TCE Connect
Understanding Incels
Article by Safe on Social - Kirra Pendergast (https://www.safeonsocial.com/blog) If you've been watching Netflix’s Adolescence and are trying to grasp the weight of the term "incel," you’re not alone. The word is often tied to news stories of violence and extremism,
Is There a Right or Wrong Age to Change Schools?
Changing schools is a significant decision for any family, and the timing of such a move can have a profound impact on a child's educational and social development. While some families have no choice but to change schools due to relocating to a different city, others may face this decision while sta
Unlocking children’s reading potential: evidence-based teaching and universal screening
Evidence-based teaching and universal screening are vital. Reading is key to student success and well-being. Teachers can use evidence-based teaching approaches and universal screening tools to identify reading difficulties and provide timely support. Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) schools are
Girls' Schools Matter
St Margaret Mary’s College has been offering the option of a girls’ only education for over sixty years; an opportunity to provide an education where girls can take centre stage and become global changemakers. In this blog I will outline how a girls’ education still matters and the
Parent Teacher Interviews: What to Expect & What to Ask
One of the hallmarks of Catholic education is the high value placed on developing and nurturing authentic and effective partnerships between schools and families. Parent-teacher interviews are one vitally important part of this focus on collaboration, and all of our schools carefully ensure that par
The Importance of the 7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching in Schools
Australia has traditionally embraced an ethos of social justice, with the concept of a "fair go" deeply embedded in its cultural identity. However, in recent years, higher levels of social inequality have become more evident, so it is vital that schools provide the foundation for students to become
Rural Teaching Incentives & Benefits with Townsville Catholic Education
Teaching in Australia is a vital profession, shaping future generations and strengthening communities. In rural and remote regions like North Queensland, the demand for educators is higher than ever due to challenges such as geographic isolation and limited resources. Teachers in these areas p
The Symbols of Christmas Explained
Ever wondered where our beloved Christmas symbols originated and the meanings they hold? From the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree to the serene glow of the advent wreath , each tradition carries a rich tapestry history, culture and faith. As we deck the halls and embrace the festive spirit, l
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Emerging Leaders Program extended!
Since 2018, Townsville Catholic Education, in partnership with the Australian Government, has proudly delivered the Emerging Leaders Incentive Scheme, a transformative First Nations Education program. This initiative empowers students to become proud, confident and capable leaders of tomorrow by add
Primary vs Secondary Teaching: Which Career Path Should You Take?
Deciding between teaching primary and secondary education is an exciting problem to have. Choosing a career in teaching is both rewarding and impactful, and selecting between primary and secondary teaching comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Primary teaching typically caters to stu
2024 Sustainability Through Catholic Social Teaching Grant Recipients
Each year, schools are invited to apply for the TCE Sustainability Through Catholic Social Teaching Grant. It recognises the way in which the school responds to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ on caring for our common home through sustainable practices. Laudato Si’ is an encyclical of Po
Ready for High school?
Transitioning to high school is a significant event in every child’s education journey. While it is a very exciting time for many children, it can often be overshadowed by feelings of stress and anxiety. The change of their social status within their friend group and the increased number of te
What is a Teaching Performance Assessment?
The Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) is an assessment of reflective practice completed by the pre-service teacher in the final year of their professional placement in a school. It’s an important step for both new teachers and principals to gain confidence in the teacher’s ability to
School Refusal: What Is It & How Can It Be Managed?
Many children and young people will express a reluctance to go to school at different times during their education. For approximately 0.4 – 5.4% of school aged children this can lead to school refusal. There is no single “cause” for school refusal and the reasons for school refusa
Exploring Career Paths
The landscape of life, learning, and work is constantly evolving. The concept of a "job for life" is a thing of the past, making it essential for schools to educate young people on how to navigate this changing environment. Whether through a career-focused approach or integrated within broader educa
JCU Student receives Townsville Catholic Education Award
The 2023 Catholic Education Prize was awarded to Melissa Lovell, a graduating student from the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) program. This prestigious prize, established in 1997, recognizes a student with the highest overall achievement in both academic studies and professional e
Child Protection Week
Teaching children personal safety strategies can help them build confidence and resilience and help keep them safe. This week is National Child Protection Week and it is an opportunity to revisit key safety messages with our children. Townsville Catholic Education schools are utilising this we
Small Town, Big Impact: A Graduate Teacher's Passion for Teaching in her Hometown
Born and raised in the small town of Ayr in far North Queensland, school has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in a close-knit community meant that teachers and friends were a constant presence in my life. Imagine going from prep to grade 12 with the same group of friends and havin
The Future is Here: RoboSumo competition showcases tech-savvy students
St Anthony's Primary School hosted an exciting and innovative competition on Tuesday 30 July, bringing together six primary schools from the Townsville Diocese for a day of technological challenges. The RoboSumo competition saw students from St Anthony's, Marian, St Benedict's, St Clare's, St Joseph
Founders Day 2024: A Celebration of Community in the Burdekin Catholic Schools
The magic of faith, hope and love was shining bright across the Burdekin on Friday, 26th July as Burdekin Catholic High School, St Colman’s Catholic School, and St Francis Catholic School celebrated their annual Founders’ Day. This cherished tradition honours those who laid the gro
Deus Caritas Est Award Recipients
The Catholic Education Deus Caritas Est Award is our most prestigious student award and is presented during Catholic Education Week at the Catholic Education Week Mass. Each of our secondary schools nominated one representative (Year 12 student) who demonstrated a commitment to Christian living
Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
Earlier this week, we celebrated our Spirit of Catholic Education Award nominees and winner! These awards highlight the important work being undertaken by staff, parents, carers and volunteers who support Catholic school students. Nominees, including teams, are recognised across a number of categori
Catholic Education Week - Bishop's Tim Homily
On Tuesday 23 July, members of the Townsville Catholic Education community gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate Catholic Education Week Mass. In his homily, Bishop Tim made a connection between Catholic Education Week's theme of Communities of Faith, Hope and Love and the distinctive miss
Do you have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school in Australia?
Does my child need to be Catholic? Short answer is nope! Our Catholic schools are open to all who want to bask in our stellar education! We are all about the families who want to share our educational goal, inspired by Christian values. Granted, baptised Catholics have a slight edge when it comes to
How to Develop Critical Thinking in Students
Critical thinking continues to be one of the most important skills that employers seek in the workplace. The leading global consulting firm, McKinsey & Company recently reported that cognitive skills, which include critical thinking, are essential to future-proof individuals’ ability to wo
The Benefits of Service Learning
What is Service Learning? Service learning describes pathways for learning that are grounded in students’ experiences of service action, but include purposeful reflection to discern the inner transformation that results from encounters with others. These two intentional components of service a
Teaching and Regional Areas- Top Benefits and Rewards
Embarking on a teaching career in remote Australia has been one of the most rewarding and unique experiences of my professional and personal life. Mount Isa, in North West Queensland, where I now call home, is a place where community and collaboration intertwine with the beauty and tranquility of ou
A Guide to Catholic Education Disability Support Available
Catholic schools are committed to fostering cultures of inclusion that respond to the educational needs of students regardless of their abilities, backgrounds and aspirations. This commitment to inclusive practices is supportive of both Catholic Church teaching and Australian Government legislative
Bringing Innovation and Functionality to Prep Classrooms at St Francis Catholic School, Ayr
St Francis Catholic School in Ayr is proud to announce the completion of our newly refurbished Prep classrooms, designed by i4 Architecture and constructed by Simon Bell Construction. The project, fully funded by the school, aims to create a modern and functional learning environment for our y
Mary Help of Christians Netball Carnival: A Day of Fun and Competition
Thursday, May 9th, saw the annual Mary Help of Christians netball carnival take place at Townsville Basketball. This highly anticipated event, convened by Southern Cross Catholic College, brought together eight teams from various Catholic and Christian schools in the Townsville area. With participan
Celebrating Cricket in Schools Award
Southern Cross Catholic College, Annandale has won Cricket Australia's and Queensland Cricket's 'Celebrating Cricket in Schools Award' for the 2023/24 season! This award is an amazing thrill for the many students and staff who have contributed to the growth and development of Cricket at the College
The Role of Catholic Schools in Moral and Ethical Education
Catholic education supports families in their efforts to educate their children, not only academically but holistically so they may reach their full potential as compassionate, life-giving members of society who are inspired by the Catholic tradition. The Importance of Early Learning on Morals
7 Reasons Why Teaching is Such A Rewarding Career Path
Like all professions, teaching has its challenges and rewarding moments. I began my teaching career in 1988, and I can honestly say that the profession's rewarding aspects outweigh any hardship. I feel blessed that I chose this career when I left school. For those who are considering becoming a teac
Vocation Enlightened the Radio Star
The contemporary world of teaching is so much more than the Jackson 5 sang about in 1970. As well as A, B, Cs and 1, 2, 3s, teachers are increasingly responsible for the holistic care and development of students. Whether it is coaching sporting teams before school, running musical rehearsals on week
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Students
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Students: The Benefits of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in the Classroom When teachers grow and continue to learn both professionally and personally, so do your children in their classroom. This is evident as teachers progress through the different career stag
Tweens and teens and their skin
Recently, I've received an influx of parents with tweens and teens seeking advice about their young daughters' 7-step skincare routines and obsession with all things Mecca and Sephora. Yes, you read that right, 7-step skincare routines! As a Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist with more than 25 years
Teaching in a Catholic School: Nurturing Faith, Wisdom, and Community
The Catholic school is an educational community where learning, culture, faith and life find a meeting place. It is a place for learning and teaching that seeks to nurture and develop the faith of individuals in ways that are mindful of their cultural and religious identity. Making every child&rsqu
Student Wellbeing Spotlight: How the Love Bites Program Promotes Respectful Relationships
The Love Bites Respectful Relationships Program has been run in most of our Secondary colleges and is strongly supported by the TCE office and school staff. As the Manager of the Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Services (SW&PS) in the Townsville Diocese, I have strongly supported our Guidance C
Issuing advice to parents during Severe Weather Events
During a weather event it is very important for parents/carers to be aware of school procedures in the event of school closures or affected access due to floods, cyclones or severe weather. Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) works closely with Education Queensland (EQ) in determining school cl
Safe School Travel: a Guide for Parents and Carers
Safe School Travel: A Guide for Parents and Carers As a new school year begins, many families are looking at safe school travel plans for their children. While allowing children to travel independently is a great way for them to develop confidence and new skills, it's important to ensure they are eq
