Term 3, Week 6, 16.08.2021
Principal News
COVID Support
Dear Parents and Carers,
During a COVID context such as the one we find ourselves in at the moment, it is important to remember the support that is available at times when it is required.
As parents and carers, we may not be aware of the incredible range of support and resources that are available in our local area and online, even in a lockdown scenario. In times of isolation, it is easy to get caught in the understanding that as a family or an individual we have no support. From my reading, this is not the case.
Last week on Thursday, we welcomed back our Year 6 students. As they had not been in the regular classroom for 10 days, it was clear that both the boys and staff needed a little support to get back on track! Please find below a summary from the Queensland Government website of services that are available to you in Queensland.
Primary and Allied Health Services
You may be unsure or anxious about how to access primary and allied health care from home. To support access to these services during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government has provided $669 million to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians.
This means that Australians will be able to access support in their own home using their telephone, or video conferencing features like FaceTime to connect with GP services, mental health support, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, after-hours consultations and nurse practitioners, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, as well as services to patients in aged care facilities and children with autism.
For more information on what services are eligible for Medicare-subsidised telehealth, go to the Australian Department of Health Medicare Benefits Schedule website .
Health Advice
- For health advice call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) any time for practical medical advice, including an over-the-phone nurse assessment if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Visit Queensland Health’s coronavirus webpage for the latest information and advice.
- For doctor appointments, medical advice, and to get information on testing (including results and testing locations), call your local doctor or search online for a GP.
Mental Health Support
- For 24 hour phone and online counselling from mental health professionals contact BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
- Beyond Blue also has a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Health Support Service for people experiencing mental health concerns due to COVID-19.
- Contact Lifeline telephone counselling service on 13 11 14 for information, referral and advice.
- Contact MindSpot on 1800 61 44 34 for online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression and also to access resources, or guidance on accessing the right services around Coronavirus.
- For support for women and families experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression, contact Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) on 1300 726 306.
- For information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and to help carers contact SANE Australia on 1800 187 263.
- For confidential telephone counselling services and support following the loss of a loved one, contact GriefLine on 1300 845 745.
- For children, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit the Kids Helpline website.
- For young people aged 12–25 and families supporting young people, call headspace on 1800 650 890, visit headspace’s dedicated page about coping with stress related to Coronavirus, or contact headspace for professional support.
Practical Support
- If you need to continue to isolate and need food or other essential supplies, call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
- Navigate OnePlace , an easily accessible directory of community support services to help Queensland families access the right service at the right time (from parenting groups and classes to domestic and family violence support services – there are more than 53,000 records listed in OnePlace).
Financial and housing advice and support
- For information about the Australian Government’s support for people impacted by COVID-19, including Economic Support Payments and allowances for people who are in self-quarantine and can’t work, visit the Services Australia website or call 132 468.
- For information about how to contact services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child support call myGov on 13 23 07.
- For those experiencing financial difficulty, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a financial counsellor to get advice.
- To access information about emergency and temporary housing visit the Queensland Government’s Housing assistance
We know that children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health is strongly linked to their success at school and later in life. As parents, there are many things you do every day to support your child’s wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pay extra attention to your child’s emotion and needs
This has been a challenging time for many people in our community. As uncertainty and worry related to COVID-19 continues, you may notice changes in your child’s behaviour, sleep, mood, interactions with others, or eating habits. These are all normal expressions of worry and by noticing and responding with care and support, you will help your child to feel better.
As parents, it is important to be able to:
- recognise signs of increased anxiety, stress or worry.
- know that it is a normal reaction.
- help children feel safe and supported.
Be aware of your own behaviour
It is important to understand the effect your own behaviour can have on your child. If you react in ways that suggest you are worried, your child may worry too! Try to remain calm and positive when talking to your child about COVID-19 and issues affecting your family.
Reassure your child it is safe to go to school
During the learning at home period, your family, along with staff at your child’s school, helped your child understand that staying away from school was necessary to keep them healthy and safe. As the pandemic continues, your child may now feel worried about whether it is safe for them to be at school. Their worry may be greater at the beginning of a new term feeling safe at home during the holidays.
To help your child feel safe and less worried about being at school, have clear and calm conversations and tell them the facts, including that:
- the decision for students to be back at school has been made based on health advice.
- everyone at school is making sure they are safe, and there is plenty of soap at school so that everyone can wash their hands many times a day.
- they are allowed to sit next to their friends in the classroom and during group activities, as children like them usually do not get sick from COVID-19.
- the Government is keeping an eye on COVID-19 – if it starts to spread again, decisions about what we need to do to keep everyone safe will be made quickly.
- if anyone at their school feels sick, they will stay away from school until they feel better.
Extra support for your child
If you feel that your child needs extra support at school, please contact St Mary's College and ask about our Counsellors. Support is also available for children through Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or by visiting the Kids Helpline website.
I also found these factsheets useful:
Download the supporting primary students' wellbeing and mental health during COVID-19 factsheet (PDF, 383KB).
Download the supporting secondary students' wellbeing and mental health during COVID-19 factsheet (PDF, 266KB).
From https://qed.qld.gov.au/covid19/parents-carers-and-students/support-for-parents-carers/support-available-for-parents-and-carers (Accessed 15 August 2021.)
Reflection for the Week
The Assumption of Mary
Being St Mary's, Mary the Mother of God is an iconic figure in our College and our faith. What do we learn from the Assumption of Mary?
A related story…
Daniel went to his mother demanding a new bicycle for Christmas. ‘Danny, we can’t afford it,’ she said, ‘so write a letter to Jesus and pray for one instead.’
‘Dear Jesus, I've been a good boy this year and would appreciate a new bicycle. Your friend, Daniel.’ Now Danny guessed that Jesus really knew he was a brat. So, he gave the letter another try. ‘Dear Jesus, I've been an OK boy this year and I want a new bicycle. Yours truly, Daniel.’ Danny knew this wasn't true either, so he tore it up and tried again. ‘Dear Jesus, I've thought about being a good boy so may I have a new bicycle? Daniel.’ Finally, Danny thought better of making these false claims and so ran to the Church. He went inside and stole a small statue of Mary and ran out the door. He went home, hid it under his bed and wrote this letter. ‘Jesus, let’s face it, I've broken most of the Commandments; tore up my sister's doll and lots more, I'm desperate. I've got your mother Mary, if you ever want to see her again, give me a bike for Christmas. You know who.’
This humorous story has a serious lesson for us on the feast of the Assumption. Throughout history there are those who have ransomed the memory of Mary to fit in with how they understand women should behave in society. As a result, sometimes, Mary is presented as meek and mild, passive and subservient. The problem with this view is that it is impossible to reconcile it with the ten stories we have of Mary in the New Testament: the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, flight into Egypt, losing Jesus in the Temple, going to bring Jesus home from his public ministry, the wedding feast at Cana, being at the foot of the Cross, and Pentecost.
The strength and power of Mary’s life is captured in the Magnificat. Here Mary extols how God is saving us by turning the world on its head, doing the very opposite of what was expected.
The New Testament does not demonstrate a meek woman, devoid of creativity and initiative. It shows a strong, noble woman who put her free will at the disposal of God’s will. That is what the feast of the Assumption celebrates: that because God will never be outdone in fidelity and generosity, he remained utterly faithful to Mary through death, as she was utterly faithful to Him in life.
The Catholic tradition has always honoured Mary as being obedient, the pre-eminent disciple of her Son and the sign of what could await all Christians who are invited to share in the mission of Jesus on earth. Religious obedience is not passive. We listen to the voice of God and choose to say 'yes' to Christ’s love and liberation. Discipleship does not mean our personality counts for nothing. Rather, it’s the valuing of every individual’s ability to contribute to Christ’s kingdom in a unique way. Prefiguring what can happen for all of us does not diminish the particular gifts God lavished on Mary but reassures us that God recognises His own in this world and the next.
May this Assumption Day see us stop ransoming the image of Mary to the distortions of the past and find in her creative and free self-giving a pattern for our Christian lives, and a beacon of hope for all.
(From Fr Richard Leonard SJ)
Peace,
Mr Brendan Stewart - College Principal
College Careers
Griffith University Virtual Open House
Interested in studying at Griffith University next year?
Discover Griffith with 24/7 access to study and student support information. Join us for GriffithLIVE every Tuesday from 4.00pm – 6.00pm and Thursday from 12.00pm – 2.00pm to chat with our study advisers and listen to live webinars. Everything you need at your fingertips to find the degree for you.
On now until 20th August. Please register by clicking here.
Year 12 Students
On the last Friday of term, you have the opportunity to complete your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling). This opportunity is provided by Aurora and will be a half or full day event depending on whether you would like to do one or both courses. Please find the details below:
DATE: Friday 17th September
LOCATION: Aurora Training Institute - 49 Annand Street, Toowoomba
TIME: 9.00am – 3.00pm
COST: $40.00 per course (e.g. RSA+RGS cost $80.00)
To enrol you must complete and submit the form by clicking here.
Electrical Apprenticeship opportunity
For any Year 12 student interested in undertaking a Certificate III in Electrical school-based apprenticeship which will convert to a full-time apprenticeship at the completion of Year 12, there is an exciting opportunity with Control Unlimited Pty Ltd.
Control Unlimited Pty Ltd is a local company that specialises in Grain Aeration.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please come and see the Careers team as soon as possible in DUHIG 21 who can assist you with organising work experience in the first instance and provide you with further details.
School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships
SBA | Year Levels | Business/Location | Closing date |
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Maintenance Fitting and/or Turning) | 10 and 11 | Oakey Beef Exports, Oakey
| Friday 20th August
|
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating | 10, 11 and 12 | Travis Keen Painting, Toowoomba
| Friday 20th August |
Certificate III in Fitness | 10 and 11 | Premier Conditioning, Toowoomba
| Friday 20th August
|
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | 10 and 11 | Rosalie House, Meringandan
| Friday 20th August
|
Certificate III in Hospitality (Front of House) | 10 and 11 | Stellarossa, Toowoomba
Ann Bakery, Eastville, Toowoomba
Jamaica Blue, Grand Central, Toowoomba La Pizzaiola, Toowoomba
Picnic Point Café & Restaurant, Toowoomba
Sage & Butler, Toowoomba
Urban Grounds, Toowoomba
| Friday 20th August |
Certificate III in Business (including some Retail electives) | 10 and 11 | Pacific Fuels, Toowoomba Crackerjack Chicken, Toowoomba Red Rooster, Toowoomba
| Tuesday 31st August |
Certificate III in Hospitality | 10 and 11 | GPO Bar & Cafe, Toowoomba Piccolo Papa, Toowoomba Subway, Toowoomba, Gatton & Plainland
| Tuesday 31st August
|
If you are interested in an SBA, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr Barber 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 .
Sport News
With all the uncertainty due to COVID-19 many sporting events going forward have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. We are doing our best to let all families know as soon as we know, via SMS or email. They will also be updated on the Sentral Calendar. Please keep an eye out.
Primary Sports Results
Rugby League Junior White
- St Mary's College with 1 point defeated Glenvale with 0 points
- St Mary's College with 12 points defeated Fairview with 4 points
- St Mary's College with 8 points defeated Glenvale with 4 points
Rubgy League Junior Blue
- St Mary's College with 8 points defeated Glenvale with 4 points
- St Mary's College with 8 points defeated Toowoomba East on 4 points
Rugby League Senior Blue
- St Mary's College with 36 points drew with TAS also with 36 points
Primary Soccer Junior Blue
- St Mary's College with 1 goal drew with St Thomas More's also with 1 goal
Primary Soccer Junior White
- St Mary's College with 3 goals defeated TAS with 1 goal
Primary Soccer Senior White
- St Mary's College with 2 goals were defeated by TAS with 3 goals
The Hub
Support is available to all students who require assistance with homework, assignments or reviewing current classwork. Support is available with Mr Roy in the Hub every morning before school from 7.00am and at both lunch breaks. Support will also be available after school on Thursday afternoons from 3.05pm until 4.00pm. If you would like further information, please contact Dave Roy on 07 4631 7333.
Friday Lunch - Fundraiser
The St Mary's College CBSQ Basketball Teams have organised lunch for Friday 27th August.
Please click here to place your son's lunch order. Pre-order is preferable to ensure you don't miss out. Pre-order will close Wednesday 25th August at 9.00pm.
There will be pizza and soft drink available.
Tuckshop will only be providing breakfast on Friday. The SMC Meals weekly order will be available Monday to Thursday.
Cultural Showcase
St Mary's College is hosting a Cultural Showcase on Tuesday 24th August in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
Students studying music and drama will perform throughout the evening. There will also be an art gallery to browse, curated by students studying art.
We welcome friends and family of our students to attend the event. The Art Exhibition will be open for viewing from 5.00pm, with performances commencing at 5.30pm. The event will conclude at 7.45pm.
Tickets are limited due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Please book tickets for all guests attending as soon as possible by clicking this link: https://www.trybooking.com/BTGGG
Canapés will be provided and the bar will be open to purchase drinks.
Can you lend a helping hand?
NDIS Information for school leavers
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!
