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Term 1, Week 2 - 2.02.2021

Principal News

2021 – The Way Forward

St Mary’s College came alive with the arrival of our students this week. It is always a blessing to see smiling faces, energy and some nervousness in the first days back at school. Even in a short time, I have recognised that St Mary’s is a close-knit community. Older students were enthusiastic in assisting younger students this week. Our “white shirts” took on the responsibility of leadership and began by making connections with others in the school. This is a positive reflection of their maturity and understanding of their role in 2021. I look forward to working with them in this important work in 2021.

Goals for the Year

In my first address at a College assembly, I outlined the goals of the College for 2021. The first of these is writing. Our goal is that all students, from years 5- 12, will walk out of the College at the end of 2021 as better writers. Writing is obviously a key communication skill and one which assists students in their learning and making their way in life. Additionally, given the importance of performing in test instruments, we want our students to perform better in the future in exams because they have some clearly understood writing strategies at their disposal. As teachers, it is clearly recognised that all students can improve their writing ability with carefully taught strategies.

The second goal that I spoke about was feedback. To be clear, I would like to see all students understand the importance of feedback to their development as students and young men. An attitude to accept feedback acknowledges that we are not yet the finished article and that there is growth and development ahead. Of course, feedback for our students can take many forms. These include feedback on assessment, verbal feedback on behaviour, body language, coaching in sports etc. Young men need regular and immediate feedback to improve performance.

We have invested heavily in a writing tool that will assist and support students in their writing development. Write That Essay (WTE) is a 3-year program consisting of professional development for our staff, coaching of our students, and an online tool that uses artificial intelligence to assess and support the writing of our boys. My experience with the tool is that students engage and use it to improve their writing clarity, shaping their writing to fit their intentions more clearly. This is an exciting addition to the resources available at St Mary’s College.

New Staff at St Mary's College

We have a number of new staff starting at the College for 2021. We have worked hard to recruit these highly skilled teachers to work with your sons.

Please welcome the following to the community:

Mark Watson – Assistant Principal Curriculum
Stephen Connolly
Stephen Coren
Nicola Crank
Emily Docherty-Rub
Maine Firkins
Ben Ingram
Sue Osborne
Kelli Pacey
Madeline Rayner

Welcome one and all to the wonderful team at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba.

Australia Day Awards

Congratulations to Lachlan Moore (Year 11) and Mason Pugh (Year 7) who both won Australia Day Awards at recent ceremonies in the District.

Lachlan made significant achievements last year in the tactical sport of orienteering. His dedication and determination has seen Lachlan make outstanding achievements this year, which has led to him earning a place on the Queensland Orienteering Team. In 2020, he was selected in the QLD Schools Orienteering Honour Team, travelling to various locations across South East Queensland to compete in qualifying events.

Lachlan was the first student to take up orienteering in the South West three years ago and has continued to promote the sport in the region and contribute to its growing popularity. Lachlan is a wonderful role model and shares his knowledge of orienteering by supporting others on their courses. He helps younger students and adults to improve their skills and regularly stays back to help pack up events.

Mason has been riding motorbikes since he was three and currently competes across Queensland in Moto Trials with the goal of competing in Europe.

COVID-19 had a huge impact on events last year, but Mason was lucky enough to participate in several competitions in the second half of the year on vintage and modern bikes. The first State Title event was the AMA State Twinshock Titles held in Central Queensland. This event saw Mason competing on a 1974 Yamaha TY175 in some very dusty and rocky conditions where he finished second in a very tight result. The AMA State Titles for modern bikes was held south of Stanthorpe. Mason produced a perfect score on the Saturday and finished third overall after Sunday’s completion.

Mason also won a Championship Trophy in the AMA Combined Club Championship and the Western Districts’ Trials Club competitions.

Study Skills Day - Friday 5th February

St Mary’s College is hosting a senior study skills day on Friday 5^th February in the ERCC. This is an opportunity for our ATAR students to develop some good habits for their important final step in their high school journey. Students will hear guest speakers and get to network with students from other schools who all have a common goal – to get the highest ATAR possible! St Mary’s College is a school of excellence in academic achievement and this day is another opportunity to continue this journey.

My reflection for this week:

Mandela’s Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage is based on journalist Richard Stengel’s conversations with Nelson Mandela, the father of modern South Africa. During one of their talks, Stengel asked Mandela about how he became such an effective leader during the dark days of apartheid. Mandela explained that sometimes one has to lead “from the front.” It means being seen as leading; it means stepping forward and standing up to one’s oppressors. But leading from the front, Mandela explained, often “means doing things that did not necessarily attract attention.” Leading means extending small kindnesses and compassion to the most vulnerable and struggling. Leading from the “front” means lifting others up by one’s own confidence in their shared cause.

But Mandela also learned the importance of leading “from the back.” That wisdom, he said, was learned from herding his mother’s cattle as a boy: “’You know, when you want to get the cattle to move in a certain direction, you stand at the back with a stick, and then you get a few of the cleverer cattle to go to the front and move in the direction that you want them to go. The rest of the cattle follow the few more-energetic cattle in the front, but you are really guiding them from the back . . . That is how a leader should do his work.”

Stengel writes of Mandela’s explanation:

“The story is a parable, but the idea is that leadership at its most fundamental is about moving people in a certain direction — usually through changing the direction of their thinking and their actions. And the way to do that is not necessarily by charging out front and saying, ‘Follow me,’ but by empowering or pushing others to move forward ahead of you. It is through empowering others that we impart our own leadership or ideas. It is valuable in every arena of life. We see it in the workplace when a manager encourages her employees to help formulate new strategies. We see it at home when parents have a family meeting to guide their children toward sensible rules and behaviour, rather than simply laying down the law.”

Today’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a teacher who possesses an “authority” that is immediately perceived by His hearers as centred in the example of His own compassion and empathy for those He has been called to serve. Such an authority comes not from the power to coerce but from the ability to inspire. Nelson Mandela understood that model of authority: to empower others to realise the best that they’re capable of becoming; to move people forward not by edict but by example, not by fear but by hope. Jesus sees His call to “lead” as a trust, as a responsibility to serve others by revealing, not a God of judgment and vengeance, but the God who calls us to compassion and mercy for the sake of His Kingdom of Peace.

Peace.

Identity

Welcome Back to 2021 – All are welcome

This week a number of significant milestones are being celebrated by our College community.

We open a new building, the first since 1996 and we induct our thirty-first Principal, Mr Brendan Stewart. Forever will Mr Stewart will be grafted onto the deep roots of a tree that has grown for 122 years. The new Edmund Rice Cultural Centre, will be the place of stories, of gathering and of laughter well into this century.

We also acknowledge the Bishop’s presence with us on Tuesday. He will be concelebrating the Opening Mass, and the feast day of the presentation of the Lord in the Temple, with Father Tom Duncan and our Chaplain, Father Ray Crowley. Our eucharistic community enlivens us and ignites in us the spirit of Edmund Rice – simply to go to the edge as guest and learn from the poor.

I hope you can join with us as our celebrations are streamed live to Facebook – this is one small way of ensuring our touchstone of an 'Inclusive Community' is brought to life in our community.

I attach a letter from Brother Tim Scott CFC to be read at the opening of the building:

To all the staff and students of St Mary’s College Toowoomba,

I am writing to you all on behalf of the Christian Brothers as you gather for the Blessing and Opening of the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. I am sorry that I can not attend, although I would very much like to be there with you.

In 1899 the Christian Brothers came to Toowoomba to open St Mary’s and began to spread the message of Blessed Edmund Rice and this message continues to be spread today. Edmund himself shared this message in his lifetime - “Were we to know the merit and value of only going from one street to another to serve a neighbour for the love of God, we should prize it more than silver or gold.”

For over 120 years this message has been lived out at St Mary’s.

I was privileged to go to the Vatican in Rome to attend Edmund Rice’s beatification and one of the other Brothers with me on that journey was a past student of St Mary’s, Brother Gary Ferguson who was tragically killed in a road accident only recently. No doubt he is looking down from heaven rejoicing with you all at the opening of the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.

Two other past students of St Mary’s, who joined the Christian Brothers nearly 80 years ago, are Brothers Kevin Dwyer and Matt McKeon. Both are 95 years old now and also send there good wishes and prayers to you all on this occasion.

Please be assured of the continued prayers for you all at St Mary’s from the Christian Brothers around Queensland. May the message of Blessed Edmund Rice continue to be lived out in all our lives.

One behalf of the Christian Brothers,

Brother Tim Scott cfc

Mr Paul Grealy, AP Identity - grealyp@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

“We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.”

These words define the touchstone of 'Liberating Education' in the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition. As the new Assistant Principal – Curriculum at St Mary’s College, these words form the foundational responsibility of my role. Last year brought many challenges and uncertainty, the world over. Education was not spared. It proved to be the most disruptive and challenging year in my 15-year career as a teacher and during this time I found it important to focus back on the touchstone of Liberating Education. When the world feels small and uncertain, we must return to our values for guidance and reassurance of our path and place in the world. A liberating education breaks down walls, cures viruses, heals divisions, conquers ignorance, opens borders and creates hope to build a better world. With the exceptional teaching staff at St Mary’s, I will work to ensure your son is receiving learning experiences that continue to open his heart and mind.

A little bit about me:

I join St Mary’s from Ambrose Treacy College (ATC), an Edmund Rice Education school in Indooroopilly having served 6 years in several roles including the Head of STEM and Director of Administration. I worked at ATC as it transformed into a secondary school from Nudgee Junior giving me a broad range of curriculum development experiences. A desire to return to a curriculum-based role and the opportunity to work at St Mary’s led to my application here.

I’d heard about the school from my cousins who had attended here in the early 2000s and my aunt, Judy Barbe, who has worked here for many years. The College has always been held in high regard in my family and since moving to Toowoomba 3 weeks ago, it has become clear the community echoes this respect. I’ve had many interactions around town with people who speak well of the school and of the men who have graduated from here. I hope to become an integral part of the College and continue to develop the academic culture present in the school; students striving for the crown.

Mr Mark Watson, AP Curriculum - watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Primary News

Specialist Lessons

The primary boys have specialist lessons for music (band and instrumental), languages (Spanish/ Japanese), library and physical education.

This Term the physical education program is dance and will be facilitated by Mrs Pauli. Due to our lesson being timetabled on a Friday, the boys will only need to wear their sport uniform.

The boys study a language for a semester and are then exposed to another. This Semester, Year 5 boys are studying Japanese and Year 6 boys are studying Spanish.

CLASS	BAND	LIBRARY	LANGUAGE	INSTRUMENTAL	P.E.
5B Mr Gregson	Tues P7	Mon P5	Thurs P6	Wed	Fri P3
5G Mrs Crank	Tues P6	Thurs P4	Mon P5	Wed	Fri P3
5W Mrs Pauli	Mon P5	Thurs P5	Tues P4	Wed	Fri P3
6B Mr Steer	Mon P6	Tues P6	Thurs P5	Wed	Fri P4
6G Mrs Dyne	Thurs P5	Tues P3	Mon P6	Wed	Fri P4
6W Mrs Pilkington	Thurs P6	Tues P4	Fri P3	Wed	Fri P4

Interschool Sport

This year the options available for Term 1 Interschool Sport are Hockey and AFL. As a College, we will also offer a development program which will incorporate both of these sports. Additionally, we offer chess, which will be facilitated by Mr Ted Carter.

Below is a list of the required equipment for the each sport. Please note I will send out an email with the team lists to all parents, once they have been finalised. Please don’t rush out to buy the equipment prior to receiving this email.

Interschool Sport will start in Week 3. If your son doesn’t have the required equipment he won’t be able to participate.

Hockey

College sling bag (available at the College Office)
College multi-purpose shorts (available at the Clothing Pool)
College football socks (available at Hannas)
Mouthguard
Completed permission form
Shin pads
Hockey stick
Drink bottle

AFL

College sling bag (available at the College Office)
College football shorts (available at the Clothing Pool)
College football socks (available at Hannas)
Mouthguard
Completed permission form
Football boots (optional)
Headgear (optional)
Drink bottle

Development

Drink bottle

Communication

Please remember that we want to work with you to best support your son and his learning journey at St Mary’s College. It is critical that you keep us informed of any information that may affect your son’s learning while in our care.

All staff email addresses are surname first initial @stmaryscollege.com

For example: Mrs Terese Dyne – dynet@stmaryscollege.com

The College has established a great support network to ensure boys feel welcome and valued. Outlined below is a snapshot of the Welfare system for Years 5 to 12:

Head of House:

Bowdler - Mr Mitch Koina
McGoldrick - Mr Stephen Sowter
Purcell - Mr Russell Craymer
Waterford - Mrs Kerrie Connolly

Mentor Teacher:

There are 40 mentor teachers within the College who are each responsible for a group of approx. 20 students in their house. They meet daily with their mentor groups.

Buddy:

All Year 5 and 7 students have a buddy in their mentor. Parents will receive an email.

Classroom Teacher:

Classroom teachers are the people on the ground working with your son to ensure they he is learning to his potential.

Primary Staff:

6G - Mrs Terese Dyne & Mr Russell Craymer
6W - Ms Sheryl Pilkington
6B - Mr Brian Steer
5w - Mrs Shari Pauli
5B - Mr Mark Gregson
5G - Mrs Nicola Crank
Learning Support - Mrs Sue Osborne

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

College Careers

University Showcase

On Tuesday 9th February, from 1.40pm until 3.00pm, we will be hosting several universities and institutions. There will be a mix of presentations, followed by an opportunity for the Year 12 students to speak to representatives at their booth. All Year 12 students will be attending as the presentations will give the boys the opportunity to make informed decisions. Currently the following organisations will be visiting: Australian Catholic University, Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.

Evening Session for Parents

For parents interested in attending, an evening showcase will be held on Wednesday 10^th February from 5.00pm to 6.30pm at the City Golf Club. Please feel free to attend this event.

School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships

SBA	Year Levels	Location	Link/ Attachment	Closing date
Certificate III in Warehousing Operations	10 & 11	Sherriff Electrical Wholesales	Contact Mr Barber for more info	ASAP

If you are interested in this SBA, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr Barber via email at barberp@stmaryscollege.com or drop in to the Careers Centre in DUHIG 21.

You will need to complete a SBA Expression of Interest Form and have a current resume and cover letter.

Resume templates and information to assist are available on the Careers Canvas page, link below.

CAREERS Canvas Page

Work Experience

Year 12 student Dean Conway spent two weeks during the holidays attending work experience at the Toowoomba Hospital. Dean worked with the hospital carpenters developing his carpentry skills and experiencing the trade firsthand. Dean found the experience very worthwhile as he experienced a wide range of duties, including hands-on tasks, as well as learning the importance of workplace health and safety. Dean also felt the workplace was very welcoming, so much so he met with Shirley-Anne Gardiner the Executive Director - Toowoomba Hospital Executive Services (pictured here with Dean). The experience has consolidated Dean’s interest in Carpentry, and he is seeking to commence a school-based apprenticeship (SBA) this year.

For any students wishing to pursue an SBA, Dean highly recommends that they spend some time doing work experience first as it is a great way of learning new skills and meeting potential employers. Dean is also happy to share his experience with other students if they would like.

Library News

The Library Web App

The Library Web App is what we call a one-stop-shop for library users. Being available 24/7 means students can use it both at school and at home. Students, once they have logged in, have access to all our paid databases, encyclopedias, Clickview, the Referencing Generator, as well as access to their borrowing details. Students can search titles, place reservations, check out their borrowing history and keep tabs on their current borrowings, including overdue items. The Library Web App is the best way for students to complete their assignments. Students can research and complete their bibliographies, as well as accessing our eBook and audiobook collections. Students are welcome to see library staff regarding the Library Web App.

Campion MyConnect App - Digital Textbook Library

St Mary’s College Library offers digital textbooks through the Campion MyConnect App, which is a Digital Textbook Library for staff and students. Students will have the Campion App on their desktop or home screen, depending on their device. This App contains the digital textbook pdfs from different publishers, as well as providing access to the publisher’s website for the interactive textbook and other resources, such as Cambridge HotMaths. Students access the app using Single Sign On, which is their school login, therefore they don't have to remember several different passwords. This has allowed the College to choose texts from several different publishers across the subject areas, according to their relevance and functionality. Please see below an image of the app. Students should contact the library if they are experiencing any issues with the Campion MyConnect App.

Cambridge HotMaths (Primary students only)

Cambridge HotMaths is an online resource for Maths enrichment, extension and revision in the primary school. Cambridge HotMaths is an interactive online maths learning, teaching and assessment resource for students. This will be available in Week 3 for students and is accessed through the Cambridge HotMaths website.

Free and Voluntary Reading

The SMC Library encourages Free and Voluntary Reading (FVR) to ensure students are enjoying what they read and are motivated to read. Research has shown that FVR or recreational reading greatly develops a reader's knowledge and skills about reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. Please encourage your son to read and please talk with him about the books he is currently reading. Library staff are available to help students find a suitable book; however, the five-finger rule is an excellent guide for readers.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

– Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com

Sport News

Swimming Carnival

Welcome back to 2021. The first sporting event to take place at the College is our annual Swimming Carnival. We can't wait to see the houses come together for the first time and engage in a healthy and robust competition, which highlights the character of the young men here at St Mary's College.

Our Carnival has been split into two due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please see below:

AM – 8.50am – 11.30am: Boys born 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

PM – 12.00pm – 2.45pm: Boys born 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004/03

*Please note that the Year 12 boys will be in attendance for the entirety of the day to assist with fostering house spirit.

Key information below:

Milne Bay Swimming Pool is the venue for the day. Staff will provide supervision on site from 8.30am. There is a $2 entry fee.
Milne Bay's 'Covid Safe' plan does not allow for spectators. An effort will be made to have results going up on Facebook at regular intervals, so parents can stay updated. Students not participating in an event are also classified as spectators and incidentally would not be allowed to attend. To circumnavigate this please be aware that ALL students will be asked to enter the water at some stage in the day as either competitors or in the participation events.
Students are asked to be dropped off and picked up from the venue. Students who are to be dropped off to the College will be shuttled to the pool via College transport.
Students that need to be returned to the College to catch a bus home will be issued an arm band to help identify them and will be transported back the College upon completion of the carnival. Please instruct your child(ren) to seek out these arm bands as the enter the venue.
Students participating in the morning session will be sent back to the College via bus before the next event commences, if they have not been collected from the pool by 11.30am.
Food will be available from the canteen onsite, however a packed lunch and plenty of water is recommended.
Sunscreen will be available and students will be made to reapply as the day progresses.
Students are expected to travel to the pool in sports uniform and get changed into their house colours at the venue. Please note there is a limit of 8 people per bathroom at Milne Bay, so students would find it easier to come dressed ready to swim under their uniforms.
No paints (including hairspray), zincs or materials that might 'bleed' colour into the water are permitted.
An electronic timing system is being utilised this year. What this means is that student times across all heats can easily be compared to identify an overall ranking.

Swimming Trials & Nominations

Swimming Trials for Year 7 students will be held on Wednesday 3rd February during sport time at the College Pool. Boys are required to bring swimming togs, towel and goggles on Wednesday.

Year 8 to 12 nominations will also take place on Wednesday during sport time. Any disputes over who is the faster swimmer will require a trial in the water Thursday morning.

Branded Water Bottles

St Mary's College branded water bottles are now available at the College Office for $10 each. Limited stock available.

Rugby League Trials

The U13 and U14 Rugby League trials will take place this Wednesday 3rd February from 3.15pm to 4.30pm on the College Oval. Students will need to bring appropriate training gear, including a mouthguard and botts. The College sports uniform will not be suitable.

Wednesday Sport

Sport selections will take place on Wednesday during sport time. Students will need their device to access Sentral to make their selections.

If your son would like to change his Wednesday sport option throughout the term, please email SMC-sport@stmaryscollege.com. In the email, please provide two alternate sport options and state the reason for wanting to change. The Sport Office will review the request and advise the outcome via email.

Please see below process for students arranging alternative school pick-up from their chosen sport.

College Gym

The College Gym is located on the bottom floor of the new Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. The Gym is run by professional trainers from the Academy of Fitness and High Performance. Please see below timetable for Term 1:

Mr Scott Cowan, Head of Sport & P.E. - cowans@stmaryscollege.com

Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical

Musical rehearsals resumed last Friday the 29th January, and it was wonderful to see the cast for the first time since the end of Term 4. The enthusiasm of the students as they jumped back into rehearsals was marvellous and it is hard to believe that in two months the musical will be over.

Rehearsals will continue to be on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon, however we have included all day Saturday rehearsals from 10.00am until 4.00pm commencing this Saturday 6th February. The cast have been given a permission slip, which will allow them to walk in groups to the IGA during lunch breaks and this form needs to be signed and returned. With 9 weeks until the musical is performed it is vital that all cast attend as many rehearsals as possible. If students are unable to attend we ask that they email Mrs Peters to advise this prior to rehearsal at petersl@stmaryscollege.com.

Tickets are now available for purchase!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Year 7 Camp

Parents and caregivers of Year 7 students, this is a friendly reminder to complete and return the permission and medical forms for Year 7 Camp as soon as possible.

Camp management requires this information by Wednesday 3rd February, so they can complete orders to accommodate your son's needs.

Thank you for your support so far. Forms completed in detail are very useful to ensure camp is an enjoyable experience for all.

If you have any questions, please email me.

Mr Rob Glasby, Year 7 Coordinator - glasbyr@stmaryscollege.com