SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 2, Week 7

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

Year 10 Retreat

With our Year 10 retreat happening this week on Wednesday, I wanted to re-iterate the importance of what a retreat is in the Catholic tradition.  For our year 10's, this is an important time to reflect as they prepare their journey towards being a "white shirt" at the College.

In a world dominated by devices, difficult conversations, concerns over wellbeing and busyness, a retreat is an opportunity to do exactly what the name of it implies - to retreat from those parts of our life which stop us from being in touch with our friends, family and ourselves.

Throughout the ages, the Christian tradition has understood Retreat to be an important part of spiritual formation.  That is, time consciously set aside for God, a change of focus, a deliberate act of stepping outside of normal routine by withdrawing (not running away) from the noise and pressures; the immediate and insistent claims of our social, domestic and workday responsibilities in order to be in a quiet place where all our senses are open and ready to listen to God. Evelyn Underhill spoke of this as ‘loitering with intent.’

‘Going equipped’ would be a more modern phrase meaning the same thing.

We wish our Year 10's all the best as they "retreat" this week to improve their understanding of the journey ahead.

Have a wonderful week,

Deputy Principal

Managing Screentime 

In today's digital age, it is no secret that screen time has become an integral part of our lives. As parents of teenage boys, it can be challenging to strike a balance between allowing them to enjoy the benefits of technology while ensuring they don't become consumed by it. Excessive screen time can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being, social interactions, and academic performance. This article aims to provide valuable advice to help parents effectively manage and regulate screen time for their teenage sons.

Lead by Example:

One of the most effective ways to encourage healthy screen time habits is by modelling them yourself. Practice what you preach and demonstrate responsible device use. Limit your own screen time and engage in activities that don't involve screens, such as reading a book or pursuing a hobby. Your teenage son will be more inclined to follow your lead if they see you prioritising face-to-face interactions and other non-digital activities.

Establish Clear Guidelines:

Set clear and reasonable guidelines regarding screen time usage. Work together with your teenage son to establish these rules, taking their input into consideration. Discuss the time limits for different activities like homework, entertainment, and social media. Ensure they understand the purpose behind these guidelines and the potential consequences of excessive screen time. Regularly review and update these rules as needed.

Encourage a Balanced Lifestyle:

Help your teenage son understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Encourage participation in physical activities, hobbies, and social interactions that take place offline. Encourage them to explore other interests such as sports, music, art, or volunteering. By engaging in a variety of activities, they will naturally reduce their screen time while enjoying a more well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Create Tech-Free Zones and Times:

Designate certain areas in your home as tech-free zones, such as the dining table or bedrooms, to promote healthier habits. Establish specific times, such as during meals or before bedtime, when screens are not allowed. Encourage open communication during family time and foster an environment where everyone can connect without distractions. By establishing these boundaries, you create opportunities for quality family interactions and encourage a break from screens.

Help Identify Engaging Alternatives:

Sometimes, excessive screen time can stem from boredom or a lack of other stimulating activities. Encourage your teenage son to explore alternative hobbies or interests that capture their attention. Help them find activities they genuinely enjoy, whether it's playing a musical instrument, participating in a sport, or joining a club or community organization. By providing engaging alternatives, you help them discover offline activities that provide fulfillment and reduce their reliance on screens.

Foster Open Communication:

Maintain an open line of communication with your teenage son regarding their screen time habits. Encourage them to share their concerns, challenges, and experiences related to digital media. Be empathetic and understanding, rather than confrontational, when discussing screen time. Collaborate on finding solutions and compromises that work for both of you. By fostering a healthy and non-judgmental dialogue, you can better understand their perspective and guide them towards responsible screen time management.

Conclusion:

Managing screen time for teenage boys can be a challenging task for parents in today's digital world. However, by leading by example, establishing clear guidelines, encouraging a balanced lifestyle, creating tech-free zones and times, helping them identify engaging alternatives, and fostering open communication, you can guide your son toward healthy and responsible screen time habits. Remember, it's essential to find a balance that allows them to benefit from technology while also developing other vital life skills and interests.

Mr Stephen Monk 
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Service Learning: Footsteps of Jesus 

As parents,  you should have received an email this week about the College’s new way of logging, recognising and celebrating the volunteering and service learning our boys do.

This initiative will have a formal launch with our boys at the start of Term 3 but it is active as of now and some boys are already logging service hours.

The scheme asks our boys to log any service activity they have done for their community. Service activities are unpaid, voluntary and for the good of the community.

These could include coaching community sporting teams, mowing a neighbour’s lawn, volunteering for Rosies or Vinnies service groups etc. There are many options.

It would be great if we could work together to encourage students to look for a need they could fill in the community, log their hours and reflect on the experience.

Please get in touch with myself or Mr Robie Jayawardhana if you would like any further information.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Curriculum Leader Spotlight - Mitch Keogh

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

I currently teach Accounting, Business, History and Geography. I have always enjoyed writing and I was quite good at it at school, therefore I would probably have to say English.

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

I still cannot go past Harry Potter as a favourite book series. I grew up in the late 90s/early 00s, Harry Potter got me into reading and for this reason it has remained my favourite.

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

The History Tour in Europe in 2018. We traveled to England, Germany, France and Belgium on a WW1 and WW2 History Tour.

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

The opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives and inspire students to be the best versions of themselves.

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

The only person you should be competing with is the person who was in the mirror yesterday. Aim to be a better version of yourself each day and make no comparisons to others.

Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Director of 5-9 Curriculum

NAPLAN Data Release 

QCAA has informed us that NAPLAN data will not be available to schools until Term 3, with individual reports sent to families after this. Once the results have been published, we can celebrate and acknowledge students’ academic success from the testing. 

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has revised the NAPLAN performance bands to better reflect the skills and knowledge required for student success. Instead of the numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard, the new levels of achievement will be as follows: 

• Exceeding 
• Strong 
• Developing 
• Needs additional support

These updated levels aim to provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of students' abilities and progress. They will help teachers and parents identify areas where students may require additional support. 

We are pleased to announce that we have also updated our NAPLAN Awards criteria to align with these new levels. We understand the significance of academic achievement in your child's education and remain dedicated to celebrating their successes. Our updated NAPLAN awards will reflect the new achieving levels, acknowledging outstanding performance in literacy and numeracy.  

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

Student Engagement

Uniform Reminders 

Please see the graphics below for some reminders regarding uniform expectations at the College.

The students were reminded of these expectations on Assembly this week, and it was noted that this message has been consistently communicated over the last three years.

With regard to staying warm, please remember the following: 

• The new jacket can be worn at any time, with either academic or sports uniform.
• Boys in Year 11 and 12 must wear their BLAZER with their academic uniform, not the new jacket.
• 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.

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

Business Manager

Introducing Patrina Kuhnemann - Finance Officer 

We are thrilled to introduce Patrina, our Finance Officer responsible for managing our Accounts Payable and Receivable. Having been with St Mary's College for several years, Patrina's familiar presence and friendly demeanour have made her a well-known figure in our community. 

After serving on the Front Reception for many years, Patrina seized the opportunity to return to a finance role in Term 4 2022, bringing her exceptional customer service skills and firsthand understanding of our school as a parent with one child still enrolled at St Mary's College.

Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com