15 October 2025

Ryan Catholic College Mission Statement

Acknowledgement Of Country

Reflection

Reflection: From Healing to Wholeness

In last Sunday’s gospel, Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers call out to Jesus, asking for mercy. All are healed, but only one—a Samaritan—turns back, praising God and giving thanks. Jesus notices the absence of the other nine and says to the grateful man, “Your faith has made you well.”

It’s a small story with a big truth: gratitude transforms.
All ten received healing, but only one experienced wholeness. Gratitude didn’t just restore his body—it renewed his heart.

At Ryan Catholic College, we remind our students that gratitude is more than good manners; it’s a way of seeing the world. When we give thanks—to God and to each other—we become more aware of our blessings, more connected to others, and more open to joy. Gratitude takes what we have and makes it enough; it takes our healing and makes us whole.

As we start a new term, may we pause to notice the goodness around us—the kindness of friends, the dedication of teachers, the love of family, and the quiet moments of grace that fill each day. Like the one who turned back, may we be people who see, remember, and give thanks.

Prayer: A Heart of Gratitude

Loving God,
You bless us in so many ways—through people who care for us,
the lessons we learn, and the simple joys of each day.
Teach us to be like the one who turned back to say thank you.
Open our eyes to the good that surrounds us,
and fill our hearts with gratitude that overflows into kindness and generosity.
May we not only be healed by Your love,
but made whole through thankful hearts.

Stay with us, Lord.
Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 4.

I am glad to be back from my study leave in Belgium.

My thanks extend to Daryl Bathe during his time as Acting Principal while I was away. 

Firsts and Lasts

As we launch into Term 4—a term full of 'firsts and lasts' —we hold close our Year 12 students who will be engaging in their lasts throughout the term. Last assemblies, classes, assessments and exams, snack shack meals, lunchtime activities and then their Graduation Liturgy and Valedictory Dinner. 

Catholic Identity—Walking the Road to Emmaus

Our Catholic identity isn't just a badge we wear; it's the way we walk together. This year, our Year 12 students took time on retreat to reflect on our College’s foundation scripture in Luke 24,  of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they prepare to leave the familiar and step into the unknown—exams, graduation, and life beyond school—they're asking big questions. Some say they're "not ready to leave the road." Others are "excited to encounter new life and possibilities." Like the disciples, our students are learning that faith is about journeying together, sometimes with uncertainty, but always with hope.

All of the planning, preparation, and study now come to their peak. It is time to be disciplined with time, boundaries, consistent attendance, and seeking answers to questions from teachers, so students feel prepared and ready as ever to tackle final exams and assessments. 

It is also a term of 'firsts' as our primary students' step it up' in their transition to the following year's classes; our Year 4 students move to the Senior Campus, and Year 6 students advance to Year 7.

There's a saying that "it takes a village to raise a child." At Ryan, our village is bustling with energy, hope, and a fair bit of good-natured chaos. 

Supporting Every Learner—No One Size Fits All

We know that every student's learning journey is unique, and having good literacy and numeracy skills lays the foundation for life. We have dedicated literacy time in Primary classes, as well as Mathematics groups.  Last term, we introduced a trial in the form of Year 9 Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) classes for literacy and numeracy. These classes are English and Maths intervention classes that use smaller groups, direct instruction, and focus on building understanding—brick by brick. Early feedback is promising, and we are collating outcomes to see what structure will work best in 2026. This will expand into Years 7-9 in 2026.

Junior Campus Development and Car Park

Thank you for the way in which parents and caregivers have engaged in the new car park arrangements. We have been fortunate to regain access to the land we purchased to develop our P-6 campus, allowing us to begin the next stages of planning. 

There will be many ways for you to be involved in shaping our P-6 campus development. Communication will be released next month to initiate this process and gather your feedback and ideas.

This week is Mental Health Week, and we welcome the community to our annual Mental Health Breakfast on Thursday. Meanwhile, our Emerging Leaders will host their Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. We also have our Sports Assembly on Friday. Many sportspeople have been proactive in discussing mental health challenges and finding ways to balance their thoughts with effective strategies.

One of the key mental health circuit breakers is talking to others if you are feeling unwell, so dialogue and deep listening are critical this week.

Next week, we have some more important traditions and rites of passage, with the Arts Assembly on Wednesday, 22 October and our Year 12 Graduation Liturgy on Friday, 24 October.

Congratulations to our Confraternity Rugby League Team, who are finalists in the North Queensland Sports Awards, to be hosted on Saturday, 25 October. We wish them well.

What an exciting time of year! 

Blessings for the fortnight ahead.

Primary News - Prep-Year 6

We hope you’re excited to dive into a new term of learning and growth.  Our dedicated staff are here to support your child's academic and personal development. We look forward to working alongside you and your child to make this term an enjoyable and successful one.  Let's continue to work together.

YEARS 4 AND 6 TRANSITIONS 

During this term, there are other important transitions taking place to support our Year 4 students moving to the Senior Campus, as well as our Year 6 students moving into secondary school.  

GRADUATION LITURGY

The Junior Campus students and staff will attend the Year 12 Graduation Liturgy on Friday 24 October to acknowledge and farewell our students.  All students are required to wear their academic uniform for this special occasion.  

SWIMMING

Prep, Year One and Year Two are all enjoying weekly swimming lessons beginning this week. All students are expected to participate in these lessons.

YEAR 4 INTO 5 EXPO - Tuesday 21 October

It’s one of the planned activities to help Year 4 students transition smoothly and become familiar with the Senior Campus.  There are two sessions to choose from 4.00-5.00pm or 5.00-6.00pm.

Secondary News - Years 7-12

Transitions for some of our cohorts

During Term 4 there are a number of important transitions taking place. One of particular importance is the handover of leadership from our current Senior Leaders to our newly Elected Leaders in Year 11. 

Year 12 Elected Leaders handing over to our newly elected 2025-2026 leaders

Year 12’s have been focusing on their final exams and assessments. With only a week and a half of classes remaining there are many anxious young people. However, we are confident that they will perform with support from their peers, staff and families. We are looking forward to our end of year celebrations. Enjoy your lasts, such as your Graduation Liturgy and Dinner. We are looking forward to seeing you all dressed-up!

We have begun handing over the baton of leadership to the Year 11 Elected Leaders. They have already participated in some formation with a session yesterday run by Johanna and our current Elected Leaders. They are also participating in a YLead formation day called Maximising the Badge next Monday in The Hub. This will be their first opportunity as a team to start building towards a theme and some goals they hope to achieve in 2026.

We look forward to them taking up the mantle, whilst at the same time acknowledging the tremendous work our current Year 12 Senior Leaders have done with the assistance of the Year 12 cohort. Thank you Year 12 for all your efforts and commitment throughout your Senior year. We wish you all the best of luck for external exams and your future. 

A Transition of Leadership

Next week promises to be a significant one for our Year 12 cohort, as they pass the torch to the newly elected Year 11 leaders. This transition is not just a change in titles; it represents the growth and development of leadership within our school community. The Year 12 leaders have set a commendable example, and we look forward to seeing how the Year 11 leaders will build upon their legacy. The journey commences for our Year 11 students when they receive their Senior badges and Senior ties at the Commissioning Breakfast on Friday, 31st October. This is then followed with the Elected Leaders assembly on Friday, 7th November.

Celebrating Milestones

The Year 12 students will celebrate their final day of school on Thursday of next week. The day will begin with a special breakfast at the Junior Campus, allowing them to reminisce and walk the same paths that many of them traversed as younger students. This nostalgic journey is sure to evoke fond memories and mark a poignant moment in their educational journey.

Following breakfast, the students will gather for an afternoon tea, where they will celebrate their achievements as a cohort. This gathering is not only a time for reflection but also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds they have formed over the years.

Graduation Liturgy

The culmination of their time at Ryan Catholic College will be the Graduation Liturgy on Friday of Week 3. The Liturgy will provide a chance for students, families, and staff to come together and reflect on the journey they have undertaken. It will be a moment to honour their accomplishments and look forward to the bright futures that lie ahead.

As the Year 12 students approach these significant milestones, let us support and celebrate their achievements. We wish them the best of luck in their upcoming exams and in all their future endeavors!

2026 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

Year 12 students, please check that your contact details are correct in your learning account with the QCAA student portal at the link below. In March 2026, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting you to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey (link below), following up on your activities after graduating. You may also receive an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Your feedback helps our school improve services for future students, and you can win a laptop for participating. For more information visit the website below.

Whole College News - Prep - Year 12

Beware of Swooping Magpies - Golf Links Drive 

Magpie nesting season is here, and we've had reports of swooping incidents on Golf Links Drive near the Junior Campus entry . These birds can be aggressive when protecting their young, and students walking or riding scooters/bicycles are particularly vulnerable if they try to escape a swooping bird and are frightened into the traffic to escape.

Stay Safe – Please tell your children:

Stay calm – sudden movements can make things worse

Wear a hat or carry an umbrella – if you're swooped hold your school bag over your head.

Move away slowly – avoid panicking or darting off

Wear a helmet – especially when riding bikes or scooters, 'spike it up' with a few cable ties

Slow down – near known swooping zones, get off your bike/scooter and walk.

Remember – never approach a young magpie, stay together, stay alert, and report any incidents.

Career Pathways

Career Pathways assists students, particularly those in secondary school, with all of their career decision-making through a large number of resources on offer, careers counselling, career events and expos, guest speakers and other career-focused activities that arise throughout the year.

JCU Studiosity Program – Study Strategies and Assessment Feedback Platform for Students in Years 7 to 12

This free, study and feedback online platform for students, can be accessed by registering via the link below.

General Information:

Work Experience

For work experience over the Christmas holidays, there are only two weeks where we offer the program. All paperwork will need to be finalised for both sets of dates, by the end of this term. Our internal work experience Google form will need to be submitted, no later than Friday, 14^th November. Please be aware of these dates when organising any work experience opportunities:

• 1^st to 5^th December 2025
• 19^th to 23^rd January 2026

Energy Qld Work Experience 2026

If students are interested in applying for work experience with Energy Qld for the Easter Holidays next year, they are currently accepting applications for February to May, 2026.

Applications can be submitted via the link below. Please be aware that applications for this period will close at 5pm on Sunday, 19th October.

Additional Supports for Year 12 Students

As the end of the school journey is now coming close for our Year 12 students, please find details below of additional supports that I provide during the External Exam Block.

• Work Experience - this is a great opportunity for students with only a small amount or no exams during this time, particularly if you are trying to secure an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment. Students need to come and talk with me as soon as possible if they would like to undertake work experience. I will need at least one week's notice so that the paperwork can be organised.
• First Aid Course - this course is free for students and will occur in the final day or two of the exam block. Students must email me by Friday, if they would like to participate in this course. 
• Assistance with resumes, cover letters, applications and interview preparation - I can assist with any of these employment areas. Students need to make contact with me to organise a time to meet.
• Additional careers counselling and support - during the exam block, I will be available for Year 12 students who may need to talk through options, are worried about the transition to post-school, exploring different pathways etc. Students need to make contact if they require this support.
• Career sessions for students and parents - if parents/caregivers are wanting to meet with me, this can also be organised. In particular, I would like to offer this support to students who are still feeling quite lost in terms of their options for next year.

Link & Launch Program for School Leavers
This free program is government funded and aimed at assisting Year 12 students once they have left school. This program specifically assists students who are struggling to find pathways or options to explore for future study, training or employment. The closest program is located at Kirwan High School and is open to all school leavers. For more information please email Sarah Jane (sjane10@eq.qld.edu.au) or visit the website below:

Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program

If students are interested in a position with the Australian Defence Force, the Gap Year Program may be a good option to explore. This program allows students to experience an ADF position, basic training, and the military lifestyle for 12 months. At the end of this time, they can either choose to begin the process of full enlistment or move to other pathways outside of the ADF. This program can be helpful for students contemplating the ADF but unsure if it is the pathway they really want. Please see below for more information.

Defence Work Experience – August to November 2025

The schedule below is the work experience opportunities being offered by Defence Recruiting over the next few months. As the work experience is often not during school holiday periods, interested students must come and talk with me first, before applying, to ensure the dates are not clashing with important subject requirements or College events.

Upcoming Events:

Defence Careers Session – Townsville ADF Careers Centre – 6^th November – 6.00 to 8.00pm

If you are interested in attending, please register via the link below:

Cultural Corner

School TV

SPECIAL REPORT: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October as a reminder of the importance of mental health to our overall wellbeing. It is a day that encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities across the globe to start conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the support available for those who may be struggling.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike. Recognising this helps us create more compassionate and supportive environments.

Parents and caregivers play a central role in shaping the mental health of their children. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pressures young people face in today's world and how we can best support them. Whether it's helping children find balance between school, technology, and rest; encouraging open conversations about feelings; or modelling healthy coping strategies ourselves - small steps at home can make a big difference.

By engaging with resources and discussions on this day, families can strengthen their understanding of mental health and contribute to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

This Special Report highlights the importance of World Mental Health Day and offers practical suggestions for how your family can acknowledge and support it together.

Here is the link to your Special Report.

Home Base

Home Base (H4) is our Defence/Wellbeing space.

Home Base is located H4 on the Senior Campus for students Years 5-12.

Parish News

Defence News

If you have any concerns or need our support please contact the College by phone or email us directly.

Nikki Blackwell will be working Monday to Friday across both Campuses to support students P-12.

Jacklin Weston is available Monday and Tuesday on the Senior Campus to support students 5-12.

Please let us know if the Defence member in your family is away, so we can best support your child.

If you are posting at the end of the year please let us know so we can offer your child support around this significant change in their life.

Defence Member And Family Helpline 

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.

Partner Employment Assistance Program

Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) recognises the service and sacrifices of the ADF members and their families, and the unique challenges ADF partners face in sustaining a career whilst supporting the ADF members' service. This program allows partners to claim reimbursement up to $1500 per financial year for a variety of employment services.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Peer-led, anonymous moderated forums spaces for Veterans and their families & carers

AVCAT Scholarships

The Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust is offering tertiary scholarships for children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Click on the links below for more information.

P & F News

The Ryan P&F are partnering with Entertainment.
Support our school by purchasing a membership to The Entertainment App.
By purchasing a Membership, you're not just treating yourself to fantastic savings—you're also directly supporting our school. With every Membership purchase, our P&F Association receives 20% of the Membership price.
These helps fund resources for our school including, most recently:

• Seating on the Senior Campus
• Choir risers
• Scoreboard on the oval
• Playgrounds on the Junior Campus
• Air-conditioning Emmaus Hall backstage
• Table settings for all classes at Junior Campus
• Upgrade of Emmaus Hall lighting & sound
• New instruments for instrumental music program
• Camera and accessories for Culture
• Contribution to Maker Space on Senior Campus

Uniform Shop Hours

𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞-𝗧𝗢-𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦
For 2026 back-to-school bookings, we invite families to book an appointment using the Uniform Shop Booking System in order to make your uniform purchasing experience hassle free.

• 17 November - 18 December 2025 - appointment preferred
• 12 January - 23 January 2026 - appointment essential

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝘀𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲.
Things to consider when booking your uniform shop appointment time:

• 15 minute appointments - 1 time slot per student.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, or for any other queries please email uniformshop@ryan.catholic.edu.au only.
• Whilst we endeavour to run on schedule in unforeseen circumstances times may vary slightly from booked appointment time.
• Walk-ins will be considered only if time permits.
• Flexischool collections can be accessed via the Uniform Shop exit door by knocking on the door where our friendly staff will retrieve your pre-packaged order for you.
• Collection for new school uniforms for back to school will only be from the Uniform Shop on the Senior Campus, beside the administration building.

Book your appointment by clicking the link below:

Sponsors

Community News

SmartCard Applications

The following guardians/parents need to reapply:

• New families who have not previously applied for STAS

• Families with students going from Yr6 to Yr7 (Yr 6 students get dated off the Translink system the day after school finishes for the year)

• Families who are changing their children's schools for 2026

***Families with students at P-12 Colleges DO STILL NEED TO REAPPLY if the children are going from Yr6 to Yr7***

If families are already approved for STAS and any of the above criteria does not apply – THEY DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY as the students automatically roll over to the new year.

Student who currently have smartcards for all year levels, keep the cards for use again next year.  New cards are no longer issued each year.  Any changes to the students details on the cards are amended automatically on the cards.