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From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Recently we celebrated the Feast of St Benedict which fell in the middle of the school holidays on 11 July. In normal times, we celebrate the Feast Day at the College during Term 3 and most importantly on Good Samaritan Day. The Feast of St Benedict is an important feast day in the life of St Mary’s because the charism of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan has its source in the Rule of St Benedict. One of the greatest gifts of Independent Schools like St Mary‘s is the gift of the charism, in our case, the charism of The Sisters of the Good Samaritan, that animates the life of the school and community. Charisms are difficult to define but are manifestly obvious in the way in which they permeate the life and relationships of a school community. Essentially, charisms are spirit given ways that enable people to come to know God and share in the mission of the Gospel of Jesus. They provide a point of entry to the Gospel message through the real-life story of, in our case, the Rule of St Benedict and the way in which the Rule is animated by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
The beauty of the Rule is its simplicity and its relevance. As Joan Chittister, O.S.B. observes; “Benedictine spirituality is the spirituality of the twenty first century because it deals with the issues facing us now – stewardship, relationships, authority, community, balance, work, simplicity, prayer and spiritual and psychological development. Second, its currency lies in the fact that Benedictine spirituality offers more a way of life and an attitude of mind than it does a set of religious prescriptions”.
For me, one of the more endearing characteristics of the Good Samaritan charism is that of kindness. When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to hear of people being described as “kind” or for reference to be made to “acts of kindness”. Perhaps it is me, but my sense is that it is a word less used in 2020. There can be fewer more noble adjectives. Kindness implies gentleness, tolerance, compassion, peace and justice. It captures in a single word, a disposition of the heart that builds community and that is ‘others centred’. In chapter 31 of The Rule, Benedict says “Above all, let him be humble. If goods are not available to meet a request, he will offer a kind word in reply, for it is written: A kind word is better than the best gift (Sir 18:17)”
The charism of The Sisters of the Good Samaritan is amply summed up in the word “kind”. In her book; The Good Sams: Sisters of the Good Samaritan 1857-1969, Margaret Walsh, in recording the early history of the Sisters says; “People noticed their kindness and the influence which flowed from it”. At St Mary’s we have been blessed by the presence of the Sisters and by the witness they have given to building a kind community. One need not look too hard to find examples of kindness in our community; between the girls themselves, the girls and staff and of course our community of parents and carers. This is what we celebrate on 11 July and what we aspire to live out in our College every other day of the year.
As we continue to navigate our way through troubling and insecure times, our communities might well be enriched and sustained by an even greater attention to kindness and to the Rule of St Benedict.
Mr Tony Fitzgerald
Principal
Recognising and Developing Emotional Smarts
As Term 3 begins we welcome the return to routines and sense of normalcy. With our Victorian neighbours facing another period of remote schooling, we hope that COVID-19 case numbers will be contained and managed without a second lock-down for NSW. Amidst all this I continue to be aware that as much as we head into Term 3 with some lessening of restrictions and return of a variety of activities, there continues to be a lot we can’t do. I am also acutely aware that although on the surface, much may appear fine for our students, they hold worries and concerns about the uncertainty that we are all experiencing. Adolescents feel deeply even though they may not always show it.
This week’s Parenting Ideas article in the downloads section is about emotional intelligence. As parents and carers, you are expertly placed to observe this area of your daughter’s development. The article considers some strategies that can be used to support young people with emotional smarts. As with any area of development, awareness and understanding can make a real difference to growth and development. I appreciate the article’s consideration of differentiating between moods and feelings, accepting discomfort and building an awareness of triggers.
I encourage parents and carers to consider this article and how it may support you with your daughters. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s House Coordinator or myself if you are worried about how she is managing through the roller coaster of 2020. I firmly believe that a team approach can only be a positive way to navigate the uncertainty and contradictions of this year.
Parent Well-being Hub – Coming Soon
The College Pastoral Team is in the final stages of developing a Parent Well-being Hub. Using Google sites, it is hoped that this will form a valuable resource base for parents and carers. The Hub will provide information on well-being and mental health in relation to adolescent girls.
If you have an area which you would like to suggest the Hub should include, or a resource, book or podcast etc. you would recommend us sharing, please let me know.
Eating Behaviour Support Service
Approaches to eating, food and body image can all contribute to behaviours that can negatively impact adolescents. Grand Pacific Health has advised us of a new service that you may find valuable. This 8-week online group is a prevention/intervention initiative for young people with emerging disordered eating behaviours. Further details are in the downloads section or please contact myself, Kulilla Centre staff or your daughter’s House Coordinator.
Miss Emma Magill
Assistant Principal - Dean of Pastoral Care
Student Absence explanations
In light of COVID-19 and in line with NSW Department of Education rules, it is expected that parents/carers will provide a detailed and justified reason for their daughter’s absences. This applies to full day absences or if your daughter arrives late or leaves the College before the end of her timetabled day.
Please note, whether a reason for an absence is considered justified is at the discretion of the Principal.
Assistant Principal - Dean of Pastoral Care
NCCD Information for Parents/Carers
Dear Parents,
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) On School Students with Disability is conducted annually.
These documents in the downloads section provide information to parents and carers whose daughter has been included in the NCCD for our College’s Commonwealth census count in August 2020.
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data counts the number of students who receive additional adjustments or support at school because of a disability. The NCCD helps governments plan for the needs of students with disability.
Please contact Mrs Mary Boyle, Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator if you have any questions.
REMINDER - Parent/Carer College Access
To ensure the health and safety of all members of the community we have made some temporary changes to procedures. Parent and carer access to the College should be limited and for only those occasions that are absolutely essential.
If you do need to access the College please be mindful of observing the social distancing protocols that remain in place for adults and the following key points:
- All visitors to the College need to use Gate 1 (Administration building/student office) entrance only.
- Parents bringing items that have been left at home e.g. laptop, sports uniform etc., are to leave items in the box provided at the Reception entry and notify the Receptionist. Parents are asked to write their daughter's name clearly on the article (pen and sticky labels provided) so that your daughter can collect the item.
- If you need to collect your daughter earlier in the day - could you please phone ahead so we can have your daughter ready to meet you at the front of the school (supervised until you arrive).
Mr David Woolnough
Administration Coordinator
2021 Student Leadership Team
During the last week of Term 2, the 2021 Student Leadership body was announced.
The 2021 Captains will be taking part in a Leadership Seminar this weekend, which will help them set their vision for the year ahead.
Congratulations to the following:
College Captain - Ciara Donnelly
Bashir | Adysen O'Brien |
Foley | Holly Holmesby |
Gibbons | April Elston |
Hayes | Jemma Turner |
Kelly | Eliza Berrell |
Lyons | Laura Borg |
Sullivan | Dominique Musumeci |
UB | Maddyson Scott |
Portfolio Captains:
Cultural - Megan Ashford and Caitlin Ramirez
Liturgy - Mikaela McCann and Elena Ruscigno
Social Justice - Layla Tarhan and Alana Todorovski
Sport - Macey Hawkesby and Claudia McGoldrick
Stewardship - Ashley Todorovski and Jennifer Clark
SRC - Chi Nguyen and Tess Ryan
Who's leading the Champion House Race
As we commence Semester 2 and tally the points, which House is leading the point score for 2020? Points from the swimming carnival were awarded to Bashir in first place on 80 points followed by Foley and Hayes in second and third spots.
For the Home Challenges, Hayes is leading the field with a massive 110 points, followed by Kelly on 80 points then Foley and Gibbons on 50 points each.
But for the prestigious Principal's Awards...Lyons takes the cake! with 103 points.
Overall, the winning House for Semester 1 is Hayes shining brightly on 230 points!
It's a close race but every House in still in with a chance of being crowned St Mary's Champion House for 2020.
Year 9 Amp’d Up Student Leadership Incursion
On Monday, 15 June, the Year 9 Student Leadership Team had the amazing opportunity of participating in the 'Amp’d Up' Student Leadership webinar hosted by YLead. Our school was one of 106 schools who participated online.
This webinar allowed us to develop our leadership skills through a series of interactive and reflective activities. We learnt about the role of persistence and adaptability in making great leaders, as well as how we can implement these skills in our daily life. We were given examples of leaders who have inspired change in the world; we reflected upon their attributes and contributions.
We learnt a variety of important lessons; one being that we are not able to control certain situations in life, however, it is necessary to control our attitude and response in order to act in an effective manner. We shouldn’t be worried to ask for guidance or assistance from others.
Effective leaders see mistakes as opportunities to learn. It is human to make mistakes but the way we react and overcome these mistakes is more important.
Lastly, we parted with the understanding that courage comes before confidence. That having the courage to voice ideas and opinions is not immediate but rather the result of having initial passion and courage.
We all enjoyed the webinar and were grateful to be a part of the experience.
Tamsyn Renshaw (Year 9 Gibbons House Captain) and Alexandra Jones (Year 9 UB House Captain)
Trial Revision Workshops - HSC Religion
In the first week of the holidays the Studies of Religion teachers hosted a ‘Religion Revision Day’ where we reviewed past topics and key areas of concern. This day was a great benefit to all students who attended, offering four workshops for both 1 unit and 2 unit. The workshops allowed us to consolidate our learning and stay on top of our studies with the help of our Religion teachers.
Thank you to all the teachers for hosting this revision day.
Teeba Al-Shididi and Elise Beaumont
Studies of Religion - Webinar, 3 August
Year 12 are gathering on Monday, 3 August from 3.30-4.45pm at the College to participate in
a free webinar for Studies of Religion - Jewish Environmental Ethics. This live presentation will be delivered by the Jewish Museum in Sydney.
This event is organised for Trial Exam revision for 2 Unit students. If students would like to attend on the day and have not already registered, please contact Mrs McDonald Jane.McDonald@stmarys.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Jane McDonald
Religious Education Coordinator
Service as Action - WISPS
All students in Years 7-10 are required to take some action that helps others or the environment and reflect on their action in their Service as Action WISPS. COVID-19 has made this a little difficult but there are still ways you can make a difference at school or remotely.
The poster in the downloads section has service ideas and you are welcome to speak with Ms Marlow or Ms Wall if you have more ideas or questions. A reminder to students that your reflections will be checked in Term 4.
Ms Katrina Wall
MYP Coordinator
Year 12 Community Service 2020
Due Term 3, 28 August
How are the Awards different this year?
Find out the answers to these questions and more in the downloads section.
Ms Ellen Marlow
Social Justice Coordinator
Year 11 Hospitality
Hospitality in 2020 at St Mary's College continues to thrive. Hospitality is an elective course that students can select for Stage 6, for Years 11-12. Hospitality is based on industry requirements and provides students with real industry experiences and develops employability skills. This year, we have been lucky enough to be working in the newly renovated, industry approved, commercial kitchen.
The students have had a range of opportunities and experiences in and out of school being a part of the Hospitality classes of 2020, under the guidance of Miss Pace and Mrs Newton.
On 28 July, Gumnut Patisserie, a prestigious patisserie from the Southern Highlands hosted a Zoom video call where they demonstrated how to create a French Palmier pastry. This allowed each student to develop their baking skills and have the experience of learning from renowned pastry chefs. They provided an insightful and informative practical session all about mastering the art of Palmiers and the nature of the Hospitality industry.
COVID-19 has presented many challenges for our Hospitality students, including the removal of one week of industry work placement. This session allowed the students to get involved in the kitchen and gain insight into the operation of a commercial kitchen. We were able to discuss the pros and cons of working in a Patisserie; skill set required, working hours, career opportunities and how Gumnut Patisserie is surviving during these difficult times.
The hospitality students have just finished a unit called ‘Prepare and Present Simple Dishes’ which included the preparation of dishes such as:
- Fish and chips
- Thai beef salad
- Eggs Benedict
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Pasto Napoli
- Bruschetta
- Club Sandwich
We are thoroughly enjoying the course so far and love developing our chef skill set. We have included some images of our class creating these delicious dishes.
Year 11 Hospitality, 2020
Year 9 and 10 Design and Technology
Have you been to see the Year 9 and 10 Design and Technology display?
Visit B Block, level 2 to see our many beautiful creations.
WIN a handmade resin pendant - complete the survey via the link below identifying which jewellery series resonates with you. Entries close 15 August.
Ms Jade Ling
TAS Teacher
Fortune Cookie Success
Throughout last term, students were encouraged to make fortune cookies and chatterboxes for our staff members. These messages of gratitude were left in the staff pigeon holes on the last day of Term 2 as a thank you for their guidance in our fun transition to online learning.
Thanks to all who participated, it was a great success. The staff were very pleased with the thoughtful gifts.
Alexandra Jones, Year 9
Virtual Vinnies Sleepout
Would you like to join the Virtual Vinnies Sleepout?
When: Week 3, Thursday 6 August
See the flyer in the downloads section for more details.
Ms Ellen Marlow
Social Justice Coordinator
Sport for Terms 3 and 4
As the new term begins and the resumption of sports being held at a variety of venues in our local area, all students are reminded to bring their own water bottle and a full-size towel to participate. Students participating at local gymnasiums will not be provided with exercise mats. Towels must be used for exercise activities or covering gym equipment when in use, as well as for wiping sweat from the body.
Please be mindful of the following:
- Any student that is not feeling well should NOT attend sports activities, either at College or off site.
- Students are to wash or sanitise their hands before and after sport activities.
- All students are to bring a towel and water bottle for sport. A full size bath towel is required for gymnasiums, yoga and surfing.
- Students should use disposable tissues then wash/sanitize their hands before joining the activities.
- Outdoor sports require a sports cap to be worn for sun protection.
- Students must wear appropriate sports shoes for all activities - i.e. shoes designed for running or cross sports training. Skate shoes or platform soled shoes are not suitable for safe participation in sports.
Be active, be safe, be healthy!
Mrs Belinda Spark
Sports Coordinator
Cross Country - Years 7 and 8
On the last day of Term 2, we held a Cross Country event for students in Years 7 and 8 during their allocated Sport session.
Students had the option of running in the competitive age race or participating in the fun run event to earn points for their House. Races were run in the 12, 13 and 14 Years age groups.
The girls competed and cheered for their House teams with great gusto.
The House points tally for the first four places were:
1st Foley - 222 points
2nd Gibbons - 215 points
3rd Bashir - 171 points
4th Hayes - 165 points
Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runners Up:
12 Years: Cate Giason and Isobel Schmidt
13 Years: Montana Doubell and Celeste Carolan
14 Years: Elle Carden and Charlotte Agnew
Thank you to Ms Nimac’s Year 10 PDHPE class who assisted on the day as course marshals and Year 12 Sport and House Captains for helping their House teams prepare for their events.
Well done everyone!
Mrs Belinda Sparks
Sports Coordinator
UOW Virtual Open Day
Saturday, 8 August 2020 - 12.00pm to 5.00pm
https://www.uow.edu.au/openday/
Discover, ask, explore at UOW’s Virtual Open Day.
This is your opportunity to seek the information you need to start university in 2021.
- Chat to UOW students and experts
- Ask about Early Admission
- Discover our high-achiever programs
- Find out about our scholarships
- Explore your new home with a look at UOW Accommodation
- Look at your options with UOW's pathway programs
- Advance your career with postgraduate study
- Take your next step as a non-school leaver
- Find your campus
- Learn how to apply
Mrs Pauline Judd
Post School Advisor
Fee Update
Financial Commitment: Term 3 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
SMC Noticeboard
6/7 Aug - Staff PD cancelled, classes held as usual
17 - 28 Aug - HSC Trials
31 Aug - College Photo Day
3 Sept - Father's Day Breakfast - Cancelled
4 Sept - Good Samaritan's Day - Cancelled
8 - 21 Sept - Prelim Trials
Downloads
Pick up and Drop off
Parents/carers are reminded not to park in designated Bus Zones or No Stopping Zones when dropping off or collecting their daughter.
Update Details
To review and update your daughter’s details including important medical data, please click on this LINK