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Editorial
Welcome back girls! So happy to see all your beautiful faces back in school as we are finally back together as one. We are sure you are all missing your beds and the kitchen being less than 10 metres from your rooms. Many things have happened through the past few weeks and most of us are coming back to a wave of assessment tasks. With all the workload to get through we understand that it can be very stressful.
Your mental health is our number one priority at St Mary’s and we have many support networks available including Kullila, teachers and Tutor Groups. We are all here for your support as high school is a major part of your personal development. Don't be afraid to talk to the seniors in your Tutor Group or your 2020 School Leaders as they can guide you through the struggle. I'm sure they also have many stories of procrastination and leaving things to the last minute (like writing this editorial for example). Don't forget we are all travelling this road together.
“We are sisters, we stick together, we make up one big family, though we don’t look the same. Our spots are different, different colours, we make each other stronger, that ain't ever gonna change” - Cheetah Girls.
Currently on a global scale there are many issues of inequality. As we are a Catholic school, Jesus’ teaching of loving thy neighbour has a significant impact on our school values. As a school we promote equality through women's right to education and empowering one another. Following in the Cheetah Girls' lyrics, we as a community need to encourage unity. Sisterhood is a major part of the foundation of our school and is evident in all our events and everyday learning. Just because we don't have many of these events happening in 2020, it shouldn’t result in the absence of our community.
We want you to know we are here for you, we will listen to you and help you grow throughout this time. We love you all and always remember 'You are Born for Higher Things'. Once a St Mary’s girl, always a St Mary’s girl!
Reflection
George Floyd was a 46 year old man and until last week there was nothing particularly extraordinary about him. He played basketball and football, he worked two jobs. He was also a father. He was a ‘gentle giant’.
He was a man of peace, a man of innocence, and a man whose life was worth just as much as any other.
He, alongside many other African Americans, reminded America that Black Lives Matter.
The whole world knows his last words.
A world away we watch as protests explode across America, as a result of the losses the black community is constantly facing and the lack of justice they receive from it.
An aggressive arrest and assault of an Indigenous teenager closer to home, in Sydney on Monday, has drawn some comparison, reminding us that this is happening in our own backyard.
Indigenous Australians have been talked over, lied to and silenced for hundreds of years. Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991, there have been 432 Aboriginal deaths in custody with no convictions or investigations.
This is a stark reminder that Black Lives Matter everywhere.
Whilst all lives do matter, Black lives are currently the most at risk. We need to turn our support to our black brothers and sisters globally and stand united against the injustices they face.
As Martin Luther King Jr said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Tahnee Chandler, Year 12
Kelly House Report
It has been a weird, wacky and yet wonderful year for many of the girls at our school. The return to the College has led to lots of excitement in the hallways, with girls smiling and hugging each other. As captain, it was a relief to see the Kelly spirit alive again.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 many of our opportunities, such as the athletics carnival, cross country and our Kelly Karnvial Lenten Activity, cancelled. But that didn’t matter for the Kelly girls as they continued to stay connected online. I am so proud of the girls who have gotten involved in the iso bin challenge, where girls had to dress up and take their bins out, and the house spirit challenge, where girls had to find as many pink items in their house and photograph them. Special shout out to Kelly 3 and Reym Matar whose photos were amazing! (See the photos below.)
The Year 7 BBQ at the beginning of the year was a lovely way for the girls and myself to connect. As a team, we created a war cry to present to the parents. Every one of the girls performed the cry with amazing flair and energy. If anyone would like to see their creation, head to the Kelly Instagram page @smckellyhouse where all things Kelly related are posted.
During our iso, each tutor group had the challenge of a Kelly teacher pet trivia. All of the girls enjoyed guessing which teacher owned which pet, the trivia even inspired some tutor groups to make it a more regular thing. Many of the girls said that it was a nice connection whilst at home. The Kelly girls look forward to normality.
Charlotte Mettam
Kelly House Captain
Lyons House Report
Things are starting to look somewhat more normal back at the College. It has been so nice seeing all the lovely Lyons girls coming back after being in isolation. The halls are filling up and bumping into people is a refreshing sense of normality. However, I think it is safe to say that we are all trying to adjust back to school life rather than the comforts of waking up later at home. I know I am.
The challenges girls at the College are facing now will never be forgotten. The memories of online learning and the transition back to school life will be part of stories we share with our children and grandchildren. However, with the resilience Lyons girls so easily possess, I think we will all be alright if we work together and help each other when needed most.
With everything happening in America, it is more important than ever to come together and be united. In Tutor Group, Lyons girls gather and talk to one another. They share what has happened in their day and this brings everyone closer together. Lyons girls are amazing at doing this which makes our House so cohesive as a unit.
In all, our Lyons family, just like any other house, is coping with the challenges due to the resilience and perseverance we all possess. We all have been given this rare opportunity to bond over the challenges we are collectively facing. I am beyond proud of all Lyons girls for doing so and we all get the chance to see each other in House Assembly soon!
Madison Mackay
Lyons House Captain
Year 9 Student Leaders - Presentation of Badges
Last Friday, 29 May, the Year 9 Student Leaders were presented with their badges in a ceremony held in the Peace Garden outside the Chapel. The students enjoyed a morning tea and conversation with Mr Fitzgerald and Ms Magill. The presentation usually occurs during a College Assembly however, due to social distancing restrictions, a small ceremony was held instead. We congratulate the girls on this special achievement and wish them all the best in their Leadership roles.
Ms Cassandra Iannella
VET Coordinator
Raining Medals in Geography
Congratulations - Jasmine Locke and Jessica Young taking First and Second places in NSW.
A natural curiosity for the relationship between humans and their surrounds led these students to complete extraordinary investigations in our local area. Jasmine and Jessica have been awarded the Brock Rowe Senior Geography Award for their excellence in conducting Geography Fieldwork during the Year 11 course.
Jasmine studied brackish water in the Minnamurra River and how it affects the flora and fish species. Her research included water tests to measure salinity, field sketches, photographs, surveys, interviews as well as a plethora of secondary information. Her analysis of information was extensive and identified a clear conclusion that diversity in fish species increases with salinity, though flora was reduced. Jasmine enjoyed completing the Senior Geography Project and reflected that, if given the opportunity, she would do it again as there were aspects of her research that she would improve. Jasmine is congratulated for her determined spirit and thoroughness in investigation.
Jessica chose to investigate the differences in species diversity between protected and non-protected marine areas. Her research included underwater dives to make and record observations, field sketches, surveys, photographs (including drone footage), interviews, the creation of her own Secci Disk to measure visibility as well as secondary information. Jessica has a strong affinity with the ocean and took great delight in her study of Bushrangers Bay and the Shallows Beach. Jessica concluded that Bushrangers Bay was clearly the ‘better’ site to dive as the visibility was generally better and there was a greater diversity of species to observe.
These students were supported by an outstanding class who worked equally hard and are deserving of recognition. The standard of work completed by this group was outstanding as evidenced by Jasmine and Jessica’s success.
Again, congratulations to you all, we could not be prouder of your accomplishment.
Mr Adam Everatt, Geography Teacher
BUT wait, there’s more….
In addition to the achievements of Jessica and Jasmine and the collaborative work of their Geography class, an additional award was won by St Mary's College in the prestigious 2019 Arthur Phillip Fieldwork Competition.
The Dr Maurine Goldston-Morris Geography Teacher Award for 2019 was awarded to our very own Mr Adam Everatt. In bestowing this award, the competition noted that “Adam has inspired his students to a high level of geographical understanding through research in the field and through secondary sources. His students have discovered aspects of Geography through the studies of a wide variety of issues, employing a variety of ICT methodologies. Adam is commended on the quality of his students’ research and breadth of presentation of topics. He has consistently inspired his student to learn about the ever-changing world”.
Adam is a very deserving recipient of this award and it is a tribute to his dedicated and enthusiastic approach to the teaching of Geography at St Marys. Congratulations Adam.
Mrs Helen O’Donaghoe, Social Science Coordinator
Sportswoman of The Week
Paris Bamford - Year 10
Paris Bamford is an outgoing, positive and approachable student who has a never give up attitude, sharing her love for sport with those around her. Paris has a lot of natural ability excelling in not one sport but a wide variety, representing the school in Athletics, Oztag, Touch, AFL, League tag, Volleyball and Soccer to name a few.
In her time at St Mary’s, Paris has truly bespoken the values of what it means to be a St Mary’s girl. She is a kind, selfless and conscientious student who you will always find smiling. She demonstrates great leadership skills, applying them to the role of team captain at school carnivals, as well as fulfilling the role of Year 9 Middle School Sports Leader in 2019. Paris know is a determined young athlete making many sacrifices to pursue great results in the wider sporting community.
Paris’ sporting talent is especially evident in her contribution to local and state touch teams, travelling around NSW to compete in a range of carnivals. She is also a valued member of Wollongong Little Athletics, competing from local Friday night point score to nationals in Sydney. Paris is also appreciated in the soccer community as a member of Tarrawanna Soccer Club and previous Illawarra Stingray’s player, depicting her sporting abilities in not one but many different avenues. Within these respective teams and individual sports, Paris has won numerous medals at local, state and national level, which is a testament to the hard work she puts into any sport she endeavors. Paris is a very humble student and a diverse and selfless athlete and team mate, who excels in anything she puts her mind and heart to. Her personality and natural ability make us even more excited to see her list of achievements grow and watch on as she achieves greatness. That is a glimpse into why Paris is our very worthy sportswomen of the week.
Please see the download section for a Q & A with Paris.
Chloe Bourke
Sports Captain
Vocational Education Training Update
Did you know that more than 78% of VET (Vocational Education Training) graduates are employed after training?
VET is offered to students in Years 11 and 12. At St Marys, students have the option of studying:
- Hospitality
- Information Digital Media and Technology
- Entertainment Industry
- Business Services
- Fitness (Offered in 2021)
Students who successfully undertake a VET course will receive a nationally recognised qualification in addition to their HSC, many choosing their VET course to contribute to their ATAR.
Year 11 Business Services
This term, students in Year 11 Business Services have been undertaking practical assessments for the module Produce Simple Word Processed Documents. Students have been practicing good ergonomics by setting up their work spaces effectively. Students have also been learning about customer service skills and communication in the workplace. These skills will be put into practice when students attend their first work placement later this year.
Ms Cassandra Iannella
VET Coordinator
PLC News
I am very pleased to announce the winners of our annual PLC Reading Challenge. We certainly had a lot of entrants this year as students made the most of their time at home to catch up on some reading.
Congratulations to the following students, each receiving a $20 Book Voucher:
BASHIR: Amelia Roodenrys
FOLEY: Amelie Sedmak
LYONS: Chelsea Zaffonato
SULLIVAN: Chloe Hughes
UB: Alexandra Jones
Congratulations to SULLIVAN House – you are the 2020 House Challenge winners! Closely followed by Foley in second place and Lyons placing third place.
Mrs Christine Rutherford
Teacher Librarian
Short Story and Poetry Competition
During the period of remote learning the PLC held our inaugural Short Story and Poetry Competition, with the theme “Out of Place” The entries received show an enormous depth of talent, congratulations to all of the entrants.
Here are the winners!
1st place : Bia Forlano, Year 9
2nd place : Maggie Olsen, Year 8
You can read one of Bia’s poems in the downloads section.
Mrs Christine Rutherford
Teacher Librarian
Birthday Celebrations for...
Featured Recipe
Healthy Five Ingredient Granola Bars
These granola bars are both healthy and delicious - with just five ingredients and no baking necessary. This is particularly helpful at cutting down on packaging and is an awesome idea to bring for recess. You can even make a big batch to share with friends!
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup packed dates (pitted Deglet Noor or Medjool)*
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar or honey
- 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds (loosely chopped - see instructions for roasting nuts)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- Chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.(optional additions)
Instructions
- Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a “dough” like consistency. (Should roll into a ball.)
- Optional step: Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 180 C oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw.
- Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl – set aside.
- Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
- Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will make thicker bars, adjust size of pan if altering batch size).
- Press down firmly until uniformly flattened – use something flat, like a drinking glass, to press down and pack the bars, which helps them hold together better.
- Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 squares as original recipe is written). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days.
Aimee Potter
Gibbons House Captain
Follow us on Insta!
FIND A WORD!
Try your skills with this FIND A WORD! in the download section.
Darcy Cullen
Stewardship Captain
From the Principal
Dear Parents,
Last Sunday the Church celebrated the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost has a particular significance because it reminds us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that enrich our daily lives. We recall that the apostles went from being timid and bruised followers of Jesus who had given up their lives as simple men to follow a leader who was killed as a criminal, to become men of courage and confidence who were empowered to imitate the life and message of Jesus.
One of the messages of Pentecost is that our horizons are not limited by mortality and that the gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us to act with a confidence of knowing that there is meaning in the things we do each day that is beyond what appears obvious in the moment. And that confidence enables a humility that ought to permeate our daily relationships with others. There may be no greater virtue than humility. Joan Chittister O.S.B. says:
“the way we carry ourselves and talk and look and speak and walk with those around us is the only real proof of our humility. Where insult and expectation, disdain and dismissal of others, arrogance and authoritarianism are evident, they exude indifference to the needs and values, intelligence and insight of others. Then the size of our own soul shrinks under the light of day. We have never needed more the humility that brings the world together as pride threatens to wrench us apart. In the end, Benedict is right: Stifling arrogance, embarrassing self-aggrandizement, and the insufferable pomposity that pathological pride spawns expose all the empty spots in the soul. And they are gaping. Or as St. Vincent de Paul put it centuries ago, "Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying."
It has been delightful to have the girls and staff return to the College. Although the normal rhythm of College life is still some way from returning, it has been wonderful to see the girls sitting in circles in the Autumn sun during their breaks talking and laughing. There may well be changes to the way we all engage the world post COVID-19 but let us hope that face to face relationship is not sacrificed for ZOOM.
Mr Tony Fitzgerald
Principal
SMC Noticeboard
8 June - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
9 June - Year 10 Immunisations
26 June - Last Day Term 2
Parent Parking
Dear Parents and Carers
We understand that at times it can get congested during drop off and pick up times at the College however, we ask that you be mindful of not blocking driveways or double parking as we have received complaints from residents of Market Square. Thank you for your understanding.
Canteen and Printing ID Card
In order to improve hygiene and reduce the time taken to recharge students cards, the Kiosk machine will only accept gold coins and notes from 9 June 2020. The preferred method to recharge is to top up the card utilising the canteen/print recharge option within the St Mary's Student or Parent Portals. Please follow the link to the Portals.
https://monitor.stmarys.nsw.edu.au/mymonitor/index.php
Uniforms
Socks and plain hair ribbons are now available from the Canteen.