2025 Term 2 Week 5
Principal's Report
Term 2, Week 5 – 21st May
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you are well and enjoying the beautiful weather at the moment. The following events have taken place recently.
College News:
Enrolments:
We began the year with 409 enrolments and have steadily grown to 414, slightly up.
Interviews for Year 7 2026 will be conducted on 31st May. So far, we have received 79 applications for next year, which is very encouraging for a maximum of 82 places.
Staffing:
Fantastic news! Still fully staffed with a full timetable.
First Friday Masses
Our Year 7’s attended their First Friday Mass with Fr. Kerry on 2nd May. Again Fr. Kerry broke down the Mass into 5 parts, explaining their significance to those students who are not familiar with the service. I was really happy with the respect the Year7’s and Year’s showed at these Masses.
Our senior Netball Team leave for Adelaide on Saturday to attend the Marist Netball Carnival. 10 very excited young players, led by 2 staff. We wish them all the best in South Australia.
2025 Marian Lecture
Staff and members of the Marist Association joined online for the 2025 Marian Lectutre. Pilgrims of Hope was presented by Professor Stan Grant on Tuesday 13th May. Professor Grant spoke of how truth and beauty are essential to the flourishing of the human soul. He stressed the need for contemplative spaces, where we step away from noise and distraction to encounter mystery, and reflected upon Mary, asking: “Is there anything more mystical and beautiful than Mary?” Above all, he reminded us of the ongoing need to nourish the soul – to feed what lies deepest within us. Great to see staff listening into the lecture.
Synod 25-26
On Saturday in Cairns, I attended a course in preparation for the upcoming Synod. This was led by Adj. Prof. Susan Pascoe, a lady with considerable synodality experience having attended the 2023/24 Synod in Rome, working with the then Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV). Along with her experience and knowledge, she had an incredible disposition; quietly spoken and yet, very clear in her pronunciation and what she was articulating. An amazing strength in her calmness. With 30 other facilitators from the Diocese, she prepared us to facilitate the discussions on 14th June in Cairns.
Teaching, Learning & Wellbeing
SWOT Analysis:
I’ve come to the end of my interviews for the SWOT Analysis. 77 staff, 76 senior students (Year’s 11 + 12) and 20 parents have given feedback in all areas of the College. I will now collate this data into separate reports, before feeding back as to how this data and information could be used to structure a new Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2028.
Attendance:
The current trend for attendance is up. In 2024 we had 59.8% student attendance above 90%. This year we have started with 68.6%. This continues to be a focus until we reach a percentage of 72% and above.
I would like to thank parents for your support on attendance. While our attendance is up nearly 10% from last year, we would still like to see this at a higher rate. Thank you for your continued support in this matter.
Kindest regards,
Paul Melloy
Principal
From the Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
We are almost at the halfway mark for the school year!
For our Year 11 students, we are finishing Unit 1 subjects and beginning Unit 2. Students should take some time to reflect on their work ethic and achievements in Unit 1. Continue to do the things that made you successful and consider what changes you need to make to ensure better progress for Unit 2 and beyond. If a subject change is needed, take the time to carefully consider your options. Subject changes for Year 11 students need to be completed by the end of Week 1 of Term 3.
Year 12 students are now more than halfway through their final year of schooling. I would like to take this opportunity to remind students in Year 12 that whilst you do have a mid-year break coming up, this time should be considered a “Study Break”, rather than a complete holiday. While some relaxation time is definitely needed, senior students should be developing habits of revision over this time, even one hour per day will benefit them. I remind students to keep up with news about senior subjects by accessing the Student Portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ . This site has a wealth of information, as well as access to the syllabus documents, sample assessments, previous assessments and the solutions to previous year’s external exams.
Subject changes for Year 9 and 10 students who may wish to change electives will be available toward the end of this term, to start in Term 3. Any changes made should be finalised by the end of Week 3 next term. Please note that students in Years 9 and 10 select subjects for the whole year, so changing subjects can only happen with the approval of relevant staff and if there is space in the preferred class. If any student or parents have questions, please contact the college for help.
We will soon be preparing our Year 10 students for their SET Plan Interviews and subject selection for 2026 and 2027. Following their week of Work Experience at the end of this term, hopefully students will have gained a better understanding of the path they might wish to take through senior schooling. Students should be talking to their current Year 10 teachers and older students about subject choices for Years 11 and 12. Mrs Foster will begin speaking with students about the subject selection process early next term. It is important to understand that subjects can only run if we have sufficient numbers of students to make classes viable and if we can fit classes into our timetable within our staffing constraints. Any student or parent with questions about subject offerings is welcome to speak directly with me about such questions. Please encourage your son or daughter to start doing some research about ideas they have for post-school options. Talk to older siblings, friends and relatives about career paths and opportunities. Read job advertisements to see what job options are around – read up on any that sound interesting to find out what is needed to move into that field. We look forward to this stage as we support our Year 10s along their educational pathway. More information about our Subject Information evening next term will be available later this term and early next term.
I would like to advise our community that I am taking Long Service Leave from Week 7 through to the end of Week 2 next term. I am looking forward to some time away to relax and spend a bit of time with my family. In my absence, Mrs Squarci will be Acting Deputy Principal, and I am confident that she will be well supported in her role during that time.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth Sutton
Deputy Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing
Dear Parents/Carers & Students,
The first half of term two has absolutely flown by!
Feedback Focus – Resilient Youth Survey & CEDC Feedback Survey
This term, students have been provided with the opportunity to complete the Resilient Youth Survey. The survey is a valuable part of our Resilience Project program and offers students the chance to provide confidential feedback on a number of areas relating to personal health and wellbeing. The data is invaluable in allowing the wellbeing team to identify areas to focus on for the remainder of the year in Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) and Personal Development (PD) lessons.
Next week, students in Years 8 & 11 will also complete the annual CEDC feedback survey, which covers a variety of categories regarding the college. Students will complete their feedback survey at a scheduled time next week, while parents/carers will also be emailed a link to participate.
While we acknowledge at times that it feels like there’s a new survey every week, our focus is on gaining valuable feedback from all stakeholders to improve our offerings at Good Counsel College.
Event Focus – State of Origin Dress Day
To mark the first game of the 2025 State of Origin series, the college will hold its annual State of Origin colours day. Students are invited to wear their origin jerseys, or a maroon/blue shirt. Students without these in their wardrobe are required to wear their regular sports uniform.
Gold coin donations in home room, as well as sales of red/blue icy cups, will kick off our Vinnies Winter Appeal fundraiser. Go QLD!
Wellbeing Focus – The Push Up Challenge
This year, Good Counsel College has again signed on to participate in the Push Up Challenge. The challenge runs from the 4th – 26th June and asks participants to complete 3214 push ups. This number is significant, as it represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023.
We will run weekly ‘push up stations’ on campus to allow students to complete the task in a friendly environment. If 3000 push ups sound like too many, students can also commit to completing half the total.
In order to encourage friendly competition, Marist Cup points to the house with the highest overall push-up tally; however, the main focus for the challenge is to raise awareness of youth mental health.
During the month of June, there will be resources and activities available for students to engage with, designed to encourage conversations about our mental health and wellbeing.
If students are interested, they can nominate via the link they have been emailed. Parents/carers are also welcome to sign on for the challenge, keeping track of their own progress via the PUC app during the month of June.
Student Representative Council Focus – Day for Dolly
Last week, we marked Day for Dolly with a blue fundraiser, icy cups and photo booth, with all funds going to Dolly's Dream. We were also privileged to welcome Dave from the Dolly's Dream team, who travelled all the way from Melbourne to share Dolly's story with all students. Most importantly, the sessions reminded students to speak up, even if their voice shakes. Special thanks also to our Student Representative Councillors Lacey, Jade, Tayla and Matilda for their coordination of the fundraiser, which raised over $300!
House Focus – Marist Cup
The current cup standings are as follows:
Polding – 42
Mackillop – 38
Clancy – 37
Marcellin – 35
Students are encouraged to get involved in the wealth of activities coming over the next five weeks, which all earn valuable points:
- Athletics Carnival
- State of Origin Dress Day
- Push Up Challenge
- Feast Day (home room quizzes and activities)
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
From the Assistant Principal - Religious Ed.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Challenges faced by Queenslanders:
- Record rent costs, soaring 45% since the pandemic.
- 43000+ on the social housing waiting list.
- Fuel prices up 14% and electricity by 12.7% in a single year.
- 1 in 4 Queenslanders on the edge of financial collapse.
The Differences made by Vinnies:
- 128, 510 nights of accommodation for vulnerable Queenslanders.
- 262, 585 offered direct financial assistance.
- $5.5 million in groceries, food vouchers, and hampers provided.
- 528 women and children helped to escape domestic violence.
We are commencing our second major fundraiser for the year, the St Vincent de Paul winter appeal. We would love any contributions of jumpers, blankets, non-perishable food (still in date) or funds to support our local St Vincent de Paul chapter. These items can be brought to Mrs Luxford’s office or the front office for collection. We will also have a gold coin donation jersey-dress day on May 28th to raise money for the winter appeal. Students are allowed to wear a maroon or blue jersey or shirt on this day (Origin game 1/ May 28th).
The schools 50th Jubilee is fast approaching. Students and staff will celebrate our Marcellin Feast Day and Jubilee on June 6th with Mass, a sit-down lunch prepared and served by staff and activities throughout the day. We will also celebrate as a whole parish community with Mass at 10:30am in the Mother of Good Counsel Church. Parishioner’s along with present and past students are welcomed to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and our Jubilee together at the mass. We look forward to celebrating 50 years since the Marist Brothers boys school joined the Good Samaritans girls school to form a co-ed school, Good Counsel College.
Kind Regards,
Annette Luxford
Synod Journey
Be Part of the Synod Journey!
The Synod is your chance to help shape the future of our faith community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to share your thoughts, listen to others, and make a real impact.
Register now for the Plenary Session on Saturday 14 June 2025 and have your voice heard.
Stay inspired and informed — follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, stories, and videos that bring the Synod to life.
Jubilee
Our 50-Year Jubilee Celebrations are fast approaching and will be held on Saturday, 8th June. Don’t forget to secure your place for the Jubilee Lunch – bookings must be finalised by the end of next week for catering purposes. Tickets are still available through TryBooking at the link below or by scanning the QR Code.
https://www.trybooking.com/CUDUT
If you have any photos or memorabilia from the past 50 years you'd like to share, please get in touch!
gcc.gcounsel@cns.catholic.edu.au
4063 5300
We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!
VET & Careers
Congratulations to our Trainee/Apprenticeships
Congratulations Kyra Locastro and Ryan Vue!
Kyra has commenced a traineeship as pharmacy assistant at the Innisfail hospital. Kyra will complete a Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support in conjunction with Cairns & Hinterland Hospital Services.
Congratulations to Ryan Vue for his apprenticeship with Brothers Leagues Club (Donna Hudson Catering) to commence his training as chef. Ryan will complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Year 10 Work Readiness Day
We were very proud of our Year 10 cohort for their immaculate behaviour and attendance of our Year 10 work readiness day. Students met a variety of employers and got many tips to consider as they prepare for work experience and entering the world of work.
2025 Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Organisation: Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Location: All
Value: Up to $250,000 USD
Open Date: May 1st, 2025
Close Date: September 15th, 2025
Find out more
Online Campus Day
Organisation: Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Location: Online
Date: June 7th, 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.
Cairns Legal Studies Conference 2025
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: JCU Nguma-bada (Smithfield) Campus
Date: June 19th, 2025
JCU is proud to present our upcoming Legal Studies Conference.
This year's theme will focus on ‘Human Rights: Legal Perspectives’ and will cover a range of topics that are highly relevant to the QCAA Legal Studies Syllabus.
The conference will delve into legal concepts, principles and contemporary issues with the focus of the intersection with Human Rights. Guest presenter topics across the two conferences will include the Judiciary, Criminal Law, International Law, First Nations Right to Self Determination and more. The conference will also feature a Panel Discussion on Youth Justice, focused on the Human Rights aspects to youth detention and the age of criminal responsibility.
Attendance at this conference is now open to all students, grades 9 -12, regardless of whether they are studying legal studies. All students are welcome to participate and benefit from this valuable learning experience.
Cairns University Experience
Organisation: CQ University
Location: CQ Uni Cairns Campus
Date: June 24th, 2025
University Experience is a free, one day on-campus event that gives Year 12 students the opportunity to explore their post-high school options, including higher education degrees and TAFE courses. It offers a glimpse into a day in the life of a CQ University student.
Heroes in Science, Cairns
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: Cairns
Date: July 1st to July 2nd, 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.
Learn from industry experts and discover how scientific knowledge enhances life at many levels. This two-day program offers insights into a science career, from JCU's scientific labs to an overnight rainforest experience at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory. Explore the world's oldest rainforest via our canopy crane, and learn how science shapes decisions on conservation, climate change, urban growth, and more.
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. Travel scholarships are available to successful applicants that meet criteria.
Open Day Online Chat Session July
Organisation: CQ University
Location: Online
Date: July 24th, 2025
We see you planning your next study move, and we know there's a lot to consider, so we're here to help. Whether you are considering starting a TAFE or university qualification at CQU, our team are here to answer your questions.
Chat with our staff about your course of interest, pathways to university, student support services, or anything else you'd like to know about studying with CQUniversity.
All you need to do is head over to our Facebook page and send us a message during the session and you’ll receive real-time answers to all your questions.
Open Day 2025, Cairns
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: JCU Nguma-bada (Cairns) Campus
Date: July 25th, 2025
Join us for JCU Open Day and experience life on-campus for yourself! Check out the hands-on study facilities, meet your future lecturers and sample our North Queensland lifestyle. Chat with JCU Advisors about our top tips for moving from high school to university, explore your career change options and find the study pathway that suits you.
Open Day 2025
Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Location: QUT Gardens Point & Kelvin Grove Campuses
Date: July 27th, 2025
Discover the real QUT — with behind-the-scenes tours, study area advice, talks with students and academics, and the chance to explore campus life and opportunities outside the classroom.
QPS Open Day, Townsville
Organisation: Queensland Police Service
Location: Townsville Police Academy
Date: August 2nd, 2025
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career? Join us on August 2, at our QPS Open Day in Townsville to learn all about a career with the Queensland Police Service.
Take this rare opportunity to check out our training facilities and chat with our specialist units like the Stock Squad, Forensic Crash Unit, Road Policing Command, Dive Squad, Explosive Ordnance Responce Team and many many more.
Policing can be a lifelong career with many different pathways, so take your time exploring our training facility and obstacle course, and drop in to an information session throughout the day where you can ask questions about your future career.
Open Day 2025, St Lucia
Organisation: University of Queensland
Location: UQ St Lucia Campus
Date: August 3rd, 2025
We can't wait to welcome you to Open Day at UQ's St Lucia campus in Brisbane. Explore your interests and study options, immerse yourself in university life and get answers to all your questions.
What to expect:
- Attend sessions to uncover your study area of interest and find out more about the degrees we offer.
- Enter a competition, grab some freebies, listen to live music, get hands-on in a workshop or come on a tour.
- Get to know UQ. Ask current students and teachers all your questions and find out about student life.
Open Day 2025, Sunshine Coast
Organisation: University of the Sunshine Coast
Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus
Date: August 3rd, 2025
UniSC Open Day is all about welcoming community and future students on to campus to check out UniSC's program offerings, meet staff and explore UniSC's world class teaching and learning facilities.
Open Day 2025, Townsville
Organisation: CQUniversity
Location: CQUni Townsville Campus
Date: August 14th, 2025
Join us for the CQU Townsville Open Day. It's a great way to explore the campus, check out facilities and hear all about available courses direct from our friendly teaching staff. You'll also be able to discuss scholarships, pathways, student support services and more.
With our wide range of TAFE and university courses offered online and on campus we can help you find the best study option for you. So come along and get a taste of what CQUniversity has to offer.
Heroes in Sport
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: Townsville
Date: August 18th to August 20th, 2025
Do you have a passion and desire to develop a career in physiotherapy and sports and exercise science? From this full-day program you’ll gain unique insights into a career in sport.
You’ll go behind the scenes at the Cowboys Community, Training and High Performance Centre, and learn from industry experts in physiotherapy and sports and exercise science before hitting the field for a high performance training session.
JCU Book Week
Organisation: James Cook University
Location: JCU Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) Campus
Date: August 22nd, 2025
The College of Arts, Society and Education and The Roderick Centre invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Join us for an inspiring day filled with creativity, exploration, and fun.
Whether you're a high-performing reader or writer, or simply passionate about the world of storytelling, this event is for you. Get ready for a fun-filled day of inspiration, including a workshop with renowned young adult and fantasy author Isobelle Carmody, thought-provoking mini-lectures with JCU lecturers and prizes for best dress-ups!
Open Day 2025, Cairns
Organisation: CQUniversity
Location: CQUni Cairns Campus
Date: August 28th, 2025
Join us for the CQU Cairns Open Day. It's a great way to explore the campus, check out our facilities and hear all about available courses direct from our friendly teaching staff. You'll also be able to discuss scholarships, pathways, student support services and more.
With our wide range of TAFE and university courses offered online and on campus we can help find the best study option for you. So come along and get a taste of what CQUniversity has to offer.
Competitions
Dymocks Beyond Words Competition
Organisation: Dymocks Tutoring
Location: Australia
Value: $20,000 AUD prize pool
Open Date: March 1st, 2025
Close Date: June 1st, 2025
Paxi Space Gallery Competition 2025
Organisation: European Space Agency
Location: All
Value: See details
Open Date: May 1st, 2025
Close Date: May 31rd, 2025
Tuckshop Roster T2 Wk 6-10
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
WEEK 6 | - | Diane | - | D. Lewis | E. Horsford |
WEEK 7 | R. Spinella | | - | S. O'Brien | T. Zahra |
WEEK 8 | J. Spagnolo | D. Penman | L. Giudice | M. Rinaudo | A. Mizzi |
WEEK 9 | R. Spinella | H. Hensler | S. O'Brien | S. Andrews | |
WEEK 10 | J. Spagnolo | - | D. Lewis | L. Liu |
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.