a look over them, there are many successes to celebrate. Don't forget to mark in your calendars the Parent-Teacher Interviews on July 23.
Today we farewell two staff members, Mrs Karen Good and Mrs Felicity Griggs. Karen has been with us for six months and has been very supportive of our students in her role as Year 9/10 Pastoral Leader. We wish all the very best as she embarks on new directions. Felicity has been a long time member of our community in her role as the Guidance Counsellor. Felicity has worked with our students who need extra support in their daily lives. We thank her for her many years of service to our community and wish her all the very best as she sets forth on a new direction for her career.
As we head into the holidays, I encourage all students to take time to rest and recharge. Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for everything you do to make our school community thrive.
Enjoy the break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3.
Assistant Principal - Religion
Just over a decade ago, I was on a school mission trip to the Philippines, with students and teachers for a 3-week experience. We did mission with those who were fortunate, extremely rich families living in enclosed communities. We also did mission amongst the poorest of the poor, in the slum areas at the outskirts south of Manila. However, what both economically distinct Filipino societies had in common was their faith in Jesus, particularly, their devotion to the sacred heart. All houses we went into, have the sacred heart picture or icon hanging on the main door and the main gate. They have a huge devotion to the sacred heart. It struck me because growing up, with grandma and grandpa, we would have Sunday 8am morning prayers – usually, it’s a short prayer, about a 5-10 minute long because we have Mass at 9:30am. However, on the first Sunday of the month, we’d have the devotional prayers to the sacred heart. Yes, it is not short. I remember thinking as a kid that the first Sunday of the month prayer drags on for ages. At the time, it felt like it was longer than the Mass.
It was in the Philippines where I finally realised of the significance of the sacred heart devotion that my grandparents taught me – to immerse our families in the protection of Christ’s sacred heart. Filipino families knew of this truth. My grandparents knew of this truth. I’ve just finally come to know of this truth and share with you, especially as we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Church today, Friday 27th June. I pray for our BCHS community, our students, teachers, staff, family and friends and offer these to the protection of the Sacred Heart – especially during the holiday weeks. The Lord will always hear our petition, when we specifically ask for His protection through His sacred heart – because it is one of compassion, love and mercy.
We thank you for your commitment to the Catholic identity of our school this term and look forward to your continued support next term. Finally, let us never forget to - pray for one another.
Blessings,
Denis Tutaka
Assistant Principal - Religion
Year 11 Leadership Retreat
Over the past couple of days, I have been reflecting on everything we did and learnt, and I am so grateful that I got to have that experience as it taught me a lot about my peers and myself. I’ve learnt that giving back to the community is more than just helping out around town, but it’s about creating new connections with new people and hopefully brightening someone’s day. I got to perform leadership skills and learn how to corporate with others I don’t normally spend much time with. The whole exercise has given me a lot to think about and I believe it was a very positive experience for the whole cohort. Thank you to our teachers for organising this amazing opportunity and as a senior next year, I want to do my part and hopefully create something just as special where the whole school is involved with helping our community.
By Year 11 Student
From the Guidance Counsellor
The time has come in my professional journey to move on from Townsville Catholic Education. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the BCHS community for providing such a supportive environment for students. It has been a pleasure working with the students, staff and parents during my time here, and I am confident the school will continue to achieve great things. A new Guidance Counsellor will be appointed in the near future to ensure the school continues to be supported.
Felicity Griggs
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR / PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
STUDENT WELLBEING & PASTORAL SERVICES
In this edition of SchoolTV - BODY IMAGE
Kids today are more obsessed with their body image than those in past generations. This is partially influenced by the media and their social connectivity. Encouraging kids to have a healthy body image in childhood, can lay the foundations for good physical and mental health later in life.
A recent study highlighted that body image is one of the top three concerns for Australian youth. Over half of girls in high schools have tried to lose weight. One-third of teenage boys wanted to be thinner and another third wanted to be larger. Children need to understand that their body shape and size is not a reflection of their health or success. Parents and schools need to work together to help kids understand that everyone is born with their own ‘body-suit’.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to encourage their child to have a positive body image and why it is so important to their mental health.
Here is the link to the Body Image edition of SchoolTV
https://bchs.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/body-image
From the Careers Department
Celebrating Student Success – Boden O’Keeffe Secures School-Based Apprenticeship
Congratulations to Boden O’Keeffe, who has recently been signed up as a School-Based Apprentice at Ayr Marine Services. He will begin his Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology.
This opportunity was well-earned through Boden’s initiative and dedication. In November last year, he responded to a part-time job advertisement at Ayr Marine Services. He was subsequently employed and began working three afternoons a week after school, as well as during school holidays.
Aiden Slatcher, owner-operator of Ayr Marine Services, was impressed by Boden’s strong work ethic and natural aptitude. As a result, Boden has now secured this exciting apprenticeship opportunity.
He follows in the footsteps of Jaycob Pirrone, a past student from the Senior Class of 2023, who was employed as an apprentice at Ayr Marine Services upon completing high school.
A sincere thank you to Aiden Slatcher for supporting our students and offering valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
If you are a local business interested in finding out more about School-Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 4783 2366 or via email at adallecort@bchs.catholic.edu.au.
Career Café Conversation – Union Residential College, Brisbane
Year 11 and 12 students were recently invited to attend a Career Café Conversation presented by Bernadette Yates from Union College in Brisbane.
Leaving Ayr to study can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel daunting. Choosing to live on campus at St Lucia can make the transition to university life and a new city much smoother. Bernadette’s presentation offered students valuable insight into the advantages of living on campus. She highlighted benefits such as access to tutors in your area of study, cultural and sporting opportunities, three meals a day, and the support of a close-knit student community.
What made the presentation even more engaging was seeing past BCHS students thriving in residential colleges. Featured in the presentation were Benjamin Smail, Thomas Davies, Brigitte Davies, and Emma Halliday—all of whom have successfully made the transition to university life through residential college living.
Bernadette’s final advice for students included:
- Visit the college websites of universities you're interested in
- Follow them on social media
- Attend Open Days
- Arrange a tour to experience the environment firsthand
These Career Café Conversations wouldn’t be possible without the creativity and professionalism of our Year 11 Hospitality students, led by Ms Loizou. A special thank you to Maya Hollingsworth and Maya Flanagan, who showcased their skills by creating a welcoming café atmosphere. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a warm smile, pre-ordered beverages, and a delicious selection of hot and cold snacks.
Year 7 Supporting Kids with Cancer
Year 7 Students Raise $690 for Kids with Cancer
We’re proud to share that our Year 7 students successfully raised $690.00 for the Children’s Cancer Institute, showing incredible Family Spirit in support of the 25th anniversary of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride. Their efforts contribute to vital research and a future without childhood cancer.
From the First Nations Department
Community News
Parish News
