SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 2, Week 4
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Uniform
Uniform has become a focus for us during Term 2 and beyond, and I am mindful of the many students who support us in wearing the academic uniform well and keeping their appearance neat and tidy.
This new push is about socialisation of our boys and the importance of presenting themselves appropriately in a range of environments. Additionally, the classroom is an important space for learning, and we wish to support this by wearing the uniform well.
Mother's 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 morning for our Mother's Day breakfast 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.
An Irish Blessing for Mothers
There is but one and only one, whose love will fail you never.
One who lives from sun to sun, with constant fond endeavour.
There is but one and only one on earth there is no other.
In heaven a noble work was done, when God gave us a Mother.
- Author Unknown
Have a wonderful week,
Mr Brendan Stewart,College Principal
Deputy Principal
Aggregation of Marginal Gains
I recently read an article on a fellow by the name of Dave Brailsford and his impact on the British professional cycling team, Team Sky. In 2010 when Dave Brailsford took over as General Manager and Performance Director, no British cyclist has ever won the Tour de France. Using a concept called 'aggregation of marginal gains', he believed he could take Team Sky to a postion where they could win the Tour de France in five years. To do this, the team was to focus on getting small seemingly insignificant improvement in everyting they did. Brailsford believed a lot of small gains would add up to a remarkable improvement. He started with things like nutrition, ergonomics of bike seats, and weight of tires, the obvious areas to start. But he did not stop there. Brailsford looked for the one pecenters in all places, examples include discovering the pillow that offered the best sleep and taking it with the cyclists to hotels, testing for the most effective type of massage gel, and teaching cyclists the best way to wash their hands to avoid infection. Brialisford was wrong about taking five years. A Team Sky cyclist, Bradley Wiggins achieved the goal after three years in 2012. This was followed up by another Team Sky cyclist, Chris Froome winning in 2013. British cycling has gone on to be the dominating force in the cycling world.
The key takeaway for our students; we tend to overemphasise the impact of big decisons, whilst undersestimating the value of the small seemingly insignificant decisions. Examples of small decisions or commitments our sons could do straight way include:
- Making a regular sacrosanct time for study each night and sticking to it
- Consistently spend a few minutes reviewing new content from class each day
- Start assignments early and focus on regular incremental progress
- Go to bed at the same time each night and make sure they are adequately rested for each new day
It is timely to leave you with a quote from American Businessman Jim Rohn, "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced everyday'.
Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Edmund Rice Day
Friday next week (May 19th) is Edmund Rice Day. This is a day where we commemorate the vision of our Founder, Blessed Edmund Rice who saw the need for a liberating education for the boys of Waterford, Ireland in the early 19th Century.
Edmund Rice Day at St Mary’s College starts with a special liturgy and is a day of fun and brotherhood where boys celebrate and enjoy our special charism.
A famous quote from Edmund Rice is “Give to the Poor in Handfuls” and this is also part of our day. There will be many opportunities to do this in our partnership with Vinnies.
As one of our main charity drives on Edmund Rice Day, we will be asking students to bring in a new pair of socks, a scarf or a beanie to donate to those in poverty who will be feeling the cold this winter. Another option will be to bring in some non-perishable food items to donate to Vinnie’s pantries. UHT milk is in particular demand at the moment.
In exchange for these donation boys will receive an ice cream!
Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
Curriculum Leader Spotlight - Sam Dibley
1. If you could teach any subject other than the one you currently teach, what would it be and why?
Outside of the Science department, I would like to get into a little bit of maths one day, as it underpins a lot of scientific concepts. Despite what Mr Watson says though, science will always be the more interesting subject in my eyes.
2. What is the most memorable or funniest moment you’ve had in the classroom?
Senior Biology is one of the few subjects where we get to discuss and learn about different body parts. Occasionally, I see some boys who giggle constantly at some of the names of body parts which we learn about. It is a well-known rule in my classroom, that repeat giggle-offenders will stand up in their place and say the ‘funny word’ as many times as it takes for them to stop giggling at it. Needless to say, there have been a number of memorable moments where we spend a lot of time getting used to biological terminology in front of our peers.
3. What is a unique talent or skill you possess outside of teaching that your students might find surprising?
Back in the day, I was an avid showjumper and was quite competitive. These days, I am probably more suited to a rocking horse (but I don’t tell the boys that).
4. What is your favourite educational excursion that you’ve taken with your students?
The Year 12 Biology genetics excursion is always one of my favourites. The boys travel to UQ St Lucia and get to work with lecturers, researchers and uni students. They carry out gel electrophoresis, often used in forensics, as well as making recombinant DNA and many other fun activities. The pizza at the food court is a highlight of mine too.
5. If you could invite any three fictional characters to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
It’s gotta be Doug Judy (the Pontiac bandit), Jake Peralta and Sergeant Ray Holt from Brooklyn 99. I think the conversation would be hilarious and Jake’s organisation skills would surely make me feel better about myself.
6. What is the most inspiring or rewarding aspect of being a teacher for you?
This is an easy one – I love the people I get to teach. I think that watching them grow over the years and then go on to follow their dreams as young men is the most rewarding part of the job. There are so many great relationships I have formed with the boys of St Mary’s over the years, I am lucky to be their teacher.
Student Quote about Ms Dibley – She’s pretty fun, she’s engaging, and she makes the lessons really enjoyable… And she has a dog. – Lincoln Sack
Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
Uniform Expectations
As the weather has certainly turned this week, I wanted to revisit the College uniform expectations. St Mary’s College does not have a ‘changeover’ date as other schools often do – the long pants, long sleeve shirt and jumper can be worn at any time of the year. The new jacket can be worn at any time, with either academic or sports uniform. The old spray jacket can only be worn with the sports uniform or with the academic uniform when it is raining. Senior jerseys are to be worn only with the sports uniform.
To stay warm, we recommend that boys add layers of clothing – under their uniform. Boys can wear as many layers underneath their uniform as they like, as long as those layers are not visible. Boys are not allowed to wear a hoodie under their school jumper. A plain navy scarf or a College embroidered scarf is permitted. Woolen hats or beanies are not permitted.
The usual rule applies at all times – a boy who is out of uniform should carry an explanatory note from his parents/carers.
You can read the entire policy here
Parent Engagement Evening – Collective Shout
We were pleased to welcome Melinda and Daniel from Collective Shout to the College this week. Our Year 7 boys had some time with Daniel and both presenters spoke to staff and then interested parents in the ERCC. The College plans to invite Collective Shout to be a regular visitor in the years ahead - as we work towards shaping our boys in to Men for Tomorrow.
Mrs Samantha Parle
Assistant Principal Student Engagement
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Business Manager
College Fees
Your May statement has now been sent; we ask you to take the time to review it carefully for the transactions this year.
Should you have any concerns or questions regarding the statement, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly finance team for assistance. They can be reached via email at accounts@stmaryscollege.com or by phone at 07 4631 7333, selecting option 3.
Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com