Other
Editorial
As we approach the halfway mark of Term 4, we are able to look back and reflect on a year which has quickly passed. In regards to the liturgical life of the College, as we approach the end of the year celebrations at the College may we be able to proceed with guidance.
Monday, 2 November marked All Souls Day, which is a day of prayer and remembrance for all of our loved ones who have passed. To commemorate this day we held a Liturgy at lunch time to reflect on the memories of those who have left our community. It was wonderful to see so many girls take part in the Liturgy. Please remember that the chapel is always open whenever students need time to reflect.
During this time, we also send our best wishes to Monica Kusters and Oliva De Battista, our 2020 Liturgy Captains, as well as the rest of the Year 12 cohort who are about to finish their HSC exams. To keep up-to-date with coming events be sure to check out the @smcliturgy Instagram, which has enabled us to find new ways to connect with St Mary's girls.
Mikaela McCann and Elena Ruscigno
Liturgy Captains, 2021
Prayer
Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day,
please let us be filled with Your spirit.
Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness and faithfulness.
Let us desire to become more like You and to worship you in all we do.
Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us.
Thank you for always going before us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Azalyah Young and Chloe Aivaloitis
Bashir and Kelly Year 9 Leaders, 2021
Lyons House Report
2020 has been a crazy and busy year for all of us but the Lyons' girls have powered through with a big smile on their faces. I am proud to say girls have continuously stepped up to achieve the best possible results for our House.
Lyons girls have already achieved fantastic results this year with a big shout out to our junior and intermediate Debating Teams, both winning the House Debating competitions and earning well deserved points for Lyons. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the girls who participated in the Cross Country, taking out third place overall. A special mention to Cleo Fien from Year 10 in coming second in the 15 Years category. Congratulations girls!
During Tutor Group recently we have been participating in a weekly Pulse update where we take a few minutes to check in with ourselves and make sure everyone is feeling okay. The Lyons' girls overall have remained positive and are using this time to their advantage.
This week the junior girls voted for their 2021 Middle School Leader. All three candidates from Lyons were truly well deserving. Congratulations to Hiba Shahbaz and I look forward to working with her.
It is an honour to step into the role of House Captain from Madison Mackay and I wish her and the other Year 12 girls all the best with the remainder of the HSC exams.
Whilst this year has been unusual for us all, I am looking forward to 2021. Hopefully together, Lyons can witness a year of success and triumph, fun and excitement and above all else - the House Cup in our hands!
Laura Borg
Lyons House Captain, 2021
Gibbons House Report
Well, we’re already half a Term down and Gibbons is staying strong!
This Term is moving quickly and keeping us all very busy. Our Year 7-10 girls are working through their assessments, Year 11 are now beginning their first HSC tasks and Year 12 are still very much in our thoughts as they reach the end of HSC exams. We’re all looking forward to farewelling Year 12 on 12 November at their belated Graduation and Achievement Assembly.
Last week the girls in Years 7-9 voted for the 2021 Gibbons Year 9 Leader. The girls in Gibbons definitely had a hard decision as both candidates, Zoe Veljanovska and Charlotte Agnew, would be a great fit for the role. Zoe and Charlotte did an amazing job at putting together a fun, short video which we all enjoyed, showing their enthusiasm and giving us a sense of the energy they’d bring to the role. I applaud them both for having the courage and dedication to run for this position and I congratulate Zoe, who has now been appointed to the role of the Gibbons Year 9 Middle School Leader for 2021. I look forward to working alongside Zoe as we lead Gibbons to glory!
Gibbons House is looking forward to the last few weeks of Term 4. We are feeling enthusiastic about Christmas celebrations and other school activities to come.
April Elston
Gibbons House Captain, 2021
College Choir Reunite
On the morning of 21 October the St Mary's College Choir reunited after a long hiatus this year. Our final appearance in a school gathering was performing at the Opening Mass in Term 1.
The girls from Years 7-11 gathered to discuss and plan future choir opportunities in the remaining weeks of the year, under the excellent leadership of Ms Phillips and Ms Lockett.
Given the limit of five students in singing groups, we were all happy to gather into our smaller Year groups and begin planning to celebrate the final chapters of the Class of 2020’s High School story. Long term plans are also underway to prepare for the larger choral opportunities available in 2021. The older Year groups brainstormed ideas for College activities to reignite the St Mary’s community spirit next year. Stay tuned for the College, Junior and Senior choirs in the weeks and months to come.
Megan Ashford
Cultural Captain, 2021
Sports Woman of the Week - Lillee Pollock
Year 12 student Lillee Pollock is a talented and motivated athlete. Lillee is not only heavily involved in school sport but is also an avid sportswoman on the weekends.
On Sunday, 1 November Lillee competed at the State Road Cycling Championships at Gunning. It was a tough, highly competitive race with undesirable weather conditions. Lillee persevered and her hard work paid off. It was a 67km race with six competitors and Lillee placed first coming away with the title of State Champion and defeating the current National Champion in the process.
Well done Lillee!
Interview with Lillee
What achievement are you most proud of?
Earlier this year I came third at Nationals, which was my most exciting achievement.
Who is your inspiration?
My main inspiration is Sian Ahern. She is a strong female athlete who is a very successful cyclist on an international level. I aspire to be as hardworking, passionate and dedicated to my sport as she is.
Why do you love riding so much?
I've always had such a passion for cycling and have been involved in it with my family since I was a child. When I ride I feel completely relaxed and forget about the stresses of school. Being successful at something I love doing is an amazing feeling.
What's your pump up song?
Never Dance Alone - Crooked Colours
Any advice for young athletes?
My main piece of advice is keep persevering and continue to work hard. Dedication gets you places, especially if you are passionate about what you do.
Claudia McGoldrick and Macey Hawkesby
Sport Captains, 2021
Interact Club - Helping International Students
Our Interact Club has decided to support the Rotarian sponsored activity that helps University of Wollongong international students, predominantly from India and Bangladesh, who are finding it challenging with COVID-19 restrictions. Over 250 students have been helped by this activity since July.
As their ‘local’ project, our girls put a call out to all Houses and collected approximately 220 toiletry items over two weeks. The girls carefully sanitised the items, packed them into three large boxes which were collected by the Sunrise Rotary President, Mr Norm Miller.
Mr Miller presented the 2019-2020 Co-Presidents, Alana Todorovski and Emily Pisanikovski with the Rotary International Platinum Award, for the club’s outstanding service to the community. It is a wonderful achievement by our Interact Club.
Recently, the new 2021 Executive Committee was officially inducted into the club and they look forward to implementing many further, worthwhile initiatives.
Well done and congratulations to all the girls involved in these projects.
Mrs Liz Davis and Ms Jenelle Pearce
Mentors
Bright Girls Health Presentation
This weekYear 11 participated in an online women’s health presentation by Demi Spaccavento from Bright Girl Health. The presentation included many informative and insightful topics and the girls found it to be interactive and engaging. For example, the girls were introduced to environmentally sustainable health product options to reduce waste.
Demi was able to highlight topics not frequently spoken about, such as hormones, how healthy eating, exercise and sleep can fix hormone imbalances and the commonality of diseases. A safe space was created to talk about these issues so we could face the ‘awkwardness’ of it all. Demi also encouraged teenage girls to reach out to professionals and trusted adults regarding their health.
Personal Project Success
Sophia and Mrs Rutherford
Congratulations to year 10 student Sophia Gordon for the recognition by the medical profession for her Personal Project, 'A Teacher’s Guide to Juvenile Arthritis'. Sophia’s Personal Project has now been included on the Paediatric Rheumatology network website as a resource for parents and families. This is an amazing achievement and Sophia continues to receive wonderful feedback from parents and families who have accessed her guide. You can view Sophia’s work at http://www.prn.org.au/stories/talk-to-your-teacher-about-your-arthritis/
Mrs Christine Rutherford
Personal Project Coordinator
Everyday Maths
Mathematics is used every day in almost everything we do. Parents and Carers can support their child's mathematical skills and understanding with these fun, practical and creative activities from the Everyday Maths website link below launched by the Department of Education.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/mathematics/domain
Mrs Sarah Rossignol
Mathematics Coordinator
Australian Geography Competition
The Australian Geography Competition is a contest for Australian Secondary School students, assessing their geographical knowledge and skills. The competition aims to encourage student interest in geography and to reward student excellence.
Congratulations and thank you to all St Mary’s students who participated in the 2020 Australian Geography Competition, as well as the teachers who supported you along the way.
We have several student geographers at our school who performed to a very high level in the competition this year with FIVE gaining high distinctions and ELEVEN, distinctions.
Special congratulations to the following students:
Distinction:
Sophia Ward, Kacey Kouzan, Megan Kelly, Maika James, Shari Haniffa, Stevie Gilmour, Amelia Dellow, Meg Craigen, Floria Dixon, Alexandra Jones and Maya Ward
High Distinction:
Sophie Yates, Mairead Costello, Molly Wildsoet and Mia Kelly
Additionally, congratulations to the graduating HSC Geography class. You have all been awarded with Distinctions demonstrating your continued enjoyment and focus of the Geography course.
Mr Adam Everatt
Geography Teacher
Science Extension Update
Science Extension is a new HSC subject that St Mary's offers our young women who seek opportunities in Science. It is aimed at students seeking to develop and extend their Science skills. It looks at the philosophy of Science, the progression and development over time, analyses current scientific research and allows students to engage with scientific literature on a sophisticated level. As a part of the course requirements, students are required to produce an original investigation by creating their own research question.
Every year the University of NSW offers a small number of placements where HSC Science Extension students can work with PhD candidates, professors and current researchers on current research occurring at the university. Students are placed into small groups focused on a particular research area and are introduced to current investigations and methodologies at the frontier of scientific knowledge. The mentors at UNSW help students to complete their research projects by providing them with access to world-leading researchers, research tools and leading edge equipment.
This is a highly competitive and sought-after opportunity in which schools all over NSW vie for a place. St Mary's has successfully placed all 10 students! The girls worked hard to create applications that showed their passion and interest in scientific research and were rewarded for their efforts. Congratulations to the Science Extension class of 2021! We look forward to reading the research you produce.
Ms Michelle Pandevski
Science Teacher
Nutrition in Children - Year 9
Year 9 Child Studies recently completed an assessment on - Nutrition in Children. The students researched and presented a themed children’s party with food from all food groups and also catered to children with food intolerances.
Halloween and Under the Sea were two of the themes students selected as their presentation topics. The group made Halloween party bags for each student in the class. The Halloween group included Chloe Kisling, Stella Anagnostopoulos, Katherine Booth and Nicole Zogbhi.
The Under the Sea group included: Portia Giblett, Haoura Raad, Tasmyn Renshaw, Cara Birkle and Hollie Marsh
This was an educational and fun assessment including games and activities enjoyed by all.Mrs Christine Thomas
PDHPE Teacher
Year 9 Food Technology – ‘Australian Cultural Food Fair’
As a part of the ‘Food in Australia’ unit, Year 9 Food Technology has been working together in groups on the following design challenge:
‘Design and prepare a dish highlighting a culture that has helped form the modern Australian cultural cuisine. This dish will be featured at a cultural food fair.’
Each group represented a different culture and hosted the ‘Australian Cultural Food Fair’ during their double lesson. Food was individually portioned to ensure COVID-19 safety food guidelines were adhered to and students from other Year groups attended and tasted the food from the various groups. Each student who participated in the food tasting was required to complete sensory testing to help provide feedback. All students who took part are to be congratulated on their effort towards the preparation and presentation of their food item. I think the photos speak for themselves!
Ms Allison Pace
TAS Coordinator
Signing out of the College
Parents, Carers and Students are reminded it is important to follow our procedures. Due to social distancing measures, Parents and Carers are not permitted to enter the College to collect their daughters.
To sign out prior to the end of the day:
- Parents/Carers to contact the Student Office directly on 4226 3959 when they have arrived at Harbour St entrance
- Students are to remain in the Student Office until Parents/Carers have notified staff they have arrived outside the College
- Once contact has been made, students will be signed out and proceed to meet you at the front gate
Students taking themselves to appointments:
- This is generally discouraged, but we understand that in some cases this is unavoidable
- In these cases, Parents/Carers are required to advise the College via email prior to the appointment
- Students should present the note to Student Office in the morning
- At the time of departure, students are required to sign out at the Student Office before leaving the College.
Student Office
On-line TASS Parent Lounge Access and Fee Statements
The College has made a number of improvements to the on-line TASS Parent Lounge, including the transition to online statements that will make it easier for you to manage your tuition fee account. The Parent Lounge now provides your current balance, regular Term statements and the ability to make credit card payments.
Login details and instructions have previously been provided but if you have any questions please email our ICT Department via helpdesk@stmarys.nsw.edu.au
You can still make BPay transactions via your financial institution, alternatively contact the College to establish a regular Direct Debit arrangement.
Tuition Fee Update
A friendly reminder that Term 4 Tuition Fees are due for payment so please ensure that regular instalments are being paid according to your agreed payment arrangement.
As advised by the Principal in previous correspondence, a credit for Resources and the Year 8 Camp due to COVID-19 has now been applied to your account.
If your account has been paid or you are already on an instalment arrangement, please login to the Parent Lounge to confirm your balance.
For further clarification on tuition fees please refer to the Fee Management Policy on the College website, alternatively contact the Fees Coordinator on 4253 5230.
Have you checked your Pulse?
It has been great to see our students continue to engage with Pulse as we develop a regular habit of ‘checking our pulse’ weekly. Unsurprisingly, levels of positivity dipped last week in line with a busy assessment period. As Week 4 concludes, it was great to see overall positivity begin to increase for the students.
The data from Pulse and the reality of assessment deadlines provided the opportunity for our first student-led Pulse response initiative. Ashley Todorovski and Jennifer Clark, 2021 Stewardship Captains, took it upon themselves to jump into action. The initiative and efforts of these students are appreciated. They share their efforts here…
Last Tuesday, we coordinated an ‘Assessment Help Session’ at lunch time. Some of the 2021 Leaders, Year 12 students and teachers attended to help the girls with any questions or concerns about their assessments. There was an outstanding turnout, with many girls from different years coming along and seeking help from the senior students. Many girls received help with their study skills, topic revision and help with subjects such as Religion, Math, Science and Service As Action. The energy in the room was positive and also reinforces a positive approach to what can be a stressful time for students.
Our Year 12 students were able to share their skills across different areas and as a result each student received lots of assistance. Since the lunch time session, it has been great to meet the junior students in the corridors who have been excited to share how they have already put their learning into action. We hope to continue this activity during the assessment/exam time each Term!
Thanks again to all students and teachers involved.
Ms Emma Magill
Assistant Principal - Dean of Pastoral Care
Hub Highlights
Student Wellbeing Hub
Body Positivity & Eating Disorders
Challenges with body image and body positivity have become more apparent this year. Across recent months I have had a number of conversations with students, staff and parents about concerns in this area. Seeking to understand the importance of a healthy relationship with body image and food is critical during adolescence. Far too often, students are reluctant to seek support and equally reluctant to share these concerns with adults and professionals. Students are encouraged to explore these resources to learn more. I also strongly encourage students to speak to members of the College Pastoral Team in relation to concerns in this area.
Parenting*Ideas (Parenting Page)
Our College maintains membership to Parenting*Ideas which provides access for parents and staff. Articles are shared via the College Newsletter and webinars regularly held which are free to parents. Over the years, many parents have found this resource highly valuable. The next webinar on Wednesday, 11 November provides insights into the variety of parenting styles that respond to the many situations parents face. See the flyer in the downloads for further information about this webinar.
The Adolescent Brain (Parenting Page)
All too often we throw to ‘hormones’ as the reason for the ups and downs of adolescents. If we seek to understand some of the basics of brain development, it can help to untangle some of the challenges teenagers face.
Podcast – Ask Lisa (Podcasts Page)
Highlight episode (20 October) Where’s the Line Between Being Healthy and Having an Eating Disorder?
This regular half hour podcast is set amongst the current COVID-19 context of the United States but within this is a treasure of practical takeaways to consider. Dr Lisa Damour is The New York Times Adolescence columnist and author of bestsellers Untangled and Under Pressure. She brings her sane, informed and practical perspective to your timely and timeless parenting questions. Co-host Reena Ninan, a world-class journalist who has covered the White House while packing a breast pump, makes sure to get you the answers you need.
Ms Emma Magill
Deputy Principal - Dean of Pastoral Care
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Recently we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day. These important Feast Days in the Church’s year are a poignant reminder of the important place in our lives of the people who have gone before us who, in many instances, have formed who we are. Remembrance Day will also be a timely reminder of the legacy left us by those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and of the events that have shaped our lives.
It can be too easy to forget that who we are as people, as a family, as a community, as a Nation, is very directly the result of the love, sacrifice, example and hard work of generations before our own. As a College community at St Mary’s, we reap the benefits of the vision, sacrifice, generosity and hard work of successive generations of sisters, teachers and staff, students and families who built this College and whose reputation we are proud of today.
The modern generation is often encouraged through media, advertising, entertainment and social media to be self-serving. After all, this is what drives retail profit. There is a great emphasis on the things that will make us happy, very few of which are free and almost none of which involve some expression of good relationships or of Catholic values. Invariably, they are about things you can buy, collect or use. If we lose our sense of history and the people and events who have been a part of that history, if we lose sight of our origins, of our formation as people and communities, then we lose our soul; our compass. Our daily lives have purpose not because of what we do to fill in the hours between meals, but rather because in the myriad of relationships that we enter into daily, somewhere we find a sense of purpose, joy and meaning in the way those relationships are expressed.
Integral to all of this is the important place of family. Like any precious gift, this needs to be nurtured and nourished if our communities are to grow with a sense of peace, justice, tolerance and compassion.
Through the eyes of faith we understand and celebrate that we are part of an eternal story, not just a temporal story and that this manifests itself weekly in the celebration of Eucharist when we are most intimately connected with those who have gone before us as well as the generations yet to come.
Encourage your girls to remember and to respect the people and events from their own personal history who have formed who they are. If they are unable to understand the profound significance of their past, it is unlikely they will respect the relationships they engage in now or in the future and even less likely that they will find a deep sense of fulfillment in their daily lives beyond the fragile nature of the materialistic world in which we live.
Mr Tony Fitzgerald
Principal
SMC Noticeboard
10 November - Year 7 Immunisations
12 November - Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
13 November - Year 12 Formal
16 November - Year 8 Reflection Day
17 November - Year 11 Achievement Assembly
18 November - Year 7 2021 Orientation Day
23 November - Year 9 Reflection Day
26 November - Year 7 Reflection Day
Downloads
Update Details
To review and update your daughter’s details including important medical data please visit https://tass.stmarys.nsw.edu.au/parentlounge/login.cfm