Term 3, Week 8, 31.08.2021
Principal News
St Mary's College Exams: Weeks 8 - 10
Preparation
As we move into a key preparation time for exams, it is a useful time to recall various strategies that help to prepare our boys for high performance during this assessment phase.
There are many strategies that work; however, I believe that it is important for students to try a few of these to understand what is right for each person.
There are, however, a few key points that work for everyone. It is important for each student to show some "grit". In an academic context, grit means perseverance and passion for long-term goals. This implies that sometimes in our preparation for assessments, we may encounter barriers or roadblocks. It takes some effort and strength to pass through these obstacles and to keep moving forward with the final goal in sight.
Study Notes
I can't stress enough the importance of preparing good study notes, whatever year level your son is in. Study notes are a summary of the key learnings which are relevant for the assessment that he is undertaking. For example, if your son is studying for a Chemistry exam in Year 11, he would prepare a separate book of study notes which is a summary of the key points relevant for the exam.
The Cornell Notetaking system is encouraged at St Mary's College and is used in many subjects. It is useful because of clarity of the system, and the encouragement to re-read notes and to create a summary in the bottom third of the page. A typical Cornell page in any subject might look like the page below:
Learning Styles
Most of us have a preferred way of learning. Get to know the learning style that is most comfortable and study in the ways you learn best. Note that these styles are just a way to think about different studying techniques – they are not hard and fast rules that say you should only study in one way. Try each of these out and see which ways you prefer.
- Auditory learners prefer to learn by listening. Try reading your notes aloud and discussing them with other people. You might like to record key points and play them back. All ipads and phones have some type of sound recorder which can be played back and saved at convenience.
- Visual learners prefer to learn by seeing. Boys should try using colours in their notes and draw diagrams to help represent key points. Try to remember some ideas as images. Plenty of white space on pages helps in key notes standing out at the right times.
- Tactile/Kinaesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing. Try using techniques like role-playing or "walking" while reading and revising key points.
Place, Time and Music!
Everyone has their own idea about the best place and time to study. Whether it's a bedroom at night or the library after school, finding a study space and a regular study time that works is important to settle on at this stage of the term.
- Set up the study space– A study space should be quiet, comfortable and distraction-free. It should make a student feel happy and inspired.
- Find the best time– Some people work better in the morning. Others work better at night. Students need to work out which time suits them and plan to study during these times.
- Music - It is well established in research that very few people can properly study while listening to music. Music, phones and social media can be used as a reward after the hard work of study is completed.
How long should our boys study for?
Clearly, this is going to depend on the sort of course that your son is doing, and what year level he is in. A complex Maths or Science exam in the Senior years will take far longer to prepare for than a 1- lesson exam in the Middle school. A good rule of thumb follows:
Year level | Time (minutes per night) Including homework and revision | Comment |
Years 5 and 6 | 30 | Will vary depending on each teacher |
Years 7 and 8 | 60 | Will vary depending on the exam and subjects |
Year 9 and 10 | 90 | Will vary depending on the exam and subjects |
Years 11 and 12 | 120 and beyond | This will depend on their chosen pathway ATAR/General pathway students need to spend considerably more time than Applied pathway students |
All the very best of luck to our students in preparing for and performing well in their upcoming assessments.
Reflection for the Week
"Earth’s Holocaust”
The great American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne devised a strange parable he titled “Earth’s Holocaust.” According to the tale, the people of the earth decided to rid the world of everything that “overburdened” the world with suffering, hatred, intolerance, misery and oppression. And so, the “reformers” planned a great bonfire to burn all those things that were considered “evil.”
First, all the jewels and mantles and crowns of Europe’s royalty were cast into the fire. All the world’s barrels of liquor and ale were next destroyed, followed by the entire tobacco harvest. Every gun, musket and sword, every piece of military artillery and ammunition were gathered up and thrown into the flames.
The self-appointed reformers then directed the burning of every book — philosophy, religion, law, science, literature. Even the Holy Scriptures as well as crosses, sacred vessels and baptistries were consigned to the flames. Government constitutions and charters, stocks and bonds, and all manner of currency were incinerated.
In the heat of the moment, individuals “liberated” themselves of clothes, money, toys — even marriage certificates, college diplomas, deeds and love letters — were cast into the great fire. As the last purifying flames died out late into the night, a bystander “of dark personage” who had been watching the sad procession all day long remarked, “There is one thing that these wiseacres have forgotten to throw in the fire, and without which the rest of the conflagration is just nothing at all.” “And what that might be?” he was asked.
The dark commentator replied, “What, but the human heart itself . . . Unless they hit upon some method of purifying that foul cavern, forth from it will reissue all the shapes of wrong and misery — the same old shapes, or worse ones — which have taken such a vast deal of trouble to consume in ashes . . . Oh, take my word for it, it will be the old world again.”
Peace,
Mr Brendan Stewart - College Principal
Student Engagement
Paul Dillon Webinar for Parents
Paul Dillon will be conducting a webinar for parents and carers titled ‘Young people, alcohol and other drugs 2021: What do parents need to know?’ on Thursday 16th September at 7.00pm - 8.30pm.
It will examine current drug trends amongst school-based young people, including vaping and the online sale of drugs via social media apps. The session aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.
For further details and registration click HERE.
Celebrating Grandparent's Day
Please join us for a Grandparent's Day Celebration on Thursday 16th September.
The morning session will commence at 9.00am in the Cultural Centre and will conclude by 10.30am. The afternoon session will commence at 1.30pm and will conclude by 3.00pm.
The afternoon session will become available once the morning session has been filled.
Please book a ticket for all St Mary's College students and grandparents attending via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/BTVJF
Tickets are limited due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
College Careers
Griffith University
Griffith University invite our Year 11 and 12 students to their upcoming Experience Days.
Griffith Experience Days give students a feel for life at Griffith University and include campus tours as well as hands-on interactive sessions dedicated to different study areas. Boys must also select the interactive sessions they wish to attend as places are limited. Experiences will include: racing drones, learning about the birth of artificial intelligence, building a trebuchet, deconstructing a film script, using a news camera and even playing computer games developed by Griffith graduates.
Register via the link HERE.
QTAC Application Session
Year 12 students applying to university and TAFE will attend a QTAC Application session in Week 10 on Wednesday 15th September at 11.45am, following their Mathematics examination. All Year 12 boys have met with Mr Glass and Mrs Ball, informing their decision-making regarding the six preferences they will submit to QTAC. As part of this preparation in a recent Skills lesson, Mrs Hannam has assisted the boys to create their QTAC account. Any queries, please contact the Careers Centre via email at smc-careers@stmaryscollege.com.
University EARLY OFFER Programs for 2021
Many universities offer guaranteed entry to boys on an ATAR and some ATAR ineligible pathways, with the addition of supporting documentation from the College, into univeristy through their EARLY OFFER programs. Please see Mrs Ball and Mr Glass for assistance in gaining the necessary supporting documentation to apply for these programs at least ONE WEEK prior to the advertised deadline.
A reminder of currently advertised EARLY OFFER ROGRAMS at the following universities:
ACU Guarantee – Closes 24th September
Griffith University (GU) Early Offer - Closes 15th October
James Cook University (JCU) Early Offer – Closes 19th November
Southern Cross University (SCU) STAR Early Offer – Closes 10th September
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Early Offer - Closes 15th October
University of New England (UNE) Early Entry - Closes 17th September
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Early Offer - Closes 17th October
University of Sunshine Coast (USC) Early Offer - Closes 11th October
Please see relevant university websites for details, deadlines and application processes.
Queensland University of Technology
QUT Advice Night - Wednesday 8th September
Senior high school students and their parents are invited to find out about applying and studying at QUT. They will provide advice about QUT, study costs, scholarships and financial support, transitioning to university and support for students.
To register click HERE.
START QUT Information webinar - Wednesday 15th September
Year 11 students and their parents are invited to find out more about studying a university subject while in high school as part of the START QUT program in 2022.
To register click HERE.
Experience Australian Catholic University
This on-campus event on Wednesday 29th September will allow students to sample the degree of their choice, participate in hands-on workshops, learn about careers and much more.
This event is for interested students in Year 10, 11 or 12 keen to get a taste of university life.
For more information and to register click HERE.
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
SBA | Year Levels | Business/Location | Closing date |
Certificate III in Painting & Decorating | Yr 10, 11 and 12 | Travis Keen Painting, Toowoomba | ASAP |
Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining | Yr 12 | IntraFine, Toowoomba | ASAP |
Certificate III in Polymer Processing | Yr 10, 11 and 12 | Vehicle & Fibreglass Repairs, Toowoomba | ASAP |
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | Yr 10 and 11 | Rosalie House, Meringandan | ASAP |
Certificate III in Hospitality (Front of House) | Yr 10 and 11 | Stellarossa, Bernoth Centre, Toowoomba Ann Bakery, Toowoomba Jamaica Blue, Grand Central, Toowoomba La Pizzaiola, Toowoomba Picnic Point Café and Restaurant, Toowoomba Sage & Butler, Toowoomba Urban Grounds, Toowoomba | ASAP |
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.
Students have access to resume templates and information to assist you on the Careers Canvas Page.
Sport News
Primary Sport
There is one more round of interschool sport left as this Friday is a pupil free day, therefore next Friday is the last round.
Please see the draw:
Soccer – Week 9, Friday 10th September
Time | Location Nell E Robinson | Location Highlands Christian College |
1.00pm | Junior White St Mary's College Vs Darling Heights State School | Junior Blue St Mary's College Vs Toowoomba East |
1.45pm | Senior White St Mary's College Vs Darling Heights State School |
Rugby League – Week 9, Friday 10th September
Time | Location Concordia | Location Clive Berghofer Arena | Location St Mary’s College Oval |
1.00pm | Senior Blue St Mary's College Vs Toowoomba East State School | Junior Blue St Mary's College Vs Fairview Heights State School | |
1.45pm | Junior White St Mary's College Vs Glenvale State School St Mary's College Vs Toowoomba East State School 15 minute games | Senior White St Mary's College Vs Toowoomba East State School |
Basketball
Congratulations to the Primary team on capping off an undefeated regular season, with a 56 point win against Eagles. A shout out to the team lockdown defender, taking out player of the game - Jaxen Salmi. Wishing the young men, the best of luck in semi-finals next week.
St Mary’s College 67 points defeated Eagles with 11 points
- 3 points and Man of the match - Jaxen Salmi
- 2 points - Ty Khomenko
- 1 point - Adol Adol
Cultural Showcase
Last Tuesday evening, the Creative Arts and Music Department hosted the St Mary’s College inaugural Cultural Showcase. The evening was a combination of three events.
The first of these events was the St Mary’s College Art Show which has previously been hung in the Brothers' House for viewing. The art was a collection of work ranging from the 2020 Year 6 Primary boys, through to our Senior art students. The Year 11 and 12 Visual Art in Practice boys curated the exhibition as part of their assessment.
The second event included in the evening was the Music Department’s ensemble concert which showcased the hard work of our music students. This is one of the first opportunities for the music students to perform in front of a live audience as many competitions have been in video format due to COVID.
The third event highlighted the Drama students. The boys showcased their acting skills in a variety of performances, some of which were successful in the recent Toowoomba Eisteddfod. Previously these performances were held on the ‘One Act Play Night’.
Congratulations to all the boys who had artworks selected for the Art Exhibition. Numerous prizes were awarded on the night.
The prize winners were:
- Year 6 2020 Highly Commended was awarded to Tyler Murtagh, Tristan Sloan, Rohan Gaffney, Orlando Briggs and Aloysius Va’a
- Best Year 6 Artwork from 2020 was awarded to Ben Hawkless
- Year 7 Highly Commended was awarded to Jasper Rixon, Jack Wilson, Jett Silcox-Doyle and Darcy Willis
- Best Year 7 Artwork was awarded to Tristan Sloane
- Year 8 Highly Commended was awarded to Kieron Givney-Goodwin, Humphrey Lomocso, Sean Gaffney and Judah Pukallus
- Best Year 8 Artwork was awarded to Jayden Murtagh
- Year 9 Highly Commended was awarded to Keith Concordia, Charlie McDonald, Ethan Payne, Deme Christodoulou, James Stuart, Lachlan Ryan and Shaun Furminger
- Best Year 9 Artwork was awarded to Will Lemin
- Year 10 Highly Commended was awarded to Hayden Tinkler and Riley Neighbour
- Best Year 10 Artwork was awarded to Demetrius Christodoulou
- Year 11 Highly Commended was awarded to Zack Lyons, Matt Morgan, Shaun Hillberg, Zac Brown and Nelson Zoduah
- Best Year 11 Artwork was awarded to Cooper Cameron
- Year 12 Highly Commended was awarded to Jack Fraser, Sam Reuter, Taka Davies, Cooper Oughtred and Peter Weatherall
- Best Year 12 Artwork was awarded to Liam Creese
- Encouragement Award was awarded to Peter Weatherall
- Encouragement Award was awarded to Ruben Sellar
- People’s Choice was awarded to Jayden Murtagh
Congratulations Max
Year 11 student, Max Alcock-Reedy has recently completed the certification to run Les Mills Fitness Class programs and RPM.
Thank you to the Fitlab Health and Fitness Centre for sponsoring Max and his mentors Danah Hillman and Nathan Fish.
Term 4 - Mrs Chantler's Pink Day
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.
Can you lend a helping hand?
P&F Race Day
This is your last chance to purchase tickets! Visit https://www.trybooking.com/BSIWI to secure your spot.
Without the support from our generous sponsors, the P&F Race Day couldn't happen. We are so appreciative of the following businesses who are one of our valued sponsors:
Their generous contribution will go along way supporting our boys.
Crest
