SMC NEWS 2025 - Term 3, Week 3
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for your support in what has been a very productive start to Term 3!
Bishop's Inservice Day (BID) - Friday 1 August is a Student Free Day
The culminating event during Catholic Education Week, which is this week in our Diocese, is Bishop's Inservice Day (BID), this coming Friday. It is a day where Toowoomba Catholic Schools staff gather as a community, to celebrate our commitment and work together. This year, it is hosted by Mary Mackillop College in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre (ERCC) at St Mary's College.
Shaping Our Future Survey
Recently, you would have received an important email from Toowoomba Catholic Schools regarding the 2-yearly survey titled "Shaping the Future" which opened to parents on Monday 21 July for 2 weeks.
This important survey is a perception survey about St Mary's College. All Catholic schools in the Diocese are currently participating in the survey. College Leadership will receive feedback from the survey in the coming weeks and this will inform our decision-making for the future.
Please be on the lookout for the symbol below and can I encourage participation in the survey to all parents and Carers.
Strategic Planning Update
On Friday last week, College Leadership attended a final Strategic Planning meeting with our consultant, Mr Chris Mayes. After the work from this meeting is collated, a draft of the Strategic Plan will be available for consultation to Parents, Carers and the wider community. We will invite the SMC community and TCS to this part of the process. At this stage, we are on track to finalising our exciting new vision before the end of 2025.
New Student Bathrooms
An important part of any Strategic Plan of course, is the College Master Plan, which involves the planning of buildings and other major assets over time.
To this end, we were "handed the keys" to the new Amenities Block last week. The new block is near the Drama and Information Technology areas of the College and will be a template for our design for the larger Amenities renovation in Centenary Court during 2026. I would like to thank Ms Sam Parle, Mr Patrick Wilson, Aspect Architects and Bryants Constructions for their work on the new building.
2026 Formal Decision
Since the 2025 SMC Formal when Picnic Point advised us that we would be the last Formal at this venue, the College Executive Leadership Team (ELT) have been doing some research into appropriate venues in Toowoomba. In short, there are very few venues of the size, scale and presentation required for a SMC formal in Toowoomba.
Given our research, I have decided that we will hold the 2026 Formal in the ERCC. The ERCC is a magnificent facility, and I know having been to a few Blue and White (St Mary's Old Boys) events at the venue, that it will be a wonderful occasion next year.
We will work hard to communicate this decision to the current Year 11's and their families in the coming weeks. This occasion will give us a new opportunity to come together as a community to prepare for the event. We will continue to review the venue for the Formal into the future. However, I know that with your support, the 2026 Formal will be a very special night for St Mary's College and our young men.
A Reflection - Catholic Education Week 2025
Over two hundred years ago the first official Catholic school opened in Australia. Catholic schools have long held that education should be directed not just towards personal enrichment for the individual student but also to an important community contribution.
Catholic Education Week began this week and is celebrated in every Diocese in Queensland. Each Diocese has a series of events to mark the occasion. For us in Toowoomba, this Friday is Bishop's Inservice Day hosted at SMC in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre (ERCC).
A quote from Dr Pat about the week: "This week Bishop Ken, guest speaker Fr Frank Brennan and senior leaders from the office will gather with all staff at three locations, Charleville, Roma and Toowoomba, to celebrate this occasion. These days are wonderfully unifying events for the respective Catholic communities and the Diocese as a whole and a huge affirmation of the highly regarded contribution of Catholic education to the life and vitality of our many communities. During the week, we manage to physically connect the people who make up the Toowoomba Catholic Schools enterprise to emphasise and celebrate the meaning and importance that sits behind our work."
Have a wonderful week.
Brendan Stewart
College Principal
principal@stmaryscollege.com
Deputy Principal
College Facilities
There was great excitement here at the college last week as we saw the completion of the new student toilets facilities. College Captain Charlie Barnes declared the building open, and these new facilities are a welcome addition to the college. The installation of a chilled water bubbler and bottle-filling station has also gotten a big tick of approval from the boys.
Another chilled water facility is on order and will be installed and ready for student use before the end of the term, all going well.
Reporting Illness
Staying healthy during the winter months is a challenge for all families, and I am sure that I am not the only parent who feels like they are constantly telling their children to put some warm clothes on. When illness does impact your family, please consider the impact on the wider College community. Some of our students, families and staff already live with health conditions that make them vulnerable, and their risk is increased when boys attend school while they are unwell and potentially contagious.
In some cases, particularly when staff or their partners are pregnant, the presence of illnesses such as chicken pox and measles can have more serious repercussions. We are grateful to families who keep us informed and follow the correct procedures with regard to these are serious illnesses.
Keep us up to date!
Parents and families are reminded that it is vital that your contact details are accurate and updated when necessary. If you move house, change phone numbers or have other changes to your life or household, it is important that these changes are reflected in the systems we keep here at the College. This information can influence how quickly we can make contact with families should your son need you and can determine who is able to collect your son from school and/or school events.
There are two ways to make changes to your details –
Via the App
In the App there is a link to the Sentral Parent Portal. Once signed in here, you can use the menu to review your details and make changes if necessary. A change of phone number or address can be done here very easily.
Via College Email
If the change is more complicated, you can send an email to reception@stmaryscollege.com and this will be passed on to our administration staff for processing.
If the matter is confidential, or requires some support for your son, the best point of contact is his Mentor Teacher or House Leader.
Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Welcome to Term 3!
Each term. we focus on one of the Touchstones of Edmund Rice Education. In Term 3 this year, we concentrate on Gospel Spirituality, and we think about what it means to be a “gospel” person, to live the message of Jesus. Essentially, this is about kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. We also remember how the message of Jesus calls us to the margins of society to lift up those who are often passed by on the other side.
Term 3 also contains Catholic Education Week, and its themes of Faith, Hope and Love- all Gospel values.
From July 27 to August 2 this year, the spotlight is on Hope. There sometimes seems to be a lack of hope in our world. Human nature and the news agenda often marginalises hope, so this theme is timely. We pray it resonates deeply within our college and the broader community to uplift us in our lives and work.
This year’s focus also aligns with the global Church’s Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reminding us that hope is not just a feeling, but a journey we take together.
As part of our celebrations, we will have a special assembly in Week 3 with the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, which honour students who embody the values of Catholic education in their daily lives.
Friday of Week 3 will be a pupil free day for Bishop’s In-Service Day, to allow all staff of the Catholic schools of the diocese to come together to refocus us on our unique mission as Catholic educators.
Thursday Week 4 (7 August)
Free Dress Day for Disability Sports Australia
On Thursday of Week 4, students will have the opportunity to participate in a Free Dress Day to support Disability Sports Australia.
This initiative has been led by Ollie Byrne from Year 6, who spoke passionately at assembly this week about the importance of inclusivity in sport.
As an Inclusive Community, we are proud to support an organisation that works to ensure people of all abilities have access to sporting opportunities, and we are proud of Ollie’s drive to support this.
Disability Sports Australia helps remove barriers such as the cost of specialised equipment and limited access to programs, enabling more Australians to enjoy the physical, social, and emotional benefits of sport.
Students are invited to wear sun-safe, appropriate clothing with enclosed footwear, and bring a gold coin donation to contribute during Mentor on Thursday 7 August.
Blessings,
Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
PISA
On Monday 11th August a small group of Year 10 students will be participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This internationally recognised assessment, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), provides valuable insights into how students are developing the skills and knowledge essential for lifelong learning and citizenship.
As part of the selection process, students across the country are chosen at random to represent their school. Participation contributes to a broader understanding of student achievement both nationally and globally. Our involvement in PISA reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education. The insights gained will inform our curriculum planning, teaching strategies, and support systems to ensure every student can thrive.
External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP)
Last term information was emailed to Year 12 families regarding the EEPP program. This program provides opportunity for targeted revision and exam preparation during the September holidays. Any student interested in participating is encouraged to register ASAP to ensure they do not miss out. Students can register using the QR code.
Angela Harris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
2026 Leadership Selection Process
The Leadership Selection Process for 2026 will get underway this term. I have addressed all Year 11 students regarding the Leadership Selection Process. The following graphic outlines the process for the selection of 2026 Secondary leaders.
The following graphic outlines the process for the selection of 2026 Secondary leaders
Character Strength of the Week - Leadership
This week, we concentrated on the character strength of Leadership as part of our intentional character development program to develop our boys into men of Faith, Integrity, Action, and Excellence.
My specific focus from this is to encourage our boys to take every opportunity to develop into fine young men by prioritising servant leadership. This habit truly builds St Mary’s Men for Tomorrow.
As an Edmund Rice school we see our leaders as having Presence, Compassion and Liberation as their hallmarks.
Presence - we are highly visible among our fellow students, we take the lead and stand in solidarity with those who are victims of any form of disadvantage, and we build relationships based on mutual respect, trust and accountability.
Compassion: We respond with compassion to our responsibilities and act.
Liberation. It reflects a deep commitment to justice, human dignity, and transformative action.
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
This week’s School TV focus is a SPECIAL REPORT on Confidence and Motivation
"Confidence and motivation are two critical ingredients for young people's success. Supporting your child to help nurture these qualities allows them to believe in their abilities and navigate life's challenges with resilience and a positive outlook.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Sign Out Procedures - Reminder
Winter Uniform
In lieu of the colder months, St Mary’s College uniform provides students with winter options.
Please refer to our college Uniform Policy on page 12 for more detail.
Beanie:
- Students are permitted to wear a plain navy-blue beanie with their academic or sport uniform during the winter months. There should be no print or markings on these items.
Scarf:
- Students are permitted to wear a plain navy-blue scarf with their academic or sport uniform during the winter months. There should be no print or markings on these items.
Warm Clothing
- During cold weather, students can wear layers under their college jumper that cannot be seen.
Not Uniform
- Hoodies are not part of the college uniform and are therefore not permitted.
Matt Draper
Assistant Principal - Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com
Primary and Middle School Curriculum
Over the last two weeks, we had the chance to celebrate the boys who earned an award for their High Achievement and Commitment to Learning during Term 2. As a reward for their hard work, they enjoyed some delicious cake and were presented with certificates to recognize their achievements. We can’t wait to celebrate with all the boys again in Term 3!
Throughout the 2 weeks we handed out 299 Commitment to Learning Awards, 168 High Achiever’s Awards and there will be 68 M-Score Growth Awards (which will be presented in the coming weeks).
The criteria for the awards are below:
Shari Pauli
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
paulis@stmaryscollege.com
Head of Primary
Year 6 - Naheeda Nouroz Visit
On Wednesday morning we welcomed Naheeda Nouroz, a member of the Toowoomba Afghan community to the College to talk to our Year 6 boys about life in Afghanistan and moving to Australia as a teenager. The boys have been reading Morris Gleitzman’s “Boy Overboard” which tells the story of Afghans who come to Australia to escape the Taliban. The gift of Naheeda’s story has brought the story to life for our students.
Important dates for Term 3
- Monday, 11th August – Year 6 Camp permission forms due
- Monday, 18th August – Readers Cup Competition (at school)
- Tuesday, 19th August - 5:30pm-6:30pm Boys, Books & BBQ
- Wednesday, 20th August – Primary Book Week Door Display Judging
- Thursday, 21st August – 9-10am Primary Book Week Parade, ERCC
- Friday, 29th August – Interschool sport concludes
- Thursday, 4th September – Fathers’ Day Breakfast, 6.45am, ERCC
- Friday, 12th September – Year 6 Camp Medication handed to Mr Coren
- 16th – 19th September – Year 6 K’gari Trip
Stephen Coren
Head of Primary
corens@stmaryscollege.com
Business Manager
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Term 3 is well underway, and after the recent winter chill, I’m sure many of us are looking forward to the arrival of spring!
August Statements & Overdue Fees
August fee statements will be issued next week. If you don’t receive yours, please contact our Accounts Team on 07 4631 7333 (Option 3) or email accounts@stmaryscollege.com. If you're not currently on a payment plan, please ensure your Term 3 fees have been paid.
Capital Works Update
We’re excited to share progress on several capital works projects. The new toilet block, complete with a filtered chilled bubbler and water refill station, is now finished and looking fantastic. Later this term, we’ll be installing a larger bubbler and refill station to encourage students to refill their bottles rather than purchase water from the tuckshop—saving money and supporting sustainability.
Repairs are also underway on the staffroom roof, and we’re planning to replace the larger toilet block in Centenary Court next year. These improvements are made possible thanks to families keeping their fee accounts up to date, which benefits our entire school community.
Upcoming Sporting Camps
As we approach the end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4, several sporting camps are scheduled. Please note that students must have their fee accounts in order to participate. Our Accounts Team will be in touch with families if there are any concerns regarding eligibility.
Support from the Accounts Team
We understand that financial challenges can arise, and our team is here to help. Early communication is key—please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support. We’re committed to working with families to find solutions that help manage school fees.
For more information on fees and support options, please visit our website here.
Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
accounts@stmaryscollege.com
Community Updates
