2025 Term 1 Week 10

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

                      RE: Happy Easter

As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding Term 1, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome my wife and I have received at Good Counsel College. Your support throughout the term have been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the sense of community that defines our school.

A special thank you to all those who participated in our recent SWOT Analysis. Your insights, ideas, and comments will be given serious consideration as we move into our new strategic period for the school (2026 – 2028). Your contributions are instrumental in shaping the future direction of Good Counsel College, ensuring that we continue to provide the best opportunities for our students.

Reflecting on the past ten weeks, we take pride in all that we have achieved together. Some of the standout moments include the dedication and hard work of our senior Netball, Basketball, and Rugby League teams as they prepare for their upcoming competitions in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Townsville. Their commitment has been inspiring, and we wish them the very best in their respective tournaments.

We also look back fondly on our vibrant Harmony Day celebrations. The rich colours, cultural expressions, and enthusiastic participation reinforced that our diversity is indeed our strength. It was heartening to see our students and staff embrace the spirit of inclusivity and respect that defines our school community.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teaching and administration staff, whose tireless efforts ensure that every student is supported in their academic and personal growth. Their commitment to excellence makes all the difference in creating a nurturing learning environment.

We also celebrate the fundraising successes of Term 1. Through our collective efforts, we have raised approximately $2 000 for Caritas, demonstrating the generosity and compassion of our school community. Your support in these initiatives truly makes a meaningful impact and fosters a culture of social justice in action.

Wishing all families of Good Counsel College a joyful and blessed Easter; filled with the hope, peace, and renewal that Christ’s resurrection brings. As we now approach the holidays, I encourage everyone to take the time to rest, reconnect with family, and appreciate the beauty of Far North Queensland. May this break be a time of renewal and joy for all.

Happy Easter.

Kindest regards,

Paul Melloy
Principal

From the Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

NAPLAN

Thank you to the Years 7 and 9 students for your participation and efforts throughout the testing period in Weeks 7 and 8. We will keep parents updated when we know specific dates regarding the release of these results.

Term 1 Reports and Parent-Student-Teacher Conversations

Interim reports have been finalised and released on the Parent Portal and via the MyCE app. Reports are now released through The Learning Dashboard, which has a separate link on both the parent portal and the MyCE app. Instructions for accessing The Learning Dashboard has been sent via email to all parents.

Parent-Student-Teacher conversations will be held on Tuesday 29th April from 3.30pm to 7.30pm in the CHC. Parents will be sent a link to Booked (formerly called PTO) for online bookings at the start of Term 2. If you have any issues with booking, please contact the college office for assistance. I strongly encourage students to attend these conversations along with parents so we can work together to achieve learning goals for all students.

Year 12 Assessment and Results

Results for the first internal assessment for Year 12 General subjects have been submitted to the QCAA for confirmation. Early next term we will submit samples of student work and teachers from around the state will confirm results. This process occurs 3 times each year and is the main method of Quality Assurance for our Year 12 results. Students in all Year 12 class have now started the work that leads to their second, and in some classes, third internal assessment. Students are reminded that while it is very important to take a break over the next two weeks, some time should be given to some revision and school work during this time. A reminder that external exams for Year 12 students begin on Monday October 27th, with exams running through until mid-November. I will send out the exam timetable once it has been released by QCAA – this is likely to be sometime around the middle of next term.

Assessment processes – a reminder

Every effort is made to clearly communicate our assessment dates. Parents have access to the Assessment Calendar via the Parent Portal and I encourage parents to monitor this for their students. We also send out an exam block timetable for the end of each term. All assessment is important and student absences when assessment is occurring is not encouraged or supported. If you have concerns about student attendance and assessment, it is advised that you contact me well in advance so we can ensure equity for all students.

Attendance is so important!

Not only should students be here for assessment, but attendance during standard lesson times is critical. Students who are absent from class for any reason should be making an effort to find out what was missed and catch up. This is important for students in all year levels, but particularly for those in Years 11 and 12. There have been many interruptions this term, some of which are unavoidable, but it is imperative that students make every effort to keep up with all class work to ensure solid preparation for all assessment and activities.

Happy Easter

I wish all students, staff and families a very happy Easter period. Enjoy the time off together and stay safe.

Elizabeth Sutton 
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

Dear Parents/Carers & Students,

Many congratulations to all of you for making it to the end of Term One!

Attendance Focus – 90% and above!

The Cairns diocesan benchmark for school attendance is set at 90% of students attending school 90% of the time. At present, Good Counsel College sits at just under 72%. After just one term, it’s evident that this number is unsatisfactory.

The college will be making contact with those students whose attendance is not at the 90% benchmark. We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances to explain extended student absences; however, the college views student attendance as vital in ensuring successful learning outcomes.

Holiday Focus – Preparing for a Return to School

Please read on for some friendly reminders in readiness for Term Two:

Tuckshop Ordering

Our wonderful tuckshop staff have done a roaring trade in term one, and we thank our students for engaging so well with the service. As a result of the increased demand, we have noted that it is taking some time for queues to subside and for all students to be served in a timely manner.

In order to attempt to speed the process up, some students have attempted to pay for their items using their mobile phones. A friendly reminder was issued to students at our last assembly that this contravenes the college’s device policy, and it not an acceptable method of payment.

Heading into term two, I would strongly encourage parents/carers and students to consider using Flexischools to manage tuckshop purchases. Flexischools is a cashless card system that links a student’s existing school ID card to their Flexischools account, allowing them to purchase securely on the school grounds without the need for cash. Parents can set up a Flexischools account online and pre-load the account with funds.

Some of the benefits of using Flexischools include:

• Students can make purchases at the canteen with their card at the cash register.
• On-screen photo ID security protects your account from lost or stolen cards.
• Parents can view their students’ purchases online and set a daily spending limit.
• Saving time in the tuckshop queue!

For further information on how to register for Flexischools, access our college website.

Locker Use & Safety

Over the past weekend, two members of our local community (not affiliated with GCC in any way) entered the campus and engaged in minor vandalism of lockers, as well as searching the numerous open lockers in several locker bays.

While the college does not condone the actions of these two individuals and has filed the appropriate reports with police, I am incredibly disappointed that despite numerous warnings to students, many are still not using their college-provided locks to lock their lockers.

Parents/carers – please have a conversation with your child about the importance of locking their locker, not just at the end of the school day, but after each time they access it during the day.

House Focus – Marist Cup

We’d like to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of our college community in raising funds to support the work of Caritas through Project Compassion. Our houses certainly took up the challenge, devising a series of wonderful fundraisers, including jersey and Easter raffles, cake and other food and drink stalls. We look forward to revealing our final donation total at our first assembly of Term Two.

End of Term Thanks

As we wrap up the term, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Marcelle Foster for stepping up in my absence to start the term. The (very) early arrival of my newborn meant that Marcelle was thrust into the role with very little preparation, and I’d like to acknowledge her adaptability and commitment to student wellbeing.

Contact

As always, my office door and inbox are always open. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch (bpappas@cns.catholic.edu.au).

Take care,

Brenton Pappas
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

From the Assistant Principal - Religious Ed.

A reflection on Palm Sunday from Australian Catholics Magazine, prepared by St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the climax of Jesus’ mission. Today we see him enter Jerusalem on a donkey, as the cheering crowd joyfully proclaims ‘Hosanna’, waving palm branches.

As the story of the Passion unfolds in the Gospel, the mood soon changes. Viewing Jesus as a threat to their religious authority, the chief priests plot to bring about his end. The crowd now turns on Jesus, shouting ‘Crucify him’. Then we accompany Jesus in his suffering to his last breath, hearing those desolate words, ‘My God, my God why have you deserted me?’

We respond with these same words to the Psalm, which describes the humiliation that Jesus will suffer in order to save us. In the last verse, however, the mood changes from dejection to praise and glory.

Though the First Reading also touches on suffering, the servant takes strength from God’s presence with him, even in the worst circumstances.

Paul urges the Philippians to be more Christ-like in their behaviour. Jesus came among us in humility as a servant, showing his great unconditional love for us by dying on the cross. (Second Reading)

As we accompany Jesus through Holy Week, no matter what trials we may be facing, let’s pray for confidence in God’s presence, that we may be strengthened by it and filled with hope as we look forward to Easter.

Children often ask the question why is Good Friday called Good Friday when it was actually a terribly sad day in which Jesus was nailed to a cross simply for being who he was? What crime did he commit? Why was he persecuted when only the Sunday before people were praising him?

Some reflection on the events helps gain an understanding. Jesus was a rebel. He was causing chaos for the High Priests and officials of the Jewish church. These men were used to having power, they liked the way that their society was arranged as it allowed them certain rights, privileges, and wealth. Jesus had entered the towns and raised the hopes of the lower levels of society. With Jesus as their head life could change. He associated with widows, orphans, tax collectors, those with physical ailments, if fact anyone who was an outcast within their society. These people outnumbered those in power, if a rebellion started, they could overthrow the high priests. This simply could not happen. On Palm Sunday Jesus was praised and worshipped like a king by those who wanted to rebel. Something had to be done about it. Friday culminated in the death of Jesus. His death was not a typically good thing as my children point out, it was in fact a terrible atrocity. The reason why it is considered good for Christians comes from the fact that Jesus’ death and resurrection enables all Christian to obtain eternal life in heaven. His sacrifice was made for all of us and it is therefore a “good” outcome for all humans. The most important day in the Christian calendar is Easter Sunday as Jesus resurrected celebrates victory over sin and death.

May everyone take the time this year to celebrate the “good” that came from Jesus’ sacrifice.

Thank you to all families who have supported the Caritas appeals throughout the term, your generosity is greatly appreciated. We look forward to finalising totals and sending them to Caritas to support their work both in Australia and abroad.

Wishing everyone a safe, enjoyable and prayer filled Easter.

Annette Luxford
Assistant Principal - Religious Ed.

Grade 9 - Business Education

Grade 9 Business students have been delving into a unit on Australia’s Financial Sector. To enrich their learning experience, Mr. Joseph Camuglia, an experienced financial advisor, was invited to share his expertise on shares as a long-term investment. The students gained valuable insights into how companies are formed and the importance of time in the market when investing in shares. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Camuglia for taking the time to deliver such an engaging and informative presentation on the Australian sharemarket to our Business students.

Teresa Snodgrass

Catholic Debutante Ball

It was an honour for Lorraine and I to attend the 2025 Debutante Ball. Held in the splendid Shire Hall, 21 debutantes, coming from Innisfail, Tully and Babinda accompanied by their partners, were introduced to the Innisfail community in the presence of their parents and families. They looked stunning, upholding a tradition that has faded in many parts of Australia. This was our first debutante ball, and we thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic experience, complete with a formal dinner and dancing in a magnificent setting.

Congratulations to the following Good Counsel College debutantes and their partners:

• Mia McLeish & Ronan Sultana
• Rhya Maxwell & Sandor Zieger
• Ceira O'Brien & Sanraj Grewal
• Matilda Fudge & Jeremy Cahill
• Ainsley Cavallaro & Thomas Van Bael
• Isabelle Horsford & Jason Schramm
• Keira Kuhnell & Lachlan Vella
• Victoria Caltabiano & Cameron Barnes
• Hannah Dryden & Tama Wilson
• Kara Scuderi & Peter Solien
• Dakota Dunford & Xavier Sutton
• Karleigh Costa & Matthew Mellick
• Mia Terry & Harrison Stone
• Skehinah Goddard & Jase Braun
• Kyra Locastro & Jakob Ford
  

Paul Melloy 

Harmony Week

Celebrating Cultural Diversity at Good Counsel College

Good Counsel College is a vibrant community enriched by a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. With a student body of approximately 400, we proudly represent over 75–80 different countries. Together, we form a unique and united community where each heritage and culture strengthens and enriches us all.

Harmony Week (March 17–23) provided an opportunity to celebrate this diversity and embrace inclusivity, respect, and belonging. At Good Counsel College, students and staff came together to honour their cultural backgrounds through a free dress day, proudly wearing traditional attire. The day began with a special bagpipe performance by a teacher dressed in a kilt, setting the tone for a vibrant and celebratory event.

Lunchtime activities included a photo booth, where students captured moments with friends from different cultural backgrounds, and a traditional Hmong dance performance, prepared through dedicated practice by a group of students. Our First Nations Officer also created beautifully painted frames to celebrate individuality through photography.

Throughout the week, further activities encouraged engagement and connection, including a League of Nations soccer tournament, Name the Flag Trivia, and a Scavenger Hunt.

Good Counsel College proudly embraces the Marist Pillar of Family Spirit, fostering a school culture where all students feel included, valued, and connected through the celebration of their unique heritages.

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Keep the Music Going!

Music is thriving at Good Counsel College, with plenty of opportunities for students to play, sing, and explore new sounds!

Two dedicated Year 7 students - Rhonda Lovegrove and Alice Winton, who began learning their instruments in primary school, are continuing their musical journey with instrumental lessons every Monday lunchtime. Their commitment to improving their skills is fantastic to see!

On Wednesdays, the school choir fills the music room with harmonies as students come together to sing and develop their vocal talents.

For those who love to experiment with music, the music room is open two lunchtimes a week for students to jam with their mates or try out new instruments in a fun, relaxed setting. Whether you're an experienced musician or just curious to give it a go, there's something for everyone!

SRC Combined Formation

Students from St Augustine’s College and Good Counsel College Student Representative Councils gathered for a meaningful session with Brother Tony, focusing on our shared goals and values.

Through engaging discussions on Laudato Si, students explored ways to become better stewards of our schools and communities. Icebreaker activities helped strengthen connections with our Marist friends before planning exciting initiatives for the year ahead.

A heartful thank you to Brother Tony for traveling from Sydney once again to share his wisdom and guidance with our staff and students!

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Student Achievements

Netball Peninsula

Huge Congratulations to Rick, Sam, Jaida, Isadora & Vivian! 

What a remarkable display of talent and dedication by these athletes who represented the Cassowary Coast at the U12 Peninsula Netball trials! Despite facing fierce competition in both the boys' and girls' divisions, these students  gave their all and demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.

A special congratulations to Rick and Sam for being selected in the Peninsula boys’ team and to Jaida, Isadora, and Vivian for making the Peninsula girls’ team!

They will now head to Caloundra in May to compete at the State Titles—what an amazing achievement!

Term 1 Year 7/8 Mixed Netball Competition

A huge well done to Clancy House for winning the Term 1 Year 7/8 Mixed Netball Competition! It was a thrilling final against MacKillop, with plenty of talent and teamwork on display.

Shoutout to Polding for securing 3rd place and Marcellin for finishing 4th—well done to all teams for a fantastic competition!

Project Compassion

MARC Homeroom

Marcellin C organized two 'Hundred Squares' events, successfully raising $200 for Project Compassion. Generous contributions were made by Lucian and Cooper, who provided a cash voucher as a prize, and Gabi and Taylor, who donated a BCF voucher. We extend our gratitude to their dedicated assistants for supporting this worthy cause, and a special thank you to Mr. Melloy for spinning the wheel to select the lucky winners.

Congratulations and Well Done!

Mr McTaggart

Marcellin C

VET & Careers

Congratulations to our newest apprentice, Clayten Bensi, who was signed up in a Certificate III in Carpentry with Corica Construction. This is the 6^th apprentice from Good Counsel College that this company is signing up! We wish Clayten every success on this pathway!

Monday (April 7, 2025)
Defence Careers Australia - Townsville: Defence Careers Information Session
Consider a career like no other and represent Australia with pride in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Speak with current serving personnel at our upcoming info session and ask your questions - is a career in the Australian Defence Force for you?

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited!

Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Location: Townsville ADF Careers Centre
Details and Registration:  https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/ohnz2tt

Wednesday (April 9, 2025)
Defence Careers Australia - Cairns: Defence Careers Information Session
Consider a career like no other and represent Australia with pride in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Speak with current serving personnel at our upcoming info session and ask your questions - is a career in the Australian Defence Force for you?

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited!

Time: 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Location: Cairns ADF Careers Centre
Details and Registration:  https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/m3w1z5u

Simulated UCAT Day Workshop, Online
Organisation: National Institute of Education
Location: Online
Date: April 5, 2025

If you are in Years 10, 11, 12, or you may be older and considering sitting the UCAT in the future, then this program is for you. The Simulated UCAT Workshop program is ideal and often a necessary step towards effective and efficient preparation for the UCAT.

The workshop is primarily designed to cover fundamental techniques in navigating all five sections of the UCAT test and also for participants to gain a better understanding of their own level of preparedness for the test.

The program runs over one full day of UCAT training, and Part 2, which is a 3-hour session for students and parents.

Find out more and register

Virtual Open Day 2025
Organisation: Bond University
Location: Online
Date: April 5, 2025

Experience Bond's deliberately different approach to learning at Virtual Open Day. Register to unlock exclusive content, available to you on-demand, and watch the broadcast streamed live from campus on Saturday, 5 April, 2025 from 12pm AEST.

See for yourself why the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite classroom. From our personalised attention to our exceptional graduate outcomes, Virtual Open Day is the place to uncover everything Bond University has to offer.

Find out more and register

Heroes in Health, Cairns
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: Cairns
Date: 27 & 28 May, 2025

Get a sneak peek of what it’s really like to be in a healthcare career at Heroes in Health. This two-day program is a joint collaboration between JCU and the Cairns Hospital that offers a unique opportunity to explore Medical, Nursing and Allied Health careers.

You’ll go behind the scenes at the Cairns Hospital, with opportunities to speak directly with health professionals including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and pharmacists about their profession in the healthcare industry and their career journeys so far.

If you’re in Year 11 or 12 you can apply to be a part of Heroes in Health.

To help with your career goals, JCU Advisors will also be on hand to provide information about courses and university life.
Find out more and register

Heroes in Science, Cairns
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: Cairns
Date: June 5, 2025

JCU is giving high school students with a passion and desire to develop a career in science the chance to learn from industry experts and experience how scientific knowledge can improve the quality of life at many different levels.

You’ll go from the lab and out into the field where you will experience how science informs decisions on conservation, climate change, urban growth and many other areas that affect not only global issues but our everyday lives.

If you’re in Year 11 or 12 and based within the North Queensland region, you can apply to be a part of the Heroes in Science program. This year, we are also encouraging students from outside of the Cairns region, whom are willing to travel, to submit an application. Travel scholarships are available to successful applicants that meet criteria.
Find out more and register

Online Campus Day
Organisation: Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Location: Online
Date: June 7, 2025

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see our amazing student work.

We will be covering everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
• studios and industries that we work with;
• courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more and register

Competitions

Tax, Super + You Competition

Organisation: Australian Taxation Office
Location: Australia
Value: $1,000 plus $1,000 for your school
Open Date: March 24, 2025
Close Date: September 5, 2025
Find out more

Big Science Competition
Organisation: Australian Science Innovations
Location: All
Value: See details
Close Date: April 29, 2025
Find out more

Maths and Stats Research Competition
The 2025 Mathematics and Statistics Research Competition has officially launched!

How does it work?

• It’s free.
• It’s open to students from across Australia.
• It’s not an exam - you write a report or make a poster.
• There is a range of open-ended research topics to choose from.
• You have until 31 July to undertake research and submit a project.
• The highest-quality projects are eligible for cash prizes!
• You may be invited to The University of Melbourne Parkville campus to deliver a presentation on your research!

You can find out more on the FAQ page and in the submission guidelines.

How do I enter?

The steps are:

• Form a team of up to 3.
• Select a topic from the competition booklet.
• Conduct research and create a report or visual display.
• Submit your research by the deadline.

Prizes!

Students with the top project receive $500 each and finalists receive $200 each. There are also cash prizes for best visual displays! Check out the 2023 Finalist Projects for some inspiration.

Download 2024 Finalist Projects

P&F News

The P&F committee met on Wednesday, 13 March for their Annual General Meeting.

Congratulations to the following parents who have accepted executive roles on this year's committee:

Tania Spagnolo - President
Tamara McLaughlin - Vice President
Leigh Hodder-Onaindia - Secretary & Treasurer

The committee meets once a term in weeks 5 or 6 between 8am and 9am on Thursday morning in the Administration Boardroom.  Notifications of upcoming meetings will be posted on the MyCE App and Facebook and are on the college calendar.

If you are unable to attend meetings and would like to stay informed about P&F news and events, please contact the college to register for committee email correspondence.

The 2024 Annual Report from president Tania Spagnolo can be viewed on our website at this link. 

News from the Accounts Office

Term 1 fees and levies are now overdue (10^th March) unless one of the following arrangements have been put in place for example: 

• Regular BPAY or Direct Funds Transfers from a bank or financial institution account. The value of your payments should ensure your account has a nil balance at year's end.
• Seeking to defer the payment until a later agreed date. This may be appropriate for some self-employed parents with irregular incomes.
• Consideration of genuine family financial hardship. Please contact Mrs Julie Nicolau (Finance Officer) to discuss arrangements.
  

Thank you to the families who have made their payments on time.

Correct Payment Descriptions

It is extremely important that payment references are correctly entered for all bank transfer payments to the GCC bank account. The sequence required is the 10-digit Customer Reference Number first which commences with 974 00xxxxx (this number can be found on your Parent Account Statement), followed by other wording that suits you.  This process will reduce the risk of incorrect receipting to accounts.

Snowy Trip Payments

Students and families are reminded that all Snowy Trip payments must be finalised by July 31^st .  Thank you to the families who are maintaining the regular payments or who have finalised the entire costings.  Mrs Foster will issue further details about the trip as they become available.

Centrelink Card Concessions

Families who have recently obtained a Centrelink Card, or whose card has recently expired, please present your new card and application form to Admin Reception to allow the concession to be applied to tuition fees next term.  For those yet to receive their cards, schools will continue to accept, as proof, the digital version of the card from the MyGov app or a printed confirmation page from Centrelink.  If a new card and form is not received, it will be deemed that the card was not renewed, and no concession applied.  Thank you to those families who have supplied this paperwork to the Office.

Other Remissions

Families not eligible for a Centrelink Card concession but are experiencing financial hardship should contact the College Principal and/or our Finance Officer Mrs Nicolau to discuss the various options available.  All requests will be treated with respect, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

For all finance enquiries and assistance, please email gcc.accounts@cns.catholic.edu.au. 

College Calendar

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. 

Tuckshop Roster T2 Wk 1-5