Term 4, Week 7, 16.11.2021

Principal News

Dear Parent and Carers,

Toowoomba Catholic Schools - Leadership Forum

Last week I had the privilege of spending time at our Toowoomba Catholic Schools head office for a leadership forum, and I am happy to provide a summary of the learnings for me from the conference.  The theme for the week was "Being Distinctively Catholic", with a strong focus on the future of the Catholic schools in the Diocese.  Normally in a calendar year, I am told there are four leadership forums - one per term.  This year, because of COVID, the Term 3 conference was cancelled so this was the first gathering since Term 2 in Stanthorpe.

Monday - New Principal Mentor Day

As a new Principal to the Diocese our Head Office encourages us to be involved in formation and professional learning.  The focus for the week was on Strategic Planning, and this is useful for us as we move into a year of preparation for our new Strategic Plan for the College.

Tuesday - Priest and Principal Partnerships

We are fortunate at St Mary's to have a strong relationship with both Fr Ray Crowley and Fr Hal Ranger - both Old Boys of St Mary's!  The discussion centred on how we can make these links stronger and more effective for the boys, families and staff of our community.

Wednesday - Structure and System Support

The structure of the directorates at our head office is changing from 2022.  I will provide more information as it comes to hand, but some of you will already be aware of advertisements for new managers that have been outlined from next year.

Thursday - Formation and Leadership Development

Fr Richard Leonard and Dr Ken Avenell navigated Principals through a number of lectures and shared experiences which explored our leadership development.  Fr Richard spoke about the future of the Catholic Church and our part to play in it at schools, and Dr Ken facilitated sessions on transformation - of self and of organisation.

I appreciate the opportunities that the community provides to myself for this formation and development experience, and I want to thank Stephen Monk as Acting Principal during this time each term.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Being a parent or carer in the 21st century is a complex task, and one that takes enormous energy and persistence.  At times, we may find the challenge of keeping our sons "on track" overwhelming.  The focus for today's reading is conflict.  I'm sure as many of us with children can attest to, this is one of the very challenging areas of our life experience but one that we need to reflect upon to ensure our family and community work well.

Resolving family conflict

Disagreements are a healthy part of family life. We’re all individuals with different ideas, personalities and ways of doing things, and we all want to control the TV remote or screen!  While we shouldn’t expect to agree all the time, ongoing conflict and tension can cause stress and damage to our relationships. Resolving family conflict effectively also teaches kids how to negotiate and reach compromise, setting them up for strong relationships throughout life.

It starts with us as adults

As adults, we set the tone for our homes, and the children and young people in families will mirror our behaviour. If we shout or use physical aggression to deal with conflict, boys will think this is the way to get their point across or win a disagreement.

If we have an argument with another family member, try to model anger control by taking time to calm down before revisiting the issue. It’s important to show our children that although conflict is inevitable, it can be dealt with effectively.

Developing conflict management skills

• Co-operation: Encourage kids to help solve conflict together. It’s important that we help them approach conflict in a positive way.
• Managing emotions: It can be really difficult for kids (and adults) to keep their cool in a conflict situation – especially if they feel they’re being accused or blamed. Reacting aggressively or withdrawing from the situation are common responses. It can help to take a bit of time out to let everyone calm down before returning to the problem.
• Empathy: Teach kids how to listen to, and understand, the needs and concerns of other people. Help them to ask why the other person wants something and consider what it might be like to be ‘in their shoes’.
• Communication:Learning to speak clearly and respectfully takes practice. You can help kids practise positive ways to ask for what they want: “I would like you to ask before using my things.”
• When enough is enough:Some issues are too big for kids to work out and the conflict continues to escalate. If the conflicts become very intense or lead to physical aggression, then it is important for you to step in. When a mutual solution is not possible, you can still help your child to think through the alternatives that are available to him or her and choose the best one.

Six steps to conflict resolution

Try this step-by-step approach to working through an issue. You can also use these principles to sort out disagreements with your child or young person.

Step 1. Help kids see conflict as a problem they can sort out fairly with help. For example, you might say: “It looks like there’s a problem here. I’m sure if we talk about it we can sort it out.”

Step 2. Get each child to explain how they see the conflict. Get them to focus on what they want or need, and what their concerns or worries are, rather than blaming the other person.

Step 3. It’s helpful to restate each person’s concerns so everyone’s on the same page. For example, “So, you’re worried that you won’t get a turn; and you’re trying to make it to the next level of the game and you’re worried that if you stop now you won’t get to it.”

Step 4. Get each child or young person to suggest at least three different solutions. For example, “What are some ways to solve this so you can all feel OK about it?” If they can’t think of any, offer some ideas for them to think about.

Step 5. Help them agree on a solution that will work and put it into action.

Step 6. Praise them for sorting it out.

Tips for building healthy family relationships

• Make your relationships a priority. Many of us lead very busy lives with lots of responsibilities. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to spend with your family, talking, reading a story or making dinner together. When kids see you making relationships a priority, they learn that they are important to you and feel loved.
• Communicate effectively.Good communication is essential for healthy relationships and helps family members feel understood and supported. Take some time every day to talk and share information. Kids also learn how to communicate respectfully when they see the adults around them speak to each other with care and consideration.
• Work together as a family.Working together as a family helps everyone feel that they have something important to offer. It’s also a good opportunity for kids to learn broader problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Provide support for each other.Let family members know that you are there to help, provide comfort, love and care. Being aware of a family member’s needs and offering to help, can reduce stress and conflict. 

Adapted from https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/healthy-homes/resolving-family-conflict, accessed 14 November 2022.

Primary News

Transition to Secondary

As part of the transition to Year 7, the Year 6 boys will be moving around to different classrooms. This gives the boys the opportunity to become more aware of the different buildings in the school and their locations. They will also be able to develop their organisational skills through ensuring that they turn up to the correct classroom with the required equipment.

This will be a big change for the boys and one that we believe will greatly assist them when they get their timetables next year.

The Year 6 Graduation

The cermeony will be held on Wednesday 1^st December at 11am in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre. A link for booking tickets will be sent to parents in the coming days. The mass will be followed by a celebratory afternoon tea.

Sport News

Congratulations to the SMC U18’s Rugby 7’s team that beat Downlands to win their grand final 2 tries to 1. Fantastic effort by the boys! Also a congratulations to our other Senior team that place 4^th overall. Big thankyou to Mr Stephen Sowter for all your time and involvement with the boys.  

An Old School Favourite is Back

Treat yourself for smoko this Friday with a Pie in a Bun. All proceeds will go to Movember.

Careers News

Job Opportunities for Year 12 School Leavers

Many employers are contacting the College to advertise positions for Year 12 school-leavers.  Please read the newsletters and check Year 12 emails, to keep informed of what is presently available.

This week’s opportunities, details available via links below:

• Retail Baking Apprenticeship
• Full-time Customer Service position – Pack & Send
• Pengelly Trucks – Auto Electrical Apprenticeship
• Burke & Wills – Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship

School Leaver Information Kit

The School Leaver Information Kit (SLIK) is a great resource that can help you get ready for life after school. This transition can sometimes be challenging, and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented some uncertainty. With changes to the education and workforce landscape, you might be wondering if your planned decisions are still a good option or what new alternatives are available and how to pursue them. There are lots of options for education, training and work in 2022 to help you further your career. This information kit has been designed to help you understand what those options might be and assist you to choose the right one for you.

You can download a copy of the kit from: https://yourcareer.gov.au/media/xlcbghjw/school_leaver_information_kit.pdf

Note: This link currently takes you to the 2021 version. The 2022 version will be made available via the link in the near future.

Following the Harvest Trail

Looking for some options for earning money after you finish school – or even as a gap year opportunity next year?

Could you see yourself earning money by harvesting grapes in the Hunter Valley or mango picking in Darwin? You could be among the thousands of people who find work each year helping to bring in Australia’s fruit and vegetable harvests. There are lots of seasonal opportunities in many locations across Australia.

You can search for these on the Harvest Trail Job Board at: https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest

School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships  

If you are interested in an SBA, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr. Barber via  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  

Year 11 Brisbane Universities Excursion 

On Wednesday 3rd November, 41 Year 11 students travelled with the Careers Team to Brisbane to experience “What it is like at University?”.  

The boys started their day visiting Griffith University’s Nathan campus before moving on to the University of Queensland St Lucia campus. The boys enjoyed lunch at St Leo’s Residential College before catching the City Cat to Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point campus. At each university the boys heard about university life, possible study options and explored each campus on a guided tour.  

The boys were exposed to a variety of post-school options which will hopefully assist in their career pathway decision-making over the next 12 months.  

Music News

The freshly re-formed SMC Jazz Combo had their debut performance last Thursday at the TSCO Leadership Forum Dinner. It was exciting to see the next generation of players performing and they of course received glowing feedback. It was tinged with some sadness though, as it marked the final performance of two of our graduating students: Jack Boyd and Will Thomas. These boys have been an integral part of the musical community of St Mary’s and will be sorely missed. Congratulations to all the boys on their fantastic effort.

Congratuations

Nate Fry (Grade 6) received a credit for his recent AMEB 4^th Grade Piano Exam. This is quite an achievement for a student in Year 6. Well done Nate!

P&F News

Over the school holidays the P and F will be continuing their airconditioner  installation project.    Units will be installed  in classrooms throughout Copas building, along Margaret Street.  This stage of installations will mean that three quarters of the classrooms at the College are airconditioned.  

Additionally, The P and F AGM saw the following committee elected for the coming year. 

President – Katrina Thom

Vice President – Jaime Fing

Secretary – Tracy Dann

Treasurer – Peter Dennis

Mrs Katrina Thom, President -  SMC.PandF@twb.catholic.edu.au

Library News

It is that time of year and we are asking for help to get all school resources returned to the library. On Monday overdue notifications were sent out to all the students via email. If you are unsure if your child has any outstanding loans or if you are confident an item has been returned, feel free to pop to contact the library staff.

Any overdue books that are not returned by Friday the 19th of November will be invoiced by our Accounts team.

Students are able to loan out books for the holidays! They can take out 10 books in total, no more than 3 from the same series and they can also freely access our ebooks and audiobooks whenever they would like over the Christmas break.

Mrs Sienna Anning, Teacher Librarian - annings@stmaryscollege.com

Tuckshop News

There will be no meal deals for the rest of the Term. SMC Meals will resume Week 1 Term 1 2022. The last day the Tuckshop will be open is 2 December 2021.

Clothing Pool News

Currently the SMC Clothing Pool is very low on stock, in all types of uniform items which are in demand at this time of year. So free up some space in the cupboards and drawers by dropping off your St Mary’s uniforms at either the main office or at the SMC Clothing Pool. 

The SMC Clothing Pool is a not-for-profit outlet, selling 2^nd hand uniforms for the parents/carers of St Mary’s College students.

The SMC Clothing Pool sells clean, pre-owned uniforms of high quality at low prices.

When you sell uniforms through the SMC Clothing Pool, you will receive 80% of the selling price upon sale. The commission earned goes to St Mary’s, for the benefits of the boys and the activities they do.

Donations of pre-loved uniforms are very welcome and appreciated.

Opening Hours:

MONDAY:      8:00am – 9:00am

TUESDAY:      2:30pm – 3:30pm

THURSDAY:   8:00am – 9:00am

Presentation Night

You are invited to virtually attend Presentation Night on 19 November. The evening represents a special occasion on the College calendar, where we celebrate and recognise our boys acheivments across the year. The ceremony will be live streamed for parents. caregivers, friends and family to watch.

Join the virtual event here

Christmas Appeal

Primary boys will be out at break times until the end of term with the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal collection tins. This year funds will go towards buying gift cards for families in need.

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.

In Our Prayers

Terry Ledbury passed away recently (graduationg class of 1967).