Term 1, Week 1 - 26.01.2021

Principal News

2021 – Back on Track 

As we look forward to this 2021 school year, it arrives as we reflect on our time with our families and friends in recent weeks. Together, we have lived through spectre of COVID-19 and hope that we can emerge this year with some sense of normality. I will keep you informed each week of our work in the COVID-19 space and any changes that are required.  

Given that St Mary’s College has experienced significant change in leadership over the past 12 months, we now look forward to 2021 being a year of stability, growth and searching for ways to seize the initiative. I would publicly like to thank Mr Stephen Monk, College Deputy Principal, who has helped enormously in my transition to St Mary’s. It has been an exciting few weeks but I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead with the students. 

I am very proud to be given this opportunity to be the Principal of St Mary’s College, Toowoomba. It is a school that I have always admired from afar for its academic prowess while still maintaining the ability to stay true to the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. My first impressions are that we have a wonderful staff and an engaged and connected community. The College has a vibrant academic culture, and this is clear in the language and the energy of our staff. St Mary’s has a clear identity within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools system. Consequently, I am looking forward to meeting and working with our students this week. 

Year 12 Academic Results 2020 

Congratulations to our first cohort of students who participated in the new ATAR system. Overall, our results were excellent. St Mary’s students did a wonderful job at achieving their goals and improving their skills and abilities during their final year of schooling, even with the impact of COVID-19. While we wait for the full suite of data, I wanted to highlight a few high achieving students. Congratulations to: 

• Dhairy Shah: 99.90 – We believe this was the highest result in Toowoomba  
• Craig Danckwerts: 98.50 
• Dhyey Shah: 98.40 
• Simeon Butler: 97.95 
• Alastair Dolijanin: 96.75 

Additionally, we had 5 students complete a SBAT in 2020, and we are aware of 19 students who have full-time apprenticeships for 2021. This is an outstanding reflection of the diversity of achievers that we have in our community.   

To all of our Year 12 students, all the best in your pursuits in 2021. 

Welcome

To our new families and students, welcome to St Mary’s College. I know that your time with us will be fulfilling and enjoyable. To our returning families and boys, welcome back to what should be an exciting year. I am looking forward to meeting each one of you in the coming week.  Please give me a few days to learn all of your names!

Parent Information Evenings 

On Wednesday 27th January, parents are invited to our new ERCC to hear some information about your son’s schooling this year. The presentations will be targeted at particular year levels: 

• Year 5 and 6: 5.30pm 
• Year 7: 6.30pm
• Year 10 – 12: 7.30pm

The Year 5 and 6 forum will provide news regarding Primary school, curriculum and expectations. Year 7 will include an introduction to the College and the iPad rollout. Year 10 to 12 students will specifically listen to an academic address regarding the QCE and ATAR system. 

I encourage all parents and boys to attend these information evenings to hear this important information. We hope to discuss your son’s study habits, expectations and goals for the year. 

Year 5 - 7 Principal Forum 

All Year 5 – 7 parents are welcome to join us in the new upstairs classrooms (old Library) for the P & F sponsored Principal’s Forum to be held from 7.00pm to 8.00pm next Monday, 1st February. At this forum, you will hear year level specific information regarding your son’s education in the areas of sport, culture, academic, spiritual and social interactions. We welcome our panel members, Ms Terese Dyne (Primary Leader) and Mr Robert Glasby (Year 7 Co-ordinator). I look forward to seeing you there! 

Year 5 Camp 2021 (3rd - 5th February) 

The Year 5 Camp to be held at Camp Cooby is an important induction for our youngest students. During the camp, the boys will be joined by their teachers and Senior Leaders who will speak about the College charism and spirit and provide tips for the boys as they commence their time at St Mary’s College. The camp is also a most important time for the boys to get to know their peers in a friendly and supportive environment and is the first step in forming last friendships – a brotherhood. I thank Ms Terese Dyne for organising this event for the boys and to the following teachers who will accompany them Mrs Nicola Crank, Mr Mark Gregson, Mrs Shari Pauli, Mrs Sue Osborne, Mr Matt Jahnke and Mr Paul Grealy.  

I hope you have an enjoyable Week 1. 

Mr Brendan Stewart  - College Principal 

In Our Prayers

College Careers

Welcome to the St Mary's College Careers for 2021! Get to know the Careers staff below:

Mrs Jenny Ball (Career Development Practitioner) - ballj@stmaryscollege.com

Initially qualifying as a teacher, I’ve continued further study to now work in the exciting area of career development. Working in various secondary schools, at the TAFE and university has given me a broad perspective on how to best equip our young men for the workplaces of the future. Working in partnership with parents, industry and tertiary institutions is a key focus of how I can best empower our young men and support you, as you guide their post-school direction. Please use the Careers Centre as a helpful resource. I look forward to meeting you.

Mr Kris Glass (Career Development Practitioner) - glassk@stmaryscollege.com

Having completed a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) and specialising in teaching in senior schooling, I’m now embarking on further study in career development. I will have a dual role of QCE Coordinator and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. I’m looking forward to working with students and their parents to assist them in their career decision-making.

Mr Paul Barber (Career Support Officer) - barberp@stmaryscollege.com

Beginning my career journey in the field of surveying, I later studied Exercise Science and Physiotherapy, before embarking on my career as a Physiotherapist. After working in several Physiotherapy roles and gaining extensive experience and postgraduate qualifications in clinical education, last year I made the exciting decision to pursue a career change to career development. Having recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Career Development and Counselling, I look forward to working as part of the St Mary’s College community and sharing my industry experience to help our young men on their individual career paths and journey of lifelong learning.

Please phone the College or email Mr Paul Barber to make an appointment (by phone, in person or Microsoft Teams). We’re more than happy to assist you and your son with any queries you may have in areas such as, school-based apprenticeships, work experience, TAFE and university applications, career decision - making or industry connections. 

University Showcase

On Tuesday 9th February from 1.45pm to 3.00pm we will be hosting several universities and institutions. There will be a mix of presentations, followed by an opportunity for the Year 12 students to speak to university representatives. All Year 12 students will be attending, as the presentations will give the boys the opportunity to make informed decisions. Currently the following organisations will be visiting: Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast. 

School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships

If you are interested in this SBA. 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.

School-Based Apprenticeship Sign Up Photos

Library News

Welcome to 2021!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new and continuing families to the SMC community. We hope you all enjoyed a revitalising break and are ready for a wonderful year! Carol McGuire is extending her long service leave until the end of Term 1, 2021 and Mrs Gemma Tracy will be remaining in the role of Teacher Librarian for this term. We also farewelled Kate Burke last year, as she returned to Townsville for personal reasons. We welcome Jenna Eyers to the Library Assistant position for 2021.

SMC Library Staff for 2021

Our move to the school hall last year was a huge task, but we are very happy with the outcome. The Library has increased greatly in size and we now have more space for reading and learning, as well as the luxury of having Bookhire and the Teacher Resources under the one roof. We look forward to the refurbishment next year, as we strive to offer a contemporary and dynamic library to cater for the students, staff and wider SMC community.

The SMC Library offers a range of resources and services, which support learning and encourage free and voluntary reading. The fiction and non-fiction areas are now genrefied and we have signage to assist students in finding a book of interest. The library is open every day, before/after school and during breaks. Currently, we have three dedicated learning spaces, as well as a meeting area and booths for quiet study. Students enjoy the library for a variety of activities, including chess, cards, reading and study. We also assist with printing (iPad and laptop), photocopying, research/study, and general information for students and staff.

Library Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 7.30am - 4.00pm

Loan Limits

• 10 items per student
• 14-day loans (general collection)
• 7-day loans (magazines)
• Equipment loans (Chargers, AV & cameras) - one day loans

Library Web App

The Library Web App is a one-stop-shop for library services, including access to online encyclopedias, databases and paid subscriptions. It is available 24/7 and can be accessed by clicking here. The students should have this on the device, but please feel free to save the link. Students are welcome to see library staff, regarding assistance with the Library Web App.

Please feel free to contact the Library if you have any queries about any of the SMC Library services. We look forward to an exciting 2021!

Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com

Start Dates for Term 1

Term 1 commences on Wednesday 27th January for Years 5 to 7, Year 12 Leaders and new students. All boys are required to wear their full academic uniform, including blazers for Year 12 Leaders on this day.

All students will then commence on Thursday 28th January.

On the first day, new students will meet in Anzac Place. Students are to bring lunch, water bottle, notebook and pencil case. The entire booklist is not required on the first day. 

Upcoming Events