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SMC NEWS 2025 - Term 3, Week 9

Week Ahead

Acting College Principal

Assessment Focus

The focus at the College this week is the assessment that is filling most of the days, and hopefully you have been hearing about this at home in conversations with your son. I would encourage all parents to talk to your sons about some useful strategies for the assessment zone – giving time to preparation, getting enough rest, eating well, asking questions of their teacher. It is also important that adults are speaking in a positive and encouraging manner when it comes to assessment. We are aware that assessment carries a level of stress, but so does life, and preparing our boys to work through stressful situations is critical to their success in life after SMC. If your son is having difficulties and you aren’t able to guide him to a solution, please make contact with his teachers here at the College – we are here to help.

Child Protection Week

The theme for Child Protection Week this year is a follow on from last year’s theme of “Every Conversation Matters.” As parents and carers, conversations between you and your children are vital – you are the most important people in your child’s life to advocate for them, listen to them, and share messages of safety and support.

This year during Child Protection Week we encourage parents and carers to speak with their children about their understanding of safety and their support networks. In particular, we encourage parents to educate themselves and have conversations with their children about online safety – an area we know that is a growing risk for our children and young people. You can access useful resources about online safety on the eSafety Commissioner’s website here: The hard-to-have conversations | eSafety Commissioner

During Child Protection Week our students engaged in a number of activities to reinforce safety messages – for primary school students, they were provided with two activities to complete in class time including a “Keeping Safe” activity and a “Circles of Yarns and Chats” resource to help them identify their personal safety networks. High school students were provided with a sticker with a QR code that links to our Toowoomba Catholic Schools website, to a webpage containing links to external support services (such as Headspace and Kids Help Line) as well as a reminder about our School Student Protection Contacts.

Should any student be concerned about how they are being treated by an adult, or another child or young person, they are encouraged to speak up to a trusted staff member or one of our School Student Protection Contacts (SSPCs). All students were reminded who our SSPCs are, and that they are depicted on the ‘Keeping Safe’ posters located around the school.

Child Protection really is everyone’s business, and we are committed to making our school a safe, secure, and protected place of learning for every student.

SMC Camp Program

Significant planning and consideration is given to the placement of year-level camps in the College calendar and in the current fortnight, both Year 9 and Year 6 cohorts will be on camp. For the Year 6 boys, the four days a K’gari provides a crucial opportunity to develop their independence. As parents, our role from the time our boys are born, is to ensure that the have the skills and attitudes that will live flourishing lives. That includes the independence to cope without a parent guiding them or making decisions for them. For the Year 9 boys, the camp focus is resilience – practicing their capacity to adjust, persevere and cope when situations are challenging, difficult and uncomfortable. The timing of this camp is also significant – working with boys as they start to step away from the middle school years and into the senior phase. The experiences of camps – when boys are away from home and the familiar – is a key element in this development. We are very grateful for the generosity of our staff who attend camps in a voluntary and honorary capacity – we couldn’t do it without you!

Events in Week 10

I will look forward to seeing many families at the Cultural Showcase next Tuesday and at Grandparents Day next Thursday. We love to have our families here at the College, and your boys love to see you here. It tells him in a very real and visible way that you care and that you are invested in his school life – no matter what his pursuits or interests might be.

Samantha Parle
Acting College Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com

Acting Deputy Principal

Illness and Attendance – A Balanced Approach

At SMC, we are committed to supporting student wellbeing while maintaining high expectations for learning. Regular attendance is vital for academic success, and we aim for all students to maintain a minimum of 90% attendance throughout the year.

However, in line with Queensland Government guidelines, students who are unwell must stay home to prevent the spread of illness and protect the health of our school community. This includes contagious conditions such as influenza, gastroenteritis, and COVID-19, among others. Parents and carers are reminded not to send students to school if they are sick.

If your son is absent due to illness, please notify the school as soon as possible. For Year 11 and 12 students, a medical certificate is required if they miss any assessment.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

Consistency of Teacher Judgement – Professional Development

The ongoing professional growth of our teachers plays a vital role in delivering the highest quality education for our boys. Last Friday, our teaching staff came together for a dedicated day of professional collaboration focused on assessment and moderation of student work. This valuable time allowed teachers to deepen their understanding of curriculum expectations, reflect on the alignment of assessments, and engage in rich professional dialogue. We also took the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed staff BBQ under the beautiful sunshine — a perfect way to recharge and reconnect as we head into the remainder of the term.

Angela Harris
Acting Deputy Principal
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Diocesan Feast Day Mass

Last Wednesday 1^st September, a group of boys from across the college attended the Diocesan Feast Day mass. This day was inaugurated in 1999 when our Diocesan Patron Mary of the Southern Cross was named. This of course, is the same Mary, mother of Jesus who has been our college Patron since 1899, so the day has special resonance for us at SMC.

During the Mass, Bishop Ken highlighted many of Mary’s qualities and through these, it was easy to see why the Christian Brothers had such a devotion to Mary. He took each of the qualities he had noted and dedicated each of them to one of the diocesan schools represented in the Cathedral.

St Mary’s received the word “Challenge”. As Mary was challenged to take on her role as the mother of God and to watch her son take up His own challenge, so we too are challenged in the everyday to live out our mission through our touchstones: Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education.

Diocesan Social Justice Award

In 2024 a group of our students in year 11 and 12 worked with students from Toowoomba Grammar School. They were moved to action by the issue of Domestic violence and coercive control and were moved to form a joint committee of young men to advocate for respectful relationships in our community. This led to an advocacy video being filmed in conjunction with students from Fairholme College and St Ursula’s College. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoNUfseSGek

I am delighted to report that this community work has been recognised by the Diocesan Social Justice Committee with the Social Justice Youth Award for 2025. The committee will receive a presentation from Bishop Ken at an event in term 4. Many congratulations to all boys involved in this important work. I also thank John Anderson, Deputy Headmaster at TGS for his wholehearted support of this project.

The committee will reconvene in 2026 to work on a new project in this area.

Hike for Homeless

Hike for Homeless takes place again this year at Jubilee Park, East Toowoomba on Saturday October 18th. Last year we had a team of staff and students take part for the second time. It’d be great to build on this in 2025 if we can. Families are more than welcome to enter as part of the St Mary’s Team. The link to join or donate is below.

St Mary's College - Toowoomba

All proceeds for this event go to BASE Services. BASE Services inc. is a Toowoomba-based, not for profit, community development organisation, that works with individuals and families in need in the Toowoomba community including men and women of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness.

Supporting this cause is very much in line with who we are as a community and reflects our Touchstones of Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education. Please consider joining our team!

Blessings,

Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

As exam season approaches, it's completely normal to feel a mix of pressure and anticipation. But staying calm, focused, and prepared can make a huge difference. Building healthy habits now will help you stay on track and reduce stress. Here's a quick checklist to help you reflect on how you're preparing—and maybe pick up a few new strategies to boost your performance and wellbeing.

Quick revision on have you been doing the following?

🧠 1. Created a Study Schedule

Break down subjects into manageable chunks.
Use planners or apps to organize revision time.
Include short breaks to avoid burnout.

🛌 2. Prioritized Sleep

Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
Avoid late-night cramming—sleep improves memory consolidation.

🧘 3. Practiced Relaxation Techniques

Try deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Even 5 minutes a day can reduce anxiety and improve focus.

🏃 4. Stayed Physically Active

Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress.
A brisk walk, dance session, or sport can do wonders.

🥗 5. Eat Brain-Friendly Foods

Fuel up with whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can spike anxiety.

💬 6. Talked It Out

Share worries with a trusted friend, parent, or teacher.
Talking helps release tension and gain perspective.

🎯 7. Set Realistic Goals

Focus on effort and progress, not perfection.
Celebrate small wins to build confidence.

📵 8. Limited Distractions

Create a quiet, dedicated study space.
Keep phones and social media out of reach during study time.

🎨 9. Taken Creative Breaks

Do something enjoyable draw, listen to music, or play a game.
Breaks refresh the mind and improve productivity.

🧭 10. Kept Perspective

Remind yourself that exams are just one part of life.
A setback doesn’t define your worth or future.

These 10 practices are habits that must be done regularly for you to achieve your very best.

It is very easy to get overwhelmed if things are left to the last moment. But remember, try things for this set of exams, figure out what made a difference and what you could do better next time.

Plan ahead.

All the best for the last weeks of term.

Russell Baldock
Acting Assistant Principal - Curriculum
baldockr@stmaryscollege.com

Student Engagement

Introducing the St Mary's 2026 Leadership Team

We are proud to announce the Student Leadership Team for 2026.

These outstanding students have been selected for their dedication, integrity, and commitment to making a positive impact within our college community.

As role models and representatives, they will lead with purpose, foster school spirit, and support their peers throughout the year. We look forward to the energy, ideas, and leadership they will bring to St Mary’s in the year ahead.

College Captain Max Murphy

College Vice Captain Ari Cowan

Academic Leader Jack Mauger

Cultural Leader Benjamin Wightman

Mission Identity Noel Binto

Mission Identity Ryan Reeves

Justice Aengus Graham-Smith

Sustainability Benjamin Otto

Sports Connor Kelly

Bowdler House Kobe Driscoll, Will Cook

McGoldrick House Xavier Newton, Jackson Winnett

Purcell House Jack Macbeth, Lincoln Charles

Waterford House Henry McMillan, Leroy Marsh

Prefects Riley Gartner, Isaac Palmer, James Geddert

R U Ok Day

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day. 

Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. At St Marys’ college we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day. Thursday this week was a specific focus in Mentor on giving our boys the tools to effectively check in on a mate and start the conversation with RUOK?

It’s natural to feel a little hesitant, but the good news is nine in ten Australians report feeling grateful, supported and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they're OK - and that’s a good reason to give it a go. You might even be having these conversations already without realising.

Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life

Formal 2026

We look forward to celebrating this milestone event at the end of Term 1 2026 with our Year 12 students. This notice to all current Yr 11 students and families identifies the criteria for attendance at this privileged event.

Key Expectations Year 11 and 12

St Mary’s College Toowoomba

Attendance

When calculating attendance, the following do not negatively impact absence calculation:

Approved Educational Absences

Medical Absence

However, the following do count as an absence and will negatively impact on the attendance rate

Unexplained - absent
Parent-Approved Absence
Late to class / Truant from class.

Parent Approved Absence

Keeping your child away from school for birthdays, family trips, visiting family and friends, sleeping in, working on assignments, looking after other children, or routine appointments such as haircuts are not acceptable reasons for being absent from school.

This week’s School TV focus is a SPECIAL REPORT on Shaping Healthy Masculinity

"If we want to disrupt the grip of harmful influencers, we need to offer real alternatives. These include positive male role models, emotionally intelligent educators, and school environments that promote respect and diversity”.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Merit Trip 2025

Every year, St Mary’s College acknowledges the positive efforts and exemplary behaviour and attendance displayed by students and invites them to attend a Merit Trip with students who have met the following criteria:

Semester 1 and Term 3

This reporting data set (Semester 1 and Term 3) will be used to determine attendance on the end of year Merit Trip, with regard to the following criteria.

Report Criteria

All Good and Very Good for behaviour learning attributes
No Ns for any learning attributes

Attendance and Suspension Data

Year to date data will be taken into account in determining attendance at Merit Trip

Attendance 90%
No Suspensions

Matt Draper
Assistant Principal - Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com

Primary and Middle School Curriculum

Literacy and Primary

As Term 3 draws to a close, our dedicated teaching staff are currently collating literacy assessments. This important process allows us to reflect on student progress, celebrate growth, and refine our teaching practices to ensure every learner is supported and challenged.

End of Term 3 Spelling Placement – Primary

This week, Primary students are completing their Spelling Placement Tests as part of our Promoting Literacy Development (PLD) program. These assessments provide valuable insights into each student’s spelling development and help guide targeted instruction. The data collected ensures that our literacy teaching remains responsive and personalised.

PROBE Reading Assessments – Term 4

Looking ahead to Term 4, all Primary students will participate in updated PROBE reading assessments. These assessments measure reading comprehension and fluency, helping teachers identify strengths and areas for growth. The results will inform our planning and allow us to continue delivering high-impact literacy instruction.

General Reminders – Years 5–9

Planned Absences
If your child will be away for any planned reason, please notify the College as early as possible. This allows us to coordinate assessment completion and ensure continuity in learning, particularly in practical subjects.
Assessment and Examination Dates
Please note that assessment and examination dates will not be adjusted for family holidays. Students absent during exams will receive a Not-Rated (NR) result. Assignments must be submitted by the due date—either during class time or by 3:00 pm via Canvas.

Academic Achievement – Years 5–9

We are incredibly proud of the effort and progress our students have shown throughout Term 3. Their engagement, resilience, and commitment to learning have been outstanding. As report cards are released at the end of term, we encourage families to review them together.

Please take time to discuss both the Achievement Grades and the equally important Effort Grades with your child. These conversations can be a powerful way to reflect on successes and set meaningful goals for Term 4.

Shari Pauli
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
paulis@stmaryscollege.com

Head of Primary

Respectful Communication at St Mary’s College Primary

At St Mary’s College, we value respectful relationships between staff, students, and families. Open and courteous communication helps us support student wellbeing and learning together.

We ask that all interactions with staff—whether in person, by phone, or online—reflect our shared expectations:

Communicate with respect and courtesy in all interactions, whether in person, by phone, or online.
Raise concerns calmly and respectfully, including making appointments at mutually convenient times and focusing on solutions.
Support the College’s ethos, policies, and practices, including our commitment to a positive learning environment.
Maintain trust and confidentiality, especially when discussing sensitive matters.

If you have a concern about your son’s experience:

Listen to your son and validate his perspective with relevant staff – class teacher in the first instance.
Follow the College’s procedures for raising and resolving a grievance or complaint.
Communicate respectfully and constructively to the class teacher, including making appointments at mutually convenient times.
Refrain from discussing other students or families inappropriately.
Avoid approaching other students directly — instead, as stated previously, refer concerns to the class teacher for follow-up.

Email is often the most effective way to reach teachers, as they are unavailable during class time.

In turn, our staff will:

Listen respectfully and maintain confidentiality.
Respond fairly and promptly.
Work towards positive resolutions in line with College procedures.

Together, we can continue to build a community grounded in empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Read the full Parent Code of Conduct here: https://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/media/5761/tcsparentcodeofconduct.pdf

Refer also to our Complaints Policy: https://www.stmaryscollege.com/our-college/reports-guidelines-policies/

Year 6 Graduation

The Year 6 Graduation Liturgy will be held in the ERCC at 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 26^th – Term 4, Week 8. Further information and invitations will be sent out early in Term 4.

Diocesan Feast Day Mass

St Mary’s received the word “Challenge”. As Mary was challenged to take on her role as the mother of God and to watch her son take up His own challenge, so we too are challenged in the every day to live out our mission through our touchstones: Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education.

Hike for Homeless

St Mary's College - Toowoomba

Year 6 Camp – K’gari

A reminder that medication and forms for the Year 6 camp must be given to Mrs Baldwin in the Board Room (College office) at 8am, Friday 12th September (tomorrow). The students have been given paper copies of the What to Bring list and medication forms.

The students have been reminded that we will gather in the Manual Arts Undercroft from 6am on Tuesday 16/9 for a 6.30am departure.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea must also be brought for the first day.

As advised previously, the College app will be used to notify parents and caregivers of the updates to our return time. If you haven't already, please download the app. You can find the link at the bottom of the St Mary's College website: https://www.stmaryscollege.com. Once installed, you can manage your notifications by going to Settings > Subscriptions.

The students have been reminded of our high expectations regarding behaviour leading up to and whilst on camp. School rules will still apply on camp. Following instructions and safety will be paramount. It would be greatly appreciated if you could also reinforce these expectations at home.

Library

Have you noticed something different in the library lately? Our Primary Area has grown bigger and better just in time for Term 4. There’s now more space to chill out, draw, play board games, and read your favourite books during lunch breaks. It’s already a hit with students!

Calling All Chess Champs: Think you’ve got what it takes to beat a teacher at chess? Sign up for our Student vs Teacher Chess Competition happening in Week 1 of Term 4. A senior student has taken the crown two years in a row… but after all your chess practice, maybe this is your year to become the new champion!

Book of the Week: Chess for Rookies

Want to sharpen your skills before the big match? Check out Chess for Rookies, a helpful guide to help you learn clever moves and strategies. You’ll be ready to take on any chess master in no time!

Learning Support

As we head into the final term of the year, it’s a great time to reflect, reset, and refocus. Term 4 can move quickly, so setting clear goals and routines now can make a big difference.

Tips for Success in Term 4:

Stay organised: Use a visual calendar or planner to track assessments, events, and homework.
Keep routines consistent: Regular sleep, healthy meals, and set homework times help students stay focused.
Ask for help early: Encourage your child to speak with their teacher or Learning Support staff if they’re unsure or overwhelmed.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge growth, not just grades. Confidence builds when effort is recognised.

Year 6: Preparing for Year 7

The transition to secondary school is exciting but can also feel daunting for some students. Here are some ways to support your child:

Talk about what to expect: Discuss changes like new teachers, classrooms, and timetables.
Build independence: Encourage responsibility for packing bags, managing homework, and using a diary.
Stay connected: Keep communication open. Ask how they’re feeling and reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions.

Our Learning Support team will continue working closely with students, families, and teachers to ensure a smooth and supported finish to the year.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s learning needs or transition support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mrs Kahl - KahlD@stmaryscollege.com.

Week 10 Year 5 Music – Mrs Peters

Year 5 Instrumental music will run in Week 10. Please remember your instruments. All instruments are to go home over the holidays to practice.

Selections for boys to choose their Term 4 sporting activities were completed today. Term 4 sports include:

Touch Football
Cricket
Chess
Friday Night Basketball – with training scheduled during the interschool sport time.

Sport

We are also excited to offer Mountain Biking again this term for up to 14 Year 6 students. Depending on numbers, touch players may be able to do mountain biking also. Please note that participants must provide their own suitable bike and helmet.

Students will train for the relevant sports tomorrow, with mountain biking completing a safety session with Mr Gregson at school - they will not require their bikes. All students will only require their sports uniform (no equipment).

In Health and Physical Education (HPE), the focus for Term 4 will be swimming. This will be delivered as an intensive program over two weeks, which forms a compulsory component of the curriculum. Sessions will be hosted at Glennie, with further information to be shared with families shortly.

Recently, our boys represented the school at the Southeast Queensland Progression Football Carnival. They performed strongly across the day, recording two hard-fought draws and a narrow 3–2 loss. The boys displayed great determination and teamwork throughout the competition, and we are very proud of their efforts.

Looking ahead to this week, we congratulate the boys selected to play in the Progression Rugby League game in Brisbane on Friday. We wish them the very best of luck and extend our thanks to Miss Ross, Mr Steer, and our senior leaders for their guidance and support with coaching.

Stephen Coren
Head of Primary
corens@stmaryscollege.com

Business Manager

Dear Parents and Guardians,

You should have received the September statements this week and I encourage you to review your statement to ensure all your payments have been allocated correctly and to check if you have missed any invoices. If your account is not up to date and you have no payment plan in place, please contact our friendly accounts team to discuss options. Where there is no communication or payment plan in place we will be following our debtor policy to follow up on outstanding payments.

Extracurricular activities

The College is committed to ensuring that additional costs are not added to accounts where affordability is a concern. To participate in extracurricular activities that involve a cost, it is essential that your account is in good standing. Over the coming months, we will be contacting parents/carers if there are any concerns regarding account status.

Please discuss with your son the financial implications of participating in extracurricular activities, especially if the cost exceeds your household budget. We are available to discuss payment plans if your account is in order. Our accounts team will reach out to discuss eligibility if there are any concerns.

Support from the Accounts Team

We understand that families may face financial challenges at times. Our accounts team is here to assist you in any way possible. Early communication is key, so please reach out to us if you need support. We are committed to finding solutions to help manage your school fees.

For more information on fees, please visit our website here.

Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
accounts@stmaryscollege.com