SMC NEWS 2024 - Term 1, Week 3
Week Ahead
From the College Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
All Families Welcome Back Liturgy and BBQ
We hope your son has made a positive start to the school year in 2024! We are now looking forward to welcoming you all to the Welcome Back Liturgy and BBQ which begins at 5.30pm this coming Thursday, 8 February. It is a less-formal afternoon where you will have an opportunity to meet with our House staff and many of our mentors.
All families, parents and carers are welcome to Edmund Rice Cultural Centre this coming Thursday from 5.30pm.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN online tests begin on Wednesday March 13 – Monday March 25 for Years 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. Ms Shari Pauli and Ms Jade Love are administering the exams and I want to thank Shari and Jade and all staff for the preparation of our students. Preparation began in Term 4 2023 with work in the Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy areas. Also, our teachers in Skills lessons play an important role in going through the essential skills of NAPLAN.
Our focus this year is on the Writing Task. As parents and carers of Years 5, 7 and 9, could we please reinforce the following to your son at home:
- The Writing task will either be a persuasive or narrative (story) piece responding to stimulus. The correct genre is important.
- The most critical skill is to WRITE AND WRITE ACCURATELY. I have reproduced a marking guide from previous years.
- Notice that only 5 marks out of 47 is allocated for IDEAS. It is important for the boys to WRITE TO THE RECIPE that we have taught in class.
Reflection
What is Lent?
Lent is the most important season on the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. Despite being a season of penance and fasting it is quite popular even among non-catholics.
Ash Wednesday arrives on Wednesday 14 February this year marking the start of Lent. The season of Lent is a Catholic liturgical season consisting of forty days of fasting, prayer, and penitence beginning at Ash Wednesday and concluding at sundown on Holy Thursday. The official liturgical colour for the season of Lent is violet.
The History of Lent
The observance of Lent is related to the celebration of Easter. In the first three centuries of the Christian era, most Christians prepared for Easter by fasting and praying for three days. In some places this was extended to the entire week before Easter (now known as “Holy Week“). There is evidence that in Rome, the length of preparation was three weeks.
The Meaning of the Word Lent
The word Lent derives from the Middle English word lenten, meaning springtime – the time of lengthening days. There is biblical support for doing penance, in both the Old and New Testaments. The season of Lent builds on this biblical support, but like all Catholic liturgical seasons, it developed over time.
Why is Lent 40 Days?
By the fourth century (when Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire), Lent had developed into its current length of forty days. Forty days is significant for Christians because it is the length of the fast and temptation of Jesus in the desert (cf. Luke 4:1-13). Recently, research has suggested that the development of Lent was also influenced by the forty day span of fasting practiced by many in the early Church (especially monks).
Ash Wednesday
Traditionally, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Ash Wednesday dates from at least the fourth century, although it is not possible to give an exact date. During that century, penitents looking for forgiveness and re-entry into the community would dress in sackcloth and sprinkle ashes to show their repentance. This custom certainly predates Christianity as can be seen by references in the Hebrew Scriptures (cf. Esther 4:2-3; Danie19:3; Jonah 3:6). No-one is exactly sure why Ash Wednesday became the first day of lent.
There is no doubt that the custom of distributing ashes to everyone on Ash Wednesday came from imitation of the practice of wearing ashes by public penitents. Public penitents were those doing penance for sins such as murder, apostasy, and adultery. When they completed their public penance, they were able to be readmitted to communion with the Church. As Lent increasingly focused on the themes of repentance and renewal, Christians sensed their own need for repentance.
Giving Up Something for Lent
Many Catholics were taught as children to “give up something” for Lent. The sacrifices in Lent are really penance, in the same spirit as the Ninehvites that repented at the preaching of Jonah. Throughout our history, Christians have found prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to be an important part of repentance and renewal. Many Catholics now add something during Lent rather than giving up something, either to address personal habits that need work or to add some outreach to others in need.
Adapted From <https://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/lent-in-the-catholic-church/>
Mr Brendan Stewart
College Principal
Deputy Principal
Term 1, Week 3
The school year seems to have started smoothly and it has been wonderful to see the boys engaging in their lessons and in activities at lunchtime. There have been a few issues with Sentral and the boys’ timetables, and I am thankful to those families who have let us know about these. This is an area that we will continue to work on to reduce any uncertainty and ensure that our boys are here at school feeling competent and confident as they start their learning day.
Traffic around the College
Given our location, traffic is always going to be a consideration around the College. In this situation, we wholeheartedly place student safety above convenience for parents and carers. While we understand that there is frustration around the traffic, the time and the busy-ness of drop-off and pick-up, our first priority is the safety of the boys.
Please remember the following guidelines:
- Follow speed restrictions in school zones
- Drive with caution – you never know what is ahead
- Drop-off and pick-up in designated zones only
- Avoid using bus zones
- Keep space around the crossings
Some of the solutions that you could explore are:
- Consider the timing of your school run, if you can. A few minutes can make a big difference
- Dropping off at the Stadium or in Herries Street and boys walking across the Oval
- Using the College bus service, or other town buses where available
- Dropping your son off with some friends at a location away from the school so that they can walk to school together
- For older boys, have them walk to you at a pick-up space away from school traffic
Traffic Disruption – coming our way soon
Toowoomba Regional Council has informed the College that significant works will be occurring at the Margaret and West Street intersection. The works are likely to start in late February and will take three months to complete. We expect that this will cause a great deal of disruption to traffic on West and Margaret Streets. If your journey to the College includes this intersection, you area advised to explore other routes. If your son walks to and from school and uses this intersection – please speak with him about these roadworks and how they might impact him.
Student Absences
If your son is not going to be attending school, the most effective way to let us know about that is to note his absence in the SENTRAL PARENT PORTAL via the St Mary's College app. Here, you can log his absence and provide a reason which then moves directly to his attendance. This system ensures accurate and timely communication with the Sentral system and is the preferred method for absence notifications
If you are having difficulties accessing the Sentral Portal as a parent, please call the College Reception and we can assist you.
Emailing and leaving a message on the College phone are alternative options if the Sentral Portal is not available. Thank you for your support in this.
Mrs Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com
Identity
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Next week marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in many Christian traditions including our own.
Lent is the period of six weeks leading up to Easter, the highlight of the Christian year. In the past, Lent coincided with what was called the “hungry gap”. This was a time of year in the northern hemisphere where food was short. The winter stocks were running down and the first spring crop was still some time away.
No wonder then, that the church encouraged people to eat less, conserve what they had, and give alms to the poor.
So, what does lent offer us today, in a time of plenty for most of us?
Well, Lent is a good spiritual reset. It allows us to focus on trying to be better people. We can do this in many ways. Some people give up a favourite food in order to feel some solidarity with those who struggle to feed themselves. Others will actively do good works in small or large ways, making a cup of tea for mum or dad unbidden or giving some money to charity. Some others will volunteer to help others, giving up some of their time. Increasingly people use lent to have a digital detox, focusing on the inner life rather than the outer.
However you and your family choose to mark lent, it is worth remembering the words used by the priest as he distributes the ashes: Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel.
What does this mean? Simply put: Be less mindful of self and more mindful of the needs of others, particularly the marginalised in our society, and do what you can to stand in solidarity.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s Lenten charity appeal. This launches on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The theme for this year’s appeal is “For All Future Generations”.
St Mary’s College will have multiple fundraising opportunities during lent to allow us to contribute to this appeal. Please keep your eye on this newsletter and our social media for further updates. In the meantime, please have a look at https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/ to see how Project Compassion money is spent.
Upcoming dates
Thursday 8th February: All families welcome liturgy and BBQ in the ERCC from 5.30pm
Wednesday 14th February: Ash Wednesday liturgy (sport uniform for secondary students)
Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com
Curriculum
NAPLAN Testing
NAPLAN is fast approaching with testing taking place between Wednesday 13th March to Wednesday 20th March. Our Years 5, 7 and 9 students have been busy preparing for the testing and participating in practice sessions this term. Students are also encouraged to visit the Public Demonstration Site which is an opportunity to practise NAPLAN-type questions and the site for Student Readiness for training videos on how best to use the online platforms.
Please see below the 2024 NAPLAN Schedule. If your child is absent from the test session, they will be required to sit the testing during the scheduled catch-up session. Should you wish to discuss your son’s participation in NAPLAN testing, please contact Mrs Shari Pauli at the College via email at paulis@stmaryscollege.com.
Absent for Assessment
As we head towards the crucial assessment period of the term, ensuring students' presence is paramount for academic success. Our ‘Absent for Assessment’ flowchart is an important tool to refer to. It is important to note that as a College, we around bound by QCAA procedures for students in Years 11 and 12.
Academic Success
High Achievers Morning Tea
Students across Years 6 – 11 at the College, who demonstrated dedication towards their studies in Term 4 last year, were recognised at the High Achievers’ Morning Tea. The event recognised students who demonstrated high results and aptitude toward their learning. Specifically, to be eligible for this award, students had to meet the following criteria on their Term 4 Academic Report:
- Only VG’s and G’s as learning attributes
- Minimum of 95% attendance
- Minimum M-Score of 75
Mrs Jade Love
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum
lovej@stmaryscollege.com
Student Engagement
Power of Choice
As our seniors receive their Senior Jersey today there is much cause for celebration in recognition of this important milestone in their life as a Senior at St Mary’s College.
While it is a recognition of seniority at St Mary’s, it is more vividly a symbol of responsibility. Our seniors are looked up to, not only in a literal sense by our younger boys, but more so as the role models they are.
The challenge put forward last week was to be grow into young men of great character, to strive to engage with college life and seek to develop the four pillars of Faith, Integrity, Action and Excellence by word and deed.
The journey of choices that our boys make in becoming men shapes character, which in turn impacts on decisions made in life. Character is what you show by word and deed when you go about everyday life and becomes particularly evident when you are under pressure.
As I shared on Assembly last week we have the power of choice, the frequency in which we exercise that choice develops habit. As Frank Jackson aptly put it “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
As our boys allow others to shape their character, including parents, fellow students, coaches, friends and staff they will develop into fine young men who have a heart to serve others unafraid to use their moral compass.
“Out of perseverance comes character; and out of character comes hope….”
Romans 5: v 3-4
Mr Matt Draper
Assistant Principal of Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com
Business Manager
Dear Parents and Guardians
By now you would have received the first quarter fee invoice, a statement will follow shortly. To help you plan, we encourage you to take advantage of the increased upfront discount available if the full year college fees are paid by February 23rd.
For detailed information about fees and to use our fee calculator, please click here. We aim to make the fee payment process as convenient as possible for our parents.
Please be aware that payment terms are strictly set at 14 days unless you have arranged an alternative payment plan with us. If you foresee any difficulties in meeting these payment terms, our Finance Department is here to assist you. Feel free to contact them at 07 4631 7333 or via email at accounts@stmaryscollege.com to discuss available options.
At St Mary's College, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we are committed to working with you to find suitable solutions.
Mr Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
wilsonp@stmaryscollege.com
Sport Update
We are delighted to present a summary of the annual Swimming Carnival held on the 31st January at Milne Bay. It was a fantastic day and the vibrant display of house colours created a lively atmosphere in the grandstand. A personal highlight was seeing our seniors bring back the tradition of synchronised swimming as part of our novelty events. Thanks to all the students who participated and the staff who made the day a huge success. Special mention to Mr Hugh Sedger and Miss Tracey Corbould for all of the attention to detail and help in getting the carnival underway.
Waterford house emerged as the overall winner, employing a strategic approach focused on maximum participation. Purcell house secured an honourable second place, showcasing a commendable performance.
Congratulations to the new record holders:
- O'Brien, Oliver (Purcell) - U11 - 100 Breast Record: 2:05.49
- Sack, Lincoln (Waterford) - U16 - 100 Breast Record: 1:32.48
- Menzies, Lucas (Purcell) - U17 - 100 Breast Record: 1:45.00
- Sack, Kaidan (Waterford) - U17 - 100 Breast Record: 1:45.00
McGoldrick house claimed the third spot and earned distinction in the spirit competition. Bowdler house, although last on the day, is gearing up for success in upcoming land-based carnivals.
Stay tuned for the announcement of Age Champions in our assembly on 20th February. These champions will be nominated to represent St Mary’s College at the Darling Downs Carnival. For our 10-12 year olds, paperwork has been sent home for participation in the Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival on Friday (9th Feb) and the West Zone Swimming Carnival on Tuesday (13th Feb).
Looking ahead, our cross country is scheduled for Week 10 on Wednesday, 27th March. Despite potential clashes with the Opens Rugby League Langer Qualifier, we are exploring options such as a pre-run to accommodate them and also our talented swimmers who may be travelling on the day to compete in the representative pathway with DD School Sport.
Your continued support ensures the success of our sporting events at St Mary’s College. More details on the cross country and other upcoming events will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Regards,
Mr Scott Cowan
Director of Sport
