Term 1, Week 8 - 16.03.2021
Principal News
Reading Part 2
Thank-you for your feedback last week on my first article about reading with our boys. I do believe that it is a critical activity for the overall development of our young men and clearly opens the doors to all subject areas and a more fulfilling life. You may have a friend or acquaintance, as I have, who have not been good readers. It is hard to watch them wrestle with what we might call the "basics" of communication in their everyday life.
Today's focus is on the role of fathers, uncles or grandfathers, or a significant male teacher in getting our boys to read.
1. Spending quality time together
As fathers, we may not automatically think of spending some time reading with our son as an activity. When boys see their fathers as frequent readers, it sets the tone for the rest of their lives. Immediately, young men feel a responsibility to do the same thing with their own reading and study habits. As fathers, maybe we can spend some quality time on weekends going into bookstores or libraries to pick out our boys' favourite books.
2. Reading about shared interests
One of the keys with reading with our sons is to read about something that you as a father or uncle are interested in yourself! This interest and energy will obviously transfer to your son and promote engagement with the book. If as dads we really prefer magazines or newspapers, we can talk about this too in our shared time. As dads, we need to find out what our son is interested in reading to help share the experience.
3. Reading different types of books
Frequently, we get trapped into thinking that there are only one or two types of books that our boys should be reading. Our traditional thinking may be that boys progress from picture books as children to novels as young men at secondary school.
The reality of the 21st century is that these traditional book types don't always engage our boys. Books like graphic novels (fast-paced comic books) are useful ways to engage boys with reading, and sometimes serve as a bridge to more traditional types of text. The St Mary's College library has a range of graphic novels that suit a wide range of interests and I would invite your son to have a look at what is available in his own "backyard".
Changes to the St Mary's College Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
It has been a privilege to work with an experienced and skilled set of leaders in my short time here at the College. I would like to outline a couple of minor changes to the existing ELT setup.
Firstly, I have asked Mr Patrick Wilson, our Business Manager, to be part of the College ELT. In addition to this, we have approval to change Mrs Sam Parle’s role name to Assistant Principal (AP) – Student Engagement. These two changes took effect last week.
Patrick has been a positive addition to the College staff in his short time here, and we are looking forward to his continued work as part of the ELT Executive group. Patrick has already been spending time with the ELT in meetings on Mondays this term, and we have enjoyed his input. He brings a wealth of corporate experience to the role, and has some exciting ideas for the College in the future.
Mrs Parle sought feedback from our staff on the name change for her role, and there was very positive feedback for the suggestion of a change to AP Student Engagement from AP Welfare. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Sam and her team in positive and proactive projects at the College in the future which represent the intent of the change. There will be no adjustments to the roles or duties themselves as part of these changes.
There are two distinct ELT groups that meet to lead and manage the community. The smaller ELT Executive group continues to meet on Monday mornings and has an operational focus. It consists of:
College Principal | Mr Brendan Stewart |
Deputy Principal | Mr Stephen Monk |
AP Student Engagement | Mrs Sam Parle |
AP Identity | Mr Paul Grealy |
AP Curriculum | Mr Mark Watson |
Business Manager | Mr Patrick Wilson |
The larger ELT "Big Picture" group has a strategic focus and meets on Thursday mornings. It consists of:
College Principal | Mr Brendan Stewart |
Deputy Principal | Mr Stephen Monk |
AP Student Engagement | Mrs Sam Parle |
AP Identity | Mr Paul Grealy |
AP Curriculum | Mr Mark Watson |
Director of Senior Pathways | Ms Eleighta Hannam (Lead Teacher) |
Director of eLearning | Ms Leah Dempster (Lead Teacher) |
Years 5 – 9 Curriculum Leader | Ms Jade Marinelli |
College Improvement Consultant | Ms Robyn Sharpe |
Waterford Gathering
Thank-you to Ms Kerrie Connolly and the Waterford house staff for a wonderful afternoon on Wednesday last week. It was great to see Waterford house boys of all ages at the gathering, playing sport, sharing food and genuinely just enjoying each other's company. It is one of the strengths of St Mary's College that mentor groups are "vertically" organised from Years 5 - 12. It promotes co-operation and leadership amongst boys of all ages in the College.
My reflection for this week:
FOURTH WEEK OF LENT – Week beginning 15th March Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21
In today’s Gospel reading, we heard Nicodemus humbling encounter with Jesus.
Nicodemus was asking Jesus how it is possible for one to renew themselves, or to be born again from sin. As Jesus responds, He makes numerous references to “the light”.
Jesus invites us to “be a light in the world, a light to others”. We are all made in the image and likeness of God and thus all possess God-given gifts that we are called to share. Christ was made man to shine a light onto the darkness in this world. By His life, God revealed the ways in which to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, demonstrating how to be a light to others so that we may attain salvation and enjoy eternal life.
We all have a responsibility to shine a light on the injustices that exist within society, and are challenged to be a light that drives change.
This week, we hear the Project Compassion story of Mr Arsad, a farmer who lives in the Pandeglang District in Indonesia with his wife and three children. It was only recently that he was able to build a toilet for his family, a common household facility that many of us take for granted. Mr Arsad and his family, along with millions of people globally, lack basic access to safely-managed sanitation facilities, often being exposed to dangerous conditions as well as making them highly susceptible to infectious diseases.
Through a Caritas Australia supported program, Mr Arsad was able embody the quote of St Oscar Romero “Aspire not to have more, but to be more”, by becoming involved in a community-based health development project where he learnt the skills to participate in a community-led approach to building toilets. Just as Jesus calls us to do, Mr Arsad, shared his gifts by assisting with the building of toilets for other families within his neighbourhood.
How can we, as much, or as little as we have, be the light that drives change? How can we “Be more”, and use our gifts to make a difference in the lives of others?
Prayer for Intercession: Loving God, we pray for the inspiration and courage to shine the light on global injustices, and to let our own light shine unto others, so that we may be agents of change who bring about the kingdom of God on earth. Amen
Peace.
Mr Brendan Stewart, Principal - stewartb@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
End of Term Fatigue
The end is in sight... But not quite close enough! We are starting to see signs of fatigue in the boys as we move into the final few weeks of the term. For some boys, that means that getting out of bed in the morning is more of a challenge, while for others, it means that concentrating through all seven lessons of the day is getting really difficult. Please keep us informed if you are concerned for your son and how he is travelling at this stage of the term.
I will speak to the boys at Assembly today with a familiar theme – “What was funny in Week 1, is not always funny in Week 8”. We frequently speak to the boys about being mindful of the tolerance levels of their friends as the last few weeks of term frequently see ‘blow ups’ between boys who have reached the end of their patience. For this reason, we ask the boys to be careful with their comments and behaviours. Many boys are tired and stressed at the end of the term, and this isn’t always evident – even to their friends.
Relationships
Unfortunately, we continue to see the need for education around relationships, consent and the impact of pornography on young people. As a College, we run a range of age-appropriate strategies that look at issues such as sexting, safe online behaviour and respectful relationships. To deliver such important and sensitive information, we use facilitators such as Brainstorm, Real Talk Australia, Paul Dillon, Red Frogs and Old Boys who currently work for the QPS and law courts. However, we can only do so much and we acknowledge that, as parents, you are the primary educators of your son. If you would like some support in discussing these issues with your son, I can recommend this two websites:
For conversations with boys aged 12 to 18, click here.
For conversations with boys aged 9 to 11, click here.
Parenting Resources
I mentioned the Maggie Dent Webinar series in an earlier newsletter and I know that several staff have signed up and enjoyed the first event in February. If you missed out, you can still sign up by clicking here. The cost for all three webinars is $60 and the content is yours for life. The next LIVE event is 23rd March.
If you are a parent and you did watch the first event, please let me know what you thought.
This resource, The Men’s Gathering is being promoted by Steve Biddulph. Many parents of boys, including many of our staff have read Biddulph’s books including Raising Boys, Raising Girls and The New Manhood.
Biddulph is one of the keynote speakers at this event and the line-up of other presenters is impressive. There is no (or optional) cost. Please click here if you would like to find out more.
To finish this week, a huge thanks and a whole heap of appreciation from me and my team to all of those families that continue to support the College and our collective goals for your son. When high expectations are set both at school and at home, boys receive clear and consistent messages – which is exactly what boys need! Please be in contact with your son’s Mentor or Head of House if you would like some support or if you have any concerns with how your son is travelling at the moment.
Mrs Samantha Parle, AP Student Engagement - parles@stmaryscollege.com
College Careers
TAFE Taster Program for Year 10 students
TAFE Queensland South West are offering Trade, Skills and Health Taster programs to Year 10 students. These Taster Programs allows eligible high school students to try out a trade without needing to commit to a full qualification or apprenticeship. Students get to see what option is best for them or test out a potential career path that they’re considering following in the future.
The Year 10 Trade Taster Program delivers training one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try four different trade areas, as well as having the opportunity to complete their Construction Industry Safety White Card. To apply for the Year 10 TRADE Taster Program, students will need to:
- Go to tafeapply.com
- Enter the application code of TQSW21TT
The Year 10 Skills Taster Program delivers training one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try three different skills areas as well as having the opportunity to complete their Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate. To apply for the Year 10 SKILLS Taster Program, students will need to:
- Go to tafeapply.com
- Enter the application code of TQSW21ST
The Year 10 Health Taster Program delivers training to small groups of up to 14 students, one day per week for nine weeks. Throughout the program, students get to try three different health areas as well as having the opportunity to complete their First Aid Certificate. To apply for the Year 10 HEALTH Taster Program, students will need to:
- Go to tafeapply.com
- Enter the application code of TQSW21HT
Applications opened on Monday 15th March, so if you are interested please apply now! Please visit us at the Career Centre (DUHIG 21) for assistance.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
All students enrolling in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education courses will require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number. The USI will give students access to their Training records and results from now to beyond school. It is a different number to the Learner Unique Identifier (LUI).
Students will be required to apply online for this number and provide it to the College Career Centre prior to enrolling in any courses such as TAFE courses, first aid training, White card training, Responsible Service of Alcohol etc.
How to obtain a USI:
Have one of the following pieces of identification ready. Documents which are allowable for identification are:
- An Australian Birth Certificate (must be a full certificate, not an extract)
- Driver’s Licence
- Medicare Card
- Australian Passport
- Visa (with non-Australian Passport) for international students
- Certificate of Registration by Descent
- Citizenship Certificate
- Immi Card
- Go to http://www.usi.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
- Click on “Create a USI”
- Click on “I have my ID ready – Continue”
- Work through the application. Student details MUST match the details shown on their form of ID. Once the student’s details have been entered from the form of ID when creating the USI, the USI Registry System will then be able to check and confirm the student’s details using a system called the ‘Documentation Verification Service’ or DVS.
- Elect to receive the USI by email
- Forward this email to Mr Paul Barber: barberp@stmaryscollege.com
School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
If you are interested in a School-Based Apprenticeship, please contact the Career Support Officer, Mr Barber via email at barberp@stmaryscollege.com or drop in to the Careers Centre in DUHIG 21.
You will need to complete a SBA Expression of Interest Form and have a current resume and cover letter.
Resume templates and information to assist are available on the Careers Canvas page, link below.
School Based Apprenticeship | Year Level | Location | Closing date |
| Certificate III in Agriculture or Business Administration | 10, 11 and 12 (must be 16 years old) | Mort & Co Grassdale Feedlot, Dalby-Cecil Plains Road, Grassdale (near Dalby) More information here | 26th March |
| Certificate III in Agriculture | 10, 11 and 12 (must be 16 years old) | Mort & Co Pinegrove Feedlot, 1677 Old Cecil Plains Road, Millmerran More information here | 26th March |
| Certificate III in Hospitality | 10, 11 and 12 | Noodle Box, Westridge, Toowoomba More information here | ASAP |
| Certificate III in Hospitality | 10, 11 and 12 | Paddy Smith Burgers, Westridge, Toowoomba More information here | ASAP |
| Certificate II in Warehousing Operations | 11 | Plumbing Toowoomba West (Reece Group), Toowoomba More information here | ASAP |
School Based Apprenticeship Sign Ups
Nicholas Waters (Year 12) with Scott Genrich of S and S Genrich Pty Ltd. Nicholas has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating school-based apprenticeship.
Ethan Jones (Year 10) with Alan Quinnell of Toowoomba Outdoor Power Products. Ethan has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology school-based apprenticeship.
Mitch Clem (Year 10) with Kyle Athorn of Athorn Building and Renovations. Mitchel has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Carpentry school-based apprenticeship.
Harry Whitehouse (Year 10) with Debbie Carrier of Land Transport. Harry has been successful in commencing a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology school-based apprenticeship.
World of Work Experience
Wapu Elara (Year 12) was working hard on his work experience placement in Concreting.
Doctor for a Day
Year 11 students Lachlan Moore and Jack Thaler were fortunate enough to experience the popular ‘A Day in Medicine’ School Work Experience Program conducted by the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School here in Toowoomba. Lachlan and Jack featured in a video on WIN News last Wednesday night, honing their suturing skills. Well done, gentlemen!
Sport News
Sporting Results
AFL
| Loss | Junior White | 27 | East State School | 44 |
| Win | Junior Blue | 72 | East State School | 0 |
| Win | Senior Blue | 64 | Concordia College | 20 |
| Win | Senior White | 49 | Harlaxton State School | 7 |
Hockey
| Win | Junior White | 3 | Glenvale State School | 2 |
| Win | Junior Blue | 2 | Wilsonton State School | 0 |
| Loss | Senior Blue | 2 | East State School | 3 |
| Win | Senior White | 3 | Lourdes | 1 |
Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to the below students who participated in the TSSS Carnival on Thursday 11th March.
Well done to Brock Smith who won the Outstanding Swimmers Award and Kaidan Sack who won the 14 Years and Under Award.
Congratulations to Connor Larsen and Harry Shelton who both made the Queensland State Team for Track and Field. Connor qualified for the High Jump and Harry the 400m Hurdles and 110m Hurdles.
Connor will go to Nationals in Sydney in April.
Congratulations to Nayte Baker and Tom Yeo who played in the Under 11 Toowoomba Representative Team in the Darling Downs and South West Challenge Cup final last week.
Tyson Woods (Year 9) participated in the annual Adrian Vowles Junior Rugby League Carnival in Charleville on the 26th and 27th February. Tyson played with his local club Brothers Toowoomba Under 14 side. Tyson was picked in the Adrian Vowles Outback Dreamteam 2021.
Cross Country
Cross Country will be held on Tuesday 30th March. It will be held at Kearney Springs Sporting Reserve. Further details to come.
Mr Scott Cowan, Head of Sport - cowans@stmaryscollege.com
Library News
The Five Keys to Reading
According to the Five from Five website, learning to read requires two abilities: correctly identifying words (decoding) and understanding their meaning (comprehension). However, acquiring these two broad abilities requires the development of more specific skills. Reading research shows that there are five essential skills for reading and that a high-quality literacy program should include the following five elements:
Phonemic Awareness | The ability to identify and manipulate the distinct individual sounds in spoken words. |
Phonics | The ability to decode words using knowledge of letter-sound relationships. |
Fluency | Reading with speed and accuracy. |
Vocabulary | Knowing the meaning of a wide variety of words and the structure of written language. |
Comprehension | Understanding the meaning and intent of the text. |
Parent Resources
Parents and caregivers play an integral role in developing a child's literacy levels throughout their lives. This foundation of literacy, i.e. phonological awareness, vocabulary and oral language, begins in a child's early years of life before school. The most effective way parents can assist with this is talking with their children, listening, and answering their questions. Throughout their schooling years, parents may continue to nurture reading development with their child through shared reading activities, ensuring they have reading material at the appropriate levels and following their progress. Click here for more information about reading and helpful tips.
Overdue Library Resources
We have been very impressed with the number of student borrowing so far this year, with many students regularly borrowing from the Library for class reading and reading at home. Please remind your son to keep up-to-date with library loans through the Library Web App, where he can see overdue items.
Each week students are emailed a list of overdue loans and we ask that this be actioned as soon as possible. Students can either renew or return their overdue library items. Overdue library items will need to be returned or renewed before the end of term to avoid a bill. Your help with this is much appreciated!
"If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book."
- J.K Rowling
Mrs Gemma Tracy, Teacher Librarian - tracyg@stmaryscollege.com
Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical
In just over two weeks’ time, St Marys College, in conjunction with St Saviour's College, will be proud to present the musical: Jesus Christ Superstar. This is the first musical produced by the school in over 10 years. The journey began back in November 2019 when auditions were first held. Rehearsals commenced in February 2020 with much enthusiasm and high hopes. At the end of Term 1 St Mary's College had to follow the State Government and QLD Health directives and Online Learning commenced. It was unknown what the fate of the musical would be. It was unknown how long restrictions would be in place for. Finally, after many meetings it was decided to reschedule to Easter 2021 and most excitedly it would be presented in St Mary's College very own Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
It seems fitting to be presenting the musical at this time as its story is of Christ’s last seven days alive and is told from the perspective of Judas Iscariot.
Due to the change of dates, we had to farewell some cast members and welcome some new members. The cast and crew have been working incredibly hard with rehearsals occurring on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and some all-day Saturdays for over a year now.
Tickets are on sale now through Trybooking.com, although be quick, we’ve currently sold over 75% of available tickets and the remainder are selling fast. Don’t miss out!
Book Online
Tickets are now available for purchase!
Parent Portal
Parent Portal has been implemented for communication and absence monitoring. Parents/carers have been granted access to student’s data via a unique key issued by the College. If you have not received the email, please contact reception via email on reception@stmaryscollege.com or phone 07 4631 7333.
Parents will be able to:
- View student's timetable
- Receive student report cards electronically
- View upcoming events and school calendar to keep-up-to-date
- Send absence notifications to school
New features added to the Parent Portal will be announced in upcoming newsletters.
Tuckshop Weekly Lunch Plan
The Weekly Lunch Plan has restarted. Please click on the following link to place an order: www.smcmeals.com
Please note the order window does not open until Wednesday afternoon, and will close Sunday evening at 8.00pm.
Sandra Kelly, Tuckshop Manager - kellys@stmaryscollege.com
P&F Race Day
The St Mary's College P&F Association are holding a Race Day at Clifford Park on Saturday 11th September 2021.
More information will be released in the coming months.
If you would like to be part of the organising committee, please email reception@stmaryscollege.com and attention it Tracy Dann, the Secretary of the P&F Association.
SMC Business Register
Calling all St Mary's College Old Boys and Parents! Do you own a business or work for a business located in the Toowoomba region that would be interested in joining our Business Register?
We are often looking for businesses interested in mentoring, work experience, school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and more!
If this sounds like you, please fill out the following form.
St Saviour's College Open Day
