WELCOME TO GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE
GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT FAITHFUL TO THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH, GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE EDUCATES STUDENTS TO DEVELOP ATTITUDES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO LIVE AS FREE AND MORAL PEOPLE IN A COMPLEX WORLD. WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY WE ENCOURAGE BY WORD AND EXAMPLE, A SENSITIVITY TO DIVERSITY, THE GROWTH OF SPIRITUALITY, A SENSE OF SELF WORTH AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS, AND THE STRIVING TO GIVE OF ONE S BEST.
Mr Paul Keenan- Principal
The Catholic school difference at Good Counsel College Quality education in a caring environment
One Spirit in Christ As a faith community our purpose and direction discover God s love for us and share with one another Like the best of families, we seek the good for one another Broadening of minds Development of character Expanding of capacities
Diocese of Cairns : CES Families : Parish : P&F Principal and Leadership Team Curriculum and Pastoral Leadership Class and Pastoral Teachers : GCC Staff Students
Facilities & Resources Additional teaching spaces for 2015 The LaValla Centre with Library, Graphics & Computer Labs, a formal lecture and meeting room and teaching rooms with quality facilities Mary s Place Re-furbished Science laboratories Purpose-built Languages centre Trade Training Facilities Commercial kitchen for Hospitality and Industrial Skills Workshops Gymnasium Connective across a wireless campus Extensive IT access for Years 7, 8 and 9 1 to 1 Laptop Program for Years 10-12 Rehabilitate oval and Locker Spaces
2014 Fees and Levies Schedule Tuition Fees 2014: per Student Cost per Term Grade 8 or 9 Student $578.60* Grade 10, 11 or 12 Student $708.50* * Family Fee Discounts are applicable if more than one student attends either the College or another Parish & Diocesan School. See Schedule of Fees on Website. Compulsory : per Family 2014 School Levies Cost per Term Building Levy $125.00 Magazine Levy $ 6.00 P&F Levy $ 5.00 Information Technology Levy $ 50.00 Thursday Activity Levy Yrs 8, 9 & 10 $ 50.00 Subject: per Student Cost per Term Instrumental Music Program - $13/week $130.00 for a 10 week term Instrument Hire $ 20.00 Certificate III in Child Care Yr 11 & 12 $ 60.00 Certificate III in Fitness Yr 11 & 12 $ 30.00 Industrial Arts - Design & Tech. - $ 35.00/unit Some students do more than 1 unit Manufacturing or Systems Industrial Arts - Cert 1/2 in Engineering - Cert 1/2 in Furnishing $ 40.00/unit Some students do more than 1 unit Industrial Arts Cert 1 Manufacturing $ 35.00 Pathways Industrial Arts Snr Tech Studies $ 25.00 Certificate III in Christian Theology Yr 11 & 12 $ 30.00 Junior Visual Art Yr 9 & 10 $ 40.00 Senior Visual Art Yr 11 & 12 $ 52.00 Other: per student Annual **Laptop Service Levy (Yr 10-12) $ 40.00 Lock & Locker Hire $ 10.00 ** An Annual Laptop Service Levy is charged each year to cover extended warranty and accidental damage protection for the student laptop. The levy is $40.00 but will be reviewed by the Accounts Department each year with the cost to be advised early in each school year.
Introducing our staff Mrs Debra Withnall DP Mission Mrs AnnMarie Arnold DP Curriculum Mrs Amanda Webb DP Pastoral and Administration Pastoral Leaders Curriculum Leaders
Mrs Debra Withnall Deputy Principal Mission Leadership of Faith and Spiritual culture Coordinating teaching and learning of Religious Education Guidance of service activities as a practical expression of our Christian faith
GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE WE ARE A CATHOLIC SCHOOL WHERE PEOPLE AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE AT THE CENTRE OF COLLEGE LIFE
CHARISM GOOD SAMARITAN A spirituality concerned with seeking God, prayer, relationships, stewardship of the planet and the common good. It assists us to contribute to the real issues confronting our modern world, and people s search for meaning. MARIST Building communities that are sacred spaces where people can find God and meaning for their lives. Willingly we welcome meaningful relationships with people in an environment of trust. In this way, together, we become sowers of hope, and show others that they are valued members of society.
Family Spirit Our Family Spirit demands that each person is given love, attention and respect in a safe environment. We strive to help our young people to find a balance between their need for independence and interdependence. At the heart of this spirit is St. Marcellin's rule: to educate young people, you must love them. MARIST FIVE PILLARS OF SPIRITUALITY Presence All staff are called to be a Gospel presence for our young people and to be actively immersed in their world. We `walk gently, yet firmly' with our students, and invite them into respectful relationships with each other. We are conscious that young people yearn for relationships that are warm and welcoming, trusting and respectful, ready to foster honest dialogue, and life-giving. As such we strive to create an environment where all people know that they are valued. Simplicity The young people in our care are invited to be authentic about whom they are as individuals and as a community. Part of this invitation is created by the staff's commitment to being genuine and straightforward. Humility and modesty are encouraged. Love of Work Through work we enhance our quality of life. All students at Assumption are assisted to appreciate the dignity of work; to recognise the importance of serious effort and the need for sacrifice. In the way of Mary MARIST FIVE PILLARS OF SPIRITUALITY This pillar encapsulates our Marian spirituality. As Marists we believe that Mary is the perfect disciple, and that we will come to better know Christ's love by following her example of faith, strength, care and compassion. Following in the way of Mary calls us to humbly assist others, and to be aware of the gentle presence of God in and through the ordinary events of everyday living.
Religious Education at Good Counsel College Formal classes for all, providing a framework for students to develop meaning in their lives and skills to develop meaningful relationships and resilience. Practical opportunities to reach out to others in a manner of service, as an example of our Christian faith. Happiness and meaning for life those who learn the lesson of loving themselves and others, hold the key to well-adjusted meaningful lives. John 13:34-35
Mrs AnnMarie Arnold Deputy Principal - Curriculum Leadership of the Curriculum Team Organisation of the timetable Management of student subject choices
WHY choose Good Counsel College? Our NAPLAN scores have consistently been at or above State and National averages 2013 Graduates: 50% of students received an OP between 1-10. 98% of Year 12 students who applied for a tertiary course received an offer.
Careers for our graduates 2013 graduates at university are studying: Education/Arts 14 Engineering/Science 5 Law 5 Medicine/Health 15 Business - 5 Good Counsel College is offering a sound, academically rigorous education which is enabling our students to achieve their career goals.
WHERE will your child be? Classrooms around the school will be used by Year 7 and 8 students, particularly specialist rooms. At lunch time Year 7 and 8 students will be in Mary s Place Lockers for Year 7 and 8 will be in Mary s Place as well.
Structure of the timetable at GCC Each day is divided into six lessons of 45 minutes. This makes 30 lessons each week. There are seven lines and each has four lessons per week. There are three hours allocated for each subject. Thursday afternoon is Sport time.
Smoothing the transition into high school All Year 7 & 8 students will be in a Core Group for RE, English, Maths, Science, Social Science. They will be with this class of children throughout the year for these subjects. In other subjects students will be with a different mix of children. Students will have the same teacher for two core subjects (eg Maths & Science, English & Social Science). They will have a maximum of 5 teachers at any given time.
What will your child learn? At GCC we will continue to comply with the guidelines of the Australian Curriculum Core subjects already being implemented include: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography. Phase 2 & 3 subjects will be implemented in 2015
What subjects will your child do? Line Subject Details 1 Religious Education Core subjects will be studied 2 English for the whole year. 3 Maths 4 Science 5 History/Geography One semester of each. 6 Business & Economics Civics & Citizenship Health & Physical Education Languages (Japanese or Chinese) Students do these subjects for one term each. 7 Technology The Arts Students choose 2 Technology subjects and 2 Arts subjects. They will study each for one term. Digital technology Design & Technology Food & Textiles Graphics Music Art Drama Media
How will your child s individual learning be addressed? In all classes teachers offer a differentiated curriculum to ensure the different needs of students are taken into account Learning enrichment activities After school tutoring Maths & English Yourtutor internet-based tutoring Learning support Mrs Carin Henry Social Emotional Learning Coordinator Mrs Jacinta Goodes
Mrs Amanda Webb Deputy Principal Administration & Pastoral Administration and management of day to day activities Leadership of the Pastoral Care and Student Well-Being team
Respecting Others The College expects that students will respect all others, their good names and their property, and that they will show special care for the poor, the disadvantaged and the suffering. The development of moral action and values according to the Gospels permeates every aspect of College-sponsored activities. We encourage and promote Christian love, justice, personal dignity and respect. In such an atmosphere, learning is maximised.
Expectations Students from Good Counsel College understand respect and discipline. They know that rules have to be followed, no matter where they are in life s journey. Our expectations are in place to assist us to maintain respect in the College community.
Expectations Parents can support us greatly by supporting our expectations regarding: Uniforms Jewellery Mobile Phones and other technology
Pastoral Care and Positive Behaviour Culture - a relational approach PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM helps prevent mistakes and problems by teaching students how not to get into trouble in the first place RESTORATIVE PRACTICES allows students to reconnect with community by involving them in fixing their mistakes.
The Four Pillars of Education The Delors report to the United Nations on Education in the 21 st Century identified four pillars of education: 1. LEARNING TO KNOW 2. LEARNING TO DO 3. LEARNING TO BE 4. LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER
Pastoral Care Good Counsel College emphasis on Family Spirit Home Room and Year Levels Vertical Home Room Pastoral Groupings (students from all year levels) Horizontal for age appropriate Year level activities eg camps and retreats, excursions
Pastoral Care Program Education at Good Counsel College is about the whole person. We maintain a pastoral care program which incorporates Social and Emotional Learning. This program helps students to understand people and relationships as they progress through the sometimes turbulent adolescent years.
Restorative Practices At Good Counsel College we believe that fixing a problem means also repairing the relationships. We are committed to a Restorative Practices approach Relationship focused approach Enhanced connectedness to school where relationships are paramount Improved well-being & happiness
Restorative Practices All people make mistakes students are no different We work with our students to help them repair/restore relationships when mistakes are made. Good Counsel College is a community full of hope. There is always something positive that can be done. We don t give up on your child.
Mrs Gabrielle Doolan Year 7 Coordinator Mr Dennis Wolbers Year 8 Coordinator
Year Coordinator Role In our school we have a commitment to particular care for every student. Pastoral Team: Year Coordinator Home room teachers Classroom teachers Student welfare teacher Learning support teacher Counsellor
Year Coordinator Role To ensure confidence and happiness To facilitate close contact between parents and teachers To ensure the bridge between primary and secondary learning is strong, safe and consistent Communication between home and school is really important, encouraged and very welcome.
This year Attend parent information nights. Collect information handout Attend your child s interview (tonight) Alert school to any special needs, medical conditions or allergies
After the interview You will be sent an Enrolment offer including: Uniform and stationery requirements Tuckshop menu and ordering procedures Orientation Day invitation You will be asked to confirm your acceptance via email to Mrs Catherine Mifsud.
Orientation Day Participate in the Orientation Day program. Date: Year 8 Wednesday 22 October Year 7 Wednesday 05 November Time: 9am to 1:00pm Meet: at the Champagnat Centre (CHC) Wear current school uniform Parents/carers are welcome to attend Morning tea will be provided for students Adults will be invited to join us in the lunchroom for a cuppa and the chance to meet staff.
Orientation Day Booklet Rules and restorative practices guidelines Procedures for absences, illness, leaving school grounds, medication Uniform pricelist Tuckshop menu Campus map Sample timetable and bell times Helpful advice from previous year s students
Further Information A letter will be sent in November with the latest updated information on uniform pricing, tuckshop menu, starting dates and any other details relevant to the 2015 school year. A parent information evening will take place in the first few weeks of the 2015 school year to provide an opportunity for you to meet your child s Year 7 or 8 teachers, ask questions and discuss any concerns.
First Day Meet at the Champagnat Centre (CHC) Assigned to classes and teacher Teachers take you to rooms and give out diaries, locks and timetables Textbooks and lockers assigned Chance to get organised, ask questions, get to know others in the group Taken to Mary s Place for Morning Tea and then collected and taken to next lesson