Newsletter 12.24 - Friday 2 August 2024

A Fresh New Look

Please enjoy our new look Newsletter. You will note the quick links on the left hand side which include an overview of the College calendar. Please share with us your children's achievements and good news stories - we would love to highlight them here.

Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers

During our first College assembly of the new semester, I encouraged our students to take a moment to reflect on their achievements and set new goals for the future. I challenged them to consider how well they embody our college mantra: be safe, be respectful, be a learner. Each student has received feedback from their ongoing assessments, and many received additional insights from their school reports last term. For students in Years 7 to 10, the Parent-Teacher-Student interviews provided even more valuable perspectives on their learning. This feedback is an essential tool for self-reflection and growth. It is crucial for our students to reflect on their successes and identify areas for improvement.

Our Year 12 students have been diligently preparing for their HSC Trial examinations. They should be incredibly proud of their commitment to learning, especially during the holidays, when many returned to school for consecutive days to work on major projects and receive assistance from their teachers. The entire college community wishes them every success in their Trial HSC examinations which commence this Monday.

Equally, I extend my thanks to our dedicated teachers who generously gave their time during the holidays to support our Year 12 students. In all my years of teaching, I cannot recall an occasion where the level of support from teachers has been so exceptional. Their willingness to serve and support our students in their learning journey is deeply appreciated and truly embodies the spirit of our college community and our commitment to the care of our students.

Across all year levels, I encouraged students to take the lessons modelled by our senior students inspire them to be courageous in their studies. Challenges and obstacles are part of the learning process. Success comes by learning through our own mistakes, and we all make them. They are encouraged to persevere through difficulties and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth rather than as failures. Excellence is not about being the best but about doing our best and every student must believe in their potential to improve and succeed.

Success is not solely defined by academic achievements; it is just one aspect. What is far more important is the academic growth of each child and the development of their character. At St. Mary’s, we are inspired by Mother Mary's example during the Annunciation, where she said "yes" with faith and humility. This reflects our core values: humility, kindness, compassion, integrity, and a readiness and willingness to serve. These values guide us through any challenges and shape the character of our students, preparing them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Staffing Update

We welcome three new teaching staff who are appointed to the College for the remainder of the year:

Mr Zac Rediger: Mr Rediger is a PDHPE teacher. This year he was appointed as PDHPE teacher to Singleton High School, and prior to this he had several years appointed to Tomaree High School, and four years working as a Group Leader delivering programs to children with diverse needs for NSW Office for Sport. He has taught subjects including Stage 4 and Stage 5 PDHPE and PASS, Stage 6 Sports and Lifestyle Recreation Studies and he has been appointed to other key responsibilities including Sports Coordinator, carnival organiser and manager/coach of various touch football, and rugby teams and associations.

We have also appointed two onsite teachers. Their responsibilities include taking a roll-call class, sport and study supervision. They will also take classes where needed each day.

Mr Murray Wilson: Mr Wilson is a qualified PDHPE teacher and is appointed to an onsite teaching position. Since 2022 has been casual teaching across various schools within the Maitland Newcastle Diocese. Since 2023 Murray has primarily worked at St Mary’s across all faculties, including working as a Learning Support Teacher and supported the development of assessment and programs. He is also an ex-student of St Mary’s Catholic College.

Ms Kathy Hamer: Ms Hamer is a qualified Science teacher and is appointed to an onsite teaching position. Since 2018 she has been appointed to various Primary and Secondary schools, predominantly working within the Maitland Newcastle diocese. She has recently undertaken block work across schools in both Maths and Science teaching within our diocese, including St Mary’s where she recently had a block teaching Maths. She has previously had full time teaching roles in Science/Maths teaching and corporate marketing vocations living in Sydney and Macksville.

Additional to these appointments we also congratulate Ms Jacqui McInherny who is our newly appointed Student Pastoral Council (SPC) Coordinator. Ms McInherny will continue with the excellent work done by Ms Louise Hatcher in playing a pivotal role in fostering student voice, agency, and leadership within the framework of Catholic values and teachings. This position is dedicated to empowering all students to take an active role in the College community, ensuring they have a platform to express their ideas, make meaningful contributions, and develop their leadership skills.

Parent Forum

We cordially invite you to our Term 3 Parent Forum, Tuesday 28 August, in the Cafe. The meeting will commence at 6.00pm, with tea and coffee available from 5.45pm

Your presence and input are invaluable to us, which is why we're offering both in-person and online attendance options. If you're unable to join us physically, you can still participate by accessing the meeting via the link that will be posted to you in Compass on the day of the meeting.

Our Parent Forums are all about engaging with you on matters that matter most to you. It's an opportunity for you to hear from us, ask questions, and share your thoughts on topics aligned with the published agenda. Please refer to the agenda attached.

Feedback received from the short survey which was sent out earlier last term indicated that the primary reason parents and carers would want to attend a parent forum would be so they could take part in a discussion with staff and parents on a specific topic, e.g. Mobile phone policy, Uniform policy, review of sports carnivals, or student leadership. Having met with our parent representatives we see that the topic of wellbeing at St Mary’s will be of interest. At this forum parents will hear about the various wellbeing programs and initiatives that are currently in place at St Mary’s.

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance - Weeks 3 and 4

Parent Forum Term 3

Date for your diary

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN 2024

Parents of students in Years 7 and 9 who took the NAPLAN assessment in March 2024 will receive an individual student report (ISR) of their child’s results in the coming week.

These reports provide useful information on a student’s results in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN ISRs are reported against proficiency standards. The standards are set at a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students know and can do at the time of testing. There are 4 levels of proficiency, which provide parents and carers with clear information on their child’s achievement:

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

Click below for NAPLAN Results and Reports.

Click below for ACARA Parent/Carer Brochure

After Hours Study – Term 3 2024

Thanks to the generosity of teachers, we are recommencing an After Hours Study Program for our Year 11 & 12 students. Sessions will be held each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday commencing at 3.15pm and finishing at 4.45pm. Sessions will be held in the College Café.

The program will commence from Week 3 of Term 3. Students can collect a 2024 User Agreement form from Student Services or see link below. We encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity and will be monitoring support for the program with a view to extending into Term 4 if students see value in the program. With only five weeks until Preliminary Course Examinations, Year 11 students are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity.

After Hours Study – User Agreement 2024

After Hours Study is defined as individual and small group study in the College Café between 3.15pm and 4.45pm. The dates on which study will be offered are subject to change.

Students are permitted to participate in After Hours Study based on the following conditions:

• Post school study will commence at 3.15pm, students arriving after 3.30pm will not be permitted entry to After Hours Study

• Students must stay until at least 4.00pm – After Hours Study will close at 4.45pm

• All students must sign in and sign out of study

• This User Agreement must be signed by the student and parent/carer of the student and returned to Student Services in order for students to be permitted into After Hours Study. This is to be completed each year.

• Students will be dismissed at 4.45pm. It is the student’s responsibility to make their own way home. No supervision will be provided after 4.45pm

• A maximum of 30 students will be permitted to After Hours Study

• Students can register for study for the coming week via the Booking Sheet located at Student Services. Students who have pre-registered will be given priority over those who have not. It is the College’s strong recommendation that students pre-register for After Hours Study

• Students are expected to work independently and be respectful of others in the Study time. Students are permitted to work in small groups in a quiet and appropriate manner. After Hours Study is for the completion of homework, preparation of assessment tasks and study. Students are not permitted to use this time for other activities such as games or casual reading.

• A staff member will be present and will actively supervise the students offering assistance where possible. After Hours Study, however, is not tutoring and staff cannot be relied upon to be able to meet the individual needs of each child present

• If a student displays behaviour not in keeping with the school mantra, they may be excluded from attending After Hours Study in the future

• Where one student is present at After Hours Study, they will be relocated to another more populated area of the College.

Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations

Year 12 students commence HSC Trial Examinations on Monday 5^th August and all students are congratulated for the way they have been preparing for these upcoming assessments. The July holiday study sessions were well attended and I extend sincere thanks to the many teachers who worked with students across the two weeks. I encourage Year 12 to continue to make the most of their days ahead as they maintain focus on the remaining assessments. I also encourage those students with Major Works due over the next few weeks, to continue to engage with teachers, making the most of the offers of additional rehearsal or time.

Finally, it is at this point that I share with Year 12 two very simple mantras that have served me well over the years at times of anxiety or stress – The first, Fast from Anxiety and Feast on God’s Love, reminds us to surrender ourselves to God’s care, trusting that a way forward is always possible when loved unconditionally by a loving God. The second mantra is even simpler in form – Let Go, Let God. Again, this mantra reminds us that the worry and anxiety that often accompanies such things as exams, does not have to be carried as a burden. I encourage Year 12 students to work your best, that’s all we can ask, and, please, allow yourself to let go of the worrying. Trusting in God to carry you through, surrendering, gives you safe passage through stressful times and allows you to concentrate on the things that matter. Please be kind to yourselves these next few weeks.

Above all, Year 12, keep doing the small things each day, one task at a time. Good luck to all!

Year 8 (Year 9 2024) Additional Courses of Study Update

Year 8 students have submitted their choices for their 2025/26 Additional Courses and the subject Lines are currently being finalised. In the coming weeks, where there are clashes or courses collapsed, students will have an opportunity to discuss alternative choices with Mrs O’Gorman. Students will be contacted during class time. This is a process that takes some time and patience – we will work to place all students in their chosen pattern of study as best as we can. Once all courses have been finalised, students and parents/carers will receive formal notification of their allocated subjects.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Exam Jitters

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focussed on the task ahead. See full news item, taken from Schools TV, by clicking on the link below:

Ben Frize - Assistant Principal, Wellbeing and Engagement

Leader of Wellbeing Year 12

Key Dates

Please see below Key Dates for the remainder of the year for Year 12. 

Should you require further clarification with regard to this information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Gerard Cushan - Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

Creative Arts and Languages

Semester 1 proved to be a very busy time in the Creative Arts and Languages Faculty. New students into our subjects were developing new knowledge and skills in making, performing, writing/composing and speaking. Meanwhile, our students continuing with their journey in the arts and languages were continuing to refine and develop their existing understanding. The result of this furore was outstanding work from our students, however, not only were we busy inside our classrooms, but outside as well. 

In Music, their were DioSounds rehearsals, performances and audience excursions, the ASPIRE song writing competition and finals evening, Junior Music Showcase and the ongoing preparation for the HSC. ASPIRE is yet to wrap up and some of our lucky Music students will be excitedly attending as audience members, cheering on their peers performing as part of the band and cast.

In Visual Arts, both Year 11 and 12 had excursions to Sydney to experience the Sydney Biennale, ArtExpress and permanent  collections at the Museum or Contemporary Art and The Art Gallery of New South Wales. Students entered into competitions and prizes celebrating their talents and passion for making art, with Lurneah Roberts winning her category in the Wandiyali Naidoc Art Gallery Competition. Our HSC students came into school during their holidays to continue developing their HSC Bodies of Work, continuing to improve and develop their understanding and application of artmaking practice.

In Drama, the students have been working tirelessly to improve their performance and writing skills as both individuals and members of groups. Their devised pieces have impressed and these skills will continue to develop as the year progresses. Additionally, many of our Drama students have been rehearsing as part of the ASPIRE production that occurs this week, their dedication and passion to the subject will be able to be seen by audiences at the Civic theatre this week with evening performances on the 2^nd and 3^rd of August. If you are yet to buy your tickets, simply head over to  Civic Theatre Newcastle to make your booking via the link below.

Congratulations!

We would like to say a massive congratulations to Lurneah Roberts from Year 11 for taking out 1^st Place in the Junior section of the Wandiyali Naidoc Art Gallery Competition!

Lurneah's submission consisted of 4 panels that tell her story as a proud Bundjalung and Yuin women. Her original work was painted using her body, dancing and moving across the panels in a piece she choreographed with her family. As she moves, Lurneah shares elements of the work, with a spoken word piece that plays over the top of a video documenting the painting process. Lurneah's artwork was originally part of her Term 1 Visual Art submission, where she continued to develop her conceptual artmaking practice that she began exploring at the end of Year 10.

The result of all her hard work is a piece that explores her connection to land and culture, and we are lucky enough to share in her journey. Lurneah, we could not be more proud of you.

Finally in Languages we have so much to celebrate. Our Japanese students have been deep diving into the culture of Japan, engaging in so many exciting learning opportunities that connects their speaking, reading and writing to real world scenarios. In Chinese, Carol Paterson was celebrated from her contributions to Languages as part of the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) and her ongoing involvement in the organisation has given our students some amazing opportunities. Our HSC students have been regularly attending online speaking lessons with a teacher in China, a teacher that they will get to meet very soon. We had a delegation from China and the CLTA attend our campus and meet with some of our students and classes, and we have just learned that this semester we are lucky enough to host a second delegation. What an amazing opportunity for our teachers and students. 

This semester is gearing up to be just as big and just as exciting as the last. Keep an eye and ear out for upcoming showcases of our amazing students talents, we all look forward to seeing you here with us celebrating the gifts of your students.

Morag Aitchison - Leader of Learning, Creative Arts and Languages

Empowering Change: Year 8 Students Illuminate Lives with Solar Buddies

On Wednesday, 31st July, our Year 8 students from 8Sci1 and 8Sci6 participated in the inspiring Solar Buddies program, where they built portable solar lights for children in Papua New Guinea who live without electricity. This meaningful initiative, generously sponsored by Origin Energy, allowed our students to engage in hands-on learning while exploring the vital role of renewable energy in addressing global challenges like energy poverty. Through this experience, our students gained a deeper understanding of how sustainable solutions can make a profound impact on communities around the world.

In addition to assembling the solar lights, our students wrote heartfelt messages to the children who will receive them, adding a personal and compassionate touch to their work. This activity not only enhanced their knowledge of renewable energy but also fostered empathy and global awareness. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the positive contribution they have made. They are truly living our motto “ready to serve.”

A special thank you to Origin Energy for supporting this transformative learning experience and helping our students grow as responsible and compassionate global citizens.

Solar Buddies are us!

Tracey Flack - Science Teacher and Solar Buddy Coordinator

Landcare

On the 25^th of July 2024, we hosted another brilliant Landcare day out in sun. Many students  volunteered for our National tree planting day which was a blast!! St Mary's are working as a community to make our environment a better place for all the flora and fauna species. By weeding, planting and mulching we are encouraging more growth in our environment and attracting more native wildlife.

Unfortunately, one of our native species, the Swift Parrot is becoming extinct. The population levels for the swift parrot remain critically low causing potential extinction for this bird species. Deforestation of native trees is a major contributor to the potential extinction because the Swift Parrot generally like to breed in the same place each year. Our aim at St Marys is to plant Swamp Mahogony trees in our creek area which are the plants that the swift parrot tend to feed on as well as planting more trees to create new potential homes for this endangered species.

We are also proud to say that St Marys Catholic College is introducing a new recycling program. The aim of this program is to reduce the amount of rubbish going into landfill which conserves our natural resources. The way we are going to achieve this is by placing a yellow cardboard box in each roll call room which will have a recycling label on it as well as the classroom number. At least once a week a member from each roll call class will take the bin to be emptied. The reason the boxes are painted bright yellow is so that they are not easily mistaken as rubbish.

Report by: Caitlyn Skinner, Landcare Participant - Year 8

Sporting Achievement

Congratulations extend to Fletcher O'Doherty for his selection into NSWCCC under 18's.

Fletcher played 4 games in the NSWCCC team at the National U18/opens carnival in Coffs Harbour. 

1st game - Won against QLD and was named player of the match. 

2nd game - Won against CAS

3rd game - Won against NSWCIS

4th game GF - Won against NSWCHS 40-12. 

We wish Fletcher all the very best with his future sporting endeavours.

Complaints Resolution

St Mary’s Catholic College, the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions however, when members of our schools and wider community are concerned about something that appears to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable. If you have a complaint, please click the link below: