SMC NEWS 2024 - Term 4, Week 7
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thanks for your support over the past two weeks, during which we have had some senior leadership absent and, again, big events at St Mary's College (SMC). As an example, I attended the Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ Leadership Forum (Principal conference), and I would like to offer the following brief report to you.
In a packed agenda in the week beginning 28 October, there are some important projects close to finalisation which will, I believe, have a positive impact on our working relationship with you in the coming years.
Parent Code of Conduct and Parent Charter
The work on this project is expected to be finished before the start of the 2025 school year. These 2 documents will give a clear message to everyone in the community about the standards expected in our interactions between school and home. These documents will also mean that the SMC approach and guidelines aligns with Toowoomba Catholic Schools. I will keep parents informed of the progress of this project.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
The biggest announcement of the week, MTSS is a system which brings together a whole-school approach to learning, behaviour and social-emotional layers of support. Some parents may have heard about this approach already and it will be rolled out at SMC over the next 3 years. This work will include a review of our current restorative approach to relationships and our work with the RTC.
Teaching and Learning Framework
This document has been developed over the past 18 months and will outline expectations for Planning, Teaching and Assessment internally to SMC. Thankfully, our work at the College aligns with much that is in the document already and we are looking forward to further developing our work on a whole-school approach to curriculum planning as one example.
2024 Orientation Day
We welcomed new students and families to the College last Thursday! An amazing (but very hot) day was held to help students feel more comfortable in their new SMC environment. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff involved, but especially our Events team, Ms Petra Barnes, Ms Erin Kehoe-O'Shea, Mr Jack Hickey and Ms Marisa Roper, complementing the work of our House Leaders and teaching staff. Enrolments for next year are looking very positive, and the focus this week now turns to 2026. We will be holding a second, shorter "catch-up" orientation for those boys on various camps next week. Thank you to all families for your support of the College, and I hope you are getting a sense that we are and remain a welcoming and inclusive community.
Our Learning Culture – Online Learning Policy
At this time, where we are moving towards the end of the year, from time to time, we get requests for online learning. Just to be clear, our policy around online learning could be summarised as the following: "The College can provide short-term online learning activities for ill-health or suspension for 2-5 days. Our online provider, Canvas may be used for this purpose. Anything longer than this is beyond our scope". We are not a dedicated long-term online provider, and our resources are focused on face-to-face teaching and learning. Please contact the College if you have any queries about this policy.
Welcome to our Guests at the College this week
Jason Bongers (ERFA - Edmund Rice Foundation), Chris Thompson - Training of Drama students
We welcomed to St Mary's College this week Jason Bongers, from the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA). He worked with our AP Identity Mr Kevin Murphy and students this week. Jason is responsible for the national school relationships program — to engage students, teachers and school communities across Australia with the work of ERFA. He works with the ERFA team and members of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) to design, implement and manage effective communication strategies that promote ERFA’s work, nurture existing networks and relationships, and initiate new opportunities.
Welcome also to Mr Chris Thompson, who will become a regular volunteer at the College a couple of mornings a week to work with our Drama students. Mr Thompson is also conducting a night-time session with adults from the wider community at the College on Wednesday nights.
A Reflection - Our 2024 Senior Students
With our clap-out and Valedictory rituals, this week saw the formal exit of our 2024 Seniors from the College. By any measure, they have been an impressive group of young men and have had a very positive impact on the College. I offer the following - an excerpt from my speech this week to the young men - as a moment of reflection:
Max Ehrmann concludes his beautiful poem, ‘Desiderata’ with the words, “With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy!” Yes, friends, despite political mudslinging, despite war and poverty, despite the cruelty that too many on this planet respond with, despite the loss of dignity and personhood – despite all of this, it truly is a beautiful world.
Class of 2024
- Believe in the power within you.
- Know, with every fibre of your being – that you are “God’s work of art!” (Ephesians 2: 10)
- Know that you have, do and will make a difference.
- Know that you are more, vastly more, than any shallow media feed, algorithm response or greed driven media campaign.
- Know that life’s journey has its rainy days and gloomy days and sometimes the Winter can feel like forever – but Spring and the rainbow and the morning light will come, the air fresher and the vista more beautiful than ever.
Class of 2024
- In a world of so much rush and so much noise – find your quiet space, listen to the love whisper deep within that is yours and yours alone and is of love and therefore of God.
- In a world of fake news and the manipulation of truth – find your truth, your truest self through your quiet and still times, trust what you hear when it comes from deep within, keeps on coming, and is of love.
- March to your own drum, make your unique music and gift this world with a melody that it so desperately needs.
- In a world of Artificial Intelligence discover your unique spirit, your unique voice and gift, and your unique heart that no algorithm or no greed driven distant or hidden puppeteer can replicate or manipulate.
- Be you – your best and most beautiful you, warts and all, feet of clay and every colour of the rainbow – but walk each day and dream each day into your best and truest you!
- In a world of greed and hedonism, me and me, selfishness, short-term fixes and empty morning after experiences – block out the noise, the ever present shallow, emotion driven noise and find your symphony within.
- You are a masterpiece – God’s work of art – don’t let anyone tell you anything different nor doubt within the unconditional love of the artist.
- Honour friendship and risk to find a soulmate who knows you intimately, loves you unconditionally and dreams of a better world with you.
- Journey with a simple backpack. Place into it faith, courage, humility and kindness and your steps with take you every day further and further into peace.
Class of 2024
- May you know your unique gift to contribute to this world and using it, leave this world a better and more just place for all.
- Know that in giving you WILL receive.
- Know you never, ever, walk alone.
- May you grow ever deeper into the ultimate love – the arms of our Shepherd God who calls us by name, looks into our eyes and smiles, wraps arms around our fragile shoulders and whispers – “Let’s get going, on the adventure and beauty which is life!”
Sincerely
Brendan Stewart
College Principal
principal@stmaryscollege.com
Deputy Principal
Valedictory and Open House
This is always a special week in the College, as we farewell the Year 12 cohort for 2024. As I write this, we are well and truly prepared for their Final Assembly and Clap Out tomorrow to be followed by the Valedictory Mass and Dinner on Wednesday night. At the Val Dinner, I will be sharing some Memories with the boys and their parents as part of the ‘goodbye speeches’ that make up Valedictory. I will also be speaking about a new initiative that will launch in 2025. Beginning in February, St Mary’s College will be hosting an Open House. At these events, our Old Boys and past staff will be welcome to join us here at the College. The purpose of this program is to establish and maintain the ongoing connection between the College and the boys who have graduated. So, as this graduating group moves out the doors, they can do so knowing that the door is actually always open. We are hoping that this will give boys opportunities to access support and connection. This might include career guidance, employment connections, or just having a familiar and friendly face. Stay tuned for more information as this rolls out in 2025.
Regular newsletter readers would know that I sometimes reflect on the generational differences that we currently see in today’s world. I find this fascinating and it links in with our work to understand ‘today’s boys’. Today’s boys are fascinating and I count it as a great privilege to spend time with our boys each day. They challenge me to see the world differently, give me immense hope for the future of our world, and make me laugh. One of the more recent highlights of spending time with teenagers has been the education I have received around their language. And if you are one of those parents who enjoys making their children cringe, then this little laugh is perfect for you. I suggest you try it at the dinner table this week 😊
End of Year
As we reach the end of the year, families should be aware of the following:
- The assessment calendars have been available for some time now. The College does not normally move assessment for reasons other than illness.
- High school boys will be required to hand their College lock in before departing for the summer. If your son’s lock is not returned, you will be charged for its replacement.
- Lockers will need to be left empty over the break.
If you have any questions regarding the end of year processes at SMC, please make contact with the College Office.
Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
As I write, Week 7 is full of final activities and rites of passage for the departing class of 2024.
However, we continue to refresh and renew in preparation for new challenges and new horizons for the younger members of our community.
Year 10 Reflection Morning
Year 10 Students will participate in a White Shirts Reflection Morning on Week 8, Wednesday 20 November 2024 at the Clive Berghofer Stadium in Herries St.
The boys are to bring their own water bottle and shared morning tea for the activity.
- Start: 8:30am – Meet at ANZAC Place, SMC
- Shared morning tea – the boys are asked to bring something to share with the group for morning tea as the tuckshop will not be available to the boys for morning tea.
- BBQ Lunch provided (please advise of any dietary requirements)
- The boys will then go to Sport at the conclusion of White Shirt Reflection Morning.
Please note
Year 10 Students involved in the Concert Band will be playing a Christmas Concert for senior citizens in the ERCC on this morning. They will proceed to the Stadium at the conclusion of that event.
Year 6 Graduation Mass
The year 6 Graduation Mass will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 28th November (week 9) in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
Father Ray Crowley will celebrate this mass to mark the significant milestone of the conclusion of the current year 6’s primary education.
Students should wear full academic uniform to this formal event.
We look forward to welcoming parents and relatives to this celebration. After the event’s conclusion, parents will be served refreshments.
Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
Final assessment for 2024
Over the next 3 weeks, all our students will complete their final assessment tasks for 2024. Assessment is the culmination of learning and an opportunity for students to demonstrate their new knowledge, understanding and skills. While this can be a stressful time for students, we encourage them to remain focused, determined and organised. I have listed below some important points for students to consider:
- The ‘Absent for Assessment’ flowchart, then from the Assessment Guidelines, should be used in all situations where a student is not present for an assessment item. If you are unsure of the action to take in terms of being absent, then please contact me.
- Academic integrity is essential when students consider the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assessment items. While there are ethical ways to use this tool, there are serious implications for its misuse. The Assessment Guidelines offer guidance in this space.
Year 11 QCE Analysis
Over the past 2 weeks, Year 11 students have conducted an analysis of their current standing with their QCE attainment for 2025. The boys looked at their current points (based on their results for Units 1 & 2) and used realistic predictions to determine whether they are on track to achieve their QCE. I will be meeting with boys who are ‘at risk’ over the coming weeks to determine plans moving forward. I encourage you to discuss this analysis with your son and please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Angela Harris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
Graduation Week
What an exciting week it's been, a true privilege to watch our young men, seniors of 2024 graduate. It has been a privilege to observe first-hand the connection with the rituals that signify the journey that's being taken and the relationship between Saint Mary's college and parents, carers, staff and students.
It has been a week of reflection both for our boys and staff on the relationships and achievements of our St. Mary's men. What we may not all be privileged to is the back story of each young man who face life’s challenges with a soft heart, kindness of spirit, a determination to succeed.
I have witnessed the mixed emotions this week, the elation of completion Year 12 and the sadness of parting company. However, the most prominent observation of the deep connection between our students is truly , “once a brother always a brother”. To the seniors of 2024 I say congratulations, God bless, and may you strive to use your talents and gifts to serve others as you go.
This week’s St Mary’s SchoolTV special edition is focused on safe partying:
SPECIAL REPORT: A Guide To Safe Partying | St Mary's College - Toowoomba (schooltv.me)
Online Behaviour
Although the Internet presents our boys with some amazing academic and social opportunities, it also exposes them to harmful interactions and content. Online sexualization of race or sexism can have serious repercussions, such as bullying, emotional discomfort, or long-term psychiatric problems. Furthermore, these online activities might result in negative behaviours in the real world, which affect how our boys interact with people in person. Frequently, this content is directed towards users who are susceptible to being influenced.
Therefore, I encourage you to actively monitor your son's internet use. Please keep a close eye on the websites and social media platforms that they utilize. In addition, I would establish clear rules for appropriate screen time and online conduct and promote open discussions about what they're actually going through.
Most importantly have conversations with your boys about the impacts of words and actions both in real world and online.
Sextortion
Recently, I covered the sensitive but necessary topic of Sextortion. I wanted to follow up a provide further safeguards to families of our young men growing up in an increasingly and permanently connected world.
This week’s St Mary’s SchoolTV special edition is focused on “It contains insightful responses from experts in the field. SPECIAL REPORT: Sextortion | St Mary's College - Toowoomba (schooltv.me)
‘Sextortion’ has been an issue for over a decade, with many adults falling victim to this type of online crime. It is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images of you unless you give in to their demands. Access can be via social media, chat apps, instant messaging platforms and online games. More recently though there has been a higher rate of adolescent males falling victim, that is not to say that young females are not also targeted.
Since the beginning of 2022, there has been a 400% increase in this type of crime being reported to police in Australia alone. However, these figures are being replicated in most western countries. Having an understanding of how your young person can fall victim to such an offender may help to protect them from engaging or conceding to their demands.
It is vitally important for parents and carers to be aware of this serious issue and to start having an age-appropriate conversation as early as possible. Be aware that even with an online account set to private, random people can still message your child. Emphasise to your young person the importance of only engaging online with people they actually know, not someone they think they might know.
There are some very useful safeguarding strategies from the Online safety | eSafety Commissioner
Here are some suggestions for parents to safeguard your young people:
- Maintain open and honest dialogues with your young person about their online activities.
Talk to your young person about the risks of sharing personal information, their location and explicit content online. - Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on your young person's social media accounts to limit who can contact them and see their posts.
- Keep an eye on your young person's online interactions. This can include spot-checking their devices and being aware of the apps and websites they use.
- Create a safe environment where your young person can feel comfortable discussing any issues they encounter online. Let them know they can come to you for help.
- Consider setting limits on internet use, especially during late hours, to reduce the chances of encountering online predators.
- Teach your young person how to report suspicious behaviour or threats to the appropriate authorities and online platforms.
Matt Draper
Assistant Principal - Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com
Primary and Middle School Curriculum
Term 4 Assessment
As we continue with Term 4 assessments, students and families should check the Assessment Calendars in the next few weeks. We are entering a busy assessment period, so it’s important for students to meet deadlines to receive helpful feedback. These calendars show key dates and deadlines, helping everyone stay organised. You can find the Assessment Calendars on the St Mary’s College App under ‘links’. Due dates are also on the Canvas and Sentral Calendars.
Success comes from careful planning and submitting work on time. Students should use draft feedback to improve their work. By staying informed and proactive, we can make this assessment period successful. Good luck to all our students!
Subject Selections (2025)
Students in Years 8 and 9 should have received an email confirming their subjects for 2025. This is an important step for the next school year. If any changes are needed for students in Years 8 and 9, please contact me. For Year 10 students, Mrs Angela Harris will help with any subject changes. Making the right choices now sets the foundation for a successful academic journey.
Shari Pauli
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
paulis@stmaryscollege.com
Head of Primary
Wednesday 20th November - Concerts
Next Wednesday is a great day of music appreciation and a celebration of the Primary musical achievements for 2024. All parents are invited to attend the concert at 2 pm in the ERCC.
7.40am - Momentum Rehearsal
8.30am - Concert Band and Choir Soundcheck
10.00am - Vernados and Concert Band Christmas Concert Commences – All Primary Attend with
11.15am - Concert Concludes
2.00pm - Primary Ensemble Concert Commences – All Primary Involved
3.00pm - Concert Concludes
* For privacy reasons, we ask that no photos or videos be taken this year. The College will be taking photos.
Term 4 Swimming
Next week is the final week of swimming for this year. A reminder that this is a compulsory activity for all students. We will be swimming on Monday, 18th November, and Tuesday, 19th November. Years 5B, 5W and 5/6M will swim at 9.15 – 10.00am and Years 6B, 6W and 6G at 10.00 – 10.45am.
Primary Sport
This week is the last week of Interschool Sport. We will be having sport at school in Weeks 8 (all students) and 9 (those not on Merit Trip).
Year 6 Graduation
As Mr Murphy has mentioned, the Year 6 Graduation is being held on November 28th from 11.30am – 1.00pm. This will be a great celebration and reflection of the boys’ time in Primary school. Years 5 and 6 attend this event and parents and caregivers are most welcome to join us. The Year 6 boys are allowed to go home after this event to continue celebrations but must sign out from the office with a parent/caregiver.
* For privacy reasons, we ask that no photos or videos be taken this year. The College will be taking photos.
Yrs 5 - 9 Merit Trip Dreamworld
Recently the Mentor staff in conjunction with House leaders checked the eligibility data regarding the students’ capacity to attend the end of year Merit Trip. Parents/caregivers of eligible students have received an Edsmart Broadcast regarding this trip where they can book a ticket for their child for this trip.
The following details are provided:
Date: Friday 29th November 2024
Venue: Dreamworld Gold Coast
Depart: St Mary's College at 7.15am
Return: St Mary's College at 5.00pm - 5.30pm. Updates will be sent via email/sms
Cost: Non-Season pass holders: $80.00 - for park entry and bus fare
Season pass holders: $40.00 - for bus fare (students will be required to present their pass on the day at Dreamworld)
Permission is given to attend via purchasing a ticket. The list of students will be checked to see if all students are still eligible.
Students will travel to and from the venue on a chartered bus. The cost of bus transport has been included in the overall cost of the excursion. Parents are asked to arrange appropriate transport for your son to and from the College at respective times.
A normal school day will occur for students who are not attending.
Stephen Coren
Head of Primary
corens@stmaryscollege.com
Business Manager
Important Updates for Parents and Guardians
As we approach the end of the school year, we have several important updates regarding school fees and accounts:
- Payment of Overdue School Fees
We kindly remind all parents and guardians to settle any outstanding school fees as soon as possible. Timely payment ensures that our school can continue to provide high-quality education and resources for all students. - Finalising Accounts
Our accounts team is in the process of reviewing outstanding accounts for the current school year. Please review your statements and ensure all outstanding balances are cleared. This will help us close the year smoothly and prepare for the upcoming academic year. - 2025 School Fees Announcement
We are pleased to inform you that the school fees for the 2025 academic year will be released shortly on our school website. Please keep an eye out for this important update and plan accordingly.
For any queries or assistance, please contact our accounts office:
- Phone: 07 4631 7333
- Email: accounts@stmaryscollege.com
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
accounts@stmaryscollege.com
Reflection
