TCE Connect
Research with Purpose: Supporting Better Outcomes for Students
Townsville Catholic Education's (TCE) commitment to supporting staff professional growth is creating opportunities that extend far beyond individual careers, with Speech Language Pathologist Harriet Naylor embarking on research aimed at improving learning outcomes for students in the early years of
Celebrating culture through children's literature
For St Anthony's Catholic College School Officer Elliot Passi, storytelling has always been part of who he is. Raised on stories passed down through generations of family, culture and Country, Elliot recently had the opportunity to help bring one of those stories to life as the illustrator and co-au
New partnership builds stronger, more inclusive teacher pipeline in North Queensland
A new collaboration between CQUniversity and Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) is set to grow and strengthen the region’s education workforce, with a focus on accessible, culturally responsive pathways into teaching. The formal partnership creates a structured, supported journey for both Fir
Teaching Kindness
At Southern Cross Catholic College, kindness is more than just a value spoken about in the classroom, it’s something that is lived out each day by students, teachers and families. Thanks to a local initiative led by parent and small business owner, Danielle Barry, that message of kindness is n
The Link Between Faith, Wellbeing and Student Belonging
Imagine the beginning of the school day in a busy Australian secondary school at 8.35am as the first bell has rung. There’s a chaotic symphony of slamming lockers, squeaking shoes and the electric hum of adolescent anxiety. In this sea of hormones and faces, every student is asking the s
Behind the Scenes of You + Me: A Southern Cross Story
Every so often, a school community produces something that reaches far beyond the classroom - something that captures its heart, its creativity, and its belief in young people. You + Me, a new short film written and co-directed by Southern Cross Catholic College teacher Courtney Dibben, is exactly t
Local Students Recognised in Prestigious 2025 Premier’s QCE Student Award
Five students from Townsville Catholic Education have been honoured with the 2025 Premier’s QCE Student Award, a prestigious statewide recognition celebrating exceptional academic achievement. The award acknowledges students who exemplify the values of the Queensland Certificate of Education a
Digital Wellbeing: Managing Technology and Screen Time in Queensland Catholic Schools
In Queensland Catholic Schools, technology and screen time play a major role in improving engagement, providing access to a range of resources and supporting learning from Prep students using Smart Boards, iPads and Chromebooks to learn basic Information and Communication Technology capabilities. St
St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand acknowledged as the top primary school in North Queensland
The outstanding academic performance of students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand has been highlighted with the release of the 2025 NAPLAN results, confirming the school as the highest-performing primary school in North Queensland, for a second year in a row. The results demonstrate
How to Become a High School Teacher in QLD
Becoming a high school teacher in Queensland isn’t just a career choice with the benefit of paid holidays at the end of each term–it's a deeply personal and rewarding journey, often shaped by the communities we grow up in and the different paths we take along the way. My own journey to b
Teaching Careers: From Graduate to Leadership in Catholic Education
This discussion will explore the career trajectory and benefits of becoming an educator in the Catholic system, highlighting the professional pathways, personal fulfillment and spiritual rewards that come with serving in faith-based education. Opportunities available for educators in Catholic school
Social Media Age Restrictions
In November 2024, Australia’s Parliament passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024. The bill was introduced to address ongoing concerns about the impact of children’s access to social media platforms.The new legislation will come into effect on 10 Decem
Cyber Security Awareness Month - Ransomware
Welcome to the final week of Cyber Security Awareness Month! This week, we’re addressing one of the most destructive threats facing all of us, both professionally and personally: Ransomware. Ransomware Impacts: What’s at Stake? Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files, m
Cyber Security Awareness Month - Links and Attachments
This week, we're focusing on the single most common entry point for attacks: links and attachments, and why your vigilance and reporting are our best defences. The Dangers Behind Suspicious Links A single click can lead to immediate compromise. Malicious links can do several things: Credential Thef
What's With the "6,7" Trend?
If you’ve found yourself scratching your head lately after hearing your child or their friends repeatedly say “6,7”, you’re not alone. Many parents have been asking what it means and whether it’s something to be concerned about. After chatting with a few parent friends
Cyber Security Awareness Month - AI-Powered Phishing
This week, we're focusing on one of the fastest-growing threats: AI-powered social engineering and phishing. Why AI-Powered Phishing is on the Rise Traditional phishing attempts were often easy to spot due to poor grammar, awkward phrasing, or generic content. Generative AI tools have changed this d
Cyber Security Awareness Month - Passwords
Welcome to Cyber Security Awareness Month! We'll be uploading an article with tips each week this month to help you boost your online security.To kick things off, let's review the importance of strong, unique credentials. A good passphrase is far better than a simple password. Tips for a secure pass
Scholarships now open
Investing in Tomorrow’s Teachers: Townsville Catholic Education Opens 2025 Scholarships Townsville Catholic Education is taking bold steps to address the national teacher shortage by investing in the next generation of educators through a suite of scholarships. Designed to support local high s
Turning Plastic into Possibility: St Anthony’s Students Shine at Global Stage
At St Anthony’s Catholic College, caring for creation is at the heart of everything we do. Following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, our students and staff work hard to embed sustainability into daily life - from composting food scraps and running Containers for Change, to finding in
Pastoral Care in Catholic Schools: What Does It Look Like?
What is Pastoral Care? Pastoral care is the cornerstone of Catholic education and involves a whole school approach to supporting the spiritual, social, emotional, educational and physical wellbeing of every student. Pastoral care is infused into the life and culture of schools and grounded in C
6 Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling
In today’s busy world, Catholic schooling provides a strong and lasting foundation, helping students grow in character, faith, and purpose for their future. Catholic education extends far beyond just academic teaching. Based on Gospel values, the teachings of Jesus and the dignity of every pe
11 Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument at School
Learning a musical instrument at school isn’t just about playing the right notes – it’s an experience that engages the brain, body, and spirit. If you choose a violin, trumpet, clarinet or even a triangle playing an instrument helps students develop their creativity, confidence an
How to Become a Primary School Teacher in QLD
Do you want to become a teacher in a Queensland primary school? So did I, and it's been a fun and rewarding adventure thus far. My name is Julia Lynch, and I am currently in my second year of teaching here in Townsville, Far North Queensland. I currently teach grade one at Holy Spirit Catholic Prim
The Role of Arts in Education: Benefits Beyond Creativity
Creativity is the spark that turns dreams into progress. Without it humanity stands still; with it, we shape the future. Introduction As a drama teacher, I’ve been lucky enough to see firsthand the transformative power of arts education in the classroom for over 20 years. Across Australi
Mental Health and Well-being Education in Catholic Schools
Catholic education aims to support children and young people across all areas of life by providing a safe and nurturing environment enabling students to flourish socially, emotionally, academically, physically and spiritually. Our values and beliefs are founded on the tenets of Catholic faith which
Rooted in Tradition, Renewed in Mission: Reflections from Our APRE Retreat
The recent APRE retreat was a profoundly enriching experience, weaving together the mystical, wisdom, and sacramental traditions of our faith in a way that was both reflective and deeply engaging.Our exploration of the mystical tradition brought us face to face with the lives of Teresa of Avila, Hil
Excursions in the Early Years
“Wow, that’s brave” is the most common reaction our Prep team received when sharing they were taking 100 Prep students on an excursion to the Museum, 20 minutes away. Whilst it may feel unimaginable to some, the authentic, real-world learning experiences and connections to self it
More Than a Game: Sports, Culture, Adventure, and Growth in New Zealand
Ryan Catholic College has successfully embarked on its most ambitious and largest international sports tour to date, with 70 students and 14 staff recently travelling to New Zealand’s North Island for 11 unforgettable days of sport, culture, and adventure that provided our students a once-in-a
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
