Newsletter 1 2011 ~ 10.2.11
Dear parents, Welcome back to St Mary’s College after what I hope was a happy Christmas and a good start to the New Year. It has certainly been an eventful beginning to the year for our friends in other parts of the country and particularly for the people of Queensland. We have been in constant contact with Kristen Sharpe, our former Dean of Students, who has taken up the position of Principal at St Monica’s College in Cairns. Kristen was evacuated from her home and her school was closed for three days; however, Cairns appears to have been lucky and sustained minimal damage. As you are aware the situation in areas of North Queensland has been devastating and there is still much work to be done in simply assessing the damage. You would also be aware that the bushfires in Western Australia have caused significant damage and heartbreak for families who have lost homes. I would ask that you keep all people affected by the natural disasters in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. St Mary’s girls were very successful in the 2010 HSC after working and studying very hard throughout the year. Our dux for 2010 was Rachael Zuzec with an ATAR score of 99.6. She was closely followed by Jessica Todd with a score of 99.45. Rachel, Jessica and Amy Boyle gained Band 6 results in all of their courses and were included on the Premier’s honours list. I extend our congratulation to all of our girls who completed the HSC in 2010 and to our Year 10 girls who also did very well in the School Certificate exams. You can all feel very proud of yourselves. Further information on the outstanding achievements of St Mary’s girls is included with this newsletter. It was delightful to welcome over 200 new Year 7 girls into the college on Monday 31 January for their first day of school at St Mary’s. While the girls looked a little nervous, their parents looked and sounded even more nervous. The girls have had a very successful introduction to the college and I hope parents are feeling a little more at ease as the students begin their secondary school careers. A welcome BBQ will be held on Sunday 13 March commencing at
4pm. I would ask all Year 7 parents to mark this date in your diary. As well as new students, we have a number of new staff commencing at the college. We welcome Dr Joanne Hack, our new Deputy Principal and Dean of Mission, Ms Emma Magill our other new Deputy Principal and Dean of Pastoral Care, Ms Melissa Sullivan who is joining our Music faculty, Mr Wayne Dent joining our English and HSIE faculties and Mr David Malins who will be working with students and staff in the area of IT. I am sure that the girls will make our new staff feel most welcome and I hope that you will take the opportunity to meet them as the year progresses. We are also delighted to welcome back a number of teachers who have been on maternity leave. We welcome back Mrs Sharon Holdsworth (Middle School), Mrs Lisa Martin (English faculty) and Mrs Veneeta Sheahan (Science faculty). We have an outstanding staff and I am sure our new staff will feel very welcome as part of the St Mary’s community.
has meant that we have had to introduce waiting lists in a number of year groups. If you are contemplating leaving the college we would greatly appreciate being made aware of this as we will be able to offer a place to students currently waiting to join the college community. Similarly, if you have friends wishing to join or return to our community please make them aware that there may be a waiting list and that they should contact the college before leaving their current school. I pray that you have a peace filled and relaxing weekend and I look forward to catching up with you at one of our many celebrations this term. Yours sincerely, Frank Pitt, Principal Our new Assistant Principals...
The opening Mass for our school year will be held on Tuesday 15 February and it will bring our community together in union with our Bishop to pray for a successful and happy school year. We are very fortunate to have Bishop Peter join us for many of our celebrations and we are most grateful to have him celebrate our first Mass of the year with us. Parents are most welcome to join us at 9.30am on Tuesday 15 February in the SGN Hall. Our first P&F meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday 23 February commencing at 7pm in the PLC. This meeting is our AGM and it gives all parents an opportunity to work with staff and other parents to continue to build community at St Mary’s. We have an outstanding P&F executive who worked very hard last year and initiated a number of new celebrations and events. They would be delighted to see you. This meeting will also be an opportunity to meet the new college executive team. Please join us if you can as this is an opportunity to contribute in a very real way to the life of our college. As you may be aware we have had an influx of new enrolments across all years for 2011. This
Dr Joanne Hack
Ms Emma Magill
LOVE OF GOD - LOVE OF LEARNING - HOSPITALITY - STEWARDSHIP - PEACE
From the Dean of Studies
From the Dean of Pastoral Care
Diocesan sports events
Welcome back to another College year filled with excitement and learning. A special welcome to our Year 7s who have settled extremely well into Middle School.
As a new member of the College Executive I thank you all for the wonderful welcome I have received. My first week at St Mary’s has been one of excitement. I have enjoyed meeting the staff, students and parents and look forward to building these relationships throughout the year.
Information on Diocesan sports events can be accessed by visiting http:// www.dow.catholic.edu.au/ and clicking on the SPORT icon at the top of the page. Sports events for Term 1 are: • SMC swimming carnival 25 Feb • Dio 15yrs hockey trials 21 Feb • Dio girls’ football in Nowra 7 March • CCC tennis selections 7 March • NSW all schools triathlon for individuals 8 March and teams 9 March • Dio swimming 16 March • CCC hockey trials 21 March • CCC netball trials 15s 29 March and 0pens 30 March • SMC Cross Country 1 April • CCC open basketball trials 4 April.
HSC success has continued at St Mary’s with 126 Band 6 results, three students placed on the HSC All-Rounders Achievement list and the majority of courses scoring above the State mean. The college celebrated the achievement of the HSC class of 2010 at the HSC Awards assembly on Wednesday morning. Congratulations to Rachael Zuzek who has been awarded the Dux of her year. All students should be proud of their achievements - 82% of our results were Band 4 or greater. Highlights of the HSC results have been included in an insert. The 2010 School Certificate results were also outstanding. All subjects scored well above the State mean and the number of students who scored Bands 5 and 6 was pleasing. In summary: • In English Literacy, 16 students scored a Band 6 and 59% scored a Band 5 or 6. • In Mathematics, 20 students scored a Band 6 and 36% scored a Band 5 or 6. • In Science, 35 students scored a Band 6 and 63% scored a Band 5 or 6. • In History, 26 students scored a Band 6 and 35% scored a Band 5 or 6. • In Geography, 23 students scored a Band 6 and 48% scored a Band 5 or 6. • 80% of students scored Highly Competent in the Computing Skills exam, the remaining students scored Competent. A special mention to Sophie Boss who scored 100% in the Australian Geography, Civics & Citizenship exam, and to Shannon Chan, Jessica Grozdanov and Siobhan O’Brien who each gained a Band 6 in all the School Certificate examinations. The success achieved by our students is a result of dedication, hard work and commitment. I wish every student success this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the college. Gerry Sozio, Dean of Studies
St Mary’s is held in high regard throughout the region and in Sydney. I feel honored to be given the opportunity to join the college. My connection with the Good Samaritan Sisters is a long one. Previous to this I was a member of staff at Mount St Benedict College, Pennant Hills, and also a student there a number of years ago. The Sisters of the Good Samaritan have also been closely linked to my family through many generations. Last year I had the opportunity to spend some time in Railaco, East Timor, with Sr Rita Hayes (former SMC Principal). I am pleased that I can continue my connection with the Good Sams and further develop my own understanding of the Benedictine tradition, and to assist our students in this also. Throughout the year I will be working closely with the Year and Community Coordinators to support the students. I strongly encourage you, as parents, to develop and maintain an open line of communication with us so that we can work together to provide the best for your daughters. Please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime if you need my assistance: emma.magill@stmarys.nsw.edu.au. Emma Magill, Dean of Pastoral Care
From the Director of Mission My name is Joanne Hack and I have worked in Catholic education for nearly 25 years. In this time I have mostly taught young women in a variety of systemic and congregational secondary schools. I have had the opportunity to teach Mathematics and Religious Education in a variety of settings and have led the Religious Education and faith life of four Catholic school communities. I have a passion for working with young people in school settings to explore and develop their relationship with God and to reflect on what brings meaning and purpose to their lives. I look forward to working with the students, parents and staff of St Mary’s to support and further develop the rich spiritual and religious life that exists at the college. Joanne Hack, Director of Mission
Fundraising at the Wiggles concert
Early Term 2 events include Diocesan touch at Nowra on 27 April, and CCC regional basketball on 29 April. CCC swimming is 2 May, CCC volleyball is 3 May, Diocesan cross country is 4 May and the SMC athletics carnival is 6 May. Please contact me for information about sporting opportunities. Belinda Sparks, Sports Coordinator
Maths news Mathematics Challenge and Mathematics Enrichment Competitions: This year, our Gifted and Talented teacher, Dr Jola KustersSztaba, is coordinating these competitions which are are targeted at students with a high aptitude in mathematics - they are an excellent opportunity for students to develop their problem solving skills. While students will be required to complete the questions themselves, they will also be offered general problem-solving support at a weekly lunchtime workshop. Permission notes will be available at the student office over the next week, with registrations due on Friday 18 February. Peer tutoring: An invitation is extended to students of Years 9-12 who may be interested in helping younger students by being a peer tutor. If you are interested in participating in this program, either as a tutor or as a student to be tutored, could you please let your Maths teachers know by next Wednesday, 16 February. Students involved meet once a week at lunchtime. A Maths Workshop is available to students needing help with mathematical concepts at any time of the year. Students are able to acquire extra tuition from Maths teachers who are available in Room E110 at 1pm every Monday. Jenny Bell, Maths Coordinator
Year 12 parents: Please be advised that the date for the Year 12 Graduation Mass will be Tuesday 20 September, 10.30am at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre. Our apologies for this change to the 2011 calendar.
Dragon Boat Challenge
St Mary’s swimming carnival
St Vincent de Paul fundraising
Are you interested in being in a school dragon boat team at the Shell Cove Shellharbour City Festival of Sports on Saturday 6 March? This is being held at the Skiway Park, The Esplanande, Oak Flats. We will combine with Edmund Rice to make two teams of 20 paddlers. The cost is only $3 each which covers your insurance. There will be a training session in the morning and races start after this. There will also be a training session with the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club on Saturday 26 February at 9.30am at the Illawarra Rowing Club, Northcliff Drive, Warrawong for the extra keen. If you are interested, please see me. Sue Martin
This year’s swimming carnival will be held at Corrimal Pool on Friday 25 February. The carnival program has been modified to reflect new restrictions and guidelines from Wollongong Council and the NSW Dept of Education. While we hope to maintain the inter-house spirit and positive atmosphere, we will not have the entire school attending this year’s carnival. Wollongong Council has banned all novelty events from school carnivals so we can no longer cater for noncompetitive swimmers. Consequently, the only students attending the carnival will be those in Years 7 and 8, along with competitors only in all other years. Noncompetitors in Years 9-12 will attend usual classes at the college. There will be an alternative sport program held at the college and nearby venues for these Year 9 and 10 students in Periods 5 and 6.
On 16 December, nine Year 12 students (Kayla Lee, Bronte Lancaster, Maree Nikitaras, Christie Mangos, Lily Goderie, Maddie Lau, Cristina O’Gorman, Matilda Davison and Emma Scapin) gave up time in the holidays to attend the Wiggles concert to raise money for St Vincent De Paul. Overall we raised $407.65. Emma Scapin, SVDP President
Lions Youth of the Year Quest
Girls in Years 9-12 wishing to enter competitive races must pre enter events prior to the carnival as notified in the daily bulletin. Swimmers must enter a minimum of three races. They will collect a permission note which must be signed by a parent/carer and returned to the college before Monday 14 February.
In November 2010, three Year 11 students competed at the club level of the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Our school has been sponsored for this competition by the Lioness Club of Wollongong Heights for over 20 years. This year our representatives were Madeleine Diggins, Olivia Todhunter and Annalise Farrugia. All the contestants spoke very well. Annalise Farrugia was declared the speech and overall winner. We congratulate her and wish her well for the next level of competition (Illawarra region) in February. Congratulations also to Madeleine and Olivia for their commitment. All three girls represented the college well. Thank you to Mr Pitt and Mrs Todhunter for their support and Mrs Morris and Mrs Pulford for preparing the girls. Liz Davis
Welcome back from the P&F The P&F wish the St Mary’s community and our new Year 7 students and their families a great new school year. The P&F have a huge year ahead, beginning with the AGM, and our first of four general meetings, on Wednesday 23 February in the Polding Learning Centre (PLC). We invite all parents to come along and discuss issues and topics pertinent to the new school year. Year 8 parent volunteers needed: Each year the P&F host a welcome BBQ for the new Year 7 cohort and therefore we are looking for Year 8 parent volunteers to help out at the this year’s BBQ. Please email or call Megan Waud if you can help. HSC results: The P&F congratulate our 2010 Year 12 HSC students on their fabulous results. We are very proud you. Helen Bow & Maggie Henderson
St Vincent de Paul volunteers at the Wiggles concert
Swimmers and students in Years 7-8 can make their own way to and from the pool, or by bus which will be provided from the college to and from the pool to link in with the regular school buses. Students should wear House colours to the carnival. Swimmers must not wear face paint, coloured hair spray or glitter in the pool. Parents are invited to assist as timers. If you are willing to help, please email your name, your daughter’s name and Tutor Group, and your contact details, to Belinda.Sparks@stmarys.nsw.edu.au. Any help would be very much appreciated. Belinda Sparks, Sports Coordinator
Mr Pitt, Mrs Davis and Mrs Todhunter with Annalise Farrugia, Madeleine Diggins and Olivia Todhunter at Youth of the Year
Vocational Education and Training This year the VET Department has two new and exciting courses commencing. VET Entertainment is being delivered by our talented music and production teacher Ms Thrift. We welcome her to our department. The other course is the early commencement of Stage 6 Hospitality. This HSC course is undertaken in Year 10 and concludes at the end of Year 11. We are the first school in the Wollongong Diocese to offer this. If you are in Year 10 this year and would like more information about this course there will be an information evening held shortly. Year 12 are attending their last work placements next week. We wish the girls all the best. There will be an RSA and RCG course information session for students wishing to do these courses. Please read the bulletin. Sarah Heathcote, VET Coordinator
Australia Day nominees Nikolina Vicoroski, Nguyen Thao Hoang and Charlotte Baker with Mrs Davis (see over page)
15 Feb 15 Feb 23 Feb 25 Feb 13 Mar
Opening Mass 9l.30am in SGN Hall Years 10 & 11 parent info night 7pm in SGN Hall P&F AGM 7pm in Polding Learning Centre Swimming carnival at Corrimal pool Year 7 P&F welcome BBQ 4pm in BBQ area
For student enquiries and notifications, please ring Student Office direct: 4226 3959
Australia Day 2011 celebration
Kulilla corner
On 20 January, I attended the Australia Day function organised by Wollongong City Council where citizens are recognised for their outstanding voluntary service to the community. In the Young Citizen category, we nominated three very worthy Year 12 2010 students: Charlotte Baker was recognised for her involvement with the Scout organisation, Salvation Army, Rise & Shine clean ups and the Refugee Picnic Day. Nguyen Thao Hoang was an involved member of our St Vincent de Paul Society and the Art for Action Club, and is committed to her Vietnamese community, especially as leader of a Youth Group. Nikolina Vicoroski had extensive involvement in St Vincent de Paul at the college, and supported Zonta Club, the KidsWish concert and doorknocked for the Salvation Army.
Tips for positive online social networking Source: Australian Psychological Society www.psychology.org.au
Although the girls did not win an award we congratulate them. They were all very worthy nominees. Liz Davis
• Protect yourself by limiting the people who have access to your profile and talking to someone if you are worried about being bullied by anyone online. • Be respectful of others by considering the impact on others of photos you post, and information and comments you share. • Don’t be a bully by thinking carefully before you post comments and never posting hurtful or offensive comments. • Be aware of security options by being aware of options that you have to keep your personal information secure. • Be aware of the information that you post by never posting your address, phone numbers or personal information that you would usually only share with close friends. Information that you post online can stay there permanently. • Have a process for screening people who request to be your friend by considering how well you know them and why they might want to be your friend. You don’t have to accept every friend request. • Be in control of your online interactions by stopping communication or blocking people from accessing your profile if you are experiencing any negative interactions with them. You can use social networks to make new connections with friends and to share positive news, comments and photos. Simonne Santangelo, Psychologist
Sydney CSDA debating success in 2010 Last November Grace Andrew, Victoria Somerville, Kristen Martinoski, Elizabeth O’Keefe, Josie Bosker, Kit O’George (junior team) and Olivia Todhunter, Kayla Steele and Tara Hennessy (senior team) (photo above) became Regional Debating Champions and State finalists at the Catholic Schools Debating Association finals at St Ignatious College, Riverview. As Regional Champions we needed to stay on and compete in the State Finals. Both teams were up against very good debating teams. Both debates were very close and our teams performed very well. Sadly we lost both debates, but debating our way into the State finals was a huge achievement! We thank our coaches, Mrs Dwyer, Mr Selby and Mrs Halcrow for training and supporting our teams, especially Mr Selby for driving us to and from the State finals. Debating in 2010 was a lot of fun and we would like to encourage anyone interested in debating to ask their English teacher for details. Grace Andrew, Year 8
Notices... Edmund Rice College invites you to a talk by Maggie Hamilton on boys’ education: Thursday 24 February, Edmund Rice College Br FR Pelin Hall, Mt Keira Road, West Wollongong at 7.30pm. Maggie’s books include What Men Don’t Talk About and Why and What’s Happening to our Boys? She uncovers the issues that boys struggle with, and how best they can be supported. For bookings ring 4228 4344 or email toneill@edmundricecollege.nsw.edu.au. Want to be a cheerleader? Air Born Cheerleading is now taking enrolments for 2011. Classes in Cheer, Group Stunt, Jazz, Pom and Hip Hop. Email airborn@live. com.au or ring 0405 505 317. Worldwide Marriage Encounter: A weekend for married couples - an opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries and refocus on each other! 25-27 March at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville. Bookings: 4283 3435 or email wsharpe@ bigpond.net.au. www.wwme.org.au. Balgownie Junior Football Club registration: 12 and 19 Feb, 10am-2pm, 16 Feb 5-8pm. For information: www.balgowniejuniors.com.au. Wests Netball Club registration: 12 Feb 103pm, Berkeley Indoor Netball Stadium Ages 8 years and up. Enquiries to westsnetball@hotmail.com or information on website www.westsnetball.netball.asn.au. Woonona Netball registration: 16 Feb 3.305.30pm and 19 Feb 2.30-4.30pm at Woonona East Public School. Cost $110 juniors, $130 intermediate and $140 seniors. Keys2drive is set to change how novice driver training is delivered. A keys2drive lesson is free - the Australian Govt is funding a total of 200,000 lessons; delivered by a professional instructor; gets the Learner’s supervising driver (most often mum or dad) involved, teaching them the safest way to coach their Learner; and has the support of our driver training industry. If you already have your Ls or are planning to get them, or if you’re a parent and will be supervising a Learner driver, book now to avoid disappointment. Log on to www.keys2drive. com.au to register and book your free lesson.
Parents, for your information ... You can only apply for one rail pass or one bus pass. If you decide to have a rail pass then your daughter must pay for the connecting bus from the rail to the school, and vice versa.
Locked Bag 42 - Wollongong NSW 2500 - Phone 02 4228 6011 - Fax 02 4229 8555 - www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au