Other
Zonta Club - Birthing Kit Assembly Day
The Birthing Kit Assembly Day will be held on Saturday, 18 May starting at 8.30am. Staff, students and family members are invited to attend along with the Z Club and Zonta Club of Wollongong to assemble 1,400 basic birthing kits. These kits are sent to expectant mothers in developing counties to ensure a clean, safe birthing environment. Morning Tea will be provided.
Please see the flyer in the download section.
We hope you can join us.
Year 12 Studies of Religion - HSC Skills Workshops and Drop in Sessions
Dear StudentsÂ
During Term 2 the following optional workshop sessions will be available to further support Year 12 as they prepare for their Studies of Religion Trial exam. The sessions will begin at 8.00am and conclude at 8.30am in the D300âs. Please RSVP on the Google Form that will be sent to Year 12 students. All Welcome!
Week 4: Thursday 23 May - Workshop 1: Essay Essentials
In this session, students will be working with student scripts from the past HSC papers. Please bring four different colour highlighters to this session.
We will be analysing the scripts and deconstructing their elements, using a marking criteria. By the end of this session students will have a clear
picture of what top students do in actual HSC exam conditions. They will also consolidate paragraph skills for essays.
Week 4: Friday 24 May - Workshop 1 (repeated)
Week 8: Tuesday 18 June - Workshop 2: Exam paper Tips and Tricks
In this session, students will be guided through an interactive PowerPoint presentation including some small group work to grow in their SOR exam skills.
Please bring a pen and paper to this session for the small group activities and to take any notes down to implement for study.
Week 9: Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 26 June - Drop in Sessions
Women in Careers Expo
UOW Learning Labs, 10-12 July 2019
Dear Students and Parents in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
It is that time of the year again when UOW Learning Labs open for registration. I would encourage any student who is high achieving to consider this wonderful
enriching learning opportunity during the upcoming summer. Students interested are also encouraged to ask their subject related teacher to consider
supporting their application with a Teacher Nomination Letter. Otherwise there are other supportive documents that can be used e.g NAPLAN results.
The College offers 4 scholarships for students to attend. Interested students are required to email Mrs Boyle directly by 22 May 2019 an expression of interest and a list of achievements. Past recipients of the scholarship may still apply but must state on their application to Mrs Boyle they are previous winners. These students will be placed on a reserve list and will be considered if there are any places left.
Students applying for the College scholarship should still register their interest on the UOW Learning Labs site so they donât miss out on their chosen workshop. UOW Applications close by 29 May. If they are successful with the College scholarship application, the College will pay their fees. Successful College Scholarships recipients will be notified before 29 May.
UOW also offer other scholarships, please see below.
The University of Wollongong would like to invite your students to LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from
Year 7 to 10 during 2019, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Dates: 10 -12 July, 2019
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus)
Applications close: 29 May 2019
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Students can be encouraged to apply by their school, classroom teacher, subject specialist teachers from school or out-of-school or by their parents. If a school-based professional is identifying a potential student they will supply them with a Teacher Nomination Letter
- Parents/Guardians/student visit our website and read the full list of workshops available by selecting the blue button relevant to their childâs age group.
- Parents/Guardians/student (or school if parent/guardian is unable to) fill out the online application form.
- One piece of supporting documentation for first time applicants is required that demonstrates their ability (see 'Supporting Documentation' section on website). Please note that the Teacher Nomination Letterscan be used as a supporting document.
Please know that workshops fill very quickly.
We will also have several sponsorship places available for students who identify as Australian Aboriginal/Torres Strait or students experiencing financial
difficulty.
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.
190517 To review and update
To review and update your daughterâs details including important medical data please visit https://tass.stmarys.nsw.edu.au/parentlounge/login.cfm
The Biggest Morning Tea
On Tuesday, 7 May the Z Club held the Biggest Morning Tea at St Mary's to raise funds for cancer research.
The Z Club would like to thank students and staff for baking goods and their generous donations. We were very pleased with the overall donation amount of $500, which will be passed onto the Cancer Council.
RYPEN Camp
Hello, our names are Sofia and Alana from Year 10.
During 5-7 April we were given the opportunity to take part in a RYPEN Leadership Camp
by the Illawarra Sunrise Rotary Club. RYPEN stands for Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment and is directed towards young people aged between 14 and
16. The program teaches skills for learning, co-operation and building friendships within interactive activities, enhancing each participantâs
future and their abilities culturally, socially and academically.
We left the College on Friday afternoon and were a little nervous about the weekend ahead. Mrs Elaine Hart from the Illawarra Sunrise Rotary was kind enough to pick us up for the journey to the camp. On arriving at the camp, we were approached with a very warm welcome from the friendly staff and noticed another 41 equally nervous participants. We were introduced to our team leaders, other staff and advised about the rules and programs set out for the following days.
We all participated in fun ice breaker games and a dinner to end the evening. We were excited for the next two days full of laughter, awkwardness, new
friends and many memories. On this camp we were separated which initially made us nervous as we came across new challenges, making new friends, working
on our skills and especially socialising with boys.
This was a very interesting camp which enabled us to explore our own skills and push our boundaries. With challenges such as high ropes, team building exercises and recognising our inner artists, the program truly helped us become more confident and better versions of ourselves. Throughout the entire camp the main theme and idea was resilience and inner strength, this was discussed and challenged throughout group activities, meal times and meeting new people.
We were given the opportunity to listen to speakers about resilience and inner strength. One of the most memorable highlights was that we were lucky enough
to experience a campfire. The short hike through the depths of the woods at 9:00pm was an exhilarating experience to say the least.
The constant fear of snakes, spiders or falling over was demolished by the friendly and uplifting atmosphere surrounding us, with laughter, music and reassuring
voices putting our fear to rest. The sounds of "Take Me Home Country Roads" blasting from the speakers, toasting marshmallows on the fire, a missing
prank gone wrong and snapcodes being scanned, the campfire was a perfect way to end the night off allowing friendships to be made and scary stories
to be brought to life.
When arriving home we brought back many things such as, leadership skills, developed communication skills, new found friends, and hundreds of mossie bites.
It is an experience we will never forget and we want to sincerely thank the Illawarra Sunrise Rotary Club for sponsoring our experience and St Mary's
for giving us the opportunity to participate in the camp. The Illawarra Sunrise Rotary Club is very dear to the College and is involved in our Interact
Club.
We would also like to thank Mrs Elaine Hart, Dr Pitt, our House Coordinators and Ms Davis for the opportunity to go on this wonderful camp and meet other
students from Kiama to Blacktown.
Mother's Day Dinner
The annual Mother's Day Dinner was held last Friday, 10 May. It was a great night with fine food, good company, raffles to be won and gifts to be purchased at the silent auction. To top it all, there was belly dancing by Virginia and Jessica from Cinnamon Twist.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
From the Principal
Dear Parents,
The College is still on a high after four stunning performances of our production Strictly Ballroom from Thursday 9 through to the final performance on Saturday 11 May. This was a spectacular show and one of the best productions that we have been involved with for many years. The audience response was excellent and the girls involved in the show had a ball throughout the rehearsals and performances. The final show on Saturday was fantastic as the girls relaxed into their roles and enjoyed every moment. This production yet again showed what talent we have in the College. The singers, dancers and musicians were excellent, our choir was outstanding and the girls involved with sound, lighting, backstage work, props, hospitality and makeup were fantastic. Congratulations to all who were involved in this production.
Shows such as this don’t happen without a dedicated and hardworking team of teachers and staff members. To Steve Goldrick and his team in the Creative Arts department I am in awe of your talent and your work ethic. Staff have been working with students on this production since before Christmas and they have worked nights and weekends to ensure that the girls were well prepared and well-rehearsed for their roles. The support of the whole staff was evident as we had teachers cover classes, help out in various ways and generally fill in where required. In a similar way administration staff worked in a variety of areas to make this production a wonderful success. I thank our entire staff for their energy and hard work and congratulate them on a spectacular show.
I had the pleasure of joining with many mothers and grandmothers at our annual Mother’s Day Dinner on Friday, 12 May. This was also an excellent evening
with great hospitality, a lot of fun and many opportunities to win or bid for prizes on the night. The highlight of the evening was a display of belly
dancing from Cinnamon Twist, a belly dancing school in Wollongong. The belly dancers were very talented however, they were upstaged by a number of
mothers and grandmothers who put their skills in this area on display. It was a hilarious night of fun, laughs and great entertainment and I thank
all mothers and grandmothers who were able to join us on Friday night. A special thank you to Marie Pulford and her team for organising another wonderful
Mother’s Day Dinner.
As you are aware the College Board is in the process of recruiting a new Principal for the commencement of the 2020 school year. The Board Chair has asked
me to include the following statement to update you on the process.
Recruitment of Principal for St Mary Star of the Sea College
The process for recruitment of the new Principal is moving into a new phase. Following the advertising campaign and the review of applications, this month we will shortlist the applicants and interview those candidates who most closely align to the criteria decided upon through the community consultation. We have a very good number of applicants with a range of skills and experience, so the decisions will not be easy. I invite you to keep the recruitment panel in your prayers at this important time.
Brenda Wilson – Chair of Board
I would reiterate Brenda’s invitation to keep the recruitment panel in your prayers as they discern the needs of the College regarding a new Principal and they move through the process of interviews and appointment.
I pray that you and your families have a peace filled and relaxing weekend.
Important Message from Bishop Mascord
Bishop Mascord has forwarded information (please refer to Statement in Download section) regarding matters before the courts involving Fr Ron Peters. I would ask that you also keep the Bishop and all who are involved in this matter in your prayers at this difficult time.
Fee Update
Financial Commitment: School Fee Statements have been issued to all families this term. This statement provides your Account Balance owing for the remainder of the year. Please note Term 2 Fee Instalment payment is due by 30/05/19 or ensure regular instalments are being paid according to your agreed instalment arrangement.
School Fee Agreement Form: If you are paying via instalments and have not returned the School Fee Agreement Form to advise the College of your intended payment option please complete and return to the College as soon as possible. This Agreement gives the College advice regarding your preferred method and frequency of payment.Please contact the Fees Coordinator on 4253 5230 if you have not received your copy or to discuss your account further. A ‘School Fee Calculator’ is also provided on the College website to assist families to determine their regular payment.
Leaving the College: Just a reminder, if a student is withdrawn from the College one full term’s notice must be given in writing to the Principal. If one term’s notice is not given a full term’s fee will be charged.
Leave of Absence: If a student applies for leave of absence for a holiday or travel, school fees are to be paid prior to approval of leave.
Diocesan Carnival Soccer Report
The new look Opens Football team had a great day at Ocean Park, Woonona despite the cold and wet weather. The team played possession based football and
played out from the back at every opportunity. The side competed well in each of their matches, not losing any games all day until the semi-final where
they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out. Third place was a good result and the team will look to go further in June when the CCC knockout commences.
Congratulations to Ruby Tilden for gaining selection in the Diocesan representative team.
The 15Aâs after a slow start built considerable momentum throughout the day to eventually meet arch rivals - Holy Spirit College, Bellambi in the Final.
A successful free kick by Mia McMurtrie on the last play of the game saw the game go to a penalty shoot-out which unfortunately we lost. Well Done
to an improving team who also won their first Round of the Bill Turner Cup last Wednesday against Bulli High School 4-0. They will now play Figtree
High School in Round 2 on Tuesday, 21 May. Good Luck!
The U13A team led by co-captains Sophie Dooley and Andie Guido were overall winners with a solid performance throughout the carnival. They progressed through the Pool stages comfortably to reach the semi-final against traditional rivals Holy Spirit College. It was a hard-fought match with the girls prevailing after a classy penalty taken by Brielle Masters. In the final, St Maryâs faced a strong Corpus Christi Catholic High School outfit and in a tight match St Mary's were victors 2-0. Congratulations to the girls for their wonderful sportsmanship, effort and team work throughout the day to win the Diocesan Carnival.
The 13B team continued to improve on their team work, mental toughness and skills throughout the day, with the highlight a draw against Holy Spirit College. Well done to all the team players who were also great supporters for the other College teams.
Dean of Pastoral Care Report
WINTER Uniform
This week we transitioned into winter uniforms with the cooler weather now upon us – a reminder for all students to ensure that blazers are worn to and from the school.
SPORTS Uniform on Fridays
Could I please remind students of the importance of wearing the correct sports uniforms on Fridays. This isn’t the opportunity to wear incorrect socks, shorts etc. or the various sports representative jackets.
Year 12 have permission to wear their Year 12 Jacket on Fridays but that is the only exception.
STUDY SKILLS
All students and parents at our school have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills. You can access the Study Skills Handbook via the ELES Study Skills Handbook link via the portals page in SEQTA, alternatively go directly to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and log in with -
User name: stmarysnsw Password: 15success
This month’s focus is on Barriers to Developing a Good Memory. (See the download section)
You can learn more at the Brain and Memory unit of www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
Da Vinci Decathlon
The Da Vinci Decathlon is an Academic Gala day that moves through subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Code-breaking, Engineering, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography, Art/Poetry and General Knowledge. This year’s theme was ‘Balance’.
On Friday, 11 May we went to the Illawarra Grammar School as a team to complete challenging test papers competing against other schools. There were three sessions, each designed to test out teamwork, content knowledge, time management and problem solving skills. During our breaks we met with students from other schools and played an interesting game of “hand-tennis” during lunch.
The energy was exciting and productive, our nerves seem to melt away as we all put our best foot forward into completing the tasks within the short time-frame.
It was a rewarding experience in being able to multitask and discover new concepts along the way all connecting to the theme of balance, which included
statistical balance, balance in engineering through designing a pinball machine, balancing chemical equation and seeing balance in nature.
It is unfortunate that it's our last year competing at the Da Vinci Decathlon - many thanks go to Mia Begic for her enthusiasm in organising a team every
year. It truly has been such a rewarding experience and we hope that in the future other girls will be able to experience it too.
We would like to thank all the teachers who helped us prepare for the day including Ms Todhunter, Ms Ioannou, Mr Berry, Ms Holt and Ms Iannella for their
much needed insight into the skills and knowledge needed for the day.
Curtain Closes on Strictly Ballroom
If you saw “Strictly Ballroom” on our SGN stage last week I’m sure, like me, you would have been hugely proud of our students for their high level of talent, energy and collaborative spirit. Our thanks are due to the students and staff who put in so much of their own time to make it an unforgettable community event.
The Creative Arts staff are always heavily involved and their skills helped shape a successful show but there were many other staff integral to the project. Rod Luck worked his special magic turning the director’s concept into a working and exciting set – he solved problems and undertook any challenges as they came up quickly and effectively. Cassandra Iannella was an inspiring and focused stage manager, Anne Keyte was always ready to fix costumes, and Robyn Williams and Nerida Brown not only organised ticketing but ensured that over a thousand customers were fed and looked after. There were also many kind staff who volunteered to be ushers or helped in a hundred different ways. Jane Kerr, who has just retired, was instrumental in arranging most of the costumes. We will miss her huge input to our musicals. Marie Pulford again was amazing with photos and the program.
Adam Catto-Pitkin, father of our “Doug”, and his family helped decorate the set and worked hard to create, construct and donate the Coke sign, which is a pivotal icon in the musical and film. We were helped by other parents and are very grateful for their kindness and expertise. In fact, I would like to thank all families involved in the project for their patience and support in looking after their children through what can be an exhausting commitment but one which we know will lead to unforgettable memories.
William and Neville from 3 AV Sound loved working with us and they supported our hard-working backstage students with care and dedication. Our two guest musicians were most welcome and played beautifully. Kerri Harrigan, Jacob and Rachel, our guest choreographers, enhanced our already talented student dancers in their work. In my own faculty, our Visual Arts teachers, John Vucic, Sharon Holdsworth and Franca Barila along with some very talented student volunteers and other friends of the College, created hair and make-up miracles. Donna Kenshole nurtured our student band members to a top standard whilst lending her trumpet virtuosity to the score. Lisa Lockett gave many days and hours to arranging a difficult score for an all-female cast and small musical ensemble. Her work with the principals and chorus was outstanding. She lent great vision to the show on many levels beyond just the music, as did Martina Visaggio who not only choreographed but also honed the aesthetics of the show through help with costume, make-up and directorial feedback.
I must have missed many but will have to leave it there, as we’re still cleaning up - as well as thinking about the next St Mary’s musical!
Conservation Club - Mother’s Day Plant Sale
On Friday, 10 May the Conservation Club held our annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Each year we set out to raise money for a worthwhile cause which will both support the environment and help the girls find a gift that their mum will love. With the support of everyone who bought a plant or two on the day we were able to raise an amazing $170! As a club, we are now looking for initiatives we can put this money towards which will help to have a positive impact on the environment.
Thank you to everyone who assisted in the organisation of the event, particularly the staff and students who gave their time to help pot and care for the plants, as well as those who bought plants on the day.
Business Networking
On Thursday, 9 May the College hosted a Business Networking meeting to discuss ideas relating to careers and initiatives for our students. The meeting was attended by local business employers, Dr Pitt, Mrs Harrigan and Mrs Judd.
The group will meet every six weeks with the focus on work experience, mentoring, site visits and possible employment opportunities for students post school.
We appreciate the input and insight of our networking group and look forward to working with them to assist our students.
Be a Host Family - Keika Girl's High School
Would you like to create strong friendships and experience another culture? Be a host family for students from our Japanese sister school, Keika Girl's High School, Tokyo. The students arrive on Monday, 22 July and leave on Saturday, 3 August. The photos accompanying this request reflect the wonderful experiences for all involved. Some students have returned twice and stayed with the same St Mary's family and some of our girls have visited their Japanese 'sister' in Tokyo. Please complete the Expression of Interest form in the download section and return it to Mrs Marie Pulford by 11 June 2019.
2019 Diocesan Cross Country Report
On Monday, 6 May our Cross Country team competed at the Wollongong Diocesan event at Willandra Cross Country course, Nowra.
Our runners performed exceptionally well and won the Girls’ trophy - once again. The carnival is a team event, with six runners in each age group being allocated points for their final placing. St Mary’s was fortunate to have a full contingent of runners in all age groups, reflecting a strong commitment from our students in representing our College.
Congratulations to the following girls who finished in the first six places and were selected to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NCW CCC event at Eastern Creek on Friday, 14 June:
12 Yrs: Montana Doubell - 1st; Calella Lewis - 2nd
13 Yrs: Andie Guido - 2nd; Evie McGrath - 5th
15 Yrs: Sarah Locke - 1st; Emily Strumfin - 2nd, Paris Bamford - 6th
17 Yrs: Jasmine Locke - 2nd
18 Yrs: Charlotte Bridger - 1st; Kiara Camilleri - 2nd
We wish our runners all the best at the next level of competition. Keep up the training!
"Get Caught Reading"
The PLC had a “Get Caught Reading” competition during the holidays. We had some fabulous entries from students and staff getting “caught reading” whilst on holidays. All entries went in the drawer to win a QBD Book Voucher. Congratulations to our winners:
Emma Grinter - Year 8 and Ms Nerida Brown - Science Teacher.