FROM OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Reflection
This term has been bursting with moments that bring our theme, Pilgrims of Hope, to life. A standout for me has been witnessing our whole community rally behind the Backpacks for the Homeless project. What a beautiful reminder that when we come together in faith and action, we can truly make a difference for those who are most in need.
Our Year 10 Retreat and Year 11 Leadership Camp provided students with precious time to step away from daily demands, pause, and reflect on their journey, who they are and the people they are called to become. It’s these moments of stillness and connection that strengthen our community and our faith.
Another highlight was our Feast Day Mass in Week 7. Gathering as a whole College to celebrate our identity and mission fills our hearts with gratitude and reminds us that being part of Holy Spirit College is about belonging, sharing, and walking together as a family in faith.
As we head into the well-earned break, may this be a time to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy simple moments that refresh our bodies and minds. Let’s also remember in our prayers all the students and staff representing HSC at the QISSRL Carnival in Rockhampton and the QISSN Carnival in Bundaberg in the first week of the holidays. May they play with spirit, sportsmanship and kindness, carrying our College values wherever they go.
I wish every student, staff member and family a safe, happy and restful holiday.
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.
God Bless,
Lesley Fraser - Assistant Principal (Mission)
Welfare News
Empowering Students Through the Berry Street Education Model: Ready to Learn Plans Launching in Term 3
As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and academic success, Holy Spirit College is excited to announce the implementation of Ready to Learn Plans for all students in Week 1 of Term 3. This initiative is a key component of the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), a trauma-aware and evidence-based approach to teaching and learning.
During Pastoral Care classes, students will be guided through the process of creating their own individual Ready to Learn Plan. This plan is designed to help students better understand their emotional needs, identify strategies to regulate their emotions, and develop a personalised toolkit for staying calm, focused, and productive in the classroom.
The Ready to Learn Plan supports what BSEM calls Present Centred Learning—a state in which students are emotionally regulated and mentally available for learning. By equipping students with the skills to manage stress and distractions, we are laying the foundation for improved engagement, resilience, and academic achievement.
This initiative not only fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence but also strengthens the partnership between students, teachers, and families in supporting each learner’s journey.
Each student will complete their own Ready to Learn Plan, which can be found on pages 26–27 of the student diary. We encourage you to talk with your child about their Ready to Learn Plan and how it can support their goals both in and out of the classroom.
Together, we can create a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
Pastoral Care Team News
Hi, my name is Carla Hunt.
Most of you may recognise me from working at the Front Reception in the College's Administration Office.
My formal academic qualifications are in counselling, and I am currently a full-time student at CQU studying my Bachelor of Psychological Science.
What you may not know about me is that I am now the Pastoral Care Officer at Holy Spirit College. I recently started my new and exciting position at the College, and I look forward to working with the students not just in their academic journey, but their emotional and social wellbeing as well. I work closely with the Year Level Deans, College Counsellors, and Teachers. My role is about listening, encouraging, and walking beside young people as they navigate school and life. I am friendly and approachable, and my goal is to help students organise their daily routines and build a strong foundation to which they can rely on when facing challenges and striving for long-term success.
Every day brings something new: a quiet chat with someone who is having trouble organising their timetable, encouragement when assessments are due, helping a student reconnect with school after a rough patch, or simply being a steady, trusted presence on campus is what I am here to do.
Sandy McLellan - Assistant Principal (Students)