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The year is fast coming to an end and many schools are celebrating via awards evenings and end of year liturgies. It is pleasing to see so many Indigenous students figure prominently in these celebrations.

Our schools flourish as multi-cultural communities which represent the multi-cultural nature of our free society. As this newsletter is being compiled the world once again witnesses unrest in the Middle East. Our Catholic schools try to foster reconciliation in so many ways and all the stories presented in this newsletter are an attempt to highlight good-news stories and promote recognition of all our students.

As we close in on Christmas we try and link this significant time with what it is all about, the birth of Jesus; Prince of Peace, Lamb of God. These terms focus on the mission of Jesus to bring peace on earth. Let us all use Jesus as our model to always seek a peaceful solution to the conflicts in our lives.

I hope you enjoy our last newsletter of 2012 and may the peace of Jesus be with you and your families as you prepare for Christmas and the New Year.

Term 4, 2012

Townsville Catholic Education acknowledges the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

Burdekin Catholic High School, AyrLeonard HeronSamuel Jensen

Columba Catholic College, Charters TowersRickeisha CondrenSaraya HarrisTosheena JohnsonNikahla MajorKeeley MarrUleta MillerKinsharsa NallajarBrooke PopleAshleigh TownsendTegan Turvey

Gilroy Santa Maria College, InghamMarko MartinoKarla SrbShamus Walsh

Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mt IsaBianca IsaacsonSynara JohnsonDale MayerTaigen RyanZachariah Sowden

Ignatius Park College, CranbrookJack AbelTulsa AndersenLiam AndersonHayden BienRyan CusackAlexander NebbieBrandon PryorCelestino RossTye SnowKyle Walker

Ryan Catholic College, KirwanTyla Brockwell

Julian JacksonSavannah Womal

St Anthony’s Catholic College, DeeragunEmily EdgarStanford Hay ThompsonJake Morris

St Margaret Mary’s College, Hyde ParkArika ApplebyStaci Williams

St Patrick’s Catholic CollegeLeara AidenSidi BonJennifer BurnsNaioki CastorsElsie ChinaBella ConradTammy ConradChloe Davey

Gloria DavidCharlie DeeganMaggie May FauidShanara FourmileAlice GelaMurrawah JohnsonMarilyn Marou-NoahTeonia OwensTenneka Redgrave-TapimDelphine RobertsonVenita Teddy

St Teresa’s College, AbergowrieMalachi BarrettAwasie DavidCurtis DempseyDubie EseliMark FauidChad FridayManuel GagaiAlbert GorringeRobbie Holt

Freddie KebisuWalford KellyZachary KennyWabay MarouFrancis MyeBenjimin JoeMoa NewmanMissipele NonaLindsay PascoeDeklan SellarsDuwadi TabuaBenjamin TapimFrazer WailuIsaiah WignessPhillip YannerHamish Yeatman

Congratulations to our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Graduates Across Our Diocese

Like us on Facebook!Students, families and community – for photos and news from our Townsville Catholic Education Indigenous Education events, please see our new facebook page www.facebook.com/TCEOIndigenouseducation

Above | Teachers and staff participating in the “Exploring Indigenous perspectives on Christianity retreat” with Graeme Mundine during Term 4

This section of the Our Catholic Schools magazine is deliberately designed as a

highlight feature to celebrate Indigenous Education across our Diocese.

3Indigenous Education Term 4, 2012

Gail Mabo and David Peachey addressed students at the inaugural Townsville Catholic Education Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Awards on Friday, 12th October at Mercure Inn, Townsville.

35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Catholic colleges in Townsville, the Burdekin, Ingham, Abergowrie and Charters Towers received awards based on their leadership and sporting achievements, as well as their contributions to the life of their school communities.

Students eligible for nomination in these awards have been involved in two key programs – the

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) and the Sports Academy, coordinated by Townsville Catholic Education.

Senior Education Officer (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education) Ms Jenny Wills said the awards program is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as well as acknowledge the staff that supports them in their schools.

“The students received these awards for their achievements, leadership and overall behaviour as role models for others in their school and home communities,” Ms Wills said.

“To have 35 students receive awards in the inaugural year is inspiring and we look forward to these awards being an annual event which we can expand each year.”

The highly acclaimed Abergowrie dancers from St Teresa’s College, as well as Stephanie Miller’s Ngulumburu Boonyah Aboriginal women’s dance group performed at the event and Sean Choolburra entertained as the M.C.

“The day was one of celebrating the many talents and strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across our Diocese” Ms Wills said.

Top Left | Year 11 Sports Academy Winners Jayden Douglas, Charisma Bulmer (Columba Catholic College), Barry Newman (St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie) & Tristan Nelliman Adams (Ignatius Park College)

Top Right | David Peachey, Sean Choolburra, Gail Mabo & staff from Indigenous Education Townsville Catholic Education Office

Bottom Left | Sean Choolburra & Sharnae Henaway, Rashida Akee, Asheli Hoey & Lin Hansen-Jordan from St Margaret Mary College

Bottom Right | Sports Academy School Advisors for 2012

Freddie KebisuWalford KellyZachary KennyWabay MarouFrancis MyeBenjimin JoeMoa NewmanMissipele NonaLindsay PascoeDeklan SellarsDuwadi TabuaBenjamin TapimFrazer WailuIsaiah WignessPhillip YannerHamish Yeatman

Inaugural Aboriginal & Torres Strait IslanderEducation Awards

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Award RecipientsWinners and Highly Commended Students from across our Diocese for Sports Academy for Catholic Colleges

1| Year 8 Highly Commended Award Winners Arthur Delta (Columba Catholic College) & absent: Jackson Wyles (Gilroy Santa Maria College)

2| Year 9 Tie Winners Travis Gulliver (St Teresa’s College) & Celine Heron (Burdekin Catholic High School)

Highly Commended Award Winner Gehamat Shibasaki (Ignatius Park College)

3| Year 10 Winner Jack Smith (Ignatius Park College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Hamish Cassidy (Ryan Catholic College) & absent: Jordan Ambrum (St Teresa’s College)

4| Year 11 Winner Charisma Bulmer (Columba Catholic College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Jayden Douglas (Columba Catholic College), Barry Newman (St Teresa’s College) & Tristan Nelliman Adams (Ignatius Park College)

5| Year 12 Winner Leonard Heron (Burdekin Catholic College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Albert Gorringe (St Teresa’s College) & absent: Jake Morris (St Anthony’s Catholic College)

6| Overall Female Winner Celine Heron (Burdekin Catholic College)

7| Overall Male & Overall Winner for 2012 Jack Smith (Ignatius Park College)

Winners & Highly Commended Students from across our Diocese for Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

8| Year 8 Winner Ashleigh Munns (Ryan Catholic College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Darius Morton (St Teresa’s College) & absent: Jackson Wyles (Gilroy Santa Maria College)

9| Year 9 Winner Allan Wosomo (St Teresa’s College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Breana Miller (Columba Catholic College) & Ashlei Hoey (St Margaret Mary’s College)

10| Year 10 Winner Glendon Woosup (St Teresa’s College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Rashida Akee (St Margaret Mary’s College) & Vernon Armstrong (St Teresa’s College)

11| Year 11 Winner Jalen Sutcliffe (Ignatius Park College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Sharnae Henaway (St Margaret Mary’s College) & Barry Newman (St Teresa’s College)

12| Year 12 Winner Robbie Holt (St Teresa’s College)

Highly Commended Award Winners Duwadi Tabua & Albert Gorringe (both from St Teresa’s College)

13| Overall Winner for Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Jalen Sutcliffe (Ignatius Park College)

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5Indigenous Education Term 4, 2012

School News

Deadly LearnersThe Indigenous Cultural group for Year 5-7 Indigenous students at Good Shepherd Catholic Community School is called the “Deadly Learners”.

The students meet once a week provided their attendance and overall behavior are to a high standard. The students are given the opportunity to be involved in many cultural activities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island history, art and crafts, dance and much more.

Deadly Learners has been a great motivator for the students as each week it is something they definitely look forward to.

Top | Some of Good Shepherd’s Deadly Learners Group: Joequan Seden, Russell Aplin, Ryley McKie, Shania Malayta, Shakira Koskela, Indigenous School Officer - Emma Shaxon, Zariha Seden, Zion Osae & Tyreece Whyte

BCHS’s Murri Mentoring ProgramThe Burdekin Catholic High School Murri Mentoring Program had a hands-on cultural experience with Uncle Aicey and Aunty Bernice Zaro. The Indigenous students visited the Gudjuda Reference Group Office, run by the local Traditional Juru Aboriginal People of the Burdekin Area.

Together the students and Elders had a great afternoon, watching a cultural education DVD, hiking through Juru Walk and boomerang throwing at Plantation Park. There was also a family and school community BBQ.

The Murri Mentoring Program supports Indigenous students connect to their own cultural identity. The Program is due to the hard work of Indigenous Education Teacher, Fiona Scott and supported by Principal Tom Kruger and Deputy Chris Relf.

Right | Murri mentoring program at Burdekin Catholic High School

Science Alive at St Michael’sThe students at St Michael’s School, Palm Island welcomed a visit from the CSIRO Lab on Legs and Questacon.

The Lab on Legs provided an opportunity for the young budding scientists get involved in hands-on science activities learning about slimy science, cool chemistry, force and movement and astronomy. The visit from Questacon treated students to some shows on air – looking at pressure and sound – varying vibration, amplification and pitch. Students learnt how to make instruments and rockets.

Great NAPLAN Results - Congratulations St Michaels!Staff, students and families from St Michael’s School should be very proud of the significant upward trends in their NAPLAN literacy results. While there were significant gains in Year 3 and Year 5, Year 7 students improved more than 17%. The school has had a strong focus of effective teaching practices, especially through the key programs of Accelerated Literacy, RoleM (Maths), and Kagan Cooperative Learning. The hard work of staff and students has paid off- well done everyone!

Right | Teacher Jacqueline Harper with students at St Michael’s School, Palm Island

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School News

Deadly’s Indigenous eveningThe annual Ignatius Park College Indigenous Deadly’s evening took place in Term 4. The event was a great opportunity for the college community to recognize the achievements and contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in 2012.

Highlights included guest speakers Moses Nelliman and Ray Blackman, a performance by Jalen Sutcliffe and Tristan Nelliman-Adams, a couple of old boys and now NQ Cowboys players (Michael Morgan and Chris Grevsmuhl) making an appearance and the presentation of the very first ‘Deadly Bula’ award presented by John Tapim, which was won by Tristan Nelliman-Adams.

A big thank you to all families who attended the event, the college really appreciates your attendance and we look forward to the event becoming bigger and better in 2013.

Below | (Back row) Braden Wong, Ben Stanley, Jordan Remfrey, Jarrod Lymburner, David Nagar, Dr Ray Blackman & Baily Nebbia, (front row) Jalen Sutcliffe & Tristan Nelliman-Adams

QATSIF ScholarshipsOn 11th October, St Patrick’s College Vice Captain Murrawah Johnson delivered a speech at the Brisbane Graduation Ceremony for scholarship recipients funded by QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation). The scholarships are offered by the foundation support students in their senior studies to obtain their Queensland Certificates of Education. This year, St Patrick’s College Townsville has six Year 12 students graduating from this program. Nine Year 10 students will receive QATSIF scholarships for 2013-14.

Columba Students Take JCU TestTop | On Friday 19th October, the Indigenous students in Year 12 at Columba Catholic College sat the entry level testing for James Cook University facilitated by JCU lecturer Sharon Moore. The testing enables students to undertake a bridging course at the University as a transition from Secondary schooling.

St Michael’s Day PicnicStudents and staff celebrated the history of St Michael’s School with special guests Dr Cathy Day (TCEO) and Bishop Michael Putney at our annual picnic on the original site of the school. We had a wonderful liturgy in which we remembered all those who had played a helping hand in creating a better life for Palm Islander people. We all enjoyed a Kup Murri for lunch and enjoyed a swim in the beautiful blue ocean.

Above | Jah Burns, Trayshaun Burns, Alvina Parker, Donna McIntyre-Lane, Theresa Wilson, Zinayia Fullerton & Steven Williams at the St Michael’s Picnic Day

7Indigenous Education Term 4, 2012

Students Rewarded Cowboys Learn Earn Legend!Our Cowboys Learn Earn Legend! program participants were thrilled to have received tickets to the Australia vs New Zealand game in Townsville on 13th October, as a reward for their efforts and attitude towards the program. State Member for Townsville, Mr John Hathaway MP; LEL Program Co-ordinator, Mr Joel Johnston; Under 20s Captain, Mr Dan Beasley and Media Manager for NQ Toyota Cowboys, Mr Paul Munnings, all attended the special presentation at St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Below | (L-R) Mr Joel Johnson, Delphine Robertson, Elsie (Raniet) China, Mr John Hathaway, Jennifer Burns, Alice (Meo) Gela, and Mr Dan Beasley with the game tickets

Obe Geia ChallengeThe 2012 Obe Geia Football Carnival on Palm Island was a huge success, with Palm Island and Townsville schools participating in the round-robin event – St Michael’s School, Bwgcolman State School, St Joseph’s The Strand, Marian Catholic School, Good Shepherd Catholic Community School, Vincent State School, Heatley State School, Kelso State School, Magnetic Island State School, Rasmussen State School and Shalom Christian College.

The teams from the mainland schools were welcomed by the Elders including Pina Geia, who spoke from her heart about what this event means to the people of Palm Island. They were treated with traditional dancing by some children from Palm Island.

The games were fast and furious, played in great spirit and showcased wonderful sportsmanship. Everyone enjoyed the hospitality and food provided by the PCYC. The North Qld Cowboys are to be commended on organising such a memorable day and we thank the major sponsor, Evolution Mining.

Congratulations to all teams who participated and a special thank you to Ignatius Park College for their referees and financial assistance. The Marian Catholic School team holds the shield for 2012. Congratulations boys!

Top | The St Michael’s Arch Angels showed great sportsmanship and were very competitive against some very experienced teams. The boys won two of their games and drew in another

Gilroy’s Sports Academy StaffIn Term 4 Gilroy Santa Maria College welcomed Luke Whelan and Erin Franklin. Luke is our Indigenous Student Mentor and works closely with Mrs Leila Lammon and Mr Claude Cianciullo with the Sports Academy Program.

In 2013 Leila Lammon will be taking on the responsibility of Sports Academy Coordinator at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham. The college currently has 32 Indigenous students enrolled and the majority of them are on scholarships provided by the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) and the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP). These are made available by Townsville Catholic Education.

Leila is also studying for her Bachelor of Education through James Cook University. She is studying through the Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP) which is an external program tailored for students to study in their own community online.

Above | Leila Lammon (left) & Luke Whelan (right)

Makin’ TraxOne of the highlights for the Indigenous Sports Academy is the annual Makin’ Trax Camp for students from years 8-10. Students from Catholic colleges throughout the Diocese gathered for a three day program held at Echo Creek, Mission Beach. During the camp, students participated in a wide variety of activities and had a chance to socialise with other Indigenous athletes from across the Diocese. The cultural focus included paying respects to the Elders, with Uncle Ernie Grant leading a forum on how students can be proactive about a proud and positive future. Students had a deadly and often dirty time, great fun was had by all!

Right | Year 8 and 9 students participating in the Makin’ Trax camp