Last week, our new state-of-the-art Industrial Technology and Design (INTAD) Precinct was officially blessed and opened by Bishop Michael McCarthy and our Director, Michael McCusker. The Blessing and Opening marked a significant milestone in Holy Spirit College’s journey with Vocational Education. There are six workshops including a construction court, storage and shared machinery zones, and three project development rooms with the capability to support Graphics, Design and planning requirements. A new Maintenance Facility including bus and vehicle storage as well as staff facilities and student amenities, have all been included in this major capital works project. This new precinct is more than just a building; it is a beacon of innovation, leading the way for Industrial Technologies and Design subjects in our College. Our new INTAD precinct provides our students with a cutting-edge facility that will enhance learning and inspire students for generations to come.

On behalf of Holy Spirit College, I would like to thank and extend my gratitude to Bishop Michael and our Director, Michael McCusker for their support and presence at the Blessing and Opening ceremony. Bishop Michael’s blessings and words of encouragement have truly inspired us all.

A special thank you to the talented architects from Tony Madden Architects, Luke Madden and Pak Chan for their dedication to ensuring the final building measured up to our expectations. Thank you to local firm, Fergus Builders for their craftmanship in bringing our vision to life. We are grateful to Tony Madden Architects and Fergus Builders for their dedication to this project.

INTAD Showcase Evening

The INTAD Showcase evening was a resounding success, with many of our Industry partners attending.  It was a wonderful opportunity for us to share our new INTAD facilities with our Industry supporters. We are grateful for our partnerships within the Industry and thank them for their continued support of our Work Experience students and School Based Apprenticeships.

We are incredibly proud of our student helpers, including INTAD students Lachlan T who was our MC for the INTAD Showcase Evening, and Max S who confidently spoke to our Industry partners. Our Hospitality students cooked up and served a delicious sausage sizzle for everyone to enjoy. Your efforts added a welcoming touch to this event.

I would also like to express my thanks to our incredible staff for their assistance with our Blessing and Opening and INTAD Showcase Evening. The meticulous planning and effort put in did not go unnoticed. So many played a crucial role in making the ceremony and event a resounding success. Thank you all.

Opening Mass

As a Catholic College, our Opening Mass is a special celebration to mark the commencement of the 2025 school year. At our Mass, our Year 7 students, new students, and staff were officially welcomed. Our leadership badges were blessed by Father Andrew Hogan during the Mass. Year 12 Student Leaders and newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) members were presented with these badges as they were formally commissioned. Congratulations to all of these students! Our Year 12 Students were also presented with their Leadership badge.  Thank you to Ms Lesley Fraser (Assistant Principal - Mission) for organising our Opening Mass. 

Student Protection

The protection and safety of all students in our care is paramount at Holy Spirit College. We pride ourselves in providing a safe, caring environment for our students.  We act immediately on all concerns raised. I encourage you to read Sandy McLellan’s Welfare article this week regarding our Student Protection Contacts.

P&F Association AGM

Annual General Meeting - Parents & Friends Association

I would like to extend a warm invitation to our parents and caregivers to the Parents and Friends, Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. This meeting will commence at 5:00 pm in the Board Room, Administration Building. Our current Parents and Friends Executive warmly invite new members to this association. I hope to see you there!

College Board

The Board is responsible for assisting the College in clarifying and defining its Mission and direction. The College Board is a pastoral and advisory Board and not a Board of Governance. The roles and responsibilities of the College Board can greatly enhance the partnership that exists between parents and the Catholic School and enrich and strengthen the educational opportunities for students. The Board consists of staff, parents and parish representatives.

The main roles of the College Board are to:

• collaborate in nurturing the Special Religious Character of the College;
• participate in the ongoing planning and development of the College (in accordance with Diocesan guidelines, Government requirements and the School Improvement Plan);
• support the Principal, Leadership Team and Staff;
• be informed (Board Education) on current Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Policies and Initiatives; and
• provide advice to the Principal on matters that have the potential to impact current and future College decisions.

Board Meetings are held once a month on a Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, please email your Expression of Interest to Alison_Wales@rok.catholic.edu.au by Friday, 14 March 2025.

The Board Inservice for new members will be held in Term 2.

Prayer

Lord,

Bless our Opening Mass on Friday. May it be a time of unity and spiritual growth for us ‘Pilgrims of Hope”. Grant us the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder and Awe.

May our actions and words always reflect our motto. “peace and unity”, as we strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Amen

Blessings,     

Alison Wales - Principal