SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 2, Week 8

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

"Code Blue" News 

Some of you will be aware that last year we developed a new strategy, we called it "Code Blue", to allow students to wear their spray jackets on any day. We were conscious of the very low temperatures in some parts of winter and the ability of the jacket to "cut out the wind" and provide a little more warmth during the day for our students. 

In 2023, we introduced the new soft-shell jacket, which has been a big success in the Primary and Middle Years of the school. This jacket can be worn with both academic and sports uniforms. I want to thanks parents and carers for their support with the jacket across the College.

Really cold weeks, leading to a "Code Blue", will now simply mean that boys can wear scarves and beanies in addition to their warmer College jackets. This coming week is looking fairly mild temperature-wise, so no Code Blue announcements just yet.

Exams

All students at the College will be faced with finalising assignments and exams in the coming weeks.  Could I please ask parents to refer to their emailed "assessment" or "exam" timetables for further details.  It is important that students and parents know exactly when assessments are due.

Could I suggest the following strategies to students to more effectively prepare for exams in the coming days.

1. Create a study/revision schedule for the week leading up to exams
2. Put extra time into the tests you will find most difficult
3. Know exactly what is being tested (if you are unsure, please ask your teacher!)
4. Take breaks during your study time (for most people, somewhere around 30 minutes is the most people can concentrate)
5. Practice, practice, practice (especially Maths questions!)
6. Have a go at questions, and get some feedback from your teacher before the exam

I want to wish all of our students the best of Irish luck in the coming days as they complete important assessments at the College.

Have a wonderful week,

Deputy Principal

Study Tip

We are currently at that time of term where boys are sitting exams. Many of our boys might be struggling to understand concepts whilst studying at home. Recent research points to the importance of metacognition. Getting your son to explain their thinking when solving problems has been shown to enhance their understanding. 

Even when they are struggling, explaining the problem helps to clarify their thinking and often leads to insights that lead to greater understanding. The process of explaining the possible solution also helps them to make their implict knowledge explicit. 

Mr Stephen Monk 
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Footsteps of Jesus Service Learning update 

Last week I told you about our new way of recording, recognising and celebrating the service work of the boys at the College.

Since then we have been delighted to have a lot of students verifying their service work on our system. Thanks so much for the conversations you have with your young men around this.

It has been great to see boys so active in their communities, and even better to be able to accredit these for awards.

For this reason, we have decided to move forward the formal launch of our Footsteps of Jesus Service Learning project. This will take place at assembly next week and will set out the following points clearly:

• Why we are called by the gospel to serve others?
• What service learning does for those who engage in it?
• What counts as service (and what doesn’t)?
• How to verify service hours
• How to achieve service awards

Please keep talking about this with your son, and help them to recognise opportunities for service learning. Almost anything which is unpaid, voluntary, in their own time and helps the community could be counted.

Please get in touch with me if you need any more information.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Curriculum Leader Spotlight - Bill Smith

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

Modern, Ancient or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander history.

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

A brown snake visited the classroom to say hello – I said goodbye.

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

Legend by David Gemmel.

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

Sommelier.

5. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three items with you, what would they be and why? 

A book to read, a fishing rod to catch fish and a knife to gut the fish.

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

An excursion to Taronga Zoo.

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

Phillip Marlowe, Jack Reacher and Sherlock Holmes – just in case someone dies and we have to find a murderer.

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

Making a difference for a young person.

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

Never ever give up!

Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Director of 5-9 Curriculum

College Diary 

We believe in fostering a strong foundation for academic success, and one of the valuable tools we utilise across Years 5 – 9 for this purpose is the College Diary. Designed to assist students with daily organisation and homework, the diary plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ learning experience. 

To ensure that your child maximises the benefits of using the College Diary, we kindly request your support in the following ways: 

1. Consistent Use: Encourage your child to bring their College Diary to school each day. Consistency is key, as it enables them to record important information and stay organised throughout their academic journey. 

1. Homework and Assessment Checks: Take the time to review the homework and assessment tasks outlined in the diary. By familiarising yourself with these requirements, you can provide the necessary support to help your child complete their work promptly. 

1. Time Management: Guide your child in effectively managing their time. Assist them in creating a study schedule and prioritising their tasks, ensuring they allocate sufficient time for homework and revision. 

At St Mary’s College, we understand the significance of the College Diary and its impact on our student’s academic progress. Therefore, our classroom teachers check that the diary is being utilised and completed. Additionally, our Mentor Teachers conduct weekly diary checks to provide further guidance and support. 

Together, we can empower your child to develop vital organisational skills and cultivate a strong work ethic. By instilling the habit of using the College Diary effectively, we are confident that your child will experience improved academic performance and develop lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. 

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

Student Engagement

Important Messages

As we head into the last few weeks of the term, there are two important messages that we will be relaying to the boys:

Ask for Help

Often, young people want to remain independent and take care of things themselves. And generally, we want them to develop those skills of time management, goal setting, prioritising and application. But we are aware that our boys are still learning and they will need support and guidance. When assessments are due, the stress levels can be higher and boys can be less likely to ask for help. If you notice that your son is anxious or stressed, please let us know. We are here to help and we will work with families to reach the best outcomes for the boys.

What is funny in Week 1 is not funny in Week 8 (or Week 9 or Week 10!)

The boys hear this message often on Assembly – I imagine your son might be able to finish the sentence for you. As we reach the end of term, the fatigue and stress and pressure can mean that ‘a joke’ is not quite as funny as it was a few weeks ago. We ask that the boys are compassionate towards their mates and aware of their own stress levels. If you can assist your son with this, he will develop a better sense of self-awareness. Many incidents that we deal with here at the College are often ‘a joke taken too far’.

This image was shared on assembly this week as we continue to consider the concepts of fairness and justice, and standing in solidarity with those who are treated poorly in our community.

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

Business Manager

College Fee Statements 

I hope this message finds you well. June has arrived, bringing cooler weather and a reminder that we're nearly at the end of Term 2.

The June statements have been sent this week, which includes the charges for Term 2 fees and payments received up to 2nd June 2023. Please note that the 2023 Term 2 fees should now be paid unless you have a payment plan in place. 

If you are on a payment plan, your account is zero or in credit there is no action required, though I ask you to check transactions on your statement to ensure everything is correct. 

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please contact our friendly accounts team. 

Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com