Term 3, Week 1 - 13.07.2021
Principal News
Term 3 - Welcome back!
Welcome back to all of our boys and families for what promises to be a hectic term ahead.
I always reflect that the beginning of Term 3 is a perfect time to reset and to reconsider the goals we put in place for the start of the year. In the coming days, if you have not had the opportunity already, please consider sitting down with your son to put a few simple goals together for the remainder of the year. To that end, please remember that the Parent-Teacher interviews, which this term will be face-to-face, will be conducted next Monday 19th July. These interviews are a perfect opportunity to meet your son/s teachers and to receive quality feedback about his academic performance and his engagement in school life.
Semester 1 Academic Reports
I would like to make a couple of comments about the recent school reports. It was pleasing again to see the large number of students who made a productive effort in their studies in Semester 1. At St Mary's College, we truly believe that academic improvement is possible for everyone. A student's sustained, patient and gritty efforts are the most common way that this improvement occurs. I have recognised outstanding achievers through a Principal's email and we will build on this through assemblies in the weeks ahead.
Through our intentional College goal of improving writing, many students will achieve improvement through the standard academic expectations of a St Mary's College classroom; however, as I have mentioned above, openness to feedback is a vital skill for all aspiring improvers. I have worked with many boys over the years, and the one reflection I would have is that the boys who "get there" are almost always the students who tailor their work to the feedback for improvement that they receive from teaching staff.
Overall, I believe that Semester 1 has proven that we are an excellent school looking to improve on a good, solid model that is already in place. Our students and staff have made a positive academic start to the school year and we commit to persist with the strategies we have put in place. I look forward to "hearing" about many positive learning conversations in the coming weeks based on our parent-teacher interviews.
Staffing update
I would like to welcome the following new staff members to the College starting this week.
Ms Sienna Hooper - Teacher Librarian
Sienna comes to us from Mercy College, Mackay and is looking forward to her time at St Mary's College. Sienna has been successful with gaining the permanent Teacher Librarian role at the College and we look forward to working with her innovative ideas in engaging boys in reading!
Mr Matthew Weston - English/Humanities teacher
Matthew comes to us from All Souls and St Gabriel's College, Charters Towers. He has a passion for Literacy and History and we look forward to seeing what Matthew can bring to our students in these key subject areas.
At the end of Term 2, we said many thanks and farewell to the following staff:
Ms Karen Maben - School Support (Library)
Karen has been at St Mary's for about 7 years and we wish her well in her future ventures in Toowoomba.
Ms Gemma Tracy - Teacher Librarian (Acting)
Gemma has completed 18 months as Acting Teacher Librarian and did a wonderful job at keeping the library moving forward at a time of great change, including its new home in the T. P. O'Brien hall.
Ms Pip Nicol - School Support (IT)
In a short space of time, Pip made herself a popular and almost indispensable member of our IT staff. Pip acted in the position for 6 months and will be sorely missed.
Ms Sally Witherspoon - School Support (EALD)
Sally has worked with our EALD students for the last 3 years and we thank her for this contribution to our students on the margins. Ms Alet Coetzee will now spend more scheduled time with our EALD students during Semester 2.
Mr Rod Logan (Don't panic - Long Service Leave only!)
Congratulations and all the very best to Rod on his LSL during Term 3.
Additionally, we also welcome Ms Tammy Banks to the role of Science Curriculum Leader for Semester 2 on an acting basis. Ms Louise Rapson will stay on our teaching staff and this change will give her a little more time to spend with her young family. We wish them both all the best in Semester 2.
We welcome back Mr Stephen Connolly to our IT support staff from the start of term. Stephen has just completed a teaching secondment in Warwick.
Reflection for the Week
Humility and Grace
Ash Barty's inspiring win at Wimbledon over the weekend made so much sense for so many reasons. It's 50 years since Evonne Goolagong won her first Wimbledon and Ash's victory is just what the country needed in a time when so many people have been doing it tough in the Australian community.
The World No. 1's win also fell at the end of NAIDOC week - a time to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Barty was 12-years-old when she learned that her great-grandmother was part of the Ngaragu people. In 2018, she became a Tennis Australia Indigenous ambassador.
Watching Barty on the weekend I thought - how is it possible that someone who is 5 feet 5 inches tall can compete with athletes much taller and stronger than her good self?
Let's not be mistaken - Ash Barty is talented at the elite level. She might have made it as a cricketer, or a golfer and 7 years ago, Barty quit tennis: at that time, she had had enough of the sport. She reached out to Goolagong Cawley who simply replied with "good decision - go and wet a line".
She played cricket in the women's Big Bash but decided to come back to tennis 5 years ago.
The rest is history.
Ultimately, what stood out for me is not her sporting talent, not her titles or success, but the way that she responded to all of it. Barty appears to truly understand her place in the world and that the opportunity she has is a gift. She is happy to share; look at any news conference she has conducted over the past 5 years and there is proof of this.
Ash Barty is inspirational because she has humility and grace in spades. This is why she will be forever remembered as a "great" champion - because she is sharing it with all of us as Australians who can only bask in the reflected glory of her achievement!
Peace - enjoy the week,
Mr Brendan Stewart - College Principal
Identity
Welcome back to another hectic term, but inside all of what is happening let us focus this week on the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week – to Heal Country. Healing is so important; it often requires us to clean out all the infection, to truly get to the proper place of healing. It requires us to meet face-to-face, to turn our face to each other, to acknowledge where we had made mistakes, to seek forgiveness and to take opportunities to move on together. Give yourself a treat and listen to this beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace by Paul Kelly and Gurrumul - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVORrx9jIiE
Acknowledgement of Country, Seas and Waterways
Let us acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years, the Jarowair and Gaibal people of the Western Wakka Wakka nation. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of the First Nations Peoples to this Country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.
The Anniversary of Christianity
This year the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council have adopted the NAIDOC theme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday – Heal Country. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis has called us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Today’s Gospel is very fitting because Mark tells us of Jesus returning to his ‘native place’ – Nazareth – to a non-accepting, hostile reaction. Jesus had been welcomed and revered in other places, why is it that he is mocked and disregarded in his own home? “Is he not the carpenter?” the crowd called because they saw him as “without honour” and were unable to believe in him. He did not fit into their ideological view and thus did not deserve respect in their eyes.
In Australia, our own First Nations people have suffered a similar reception to Jesus in Nazareth. Their knowledge and complex cultural systems, created and honed over millennia, are often dismissed as primitive and irrelevant to our fast-paced world of today. This could not be further from the truth, particularly as we become more aware of their continued care, love, and respect for ‘country’, grounded in a relationship with the creator that formed independently of Western influence. 2021 marks the 250th Anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Australia. Yet the Spirit of God was poured out onto the original inhabitants of this great Southern Land many, many thousands of years prior. God’s Spirit could be heard through the singing of the birds, the cascade of the waterfall, the rustle of the wind and, most importantly, in silence.
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, a respected Ngangiwumirr Elder, artist and 2021 Senior Australian of the year explains the importance of listening and understanding the silence: “My people today, recognise and experience in this quietness, the great Life-Giving Spirit, the Father of us all. It is easy for me to experience God’s presence. When I am out hunting, when I am in the bush, among the trees, on a hill or by a billabong; these are the times when I can simply be in God’s presence. My people have been so aware of Nature. It is natural that we will feel close to the Creator.”
Student Engagement
Welcome Back!
As I write this, the term has not yet begun and already it’s busy! As I look at the calendar for the term, I see guest speakers, camps for Years 6 and 11, opportunities for House spirit and the usual academic challenges. Please support your son by staying up-to-date with activities at the College – the newsletter and the College Facebook page are the best sources of information. Thank you to all those families who support the College expectations around uniform and presentation – it is a small issue but one that is easily addressed when we work together.
Mission Australia – Youth Survey
Many families would be familiar with the work that Mission Australia does to assist those people in our communities who need support to participate fully in our society. Working with young people is one aspect of their work and, for the last twenty years, Mission Australia has been conducting an annual survey of young people. This year, St Mary’s College will be assisting with this process. While more information will be coming directly to families, our boys in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be asked to complete the Mission Australia Youth Survey in the next few weeks as a part of their Skills classes. In addition to the information usually gathered, Mission Australia are hoping to gather insights with regard to mental health, the impact of COVID-19, discrimination and barriers to achieving post-school goals.
TRC Youth Leaders Program
Every year, the Toowoomba Regional Council runs a Youth Leaders program for young people between the ages of 14 and 24. People who apply to join this group are young people who aspire to be leaders and to make a difference in their communities. If your son is a young man who wants to stand up and make a difference, this program gives him training, development and opportunity. There is no cost involved but there is a commitment to the program.
Applications for the 2022 program are open now and close on 30th July 2021.
More information about the program can be found here: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/community-business/community-support/youth/12122-youth-leaders-program-apply-now
If your son is interested, please click on the link above. Read the details, discuss as a family and encourage your son to put his application in.
Paul Dillon – Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia
St Mary’s College has been hosting Paul Dillon every year for the last ten years now, and we are pleased to be seeing him again this week. Paul is a well-respected and insightful expert on the topic of alcohol consumption and its impacts. Every year, Paul speaks with our Year 10, 11 and 12 cohorts about drinking and the use of other drugs. In his entertaining and straightforward manner, he debunks the myths, shares some truths and teaches our boys strategies that may help to keep them safe. If you would like more information about the work that Paul does, you can visit his website here: http://darta.net.au/
Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com
Sport News
Athletics Day
The Athletics Carnival will be held tomorrow, 14th July on the St Mary's College Oval.
It will be a whole day event and will include all students. Students can wear their house colours with closed in shoes and appropriate sun safe clothing.
Parents are welcome to spectate. However, please ensure you sign in using the QLD Government QR Code provided. We also encourage social distancing throughout the day.
Food will be available to purchase from the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. Eftpos is also available.
- Sausage on bread: $2.00
- Burger: $3.00
- Soft drink: $2.00
- Water: $2.00
- Chips/chocolate: $2.00
- Hot Beverages (Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Chai Latte, Tea): Sml: $2.00 & Lge: $3.00
May the best house win!
Darling Downs Rugby League Carnival
Six St Mary’s College students travelled to Cairns recently to represent the Darling Downs in the Under 12 State Rugby League Carnival. The boys had an excellent time away!
College Careers
University of Southern Queensland Early Offer
The USQ Early Offer allows eligible Year 12 students who place USQ number one on their QTAC application, to receive an early offer at the University of Southern Queensland. Students can receive an early offer in one of two ways - via recommendation from a Principal or successful completion of a USQ Head Start course.
Applications open 3rd August. For more information, please visit the USQ website online or see us at the Careers Centre in DUHIG-21 for assistance.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) Year 12 Revision Webinars
ACU know that the thought of your Year 12 exams can be daunting and even a little bit stressful, but you aren't alone! ACU, along with InspirED, have created free online revision webinars to help you prepare for what's to come and do your best.
These revision webinars are run by experienced Year 12 assessors and exam markers who will know exactly how to guide you through this process and even help you respond to example exam questions. During the session you will be able to better understand the topics presented to you and learn some fantastic study tips and tricks too.
Additionally, there will be a live 30-minute Q&A, presenting you with the opportunity to have your questions answered.
When do they take place?
The Year 12 revision webinars that are being offered are as follows:
- Monday 16th August, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Chemistry - Unit 3: Equilibrium, acids and redox reactions
Chemistry - Unit 4: Structure, synthesis and design
- Tuesday 17th August, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
English - Unit 4: Close study of literary texts
- Wednesday 18 August, 7-8.30PM
General Mathematics- Unit 3 & 4: Bivariate data, sequences and change, earth geometry, investigating and networking
- Thursday 19th August, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Business - Unit 4: Business evolution
- Monday 23rd August, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Legal Studies - Unit 4: Human rights in legal contexts
- Tuesday 24th August, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Study of Religion - Unit 3 and 4: Religious ethics and religion, rights and the nation state
How do I get involved?
You can now register for these sessions online.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) Guarantee
Applications for 2022's ACU Guarantee are now open!
ACU Guarantee provides current Year 12 students the opportunity to be offered a spot within their chosen degree, prior to the end of the school year. Not only does this take the pressure off your final exams and assessments, but it also provides security and comfort knowing that you already have a place in your university degree of choice. Through ACU Guarantee, applicants can submit two course preferences.
How does it work?
By using Year 11 results, ACU can predict a selection rank and make an offer accordingly. As part of your application, you may also choose to provide personal statements that give ACU insight into your circumstances and motivation for university study to improve your entry score for ACU Guarantee. Tips for writing your personal statement are available online.
In Queensland, the only course excluded from ACU Guarantee is Physiotherapy.
What are the application requirements?
You need to have successfully completed Year 11.
While ACU Guarantee secures your spot in your university degree of choice, you do still need to complete Year 12 and meet any prerequisite requirements for the degree.
Applications close Friday 24th September - Apply now.
TAFE at School 2022
If you are a Year 10, 11 or 12 student you may be able to complete a TAFE Queensland qualification while you are still at school.
Year 10 students will require a letter of endorsement from the Principal.
You can choose from a variety of Certificate I to Diploma courses from a range of study areas from construction to community services, hospitality to health care and everything in between.
For more information, please see the TAFE at School 2022 course guide HERE.
If you are interested in applying, you are required to see the Careers Team in the Careers Centre as TAFE require school approval before they can process any applications.
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
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
This term we welcome a new library staff member, Sienna Hooper, who will be undertaking the Teacher Librarian role. Sienna comes to us from Mercy College in Mackay, where she has been working for several years. Sienna has six years teaching experience and has a passion for developing students’ literacy, as well as digital literacy. We look forward to Sienna’s contribution to the library team.
Library Term 3 Events
Term 3 is always a busy term with the SMC Library celebrating some very important events, including CBCA Book Week and Australia Reads celebrations.
CBCA Book Week 2021
This year we will be celebrating CBCA Book Week in Week 6, Term 3 2021, beginning with our Bigger, Brighter Better presentation to the primary students. The presentation will take place on Monday, 9th August 2021 in the ERCC, where all students will be invited to dress up as their favourite Book Character. Prizes will be given to the best costumes on the day!
Celebrating the CBCA Book Week 2021 theme: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds, this interactive and educational musical adventure is a fun filled and energetic celebration of CBCA Book Week 2021 and brings together all the elements of great storytelling - a hero, a mystery, a quest, and an exploration! Please see an excerpt below about the presentation.
BIGGER, BETTER, BRIGHTER!
One day a girl named Marley woke up to discover that ‘Something’ was missing… and so begins a quest that will lead Marley through destinations that are strange and challenging but often oddly familiar. However, first she must determine what it is that has disappeared from her life that is causing such a sense of emptiness. Fortunately, her story has a narrator to help her. The thing is Marley sometimes has her own ideas as to how the story needs to be told. There are books around to provide clues and directions which is a great help –if you can figure out what they mean. Marley is determined to sort it out no matter where she travels or what she encounters. One thing is certain - once the ‘Something’ is recovered, everything will become Bigger, Better, Brighter!
Join Marley and characters from a selection of The CBCA 2021 Shortlisted Books, as she seeks to discover what it is that is missing and how best to recover it.
Australia Reads 2021
This year, the SMC Library will celebrate the Australia Reads event by partaking in the Australian Reading Hour on Wednesday, 15th September 2021. This event will take place in the SMC Library during sport. The Australian Reading Hour is where students and staff are invited to share and celebrate the joys of reading by picking up a book and reading quietly for an hour. Whether they’re picking up a book for the first time or are regularly reading from the library, there will be plenty of incentive to read! Further information will be provided closer to the date.
Overdue Library Resources
Please remind your son/s to keep up-to-date with library loans. Students are able to manage loans through the Library Web App, where they can see their overdue items. Students will also receive a weekly overdue reminder via email each week. If you received a bill for an overdue library item over the holidays, your son is able to return it to the library for a refund by 30th July, 2021. Your help with this is much appreciated!
The Library Team - library-staff@stmaryscollege.com
“Books are no more threatened by kindle than stairs by elevators” - Stephen Fry
2021 MIE Maths Modelling Challenge
Register now for the 2021 MIE maths modelling challenge!
Celebrating mathematics and the spirit of competition, the MIE maths modelling challenge aims to help high school students develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers.
The competition is free and is open to all students from Years 7 to 12. Each registrant, no matter the year level, will be randomly assigned one of the same three problems to complete. This means the juniors are competing against the seniors and vice-versa. The competition will be held during school hours on Wednesday Week 3, replacing sport (29th of July).
If you are interested in the competition, please get in contact with Mr Canard by Friday to register.
Mr Andrew Canard, Teacher - canarda@stmaryscollege.com
Tuckshop Menu
Visiting the College
Given the lingering situation in Australia with COVID, we now expect parents, carers and other members of the community, who wish to enter the school grounds, to sign in at the front office using our QR Code and sign-in system.
Please do not just walk through the College property, for any reason, without first signing in.
Please socially distance at all times.
Thankyou for your co-operation and we look forward to working with you during Term 3.
You're Invited to the P&F Race Day
Tickets are limited! Visit https://www.trybooking.com/BSIWI to secure your spot.
If you are interested in supporting this event, please email tracydann3007@icloud.com to obtain a sponsorship package. We will also be accepting donations for raffle prizes and auction items.
All funds raised will go towards supporting St Mary's College boys!
