A warm welcome to Semester 2. Welcome new students and families to our HSC community. Semester 2 is off to a great start with our students settling quickly into their classes and setting new goals for Term 3. As we welcomed back our students on Monday, it was wonderful to hear about their mid-year holidays. 

Infinite Spirit Cheer and Dance Competition

Congratulations to our incredible Dance Troupe for their stellar performances at Infinite Spirit 2025 on Saturday, 28 June. Representing the College with pride and professionalism, our students impressed both judges and audiences, many competing at this level for the first time!

Results:

• Jazz – 1st Overall
• Hip-Hop – 2nd Overall

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Stacey Skipper and our dedicated staff for their support. Here's to more success ahead!

QISSN AND QISSRL

Both our QISSN teams (netball) and QISSRL teams (rugby league) performed well at the recent carnivals held in Bundaberg and Rockhampton. Our four teams enjoyed the opportunity to play against other Queensland Catholic and independent schools.  I was able to attend both carnivals over the week, and I witnessed our students being wonderful ambassadors of our College. Thank you to all our players, coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, and supporters who all contributed to a positive experience for our students in the lead-up and at the carnivals. A big congratulations to them all!

Semester One Reports

Semester 1 Academic Reports became available for viewing/printing through Parent Orbit and Parent Lounge on the last day of Term 2. These reports outline the progress students have made in their learning for Semester 1.

Our Teaching Staff welcome the opportunity to meet with our parents to discuss the progress of your student(s) at the upcoming Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews to be conducted in Week 2 on Tuesday, 22 July. All interviews will be held in the Father Bucas Centre. Information regarding how to book an interview was emailed to parents on 27 June. Please remember that these interview times represent another opportunity for contact, and it is always possible to arrange a further time to meet with the Teacher outside of this event. I thank our Teachers in advance for their willingness to be available for these interviews.

Student Attendance

Our overall year-to-date student attendance is at 88%. We are aiming for improved whole-school attendance in Semester 2. It is vital that our students attend school every day unless they are unwell. Attending school every day makes a significant difference to a student’s learning outcomes. Lateness also negatively impacts a student’s start to the day and the classroom environment he/she is entering. I encourage all families to ensure their student is at school every day and on time. Attendance and being on time really matter!

New Staff

I would like to welcome to our teaching staff at Holy Spirit College, Krystal Cebulski and Danielle Robke (HPE), and Kate Riley (Mathematics and Science).

HSC News and Events

I encourage our Parents and Students to read our College newsletter bi-weekly and check our social media platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram and the Parent Orbit app, to keep up to date with events as the pace will no doubt quicken throughout this semester. These are all great ways to stay connected to HSC.

May God continue to bless our HSC community throughout Semester 2.

Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

As we begin this new semester, we bring with us a spirit of hope, a thirst for learning and the courage to pursue our goals.

Thank you for the opportunity to grow in knowledge, in character, and in connection with others.

Grant us the focus to embrace our studies, the strength to face challenges, and the humility to learn not only through our textbooks, but from each other.

May our classrooms be spaces of curiosity and compassion.

May our efforts be guided by purpose, and may we never lose sight of why we began this journey. Amen

Blessings,

Reflection

As a Catholic learning community walking together as Pilgrims of Hope, we first acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have cared for this land for thousands of years, and their descendants who continue to honour and nurture their deep spiritual connection to Country.

NAIDOC Week, celebrated across Australia from 6–13 July, invites us to reflect on the history, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week and honours the courage of past leaders, the vision of present communities, and the hope carried forward by young First Nations voices.

As Pilgrims of Hope, we are called to walk with open hearts, listening to stories of truth and resilience, and seeking paths toward justice and reconciliation. The Catholic community NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph’s Church on Tuesday, 22 July, will be an opportunity to reflect deeply on these themes and pray for a future grounded in unity and shared dignity.

Let us pray:

Creator God,

As Pilgrims of Hope, guide our footsteps along the journey of healing across these lands, seas, and waterways.

Open our minds to listen with compassion, and our hearts to be transformed by truth.

May our hands be instruments of reconciliation, working towards justice with courage and care.

Let your Spirit stir within us, renewing strength for the path ahead and inspiring us to walk together, in hope, in unity, and in love. Amen.

God Bless,

Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission)

Welfare News

Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety: A Pastoral Approach at Holy Spirit College

In recent times, we have observed a concerning rise in anxiety among our students. As a community dedicated to the pastoral care and well-being of our young people, it is crucial that we address this issue with compassion and proactive strategies.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can significantly impact a student's academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical signs such as headaches or stomach aches.

Our Commitment to Pastoral Care

At Holy Spirit College, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where students feel safe and valued. Our pastoral care program is designed to provide emotional, spiritual, and psychological support to help students navigate their challenges.

The Role of the Year Level Dean

Each Year Level Dean plays a pivotal role in our pastoral care framework. They are responsible for overseeing the well-being of students in their respective year levels, providing guidance, support, and a point of contact for any concerns. The Year Level Deans work closely with teachers, counsellors, and parents to ensure that each student's needs are met and that they receive the necessary support to thrive.

The Resilience Project and Trauma-Informed Positive Education

We are proud to be in our second year of The Resilience Project, which assists students with coping mechanisms for anxiety. This initiative focuses on building resilience through gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. Additionally, Holy Spirit College participates in Trauma-Informed Positive Education, which emphasises understanding and responding to the effects of trauma on students' learning and behaviour. These programs are integral to our approach in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment.

Strategies to Strengthen Against Anxiety

1. Open Communication: Encouraging students to talk about their feelings can help reduce the stigma associated with anxiety. Regular check-ins with teachers, counsellors, and peers can provide a safe space for expression.
2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Introducing mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help students manage stress and anxiety. These techniques promote relaxation and improve focus.
3. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for combating anxiety. Physical activities, such as sports, yoga, or even a walk in nature, can boost mood and reduce stress levels.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encouraging a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and hydration can have a positive impact on mental health. Educating students about the importance of these choices is essential.
5. Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer support groups where students can share their experiences and offer mutual support can foster a sense of community and belonging. At Holy Spirit College, there are several lunchtime clubs and committees that encourage peer support.  
6. Professional Support: Providing access to professional counselling services ensures that students have the opportunity to receive personalised care and guidance. We have 4 College Counsellors available to support students with their counselling needs.

Upcoming Webinar Event

Holy Spirit College and Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) are offering parents, carers, and students the opportunity to attend a live webinar event facilitated by Psychologist Karen Young. Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice and is recognised as a leading authority on child and adolescent anxiety. Please refer to the flyer below to register for this live event on Tuesday, 5 August, from 7:00-8:30 pm.

Strengthening Young People against Anxiety

Strengthening Young People against Anxiety 585.23 KB

Our Role as a Community

As parents, educators, and peers, we all play a vital role in supporting our students. By fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, we can help our young people build resilience and cope with anxiety effectively.

Conclusion

Holy Spirit College remains steadfast in its commitment to the pastoral needs of our students. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that empowers our young people to overcome anxiety and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sandy McLellan - Assistant Principal (Students)

From the Office

At Holy Spirit College, your child’s safety remains our top priority. We kindly ask you to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth drop-off and pick-up experience:

• Observe and comply with all speed and traffic signs within the vicinity of Holy Spirit College and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
• Utilise either the pick-up zone or short-term parking to collect your child/children.
• We request that you do not collect your child/children from the long-term carpark.
• Drive to the end of the drop-off lane, ensuring that there is no excessive space left between vehicles.
• To facilitate the flow of traffic, please make full use of the short-term parking.
• Students should use the pedestrian crossing to access parked vehicles in the short-term parking area.

We would like to remind you that by 3:20 pm on most afternoons, the drop-off and pick-up zone is typically clear. To help alleviate traffic congestion, consider delaying your pick-up time. Please be assured that our teaching staff will be on duty until 3:40 pm to supervise your child/ren during this time.

Remember, as you enter Holy Spirit College, please give way to traffic entering from your right.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting and keeping our student environment safe for students who attend Holy Spirit College and Emmanual Catholic Primary School.

Mathematics News

This year students are invited to participate in two Mathematics competitions.

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

The first competition has been advertised to students already in the Daily Notices and is the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). This individual competition has been taken up by a number of students across Years 7 to 12. It is a chance for students to engage with real-world problems and solve them using creative Mathematical thinking. This competition will be held at the College at the start of August. Best wishes to all participants!

International Competitions and Assessments at School (ICAS) Assessment in Mathematics

The second competition we are promoting is the International Competitions and Assessments at School (ICAS) Assessment in Mathematics. This online test assesses students on their ability to apply what they’ve learnt in class to new contexts, to demonstrate a thorough understanding of their knowledge. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals. Entrants are to sign up online through the parent portal on or before the 28th July 2025. It is $20.95 per student and will be held at the College at the end of August.

How to participate in ICAS

If you wish for your student to participate in ICAS this year, please:

1. read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas)
2. go to Parent Portal here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
3. enter our school’s access code: DRA202
4. enter your student’s details, select the test you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.

Angela Pearce - Dean of Junior Mathematics

Date Claimers

July 2025

August 2025

Creative Arts @ HSC

Exciting Creative Arts News!

A huge congratulations to our Dance Troupe students and their dedicated teacher, Mrs Stacey Skipper, for their outstanding achievement at the Infinite Spirit Cheer and Dance Championships held at the start of the school holidays! Their performance was absolutely fantastic! Competing in the Secondary Schools section, the Dance Troupe performed two dance styles, and we’re thrilled to announce they were awarded 1st place for their Jazz routine and 2nd place for their Hip Hop routine. The students represented our College with passion and pride and were over the moon to receive recognition from the judges for their hard work, dedication and incredible talent.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Skipper for her tireless effort in preparing the students, giving up countless lunchtimes for rehearsals, and to everyone who supported the Dance Troupe in the lead-up and on the day. Well done, team — we’re so proud of you!

Congratulations to all our Creative Arts students for ending Term 2 on a high note with a spectacular Twilight Night event! The evening was filled with vibrant performances, captivating music, and hands-on art, all presented in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Families and friends were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment, offering a glimpse into the hard work and creativity our students have poured into their weekly rehearsals and meetings. Well done to everyone involved — we’re incredibly proud of you all!

Our Music Ministry group and Mrs Cecilia Hyde will lead the congregation in singing at 6 pm Mass at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay, this Saturday evening and on the third Saturday of every month. Your beautiful voices are always most appreciated by those in attendance. Please come along and join us this Saturday for Mass with the Music Ministry. All are welcome.

What an incredible experience for four of our students — Amelia, Henry, Lillian, and Lucy — who took part in the inaugural Sing On! event for Secondary School students. Held during the final week of Term 2, this exciting three-day choral workshop offered students the opportunity to explore a diverse repertoire under the expert guidance of acclaimed choral conductor Jenny Moon. Throughout the workshop, students developed their vocal and musicianship skills, collaborated with fellow singers, and culminated their experience with a spectacular finale concert.

Congratulations to all involved — what a memorable way to celebrate the joy of singing and musical growth!

Looking ahead, our College Choir, Concert Band, Drum Corps and Drama group are busily preparing to proudly represent the College at the Annual Mackay Eisteddfod, held at the MECC. This exciting event offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and hard work on a regional stage, and we wish them all the best as they gear up for their performances. Come along and support our talented students as they perform on the big stage!

Eisteddfod dates for your diary:

Choir – Thursday, 14 August | 4:00 pm & 6:30 pm

Concert Band – Monday, 18 August | 5:00 pm

Drum Corps – Tuesday, 19 August | 5:00 pm

Speech & Drama – Details coming soon!

Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for our Celebration of the Arts Awards Night, happening on Tuesday, 2 September at the College in the FBC.

Join us for an inspiring evening where our talented students will take the spotlight, showcasing their creativity through performances and artistic displays and also recognising and celebrating their achievements in the arts.

More details will be shared soon, but we warmly invite all families to come along and enjoy a night of artistic excellence and celebration.

If your student would like to be a part of the fun of Creative Arts groups, it's never too late to join! Our groups welcome everyone, no previous experience required, just a keen interest and enthusiasm. See the Creative Arts Timetable below and let’s make this year a creative adventure for all!

Creative Arts Schedule

Sports @ HSC

Inaugural Girls Confraternity Team Shines at QISSRL

Our inaugural Girls Confraternity team made history this year as they proudly represented the College at the 2025 QISSRL Carnival. This was the first time our College has fielded a girls’ team in this prestigious rugby league competition, and the girls certainly rose to the occasion. Throughout the week, they displayed incredible skill, teamwork, and determination, earning praise from spectators and opponents alike. Their commitment both on and off the field showcased the true spirit of the Confraternity Carnival and set a strong foundation for the future of girls’ rugby league at our school.

The team had an impressive run, finishing equal first in their pool with two other teams. They progressed to a hard-fought semi-final, narrowly missing a grand final spot in a close 8–4 game. Showing great resilience, the girls regrouped for the playoff for 3rd and 4th place, finishing the carnival on a high with a strong win to claim 3rd place in Division 2.

Every player contributed to this success, and we are proud to celebrate our team award winners:

• Players’ Player Award: Jade G
• Coaches’ Award: Kayla B
• Trainers’ Award: Abby C
• Touchie Award: Elise P.G

We also congratulate our Confraternity Carnival award recipients:

• Player of the Carnival: Kiah A
• Spirit of the Carnival: Erin S

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, coaches, trainers, and managers for their support in making this campaign such a success. This is just the beginning for our girls in rugby league, and we look forward to what’s to come!

Jonnet Craig-Hutchinson - QISSRL Girls Team Manager

Pride and Perseverance: Confraternity Boys Finish 3rd in Division 2 Bowl at 2025 QISSRL Carnival

After a week of intense rugby league action at the 2025 QISSRL Carnival in Rockhampton, our Confraternity boys return with a fantastic achievement—securing 3rd place in the Division 2 Bowl. Their journey was filled with challenges, growth, and moments that will be long remembered.

From the outset, the boys were tested in one of the most competitive Division 2 pools in recent memory. With each match, they showed resilience, adaptability, and a fierce commitment to one another. Their efforts saw them through to the Bowl semi-final, where they narrowly missed progressing to the final after a tightly contested match.

Refusing to let disappointment define their campaign, the team rallied for the 3rd place playoff. In a display of maturity and determination, they overcame Blackheath & Thornburgh College 24–16, ending their week on a high note.

What stood out just as much as their on-field efforts was the way the boys conducted themselves throughout the carnival. They embraced every aspect of the experience—cheering on other teams, making connections with students from across Queensland, and upholding the values of the Confraternity tradition with humility and respect.

Special recognition goes to several players for their outstanding contributions:

• Players' Player Award - Michael T
• Coaches' Award – Jesse F
• Trainers' Award – Jacob D

We also celebrate our carnival-wide award winners:

• Player of the Carnival – Jack G
• Spirit of the Carnival – Finn G

These students represented the heart and soul of the team, demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and character.

To our coaches and support crew—thank you for the time, energy, and care you poured into this team. Your guidance helped shape a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

To the 2025 Confraternity squad—congratulations. You’ve made your College proud, both in victory and in the way you carried yourselves throughout the week.

Tina Kirkwood - QISSRL Boys Team Manager

What a Season! Celebrating the End of Representative Netball

What an incredible representative winter netball season it's been! Our six fantastic teams – Doves, Eagles, Spirits, Panthers, Vipers, and Lightning, have showcased immense talent, dedication, and sportsmanship. We couldn't be prouder of every single player, and what a way to cap it all off with some nail-biting grand final finishes!

Vipers: Our amazing Year 8 team, Vipers, fought hard all season, demonstrating incredible resilience. Finishing second overall is an outstanding achievement! A huge thank you to their coach, Tracey Byron, for her expertise and guidance.

Eagles: Talk about grit! Our Eagles boys' team took the court down three players and still managed to bring home the win! Their defence was impenetrable, while the mid-courters tirelessly pushed the ball down court, securing a one-point victory. Sincere gratitude to Carolyn Taylor and Jessica Davison for coaching and guiding our inaugural QISSN boys' team.

Doves: The Doves girls followed suit with another nerve-racking game, truly "digging deep" to secure their win. A massive thank you to Jayden Taylor for his epic knowledge and coaching for HSC this season!

While the Spirits, Panthers, and Vipers may not have taken home the top honours this season, their dedication, hard work, and improvement throughout the winter season were evident every game. We are incredibly proud of all our teams and their commitment to the sport. Thank you to all coaches and managers for your support and time this season.

A heartfelt thank you to all our HSC family who came down to watch, cheer, and support our teams. HSC, without a doubt, had the biggest cheer squad on the sidelines! The HSC pride shone bright and loud on Grand Final afternoon – it was absolutely incredible!

Doves and Eagles Soar: QISSN 2025

Our College community is buzzing with excitement and pride for our two incredible netball teams, the Doves and the Eagles, who recently competed in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) competition. For many of our players, this was their first time competing at this high level and representing their school.

QISSN is a highlight on the school sporting calendar, bringing together talented netball players from independent schools across the state for a week of intense competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. Our Doves and Eagles have trained tirelessly, demonstrating unwavering dedication and teamwork, all in preparation for this significant event.

Our incredible teams departed early Sunday morning to travel to Bundaberg. After one flight and a car ride, which consisted of team chats, epic playlists and bad singing, we arrived at the host school, Shalom College, for the opening ceremony. A week of intense competition was promised and delivered.

On Monday, we began our pool games, facing hometown rivals and competition legends, as fast-paced games started our week of netball. Players only had 24 minutes on the court to make an impact, score goals, and defend against some tough competition. The Eagles did HSC proud, stacking up against a formidable St James College on day one, where they received accolades and encouragement from some QISSN veterans, proving they were tough competition. Our inaugural boys' team exceeded our expectations, earning a position in Division 1 for finals. The Doves held strong with solid wins throughout the week, digging deep several times to snatch the win and holding strong as a united team, they flew into the Division 3 finals.

Congratulations, Doves, placing 7th in Division 3. Girls’ netball runs in your veins, and there was never a doubt that your skills would shine bright on the court. However, your teamwork, support and encouragement of each other made you true winners. Well done, we are extremely proud!

Congratulations, Eagles, placing 5th in Division 1. Boys, you have created an outstanding legacy as our first boys' QISSN netball team. You set the bar extremely high! Your efforts on the court will live on forever in the HSC community, and you have done your College proud!

An additional congratulations to the following awardees:

• Most Valuable Players; Alysse A [Doves] and Luke D [Eagles].
• A massive congratulations to Luke D, who was also selected in the Rising Star Team of the Tournament — an honour awarded to players who demonstrate exceptional potential and skill throughout the week.
• A huge congratulations to Lachlan M for his selection in the prestigious QISSN All Stars team. Lachlan was selected for the team from 640+ participating players throughout the week for his impressive netball skills and leadership. What an incredible achievement, Lachlan.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made the Doves and Eagles' QISSN journey possible and so successful. A huge thank you to our exceptional coaches, Jayden and Carolyn Taylor, whose guidance and dedication truly inspired our players on and off the court. Jessica Davison, our Assistant Coach for the Eagles, also deserves immense credit for her invaluable support. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to our incredible team managers, Nanette Devitt and Krystal Cebulski, for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

We're incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, whose contributions were vital, allowing us to compete in this great competition. Thank you to the Sports Department for their unwavering commitment to our students. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the entire HSC community and parents for your enthusiastic support—your cheers and encouragement meant the world to our teams. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate group of parents who truly are the backbone to their students’ success. Their unwavering belief in our students is invaluable.

Go Doves! Go Eagles! We are incredibly proud of you all!

Danielle MacGregor - Netball Coordinator

Sport Partners 2025

P&F Association

Our next meeting

The next P&F Meeting will be on Wednesday, 13 August 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 Topic: Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Edition.

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