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SMC NEWS 2025 - Term 3, Week 5

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Walking around classes over the past fortnight, I have noticed many assessments that have begun in various year levels and subjects. Please keep supporting your sons during this vital time of the term and semester. It is often the students who are prepared to keep pushing "just that little bit extra" in their learning, especially in regards to assignments, who perform better in results at the end of Semester. If something needs to be clarified in regards to the assessment, please contact your class teacher.

Open Evening - Sport and Cultural - Thursday 28 August

Our final Open Evening of the year is coming up on Thursday 28 August starting at 3.30pm in the ERCC. We are continuing to promote the evening across our various media, but as parents, if you could keep this date in mind when speaking to others in the community, that would be helpful. In regards to enrolments, the two main messages for the evening are:

Enrolments for 2027 are Open!
Limited positions only available for 2026.

Strategic Planning

I am sending a separate email this week to all parents and the wider community, with an update about our Strategic Planning work at the College. I will email a draft of the new plan, with a 10-year "Shared Vision" document titled "Towards 2035 - Men for Tomorrow". The document was informed by the feedback from staff, students, parents and the wider community with the help of Mr Chris Mayes. From this vision, a Strategic Plan 2026 - 2028 will be completed. I look forward to presenting the finalised version of this work in the near future to the community.

Debating

Well done to Mr Jakim Wong and Ms Tamara Cooper for their work with the Year 9 Debating team, who have reached a Grand Final this year! Very exciting for the boys who will come up against TGS this week. Best wishes to our very talented team: Aidan O'Hara, Archer Thurn, Elijah Hopper, and Jacob Taylor.

Rugby League

Thank you to Mr Aidan Watterson and all the coaches and players this year with our Rugby League teams. The College is right behind all teams as they power into semi-finals this week with some bright prospects. This culminated, in our home game last week which saw a big crowd support the First 13 and win in the dying seconds! If you haven’t taken the chance to see the boys play, please “do yourself a favour” and come and watch our next home games this week. Please keep an eye on SMC messaging for game times.

2025 Religious Visitor - Fr Bony Abraham

Please welcome Fr Bony Abraham to the College this week! Fr Bony is our Religious Visitor this year. He will join us to celebrate the Eucharist this Friday morning at 9am for Assumption Mass - ALL WELCOME!

Fr Bony Abraham MGL is a Catholic priest based in Australia, known for his dynamic preaching and spiritual reflections. He is a member of the Missionaries of God's Love (MGL), a religious community committed to renewal within the Church. His Ministry and Message includes the following:

Fr Bony emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit in personal renewal
Digital Outreach: He shares homilies and reflections through platforms like Cradio and YouTube, reaching audiences with messages of hope, healing, and discipleship
The demands and beauty of discipleship
God's grace and love in times of spiritual fatigue

Fr Bony will work with various classes on Thursday and Friday this week.

Have a wonderful week.

Brendan Stewart
College Principal
principal@stmaryscollege.com

Deputy Principal

Home Games

Over the next few days, every year level in the College will be allowed to leave their regular classes to support the rugby league teams that are playing home-ground semifinals. The College approach to this aims to balance the spirit and encouragement that goes with having supporters, against the prioritizing of teaching and learning. To do this, the boys in the same year level as the boys who are playing are permitted to attend the Oval to cheer on their classmates. The exception is for our Primary boys who have the treat of being allowed to support the Opens team – even more prepared now that the Year 12 leaders have been helping the little boys practice the College War Cry this week. Looking forward to seeing lots of blue and white school spirit on display!

Traffic and Parking

The College is located within the city zone, making traffic a constant issue and parking a challenge. If you are visiting the College for an appointment or to speak to someone at the Office, please use the visitor carparks on West St (in front of the Primary Building). Parents should not use this space as a pick-up zone.

Dropping off and collecting students makes the College streets extremely busy. Some areas that are used for drop-off and pick-up are

Stadium carpark
Hill Street 10 minute zone
Maragaret Street, west of the bus zones
Helen Street
For older boys – a short walk to a more accessible zone

For parents collecting on Margaret and Hill Streets, make sure that you are not interfering with the safe use of the crossings. Both are staffed by crossing supervisors, who are also highly valued members of the SMC community.

If you are picking up on Margaret Street, please ensure that you are not interfering with the movement of school buses.

At all times, we ask parents to prioritise the safety of our students, and your children. You may be in a rush, you may have had a long day, you may be frustrated by someone else’s selfishness – but your decisions when driving around the College can have serious consequences

Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Honouring Mary: The Assumption and Our Community

As we approach the halfway point of the term, we pause to celebrate one of the great Marian feasts in the Church calendar: the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15. This Holy Day of Obligation is a special moment for our community to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus, and our College’s patron.

The Gospels offer us glimpses into Mary’s deep and loving relationship with her Son. We know the nativity stories from Matthew and Luke, accounts that remind us of Mary’s faith and courage.

We also hear of the time Jesus was lost in the Temple during a family pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Any parent who’s momentarily lost a child in a supermarket can relate to Mary’s anxiety and relief in that moment!

In John’s Gospel, we see Mary at the wedding in Cana, nudging Jesus to perform his first miracle, turning water into wine when the celebration was at risk of falling flat. It reminds us of a mother’s gentle influence and belief in her child’s potential.

Most profoundly, we return to John’s Gospel at the foot of the Cross. In one of his final acts, Jesus entrusts Mary to the care of the “beloved disciple,” a gesture that speaks volumes about love, trust, and the importance of family, both biological and spiritual.

These stories are more than just historical or theological reflections. They are signposts for us as a community. They remind us of the dignity and honour due to Mary, and by extension, to all the women in our lives, our mothers, sisters, teachers, and friends, who nurture, guide, and inspire us every day.

As we celebrate the Assumption, may we continue to grow in appreciation of Mary’s example and the values she embodies: faith, strength, compassion, and unwavering love.

Making a Difference: Ollie’s Inspiring Idea

Last term, a young student had a big idea to help others in our community. Ollie Byrne in Grade 6 noticed that some people with disabilities don’t always get the same chance to enjoy sport as others do. Sports equipment and facilities that include everyone can be expensive, and that can make it hard for some young people to join in.

Ollie decided to take action. He planned a free dress day in Week 4 and helped spread the word around the school. Thanks to his efforts and the support of our community, he raised $738.30 to support all-abilities sport. What an amazing achievement!

We are so proud of Ollie for living out our College Touchstones:

Gospel Spirituality – showing love and care for others as Jesus did
Inclusive Community – making sure everyone feels welcome
Justice and Solidarity – standing up for fairness
Liberating Education – using learning to make the world better

Ollie’s actions remind us that anyone, no matter their age, can make a real difference. All it takes is noticing a need and having the courage to do something about it.

(Ollie Byrne far right)

Project School Formal

This year St Mary’s College will be a drop off location for Project School Formal. This initiative was set up so that no Year 12 student would ever have to miss out on such a special occasion because they didn’t have something to wear. Project School Formal opens at Grand Central on Saturday, 6^th September 2025. If any students or families would like to donate their time to helping with set up please see Mr Murphy or email Petra Barnes on barnesp@stmaryscollege.com for more information.

As well as formal attire, this year, Project School Formal is also accepting donations of footwear and socks for the boys. This will ensure that every young man Project School Formal gifts a suit to, also has appropriate footwear and a brand-new pair of socks.

Any year 11 students who are looking for assistance for their Formal in 2026 are invited to book an appointment with Project School Formal once places become available. Bookings can be made through their website HOME | Project School Formal.

If you have any items to donate, please drop them off at reception.

Blessings,

Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Year 12 Mock/Trial Exams

Year 12 students will be completing a Trial exam week in Term 3 to experience the QCAA mock assessments under similar conditions to the External Exams in Term 4. The exam schedule will be sent to students this week. Please check with your son that he knows when his exams are scheduled. Year 12’s only attend school when they have exams during Week 9. This is a privilege, and students are asked to be mindful that the expectation is that they study at home when they are not required at school.

Students are expected to attend all trial/mock exams for their relevant subjects, and must have a medical certificate if they are unable to attend.
Students are required to wear full academic uniform.
Students need to sign in at the College and sign out at the end of their exam at the office.
Year 12’s who remain at school can work quietly during the day in the library. Students must do individual study and be in full school uniform.
Students who have incomplete work or non-submission will be required to attend school. The College will be in contact with you if this is needed for your son.

How Learning Really Works

Cognitive scientist Dan Willingham (2017) explains that we remember what we think hard about. His Simple Processing Model shows how learning happens in three key stages:

Attention – We only learn what we pay attention to. Distractions make it harder for information to enter our working memory.
Working Memory – This is where we actively think about new information. It’s limited, so we need to break learning into manageable chunks.
Long-Term Memory – With repetition and meaningful engagement, information moves into long-term memory, where it can be recalled and applied.

This is important for our boys with their learning journey. Each time you revisit a topic, you strengthen the connections in your brain. Just like training a muscle, frequent practice builds skill and confidence. Engaging with your learning—through quizzes, discussions, or teaching others—makes it stick.

Quick Tips for Students

Review notes weekly to keep ideas fresh.
Test yourself rather than just rereading.
Explain concepts to a friend or family member.
Stay curious—ask questions and make connections.

Angela Harris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com

Student Engagement

Leadership Selection Process

The Leadership Selection Process for 2026 is underway. Our Year 11 boys have access to the form sent via a link last week. The Expression of Interest remains open until - Monday 18 August. Expression of Interest must be endorsed by staff and parents. Please refer to the following Selection Process.

Yr 11 Camp

Visiting the Year 11 boys in camp last night was an experience in brotherhood. The camaraderie, good nature and willingness of our boys have set the scene for a great camp. It is during the camp that the following Yr 12 Theme is set. I look forward to a great outcome from camp. Given the strong leadership observed at camp it is obvious to see the growth of your young men into men of Faith, Action, Integrity and Excellence.

Character Strength of the Week - Integrity

This week, we concentrated on the character strength of INTEGRITY 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 Integrity. This habit truly builds St Mary’s Men for Tomorrow.

100 Days to Go: A Message to Our Year 12 Students

As we reach the milestone of 100 days to go, we pause to celebrate the incredible journey of our Year 12 students at St Mary’s Catholic College, Toowoomba.

This moment is more than a countdown—it’s a reflection of the growth, resilience, and leadership our seniors have shown throughout their time here. They have lived the College mission of Faith, Integrity, Action, and Excellence, not just in their academic pursuits, but in the way they’ve supported one another, served their community, and led with heart.

Beyond the classrooms and assessments, what truly defines this cohort are the lifelong friendships they’ve built. These are the connections formed in shared challenges, quiet encouragements, and moments of joy. They are the mates who’ve stood side by side, and who will continue to walk together beyond the gates of St Mary’s.

As we often say here: “Once a brother, always a brother—never let a brother down.” This spirit of brotherhood and unity is what makes our community strong. Our students will always have a place at St Mary’s, and they will always be part of this family.

St Mary's College Parent Evening - Adair Donaldson

St Mary's College invites you to attend our Parent Evening with Adair Donalson regarding career blockers and the impact of misconduct.

In this interactive workshop Adair will draw on his 27 years' experience working with organisations like the National Rugby League and Universities Australia to explore how students and parents can be taking steps to minimise the impact that, social media, mobile phones, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and DFV can have on future careers. It does not matter what industry your child is hoping to pursue a career in, as every industry is being challenged by these issues.

Adair's presentation will be engaging, thought provoking and entertaining. It is a chance for parents to take time to reflect and learn from others’ experiences. Adair will also be addressing the rise of AI image abuse and educating parents in relation to the law associated with it.

Date: Monday, 1st September, 2025

Time: 5.45pm - 7.00pm

Venue: Edmund Rice Cultural Centre, Hill Street, Toowoomba

Light refreshments will be served, and drinks will be available for purchase for a donation to the Waterford Fund.

For catering purposes please RSVP using this Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DECZP

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 Anxiety & Young People

"Anxiety is a normal and healthy response to stress. However, when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can interfere with a child's daily life. To tackle this problem, it's essential to understand what anxiety is.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

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

Primary and Middle School Curriculum

As we approach the heavy assessment period, I’d like to remind students and families of our Assessment Submission Process. Here are a few reminders to ensure everyone is well-prepared and organised:

Assessment Submission Process

Distribution of Assessment Tasks:

Assessment task sheets are distributed through Canvas.
Due dates are published on the Sentral Calendar each term, please ensure you are checking these regularly.

Draft Submission:

Students must submit their draft responses by the due date through Canvas.
Failure to submit a completed draft assessment will result in the Academic Integrity Process being implemented.
Feedback on drafts will be provided with a minimum of one week between draft feedback and final submission.

Final Submission:

Students must submit their final assessments on or before the due date.

Post-Submission:

If the submission is received, the teacher will make a judgment of student achievement based on the evidence provided.

Key Points to Remember

Stay Organized: Keep track of all due dates and ensure you are aware of the deadlines for both draft and final submissions.
Utilize Feedback: Make the most of the feedback provided on your drafts to improve your final submissions.
Adhere to Deadlines: Submitting your assessments on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure your work is evaluated fairly.

By following these steps and staying diligent, students can navigate the assessment period successfully.

Good luck to all in the coming weeks!

Semester 1 – Growth Achievement Award

This semester, we proudly introduced a new recognition for our students: the Growth Achievement Award. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding academic progress, specifically achieving a minimum 10% improvement in their M-Score from Term 1 to Term 2.

But this award is about more than just numbers—it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to learning. It reflects the effort students have invested in mastering challenging concepts, building new skills, and striving to be their best.

At St Mary’s College, we believe that true learning is a journey of continuous growth. The Growth Achievement Award honours not just where our students are now, but how far they’ve come.

🏆 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this award, students must meet the following:

Achieved 10% or more growth in their M-Score
No ‘Needs Improvement’ (N) learning attributes
Maintained at least 90% attendance

Congratulations to all our recipients—you’ve shown that with effort and resilience, growth is always possible!

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

Head of Primary

Making a Difference: Ollie’s Inspiring Idea

We are so proud of Ollie for living out our College Touchstones:

Gospel Spirituality – showing love and care for others as Jesus did
Inclusive Community – making sure everyone feels welcome
Justice and Solidarity – standing up for fairness
Liberating Education – using learning to make the world better

Ollie’s actions remind us that anyone, no matter their age, can make a real difference. All it takes is noticing a need and having the courage to do something about it.

(Ollie Byrne far right)

Assumption Mass

The College will celebrate the Assumption mass in Period 1 tomorrow. The secondary students will be wearing their formal uniform whilst the Primary students are asked to wear their sports uniform.

Athletics Carnival – Age Champions

Congratulations to our Age Champions from the recent Athletics Carnival! Students competed with great spirit and determination across a range of events, earning valuable points for their Houses.

10 Years

🥇 Kenn Corpuz (McGoldrick) – 66 points

🥈 Tyrell Wardle (Waterford) – 61 points

🥉 Tyler Rensford (Bowdler) – 49 points

11 Years

🥇 Ollie May (Bowdler) – 86 points

🥈 Levi Mils (Waterford) – 45 points

🥉 Jose Schmidt Dias (Purcell) – 28 points

12 Years

🥇 Frankie Webster (Bowdler) – 49 points

🥈 Jack Coonan (Bowdler) – 48 points

🥉 Caleb Holt (McGoldrick) – 38 points

Well done to all students who participated and contributed to a fantastic day of athletics!

Friday Sport

Rugby League

Please see attached the Rugby League teams for Term 3 Week 5 –15th August 2025

Football

Please see attached the Football Teams for Term 3 Week 5 –15th August 2025

Chess:

Venue: See below
Staff: Ted Carter & Charlotte Bull
12.50 pm – 3.05pm

Wayne Beeston Shield – Primary Rugby League Gala Day

A team of Year 5 and 6 students will proudly represent St Mary’s College at the upcoming Wayne Beeston Shield – Primary Schools Challenge Gala Day, to be held on Wednesday, 20 August at our College Oval.

This event is a highlight on the primary sporting calendar, bringing together schools from across the region for a day of competitive rugby league. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive and spirited environment.

The team will be supported on the day by Mr Mark Gregson, Mr Zach Smith, and Mr Brian Steer. Students are reminded to wear their full sports uniform, including St Mary’s College football socks, football shorts, boots, and a mouthguard. While a food van will be available, players should bring enough food and water to stay well-nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

The winning team from the Gala Day will progress to a playoff in Week 7, with the South-East winner advancing to the final in Brisbane on Friday, 12 September.

We wish our team all the best for a successful and enjoyable day!

Primary Swans Touch

New team lists will be announced very soon. Please see the link below for the draw:

https://touchfootball.com.au/Competitions/Competition/swans-schools-cup-2025-primary-boys--62357541?round=4

Save the Date – Primary Touch

SWQ Primary All Schools - Kearney Springs - Friday 24th October.

QLD Primary All Schools - Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland - Friday 31st Oct - Sunday 2nd Nov (students to organise own accommodation).

The Primary students supporting the First XIII in the semi-final against Forest Lake last week. We look forward to cheering them on today against Mountain Creek in the final.

Primary Learning Support and Chaplaincy – Mrs Kahl

Mrs Kahl plays a vital role in supporting student learning across the Primary years. Each week, she works in classrooms alongside teachers, providing targeted assistance to students who benefit from additional support. Her work includes:

Helping students develop literacy and numeracy skills
Supporting differentiated learning tasks
Assisting with classroom routines and transitions
Encouraging confidence and independence in learning
Collaborating with teachers to implement inclusive strategies

In addition to her Learning Support role, Mrs Kahl also works closely with Year 5 students as the Primary Chaplain. She fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment, supports wellbeing, and assists with classroom activities that promote connection and belonging.

Learning Support and Chaplaincy play a vital role in our Primary school, helping ensure every student feels supported, encouraged, and ready to thrive.

Library News – Miss Harley

Book Week preparations are in full swing here at St Mary’s College, so get your outfits ready for next Thursday (21st of August) and you’ll be in the running to win a best dressed prize! The theme is Book an Adventure, and our library team can’t wait to see what you all come dressed up as.

Book Week Program

Monday 18/08

Readers Cup Competition to occur on this day with primary students. Year 5 to verse each other in the library from 9 - 9.30 (no assembly and go straight to the library after mentor). Year 6 will be from 9.30-10.00.

Tuesday 19/08

5:30pm-6:30pm Boys, Books & BBQ with local author panel, authors Rory Mather and Nikki Mottram with Brendan Stewart from 5 – 6.15 with a BBQ.

Wednesday 20/08

Primary Door Judging (decorate door as a book cover/theme) to occur at second break, 4 student librarians to judge plus member from ELT, best door in Year 5 and Year 6.

Thursday 21/08

Primary Book Week Parade from 9-10am special guest judge SMC Old Boy Rory H Mather in ERCC. Primary door judging to be announced. Morning tea for parents/caregivers and students in ERCC following parade.

Whole School Dress Up (staff and students)- meet at library first break for morning tea and judging. Chris Parker and Kerrie Connolly to judge top three students and best dressed staff member.

Primary Author Session with Rory H Mather- 10:45-11:45, Year 5 ERCC and 12-1pm, Year 6 ERCC

Book recommendation: Vlad’s in Love by Rory H. Mather. This is a book from our visiting author who all primary students will see next Thursday!

Blurb: Everyone’s favourite smelly-breathed vampire is back with another dilemma, but this time it’s a matter of the heart. Peggy-Sue is new to Monster School and Vlad is smitten. Frank and Keith are not much help as they are in love too! Will the crew find the courage to talk to their crushes? Romance is undead in this sweet and funny love story.

Music

On Tuesday 26th August, Primary students will be fortunate to attend the Viva Music performance in the drama rooms. Viva Music delivers engaging live performances that introduce students to diverse musical styles and cultures in an interactive and educational format. We look forward to enjoying this wonderful experience.

Mobile Phones

This is a reminder regarding specific guidelines for Years 5 and 6 and mobile devices:

Students in Years 5 and 6 who bring a mobile phone to school must secure it in their school bag and place it in their locker upon arrival, where it must remain until they leave the Primary Building each afternoon.

These expectations are in place to support a focused and respectful learning environment. We appreciate your continued support in helping us maintain these standards.

Primary Communication – Key Channels

To keep families informed and connected, the Primary uses several communication platforms:

College Newsletter – Our central source of truth for news, events, and updates.
College App – Sends timely notifications and reminders.
Student Emails – Daily messages and notices for students.
Class Teacher Emails – The first point of contact for student-related matters.
Head of Primary – Available for broader concerns or support.
College Office – To report absences or discuss urgent matters, remembering that the class teacher in most instances is the first point of call.

We encourage families to stay engaged through these channels to support student learning and wellbeing.

Important dates for Term 3

Monday, 18^th August – Readers Cup Competition (at school)
Tuesday, 19^th August - 5:30pm-6:30pm Boys, Books & BBQ
Wednesday, 20^th August – Primary Book Week Door Display Judging
Thursday, 21^st August – 9-10am Primary Book Week Parade, ERCC
Tuesday, 26th August - Viva Music performance
Friday, 29^th August – Interschool sport concludes
Thursday, 4^th September – Fathers’ Day Breakfast, 6.45am, ERCC
Friday, 12^th September – Year 6 Camp Medication handed to Mr Coren
16^th – 19^th September – Year 6 K’gari Trip

Stephen Coren
Head of Primary
corens@stmaryscollege.com

Business Manager

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Here we are in Week 5—already halfway through Term 3! As we head towards the end of the term, here are a few important reminders:

The August statements have now been issued. Please ensure your Term 3 fees are paid, or if you're on a payment plan, that your current payments are on track to cover the full amount. If you have any questions, our finance team is here to help at accounts@stmaryscollege.com. You can also find all fee-related information on our website.

For any fee enquiries, feel free to contact our accounts team via email or call 07 4631 7333 (Option 3) to speak with one of our friendly staff.

A quick reminder: extra-curricular sporting camps must be paid by their due dates, and your school fees must be up to date. Timely payments help us continue providing the high-quality education your children deserve.

If you need assistance or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
accounts@stmaryscollege.com