St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 4 Week 2

Principal

Celebrating Student Achievement

This fortnight has been one of extraordinary celebration and pride as we recognise the achievements of some remarkable young women of St Saviour’s College.

On Monday, we gathered to celebrate our 13 First Nations students who will graduate in just a few short weeks. Statistically, the journey to graduation can be a more challenging one for our First Nations students, making this accomplishment all the more special. Each of these young women has demonstrated strength, determination and deep cultural pride. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them and their families - especially those who travelled great distances from Wujal, Yarrabah and Dalby to be part of this milestone. A special mention also to Keasharn Sands-Hart, who received the First Nations Award at the graduation ceremony for her leadership this year.

We also took great joy in celebrating seven students from the Class of 2025 who were recognised at the School-Based Apprentice and Trainee Celebration Breakfast.

Congratulations to all our 2025 School-Based Apprentices:
Keasharn Sands-Hart
Donnalene Maloney
Nellie Morcom
Bella Wiggins
Ash Powell
Claire Eckersley

These students have successfully completed their traineeships while balancing the demands of their senior studies. Their efforts bridge the gap between education and employment and has set them up for both pathways beyond school, and a knowledge of their passions and interests into the future.

Finally, it was a privilege to see Asher receive the Mayoral Achievement Award at last night’s Mayoral Medal Awards. Asher’s journey has been one of resilience, growth and courage. Living with cerebral palsy, she has consistently shown that her determination knows no limits. Asher has been a trailblazer for neurodivergent students, championing inclusion and helping to create spaces where all students feel seen, valued and empowered to embrace their whole selves. In particular, her work supporting Ms Hunter running the Wednesday afternoon You Can Do It program has been an invaluable gift to our community.

Attending these events and celebrating these achievements is a privilege of my role. I share them with you here so that you can know the incredible gifts and talents of our community as well as to inspire our younger students to know that they too are more capable, more powerful, more-light filled than they ever believed.

McAuley House Boarding Conclusion Celebrations
 
As the 2025 school year draws to a close, so too does a significant chapter in the history of St Saviour’s College. McAuley House, the College’s boarding facility, will officially close its doors after more than a century of service.
 
Since welcoming its first boarders in a draughty timber dormitory around 1923, McAuley House has been a nurturing and empowering home for generations of young women. Over the past 100 years, it has provided thousands of girls - many from rural and remote Queensland and PNG communities, with access to a Mercy education of distinction, founded on the mission of Catherine McAuley.
 
To honour this legacy, Bishop Ken Howell will celebrate a Conclusion Mass on Saturday, 15 November at 10:00am, followed by a Morning Tea at the front of the College Hall.
 
This event will be a special opportunity for the wider community to reflect on and celebrate the impact McAuley House has had on the lives of so many.
 
I warmly invite past pupils, staff, families, community and friends to gather with us to commemorate this occasion.
Please RSVP via TryBooking at www.trybooking.com/DDBJO.

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Celebrating the Final Chapter for Our Year 12s

As we begin Term 4, our Year 12 students are in their final weeks of school - a milestone that marks both completion and anticipation for what lies ahead. Having returned from the break with renewed focus, students undertaking General Subjects commenced the Term with a series of practice exams. They have now received their results and are engaging in detailed exam unpacking sessions, followed by targeted revision and further practice through masterclasses with their specialist teachers. These masterclasses provide not only consolidated content knowledge but also strategies and confidence as they prepare to embark on external exams in the coming fortnight.

Meanwhile, our Year 12 students following an Applied Pathway are participating in an exciting alternative program designed to develop practical skills and foster a sense of purpose and connection. This week, students undertook a CPR certification course and will soon compete in a “MasterChef Challenge”, test their creativity and persistence in a woodworking project and explore wellbeing through movement and mindfulness at a Women’s Wellbeing Day. They are also engaging in service-learning projects, volunteering at local community organisations and creating care packages for new mothers through Eva’s Place. Completing the program on a lighter note, teams will take on the IKEA flatpack assembly challenge to see who can construct their furniture the fastest!

Across both academic and applied pathways, the energy and enthusiasm of our Year 12 cohort are palpable. Each student is approaching this final stage of school life with determination, maturity and spirit. As we cheer them through these final weeks, we celebrate their achievements and the young women they have become - ready to take their next steps beyond the College gates.

Year 12 External Examinations

Year 12 External Examinations will commence on Monday 27 October (Week 4), marking a significant milestone in our students’ senior journey. All examinations will take place in the Boarders’ Recreation Room, with access via the entrance behind the Tuckshop.

Students are required to arrive by 8:30am for morning exams and 12:00pm for afternoon exams. Each student must bring only the permitted items in a clear ziplock bag. If a water bottle is brought into the exam room, it must be transparent and label-free. In line with QCAA regulations, mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.

An independent invigilator will oversee each examination. These invigilators are external personnel appointed to ensure the integrity and consistency of assessment procedures across the state.

As our Year 12s approach these final assessments, we commend them for the dedication, persistence and curiosity they have demonstrated throughout their two-year senior studies. While the exams represent the culmination of their academic efforts, they also reflect the deeper learning that has occurred - the problem-solving, collaboration, self-reflection, and resilience shown each day in the classroom. These are the qualities that truly define their success, and we could not be prouder of the young women they have become.

Clear Guidance for AI Use in Assessments

This Term, we are introducing a new AI Matrix on the front page of all assessment task sheets. The matrix provides clear guidance to students regarding how, and to what extent, they may use Artificial Intelligence tools as part of their assessment preparation and submission.

The use of AI in learning is evolving rapidly, and this matrix aims to ensure clarity and fairness for all students. For example, in some assessments, AI use may not be permitted at all, while for others, students may be allowed to use AI to check grammar, spelling and punctuation before submitting their final response. In some tasks, AI may also be approved for ideation - helping students generate ideas or plan different components of their work.

This new approach ensures that students are never left guessing about what is acceptable. It upholds academic integrity while providing a transparent framework for equitable learning. Most importantly, it encourages students to use AI responsibly to enhance their learning rather than replace it.

By embedding the AI Matrix into our assessment processes, we continue to prepare our students for the future, where critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and digital literacy are integral to success in further education and beyond.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Welcome to Term 4! I hope all our girls had the opportunity to rest, recharge and practice some self-care over the holidays. As we enter the final Term of the year, it’s a great time to reset, refocus and build habits that support both wellbeing and success.

Over the break, I listened to Hugh van Cuylenburg’s The Resilience Project, a powerful reflection on how we can cultivate mental health through simple, consistent practices. As a sports fanatic, I found Hugh’s journey incredibly relatable. His story of finding purpose through adversity and using that to fuel a career in wellbeing education is similar to my own path to this role, one I feel deeply passionate about.

GEM: Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness

At the heart of The Resilience Project are the principles of GEM:

• Gratitude: Focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack.
• Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others’ emotions.
• Mindfulness: Being present in the moment, without judgment.

These principles are beautifully aligned with our Empowered classes and the Wellio Wellbeing curriculum that we utilise. Each week, students explore strategies to build emotional literacy, resilience, and self-awareness, skills that not only help in the classroom but are essential for a flourishing life.

Some practical GEM-inspired activities students (and families!) can try:

• Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you're grateful for each day.
• Empathy Check-ins: Ask a friend or family member how they’re really feeling.
• Mindful Moments: Take 5 minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and notice your surroundings.

Supporting Year 12s Through Change

Our Year 12 students are in a unique phase of transition. With regular classes behind them, it’s easy to feel unanchored. This is a time to build routines that support wellbeing and performance during external exams and beyond.

Here are some simple but powerful routines to consider:

• Consistent Sleep: Aim for 8 hours each night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
• Nourishing Food: Choose meals that fuel the brain; whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Movement: Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can reduce stress and boost focus.
• Digital Boundaries: Limit screen time before bed and during study blocks.
• Relaxation Rituals: Listen to music, read, or spend time outdoors to recharge.

Encouraging these habits now can help students feel more in control and confident as they approach exams and life after school.

Connection, Belonging & Celebration

As social beings, we thrive on connection. While the classroom provides opportunities for interaction, it’s often through shared experiences like camps, celebrations and whole-school events that true connections are formed. These moments help students feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

This Term, we have several exciting events that foster this sense of belonging:

• Year 11 Leadership Camp in Brisbane next week is a chance for students to grow as leaders, bond with peers, and reflect on the kind of impact they want to have.
• Our Colour Run is a joyful celebration of community, movement and fun, an event where students can let go, laugh and connect.
• The Merit Trip at the end of Term 4 is a major celebration of consistent effort and positive contributions:
• Years 7–9 will head to Wet’n’Wild
• Years 10–11 will enjoy a day at Dreamworld

The Merit Trips are a reward for students who have consistently demonstrated our school values and engaged positively in their learning and community. While there is a cost involved, we’ve worked hard to keep it as affordable as possible.

When students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to feel safe, supported and empowered to contribute and make a difference. These events are not just fun, they are foundational to building a strong, connected school culture.

As we move through Term 4, let’s continue to support each other, celebrate progress and stay focused on what matters most - our wellbeing, our relationships, and our growth.

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Celebrating Our First Nations Year 12 Graduands

On Monday, we had the privilege of celebrating our First Nations Year 12 students at the First Nations Graduands Mass and Ceremony, a meaningful occasion that recognised their dedication, resilience and achievements.

The Gospel reading reminded us that we are called to be salt of the earth and light of the world. Our First Nations graduands have lived this message throughout their time at school, enriching our community with their culture, strength and leadership. Their presence has brought depth, wisdom and light to our college.

A special congratulations to Keasharn Sands-Hart, who was presented with the Year 12 Cultural and Community Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution and commitment to community life.

As our Graduands prepare to take their next steps, we offer them our heartfelt congratulations and prayers. May they continue to shine brightly and bring their unique gifts to the world.

Rosies Acknowledgement Dinner: Celebrating Our Year 12 Volunteers

Last Thursday evening, a group of our students attended the Rosies Toowoomba Annual Acknowledgement Dinner and New Trailer Blessing, held at St Thomas More’s Parish Hall. This meaningful event offered a moment to reflect on a year of friendship, service and connection with our Rosies friends in the Toowoomba community.

We are especially proud to honour our Year 12 students, who have generously dedicated their time over the past few years to support Rosies’ outreach. Through simple yet powerful acts, offering a warm drink, lending a listening ear or simply being present, they have made a genuine difference in the lives of others. On the night, they were formally recognised with certificates of appreciation for their service.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to the dedicated staff who have supported this ministry throughout the year. In particular, we acknowledge Elizabeth Bennett for her unwavering commitment to every outreach and Elizabeth Somervaille, Louise Delahunty and Kim Benvenuti for their invaluable presence and support. Their dedication has helped foster a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment for both students and community members.

As our Year 12 Rosies volunteers prepare to graduate, we thank them and our staff for their generosity of spirit and the example they’ve set. Their legacy of service will continue to inspire our community for years to come.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Sports news

Welcome back to Term 4!! While it is a shorter term, there is certainly still plenty going on at St Saviour’s with sport to finish the year. Go Mercy Girls!! 

Year 7/8 Friday Night Basketball 

Our Year 7/8 Friday Night basketball team starts their season next week (Week 3) and are very excited to take the court. We are waiting on the draw and that will be communicated as soon as we receive it. Thanks to Mr Love for his hard work in coaching and getting the team organised for this competition. Good luck girls, we wish you well. 

Western Clydesdales Gala Day 

On Wednesday 22 October, our Year 7/8 and 9/10 Rugby League teams will participate in this great event. It is another opportunity for our girls to demonstrate their improvements in skill and gameplay throughout 2025. Parents, if you could please check your emails and attend to the permission slip in Sentral ASAP, it would be greatly appreciated. Remember, everyone needs to have a mouthguard. Mr Anderson is happy to assist students with this if you come and see him before Wednesday.  

Rugby 7’s 

The DDRU Rugby 7’s competition begins on Monday evening of Week 3 with our Under 13 and Under 17 teams set to represent SSC. For any girls participating, training is during Wednesday sport and full commitment to the training and games is appreciated. Parents, if you could please check your emails and attend to the permission slip in Sentral ASAP, it would be greatly appreciated. Games will be at the Highfields Sports Complex. 

The abridged draw is below for your reference.  

We wish both teams a safe and competitive tournament.  

Touch  

Our mighty Under 13 touch team will compete in the Toowoomba Touch Summer Competition in Term 4. They have a bye this week and will play their first game in Week 3 on Wednesday night. Remember to let Mrs Banks know if you are unable to play any week.  

Wednesday Sport 

Sport activities and training is underway for term 4. Any students who wish to change their sport need to see Mr Anderson before Wednesday of Week 3. Students should not be on more than one sport roll.  

Futsal 

Congratulations to Claire Eckersley and Emily Kuhn on their recent achievements in Futsal. Both Emily and Claire represented Queensland at the recent National Championships with Emily going on to be selected to represent Australia. To add to her achievements, Emily also represented Darling Downs for Futsal at the State Championships at the Gold Coast with her team coming 7th from 12 regions. Well done to both Claire and Emily on your wonderful achievements.   

All Schools Touch Carnival Success - Celebrating Team Spirit and Growth 

October saw our teams head to Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast for the renowned All Schools Carnival, the world’s largest touch football event. Our Under 13’s team made their debut with grit and determination, notching wins against Lindisfarne Anglican School and Yarrabilba, as well as a draw with St Michael’s College, finishing 6th in their pool. Special recognition went to Mae Fatiaki (Player’s Player) and Abbey Halpin (Coaches Award). 

Meanwhile, our Open’s team continued to impress, ending the carnival with a memorable win over St John’s Anglican College. Olivia Soeters was recognised as Player’s Player, while Ava Anderson received the Coaches Award for her dedication and skill. Both teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship and growth, making the College proud.  

With the addition of a second team this year, we’re excited for the future of our touch football program. Congratulations to all players, coaches and supporters for a fantastic effort! 

Veto Futsal Shield Finals

The under 14 girls travelled to Nissan Arena on Wednesday for the Veto Futsal Shield Finals Day. The girls played incredibly well in their 3 round games, coming away with 2 wins and a draw to top the table. They then had the challenge of playing St Ursula's in the semifinal, unfortunately going down by one goal. The girls pushed the emotions aside in time for the 3rd and 4th playoff game, playing with grit and determination and coming away with a well-deserved win to place third overall. This team has such talent and desire to play 100% for each other - it's a pleasure to watch and be a part of. 

Thank you to Claire Eckersley for her assistance and sports photography on the day.

Rob Anderson
Acting Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE

Arts and Performance news

Welcome back to Term 4! The Arts and Performance department is gearing up for a vibrant and busy term filled with creativity, celebration and performance. 

We begin by sending our warmest wishes to Ms Caitlin Devenna, our talented Visual Art teacher, as she prepares to celebrate her wedding this weekend. Congratulations, Ms Devenna! 

Our Senior Visual Arts in Practice students have been hard at work on their mural projects at the back of the Art block. Their dedication and artistic flair are evident in the stunning progress made over the past term, be sure to take a look next time you're nearby.

Student Spotlight: Penny Shines in Musical Theatre Workshop 

Over the recent school holidays, Year 10 student Penny Sanders took part in an exciting Musical Theatre Audition Workshop hosted by the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory (APAC). Running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, the workshop offered high school students a chance to immerse themselves in the world of musical theatre under the guidance of professional university instructors. 

Participants were split into two groups and engaged in both singing and dancing sessions. Penny learned and performed part of “Light of the World” from the musical Godspell, exploring vocal techniques such as posture, vocal expression and performance enhancement. Demonstrating confidence and initiative, Penny volunteered for a solo in the final section of the song. 

The second session focused on choreography, where students developed a dance routine to accompany their singing. Penny and her group received feedback and were encouraged to contribute creatively to the final performance. The day concluded with each group showcasing their combined singing and dancing pieces to one another. 

Penny described the experience as inspiring and educational, highlighting the opportunity to work with passionate peers and experienced university educators in a professional setting. 

Congratulations, Penny! Your dedication and enthusiasm for the performing arts are truly commendable. We’re proud to see you representing SSC with such creativity and courage.

A special shout-out goes to Year 10 student Sophie Moore, who recently performed in the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre’s production of Picnic at Hanging Rock. As the youngest member of the cast, Sophie delivered a powerful and poised performance. This experience has beautifully set the stage for her first semester of Senior Drama, where we are exploring Australian Gothic Theatre, an ideal thematic continuation. 

The College Choir is in full swing, preparing for a series of important events this term, including: 

• The Principal’s Forum (Week 5) 

• Academic Awards Ceremony and Boarders’ Farewell Mass (Week 6) 

• Christmas Liturgy (Week 8) 

• Christmas Wonderland (Week 9) 

Excitement is also building around the upcoming auditions for our 2026 combined musical with St Mary’s College: Catch Me If You Can. Auditions and callbacks will take place across Weeks 5–7, and students are encouraged to check their emails this week for audition information packs. 

Meanwhile, our Rock Band is rehearsing enthusiastically with hopes of hosting a lunchtime concert later this term, and the Dance Troupe is preparing a performance they aim to showcase at an upcoming assembly. 

As always, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all members of the Arts and Performance team whose passion and commitment make these enriching opportunities possible for our students.

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Library news

Welcome back to Term 4! And what a warm start to the Term we have had. Towards the end of last Term the library had a bit of a rearrangement and a new addition of a seating booth. 

This culminated in us, here in the library and the support of our Groundsmen, moving our furniture and shelving around to create different zones in the library for all our groups who come into the library.  

We create a lovely reading space for our coffee table reads which includes access to our magazines too. 

We even supported our Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers in our own way by ‘dressing up’ our coffee table. 

We continue to support curriculum and school community through our displays and dashboards. Recently we have had Careers, Indigenous Literacy and International Literacy displays in our library. 

And currently we have our displays for Modern History and Sport available to see. 

And with exams scattered throughout the Term, especially for our Year 12 students we have our wonderful Brain Breaks display of ways to take a break. A quick story to read to allow our brains to recalibrate, a word puzzle or mindfulness colouring to reduce stress so it doesn’t overwhelm us. Or even our short story display on our spinner. 

And of course, our displays to start our lead up to All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints Day. Check out our coffee table of ‘bubble bubble toil and trouble’ for a scary story or two… 

OR  

Perhaps try out a dreadful delight through these recipes… 

Not at school? No worries. Check out our ‘spooky’ dashboard as we head towards All Saints Day and All Hallow’s Eve. 

https://au.accessit.online/STS03/#!dashboard  

New Books in the Library 

From the Teacher Librarian (TL) corner… 

I often get the statement that the library is just books…but the library is so much more than this. It is a service to information, no matter what form it takes. This information includes our students’ emotional health/well-being. 

To begin with our library is there to create a safe and inclusive space that provides supportive resources and activities (for curriculum and self). We offer our personalised interaction and support for all who visit the library and try to create different areas for our students’ differing needs at the time, from calm and quiet areas to gaming areas. We like to foster a sense of community and belonging in our school library, we are more than just books.

1. Creating a safe and inclusive space 
A welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported. A place where there is access to resources they may not have at home, a place to rest, relax and recharge. We try and provide varied seating options, relevant print and digital resources and of course different activities to engage students at different times.  

 2. Supportive Resources and activities 
School libraries are a key part of supporting our students’ well-being through those relevant print and digital resources. This includes providing activities for the students ranging from card games to Lego to origami, to even maybe just watching a movie or reading a book. A well-curated collection of high quality resources by a qualified Teacher Librarian is paramount to this. We support with homework, puzzles, assessment, even I.T. at times, we are the support in a safe environment. 

 More on this in the next newsletter. 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Careers Centre

Exploring Future Pathways: Student Excursion to Australian Catholic University

This week, a group of enthusiastic students embarked on an excursion to the Australian Catholic University (ACU), where they had the opportunity to explore the campus, tour state-of-the-art facilities, and participate in hands-on workshops designed to ignite their passion for future careers in health sciences.

The day began with a guided campus tour, giving students a glimpse into university life and the vibrant learning environment ACU offers. From lecture theatres to collaborative study spaces, students were able to envision themselves as future university students.

A highlight of the visit was the interactive workshops in Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Paramedicine. Students engaged in practical activities that simulated real-world scenarios, such as patient care techniques, emergency response simulations, and therapeutic practices. These sessions not only showcased the depth of ACU’s programs but also allowed students to gain firsthand experience in fields they may one day pursue.

The excursion was a valuable opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world applications, explore career pathways, and build confidence in their future aspirations. Many left feeling inspired and more informed about the possibilities that lie ahead in the health and human services sector.

We extend our thanks to ACU for hosting such a meaningful and engaging experience, and to our staff for supporting students in exploring their futures.

The Careers Team