Term 1, Week 9 - 23.03.2021
- Principal News
- Identity
- Student Engagement
- Primary News
- Years 5-7 Curriculum
- College Careers
- Sport News
- Library News
- Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical
- Cadet Practice
- Year 12 Retreat Information Evening
- Year 7 Immunisations
- Parent Portal
- Tuckshop Weekly Lunch Plan
- SMC Business Register
- St Saviour's College Open Day
Principal News
Reading Part 3
Reading for enjoyment!
In this third and final instalment of some ideas around reading for our boys, I wanted to focus on the idea that enjoyment of reading builds motivation and ultimately leads to better outcomes for our sons. There is some research around this.
A recent study on NAPLAN has revealed that girls do outperform boys in reading, especially in the early years. There is also evidence over the past ten years that a focus on NAPLAN performance has fundamentally changed the teaching of reading (and writing) practice for young people across Australia - without the improvement in outcomes that governments desire. To build on this, the study attempted to draw a correlation between enjoyment of reading and performance in NAPLAN on reading scales. Not surprisingly, the study found a positive relationship between enjoyment of reading, reading frequency and NAPLAN reading outcomes for boys and girls.
So, what does this mean for us as parents, and as teachers, trying to encourage our boys to read?
- Expand school reading beliefs: We have a responsibility at St. Mary's College to challenge beliefs that reading is somehow a "feminine" pursuit. We must continue to promote reading as an essential "life skill" and to bring to the fore texts that our young men are likely to be more interested in. Enjoyment of any type of reading, especially with paper-based books, builds motivation for further reading in the future.
- A focus on the "arts": Boys like to be involved with something active in the curriculum. A focus on "writers in residence", or "artists in residence" or "poetry week" or "musical theatre" where reading of scripts is common are essential to building fundamental interests in our boys and helps them to make connections between the arts and reading as something significant and vital.
- Boys need to choose their books 50% of the time: For St. Mary's College, it is important that we leave choices of texts to read to the boys at times. By providing a wide range of choices at school (and at home where this is possible), however, we are giving boys the chance to experiment with different types of books and hopefully build interest in a wider range of text types in their later school lives.
- Mentoring: Our vertical mentoring system provides us with the opportunity for our older students to help the younger students to role-model interest in books. This may be possible during our Extended Mentor sessions each Wednesday starting in Term 2.
- Let them talk: Boys who are reluctant readers need to have successful reading experiences. Use literature circles with mixed-ability grouping, providing boys with the support they need to focus on the “big ideas” in the story, as well as on the words and structure of the texts. At St. Mary's College, we use literature circles and guided reading for exactly this purpose.
NAPLAN practice
We hope that our learning about reading brings forward some successful outcomes in NAPLAN for our boys now and in the future!
Just a brief note in this newsletter to re-assure parents that NAPLAN preparation has started in earnest in 2021. St Mary's College will participate in NAPLAN online this year. As our Year 5-9 boys use iPads as our device of choice, it is very important that these devices are properly maintained and carried and looked after well around the College. If there are any issues with the devices, these must be sorted out with the College immediately.
The school uses a wide range of strategies to prepare for NAPLAN. Our day-to-day lessons in English, Maths and other subjects contain learnings to prepare for the test. There are, however, dedicated lessons for NAPLAN preparation in Years 5, 7 and 9 also. For example, our Primary Year 5 teachers are provided with strategies and resources to prepare the students for the full range of NAPLAN exams: Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy.
The dates of NAPLAN online are 11-21 May 2021 for Years 5, 7 and 9. Please read your emails and this newsletter carefully for NAPLAN news in the lead-up to the exam.
St Mary's College Formal
May I pass on my congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who are participating in the Formal this coming Friday night? The night is an opportunity for our boys to be formally introduced as Senior leaders of the College. Because of the time and placement of the Formal in the College calendar, I would see it more as an "emergence" into the community of adults at the College. In other words, it is a "beginning" rather than an "end".
I see rituals at boys' schools as very important milestones for the individuals involved. They are signposts in a young man's life to indicate a time of change. The new role our boys have been preparing for is as student leaders in the College. I have mentioned to this group a number of times that they are our "eyes and ears" around the College. It is not enough now to be innocent bystanders if something is not quite right. We expect the highest standards of effort and behaviour, reflecting our motto of "striving for the crown".
Finally, I congratulate the boys themselves. They have worked very hard already this year and I have really enjoyed working with each and every one of them during Term 1. I am looking forward to seeing all of our young men being exceptionally well dressed and part of an occasion which reflects the high standards expected at St. Mary's College, Toowoomba.
My reflection for this week:
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT – Week beginning Monday 22nd March
Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 12:20-30
This week’s Gospel begins with people wishing to “see Jesus”, perhaps not to simply observe Jesus, but to ‘see’ Jesus so that they might understand.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us think of where we see Jesus today. Do we see Jesus in the millions of people displaced around our world? Do we see Jesus in the people who don’t have the basic necessities to live life to the full? Do we see Jesus in those willing to help others?
In the Project Compassion story for this week we learn of, or ‘see;’ Halima, a Rohingya woman living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Through our support of Caritas Australia, Halima and her two children now have access to clean water and sanitation facilities within the camp, along with access to food and clothes. Halima, with the basic necessities to support her family can now look forward to the future. Through Halima’s story we are able to see and hopefully understand a little more of the human experience.
Later, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks of service: “Whoever serves me must follow me”. When we see Jesus in the struggle of human experience, do we serve and follow Him?
We should never underestimate our acts of service and our call to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” As one tiny seed can yield a rich harvest, our almsgiving and support of Caritas Australia is one way we can ‘be more’ by standing in solidarity with millions of people around the world.
Like Jesus, we, too, are made for eternal life, and are united with Him as we serve. How can we stay committed to respond to what we see and continue to serve the children, women and men most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice?
Prayer of Intercession: Loving God, we pray for the women, children and men displaced by conflict; that we continue to work for peace and be the welcoming face of our God to all who seek refuge.
Amen.
Peace.
Mr Brendan Stewart, Principal - stewartb@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
As we come to the later days of Lent and the end of term, and look towards the cross and the empty tomb, it is a good time to reflect on what has happened for us this Lent. The reading from Sunday’s Mass is confronting for all of us. John writing in 120AD of Jesus was dealing with a community now distanced from the physical person of Jesus, but still waiting, wondering and watching.
John 12:25
Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
What does that mean? Unless we are confronted with the reality of losing our life we often pass this off as another pithy saying, with no personal impact. Essentially, the writer John is confronting us, what are the important things in life, and do we focus on them or live a life distracted. Only you can answer that for yourself.
As it was International Poetry Day yesterday, I leave you with a excerpt from one of our nation’s greatest poets, Les Murray. This is from his poem The Fishermen at South Head.
They encourage one another, at a distance, not by talk but by being there.
Braced, casual normality. Anything unshared, a harlequin mask, a painted wand flourished at the sun
would anger them. It is serious to be with humans.
Live Jesus in our hearts,
Forever.
Take care,
Mr Paul Grealy, AP Identity - grealyp@stmaryscollege.com
If you would like to watch the Easter ceremonies, or join in the celebration of the Eucharist at St Patrick’s Cathedral each week, please click here.
Student Engagement
Red Frongs
Red frogs spoke to our Year 12 boys last week about the work that they do to support young people.
Red Frogs work with young people at schools, at universities and at events such as Schoolies, music festivals and parties, with the goal of helping young people to make better decisions.
Thanks to Ben and Andre for the time they spent with us.
Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com
Primary News
Caritas Easter Raffle
Thanks to the Primary boys who have generously donated Easter Eggs for the annual Caritas Raffle. There are raffle tickets on sale for 50c per ticket. The Year 6 boys will be selling these outside the Food Tech rooms at lunch breaks. The raffle will be drawn on the last day of term.
Year 6 Camp Information Evening
Parents and students are invited to attend the Year 6 Camp Information Evening this week.
When: Thursday 25th March from 5.30pm
Where: Upstairs Duhig building (closest to Hill Street)
Easter Parade, Egg Hunt and Dance Showcase
This Friday, 26th March, the Primary boys will be participating in the annual Easter Hat Parade. Parent Paperwork has been sent out to parents for them to RSVP if they are able to attend.
We are looking forward to seeing the great creations.
As a bonus, we will also present to parents a snippet of the dances the boys have learnt with Mrs Pauli in P.E. this term.
Mrs Terese Dyne, Head of Primary - dynet@stmaryscollege.com
Years 5-7 Curriculum
In Term 2, NAPLAN will take place with our Years 5, 7 and 9 students from Tuesday the 11th of May until Friday the 21st of May. Within this testing window, students will be completing a series of tests that are focused on basic skills that are administered annually to Australian students.
NAPLAN tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. This testing system identifies whether all students have the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for their learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. Students are assessed using common national tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests broadly reflect important aspects of literacy and numeracy in the Australian Curriculum.
In 2021 all Years 5, 7 and 9 students at St Mary's College will complete these tests electronically. The NAPLAN software will be downloaded onto students’ computers over the coming weeks and a trial test will take place in Week 1 next term. Please keep an eye on your emails over the coming weeks as more information is sent through.
For more information, please visit the ACARA/NAPLAN site.
College Careers
Tax File Numbers
All students will need a Tax File Number (TFN) if they start work or begin tertiary education. Importantly, current Year 12 students will be requested to provide their TFN on enrolment to TAFE or university next year.
Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. To apply and to find participating Post Offices, visit Apply for a TFN.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) GAP Year applications are now open.
Make good use of a gap year and consider joining the Australian Defence Force. Get an exciting 12-month taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, full job training, meaningful work, memorable experiences and more.
To find program benefits and jobs available in 2022, please click HERE.
There are also many information sessions running, so take a look at https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustralia/events.
If you have an interest in the ADF, then please visit the Careers Centre in DUHIG 21 for more information.
Careers with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
The Careers with STEM hub is a student-focussed website that includes surprising STEM careers pathways, insights into the future of work and 100s of diverse STEM role models.
Their aim is to inspire students about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. They have quizzes, competitions and a quarterly magazine full of interesting articles!
Have you ever considered a career in the space industry?
STEM have a recorded webinar. Please click HERE to watch. Jobs in the space industry are incredibly varied – who knew?
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
If you are interested in a School-Based Apprenticeship, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr Barber via email at barberp@stmaryscollege.com or drop in to the Careers Centre in DUHIG 21.
You will need to complete a SBA Expression of Interest Form and have a current resume and cover letter.
Resume templates and information to assist are available on the Careers Canvas page, link below.
School Based Apprenticeship | Year Level | Location | Closing date |
| Certificate III in Warehousing | 10, 11 and 12 | Sheriff Electrical Wholesalers, Toowoomba More information here | ASAP |
| Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | 10, 11 and 12 | Ortem Café, Toowoomba | ASAP |
| Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Technology | 10, 11 and 12 | Sarina Russo Apprenticeships, Toowoomba More information here | ASAP |
School Based Apprenticeship Sign Ups
Jack Eyers (Year 12) with Emily Weeks of BBC Qld Pty Ltd. Jack has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Carpentry school-based apprenticeship.
Mitchell Morris (Year 11) with April Long of NRG Services. Mitch has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician school-based apprenticeship.
Jack Kowitz (Year 10) with Jo Coutts and Joe Sutton of Mick Sutton Concreting. Jack has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Concreting school-based traineeship.
Sport News
Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to Flynn Anderson, Tyler Robinson and William Stone who have been selected to participate in the AFL State Championships in Mackay from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th May 2021.
Congratulations to Ryan Bidgood who has been selected to participate in the Hockey State Championships at Cairns from Saturday 22nd to Tuesday 25th May 2021.
Congratulations to Scott Forknall and Brock Smith who have been selected to participate in the State Championships being held at the Highfields Football Club from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th May 2021.
Well done to the Madden boys, Jacob, Riley and Ryan who represented SWQ Opens Mixed and Men’s at the National Touch League in Coffs Harbour last week. This year saw teams competing from the NT, VIC, QLD, ACT and NSW.
Cross Country
Cross Country is a College event and all students are expected to attend. We encourage all boys to participate to the best of their ability on the day, and to be part of the culture, atmosphere and fun that our carnivals provide. Every student who attends will earn points for their House. These points will contribute to the overall 2021 House winner at the end of year.
Spectators are welcome to attend Cross Country.
Location: Kearneys Spring Sports Complex, Cnr Ruthven and Spring Streets, Toowoomba
Requirements: Students are to bring food, hat, water bottle & wear the sports uniform
Arrival: Students are asked to make their way directly to Kearneys Spring on the day and arrive by 8.30am. Mentor rolls will be marked at 8.45am.
Departure: Students will be dismissed from Kearneys Spring at approximately 2.50pm. Those boys who catch a bus home from St Mary’s College will be transported back to the College by 3.00pm.
Transport: Bus transport will be available to and from Kearneys Spring, for students who arrive to St Mary’s College by bus and CANNOT arrange alternative transport to the venue.
Tuckshop: We will be running a BBQ on the day - sausage in bread ($2), soft drink and water ($2) chocolates ($1) and chips ($1). Students are encouraged to bring healthy/appropriate snacks.
Sun Protection: Students are required to wear a College hat (College broad brim, bucket hat and/or cap) throughout the day. Sunscreen, tents and permanent structures will also be available for sun protection.
Approximate times for events:
- 9.00am - Easter Liturgy
- 9.40am – Under 11 (3km)
- 10.05am – Under 12 (3km)
- 10.30am – Under 13 (3km)
- 11.00am – Under 10 (2km)
- 11.20am – Under 14 (4km)
- 12.10pm – Under 15 (4km)
- 12.40pm – Under 16 (4km)
- 1.10pm – Open (6km)
- 1.50pm – Staff v Students Cross Country Relay (8 x 300m)
- 2.20pm – Presentations
- 2.40pm – Students catching a school bus from St Mary’s College depart Kearneys Spring
- 3.00pm– Remaining students dismissed from Kearneys Spring
Mr Scott Cowan, Head of Sport - cowans@stmaryscollege.com
Library News
Reader of the Term, Term 1, 2021 – Michael Kisiel
What are you reading now? Black Clover N.9
Who’s your favourite author? I enjoy many different books, so I don’t really have a favourite author.
Do you have a favourite time or place to read? I really like to relax and cool my head in a nice, quiet place like the library.
In the past, was there someone who really encouraged you to read? Not really, I have always loved reading and being on my own.
Where do you get your ideas from about what to read next? Mainly from my friends and browsing the library shelves, finding out what’s new and what looks fun to read.
How does reading help you with your school assessment tasks? It helps make my writing very descriptive and informative.
Free & Voluntary Reading
The SMC Library encourages Free & Voluntary Reading (FVR) with students choosing books or literature of interest to them for reading in the classroom, in the library and at home. According to the Victorian Literacy Teaching Toolkit, literature in all text forms, such as novels, short stories, poetry and prose, is the cornerstone of being a successful reader and writer. The tastes and perceptions gained through engaged reading, interpreting, appreciating, evaluating and creating literature, enables students to expand their ideas, encourage critical thinking and create an awareness of new issues in their world.
Nodelman and Reimer (2003) identify the many enjoyments that children’s literature can provide, some of which are:
- The pleasure of having one’s emotions evoked
- The pleasure of the pictures and the ideas that words of texts evoke
- The pleasure of finding a mirror for oneself
- The pleasure of escape
Overdue Library Resources
Please remind your son/s to keep up-to-date with library loans through the Library Web App, where they can see overdue items. Each week students are emailed a list of overdue loans and we ask that this be actioned as soon as possible. Students can either renew or return their overdue library items. Any overdue library items not returned or renewed before the end of term will be billed during the last week of term. Your help with this is much appreciated!
"The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go."
-Dr Suess
Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com
Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical
After nearly 17 months of auditions, song practice, stage blocking and rehearsals we are only one week out from showtime. Please note the rehearsal schedule for the final week, including our three performances:
- Wednesday 24th March from 3.30pm to 5.00pm
- Sunday 28th March from 9.30am to 4.00pm (Technical Rehearsal)
- Monday 29th March from 5.00pm to 10.00pm (Dress Rehearsal)
- Tuesday 30th March from 3.30pm to 8.00pm (Dress Rehearsal)
- Wednesday 31st March from 8.30am to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 10.00pm (Show Day)
- Thursday 1st April from 5.00pm to 10.00pm (Final Show)
On behalf of the Creative team, I would like to acknowledge all the staff at St Mary's College for their ongoing support and assistance. To the parents and guardians who have juggled musical rehearsals with your children’s busy schedules, we say thank you. To our wonderful cast, you are amazing! Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and talent. Without you we would not have a show.
Tickets are on sale now through Trybooking.com. Be quick, we’ve currently sold over 75% of available tickets and the remainder are selling fast. Don’t miss out!
Book Online
Tickets are now available for purchase!
Cadet Practice
Cadet Practice will be held on the Oval on the following dates:
- Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March (Term 1, Week 9)
- Wednesday 31st March and Thursday 1st April (Term 1, Week 10)
- Tuesday 20th April and Wednesday 21st April (Term 2, Week 1)
The practice will be held during sport time on Wednesdays and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the above dates only.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Lucia Armstrong or Mr Paul Grealy if you have any questions.
Year 12 Retreat Information Evening
To ensure Year 12 Retreat is a memorable experience for your son, we ask that parents of all boys (no students) attend a compulsory Information Evening on Wednesday 12th May from 6.00pm until 7.00pm at the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. All details relating to the retreat will be explained. It is most important that at least one parent attends this information evening.
Year 7 Immunisations
Please see below catch up clinic dates at Ozcare located at 10 Pechey Street, Toowoomba:
- Thursday 8th April from 9.00am to 11.00am and 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Tuesday 13th April from 9.00am to 11.00am and 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Please phone (07) 4639 7888 if you would like to book your child in for their immunisations.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal has been implemented for communication and absence monitoring. Parents/carers have been granted access to student’s data via a unique key issued by the College. If you have not received the email, please contact reception via email on reception@stmaryscollege.com or phone 07 4631 7333.
Parents will be able to:
- View student's timetable
- Receive student report cards electronically
- View upcoming events and school calendar to keep-up-to-date
- Send absence notifications to school
New features added to the Parent Portal will be announced in upcoming newsletters.
Tuckshop Weekly Lunch Plan
The Weekly Lunch Plan has restarted. Please click on the following link to place an order: www.smcmeals.com
Please note the order window does not open until Wednesday afternoon, and will close Sunday evening at 8.00pm.
Sandra Kelly, Tuckshop Manager - kellys@stmaryscollege.com
SMC Business Register
Calling all St Mary's College Old Boys and Parents! Do you own a business or work for a business located in the Toowoomba region that would be interested in joining our Business Register?
We are often looking for businesses interested in mentoring, work experience, school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and more!
If this sounds like you, please fill out the following form.
St Saviour's College Open Day
