Dear Parents

Welcome to the 2025 school year! We are excited to be back and enjoying the sounds and feel that is unique to the thrum of a school. Prior to the students returning, staff were busy learning with and from each other, and preparing for the new year. We developed a common understanding and vision of the direction we’re heading and look forward to bringing you on this journey with us. More information regarding our 2025 priorities will be shared in the near future. 

This year we welcome (or welcome back) six new staff and 38 new families across Prep - Year 6. We hope you are settling into your new community and feeling ‘at home’ with us.

The focus of our first two weeks of school will not be on curriculum, but on getting to know each other, and developing relationships and routines. World-wide research indicates that productive and successful learning begins with developing a sense of belonging, connection, and psychological and physical safety. We invest heavily in relationships and wellbeing at MoGC, and these few weeks lay a firm foundation for future success. Thank you for sharing your children with us, and entrusting us with the partnership as significant adults in your child’s life.

Dear Lord

You teach that teamwork, friendship and discipleship are important.
I pray that you teach us that we can’t do everything alone.
Put people in our path so that we can partner together.
Bless our efforts so that friendship, teamwork and discipleship produce more together than we could as individuals.
Amen

2025 SCHOOL TERMS

Please prioritise your child’s learning and plan 2025 family holidays around these dates.

Term 1: Wednesday, January 29 → Friday, April 4 (10 Weeks)

Term 2: Tuesday, April 22 → Friday, June 27 (10 Weeks)

Term 3: Monday, July 14 → Friday, September 19 (10 Weeks)

Term 4: Tuesday, October 7 → Friday, December 5 (9 Weeks)

Public Holidays

• Friday 18 April: Good Friday (School Holidays) 
• Monday 21 April: Easter Monday (School Holidays) 
• Friday 25 April: ANZAC Day
• Monday 5 May: Labour Day
• Friday 18 July: Cairns Show Day
• Monday 6 October: King’s Birthday

Student Free Days

• Thursday 17 July - Cairns Show Holiday

Week  2

Tuesday, February 4 

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck

Wednesday, February 5

• World Read Aloud Day

Thursday, February 6 

• 2:15 Assembly

Friday, February 7 

• 9:00 Beginning of School Year Mass in the church

Week  3

Tuesday, February 11

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck
• 5.15 P-2 Parent Information Night

Thursday, February 13

• 5.15 Yr 3-6 Parent Information Night

Friday, February 14

• 8:30 Assembly 

Week  4

Tuesday, February 18

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck

Friday, February 21

• 8:30 Assembly - 6A leading prayer

Week  5

Tuesday, February 25

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck
• 5:15 Family Engagement - Hotdogs & Handball

Friday, February 28

• Prep Vision Screening consent closes
• 8:30 Assembly 

Saturday, March 1

• 4:15 Introduction to Sacramental Program + Reconciliation preparation session 1 in the Hall
• 5:30 Parish Mass - sacramental candidates encouraged to attend

Week  6 

Monday, March 3

• NAPLAN Practice Writing - Year 5
• Prep Vision Screening commences

Tuesday, March 4

• Shrove Tuesday - 
• Years 5 and 6 bring a plate of pancakes to sell
• All years bring 50c to purchase a pancake
• School Photo Day 
• Correct school uniform required - extravagant hair pieces will be removed for photos

Wednesday, March 5

• Ash Wednesday
• 10:00 Liturgy in the church

Thursday, March 6

• NAPLAN Practice Omnibus - Year 3 & 5

Friday, March 7

• 8:30 Assembly - 5A leading prayer
• 9:15 - Cross Country Walkthrough

Saturday, March 8

• 4:15 Reconciliation preparation session 2 in the Hall
• 5:30 Parish Mass - sacramental candidates encouraged to attend

Week  7 - BOOK FAIR

The library is open between 8:10-8:30 and 2:50-3:30 for parents to purchase books.

Tuesday, March 11

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck
• 5.00 - 6.00 Classroom Open Night

• Book Fair open during this time

Wednesday, March 12

• 9:00 NAPLAN - Writing

Thursday, March 13

• 9:00 NAPLAN - Reading
• 2:15 Assembly

Friday, March 14

• Year 3 - Year 6 Cross Country at the Northern Reserve

Saturday, March 15

• 4:15 Reconciliation preparation session 3 in the Hall
• 5:30 Parish Mass - sacramental candidates encouraged to attend

Week  8

Monday, March 17

• St Patrick’s Day - wear a green shirt with the remaining school uniform

Tuesday, March 18

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck
• 9:00 NAPLAN - Conventions of Language

Wednesday, March 19

• 9:00 NAPLAN - Numeracy

Thursday, March 20

• 9:00 NAPLAN Catch up session

Friday, March 21

• 8:30 Assembly - 4A Leading prayer
• 9:30 NAPLAN Catch up session

Week  9

Parent -Teacher interviews - recommended for all families in Term 1

Tuesday, March 25

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck
• 1:50 Reconciliation in the church

Friday, March 28

• 8:30 Assembly 
• Prep - Year 2 Cross Country at MoGC 

Week 10

Parent -Teacher interviews - recommended for all families in Term 1

Tuesday, April 1

• 8:30 Parent Engagement - Coffee on the Deck

Friday, April 4

• 8:30 Assembly 
• 11:15 Holy Week Liturgy in the church

On Friday, February 7, we celebrate our Beginning of the Year Mass at 9:00 in the Church. During the mass our Year 6 cohort and student leaders will be commissioned and receive their badges. Year 6 parents are invited and welcome to join us.   

Recently, parents received two Edsmart Parent Slips requesting consent to share student school-based data with third-party websites for the applications Mother of Good Counsel accesses to support learning for students. 

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a Diocesan platform utilised to measure and assess the acquisition of early literacy and reading skills in students from Prep to Year 8. This program provides instant feedback and data that can be utilised to develop support and intervention programs, reducing the time that human-based interpretation requires. This data also enables longitudinal tracking of student growth and progress across terms and years.

MoGC Third Party Consent highlights the apps and websites MoGC utilises to complement and enrich student learning experiences, and communicate with families. Standard school-based information is provided to these sites and apps that enable students access and  provide staff with information to develop engaging multi-modal experiences.

Families who have opted not to share student information will be contacted in the near future outlining the implications of these restrictions.

Families are invited to our Hotdogs and Handball engagement event on Tuesday, February 25 from 5:15 until 6:15. Come along to enjoy a Hotdog and a game of handball. To assist with catering, an electronic registration slip has been emailed to your registered email address.

On Tuesday, March 4, we recognise Shrove Tuesday. This day is also known as Pancake Day. Shrove Tuesday is a way for Catholics to prepare for Lent, which begins the day after Shrove Tuesday, on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, Catholics are asked to practise three things: pray, alms giving and fasting. Shrove Tuesday follows a tradition to use all the flour, eggs and milk in the house ready for the fasting period to begin. Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Catholic adults are asked to fast twice a year, both on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Students in Year 5 and Year 6 are asked to make pancakes at home and deliver them to the tuckshop on the morning of Tuesday March 4. All dietary requirements are covered!

Students from Prep to Year 6 are given the opportunity to purchase pancakes for 50c each, with proceeds going to Project Compassion, run by Caritas, which is a great start to our Project Compassion fundraising for Term 1.

On Wednesday, March 5 classes attend our Ash Wednesday liturgy in the church.

Students enrolled in the 2025 sacramental program, there is an Introduction to the Sacramental Program & Mass on Saturday, March 1 for parents and the sacramental candidates. The information session commences at 4:15 in the hall, followed by parish mass in the church at 5:30. 

Over the break our Leadership Secretary, Sharon Miller and Groundsperson, Clint Lockley, tendered their resignations. We are currently recruiting for these positions.

7:50am
Gates open for unaccompanied students. Students are required to sit in the Prep-Year 3 eating area.

8.10am
Supervised duty begins. From this time, parents accompanying students enter school grounds. When dismissed, students put bags on the racks outside their classroom and move to their play area. Equipment for play is available:

•         P - 2 from their play area
•         3 - 6 from their class supply

8.27am
Bell & Music: Students have 3mins to transition from their play area to line up on the basketball court. Parents say goodbye at the front of the line and encourage students to line up independently.

8.30 am
MORNING LEARNING SESSION COMMENCES

10.40 am 

FIRST BREAK (eat for 10 mins then play for 20 mins)
Students eat their main meal at this break. Tuckshop meal is delivered to classes.

11.10 am
MIDDLE SESSION - LEARNING COMMENCES

1:10 pm
SECOND BREAK (Eat for 10 mins then Play for 20 mins)
Students refuel with healthy snacks. The tuckshop is open to purchase snacks.

1.40 pm
AFTERNOON SESSION - LEARNING COMMENCES

2.50pm

DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

• When students arrive after 8:35, parents are required to accompany them to the office and sign children in. This is a safety protocol.
• Staff are on duty until 3:10 at Stop Drop Go, the Blue Gates near the library and outside the Year 1 classrooms. Students remaining at the Blue Gates and outside the Year 1 classrooms at 3:10 are delivered to Stop Drop Go. All students are expected to be collected by 3:10.
• Playgrounds are not available for families after school. These areas are utilised by Outside Hours School Care.

On Tuesday February 11, Prep to Year 2 parents are invited to our Parent Information Night, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet classroom teachers and learn about what to expect this year.  On Thursday February 13, Year 3 to Year 6 parents are invited to their Parent Information Night. Both nights commence at 5:15 and will be finished by 6pm. 

A summary of these events will be shared via Seesaw after the evening.

Mother of Good Counsel utilises Flexischools as an option for ordering lunches and snacks Tuesday→Friday,and  hats and backpacks. Families are reminded to update their child’s class details to ensure items are delivered correctly. 

School fees will be sent to families in the week commencing Monday, February 17.

Upon the presentation of appropriate government support cards (e.g. Health Care Card), a 70% rebate is applied to the tuition component of school fees. It is the responsibility of parents to present their card and complete the appropriate paperwork. 

Expired Centrelink Concession Cards must be presented before each term school fees. There will be no back-dating of concessions.

Existing parents are required to increase their Direct Debit each year in line with the new 2025 School Fees & Levies.

New parents are required to present their Centrelink Concession Card and complete a new form at the office as soon as possible.

Please submit enquiries regarding school fees or concessions to  accounts.nthcairns@cns.catholic.edu.au.

If your family his experiencing financial pressure, there are processes in place for fee support. Please contact accounts.nthcairns@cns.catholic.edu.au for a conversation regarding the support available.

School uniform expectations are clearly outlined in our Parent Handbook. Please take the time to review this document to ensure your child is dressed accordingly. 

Some common reminders we need to give include:

• Jewellery includes gold / silver studs or sleepers, single piercing only per ear, for boys and girls. Chains with religious attachment. Smart watches are not recommended due to the distraction they create.
• Fake nails and nail polish are not permitted at any time.
• Shoes must be plain and black. NOT black with white soles or mainly black. All black! Ankle socks need to be either white or navy blue, and must sit just above the ankles.
  
  

In Term 1, we commence our 2026 Prep enrolment interviews. If you, a family member or friend have a child commencing Prep next year, please contact the office or submit an online enrollment form to secure your interview placement.

Year 3 and 5 students sit the National Assessment Program: Numeracy & Literacy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN assesses elements of numeracy, reading, writing and conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) that students have been learning at school since Prep. 

Prior to the commencement of NAPLAN Online, staff work with students to access sample tests/questions on the Public Demonstration Site. Parents can also use this link to explore the tests and access information relating to the process. Students complete the tests on a 1:1 school-based device under the normal NAPLAN guidelines and protocols. 

We urge parents to highlight these dates onto family calendars so students are present. Students and staff will participate in NAPLAN Online practice tests prior to the testing period. This will give students the opportunity to experience the various question and response types. 

NAPLAN Online incorporates a tailored testing approach and therefore not all students will answer the same questions. An effective clip explaining Tailored Testing can be found here. This tailored testing approach will give families and MOGC more accurate results that identify areas of strength, and areas that require improvement in numeracy and literacy. At MOGC, we use this information to maintain or adjust our literacy and numeracy goals and programs to meet the needs of our students.

Mother of Good Counsel takes a proactive, whole school approach to promote positive behaviour, and safe and supportive learning environments. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is explicitly taught in each classroom and reinforced in the playground, using a common language. Staff recognise that students need time and support to build these important life skills, which foster success at school and beyond.Three main programs provide the focus of our SEL curriculum – Second Step, Friendology and the Zones of Regulation.

Second Step Program promotes school success, connectedness, and a safe and respectful environment by directly teaching students the skills that strengthen their ability to Learn, Have Empathy and Solve Problems. 

Friendology is an internationally recognised friendship program that empowers children with the skills, language and self-confidence to be a good friend and develop healthy relationships.

Zones of Regulation support the development of self-regulation in children. The different ways children feel and the states of alertness they experience are categorised into four coloured zones. 

An invitation is extended to students in Years 1-6  to participate in the Literary Section of the Cairns & District Junior Eisteddfod. Supported by Mother of Good Counsel School and guided by MOGC's Leader of Learning and Teaching, Breye Buckland, this competition provides a platform for young writers to shine.

Students can showcase their writing talents in the following categories:

• Creative Writing (Years 1 - 6)
• Poetry Writing (Years 1 - 6)
• Letter Writing (Years 1 - 6)
• Journalistic Report Writing (Years 1 - 6)
• Script Writing (Years 1 - 6)
• Speech Writing (Years 1 - 6)

Competition Guidelines:

• Students are required to independently compose an original text from the sections/topics provided in the attached Literary Schedule. Students may choose a maximum of two sections.
• Texts submitted must be the student’s original and unaided work. Parents will be required to sign a Declaration confirming this closer to the submission date.

Important Dates:

• Nomination Due: Friday, March 21
• Submit a response to the emailed home parent slip, including students' nominated section/s (maximum of 2).
• Payment: $9/section enclosed in an envelope labeled with your child's name, to be handed in at the office.
• Final Written Submissions Due: Thursday, April 24
• In accordance with the Eisteddfod Rules, submit a typed and printed copy of each submission to Mrs. Buckland or the office.
• Attach a completed and signed Declaration for each submission.

Mrs. Buckland will offer lunchtime support sessions before and after the holidays, with the majority of work to be completed during the Easter holiday break.

How to Participate:

If your child hasn't nominated themselves for the Eisteddfod, please contact bbuckland@cns.catholic.edu.au to receive a Parent Slip form.

We're excited to witness the creativity and talent of our young writers at the Cairns & District Junior Literary Eisteddfod!

Mother of Good Counsel subscribes to Happy Families, one of Australia's most trusted sources of parenting education and support. This subscription provides families with Insight articles (published here each fortnight) and opportunities to attend FREE online webinars.

Insight articles: 

• The Hidden Benefits of Your Child’s Back to School Butterflies

• Why is my child like this? 

Trinity Coast Central School Sport (TCC)

Students born in 2015, 2014 and 2013 are provided with opportunities through Trinity Coast Central Sport Trials that lead to pathways to Regional Championships at Peninsula sporting level in their chosen sport. 

The process for interested students and parent/carers in attending a trial is as follows:

1. Refer to the list of trial dates outlined below
2. Respond to the TCC Trials Parent Slip sent to Year 4, 5 and 6 families. Reminder only students born in 2015, 2014 and 2013 are eligible
3. Parents/carers download the Peninsula Student Booklet attached to the Parent Slip
4. Parents/carers complete the Peninsula Student Booklet, print the form and return to school to be signed

Ensure the entire Peninsula Student Booklet is completed and relevant areas are circled otherwise it can not be signed.

1. The signed Peninsula Student Booklet is returned to the student to take to the trial

When a student attends a trial, they must have their signed Peninsula Student Booklet with them.
No paperwork = No trial

Term 1 Trials

Term 2 Trials 

2025 Parent Contacts 

If you have a question about your child’s year level, are looking for information or need some guidance on where to direct an enquiry, these parents contacts are happy for you to reach out to them:

• Prep: Stacey Watt: staceylwatt@outlook.com
• Year 1: Louise Bernstein: louise.bernstein@blueoceanic.com &
  Emma Smith: emmajb21@hotmail.com
• Year 2: James Rickman: jamesrickman@yahoo.com.au 
• Year 3: Paula Kelly: paulajkelly81@gmail.com
• Year 4: Jenny Gangell: jenny.gangell@gmail.com
• Year 5: Joeleen Bettini: joeleenb1@bigpond.com & Bindi Cooper: coopernb@outlook.com
• Year 6: Kate & Carl Vogler: katevogler@hotmail.com

Coffee on the Deck

Parents and carers are invited to join us for Coffee on the Deck each Tuesday between 8:30 and 9:00. This is a great opportunity to chat with staff and meet other families.