VerbisST RITA’S COLLEGE

FROM THE PRINCIPALMrs Dale Morrow

28 MAY 2020, TERM 2, EDITION 8

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

Dear Parents/Guardians

What a beginning we have had to 2020. There have been so many times throughout these first months that have tested peoples’ resilience, their sense of where things are heading and their sense of hope. But here we are, having gone through some tough times, we are now ready to try to get back to some semblance of normality.

In my first address to the girls this year, I spoke about our theme taken from our pillar of Hope – A Light to our Path. It was at this time that communities throughout many parts of Australia were coping with the effects of extensive and devastating bushfires. Since then, of course, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time the World saw something like this was back in 1918/19 when the Spanish flu pandemic struck. That pandemic was even more devastating than our current one. It infected more than 500 million people Worldwide and killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people. Yet, with people working together with their governments and health agencies, we got through that crisis and history shows us that there were many good things that changed for the better because of it. No doubt, the same will be true for this pandemic too, even though at this point it is difficult to see.

It is only when we face difficult times together in a spirit of love and support that we can turn times of adversity into moments of grace – moments that can help transform our lives for the better.

People in Australia should feel very proud of the fact that by restraining themselves at home over these past months they have brought the spread of this disease under control and have thus contributed to the protection of all those we love.

There have been people in the media already writing about the social positives that may flow from our current situation. They talk of people being awoken to a new realisation and deeper appreciation of the intricate link between humans and nature. It is clearer than ever that we cannot take either for granted anymore and that we cannot change one without changing the other.

And surely the Earth must be breathing a sigh of relief due to the reduction in pollution and fossil fuel use that has resulted from our social isolating. This ‘great

pause’, as some are calling it, should give us hope that we will soon find it within ourselves to protect our shared planet.

There has been a marked reduction in air pollution across the whole globe. Remarkable photos showing how Indian residents can now see the towering peaks of the Himalayas from Punjab for the first time in 30 years due to the massive drop in pollution as a result of the country’s coronavirus lockdown. Governments at national and local levels are now seeing the very real possibility and desirability of transitioning more quickly to renewable sources of energy. This can only enhance the World’s brighter future.

Then there is the huge global cooperation currently in place to find a vaccine for the SARS-COV2 virus which causes COVID-19. There will be many positive spin-offs from this in terms of World health in the future, and there are highly regarded scientists who believe a vaccine will be developed soon because of this extensive co-operation between scientists. It is likely the acceleration of this research will also lead to breakthroughs in developing vaccines for other viruses that we currently do not have vaccines for.

And then there are the changes in how we work. Because of social isolation many people have chosen to work from home. This trend may become permanent fixtures of the future. With more people working from home, the quality of family time together will be enhanced. This will lead to a re-emphasis on how cities are structured since there will be less need for central business districts, greatly reducing traffic congestion and allowing for more green spaces for residents. These are positive steps in establishing better quality of life for more people.

And what of our world here at St Rita’s. Can I say how proud I have been of the way all of us have responded to these unusual circumstances. I am grateful for the tremendous work of the teachers in adapting their teaching programs so that their lessons could be delivered effectively online. I am appreciative of the great effort the girls have put into making this time at home educationally productive. It could not have been easy changing routines and exercising the discipline to follow the online work. Together we will forge ahead with our futures always mindful that we are called to love one another as we love ourselves.

God bless

Mrs Dale MorrowPrincipal, St Rita’s College

VerbisST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTSMs Catherine Allen

We welcomed back our junior students this week. It is fabulous to have the whole school student body back on campus. Thanks to all parents and guardians for your support whilst Learning at Home took place. Congratulations to the girls who demonstrated wonderful resilience and determination. I am sure that these habits will stand them in good stead throughout their lives. Certainly, they will assist with their determination to challenge themselves personally.

A couple of opportunities are available that might be of interest. The first is promoted by Rita’s Rights, a student led group that focuses on issues and concerns that impact women and girls. One Girl is promoting their 2020 Youth Ambassador program. Applications for the 2020 Youth Ambassador program are now open! This year they are looking for 100 passionate Ambassadors for the ultimate isolation challenge — collectively raising $100,000 for One Girl programs in Sierra

Leone and Uganda. Become an advocate supporting girls’ access to education, improved health knowledge and community support. You can sign up to join an online network, gain access to interactive online content, meet like-minded people, complete fun weekly challenges and smash fundraising goals!

The second opportunity is the Stand Tall Youth Event. This includes an encouraging well-being tool that this year can be accessed by anyone for FREE and could be nice for families to enjoy together during these trying times. You can register by clicking here.

I’m hoping we’re all looking forward to establishing the new normal. Stay healthy and be happy.

Welcome back to all studentsThis has been a joyous week, hearing the laughter and seeing the smiling faces of all our students back on campus. I want to commend our teachers and students for the resilience they showed during the Learning At Home period. Students have settled in well this week, resuming their learning routines and displaying focus during their classes.

Reporting for Semester 1An audit of Semester 1 assessment has been conducted and we will be able to report on the academic learning for all students. In some subjects, there is reduced assessment, but we will still be able to report in our usual format. This will allow us to determine the Semester 1 Academic Awards. The Academic Assembly scheduled for Tuesday 28 July may be in an alternate format. More information will be conveyed to parents/guardians and students prior to this event. Year 12 students will only be awarded Academic Improvement Awards because Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be presented at ATC, determined by their two internal assessment items.

Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews Term 3As per the College Calendar, Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews will be conducted early in Term 3, with an additional evening to cater for missed interview opportunities in Term 2. They will be conducted in a ‘virtual’ interview format, utilising the online meeting platform, Zoom.

Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews will be offered during the following times:

Interview Session 1 Monday 13 July (Student Free Day), 1:30pm - 6:30pm Interview Session 2 Tuesday 21 July 3:30pm – 8:30pm Interview Session 3 Tuesday 28 July 3:30pm – 8:30pm

More information will be sent to parents when the Semester 1 reports are released on Friday 26 June.

Subject Selection 2021Due to the inability to gather in large groups, Subject Selection for 2021 will take place via online Zoom meetings. Below are the dates for the Year level students who will be re-selecting subjects for 2021. Parents/guardians and students will receive access to the presentation material before the online meeting, allowing time to digest the content and consider any questions they may have for the forum. More specific information will be sent to parents and students in Years 7, 8 and 10 in the coming weeks.

Subject Selection Dates

Scootle Parent Guest Access Scootle provides Australian teachers with access to more than 20,000 quality-assured digital learning resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum. Scootle have now enabled access by parents and students through a guest login. This link will allow parents/guardians and students to register as a guest. There is also a Scootle Guest User Guide available on the website.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDIESMrs Maree Trims

2021 Year Level

Year 11

Year 9

Year 8

Online Information Session (6:00pm)

Tuesday 16 June (Zoom)

Monday 27 July (Zoom)

Monday 24 August (Zoom)

Web Preferences Email Sent

Saturday 18 July

Saturday 1 August

Saturday 29 August

Web Preferences Close

Monday 27 July

Friday 7 August

Monday 7 September

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2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - LEARNING AND TEACHINGDr Natasha Mayne

The importance of practice when learning: Part IIIIt has been lovely to welcome our Year 7 – Year 10 students back to St Rita’s this week. As we gradually return to our familiar routines at the College, I thought that it was timely to continue reflecting on the importance of routines and habits for learning.

In previous editions of Verbis, I wrote about the important of practice when learning, especially spaced and interleaved practice. Educators, athletes and artists have known for some time that repetition is necessary for improving performance and for sustaining that improvement. However, educational practice is a double-edged sword: while it “is good for learning, it is terrible for motivation” (Willingham, D. 2009, p. 2). Too much repetition can make any activity dreary, with performance dropping away as a result.

So, what can learners and educators do to make sure that learning is “not too hard, not too easy, not too boring”? Thankfully, the human brain likes to solve problems

if they are not unsolvable problems. It is important, therefore, that some level of desirable difficulty is evident if learning and practice are to be successful. Robert Bjork (1994) shows that more learning is generated when students have to work hard to retrieve something from memory than when retrieval is easier, as it is often is with something recently learned (p. 193). Interleaved practice can help to mix things up and introduce “desirable difficulties” into what could easily become mindless, rote learning of new content. In reintroducing content that may have been learned in a previous unit, students are likely to experience some success and a little burst of pleasure at being able to recognise prior knowledge and any links to new content, which is also likely to boost motivation.

At home, flashcard apps, such as AnkiApp, can interleave older content with new content in flashcard decks. For a more analogue method to achieve the same outcome, students could insert random cards from old flashcard decks into current content decks during their routine, spaced practice sessions.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSIONMrs Erica Qureshi

As we approach the busyness that mid-Term brings, and in light of our current pandemic, here is a timely reminder of the need for stillness and silence. Integral to the life of a Catholic school, prayer and worship have the potential to nourish the spiritual growth of all members of our College community. Meditative prayer is a spiritual discipline or exercise specifically intended to lead us to inner stillness and the state of being with and in God.

Why do we participate in meditative prayer?

• Need for silence• Need for relaxation• Need for an inner life• The imperative of developing the prayer life of this community (Catholic tradition, Mindfulness Movement, Psychology)

What does meditative prayer do?

• Slows down busy minds• Improves concentration and attentiveness• Helps people to cope with stress and anxiety• Leads people to the art of mindfulness and being present to the moment• Develops a sense of inner peace and calm• Creates an awareness of a deeper sense of God’s presence in silence and

stillness• Opens hearts to experience the gift of contemplation and a sense of oneness

with creation.

(From Silence, Stillness, Simplicity: Guidelines for Catholic and Ecumenical Schools)

In Religious Education lessons over the next couple of weeks, we will by encouraging our classes to pause for stillness and silence.

National Sorry DayOn Tuesday this week, members of our College community participated in a ritual action to commemorate National Sorry Day. Students and staff took ribbon and tied it in a bow around our Assembly Cross as a symbol of our acknowledgement and respect to the Aboriginal people who were affected by the Australian Government’s enforcement of the legislation leading to the Stolen Generation. National Sorry Day is the anniversary of the 1997 tabling of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission report “Bringing Them Home”. We pray that this action unites us and allows us to remember those who suffered and were forcefully removed from their homes.

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). For further information, click here.

COLLECTION OF DATA ON SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY (NCCD)

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2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

College Community Code of Conduct

Under the College Board governance of reviewing policy periodically, the College Code of Conduct has recently been reviewed. This Code of Conduct provides members of the College community with guidelines for the effective development of positive relationships within the College community and assists in promoting the behaviours that are in keeping with the College’s vision and values. The policy can be viewed here and is available on the College website and MySRC.

Release of New College AppThe development of the new St Rita’s College App has been completed and is now ready for parents, staff and students to download via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The new App provides the College community with access to College notifications, communications, news and events. Personalising your content needs, including that of specific Year levels and sports, is vastly improved. The College Calendar, MySRC and the Absentee Form can be accessed from the Dashboard. MySRC and the Absentee Form are also accessible from Links, as is CareMonkey. You will be asked to Sign-In to these accounts on first use. The Online Boutique and College Social Media sites are also available from Links, as is the payment of School Fees.Please download the new version at your earliest opportunity. If you have already downloaded the College App, you may be prompted to update to the new version on your next use. Click here for the SRC App User Guide.

Students who are unwell

Please ensure that your daughter remains at home if she is showing any sign of any illness. If your daughter is worried about missing class or assessment due to not attending school, please contact her teacher/s for advice.

The College maintains its zero tolerance for illness. The same protocols will apply as they did in Term 1 for any student on campus who is showing flu-like (fever, coughing, sore throat and fatigue and or shortness of breath) symptoms whilst at school. Our first aid officer will make a decision as to whether the student or staff member should be sent home. Should that occur a 72-hour exclusion shall apply. Please refer to the full details in the College’s COVID-19 Risk Management Plan on MySRC - click here to view.

Enderley Road Crossing – operational from Monday 1 June

The new Enderley Road Crossing has been installed by the Brisbane City Council at the College pool frontage, and will be operational from Monday 1 June. The Crossing will be supervised between the hours of 7:45am to 8:45am and from 2.45pm to 3.45pm only. During these hours, all students and any parents who need to come on to campus are to only use the Crossing.

Please be aware that outside these listed hours, pedestrians do not have right of way on the Crossing and due care should be taken.

Students waiting for buses on Alexandra Road

When waiting for buses at Stop #28 and #29 on the College side of Alexandra Road, students should await along the nature strip between the footpath and residential properties. Students are requested to stand back from the road and be mindful they don’t block the footpath for other users and don’t block residential entries. Students should ensure any rubbish or belongings are taken with them and not left outside residential properties.

The parents/guardians of girls who use the Stop are asked to discuss this important request with their daughter/s.

Parents/Visitors coming on to Campus

Under COVID-19 prevention management, it is important that pedestrian traffic on the College grounds is limited to essential need only. This is a government directive.

If parents/guardians need to come onto campus, they are required to Sign In and Sign Out at College Main Reception (Nagle Building) no matter the purpose or length of your visit. This procedure is required even if you are dropping off an essential item to your daughter. Being able to provide an accurate register of persons on site at any point in time, regardless of the length of the visit, is exceptionally important should a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 be identified among the College community and government Contact Tracing is required.

Please respect and follow the following directives. By doing so the College is able to fulfill its duty of care obligation to the daughters of all families, our staff and all visitors to the College and be in compliance with its risk management measures for COVID-19.

• Remain in your vehicle at drop off and pick up times.• You should only come onto campus if absolutely necessary or requested to.• Telephone the College ahead of coming onto campus.• All visitors are to arrive College Reception (not Student Services).• Sign In at College Reception on arrival – no matter the length of your visit,

including dropping off items.• Sign Out at College Reception on departure.• Use the Online Boutique for Boutique purchases. Your daughter can collect

the item/s and be fitted at the same time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

The St Rita’s Study Skills Program has now moved into a collaboration phase, in which Years 11 and 12 students have formed what we call ‘Pride’ groups to collaborate on their studies. These Prides involve between two and four students working together on a specific subject during their Study Skills lessons and of course outside these lesson times if they wish.

Study Skills groups are not a substitute for independent study, but they can help girls work more efficiently, learn subject matter in greater depth and consolidate learning. There is a wealth of research that shows study groups improve academic outcomes and reduce anxiety and stress very effectively. The benefits of such groups include:

• exposure to different ways of thinking and learning• reinforcement of information• clarification of subjects or topics• provision of an environment where girls can develop and discuss their ideas• peer support and motivation for learning• development of metacognitive strategies• increased self-confidence and lower anxiety levels• acquisition of teamwork skills• awareness of different perspectives• promotion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills• improved retention and recall of information

As always, if you have any queries or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me on wls@stritas.qld.edu.au

STUDY SKILLSMs Amanda Wallas (Head of Study Skills)

To stream or not to stream?It has been wonderful to see the Music Centre come back to life this week with the return of all our students. During the period of Learning at Home, it has been very encouraging to see the continued dedication and application of the music students, but I know that they are excited to return and connect with their friends in rehearsals in real life. For some, they are happy that they can now talk over the top of others, something not possible on Zoom, but for us as musicians the most exciting part is that we are once again able to play with others.

During this time, for many of us there have been opportunities to reflect on things we have perhaps too often taken for granted. Personally, I have realised how music enriches my life, not but just listening to it, but participating in it with others. The energy that each musician gives as a gift to the other performers cannot be replicated through technology. It is the gift of a social connection through music which is then also given to the audience to receive and experience.

There have been discussions around the world recently as to how these events may impact music in the future. One such question is, will streaming overtake live performances and become the norm? Before recently, this idea was never

considered as a complete alternative to a live event, but for the first time ever some musicians and organisations had no other choice but to resort to streaming or recording. As this question was discussed by various experts, one element of a live performance was considered to be impossible to replicate via technological methods. The emotional connection of the people involved in a performance - musicians and audience - who are all connecting with the same experience at the exact same moment in time without distractions. This is what live arts can offer to people and particular our students. The experience of a live arts event is immeasurable on the development of students and adults and continues to make me feel very proud of the experiences that we provide for the girls in the music program at St Rita’s.

Even as I write now, I am surrounded by the sounds of some of our newest music students from the BIGs program and the progress that they have made is obvious. However, perhaps what is less obvious is the impact they may have on the people they know and perhaps also in the future, the people they do not know. That’s the exciting part about seeing, and hearing, all of our students again. We will be looking forward to the time we can share our music with you again in the future where we can all enjoy what a live music experience has to offer.

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) Semester 2, 2020

Students in Years 7 – 11 already approved and on the AARA list are eligible to receive adjustments under the Social/Emotional Category for Semester 1, 2020. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) recognises that some students have disability, impairment, and/or medical conditions or experience other circumstances that may be a barrier to their performance in assessment. Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) are designed to assist these students.

Medical reports proving eligibility must be completed by a relevant medical specialist or psychologist who is not related to the student or employed by

the College, using the approved template available from the College Guidance Counsellors. Please note that for anxiety and/or depression, this document will only be relevant until the end of this year. The process will need to be repeated after 1 January 2021, should your daughter continue to need adjustments. A reminder that the student and her parent/guardian must sign the front page of the document where indicated. The student also needs to put in her LUI number. All documentation for adjustments needs to be with the relevant Guidance Counsellor by the end of Week 2, Term 3 - 24 July. Please ensure it is scanned through directly to far@stritas.qld.edu.au (for girls in Nagle, Rosa, Hogan and Marian) and to gmurton@stritas.qld.edu.au (for girls in Collins, Kildare, Cascian and Xaverian).If you need further clarification regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the College.

MUSICMr Craig Kennedy

FROM OUR GUIDANCE COUNSELLORSMs Gail Murton and Ms Claire Fardoulys

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

Learning at Home was a very different experience for every girl at St Rita’s. There was no more physical face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers, and classes generally operated differently. However, I think Rita’s supported us well in regards to our learning. The leadership team listened to our feedback and made it a more pleasant experience for all. I personally enjoyed online learning as we had more time, longer breaks and I didn’t have to wake up at 6:30am to drive to school every morning. The College tried to make this experience as normal as possible by creating challenges for the Houses to do. Throughout the whole online learning experience, the Nagle House Captains were working on exciting initiatives to connect the House and to give opportunities to our House Groups to gain House Points.

Almost every week, both the College and House Captains came up with new fun initiatives to try. The intention was for every girl, or at least the majority of a House Group, to complete the weekly challenges and submit their work to their Head of House or the Captains via email which would then be uploaded to MySRC. Each House Group gained points for the number of girls who participated in the challenges. Some of the challenges consisted of cupcake challenges, Easter holiday photos and baby photo competitions.

In order to keep the online learning relatively normal in a sense, we, as a House, kept the activities we would normally do the same. For example, every second Friday we have Year level meetings where we talk about what’s coming up, important messages that need to be addressed or play games. We continued this routine on Zoom which allowed us to communicate and connect with our Nagle community like we normally would at school – sometimes even with our pets!

Although Corona tried to sink our spirits, especially our Year 12 cohort, now that we are back at school everyone’s attitudes towards our senior year have improved. Compared to other countries like Canada or America, we are lucky that we’ve had another chance to continue our senior year at school with our friends. We’ve realised not to take our learning for granted as everyone is getting more involved in activities they might not have before. The College Captains loved seeing everyone getting involved in the activities planned. It was through these challenges that we as a house were able to stay connected, which I believe was essential throughout the quarantine period.

NAGLE NEWSHolly Kell (Year 12, N4)

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2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

FATALITY FREE FRIDAYFriday 29 May

Tomorrow, Friday 29 May, is Fatality Free Friday. This annual campaign, run by the Australian Road Safety Foundation, is Australia’s largest community-based road safety day to raise awareness of the human cost of careless driving.

We call for extra vigilance behind the wheel tomorrow and every day.

The College is proud to join the Department of Transport and Main Roads in support of this important campaign.

We call on all members of the College community and their families to take the pledge and choose Road Safety, not just on Fatality Free Friday, but every day.

During the Learning At Home period our Kildare House Group Representatives coordinated a weekly House Group Zoom Challenge and our Year Level Representatives were given a Year Level Challenge to complete over the five week period.

Initiative #1: House Group Zoom Challenge

The House Group Zoom Challenge saw each House Group complete one Challenge per week over the five weeks of online learning. Each week, those awarded in the top three places gained House points for each Challenge. Congratulations to the following weekly winners:

Week 1: Find the Teal Item – Winner = K3

Week 2: Lip-sync Battle – Winner = K5

Week 3: Pass the Pen – Winner = K1

Week 4: Create a Rap/Song – Winner = K3

Week 5: Make Up Your Own HG Challenge – Winner = K3

A super effort was made by all House Groups, but the Kildare House Group Zoom Total Winners prize goes to K3 for a consistent and outstanding effort. They will enjoy a pizza lunch for their efforts!

Initiative #2: Year Level Challenge

Each Kildare Year Level Representative has been asked to coordinate responses from each of the girls on a range of topics:

Year 7: Get Creative (e.g. craft, sewing, creating music, dance etc)

Year 8: Cooking (e.g. get baking and share some recipes)

Year 9: Explore the world from home (e.g. learn a language, create a photo board from of destinations around the world or a holiday destination you would like to visit)

Year 10: Fitness/Yoga (e.g. take some online fitness and/or yoga classes)

Year 11: Capture a moment (e.g. refine your photography skills and get snapping)

Year 12: Have a laugh (e.g. create a comedy sketch to look back on the Year 12 and isolation - have a giggle)

The girls are still submitting their completed Challenge, so please encourage your daughter to get her Year Level Challenge completed if she hasn’t done so already. It would be wonderful if at the end of the Term we could compile and share each Year level’s ideas into a book (or a blog) as a memory of how Kildare experienced COVID-19.

KILDARE NEWSMrs Simmone Irvine - Head of Kildare House

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SPORTI encourage students to check out the ‘training in isolation’ tips posted on MySRC on the Cross Country and Track & Field pages. These were also emailed to all students in the last few weeks. I thank the Head and Assistant Head Coaches of these sports for their assistance in developing these programs. They also serve as a reminder that physical activity is important for physical and mental wellbeing. It doesn’t matter whether it is a jog, swim, bike ride, walk the dog, it just matters to get out and do something.

Mr John PendallDirector of Sport

Swimming

Acqua Rosa reopened on Monday 25 May. The following procedures for St Rita’s students are implemented under the College’s Risk Management plan:

• An “in/train/out” policy is adopted. There is to be no loitering around the pool before or after sessions for any reason.• Entry to the pool is via the gates at the top of the pool on the driveway.• Exit from the pool is via the gate at the bottom of the pool on to Enderley Road.• Once training has finished swimmers are required to leave the pool precinct immediately.• The St Rita’s College Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Risk Management Plan will be strictly enforced. This includes the ruling for students who are unwell. Any student

who fails to comply will be refused entry to the pool.• Numbers of students at the pool will be monitored.• The cost for each session will be $10.00. St Rita’s students will be invoiced for sessions they attend. There is no requirement to pre-register your daughter.• All swimmers are to provide their own training equipment including goggles, kickboard, flippers, water bottle, etc. There will be no sharing of equipment.• Handwashing and/or sanitising on entry to the pool will be required, and each time the changerooms or toilets are used. Product will be provided by the College.• Social distancing rules apply for all swimmers and coaches.• No spectators are permitted. Parents are to remain outside the College grounds, except in the case of emergency.• There will be no food consumed at the Pool.

The following training times apply for St Rita’s students:

Safety of swimmers and staff during this time is of paramount importance. The following control strategies have been implemented:

• All staff have completed COVID-19 Infection Control Training• Cleaning and disinfecting in accordance with Safe Work Australia and public health authority• Staff have been briefed on symptoms of COVID-19 and have been told to stay home if they do not feel well• If a staff member or swimmer becomes unwell at work, a process is in place to isolate them and arrange for them to be sent home to receive medical attention.• Frequently touched surfaces to be cleaned after each swim session• Alcohol based sanitiser readily available• Posters on handwashing are prominent • Physical distancing signage • All chairs and tables taken away from pool deck• Change rooms closed, except for St Rita’s school student use

Mr Michael BromleyHead Coach, Swimming

Monday

3:15 - 4:15

Tuesday

Dryland 6:00 - 7:00Swim 7:00 - 8:00

Wednesday

3:15 - 4:15

Thursday

Dryland 6:00 - 7:00Swim 7:00 - 8:00

Friday

3:15 - 4:15

AM

PM

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

BreakfastSourdough with Vegemite and butter $3.50Sourdough with jam and butter $3.50Raisin toast with butter $3.50 or 2 for $5.50 Spelt and honey banana bread with butter $4.00 Bacon and egg wraps $5.00Bacon and egg cups $4.50Bagel toasted with blueberry and cream cheese $5.00Bagel toasted with cinnamon butter $5.00Fruit salad with honey yoghurt (g/f) $3.50

Coffee/Tea (Years 10-12 only)8 oz Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Nine Spice Chai Latte, London Fog $3.5012oz Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Nine Spice Chai Latte, London Fog $4.00Long Black, Short Black, Macchiato, Piccolo $3.00Tea – English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Gunpowder Green, Peppermint Herbal Tisane $2.50Hot Chocolate 8oz $3.50 12oz $4.0014oz Cold chocolate $4.00 (Zymil and Bonsoy 50c extra) (Syrups – Vanilla, Caramel 50c extra)

DrinksWater $2.00Sparkling water $2.50Flavoured vitamin water - glaceau focus, antioxidant $3.50Deep Spring flavoured mineral water $3.00Breaka flavoured milk $2.50Emma and Tom's fruit juice $3.00-$3.50Kombucha $3.00Fruit Fix juice $3.50Remedy soft drinks $3.00Sugar free soft drinks cans $2.50 600ml bottles $3.00

Snacks and SweetsOat chocolate cookie $2.00Cranberry and white chocolate cookies $2.00Chocolate bliss balls (g/f) $3.50Oat and raisin balls $3.50Cheese and Crackers $1.50Dip and Crackers $2.50Fruit salad (g/f) $3.00Chips (some g/f) $1.50-$2.50Ice creams (some g/f) $1.00-$3.50Yoghurt with berry compote (g/f) $3.50

Cold FoodChicken and salad wrap $5.50 g/f $7.00Baguette - Cream cheese and marinated grilled veg $5.50Sushi (various fillings) $3.50Salads Chicken caesar $6.50 House picked beetroot and beef Vegan beans, grains and roast veg

Hot FoodCrumbed chicken tenders (g/f avail) $4.00Garlic bread $2.50Lasagne $5.00Pasta of the day $5.00Toasted sandwiches Ham and Cheese (g/f avail) $5.00 Cheese $4.50Changing daily hot meal $6.00Light meal $4.00/$5.00

Week starting 1 June 2020Monday Moroccan lamb mince with middle eastern cous cous Spinach and feta pie (v)Tuesday Honey chicken with rice Vege burger with gems (v)Wednesday Peking style pork with rice Wontons Arancini (v) Thursday Beef and blackbean sauce with rice Dim Sum Margarita pizza (v) (some g/f)Friday Steamed fish with blackbean sauce Chicken tender panini rolls Spring rolls (v)

Week starting 8 June 2020Monday Chilli con carne with rice Vegetable slice with rice and quinoa (v, g/f)Tuesday Mongolian beef with rice Arancini (v)Wednesday Garlic chicken with steamed rice Ham and pineapple pizza Dim sum Pasta (v)Thursday Honey chicken and rice Meat loaf with mash potato Spring rolls (v)Friday Ginger and shallot calamari with rice Falafel wraps with wedges (v) Pork steamed bun

PANAYIA’S PANTRY

S T R I TA’ S C O L L E G E

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

PATHWAYS AND CAREERSMrs Melanie Sax-Wood

Busy Times Ahead – Particularly for Years 10s and 12sAs our Year 10 students head into the Subject Selection phase for senior and our 12 students consider their futures beyond SRC, it is a busy time for the girls and you, their parents. Research tells us that parents are still the number one influence on their daughter’s decisions with regards to post compulsory career choices, so it is vital that you have all the facts to assist your daughter/s through this journey. I encourage you to start these Career conversations if you haven’t already. Before you know it decisions will need to be made, as the year is marching on.Below are some snapshots of information from the Options Career Information Bulletin which is available for you each fortnight. Your daughter also receives this material via email.

2021 Course Guides Many of the new Course Guides have arrived and are on display for students to read and take away the guides can be found outside the Pathways & Careers office. UQ and ACU have packed the shelves and Griffith and QUT will be in stock in the coming weeks.

QTAC Guides There has been a two-week delay at QTAC on the Guides, but we should have these for distribution to the Years 10 and 12 students in early June.

University Information Sessions for the students Last week and over the next two weeks we have arranged for the Universities to ‘Zoom’ their Information Sessions at lunchtimes. UQ have presented, QUT will be this Wednesday and others to follow once booking finalised. The links for these will be sent to the students.

QCE Beyond Virtual Careers ExpoInspireED are holding the QCE and Beyond virtual careers expo on Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 June. The expo will connect Years 10 - 12 students and parents with leading educational providers. The expo will feature:

• Live chat with expert teachers and universities• Access study resources in all major subjects• View and participate in live webinars• Chat with teachers, counsellors and university course advisors• Parents can download tips and strategies to support their child• Parent specific videos and participate in live webinars

Click here to register.

QUT EventsQUT usually hold a number of events during the year with opportunity to talk to QUT staff and students and have your questions answered. This year, online activities may replace in-person events. Register for updates and check the latest information on their events website.

Making sure you meet tertiary prerequisitesBefore you choose your senior subjects, it is essential that current Year 10 students identify any prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended study for the courses that they are interested in at the end of Year 12. Not all universities and institutions have the same prerequisites, assumed knowledge or recommended study requirements, so it is essential that you check all universities and institutions.

Click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page) for a list of the universities and institutions and their prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended studies for 2021 and 2022.

UQ Programs requiring Specific Requirements

The following programs have specific entry requirements when applying to UQ:• Bachelor of Nursing o ATAR or 83.65/IB 30 or higher o If coming from an English as a second language background you must have English language proficiency scored from one of the following tests: IELTS Academic Pearson PTE (Academic) TOEFL iBT

• Bachelor of Medicine (Doctor of) o UCAT or ISAT o ATAR or 95.00/IB 37 or higher

• Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) o ATAR 99.00/IB 42 o UCAT or ISAT Not required

Multi Mini Interviews (MMIs)Multi Mini Interviews (MMIs) gave been introduced into the entry requirements for Medicine at UQ but how do they work?

• MMIs assess applicants’ non-academic qualities such as empathy, integrity and communication skills

• The MMI consists of 8 ‘stations’ with an individual examiner. Applicants are presented with a written scenario prior to each station.

• Applicants moves from station to station with short breaks between each station. A bell will announce the beginning and end of each station. MMIs will typically be delivered face to face.

• Each examiner provides a rating for the applicant’s response in that station (0 – 5, maximum 40 points across the 8 stations). Applicants may be ‘red flagged’ for inappropriate behaviour during a station

• Applicants will be invited to attend the MMI based on their UCAT scores and not all applicants will be invited to participate in MMIs. MMIs will be held in both Brisbane and regional areas. (COVID-19 restrictions may see MMIs be being conducted through videoconferencing in 2020)

• Invitations to attend MMI session will be made in October 2020 and interviews will be conducted in November 2020.

• Note the early QTAC closing date of 30 September 2020 for preferencing Medicine - Provisional Entry for Year 12 School Leavers

Auditions for the 2021 B Music (Honours) ProgramThe UQ School of Music invites applications from everyone who is interested in auditioning for a place in the B Music (Honours) program commencing in Semester 1 2021. The closing date for applications to audition is Thursday 13 August 2020. The university may not accept your application to audition if your application is incomplete or received after that date. Click here for the application to audition form and further information.

QUT Offer GuaranteeThe QUT offer guarantee allows students with an ATAR 87.00 or above guaranteed entry into a wide range of QUT courses. More competitive courses are guaranteed at an ATAR 93.00 or above. Click here for more information.

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

PATHWAYS AND CAREERSMrs Melanie Sax-Wood

“No Walls”Visit “no walls” for an insight into creative, communication and design careers. If you are not sure what jobs are available, QUT’s no walls site includes profiles of graduates and their career path, as well as staff and student stories and events.

Griffith UniversityGriffith Uni GUESTS applications for Trimester 2 now openApplications Trimester 2, 2020 close on 15 June for Griffith University’s Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS) on-campus and online for high achieving Year 11 and 12 students. Students can apply to undertake a first year university course from most Griffith degrees. Students who successfully complete their university course (subject) are eligible for two adjustment ranks towards their ATAR ranking when applying for Griffith and credit transfer once they commence their related degree. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students will commence Semester 2 courses online until the university opens for on campus classes. Find out more on the Griffith University GUESTS web page, phone 1800 677 728 or email guests_enquiry@griffith.edu.au

Griffith Uni Tertiary Preparation Workshop for entry to the Bachelor of MusicThe Conservatorium offers Tertiary Preparation Workshops to help you stand out from the pack at your audition for the Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. If you are in your final years of high school or know someone wanting to apply for entry to a university music degree, this program can help you better prepare for the theoretical and practical requirements of the audition process. The workshop will run from 29 June – 3 July 2020.

Using VET and other alternative qualifications for competitive entry to Griffith UniversityGriffith recognises the skills and knowledge gained through Vocational Education and Training (VET) as a highly effective pathway to university. Students with a VET qualification completed at high school will continue to be considered for admission whether or not they are ATAR-eligible. QTAC will consider your VET qualification in conjunction with other senior subjects or as a standalone qualification when you are applying for entry into Griffith courses. Griffith Uni will continue to accept applicants with a rank from Dance, Music and Performing Arts qualifications such as AMEB.

University of the Sunshine CoastCareer DirectoryKnow the career you are looking for but not sure which degree will take you there? Use the career directory on the USC website to find the right USC degree. This site can be helpful in getting a better understanding between jobs and their related degrees generally.Parents can get your questions answeredIf your child is wondering what university life is really like or has questions about what to expect, you can chat with USC online Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.

ACUEarly entry to ACU - Community Achiever ProgramAre you looking at gaining an early entry offer into university in 2021? ACU have early entry programs to suit a range of interests and passions. The Community Achiever Program (CAP) offers future students who are active in their community, early offers to their undergraduate course of choice. From regularly volunteering in your community, to representing your school or house in a leadership role, we urge all eligible students to apply. CAP provides opportunities for you to enhance your leadership and volunteering skills and if you’re successful, you could receive an offer to study with us as early as August.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols, ACU understands most people are not able to volunteer right now. The admissions team will take this into consideration and you should not let current restrictions deter you from applying. Applications for the 2021 CAP program opened on 1 May 2020 and close 29 July 2020. Apply here.

One-on-one consultationsAre you in your final years of high school and wondering about university? Book a 30-minute, one-on-one phone consultation with to chat about your study options and what to expect at university. This is the perfect opportunity to gain personalised advice and get all your questions answered. If you are interested in chatting with someone from ACU, email futurestudy.bne@acu.edu with your phone number and preferred date (Monday to Friday) and time (9:00am – 4:00pm) and a friendly team members will be in touch with you.

QTACTertiary entry questions from current Year 12 students

Q.A- How do I apply to university for next year?A. - You apply through QTAC for most Queensland tertiary courses. Applications to tertiary institutions in other states are through tertiary admissions centres like QTAC. You apply directly to all other institutions.

Q. - What is QTAC?A. - The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is a public, not-for-profit company that manages the application and offer processes for universities, TAFE Queensland and some private colleges in Queensland (three interstate institutions are also included). QTAC does not make the rules about entry to courses. The institutions make the rules and QTAC administers these rules.

Q. - How many courses can I apply for through QTAC?A. - You can apply for up to six courses from any of the institutions that use QTAC. You receive only one offer (if you meet the prerequisites and have a competitive ATAR or rank) at any given offer round. Find out more on the Preferences page of the QTAC website.

Q. - How are applicants selected for courses through QTAC?A. - There are usually more applicants than available places for many of the courses. Selection is based on meeting minimum entry requirements (prerequisite subjects, folio, audition, etc.) and on merit (ATAR or Rank). Once minimum entry requirements are met, applicants compete on the basis of merit for competitive courses.

Q.-What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate courses?A. - The term ‘undergraduate’ is normally applied to diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and bachelor degree courses. ‘Postgraduate’ usually applies to courses you can study after completing a bachelor degree, e.g. graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters and doctorate.

Literacy and Numeracy requirements for Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in 2020To be issued a QCE, students need to accrue the set amount of learning, at the set standard, in a set pattern, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements. These requirements are aimed at ensuring students complete their senior schooling with the knowledge and skills they need for success in life beyond school. The literacy and numeracy requirements can be met through a range of options. It is important when planning your senior subjects (and throughout your senior studies) that you know and understand the QCE literacy and numeracy requirements and that you choose correctly.

Meeting the literacy standards: you can study QCAA General or Applied English subjects for Unit 1, Unit 2, or a Unit 3 and 4 pair. These subjects include English, English & Literature Extension, English as an Additional Language, Literature and/or Essential English. Click here to see other Literacy options including International Baccalaureate.

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

PATHWAYS AND CAREERSMrs Melanie Sax-Wood

Meeting the numeracy standards: you can study QCAA General or Applied Mathematics subjects for Unit 1, Unit 2, or a Unit 3 and 4 pair. These subjects include General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics and/or Essential Mathematics. Click here to see other numeracy options including International Baccalaureate.

Students, parents/carers factsheetsQCAA has put together facts sheets to provide you with some guidance when preparing for external assessment and study strategies while learning from home. Although you many be back at school now, the information in the handouts will still be valuable in your preparation for the end of year exams. There are fact sheets for subjects within the following subject headings:

• English• Health and Physical Education• Humanities and Social Sciences• Languages• Mathematics• Sciences• Technologies• The Arts

QUT Creative Industries Real World competitionThe QUT Creative Industries RealWorld competition encourages teams of high school students to work together on designing and producing a creative entry, such as a music video, fashion collection or dance performance or other creative work, based on a specific theme chosen by QUT. Prizes of up to $3,000 are on offer.

ReelOzInd – Short film competitionSubmissions are now open for the 2020 ReelOzInd - Australia Indonesia Short Film Competition. You are required to submit animation, documentary or fiction short films of no longer than 10 minutes that relate to the competition theme, ‘Energy.’ Details are on the ReelOzInd website.

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2020To enter this competition you need to submit up to three poems no longer than 80 lines each; no illustrations, graphics or decorations may be submitted. An optional theme is “We Used to Live There.” so you can write about whatever topic sparks your poetic genius. Primary and secondary students can enter as an individual or as a school. The entry fees are: Online entries: individual (up to 3 poems)—$20.00; up to 30 poems—$30.00; over 30 poems—$60.00; over 100 poems—$80.00. Postal entries (primary only): individual (up to 3 poems)—$25.00; up to 30 poems—$35.00; over 30 poems—$65.00; over 100 poems—$100.00. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 30 June 2020. Visit Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards website for more information.

8 Job Skills to Succeed In A Post-Coronavirus WorldBernard Marr from Forbes suggests that there are eight key job skills that employees need to have to assist in the post COVID-19 world of work. He suggests that as most of us are in lockdown at home, we are left to wonder what a post-coronavirus-world might look like. There’s a lot unknown about how the world will transform after we get the novel coronavirus under control, but it is extremely unlikely that things will just go back to exactly the way they were before. Our

workplaces are likely to change, and with it, the skills companies will require. The 8 job skills that are likely to be in high demand in a post-coronavirus world are:

• Adaptability and flexibility• Tech savviness• creativity and innovation• Data literacy• Critical thinking• Digital and coding skills• Leadership• Emotional intelligence• commit to a lifetime of learning

Click here to read Marr’s article and more about these skills.

Portrait of an AI worker: Where tech and sector expertise meetArtificial intelligence (AI) development has grown rapidly in recent years as business, governments and organisations search for new insights and efficiencies. With that growth comes new opportunities for employment in this sometimes-misunderstood field. Even amid the flood of COVID-19 news, AI captured headlines: AI for tracking the spread of infectious diseases, AI for sifting through tens of thousands of coronavirus-related research papers for clues to a new vaccine and AI at hospital call centres for triaging patients potentially suffering from COVID-19 as opposed to less-threatening ailments. AI is everywhere, but what does this work look like? What are the qualifications needed? What is the demand for this skill set now and in the future? Click here to read an article by CERIC and find out more about:

• General versus narrow AI• Social/technical skills• Now and in the future

Bond University scholarships for 2021Bond’s scholarship program offers many full-fee and part-fee scholarships as well as cash bursaries. Most scholarships can be used for any single or combined program (except for the Medical Program). Visit the Scholarship webpage for more information, to download the scholarship brochure and to access the application tips. Scholarship applications for Year 12s must be lodged online using the Bond University application form.

Helpful websites for researching overseas study optionsStudy and play USA - Provide the knowledge, experience and expertise student-athletes need to travel to the USA to live, play, learn, compete, study, grow in a purpose fit university.Education USA – This site offers a five-step approach to researching study in the USA.International Student – Provides access to resources for study in USA, Canada and UK.OS Top Universities – Provides information on the highest ranked universities in the world.Study Link – This site has a search tool that gives you access to thousands of courses from institutions around the world.Study Portals – Allows you to search globally for institutions and courses.across the world.

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

2018 YEAR OF COURAGE - LEADING WITH COURAGE2020 YEAR OF HOPE - A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

PATHWAYS AND CAREERSMrs Melanie Sax-Wood

Times Higher Education World University Rankings – A website set up by the company behind the world’s most influential university ranking on every continent across the world.OS-HELP on the Study Assist website - OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible Australian students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who want to undertake some of their study overseas.Smartraveller – This Australian Government website provides information for Australian travellers.Study in Canada – You can use this site to explore institutions and courses in Canada.Study in New Zealand – A course search and information about qualifications and scholarships available.British Council: Study UK – Everything you need to know about studying in the United Kingdom.Ministry of Education, Singapore – Provides general information about studying in Singapore.

Where can Maths take you?AMSI reports that Mathematics is an essential in the 21st century workforce and it’s your doorway to nearly every industry. More than crunching numbers, Maths is the language that allows you to solve the problems of tomorrow, innovate new technology and lead scientific discoveries. So if you’re wondering where on earth you’ll ever use Maths, don’t! Some of the biggest challenges for future generations are still to come and the solution is Maths! Check out what jobs Maths is used in different industries. You can also check out the Careers with Maths magazine for more information about exciting careers that use Maths.

Women In STEMIf you like the problem solving and creative thinking around Maths, Careers With STEM has a great section on Women in STEM which has profiled more that 75 women who are combining their interest in STEM and their passion and interest.

View the full bulletin by clicking here.

St Agatha’s School Clayfield Enrolments

St Agatha’s School Clayfield has limited vacancies in Years 4 and 6 for 2020. Please direct all enquiries to the Enrolment Secretary: wkwhite@bne.catholic.edu.au or (07) 3326 9222.

Enrol now for 2024St Rita’s College enrolment applications for Year 7,

2024 (girls in Year 3, 2020) are also open and close on 8 February 2021. Enquiries for other Year levels are

welcome.

For more information, click here to visit the College Enrolments page or contact our Registrar at enrol@stritas.qld.edu.au or (07) 3862 1615.