COMMUNICATIONS

Textbook Returns

Please check to ensure your son has returned all textbooks to the Gildas Centre. Any outstanding textbooks need to be returned ASAP between Monday 28 November and Wednesday 30 December.

Special Back-to-School Newsletter 

Saints News Special Edition will be published on Monday 16 January 2023. Previously this newsletter was printed and posted to families, but next year it will be in a digital format, as is the one you are reading now. 

2023 College Photos

NQ School Photography will be at the College on Friday 27 January. Photos can be paid for in the traditional way or next year we encourage families to use the online order forms.

The online order form is easy to use and payments are secure. Please use the College code/key 9PVB6UUX for access.

Kinetic Translink - Important Information

Welcome to all existing and new school bus travellers. 2023 is approaching and we have had some exciting changes. Sunbus and Love’s Buses have now been rebranded as Kinetic.

Kinetic has operated Cairns school bus and public transport services on behalf of the Queensland Government since 2019, when Sunbus joined its network, and we look forward to continuing to service your school community.

Translink has introduced new fares and zones that came into effect on Monday 26 September to make travel in Cairns simpler, easier and fairer.

Information about the fare and zone changes to the bus network in Cairns, including the updated network map, is available at the Mytranslink app, www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares or by contacting Translink’s 24/7 call centre on 13 12 30.

Apply for school transport assistance

Any student who is eligible for a bus pass should apply via the Translink website. As a guide:

• Primary school students must live more than 3.2km from the nearest state primary school.
• Secondary school students must live more than 4.8km from the nearest state secondary school.

Year 6 students need to reapply for bus passes for senior school, and when students change addresses or schools a new application is needed. 

Students who travel on the school bus network must produce their bus passes. Those who do not produce them may have their names taken to cross-check to ensure their eligibility.

Those who are not on the system or not eligible for passes must pay fares.

Safety-net assistance

If students live too close to their school to qualify for distance-based assistance, they may still be eligible for STAS assistance if listed as dependents on applications. They must be  under a Child Protection Order by Child Safety Services or their parents or carers hold one of the cards listed below:  

• A Health Care Card issued by Services Australia (or hold their own Health Care Card).
• A Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Applications must be the name of the cardholder and require evidence of eligibility. The cardholder must also agree to data-matching being performed with the Department of Human Services.  Apply for STAS online (School Transport Assistance Scheme)

For more information:

Visit www.qld.gov.au/schooltransportassistance 

Contact STASdigital.Helpdesk@tmr.qld.au 

Or 1300 119 289 for technical assistance with your online application.

Please select ‘TRANSIT AUSTRALIA (LOVES BUS SERVICE)’ - As your bus operator

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