Gryphon Times | 27/03/26
principal's message
Over the past three weeks, Downlands College has experienced a period of strong community engagement and student achievement across a range of co‑curricular and pastoral activities. One of the highlights was Grandparents Day, when more than 500 grandparents were welcomed onto campus. Students shared classroom experiences and participated in a special morning tea, strengthening intergenerational connections within the College community.
Sporting and mentoring initiatives were also prominent. During the same week, the 1st XV rugby team visited the Junior School, sharing lunch and activities with younger students in a gesture that reinforced leadership, service, and community bonds.
Student success was evident in interschool competitions. At the Glennie School Interschool Equestrian Competition, Downlands riders achieved strong results, including reserve champion titles in dressage and show horse events. Similarly, the Cattle Show Team enjoyed an exceptional weekend in Oakey and Warwick, with multiple first-place finishes, championship awards, and recognition for excellence in judging and parading.
Collectively, these events reflect Downlands College’s continued emphasis on holistic education, community connection, and excellence beyond the classroom.
MISSION
At this time of year, we continue to reflect on the themes of this Lenten period. Each year, through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia offers us a significant opportunity to become ambassadors for Christ. In other words, we must try to live the message of Jesus, which is one of justice, compassion, inclusion and care. We know that Caritas is the Catholic Church’s most important and successful fundraising branch. It began in Australia, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Each week, we’ve offered each House the chance to donate to Project Compassion. We’ve also provided some more extensive information on each of the men after whom the Houses have been named, and we’ve come to a greater awareness of just how significant their contribution has been to the story of the MSC. We wanted each of the Houses to be proud of their founders and to use this as inspiration for generous and enthusiastic giving to the Caritas Project Compassion appeal. The response has been incredible. On the back of over $1800 raised from Shrove Tuesday, in each short week, each House, in both the Junior and Secondary spaces, has raised more than $1000! This has far exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful for the generosity of our community. Our fundraising will continue through to the end of the Lenten period, and we thank families across the College for their support in our efforts for Caritas.
Another highlight this term has been our Retreat Days for our Year 8 and Year 10 students and Pastoral Development staff. Michael Fitzpatrick from Belum provided students and staff with an opportunity not just for fun and fellowship, but also the experience of deep reflection. Students were invited to consider what truly matters to them, as individuals and as a community of young people who will lead our future society, which they are now helping to shape. Next week, we’re looking forward to the Year 7 Tradition and Spirit Day – a special day set aside for the Year 7s to build their own community and deepen their understanding of their place and role as MSC Downlanders. Our final day will be an opportunity for us to come together as a whole College community for a special liturgy to mark the commencement of Holy Week.
“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” ~ St John Paul II
Winter Uniform Starts Term 2
PREP UNIFORM
- Sports polo shirt - College crest and House colours
- Downlands sports shorts or Royal blue and red tracksuit pants with College crest
- Downlands white sport socks
- Conservatively coloured runners; non-marking soles
- Royal blue cap or bucket hat with College crest
- Royal blue hoodie or unisex tracksuit jacket with College crest
BOYS WINTER UNIFORM
- Royal blue blazer with College crest (Years 4 - 12). The College blazer must be the first outer garment worn during the winter months.
- College Jumper (Years 1 – 3). Can be worn with the unisex tracksuit jacket.
- Optional: College Scarf when worn with College jumper or blazer.
- Blue College shirt with crest (Years 1 - 9)
- White College shirt with crest (Years 10 - 12)
- Dark charcoal long pants with College crest
- College striped tie; Year 12 - Senior tie
- College charcoal socks with College stripes or black /grey business socks (novelty socks not permitted)
GIRLS WINTER UNIFORM
- Royal blue blazer with College crest. The College blazer must be the first outer garment worn during the winter months.
- Optional: College Scarf when worn with College jumper or blazer.
WINTER - OPTION 1
- Blue shirt with College crest (Years 1 - 9)
- White shirt with College crest (Years 10 - 12)
- College striped tie; Year 12 - Senior tie
- Dark charcoal pleated skirt; length - below knee
- Opaque black stockings
WINTER - OPTION 2
- Blue College shirt with crest (Years 1 - 9)
- White College shirt with crest (Years 10 - 12)
- Dark charcoal long pants with College crest
- Plain black belt
- College striped tie; Year 12 - Senior tie
- College charcoal socks with College stripes or black/grey business socks (novelty socks not permitted)
SCHOOL LOCKER | Easter School holiday opening hours
The hours for the next three weeks will be as follows:
Monday 30th March - 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
Tuesday 31st March - 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
Wednesday 1st April - 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
Thursday 2nd April CLOSED
Friday 3rd April CLOSED
Thursday 16th April - 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
Friday 17th April - 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
Monday 20th to Friday 24th - 1st week term 2 - Open every day, 8am to 4pm (Closed for lunch 12-12.30pm)
GRANDPARENTS DAY
We were absolutely delighted to welcome over 500 wonderful grandparents to our campus for Grandparents Day. The grounds were filled with smiles, laughter, and precious moments as our Downlanders proudly showed their grandparents around and shared stories from their school day.
The morning was made even sweeter with a beautiful morning tea served on the front lawns, where grandparents and grandchildren sat together chatting, taking photos, and simply enjoying each other’s company under the sunshine.
A huge thank you to every grandparent who joined us. Your love, wisdom, and support mean more to our students than words can express. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they introduced you to their teachers and friends was something we will all remember for a long time.
We hope you enjoyed every moment as much as we did!
The 2026 Musical Mamma Mia!
The excitement continues to grow as we edge closer to Opening Night of the 2026 Downlands College Musical, Mamma Mia! Students are hard at work perfecting their performances, bringing energy, talent, and passion to the stage as they prepare for what promises to be a spectacular show.
Tickets are available via the
EMPIRE THEATRE for performances on Friday 29th and 30th May. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay or you might miss out!
Year 8 Spirit Day
This year, St Patrick’s Day also marked the date of our Year 8 Retreat.
The day was facilitated by presenter, Michael Fitzpatrick, who has a deep understanding of the need to create greater personal awareness and healthy relationships with peers.
The day started by allowing students to connect with each other in an informal setting, getting to know their peers’ interests and hobbies.
In a relaxed setting, the students were also able to explore many significant topics and unlock group issues that were relevant to the cohort.
Mr Fitzpatrick also encouraged many students to ‘get out of their comfort zones’ and explore what respectful, supportive relationships look and feel like.
While many might have been afraid to sing publicly, it was wonderful to see some students embrace this challenge!
The day allowed for reflection, personal growth and encouraged our students to feel confident and authentically themselves.
Junior chess competition
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 15 intrepid Downlanders from the Junior School, accompanied by three staff members, Ms Darr, Mr Calder, and Mr Shaw, boarded the Robinson bus for Rangeville State School to meet and compete with 350 primary students across Toowoomba at the Toowoomba Chess Club Individual Primary Chess Competition.
The three students from Year 3 and the twelve from Years 4 to 6 competed in 7 rounds of competition chess with varying degrees of success, with almost everyone scoring at least one win. The discussions of what worked and what didn’t were intense, but we all learnt something new and experienced a great time of friendship making, teamwork support, and skill development. Beaming faces and endless discussion on tactics and moves were the order of the day – and that was not just the students but the parents who came to support their student on the day - thank you!
The students conducted themselves in an exemplary manner throughout the day, exhibiting great sportsmanship and a true Downlander spirit. Our Year 4 students were standouts, with Elijah Barker our top result in the Open Category on 5 out of 8 points coming in 63rd in a field of 224 competitors. Max Anthony was our best novice result on 3.5 out of 7, placing 45th out of 99 competitors.
For a very young Chess program, these results are really promising and will no doubt develop in the coming years
We are looking forward to the next Primary Team Competition in early September and the Secondary Team Competition in August.
Sporting Achievements and
Community Spirit Shine at Downlands
It has been a busy and exciting week of sport at Downlands, with many teams competing at a high level and representing the College with pride. We congratulate all students who have participated in Term 1 sport. Your commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship have been outstanding throughout the season.
The past week has seen a number of our teams reach Grand Finals, with more still to come. Our 1st VII Netball team recorded a strong 43–28 trial match victory over Mary MacKillop, showing promising form ahead of their upcoming season.
In cricket, both the 1st XI and Under 15 teams competed in the T20 Grand Finals against St Mary’s. While both sides were narrowly defeated, their efforts to reach the final and compete so strongly are to be commended.
Our AFL program also celebrated success, with the Under 17 Boys team securing an impressive 81–56 Grand Final win over South Toowoomba. The Under 17 Girls team also performed admirably, finishing as runners-up after a hard-fought match.
The 1st XV Rugby team faced a strong Marist Ashgrove side in Brisbane, gaining valuable experience despite the result not going their way.
Our Downlands Red Water Polo team finished fourth in a tough Toowoomba Water Polo competition and the Blue team finished 6th.
In Touch Football, our 12 Boys, 14 Boys and Open Girls finished as Runners-up in the Toowoomba Touch Competition and our Open Boys finished as Champions in an undefeated season.
Introducing our health hub champions
My name is Sian, and I've been a Registered Nurse since 2021.
I am a Toowoomba girl, born and bred and lucky enough to be an old Downlands student myself. I loved my time at the school so much that I could not pass up the opportunity to come back and work at the place that shaped me into the person I am today.
I studied nursing after school at USQ here in Toowoomba, and then was lucky enough to secure a postgraduate position on the Paediatric Ward at Toowoomba Hospital, and I have never left. During my nursing career so far, I completed my Paediatric Transitions Program and then went on to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing. This year, I have enrolled in the Post Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education, as I currently do one shift a fortnight in Paediatric Diabetes Education at Toowoomba Hospital and have a strong interest in this field of paediatric nursing.
Along with this, I was lucky enough to join the Downlands Health Centre team last year and now work here every Friday. I thoroughly enjoy working at the school, and we have the best team in the Health Centre, which makes my job easy to enjoy.
My favourite part of working in this role is getting to know the students, learning about their backgrounds, and building relationships with them to make the health centre a safe and welcoming space for them to visit while they are unwell. I love having a chat and enjoy using my past school experience and knowledge to build rapport with the students.
Outside of work, I am often found keeping myself busy, riding my horses, baking, going to the gym or going on adventures/travelling!
KEY DATES | TERM ONE
Please refer to the College Calendar on My Downlands to plan ahead.
Junior School
Interhouse Cross Country (5-8yrs) - Monday 30 March
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 30 March
Junior School Assembly - 8:50am, Tuesday 31 March (Jules Hall)
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 31 March
Interhouse Cross Country (10–18yrs) - Wednesday 1 April
Term 1 concludes at 3:00pm - Wednesday 1 April
Secondary School
Year 7 Tradition & Spirit Day - Tuesday 31 March
Lenten Liturgy - Wednesday 1 April
Interhouse Cross Country (9–18yrs) - Wednesday 1 April
Term 1 concludes at 3:00pm - Wednesday 1 April
KEY DATES | TERM TWO
Please refer to the College Calendar on My Downlands to plan ahead.
Junior School
Term 2 classes begin - Tuesday 21 April
ANZAC Day Ceremony - Friday 24 April
Years 4, 5 & 6, P&F Connection event - Sunday 26 April (CLICK HERE TO BOOK)
Easter Eucharist - Tuesday 28 April
Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 4 May
Choral Gala Concert - Wednesday 6 May
Mother's Day Liturgy - Friday 8 May
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea - Friday 8 May (4:00pm) (Ticket link coming soon)
Mother's Day High Tea - Saturday 9 May (Ticket link coming soon)
College Photos - Monday 11 May (Junior School & Siblings)
Under 8's Day - Wednesday 20 May
P&F Meeting - Wednesday 20 May (5:30pm)
College Musical - Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May (CLICK HERE TO BOOK)
Year 5 Camp - Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 June
Sacred Heart Day - Friday 12 June
Junior School Athletics Carnival - Monday 15 June
P&F Meeting - Wednesday 17 June (5:30pm)
Term 2 concludes at 3:00pm - Thursday 18 June
Secondary School
Boarders Return - Monday 20 April
Chevalier & Harris House Community Lunch - Monday 20 April
Parent Teacher interviews - Monday 20 April (2pm to 5:30pm)
Term 2 classes begin - Tuesday 21 April
ANZAC Day Ceremony - Friday 24 April
Easter Eucharist - Tuesday 28 April
Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 4 May
Glen Slater & Junior Oratory Competition - Tuesday 5 May
Choral Gala Concert - Wednesday 6 May
College Photos - Friday 8 May (Secondary Students & Descendants of Past Students)
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea - Friday 8 May (4:00pm) (Ticket link coming soon)
Mother's Day High Tea - Saturday 9 May (Ticket link coming soon)
National Boarders Day - Monday 11 May
Year 12 Retreat - Monday 11 to Friday 11 May
Year 11 Assessment - Monday 18 to Friday 22 May
P&F Meeting - Wednesday 20 May (5:30pm)
Years 8 , P&F Connection event - Saturday 28 May (Ticket link coming soon)
Years 11, P&F Connection event - Saturday 28 May (Ticket link coming soon)
College Musical - Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May (CLICK HERE TO BOOK)
Year 8 Moovers & Shakers - Tuesday 2 June
Years 7 to 9 Social - Friday 5 June
Year 11 Leadership Day - Monday 8 June
Years 7-10 & 12 assessment - Monday 8 to Thursday 11 June
Sacred Heart Day - Friday 12 June
Merici Chevalier Cup - Friday 12 June
Years 9, P&F Connection event - Saturday 13 June (Ticket link coming soon)
Years 10, P&F Connection event - Saturday 13 June (Ticket link coming soon)
Interhouse Athletics Carnival - Wednesday 17 June
P&F Meeting - Wednesday 17 June (5:30pm)
Years 10-12 Enrichment Day - Thursday 18 June
Term 2 concludes at 3:00pm - Thursday 18 June
Withdrawal of enrolment notice
Clause Section 7 of the Conditions of Enrolment which states: Changes in Enrolment 7.1 Parents shall give the Principal notice, in writing, should your family status change in relation to the contractual circumstances and financial liability for your child’s enrolment. 7.2 If you wish to change your child’s boarder/day status, you must give the College ten (10) weeks' advance notice prior to the commencement of the next term, in writing and addressed to the Principal. Failure to do so may result in increased fees and charges to complete the transition. 7.3 If you wish to withdraw the enrolment of your child from the College you must give the Principal ten (10) weeks’ advance notice prior to the commencement of the next term, in writing and addressed to the Principal. Failure to meet these conditions renders you liable for the payment of one term’s tuition, levies and/or boarding fees, and other fees and charges prior to the final day.
