SMC NEWS 2022 - Term 2 Week 1
Principal's Note
Welcome Back to Our Students
Smiles, energy and enthusiasm - this is what characterised our boys/your sons in my first walk around this morning for Term 2! The beginning of term brings hope for improvement in all walks of school life and in Toowoomba, cooler weather. Together, we look forward to working together with our boys to build upon their Term 1 results.
New Teaching Staff
I would like to welcome two new staff members this term.
Mr Paul Martin comes to us from Wilsonton SHS and is an experienced Science teacher. Ms Jessica Matchett will work part-time at the College this term and teaches Science and PE. She was most recently employed at St. Joseph's College. Please offer Paul and Jessica a sincere St Mary's welcome if you see them in the coming days.
Thank you also to Ms Judy Barbe who will complete a contract for us this term. We are indeed grateful to have Judy this term and I know the boys will benefit from her experience and expertise.
Reports and Reflections
I would like to make a couple of brief comments about our Term 1 reports this year.
It was pleasing to see the large number of students who made a wonderful effort in their studies in Term 1. At St Mary's College, we truly believe that academic improvement is possible for everyone. A student's sustained, patient and gritty efforts are the most common way that this improvement occurs. We will recognise those students who consistently demonstrate high-level learning behaviours during Week 3 - watch this space!
A student's goal for Term 2, whatever the year level, should be to build on the results from Term 1 and aim for better results where possible. We can then celebrate progress! Our teachers are responsible for showing students how this is to be done. In the coming weeks, and partly through the parent teacher interview process, teachers will spend time with students on this question. Through our intentional College goal of improving writing, many students will achieve improvement through the standard academic expectations of a St Mary's College classroom.
I look forward to "hearing" about many positive learning conversations in the coming weeks based on our face to face parent-teacher interviews. If you haven't done so, please logon to our Sentral Parent Portal and book a time with one of your son's key teachers next Tuesday, 26th April.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at St Mary's College next week.
Peace,
Mr Brendan Stewart, College Principal - principal@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement News
Welcome back to Term 2, I hope all students have had a refreshing break over the holidays are eager to start the term.
School Material Check
The beginning of the term is a perfect opportunity for students and parents to check materials such as books, pens, rulers and pencils. Unfortunately, many of the RTC referrals from Term 1 were the result of students being unprepared for class. This was particularly the case at the end of the term. Often, the excuse from students was that they had misplaced their pens or that they don’t have any room left in the exercise books. To help these possible issues this term, could parents and caregivers please check in with students to ensure all students are well equipped for the term ahead.
Uniform
There a few changes to the uniform for students in Term Two and Term Three. Students are required to wear their tie throughout the entire day. This includes both to and from school, particularly when in public settings. A reminder that the College spray jacket can only be worn with the sport uniform or when it is raining. Students are encouraged to wear underlayer clothing and the knitted College jumper on cold days.
Mr Russell Craymer, Assistant Principal-Student Engagement (Acting) -craymerr@stmaryscollege.com
Upcoming Events
Save the Date – Mother & Son Luncheon (Yr 12) – 23rd June
Change of Date –House BBQ – Wednesday 11th May (Wk 4 - 3.30pm – 5.00pm)
Mother's Day
What's On - Term 2, Weeks 1 & 2
Mr Stephen Monk, Deputy Principal - monks@stmaryscollege.com
Primary News
Welcome to Term 2 in the Primary! The teachers are all excited to welcome the boys back to the College and into their classes.
If you would like to communicate with any of the Primary teachers the best way is via email:
6B: priebev@stmaryscollege.com
6W: pilkingtons@stmaryscollege.com
6G: paulis@stmaryscollege.com and dynt@stmaryscollege.com
5B: gregsonm@stmaryscollege.com
5W: vandeweyerj@stmaryscollege.com
Cross Country
Friday the 22nd of April we will be running the 10-12 year group cross country trials for progression to West Zone Cross Country. This event begins at 1:45 pm on the College oval.
All students will be asked to participate unless they have a medical exemption.
Anzac Day
St Mary's College is inviting students to participate in the Toowoomba Anzac Day March. This event will take place on Monday 25th April; students must be available between 9.30 am and 12.00 pm. It is anticipated that students will march for twenty minutes and then attend the service at Mother's Memorial, where they will have to stand for approximately one hour. Students will need to wear full academic uniform, as well as their College hat and blazer.
We are calling for expressions of interest at this stage. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to show their support for members of our community and their families who have fought and died for our country in the name of freedom and peace. If you have any questions please contact the office on 07 4631 7333 or if you would like your son to participate please fill in the Edsmart form.
Looking forward to a great Term 2 in the Primary.
Mrs Shari Pauli, Primary Leader - paulis@stmaryscollege.com
Anzac Day
A reminder that all students will be attending the Anzac Day Liturgy on Friday morning. Students will be required to be in full uniform, with their hats on. Students are also encouraged to wear relatives medals to the service.
The Hub
Support is available to all students who require assistance with homework, assignments or reviewing current classwork. Support is available 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 get in touch.
Mr Dave Roy, Learning Support Teacher - royd@stmaryscollege.com
Principal's Tours
