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Editorial
Just as we settle back into the rhythm of school, we begin to approach the holidays! We are now officially halfway through both our schooling and calendar year. Woohoo! While there have been many complications along the way, the St Mary's community has done a wonderful job in its efforts to make this schooling year feel as routine as possible.
In a world full of changes it can be hard to remain positive. From global pandemics, to worldwide riots, we are reminded to take time to reflect on such matters but not to become too entangled in the complications. Remember to seek advice from teachers, peers and Kulilla staff if you are feeling stressed or down.
For our seniors, this year has been a particularly stressful time full of uncertainties and difficulties. Luckily, there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon. Just recently the morning coffee van was greatly appreciated, providing senior girls with free hot beverages on their way to their first lesson. There is also a sausage sizzle planned for the last day of term for Year 12 students. Senior jerseys can also now be worn on Thursdays and Fridays, another win! Most importantly a new date has been announced for the Year 12 Formal, which was thought to be tragically cancelled for this year. Woohoo again! All this and plans underway to keep the yearly tradition of Good Samaritan's Day alive in the College with massive efforts from all the staff, students and school executives.
During the holidays we are reminded to relax, look after our mental health and take all the necessary precautions to stay safe whilst simultaneously having fun. With weeks of being cooped up inside and then getting thrown back into our old routines, motivation might be a hard thing to keep at times but as J.P. Morgan said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” Perhaps the holidays will see more easing of some lockdown laws. So far, we’ve seen gyms reopening, the ability to eat again at our favourite restaurant and cafes and the ability to visit our loved ones. Although we are living in a world that is continuing to change, we are reminded how lucky we are to be with the supportive and loving St Mary’s community.
Happy Holidays Girls!
Chandra Singh (Foley House Captain) and Georgia Dwyer (Social Justice Captain)
Reflection - A Winter Bluejay
The following is a piece by Sarah Teasedale, an American poet whose short, personal lyrics were noted for their classical simplicity and quiet intensity.
Crisply the bright snow whispered,
Crunching beneath our feet;
Behind us as we walked along the parkway,
Our shadows danced,
Fantastic shapes in vivid blue.
Across the lake the skaters
Flew to and fro,
With sharp turns weaving
A frail invisible net.
In ecstasy the earth
Drank the silver sunlight;
In ecstasy the skaters
Drank the wine of speed;
In ecstasy we laughed
Drinking the wine of love.
Had not the music of our joy
Sounded its highest note?
But no,
For suddenly, with lifted eyes you said,
“Oh look!”
There, on the black bough of a snow flecked maple,
Fearless and gay as our love,
A bluejay cocked his crest!
Oh who can tell the range of joy
Or set the bounds of beauty?
Mila Lancaster
College Captain
Sullivan House Report
Anne Sullivan, a selfless, patient, compassionate, strong woman who despite all odds achieved what many thought was impossible. Through her determination and problem solving she was able to find a way for Helen Keller, a blind and deaf child to learn. As we have reached the end of term two and settled back into our normal routine at St Mary's, there are many qualities the girls have strived to follow in the footsteps of Anne Sullivan.
Although many of our major school events such as the athletics carnival, cross country and our Sullivan Sausage Sizzle Lenten Activity were cancelled, there have been many other opportunities such as competitions and online learning to keep us occupied. As Sullivan Captain, I am very proud of the girls who entered all the competitions even if it was only a guessing game to win chocolate eggs. A big shout out to Mr Goldrick, Sullivan 1’s Tutor Group teacher for showing us all the right way to take out our bins.
With so many things going on in our world, it has been a good opportunity for Sullivan girls to put into practice their sisterhood values as we support each other. We, who are born for higher things, look to Anne Sullivan who was resilient and strived to find a solution. Just as she persisted with strenuous tasks, we have mastered online learning, conquered boredom, learnt many things about ourselves and what we are capable of. As Term 3 commences there will be many opportunities to return to some of the activities under normal College life. To keep updated, follow the Sullivan Instagram page @smc.sullivan.
Luisa Kaihea
Sullivan House Captain
Ungunmerr-Baumann House Report
I hope everyone has come back to school safely and are enjoying themselves, even though we now have the stresses of assessment time which no one likes. It is wonderful to see all your beautiful faces again.
Soon UB is going to vote for their next House Captain Maddy and Emmy are both amazing candidates for the house and will take good care of the girls when I am gone.
Sadly, we are missing out on the athletics carnival which was meant to be on Friday, 19 June. UB has provided some fun competitions and group interactions this semester with the handball competition. Soon we will be commencing the dodgeball competition and a fun kahoot to play in Tutor Groups.
Our Lenten activity was a smash! We sold out of everything. Even though throughout the day it was a little stressful (because the burger patties didn’t arrive till 12:20) it was still an amazing day.
Thank you to all the girls, especially the Year 9 leader Lexi for doing such an amazing job.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram!
Hayley Reeves
Ungunmerr-Baumann House Captain
Year 10 Subject Selections Information Evening
Year 10 Virtual Subject Selection Evening - Tuesday, 28 July
Find out all you need to know about the senior courses on offer at St Mary Star of the Sea College. Due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, we will be holding an online event. Join a short presentation on the rules of the HSC, requirements for an ATAR and pathways beyond school. Teachers will be available in each faculty to answer any questions and help guide your daughter to make the best elective choices for senior school years.
Specific information regarding the event will be shared with parents and students early next term.
Kerri Harrigan
Director of Teaching and Learning
Virtual Exploring and Discovering Career Pathways
In the current COVID-19 environment, it has been difficult to conduct on campus expos but with the benefit of modern technology, I am happy to promote opportunities for you and your daughter to explore universities, TAFE and other post-school options.
UOW will be running a Year 10 Subject Selection webinar on Monday, 22 June - 6pm.
The Year 10 Subject Selection webinar is for students thinking about studying at university, who would like to know more about degrees and choosing subjects that provide a good foundation for each study area. Staff from the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will go through the ATAR, how it is calculated and touch on scaling.
We will also cover:
• UOW Early Admission
• Opportunities for High Achievers
• Scholarships
• UOW campuses
• Student Accommodation
• Pathways to University
• Costs of University
• Student Life
Staff from UOW will be on hand to answer all your questions throughout the webinar.
Students and parents can register here:
https://uow-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W9cR1klgRKmqdkb9ssaKKg
TAFE will be running a Year 10 Student Parent/Carer Information Evening on Wednesday, 24 June from 5.30 to 6.30pm and a Year 12 Student Parent/Carer Information Evening on Wednesday, 24 June from 7.30 to 8.30pm. For more details and how to register please view the flyer in the download section.
The Virtual Careers Expo is open to Years 10, 11 and 12 students this week from 17 to 21 June and then again from 24 to 28 June.
This expo is designed for students and parents/carers to view many different universities, TAFE and private colleges. As well as an opportunity to speak with staff from you own home or office.
https://thecareerexpo.com.au/june2020/11442/lobby
Enjoy exploring.
Mrs Pauline Judd
Post School Advisor
Design and Technology
Design and Technology is an elective course offered to Years 9 – 12. The course involves the development of a student’s creativity and innovation through the planning and production of design projects. Students in Year 9 Design and Technology have been working towards the creation of jewellery pieces utilising resin and a range of jewellery specific tools and technology. All designs are unique and symbolic to the student and their process of design. Stay tuned for an upcoming pop up exhibition. Congratulations to the Year 9 Design and Technology students and their inspiring teacher,
Miss Ling! Ms Allison Pace
TAS Coordinator
HSC Legal Studies - Guest Presenter, Mr Glenn Sant
One of the options available for students to study in the Year 12 Legal Studies course is Environmental Law, specifically Global Environmental Protection. Our class has been looking at a range of environmental case studies involving Australia and our country’s role in providing environmental protection as part of a unified and cooperative global approach.
Two of our case studies involve the marine environment, notably Southern Bluefin Tuna, sharks and rays. Our expert guest speaker, Mr Glenn Sant from TRAFFIC, was able to impart some of his 25 years of knowledge and experience in the international and domestic measures used to provide protection for these species. Students were given insight to the operation of various fisheries management systems and the role various conventions play in achieving protection. Due to COVID-19, Mr Sant was unable to be overseas presenting a paper at Cambridge, so we were lucky to be able to speak with him during this time.
We would like to thank him for giving up his time to share his passion for protecting marine species and his endless knowledge of the topics covered.
Mrs Lisa Kendell
Data and Reporting Coordinator
Service as Action
A reminder to all our students in Years 7 -10 that throughout the year you are required to take some action that helps others or the environment. COVID-19 has made this a little difficult but there are still ways you can still make a difference at school or remotely. The flyer in the downloads has some great ideas and you are welcome to talk to Ms Marlow or Ms Wall if you have any questions. Don’t forget to reflect on your action in your Service as Action SEQTA WISP.
Katrina Wall
MYP Coordinator
Sportswoman of the Week
Ellie Veerhuis, Year 9
Ellie Veerhuis is a humble, yet determined Year 9 student who excels in a multitude of sports. Although a quiet achiever, she makes a big impact in both SMC and local teams, as well as in her individual endeavours. This is why Ellie is not only the perfect candidate for our sportswoman of the week but also the perfect candidate of what it means to be a St Mary's girl.
In 2019 Ellie was one of the recipients of the SMC sporting award for Year 8 due to her hard work and involvement in a variety of teams such as: athletics, hockey, touch, Oztag, basketball and AFL. Her involvement in these teams, her skill and infectious attitude to succeed encourages both her teammates and the opposition to give it a red hot crack. This was a contributing factor in the win for the junior SMC Oztag team at the Diocesen carnival last year.
Not only is Ellie a rising star within the St Mary's community but her skills go above and beyond, especially when it comes to hockey. One of Ellie's achievements is her selection to the NSW U13 Hockey Squad in 2019. Ellie then gained further selection into the U13 NSW Stars team to compete at the National Championships in Tasmania. Along with hockey, Ellie is also an integral member of numerous community sporting teams and is a rising star in her local AFL team. Although it is a sport which she has only recently pursued, it is already evident that she is a force to be reckoned with. Ellies ability to adapt to new sports and still excel is a testimony to her natural ability and dedicated approach to training.
Overall, Ellie Veerhuis is one of St Mary's quiet achievers, yet on the sporting field her skill and ability to dominate is impossible to miss. Ellie is definitely one to look out for in the future. She is destined for great things!
See the downloads section for an interview with Ellie.
Sian & Chloe Bourke
Sports Captains
Her Voice
Throughout time women have used poetry as a powerful form of self-expression and Year 10 students were recently invited to carry on this tradition as part of a poetry competition titled, ‘Her Voice’. Having studied a range of inspiring female poets in Term 1, including Sappho, Maya Angelou and Kate Tempest, students were encouraged to experiment with their own poetic voice as a means of self-expression in a verse of no more than 24 lines.
Congratulations to Lily Grantham from Mrs Schofield’s class, Lily is the well-deserved winner of the competition with her haunting poem ‘Cold Memory’. Click on the audio link to enjoy Lily reciting her winning entry.
Emily Giacometti’s humorous poem ‘Pasta Machine’ and Eva Loncar’s tribute to her dog ‘Prince Louis’ gained second and third places respectively. Congratulations girls!
Senior English Coordinator
Social Justice
St Mary’s is asking for donations of the following items for the 2020 Vinnies Winter Appeal. Students are encouraged to bring in Socks and Underwear before the end of term to donate to the homeless in our community.
Please ensure items are in new condition, in original packaging and hand these into your House Coordinators in Tutor Group time during Week 9.
Thank you
Social Justice Coordinator
PLC News
Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Reym Matar, our Kelly House Winner for the PLC Reading Challenge.
“I enjoyed entering the Reading Challenge. It kept me entertained while we were at home. I loved reading the books and it made me want to read more and more books. My favourite three books are "Look into my Eyes" by Ruby Redford, "See How They Run" by Ally Carter and "The Nancys" by R.W.R McDonald.
Term 2 Top Ten Books
As Term 2 comes to a close, it is a good opportunity to look at which books have been the most popular.
TOP TEN Library collection
1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
3. Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Saenz
4. Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman
5. I had such friends by Meg Gatland-Veness
6. A map of days by Ransom Riggs
7. Paper towns by John Green
8. Soon by Morris Gleitzman
9. Then by Morris Gleitzman
10. Auggie & me: Three Wonder stories by R.J. Palacio
TOP TEN ePlatform (eBook and Audiobook)
1. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
2. Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth
4. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
6. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
8. The Blue Cat by Ursula Dubosarsky
9. Autoboyography (audiobook) by Christina Lauren
10. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Holiday Reading
Holiday borrowing has started in the PLC. There is no limit on the number of books you can borrow. As some students and families may be embarking on a road trip during the holiday break, listening to an audio book can while the time away. Our ePlatform has a wide variety of audio books, click on the link to access https://smc-college.wheelers.co/, login is first name.surname and student’s usual network password.
Students can continue to access our online databases and Clickview Video during the holiday break. Access to our online resources are on the PLC website https://sites.google.com/a/stmarys.nsw.edu.au/polding-learning-centre/catalogue . Please note that some pages are password protected to comply with copyright. Students can access these pages by logging in with their College email address and usual network password.
Birthday Celebrations
As we are now back to enjoying our regular Tutor Groups each day, we are also resuming the celebrations of birthdays during this community time. For this reason, we will no longer be publishing student birthdays in our newsletter.
For all those students celebrating their special day over the last days of term and during the holidays, we wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Featured Recipe
This week's featured recipe is a delicious Blueberry Muffin provided by Maria Borromeo (SCR Captain), check it out in the download section.
Follow our Portfolio's on Instagram
Fee Update
Financial Commitment: Term 2 School Fee Instalment is due for payment 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.
Mrs Rosina Dowsett
Fees Coordinator
This Edition's Challenge...
For all the SUDOKU enthusiasts!
Tabitha Murray, our SCR Captain has thrown out a challenge this week!Find the puzzle and the anwers in the downloads...no cheating now!
Developing Young People’s Emotional Smarts
As we are coming to the end of what has been the longest, but in many ways the shortest, the fastest but also the slowest first semester of school, I am certain that students, families and staff will welcome the extended break with gratitude. 2020 has been a year like no other and continues to live up to its theme of being unprecedented. There is no denying that within the context of the global situation we are in so many ways very, very fortunate. Notwithstanding we know that the experience for some families in our community has been one of heartache and particular challenge. The upcoming break will be a time for rest and renewal within the setting of lessening restrictions.
This week’s Parenting Ideas article in the downloads section outlines how to support young people with their emotional smarts. It is a useful article and offers some practical strategies. The articles also reflects some of the strategies that we use with the students here at school. Building awareness of what triggers our emotions is a valuable skill in understanding our reactions. At times the trigger can be a lack of sleep, a natural anxiety response or it may be that the situation challenges our values. This is an article that is useful for parents and students as a tool in understanding how our brains work.
Ms Emma Magill
Assistant Principal - Dean of Pastoral care
From the Principal
Dear Parents,
Recently I read Andrew Solomon’s award winning book: Far From the Tree. Essentially, his thesis makes two compelling points; firstly, that the power of love that parents have for their children overwhelms the challenges and or (initial) grief (in some cases) of parenting a child with a disability and in the case of many stories in the book, multiple severe disabilities. And secondly, that “the wish to ‘fix’ people reflects pessimism about their condition and optimism about the method of repair”. This second point is a particularly challenging proposition as medical science and research progresses at a rate for finding “cures” for a whole range of “illnesses” and “disabilities” that is often disturbing. Following is an excerpt that I think captures the theme of the book:
“Despite this crisis in empathy, compassion thrives at home, and most of the parents I have profiled love across the divide. Understanding how they came to think well of their own children may give the rest of us motive and insight to do the same. To look deep into your child’s eyes and see in them both yourself and something utterly strange, and then to develop a zealous attachment to every aspect of them, is to achieve parenthood’s self-regarding, yet unselfish, abandon. It is astonishing how often such mutuality has been realised – how frequently parents who had supposed that they couldn’t care for an exceptional child discover that they can. The parental predisposition to love prevails in the most harrowing of circumstances. There is more imagination in the world than one might think.”
And of “disability” he says this:
“All kinds of attributes make one less able. Illiteracy and poverty are disabilities and so are stupidity, obesity, and boringness. Extreme age and extreme youth are both disabilities. Faith is a disability in so far as it constrains you from self-interest; atheism is a disability in as much as it shields you from hope. One might see power as a disability, too, for the isolation in which it imprisons those who wield it. The disability scholar Steven R Smith posited, “A completely painless existence could also quite plausibly be seen as deficient for most people.”Likewise, any of these characteristics can embody strength, some more easily than others.”
And perhaps most challenging of all, Solomon says this in reflecting on the zealousness with which “cures” are pursued:
“Fixing is the illness model; acceptance is the identity model; which way any family goes reflects their assumptions and resources.”
We live in a community, including here at the College, where each one of us is blessed with different gifts, different skills, different interests and different abilities. We also live in a community that, increasingly, judges, orders and rates those differences by standards that would be at odds with our Benedictine and Good Samaritan charism. The recent response of the world community to the death of George Floyd says something profound about a deeper sense of justice and certainly a deeper value of inclusion and equity. The strength and richness of the communities in which we live, including St Mary’s, is determined by the extent to which we value and embrace diversity and difference as a gift.
I commend the book highly.
Mr Tony Fitzgerald
Principal
SMC Noticeboard
23 June - Social Justice Forum 2020 - PLC 3.30-6.00pm (remote version)
26 June - Last Day Term 2
20 July - First Day Term 3
Downloads
SMC Scoop
College Leaders and Ms Lisa Cooper have created a news broadcast here at St Mary’s. Follow the link to view the first edition, some fine tuning still needed but what a wonderful initiative.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UcmAZl78UNYx6faruiC-QDg7wtRoaJG4/view?usp=sharing
Community Expectations
All students are reminded of expectations when you are in the community. Whether in your uniform or not it is important for you to be respectful and remember that social distancing regulations apply.
It is disappointing to receive a call from the local McDonalds about the behaviour of students in the morning.