St Saviour's College Newsletter 2025 - Term 3 Week 6

Principal

St Saviour’s Named a Superstar School

This week, The Courier-Mail named St Saviour’s College as one of Queensland’s “superstar schools,” recognised for being an overachieving school in our NAPLAN results. We were identified as a school that outperformed others with greater educational advantage across four out of five NAPLAN domains.

This recognition is a wonderful affirmation of who we are as a College community. It reflects the dedication of our students who apply themselves so wholeheartedly to their learning, and the expertise of our staff who work tirelessly to personalise learning and create calm, focused classrooms where every girl can thrive.

I am especially proud to share that our 2025 results, which we have just received, are even stronger than last year. Time and again, we are proving that St Saviour’s students can and do achieve at the highest levels – and that our context is never a barrier to excellence. This is what being a mercy girl is all about!

Of course, this recognition does not come down to data alone. It is about the spirit of our community, a group of learners and educators who strive each day to realise our God-given potential and support one another to grow. Whilst NAPLAN and league tables cop their fair share of criticism, foundational literacy and numeracy skills can never be overlooked as building blocks to future opportunities and success. I am so proud of our girls, our staff and our families.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Being away from the College always leaves me with a sense of longing to return, to our passionate staff, to our glorious girls, to my Year 10 RE class who I have missed so much.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining our Year 12 students on Retreat. Retreat is such a gift, it creates a liminal space, set apart from the ordinary, where time seems to slow and life feels distilled to its essentials: love, forgiveness, joy, human connection.

It was in that space that I had the joy of sitting alongside these extraordinary young women who are on the precipice of their next step. They are full of energy, hope, and potential. If you want to understand and feel palpable human potential, there can be no greater feeling of this than Year 12 Retreat.

When people ask me about the “perks” of my job, Retreat must be right up there. The Class of 2025 is truly a remarkable group of young women, full of life and joy. I count myself fortunate to have been with them and the wonderful staff who brought their whole selves as their great gift to our glorious students during this precious time.

This week, I write to you from Cairns, where I am attending the Australian Catholic Education Conference. Here I am surrounded by an army of dedicated, passionate principals and school and system leaders, all committed to the same vision: to draw out the God-given potential of our students and help them live hope-filled futures.

I can’t wait to be back with you all next week.

A reminder that our Parent Engagement Network will meet next Wednesday evening in the library. We will be discussing the co-curricular life of our College over light refreshments. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

Jessica Wade
Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Year 10 Setting Sail Conference

Forget the weather! Year 10 stormed the Gold Coast Performance Centre for a camp full of energy, laughter, and teamwork. Day one kicked off with team-building challenges, high-intensity workouts, and a reflective liturgy. Thursday brought an epic "Amazing Race" through the centre, a whirlwind university tour, and a splashy trip to GC Aquapark, wrapped up with career inspiration and calming yoga. Friday sparkled with sunrise beach walks, jewellery-making and an outdoor reflection. Through rain and sunshine, the girls proved unstoppable, cheering each other on, embracing every moment, and growing together as a team.

These days on the Gold Coast were about more than just adventure. They were about stepping confidently toward the future. This camp was crafted to nurture resilience, self-discovery, and a sense of camaraderie, ensuring that each student feels equipped and inspired for the transition ahead. With newfound confidence and stronger connections, Year 10 students are now ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of Senior School as Term 4 approaches, carrying forward the lessons and memories that will shape their journey into the next phase of their education.

SET Planning: Guiding Year 10s Toward a Bright Future

Starting next week, our dedicated team of SET Planning experts will meet individually with Year 10 students and their families, embarking on a process designed to set the course for Senior School and beyond.

SET Planning stands for Senior Education and Training Planning it is a student-focused process where each individual explores their interests, skills, and aspirations with the guidance of experienced staff. The aim is to map out a personalised learning pathway for Years 11 and 12, ensuring every student is empowered with options that reflect who they are and where they want to go.

The heart of SET Planning is collaboration. Students, families and staff work together in partnership, discussing subject selections, vocational opportunities, university prerequisites, and career interests. These conversations help students make informed decisions, whether they’re aiming for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. Our team is committed to making the process informative, supportive, and inspiring. We recognise that each student’s path is unique, and we take pride in helping them discover the routes that best suit their strengths and ambitions. From one-on-one meetings to information sessions and resource packs, we provide everything needed for a successful transition to Senior School.

Year 11 End of Unit 2 Exams

As Term 3 draws to a close, our Year 11 students are preparing for their upcoming exams, with timetables already distributed. This exam block will run from Friday Week 9 to Wednesday Week 10. Most exams will be happening in the hall. Students studying general subjects have the flexibility to revise from home during the exam block, allowing them to focus on their preparations in a comfortable environment. We encourage everyone to make the most of this time for thorough revision and effective exam preparation.

Year 12 Practice Exams and External Exam Preparation

Year 12 students will participate in practice exams from Tuesday of Week 1, Term 4 through to the following Monday. All practice exams will be held in the Cathedral Centre, the designated venue for the official external exams. This arrangement allows students to become familiar with the exam environment ahead of their final assessments, which commence in Week 4 of Term 4.

Timetables for both the Year 12 Practice Exams and the External Exams have already been distributed to students. Those sitting for external exams are encouraged to dedicate time to study during the September Holidays to ensure thorough preparation. Students who have registered for the TCS External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP) will benefit from the structured and supported opportunity to prepare during the break.

Eleighta Hannam
Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Lately, I’ve been diving into Michelle Mitchell’s book Tweens to better understand the girls who are joining us at SSC, those still in the “in-between” stage, not quite children, not yet adolescents. This phase is fascinating and complex. Tweens are still heavily influenced by their parents, yet as they edge into adolescence, the pull of peer acceptance and social belonging begins to outweigh adult influence. It’s a time of shifting priorities, emotional intensity, and growing independence.

For parents, this transition can feel like a slow letting go, sometimes confusing, often exhausting. But there is hope and guidance available. One article that resonated deeply with me is Linda Stade’s The Needs of Adolescents Can Be Met Without Burning You Out: The Needs of Adolescents Can Be Met Without Burning You Out!

In it, Linda explores how we can support our teens without losing ourselves in the process. She draws on the Circle of Security framework, which highlights three essential roles for adults:

1. A secure base from which teens can explore the world.
2. A safe haven they can return to for comfort and guidance - even when it seems like they’re not listening.
3. A kind, regulated adult presence that models emotional stability.

Linda reminds us that our job isn’t to fix everything for our teens, but to be strong, wise, and kind as they learn to navigate life. Even when they push boundaries or seem distant, they still need us to be their anchor. Her website is a treasure trove of articles for parents navigating the teenage years, offering practical advice and emotional reassurance: Linda Stade Education - Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Another excellent resource is the ReachOut Parents website, which offers support for families dealing with the pressures of school and exams. Their article Understanding Exam Stress in Teenagers (https://parents.au.reachout.com/school-and-education/exam-stress/understanding-exam-stress-in-teenagers ) outlines the many factors that contribute to stress; academic pressure, fear of failure, comparison with peers, and time management struggles. It also provides signs to watch for, such as withdrawal, irritability, sleep changes, and physical symptoms like nausea or headaches.

Importantly, ReachOut offers strategies for parents to support their teens:

• Help them create a study schedule and reduce distractions.
• Encourage regular breaks, healthy eating, and sleep hygiene.
• Reassure them that there are many pathways to success.
• Be available for conversations and seek professional support if needed.

This time of year can be particularly stressful for families. As teens face assessments and deadlines, their stress can spill over into home life, making parenting feel even harder. But by staying connected, informed, and compassionate, we can help our young people build resilience and confidence.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone and you're not failing. You're parenting through one of the most transformative stages of your child’s life. Keep showing up. Keep being the safe haven. They need you more than they let on.

Year 9 Leading the Way – Bullying. No Way! Week

At SSC, our Empowered Wellbeing Framework guides how we nurture student growth and one of its key pillars is encouraging every year level to take ownership and show leadership, helping students build a sense of belonging through meaningful action. 

A huge thank you to our incredible Year 9 students for their outstanding commitment to Bullying. No Way! Week. Their leadership, creativity, and teamwork were on full display as they took the initiative to decorate key areas of the school and lead engaging lunchtime activities that promoted awareness and action against bullying.

From colourful displays to inclusive games and thoughtful conversations, our Year 9s helped create a positive and supportive atmosphere across the campus. Their efforts not only raised awareness but also encouraged all students to stand together in kindness, respect and unity.

Well done to all involved, you’ve made a meaningful impact and shown what it means to lead with a Mercy Girl heart. Thanks to Mrs Benvenuti in her role as year 9 Co-ordinator and giving these students the opportunity to flourish. 

Megan Schulze
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Year 12 Retreat

Last week, our 2025 graduating cohort began an important rite of passage as they gathered at Alexandra Headlands for their Year 12 Retreat. As they prepare to graduate, this time away marked the beginning of their final journey together as Mercy students, a chance to pause, reflect, and honour the past six years while looking with hope toward the future.

Accompanied by Principal Jessica Wade, Assistant Principal Megan Schulze, Charlotte Croker, Elizabeth Somervaille, Kara Jensen, Julieanne Rasmussen and myself, the Retreat provided the students with the space to step back from the demands of daily life and recognise the significance of this moment in their lives.

A highlight came when the cohort stood together to sing the College Song. Their voices rose with pride and strength, filling the space with a sense of unity and belonging. It was a powerful reminder that they are bound by the Mercy tradition and the relationships that will continue to shape who they are long after graduation.

Throughout the Retreat, students engaged with sincerity and openness, creating memories and insights that will remain with them well beyond their school years. My heartfelt thanks goes to the staff who shared their stories and wisdom, helping to guide our Year 12s as they begin this significant final chapter of their journey.

Supporting Rosies – Friends on the Street

As part of our ongoing commitment to living out the values of Catholic education, we are continuing to support Rosies – Friends on the Street throughout Term 3. We invite all families to contribute non-perishable goods, toiletries, and winter woollies to assist those doing it tough in our community.

Donations can be placed in the Rosies collection baskets located around the College. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for supporting this important outreach initiative.

Donations to Protea Place

Last term, our Year 8 students participated in a meaningful service initiative as part of Catherine McAuley Day. They thoughtfully assembled care packages for Protea Place, which will be distributed to individuals in need through the organisation’s outreach services.

This week, our College Chaplain, Elizabeth Somervaille, personally delivered the care packages to Protea Place, continuing our commitment to compassion and community support.

Leah Dempster
Assistant Principal - Mission and Identity

Sports news

Athletics  
Congratulations to the following students for entering the DD Athletics next Monday and Tuesday. 

Abbey Cook (Year 7) 
Yar Deng (Year 7) 
Ajah Deng (Year 9) 
Eve Facey (Year 8) 
Piper Melrose (Year 8) 
Zoe Rabbit- Sutton (Year 8)  

We look forward to seeing your results next week.

Monday Night Soccer  

Over Terms 2 & 3 the Monday Soccer squad has continued to show up and play against some of the best teams in the Toowoomba schools' region. Often not playing with a full squad due to injuries, the girl's spirit and determination along with plenty of laughs allowed for very enjoyable games. Special tank you to Mrs Jordan Franke for control and organisation of the group each week and to the students who stepped up when needed. The focus will now switch to next term's Wednesday Night futsal at Glennie. All interested players should contact the sports office for more information.  

Monday Night Touch  

Next Monday will see the students competing in the Swans Schools Cup play their final matches as all teams will take the field for games to continue their preparations for the Major Touch carnival in October. The under 13 team will be in the 3rd playoff match while the 15s and Opens will both look to continue their improvement in the game as many students are keen for selection in the final All schools Squad. Stay tuned for the results next week. 

Student Success  

Congratulations to Chelsea Cameron (Year 8) on her recent Queensland Short Course Championships, Chelsea was able to swim a few PB’s and is looking forward to continuing her success in the pool. Well done, Chelsea.  

Sports Uniforms  

Reminder to return any equipment or sports jerseys / dresses / rugby shorts to the Sports Office or Student Services ASAP please.

Upcoming Sports  

Saturday Netball Season 2025 - Last Round 23 August and Duty Day
Tuesday Night Volleyball Term 3 Continues 
Highfields Invitational Touch Football Carnival (Week 8) 
AAG Senior Basketball (Week 8)  
Wednesday Night Futsal (Term 4)  

Greg Leathart
Curriculum Leader Sport and HPE

Arts and Performance news

Celebrating Student and Staff Success in Community Theatre 

The Arts and Performance Team at SSC is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and staff in the wider performing arts community. 

Congratulations to Year 9 student and Junior Choir Captain, Penny Sanders, for her recent performance in the Pittsworth Amateur Theatrical Society’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, running from 15 – 17 August. Penny featured in the wife ensemble and even had a solo line within the production. This vibrant musical marks the Society’s 10-year anniversary and tells the story of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, whose journey from betrayal to forgiveness is brought to life through a kaleidoscope of musical styles - from country ‘n’ western to calypso and rock ‘n’ roll. 

Penny’s role in this production follows her involvement in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s youth production of Mary Poppins over the June/July holidays. Her dedication to community arts is inspiring and a testament to her growing performance abilities.  

We also extend our best wishes and a big “chookas” to our Middle Leader of Arts and Performance, Mrs Jenni Potter, who will be performing in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s production of The Addams Family at the Empire Theatre from 21 - 23 August. Mrs Potter will appear as one of the Addams Family ancestors in the ensemble, continuing to lead by example and embodying the spirit of a true ‘teacher artist’. Tickets are available via the Empire Theatre website: https://empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/the-addams-family  

This marks Mrs Potter’s second performance for the year, following her role in On the Wallaby with the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre earlier in 2025. 

Continuing the theme of community engagement, our other Junior Choir Captain, Sophie Moore, will make her debut with the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society in their upcoming production of Picnic at Hanging Rock, running from 23 September to 4 October. Tickets can be purchased via Humanitix: Picnic at Hanging Rock (stage version). Like Penny, Sophie also performed in Mary Poppins earlier this year, showcasing her commitment and passion for the performing arts. 

We are incredibly proud of Penny, Sophie and Mrs Potter for their dedication, talent and leadership in the arts. Their involvement in community theatre not only enriches their own artistic journeys but also inspires our SSC community to embrace creativity and performance. 

Bravo to all!  

Celebrating the Arts at St Saviour’s College 

Our Saviour’s Sisters choir is busily preparing for their performance at the Paul Morton Choral Festival on Monday 25 August. This annual event celebrates the outstanding youth choral work happening across Toowoomba’s secondary schools. This year’s guest conductor and adjudicator is Ms Haley Sugars, a highly respected local teacher and vocalist with an impressive international career, including performances in Europe, with Opera Queensland, and New Zealand Opera. 

The Paul Morton Choral Festival is a highlight of the choral calendar and promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment. All members of the community are warmly invited to attend. 

Ticket Information: 

• Adult: $13.00

• Concession: $10.00 

• Child: $8.00 

• Group of 6: $48.00 
  Tickets are available via the Empire Theatre box office or website (booking fees apply). 

Meanwhile, our senior Drama Club members are busily preparing for their Scene Project Outcomes Day in Brisbane on Friday 29 August, where they will present their creative work alongside other schools. The Dance Troupe is working on fresh performance pieces and eagerly seeking their next opportunity to shine. And our Rock Band continues to grow in confidence and skill, rehearsing weekly and building a strong musical identity. 

It’s an exciting time for the Arts at the College, and we’re proud of the creativity, commitment, and collaboration our students bring to every performance.

Jennifer Potter
Program Leader Arts and Performance

Library news

Welcome 

Our library was decorated with the theme "Book an Adventure" where our books show us the different adventures through the different forms of travel. We have been running a number of activities during the breaks and the students have been enjoying doing origami bookmark corners, old time adventure maps, book covers and more… 

With the gold coin donations and the Year 11 run canteen during the Book Week Quiz, we raised around $250 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. https://www.ilf.org.au/  

A great day and week for celebrating literacy around the theme: Book an adventure. We celebrated the Children’s Book Council of Australia winners from their shortlisted books in the categories:  

One of the daily competitions was to guess Mrs King’s character – see some of my characters below and see if you can figure them out.

Other competitions are still being finalised but our student vote costume winner was our Year 12 Horrible Histories group – well done ladies.

Our book week quiz was a great success and our place getters in equal second were the Sour Straps (Katie, Ella, Sophia, Gemma and Matilda) and The Squad Groups (Ellie, Abey and Anna). Our winning group was The Multi-Verse (Chloe, Xianne, Evelia, Olivia and Eleanor). 

And below is a selection of photos from the day. Thanks to everyone involved, especially the Year 11 students in preparing, planning, organising and running the afternoon. Many thanks to all the students and staff who participated in the dress up and gold coin donation. Now onto next year. 

Andrea King
Teacher Librarian

Interact Committee

Pie for Progress 2025

Last Friday at the Callaghan Hall, our Interact club hosted the annual Pie for Progress fundraiser. This engaging event invited students and staff to “pie” willing volunteers, all in support of a vital cause: raising funds of $375 for disadvantaged children through the Smith Family Foundation. The event brought together everyone in a fun and meaningful way, proving that a little mess can make a big difference. Along with that, a delicious bake sale and sausage sizzle provided by the Rotary Club was served. Thanks to everyone’s support and generosity. The fundraiser exceeded expectations and helped shine a light on the importance of educational support for children living in poverty. A huge thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and got pied for progress - your impact goes far beyond the whipped cream!

Interact Committee

Careers Centre

St Saviour’s College Careers Website - St Saviours College Toowoomba 
Looking for guidance on career pathways, job opportunities, or resume support? Visit our Careers Department website for resources, advice, and support tailored to help you take the next step in your journey. Whether you're a planning your future or a job seeker looking for direction, we’re here to help. 

SET Plan Interviews 
We are looking forward to meeting with Year 10 students for their SET Plan Interviews commencing next week. These one-on-one sessions are a vital step in preparing students for Years 11 and 12, and beyond. The SET Plan process encourages students to reflect on their interests, strengths, and career aspirations. With guidance from our Leadership and Careers team, students explore subject choices, vocational pathways, and post-school options that align with their goals. Parents and caregivers are also invited to be part of the conversation, ensuring a supportive network around each student as they make these important decisions. If you have any questions about the SET Plan process or would like to book a meeting, please contact the Careers Team. 

Year 12 QTAC Interviews 
Our Year 12 students will begin their QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) interviews from Week 8. These interviews are an important milestone in their journey toward life after school. These individual meetings are designed to support students as they navigate the application process for university, TAFE, and other tertiary pathways. During the interviews, students receive tailored advice on course preferences, eligibility requirements, and key deadlines. These conversations are a valuable part of our commitment to ensuring every student feels confident and informed about their next steps. We encourage families to continue these discussions at home and to reach out to our Careers Team for any additional support. 

TAFE Tour 
Recently a group of Year 9 and 10 students travelled to TAFE to learn more about TAFE at Schools study options and to tour the Toowoomba Campus.  

The students were able to explore areas of interest including Animal Care, Trades facilities and Hospitality Services and imagine themselves as future students working towards their Career Goals. Thank you to TAFE Toowoomba for highlighting all the pathway options our students have access to both while at school and as adults.  

TAFE at Schools 

Expressions of Interest for 2026 TAFE at School programs is now open. To submit an Expression of Interest for a 2026 TAFE at School Program, students will need to visit tafeapply.com. Enter the expression of interest code that matches the campus and program that they’re interested in. These codes can be found via the button below. 

 Darling Downs and South West  

Following the finalisation of all 2026 program details, email offers will be sent to students and their parents/guardians during Term 4. Each offer will include a response deadline - it is important that students reply by the date, or their place may be offered to someone else. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the relevant TAFE at School Team at South West GOTAFE.SouthWest@tafeqld.edu.au 

Further information and help 

Remember to look at the resources and information available on the St Saviours College Toowoomba (stsaviourscareers.com.au) website and also students and parents are welcome to contact or make an appointment to discuss any of the above and other career related information with Mrs Delahunty any time. 

The Careers Team

Upcoming Events

We warmly invite our current families to recommend the upcoming Principal’s Tour at St Saviour’s College to friends and relatives considering enrolment. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the welcoming spirit of our community, explore our learning spaces and hear directly from our Principal about the College’s vision and values. Help us grow our wonderful community by sharing this special event with those who may be interested in joining the St Saviour’s family. Registrations here.

Join us for a heart-warming Father's Day Breakfast at The Callaghan Centre, where we celebrate the amazing men who help shape the strong, brilliant women of tomorrow!

We welcome all students and the special men in their lives dads, grandads, uncles, and father figures, to enjoy a delicious catered breakfast and some quality time together.

On the menu:
Brekky Burger with bacon, egg & cheese
A hot drink of your choice to kickstart the day

Please remember: Every attendee (including students) will need a ticket.

Tickets Here: https://www.trybooking.com/DELQG

We are hosting our final St Saviour's Girl for a Morning event this October and we’d love your help in spreading the word! It’s a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to meet new friends about to embark on their secondary schooling journey, take part in a variety of fun class activities and get a real feel for life at the College. If you know a family who might be interested, please share our flyer with them and encourage them to register here. Your support in helping us grow our community is truly appreciated!