SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 4, Week 6

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

To continue our conversation from last week, I would like to propose a few ideas that work for us here at school in working with our students.  We work with you to guide and support your son through this critical part of his life journey. 

Thinking about thinking - Metacognition

Metacognition helps your child to understand how they learn best. It includes strategies for solving problems and for coming up with new ideas. It involves knowing how to track progress, and reflecting on what is going well and what could be done differently. Being aware of your thinking is a great way to learn more productively.

You can support your children to think about their thinking by:

• helping them manage time 
• helping them to set goals 
• helping them to organise their learning space
• prompting them to ask questions about their learning (what would you change next time? Are you moving towards your goal?

In short: it’s like being a driving instructor for your own brain.

Practice makes perfect

Reminds us the learning brain works like a muscle; it only grows with practice. We need lots of effort to grasp new concepts and skills, and we can easily forget them without reinforcement. But once they’re automatic, they can be effortlessly drawn on when going to the next level of challenge.

In short: mastering the basics so you can enjoy the fun of learning more.

Meaningful conversations

Shows how good dialogue in the home strengthens what is being taught by the educator. It starts with just talking, and building language and reasoning skills through expressing ourselves. It develops into effective ways to give feedback – not just praising talent or effort (good job!) but recognising specific achievements and suggesting what to do next to improve (I was pleased that you re-read that sentence from the beginning. That is a good thing to do whenever you get stuck).  Later, it creates the space for respectful discussions on the more challenging topics through adolescence.

Enjoy your time with your son this week and together we can help to get them thinking in the right way.

Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal

Deputy Principal

The power of working consistently 

As we reach the end of term it is important that our boys understand the need to work consistently. Hopefully, our Year 11 ATAR boys continue to chip away on the break. The power of working consistently is a force that can transform dreams into reality and aspirations into achievements.

Consistency is the unwavering commitment to a goal, task, or habit, marked by daily dedication and persistent effort. It is the secret ingredient behind the success stories of countless individuals in various fields.

Consistency is like a reliable friend who never lets you down. It creates a rhythm in your life, ensuring that you make progress towards your objectives one step at a time. It's not about sporadic bursts of energy or sporadic attempts; instead, it's about showing up day in and day out, no matter how small the steps may seem. One of the most compelling aspects of consistency is the cumulative effect of your efforts. Even when progress appears slow, the continuous application of effort gradually builds momentum, leading to significant results over time. It's like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining size and speed as it goes.

Consistency breeds discipline and cultivates good habits. It forces you to confront distractions and overcome procrastination, making you more focused and efficient. The reliability and predictability of consistent work not only earn you the trust of others but also boost your self-confidence. In personal and professional endeavors, consistency is a key to success. It enables skill mastery, habit formation, and the achievement of long-term goals. So, if you're looking to make a difference in your life, remember the power of working consistently. It's the steady beat of your daily efforts that can create a symphony of achievements in the end.

Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal 
monks@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner 

The final ritual for our Year 12 students of 2023 takes place next Wednesday 15^th November. The Valedictory Mass will be held in Centenary Court commencing at 5.00pm.

We encourage all Year 12 boys to be there from 4.15pm at the latest. They must be in full formal academic uniform. This will be the last time they wear it, so please encourage them to have their shoes polished! They should also have appropriate haircuts and be clean-shaven (again, for the last time).

We look forward to welcoming you all to this beautiful liturgy.

The Mass will be followed by dinner in the ERCC for those students and families who have purchased tickets. Please get in touch with myself, Tyhla Roper or Petra Barnes if you have any questions about this.

Movember BBQ

A BBQ will be in Anzac Place tomorrow, Friday 10th November at first break.

• Sausages in bread $3.00
• Soft drinks $2.00

All proceeds will be donated to Movember.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Beyond the ATAR

At this time of year, a question that all of our year 12 students are considering is, what comes next? Many students have had enough of sitting in a classroom (and reinforce this to me often) and plan to go straight to work, perhaps by pursuing a trade. For those who wish to continue to study, the path to university is far from a one-size-fits-all journey. While an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) remains the most common route for many students, it's essential to recognise that there are multiple pathways to access tertiary education.

For many students, the pressure of achieving a high ATAR can be overwhelming. For this reason, many universities are now offering early entry programs, granting provisional offers to students based on their Year 11 results. Early entry allows students to be secure in the knowledge that they have access to their chosen course without the stress of their final ATAR looming over them.

If your son has not followed the traditional ATAR pathway of studying at least four general subjects, he can still attend university via his work vocational education. Many universities recognise the value of VET courses, such as our Certificate 3 courses and the Diploma of Business studied by students at St Mary's College and offer ATAR equivalency. This means that students can gain entry to university based on their demonstrated competency in these courses.

For students who may not meet the standard ATAR requirements but are determined to pursue a university degree, bridging courses like UniPrep at UniSQ are a lifeline. These programs are designed to help students develop the necessary academic skills and knowledge to thrive at university. Bridging courses are an excellent choice for those who have faced challenges in their educational journey. They provide the tools to succeed and underline the idea that everyone's path to university is unique.

Not all students follow a linear academic path from high school to university. Some choose to enter the workforce, gaining valuable experience and skills along the way. This practical experience can be a significant asset when applying for university admission.  Many universities now recognise the value of real-world experience and offer alternative pathways for individuals with work experience in their chosen field. Instead of an ATAR, applicants can showcase their skills, achievements, and contributions.

The journey to university is not limited to a single route, and an ATAR is just one means of accessing tertiary education. Whether it's early entry, vocational courses, bridging programs, or showcasing your work experience and skills, tertiary education remains open to all.

Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Director of 5-9 Curriculum

Standardised Testing

This week, our Year 5 and 6 students have been busy with the Progressive Achievement Tests in Reading (PAT-R) assessment. We wanted to provide you with some important information about this process. 

The PAT-R assessment is a crucial part of our educational program, with all schools in the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese completing this assessment. The testing helps us evaluate your child's reading comprehension and literacy skills. This data enables us to tailor our teaching to support each student's needs better and track their progress. 

PAT-R is designed to be a fair reflection of each student's abilities and is not a "pass" or "fail" test. We encourage you to discuss the assessment with your child and remind them that it's an opportunity to showcase their skills. 

Mrs Jade Love
Director of 5-9 Curriculum 
lovej@stmaryscollege.com

Student Engagement

Term 4, Week 6

Merit Trip - Update

Each year at St Mary’s College, we provide a reward for those students who have consistently demonstrated high standards in their role as an SMC student. The reward is the chance to spend the day at a theme park and it is referred to as the Merit Trip. The criteria for boys to be invited on Merit Trip is from the Term 1, Term 2 (Sem1) and Term 3 report cards:

• All VG and G results for Behaviour for all subjects
• No N (Needs improvement) results for any subjects or learning behaviours
• No suspensions for the 2023 year
• An attendance rate over 85%

Boys have been working with their Mentor Teachers to complete the process and we now have a list of the eligible boys. An Edsmart communication will be going out to the families of eligible boys this week inviting families to purchase their son’s ticket to Merit Trip. Please keep an eye out for this in your inbox.

Year 12 Events

Next week – Week 7 – is our graduation week and we will be hosting the following events to celebrate our Year 12 class and their achievements:

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

Business Manager

Christmas Holiday Finances Made Easy: A Guide to Smart Spending

The end of Term 4 is around the corner, which means Christmas holiday season is almost here, and managing household finances can be a challenge. To help you navigate this without overspending, here are some practical tips:

Set a Realistic Budget: Create a holiday budget that covers gifts, decorations, travel, and entertainment.

Prioritise Spending: Allocate more funds to essential expenses like gifts for loved ones and less to non-essential items.

Hunt for Discounts: Look for sales to save money on your Christmas purchases.

DIY Gifts: Get creative and make some gifts yourself to save money and add a personal touch.

Gift Exchanges: Suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange to reduce the financial burden on all participants.

Shopping Deadline: Set a shopping deadline to avoid last-minute, impulse purchases.

Expense Tracking: Keep a record of your holiday spending to stay on budget.

Avoid Emotional Spending: Remember the true meaning of the season and don't overspend due to emotions.

Plan for Post-Holiday Costs: Account for credit card bills and replenishing your savings in your budget.

Enjoy Low-Cost Traditions: Cherished memories often come from simple, low-cost or free traditions.

With these strategies, you can have a joyful Christmas season without breaking the bank. Plan wisely, focus on what truly matters, and stay financially responsible. Happy holidays!

Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com