The document provides an update for parents and friends of The Cathedral College. It discusses: - Concerns about numeracy and literacy standards based on recent test results and the college's literacy program. - Encouragement for students to establish good work habits as assignments begin. - Upcoming college events including Opening Mass, commissioning ceremonies, and information evenings. - Preparation for upcoming NAPLAN tests through literacy classes and practice tests. - Reminders about forms and permission due for various activities.

1. TCC Chronicle
Keeping parents and friends of THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE informed.
Vol II No: 262 (Vol 1 concluded 523) 4 February 2009
Dear Members of The Cathedral College Family
PRAYER Recent media reports have highlighted a growing concern
about numeracy and literacy standards of our students.
For our Year 12s Queensland Year 9 students scored the second lowest
Loving God, as our Year 12s face their last year of scores on the National Assessment Program Literacy and
High School, bless each of them with strength and Numeracy Test (NAPLAN) held in May 2008. In response
enthusiasm. May they tackle the year with energy and a to the results, the Queensland Government has
strong commitment to succeed and to be good leaders recommended all Year 9 students sit a practice test in
of our College community. May each of them do their March 2009 and deficiencies in numeracy and literacy be
personal best, giving all they can give. We ask for them addressed by teachers prior to the 2009 round of testing.
the guidance of your Holy Spirit. May all their
decisions be well thought out, filled with good counsel Since 2007 The Cathedral College has operated a ‘Whole
and may they continue to deepen their awareness of of School’ Literacy program designed to raise the level of
your presence with them. Amen. literacy across all year levels. Dr Carol Christensen from
the University of Queensland introduced the program to the
staff and assisted with the implementation. Last year the
teaching staff reviewed the program and a number of
changes were introduced. Four areas are covered on a
Events – 4 February to 11 February weekly basis including: grammatical techniques,
5 February - PC Mass: Cathedral: 8am comprehension, writing and sustained silent reading. Year
6 February - Opening College Mass & 8-10 students have workbooks that are used to assist with
Commissionings: 9am the development of grammar, vocabulary, sentence
9 February - Scholars’ Assembly: 10.35am construction and spelling. Students are expected to
10 February - Academic Information for Years 11 & 12 regularly write extended pieces to demonstrate sentence
Parents: MPC: 5.30pm. Welcome BBQ construction and paragraphing.
11 February - Board Meeting: 5.30pm
As we move towards the conclusion of the second week, it
is important students are settling to the routine of school. In
speaking to a number of students homework has begun and
assignments are being received across all subjects. Often
the hardest step to take on any journey is the first step.
Please encourage and support your student to establish
good work habits and the discipline to complete tasks to a
high standard.
It was pleasing to see so many families attend the Year 8
Information Evening and Barbecue last night. Many new
families have joined the College and last night was an
opportunity to welcome them as part of The Cathedral
College Family. Next Tuesday 10 February the Years 11
and 12 Information Evening and Barbecue will be held with
Year 11 parents’ meeting in Our Lady’s Hall and Year 12
parents’ meeting in the Multi-Purpose Centre for a 5.30pm
start.
Page 1

2. From the PRINCIPAL cont… I would like to remind all Yr 11 and 12 parents that the
This Friday the College community will be attending the Information Evening and Welcoming BBQ for parents of
2009 Opening College Mass and Commissionings. Bishop senior school students will be held next Tuesday 10
Brian Heenan, Father John Daly and Father John Hogan February beginning at 5:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall (Year 11
will concelebrate the Eucharist and lead the senior students Parents) and MPC (Year 12 Parents).
as they pledge to lead by example in their leadership role
this year. The senior students will receive their senior On Monday 23 February the Rockhampton region holds the
badge as a sign of their service to this community. The QSA monitoring day. As this creates disruption for many
College Captains, House Captains and Residential senior school classes and teachers it has been decided that
Captains will also receive their badges. Parents of our on this day all Year 11 and 12 students at TCC will be
senior students are most welcome to attend this important given an assignment day at home. Students are expected to
ceremony which commences at 9.00am. work on their assignments on this day and should not see it
as a long weekend where no work is done.
Next Monday 9 February, at the Scholars’ Assembly, we Mr Gerard Raven
welcome back to the College the students from the 2008
Senior class who received an OP score of 1, 2 or 3 and the From the
student who excelled in the Vocational Education Course. ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL
During the ceremony we will also recognise the
STUDIES
outstanding achievements of so many of our students in
Semester Two 2008. Our special guest is Sister Joanne
Molloy who worked closely with students and staff in Scholars’ Assembly will be held next Monday 9 February
2008 during Sister Margaret Dixon’s leave. Parents are from 10.35am in the Multi-Purpose Centre. At the
most welcome to join this special Assembly which will be Assembly our 2008 Senior Students who achieved Ops 1-3
held in the Multi-Purpose Centre commencing at 10.35am. and our top 2008 VET student will be acknowledged
together with 2008 Years 8-11 students who were awarded
During this liturgical year of Evangelisation through Gold, Silver and Bronze medals (as per last week’s
Stewardship we are all challenged to use our gifts. We Chronicle).
pray for assistance to recognise the gifts in others, so that
together, we may respond to the call of Jesus, to spread the Students receiving awards are asked to wear formal dress
Good News in our communities. (including ties for boys) and to be neatly presented.
God bless, NAPLAN: This May, our Year 9 students will be
undertaking National Literacy and Numeracy testing. To
help students to prepare for this testing, Literacy classes
Mr Mark Stower
(Principal)
will be devoted to revising literacy and numeracy rules,
comprehension and problem solving. Students will be given
the opportunity to do two mini-practice tests. Part of this
From the DEPUTY PRINCIPAL preparation will be to study the 2008 NAPLAN questions.
It is with some relief that the start to the 2009 Academic Students will also study the narrative genre as part of their
year has proceeded relatively smoothly to this point. The Term 1 English program. Parents are invited to support this
number of students in Year 10, 11, 12 changing their preparation and will find useful material to use at home on
subject selections at this point continues to cause some the QSA website at www.qsa.qld.edu.au under NAPLAN
frustration for staff as planning and organization is Miss Patricia McDevitt
difficult when student numbers are continually shifting.
Students wishing to change subjects have until Monday From the
10th to inform Mrs McRae (Year 12), Mr Raven (Year 11),
Miss McDevitt (Year10). ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL
STUDENTS
It was exciting to be informed last week that The
Cathedral College was successful in our application to the Year 8 Camp: Camp permission forms are now overdue.
Round Two Australian Government National Secondary Parents who have not completed the forms are asked to do
Computer Fund. Due to this fund, the College will be so promptly and return them to the College. Parents will
funded by the Federal Government to obtain 187 new find a copy of the camp information on the College
computers over the next two years. I would like to thank webpage.
the Technology Committtee for their hard work in
compiling this application, especially Mr Paul Wilton and
Mr Ian Davis for their knowledge and dedication. These
computers and supporting infrastructure will be targeted to
key areas both in the middle school and specialist areas. In
the end, it will mean greater access to ICT resources for all
TCC students.
Page 2

3. Absenteeism: Attendance at the College is a vital TUCKSHOP ROSTER:
component of students striving for academic excellence. Mon: J. Jones
To assist parents in knowing the whereabouts of their sons Tues: M. Burke
or daughters a text message will be sent at 10am each Wed: D. McMurdo
school day to notify parents that their son or daughter has Thurs: N. Rose, A. Newsome (pm)
been marked absent with no reason offered. Parents are Fri: J. Wass
asked to phone the College on the dedicated absentee line
(49991399) to explain the absence prior to 9am. GENERAL NEWS:
Mr Stephen Parle What is the Young Carers Project? Support for students
who care for a relative who has an ongoing health issue,
From the disability, drug/alcohol issue or mental illness. All
ASSISTANT TO THE PRINCIPAL information is kept strictly confidential. Contact
Rockhampton Respite & Carelink on 1800 059 059 for
MISSION
more information. Natalie Polkinghorne
PC Mass: A reminder that all are welcome to join us at
8am for this Mass which is celebrated in the Daily Mass
Centacare Services: Centacare Rockhampton provides a
Chapel of the Cathedral every Thursday morning.
range of support services including confidential
TCC/Parish Mass: The first of these Masses will be on
counselling, drought counselling, natural family planning,
Saturday March 7 at 6pm in the Cathedral.
marriage education, and direct care to name a few. All
In prayer,
members of the community are welcome to access these
Sister Margaret Dixon
services. A counsellor can assist in dealing with stress,
relationship concerns, or worries about a family member.
The services can be helpful if someone is worried, feeling
From the COLLEGE CAPTAINS hopeless or continuously sad. Would you, or someone you
know such as a friend or a family member, like to use our
Welcome back to what promises to be another fantastic counselling services? Or find out more information? Call
year at The Cathedral College. We trust that everyone has Centacare Rockhampton on 07 4927 1700 or visit
had a safe and happy holiday and is ready to embrace the www.centacare.net. Melanie Lippitt-Plumb
school year. Last Tuesday the Seniors had the opportunity
to meet a very excited bunch of Year 8 students. Their ANNUAL PARISH FAIR:
enthusiasm and energy inspires us to make 2009 a year It is on again this year so please mark your diaries! MAY
never to forget. 31 2009 - 10.30am - 2.00pm.
Theme for 2009: "Setting hearts on Fire"
This Friday the College community will gather in St Watch this space for more!
Joseph’s Cathedral for the Opening College Mass and Margaret Hallinan
Commissionings of which the Senior Commissioning is
one. We wish the Year 12 students all the very best as they
take up the role of the College Seniors in 2009. Once
again we would like to welcome you all back and wish you
all the best for the forthcoming year. Until next time,
Stevie Dilley, Ebony Hunt, Robert Rooney and Riley
Griffin
Page 3

4. From the SPORTS DEPARTMENT
WELCOME!
The Inter-house Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 19 February 2009 at the Southside Pool. All students
are expected to attend and be actively involved in the day, whether it be through swimming competitively, swimming in
the Full House Swims or by cheering for your fellow team mates. Students are required to be there by 8.30am for roll call
with the first event of the day kicking off at 9.00am. A programme of events for the day is available on the school
website: http://www.tccr.com.au/faqs.php?c=16 . Students are expected to be in full sports uniform. It is also
recommended that students bring along a hat, water bottle and sunscreen. The Southside Pool canteen will be fully
operational throughout the day.
Bus students who are not directly dropped at the pool will be dropped off at the school and will have a bus take them
over to the pool. This will also be the case for getting home.
SCHOOL SPORT
A number of our school sporting competitions is set to kick off over the next few weeks including Indoor Netball, Boys
Basketball, Rugby Union and Touch Football. If you are interested in playing any of these sports, you need to place
your name up on the ‘Sign Up’ sheets on the Sports Notice Board and also see Ms Clarke ASAP to collect the necessary
paperwork.
Indoor Netball Teams have been selected after trials were held on Monday afternoon. We are extremely excited about
each and every one of our 11 teams. All players have been given the necessary paperwork and have been asked to return
it by 10/02/2009. Congratulation to the 2009 QISSN squad that was also selected: Taylah Coyne, Stacee Butcher, Clare
Gross, Perinna McLachlan, Meg Perry, Anna Reeve, Bryony Schamberg, Shanita Smith, Rebecca Thompson and
Sheridan Walker.
Touch Football: Wednesday 4 February (This afternoon)
3.30 – 5.00pm on school oval
There will be an U15 girls, U15 boys and an Open girls’ team selected. The U15 boys and Open girls’ team will also be
representing the school at the All Schools Championships at the beginning of October in Brisbane. We are also looking
into having both of these representative teams entered into the Rockhampton Touch Assoc. Wednesday night fixtures
competition, beginning in February 2009.
Basketball Trials: Friday 6 February
3.30 – 5.00pm in MPC
There will be a Junior and Senior boys team selected which will represent TCC in the Inter-School Basketball
Competition.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
If you are interested in trialling for representative honours for any of the sports listed below, it is essential that you see
Ms Clarke for the necessary paperwork ASAP as there is very limited turn around time.
Page 4

5. SPORT AGE GROUP RETURN DATE FOR
FORMS
TOUCH FOOTBALL 15 YEARS & OPEN (B&G) Thursday 12 February 2009
VOLLEYBALL 15 YEARS & OPEN (B&G) Thursday 12 February 2009
AFL 15 YEARS (B) Tuesday 24 February 2009
NETBALL 15 YEARS & OPEN (G) Tuesday 24 February 2009
SOCCER OPEN AGE (B&G) Tuesday 24 February 2009
RUGBY LEAGUE 15 YEARS & OPEN (B) Friday 27 February 2009
SQUASH OPEN AGE (B&G) Friday 27 February 2009
HOCKEY OPEN AGE (B&G) Thursday 5 March 2009
RUGBY UNION OPEN AGE (B) Thursday 5 March 2009
A reminder that the R&D Trials for Volleyball and Touch Football are scheduled for the same day as the
Swimming Carnival. This situation is unfortunate, but unavoidable. It is expected that if you decide to trial for
Volleyball or Touch, you are still expected to attend the Swimming Carnival for the morning session or afternoon
session, depending on when your trials are being conducted. If you do not wish to miss any of the Swimming
Carnival, I would suggest composing a letter. This letter should include necessary details and achievements so that
you can still be considered for selection although absent from the trials.
WHATS HAPPENING AROUND THE GROUNDS?
This section is where we acknowledge the outstanding sporting achievements of our students as well as keep you up to
date with what’s happening around our community. If you would like to see your son’s/daughter’s achievements
published, please email Ms Clarke (melanie_clarke@tccr.rok.catholic.edu.au) with the information. Please write the
article so that it does not have to be edited.
Congratulations to Tamara Hanschen (Yr 12) and Alex Buckley (Yr 11) who recently attended the annual Indoor
Cricket Qld State Developement Camp in Brisbane which was excellent in all aspects. As a result both girls have been
invited into the 2009 Qld Development Academy for indoor cricket.
Over the break Briannah Holloway competed at the Multi-Disability Australian Age Swimming Championships in
Canberra. She competed in seven events receiving three bronze and one silver. Congrats on the achievements Briannah!
Rockhampton Junior Tennis Assoc Inc Coaching and Fixture Programs
Saturdays 8.00 - 11.00am. Registrations $54, Fixture Play $5 weekly,
Coaching $10 for three hours. Qualified coaches employed. Venue Victoria Park Courts. Contact P.Peach Phone 4927
1436.
The Indoor Sports Arena (ISA) will have their Junior Indoor Netball ‘Sign-on' day this Saturday, 7 Feb at 10.45am,
with free ice-blocks for the kids and salad rolls for sale for the parents. The canteen will be open for drinks and nibbles.
Any interested parents who wish to help coach these teams during the season are most welcome. For further information
please contact Bernice Dei Rossi on 4921 2075.
Brothers Australian Football Club will be holding its 2009 Sign-on/ Come & Try day on 21 February. Sign-on
includes age levels U/7, U/9, U/11, U/13, U/15 & U/17. Player numbers in each squad are not limited. Location: Kele
Park, Rockhampton, off Hunter St (near the airport entrance)Time: 9.30am til 12.30pm.For any further details please
contact Ross Laycock, ph 4928 6392 a/h, mob 0458 284810.
Ms Melanie Clark
Page 5

6. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING NEWLY SIGNED UP SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICES AND
TRAINEES:
Year 10: Mikaela McMurdo (Cert II in Community Recreation, Gilligan’s Ireland Swimming Academy)
Year 11: Natalie Steen (Cert II Community Services PCYC Tiny Tots), Kael Smith (Cert III Pastry Brumby's), Victoria York
(Cert II in Agriculture Suncland Cattle Co), Brodie Cunningham (Cert III in Construction JM Kelly Group), James Swadling
(Cert III in Construction, Swadling Painting Contractors)
Year 12: Sharni Bliss (Cert III Tourism Capricorn Caves), Jessica Bryant (Cert III Hospitality Compass Group), Kirsten
Waller (Cert III Business Dept of Natural Resources and Mines), Stephanie Waller (Cert III Childcare Archer Street Childcare
Centre)
ATTENTION YEAR 10 STUDENTS, 2009
Are reminded that the Expression of interest for work experience 2009 form is due back to the Student Counter
by Friday 13 February 2009.
Queensland Safety Induction Blue Card Course: Many students (especially Year 10s) will be requiring a
Queensland Safety Induction Blue Card to participate in work experience related to the construction industry.
Rather than lose a day of school time, it has been decided that students should complete the course in their own
time online at the reduced cost of $40 for secondary school students. Please visit www.bluedogtraining.com.au
and complete the Qld course as soon as possible. Students should carry the blue card in their wallet at all times.
I suggest that students complete this course as soon as possible, as there will be excursions during 2009 that will
require Blue Card evidence.
Year 10 “What’s my Trade” One Day only Excursion to Gladstone. Friday 6 March, 2009.
Maximum 43 students. More information will be given to students during their assembly lesson on
Monday 16 February. A Qld Safety Blue Card will be required.
2009 DEFENCE TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Attention Yr 11 and 12
students only - if you have an interest in pursuing a technical trade career in the
Army, Navy or Airforce you could be in the running for a $2000 scholarship for Yr
11 students and a $3000 scholarship for Yr 12 students. You will then have to sit a
test on Monday 23 February (pupil free day for Yr 11 and 12) at TCC. Please
collect an information pack from outside Mrs Weeding’s office. All you have to do
is complete an application form by Monday 9 Feb and give it to Mrs Weeding who
needs to stamp it with an official school stamp before posting it for you.
Tertiary Studies Expo—day trip Saturday 18 July 09—Year 12 students only!
Find the course, find the training, find your career. Find it all at TSXPO! Visit
www.tsxpo.org for more information. Visits to St Leo’s & Duchesne Catholic UQ
residential college’s and the Kelvin Grove Urban Village for QUT students will also
be included! Collect a pink flyer from outside Mrs Weeding’s office. Expressions
of interest close on Friday 27 February 2009.
Year 11 and 12 students may require a Queensland Safety Induction Blue Card to
participate in work experience related to the construction industry. Students can
complete the course in their own time online at the reduced cost of $40 for Year 11 students have been emailed (on
secondary school students. Please visit www.bluedogtraining.com.au and complete their school email) the information for the
the Qld course as soon as possible. Students should carry the blue card in their above SAT. Closes 16 Feb 09
wallet at all times.

7. ITS ON!
The first of the 2009 Staff V Students Challenges is set for next Wednesday,
11 February. The first of the challenges is TOUCH FOOTY. All the action will
go down on the back oval during first break next Wednesday.
The showdown!
STAFF STUDENTS
Mr Paul Dever Alex Buckley
Mrs Angela Dever Nance Pepper
Mrs Lynette Fellowes Perinna McLachlan
Ms Mel Clarke Jenna Dunne
Miss Kelly Spottiswood Caitlyn Ferrell
Mrs Suzy Loram Gregory Kitto
Mr Michael Esdale Lachlan Campbell
Mr Glen Egan Josh Gregson
Mr Tim Murphy Cody West
Mr Grant Williams Jacob Stirling