Term 2, Week 8 - 08.06.2021
Principal News
Wednesday 2nd - Thank you for your support
Last Wednesday unfolded as a wonderful day for St Mary's College, Toowoomba. I want to thank you as parents, carers and supporters of our community for allowing us to conduct a day like this at the school.
STEAM Conference
I want to thank our St Mary's team of Tyhla Roper (Marketing), Kirsty Eckhardt (my PA), Caain Miller (ERCC Manager), David Lewis and Wayne Williams (STEAM teachers) who were the "on the ground" team who made the conference happen. Many of you may not be aware that the organisers of the conference were from Melbourne. We found out only a few days before the conference that they were not able to attend and facilitate the conference occurring. We decided to go ahead with the event and, on reflection, I'm grateful that we did. The event, however, would not have happened without the hard work and "can do" attitude of our St Mary's team. Adrian and Rachel (Intuyu Consulting) were ecstatic with how the conference was organised and how it unfolded last Wednesday. I would also like to thank our many Year 11 and 12 students who helped direct and usher our hundreds of visitors around the College. It was truly a reflection of how our community can come together to create something exciting.
Speaking to students and staff at the show, there were many smiling faces from the boys who were interested in the robots, displays, rockets and technology exhibited, in addition to the keynote speakers. I know that the conference opened the eyes of our Year 5, 6 and 7 boys and energised their dreams for the future. As teachers, it is our responsibility now to harness this energy and help our boys achieve their goals and help them to work hard in their studies.
Staff Professional Development Day
Our teaching staff undertook a staff development day on 2nd June at the same time as the STEAM conference. We took the opportunity to meet at City Golf Club and it was an excellent day of reflecting, thinking and planning for the future.
I began the day by making a presentation about my thoughts on what I had seen in my first five months at St Mary's College and a "where to from here" presentation. My overriding feeling or intuition around the College is that it is a good school, with a wonderful community of staff, students and families, and that change is about building on the good work of the past.
My thoughts involved some comments around coaching and mentoring of staff, some tweaking to our practices around the RTC process and our need to reboot our justice and service programs at the College. The comments revolved around the theme of "Young Men for the 21st Century". It is important that we prepare our boys for work and experiences that have not yet been created. Dealing with change, disruption, success and failure is all a part of life in the 21st century. I am highly motivated to help our young men achieve these goals.
Our middle session was presented by Stephen Monk (Deputy Principal) and Mark Watson (AP Curriculum) on our St Mary's College timetable. We are of the belief that there is some fine-tuning that can be done to our current timetable to help our boys and their learning. Two new proposals were presented, both of which were warmly received by our teaching staff. The proposals contained:
- More teaching time in the morning session where boys concentrate more effectively
- The addition of three quality mentor sessions during the week instead of eight minutes per day
- Less teaching time in the afternoons
- Break times similar to now (these appear to be working well - longer first break works well at St Mary's)
- Maintaining Wednesday afternoon sport for secondary, and Friday afternoons for Primary
This work will continue in the coming months. To build and create a new schedule takes time and effort and I want to thank Stephen and Mark for their willingness to work on this new teaching and learning routine. Some of us may think that the timetable is unimportant, but I firmly believe that a solid timetable, focusing on key times for learning, is important for the academic success of our students, and also provides staff with the stability and consistency to excel at their work.
The day was completed with a presentation on a NCCD (National Consistent Collection of Data) presentation by Kerrin Cridland. The NCCD is a key survey of the planning work being done by our St Mary's staff to support our students with additional needs at the College. The work is vitally important to secure funding for our students and is an area that we can extend our learning on this year with other sessions. I want to thank Kerrin and the team for the work that she does with her team of Dave Roy, Kelli Pacey and our recent addition, Louise Kennedy (Learning Support Teachers).
I want to thank the parents and carers of St Mary's for their support of myself and the College last Wednesday as I believe it was an important educational milestone on our journey together.
Reflection for the Week
A Poem "Found"
Seamus Heaney was one of the great Irish poets of our time. The Nobel Laureate’s work reflected the profound spiritual connection between God’s creation and the Irish soul.
A few years ago, Heaney was asked to contribute to a book on the spiritual lives of major figures in the arts and sciences. Heaney responded with a two-page fax from his home in Dublin. He began by thanking the writer for her gracious invitation, and then apologised. Spirituality was the one part of his life, he replied, about which he felt he was “woefully inarticulate.”
Heaney wrote: “Perhaps you can use this small poem in some small fashion in your book.” He titled it, “A Found Poem.” Part of the poem was his memory of attending Mass in his village church:
Like everybody else, I bowed my head during the consecration of the bread and wine, lifted my eyes to the raised host and raised chalice, believed (whatever it means) that a change occurred. I went to the altar rails and received the mystery on my tongue, returned to my place, shut my eyes fast, made an act of thanksgiving, opened my eyes and felt time starting up again. [Published in The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People by Cathleen Falsani.]
For Heaney, the act of taking bread and wine as Jesus did is “time starting up again.” We come to this table and do each Sunday what Jesus did the night before He died. We remember His life of selfless compassion and generous service. In the sacrament of the Body and Blood of the Lord, God enables us to “start time up again” in our lives by becoming what we receive here: by becoming bread blessed and broken in love for one another as Christ was broken for us, by sharing with one another the cup of every life’s joys and sorrows in which God is constantly present.
Peace
Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal
Student Engagement
The partnership between the College and families is – I think -the most important factor that contributes to the successful and smooth progression of boys through the years from Year 5 to Year 12. The last few weeks have carried so many examples of this and I am always inspired and energised by the commitment that parents demonstrate as they parent their boys through these tricky years. While some boys seem to waltz happily through the teenage years, they are the exception. During these years, your son may:
- Test boundaries (yours and ours)
- Value his friends’ opinions above yours
- Change his sleeping patterns
- Grow extraordinarily
- Go silent
- Develop new interests
- Shut you out
- Take risks
It is surely an interesting and testing time. Having walked alongside hundreds of boys in the years past, the Student Engagement Team (Mentor Teachers, Heads of House, Pastoral Leader, Primary Leader, Year 7 and ATSI Co-ordinators) are here to help you and your son. If you are worried about your boy, and would like another perspective, please make contact with us. If you have questions about what ‘normal’ might look like, please reach out – we are here to help.
Risk Taking
This is a common area of concern for many parents as boys in their teenage years will seek out opportunities to test themselves. This may be on the sporting field, in social situations or by trying new and perhaps dangerous activities. Keeping this topic in the open can help. Talk to your son about the need to test yourself and work with him to find ways to do that.
Some boys push against the rules at school and at home as a means of risk-taking. While we can understand the compulsion, it is important that the consequences of their choices are consistent and reliable. It is through the pain of wearing the consequences that we learn to adjust our actions in the future. When these situations arise, we see an opportunity to work with families – when families and the College work together, the outcomes for the young men can be assured.
Cold Weather Coming!
Winter is going to be here with a vengeance this week – please make sure that your son has all of the correct uniform items to be both warm and properly dressed for the school day.
The academic uniform (navy pants and blue shirt) can have the College jumper or blazer (or both) added for extra warmth. If this is not sufficient, boys are allowed to add extra layers UNDER their school shirt on the condition that none of these items can be seen. Therefore, wearing a hoodie under the College jumper, but with the hood hanging out the back, is not acceptable. Some boys are continuing to push the boundaries in this area and Heads of House will be following up on this.
The spray jacket as a general rule is to be worn only with the sports uniform. The only exception to this is when it is raining. If it is actually raining, boys are permitted to wear the spray jacket with their academic uniform. For Year 12 students, the Senior Jersey is only to be worn on Wednesdays, with the sports uniform.
Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com
Primary News
Athletics Trials
This Friday, primary students will participate in qualifying events in preparation for the Term 3 Athletics Carnival.
Due to it being a free dress day, we need boys to ensure that they bring appropriate clothing to compete in.
The boys can choose to change into the College sports uniform or other appropriate clothing, providing there is not a mix of uniform and free dress. A reminder, all boys must have normal sandshoes.
The trials will continue for the remainder of the term with all finalists in events being confirmed prior to school holidays commencing.
Primary Ensembles Concert
We welcome you to attend the Primary Ensembles Concert. Year 5 and 6 students will perform on Tuesday 22nd June 2021 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. More details, including the booking link will be sent to your email via parent paperwork.
Primary Games Afternoon
Thank you to The Glennie School for coming and joining our primary boys on Friday for an afternoon full of games and activities on the oval. It was excellent to have over 20 seniors volunteer to assist with the smooth running of the afternoon. We had over 80 of our Year 5 and 6 boys and Glennie brought around 50 girls.
Special thanks to the staff: Mr Dave Roy, Mr Mitch Koina, Mr Steve Coren, Ms Sheryl Pilkington, Mrs Shari Pauli, Mrs Nicola Crank and Mr Mark Gregson, who made the afternoon possible with the facilitation of the games and the cooking and serving of the food.
Terese Dyne, Primary Leader - dynet@stmaryscollege.com
Sport News
Struddys Cup
Year 7 St Mary's team with 30 points defeated Woodridge on 0 points.
Year 8 St Mary's team with 42 points defeated Woodridge on 4 points.
Year 9 St Mary's team with 38 Points defeated Woodridge on 16 points.
SMC U14s travelled down to Woodridge for the round 3 clash in the Struddys Cup. The boys were looking to bounce back from a round two defeat and with men down, we had some new players step in. One of those was star winger Riley Edwards who picked up two tries on debut for St Mary’s.
We fought hard against some rough decisions to be leading 20-10 at halftime. Some standout performances from Joe Litidamu, Riley Edwards and Matt Schultz ensured we came away with a victory of 38-16. Well done, boys! Onto Caloundra next week for a tough game.
Langer Cup
St Mary's College played on home ground against Wavell SHS last week. The team came away with a close win scoring 18 points to Wavell's 16 points. It was a great game!
Congratulations to Tommy Fry, Braith Scott, Sam Sheppard, Tyler Madden and Connor Nicholls who were selected for the QLD State Championships for Touch and are currently participating in Brisbane. Good luck, boys!
Mr Scott Cowan, Head of Sport - cowans@stmaryscollege.com
College Careers
Bond University Early Offer
Imagine receiving an early 2022 University offer for your dream course before July, with no strings attached.
Bond University is now accepting applications from current Year 12 students. Please click here for more information
This application is completely free, will take 10-15 minutes and may eventuate with you receiving a University offer for 2022 for your first preference!
There is no obligation to accept this offer – this is just an opportunity for you to put another option on the table alongside your other offers and decide later in the year.
Bond also has a range of scholarships available which we'd encourage you to have a look at.
Scott Williamson is our designated contact at Bond University, and if you have any questions please contact him directly on 0419 483 340 or email swilliam@bond.edu.au.
Ever considered what a career in the Australian Defence Force is really like?
Join the team at the ADF Careers Expo and discover what life is like in the Navy, Army and Air Force. Go and meet serving personnel and get your questions answered. The Careers Expo is a great opportunity to check out some of our equipment and learn about all the careers available in the Australian Defence Force.
Date: Friday 25th June 2021
Time: 9.00am – 11.30am and 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Location: Defence Force Recruiting Centre Toowoomba, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Register: Registrations are essential, please visit defencejobs.gov.au/events to secure your spot.
Come see our military helicopter, vehicles, equipment and more!
Brown and Hurley 2022 Apprenticeship
Brown and Hurley, the BIG TRUCK people, have now opened their 2022 Junior Apprenticeship intake program for 2021 Year 12 school leavers.
The Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology four-year apprenticeship combines specialised on the job training and learning with industry leading professionals at our state-of-the-art dealerships. After the successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will have a trade qualification and an opportunity to gain a permanent qualified tradesperson position.
About you:
- Committed to completing a four-year apprenticeship and a long-term career in the heavy vehicle service industry
- Responsible, enthusiastic and mechanically minded
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
- Physically fit due to the nature of work
- 2019, 2020 and 2021 Year 12 graduates are preferred
- Car drivers’ licence and own transport from January 2022 is preferred
For more information and to apply, please click HERE.
Applications strictly close on 1st July 2021.
Year 12 Gentlemen, next year once you have finished school...
If you said yes to any of the above, we would like to hear from you! |
The Future Collective Impact Project
The Future Collective Impact Project will provide a forum to discuss the current challenges faced by early-career adults (17-27 year-olds) in the Toowoomba region.
It will be an opportunity to develop ideas on what could be done to affect change at a scalable level to improve employment outcomes and address the higher instances of unemployment and under-employment. Participants will also be provided with tools to help them with their career development including pitching themselves to future employers etc.
Great prizes will be on offer including:
- Aviation simulation experiences at USQ
- Social media and LinkedIn professional training
- Various prizes donated by Harvey Norman
You are invited to submit your expression of interest in being a part of the Future Collective Impact Project forum on Monday 14th June from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
We are looking for a cross-section of representatives aged 17-27 who bring with them a willingness to discuss ideas. Program information will come shortly.
Please complete your brief application form addressing the following questions with short answers here or via the button below by Monday 7th June:
Q1 – What has happened in your life that has shaped you into who you are today?
Q2 – Why do you want to participate in this project?
Q3 – What would you personally like to get out of your participation?
Q4 – What difference would you like this project to make to our community?
Q5 – What 3 words describe you best?
Q6 – What are your career aspirations?
School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships
SBA | Year Levels | Business/Location | Closing date |
Certificate III in Hospitality (Front of House) | 10 and 11 | Multiple opportunities: · The Rock, 520-526 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba · Muller Bros Restaurant, 25 Bell Street, Toowoomba · Jamaica Blue, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Toowoomba · Stellarossa, Bernoth Centre, Toowoomba . La Pizzaiola, 173 Margaret Street, Toowoomba · Kingfishers Café, 333 Spring Street, Toowoomba · Rosalie House, 135 Lavenders Road, Meringandan | Friday 11th June |
Certificate III in Business – Customer Engagement (Dental Practice) | 10, 11 and 12 | Two positions available: Dental Practice, Highfields or Drayton | Friday 11th June |
Certificate III in Dental Assisting (Dental Practice) | 10, 11 and 12 | Two positions available: Dental Practice, Highfields or Drayton | Friday 11th June |
Certificate III in Baking | 10, 11 and 12 | Bakery Cakery, Uni Plaza, Toowoomba | Friday 11th June |
Certificate II in Warehousing Operations | 10 | Reece, Toowoomba West | Friday 11th June |
If you are interested in an SBA, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr Barber via email at barberp@stmaryscollege.com or visit the Careers Centre in DUHIG 21.
You will need to complete an SBA referral form and have a current resume and cover letter.
Gentlemen, you have access to resume templates and information to assist you on the Careers CANVAS page.
Library News
Reader of Term 2, 2021 - Ben Clarke
- What are you currently reading? Black Clover
- Who’s your favourite author? David Walliams
- Do you have a favourite time or place to read? Not really, I read whenever I have time.
- In the past, was there someone who really encouraged you to read? My Dad has always encouraged me to read.
- Where do you get your ideas from about what to read next? By looking at the cover.
- How does reading help you with your school assessment tasks? It helps me to read the assessment tasks faster.
The Premier's Reading Challenge is an annual state-wide initiative for Queensland students from Prep to Year 9. The Premier's Reading Challenge aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning.
St Mary’s College are participating in the challenge this year and have asked that boys read up to 15 books from a selection of titles by 27th August 2021. After only a few short weeks, students are already up to their 7th book, including many popular and interesting titles. Students, who are wishing to get on board, need to see Ms Tracy in the library or email tracyg@stmaryscollege.com indicating their interest.
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
“A book is a dream you hold in your hands”
—Neil Gaiman
Music
Congratulations to Stephen Shindano (Year 8) and Alex Burke (Year 6) who were jointly awarded the Term 1 Piano Award. This award recognises students who achieve well across their attendance, practice, theory and performance efforts for the term.
Alex was our theory wizz for the term, flying through his workbook gaining a huge amount of points as well as clocking up consistent practice time.
Stephen demonstrated musical prowess working towards an excellent performance by memory at the Twilight Recital after only 7 weeks of lessons. An impressive effort.
Stephen Shindano (Year 8)
Alex Burke (Year 6)
Expressions of Interest
The College is seeking students who would like to commence vocal lessons in Term 3. We are looking to source a vocal tutor and would need estimates of numbers before confirming lesson availability.
All students are welcome to try out Choir if they are unsure about committing to vocal lessons. Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30am on Friday mornings in the music room.
Students interested in either opportunity should speak to Mr Tracy (tracyb@stmaryscollege.com) or Mrs Peters (petersl@stmaryscollege.com) to register their name.
Mr Benn Tracy, Director of Music - tracyb@stmaryscollege.com
Debating
St Mary's College students recently participated in a debate against Downlands. Our boys won the debate with the topic "fairytales set us up for disappointment" and we were negative. Well done!
Free Dress Day
Help make a difference in the lives of others this winter!
Come to school dressed warm (flannelette shirt, ugg boots and beanie).
Please bring a gold coin donation for Orange Sky Laundry - https://orangesky.org.au/
Bring warm clothes donations for St Vincent de Paul - https://www.vinnies.org.au/
Bring warm socks and trade them for an ice cream for Emerge Cafe - http://www.emergecafe.com.au/
Get involved in the fun, with a side of social justice! Remember you must wear all sports uniform or all warm clothes.
Irish Brigade
The Irish Brigade will be held next Wednesday 9th June in DUHIG. Boys are welcome to attend after school.
