Term 1, Week 3 - 8.02.2021

Principal News

Academic Awards

What a wonderful demonstration of school pride we have on Tuesday to recognise St Mary's College high academic achievers from Semester 2, 2020.  We are blessed that so many students received Badge awards in addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition.  St Mary's is a school of excellence in its teaching and learning, and this is due to the diligence of our students in addition to our teaching and support staff.

I am sometimes asked the question, why we have academic awards?  For St Mary's College, Academic Awards are a reflection of our motto Conanti Corona - "Strive for the Crown".  We have a responsibility to recognise those students who have achieved highly.  They represent the "best of the best" in our core business of learning; however, it also provides an opportunity to recognise those who have endeavoured to improve themselves through persistence and hard work.  It is important to measure this improvement and to recognise those students who do it best in our community.

Life at St Mary's College is about the journey and not just the destination, but for our students who strive hard every day to improve their learning, academic awards are "signposts" along the road to let us know that we are on the right path.

I also want to recognise the unlucky students today - those who just missed out on a Bronze award.  I hope these awards provide extra motivation to try to achieve a Bronze or even better later in the year.

Swimming Carnival

By the time you read this, the school would have completed its 2021 Swimming Carnival.  The carnival is an opportunity for our St Mary's College students to show their house spirit and to get to know each other a little better in a (somewhat) competitive environment.  I want to thank all the teachers and support staff involved who made sure our boys enjoyed the day.

As you are aware, due to COVID-19, this year we had to split the carnival into two parts.  I want to thank Mr Scott Cowan, who with the tireless assistance of Ms Lavinia Lambert, organised a new schedule for the carnival.  I’m sure you can imagine the difficulties involved.  I know, speaking with the boys, that they enjoyed the experience.  We are all hoping that we can return to a "normal" Swimming Carnival in 2022.

Enrolments

Once again, St Mary's College has a healthy enrolment list to begin the year.  It is clear that the school is, and has been for a number of years, operating well and attracting a healthy clientele from across the Darling Downs.  Consequently, St Mary's will begin this year to request that interested new families submit enrolment forms earlier than has been the case in the past.  This will allow us to organise interviews in a timely fashion during 2021 and to help all our families make positive decisions for the future.

Therefore, the closing date for new enrolments this year in any year level for 2022 will be Monday 21 June 2021.  This date will be heavily advertised.  We will allow a small number of late enrolments due to transfers and changes of circumstance, but we would like the majority submitted by the closing date.

If you have any questions about enrolling your son at St Mary's College, please contact Tyhla Roper on 07 4631 7333.  Additionally, there are a limited number of places left in some year levels this year.

Please feel free to let friends and family know of our change in approach to managing enrolments!

Parking

We have a significant issue with parking at the College for our dedicated teaching and support staff.  I am determined to help them in some way this year.  I understand that for parents and carers, drop-off in the morning can be an anxious time for everyone.  May I ask everyone to be mindful of our employees here at the College in your movement and parking around the College each morning.  Our staff are supporting your son, and they do need somewhere to park.  Several of them have been issued parking fines over the past few weeks.  Please keep carparks around the College free where at all possible.

Introducing Jenny Ball - Careers

We are fortunate to have Jenny Ball, Careers Counsellor, as part of our staff in 2021.  Jenny joined the team during 2020, and brings wide experience from a range of different contexts to our young men.  Jenny is passionate about finding pathways for St Mary's students beyond the College.  This involves working on subject pathways with our curriculum team, work experience, SBAs and other general careers counselling.  Jenny is available to our students in all year levels.

Please contact Jenny at the College if you or your son would like to speak with her.

Introducing our new Support Staff

Please help me in welcoming our new support staff to the College in 2021.  Welcome to our team!  Their names are as follows:

• Katie Craymer – AP Curriculum Support
• Sue Dunsdon – Teacher Aide
• Jacqui Eather – Front Office Administration
• Jenna Eyres – Library Support
• Bronnie Fitzgibbons – Curriculum Pathways Support
• Phillippa Nicol – IT Support
• Patrick Wilson – Business Manager

New Family Welcome Liturgy & BBQ

Identity

Welcome to Week 3

I have taken the end line from Mark’s gospel from Sunday’s mass. I often get hooked on some word at mass, and go and see what it means in the original New Testament Greek. This week, I was hooked on Jesus’ movement to the wilderness – what is that solitary place, and where is it?  So, if you allow me here is what one scholar thinks: Eremos (er’-ay-mos) is an ancient Greek adjective (Strong’s, 2048) that is often used to describe a solitary, desolate place.  Often, in its geographic place of origin, it would have referred to a desert – but, this is only incidental. Rather, eremos properly refers to a deserted place, a place that is abandoned, uncultivated, and uninhabited. Its barrenness does not refer strictly to lack of vegetation or life, but to lack of permanent human settlement. Thus, in English, we might say wild. And, just like how the definite article turns wild into a noun, so does the Greek function.  So, when we see Greek phrases like “a wild place” or “the wild,” we properly mean, in English, the wilderness.

Let us all this week for a few moments find our “wild place” – is it in the solace of a walk, sitting under a tree in the backyard, looking at the picture that I have captured at the start of this article, staring out the windshield of your car as you transport the kids, or looking out at the setting sun – we need our wilderness to revitalise ourselves.  Go quietly.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mk1:35

Take care,

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

Student Welfare

I always enjoy the first few weeks of the school year. It’s wonderful to see how boys have changed over the break – they grow so much! I particularly like the transition of our Year 10 boys into white shirts as they move into leadership as Year 11 students. All of a sudden, they stop looking like school boys and start looking like young men – and I am sure that this shock hits parents as well. The other great excitement is the welcoming of our new students, and their families. We are always very proud to be the ones chosen to educate your son, and it is not a role that we take on without significant thought and reflection. For families who are new to St Mary’s, I sincerely hope that you feel welcome and that your son soon feels like he is starting to belong here at SMC.

Now that the busy-ness of the first few weeks is done, I expect that boys will settle now into the usual routines of the school term. Good routines are like magic when it comes to managing and supporting your son in his development and learning. A set bed time, rules around devices, regular physical exercise and a balanced diet all go a long way to ensuring that the boy who sits in our classrooms is ready and able to learn. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these, please reach out to one of our team – we are here to help and support!

Uniform

The manner in which your son wears his uniform is an outward reflection of the value he puts on his membership of our school community. A boy walking down the street with his hat and tie on, his shirt tucked in and his socks pulled up is telling the world that he is a St Mary’s boy, and proud of it! While this may be a considered a trivial matter at other schools, wearing the uniform correctly is taken seriously here. The entire policy can be found on our website, but I ask that families take note of these two elements in particular:

Socks: Last Wednesday was the first day that the boys in Year 7 to 12 had to wear their sports uniform and I was disappointed to see many boys wearing incorrect socks. I will be checking this aspect in particular again this Wednesday and I hope to see all boys wearing either the SMC sport socks or plain white socks (with no logos).

Blazers: All Year 11 and 12 boys are required to wear a blazer as a part of their academic uniform. While it need not be worn to school every day – especially in the summer terms – boys will need to have a blazer for official College events. For the younger boys, the blazer is not compulsory but boys are welcome to wear one with their academic uniform. The boys certainly look very polished in the formal jacket and it has been pleasing to see many younger boys wearing the blazer. New blazers can be purchased at Hanna’s, while pre-loved items are available at the Clothing Pool and a range of Facebook groups.

Lockers

All boys at the College are allocated a locker, which is where all belongings are stored throughout the school day. In the primary school, your son’s locker is outside his classroom and has an inbuilt lock. Remembering to bring his locker key every day will be a skill that he will rely on once in highschool. For boys in Year 7 to 12, lockers are allocated in Mentor groups, so that your son will have a locker near other boys in his Mentor, including the older boys who can assist him if he needs help. Please note the following advice regarding lockers:

Locks: A sturdy and reliable lock is essential to keep your son’s belongings secure during the school day. We recommend that families have MULTIPLE copies of the key cut and that the key is on a key ring of some description, to make it more difficult to lose. If your son loses his key, the lock will have to be cut off and a new lock purchased. Our experience tells us that combination locks are unreliable and easily broken, so these are not recommended.

Day Lockers: Boys should not be leaving any books or other equipment in his locker overnight. The College is not a secured site and property left here overnight is at risk of damage and/or theft. Boys should bring to school each day, all of the books and equipment they need for the day, and then take all of that home again at the end of the day.

From Boys to Men Webinar Series

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to this resource: https://commonsenseparenting.com.au/p/fbtmwebinarseries

As someone who has worked with boys and young men for many years, I know that communication, motivation and managing anger are constant themes. I am looking forward to hearing what advice Maggie Dent has to offer on these tricky topics, and I think the $60.00 fee will be money well spent.

Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Welfare - parles@stmaryscollege.com

Primary News

Year 5 Camp

Year 5 Camp was a great experience for all boys and staff who attended. Many of the boys got to experience new things and challenge themselves. The boys developed many new friendships and have begun to understand what it means to be a 'St Mary’s man'. Thank you to all the staff and the senior students who ensured that this camp was a positive and valuable experience.

The full gallery of images can be found in the St Mary's College Primary Facebook group.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Interschool Sport

The Interschool Sport teams have been emailed to all parents. Please ensure that you have read this email and know what your son requires. Hockey and AFL boys will be off campus Friday afternoon for their first rotation of Interschool Sport. Boys participating in Development and Chess will also start their activities this week, but will remain on campus. 

Communication

Please remember that it is important that you are reading the newsletter and all emails from teachers carefully.

The Primary Facebook page is only there for reminders, please try to seek the information prior to going to Facebook. 

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

College Careers

Evening Session for Parents

For parents interested in attending, an evening univeristy 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

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.

School-Based Apprenticeships

College Counsellors

Stability is good for kids, simple traditions can help

Children or teenagers dealing with changes may feel anxious, sad, or angry. This year, COVID-19 may affect the family’s finances, travel plans, and more.

No matter what else changes, the ultimate sense of security for children is based on knowing they are loved and valued, and your family’s unique traditions and small ‘rituals’ can help reassure them of that. It’s just one example of how parents and carers have the power to help support children’s and teenagers’ physical, emotional, social, and behavioural development.

To learn more about child development and how to use positive parenting skills and strategies, try a Triple P program such as Triple P Online. It’s free in Queensland! Go to www.triplep-parenting.net.

The Hub

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 7.30am 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 4631 7333 so that a suitable time can be negotiated.

Library News

Library Lovers Day - Make a date with a book

One of the most valuable outcomes of the past twelve months has been the renewed appreciation of the offerings that libraries have made in the community, particularly in schools. Whether this be through technical support during lockdown and throughout the year or promoting reading materials to students looking for a good book to read, the SMC Library has never been busier. We are a one-stop-shop for research, with books and databases to assist. Students, who have utilised library services for their assignments, have seen a noticeable improvement in their marks.

Library Lovers’ Day is an annual opportunity for people to celebrate the valuable role that libraries play in their lives – and we hope that this continues into 2021, making libraries even more relevant in school communities. The theme for Library Lovers' Day 2021 is “Make a date with your library”, which we have transformed into “Make a Date with a Book”.

For the SMC Library, 2021 will be an opportunity to reach out and encourage those students who may not have visited the library space in a while to reconnect with what they’ve missed. It might also be a chance for us to share the online collections and services that many students have come to love during online study. Whatever you choose to do to celebrate this occasion, Library Lovers' Day will be a special day for library staff to connect with their school communities, virtually and in-person, and for people across Australia to show their love for libraries. 

Students and staff at SMC are welcome to come to the library to celebrate this event:

• Peruse the “Make a Date with a Book” display
• Talk with library staff about matching you with a suitable book
• Grab a “Make a Date” bookmark
• Join in Speed Dating with a book during Book Promotion lessons this week

Overdue Library Resources

We have been very impressed with the number of student borrowing so far this year, with many students regularly borrowing from the library for free and voluntary reading. Please remind your son to manage his loans, by either renewing or returning overdue library books. Each week students are emailed a list of overdue loans and we ask that this be actioned as soon as possible. Your help with this is much appreciated! 

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

Sport News

Swimming Carnival

This term we had to accommodate the COVID-19 restrictions of Milne Bay and divide our Swimming Carnival into two parts. A special mention must go to our Sports Captain, Ryan Ward who led from the front and was the perfect role model for his peers. I would also like to thank our Sports Administrator, Mrs Lavinia Lambert for her support and hard work in making this day come together. Last and but not least, thank you to the amazing staff of St Mary’s College who worked so hard to see the boys walk away with a sense of achievement and smiling faces. 

The morning saw the younger boys head off first and enjoy some healthy competition in the water. The younger boys were admirably led by our Year 12 cohort who did a great job in fostering house spirit and helping the younger boys get organised for their events. Upon the conclusion of the morning session it was evident that Waterford house had an extensive lead just shy of 100 points over the next closest house, Purcell.  

Purcell came out with a point to prove with the older lads taking charge of the afternoon and turning the points table on its head. Congratulations to Purcell who with this latest trophy have now won the carnival for the last four years running. Congratulations to all the boys who participated on the day and also our Age Champions who swam their hearts out and lived true to our College Motto: Conanti Corona – Strive for the Crown!

Age Champions

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

Waterford House

It has been great to welcome back the Waterford boys in 2021. We are slowly getting back into the swing of things and it was impressive to see the boys involved in the Opening Mass last week, as well as Year 5 Camp. The students seemed to have a fun time and were keen to gather for a Waterford photo. It was lovely being able to share a meal with them and a story or two. I’m sure they are already starting to get the idea that houses are an important part of their identity here at St Mary's. I encourage all Waterford boys to commit to 2021 and all it has to offer. It is through this boys will deepen connections and increase a sense of belonging.

Mrs Kerrie Connolly, Waterford Head of House - connollyk@stmaryscollege.com

Humanities Update

A very warm welcome back to the Humanities classes and all our new families for 2021. We have a very busy year ahead.

Year 8 students will be heading to Main National Park at Cunningham’s Gap either Monday 15^th February or Tuesday 16^th February as part of their Geography studies on landscapes. This is a beautiful natural rainforest area and the boys will be participating in several observations and data collecting activities led by external providers, Second Nature Education who come highly recommended and qualified. Given the distance to the location and using external providers, there is a cost for this excursion, which is $35. This will be charged to individual student accounts. All parents of Year 8 students should have now received the excursion information through Ed Smart paperwork. Parents are also required to provide permission for their son to attend and this must be completed by this Thursday, 11th February.

Due to the size of the Year 8 cohort and COVID-19 restrictions we have to run the excursion over two days. If your son is in one of the following classes, he will attending on Monday 15th February:

• 8A – Ms Marinelli - marinellij@stmaryscollege.com
• 8B – Mr Lymer - lymerj@stmaryscollege.com
• 8E – Mrs Joyce - joycem@stmaryscollege.com

If your son is in either of the below classes, he will be attending on Tuesday 16th February:

• 8C – Mr Keogh - keoghm@stmaryscollege.com
• 8D – Mr Reen - reenl@stmaryscollege.com

Your son’s class can be identified by the letter next to the 8 on his timetable. Class teachers will also be reminding students when they are going and what they need to bring on the day.

All parents need to be aware that busses will be leaving the College at 8.00am and will return to the College at 4.00pm on both days. It is important that parents can make arrangements to drop off and collect their son on these days.

If a student does not attend the excursion, he will be expected to come to school for the day and he will be working on comparable activities in the library.

If you have any concerns, please contact your son’s teacher on the emails provided.

Looking forward to another fun year.

Mrs Liz Frame, CL Humanities - framel@stmaryscollege.com

Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical

Last Saturday was the first weekend rehearsal for the cast and crew of Jesus Christ Superstar. Having the whole day to run, re-run and fine tune scenes and songs was very productive, and the Production Team were thrilled with how professional the cast conducted themselves.  It was also pleasing to see some of our Year 12 students taking the time to work on their homework/assessment during downtime and sharing their knowledge with each other.  I am sure both their parents and teachers will be delighted to see this.

Each Sunday, Mrs Peters sends an email to the cast to advise who is required to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays, so please check your inbox.  There have been some minor changes to the rehearsal schedule and parents will receive an updated copy via email this week.  All cast are required each Saturday and if you are unable to attend, please email Mrs Peters at petersl@stmaryscollege.com.

Book Online

Tickets are now available for purchase!

Tuckshop Weekly Lunch Plan

The Weekly Lunch Plan will start back up again in Week 4. Please click on the following link to place an order: www.smcmeals.com

Please note the order window does not open until Wednesday afternoon, and will close Sunday evening at 8.00pm.

Sandra Kelly, Tuckshop Manager - kellys@stmaryscollege.com

School Immunisation Program

The Queensland School Immunisation Program allows Year 7 and 10 students to be vaccinated through their school for free.

Year 7 students are offered vaccinations against:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 doses—0, and at least 6 months after first dose
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough): 1 dose

This age group requires these vaccinations because:

• They need a booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
• Some immunisations need to be given in early adolescence (human papillomavirus) because the immune response is better at this age for this vaccine.

Year 10 students are offered vaccination against meningococcal ACWY strains.

Complete the consent card

Before the school visit, your child will be given a consent pack that contains an information sheet with details about the disease, benefits of immunisation and any common side effects and a vaccination consent card.

Read the information sheet, sign the consent card indicating whether you wish your child to be vaccinated, and return it to the school by 15^th February 2021. Only students with a completed and signed consent card on the day of the school immunisation clinic will be vaccinated.

If you do not return a consent card or the card is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider OzCare to check if you want your child to be vaccinated.

Schedule

Round 1: Year 7 (HPV and DTPA) - Thursday 18th March at 10.30am

Round 2: Year 7 (HPV) and Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY) - Wednesday 6th October at 12.00pm

School Photos

Photo Day is nearly here! Queensland School Photography will be taking our school photos on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd February.

Follow these steps to order:

1. Complete student details on the order envelope

Please fill in one envelope for each student purchasing.

1. If you are paying by cash, enclose the correct payment (change will not be given).
2. Online Orders - Please visit qldschoolphotography.com.au to order. Reference number must be recorded on envelope and handed to the photographers on photo day.
   
3. Sibling photos will be taken from 7.30am on Tuesday 23rd February in the ERCC. Siblings must attend at the allocated time with a completed sibling envelope for the photo to be taken.
4. Late orders for individual and class photos can be placed online up to one week after photo day. After this time, a $15 search fee will apply to all orders.
5. Miscellaneous group orders - Please collect a special envelope from the school office and hand to photographers on photo day. These photos are not available to order.
6. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our photographers are limiting assisting students with grooming (e.g. neaten hair/uniform etc.). Please assist by ensuring your child presents neat and tidy on photo day. Wet wipes, hand sanitiser and tissues will be available for staff and student to use throughout the day.

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the photos taken of your child, please contact Queensland School Photography directly on 07 3216 6777 or email parents@qldschoolphotography.com.au.

The Irish Brigade

The Irish Brigade (SMC Board Game & Miniatures Club)  meets every second Wednesday during the school term in Duhig 23 from 3.15pm until 6.00pm. The next session will be held in Week 4 on Wednesday 17th February.

Gaming provides an opportunity for young men to engage in a social face-to-face activity that is both challenging and exciting. Please see below the benefits the Irish Brigade can provide your son:

• Improves negotiation skills, lateral thinking & planning
• Boosts social interaction & provides an opportunity to develop new friendships
• Enhances applied mathematics & reading skills
• Lessens the generation gap & provides a sense of self worth
• The ability to cope with loss as well as winning