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.

Amen.

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:

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)