Term 2, Week 10- 22.06.2021

Principal News

Looking Ahead

As we move into the last week of the term, I just wanted to thank you all as parents and carers for your support in another busy term for the College.  We are enjoying a good year together, and we look forward to finishing the term well.  Please find below a few words dedicated to some upcoming events of which you should be aware in the coming weeks and months.

Debut Ensembles Concert

Tuesday 22nd June, 5.30pm

I'm looking forward to the Debut Ensembles concert today!  This concert showcases our Music program with the younger boys at the College.  For a number of these young men, it will be their first time performing, showcasing their talents and their learning for the year.  We are looking forward, in the future, to further extending the Music and Arts programs at the College and performing is an important element of this development.  This concert will take place in our Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.

Mother and Son Luncheon

Thursday 24th June, 11.00am

The Year 12 Mother and Son Luncheon is being held this week and it is a good opportunity to highlight the special relationship that our boys have with their mums, especially during the Senior years of St Mary's.  As our young men prepare for their final months at the College, the luncheon is a good opportunity to take stock and reflect on the work our mums have done for our young men during their schooling years.  In my experience, Year 12 is a very tough year for our boys, and our mothers, as the pressure is on to perform well in the final year of schooling.  I look forward to seeing many of you at the luncheon this week to say thank-you.

Reports Released

Friday 25th June, 4.00pm

On Friday this week, we will release Semester 1 reports to the community.  For Years 7-12, these reports will be released to the Parent Portal in Sentral.  As our Year 5 and 6 statements are developed in a different system, these reports are paper-based reports and will be posted to parents and carers.  Our Semester 1 reports are an important signpost in the academic journey of your son.  May I please strongly encourage you all to access the reports, and importantly, speak to your son to begin to reflect, celebrate and identify areas of improvement for the Semester 2.  As a suggestion, try to arrive at two or three areas for improvement that your son might work on for Semester 2. 

If you have any problems accessing the Parent Portal, please don't hesitate to contact the College via email reception@stmaryscollege.com.

Confraternity Rugby League Carnival

Begins Monday 28th June, Iona College, Brisbane

We wish our First 13 Rugby League team all the very best of luck in their upcoming games at the 2021 Confraternity Carnival next week in Brisbane.  Iona College is the host school this year, and I look forward to watching the boys play next week.  In the Super 6 Langer Competition, the team has played three games so far this year, winning two and losing one game against the strongest schoolboy competitors in South-East Queensland.  The team is looking very strong in the lead-up to the carnival again this year.

In the recent past, there was no Confraternity Carnival in 2020; in 2019 the winners were Ignatius Park College, Townsville, and our own St Mary's College were the winners in 2018.  Let's just say I look forward to a potential game in the future between St Mary's and my previous school, Ignatius Park!  Both schools have traditionally strong teams and play Rugby League in the right way.  All the very best to the playing and coaching staff at St Mary's this year.  A big thank-you to our coach, Matt Jahnke, and his coaching team, for the preparation of the squad this year.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Monday 19th July, Face-to-Face

Following the release of the Semester 1 reports, our Parent Teacher interviews early next term will be face-to-face interviews for the first time since 2019.  Please keep a close eye on emails in the coming days to find out how to access and request interviews with your son's teachers.  We look forward to seeing many of you in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre for these interviews.  Please access the portal early in the holiday period to ensure that you are not disappointed and miss out on the schedule.

As the interviews are only 10 minutes long, my suggestion would be that as parents and carers you bring one issue to discuss to the interview.  This ensures that you are able to make the most of the brief time available.  It is often important to work on one significant issue with your son as a target for improvement during Semester 2.

Student Engagement

All of the boys and staff are looking forward to a well-earned break, beginning in just a few more days. It seems to have been a busy term and our observations here at the College are that the boys are more worn out than usual. I hope that your son takes some time to re-charge over the break and to get involved in activities that he might not have time for in the busy-ness of the school term.

Uniform

School holidays provide a good opportunity to have a look at your son’s uniform and ensure that all is ready for Term 3 in July. We are noticing that many boys do not have their uniform named, and this is also a matter that can be given some attention over the break, in line with the College expectation that all uniform items are named. The most effective means of accomplishing this is to have your son’s name embroidered onto each uniform item. Some families use their surname, or their son’s initials. In any case, it makes returning lost property far easier for our office staff. While having items embroidered may cost a little extra in time and money, the cost of replacing lost uniform items can also be significant.

As we move into the colder months and the other schools in town transition to the ‘winter uniform’, I would like to clarify the uniform expectations for boys at St Mary’s during cooler weather. 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 in Term 3.

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 a Wednesday, with the sports uniform.

“It got stolen!” – I frequently hear this from boys as they explain to me that an item of their uniform is currently not in their possession. Just as frequently, it turns out that the item (their hat, their jacket, their jumper) was left somewhere and forgotten in the busy day. Boys will often say that their belongings have been stolen as it essentially means that the blame is quickly shifted elsewhere. Please keep this in mind when speaking with your son. If an item was in fact taken by another student, we can usually track this using the College CCTV system and the Heads of House can assist with this.

Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com

Sport News

Primary Basketball

St Mary's College defeated Eagles with 75 points to 9 points.

• Man of the Match 3 points - Ty Khomenko
• 2 Points - Adol Adol 
• 1 Point - Tayt Jackson 

Confraternity Carnival 2021

We would like to wish the St Mary's College boys representing the school at upcoming Confraternity competition all the best! Please see below schedule:

Day 1 - Sunday 27^th June                                                                 

• 8.00am – Arrive @ St Mary’s College 
• 8.30am - Depart @ St Mary’s College

Day 2 - Monday 28^th June  

• 10.45am - Warmup
• 11.10am - Game  1 v The Cathedral College on FIELD THREE
• 3.20pm - Game  2 v Iona College on FIELD SIX

Day 3 - Tuesday 29^th June   

• 10.45am – Arrive at fields
• 11.50am - Game 3 v Aquinas College, Gold Coast on FIELD TBA

Day 4 - Thursday 1^st  July

• Semi-finals game time will be updated on St Mary’s College Facebook page when known

Day 5 - Friday 2^nd July

• Finals to be decided – Game time will be updated on St Mary’s College Facebook page when known
• 6.00pm - Arrive at St Mary’s College 

Hockey

Congratulations to Logan Macready who made the QLD Merit team for Hockey. 

Under 13's Rugby League

St Mary's College with 20 points were defeated by Harristown with 26 points.

The St Mary's College Under 13s put up a brave fight in their semi-final against Harristown. The boys came back at full-time to draw 20 all. They then went into extra time, unfortunately the extra time didn't serve well and the St Mary's boys went down. All-in-all it was a great effort!

• Man of the Match 3 points - Jaxon Mahon
• 2 points - Daniel Grant 
• 1 point - Flynn Anderson

The De Vere Cup 

St Mary's College with 48 points defeated Bellbird Park State Secondary College with 10 points.

• Man of the Match 3 points - Mitchel Clem
• 2 points - Tom Fry
• 1 point - Lucas Brooking 

It was a great performance from the boys in the Round 2 of the De Vere Cup. They consistently completed high and defended well for the majority of the game and the results spoke for themselves. A much improved effort from the previous week. The team applied what was learnt from training this week. The boys will now have a well deserved rest period, before playing St Peter Claver in Week 1 of Term 3. Thank you to all the parents who come along to support. Your time is appreciated by the boys.

The Langer Cup 

St Mary's College with 12 points defeated Mabel Park with 8 points.

• Man of the Match 3 Points - De La Salle Va'a
• 2 points - Bailey Nash 
• 1 point - Declan Ryan 

The Struddy Cup 

St Mary's College Under 14s team with 8 points were defeated by Mountain Creek on 12 points.

• Man of the Match 3 points - Joseph Litidamu
• 2 points - Braithen Scott 
• 1 point - Bodhi Sharpley 

St Mary's College Year 7 team with 4 points were defeated by Mabel Park with 26 points.

• Man of the Match 3 points - Jaxon Mahon
• 2 points - Junior Patterson
• 1 point - Finn Crockett

Hard loss against a very sporty outfit. We were outclassed by a very fit and prepared team.

College Careers

Build a Bot Workshop for Year 11 and 12 Students

Learn to create your own robot with a personality in this hands-on, two-day school holiday workshop. Using design theory, create an animatronic character to take home using 3D printing, 3D modelling, electronics and Arduino. A pop-up makerspace will be available for students to use upcycled industrial fabric and e-waste discards to make the project come to life.

On the first day, explore heaps of example projects with lots of 3D printed samples to touch and feel with maker expert Steph Piper. Steph will reveal the best places to find 3D models and explore different 3D scanning techniques. You’ll learn about different considerations to 3D model for 3D printing and start designing a part for your robot in TinkerCAD.

On the second day, learn how to create your own inventions that blink, move and sense with Arduino and electronics. Create your own circuit, write code and breathe life into your robot build with blinking lights, servo motors and light sensors. Take home your bot and continue to upgrade and build on if desired.

Provided by Presenter:

• Pop up makerspace equipment & misc. consumable crafting materials (incl. 3D Printer)

Kits for participants, including:

• Pre-3D printed electronics enclosure frames to build a robot
• Arduino Nano, x2 Servo motors and electronics parts

Who:

For school students in Year 11 and 12 - Maximum 12 participants

When:       

Session 1    28th - 29th June, 9.00am - 3.00pm

Session 2    1st - 2nd July, 9.00am - 3.00pm

Where:     

TAFE Queensland, Toowoomba Campus Room ALG033

BYO:        

Laptop required

Cost:        

$150 (Lunch and morning tea included)

For more information contact Steph Piper via email at steph@piper3dp.com or to apply visit www.tafeapply.com and enter the application code TQSW21BB.

Griffith University Campus Tours

These school holidays, check out the Griffith University campuses and facilities with a tour of the Gold Coast, Nathan or South Bank campus. Led by current students, this is a great opportunity to explore the campuses in full. You'll get a first-hand look at our lecture theatres, teaching rooms and our state-of-the-art facilities.

 Tours will run from Monday 28th  June until Friday 9th July between 10.00 am and 3.30pm.

Bookings are essential and COVID-19 restrictions will apply.

 Read more and secure your booking at https://www.griffith.edu.au/campus-tours.

2022 Apprenticeship Intake or Work Opportunities

If you are in Year 12 and will be looking for a full-time Apprenticeship in 2022, then there are a number of opportunities that you should register your interest or apply for now.

For more information on all of the opportunities below, please contact Mr Barber in the Careers department.

• Wilmar Sugar Australia
  • Electrical, Fabricating, Fitting and Turning and Diesel Fitting
  • Register interest now
    
• Harvest Trail – Ag Move
  • Relocation costs support program
• Glencore Coal
  • Auto Electrical, Electrical, Mechanical, Plant Mechanical, Metal Fabrication
  • Closes 20^th June 2021
• Brown and Hurley
  • Heavy Vehicle (Mechanic), Fitter, Spare Parts Interpreter
  • Closes 1^st July 2021
• Ergon Energy
  • Electrician, Electronics & Communication, Power Systems, Diesel Fitting
  • Intake opens around August 2021
• Schindler Lifts Australia
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunications
  • Information night 12^th July
• Stanwell – Tarong Power Station
  • Business, Electrical Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter
• BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)
  • Automotive Electrical, Electrical, Diesel Fitting, Mechanical Fitting, Boilermaking, Refrigeration Mechanic, Plumbing, Communications, Instrumentation Technician
  • Closes 12.00pm Wednesday 30^th June 2021
• CS Energy – Callide Power Station
  • Mechanical, Electrical / Instrumentation
  • Closes 23^rd July 2021
• Komatsu Australia & NZ
  • Plant Mechanic, Boilermaker, Auto Electrician, Mechanical or Electrical Fitter, Fitter Turner, Electrician, Automotive Sales
  • Register interest now
• Alcoa
  • Mechanical Fitter, Fabricator/Welder, Heavy Duty Plant Mechanic, Industrial Electrical Instrumentation Technician, Mechanical Fitter Machinist
  • Close Monday 19^th July
• Hitachi
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Fitter, Boilermaker, Electrician
  • Apply now

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

Holiday Reading 

With the holidays fast approaching, we encourage students to borrow books from the SMC Library to read over the break. Many boys have complained that during the busy assessment period, they haven't had time to read. Holidays are the best time to catch up on reading! Whether you are travelling during the break or relaxing at home, we are here to help your son find the right book or series. We have many new titles and series additions arriving this week, so please remind your son to borrow for the holidays. 

What is Recreational Reading?

• Reading for fun/leisure reading
• Recreational reading is for everyone
• Can take place in any setting - school, home, outside etc.
• Covers all topics and formats, including novels, books, newspapers, magazines, graphic novels

Why do we need to read?

• Improves your literary skills
• Vocabulary expansion
• Memory improvement
• Read to check reality
• Read to escape
• To learn specific skills/information
• To stimulate children’s imagination
• To promote positive attitudes towards reading

Encouraging Children to Read

Tips for Parents:

• Be a positive role model about reading
• Provide a comfortable reading area
• Read to your child every day
• Join the TRC Library
• Find quality books of interest for your child

Farewell to Library Staff

This term we will be saying a sad farewell to two library staff members. Gemma Tracy, who has been Acting Teacher Librarian for the past 18 months and Karen Maben, who has been in the Library Assistant role for 9 plus years. Karen is transferring to Concordia Primary Library and Gemma will return to supply teaching and spending more time with her family. We would like to thank Karen for her tireless work in the library over the past 9 years and wish her well in her new position.

We would also like to thank Gemma for undertaking the Teacher Librarian position over the past 18 months. During her time here, Gemma has overseen the huge task of the library move to the hall, managed staff changes, and has integrated the primary classes into the curriculum, creating relevance and interest for the primary boys during their library lessons. We wish Gemma well with her future endeavours.

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 these be actioned as soon as possible. Students can either renew or return their overdue library items. Any unreturned overdue loans will be billed in the last week of term. Your help with this is much appreciated!

School Improvement Survey

This year our school will be participating in a School Review and Improvement survey managed by Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute (RADII).

As well as school staff and students from Years 5 to 12, all parents are invited to participate in the survey. The survey provides valuable feedback for the future directions of our school.

It would be appreciated if parents could update their contact details prior to the 25th June 2021. This will ensure delivery to the correct parent email addresses are available.

On Monday the 26th July 2021, RADII will send all parents a personalised invitation to complete the survey online. If both parents' email addresses are on file at the school, the invitation will be sent to both parents. However, the survey will close once the first person has completed it.

If you do not wish to complete the survey, simply delete it. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. You can complete the survey from anywhere you have access to the internet.

The survey will close on Sunday 8th August 2021. We encourage you to be very honest in your responses to the surveys.

All responses go directly to RADII so they are confidential and anonymous. When the surveys are completed, and responses aggregated by RADII, overall data is sent to us so that we can then share the findings with you.

Chronicle Junior Art Expo 2021

Congratulations to the following students whose artwork was accepted into the Chronicle Junior Art Expo:

• Orlando Briggs
• Deklin Hargens
• Nicholas Jewell
• Elliot Thomas
• Dimitri Christodoulou
• Taka Davies

The gallery is now open for viewing until 7th July. Be sure to check out the exhibition. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/2RQqqcu