St Mary's College, Toowoomba eNewsletter

Principal News

Students need to be taught how to study

St Mary's College students are now moving into the assignment and assessment phase of the term. It is now important to reflect on study strategies that work for young men. From our experience, it is true to say that boys need to be taught how to study. Some of our students study and revise very well but others are less proficient. Here are a few understandings that I have picked up along the way to support our sons in their work.

1. Reading for enjoyment, outside of school, is a key factor to success

As parents and carers, we need to keep finding ways to support our sons in their reading habits. Improved reading and comprehension is the key to academic success across the curriculum - in all subject areas! Searching for what our sons enjoy is the key to finding books or texts that they may read. If they are interested in sport, gaming or music, try to find magazines or texts to read that support this area of their lives. An extra 15 minutes of reading outside of school each day can build fluency and vocabulary.

To support this, I would like to recognise Ms Shari Pauli, Ms Gemma Tracy and Ms Jodie Sweeney who are facilitating the 2021 Premier's Reading Challenge at St Mary's College this year. At the time of writing, we have approximately 20 students who are interested in the challenge, and we will recognise their achievements during the year. The school will invest in this project by purchasing the standard texts for this competition.

2. Homework AND revision is important

I trust that our boys go home and complete their homework each day. For most, this will include some Maths, maybe some English homework and possibly some work towards other assignments. It is important that we stay on top of the assessment load at all times.

One overlooked area, however, is revision. In this era of ATAR, it is important for ALL students to do some revision. This includes going over notes from the day and highlighting key areas of learning. The College supports the Cornell notetaking method for our senior students in Years 10 -12. Getting into the habit of taking notes and regularly revising these notes is an essential component of academic improvement.

3. Persistence and Grit

As teachers we spend a huge amount of time trying to work out how to “get” students to succeed in their schoolwork. The way our current standards system is structured, it is theoretically possible for all students to receive As or Bs, in a class. Unfortunately, this does not happen.

Trying to understand why, is an interesting process. I have started to break down the idea of grit with our staff and students. For example, GRIT could come to mean Guts, Resilience, Initiative and Tenacity. The idea of doing something to the best of your ability and doing it repeatedly and consistently is a very underrated skill.

To succeed academically, it is clear that a person has to demonstrate grit. The good news is that it is possible that grit can be learned and that we can all improve our ability to demonstrate tenacity in our work. The objective for all of us is to work together to teach our boys how to overcome problems and to keep going.

4. Devoting time to homework and study

How much school work should I be encouraging my son to do outside of school time each night?

Use the following as a general guide and if in doubt, please ask one of our wonderful staff here at St Mary's:

Year level	Time (minutes per night) Including homework and revision	Comment
Years 5 and 6	30	Will vary depending on each teacher
Years 7 and 8	60
Year 9 and 10	90
Years 11 and 12	120 and beyond	This will depend on their chosen pathway ATAR/General pathway students need to spend considerably more time than Applied pathway students

Reflection for the Week

200 Years of Catholic Education

This week we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. It is an incredible milestone. The purpose of Catholic education has changed and expanded enormously during this time. We have all in some way been shaped by Catholic Education in our faith, work or parenting. In the Toowoomba Diocese, our College was represented by Mr Bill Smith and a number of students at a celebration Mass for the milestone at St Patrick's Cathedral yesterday.

The first Catholic school in Australia was founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest, John Therry. The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students – seven of whom were Protestants. An Irish Catholic convict, sent to the colony being convicted of embezzlement, named George Marley, opened the school for Fr Therry and ran it for three years. This school was transferred to the site of the present Parramatta Marist School junior in 1837. Parramatta Marist High School, now located in Westmead NSW, traces its origins back to this first school. It seems at least two other Catholic schools were established in New South Wales before the school opened by George Marley. One school is thought to have opened between 1803 and 1806, the second early in 1817. Both schools, however, were closed by 1818.

A prayer to remember 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia

Almighty and all-loving God, with gratitude for the endeavours of Catholic education in the past, with confidence in our Catholic pre-schools, schools and universities today, and with faith in their continuing contribution in the future, we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in this Great South Land.

As our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your providential care for Your children in this land in inspiring priests, religious and lay people to found and staff our schools in ages past.

Through them the Good News of Your Son was brought to the young even in colonial times – and ever since.

As Christ the Teacher, You grace the staff and leaders of Catholic education today.

As they build on the achievements of their predecessors direct them in their present efforts to ensure that every young Australian has the opportunity for an excellent education and formation in faith.

As our Inspiring Spirit, You lead us into the future.

In the century ahead, grant those teaching and learning in our schools, those planning and leading, and the families and community that entrust their young people to us, a love of learning and a willingness to be the face of Christ in the world of tomorrow.

Pour out Your abundant blessings upon all involved in the ministry of Catholic education.

Amen.

The following is a link to a song written by Fr Rob Galea, to celebrate the milestone:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S49AKSaedzQ

Peace

Mr Brendan Stewart

College Principal

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/

Sport News

Rugby League

13 Years St Mary's with 14 points tied with St Josephs's also with 14 points.

AFL Seniors

St Mary's were defeated 14 points to the St Joseph's team 49 points .

A tough opening round loss, as the boys familiarised themselves with the rules of the game and their positional play.

St Mary's with 44 points defeated Harristown, 19 points.

We shared players with an undermanned Harristown side.

St Mary's with 45 points defeated Concordia with 7 points.

The boys are finally hitting their straps and working out the positional play. A real power game, which will lead us well into a confrontation with a strong Centenary Heights side.

St Mary's 20 points defeated Centenary Heights with 14 Points.

A tough game, which was held level until the very end with a late SMC goal. Riley Williams was everywhere in defence and defused a lot of attacking raids by Centenary Heights. Credit to the boys for the win considering this side beat St Joseph’s who had our number in the opening round.

St Mary's with 55 Points defeated Highlands College with 7 points.

A superb kick from Lachlan Pleskun proved to be a highlight of the game; a shame it wasn’t captured on camera! An inspired SMC team ran out as convincing winners. We knew that we needed to pile on the points to help our points differential. Going into the round, Highlands, St Joseph’s, Centenary and SMC were all tied with equal points for first place. Declan Traise, the captain, led by example both on and off the field. The point wasn’t quite enough and SMC finished the pool rounds tied equal first with Centenary Heights and St Joseph’s. Sadly, we needed 20 more points to finish second, and, as such, couldn’t progress to the Grand Final which was eventually won by a deserving St Joseph’s outfit down on troops. I enjoyed seeing the boys come together as a squad in the short amount of time they had together. Well done, lads!

AFL Juniors

St Marys with 11 points were defeated by Downlands with 52 points.

St Mary's took a very small and inexperienced group of boys who were up for a new challenge. The Downlands team were stronger and taller, and kept coming hard and fast at our boys, knocking many of them off their feet several times. A credit to their resilience and attitude, they shook it off and kept fighting for the ball. As the game progressed, they began to gel as a team, and managed to move the ball up the field with precision. A great game and effort from our boys. Well done.

St Mary's with 45 points defeated Centenary Heights with 14 points

Centenary were short of players, so the game was played as 14 on 14. The Centenary boys were more our size but quite skilful. The first half was a little rough, with dropped balls and tackles affecting our ability to score. In the second half the boys came out harder and stronger, and after scoring two quick goals, they managed to pull ahead and never looked back. An exciting game. It was a pleasure watching how far these boys have come as a team.

St Mary's with 63 points defeated Concordia with 48 Points.

This was the final pool game and the boys were confident coming off a win. The Concordia team were evenly matched for size; although, a couple of taller boys did cause quite a challenge. After a slow start, and reorganising the backline, we found our rhythm and some of the boys flew high and took some spectacular marks. The teamwork was impressive, as was the positive attitude and eagerness of the boys to be on the field. Many of the Rugby League boys, who had come along to make up numbers, were showing some very impressive AFL skills, and were encouraged by a parent to think about joining a club team. A resounding and well-earned win.

St Mary's with 19 points were defeated Downlands with 48 points.

It was a wonderful achievement for our boys to make the final as this was their first hit out as a team who had never played together. We knew the game would be tough as we were up against Downlands again - a much bigger and stronger side. Cooper Erdmann, who had captained, coached and encouraged the boys all day gave a rousing speech before we took the filed about tackling anyone with the ball and chasing all high balls. St Mary's energy was amazing! We tackled our little hearts out and smothered so many kicks that the Downlands boys began to become frustrated and they made many errors. Unfortunately. we weren't able to capitalise on these as we too were tackled and smothered, however, when the boys came in at halftime, it was 23-13. The second half was exciting and Copper Erdman, Josh Hawkless, Riley Edwards, Jack Adamson and Nathan Ottobrino were outstanding with their tackles. For the first 10 minutes, Downlands had only managed 1 behind, as had we and the atmosphere was tense. However, as we tired the Downland's boys height and strength worked to their advantage, and they eventually ran away with the game. In the last 7 minutes, the small boys wanted to go out and give the bigger boys a break and so everyone contributed to a well played and final. As a first time AFL coach I was so proud of all the boys for their efforts, attitudes and behaviour on the day. They certainly taught me many things about AFL and I am very keen to continue working with them. Thanks again to Cooper Erdmann for your assistance and wonderful leadership on the day. Certainly a young man of action and excellence. A big thank you to all the boys. I had a great time and look forward to many more.

AFL Primary

St Marys with 70 points defeated Glenvale with 7 Points.

A cracking first win against Glenvale. The boys learned where to be and enjoyed their first hit out.

St Mary's with 76 points defeated Wilsonton with 0 points.

A superb performance by the SMC boys. Kingi was strong with his physicality and topped the goal, kicking with 4 goals. Xander didn’t drop a ball the entire game and terrorised the other team.

St Mary's with 41 points defeated Toowoomba East with 0 points.

This was a tougher match, but the boys were great and really put together a team effort.

St Mary's with 90 points defeated Downlands with 0 points.

A clinical display against Downlands. The boys played with precision and speed, and were humble in victory.

Primary AFL Grand Final

St Marys with 45 points defeated Toowoomba East with 0 points.

Victory sees us through to the next level! Our team will be enroute to Springfield later in the year. The game was never in doubt and the lads enjoyed their win!

Coming up in sport this week.

QLD Cricket School Cup on Thursday the 27^th May for Grade’s 5 and 6.
Softball Golden Glove on Wednesday the 26^th

QLD State Championships

Rugby Union

Congratulations to Dimitri Christodoulou, Zac Brown and Preston Brown for being selected for the Rugby Union 17-18 Years QLD State Championship in Brisbane this week. We wish you all the best of luck.

AFL

Congratulations to Tyler Robinson and Flynn Anderson for being selected for the AFL 13-15 Years QLD State Championship, in Mackay this week. We wish you both the best of luck.

Soccer

Congratulations to Nick Brehaut, Sam Hinton and Aaron Picker for their selection for the Soccer 13-16 Years QLD State Championship in Hervey Bay this week. We wish you both the best of luck!

College Careers

Bond University ‘Health Experience Day’

Bond University are offering an opportunity for a limited number of Year 11 and 12 students studying Science who are interested in the health and medical field to attend one of three ‘Health Experience Days’.

Saturday 12 June
Saturday 10 July
Saturday 11 September

Any students interested should come and see the Careers Team in DUHIG 21.

National Careers Week Presentations

Last week, the college celebrated National Careers Week. The boys were able to attend several excellent presentations from:

Australian Defence Force Recruitment Team
University of Southern Queensland
Kane Bennett (St Mary’s Old Boy and successful business owner of Brisvegas Machinery)
Grant Spies (Owner of Livewired Electrical)
Karen Coulston (Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office School-based Apprenticeship Program Manager)
TAFE

There was also some friendly competition for the boys completing the Careers Quiz during extended Mentor. Congratulations to Bowdler 1, McGoldrick 6, Purcell 6 and Waterford 3 on their excellence performance!

Mrs Karen Coulston from TCSO with some boys interested in School-based Apprenticeships

Kane Bennett (St Mary’s Old Boy) with Mrs Parle’s Year 11 Certificate III in Business class.

Jaimie O’Reilly and Aiden (St Mary’s Old Boy) from USQ.

Mr Grant Spies from Livewired Electrical talking ‘Electricity’ with the Year 6 classes.

Tristan and Renee from the Australian Defence Force Recruitment Team.

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, 29^th May 2021

Time: 10am – 12pm

Address: DFRC Toowoomba – O’Quinn St, Toowoomba

Parking: Street Parking Available

RSVPs essential. Click HERE to RSVP

School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships

SBA

Year Levels

Business/Location

Closing date

Certificate III in Cabinet Making

10

Sir Lancelot’s Kitchens, Bathrooms and Joinery, Toowoomba

More information Please speak to

Mr. Barber

Friday 4^th June

Certificate III in Business (ICT)

11

OSMAC Apprenticeships and Qld Health, Toowoomba

Friday 18^th June

Primary News

Social Afternoon

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

Library

Information Week Celebrations

Last week in the library, we celebrated Library and Information Week with daily library activities. The most popular activity were the Book Trivia Competitions held throughout the week for the different year levels. Following closely, Hangman, was also very popular, and, at the students’ request, we will offer this again later in the term.

The Book Trivia competition was offered for different year levels, with questions from our popular series in the library. Each competition was a very tight contest with the outright winners triumphing by only one or two points. Congratulations to all our competitors. See below for the list of prize winners. The students have asked that the staff be excluded from the next senior competition to give them a fighting chance!

Years 5 & 6 Competition
First Place	The Big Brains	Lachlan See (Captain)
		Conrad Balderson
		Xander Gould
		Bailey Hombsch
Second Place	Reckon?	Nate Fry (Captain)
		Tobias Long
		Landon Brown
		Fletcher Balderson
Years 7-9 Competition
First Place	Book Squad	Ben Clarke (Captain)
		Callum Zull
		Cooper Geiger
		Jacob Page
Second Place	Mighty Spoons	Andy Dennis (Captain)
		Aaron Convery
		Henry Goodall
		Nathan Ottobrino
Years 10-12 vs Staff
First Place	Get Lit!	Ms Cowen (Captain)
		Mr Hardy
		Ms Rayner
		Mr Weise
Second Place	The Unsung Heroes	Ms Pauli (Captain)
		Mr Murphy
		Mr Joy
		Ms Peters
		Mr Keogh

The Big Brains Winners (from left) Zander Gould, Conrad Balderson, Lachlan See (Captain) and Bailey Hombsch.

Book Squad Winners (from left) Cooper Geiger, Ben Clarke (Captain), Jacob Page and Callum Zull

Get Lit! Winners – (from left) Jake Weise, Lilliana Cowen (Captain), Madeleine Halbish Rayner and Pierce Hardy

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 have always imagined paradise will be a kind of a library”

– Jorge Luis Borges

Hot Potato Band

College Music students recently participated in an energetic and engaging workshop with visiting group the Hot Potato Band. This group of street musicians are known throughout Australia for their entertaining presence, both in concerts and outdoor festivals. With the College Showband studying New Orleans Brass Band street music, it was a perfect match! The boys spent the day in workshops with a variety of activities and informative sessions, culminating in a live performance of Positive Vibrations; an original composition of HPB. Congratulations to all the boys who took part; everyone walked away buzzed and inspired.

Support is available to all students who require assistance with homework, assignments or reviewing current class work 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, to negotiate a suitable time.

Student Travel Rebates information.

20210430_Att_1_Flyer_Advertisement_Transport_Outside_BCC_NSSTAS_002_.pdf

Edmund Rice Day Lunch

The Certificate III Business class have organised lunch for Edmund Rice Day this 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.

Edmund Rice Day

Thankyou for the support - Toowoomba Domestic and Family Violence Prevention council.

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

Tuckshop Menu Term 2 2021

Term 2, Week 6 - 25.05.2021