SMC NEWS 2024 - Term 4, Week 5
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you had a productive fortnight and are looking forward to the "sprint to the finish line" with your sons at St Mary's College! I will be at TCS Leadership Forum on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week and Ms Samantha Parle (deputy Principal) will be Acting Principal during this time.
Firstly - Year 9 Camp
In a very busy time for the Student Engagement team, last week 11 generous staff from all areas of the College, headed to Emu Gully for the Year 9 camp. From all reports, the camp was an outstanding success. Over the years, this camp has been a good indicator for our future work with each cohort, inside and outside the classroom. 135 students and 12 staff over 3 days is by any measure, a challenging experience for many! I can say with pride that the feedback around the camp from students, staff and parents I have spoken to has been very positive.
Many thanks to Mr Russell Baldock, who led the camp and once again demonstrated his versatility and debunking the "typical Maths/Science leader" myth that may still exist! He was ably assisted by all staff attending camp.
Our Camp and Retreat program at SMC is an essential element for the holistic development of our young men at the College. Each camp is connected to a spiritual or faith ritual at the College, led by the staff and at times, our senior students.
Our Learning Culture - Live Reporting
I am pleased that we have connected with more parents this year in our efforts to rollout Live, or Progressive Reporting. Live reporting is the process of releasing academic results to the community after assessment has been marked and moderated, instead of waiting for the report phase each term. We have received feedback about how we are handling this project in 2024. Our approach to this important work is developing constantly and your feedback is very important to us to keep on improving our process. In 2025, the aim would be that all year levels at the College have access to Live Reporting.
Our Master Plan and Projects
I am excited to inform you that the Primary Playground has formal Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) approval and will begin work over the Christmas holidays. Plans have been finalised and I will share the design with you all soon. Additionally, we have been given approval to build an additional amenities block close to our Drama Room in the Duhig block area. This will cater for the increasing growth of the College in the coming years.
Please be aware of the staffroom renovation that is happening at the College in the second half of Term 4. Teachers will relocate to classrooms in the Brennan block area while new furniture is being installed. This is a long-overdue project but I know staff will appreciate the updated furniture and layout of the staffroom.
There may be a short period of inconvenience around the playground while these constructions or renovations occur.
Parents and Friends Association
The College P&F has had another successful year and are looking for further members and support from parents in 2025. The P&F are the financial contributor to the new Primary Playground amongst many other projects at the College. If you are interested in knowing more about what the P&F do around St Mary's College, please contact Ms Tracy Dann, our P&F President, or Ms Erin Kehoe-O'Shea, our Director of Public Relations, at the College.
Reflection
What is All Souls Day?
Saturday November 2 is the Catholic Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed, or All Souls. On this day, we pray that all those who have died— our loved ones, and also those people around the world who we will never meet — through the mercy of God, will rest in peace.
All Souls Day Prayer
Merciful Father,
On this day, we are called to remember those who have died,
Particularly those who have died in the past year,
And pray for their joyful reunion with you, their loving creator.
As your son taught us to call the stranger
neighbour, our fallen are many—
Names we will never know,
Voices we have never heard,
In lands we may never visit,
Yet brothers and sisters all.
And so we pray.
For victims of war, caught in the crossfires of
conflicts we could not quell,
for soldiers and civilians,
adults and children, we pray …
Grant eternal rest, O Lord.
For victims of hunger, denied their share in the
bounty you have placed before us, we pray …
Grant eternal rest, O Lord.
For those refugees seeking asylum from war,
who died in a land that was not their home, we pray …
Grant eternal rest, O Lord.
For victims of emergencies and calamities everywhere,
who died amid chaos and confusion, we pray …
Grant eternal rest, O Lord.
Lord, as you command, we reach out to the fallen.
We call on you on behalf of those we could not reach this year.
You raised your son from the dead
that all may share in his joyful resurrection.
Live Jesus in Our Hearts,
Forever.
Sincerely
Brendan Stewart
College Principal
principal@stmaryscollege.com
Deputy Principal
Always Learning
When we speak with our staff here at the College, we sometimes discuss the idea that our boys are ‘always learning’. Sometimes, they are learning what we intend to teach, and other times, they are learning other unintended lessons. If you have ever had your child repeat a rude word that they may have ‘learnt’ from you, you will know how those unintended lessons can be a bit of a surprise!
This idea comes to mind as I review the activities of the last week – Year 9 camp, Primary sport begins, CBSQ Basketball and Rugby 7s on the weekend. While all of these activities sit outside our national curriculum, the learning that the boys experience in these spaces is very real and powerful. While we try to prioritise teaching and learning in the classroom, we are also very aware that resilience, self-care, compassion, grit and perseverance are qualities that are best developed in non-classroom settings. All of these recent events, as well as the many that have already rolled through our 2024 calendar, only happen because our staff generously volunteer to attend. I am grateful to more than twenty staff members who gave up their personal lives and time with family over the last week to ensure that our boys have these opportunities.
Dental Care
Families with boys in Years 5 to 8 would have received an Edsmart last week regarding the option to access the Qld Health Dental Care facilities in town. If you would like to take advantage of this service, your paperwork needs to be returned to our Main Reception by Thursday, November 1st.
Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner
The final ritual for our year 12s of 2024 takes place on Wednesday 13th November. The Valedictory mass will take place in Centenary Court commencing at 5 pm.
We encourage all boys to be there from 4.15 at the latest to be organised. They must be in full formal academic uniform. This will be the last time they wear it, so please encourage them to have shoes polished! They should also have appropriate haircuts and be clean shaven (again, for the last time!)
We look forward to welcoming you all to this beautiful and special liturgy.
The Mass will be followed by dinner in the ERCC for those students and families who have purchased tickets. Please get in touch with myself, Erin Kehoe-O’Shea or Petra Barnes if you have any questions about this.
Vinnies Buddies Day- Saturday 16th November
Every year, we assist our partners at Vinnies with their Buddies Day.
The Buddies Day is a planned day out for disadvantaged children from our region. Our boys, accompanied by girls from St Saviours College and Vinnies Youth Leaders, accompany the children on the day, sharing and encouraging the fun!
This year a picnic day is planned at Crows Nest National Park followed by a swim at Crows Nest Pool. The trip leaves at around 9am and will return to the college around 3pm.
Boys from year 10 and 11 are encouraged to volunteer. Please ask your young men to contact me about this, and as always please get in touch if you need more information.
Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
End-of-Year Assessment
All final assessment dates are available on the portal. Students are encouraged to set up study plans to ensure that they manage their time and stress levels over the coming weeks.
Families are reminded that, as per our assessment policy, students cannot sit exams earlier than the set date.
Subject Changes for 2025
All current Year 10 students would have received their subject offerings for 2025 last term. All current Year 8 and 9 students will receive their offerings this week. If students wish to make changes, then this is possible within the constraints of the timetable and depending on class numbers. If your son wishes to make a change, then he will require parental permission.
Angela Harris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
Yr 12 Student House Breakfast
As the year comes to a close, we would like to celebrate with our Year 12 boys over a meal together. Broadcasts containing the details have been sent out today to Year 12 students regarding the upcoming breakfast on Monday 11 November.
Please note that two venues are being used, Bowdler and McGoldrick Year 12 Breakfast are at one venue with Purcell and Waterford Year 12 Breakfast at a second venue. Staff look forward to sharing this time with the boys.
Sports Bag 2025
Parents and carers please note the broadcast out today regarding the 2025 Sports Bag. We would like to inform you that in 2025, three bags will form part of the St Mary's College uniform.
The three bags are:
1. Academic backpack
- Usage guidelines: compulsory - to be used every day
- Purchase location: purchased from Hanna’s Department Store
2. Sling bag
- Usage guidelines: optional - used when additional storage is required.
- Purchase location: purchased from the uniform shop or reception must be used in addition to the academic backpack.
3. Sports bag
- Usage guidelines: optional – to be used when additional storage is required. must be used in addition to the academic backpack.
- Purchase location: purchased from the Uniform Shop (purchase date to be advised).
This week’s St Mary’s SchoolTV special edition is focused on Healthy Study Habits. It contains insightful responses from experts in the field.
SPECIAL REPORT: Healthy Study Habits | St Mary's College - Toowoomba (schooltv.me)
Week 7 - Timeline of Events – Year 12
Matt Draper
Assistant Principal - Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com
Primary and Middle School Curriculum
Standardised Testing
This week, our Year 5 and 6 students have been participating in the Progressive Achievement Tests in Reading and Mathematics (PAT-R and PAT-M). Here’s some important information about these assessments.
The PAT-R assessment is a vital part of our educational program. All schools in the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese administer this test. It helps us evaluate your child’s reading comprehension and literacy skills. This data allows us to tailor our teaching to better support each student and monitor their progress.
The PAT-R is not a “pass” or “fail” test. It’s designed to accurately reflect each student’s abilities. We encourage you to discuss the assessment with your child and remind them that it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
The Importance of Meeting Drafting Dates
As we progress through the academic year, students must adhere to their assessment drafting dates. These dates are not just deadlines but essential milestones in their educational journey and overall academic success.
Why Drafting Matters
- Continuous Improvement: Drafting allows students to refine their ideas, structure their arguments, and enhance the clarity of their work overtime. Each draft is an opportunity for improvement, bringing them closer to their best possible submission.
- Valuable Feedback: Timely submission of drafts enables teachers to provide constructive feedback. This feedback is crucial as it highlights areas of strength and identifies aspects that need further development. It’s a chance for your child to learn and grow from expert guidance.
- Stress Management: Adhering to drafting dates helps students manage their workload more effectively. It prevents last-minute rushes, and the stress associated with completing assignments at the last minute. A well-planned drafting schedule ensures a balanced approach to their studies.
- Skill Development: The drafting process helps students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These skills are not only vital for their current assessments but also their future academic and afterschool endeavours.
The Importance of Attendance
Regular attendance is equally important as we work on assessments in class. Being present in the classroom provides your child with the best opportunity for success. It allows them to engage directly with the material, participate in discussions, and receive immediate support from their teachers and peers.
A Process Over Time
Please remind your child that drafting is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Encourage them to start early, plan their drafts, and make use of the feedback they receive. Each iteration brings them closer to a polished and well-crafted final submission.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of this process and ensuring regular attendance. Together, we can help your children achieve excellence in their assessments.
Shari Pauli
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
paulis@stmaryscollege.com
Head of Primary
Year 6 2025 Leadership Process
Student Leadership is a very important aspect of life at St Mary’s College. Developing the leadership skills of our boys begins in Year 5. The 2025 Primary Leadership selection process began on Tuesday with a Leadership Retreat Day. We focused on developing the student’s leadership skills as both individuals and as a group. From there, the following process will be followed:
- Interested boys in positions for 2025 will write a letter addressing the selection criteria provided at the Retreat - Due Friday, 1st November (Week 5)
Boys are shortlisted based on their alignment with the criteria
- Shortlisted boys to prepare speeches to present to Primary students – Tuesday, 5th November (Week 6)
- Primary boys vote - Week 6
Boys shortlisted based on votes
- Shortlisted boys to be interviewed by Principal, Head of Primary & AP Welfare/Identity - Week 7
- Announcement of successful candidates – Week 8
I look forward to announcing the 2025 Primary Leaders in Week 8.
Daniel Morcombe Day
Do your parents or carers know about the online games, apps and websites you enjoy? Why or why not? These are the topics our boys discussed as part of Australia's largest child safety education and awareness day, Daniel Morcombe Foundation Day for Daniel. Thank you also to Senior Constables Rachael Smith and Chris Rogers from the Queensland Police Service for joining our Year 5 and 6 boys to talk about how to stay safe both in person and online.
QLD Primary Schools All Schools Touch
All the very best to our Primary Touch Football teams who will be competing at the QLD Primary Schools All Schools Touch competition from Friday to Sunday!
Primary Swimming
A reminder that the Primary students will be having swimming lessons at the Glennie School’s Aquatic Centre starting in Weeks 7 and 8. Students of all skill levels can fully participate and benefit from this experience. Please note that this is a compulsory component of the academic curriculum. Students will change into their swimming gear at school before walking to Glennie for their lessons. They will change back into their uniform at school.
Relevant Dates
- Week 7 - Monday, 11th November, Tuesday, 12th November, Thursday, 14th November
- Week 8 - Monday, 18th November, Tuesday, 19th November
Times
- Year 5B, 5W and 5/6M: 9.15 – 10.00am
- Year 6B, 6W and 6G: 10.00 – 10.45
New Students / Year 7 Orientation
As part of our induction of 2025 Year 5 and 7 students and new Year 6 students, an Orientation Day is being held on Thursday, 7th November. During the day, the students will be introduced to a number of aspects of the College, including travel, facilities, timetable and bell times, peer interactions, teaching staff, and new subjects. The overall aim of the day is to ensure that the students transition successfully into their new classes and that they feel welcome, cared for and at home at St Mary’s College. Current Year 6 students are to attend their usual mentor class for roll marking, and then they will be taken over to the ERCC. Parents are welcome to collect their sons at 2.30 pm. Any students remaining until 3.05 pm will be supervised. The students are required to wear their St Mary’s College sports uniform, wear their College hat and bring a water bottle. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. The current Year 5 students will have normal classes but will meet their new classmates for next year at lunchtime.
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
Community Updates
