Dear parents and friends,

St Colman’s Students Get Hands-On at Rocks Farming Company.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, our Year 5/6 students departed the school grounds for an unforgettable morning at Rocks Farming Company, nestled in Mona Park, near Home Hill. In collaboration with CQ Uni Agri‑Tech Education Officers Lilly and Grace, the excursion offered a vibrant, real‑world glimpse into modern farming life.

At Rocks Farming Company—one of Australia’s largest sugarcane producers, operating on 2,700 ha of irrigated land and maintaining a cattle herd on their original property—the students were taken on a guided farm tour under the supervision of Brian. The tour began with the bus venturing up a hill that overlooked the entire farm. From this elevated vantage point, students took in sweeping panoramic views of the sprawling sugarcane fields, cattle paddocks, and busy earth-moving operations—a stunning way to appreciate the size and complexity of farm life.

From there, students were taken down into the farm's heart — the working sheds and maintenance workshops. It was here that students discovered the variety of careers that exist on modern farms—from machine operators and farm hands to maintenance workers and even helicopter pilots involved in aerial surveys and technical operations. Students engaged in Q&A sessions about different jobs, GPS‑guided machinery, and how technological advances have assisted in the daily operation of the farm.

After returning to school, the learning continued with a session of “Tractor Code Creator”. The students programmed Edison robots to replicate the movement patterns of tractors—blending farming knowledge with robotics and coding skills. Another highlight for students was discovering how technology supports animal management and welfare, in particular wearable collars and tags to track and monitor movement patterns and the health of livestock in real time.  

A heartfelt thank you to Brian and Talbot at Rocks Farming Company, and to CQ University’s Agri‑Tech Officers Lilly and Grace, for bringing agriculture to life for our young learners. This excursion not only deepened students’ understanding of where their food comes from, but also ignited curiosity about agricultural careers and digital technologies.

FACE - Family and Community Engagement

Why is Parent Engagement so important?

• Research shows that 'parents and carers are one of the most important influences on a child's education.  When you are engaged in your children's education, your children are more likely to attend school and to perform better.'
• When families and schools work together, children are more likely to build good relationships and do better at school.
• Research also shows that any and all family involvement is beneficial, however, family engagement has the greatest benefit.  

What does FACE look like at St Colman's School ?

• No executive structure - ALL parents are automatically a part of FACE.
• We meet once or twice each term - Dates and times to be advised ahead of time.
• FACE focus areas include Catholic Identity, Engagement in Learning, Social Gatherings and Activities, Some fundraising opportunities (this is not a major focus).
• Meeting structure:
• Welcome and Prayer
• Brief Principal’s reflection
• Feedback from parents about the previous term
• Looking ahead to what’s coming up and how parents and families can be involved.
• Small working groups when required.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK FOUNDERS DAY  

1st August 2025  Friday 9.00—2.30pm  

St Francis Ayr, St Colman’s Home Hill and Burdekin Catholic High School will take part in these events.  It is an opportunity for each of our schools to share the story of the founders of the religious orders that established each school and participate in activities to celebrate our unique communities. 

If not already given, please consent to this event on Compass.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS  

All students will be transported to and from the event by bus. There is no cost for this event and fruit break and a sausage sizzle will be supplied.