Date Claimers

August 2025

September 2025

Creative Arts @ HSC

The excitement continues in the Creative Arts Department this term!

In our last newsletter, we celebrated the Dance Troupe’s outstanding performance at the Dance X competition. Their efforts earned them a Wild Card entry in Hip Hop — a fantastic achievement that has secured them a spot in the QLD State Finals on the Sunshine Coast this October. We’re thrilled to be heading there soon! Dance Troupe parents will receive a separate letter outlining costs and travel details.

This week marks the start of the Annual Mackay Eisteddfod. Our Choir will perform on Thursday afternoon and evening, followed by the Concert Band on Monday afternoon and the Drum Corps on Tuesday afternoon. We wish all our performers the very best as they represent our College with pride.

This weekend, Holy Spirit College will host an Instrumental Workshop Weekend for our College Band and Drum Corps to prepare for upcoming performances. This enriching experience includes extra rehearsals, team-building activities, and masterclasses. Please ensure you’ve given permission via the Parent Orbit app — thank you to those who already have!

Looking ahead, our Celebration of the Arts Awards Evening is coming up on Tuesday, 2 September in Week 8 this term. This special event will showcase student creativity and honour their achievements. Highlights include:

• Visual Arts Exhibition: Taste of VariARTy
• Entertainment: Digital DJs
• ArtOfficials Gift Stall: ArtOfficials selling handmade items to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul — don’t forget to bring your pocket change!

Dates for your diary:

Instrumental Band & Drum Corps Workshop Weekend

Location: Holy Spirit College – PAC

• Friday, 15 August | 4:30 – 8:00 pm (Band & Drum Corps)
• Saturday, 16 August | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (Band only)

Eisteddfod Performances

Location: MECC

• Choir – Thursday, 14 August | 4:00 pm & 6:30 pm
• Concert Band – Monday, 18 August | 5:00 pm
• Drum Corps – Tuesday, 19 August | 5:00 pm
• Speech & Drama – Details coming soon!

Celebration of the Arts

Location: Holy Spirit College – FBC

• Dress Rehearsal – Monday 1 September | 3:00-5:30 pm (All performers must attend)
• Celebration & Awards evening Tuesday 2 September | 6 pm

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

Sports @ HSC

Holy Spirit Students Strike Gold at 2025 Schoolboys Hockey Nationals

Holy Spirit College is proud to congratulate three of our talented athletes – Harry M (Year 10), Isaac Q  (Year 10), and Izsak B (Year 9) – who recently represented Queensland at the 2025 Schoolboys Hockey Nationals in Canberra.

Over the course of the tournament, the boys displayed exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, helping lead their team through a series of tough matches. Their efforts culminated in an incredible grand final showdown against New South Wales, where Queensland triumphed to claim the gold medal!

This achievement is a testament to the boys’ hard work, dedication to hockey, and commitment to excellence. They have not only represented Queensland with pride but also brought great honour to Holy Spirit College.

Congratulations, Harry, Isaac, and Izsak – your HSC community is extremely proud of you!

Chris Newton - Sports Program Leader

What Umpiring Has Taught Me...

I’ve been umpiring since I was 11 years old with Saints Netball, Mackay Netball Association, and Moranbah Netball Association. During that time, I’ve gained extensive experience at various carnivals, including Nissan Senior State Age, Vicki Wilson, and QISSN. It’s been such an awesome way to meet new people and stay connected to a sport I’m passionate about, even after I stopped playing, and it pushes me outside my comfort zone. Umpiring has honestly taught me so much, especially how to stay calm under pressure and make confident decisions on the spot.

Umpiring is crucial in all sports because it ensures fairness, consistency, and integrity throughout a game. As an umpire, we’re responsible for interpreting and enforcing the rules, making split-second decisions that can influence the outcome and predict the flow of play. Without us, competition would lack structure, and disputes could spiral into chaos. Our job is to uphold respect between teams, protect player safety, and preserve the spirit of the sport. While you might not always like the call, our role is foundational, like the invisible scaffolding that keeps the game standing strong.

Umpiring is essential to keeping sport fair, safe, and respectful, but it also demands a specific set of skills: A sharp eye and quick reflexes are fundamental, as umpires need to make split-second decisions with accuracy; a deep knowledge of the rules and the ability to interpret them under pressure ensure consistency in judgment; clearly communicating, whether it's calmly managing disputes or asserting authority with confidence and clarity. A simple shift in the tone of our voice or whistle can significantly elevate our control and influence over the game. Emotional control and impartiality help umpires stay cool in high-stakes moments, and strong fitness keeps them active and alert throughout the game. It’s a role that’s equal parts intellect, instinct, and grit, and without it, the heart of competition wouldn’t beat quite the same.

I encourage everyone to give umpiring a go; it has taught me some incredible life skills and helped me to become a better netballer.