Term 1, Week 7 - Edition 3 08.03.2022
Principal News
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week, in some ways, feels like the first "normal week" of the year with the reduction of COVID restrictions at schools. From Monday 7 March, masks are not mandatory in Queensland schools, including St Mary's. However, if your son feels more comfortable wearing a mask, he may do so.
However, the restrictions around isolating (positive COVID test) and quarantining (close contact) will not change. If your son needs to isolate or quarantine, the 7 day rule remains the same. Please continue to contact the College office to let us know your son needs to isolate or quarantine.
Assembly - Academic High Achievers
We also look forward to large gatherings recommencing on the school site for the first time this year. To this end, today we congratulated our academic high achievers and welcomed parents and invited guests. This group included Alex Myers, St Mary's College 2021 College Dux. Alex achieved an outstanding ATAR and is pursuing his dreams in tertiary study this year. Alex is a wonderful example of the dedication required to achieve our very best.
Uniform
This week we start a uniform blitz at the College. I am mindful that as a staff, we have tried to focus on students wearing masks and making sure that everyone is safe across the first 4 weeks of attendance this year. However, now is a good opportunity for our students to be reminded of our high Uniform expectations at the College.
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. We expect each and every student to make a special effort with their uniform this week and to continue this high standard for the rest of the year.
Thank you for your continued support of the St Mary's College community.
Peace,
Mr Brendan Stewart, College Principal - principal@stmaryscollege.com
What's On - Weeks 8 & 9
Mr Stephen Monk, Deputy Principal - monks@stmaryscollege.com
Years 5 to 9 Curriculum News
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy
The NAPLAN tests for Years 7 & 9 students are held in Term 2 each year, but the teaching of these skills happen all year around in all subjects over every grade and level.
NAPLAN provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. Students are assessed using common national tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests broadly reflect important aspects of literacy and numeracy in the Australian Curriculum.
All our teachers, but particularly those teaching Year 5, 7 and 9, are investing extra time this year in the literacy and numeracy components in their subject areas. These skills are so important at and beyond school.
For more information on NAPLAN, please visit the ACARA/NAPLAN site.
Drop & Write
Students across Years 5, 7 & 9 are continuing to engage in our Drop & Write Program. It has been pleasing to see vast improvements in students writing ability since the commencement of the program in Week 5.
Each morning, students in Years 5, 7 & 9 are emailed the “Word of the Day”, which incorporates a writing stimulus that they complete in the final 10 minutes of lesson two.
We would like to encourage you to check your son’s writing each week and discuss with them what they have written and why.
College Diary
As we approach the assessment period of the term, it is important that students are remaining organised and are completing their set homework and revision each week. The College Diary is an important education tool to assist with daily organisation and homework. At the end of each lesson, students in Year 5 – 10 should be utilising the diary to record any homework or assessment preparation that is to be completed. Our classroom teachers are checking that this is completed, and our Mentor teachers are also conducting weekly diary checks.
To support your son is using the College Diary effective, you can assist by:
- Ensuring the diary is brought to school each day
- Check the homework and assessments outlined in the diary and provide support to their child in completing this work on time.
Mrs Jade Love, Years 5‑9 Curriculum Leader - lovej@stmaryscollege.com
Sport News
Congratualtions to the following students on being selected to represent the Darling Downs.
Mr Scott Cowan, Director of Sport - cowans@stmaryscollege.com
Anzac Day 2022
Careers News
Contact the Careers Team
Please phone the College or email us at smc-careers@stmaryscollege.com to make an appointment (by phone, in person or Microsoft Teams). We’re more than happy to assist you and your son with any queries you may have in areas such as, school-based apprenticeships, work experience, TAFE and university applications, career decision-making or industry connections.
Mr Kris Glass, Career Development Practitioner glassk@stmaryscollege.com
Mr Paul Barber, Career Support Officer barberp@stmaryscollege.com
Ms Bronnie Littlewood, Career Support Officer littlewoodb@stmaryscollege.com
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 Mr Dave Roy - royd@stmaryscollege.com
Additional Information & Resources
