6 February 2025

Ryan Catholic College Mission Statement

Acknowledgement Of Country

Reflection

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,your glory will shine eternally. 

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever.

Amen

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome back to school and what has been a very interesting start, with the tropical lows causing much inundation for us all. I am very aware that many of you have been impacted by the aftermath of the wet weather, with power outages, water issues, and, for some, damage to properties. This has impacted us all, and it may have affected our students. Please reach out to your child's class or pastoral care teacher to discuss any presenting issues, as we can assist in various ways to make them feel more at ease. I know this weather event has also impacted many staff.

If you are impacted and require some temporary concession on fees, please call us and speak to Veronica Burke, the Business Manager. We are always in a position to help when you need it.

With everything that occurred in the latter part of last week, it is important to note how settled students were to begin the school year. The Preps were superb and settled very well. Our new Year 7 students also took their new beginning in their stride. Although some annoying IT issues could not have been perceived, they were calm, resilient, and in good humour!

Year of Renewal

This year, the College is engaged in a Year of Renewal. We look back on the achievements and goals of the past four years and seek parent, student, and staff feedback to set our new goals for 2026-2029. Therefore, over the next two terms, there will be parent sessions and voluntary surveys for you to participate in. These surveys will focus on 10 important questions and include data on progress, which you can discuss, comment on, and offer insights.

This will be further explained to you in the coming weeks.

There continues to be some real progress in our College's culture and climate, in our learning progress for all students, in our ways of working with the Parish, and in more explicitly expressing and living out our Catholic identity. I look forward to sharing the data with you during these sessions, and I invite you to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

2025 College Advisory Board

The College Advisory Board is a pivotal committee that directly supports and promotes the progress of our College. Its approach is future-focused, focusing on how, as a Catholic school, we can look ahead and support our future. 

The 2025 Board is below.

Parent Code of Conduct

This is an important document for all parents and caregivers. Please read it carefully. It applies to all Townsville Catholic Education schools and Colleges. 

2025 Opening Liturgy & Culture of Excellence Awards - Friday 14 February

I look forward to celebrating this special occasion with all students, staff, parents, and caregivers next Friday.  We will begin in Emmaus Hall at 9am. 

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. The liturgy will also be live-streamed.

This is the occasion when we present our 2025 Year 12 class and College leaders to the College and confer our House Captains with their badges. We will also recognise our 2024 Graduates' achievements.

Blessings for the fortnight ahead.

Primary News - Prep - Year 6

Our prayers and thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the rain and flooding. Please reach out to the Ryan community if you need assistance. We thank all our staff, students, and Ryan families for their flexibility, support, and understanding this week, a shorter week due to the inclement weather. Our Critical Incident Committee worked swiftly to ensure that classrooms, facilities, and school grounds were checked, cleaned, and in order before students returned to school.

Our Primary students have settled back into the rhythm of school life very well, despite the recent weather challenges, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to their learning. We thank our dedicated staff and families for their extra care and support. Thank you to our parents for your help in maintaining our uniform and hair expectations. It has been lovely to see the many smiling faces and hear enthusiastic comments, with many students sharing their joy about aspects of their school day. Last week we held our first Primary assembly for P-4 and 5-6. Students listened attentively to some important start of the year key messages and expectations and it was wonderful to pray our College Prayer in unity.

Class Contact

Our primary class teachers are currently looking for one parent volunteer to take on the role of Class Contact. This role provides a vital link between the class teacher and the parents/community. Please see your class teacher if you would like to help in this area. Our first Class Contact meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 February at 1.50 pm in the Junior Library.

House Captains

Last week I discussed with our Year 4 students the importance of servant leadership. We reflected how Jesus was a servant leader and how we can all take on a servant leadership role both at home and at school. We would like to thank all our Year 4 students who applied to be nominated for the role of House Captain and congratulate the successful students who were voted in. The House Captains will be presented with their badge next Friday at the Opening Liturgy.

Site Induction

A Site Induction for Junior Campus volunteers will be held on Friday 14 February at 2.00pm in MP3 for anyone who wishes to volunteer at the College. Parents and carers who wish to volunteer need to complete the online Volunteer Induction (available on the College website) every three years AND attend a Site Induction.

Open Classrooms P-6
Research has shown that shared connection, collaboration, and communication between school and home has positive benefits on students' learning and wellbeing. We invite all primary parents and carers to our Open Classroom sessions on Tuesday February 11 from 2:15 to 2:50 PM. This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teacher and discover what they have been learning in class. We hope to see you there!

Secondary News - Years 7 - 12

Academic Outcomes 2024

As we step into the 2025 academic year, it is a perfect time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of our 2024 Year 12 graduates. Their dedication and hard work have led them to exciting new opportunities—some are about to embark on their university journeys, while others have already begun their careers in trades and the workforce. 

We look forward to formally recognising our students’ strong academic outcomes at the Opening Liturgy & Culture of Excellence Assembly on the 14th of February. In the coming weeks, we will be highlighting their successes across our social media platforms.

In the meantime, here’s a snapshot of the diverse accomplishments of our 2024 graduates:

• More than 96% of students attained a QCE or QCIA, surpassing the statewide average.
  
• 88 of ATAR-eligible students shared their ATAR results with the College, with outstanding achievements including:
  • Rayaan, our Dux, who attained an ATAR of 99.65.
  • Matilda, our Proxime Accessit, who earned an ATAR of 97.1
• 18 students achieved an ATAR above 90, with several achieving Academic and Subject Achievement Commendations from QCAA.
• 83 graduates received university offers through QTAC. Of these, 63 students have been offered their first preference, while 13 have been offered their second preference.
• Over half of the 2024 cohort (95 students) completed one or more VET qualifications, earning industry-recognised certifications to give them a strong career head-start. These qualifications were obtained through school-based subjects, TAFE at school, independent study, and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships.
• 17 students combined school and on-the-job training through school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, gaining invaluable experience. Many students have already transitioned into full-time employment in their chosen fields.

We are incredibly proud of our graduates for their academic results and the variety of pathways they have pursued. Whether heading to university, stepping into a trade, or joining the workforce, every student’s journey is a success worth celebrating. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families who have played a vital role in guiding these students towards bright futures. Congratulations to the Class of 2024—we look forward to seeing where your next chapter takes you!

Diary (opt-in in 2025):

As we have moved to an opt-in model for diary use at the College, some of your sons and daughters may be exploring different means of keeping track of homework, assessment, daily activities, etc…

A resource was recently put out to students by Matthew, one of our IT gurus in the College.

Please see the wonderful resource below that explores how to use Google calendar and replace your diary!

There's also a printable A3 2025 term planner document here which some students might find useful.

We are hoping this shift will be a step in the direction of enhancing our students’ fluency in an ever changing technological landscape and also towards more sustainable practices for us as a College.

Lateness and attendance:

In my last newsletter piece I spoke about lateness to school and attendance. Whilst there may be things that happen in our day to day lives that sometimes make getting to school a challenge, making the effort to get to here is critical. 

The cumulative effort of being absent over time can lead to significant gaps in a child’s educational learning journey. 

Please have a look at the data below:

A child’s best learning generally takes place at the start of the day. Continued lateness can also lead to significant gaps in a child’s educational learning journey. 

Please have a look at the data below:

Thanks in advance for ensuring your sons and daughters are at school and on time.

Appearance:

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our students who take great pride in the wearing of our College uniform and have started the year well in relation to this. Our College community standards and expectations are what we take with us when we move from the College grounds and out into our local community off College grounds.

See our website for more details around our Appearance and Uniform Regulations by clicking on the link below.

Please be mindful that your son or daughter is required to wear a hat as a part of our sunsafe policy. 

Respectful and appropriate communication:

As we begin our year together it is worth reminding ourselves that how we treat each other is a core element of our College culture. Whether it be parents in the car park, staff working with our students, parents interacting with staff or students interacting with other students, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

It has been wonderful to see the many welcome letters being sent out to parents to open up the communication lines between home and school.

Please ensure you touch base with staff if you have any queries or concerns so that we can work together to resolve them.

Carpark: COURTESY, COOPERATION AND CARE:

Can I please urge parents to mindful of our children in the mornings and afternoons during pickups. The diagram below shows the flow of traffic through our carpark. The car park spaces and correct use of our drop off and pick up spaces, as well as our designated disability parks, in the mornings and afternoons keeps all of our community safe, this includes your children.

Staff members may approach you to ask you to move on from an area in the afternoon, as per our signs. Please note that they do this for your child’s safety.

Can I also please ask that parents talk to students about not using phones when they are crossing the road. Some students are not paying attention to their surroundings, which may lead to accidents that could be avoided.

Thank you in advance for your support with keeping our community safe.

Whole College News - Prep - Year 12

Introducing Our College Theme and the Jubilee Year of Joy

This year, we draw inspiration from the Gospel of Luke (24:15): "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them." This passage reminds us that in every step of life’s journey, Jesus walks alongside us, guiding, supporting, and encouraging us to grow in faith and understanding.

In harmony with this, Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year—a Year of Joy—with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." The Jubilee invites us to reflect on our shared journey of faith, our hope-filled mission as a Catholic community, and the joy found in walking together as disciples of Christ.

At Ryan Catholic College, our mission statement draws this all together, reflecting the heart of the Emmaus Story:

"Ryan Catholic College lives the Emmaus Story, inspiring students in their journey to a life of faith, service, compassion, and learning. Our inclusive community challenges and prepares our young people to embrace their future with confidence and success."

This mission is brought to life through our three core pillars: Journey, Community, and Service.

• Journey: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are on a journey of discovery and growth, trusting that Christ walks with us through every challenge and triumph.
• Community: Our inclusive and faith-filled community mirrors the Emmaus experience, where dialogue and fellowship invite Jesus into our midst, bringing hope and understanding.
• Service: As pilgrims of hope, we are called to serve one another with compassion and joy, recognising Christ in those we encounter along the way.

This year, let us embrace the spirit of the Emmaus Story and the Jubilee Year by walking together as a community of faith and hope. Through our commitment to learning, service, and compassion, we can create a vibrant and joy-filled future, both for ourselves and for those we serve.

Together, may we continue to inspire and support one another as we live out our mission and embrace the call to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Career Pathways

As we have had a very different beginning to our school year, I hope that all our families have been safe over the last week’s events.

I would like to use this space to remind parents and families of the communication that occurs in relation to Career Pathways information.

I utilise Student Notices, email and Pastoral Assemblies to connect and communicate with students with regard to careers information, resources, events and activities that may be of interest for them. For Year 12 students, I send a weekly update from Term 2, as there is a lot of information to convey.

In terms of communication to parents and caregivers, I utilise the College Newsletter the most, and email if an opportunity is very important or we have been given short notice to promote it.

Career Pathways continues to grow each year at Ryan and I welcome both students and, parents and caregivers to make contact with me for careers counselling, support and guidance.

Reminder: Work Experience – Easter Holidays
Work Experience is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. For those interested in participating during the next holidays, please contact me as soon as possible. The last date for any expressions of interest is Friday 21 March. Late submissions will not be accepted.

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

College Chaplain

Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! I hope you all had a wonderful break and are ready to embrace the opportunities and blessings that 2025 will bring. As we begin this year together, let us be reminded of the strength of our faith, the power of kindness, and the importance of supporting one another in both learning and life.

My name is Jarrod, and I am the College Chaplain. I work across both the Junior and Senior Campus, providing well-being support for our entire school community—students, staff, and parents alike. Whether you need a listening ear or just a safe space to be yourself, I am here to walk alongside you.

At Ryan Catholic College, especially at our well-being room at HomeBase we offer several wonderful groups and initiatives to foster community, well-being, and advocacy, including:

 Mini Vinnies – Open to all Year 5 and 6 students who want to engage in service and social outreach.
 Rainbow Room – A safe and inclusive space for students to express themselves and find support (Thursday, 2nd lunch).
 Brekky Bar (Jr Campus tuckshop) – Start your morning with good food and good company (Tuesdays & Thursdays).
 Toast and Tunes (Snr Campus EH Kitchen) – Open to all on Wednesday mornings, a great way to begin the day.
 Stand With Us – A student-led initiative focused on well-being and community support.
 YCS (Young Christian Students) – A movement dedicated to advocacy, giving students a voice on social justice issues in our community.

We are also mindful of the recent flooding and the challenges it has brought to many in our community. Please know that you are not alone—Ryan Catholic College is a place of faith, support, and compassion. Stay safe, look after one another, and reach out if you need assistance at school.

2025 is going to be a great year, and I look forward to journeying with you all! If you need to contact me, please feel free to email me at jbell21@ryan.catholic.edu.au or call the school office.

Defence News

Welcome to 2025!

We hope all students are settling into their new classes. 

For those families new to the College, we will be checking in with students over the next few weeks, and making sure they are finding their way around the College and making friends. 

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.

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

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.

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:

• Airconditioning Emmaus Hall backstage
• Table settings for all classes at Junior Campus
• Table settings for I block on Senior Campus
• Camera and accessories for Culture
• New instruments for Instrumental music program
• Upgrade of Emmaus Hall lighting
• Upgrade of Emmaus Hall sound
• Contributions to the Maker Space on Senior Campus
• Year 1 playground on Junior Campus
  

Uniform Shop Hours

Community News