2 April 2025

Ryan Catholic College Mission Statement

Acknowledgement Of Country

Reflection

Lent and Easter are important parts of the Catholic Calendar.

The season of Lent lasts for forty days (not including Sundays). It is a time when Christians reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally, or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness. People also give to charity, set aside time to think deeply about the Bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus' life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.

A Prayer for Lent

Holy God,
our lives are laid open before you:
rescue us from the chaos of sin
and through the death of your Son
bring us healing and make us whole
in Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.

Holy Week is the name given to the week beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to crowds and cheers. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem has been celebrated on the Sunday before Easter since the first centuries of Christianity. The crowds waved palm branches and covered his path with them. Today, Churches remember this with crosses made from palm leaves and hold processions like the one that Jesus experienced. 

Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples before his death. Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word mandare meaning to command. We remember Jesus' command: 'Love one another as I have loved you'.  At the Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Our parish recreates this act of service on Holy Thursday. This is not only an important reminder of the nature of Jesus, who we serve, but also the kind of service we are meant to demonstrate in our love for one another.

A Prayer for Holy Thursday

Jesus,

Draw us nearer to you than ever before. Inspire us to spend time with you in the tabernacle. Fill us today with a whole new love and respect for the power of the Eucharist. Lord, take our miniscule understanding of what the Eucharist is and what it can do to a whole new level.

Jesus, help us realise what we are really hungry for in our lives today and give us the wisdom to realise that you want to feed our deepest needs with the Eucharist. Help us to remain close to you as we prepare for Easter. And bless us in ways unimaginable.

Amen.

Good Friday is the day when Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a sombre day. Our parish will meet, pray and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus willingly paid for all our sins.

A Good Friday Prayer

Jesus,

On this dark day you laid down your life to give us all a fresh start, a new beginning, and a never-ending stream of marvelous grace and beautiful mercy.

Give us the wisdom, Jesus, to use the minds you gave us to think for ourselves; teach us to develop and listen to our conscience; fill us with courage to stand up for justice and do exactly what you are calling us to do.

Teach us to carry our cross, remind us to go to you with our pain, and re-energise us with hope when we are ready to give up.

Today, on Good Friday, we pray for anyone who is suffering physically. We ask you to fill them with the rare grace necessary to see and experience suffering as a way to get closer to you. We pray for all those we have wronged in our lives, and for those who have wronged us. We also pray for everyone who will die today. Hold them in their transition from this life to the next, and comfort their loved ones as you comforted and consoled so many people while you walked on the earth.

Amen.

The Easter Vigil is the first service of Easter and begins on the evening of Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Day). It begins with a symbolic expectant waiting outdoors around a fire for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, and this is represented visually by the Paschal candle, which is lit from the fire and brought into a darkened church. This depiction of new life and light represents Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter morning. The congregation then light their own candles, representing their own new life as followers of Jesus. The service contains a number of readings from the Bible, and also an opportunity for all the participants to renew the promises made at their baptism. The Easter Vigil is usually a quiet and thoughtful service, but one full of joy.

An Easter Saturday prayer

Lord God, 

On the Sabbath, Jesus rested. He was in the grave. He had finished his work. To most people’s eyes, it looked as if it were all over. He was dead and buried. But only as a seed dies when it is planted in the earth, not to decay, but to spring to new life. Teach us to take refuge in you when we are afraid; Teach us that death is not our end; Teach us to hope always in you and in the resurrection, the making of all things new. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

On the third day after being crucified, Jesus' tomb was found to be empty. He had risen from the dead. Life triumphs over death! The joy of resurrection is possible only because Christ endured death and conquered it. 

Easter Prayer of Saint Hippolytus of Rome

Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate
Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen
Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing
Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty
Christ is Risen indeed from the dead,
the first of the sleepers,
Glory and power are his forever and ever.

AMEN  

Easter Day marks the beginning of 50 days of celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The final 10 days begin on Ascension day where we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven. Churches around the country mark  the day with services, sometimes outside or on church roofs. Finally, at the end of the 50 days, we celebrate Pentecost when Jesus' disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is often referred to as the birthday of the Church. We look forward to celebrating the Easter Season with you in Term 2.

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Here we are, at the end of a jam packed, weather impacted term to start the year. Throughout all of this, high impact learning and teaching has been occurring, with students demonstrating determined progress each week. Our Preps and new students have really settled well, and we now look ahead to a good Easter break.

Thank you to the parents and students who attended the many parent-teacher-student conferences over the past two weeks. We appreciate it when you can attend these occasions so we can engage together in understanding how we all can approach further progress for our students, and your children.

Thanks too, to the many parents who have engaged in the Year of Renewal survey, sent out on Compass. Your opinions are genuinely valued, as they help us form our priorities for the College for the next four years.

An upcoming event for your notice and diary

Ryan is hosting the 2025 Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) Mini Conference  

Saturday 10 May - Mary MacKillop Centre 

We are hosting this event for all Catholic schools across Queensland and so, your attendance would be greatly appreciated. There are some exceptional speakers presenting, who are difficult to secure.

You can register and have a look at the link below.

Holidays

Best wishes and relaxation to all of you who have a break and will engage in holidays. I want to make a special note and particularly thank our dedicated staff during what has been a topsy turvy term, with weather wreaking havoc over many weeks. Their positive approach and generous spirit to do what is best for our students in all areas of work is noticed, valued and appreciated by myself and the leadership team.

Blessings for a safe, restful and renewing Easter break.

Primary News - Prep - Year 6

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 1. It has been rewarding to watch our students grow and develop in all areas: academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. Student progress was shared and celebrated at our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. My sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their care and guidance and to our families for their continued collaboration. On a personal note, I would like to say a fond farewell to Ryan as I take leave to focus on my family. I have been most blessed to have worked at Ryan Catholic College. My sincere thanks to Candi for her support. She is a wonderful and inspirational leader whom I greatly respect. My grateful thanks to the College Leadership Team, to the amazing Ryan Admin Team and staff, to our beautiful Ryan students, and to the entire Ryan community. I will always always cherish my time at Ryan and wish you all the best in the future.

As we celebrate the joy of Easter, may the light of Christ fill your hearts with hope and peace. May the resurrection of our Lord bring you renewed faith and strength, and may you experience the love and grace of God in every moment.

Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful Easter filled with the promise of new beginnings and the warmth of togetherness.

STAR OF THE TERM WINNERS

Congratulations to these Star Students:

Alivia (Prep D MacKillop) Alivia is a caring and compassionate student who consistently maintains a positive attitude. She demonstrates Gospel values through her actions and words. Alivia thinks like Jesus, speaks like Jesus, and loves like Jesus, making her a role model for her peers.

Ella (1D Griffin) Ella is a kind and inclusive student who treats everyone as a friend. She works hard in school, consistently giving her best in every class. With her respectful attitude and impeccable manners, Ella helps create a warm and welcoming environment for her peers.

Alvio (2B McGuire) Alvio is a dedicated worker and a cooperative class member. He is respectful to his peers and teachers and willingly assists others. Alvio is an excellent role model for his classmates.

Mackenzie (3B McGuire) Mackenzie is an enthusiastic and engaged learner who approaches each day with a positive attitude. She demonstrates persistence, a strong willingness to overcome challenges, and consistently puts in her best effort.

Kelton (4C Griffin) Kelton is a respectful, hard-working and well-mannered student in 4C. He diligently follows the RCC code and is a model student in 4C. Kelton is a quiet achiever who applies his best efforts to all his work. Kelton's kind and gentle ways have not gone unnoticed. Well done, Kelton!

ASSEMBLIES AND LITURGIES

In most cases, Prep-Year 4 assemblies and liturgies will be held on Wednesdays in the Junior Campus Shelter Shed 2.00-2.45pm.  You’ll be notified in advance if your child is receiving an award in case you’d like to attend. Our Lenten Liturgy is on Wednesday 2 April at 2pm (Year P-4) and Friday 4 April at 9am (Year 5-6)

2026 PREP APPLICATIONS

Prep enrolment application packages are available on the College website.  The closing date for first round Prep enrolment applications to be considered for interview is Friday 4 April 2025.  Current Ryan families wishing to enrol a Prep child next year are also required to complete an application form, please do so immediately. Interviews will be held in May (for new families to the College) and in September (for siblings). 

PREP TUCKSHOP

Prep students will be able to order lunch from the Tuckshop on Thursdays and Fridays as of Term 2.  Please be mindful that the Junior Campus Tuckshop is a cashless venue and orders can only be placed via the Flexischools website.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE - UNIFORM REGULATIONS

As we come to the end of Term 1 it is important to maintain and adhere to our Personal Appearance and Uniform Regulations. Please make sure that your child’s hair is meeting our guidelines and that we return to school in Term 2 looking our best.

The Year 1 students have had a fantastic start to the school year, settling into their new routines with enthusiasm and confidence. It has been wonderful to see their excitement as they explore their new learning spaces, make new friends, and embrace the challenges of Year 1.

Over the past few weeks, the students have been busy engaging in a range of activities designed to build their confidence and independence. They have been practising classroom routines, developing their literacy and numeracy skills, and participating in hands-on learning experiences. It has been especially heartwarming to see their eagerness to share ideas, collaborate with peers, and approach new tasks with a positive mindset.

We are incredibly proud of how well the students have transitioned into Year 1, and we look forward to seeing their growth and achievements throughout the year. Well done, Year 1!

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Secondary News - Years 7 - 12

Leading Through Service and Mentorship

Congratulations to our newly appointed Year 9 House Captains and Student Representative Committee (SRC) members! These students have stepped up to serve their peers and school community, embracing the true essence of leadership—not just through words, but through action.

SRC - Hamish and Evie 
Connolly - Lily and Jessica 
Griffin - Addison and Evan 
Maguire - Addison  and Joshua 
Mackillop - Hamish and Nakkita 

This year, in our Pastoral Assemblies, we have been focusing on the themes of servant leadership, leading by example, and making a positive impact. Leadership isn’t about titles or recognition—it’s about helping others, showing integrity, and setting an example through kindness, responsibility, and initiative.

An important part of leadership is mentoring younger students—offering guidance, encouragement, and support to help them navigate school life. Through our Wellbeing Program, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to mentor Year 5 and 6 students during HPE, offering guidance and encouragement to help build confidence and teamwork. Additionally, students will also be able to volunteer with St Vincent de Paul, further developing their sense of service and responsibility within the wider community.

While our captains and SRC members have been chosen to represent their peers, every Year 9 student has the potential to be a leader. Whether it’s by offering support to a friend, showing respect, or making a difference in the classroom, leadership is something we all share.

We are excited to see our Year 9 students inspire, serve, mentor, and lead throughout the year!

Whole College News - Prep - Year 12

This Friday 4 April, we encourage all P-12 students to wear a purple shirt with the rest of their normal House uniform for Lent.

• Please be mindful to avoid inappropriate slogans or images.
• Please ensure shirts are sun safe with no shoe string straps.
• No pyjama tops or exposed midriffs, please.
• ALL other normal uniform regulations apply.
• If students are choosing not to wear a purple shirt, they may wear their normal House uniform.

Don't forget to bring a gold coin donation for Caritas Australia's Project Compassion.

Parent Teacher Student Conferences

Secondary (Years 7-12) Parent Teacher Student Conferences
Wednesday 23 April 2025
3.30pm - 6pm
Emmaus Hall

The College hosts Parent-Teacher-Student-Conferences twice a year - once in Semester One and once in Semester Two. These sessions align with the Term 1 Progress (7-12) and Semester Two reports. They provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s academic, emotional, and social progress while sharing relevant information with their teacher/s.  

The Term 1 Progress reports for Years 7 to 12 will be released at 3pm on Friday, 21st of March. These reports offer insights into student’s progress at this stage of their learning, helping parents/guardians make an informed decision about attending a conference. Areas of feedback include academic progress, effort, and behaviour. While teachers may request an interview to discuss specific aspects of a student’s learning, all parents are welcome to book a session. Bookings for PTSC will open simultaneously as Progress reports are released. 

Tips for a successful Parent-Teacher-Student-Conference:

• Students are to attend, wearing their College uniform - they are the central focus of these discussions
• Be punctual - conferences are limited to 10 minutes, and teachers often have back-to-back interviews. Arriving on time ensures a smooth and productive session.
• Prepare in advance - discuss the progress report with your child beforehand and reflect on their academic, emotional and social development.
• Maintain a professional and respectful approach.
• Follow up - implement any agreed-upon strategies and maintain open communication with teachers to track progress.

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 #2

When learning new content in a subject, it is always beneficial for students to create a mini quiz for themselves after completing notetaking. This allows students to not only practice answering questions about the topic, but to also explore the ways in which they could be asked about it. A similar technique is for students to explain the topic or content to a member of their family or a friend who doesn’t know the information. Students will soon see how well they understand the content and can explain it.

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.

Work Experience: Easter Holidays – Years 10, 11 & 12 – Closed

Good luck to all the students across Years 10 to 12 who are participating in work experience these holidays.

CQU Regional Medical Pathway Online Information Session – Thursday 3 April – 4.30 to 6.00pm

This pathway includes the Bachelor of Medical Science through CQU and then to the Doctor of Medicine through the University of Queensland. More information on this pathway can be found at the link below.

Bond University - Virtual Open Day - Saturday 5 April from 12pm

If students are interested and considering studying at Bond University, this virtual Open Day is a great opportunity to explore courses, university life and learn about the application process and scholarships available. Please use the link below to register. Applications for Bond University open much earlier than other universities, so the Open Day would be a great chance to learn all the information you require.

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

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.

Applications will open at the beginning of Term 2. Please see the flyer below for more information and to register to receive more information at the application opening date.

High School Health Careers Program – Townsville University Hospital – 26 March

Last Wednesday, four of our Year 12 students were given the opportunity to experience this very popular program so they could explore their fields of interest in the Health area. Next term, the two rounds of the HSHCP will both be in May. I will send out more information at the beginning of Term 2.

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.

Australian Defence Force and University of Tasmania Breakfasts

Over the past couple of weeks, I have attended two breakfasts aimed at providing Careers Advisors with up-to-date information on both Defence careers and University of Tasmania courses.

Each year we have a number of Year 12 students who apply for a role in the Australian Defence Force, Australian Defence Force Academy and the ADF Gap Year. Students are always fully supported by myself, and our wonderful Ryan Defence Mentors, during this process and it is always important in my role to be aware of any new initiatives or changes to ADF processes.

The University of Tasmania breakfast highlighted some exceptional courses from their Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, particularly the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science. Dr Poul Christoffersen presented on their new Major within this degree called, Oceans, Ice and Climate. UTAS also have a large range of courses, outside of Science, too.

Powerlink – 2026 Apprenticeship Program

Powerlink is calling for Expressions of Interest for their 2026 Electrical Apprenticeships. 
 
Powerlink are offering apprenticeship opportunities in Brisbane, Gladstone, and Townsville in the following apprenticeship streams:

• Electrical Trade Apprenticeship - Substations
• Electrical Trade Apprenticeship - Secondary Systems
• Communications and Control Apprenticeship - Secondary Systems
• Linesperson Apprenticeship

For any interested students, Powerlink has more information and an Expression of Interest form

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) ANZ 2025 Registrations Now Open

The key dates below, are for current Year 12 students interested in applying for Medicine, Dentistry and some other Health degrees at universities where passing the UCAT is a requirement of the application process.

Click on the link below for more information.

UCAT registration is available only via the UCAT ANZ website

Languages

Term 2 Exciting Opportunity! Japan Club and Italian Club!

From Term 2 the Languages Department and some of our Japanese and Italian student learners will run a club for interested students in Year 7 – 12.

The aim of the clubs in to offer students who have an interest in Japan and/or Italy an opportunity to have fun, spend time with peers, and learn more about the Japanese and Italian culture. There is no cost to attend.

Japanese Club Week A Tuesdays first lunch in H2, the Japanese room.
Italian Club Week B Thursdays in H3, the Italian room.

There will be a cap on numbers at 20 students per session and it will be a ‘first to come, first in’ basis. You do not need to attend every session but if something sounds interesting to you, come along!

The focus of the Clubs will be cultural, not language based, such as games, singing/karaoke, dance, art and craft and competitions with prizes up for grabs.

Some of the activities we have planned include:

• Japanese chopstick challenge
• Origami paper plane competition
• Anime drawing
• Cherry Blossom scroll creation
• Japanese Kendama competition
• Carnevale masks
• Pinocchio and Befana split pins puppets
• Bocce competition
• Venice diorama
• Leaning tower of Pisa craft
• Japanese and Italian flag biscuit creation

Reminders will be placed in the Student Notices.
If you have any questions, please approach one of the Japanese or Italian teachers.

Cultural Corner

Our Musical Popstars Are Ready to Shine! 

Our talented Musical Popstars have been working tirelessly in their rehearsals during Term 1, getting ready for the big show on May 28th to 31st!

Junior Campus students have been learning new songs and perfecting routines with the guidance of Melissa, Luke, and Perri. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and the incredible progress they’ve made! 

Meanwhile, our Senior Campus students have been continuing their rehearsals with the leads, fine-tuning entire scenes from Acts 1 and 2. Everyone is so excited as we approach the next phase where both campuses will come together for joint rehearsals starting in Term 2. The energy is building, and we are counting down the days until opening night! 

It’s truly amazing to see how far they’ve come in such a short amount of time. We’re so proud of every single one of them and can’t wait to show you all the fantastic work they’ve done! 

 Tickets are on sale soon!  Be sure to grab yours quickly before they sell out! You won’t want to miss this amazing show! 

Let’s make this show a night to remember! 

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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.

Last Friday, we kicked off our brand-new Friday lunchtime activity—a fun session of Nintendo Switch Sports! Students had a blast competing in virtual sports games, bringing plenty of excitement and friendly competition to the lunchtime break.

A huge thank you to our P&F for generously providing the Nintendo Switch and games—your support helps make these activities possible!

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.

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