SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 3, Week 8
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Father's Day - Sunday 3rd September
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the Father's Day breakfast, happening this Thursday morning at the ERCC.
It is clear that the role of the father in modern society is changing. As a father myself, I don't believe that this change means that our role is diminishing. On the contrary, I feel that the role is growing in importance. It is important that our boys and girls see us as involved, caring and present to our children. The old-fashioned "view" of the father just being the bread-winner and disciplinarian is fading into the past. With this understanding, of course, the role of the mother has broadened also.
I have felt valued as a father in my family when I stay "close" to my children and understand what is going on in their lives. When I am interested, they are interested also. Being involved in something which is important to our children is a key aspect of your son's development.
I would like to take a moment to thank you, as fathers, for your support of your son and the College. Enjoy the weekend that celebrates Fathers' Day!
Reflection
Pope Francis recently had something important to say about Fathers' Day also:
St Joseph is the model of the educator and the dad, the father.
I, therefore, entrust to his protection those who are fathers.
Best wishes to you on your day!
I ask for you the grace to be ever closer to your children, allow them to grow, but be close, close!
They need you, your presence, your closeness, your love.
May you be for them as St Joseph was: guardians of their growth in age, wisdom and grace.
May you guard them on their journey: be educators and walk with them.
Thank you for all you do for your children: thank you.
May St Joseph bless you and accompany you.
Pope Francis
Acknowledgement: <https://catholicoutlook.org/a-fathers-day-message-from-pope-francis/
Exam Preparation
As we move into a key preparation time for exams, it is a useful time to recall a number of strategies that help to prepare our boys for high performance during this assessment phase.
There are a number of strategies that work. However, I believe that it is important for students to try a few of these strategies to understand what is right for each person.
However, there are a few key points that work for everyone. It is important for each student to show some "grit". In academic terms, grit in this context means perseverance and passion for long-term goals. This means that sometimes in our preparation for assessments, we may encounter barriers or roadblocks. It takes some thinking, a strength to pass through these and to keep moving forward with the final goal in sight.
Study Notes
I can't stress enough the importance of preparing good study notes, whatever the year level your son is in. Study notes are a summary of the key learnings which are relevant for the assessment that he is doing. For example, if your son is studying for a Chemistry exam in Year 11, he would prepare a separate book of study notes which is a summary of the key points relevant for the exam.
The Cornell Notetaking system is encouraged by St Mary's College and is used in many subjects. It is useful because of clarity of the system, and the encouragement to re-read notes and to create a summary in the bottom third of the page. A typical Cornell page in any subject could look like the page below:
Place, Time and Music!
Everyone has their own idea about the best place and time to study. Whether it's a bedroom at night or the library after school, finding a study space and a regular study time that works for you is important to settle on at this stage of the term.
- Set up your study space – A study space should be quiet, comfortable and distraction-free. It should make a student feel happy and inspired.
- Find your best time – Some people work better in the morning. Others work better at night. Students need to work out which time suits them and plan to study during these times.
- Music - It is well established in research that very few people can properly study while listening to music. Music, phones and social media can be used as a reward after the hard work of study is completed.
Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal
Deputy Principal
The Superiority of Retrieval Practice for Teenage Boys
In the dynamic realm of education, guiding our teenage boys toward effective study techniques is paramount. As parents, we are pivotal in nurturing their learning strategies. One technique that stands out for its proven efficacy is retrieval practice, which triumphs over recognition practices.
Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information from memory, fortifying neural pathways and deepening understanding. In contrast, recognition practice relies on passively recogniding information from external sources. Research consistently underscores the cognitive benefits of retrieval practice, making it a valuable tool for our sons' educational journey.
Teenage brains, characterised by rapid development, are especially receptive to retrieval practice's neurological enhancements. By actively engaging with information and summoning it from memory, adolescents can establish enduring connections to aid in academic pursuits.
Benefits abound when our boys employ retrieval practice:
- Long-Term Retention: Active recall cements knowledge in long-term memory, facilitating easy access during exams and real-world applications.
- Active Learning: Retrieval practice demands mental effort, bolstering engagement and focus during study sessions.
- Critical Thinking: This technique stimulates critical thinking and application, fostering a deeper grasp of concepts beyond mere recognition.
- Dispelling Illusions of Competence: Recognition practice can create a misleading sense of mastery. Retrieval practice unmasks gaps in understanding, enabling targeted improvement.
- Versatility: By mastering recall, our sons equip themselves to tackle a spectrum of questions and challenges with confidence.
Guiding our teenage boys toward retrieval practice involves:
- Introduction and Explanation: Familiarise your son with retrieval practice and its merits. Emphasize the value of active struggle in learning.
- Spaced Repetition: Advocate revisiting material at intervals to reinforce neural connections and enhance retention.
- Interactive Tools: Recommend flashcards and self-quizzes, employing technology to make retrieval practice engaging and effective.
- Encouragement: Normalise initial difficulties and celebrate progress. Confidence in the process fuels consistent implementation.
In conclusion, retrieval practice outshines recognition techniques as an educational cornerstone for teenage boys. Our support in adopting this method will nurture their cognitive growth, ensuring lasting benefits for academic achievements and personal development. As parents, let us empower our boys with the gift of retrieval practice, shaping them into astute learners poised for success.
Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Service Learning
In 2023, we have refocused ourselves on Service Learning. As we come to the end of Term 3, I would like to revisit this as we have until the end of term to log service hours, which will contribute to our Service Learning Footsteps of Jesus awards early in Term 4.
Edmund Rice’s whole life’s work- delivering liberating education for the underprivileged boys of Waterford was itself an act of service based on Gospel values and the actions of Christ.
As a Catholic College in the Edmund Rice tradition, we too are called to work in service of others.
One of the great things about service learning is that it is ideal for all boys. There are any number of service works boys could be doing which suit their personality and interests. Anything which is unpaid, in their own time and for the benefit of the community can count. Another excellent aspect of service learning is that it can build 21st Century transferable skills that can be useful in any potential future career.
This week I’d like to share some of these potential positive impacts of service learning. I will share some more in next week’s newsletter.
I do hope that you can have a conversation with your son about getting involved in service learning activities.
Creating Meaningful Impact: As parents, we all want our young people to develop a sense of responsibility and empathy. Service learning gives them the chance to make a real impact on the world around them. Whether they're cleaning up a local park, assisting at Rosies or Vinnies, or helping younger kids with homework or sport, they'll witness the direct results of their efforts, boosting their confidence and sense of achievement.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: We all know that the classroom isn't the only place where learning happens. With service learning, boys get hands-on experience that goes beyond textbooks. They learn practical skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork – skills that can't be taught through classwork alone.
Building Character: Service learning is about personal growth. Your boys will face challenges, interact with diverse groups of people, and develop qualities like patience and empathy. These experiences can shape their character, making them more responsible, compassionate individuals.
Please get in touch with me if you have any questions about service learning at St Mary’s College. I would also love to hear from you if you have any ideas for service projects we could run as a college.
Upcoming Identity dates:
Mentor Liturgies: Thursday Week 9
Deadline for 2023 Service Learning Awards: Friday Week 10 - all service hours to be logged by this time.
Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
Exam Block
Next week (4 – 8 September), students in Year 11 and 12 have exam block privileges. This means they are only required to attend school for their scheduled exams. Exam schedules can be viewed on the St Mary's College app, in the links section.
Exam block is not a holiday for our boys. They are expected to be at home studying or completing assessments.
Exam block privileges will be revoked from students for any of the following reasons:
- Not up to date with coursework in Applied or Certificate classes
- Found in town (Grand Central) without parent or in school uniform
- Failure to attend any scheduled session without a medical certificate
- Failure to wear full academic uniform when on campus
- Failure to engage appropriately with the exams
- Poor behaviour during exams
For students who need to be on campus when they don’t have an exam, they are required to be in Byrne 12, or Centenary Court. The rest of the school is off-limits for the exam block.
Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
Supporting your child's academic success
As we approach a crucial point in the term with upcoming drafts and exams, we want to ensure your child's preparation is thorough and effective. To help with this, we have several valuable resources available, and we want to make sure you're aware of them.
Homework Club: Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, your child can attend our Homework Club held in the Library from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. It's a great opportunity for focused study time.
The Hub: Our Hub is open for students before and after school, as well as during lunch breaks throughout the week. If your child needs a supportive study environment, they can rely on The Hub.
Assessment Calendars: If you're unsure about upcoming assessments, you can find our Assessment Calendars in two places: on the parent app under links and on Sentral. These calendars will keep you informed about what's ahead.
Getting in Touch: If you have any concerns or questions about your child's assessments, feel free to reach out to the subject teacher as the first point of contact. If needed, you can also connect with the Curriculum Leader.
We're here to support your child's journey during this critical time. By working together, we can ensure their success.
Mrs Jade Love
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
lovej@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
Week 8 Term 3
And here we are – the hardest week of the hardest term is upon us! Term 3 always seems a little longer than the rest and the assessment deadlines that arrive in Week 8 just seem to add to the pressure. If your household is seeing a few more tantrums and outbursts lately, then please know that you are not alone! And if the tantrums and outbursts are coming from the adults in your household – also not alone! The natural cycle of schools builds to this point where it is time to see how much of the learning has ‘stuck’ and how far those skills have developed. This – naturally – brings some level of pressure and stress. The most important message during this time – for us and for our young people – is that stress is a part of life, it’s okay and it’s not forever. It’s actually helpful – but that can be hard to see when you’re in the middle of it all.
If your son is experiencing stress around assessment and it is worrying you, please let us know. Building the skills and strategies to manage stress are essential if that young boy is going to one day manage himself as an adult in this world.
RACQ – Student Education
This week we have the team from RACQ here to speak with our Year 12 group. The schools programs that RACQ deliver are very well-written and delivered and we are grateful to have all of their presentations seen by boys from Years 10 to 12 throughout the year. The Docudrama on Wednesday will be looking at the impact of road accidents. Driving a car is probably going to be the most dangerous activity your son undertakes in his life – particularly when you consider the amount of time we spend in our vehicles over a lifetime. None of us have to look very far to find a family member or friend who has been impacted by road trauma. Hopefully, our boys will take on the messages from Wednesday’s presentation and make good choices when behind the wheel and when they are passengers.
Mrs Samantha Parle
Assistant Principal Student Engagement
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Business Manager
The Power of School Fee Contributions: Shaping Tomorrow Together
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we approach conclusion of Term 3, a reminder about the importance of timely school fee payments is pertinent. These fees are the lifeblood of our institution's growth and excellence.
We combine school fees and government allocations to provide a superior education. When fees are outstanding, the deficit affects everyone. There's no extra funding to cover this gap, so we may need to increase fees for all.
Your prompt payments:
Fuel Progress: They empower us to enhance teaching methods, technology, and teacher development, elevating learning.
Sustain Infrastructure: Funds keep our campus safe, inspiring a positive educational environment.
Expand Horizons: Extra-curriculars flourish, molding well-rounded individuals poised for success.
Your commitment illuminates a brighter future for our students. By ensuring your financial obligations, you co-create educational brilliance.
If you have any questions or concerns with the college school fees, please let me know.
Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com