Verbis

Dear Parents/Guardians

One of my favourite spiritual authors is Fr Ronald Rolheiser. He is a priest in the Order of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and was ordained to the priesthood in 1972. As well as having written a number of spiritual reading books he writes a weekly column that is always thought provoking. In this edition of Verbis I wanted to present to you an article that appeared in his latest column as it provides some inspirational thoughts for us to ponder as we move towards ‘the pointy end’ of Easter. I have reproduced it here in full as I think it is worth our consideration:

MARY UNDER THE CROSSOn the surface, it seems she isn’t doing anything at all: She doesn’t speak, doesn’t try to stop the crucifixion, and she doesn’t even protest its unfairness or plead Jesus’ innocence. She is mute, seemingly passive, overtly doing nothing.In essence, what Mary was doing under the cross was this: She couldn’t stop the crucifixion (there are times when darkness has its hour) but she could stop some of the hatred, bitterness, jealousy, heartlessness, and anger that caused it and surrounded it.Mary helped stop bitterness by refusing to give it back in kind, by transforming rather than transmitting it, by swallowing hard and (literally) eating bitterness rather than giving it back, as everyone else was doing.Had Mary, in moral outrage, begun to scream hysterically, shout angrily at those crucifying Jesus, or physically tried to attack someone as he was driving the nails into Jesus’ hands, she would have been caught up in the same kind of energy as everyone else, replicating the very anger and bitterness that caused the crucifixion to begin with. What Mary was doing under the cross, her silence and seeming unwillingness to protest notwithstanding, was radiating all that is antithetical to the crucifixion: gentleness, understanding, forgiveness, peace, light.There are times too when things have gone so far that shouts and protests are no longer helpful, darkness is going to have its hour come what may and all we can do is to stand under the cross and help eat its bitterness by refusing to participate in its energy.In those situations, like Mary, we have to say: “I can’t stop this crucifixion, but I can stop some of the hatred,

bitterness, jealousy, brute-heartlessness, and darkness that surround it. I can’t stop this, but I will not conduct its hatred.”Sometimes the blind, wounded forces of jealousy, bitterness, violence, and sin cannot be stopped. Like Mary under the cross, we are asked to “stand” under them, not in passivity and weakness, but in strength, knowing that we can’t stop the crucifixion but we can help stop some of the hatred, anger, and bitterness that surrounds it. -Ronald Rolheiser

These words of Fr Rolheiser hearken us to take stock and consider more deeply what our response should be in these unsettled times. It is evident that there is much restlessness at all levels of society and the chatter out there in the world at large seems to be about fear and distrust of people who are different from us and a yearning to turn back the clock and restore times to what they were like in the past. It is easy to get caught up in such thinking and be tempted to join in. Mary under the cross is a reminder to us that we can play an important role in the lives of people around us by being strong in silence and offering all “understanding, forgiveness, peace, (and) light” as we go about our day to day living, learning to cope with the challenges of modern times, all the while displaying Christian virtues.

May the Easter season and the Church’s celebrations of this feast be a source of spiritual uplift for you and your families over the next few weeks of school holidays.

I wish every family all the blessings of this Easter season and I look forward to welcoming the girls back to term two after the Easter break.

God Bless

Mrs Dale MorrowPrincipal, St Rita’s College

YEAR OF SIMPLICITY- TRAVELLING LIGHTLY

30 MARCH 2017, TERM 1, EDITION 5

DATES TO KNOW

THURSDAY 30 MARCHRead Like a Girl, free eventLynette Noni at Mount Alvernia College

FRIDAY 31 MARCHInterhouse Cross Country- POSTPONEDEaster LiturgyColourFest-POSTPONED

TUESDAY 18 APRILTerm 2 CommencesCollins Colour Day

WEDNESDAY 19 APRILYear 9 Group 1 Camp

IN THIS ISSUEPRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE P1DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDIES P2DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTS P2ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSION P3GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR P4 ROSA HOUSE P4ARTS AND DRAMA P5BOUTIQUE P5 MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DINNER P5MUSIC P6YEAR 10 MATHS P7DEBATING P7READ LIKE A GIRL P7 COMMUNITY P8 ARCHIVES P8HOST FAMILIES NEEDED P9 SPORT P10

FROM THE PRINCIPALMrs Dale Morrow

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

COLLEGE CLOSED- FRIDAY 31 MARCHIn keeping with the Premier’s advice made at 2:00pm Thursday, the College will remain closed for Friday 31 March.

The weather is still due to clear overnight, however there will be no change to this decision. We ask families to remain safe.Outstanding Exams will be rescheduled for early Term 2. Have a relaxed and peaceful holiday break and Easter.

Term 1, 2017. What a busy Term this has been. The girls have participated generously in so many different events. We finish our Term this Friday with the Cross Country, an Easter Liturgy and our Colour Fest for Mithra. Where our year started ‘unwritten’, the verses are being added enthusiastically. The girls are certainly making ‘Brown look Good’. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this a successful and vibrant community.

I hope that everyone is looking forward to Easter, rich in blessings and spiritual renewal, as well as some shared time with loved ones.

Term 1 FeedbackStudents have been completing assessment tasks during these past few weeks, as well as during class throughout the Term. Teachers will be handing back assessment either at the end of this Term or early next Term. It is important for students to understand how they can improve based on the feedback given by their teacher. Parents and students will be given the opportunity to discuss this feedback and results obtained during the upcoming Student/Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Student/Parent/Teacher InterviewsThe purpose of the interviews is for parents and students to hear the feedback provided by teachers on the learning that occurred during Term 1. Students are required to attend the interviews so they can directly hear their own feedback.

The dates available for interviews are Monday 24 April and Tuesday 2 May from 3:30pm – 8:00pm. Bookings can be made via the Parents Page on MySRC.

Happy EasterThe Easter holidays are an opportunity for students to rest and recharge their body and minds after a busy start to the school year. I recommend students take some time each day to re-energise; by being physically active, visiting local parks, beaches or art galleries or catching up with friends and family.

I hope you have a restful Easter break and students return to SRC safely, ready to learn in Term 2.

DEPUTY PRINICPAL - STUDIESMrs Maree Trims

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTSMs Catherine Allen

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BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR STUDENT / PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWSInterviews will be held in Term 2 for students in all Year levels on the afternoon/evenings of Monday 24 April and Tuesday 2 May. Bookings are open. Please note the closing date for bookings. Students are expected to attend the Interviews with their parents/guardians.

For instructions and a link to make bookings, please sign into MySRC using your parent credentials and click Student, Parent and Teacher Interviews

For interviews on… Bookings open on…. And close on…Monday 24 April 2017 27 March 2017 20 April 2017

Tuesday 2 May 2017 27 March 2017 27 April 2017

CROSS COUNTRY AND COLOURFEST CANCELLEDFOR TOMORROWDue to the weather from the Tropical

Low, the Interhouse Cross Country and ColourFest events being held

tomorrow have been cancelled. Dates to hold these events in Term 2 will be

looked at.

Classes will run as scheduled for tomorrow – Week A, Day 5 – with some variation for Easter Liturgy,

Assembly and Clean up.

EasterEach year preceding Easter, Christian communities around the world gather in public places to recreate the story of Jesus’ passion. In the Stations of the Cross, we remember who we are as people of faith and why we believe that even the greatest of wrongs will not have the last word. Often in the retelling, this story of Jesus’ crucifixion is cast in a contemporary context and serves as a powerful critique of the wrongs in our own times – wrongs that mirror those that sentenced Jesus to death. Given our focus on environmental stewardship in our Year of Simplicity, at our Easter Liturgy tomorrow, staff and students will see the Stations of the Cross recontextualised to tell the story of the Subanen people of the southern Philippines who are witnessing the loss of their forest environment due to logging, mining, farming, industry and urban sprawl. Their suffering and the suffering of God’s creation mirrors the suffering of Jesus. But suffering and death never has the final word. I wish all staff, students and families the hope and joy of the Easter Season. I share with you the concluding prayer from our liturgy:

Our days of atonement will soon pass. The great sacrifice will be given. Weeping will turn into rejoicing.Even the birds of the air will break forth into song.Seeds nurtured in the dark will grow upward, gloriously. Hope will burst forth like flowers from the barren ground. The potential of abundant life will blossom like visions of peace. Peace and justice will seem possible once again. Renewed through Resurrection, enter our hearts, O Lord and grace our going forth. Let us live again in joy and sing in solidarity. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Catholic Identity ProjectIn the letter sent to all families at the start of the year, parents/guardians were informed that the College would participate in the BCE Leuven Project, one of the key elements of the Strong Catholic Identity Strategy for Brisbane Catholic Education and a joint research project in partnership with the Catholic University of Leuven. In the light of the qualitative data collected, the College will be able to more clearly articulate the shape of its Catholic identity, identify areas to be strengthened and be supported in strategies to do so. In order to collect direct data, staff, parents/guardians and students will be required to complete a number of survey questions online. These surveys will be live from Tuesday 18 April – Friday 5 May. While students will complete the surveys at school in Personal Development classes next Term, parents/guardians will receive an email this week explaining the surveys and how to access them. The survey will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. I appreciate that this is indeed a big ask for time-poor families but I hope that the benefits of the project for the College

community and the incentives the College will offer to parents/guardians will encourage you to contribute your time to support this initiative.

Christian Meditation In the last edition of Verbis, I highlighted the difference between meditation and meditative prayer. In this edition, I would like to explore the process of Christian meditation and provide an example of our meditative practice. At the heart of meditative prayer is the experience of stillness and silence. During morning House Group on Fridays, staff and students are invited to stop what they are doing, still their bodies, close their eyes and focus on their breathing. By stopping and focussing in this way, we slow down our bodies and bring our attentiveness to prayer. We give ourselves time to be still and to be comfortable in silence. Meditative prayer usually uses some form of stimulus for contemplation. This can be a prayer, scripture, a mantra, an image, music or questions. This term, we have used short extracts of the weekly readings for Lent and instrumental music. There was one exception: on St Patrick’s Day, we reflected on the words and music of St Patrick’s Breastplate:

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me,God’s might to uphold me,God’s wisdom to guide me,God’s word to speak for me,God’s shield to protect me.

We do hope the students have found some value in this prayerful experience. I would like to share with you some responses from staff regarding their experience of Christian meditation so far:

“My House Group loved the meditation.They arrived in a tizz, but after the meditation they were so much more calm and centred. So we all loved it.”

“It is a wonderful way to both start the day, and end the week. I noticed that the girls are quick to get into the reflective moment. I am sure they also appreciate consciously stopping and having a moment of calm.”

“There is a sense of the whole school being in a moment of peace.”

Project CompassionThank you to all staff, students and families for their support of Project Compassion this year. As of Week 4, our total stood at $2370 with the donations from our final collection this morning still to be added. The story I would like to share with you this week is from Vietnam. A severe disability kept young Nguyet behind closed doors. Inhibited by her condition, her family had little connection with their

neighbours. But their confidence and skill grew when they participated in the Catholic Relief Services’ program, Capacity Building for Parent Associations Supporting Children with Disabilities, supported by Caritas Australia. The program offered Nguyet home-based education, and as her skills have grown she is increasingly engaging with her community. Your donation to Project Compassion 2017 helps children with disabilities in Vietnam to learn new skills and connect with their communities.

ColourFestThe ColourFest has been postponed until next Term due the weather. Students and families will be advised of the new arrangements. All participants have been asked to collect their ColourFest kit from Student Services and to store it in their locker. The kit includes instructions and safety information for the event.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSIONMr Richard Rogusz

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Outreach RostersRosters and parent information and permission letters for 2017 are available on the MySRC Parents Homepage under Mission and Outreach/Outreach. Refer to the section, Files. Students will be advised of the roster via morning notices, email and Verbis.

Big Brekky RosterStudents are to meet the supervising staff member at Student Services by 5:55am. Students are to wear modest clothing and enclosed shoes. In the hot weather, it is advisable that students also wear a hat:

Tuesday 4 April: Mrs Diamond will accompany Grace Egan, Neve Emery, Georgia Emery and Sophie Everitt.Tuesday 11 April: Mr Rogusz will accompany Alexandra Wilson, Laura Walters, Maddison Falvey and Emily Mayes.Tuesday 18 April: Mrs Miller will accompany Lauren Costelloe, Isabella Devine, Leah Ezzy and Mackenzie Stevens.Tuesday 25 April: Mr Rogusz will accompany Stephanie Di Michele, Caitlin Hilleard-Burt, Maddison Falvey and Ricah Sharma.

Zillmere Homework Help RosterStudents are to meet the supervising teacher outside Student Reception at 3:10pm. Please note, students will be dismissed from Zillmere Library at 4:45pm.

Wednesday 26 April: Mr Rogusz will accompany Claudia Chan, Michelle Owen, Ricah Sharma and Liz George.Wednesday 3 May: Ms de Villiers will accompany Eloise Robinson, Lucy Shepherd, Imogen Johnston and Jacqui Meacle.Wednesday 10 May: Miss Toohey will accompany Lily van der Wal, Claudia Agnew, Maia Byrne and Chloe Asnicar.

Rosa House DayNational Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

Hello Families

On Friday 17 March, the College wore orange to show a sign of support for the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This year, Rosa House began the inaugural ‘Braids Against Bullying’ campaign and we were thrilled with the number of girls who wore braids in their hair to show they are against bullying in our school community. Each girl was given an exclusive ‘Bullying. No Way.’ At lunch time we all came together to watch teachers have their hair braided and enjoy the ‘Braid Parade’ competition for our talented braiders in the school. Congratulations to our winners:1st - Samantha Richards, Year 8, Ca6 2nd - Summer Hicks, Year 8, X53rd - Alyssa Richardson, Year 11, M6

It is a priority of our College to stamp out bullying as statistics show that one in four children in Australia aged 8-14 have been bullied by others, be it online or in person. Further, many students who were once a victim, admitted to being a bully towards

another. These alarming statistics are a key reminder of how important inclusivity and acceptance is in our school and Rosa House will continue to share our message at St Rita’s the best we can. Bullying is not acceptable; it is hurtful, and together we can make a difference.

Rosa House will continue its campaign for the remainder of the year through introducing our Rosa Post Box – an opportunity for students to share messages of support and friendship – the launch of this will occur next Term.

Finally, I would like to thank the girls from the Rosa Day Committee who worked hard to ensure the day was a success: Amy Goosem, Emersen Taiapa, Mackenzie Stevens, Chloe Asnicar, Ainslee Drummond, Olivia Fox, Anna Wright, Bronte Wright, Laura Davis, Ella Scotford, Lucy Jahnke, Ella Karey, and Kate Scotford.

ROSA HOUSEMrs Melissa Larsson, Head of Rosa House

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Applications for Special Provision for QCS Test are now openThis information below is taken from the email I sent to all Year 12 students on Wednesday 22 March, 2017. I include it for the information and attention, if applicable, of parents/guardians. If your daughter has already provided us with documentation for special provisions within the College, there is no need to obtain a further letter from the relevant health professional unless there is additional information – eg a letter from a GP has been already provided but now an additional letter from a psychologist is also relevant.

‘Dear girls – The interactive portal is now open to accept your applications. If you believe you meet one or more of the criteria in the handbook, please contact either Mrs Mulherin or myself to arrange an appointment so we can do this application with you. It will depend on the category as to whom you meet with eg ‘psychological or emotional impairment’ would come under my area of responsibility; ‘specific learning disorder’ – Mrs Mulherin’s. If unsure I am happy for you to check with me first. Applications close on 20 May, 2017 unless you experience short term, unforeseen events, closer to the date of the test, which can be applied for then. However please be mindful that if left until the last minute it is likely that the QCAA will not have time to process your application. My advice remains, and that is, to organise to meet with us as soon as you can. If your application is approved, you are then, and only then, able to sit your practice QCS Tests in the DLN room with any provisions you have been granted. The provisions granted, or not, is the decision of the QCAA, not the College. You will need to bring your LUI number with you to the appointment with Mrs Mulherin or myself. 2017 Special provision handbook: ueensland Core Skills (QCS) Test

GUIDANCE COUNSELLLORMrs Gail Murton

YOUR INFORMATIONPlease keep your information up to dateIt is important that you keep the College fully informed of any changes to telephone, email personal, residential and emergency contact details, and CareMonkey of any medical updates.

When the College needs to contact you for any reason regarding your daughter – and particularly for emergent or sensitive circumstances – it is imperative that we have access to current contact information.Please log onto MySRC and click Update Details at any time to change any details, no matter how minor.

NO WAY

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Boutique HoursMonday to Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm. Boutique Coordinator: Ms Marilyn Couch. boutique@stritas.qld.edu.au or 3860 7119

Winter ItemsWith Winter not far away, the following items are in stock. Jumper $75Vest $70Brown Tights $13Scarf $20

BlazersYears 10, 11 and 12 students are required to have a blazer for the commencement of Term 2. There are a limited number of white pocket blazers in sizes 8, 10 and 18+. The new style of blazer carries the gold pocket. There are also a number of second hand blazers from $60.

Recycle old school uniformsHaving a clean out over the holidays? The Carnival Craft Stall Coordinators are after donations of pre-loved school uniforms to make craft items. If you have St Rita’s dresses that at no longer in use, please bring them to Student Services or the Boutique so that we may pass them to the Craft Stall.

Recent Arrivals Bike Pants: order arrived last month Hats: order has just arrived. If you have been waiting for your size, it is now in stock Medium Sports Skirts: due to arrive during the first week of holidaysSports Caps: white cool mesh adjustable sport caps. For representative sport and sport outside school hours. They are not to be worn in place of the College Bucket Hat. Parents are also able to purchase these caps.

Uniform Washing InstructionsThere have been issues with some uniform items, simply because the washing instructions have not been followed. Please note the following:Socks: are not to be tumble dried as they may shrink.Bucket Hats: should be hand washed and not tumble dried as they may shrink.Formal Dresses: should be washed separately for the first wash as excess dye may come out. Tumble drying not recommended.Sports skirts, Track Top and Track Pants: should not be tumble dried as they may crease and they will be difficult to iron out.

If there are any problems with uniforms, badges, bags, hats etc. please visit the Boutique and discuss the issues.

BOUTIQUE

Year 9 Drama Excursion-My Fair Lady and QPAC Backstage TourOn Tuesday 21 March, it was Miss Zoey Grills’ and my pleasure to take the very excited Year 9 Drama class for a day excursion to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

The visit began with a backstage tour of the Centre seeing the many staff ranging from administrators and caterers to costume designers, technical and back stage crew to actors, musicians and academics it takes to make the Centre such a vibrant place for the Brisbane performing arts industry to flourish.

We were extra fortunate to be granted backstage access to the musical, My Fair Lady with the girls seeing the sets, fly systems, wigs and costumes used in the performance. It showed them how the ‘magic’ of theatre on stage is created through the workings of a very well-oiled and complex machine offstage.

After lunch by the Brisbane river and ice cream to keep the energy levels up, we then watched My Fair Lady, directed by Julie Andrews. It was a wonderful end to the day completing the students’ understanding of the full theatrical process.

The girls are congratulated for their excellent

behaviour, enthusiasm and interest. Some of the girls said it was the best excursion they had ever been on and it opened their eyes to the fact a career in the Arts extends way beyond being a performer on stage.

I look forward to continuing extending the Year 9 Drama girls’ passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Their class work shows they are willing to think outside the square, work supportive in groups and are creative and engaging storytellers.

To see the Year 9 Drama girls’ work in action, please join us on Wednesday May 17 at 4pm in Trinity Hall for their performance of selections of short stories from Academy award winner and Australian author and illustrator, Shaun Tan. We would love to see you there.

DRAMAMrs Melissa Newton-Turner

As we come to the end of the first Term, I would like to wish all of our music community a restful Easter break. We have had a very productive Term 1 where we have welcomed many new students and families into the Music program. As well as conducting rehearsals and a number of performances, we have been busy preparing for next Term which will see our first concerts for the year. All students will perform in at least one of these concerts. Please see the schedule of events for dates and participating ensembles.

Apart from our Harvest Concert and the St Agatha’s Concert, there are a number of other exciting things in the pipeline for Term 2. On the afternoon of the St Agatha’s Concert, our special guests, the Queensland Conservatorium Clarinet Choir, will run a workshop with all of our clarinet students. This will be an inspiring afternoon to hear some very talented musicians not much older than themselves. Also, keep an eye out for a special Big Band and vocal jazz workshop we are planning with guest clinicians.

SHEP Middle School Earlier this Term a number of our Year 7 and 8 students applied to attend the State Honours Ensemble Middle School Program to be held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Term 2. This program is designed for advanced music

students up to Year 8 and we be held over three days. The students will take part in either a Concert Band, String Orchestra or Choir being directed by some international and nationally recognised clinicians. This is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to extend their musical abilities and rehearse and perform alongside some other advanced music students within the Brisbane region. Congratulations to all of the girls who have been accepted. Later in the year, during the September holidays, our older students will have their opportunity to participate in SHEP.

Studio ConcertsWhile there are always opportunities for students to perform in large ensembles throughout the year, it is also important that each student develops their individual performance skills. Once a semester, students are able to perform solo pieces they have been working on with their teachers at a studio concert. It is expected that students learning at the College will perform in at least one of these concerts, and preferably both, during the year. Teachers are currently organising the first of these concerts for Thursday 25 May. While some students may baulk at the idea of playing a solo, it is these challenging situations that will allow them to grow in ability and self-confidence. The expectation is not for perfect performances, but for performances where students are willing to take a risk and give themselves an opportunity to experience the exhilaration that is performing.

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent van Gogh

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Calculators are required by all Year 10 students from the commencement of Term 2 this year.

Orders and payment for the TI84PLUS CE close this Friday 31 March. The calculators will be received during the holidays and they will be unpacked and engraved and ready for pick up from the first day of Term 2.

As our stationery supplier does not stock these calculators in large numbers, the College will not be taking any orders after Friday 31 March. After this date, they may be purchased from office supply retailers such as Officeworks. MK Educational Supplies will have limited stock available.

Year 10 students are also able to use TI84PLUS, which have now been superseded, but some retailers may still have stock.

Any calculators purchased from other sources can be engraved in the book room – free of charge.

If you have any questions about the calculators, please contact Ms Marilyn Couch in Text Book Hire at mcouch@stritas.qld.edu.au or on 3860 7119.

Mr Mark EllinghamHead of Faculty - Mathematics

YEAR 10 MATHS CALCULATORS

MUSICMr Craig Kennedy

Date Event EnsemblesThursday 27 April6:00pm Trinity Hall

Harvest Concert Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Big Band, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble

Thursday 11 May4-5:30pm, Music Suite

Clarinet Workshop with the Conservatorium Clarinet Choir

Clarfinet Ensemble and all clarinet students

Thursday 11 May 6:30pm St Agatha’s Church

St Agatha’s Concert with special guests Queensland Conservatorium Clarinet Choir

Nano’s Chorale, St Rita’s Voices. Show Choir, Clarinet Ensemble

Thursday 25 May5:00pm and 6:30pm

Studio Concerts Solo and small group performances

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St Rita’s College Read Like a Girl PresentsKate Di Camillo - Tuesday 30 May, 6:00pm, Eirene

Following on from the highly successful evening with Kate McCaffrey, St Rita’s College is pleased to present Kate Di Camillo with the release of the paperback version of the immensely popular Raymie Nightingale.

Joining us from New York, St Rita’s College is the second of only two Australian stops the acclaimed and award-winning author makes in promotion of the release.

Kate Di Camillo’s appeal spans Year 4 through to Year 8 students.

Tickets are only $8:00 each or $20.00 for a booking of three.

To be taken to the TryBooking site to book Click Here

Proceeds from this event will support literacy in Indigenous communities

Read Like a Girl is a community partnership between St Rita’s College, Mount Alvernia College and Riverbend Books.

READ LIKE A GIRL

2017 Senior A programIt has been an exciting start to the debating season. QDU (Queensland Debating Union) extended an invitation for St Rita’s to join the Senior A debating competition. This competition uses the ‘World Schools’ style of debating and is designed for debaters who are performing at a high standard. The field for this specific competition is limited to 16 schools with students across Years 10 to 12.

The Senior A competition has all eight debates held at 7:00pm at St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace. Therefore, debates are not presented, adjudicated and results given, but time is taken to give in-depth feedback to each member of the team so there is support for further growth. St Rita’s Senior A debating program is similar to many other schools. Membership is invited from students in Years 10, 11 and 12. In this way, students have the opportunity to refine and enhance their debating skills over a number of years. While a long term opportunity will develop analytical and debating skills, the coaching also supports students who consider trialling for the Queensland State Debating Team.

The inaugural team includes: Lucy Shephard (Yr 12), Amelia Asplin, Genevieve Hurree and Grace Ryan (Yrs 11) and Ellanah Vicca (Yr 10). The team held their first round against Villanova College and won. All students are welcome to watch this rigorous debating and I extend a warm invitation to the school community to support the next debate being held on Wednesday 26 April.

Further information can be found on the QDU website

2017 Years 8 to 12 QDU competitionAs Term 1 draws to a close, the second round in the QDU competition has begun. The school has entered four Year 8 teams, three Year 9 teams, one Year 10 team, one Year 11 team and two Year 12 teams. These teams are being coached by supportive teachers and external coaches. Across round one, the school was successful with nine wins and two narrow defeats. Competition will continue until 7 June. Good luck to all teams. Further information can be found on the QDU website

2017 BGDA competitionThis year, St Rita’s has entered one Year 11 team. BGDA (Brisbane Girls Debating Association) runs a competition for female debaters in Years 10-12. The debates are short preparation style which provides opportunities to improve time management and team skills. It is contested on a Monday night over five rounds with the top two teams competing in the finals. All debates are held at Brisbane Girls Grammar with an optional training session at 3:50pm, topics released at 4:30pm for preparation of argument, debates begin at 5:30pm and the night concludes by 7:00pm. As the Term closes, the Year 11 team has completed three rounds with two wins and one narrow defeat. All students are welcome to watch and support the team. The final two rounds will conclude in Term 2. Further information can be found on the BDGA website

2017 QDU Year 7 competitionIn the first week of school, an invitation to attend meetings for the Year 7 debating competition will be held. All interested students are advised to look for the notice in the morning news on Tuesday 18 April for the dates and times for the meetings being held in the second week of term. Further information can be found on the QDU website 2017 Queensland State Debating Team trialsThis year, Amelia Asplin, Genevieve Hurree and Grace Ryan trialled for the Queensland State Debating Team. This is a series of workshops, preparation for debate and competition in knockout rounds. These ladies convincingly progressed through the first round and were considered part of the top 50 debaters who trialled. Amelia Asplin continued and successfully continued until she was within the top 25. Congratulations to all who trailed. Further information can be found on the QDU website

2017 Cocurricular Photos DayThe photos for all current debating teams (BGDA and QDU) will be held on Wednesday 3 May. It is important for students to be present as this photo is for the school Yearbook. Students are to wear full school uniform with students in Years 10-12 to include the blazer. The Year 7 debating team photos will be taken later in the year. Early next Term, debating members are to monitor student notices and emails for further details and arrangements for Wednesday 3 May.

DEBATING

Date Reminders• Friday 31 March – Term 1 concludes,

3:05pm• Tuesday 18 April – Term 2 commences• Wednesday 19 April – Year 9 Group 1 Camp• Monday 24 April - Student/Parent/Teacher

interviews. Please ensure you book• Wednesday 26 April – Year 9 Group 2 Camp • Thursday 27 April – Harvest Concert, Trinity

Hall, 6:30pm• Tuesday 2 May - Student/Parent/Teacher

interviews. Please ensure you book

Student DriversParents/Guardians are reminded that you must seek written permission from the Principal if your daughter is to drive to school. The registration number, colour and make of the vehicle/s your daughter drives is to be provided to the Principal. Written permission must also be obtained if any student passengers are to be driven by your daughter. This is a particularly important policy which we request all parents/guardians and student drivers to adhere to.

CarnivalSunday 30 July -10:00am to 4:00pmThank you to everyone who has volunteered to assist Carnival.

In Term 2 I will commence promotion of Bring In Days for the larger items and needs for the stalls. If you have a moment to think of Carnival over the holidays, here are some items that are always needed and you might like to put aside or pop in your shopping trolley if you see them on special.

If every family donates just one item from the list below, you will be filled with warmth and Carnival will be all the richer. Thank you.

• Clothes, Shoes and Handbags - clean and in good condition for Still Loved Clothes

• Books – for Second Hand Books• Furniture, Crockery, household and garden

items – for Trash n Treasure (no electrical)• Wine – bottles of wine for Wine Wheel• Craft – Wool, coat hangers for covering, tea

towels and scrap booking material• Water – slabs for the Drinks Van• Softdrinks – slabs for the Drinks Van• Coconut Cream and Curry Paste (any

variety) – for Indian• 200g blocks of chocolate (any variety, but

we do like known brands!) – for Lob O Choc• Multipacks of chocolates – for Lob O Choc• 1.25lt bottles of Coca-Cola – for Ring of

Coke• A Spinning Wheel numbered 1-100 – for

Meat Tray Raffles• Discount vouchers – for Lucky Ticket• Restaurant vouchers or retail prizes – for

Prize U Like

• Packets of Self Raising Flour and Sugar – needed by various stalls

Special Invitation to all Parents and particularly New Parents to the CollegeYear in, year out, the Sweet Stall and Cake Stall are among the most visited stalls of Carnival, and Devonshire Tea is also becoming a big hit on the circuit.

If you are handy with a wooden spoon, the KitchenAid, or if the Thermomix or the Candy Thermometer is your choice of gadget, then the Sweet Stall, Cake Stall and Devonshire Tea loves you as much as they love your cooking. So grab your apron and your bowl and let Anne-Marie, Regina or Raynah know that your treats will be coming their way.

Please put your name down to bake some scones, sweets, cakes, slices, muffins or gastronomic creation of your choice. There are even tried and trusted recipes to follow, if you would like to, for the Sweet Stall.

Those who are clever with gluten free and/or dairy free items might like to start a trend:

traditionally these items are low on offer – let’s change that.

Please contact the following ladies today if you can put your name down to bake and item, or more. Thank you.

Cake Stall Convenor: Anne-Marie Anderson - amanderson@bne.catholic.edu.auSweet Stall Convenor: Raynah Sharma – reginass@optusnet.com.auDevonshire Tea Convenor: Regina Sharma: reginass@optusnet.com.au

Parents and Friends MeetingThe next meeting of the Parents and Friends will be held on Tuesday 2 May, commencing at 6:30pm in the Heritage Room of Stanley Hall. The President, Mrs Donna Hancock, and newly elected committee invite all parents/guardians to attend.

Sports Subcommittee MeetingTuesday 2 May is also the evening for the next meeting of the Sports Subcommittee. Commencing at 6:00pm. Please note change of venue for this meeting: Stanley Hall Boardroom (upstairs). Parent/Guardians of our sporty students are very welcome.

Music Support Group MeetingWednesday 3 May, commencing at 6:00pm in the Staff Lounge is the next meeting of the Music Support Group. All parents/guardians of musicians in the College are warmly welcome to attend.

COMMUNITYMrs Anna Roberts - Manager, Community Development

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

History Initially, St Rita’s College was established as a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school on 27 September 1926, with an enrolment of sixteen students. The school was co-educational from Kindergarten to Grade 3, and girls only from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Boarders were accepted from Kindergarten to Senior.

Prior to the establishment of St Rita’s College, the Sisters were living in the presbytery at St Agatha’s Parish, Clayfield and taught at St Agatha’s School, which was opened on 27 January 1925 with 120 pupils.

Ms Helen JacksonCollege Archivist

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SPORT

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Cross Country- PostponedDue to the weather from the Tropical Low, the College has taken the decision to cancel Cross Country tomorrow. Consideration will be given to a date in Term 2.

Classes will go ahead tomorrow as normal.

Trimester 1 SportsRounds 7 and 8 (Finals) of Trimester 1 Sports clash with Years 9 Camps. Teams containing Year 9s will be advised of any changes to matches necessitated by the clashes.

Please note, where a match does not have bearing on qualifying for a 1 v 2 playoff match, games will be played wherever possible.

Trimester 2 SportsThe following CaSSSA Trimester 2 sports are available:• Football (Soccer) - Senior and Junior• Hockey - Open and Junior • Netball - Open, Senior, Intermediate• Volleyball - Junior

The CaSSSA Trimester 2 Sport Information Letter is available on MySRC under All Sports Information

Please return the slip to the Sport and Activity box on the Sport office door in Eirene Centre by 9:00am, Friday 21 April. • Nominations for Open Netball and Vicki

Wilson Cup Netball are to be received by 9.00am Tuesday 18 April.

• Trials for the Open A/Vicki Wilson Cup Netball team (1 team) will be held on the first afternoon back in Term 2, Tuesday 18 April with the second day of trials on Friday 21 April.

Nominations received will be posted on MySRC by the next day. Students must check to ensure their form has been processed. Please contact the Head of Sport if you have submitted a nomination and your name is not listed.

Cocurricular Photos # 1 - Wednesday 3 MayAll Trimester 1 team members will need to remember to bring their sport uniform for their photos on this day. A full schedule will be posted to MySRC and also emailed prior to the day.

TennisTerm 2 – Semis will be held on Saturday 22 April and Finals on Saturday 6 May at Tennyson. Please note that there is no Tennis on 29 April due to the Labour Day long weekend. Information, including opponents and venues for teams who qualify, will be posted as soon as possible.

The Tennis Motivational Lunch scheduled for 24 March was postponed to a date yet to be announced. The Parent and Daughter Tennis Competition which was to be held on Sunday 26 March was unfortunately cancelled for 2017.

Track and FieldThe Head Coach, Mr Peter Kropp, and the Assistant Head Coach, Mrs Kimbra Winburn, and the Captains of the Track and Field, Ella Comerford (R5) and Georgia West (CO3) encourage and invite students to attend pre-season trainings. Track and Field pre-season training will commence Term 2, week beginning 24 April.

Venue Nudgee CollegeSessions Thursday afternoon 3:30-5:30pm Saturday morning 8:30-10:30amCommences Thursday 27 April / Saturday 29 AprilConcludes Thursday 8 June / Saturday 10 JuneWho can attend Any St Rita’s studentsSign-ups Students must sign up, forms outside Sport office in Eirene, for Thursday and/or Saturday sessions. Sign-up sheets will be available the week prior to the sessions. Transport Thursdays - Bus from Alexandra Road, departing 3:15pm. Bus departs Nudgee College at 5:35pm sharp.

All students will be transported back to St Rita’s College – expected arrival time approx. 5:50pm. Students will only be left at Nudgee if they have a parental signed note advising of alternative transport arrangements or permission to walk home. No school provided transport available on Saturdays.

Please visit the Track and Field page on MySRC for all Term 2 Pre-Season and Term 3 Season information.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Lorena Turco, Year 11, N1, and Erin Zappia, Year 12, Ca3, who were both selected to compete at the Queensland Schools Championships on the Gold Coast from Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 March where they were a part of gold medal winning Metropolitan North team.

Congratulations also to Lily Carrick, Year 7, N6, for breaking the record for 13 Years 50m Freestyle (29.08 in Prelims and then 28.97 in the Finals) and 13 Years 100m Freestyle (1:01.61) at the Queensland Secondary School Swimming Carnival.

CaSSSA TENNIS

Rd 4 18.03.17

RESULT Rd 5 25.03.17

RESULT

Open A STU LOST 20-40 2-6

MSM LOST 19-42 2-6

Senior A (C Div.)

STU LOST 22-25 2-4

AHS1 WON 36-5 6-0

Inter A STU LOST 25-26 3-3

LOR LOST 27-32 2-4

Inter B LOR 1 DRAW 29-29 3-3

LOR 2 DRAW 30-30 3-3

Inter C STU WON MSM LOST 21-33 2-4

Inter D STU WON 26-19 4-2

BYE

Junior A AHS 1 LOST 14-28 2-4

MSM LOST 18-33 2-4

Junior B LOR LOST 19-32 2-4

LHC WON FORFEIT

Junior C BRI WON 20-12 4-2

AHS WON 20-15 5-1

Junior D BRI LOST 12-21 1-5

STU 1 WON 24-15 6-0

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SPORT /TEAM (Div.)

Rd 2- 15.03.17

RESULT Rd 3 – 22.03.17

RESULT

AFL

Jr A LHC LOST 3.1.19 – 2.1.12 BYE

Touch

Jr A (A Div.) LOR WON 4-0 MTA WASHOUT

Jr B (B Div.) LOR LOST 10-1 SJF WASHOUT

Jr C (D Div.) LOR LOST 3-1 LHC WASHOUT

Jr D (F Div.) LOR LOST 8-0 LHC2 WASHOUT

Volleyball

Open A LOR WON 2-1 25-23,18-25,8-15

AHS LOST 2-1 21-25, 23-25, 15-11

Open B MSM WF 2-0 25-0, 25-0 SJF2 LOST 3-0, 14-25, 16-25, 9-15

Open C BRI WON 2-1 25-23, 18-25, 15-14

LOR LOST 2-1 3-25, 25-17, 10-15

Open D OLC LOST 2-1 14-25, 16-25, 15-9

MSM LOST 2-1 25-23, 23-25, 7-15

Inter. A (A Div.)

MTA LOST 2-1 17-25, 25-19, 13-15

AHS LOST 3-0 20-25, 20-25, 11-15

Inter. B (B Div.)

SSC WON 2-1 25-16, 25-14, 4-15

MMC LOST 2-0 16-25, 22-25

Inter. C (C Div.)

AHS LOST 2-1 25-22, 10-25, 12-15

LOR2 LOST 3-0 11-25, 16-25, 14-15

Inter. D (D Div.)

AHS LOST 2-1 17-25, 25-17, 1-15

STU WON 22-25, 25-21, 15-13

CaSSSA TENNIS

Rd 4 18.03.17

RESULT Rd 5 25.03.17

RESULT

Open A STU LOST 20-40 2-6

MSM LOST 19-42 2-6

Senior A (C Div.)

STU LOST 22-25 2-4

AHS1 WON 36-5 6-0

Inter A STU LOST 25-26 3-3

LOR LOST 27-32 2-4

Inter B LOR 1 DRAW 29-29 3-3

LOR 2 DRAW 30-30 3-3

Inter C STU WON MSM LOST 21-33 2-4

Inter D STU WON 26-19 4-2

BYE

Junior A AHS 1 LOST 14-28 2-4

MSM LOST 18-33 2-4

Junior B LOR LOST 19-32 2-4

LHC WON FORFEIT

Junior C BRI WON 20-12 4-2

AHS WON 20-15 5-1

Junior D BRI LOST 12-21 1-5

STU 1 WON 24-15 6-0

COMMUNITY NOTICES