Reflection

Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year on 8 June 2025, reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not just a story from the past; it is a powerful presence in our world today. The word Pentecost means "fiftieth" and falls 50 days after Easter. It marks the moment recorded in the Acts of the Apostles when the Holy Spirit came upon the early followers of Jesus with wind and fire, filling them with courage, energy, and a sense of purpose.

"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them." – Acts 2:4

The Spirit gave the apostles what they needed to share Jesus’ message with the world. Suddenly, they could communicate across cultures, speak up with confidence, and act with compassion. That same Spirit continues to work in our lives today — not necessarily through tongues of fire or miraculous speech, but in much quieter, everyday ways.

In 2025, the message of Pentecost is deeply relevant. Our world is marked by division, stress, and uncertainty; yet Pentecost reminds us that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit continues to breathe life into our world, stirring us to action, calling us to kindness, compassion, and justice. It encourages us to be brave, to use our voices for good, and to embrace unity despite our differences.

At Holy Spirit College, Feast Day is one of the most meaningful days in our calendar. This year, on Friday, 6 June, we will gather as a community to celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. Our theme focuses on Peace and Unity, and how each of us can utilise the Gifts of the Spirit — wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder, to make our world more just and compassionate.

Feast Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a time to reconnect with who we are as a Catholic school community. It invites us to reflect on what it means to live with purpose, to stand in solidarity with others, and to be Pilgrims of Hope - people who believe that a better world is possible and who are willing to work towards it.

Let us pray:

Spirit of love, show us how to care deeply and act courageously.
 Spirit of truth, help us live with integrity.
 Spirit of wisdom, guide our decisions each day.
 Spirit of gentleness, teach us to treat others with kindness and compassion.
 Holy Spirit, dwell in our hearts and make us instruments of peace and unity.
 Help us to recognise the gifts you’ve placed within each of us, and give us the courage to use them to build a better world.

Amen.

Catholic Debutante Ball

On Friday, 30 May 2025, 26 Holy Spirit College students dressed to impress as they either made their debut or partnered a debutante at The Mackay and District 89^th Catholic Debutante Ball. After months of ballroom dancing lessons, the debutantes finally had the opportunity to show off their form and grace during the gala evening.  A great deal of thanks must go to the Ball Committee, particularly Mrs Diane Wooten, who put a lot of time and effort into preparing the young women and men of Mackay Catholic Colleges. Without the commitment and dedication of the committee members, the experience would not have been possible. The participants will always treasure the fond memories of this fantastic experience. The etiquette and dance training provided during the weekly Monday night practices built confidence among the participants, while also offering the perfect opportunity to relax and have some fun after a stressful day at school.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Mrs Anne Miles (Matron of Honour) and her husband Mr Adrian Miles (President), Miss Rebecca Wooten (Hostess), Mrs Janelle Agius (Chairperson of the Ball Committee) and all of the other 2025 Ball Committee members, who also contributed to the success of the evening.  Lily Ringelstein and Luke Devitt assisted with the cutting of the cake.

Our debutantes were presented to the Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton, followed by their presentation dance, "The Pride of Erin."  All had a good night!

The debutantes and their partners were:

• Lily C and Jorel A
• Elise P.G and Lachlan M
• Isabel M and Hugh E
• Natalie S and John S
• Alana H and partner (from another school)
• Lily R and Luke D
• Sophie F and Max S
• Lucie B and partner (from another school)
• Debutante (from another school) and Cooper R
• Leah D and Jacob B
• Olivia T and Elliott P.G
• Hannah T and partner (from another school)
• Kaitlyn W and Ryan C
• Tayla V and Jesse H
• Ashley W and Liam H

God Bless,

Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission)

Welfare News

Building a Community of Kindness: Addressing Bullying in Our College

In our Catholic School community, we are called to live out the teachings of Christ by fostering a culture of respect, love, and compassion. Bullying, in any form, stands in stark contrast to these values. As a College, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student can flourish spiritually, academically, and socially.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that targets a person or group to cause harm, distress, or fear. It can take various forms, including:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, or spreading rumours
• Social bullying: Excluding someone from a group or encouraging others to do so
• Cyberbullying: Using online platforms to harass, intimidate, or embarrass someone

At its core, bullying undermines the dignity of the person being targeted. As a Catholic school, we are called to uphold the principles of human dignity and solidarity, recognising that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

Recognising the Signs

Bullying can have serious effects on a student’s mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance. Some signs that a child may be experiencing bullying include:

• Withdrawal from social activities or friends
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Changes in mood, behaviour, or sleeping patterns
• Avoidance of school or a drop in academic performance

As a community, it is vital that we remain vigilant and responsive to these signs, offering support and intervention when needed.

Taking Action

Addressing bullying requires a united effort from students, teachers, parents, and the wider community. Here are some ways we can work together to prevent and respond to bullying:

1. Teach and Model Respect

As adults, we have a responsibility to model behaviour that reflects Christ’s love and compassion. By treating others with respect and kindness, we set a strong example for our students to follow.

2. Encourage Open Communication

Students need to feel comfortable sharing their concerns with trusted adults. Whether it’s a Year Level Dean, College Counsellor, teacher or parent, having someone to talk to can make all the difference.

3. Empower Bystanders

Witnessing bullying can be distressing, but bystanders have the power to make a positive impact. Encourage students to stand up for their peers by reporting bullying to their Year Level Dean and offering kindness to those affected.

4. Implement Clear Policies

Our College has a robust anti-bullying policy that outlines the steps we take to address incidents of bullying. From restorative justice practices to counselling support, our approach is grounded in both accountability and care. The College's Anti-Bullying Guidelines can be found in the Student Diary, pages 21-23.

5. Promote a Culture of Inclusion

Through initiatives such as The Resilience Project, Love Bites Program, Adopt-a-Class, Respectful Relationship Curriculum, guest speakers, and classroom discussions, we can create an environment where every student feels valued and included.

A Shared Responsibility

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). This call to care for one another is at the heart of our mission as a Catholic College.

Let us work together—staff, students, and families—to ensure that our College remains a place where every child feels safe, supported, and loved. By addressing bullying with courage and compassion, we can build a community that truly reflects the teachings of Christ and enables students to live out our College motto of Peace and Unity.

If you or your child ever needs support, please reach out to the Year Level Dean, a trusted teacher, College Counsellor, or the College Office. Together, we can make a difference.

Bullying incidents may be reported anonymously via email at 320_stopbullying@rok.catholic.edu.au. Emails are monitored and actioned daily.

Please view the SchoolTV Edition on Bullying for further information.

SchoolTV Edition: Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying. 

Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour. 

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

SchoolTV Edition: Bullying

What is SchoolTV? Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is accessible through our College to help you navigate some of the more complex issues young people face. It provides practical strategies and trusted guidance to support your child. We encourage you to explore and utilise this platform, as it serves as a valuable tool in building relationships, fostering connections, and deepening understanding. By breaking down barriers, it helps pave the way towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people.

2025 Feast Day Celebrations

Holy Spirit College will celebrate Feast Day tomorrow, Friday, 6 June. The day will commence with a celebration Mass in the Father Bucas Centre, followed by a BBQ lunch and various activities, including beach activities, at New Mulherin Park, Mackay Harbour. Students will NOT be swimming during the Feast Day activities. I look forward to celebrating this event with our students as we live by our College motto of ‘Peace and Unity’.

Details of the event are as follows:

Curriculum News

Exciting Pathways and Bright Futures for Year 10 Students

Our Year 10 students are embarking on an inspiring journey as they plan their pathways and careers in preparation for their transition to senior school. This is a pivotal time filled with opportunities to explore their dreams, set goals, and map out the next steps in their education and future careers.

On Friday, 23 May, Year 10 students, together with their parents, participated in our Mentoring Program. This special event included the completion of their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans and the selection of transition subjects for senior schooling. We are thrilled to share that every student has now been mentored, and parents will soon receive an email confirming subject selections to ensure their first preferences have been met. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Senior Leadership Team at Holy Spirit College for providing exceptional guidance and care during this important process.

This stage of planning is a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect on the wide array of pathways available to them. Holy Spirit College is proud to offer a flexible and supportive environment tailored to meet the diverse aspirations of our students. From General ATAR pathways to combined VET and ATAR options, and pathways that maximise vocational education and training (VET) opportunities, there is a path for every student to thrive.

To ensure students are fully supported, we provide:

• Work experience opportunities to build real-world skills.
• Career planning resources to help students make informed decisions about their future.
• Ongoing mentoring and appointments with our dedicated staff, including Simone Eiser, Career Pathways and Learning Program Leader, and Ailene O’Brien, VET Coordinator, who are committed to helping students achieve their goals.

We also utilise a robust tracking tool to revisit each student's SET Plan annually, ensuring their journey remains aligned with their aspirations.

We invite parents and students to book additional appointments if they would like further guidance or personalised support as they navigate Years 10 to 12. Our team is here to provide expert advice and help students explore the many exciting possibilities ahead.

At Holy Spirit College, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole person, encouraging our students to strive for excellence while fostering their growth in faith, learning, and community.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll continue supporting our students as they take confident steps toward their future.

Driving Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Holy Spirit College

At Holy Spirit College, we are committed to providing a high-quality education that equips every student with the skills and confidence to excel. As part of our Strategic Priority and Goal for 2025, we are focusing on effective teaching and learning with a particular emphasis on improving student literacy skills and increasing student achievement. This commitment will extend into 2026, ensuring sustained growth and success for all students.

To bring these goals to life, your child will experience focused strategies in their daily learning, including:

• Enhanced Literacy Support Across All Subjects: Every lesson will include targeted support for reading and comprehension, helping students develop essential literacy skills.
• Intensive Reading and Comprehension Program: This program is now embedded across all year levels to ensure consistent growth in literacy for every student.
• Tailored Literacy Support for Senior Students: Year 11 and 12 students will receive dedicated literacy development, especially under exam conditions, as part of their LEP lessons.
• Personalised Teaching Through Data-Driven Insights: Teachers will use each student's reading level, provided through our analytical tool, to plan high-quality, individualised lessons that meet their specific needs.
• Transparent Reporting on Progress: Your child’s reading level will now be included in their report cards, keeping you informed about their literacy development.
• Exciting Literacy Challenges: The HSC Reading Challenge will commence in Term 3, offering students a fun and engaging way to improve their reading skills, with cash prizes awarded in Term 4 for each cohort.
• Clarity in Every Lesson: Teachers will clearly outline learning goals and provide direct instruction to ensure students understand the focus for each lesson. Before moving to independent or guided learning, key skills will be explicitly taught, empowering students to succeed.
• Celebrating Academic Excellence: We will continue recognising outstanding achievements with the introduction of monetary awards for Year Level Duxes, Graduation, ATAR Dux, and the VET Highest Achiever Award.

Partnering for Success

Our vision is to see every student thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With these initiatives, we are confident that Holy Spirit College will continue to nurture a love of learning, foster academic excellence, and prepare our students for bright futures.

We value the partnership we share with parents and families in supporting your child’s education. Together, we can ensure that 2025 and beyond are transformational years for our students.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our school improvement goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to make this journey a successful one for your child!

Anne Miles - Assistant Principal (Curriculum)