Term 2, Week 5 - 18.05.2021
Principal News
A Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition
A Boys School for the 21st Century
There are special responsibilities for boys' schools today in society. Schools like St Mary's College remain even more viable and relevant given the perceptions of the community and what is expected of our students and staff. With our Open Day approaching quickly this coming Sunday 23 May, I would like to outline what I see as the wonderful advantages of our school and the reasons as a community our future looks bright in these times of change in the general community.
Academic Excellence
St Mary's has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence. The school has a highly motivated, young staff, full of wonderful role models for the boys at the College. The school is well-known for its extension programs as well as success in standardised testing including NAPLAN and external exams in the senior years. Our first cohort of ATAR students was highly successful in 2020 and we expect similar success in 2021. We have a guided reading program which is structured to improve the reading levels of all students in the younger years of the College. The "Write that Essay" program has been a success and our teachers now pair an online writing tool with new writing strategies to coach our students into new ways of successful writing.
Student Engagement and Wellbeing is a high priority
Our pastoral care system is designed to support students, whatever their stage of schooling. Our vertical mentor groups ensure that students from ages across the spectrum meet each day and the learning about St Mary's College continues. Our excellent house leaders ensure that no student is left out, and that key issues are followed up in a timely fashion. The school is deliberately structured and organised so that every student enrolled at St Mary's College has an opportunity to succeed. Improvement from every student and staff member is the highest priority. It is a small community, and if someone is "doing it tough", we make sure that our students are supported to help get them back on track.
A Wide Range of Co-Curricular Activities
One of our points of difference at St Mary's is our extensive co-curricular program. On a weekly basis, our boys are engaged in a diverse range of activities outside the classroom. These activities include a huge range of sports, including Rugby League, Union, Basketball, Football (Soccer), AFL, Cricket and Touch Football, amongst others. Regional and State representation is common amongst a range of sports, and the school has some well-known coaches across a range of sporting activities at the College.
Furthermore, activities such as school bands, singing, chess, debating, school musical productions and art competitions ensure that our boys who are interested in the performing arts are catered for. The College has a growing reputation for its arts programs and we were proud to present Jesus Christ Superstar, the Musical in 2021 to an enthusiastic audience.
St Mary's also offers after-school extension programs in Science and Maths (Future Solutions) and English/Literacy. We are fortunate to be supported by staff who are passionate about this work and understand the learning needs of our high achievers.
Boys are front and centre of all activities at the College
One of the overlooked advantages of St Mary's is that boys are award winners, contenders and participators in the full range of activities offered by the College. In co-ed schools, some boys miss out on the limelight because girls are more prepared, more mature, especially at younger ages, to participate in a wide range of activities, both academic and co-curricular. At St Mary's, our boys stand out and win awards for the performing arts and bands, just as an example. These may be areas that traditionally girls have stood out and taken the limelight, especially in the middle years.
Striving for the Crown - A deliberate approach to school improvement
My goals for the coming years at the College have emerged already in my brief time here. It is clear that the school is built on a solid foundation of academic excellence and pastoral care, but now it is time for the next steps. Our new strategic plan, to be announced next year, will focus on a deliberate approach to school improvement based on data, supported by the coaching and professional development of our teaching staff. The very professional interactions between our teachers and boys (our pedagogy) needs to become even more deliberate and intentional. We have a young and enthusiastic teaching staff, ready for the next challenge presented to us to help St Mary's maintain its position as the school of choice for young men in Toowoomba.
Reflection for the Week
The Feast of the Ascension
The feast of the Ascension is not just an opportunity for us to look back on how we have tried to fulfil the command of the Lord to go out to the world. Indeed, this feast is primarily focused on where we are going from here on in. The Ascension promises us that just as the Father raised Jesus from the dead, so too the Father, Son and Spirit will welcome us into heaven as well, to be at Christ’s right hand for eternity. This parable demonstrates the point.
In 1939, a father and son were famous art collectors. When World War II broke out, the son volunteered. In 1944 the son died in battle while rescuing another soldier. A year later, a young man came to see the father. ‘Sir, you don’t know me, but I was with your son when he died. I want you to know he didn’t suffer.’
‘I know you both loved art, and though this isn’t much, I want you to have it.’ He gave the father a package. Inside was a portrait of the son. It was rough work, but the father welled up with tears. ‘It was the least I could do for your son because he saved my life.’
A few months later, the father died. At the art auction which followed, investors gathered from around the world. The first item up for bid was the portrait of the son. The auctioneer tried to start the bidding, ‘$200 … $100 … Any bids? Any at all?’ The investors called out, ‘Skip this one. Where are the Rembrandts?’ Just then a man spoke up from the back. ‘I’ll give you ten dollars for the painting. It’s all the money I have.’ It was the gardener at the father’s estate. So, the auctioneer brought down his gavel. ‘Sold for ten dollars!’
An investor called back, ‘Can we now get on with it?’ but the auctioneer continued, ‘the auction is over. According to the will, whoever bought this painting would inherit the estate, including all the art.’
No matter what they said the wealthy investors couldn’t buy their way into the inheritance. Only the one who had the eyes of love, and knew what he was looking at, inherited everything the father and son had to offer.
May we go out from this Feast of the Ascension this week so confident of our spiritual inheritance to come, that we lavish its riches on all we meet right now - because when it comes to Christ’s kingdom, there’s plenty for everyone.
(From Richard Leonard SJ)
Peace
Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal
In Our Prayers
Old Boy Michael Lacey has sadly passed away. Dearly loved husband of Anne and brother of David, Mark and Stephen (dec’d).
Janet Parker husband of Old Boy Jack has sadly passed away. Mother of Jeff, Brett, Gary and Brad.
Margaret McNally (née Noel) has sadly passed away. Dearly loved wife of Old Boy Paul OAM.
Student Engagement
The Courier Mail published the following article last weekend. Please take the time to read.
Vaping Health Warning
Fruity flavours in e-cigarettes potentially toxic
YOUTHS lured into vaping by glamorised advertising are being warned that fruity flavourings are potentially toxic when inhaled and can cause long-term health problems.
It comes as high schools clamp down on the use of e-cigarettes, locking toilets during class time or shutting toilets permanently so fewer areas exist for students to vape at school.
Coming in bright colours and different shapes, and with a variety of fruity flavours, e-cigarettes are increasingly attractive to youths who think that vaping is just breathing in flavoured air and that the dangers of smoking are eliminated because tobacco is not involved.
But Dr Anu Siriwardana, a respiratory physician at Gold Coast Private Hospital, said the liquids sold for use in the devices were not regulated or advertised correctly.
“We’re not sure of exactly what harmful liquids are being sold for these e-cigarettes or the effects of them when they are inhaled into lungs,” he said.
“Although many companies say there’s no nicotine in them, we’re not 100 per cent sure this is the case. And if there is, then down the track, sadly, this may lead to nicotine addiction.
“There could also be damaging effects on the brain and lungs from inhaling certain liquids. They could even be cancer causing.”
Dr Siriwardana also warned adults against using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, saying no long-term studies had been done in regards to their respiratory effects.
Despite a decrease in the prevalence of smoking, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics reveal a sharp increase in the use of ecigarettes.
For people aged 14 and over, in 2019, almost 39 per cent of smokers had tried e-cigarettes, up from 31 per cent in 2016. There were also significant increases in the lifetime use of ecigarettes across most age groups between 2016 and 2019, in particular for those aged 18–24, from 19.2 per cent in 2016 to 26 per cent in 2019.
Nearly one in four people who tried e-cigarettes, 23 per cent, considered themselves to be a “never smoker” at that time.
Higher proportions of younger people reported never being a smoker, 65 per cent of 14–17 year olds and 39 per cent of 18–24 year olds.
Flavoured e-liquids and associated devices are widely available in Australia to anyone aged 18 and over, either online or at tobacco shops.
The Lung Foundation Australia wants the federal government to take action to address the increasing use of unregulated flavoured e-cigarettes among youths.
“No one’s lungs should be compromised by exposure to unknown and untested aerosols,” foundation chief executive Mark Brooke said.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Student Engagement team.
Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
Please click the following links to view the Term 2 Assessment dates:
Middle College - https://www.stmaryscollege.com/teaching-and-learning/middle-college/
Senior College - https://www.stmaryscollege.com/teaching-and-learning/senior-college/
Primary News
There will be a social afternoon for the Year 5 and 6 boys on Friday 4th June from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. This will be held on the St Mary's College Oval. Glennie students have been invited to have a BBQ and play games for the afternoon. Parent paperwork has been sent.
Mrs Terese Dyne, Head of Primary - dynet@stmaryscollege.com
College Careers
2021 Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize
Gentlemen, do you have a flair for creative writing and poetry? Poets are able to submit up to five unpublished entries for consideration of this national poetry prize.
This year the winner will receive $3000.00 and two highly commended entrants will receive $500.00 each, with the winners announced in August. The annual prize continues to be generously endowed by the late Emeritus Professor Bruce Dawe AO. Entries close on Friday 4th June.
University of Queensland (UQ) Career Pulse Event
Year 12 students and parents are invited to Career Pulse on Tuesday 1st June. Attendees can hear current UQ students, lecturers, alumni and industry partners discuss their diverse and inspirational career experiences. The sessions will cover a range of themes including sustainability, innovation, technology, leadership and human connection.
Register for the on campus event here (Year 12 students only).
Register for the digital pass here (Year 12 students and parents).
Registrations close on 21st May.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Open Day
The QUT Open Day will be held on 24th - 25th July. There will be tours of the campus and facilities on Saturday 24th July, and online seminars and expert advice on Sunday 25th July.
For more information, please visit QUT Open Day.
Defence Force Recruiting Information Session
Consider a career like no other and represent Australia with pride in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Speak with current serving personnel at our upcoming info session and ask your questions - is a career in the Australian Defence Force for you?
Session Details:
Date: Saturday 29th May 2021
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Address: DFRC Toowoomba – O’Quinn St, Toowoomba
Parking: Street parking available
Please click here to RSVP, this is essential.
Griffith University Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee
Griffith University will be making early offers to study from Semester 1 2022, based on student's internal assessment results or completed Cert III and Cert IV VET qualifications.
These offers are open to current Year 12 students in Queensland undertaking the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students can choose from over 60 degrees (including some double degrees) across a wide range of study areas and start in March 2022.
How do students apply?
To be considered, eligible students simply need to apply to QTAC by 15th October 2021, listing one of the available degrees as a preference (1-6) in their QTAC application. They will then be invited by email to upload additional documentation. Documentation must be uploaded by 31st October.
When will students receive an offer?
Approved students must have their eligible program listed as their first QTAC preference by 16th November in order to received an early offer.
Early offers to study at Griffith will be released to eligible students on 19th November 2021.
For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements please refer to Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee for details.
University of New England (UNE) Early Entry guarantee
UNE in Armidale NSW, offers an early entry program which is open to all Year 12 applicants and relies solely on a school assessment of student attributes and abilities combined with academic performance to determine their suitability for entry.
Based on the School's recommendation, the University of New England will guarantee students an offer to start university with UNE in 2022.
For more information on this early entry program, please see the St Mary’s Careers Team in the Careers Centre (DUHIG 21).
Full-Time Apprenticeship for 2020 School Leavers
DGT Employment and Training has a full time Sheet Metal Apprenticeship available in Warwick that is open to 2020 Year 12 school leavers. The successful applicant would need transport and a valid license.
For more information contact Gavin O’Leary on 0427 926 757.
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
SBA | Year Levels | Business/Location | Closing date |
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating | 10, 11 or 12 | Travis Keen Painting, Toowoomba More information here | Friday 28th May |
Certificate III in Hairdressing | 10, 11 or 12 | Air Hair Studio, 37 Russell Street, Toowoomba More information here | Friday 28th May |
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.
Sport News
Sport Results
Basketball
Congratulations to Sam Holt and Lachlan Sheldrick for being selected in the 16 to 18 Years Basketball team competing at the QLD State Championship on the Gold Coast this week. We wish you both the best of luck.
Rugby League
Congratulations to the below students for being selected in the Rugby League QLD State Championship on the Sunshine Coast this week. We wish you all the best of luck.
Years 14-15
- Tommy Fry
- Braithen Scott
- Tait Cameron
- Jake Durie
- Lucas Paynter
- Tarrant Whittingham
- Patrick Sanderson
- Noah Rogers
Years 16-18
- De La Salla Va'a
- Darcy Carswell
- Jai Purser
- Xavier Va'a
- Riley Wockner
- Preston Brown
- Domenic Whittingham
Walters Cup Rugby League
St Mary’s College were unfortunately defeated by Redcliffe State High School 34 to 6.
Opens Rugby League
St Mary’s College defeated Ipswich State High School 18 to 14. Well done, boys!
Library
How to make time to read!
One of the biggest excuses we hear from students for not reading is the time factor, that is, not having enough time to read. Some boys may prefer to be outside playing sport or inside gaming, however reading daily has so many benefits and is particularly valuable when completing assessment and writing tasks. Reading is one of the greatest pleasures in life and including reading in your day improves your ability to focus, enhances your vocabulary, strengthens your empathy, and improves your imagination with new experiences. Whether you prefer fantasy, action/adventure, humorous or science fiction novels, it’s not hard to get lost in a good book. However, as our busy lives take over, we often are unable to find time to read. Following are tips on how to help your son find time to read and make reading a part of their everyday life.
- Read first thing in the morning and/or before bed. You may need to set an alarm to wake up a bit earlier to fit it into their morning routine, but it is a great way to start the day. Alternatively, there's no better way to de-stress at the end of a busy day than with a good book.
- Don’t leave the house without reading material. Always make sure he has something to read, as you never know when he might have some downtime to read a few pages.
- Read on your way to and from school. Whether your son takes the bus or the car, this is a great time to catch up on reading.
- Start small. Encourage him to tackle one chapter at a time and remember he doesn't have to finish the entire novel right away. Maybe aim for a chapter per day and he'll finish a book in no time.
- Find books that are of interest to him. Make sure he is reading books that he enjoys. Finding the right genre that really interests him will make reading far more enjoyable.
- Set goals. Set book reading goals, such as a daily time or page limit. Maybe a goal would be to read one book a week. When he sets goals for himself, you have something to work toward.
And lastly, find out what works best for you and your son. Happy reading!
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. Students are emailed their overdue loans weekly and we ask that this be actioned as soon as possible. Students can either renew or return their overdue library items. Your help with this is much appreciated!
Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com
"I really had a lot of dreams when I was a kid, and I think a great deal of that grew out of the fact that I had a chance to read a lot."
- Bill Gates
Drama success at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod
Last week several Year 10 Drama students took part in the Duologue section at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod.
Caedyn Stokell and Cohen Shearer’s performance of ‘Hold the Onions’ was hilarious and a real crowd favourite. Nikolai Bradley and Benjamin Thomas performed ‘Figuring Out Girls’ and they received a highly commended result for their performance. Isaac Lee and Jacob Lasserre brought the house down with ‘Eating Monster Machine’ and were awarded 1st place!
These boys have been rehearsing most lunchtimes since last term and they all performed exceptionally well on the evening against some very tough competition. Congratulations on your fantastic effort boys!
The solo Drama section of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod commences in August. If any boys are interested in taking part in this, please see Mr Condon.
Mr John Condon, Director of Art & Drama - condonj@stmaryscollege.com
The Hub
Support is available to all students who require assistance with homework, assignments or reviewing current class work. Support is available with Mr Roy in the Hub every morning before school from 7.30am and at both lunch breaks each day. There will also be an after school support session every Thursday afternoon from 3.05pm until 4.00pm. Should special circumstances occur, times can be varied according to need so please contact Dave Roy on 07 4631 7333, so that a suitable time can be negotiated.
Edmund Rice Day Lunch
The Certificate III Business class have organised lunch for Edmund Rice Day on Friday 28th May.
Please click here to place your son's lunch order. Pre-order is preferable to ensure you don't miss out.
There will be pizza, sausage sizzle and soft drink available.
Tuckshop will only be providing breakfast on Friday. The SMC Meals weekly order will be available Monday to Thursday.
St Mary's College Open Day
St Mary’s College is the leading Toowoomba boys’ school that provides an holistic Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition. At St Mary’s College, we empower students to be men of faith, integrity, action and excellence.
Join us for our 2021 Open Day on Sunday 23rd May.
There will be two guided tours. The first session is from 10.00am to 12.00pm and the second session will be held from 12.00pm to 2.00pm.
The tour will commence in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre on the corner of Hill and Helen Street.
What can you expect:
- Listen to the Principal’s address
- Understand how we focus our learning to the way boys learn best
- View our outstanding facilities
- See our clear academic focus with interesting demonstrations and curricular displays
- Understand the care give to each individual boy
- Enjoy our Music, Art and Drama programs
- Understand the wonderful sporting opportunities on offer
We look forward to seeing you there! Bookings are essential. Register now on our website.
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
Tuckshop Menu
Celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education
