Term 1, Week 10 - 30.03.2021
Principal News
Who is "Jesus Christ Superstar"?
Nothing has given me more reassurance about the direction of the College than to see our boys, staff and girls from St Saviour's College prepare for our musical this week. I am a relative latecomer to being interested in musical theatre, with two of my children having been involved in many musicals and I now have a passion for this form of the Arts.
From my perspective, musicals showcase the best of what "The Arts" can bring to a College. Singing, acting, dance/movement, art, sound and lighting, and yes, music - combine to form an entertaining blend of drama and energy. Musicals are at their best when they bring forward an emotional reaction from the audience. It is the breadth of talent required which means that young men and women across a spectrum of skills and abilities are capable of being connected with musical theatre.
So, what is Jesus Christ Superstar about anyway? In the journey to Easter, our show brings the character of Jesus into focus. Jesus Christ Superstar traces the last seven days of the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Judas fears that the movement with Jesus at its head has become a personality cult with many of Jesus' statements being taken up and twisted by his followers. Jesus, therefore, must be stopped! Jesus is regularly ministered to by a street woman, Mary Magdalen but what is worse, he is being hailed as the Messiah. Judas meets with the Priests of Judaea and as a result of the meeting, agrees to betray Jesus for which he will receive 30 pieces of silver in payment. Meanwhile, Jesus preaches throughout the land offering riches in the after-life - but not here on earth.
You would imagine that what Jesus is promising is alarming to others in the community at the time. How is it possible that someone who is offering the promised land after a person has died is so popular? It doesn't make sense. At the very least, it challenges us to reflect on our treatment of others.
I can't wait to see the finished product at the start of Term 2. Given the circumstances this week, we have temporarily postponed the musical. However, I would like to congratulate the team behind Superstar, including John Condon, Benn Tracy, Shari Pauli, Lilliana Cowen, John Parker, Liz Frame, Kevin Murphy, Nick Joy and especially Leanne Peters who has been a tower of strength in keeping the show moving forward this year.
And as they say in this business… all the best and break a leg!
Learning Potential App
I am a firm believer that Parents and Carers are a child’s first and most important teachers. Let’s face it – the amount of time most of our boys spend at home is greater than the time spent at school. Of course, as educators, we have a key role in the P–12 learning journey. When scouring the web to find some inspiration for this article, I discovered that the Australian Government has created a useful app which compiles a list of hints, tips and strategies to help enhance the learning journey with your sons and daughters.
Learning Potential is a free app for parents, families and carers packed with useful tips and inspiring ways you can be more involved in your child’s learning. It is available for download on smartphones and can also be accessed on the Australian Government website. Most of us would be aware that researchers agree about the positive outcomes that occur when parents and carers are involved in a child’s learning. The app is designed to help you to be part of their learning and make the most of the time you spend together, from the high chair to high school. Take a minute this week to download this to your smartphone and see if there is an idea or a project that appeals to you and your son!
Some of the articles and tips that I found useful include (there are dozens like these):
- 5 tips to help your teen get ready for school in the morning
- Exam time – preparing for success
- Cyberbullying
- Does music help with study?
- Holiday challenge – 10 things to do with your teen
- What subjects star for ATAR?
Visit www.learningpotential.gov.au to find out more about this excellent, free Australian Government resource. Maybe you can kick-start Term 2 with a conversation about the app with your son.
My reflection for this week:
The Final Week of Lent
SIXTH WEEK OF LENT – Week beginning Monday 29th March
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1—15:47 or 15:1-39
Isaiah references both speaking and listening. The servant of God is both a person who can speak boldly with a well-trained tongue and a person whose ears and heart are open for listening. If we are to heal the brokenness of our world, we all need the grace both to speak and to listen.
The Passion reminds us that Jesus is the suffering servant. Christ “emptied himself and became the servant of all.”
We need this spirit if we are to bring an end to the war, violence, selfishness and injustice which divides us. We are called to be more. We need to be able to respond to the needs of the world and its people. Jesus is such a servant – one who is connected to our life, our struggle and our world.
Within the Passion we see examples of kindness such as the woman with the alabaster jar, who saw beyond the superficial and performed one of the’ good works’ just as we have during Project Compassion. “Leave her alone. Why are you upsetting her? What she has done for me is one of the good works.”
Veronica performed the simple service of wiping the face of Jesus and Simon assisted Jesus in carrying the cross. These are small acts in themselves but have had significant meaning over time.
Through the liturgies of Holy Week, we participate in the remembrance of Jesus’ final days. We are mindful too of the many women, men and children around the world who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.
We have seen examples of this poverty and injustice in the Project Compassion stories which highlight the support for those in Bangladesh, Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Indonesia where we have been able to help uphold their dignity.
It is for these and thousands of others that we are called to “be more” for they are the face of the suffering Christ in our time.
Let us ask ourselves: how can I recognise the face of Christ in all? How can I truly listen and speak boldly for justice?
Prayer of Intercession:
Loving God, we pray for the women, children and men most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice. That we continue to be of service and work together as a global family, to ensure that all people have what they need to live a full and beautiful life.
Amen.
Peace, and I hope Easter brings you many family memories to hold onto.
Mr Brendan Stewart, Principal - stewartb@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
This week is Holy week starting with Passion/Palm Sunday. The two dimensions of the journey for Jesus, the raucous crowds and “Hosanna to the King” and the desperate cry "why have you deserted me”. This is the human condition. We believe our God shared that condition. He became fully human, and like all humans experienced the fact that He had something special to give, as He stood in brokenness with the poor and those the system rejected, and in realising what He had to do He faced the loneliness and desperation of the cross. But the empty tomb gives us hope...
Israeli educational psychologist Haim Ginott writes about a letter that teachers would receive from their principal each year:
I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no person should witness: gas chambers built by learned engineers. Children poisoned by educated physicians. Infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot by high school and college graduates.
So, I am suspicious of education.
My request is this: Help your children become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths or educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more human.
My Easter prayer for you:
Here is the heart of the matter, the quintessence of desire. We do not flee, we do not chase. Here we sit and wait with wilderness in our mouths where once was heavenly breast. Here in the stillness of the watch, in a whirl of desert wind, we sit and learn the sacred art of travelling.
Source: Deborah Masel The Darkest Hour 2007
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.
NCCD
Years 5-7 Curriculum
In Week 1, Term 2 students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will partake in a Writing and Omnibus NAPLAN practice test. The purpose of the testing is to familiarise students with the software, test environment and style of NAPLAN questions. Student names and results will not be recorded during the practice tests.
Students are required to bring their iPad and headphones to each testing session. It is important that their device is fully charged. For more information about NAPLAN, including fact sheets, FAQs and examples of NAPLAN questions, please visit www.nap.edu.au.
College Careers
REMINDER: UCAT Bookings Deadline 10th May
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a two-hour computer-based test that assesses a range of abilities identified by universities as important in practicing in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and clinical sciences. The UCAT is required for entry to Medicine and Dentistry at certain universities, but not all. UCAT will be offered on a choice of dates throughout the month of July and early August 2021. UCAT bookings are open now and the deadline for bookings is 10th May, 2021.
- Students should be aware of important dates
- Students are encouraged to browse University Clinical Aptitude Test to find out more
- Browse details about the UCAT test format
- Read the essential Practice Tips to become familiar with the test before preparation
- UCAT practice tests are to assist students familiarise themselves with the type of questions they can expect to see in the test
- Completing practice tests is a vital part of preparation for the UCAT
- Another excellent link to browse is iCan Med - Resources
If you require assistance navigatingthe UCAT process, then please see the Careers Centre as soon as possible.
Queensland University of Technology Information session – Year 9 and 10
Year 9 and 10 students are invited to A quick guide to QUT: information session for Year 9 and 10 students.
The webinar will be held on Wednesday 28th April from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, and will provide students with tools to help make course and careers decisions and advice about subject selection.
Click on the link above to register for the webinar.
Year 10 Work Experience
Applications Due: Tuesday 20th April 2021 (First day of Term 2)
As part of the boys’ career development and understanding of post-school options, all Year 10 students will be undertaking work experience from Monday 21st to Friday 25th June 2021. This is a valuable opportunity for students to experience industries in which they have initial interest. They will also experience employer expectations, work conditions and interact with adults who they may not know personally, which for many will be a growth experience. Some students actively find workplaces where they may be able to gain part-time work, school-based traineeships and/or ascertain whether this is the industry or occupation that they wish to continue into further study. The benefits are far reaching and measurable.
What to do:
- During March and the Easter holidays, boys need to make contact with employers, either in person or by phone, to ask if they can complete work experience at these workplaces.
- The boys need to make this initial contact, supported by parents and teachers but not actually completed for them. Employers much prefer having students use their initiative. This will be a valuable learning experience for some boys.
- Ultimately, this is a week to gain experience working with other adults and locations that they cannot normally access, so wasting this opportunity on ‘an easy to organise but not an area I am interested in’ option is NOT recommended.
- All boys intending to work on a Construction site require attaining a Construction Industry White Card (more information to come).
- All boys who already have a School-based Apprenticeship/Traineeship can speak with their employer about working for this week instead.
Registration
- To register their Work Experience placement, boys need to go to: Work Experience Application form link (click here) and complete the MS form. This should be submitted by 20th April 2021 (First day of Term 2).
- Some workplaces and occupations are very competitive to gain a work experience placement so early employer contact is highly recommended.
- Full details are available in the Work Experience Student Handbook 2021 (click here).
All Year 10 students have now attended information sessions in their Skills lessons. We are certainly happy to assist the boys approaching potential employers and can support them by providing potential employer lists and enabling use of the Career Centre phones to make calls. Please visit the Careers Centre BEFORE the holidays.
Year 12 Students Careers Meetings Begin
All Year 12 boys and their parents will be invited to a Careers Meeting with either Mrs Jenny Ball, Mr Kris Glass or Mr Paul Barber. Most appointments will occur in Term 2 and Term 3, with a few interviews being held the last week of Term 1. The appointment will discuss pathway and transition options for each student, determining possibilities and identifying aspirations, and the practical ‘what needs to be done’ aspects. The individual appointment invitation will be sent to both the Year 12 students’ school email and the parent email address. Please RSVP as soon as possible. Parents are invited to attend in person, Microsoft Teams link or by phone. There is limited ability to manoeuvre most appointment times, but please let us know as soon as possible if the dedicated time presents a difficulty.
Interested in Painting OR Bricklaying?
Golden West Apprenticeships are running a Try-A-Trade Day where students from Year 10, 11 or 12 can try their hand at Painting and Decorating or Bricklaying.
The day will be held on Monday 10th May and spots are limited, so gentlemen if you are interested in attending then please see the Careers Team in DUHIG 21 as soon as possible.
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 Business | 10 & 11 | Wendy’s Grand Central, Toowoomba See Mr Barber for more information. | ASAP When position filled |
Certificate III in Business | 10, 11, 12 | Totally Workwear, Toowoomba See Mr Barber for more information. | ASAP When position filled |
Library News
Holiday Reading
With the holidays fast approaching, we encourage students to borrow books from the SMC Library to read over the break. Many boys have complained that during the busy assessment period, they haven't had time to read. Holidays are the best time to catch up on reading! Whether you are travelling during the break or relaxing at home, we are here to help your son find the right book or series. We have many new titles and series additions in the library, so please remind your son to borrow for the holidays.
Fun ideas to encourage reading for pleasure
According to the Softlink website, research shows that recreational reading is key to achieving and sustaining educational outcomes, as well as a whole range of other benefits. Here are some tips:
- Show, don’t tell - children are more likely to read for pleasure when reading is modelled by the adults in their lives.
- Make time to read aloud - narrative reading during childhood promotes memory creation and lifelong feelings of well-being.
- Give kids choices - encourage reading from a variety of genres, including graphic novels and manga collections.
- Try Podcasts, eBooks & Audiobooks - a family audiobook will keep passengers (and the driver) alert during long car trips.
- Do read at the dinner table - designate a meal a week as a "reading meal" where reading is encouraged.
- Make it social - think of ways to share your books with others, such as book clubs, book swaps, literary charades or maybe put on a play; the possibilities are endless.
Reading for fun allows children to connect with stories they love, regardless of the format, whether these stories are fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, eBooks or manga.
Encouraging students to read more, and, more importantly, to comprehend what they read, is the goal of any librarian or educator.
Overdue Library Resources
Please remind your son 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!
"Here’s to books, the cheapest vacation you can buy."
- Charlaine Harris
Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com
Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical
Due to the latest COVID-19 restrictions, unfortunately the Jesus Christ Superstar performance at St Mary’s College will not be going ahead on Wednesday 31st March and Tuesday 1st April 2021.
We are looking to postpone the production, however a date has not yet been confirmed.
The College will be in touch as soon as possible with a new date.
Thank you for your understanding!
Holiday Workshop for Parents
Road Crossing
A School Crossing Supervisor is needed for morning and afternoon shifts. A current blue card is neccessary.
The shifts are 8.00am to 8.30am and 2.55pm to 3.25pm week days.
This is a paid position. Please contact Dianne Burton via email at diane.burton@trm.qld.gov.au if you're interested.
Road Safety
