14 May 2025

Ryan Catholic College Mission Statement

Acknowledgement Of Country

Reflection

A Prayerful Welcome for Pope Leo XIV
At Ryan Catholic College, we live the Emmaus story — walking together in faith, service, compassion, and learning. As the Church begins a new chapter under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, we join as a community in prayerful support of our new Holy Father.

In this time of transition, may we be reminded of our shared mission to walk with Christ and one another, and to be signs of hope in the world. We invite all members of our Ryan community to take a moment to reflect and pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his journey of leadership.

Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life
and your goodness is our constant companion.

Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
in his service of the Church.
Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
the peace of your presence
and the compassion of Christ.

May he walk with you,
in wisdom and humility,
and lead us, together with all God’s people,
to embody your love for the world.
Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The past fortnight has held so many spirit-filled events both at Ryan and in the global Catholic Church. Our swimming carnivals, fun runs and cross country trials showed how well our community comes together with joy and energy to showcase our students gifts and talents. The laughter, war cries and supportive chants that flowed out across the streets near Long Tan pool and the cheers from peers for our littlest cross country runners really did capture our Ryan sense of community. Thanks to the many parents and carers who could come and witness this.

‘Habemus papam’ - “we have a Pope”

Our catholic community saw the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April and the election of Pope Leo XIV on 9 May, as the 267th Bishop of Rome. As with all new leaders, we wait to see what his vision and leadership will be to guide us into the future. We pray that he has the space, support and tenacity to lead our church where the Holy Spirit needs us, into a future where hope in the dignity of each person is at the core of all decisions, regardless of who they are and where they come from.

This link may be useful for more information on our new Pope.

Invitation - Catholic School Identity Advisory Committee

The Catholic School Identity Advisory Committee (CSIAC) is one committee that is vital to the flourishing of our College, and it is an area that distinguishes us from other non-faith based schools. We have lots of areas to search our hearts and minds for action in the new evangelisation mission and we have all already been called to be part of it, by having children at our College.

Some areas of interest that we will be exploring more deeply may include:

• Peer-to-Peer Ministry and School Leader and Staff and Parent Formation 
• Building on our Service and Outreach opportunities for students and staff to experience this first hand in immersive experiences, retreats and missionary actions both inside and outside of our school, region and country.
• Focusing on our core foundation of faith - in Prayer and Sacraments. Sharing our traditions and rituals without apology is an important part of our identity as a faith based school. 

We can do this in many ways, and your collective ideas and practical ways to assist and lead is vital in this.

Please consider joining us. You can express your interest here.

Primary Campus Redevelopment update

We are now engaging in further discussions with the College Board and architects about the staging of the project to bring the Year 5 and 6 students across to the Junior Campus. We are still a while away from ascertaining any timeframes, however, the next discussions are beginning. I will continue to keep the community up to date in these fortnightly newsletters. This has been a long time in the making and we will take it steady, so we can get it right. This will mean many, many consultations and communications over the course of this year.

Have a blessed fortnight ahead.

Primary News - Prep - Year 6

Primary Fun Run & Cross Country Carnival

What an incredible day of running, cheering, and team spirit!

The Primary Fun Run and Cross Country Carnival was a fantastic celebration of fitness, determination, and house pride. Congratulations to all students who participated – your enthusiasm and effort made the day a huge success!

A special shoutout goes to our placegetters across each year level. Your dedication and training really paid off:

Prep Girls: Veronica (1st), Milla (2nd), Cora (3rd)
Prep Boys: Eli (1st), Moe (2nd), Lynx (3rd)
Year 1 Girls: Milla (1st), Amelia (2nd), Matilda (3rd)
Year 1 Boys: Cooper (1st), Maysen (2nd), Chayse (3rd)
Year 2 Girls: Emily (1st), Daisy (2nd), Lucy (3rd)
Year 2 Boys: Carter (1st), Charles (2nd), Sonny (3rd)
Year 3 Girls: Summer (1st), Asha (2nd), Sybella (3rd)
Year 3 Boys: Aaron (1st), Louis (2nd), Easton (3rd)
Year 4 Girls: Paisley (1st), Ruby (2nd), Isla (3rd)
Year 4 Boys: Ethan (1st), Joseph (2nd), Cooper (3rd)
10yrs Girls: Heidi (1st), Isabelle (2nd), Lucy (3rd)
10yrs Boys: Jacob (1st), Levi (2nd), Lachlan (3rd)
11yrs Girls: Millie (1st), Dana (2nd), Zara (3rd)
11yrs Boys: George (1st), Samuel (2nd), Myles (3rd)
12yrs Girls: Aura (1st), Calissa (2nd), Caliana (3rd)
12yrs Boys: Luke (1st), Angus (2nd), Lachlan (3rd)

Well done to those speedy students who managed to Catch the Captain – who enjoyed a $10 tuckshop vouchers!

We’d also like to thank our inspiring Year 9 House Captains, Evan and Nakkita, for their leadership and support throughout the day.

Final House Results:
1st – MacKillop
2nd – Griffin
3rd – McGuire
4th – Connolly

Congratulations to our lucky prize winners from each age group who scored a $30 Rebel Sport voucher – a well-earned reward for your effort and participation!

A huge thank you to the staff, volunteers, and families who helped make the event so memorable. Your support and encouragement mean the world to our students.

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Our Year 3 students enjoyed their last day of Term 1 with an Easter themed Kids on Campus.

For Term 2, we've had an exciting few weeks packed with learning in Year 3!

In Maths, we're exploring measurement—learning how to measure length in centimetres and metres, and discovering the concept of mass.

Our Science lessons have taken us underground as we investigate rocks, soil, and minerals.

In Literacy, we're diving into the world of storytelling by writing our own narratives. We have really enjoyed using Writer's Toolbox to help us explore various sentence types. For Religion, we've been reflecting on the beauty and meaning of Psalms, and how they connect to our lives.

And finally, we’re very excited that swimming lessons have started—what a fun way to stay active and build water confidence!

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3C with Steve and Celestine hosted the Junior Campus' Mother's Day Assembly on Wednesday the 30th April. Our Mothers were gifted a rose as a symbol of love and thanks for all they do for us. 3C especially enjoyed leading the special assembly with actions for the hymn 'Pilgrims of Hope' by Andrew Chinn and Drew Lane. Fr Joseph shared his thoughts with a moving homily during our Liturgy.

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Secondary News - Years 7 - 12

Our Year 11 students have settled into the routines of Senior Schooling with enthusiasm and determination. The transition into this phase of education can certainly be overwhelming for some, as the expectations and responsibilities grow. We want to remind students that it’s okay to feel challenged, and if anyone is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

It’s been incredibly pleasing to witness Year 11 students embracing the many opportunities offered by the College so far this year. From participating in the College Musical, to commemorating Anzac Day, engaging in work experience, and getting involved in school-based apprenticeships, their involvement has been impressive. They’ve also participated in the Swimming Carnival, debating, interschool sport, the New Zealand tour, Harmony Day celebrations, and much more, making the most of everything the College has to offer.

As we move further into the term, there are a few key events on the horizon. Year 11 students will have their Block Exams from Monday, 20th May to Friday, 23rd May (Week 5), a crucial time for students to demonstrate their learning and understanding from Unit 1.

The Block Exam schedule has been emailed to students, parents, and caregivers. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Grace Meldrum. Following that, the Senior Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday, 23rd June (Week 10) will be a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their athletic abilities and enjoy some healthy competition. To round off the term, the Year 11 Leadership Activity Days will take place from Wednesday, 25th June to Friday, 27th June (Week 10), offering students a chance to develop their leadership skills in an engaging and practical setting.

We are incredibly proud of how well Year 11 students are navigating their Senior School journey and look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the coming months.

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Whole College News - Prep - Year 12

Class Photos - Prep to Yr 12

We are very pleased to announce NQ School Photography as the supplier of our school photographs for 2025. They have 20 years of school photo experience and currently service 100 schools across the Northern Region. 

Families can order photos via the following link.

Introducing Tegan: Pedagogy and Learning Leader - Inclusion

Ryan Catholic College is pleased to announce that Tegan started this week as our new Pedagogy and Learning Leader - Inclusion. Tegan brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to promoting inclusive education. She will work closely with staff, students, and parents to implement effective inclusive practices.

For inquiries, please contact Tegan via email at tbarter8@ryan.catholic.edu.au

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.

Study/Revision Tip #4

When studying, it is helpful to create a ‘hook’ when learning a new concept or section of content. The ‘hook’ is designed to assist students in remembering the information and can be a; relatable example, saying, phrase, acronym etc., that will assist with gathering the required information from long term memory.

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.

Careers Month at Ryan

Since 2021, our National Careers Week (12-18 May) events and annual Careers Expo, have been extremely popular. At Ryan though, we keep improving the student experience. This year, we have extended National Careers Week to Careers Month @ Ryan. Our expo has also been improved so that it is no longer one event, on one day where students may miss out. There will now be ‘Careers on the Green.’ Pop-up stalls at First Break, throughout the month, for students to access and talk with experts from different fields and industries. There will also be a couple of excursions for students to participate in. Our Facebook page will capture all the events. The Junior Campus will also be able to experience some activities this year!

Work Experience: June/July Holidays – Years 10, 11 & 12

Work experience for the next set of holidays is now open. Due to a lot of year level activities in the last week of this term, the Work Experience Google Form will be due by Tuesday 10 June. Students can organise their work experience and the paperwork very early in the term. They do not have to wait until the end of term is approaching.

Year 12 Careers Interviews

These interviews are conducted by me each year with the Year 12 cohort and form an integral part of the transition process for our students. These interviews will commence in Week 6 and will be completed by Week 9.

Changes to JCU Application Process and Course Details

JCU have informed me of the information below which has been passed onto students.

• There will likely be a change to the Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery application process. JCU will let me know as soon as the change has been finalised so that students can be made aware.
• From 2026, there will no longer be the dual degree of Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery offered. These will be two separate courses only.

Nursing Science will be offered as usual in 2026, but the Bachelor of Midwifery will not be offered until 2027.

Army Careers Information Session – Wednesday 14 May – Townsville ADF Centre – 6.00 to 8.00pm

If you are interested in attending this information session, please register via the link below.

Mater Education Open Day – Saturday 24 May – 9.00am to 11.00am – Mater Conference Centre

Students from Years 9 to 12 are welcome and will have the opportunity to talk with staff about the Mater’s Diploma of Nursing and High School Health Adventure program.

Please use the link below to register your attendance.

JCU Webinar Series – Thursday 29 May – 7.00pm to 8.00pm - Unmasking the ATAR System

This is a great opportunity for Year 10 students, in readiness for SET Plans, and any Year 11 students who need a refresher as they complete Unit 1.

Please use the link below to register.

Recent Student Attendance at Careers Events

Over the last couple of weeks, we have had students attend the –

• Conversations with Chemists event
• JCU/The Mater Hospital Heroes in Health Program

A number of Year 10 students also continue to experience the TAFE Trade Taster Program this term and next week, some Year 12 students will attend the High School Health Careers Program at the Townsville University Hospital. It is great to see our students accessing and experiencing these events!

I am also currently organising for interested students to attend the Women in Construction Speed Careering event and Women in Manufacturing Breakfast that are coming up in the next few weeks.

JCU Navigate YOU Summit – Year 10 Students - June/July Holidays - Applications Now Open

The inaugural JCU Navigate YOU Summit is a live-in program offering current Year 10 students the chance to experience university life during the school holidays. The program is an entirely immersive residential program that is fully funded by JCU. It provides students with a distinctive experience of tertiary education to inform their career goals, develop confidence and build capacity for tertiary study. The Navigate YOU Summit aims to provide encouragement to students who has the capability to thrive at university, however, may lack the confidence and career clarity to pursue a tertiary pathway.

Program details:

• Dates: Monday 7 July – Friday 11 July 2025 (Week two of school holidays).
• Location: JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas.
• Staying on campus: Accommodation is in the residential colleges on JCU campus with catering provided for all participants while on campus. Residential participants will be supervised by JCU staff.
• Cost - Free: JCU will coordinate and provide all travel, accommodation, and meals for students.

Who should attend:

• Year 10 students who would like to experience a University Residential Program.
• Students who wish to build confidence in subject selection and career choices.
• Students wanting an educative approach to the decision-making process.
• Students that have permission from their Parent/Guardians to attend for the full duration of the program.

Please see the flyer below for more information and to register to receive more information at the application opening date.

Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program – Applications Open

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 – March to July 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.

Cultural Corner

 Get Ready to Party Like It’s the 90’s! 

Students from Prep to Year 12 have been working incredibly hard all year — dancing, acting, and of course, singing — to bring you an unforgettable performance of Popstars: The 90’s Musical!

With just 2 weeks to go until Opening Night, the excitement is building! Our talented leads have been absolutely amazing, pouring their hearts into rehearsals and perfecting every line, note, and move. They can't wait to take you on a nostalgic journey back to the biggest hits of the 90’s  — think boy bands, girl power, and pop anthems that will have you singing along!

This week marked a special milestone with our first full rehearsal featuring our LIVE Rock Band — and wow, it was electric! The energy in the room was incredible, and it's all coming together for what promises to be a spectacular show.

 Tickets are on sale now via the school website — don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun! Gather your friends and family, and get ready to sing and dance along to your favourite 90’s tunes.

 Mark your calendars and secure your seats — it’s going to be a show to remember!

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Reading @ Ryan

National Simultaneous Storytime Colouring in Competition

On Wednesday 21st May, the Junior Campus will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime at 11:40 am. This is a special event where people all over Australia read the same book at the same time. This year's book is 'The Truck Cat' by Deborah Frenkel. In the lead-up to this event, we're having a colouring-in competition! Entry forms are available in the Junior Campus Library. Submit your completed picture by Tuesday 20 May for your chance to win a copy of the book!

National Family Reading Month Competition

May is the month for readers! It's National Family Reading Month, which encourages families to read together on a regular basis to create strong reading habits. We challenge you to read together for at least 10 minutes every day during the month of May, to create positive, long lasting reading habits and lifelong readers! Get involved by sending us a picture of your family reading together for your chance to win a copy of Mr. Luke's book 'Guess What We Are Doing Today?' We have 5 copies to give away! Entries close Saturday 31 May. Email your photos to moconnell7@ryan.catholic.edu.au.

Junior Campus Parent Reading Challenge

You’re invited to our Junior Campus Parent Reading Challenge, which will be held on Friday 16 May from 8:30 - 9:00 am. Bring a picnic rug or blanket, find a shady tree and enjoy reading a few stories with your child. Reading aloud to your child is a wonderful bonding experience and a great way to model a love of reading. We hope to see you there!

Didge This!

Women’s Business

On Friday 9 May, we held our Term 2 Women’s Business session. Thirty-six young women attended the event. It was a time of sharing food and stories about the significance of the food for our families. The students and staff cooked and brought meals that meant something special to them and their families. We had dishes including Chicken/Pork Vermicelli and Rice, Cabbage Stew, Apricot Chicken, Fried Scones, Damper, Milky Rice and Jelly, Cookies, Brownies, Cupcakes, Chocolate Custard and Cob Loaf. The contributors talked about the dish, the significance of the dish for them and why they wanted to share it. The recipes are being collated and will be published in a small cookbook for all the young women who participated in the gathering. This will be a resource for them for the future.

Term 2 Men’s Business is scheduled for this Friday 16 May 2025, led by Townsville Blackhawks.

Emerging Leaders Incentive Scheme

All Personal Leadership Agreements have been returned from our 114 Emerging Leaders. Uniform subsidies are available to these students via the uniform shop and the reimbursement model. 

Engagement Opportunities: Students are being offered an extensive range of these through our Emerging Leaders Pastoral Care Class and through an Outreach Project that will see students sharing their skills and culture with primary schools this term. We have seen a big response from our Emerging Leaders to be involved in this!

First Nations Education Advisory Committee Meeting

First Nations Education Advisory Committee for Term 2 will be held on Wednesday 21st May, 5.30 - 7pm in the Hub classroom.

National Reconciliation Week Assembly - Week 7

Our annual National Reconciliation Week Assemblies will be held in Week 7 on Wednesday 4 June (P-4) and Friday 6 June 2025 (Years 5-12).  Parents and caregivers are invited to attend, however, the assembly will be live streamed for those who cannot attend.

Primary Spot:

Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) Prep to Year 6

Personalised Learning Plan meetings are underway. Conversations are progressing well with great discussion with the students, parents, teachers and First Nations Education team about their educational goals. The outcomes will help our students achieve to the best of their abilities across all domains, educationally, socially, culturally, and emotionally.

Primary Deadly Dancers

William Mabo from Wulgurukaba Walkabouts is currently working with 25 Primary First Nations students on their performance for NAIDOC Week celebrations. The children are excited about being actively involved in learning about culture and working with William. They participated in two sessions last term with William. They will have another practice with William this term on Wednesday, Week 8. The other Term 2 session dates with Perri and the First Nations Team are as follows:

• Tuesday, Week 5
• Wednesday, Week 6
• Tuesday, Week 7
• Wednesday, Week 9 and 
• Wednesday, Week 10

Gangali Jarjums - Yarning Circles

Our Term 2 dates for our Primary Yarning Circles are:

• Week 4
• Thursday 15 May Year 3
• Week 5
• Thursday 22 May Year 2
• Friday 23 May Open Years 5 & 6
• Week 6
• Tuesday 27 May Open Years 3 & 4s
• Thursday 29 May Open Year 2s
• Friday 30 May Open Year 1s
• Week 7
• Thursday 5 June Year 1
• Week 8
• Thursday 12 June Prep

First Nations T-Shirt Days

Monday 26 May 2025 - National Sorry Day

Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June 2025 - National Reconciliation Week

Tuesday 3 June 2025 - Mabo Day 

**Please note that when we announce First Nations T-Shirt Days, the only First Nations shirt that can be worn by students is the Ryan Catholic College First Nations Polo Shirt (see above photo).  No other First Nations shirts are to be worn on these days.**

Home Base

Home Base (H4) is our Chaplain/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.

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.

DMFS Newsletter

Read on for DMFS news and upcoming events across the month of May.

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

Community News

New to Little Athletics? Come try it at the 2025 Coles Winter Carnival in Townsville! 

You don’t have to be a Little Athletics member to take part — this carnival is open to ALL kids aged U7–U17, so if your child loves running, jumping, or throwing, this is their chance to give athletics a go in a fun, friendly environment!

 When: 28–29 June 2025
 Where: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville
 Who: Open to all U7–U17 athletes — no LAQ membership required!

It's the perfect way to try athletics, stay active, and enjoy the Queensland sunshine during the Winter school holidays. All welcome!

 Register now through our NEW Sport:80 platform:
 https://laq.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/3/home

 Need help registering as a non-member?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide: https://bit.ly/431jBoS

 Come for the PBs or just for the fun — either way, it’s a weekend you won’t forget!

 More details: https://laq.org.au/coles-winter-carnival/