SMC NEWS 2022 - Term 2 Week 3
Principal's Note
Dear Parents and Carers,
A very big fortnight coming up this week around St Mary's, with a range of different activities ramping up at this time.
Co-Curricular and Sports
This week begins many of our Rugby League games at the College. It is wonderful to see so many students involved in League and many other sports around the College at the present time as the weather starts to turn. A warm thank you to our staff for supporting the coaching and supervision of our young men in their endeavours. Importantly, I would like to thank Mr Scott Cowan for his co-ordination of the sports activities at the College on Wednesday afternoon, and the numerous teams and sports that represent St Mary's on a weekly basis. All the very best luck to our teams in the coming weeks.
NAPLAN
Our students and staff have been busily preparing for NAPLAN since the beginning of the year. At the outset, I want to thank parents, carers, students and staff for their support of the College for their preparation this year. We have concentrated on Writing as a focus in 2022, realising that in our analysis of previous years that this is an area for growth. If your son is in Years 5, 7 or 9, and you have questions about NAPLAN this year, please don't hesitate to contact the College this week.
NAPLAN begins NEXT WEEK at most schools around Australia.
Mothers' Day
A very sincere thank you to all of our SMC mothers, and those Grandparents and other carers who do the work of mothers in your household. We are very fortunate to have a very supportive, nurturing and strong group of Mums that our boys (and staff!) benefit from. We are looking forward to seeing many of you this Friday for our Mothers' Day afternoon at the College and I'm sure you all look forward to being spoiled this Sunday! I stumbled across this Irish Blessing for Mothers in my reading.
Have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Mr Brendan Stewart, College Principal - principal@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement News
Year 7 Coordinator
Congratulation to Mr Jake Weise who has recently been appointed to the role of Year 7 Coordinator. Mr Weise has been teaching at St Mary’s for a number of years and was previously a past student and captain of the College. His knowledge of and history with the College will allow him to create a program and environment where our Year 7 students can thrive. I know the Mr Weise is looking forward to working with our Year 7 students in this role. All Year 7 parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact Mr Weise via email if they have any questions or concerns regarding their son. If you would like to get in touch with Mr Weise, please email, weisej@stmaryscollege.com
House BBQ's - 11th May 2022: 3.30pm- 5.30pm
All boys and their families are invited to attend the College annual House BBQs.
This is a great opportunity for all families and mentor teachers to come together to have a bite to eat and play a game of cricket.
If you and your family would like to attend, please complete the permission slip emailed to all families on 27 April. If you have any enquiries, please get in touch.
Mr Russell Craymer, Assistant Principal-Student Engagement (Acting) -craymerr@stmaryscollege.com
What's On - Term 2, Weeks 4 & 5
Mr Stephen Monk, Deputy Principal - monks@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum News
NAPLAN Testing
NAPLAN is fast approaching with testing taking place between Tuesday 10 to Friday 20st May. Our Years 5, 7 & 9 students have been busy preparing for the testing and participating in practice sessions this term. Please see below the 2022 NAPLAN Schedule. If your child is absent on the test session, they will be required to sit the testing during the scheduled catch-up session.
What to bring
It is important that all boys arrive to each NAPLAN session with the correct materials. This includes:
- iPad (fully charged)
- earphones
- pencil case
Last minute tips for students:
- Ensure you have a good sleep and a full breakfast before the test.
- Do your best with every question.
- Read the whole question before deciding on an answer.
- There will be questions that are difficult. Rather than worrying about this try and step through them, remember your strategies and do your best.
- Remember all your equipment - fully charged iPad, headphones, pencil case.
- Complete all questions you can do first, flag the questions you are unsure of and then go back and work on the others - the test does not have to be done in order.
Mrs Jade Love, Years 5-9 Curriculum Leader - lovej@stmaryscollege.com
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 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
