Creative Arts @ HSC

Bernadetta Abell - Creative Arts Program Leader

We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our Senior Captains, Rory F, Liam H, and Elise P-G, at the recent Lions Youth of the Year event. These remarkable students showcased their exceptional public speaking skills, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

Each of our captains delivered confident and compelling impromptu speeches, demonstrating their ability to think on their feet. Their prepared speeches were equally impressive, offering unique and insightful perspectives on various topics. The judges and audience alike were captivated by their eloquence and depth of thought.

A special congratulations goes to Rory F, who won the local round of the competition. Rory's confident demeanour and thought-provoking answers to the judges' questions earned him recognition as the overall winner, allowing him to advance to the Zone finals. At this next level, Rory once again shone brightly, securing the top prize in both the public speaking criteria, and the overall winner. Rory secured the honour of representing the Mackay Region at the upcoming state finals in Townsville.

We are incredibly proud of Rory, Liam, and Elise for their dedication and hard work. Their success at the Lions Youth of the Year event is a testament to their talent and commitment to excellence. We wish Rory the best of luck as he prepares to compete in Townsville and continue to make our school proud.

Suzanne Gakowski - Dean of Senior English

Sports @ HSC

HSC Swimming Carnival 2025

The annual Holy Spirit College Inter-House Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday, 14 March 2025, at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC). This is a compulsory school event, however swimming is optional.

Students are to arrive at school as normal, by 8:30 am. Students will go straight to Pastoral Care Groups. Students will then be transported via bus in year level groups to the Mackay ARC. The Carnival will commence at 9:30 am and is expected to conclude at 2:30 pm. Students will be transported back to Holy Spirit College in time for 3:00 pm.

If circumstances do arise where your student needs to arrive or depart the pool outside of these times, a note will need to be submitted to either a) our Student Reception (before the day), or b) the HSC Attendance Desk at the entrance of Mackay ARC at the commencement of the Swimming Carnival.

Parents of students who are arriving late or departing early are asked to present to the HSC Attendance Desk at the entrance of the Mackay ARC for assistance.

Swimming Carnival 2025

Dress Standards 

Boys Acceptable

• Free dress, in House colours, is allowed to be worn to and from the pool. Students may also wear the College Sports Uniform.
• Crocs or joggers are permitted to be worn at the Carnival and travelling on the bus (Thongs are not permitted at any time).
• Sun safe hat
• Quick-dry material shorts. Speedos may be worn. A sun safe shirt/rashie is encouraged. (Refer page 17 of Student Diary)

Boys Unacceptable

• Singlet tops
• Casual clothes not suited to swimming
• Body Paint

Girls Acceptable

• Free dress, in House colours, is allowed to be worn to and from the pool. Students may also wear the College Sports Uniform.
• Crocs or joggers are permitted to be worn at the Carnival and travelling on the bus (Thongs are not permitted at any time).
• Sun safe hat
• One-piece swimmers or sports style two-piece swimmers. A sun safe shirt/rashie is encouraged. (Refer page 17 of Student Diary).  

Girls Unacceptable

• Midriff tops or singlet tops
• Bikinis (without shirt covering)
• Body Paint

Finally, we would like to see as many students as possible in the water having a go in at least one event. Finishing first in a race is not the only goal of competitive swimming and is not necessarily restricted to those students who are in a swimming club. Many goals can be achieved in competitive swimming.  These goals can range from:

• the achievement of being able to complete a distance
• gaining House points
• improving a race time; and/or
• competing against friends.

Whatever the reason for participating, the more students swimming in the Carnival will increase the atmosphere and make it a most enjoyable day.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at the College on 4994 8600 or via email Christopher_Newton@rok.catholic.edu.au if you require any further information.

Cross Country Carnival 2025

On Friday, 4 April 2025, the last day of Term 1, Holy Spirit College is holding its annual Inter-house Cross Country Carnival. This year, there will be a change of events, as we will be splitting our competitive races from our fun run.

Students wishing to compete at Mackay District School level, as well as contribute points towards Age Champion, will be racing against others in their own age group. This will make for a quick event with the College’s best putting on a showcase running event. We will then move into a fun run, where all students will be encouraged to get points for their house!

Please see below the map for the upcoming events:

Competitive Map

• U13 – 3km
• U14-U19 – 4km

Whole school ‘Fun Run’

• U12 – U19 years – 4km

Please ensure that your student is wearing the following to ensure safety in the sun!

• College Cap or Bucket Hat
• Enclosed footwear
• Appropriate running attire or the College Sport Uniform

Looking forward to finishing off Term 1, 2025!

Yours in Sport,

Chris Newton - Sports Program Leader

QISSN Car Wash Fundraiser

Last Saturday, 1 March 2025, the Doves & Eagles QISSN netball teams traded their bibs for buckets and their netball shoes for sponges, hosting our first-ever car wash fundraiser! And let me tell you, it was a splashing success with over $2000 dollars raised!

The sun was shining, the tunes were pumping, and the cars... well, let's just say they've never looked so sparkly, thanks to the students meticulous scrubbing.

The real stars of the day were the Doves & Eagles players, who tackled grime with the same enthusiasm they bring to the court. Their hard work was a testament to their dedication for the upcoming representative season and the 2025 QISSN carnival being hosted in Bundaberg! This is a massive opportunity for our teams, and we're determined to make it a memorable one. However, travelling to Bundaberg comes with expenses, and that's where your generous support comes in. The funds raised from our car wash will go directly towards reducing the team's travel costs, making this incredible experience more accessible for everyone.

We were absolutely blown away by the turnout and the incredible support from our HSC community and the general public. Thank you to everyone who brought their cars down, donated generously, and shared in the fun. Your support means the world to HSC netball!

A massive shoutout to the incredible team who made the day possible! Hayley Keith (Netball Coordinator), Jessica Davison, Marnie Lamb, Nyah McNamara, and Christopher Newton (Sports Coordinator) - you guys were absolute legends! From organising supplies, setup and keeping the energy high, your hard work and dedication were truly inspiring.

So, next time you're cruising down the street in your squeaky-clean car, remember the Doves & Eagles and their journey to Bundaberg! We're counting down the days and putting in the hard yards on and off the court. With your support, we're confident we'll make QISSN 2025 the best year yet!

Go Doves & Eagles!

Danielle MacGregor - Netball Coordinator

Sport Sponsors 2025

International Women's Day 2025

On Sunday, March 9 2025, a group of HSC Z Club students, staff, and parents attended the Zonta Club Mackay's International Women's Day High Tea at the MECC, which had the theme “Marching Forward, Turning Promises into Progress.” This event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women's contributions and achievements in our community. During the High Tea, guests listened to two panels. The first featured accomplished and motivated women, including chair Bronwyn Hartigan (a local magistrate). The second panel showcased enthusiastic, emerging leaders, chaired by Jessie Borg, a university student. The high tea not only celebrated women's achievements but also acknowledged the challenges they have faced and continue to face in the quest for gender equality. A highlight of the event was the presentations by school students who participated in the Young Women in Leadership Award. This award recognises young women aged 16-19 for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civil counsel, encouraging their participation in public and political life. Holy Spirit College was proud to have two finalists for this award – Stephanie P and Natalie L. While neither student won the award, both represented the College with distinction, delivering their speeches with poise and confidence. Thank you to the staff, parents and students who attended this event.

Stephanie P is a Year 12 student at Holy Spirit College. In 2025, she serves as the Community Service Chair on the College’s Student Representative Council, overseeing community groups such as the Z Club and the Environment Group. Stephanie is actively involved in both groups as well as the school’s IMPACT (Inspiring, Motivating, Promoting About Christian Teachings) program and choir. Outside of school, she has been a dedicated member of the scouting movement for 12 years, starting her journey at the age of five. Her experiences in scouting have inspired her interest in pursuing a career in Outdoor Education.

Stephanie P’s Reflection: “Being a part of the International Women's High Tea was a great experience. My favourite part of the event was listening to the guest speaker panels, hearing what they had to say from their experience and giving advice to the youth at the event.

I applied for this award after being encouraged by a teacher and friend who saw qualities in me that I cannot see, and for that I am grateful.” - Stephanie P

Natalie L is also a Year 12 student at Holy Spirit College. From a young age, she has been fascinated by STEM subjects, which inspired her participation in the 2025 National Youth Science Forum. In addition to her studies, Natalie is actively involved as a netball coach and umpire. She served as the Mackay-Matsuura Youth Ambassador in 2023 and currently holds the position of Peer Support Chair on the college’s Student Representative Council. Natalie is also the president of the college’s Z Club. Through these activities, she aims to become the compassionate, enthusiastic, and understanding person she admired as a child. As she concludes her final year of high school, Natalie plans to pursue a Bachelor of Medical Imaging, aspiring to become a radiographer or sonographer.

Natalie L’s Reflection: “Attending the event was an awesome opportunity to meet so many people in the Mackay community who care about the same cause. It was also lovely seeing friends from other schools being recognised for all the hard work they’ve done in the community.

I applied for this award after being encouraged by a teacher and after researching past finalists I realised by own goals and experiences align with the purpose of this award.” - Natalie L

Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission)