SMC NEWS 2025 - Term 2, Week 7

Week Ahead

From the College Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was wonderful to take in the events around St Mary's College last Friday at the College that was "Edmund Rice Day!".  Despite the conditions, it was a great day filled with fun and spirit.  Thank you especially to our Senior student leaders, Ms Samantha Parle, our Student Engagement Team, all teachers and students for their willingness to enjoy each other's company. 

Firstly - P&F Race Day

I would like to make special mention of the Parents & Friends Race Day which was held last Saturday at the Toowoomba Turf Club.  It was a wonderful community event which was postponed after the original date was unsuitable because of the impending cyclone.  Special thanks go to our P&F President, Ms Tracy Dann, who organised the event.  A big thank you also to SMC's Ms Petra Barnes who assisted with all of the arrangements and ensured the event went ahead very smoothly.  Thank you to all parents and Old Boys who attended last Saturday.  It is wonderful to see the blue and white spirit across the wider community in Toowoomba.

The P&F raise funds for special projects at the College.  This year's funds from the Race Day will go towards buying water bubblers at the College for our students.

Coming Soon - Shaping our Future Survey

Every two years, families from our school communities share their views through the Shaping our future – Perception Survey. It’s a valuable way for us to reflect on how each of our schools are living out Toowoomba Catholic Schools shared purpose: enabling full and flourishing lives.

This year’s survey will be sent via Sentral on Monday, 21 July.

This feedback helps shape the future of all 32 Toowoomba Catholic schools and SMC will receive feedback for

We will also be asking Years 5 to 12 students from across the diocese to complete a student version of the survey during Catholic Education Week at school.

Looking Back

A special congratulations to 2021 College Captain Xavier Va'a, for his NRL debut week before last.  He had an excellent game, and we hope it is the first of many NRL games for Xavier.  Current Old Boys playing in the NRL include Cory Paix for the Brisbane Broncos and Jake Simpkin, who plays for Manly. 

Looking Ahead

Next week is our important Year 12 Retreat and we keep our Year 12's in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this important ritual.  To this end, former NRL player Darius Boyd is visiting the College on Thursday 5th June to help Year 12 students with their mindset in preparation for the retreat.  Thank you to Craig Sleeman from the SMOBA for his support.

A Reflection - Who is Pope Leo XIV?

The outpouring of grief with the loss of Pope Francis and then excitement around the selection of the new pope has been nothing short of remarkable.  As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, we are asked in various ways to connect to the teachings of the current Pope and reflect his work across the College.

I have reproduced below a few facts about the new leader of the Catholic Church: Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the current head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. He was elected pope on May 8, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis.

Firsts:

• First pope born in the United States.
• First pope from the Order of Saint Augustine.
• First pope to hold Peruvian citizenship (naturalized in 2015).
• Second pope from the Americas, after Pope Francis.

Background:

• He joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982.
• He spent many years as a missionary in Peru, serving in various pastoral, academic, and administrative roles.
• He was Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013) and later became Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru (2015–2023).
• In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and made him a 

Papacy:

• His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, known for advancing Catholic social teaching.
• He emphasizes synodality, missionary dialogue, and engagement with social and technological challenges.
• He has spoken on issues like climate change, migration, church governance, and human rights 

Thank you for your continuing support.

Brendan Stewart 
College Principal 
principal@stmaryscollege.com

Deputy Principal

Before school supervision

Please be aware that the supervision of the College grounds begins each morning at 8:10 am. While students are often dropped here prior to that time, parents need to be aware that the boys here are not supervised. If your son is here early before school each day, I would request that you have a conversation with them regarding responsible and safe behaviours.

Edmund Rice Day Celebrations

I'm sure your house - like mine - was full of conversations over the weekend about the fun that the boys had here at the College last Friday. The whole day really is a wonderful representation of all of the good things that happen here at St Mary's College in terms of positive relationships, a sense of fun, a little bit of competition and a lot of laughter. The cold and rainy weather did its best to dampen our spirits, however the Blue and White was undefeated on the day. It also seems that karaoke will be a new level of competition here at the College. While it was suggested as a bit of a fill-in activity for a wet afternoon, the boys embraced it with such gusto that I think we might be seeing it as a regular feature.

There were so many stories from Edmund Rice Day about generosity and compassion and enthusiasm. The one I wanted to share here though, came to me via Mrs Susan Dunston who looks after our catering and tuck shop facilities here at the school. She was so very pleased with the generous spirit and helping hands of a small number of Year 10 and Year 12 boys who worked with her to ensure that Tuckshop ran smoothly on Friday. And while they don't do it for recognition, we do appreciate our boys and their natural inclination to help. These are just a few of the helping hands – thanks boys!

High Stress? Keep Smiling!

As we move into the assessment zone of the term, please consider the stress levels in your house – for you and for your boys. As I have said many times in this newsletter, parenting is a challenging job, no matter what age your children are. Sometimes a deep breath and some time out can work as well for the parents as it does for the child. And in the meantime, try to hold on to your sense of humour. I laughed out loud at this one, so I hope it brightens your parenting day as well.

Zach Nightingale Senior 2013

At assembly this week, we welcomed back one of our Old Boys - Zach Nightingale, Senior 2013. This was a part of our Careers Week program as Zach spoke to us about the way his life experiences have impacted on his career plans. If your son hasn't already spoken to you about Zach's story, I would encourage you to ask him about it. For background, here is Zach's bio - 

Zach, a former Rugby League turned AFL convert immersed himself in all aspects of college life. He was a member of the Firsts Basketball, Cricket and AFL teams while here. Zach was one of the great St Mary's men, career driven, loyal to his mates and a larrikin on the side. When he graduated in 2013, there was no sense of what was about to be around the corner.

Zach had always thrived on speed and adrenaline. As a bloke who grew up riding motorcycles on his parents’ property, it’s amazing that he hadn’t severely injured himself sooner. Zach inevitably made the switch to road biking as soon as he turned 18 years old as the thrill of weaving in-and-out of traffic at high speeds was all to intoxicating. That life transformed in an instant when a severe motorcycle accident left Zach missing ¼ of his body along with deep psychological scars. Overnight, the relentless pursuit of his next adrenaline fix was replaced by many long years of rehabilitation and soul-searching.

Confronted with the reality of a once seemingly invincible lifestyle, Zach began questioning his meaning of fulfillment and began searching for what mattered most to him. The incident sparked an unexpected journey, prompting a drastic career shift from being a Laboratory Science Technician with Boral, to becoming a QHealth Advocate for both amputees/mental health, along with public speaking for many organisations surrounding emergency medicine, trauma and young adult decision making (PARTY). He also refocused his university studies towards History, hopefully completing his Honours within the next year, looking towards completing a Masters in the future.

Embracing these roles, Zach has had to rebuild himself from the ground up. Drawing on personal pain and wisdom carved from hardship, Zach now educates communities about the importance of resilience, recovery and preventative education. This transformative chapter not only redefined his career aspirations but also helped him gain a sense a greater purpose—helping others navigate the complex road of life.

Samantha Parle
Deputy Principal
parles@stmaryscollege.com

Identity

Edmund Rice Touchstone Awards

Each year, on Edmund Rice Day, we honour members of our community who embody the values of our Touchstones through their actions and commitment. These awards are not given lightly—they reflect consistent, meaningful contributions that go beyond expectations.

In the category of Liberating Education, we congratulated Mrs Mellony Utz, Ms Joanne Irwin, Mr David Rowe, Mrs Leeanne Peters, Brody Neill, Ari Cowan, and Ted Ford for their dedication to assisting all to learn, taking up learning opportunities, and sharing knowledge.

For Inclusive Community, we recognise Ms Emily McCallum, Mr Todd Martens, Mrs Karen Knight, and Aiden Burke, who were nominated for their kindness to others and their active welcome and support to all in our community.

Our Justice and Solidarity recipients—Ms Emily Docherty-Rub, Mrs Marisa Roper, Darcy Dann, and Ricky Hart—are commended for their commitment to standing up for social justice and service to others.

Finally, in Gospel Spirituality, we honour Ms Tamara Cooper, Benjamin Moore, Lucas Norton, Xavier Newton, and Alastair McLachlan for living out the example of Jesus with boldness and compassion.

We thank and celebrate all recipients for their inspiring example and commitment to the Edmund Rice tradition.

Year 12 Retreat

The Year 12 retreat will take place from Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th June (Week 8).
Students should assemble at the college in the Manual Arts undercroft from 6:30am on Wednesday 11^th  and the buses will depart no later than 7:15am.

Please ensure you have read any parental email correspondence from Mrs Lucia Armstrong regarding the retreat details.

Students will return to the college around 4:00–4:30pm on Friday 13th June.
Parents are invited to a reception in the Bonyi Bonyi room (formerly the Daddiri room) where drinks and nibbles will be served. A student-led presentation on the retreat experience will also take place.

Blessings,

Kevin Murphy
Assistant Principal Identity
murphyk@stmaryscollege.com

Curriculum

Preparing for Assessment 

Over the next few weeks many of our students will be preparing for end of semester exams and submitting final assignments. This is a busy time our boys, and can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. The key to success lies in effective time management. 

• First, create a realistic study schedule. Break down subjects into manageable chunks and allocate time for each topic. Using tools like planners or apps can help you stay organised. 

• Next, avoid cramming. Studying in short, consistent sessions over time leads to better retention and less anxiety. Incorporate active learning techniques, such as summarising information, teaching someone else, or using flashcards. 

• Balancing study with breaks is crucial. Taking short rests between study sessions can boost focus and prevent burnout. Engage in activities that relax you. 

If your son is finding this time stressful then I encourage him to utilise some of these strategies. Reaching out to teachers and mentors can assist with alleviating stress too. 

Assessment Guidelines 

As per the College Assessment Guidelines, and QCAA policies, we cannot adjust the set dates of exams for reasons other than illness (supported by a medical certificate) or extenuating circumstances. We are unable to move assessment dates for family holidays. If you have any questions, then please contact me at the College.  

Angela Harris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum 
harrisa@stmaryscollege.com 

Student Engagement

Parent Evening - Seamus Evans

St Mary's College invites you to attend our Parent Information Evening with Seamus Evans.

Living with non-swearing Tourette Syndrome and ADHD caused Seamus difficulties at school. He didn’t perform as well as expected and he was well on the path to failing. With few options ahead of him, Seamus turned a corner and decided to never let ‘setbacks’ stand in the way of his dreams. He went on to become a breakfast radio personality and sought-after TV show presenter with amazing career highlights.

Seamus will talk parents through engaging and entertaining ways to open their child's mind to the endless possibilities for life during and after school.

Being neurodivergent, Seamus has first-hand experience on building mental strength from a young age. He has a range of methods to get your students activated and considering ways they can overcome adversity, build resilience and gain confidence.

Date: Monday, 9th June 2025

Time: 5.45pm - 7.00pm

Venue: Edmund Rice Cultural Centre, Hill Street, Toowoomba

Light refreshments will be served, and drinks will be available for purchase for a donation to the Waterford Fund.

For catering purposes please RSVP here: https://www.trybooking.com/DBQTE

We look forward to seeing you there!

SchoolTV WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)

This exclusive, one-off event is fast approaching, and we’d love to see you benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access. http://stmaryscollege.qld.schooltv.me/webinar/qld-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-2

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)

DATE: Tuesday, 17 June 2025

TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation & Algorithms, Sexting and Sextortion and Online Grooming.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

 Importance of Mentor

Arriving on time at school ensures that students do not miss Mentor.

What happens in Mentor?

• Mentor is a time to build positive relationships with other boys in the group.
• Important notices for the day are delivered, and adjustments are discussed.
• Students can check their timetable for the day (identifying any changes)
• Mentoring from our older boys to the younger boys can occur.

Character Strength of the Week – LEADERSHIP

This week, we concentrated on the character strength of Leadership as part of our intentional character development program to develop our boys into men of Faith, Integrity, Action, and Excellence.

My specific focus from this is to encourage our boys to take every opportunity to develop into fine young men by prioritising Transactional and Transformational Leadership. Transactional leadership characterised by leaders who clearly articulate responsibilities and Transformational Leadership - representative of leaders who foster trust and motivate others to excel. This habit truly builds St Mary’s Men for Tomorrow.

Matt Draper
Assistant Principal - Student Engagement
draperm@stmaryscollege.com 

Primary and Middle School Curriculum

Celebrating Academic Excellence in Term 2!

Over the past few weeks, we proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students who demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort throughout Term 2, 2025. We honoured two groups: our High Achievers and those who showed an incredible Commitment to Learning.

To earn the High Achiever's award, students needed to meet rigorous criteria, including an M-Score of over 80, an attendance rate exceeding 90%, and "very good" or "good" marks across all learning attributes on their report cards. Our Commitment to Learning recipients were recognized for their consistent effort, needing over 90% attendance and "very good" or "good" marks on all learning attributes in their report cards.

As a token of our appreciation for their hard work, the students who earned the Commitment to Learning award enjoyed delicious cake, while our High Achievers were treated to a special lunch of chicken nuggets and chips. All awardees also received certificates to commemorate their fantastic accomplishments.

We're incredibly proud of all our students and look forward to celebrating even more achievements in Term 3!

ICAS Assessments – Years 5-9 Students

This year, students from Years 5-9 at St Mary’s College can join the ICAS Assessments. ICAS is part of UNSW Global, a group linked to UNSW Sydney with over 40 years of experience in educational assessments.

ICAS is designed to help students improve their thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, and Writing. Each assessment is a chance for students to show what they’ve learned.

Everyone who takes part will get a printed certificate and an online result report. The best performers in ICAS can win medals and will be invited to special award ceremonies to celebrate their hard work.

The assessments are a great chance for students to challenge themselves and take part in an international assessment. Your child will get to answer high-quality questions made by experts and test their knowledge against students from all around Australia.

Remember, these assessments are optional. If you want your son to take part, we’ve sent an email to all parents of students from Years 5-9 with the code to book. The tests will be held within this period of time:

Shari Pauli
Director of 5-9 Curriculum
paulis@stmaryscollege.com 

Head of Primary

This week, I asked the Primary teachers to read the following with their classes with an accompanying poster that we have placed around the rooms:

"You don't need to blow out my candle to make yours glow brighter." This simple yet inspiring saying reminds us that being kind and supportive doesn’t mean diminishing anyone else’s light—instead, it means working together to shine even brighter.

A Story of Two Candles

Imagine a dark room filled with many candles. Each candle burns on its own, creating its unique glow. But what happens when one candle lends a hand—or rather, a little heat or wax—to light another one? The first candle’s flame isn’t extinguished; it continues to glow, while helping the second candle spark to life. This is the magic of kindness.

Instead of competing by dimming others’ successes or getting jealous when someone else shines, we can all help each other grow. Whether it's cheering on a friend who’s trying something new, offering a helping hand when the going gets tough, or simply sharing a genuine compliment, every act of kindness sparks a brighter flame of confidence and courage.

Why Kindness Matters

• Stronger Friendships: When boys support each other, friendships deepen. Trust and respect grow as everyone celebrates even the smallest successes.
• A Positive Environment: A community where each person’s light is appreciated helps everyone feel valued and driven to contribute their best.
• Building Future Leaders: Kindness is a superpower. Boys who learn to empower others are better prepared to lead, inspire, and make a positive impact in the world.

How to Let Your Candle Shine

• Offer a Compliment: A few words of encouragement can transform an ordinary day into something memorable.
• Share Your Success: Instead of holding onto your own triumphs, celebrate with others. Your joy can inspire someone else to take a brave step.
• Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, the best way to help someone shine is by truly listening—show that you value their thoughts and dreams.
• Work as a Team: In school projects, sports, or community activities, remember that teamwork makes the dream work. Sharing ideas and resources can illuminate paths to success that no one could see alone.

Remember, the next time you see someone achieving something great, or simply being themselves, don't feel the need to dim their light. Instead, let your own candle shine alongside theirs—because together, our collective glow can light up the entire room. When we support each other and spread kindness, we aren’t just making our own lives brighter—we’re lighting the way for others, too.

In the final weeks of each term, boys often become tired and may forget the importance of being kind to one another. Our staff will remind them of this. I ask that the same message is also reinforced at home. This approach will help ensure that the term concludes on a positive note, with the boys feeling happy, safe, and ready to work to the best of their ability.

Primary Sport

A reminder that the Sporting Schools lessons on Monday will continue for the following dates:

• Week 8 - 9th June
• Week 9 - 16th June (wet weather catch up session)

Students are to wear their formal uniform on Mondays in Weeks 9 and 10 (unless otherwise advised about Week 9).

Athletics on Fridays will continue for the remainder of the term.

Stephen Coren
Head of Primary
corens@stmaryscollege.com

Business Manager

As we approach the end of term, the cooler weather is a gentle reminder that we’re nearly halfway through the school year. I hope this message finds you well and settling into the rhythm of Term 2.

June Statements

Statements for June will be sent out shortly. A friendly reminder that Term 2 fees for 2025 should now be paid in full, unless you have an approved payment plan in place.

Extracurricular Activities & Fee Status

Please note that students with outstanding accounts or without a payment plan will not be eligible to participate in paid extracurricular activities, including the Japan tour and upcoming sporting competitions. We understand these experiences are important, and we encourage families to reach out to us early so we can assist—removing a student from a team due to unpaid fees is something we always aim to avoid.

For Families on Payment Plans

If you are on a payment plan, or your account is up to date or in credit, no further action is required. However, we do recommend reviewing your statement to ensure all transactions are accurate.

As always, our friendly accounts team is here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Patrick Wilson
Business Manager
accounts@stmaryscollege.com

Community Updates