SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 2, Week 5

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

New Staff

This week, we welcome three new teachers to our team.  We have been very fortunate to recruit three experienced and talented individuals to the College.  As senior leaders, we will spend time with Joanne, Sara and Jakim as they settle into the routines of the College.

Joanne Irwin

Joanne comes to us from Mueller College in Redcliffe.  Joanne is an experienced teacher who has a background in Humanities and Learning Support at her previous school.  She has a passion for working with students with challenges and arrives highly recommended.  Joanne will be working mainly in the Humanities and Religion areas of the College.

Sara Smith

Sara is an experienced teacher and comes to us from Wilsonton SHS in Toowoomba.  She explains that Science is her passion and she captures this energy and interest in the classroom with her students.  Sara will be working with both the Science and Mathematics subjects at the College.

Jakim Wong

Jakim comes to us from Yarraman SHS.  He is a creative individual who has attended the New York Film Academy along his journey to becoming a teacher.  Jakim teaches in both the Media and English department areas and is looking forward to immersing himself in the culture of the College.

Please welcome Joanne, Sara and Jakim to St Mary's College.

Edmund Rice Day - Friday 19 May 2023

On Friday this week, we have a free activities day for our Founder, Edmund Rice.  Edmund Rice was the founder for Christian Brothers schools across the world.  St Mary's College is linked with schools such as Gregory Terrace, Nudgee College, and St Laurence's College in Brisbane, as well as other "brother" schools across Australia and beyond.

Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice was a Roman Catholic missionary and educator. Edmund was the founder of two religious institutes of religious brothers: the Congregation of Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers.

Born in Callan, Ireland, in 1762, Edmund came to the bustling city port of Waterford as a young man. He was talented and energetic and soon became very wealthy.  Married to Mary Elliot, in 1789 he experienced her tragic death soon after she gave birth to their daughter Mary.  Deeply saddened by her loss, Edmund entered a time of mourning.  As his daughter continued to open the depths of his love, his relationship with God deepened. In his own brokenness, he was moved with compassion to recognise the brokenness of those around him. He entered more deeply into their struggle and found in the story of Jesus the call to liberation that is at the heart of what Jesus preached and in which his church is engaged.

The Ireland of Edmund’s day was an unjust place where many lived in poverty and social structures deeply oppressed the majority of the population. In 1802 he set up a free school for boys living in poverty. His aim was to promote an education that recognised the dignity of each individual and thus he sought to liberate them from their ignorance of God and of their Catholic faith, while at the same time empowering them with an education which would enable them to rise from the demeaning poverty and sense of hopelessness in which they were trapped. Thus Edmund sought to liberate individuals and indeed to free his society from oppression. 

At St Mary's College, we are inspired by Blessed Edmund, and strive to educate in his vision every day. 

Have a wonderful week,

Deputy Principal

Edmund Rice Day

This Friday we will celebrate our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. This will be a great day of celebration. We will start the day with a Mass followed by a number of activities. Boys will have a chance to race down our 40 metre obstacle course, get their face painted, race a drone, shoot three pointers for prizes among many other activities. They may also want to take on the teachers in Touch Football, Soccer, Volleyball or Tug-O-War.

At 2.30pm the College will come together for the Crowley Gift, a handicapped race between our house leaders. There will be plenty of food options including pizza and fairy floss. Friday is shaping up to be a wonderful day.

Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Edmund Rice Day Charity Drive

Edmund Rice Day is a day of fun and fellowship for the boys and staff of St Mary’s college.

It is also a day where we follow the example of Edmund Rice and do some active work to look after the interests of those on the margins of our society. Therefore, there are two main charity drives this Friday.

Vinnies

In support of our partnership with Vinnies, we are offering an ice cream cup in exchange for some warm winter clothing.

Items required are:

• A new pair of warm socks
• A beanie, scarf or gloves
• A clean, warm blanket

OR

• An item of non perishable food (UHT long life milk would be especially welcome)

Caritas

In support of Caritas, Friday will be a jersey day. Boys can wear their favourite team jersey along with their sport uniform.

Gold coin donation.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Curriculum Leader Spotlight - John Condon

1. If you could teach any subject other than the one you currently teach, what would it be and why?

Science because I like the lab coats and I would love to see the look on my Year 10 science teacher’s face.

2. What is the most memorable or funniest moment you’ve had in the classroom?

A student fell off the stage and I got it on film. Watching it back with the class was probably the funniest part (he was ok).

3. What is your favourite book or book series that you enjoy sharing with your students?

I like plays that engage students. Usually they’re quite absurd – Ruby Moon and Opening a Fuzzzwollop’s Frame of mind are a couple of good examples.

4. If you could travel back in time and attend a historical event or period, which one would you choose and why?

A traditional Shakespeare performance at the Globe Theatre in Elizabethan England (Royal Box preferably) or a Checkov/Stanislavski Performance at the Moscow Art Theatre. I think I could teach it a lot easier if I was actually there. I also wouldn’t mind meeting Jesus.

5. What is a unique talent or skill you possess outside of teaching that your students might find surprising?

Medium Pace Bowling

6. What is your favourite educational excursion that you’ve taken with your students?

I once organised a travelling Commedia Dell Arte troupe to perform for all the Year 11 and 12 students in the hall. Students had no idea what to expect and it was the funniest thing any of us have ever seen.

7. If you could invite any three fictional characters to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

It would be Kramer, George and Elaine (I don’t think Jerry is fictional).

8. What is the most inspiring or rewarding aspect of being a teacher for you?

Whether it's a small classroom presentation or a full-scale production, seeing the students showcase their talents and hard work on stage, and witnessing the growth they have achieved throughout the process, is incredibly rewarding.

9. If you were to create a motto or slogan for your teaching style, what would it be?

Keep the Drama on the stage.

Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Director of 5-9 Curriculum

Nap Science

St Mary's College has been selected to participate in NAP - Science Literacy, an online test to inform levels of achievement in science literacy among Year 6 students across Australia. 

ACARA has selected 20 students from the Year 6 cohort to participate in the assessment on Wednesday 24th May during lesson 1. NAP- Science provides the opportunity to participate in a world-class online assessment designed by education experts in science literacy.  

The NAP – Science Literacy main study is used to monitor and report on progress towards achieving high standards of science literacy in Australia. A national public report will be published in 2024. No individual school or student will be identified in the public report.  Schools taking part in the assessment benefit in several ways: 

• All schools participating in the main study will receive reports summarising their students’ results. Students will not receive individual reports.
• The school summary reports will be linked to the Australian Curriculum Science.
• Teachers from participating classes will be able to reflect on this information to enhance teaching and learning programs in their schools.

Homework Club

Homework Club runs each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3.05pm – 4.05pm in the Library. Teacher supervision is provided and the club is open to all students. Homework Club provides an opportunity for students to receive extra support and assistance with their homework and develop good study habits and time management skills. 

Mrs Jade Love
Years 5-9 Curriculum Leader
lovej@stmaryscollege.com

Student Engagement

Edmund Rice Day

Edmund Rice Day is a highlight of the St Mary’s College calendar and we are looking forward to a fun-filled day of celebrating our community. Separate communication will be coming to families with regard to the range of activities and (most importantly) food options available on Friday. Families are reminded that the delivery of fast food, either by family members or by other delivery services is not permitted at the College.

IDAHOBIT Day

IDAHOBIT Day was observed around the world this Wednesday 17^th May. IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. There is currently a display in our library that promotes books that are inclusive and supportive of the queer community.

Year 7 Camp

Year 7 boys and families should be giving some thought to getting packed for camp, which departs next Wednesday. Camp is a great experience and the boys develop their resilience, their friendships and their skills so quickly in this space. We will look forward to hearing all their stories on their return.

Families are encouraged to stay up to date regarding their son’s use of social media – it is a constantly changing area! This link contains some great ideas for navigating Snapchat - https://www.notmykid.com.au/f/snapchat-features-parents-should-be-aware-of

Mrs Samantha Parle
Assistant Principal Student Engagement
parles@stmaryscollege.com

Business Manager

Introducing Adel Santino Dut - Finance Officer 

Introducing Adel, our Finance Officer who joined SMC in February 2022.  

Adel manages among many things, parent financial queries, invoicing, receipting, and internal financial activities and is a crucial member of our small finance team. Adel also coaches basketball at St Mary's College!

Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com