SMC NEWS 2023 - Term 4, Week 7

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Toowoomba Catholic Schools - Leadership Forum

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of spending time at our Toowoomba Catholic Schools office for a leadership forum, and I am happy to provide a brief summary of the learnings for me from the conference.  The theme for the week was "Taking Control of the Agenda", with a strong focus on the current events impacting on Catholic schools in the Diocese and how to remain distinctively Catholic in a competitive educational landscape.

Tuesday - Developing Self and Others

Dr Pat Coughlan gave an address on leadership concepts and ideas that we can use in our own leadership and schools for the journey ahead. There was also a report on the state of play with workcover, and the impact on costs and finances for Catholic schools in the Diocese.  There was also a report on recruitment of staff into the Diocese - a clear goal over the past 12 months as a system.

Wednesday - Leading Improvement in Teaching and Learning

NAPLAN results from the Diocese, Shaping the Future surveys and our Secondary Principals meeting dominated the agenda on this day. There was a new platform demonstrated for the more detailed analysis of NAPLAN results at each school and how this can improve our goal-setting on a school-by-school basis.

Thursday - Leading the Management of the School

The focus of the final day was the new financial model being used internally in Toowoomba Catholic Schools.  This approach should allow more transparency over the finances of the College and therefore allow for better decision-making.  Time was allowed for further work on our Annual Action Plans (AAP's), to ensure the alignment of the projects occurring at the College aligns with the Strategic Plan.

I appreciate the opportunities that the community provides to myself for this formation and development experience, and I want to thank Stephen Monk as Acting Principal during this time each term. 

Final Dates for 2023

You will be aware that the final days for classes Years 5 - 11 vary depending on the grade level of your son. 

The final dates for the school year 2023 at St Mary's College are confirmed below:

Years 5 - 9 assessment will conclude in Week 8 on or before Friday 24 November.  From November 28 - December 2, marking, reporting and preparation for 2024 begins in earnest. 

Regular classes and other supervision and activities will be offered during the week.  However, over the past few years attendance during the final week has declined as the week has progressed and new work for 2024 cannot begin at this time.

To assist us in our planning for the week, could you please indicate your intention for your son to attend during this week using the form which is being emailed to you today.

A sincere thanks for your support this year.

Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal

Deputy Principal

Farewell Year 12

As the final chapter at St Mary’s closes for our Year 12 men, we find ourselves both proud and bittersweet. The time has come to bid farewell to a remarkable group of young men who have also exemplified the values of faith, compassion, and service that define our community.

Throughout their years here, they have grown not only in knowledge but also in character. Their presence has been a source of inspiration for both their peers and the faculty. As they step out into the world beyond these familiar walls, we hope they remember the lessons of love, kindness, and resilience that have been instilled in them.

May their futures be bright, filled with purpose and guided by the principles they have learnt, carrying the torch of faith letting it light the path to understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. Their unique gifts and talents are needed in the world, and we have every confidence that they will make a positive impact wherever their journeys may lead.

As they embark on this new chapter, they carry the hopes and prayers of the entire school community with them. May they find success in their endeavours, joy in their achievements, and fulfilment in their chosen paths. They will remain always a part of our school family, and our doors will forever be open to welcome them back.

Congratulations to them on their accomplishments and may God's grace accompany them in all their future endeavours.

Farewell, Year 12 Boys. May their futures be as bright as the light they have shared with us during their time here.

Mr Stephen Monk
Deputy Principal 
monks@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Final Activites for the Departing Class of 2023

This week is full of final activities and rites of passage for the departing class of 2023.

However, we continue to refresh and renew in preparation for new challenges and new horizons for the younger members of our community.

Year 6 Reflection Morning

The Year 6 reflection morning will take place this Friday 17^th November.

The purpose of this time together is to focus on the transition to secondary school and identify the challenges and opportunities next year will bring.

Students will hear from current school leaders and students who made this transition last year. We will be concentrating on the idea of living out the Touchstones of Edmund Rice in our community:

Gospel Spirituality, Justice and Solidarity, Inclusive Community and Liberating Education.

They will also be planning and writing prayers for their Graduation mass which takes place in Week 8.

Students should wear their sport uniform as usual for Friday. They will still take part in sport in the afternoon as normal.

Students should bring an item for a shared morning tea.

Year 6 Graduation Mass

The Year 6 Graduation Mass will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 23^rd November in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.

Father Ray Crowley will celebrate this mass to mark the significant milestone of the conclusion of the Year 6 students' primary education.

Students should wear full academic uniform to this formal event.

We look forward to welcoming parents and relatives to this celebration. Refreshments will be served to parents at the conclusion of the mass.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Unlocking Success: The Importance of Draft Submission and the Assessment Integrity Centre (AIC)

As we strive to cultivate an improved learning culture at our school, we often encounter questions from parents seeking clarity on our policies.  Recently, there have been inquiries regarding issuing a referral to the Assessment Integrity Centre (AIC) for non-submission of a draft.  It’s a valid question, and we appreciate your engagement in understanding our processes.

The confusion often stems from the perception that as the draft is not a student’s last chance to submit their work, they should not face a ‘consequence’ for missing the date.  However, it’s crucial to recognise that the purpose of the AIC is not to punish; instead, it is to be supportive.  The AIC is designed to assist students in delivering their best work on the final due date of an assessment task.

Students in the AIC, due to their draft submissions, are encouraged to utilise their time in the AIC to refine and elevate their assignments to a higher standard.  This proactive approach helps to reinforce to the student that we are unwilling to accept less than their best effort and gives time for the student to produce work that reflects their best effort.  This practice enables teachers to provide constructive feedback, guiding students towards improvement.  It’s a proactive measure that combats the tendency for last-minute, rushed submissions, which rarely allow a student to showcase their true capabilities.

Issuing an AIC for non-submission of a final serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting the due date.  However, its effectiveness is limited compared to the consequences applied to draft submissions.  Once the final due date has passed, there is no further opportunity for improvement.

Our approach to consequences for draft submissions is rooted in a commitment to nurturing each student’s academic growth.  We want to instil in them the habit of continuous improvement, emphasising that success is a process that unfolds over time.  The AIC is not a place of punishment but a haven for refinement, ensuring that every student has the chance to produce their best work when the final assessment is due.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we collectively strive to foster an academic environment where each student can thrive.

Mr Mark Watson
Assistant Principal Curriculum
watsonm@stmaryscollege.com

Director of 5-9 Curriculum

Term 4 Assessment 

As we approach the upcoming assessment period in Term 4, students and families are reminded to familiarise themselves with the Assessment Calendars. These calendars outline key dates and deadlines, ensuring a smooth and organised experience. Assessment Calendars are accessible through the St Mary’s College App under ‘links’. Due dates are also viewable on the Canvas and Sentral Calendars.  

Success is a result of careful planning and timely submissions. Students are reminded to utilise draft feedback as a valuable tool for improvement. Collectively, we can make this assessment period a rewarding and successful journey by staying informed and proactive. Best of luck to all our students! 

Subject Selections (2024)  

This week, students in Years 7 – 10 will receive an email confirming their selected subjects for 2024. This notification is a vital step in preparing for the upcoming academic year. Please contact me if any adjustments to subject selections are needed for students in Years 7-9. For those in Year 10, Mr Mark Watson will assist with any subject changes. Ensuring the right choices sets the foundation for a successful academic journey.  

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

Student Engagement

Term 4, Week 7

Finally – it’s Graduation Week! As this newsletter goes to ‘print’ the College is celebrating the 2023 Seniors and wishing them well for the next phase of their lives. I love this time of the school year and I appreciate the chance to reflect on the boys here and the work they do. While I don’t know all of their stories, what I do know about our boys is that many of them have overcome significant hurdles to find their success by Year 12. In a complex world, our boys and their families have been challenged by family breakdown, injuries, sporting and academic disappointments, health issues, addiction, domestic and family violence and unhealthy relationships. At the same time, they also are supported and strengthened by loving family members, genuine friends and teachers who know them and care for them. It makes me very proud to see our boys find success, despite their challenges, and sometimes – because of the challenges that they have faced.

With those thoughts in my head, I thought that this article about resilience would be relevant to share:

Raising Resilient Children: Does Your Home Promote Resilience? (lindastade.com)

Linda Stade (highly recommend you follow her on Facebook) also shared this image: a good thought to keep in mind, especially when we want to ‘rescue’ our children from some of life’s challenges.

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

Business Manager

Dear St Mary's College Community

I trust this message finds you well as we approach the end of another fruitful term at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba. As we navigate through November, I would like to draw your attention to a few important matters related to your financial accounts.

November Statements:

On Friday, November 10, we emailed out the monthly statements for your accounts. We kindly request that you take a moment to carefully review the transactions detailed in the statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the transactions, our friendly Finance team is ready to assist you. Feel free to reach out to them at 4631 7333 or via email at accounts@stmaryscollege.com.

Term 4 Fees:

We hope that by now, your Term 4 fees have been finalised, unless you are on an agreed direct debit or payment plan. If, for any reason, your account still carries an outstanding balance, we urge you to get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. Early communication will enable us to discuss suitable payment options prior to the end of the term, preventing the need for any further action to recover outstanding amounts.

Timely Payments and Educational Excellence:

We greatly appreciate your commitment to timely payments, as they play a crucial role in sustaining the exceptional education offerings provided to your sons at St. Mary's College. Your cooperation allows us to plan for future developments and maintain the high standards that our community values. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we are here to work with you to find the best possible solutions.

2024 Fees:

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we want to inform you that the 2024 fees will be released shortly. You will be able to access this information on the college website at www.stmaryscollege.com. If you have any enquiries regarding fees or your account, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or our dedicated finance team.

Your continued support is vital to the success of our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work together in providing an outstanding educational experience for your son.

Wishing you a wonderful conclusion to the term and looking forward to a prosperous and collaborative 2024.

Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com