2025 Term 1 Week 5

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians

RE: Important Notice on Bullying Prevention and Consequences

At Good Counsel College, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. It is essential that every child feels valued and supported in order to thrive both academically and personally.

We would like to remind you that any form of bullying—whether physical, verbal, social, or online—diminishes a person’s wellbeing and will not be tolerated at our school. Bullying can have lasting negative effects on both the victim and the perpetrator, impacting emotional, mental, and academic development.

As such, bullying will be treated as a serious behavioural offense. Any student found engaging in bullying behaviour will face appropriate consequences, which may include counselling, parental meetings, and, if necessary, suspension from school. Our goal is to address these behaviours promptly and effectively, ensuring a culture of respect and kindness among our students.

We encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. If you or your child witness or experience bullying, we urge you to report it immediately to a teacher or their Wellbeing Leader. Good Counsel staff are here to support and address concerns in a constructive and confidential manner.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and nurturing school environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at pmelloy@cns.catholic.edu.au

Yours faithfully

Paul Melloy
Principal

From the Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Here we are, halfway through Term 1 already. Congratulations to students for their engagement in learning so far this year.

School Photos

College Photos will be taken on Monday, 10 March 2025. Please see the attached flyer, containing information on how to order photos. It is preferred that online orders are made. Sibling photos are available also. If envelopes are required (for individual or sibling photos) these can be collected from the college office between Monday 24 February and Friday 7 March. Students are expected to adhere to the college rules regarding jewellery, hair and uniforms for the photos. The photographers know what our expectations are and will not photograph students if they are not meeting the expectations.

NAPLAN

Year 7 and 9 students will be sitting the NAPLAN tests from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 17 March. Catch up tests will be run from Tuesday 18 March to Friday 21 March as needed. An email was sent home with the schedule, along with a copy of the Parent Withdrawal form if you choose to withdraw your child from the testing.

Term 1 Exam Block

Emails were sent home on Monday this week with the Term 1 exam timetable for Years 7 to 10. These dates have also been entered on the Assessment Calendar. All students are expected to attend school and complete all assessment.

Term 1 Reports

Term 1 Reports will be released through The Learning Dashboard, which is available via a link from the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal can be accessed online via the MyCE app on your mobile device, or via the Parent Portal link from our website. Reports will be issued on Friday of Week 10. These are an interim report, designed to give parents an idea of progress so far.

Parent Teacher Student Conversations

These will be held in Week 2 of Term 2 in the CHC. Parents will be able to book these conversations in the first week of Term 2. More information will come out later in the term.

Tips for success

I remind students and parents that the best way for anyone to succeed is to be well prepared. This means both physical and emotional preparedness. Getting plenty of good quality sleep, as well as drinking lots of water helps with both physical and mental wellbeing. Attached to this newsletter is a fact sheet from Headspace relating to sleep for teenagers. Please take the time to read through it and talk about it at home. Help prepare your family for a successful year by making positive changes to routines, including frequent (daily) study habits. Evidence suggests that consistent practice over a longer period of time is much more effective than a ‘cramming’ session just prior to an exam.

Elizabeth Sutton 
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning 

From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

Dear Parents/Carers & Students,

It’s hard to believe that we’ve made it through half the term already!

Wellbeing Focus: Online Safety

Much of this information is a repeat from a previous newsletter; however, the problem is still a grave concern. I remain incredibly concerned about the number of external social media profiles and pages that focus on belittling, humiliating or impersonating members of our local community.

In particular, there has been a rise in fake profiles and accounts, as well as student use of anonymous messaging services. One such messaging service is Tellonym. I would strongly encourage parents to access the eSafety website which provides an overview of this application, its uses and its application logo.

Other than our school-managed Facebook page, website and YouTube channel, please be assured that any online content that uses the Good Counsel College name is in no way affiliated with our school. These pages and profiles are immediately reported, not just to the social media platform, but to eSafety. At a school level we are limited in terms of what we can do to manage social media usage; however, I would strongly encourage students and parents to be aware of their rights.

If your child is the subject of any inappropriate commentary on social media, please report this to the relevant social media platform. If there has been no visible action taken by the platform within a 24-hour window, head directly to the eSafety website to report abuse.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides five important tips regarding online behaviour:

1. Think of others’ feelings before you post, like or share content
2. Ask for permission before you share a photo or video with someone else in it – respectful relationships start with consent
3. Be an upstander and speak up if you see someone cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content in a group chat – let them know it’s not okay, and report or delete the content
4. Use privacy and screen time settings to take control of your digital life and its impact on your mental health
5. Ask for help – cyberbullying and sharing images without consent can be distressing, but eSafety can help remove them

I implore students and parents/carers to live by the adage that the standard you scroll past is the standard you accept. We all need to work together to protect our community.

For further information, visit the eSafety website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Pastoral Focus – The Resilience Project

Good Counsel College is excited to be part of The Resilience Project, which has started in our weekly Social & Emotional Learning (Years 7-10) and Personal Development (11-12) lessons.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness.

Through presentations, school curriculum, events, the TRP App, and Wellbeing Journals, the program shares the benefits of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, and easy ways to practise these in everyday life. TRP also incorporates Emotional Literacy, Connection and Physical Health education and activities as they are foundational contributors to positive mental health.

For further information on The Resilience Project, parents/carers can access their website or refer to the information below.

Attendance Focus – Lateness to School

In some positive news, 2024 data shows that Good Counsel College had the highest percentage of students attending school 90% of the time in the diocese. While this is pleasing, the overall number (approximately 65% of students attending 90% of the time) is still well short of the diocesan target of 90%.

In another case of ‘good news/bad news’, the number of unexplained student absences has significantly decreased to start the year. However, instances of lateness to school have still been evident during the first five weeks and we need families to ensure students are at school by 8:35am when the bell rings for homeroom.

Students with patterns of repeated, unexplained lateness will be issued with punctuality cards.  We appreciate communication from families to explain instances of lateness, but we are also aware that some students are arriving late despite being dropped off early by parents/carers.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the college.

Mrs. Marcelle Foster
Acting Assistant Principal, Wellbeing

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Ed.

We will shortly commence the season of Lent which leads up to the most important days in the Christian calendar, Easter. Week 6 will celebrate Shrove Tuesday, a day in which traditionally people used up all their rich foods in preparation for the coming season of abstinence and fasting. At Good Counsel College we make pancakes with chocolate topping or maple syrup for $1 or pancakes with fruit and cream for $2. These are made by our students, who give of their time to serve others, service of others in many ways is at the core of who we should be as Christians. Jesus was the ultimate service leader as exemplified when he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. It also acts as a fundraiser for Caritas. Throughout the remainder of the Lenten period, students are asked to donate in their homerooms or to come up with fundraising initiatives to support the work of Caritas.

The theme for Caritas this year is Unite Against Poverty. This is in alignment with Jesus’ work which emphasised the importance of caring for the poor and marginalised in society. Matthew 25 reiterates Jesus' words: “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Our duty is to support those in need and to work towards a world in which everyone has dignity and hope. Throughout prayer in the coming weeks we will explore Caritas stories of people in Samoa, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Our Ash Wednesday observance will commence with a liturgy at school for most grades other than Year 11 who will join in celebrations with Good Counsel Primary School. Lent is a season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. A time to examine our own lives and to consider the direction in which we are pilgriming on our journey of hope. Is there more that we can do for those less fortunate than ourselves? Are we called to carry out God's work in our community in a social or ecological way? So, in this Jubilee year for both the church and Good Counsel College, let us come together as pilgrims of hope and Unite Against Poverty.

Annette Luxford
Assistant Principal - Religious Ed.

Nulung – Kayn Kasi Student Leader

Good Counsel College was proudly represented at the Nulung – Kayn Kasi Student Leader event, held on Monday, 24 February 2025.

This initiative is designed to empower First Nations student leaders, recognises their commitment to fostering a thriving school community and serving as role models for their peers. 

On the night, school captain, Mia Terry, was honoured with a leadership badge, presented by Executive Director Diarmuid O'Riordan and Bishop Joe Caddy AM. This recognition highlights Mia’s dedication to leadership and the values of the Nulung – Kayn Kasi initiative. 

The program supports student leaders throughout the year with virtual check-ins, featuring guest speakers who provide insights into leadership and cultural identity. These sessions allow students to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and build strong relationships with peers from other schools. 

The Nulung – Kayn Kasi initiative honours First Nations communities, respecting their cultures and beliefs, and reinforcing a commitment to Closing the Gap imperatives for every First Nations student. 

Good Counsel College is proud of Mia and all our student leaders who strive to make a positive impact. We look forward to seeing the influence of their leadership in the years to come. 

Enrol now - Year 7 in 2026

Year 7 in 2026 Enrolment Dates

Feeder School Visits                                                                Week 7 & 8 Term 1
Applications Close                                                                  Friday, 2 May 2025
Interview Day                                                                     Saturday, 17 May 2025
Letters of Offer sent out                                                             Week 10 Term 2
Catholic Education Week Taster Day                                      Week 3 Term 3
Orientation Day (Yr7 in 2025)                           Thursday, 16 October 2025
Transition Program (identified students)                        Weeks 1-3 Term 4
College Tours                                                Terms 1 & 2 and by appointment

Enrolment Process

Enrolments are filling fast for Year 7 in 2026. 

Enrolment applications can be completed online via the college web page www.gcc.qld.edu.au .

If you know of families with children who will be in Year 7 in 2026, please encourage them to submit their child's application.  For further inquiries regarding the enrolment process, please contact the college on 4063 5300 or email our Enrolments Officer, Leigh Hodder-Onaindia at lhodderona@cns.catholic.edu.au .

College Tours

Parent tours are also available throughout Terms 1 & 2 (bookings required) and by appointment.  Students will be given a tour as part of Orientation Day.

Tours will be held on the following dates:

• Term 1 – 27 March 2025 (3.15pm - 4.15pm)
• Term 2 – 30 April 2025 (3.15pm - 4.15pm)
• Term 2 – 12 June 2025 (3.15pm - 4.15pm)

To book a tour, please click on the link below.

Year 7 Interviews

Year 7 in 2026 interviews will be held on Saturday, 16 May at the college.  Applications will close on Friday, 2 May. Applications received after this time will be considered later in the year.

Arrangements for Year 7 interviews will be communicated early in Term 2.  Interviews will only be arranged for students with completed applications, including the required documents. Please advise the college of any changes to your contact details to ensure all enrolment correspondence is received.

50 Years Jubilee Celebration

Catholic Education commenced in Innisfail in 1903 with the arrival of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and further grew when the Marist Brothers started Good Counsel School for boys in 1938.  In 1975, Good Counsel College was formed from a merger of the girls’ school (Sacred Heart), conducted by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, and the boys’ school, conducted by the Marist Brothers.

Good Counsel College will celebrate 50 years of excellence in education in 2025. To mark this special milestone, a day of celebration will be held on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Share Your Story - Alumni & Staff

Former Good Counsel College students (and staff!) are invited to share their achievements and successes as well as their fondest memories of their time at the college by completing the form on our webpage using the link below. Let us continue to celebrate your accomplishments!

Join the Mailing List

Click on the link below to join our mailing list to receive updates about all the exciting events and activities planned for this special occasion.

Send in your photos

 If you have photos from your time at Good Counsel College—whether from the classroom, sports, performances, camps, or special events—we’d love for you to share them with us for display at the celebration lunch.

Email your photos to gcc.gcounsel@cns.catholic.edu.au

Book your Tickets

Tickets for the luncheon are now on sale through TryBooking by scanning the QR code below.

VET & Careers

Cairns Air Force Careers Information Session

Organisation: Australian Defence Force
Location: Cairns ADF Careers Centre
Date: March 5, 2025

Reach new heights in a career with the Air Force.

You can work with advanced technology as you support the Air Force across a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas.

Head to an info session to learn more about Air Force careers in Aviation, Combat and Security, Healthcare, Trades, Cyber and much more.

Find out more and register

All Things Marine at JCU

Organisation: James Cook University
Location: Online
Date: March 6, 2025

Join us for this exclusive webinar designed to guide you through all things marine at James Cook University! Learn more about JCU's leading marine programs, world-class facilities and vibrant student life.

During this session, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Hear from JCU’s renowned marine academics, Mia Hoogenboom and Mark Hamann.
• Learn more about our exciting undergraduate and postgraduate marine programs and gain valuable guidance on the application process.
• Uncover the James Cook University advantage through our world-class facilities, supportive learning environment, and vibrant student life.

Find out more and register

Townsville Defence Careers Information Session

Organisation: Australian Defence Force
Location: Townsville ADF Careers Centre
Date: March 10, 2025

Wondering whether a job in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the right fit for you?

Come along to an upcoming info session where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn everything you want to know regarding job roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force.

You'll have the chance to speak with current serving members to see if an ADF career is the one for you.

Find out more and register

Discover ACU Brisbane

Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Location: ACU Brisbane Campus
Date: April 9, 2025

Experience university life firsthand at the 2025 Discover ACU. This free event, tailored to your specific study interests, offers an in-depth look at what it is like to be a university student.

At our Brisbane campus, you will find a range of engaging sessions on topics including business, education, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, law, and criminology, plus guided campus tours.

Find out more and register

Discover ACU Ballarat: Arts and Humanities, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Teaching

Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Location: ACU Ballarat Campus
Date: April 10, 2025

Are you a current secondary student in year 10, 11 or 12?

Experience university life firsthand at the 2025 Discover ACU. This free event, tailored to your specific study interests, offers an in-depth look at what it is like to be a university student. 

You'll have the choice of one of the following workshops:

• Arts and Humanities
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Teaching

Find out more and register

Best Field Trip in the World 2025

Organisation: University of the Sunshine Coast
Location: Various
Date: April 10 to April 13, 2025

University of the Sunshine Coast's award-winning Best Field Trip competition is back!

This is your chance to win a four-day rollicking adventure for year 11 and 12 students, exploring world-heritage wonders and hanging out with UniSC staff and students as well as some of our sporting superstars. The prize includes:

• Return travel from your residing destination
• All transfers, accommodation and meals
• Tickets to an NRL game at Suncorp Stadium
• Kayaking tour and overnight at Noosa
• Sightseeing and overnight stay at K’gari

We know the best memory is a shared memory, so each winner will be able to bring along a friend!

Entrants to the competition must submit a 100-word entry which responds to the question: What do you think life after high school will be like?

Entries close Sunday 9 March 2025.

Find out more and register

News In My Neighbourhood Competition 2025

Organisation: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Location: Australia
Value: See details
Open Date: January 28, 2025
Close Date: November 23, 2025

Find out more

The VET/Careers office is open to students during breaks to explore future options and speak to staff.

Tuckshop Roster T1 Wk 6-10

College Calendars

All college events, special days, meetings and class activities are recorded on the College Calendar and can be accessed via the Student, Parent and Staff portals.

The Assessment Calendar is also located on the Student, Parent and Staff portals.  All assessment due dates (drafts and finals) are recorded on this calendar.

Accessing the Calendars

The Parent Portal can be accessed via the college website and through the MyCE app. 

To download the MyCE app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play (android phones)

The following guide provides information on how to log in to the Parent Portal.