St Mary's College, Toowoomba eNewsletter

Principal News

Catholic Education Week

25th July - 31st July

This week celebrates Catholic Education Week in Queensland. Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 309 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. The theme of the celebrations this week is "A Spirited Tomorrow". This theme acknowledges the long tradition of Catholic education and its continued relevance in preparing our students for the future.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

We are fortunate here at St Mary's to have a very distinctive ethos and way of working with our boys. Because of our charism, informed by the Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice, we understand the significance of what we do and how we educate our young men in every moment of our work.

Catholic Education has a long history in Queensland and is generally recognised as being a high quality and distinctive style of education - an important piece of the wider education landscape.

Catholic Education:

is a faith-based education which places the values of Jesus at its centre
is a high quality, holistic education for 1 in 5 young Queenslanders, educating them to be well-informed, highly skilled and constructive members of the community
values diversity and treats each student with dignity enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all
nurtures in students a commitment to social justice and a critical social consciousness
prepares students for global responsibilities through stewardship of the earth’s resources
is an integral part of the local and universal Church
occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities

Spirit of Education Awardees Recognised

Each year, worthy recipients are recognised for what they have done for our school community. We are very fortunate to be blessed with a generous and highly capable staff who give of themselves to our students.

Congratulations to the following staff who will be recognised during the week through the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Even though many of you know these staff members, I take an opportunity to briefly describe what they do for our community:

Hector Peralta

Hector is our Spanish teacher and one of our Religious Education staff. He is a generous and caring person and is always willing to "go the extra mile" for the boys in our community.

John Parker

John Parker is our Technologies Curriculum Leader and teaches Graphics and Design. He is a strong advocate for our staff and was one of the backstage staff who contributed to the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" this year.

Jack Muller

Jack Muller is an Old Boy of the College. He is a Metal Technologies teacher and we appreciate the key skills that Jack provides to our boys in applied and other pathways at the College.

Long-Serving Staff

Catholic Education Week also recognises long serving staff members to Catholic Education in Australia. We are indeed fortunate to have Mr Coren, Ms Banks and Ms Connolly on staff as they continue to provide high quality education to our boys at the College:

Kerrie Connolly (20 years) - Waterford House Leader

Tammy Banks (20 years) - Acting Science Curriculum Leader

Stephen Coren (25 years) - Middle School Teacher

Our Students

Mr Paul Grealy has recognised a number of students in this newsletter for their contributions to the College. We appreciate what they have done and look forward to seeing them realise their goals for the future.

This Week in the Calendar

Bishop's In-service Day - Friday 30th July

Please be reminded this is a Student Free day at the College. St Mary's is proud to welcome Fr Richard Leonard (online) from Sydney who will be working with our teaching and support staff on Catholic identity. I have used Fr Richard's writing from time to time in my newsletter reflections.

Sprit of Catholic Education Awards

Long Serving Staff Members

Reflection for the Week

This year marks the first World Day for the Grandparents and the Elderly.
#I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

Many in our St Mary's community fall into this category as a grandparent or the elderly (I'm not sure of the definition of elderly myself - I just know that it is getting closer!)

To our members of the community who fall into this category: Thank-you for your continued support of our College and our students and staff. The official prayer to commemorate this day is recounted below.

I thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your presence:
even in times of loneliness,
You are my hope and my confidence,
You have been my rock and my fortress since my youth!

I thank You for having given me a family
and for having blessed me with a long life.
I thank You for moments of joy and difficulty,
for the dreams that have already come true in my life
and for those that are still ahead of me.

I thank You for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which You call me.
Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of Your peace,
teach me to embrace those who suffer more than me,
to never stop dreaming
and to tell of Your wonders to new generations.

Protect and guide Pope Francis and the Church,
that the light of the Gospel might reach the ends of the earth.
Send Your Spirit, O Lord,
to renew the world,
that the storm of the pandemic might be calmed,
the poor consoled and wars ended.

Sustain me in weakness
and help me to live life to the full in each moment that You give me,
in the certainty that You are with me every day,
even until the end of the age.
Amen.

Peace,

Mr Brendan Stewart - College Principal

In Our Prayers

Old Boy, John Patrick Morris has sadly passed away. Husband of Iris Father of Joanne, Peter, Daniel, David, Stephen, Bernadette, Michael and Robert (dec’d). Brother of Brian (dec’d) Kevin (dec’d, Margaret and Maureen. Grandfather of 24 and great grandfather of 8.

Old Boy, John Coyer has sadly passed away. Husband of Faith, Father of Michael, Bernadette, Andrew, Marie and Elizabeth.

Identity

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated in Catholic schools in Queensland from 25th – 31st July 2021.

This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is: A Spirited Tomorrow.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

There are 309 Catholic schools in Queensland that educate around 154,000 students and employ more than 20,000 teachers and staff, and most will celebrate Catholic Education Week in some way.

Congratulations!

The student nominees for Spirit of Catholic Education for 2021 are:

Student Engagement

The Hurting Game - Brainstorm

This week, our boys in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be viewing an educational performance from the Brainstorm Performance team. The College uses Brainstorm every year to raise sensitive but important issues with the boys. This year’s presentation – The Hurting Game – addresses concepts such as digital footprint and personal well-being.

“This resilience program for high schools explores the skills we need to cope with life’s challenges and build meaningful connections.

Maddie and Tom are childhood friends. As they move through high school Maddie’s group begins to spread rumours and alienate her. She retreats into an unhealthy online world of perfection, anxiety and unrealistic expectations.

Tom succumbs to peer pressure, deliberately failing subjects and harassing other students. Videos of him indulging in anti-social behaviour are posted online, putting his digital reputation at risk.

During an explosive argument they realise they are both struggling to cope. They embark on a journey to understand how these unhelpful behaviour patterns have developed and the strengths that have helped them to get through. They discover that resilience, respect, self-compassion and authentic friendships are key to their mental health and wellbeing.”

If you would like to know more about this program, check out the website at: https://www.brainstormproductions.edu.au/high-school-programs/the-hurting-game/

I am sure that the boys found this to be an engaging and thought - provoking performance - and I hope that they came home and told you about it!

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

Primary News

Year 6 Camp (Week 4)

Please ensure that you have completed the required medication form (emailed last term) and returned to Mrs Dyne dynet@stmaryscollege.com if your son has any medication requirements at camp.

Term 3 Specialist Lessons

	5B – Mr Gregson	5G – Mrs Crank	5W – Mrs Pauli	6B – Mr Steer	6G – Mrs Dyne	6W – Ms Pilkington
Library	Mon	Thurs	Thurs	Tues	Tues (W1) Mon (W2)	Tues
Band	Tues	Tues	Mon	Mon	Thurs	Thurs
Instrumental	Wed	Wed	Wed	Wed	Wed	Wed
L.O.T.E.	Thurs	Mon	Tues	Thurs	Tues	Thurs (W1) Fri (W2)
P.E.	Mon	Mon	Mon	Mon	Mon	Mon

Homework

Year 5 will continue with the weekly homework grid. Year 6 will be transitioning to secondary style homework. Their teachers will set tasks that will be recorded in their diaries and will be due the next day that they have that subject. This is to help the boys with the transition to secondary school.

Parents on Campus

Reminder that any parents who are on campus must first present to the Office and sign in. This includes dropping off and collecting your son. For after school collections, we encourage you to arrange a meeting point and your son can meet you there at the car. This is to help build their responsibility and independence.

Mrs Terese Dyne, Head of Primary - dynet@stmaryscollege.com

Sport News

Rugby league

Year 7 Team

St Mary's College on 4 points were defeated by Alexandra Hills on 38 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Lachlan Hillman
2 Points - Sam Fitzpatrick
1 Point - Junior Patterson

The boys played a very strong Alexandra Hills team. Unfortunately, we couldn’t match the speed and defence of the opposition. Great game and spirit from Lachlan Hillman who was our stand out player.

U15 Team

St Mary's College on 0 points were defeated by Stretton State College on 42 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Oscar Reynolds
2 Points - Dimi Christodolou
1 Point - Darcy Goodman

It was a rough day at the office for our final round of the DeVere cup, facing off against the undefeated side in our pool - Stretton State College. After an admirable effort in the first half, the boys were only down by 8 points at the break.

From there on unfortunately, it was all down hill and our performance dwindled. Stretton scored 34 unanswered points in the second half and were very clinical. The St Mary's boys only had one fit player on the bench for the majority of the game and fatigue became a key factor in the result.

We have more to learn from defeat than any of our wins and the boys are back into training, preparing for their next match.

St Mary's will face Caloundra State High School in an elimination final next Wednesday to determine who will be playing off for the prestigious DeVere Cup. Best of luck to all players involved in the fixture next week.

Rugby Union

U13 Team

St Mary's College on 7 points were defeated by TAS on 41 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Ashton Messenger
2 Points - Alastair MacLachlan
1 Point - Cody Soderquist

The boys couldn't feel their hands and fingers, playing in a temperature that felt like -2 degrees last week. However, they persisted and within the first minute TAS scored their first try. They were a very big side and unfortunately SMC dropped their heads and were not able to reel them back in. Hopefully it is warmer next week!

U15 Team

St Mary's College on 22 points defeated TAS/Concordia on 13 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Sam Gleeson
2 Points - Lachlan Ryan
1 Point - Mitch Wilkes

This was a a great performance for the first game of the season. The boys played a very expansive game after really dominating the ruck. We look forward to taking on Faith Lutheran College next week and welcoming back our DD reps.

Opens

St Mary's College on 12 points were defeated by TAS/Concordia on 13 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Riley Burns
2 Points - Harry Shelton
1 Point - George Spencer

Primary Basketball

St Mary's College with 38 points defeated Runnin Rebels on 24 points.

3 Points and Man of the Match - Adol Adol
2 points - Tayt Jackson
1 Point - Jaxen Salmi

AFL Junior Regional Cup

The St Mary's team travelled to Springfield last week. They played four games and came away with 1 win and 3 losses.

St Mary's College on 36 points defeated Woodcrest College on 12 points

3 points went to Joseph Litidamu

St Mary's College on 6 points were defeated by Marymount on 12 points

3 Points went to Liam Dawes

St Mary's College on 12 points were defeated by Cleveland on 26 points

3 points went to Fletcher Tate-Roche

St Mary's College on 5 points were defeated by Miami on 20 points

3 points went to Harrison Schwenke

College Careers

University Early Offer Schemes

Many universities offer guaranteed entry to ATAR eligible boys, with the addition of supporting documentation from the College through their EARLY OFFER Programs.

Please see their websites for details, deadlines and application processes:

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Early Offer

Griffith University (GU) Early Offer

University of New England (UNE) Early Entry

James Cook University (JCU) Early Offer

University of Sunshine Coast (USC) Early Offer

Southern Cross University (SCU) Early Offer

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Early Offer

Bond University Early Offer

Queensland Police Service Experience Day

Year 10 and 11 boys have the opportunity to attend a Qld Police Service Day where they can learn more about pathways into the Police Service.

The Queensland Police Experience Day 2021 will be held on Wednesday 18th August from 9.00am to 2.30pm.

Numbers will be limited so interested boys should see the Careers team as soon as possible if they are interested in attending.

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

Book Week 2021

Each year across Australia, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week in August. The theme for this year is "Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds". During this week we celebrate Australian children's literature and the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards are judged, rewarding Australian authors for their contribution to children's literature. Click here to view the Short-Listed Books for 2021.

At St Mary's College we will be celebrating Book Week during Week 5 in Term 3, beginning on Monday, 9^th August 2021. The primary students will be attending the Bigger, Brighter, Better Presentation from Perform Education during the first two periods of the day. There will also be Book Character Costume Judging on the day. The primary boys, teachers and library staff will be participating in the parade and prizes will be awarded to the best and most interesting costumes.

Please put this in your calendar, as your son might need assistance with organising a costume closer to the day. If you need help finding a costume, please click here for ideas and inspiration! Spotlight also have affordable costumes and for homemade options, please click here. Please see the photo below (from left Jacob Crothers, Gabe Clarke, Lachlan Spence and Bailey Hombsch) with some of the winning costumes from last year to inspire your creativity!

Date	Activity	Time	Venue
9/08/21	Bigger, Brighter, Better Performance	8.45am – 10.10am	ERCC
10/08/21	Book Trivia	First Break	SMC Library
11/08/21	Scavenger Hunt	First Break	SMC Library
12/08/21	Hangman	First Break	SMC Library
13/08/21	Book Club/Promo - Morning Tea provided	First Break	SMC Library

Overdue Library Resources

Please remind your son 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!

“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” ― Roald Dahl

The Library Team – library-staff@stmaryscollege.com

School Psychologists

There are lots of resources out there for how to support your child’s mental health, however this one is one of the better resources. It helps parents with practical strategies to prevent the most common issues of depression and anxiety in young people and the below link is great as its separated for parents of 5-11 year olds and 12-17 year olds.

Click here to read

Loe Stanford, Psychologist and School Counsellor

Learning Support

Support is available to all students who require assistance with homework, assignments or reviewing current class work. Support is available with Mr Roy in the Hub every morning before school from 7.00am 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 46 317 333 so that a suitable time can be negotiated.

P&F Meeting - Highfields

The P&F Meeting is coming to Highfields! All are welcome to attend. Please meet at the Highfields Tavern at 7.00pm next Monday, 2nd August.

You're Invited

Parent_Engagement_Day_Toowoomba_Invitation_pdf.pdf

Head Lice

Please be aware we have had head lice present at the College. See below fact sheet for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the College Reception on 07 4631 7333.

Head_Lice_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Tuckshop Menu

Tuckshop Menu Term 3

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!

Term 3, Week 3 - 27.07.2021