HSC NEWS & EVENTS
Date Claimers
May 2025
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
The enthusiasm and pace haven’t waned this term in the Creative Arts Department.
Drum Corps - Come and Try a Hit!
A huge thank you to Mr McClelland and our talented Drum Corps students for hosting a fantastic lunchtime ‘Come and Try’ session! Students had the opportunity to explore a variety of percussion instruments and experience the energy of Drum Corps firsthand. It was wonderful to see many students getting involved—some even signed up on the spot!
If your student is interested in joining, Drum Corps meets every Friday at 7:20am in the PAC. No prior experience is needed—just enthusiasm! Mr McClelland will guide students every step of the way.
Rock Pop Mime is Almost Here!
Excitement is building as our students prepare for Rock Pop Mime, Mackay’s much-loved annual community event. Rehearsals are in full swing, with students working hard alongside their teachers, Mrs Pilcher and Mrs Abell, to perfect their dance routines and lip-syncing performances.
We wish them all the best for the competition, which will take place at the MECC on Thursday, 5 June. Go team!
Music Ministry Shines at Mass
A heartfelt thank you to our Music Ministry Group and Mrs. Hyde for leading the congregation in song at the 6pm Mass at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay last Saturday. Your beautiful voices truly enhanced the celebration and were deeply appreciated by all in attendance.
The group sings every third Saturday of the month, and all are welcome to join or attend. Come and be part of this uplifting Musical Ministry Group! They meet each Wednesday at Recess 1 in the PAC.
Save the Date: Twilight Night Performance
Mark your calendars! Our Creative Arts Extra-Curricular groups will be showcasing their talents at a special Twilight Night on Thursday, 26 June from 5pm, right here at the College.
More details will be shared soon, but we warmly invite all families to come along and enjoy an evening of creativity and performance.
Creative Sparks Fly in Clay and Photography Workshops
The hugely popular Clay Club and Photography Club short course workshops have officially begun, bringing a wave of enthusiasm and creativity to participants. These fun and engaging sessions are not only enjoyable but also offer a fantastic opportunity for attendees to develop wonderful new skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
A big thank-you goes to the dedicated teachers who are making these workshops such a success: Mrs Oliver, Mr Mayer-Miller, Mrs Barnes, and Ms Ranger-Craven, our talented Clay tutor. Their enthusiasm, guidance, and expertise are truly appreciated by the students.
Sing On! This is an exciting three-day choral workshop we have been asked to promote, where students will learn and perform a wide array of repertoire under the guidance of acclaimed guest conductor Jenny Moon. The event will be held at Whitsunday Anglican School 24 June - 26 June 2025. Please use the link to the flyer with further details of the event.
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
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 43 |
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
Welcoming Coach John Venz
Head Coach for our 2025 QISSRL & Aaron Payne Cup Rugby League Boys Teams
We are excited to announce and welcome John Venz as the 2025 Confraternity Rugby League Head Coach for Holy Spirit College.
John is a Level 2 accredited NRL coach with a wealth of experience both on and off the field. His impressive playing career includes time with the Queensland Crushers juniors and over a decade competing in A Grade within the Gold Coast Group 18 competition. John has also represented A Grade Gold Coast Vikings, A Grade Queensland Country, played in the Foley Shield, and was part of the Souths Logan Queensland Cup squad.
Over the past 11 years, John has focused on developing local talent and building strong Rugby League pathways. His passion for the game and commitment to nurturing young athletes has led him to key coaching roles with the Mackay Cutters.
Coaching Appointments:
• 2024 – Assistant Coach, U17s Mackay Cutters
• 2024 – HPC Coaching Staff, Mackay Cutters
• 2025 – Assistant Coach, U19s Mackay Cutters
• 2025 – HSC Coaching Staff, Mackay Cutters
John’s coaching philosophy extends beyond skills and tactics — he prioritises teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. His positive energy and clear expectations make him a respected and motivating figure both on and off the field.
We are thrilled to have John leading our 2025 Confraternity team and look forward to a strong and inspiring season ahead.
Welcoming Back Richard Apps
Head Coach of Girls Confraternity and National Schoolgirls Cup Rugby League Teams
We’re excited to welcome back Richard Apps as the Confraternity and National Schoolgirls Cup Rugby League Head Coach for 2025!
With over 30 years of experience in both rugby league and union, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a winning mindset to our program. He has competed at elite levels in both England and New Zealand—securing a conference title, achieving promotion to the Premier Division, and winning a premiership in New Zealand.
Transitioning into coaching, Richard contributed to the success of the Marist Ashgrove First XV, helping guide them to back-to-back Bob Lindner Trophy victories. In 2024, he led our HSC Open Girls team with great enthusiasm and is also actively coaching a local junior girls side in Mackay.
In 2025, Richard remains committed to building strong foundational skills, fostering confidence, and encouraging teamwork—on and off the field. We’re proud to have him leading our girls once again this season!
Jonnet Craig-Hutchinson - Rugby League Coordinator