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Welcome back!
Welcome to our new and existing families! I hope you had an enjoyable Easter break by spending quality time with your family and friends.
Pope Francis
It was with great sadness that we received the news of Pope Francis’ passing on 21 April 2025. Our world has lost a great leader who was respected and admired by many. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first non-European pope in centuries, the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis. He will be remembered as a man of simplicity, humility and compassion. May Pope Francis rest in the loving arms of his God, who he served so well. As people of faith, may we always follow the example of Pope Francis by being pilgrims of hope. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
Term 1 Progress Reports
Term 1 Progress Reports were issued through Parent Lounge at the end of last term.
Parent Teacher Interviews are being held on 6 May in the Father Bucas Centre from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We look forward to discussing your student’s progress to date and continuing to work together for the best Academic outcomes for your child. I thank our teachers in advance for their willingness to be available for these interviews.
Catholic Primary School Visits
This week, I have had the pleasure of visiting our Catholic Primary link schools with some of our current Year 7 Students. It has been wonderful to meet so many Year 6 students and their teachers. I would like to thank the following students who accompanied me to their previous primary school:
Emmanuel Catholic Primary School - Franske H, Pyper D and Fraser S
MacKillop Catholic Primary School - Indee A, Jonty L and Louie W
St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School - Indi F, Saje C and Leo C
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School - Jayden D, Parker V and Jasmine S
Year 7 in 2026
We look forward to welcoming new students and their families to our Year 7 in 2026 Information Evening on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. To pre-register your attendance, please click HERE.
Today, we gathered in the Father Bucas Centre for our ANZAC Prayer Service. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our students to participate in Mackay’s ANZAC Day March tomorrow. I am looking forward to our College participating in the march with other schools in our area.
Tomorrow, 25 April 2025, we honour our ANZACs and war veterans who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. Being reminded of our past signifies why we should place importance on peace in our present. On ANZAC Day, it is also important for us to take the opportunity to honour all current defence and service personnel. It is a timely reminder for our students to be grateful for the peace that we enjoy as a consequence of our ANZAC’s selflessness.
Lions Youth of the Year State Final
Rory F represented all North Queensland Lions Clubs at the State finals in Brisbane on the first weekend of the school holidays. Rory’s progress throughout the competition has been remarkable. For the State Final, Rory memorised his five-minute prepared speech “AI is the Future”. Rory confidently delivered his speech with professionalism and enthusiasm. A big congratulations to Rory for being Holy Spirit College’s first North Queensland representative at the State Finals. A special thanks to Suzanne Gakowski (Dean of Senior English) for her support of Rory throughout the competition and for attending the State Final with me.
Staffing Update
Congratulations to Colleen Gauci (College Counsellor) on her recent promotion to the Student Engagement and Behaviour Support Officer at our Catholic Education Office. We will thank and farewell Mrs Gauci in mid-May.
Congratulations to Hayley Keith and her husband, Aiden, on the safe arrival of their son, Milo. We wish Mrs Keith all the best while she is on maternity leave, and we look forward to welcoming her back next year.
Welcome back, Amanda Roll (College Counsellor). It is great to have you back with us. Karen Morley (College Counsellor) is taking some well-deserved long service leave for the first 8 weeks of this term. We are fortunate to have two part-time counsellors, Ajshe Citaku and Deb Quinn, who already work for Catholic Education, join us for the next 8 weeks. Welcome Miss Citaku and Mrs Quinn to Holy Spirit College!
We warmly welcomed Mr Luke Fagan (Teacher Assistant) to Holy Spirit College this week.
Prayer
Gracious God,
We pray for eternal rest to those who gave themselves in service and sacrificed their lives for our country. We thank those who continue to serve in our Defence Forces. We remember and give thanks for their service to our country. Lest we forget.
Amen
Blessings,
Alison Wales - Principal
Reflection
Welcome back to the start of an exciting new term! I hope you and your family had a rejuvenating break and are now ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming term. Easter is a time for renewal and rebirth, offering us the chance to reflect on our faith and other aspects of our lives.
Year 12 Retreat
Our Year 12 students recently attended their overnight retreat in Yeppoon, a valuable opportunity to step back from daily routines and reflect on life, faith, and relationships. Led by the inspiring Dave Jorna from Project Hatch, students were challenged to grow in self-awareness and courage. Special thanks to James Newton, Jeanette Refalo, and Dianne Collins, who worked behind the scenes, along with all staff who generously gave their time and support.
ANZAC Day
On 25 April, we pause to honour all Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who have served or died in conflict.
Falling during the Easter season, ANZAC Day reminds us, like Easter, of the power of sacrifice and hope. May we remember their courage, be grateful for our peace, and strive to live lives honouring their legacy.
Farewell to Pope Francis – A Pilgrim of Hope
Earlier this week, we received the sad news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who died peacefully at 7:35 am on Easter Monday in Rome. Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has led our Church with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of joy, serving faithfully for the past twelve years. His life was a profound witness to what it means to live with a faith grounded in the Gospel and centred on love.
In a world often marked by division and self-interest, Pope Francis consistently directed our attention to those on the margins, offering hope to refugees, advocating for the poor, and embracing the forgotten. His leadership reminded us that true greatness lies in service. I will never forget that on the night of his election, he took a bus back to his hotel with the cardinals rather than riding in the papal car. The next morning, he insisted on personally paying his hotel bill. Just as he had done in Buenos Aires, he chose to forgo the luxury of the papal apartments and live simply in a Vatican guesthouse. These humble gestures were not just symbolic; they reflected his deeply held conviction that the Church must be close to the people. Through actions like washing the feet of prisoners, grieving with displaced communities, and urging the Church to become a “field hospital” for the wounded, Pope Francis showed us how to walk alongside others. He taught that following Christ is not about perfection, but about courage, mercy, and joy in the face of suffering.
His message to the world was consistent and compelling: faith must be lived through service, dialogue, and deep care for one another and for our common home. He called us to listen more deeply, to reach out further, and to be grounded in the Gospel of love. His papal motto, miserando atque eligendo, “having mercy and choosing”, captured his approach to leadership. He did not claim perfection but understood himself as a sinner called by God to serve with joy.
As a Catholic community at Holy Spirit College, we may be inspired by Pope Francis’ legacy. Let us continue to build a culture of peace and unity and, like him, walk as pilgrims of hope, bringing compassion, courage, and new life to those we encounter each day.
Loving God,
As resurrection people, may we follow Pope Francis’ example of serving with compassion, walking humbly with others, and bringing hope and new life to those we encounter each day.
May his life of faith, courage, and mercy inspire us to live with the same spirit of peace and unity.
May Pope Francis now rest in the loving arms of his God, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
God Bless,
Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission)
Welfare News
2025 ANZAC Day Morning Parade
Holy Spirit College has a fine reputation of supporting and remembering those who served our country, especially those men and women who lost their lives.
As schools are an important part of Mackay’s ANZAC Day services, all HSC Students and Staff are invited to march in Mackay’s 2025 ANZAC Day Morning Parade on Friday, 25 April 2025.
Dress: Students are to wear full formal dress uniform (including ties for boys). The College broad brim hat or bucket hat must be worn. Sports caps are not permitted.
Assembly Point: Students are to assemble in the Caneland Central ground level carpark at 8:00am (Row G08), with the March commencing soon after.
Route: Exit the carpark, move into Victoria Street at 8:35am, then right into Wellington Street, left into Gordon Street, right into Macalister St, then right into Alfred St for dispersal.
The Mayor and Special Guests representing the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) will review the parade at the dais in front of the Civic Centre in Gordon Street.
Please Note: Wearing of Medals
Citizens and students are encouraged to wear service medals of deceased, close family members and direct ancestors. While veterans wear their medals on the left breast, medals worn for a family member are to be worn on the right breast. Veterans cover their medals with their right hand after laying wreaths and when reciting “Lest We Forget” at the end of “The Ode” (to cover any awards or decorations the Fallen may not have received).
Medals worn on the right breast for another person may be covered by the left hand.
The Holy Spirit College Leaders will be laying a wreath at the Mackay City ANZAC Day Service.
E-Bike Safety & Rules
E-bike riders must follow all general road rules just like all bicycle riders. This includes obeying signs and traffic lights as well as give way rules.
- Always wear a helmet
- Give way to pedestrians on paths
- Don't drink and ride
- Leave your phone alone
- Ring your bell to warn pedestrians
- Only carry passengers if bike is designed to do so
- No riding on motorways or where no bicycle signs are installed
- Stay at the scene of a crash and exchange details
- Speed limits apply
More information can be found in the brochure below:
Sandy McLellan - Assistant Principal (Students)
Curriculum News
Assessment and Academic Performance - Term 2 2025
Students and parents are reminded the Assessment Calendar for Semester 1 was issued last term. Current assessment items for this term will appear in Student Café, Parent Lounge and Parent Orbit by the end of Week 2. Students are reminded to plan out assessment and focus on attendance, quality studentship (see what this looks like below) and improving results from Term 1.
Students and Parents will see results and feedback up to 3 weeks after the assessment due date. We encourage discussion with teachers focusing on improvements. Teachers will contact parents where there is outstanding studentship or if there may be issues. Parents can view when students are not submitting drafts and final assessments in Parent Lounge or on Parent Orbit.
Any queries, please contact Classroom Teachers to discuss further student progress and strategies to support improvements.
TOPS/Pathways - Thursday, 15 May 2025
Term 2 is a vital time in the preparation of Year 10 students for the important decisions ahead as they plan for Senior Studies.
Students will attend the TOPS (Tapping Our Potential) Day which will help them understand more clearly what occupations will suit their skills and interests, as well as receive their Learners User Identification (LUI) number, be introduced to their QCAA Learning Account and meet Guest Speakers who provide connection with a wide range of career options.
The culmination of TOPS is the Pathways Through Senior @ HSC Subject Expo & Parent Information Evening, to which you are all invited. This is one of the highlights of each year. The Father Bucas Centre transforms into a Career Expo with stalls providing information on all senior subjects. Many external exhibitors attend our Expo. The Universities, TAFE, employers from Engineering, Hospitals and Allied Medical professions, Commerce, Trades, Police, Veterinary Science, Defence, Education, Fitness, Law and many others attend to provide professional advice to students and parents. The evening is a ‘one-stop’ opportunity to have questions answered about senior subjects and to talk with professionals in many employment areas.
We look forward to talking with you on the evening and helping your Year 10 student to find a pathway to a successful and rewarding future.
Year 10 Mentoring – Friday, 23 May 2025
Compulsory Year 10 Mentoring will be held on Friday, 23 May 2025. All Year 10 students have a study day and can work from home or under supervision at School. Parents and students will book a session lasting 45 minutes. These sessions will mean each student is mentored by members of the Senior Leadership Team of Holy Spirit College. Students set goals, consider future pathways and select Semester 2 Year 10 and Senior subjects. This also includes the completion of students' Set Plan, and where needed, students and parents can complete a USI application for those wishing to study Certificates.
Anne Miles - Assistant Principal (Curriculum)
From the Office
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Absent from School
To ensure a student’s safety and welfare, it is important the College be kept informed of your student’s whereabouts. Parents/Carers are asked to contact the College Office on the morning of a student’s absence from school. The College follows up, with a text message to a parent's/carer's designated mobile phone.
There are numerous ways to notify the College of an absence:
- Using the Parent Orbit app, navigate to 'Absences' where you may add an absence entry.
- Log in to Parent Lounge via the College website and navigate to ‘Attendance’ where you may add an attendance entry.
- Telephone the designated Student Absentee phone line 4994 8699 and leave a voicemail message.
- Email the attendance message to 320_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au.
Regardless of which method you use to notify us of your child’s absence, please ensure the following information is included in your message:
- your name,
- the child’s name and year level, and
- the reason for the absence.
Notifications of absence should only be provided by the child’s parent/carer (as listed on the enrolment contract). Notifications received from a student will only be processed after verification from their parent/carer has been received.
Late to School (Late Passes)
The Holy Spirit College school day commences at 8:30 am and concludes at 3:00 pm. Students are expected to arrive by the due time. If they arrive late to school, however, they must report to Student Reception to obtain a late pass slip from the Attendance Self Registration Desk or a late pass stamp in their Student Diary, then proceed immediately to class and show this slip/stamp to the teacher.
Early Departures
If, for any valid reason, a student needs to leave the College grounds during school hours, parents/carers should write a note (preferably in the Student Diary) stating the time and reason for the early departure. The note must be signed by a parent/carer. The student is to show the note to their teacher who will release them from class. The student must then report to the College Office (Student Reception desk) to sign out before leaving the College grounds. Should the student return later that day, he/she should sign back in at the College Office before proceeding to class. Please note that interruption of student learning time is discouraged and, therefore, requests to contact students during class, without prior notification, will only be carried out in situations that the College considers are of an unavoidable or urgent nature.
Our College Attendance Officers are Mrs Karen Byron and Mrs Sandra Thomason. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance, Karen and Sandra welcome your call.
Allergy Awareness
Paula Bell - Office Manager
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, we are reminded of his steadfast commitment to compassion, humility, and justice — values that lie at the heart of both the Easter message and our mission through Project Compassion.
Pope Francis called us to be "missionary disciples" — to be people who walk with the poor, speak for the voiceless, and unconditionally love. This Easter season, as we reflect on the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are called to act — to embody the hope that Easter brings.
As our fundraising for Project Compassion 2025 draws to a close, we are reminded that our support for those in need, now and into the future, stands as a living testament to the world Pope Francis sought to build: one shaped by dignity, equality, and love. By supporting this and future appeals, we help ensure that his call to be Christ-like to others continues to shine brightly in communities throughout the world.
May this Easter season be a time of renewed commitment to justice and compassion.
Jeanette Refalo - Mission Support
Date Claimers
April 2025
| 24 | ANZAC Day Prayer Service |
| 25 | ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
| 28 | Year 6 Visits |
| 28 | Luke Kennedy - Guest Speaker |
| 29 | Year 7 in 2026 Information Evening |
May 2025
| 5 | Labour Day Public Holiday |
| 6 | Parent-Teacher Interviews #1 |
| 12-16 | Year 11 Camp |
| 15 | Year 10 TOPS and Pathways |
| 21 | P&F Association and College Board Meeting |
| 23 | Year 10 Mentoring Day |
| 27-28 | Year 10 Retreat |
| 30 | Catholic Debutante Ball |
June 2025
| 3-5 | Year 11 Indigenous Leadership Camp |
| 6 | Feast Day |
| 9 | Year 7 in 2026 Interviews - Round 1 |
| 16 | Year 7 in 2026 Interviews - Round 2 |
| 17 | Athletics Carnival - Minor Day |
| 18 | Athletics Carnival - Major Day |
| 19 | Mackay Show Holiday |
| 23 | Year 12 UQ Experience Trip |
| 25 | P&F Association and College Board Meeting |
| 27 | Term 2 Concludes |
| 27 | Staff Learning & Development Day - Student Free Day |
Creative Arts @ HSC
Creative Arts Schedule
|
Group |
Day |
Time |
Venue |
Tutor/Teacher |
|
Band |
Monday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
Mr Bauer |
|
Choir |
Tuesday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
Ms Illguth and Mrs Abell |
|
Art Officials |
Tuesday |
Recess 1 |
Room 17 |
Mrs Oliver |
|
Dance Troupe |
Wednesday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
Mrs Skipper |
|
Debate Club |
Wednesday |
Recess 1 |
Room 26 |
Mrs Farquhar and Ms Wainwright |
|
Music Ministry |
Wednesday |
Recess 1 |
PAC |
Mrs Hyde |
|
Art Therapy |
Wednesday |
3:00 - 4:00 pm |
Art Room |
Mrs Oliver |
|
Drama Club |
Thursday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
Ms Robinson and Ms Wainwright |
|
Creative Arts |
Thursday |
Recess 2 |
Music Room |
Mrs Abell and Creative Arts Chair |
|
Drum Corps |
Friday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
Mr McClelland and Mr Watson |
|
Digital DJs |
As required |
|
PAC |
Ms Barbe |
Bernadetta Abell - Creative Arts Program Leader
Sports @ HSC
Term 2 Sports Update
Term 2 is shaping up to be an action-packed season for sport at Holy Spirit College! With opportunities for every student to get involved—whether it’s representing the College, competing for house points, or simply having fun—there’s something for everyone.
Football - Bill Turner Cup & Trophy
We’re thrilled to have our U15 Girls and Boys teams competing in the Bill Turner Cup and Trophy, a prestigious state-wide football competition. They’ll face off against the top schools in Mackay in a Gala day in the middle of the term, and if successful, will travel to Townsville to compete at the next level.
Our Open Girls and Year 9/10 Boys teams will compete in the Interschool Football Competition this term, providing a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talent and teamwork against local schools.
Whitsunday Futsal Titles
A highlight for our futsal teams this term will be the Whitsunday Futsal Titles, where our students will showcase their skills in fast-paced, high-energy indoor football. Our teams are ready to dominate the competition and maintain our level of excellence in Futsal.
Following this, selected players will have the opportunity to compete at the State Futsal Titles at the end of the term—a fantastic chance to challenge themselves against top talent from across Queensland.
Netball - Vicki Wilson Cup
Our netballers are gearing up for the Vicki Wilson Cup, Queensland’s premier schools’ netball competition, as well as continuing their Winter Season competition. Our players have shown incredible commitment at training and are developing strong combinations on court. With a mix of experienced leaders and exciting young talent, we’re confident our teams will represent HSC with pride, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the term.
Rugby League – NRL Trophy Cup & Aaron Payne Cup
Our Junior rugby league squads will be competing in the NRL Trophy Cup and Gala Day competition, and our seniors in the Aaron Payne Cup, facing some of the toughest school teams in the region. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our players to test their strength, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Interschool Cricket
Cricket continues to grow at HSC, with junior and senior interschool teams in action this term, taking on our across-the-river rivals in Catherine McAuley College and St Patrick's College.
Interschool Hockey
Our hockey teams have officially kicked off their season and are already showing great promise on the field. Competing in the Interschool Hockey Competition, matches are held each Saturday, giving our players regular opportunities to develop their skills, build team chemistry, and gain valuable game experience.
Important Update – MDSS Sport Nominations
We're making some changes to how students will nominate for Mackay District Secondary School Sport (MDSS) trials and events. The nomination process will move online, with more information and links to be provided through our website and online portals.
We encourage all families to stay informed and keep an eye on daily notices, newsletters and Parent Orbit notifications for upcoming opportunities.
Yours in Sport,
Chris Newton - Sports Program Leader
Sport Sponsors 2025
P&F Association
Our next meeting
The next P&F Meeting will be the AGM on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, from 5:00 pm.
All are welcome!
If you need to contact our P&F Association please email parentsandfriends@hsc.qld.edu.au
SchoolTV
One of the initiatives of our P&F Association is to provide SchoolTV for our HSC Community.
The purpose of SchoolTV is to provide a single resource for parents, students and staff covering a range of Wellness & Wellbeing topics, on a monthly basis. Content is based around the very real issues faced by parents and today’s youth and is presented in a multi-media format.
SchoolTV is available at all times on the HSC Website.
Special Report: Social Media & Comparison Culture
Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.
For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.
It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.
The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. This Special Report will help you empower your child to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.
COMMUNITY
Student Special Achievements
Students at HSC are encouraged to excel in their chosen areas of interest, whether these are school-based interests or occur outside the school arena. If you would like to share an achievement relating to your student with the College community, please submit the details to media@hsc.qld.edu.au. (Be aware that we don’t always know about your student’s achievements unless you tell us!)
(Note: Students who excel at ‘school-based’ sports, cultural and academic pursuits through the school pathway are formally recognised at our Sports Awards Evening or Cultural Awards Showcase and/or Speech Night (Academic Awards) each year.)
Park safe and keep our kids safe
There were a number of close calls with vehicles and pedestrians near our schools and sporting zones last year.
With students now back at school and sports season under way, it is time to park safe and keep our kids safe.
Parking in the wrong spot can prevent safe access along pathways and obscure the vision of other drivers and pedestrians.
Council will be patrolling school and sporting zones to ensure no one is parking in an unsafe manner.
Please see factsheet from Mackay Council below:
Working with Catholic Education
Report online abuse
If you need to make a complaint about cyberbullying, image-based abuse or illegal or harmful online content, report to eSafety to get help having content taken down.