SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 4, Week 2
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Thank you
Thank you all for your support over the first two weeks of the term. It has been wonderful to see the success of students in the classroom, on the sporting field and in the many cultural pursuits that we have at the College. I am grateful for the support of our many staff and volunteers who continue to give of their precious family time to support the students of the College.
Could I thank you and remind parents that it is important to keep up to date with emails from the College that indicate various events that your son is involved in. Over the next two weeks there are a number of events to be aware of:
- High achievement and commitment to learning events (Tuesday 10th October)
- School-Based Employer breakfast: This recognises the many students in Years 12 who have an SBA and who are leaving the College this year (Wednesday 11th October)
- Board Meeting (Monday 16th October)
- Presentation Night (Thursday 19th October)
- Ms Chantler Pink Day and Staff V Student Cricket (Friday 20th October)
Please be mindful that our Sentral Calendar, through the SMC App, is our "source of truth" in terms of events at the College. This is monitored daily and is our live reflection of what is upcoming at the College.
External Exams and ATAR
As we move into Week 2, I want to acknowledge the work of our current Year 12 students at St Mary's. On Monday 23rd October, we reach another significant milestone - the External Exam phase for Year 12 begins. External Exams will end the week beginning Monday 14th November. Students who do not complete ATAR subjects will be completing other assessments during this time. The College is responsible for the outcomes of our boys, both academically and pastorally until Friday 17th November.
This is the fourth year that ATAR's will be awarded in Queensland. St Mary's College has a well-earned reputation for excellent Senior results, and we look forward to further building on that reputation this year. Our ATAR predictions are certainly looking promising for our Year 12 students.
In addition to ATAR scores, each and every one of our students, whether striving for an ATAR or an alternative pathway, will be ensuring that they complete requirements for their QCE. At the time of writing, it is possible for St Mary's Year 12 students to have 100% QCE successful completion rate this year. This result is one of our basic aspirations and I strongly encourage all students to finish the work required to complete the QCE.
Reflection: The Catholic Church Synod 2021 - 2024: Communion, Participation, Mission
Many of you would be aware that the Church is currently undertaking a synod as part of its reflection and renewal process. It is a process that is planned to take 3 years and we all hope that there are some future-focused and positive outcome for the Church. This week, Bishops around the world gathered in Rome to begin the formal process of bringing thoughts and reflections from many parts of the work together.
What is Synodality?
Synodality is the particular style that qualifies the life and mission of the Church, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Church’s ordinary way of living and working.
Synodality, in this perspective, is much more than the celebration of Bishops’ assemblies, or a matter of simple internal administration within the Church; it is the specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission.
What is the aim of this Synod?
This Synod is intended as a Synodal Process. The aim of this synodal process is not to provide a temporary or one-time experience of synodality, but rather to provide an opportunity for the entire Church to discern together how to move forward on the path towards being a more synodal Church in the long-term.
A basic question prompts and guides us: How does this journeying together allow the Church to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the mission entrusted to Her; and what steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?
Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal
Deputy Principal
Presentation Night
Next Thursday 19th we have our Presentation Night to celebrate the many successes at the College this year. This event serves as a platform for recognising and validating the achievements of individuals and organisations. The tangible recognition in the form of awards, applause, and accolades motivates winners to pursue excellence further.
- This night inspires and offers role models, sharing stories of dedication and perseverance that encourage others to set ambitious goals and overcome obstacles.
- Beyond personal recognition, this night fosters a sense of community, providing an opportunity for the College to showcase our wonderful performers in the arts.
- Healthy competition is encouraged, driving our boys to continually improve and innovate.
- Awards nights uphold and promote excellence, setting a standard for our boys to aspire to reach.
- Acknowledgment at these events boosts confidence and morale, affirming the value of one's work and inspiring a positive outlook.
In essence, celebrating success at our Presentation Night goes beyond glamour, emphasizing recognition, inspiration, community, competition, excellence, and personal growth, all contributing to the betterment of our boys.
Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal
monks@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Important Upcoming Events
As many of you will be aware, next week is an important one in the College calendar.
Year 12 Induction Mass
The Year 12 Induction Mass is on Tuesday 17th October. This begins at 8.45am in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
This is the important rite of passage where our new Year 12 students are formally inducted into their role as senior leaders in the College.
All of our new Year 12 cohort (current Year 11 students) will receive their senior ties at this ceremony.
It is important that all new Year 12 students have their full academic uniform including blazer for this event.
Presentation Night
Our annual Presentation Night takes place on Thursday 19th October in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre starting at 6.00pm.
Boys who are involved in the prayer at Presentation Night should be at the ERCC from 4.45pm for a final rehearsal.
Please join me in wishing the outgoing Year 12 students all the best in their external exams which start very soon.
We look forward to working with our new Year 12 students, who will celebrate our 125th anniversary next year.
Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Director Years 5-9 Curriculum
Assessment Calendars
Assessment calendars for Term 4 can now be accessed from the College website and through our College App under ‘Links’.
Assessment Calendars are designed to:
- assist students in planning their study time
- help students to prioritise
- be an organisational tool
- communicate due dates to parents/carers and students.
Assessment Calendars should inform:
- the amount of study and assignment work needed at different points in the term
- scheduling of specialist appointments and trips around due dates where possible
- the commitments students make
- minimising any paid work (e.g. students should cut back work during busy weeks of the term)
Parents and students are encouraged to be mindful of the assessment due dates and arrange specialist appointments/holidays and trips around these dates. Wherever possible, students should also minimise paid work/casual employment and cut back during busy weeks of the term.
Parents and carers with any questions or concerns regarding the subject curriculum or assessment are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher first. Following this, the Curriculum Leader for each Learning Area is available to speak with you regarding any concerns you may have.
Mrs Jade Love
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
lovej@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
The 'Learning Pit'
As teachers we often spend time discussing the ‘learning pit’ which addresses the idea that learning is difficult and uncomfortable. When our boys experience a sense of discomfort or stress, our instinct as adults and parents is often to remove the stress and ‘fix’ everything. The ‘learning pit’ tells us that the stress and discomfort is necessary and a natural part of life and learning. It is a great concept to remember and revisit, even as adults.
This article from Linda Stade considers this concept in more detail - How to respond when your child is anxious about challenges at school (inspiringgirls.info)
Business Manager
Statements
Statement Email: A statement for your account was emailed on Friday, 6th October. If you haven't received it, contact our friendly accounts team at accounts@stmaryscollege.com.
Term 4 Fees
Term 4 fees are due on Thursday, 12th October, unless you have a payment plan in place.
Outstanding Debt
If you have outstanding debt, expect a call from Crystal, our Accounts Receivable School Officer. Please cooperate to ensure we can continue to provide outstanding education facilities for all students at St Mary’s College.
If you have any queries regarding your account, I can be contacted at wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com or call 07 4631 7333.
Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com