Newsletter 1 2012 - 9 February
The top ATAR was awarded to Ellen Marning, with a score of 98.90, and we had 26 girls achieve an ATAR of 90 or greater.
Dear parents, Welcome back to the 2012 school year. I extend a special welcome to our many new students and, in particular, the 205 girls who have joined us in Year 7. It has been a very exciting beginning as we have commenced casting for the 2012 production of Godspell, we are currently organising the swimming carnival and are in the process of distributing student laptops. We have welcomed a number of new staff who have joined us this year, and are thinking of the staff who are beginning at new schools in 2012. I am sure 2012 will be another successful year for the college and one which will bring great blessings to all members of our community. The Year 12 class of 2011 is still celebrating their HSC successes as they prepare to take up new challenges. The vast majority of our students have accepted university places and will commence in coming weeks; we have a number of girls taking an overseas gap year; some are following their passion at TAFE; and others are taking up positions in the workforce.
St Mary’s College welcomes a number of new teachers this year as a result of both increasing student numbers and the movement of staff into promotions positions. This year we welcome Mr Jason Shoebridge to our Maths Department, Mr Chris Berry and Ms Ching-Wen Hsu to our Science Department, Ms Kelly Maitland, Ms Vicki Kennedy and Ms Martina Visaggio to HSIE, Mrs Christine Rutherford to the PLC as our new librarian, Ms Donna Kenshole to our Creative Arts Department, Mrs Luisa Tiberio to Languages, Ms Sarah Rice to our TAS Department and Mr Mathew McKenzie to our ICT team. We warmly welcome all new staff and hope that their time at St Mary’s is both professionally enriching and personally satisfying. I wish each of you a belated Happy New Year and I look forward to meeting and working with you as we to continue to provide the best education possible. Best wishes for a happy and peace-filled beginning to the new school year. Yours sincerely, Frank Pitt, Principal
14 Feb
Year 11 info evening 6.30pm
16 Feb
Commencement Mass 9.30am
22 Feb
HSC Awards assembly 12pm
23 Feb
Swimming carnival at University: competitors and Year 7 students
29 Feb- Year 12 retreat & Year 7 camp 2 Mar 7 Mar
Open day tours from 9am
13 Mar Years 7 & 10 immunisations For student enquiries and notifications, please ring Student Office on 4226 3969
DISTRIBUTION OF OUR NEWSLETTERS Dear parents, We have trialled using email to circulate our newsletters for some time, and this has proven to be quite successful. This year we have made a decision to email the newsletter, in PDF format, to all families using our student record database. This means that all those who have nominated an email addess for our student records will receive an email. All students will receive an electronic version via their school email address. For those families who would like a printed copy, these will be available from our Student Office every 2nd Friday for collection.
The students achieved very pleasing results in their HSC and can feel very proud of their efforts. On behalf of the college community I extend our congratulations and wish the girls a wonderful beginning to life after school. St Mary’s had three girls in the HSC All Round Achievers list, with Georgia Fisher, Ellen Marning and Emily Richie all achieving a mark of 90 or above in at least 10 units of their subjects. It is a remarkable achievement for three students to be named on this list and the girls can justifiably feel very proud of themselves.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The newsletter is also available from the college website: stmarys@stmarys.nsw. edu.au - click on “community”.
A microscopic beginning to Preliminary Biology
Please take the time to read the newsletter: it always contains important information as well as items for celebration and some fantastic photos of our students.
Love of God · Love of Learning · Hospitality · Stewardship · Peace
OUR WEBSITE The college website has been updated with many new features and information for our community. Navigate your way around and familiarise yourself with where you can access information. Our documents are now available as e-publications so enjoy the “new look”. A new link is available in COMMUNITY and on the HOME page for advertising second-hand uniforms and for their purchase. This is an updated form so if you have advertised before, you will need to readvertise. Marie Pulford BUS AND TRAIN TRAVEL The Government gives students free travel to and from school by the same mode of transport. This means that students travel to and from school by the same bus company, or train and bus to school and bus and train home from school. Students therefore can have only one bus pass, or one bus and train pass. If you wish to deviate from your designated route, the normal fare will need to be paid. For example, dance lessons one day a week would require the fare to be paid for that trip. Bob Cooper
LEARNING AT ST MARY’S
SPORT
Welcome back to the 2012 college year! It has been wonderful seeing so many smiling faces back at school.
Diocesan Hockey selections: Trials to select a Diocesan Under 16 Hockey team will be held on Monday 20 February. If your daughter is an experienced hockey player, she should collect a permission note from Mrs Sparks by Friday 10 February.
A special welcome to our Year 7 students who have commenced high school in a positive manner. They will be involved in engaging learning experiences throughout the year aimed at preparing them for life. Congratulations to our HSC class of 2011. Our students achieved outstanding success and we look forward to celebrating this at the upcoming HSC Awards Assembly on Wednesday 22 February. Attached with this newsletter is a summary of the highlights of the HSC results. As we commence the academic school year, I challenge all students to strive to do their best and work towards developing a true understanding of the concepts that they will be taught. If unsure of work that is covered in the class, I encourage students to seek assistance from their teacher as well as have that inner motivation to “find out”. It’s important for students to think about and reflect on their learning. At the end of a unit, students can reflect on their learning by asking themselves three simple questions: “What did I find easy?”, “What did I find hard?” and “What am I going to do about it?”. Teachers regularly provide feedback to students in a variety of ways. It is just as important for students to provide feedback to teachers about their learning. It is through this two-way process that students will be best equipped to narrow the gap between what they understand and what they are required to understand. I will be speaking to all year groups throughout the year about the importance of feedback. I look forward to what is shaping up to be an exciting year of learning for our students and I remind parents and students that my door is always open if you require any advice or assistance.
Year 7 students: their first day at St Mary’s
Gerry Sozio, Dean of Studies
FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN A SUCCESS! In August of last year, a fundraiser concert was held in our SGN hall. Ilir Merxhushi and Yuu Yamanaka brought a variety of works for cello and piano while the audience could enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch. Many students and staff attended and enjoyed some beautiful music and food. The concert and luncheon was specifically organised to raise funds for a preschool in northern Japan, which was damaged by the earthquake. I am happy to report that the school has now been rebuilt, and that the local children are once more at school. I would like to thank all staff and students for their generous contributions, and
NSW CCC Triathlon entries: Individuals wishing to enter the NSW CCC and All Schools Triathlon in Penrith on Wednesday 7 March must download an entry form on the CCC Sport website. Entries and payment will be made on the net. Go to www.csss.nsw. edu.au<http://www.csss.nsw.edu.au. Further information on team entries will be advertised in the Daily Bulletin and on the college sports notice board. Swimming carnival: Our carnival will be held on Thursday 23 February at Wollongong University Aquatic Centre. Permission notes will be distributed to all students in Year 7. Students in Years 8-12 wishing to enter a minimum of two events must collect a permission note from Student Office and return it before Tuesday 14 February. Parents are welcome to attend and may volunteer to assist with carnival duties such as timing events. Further information regarding transport and the carnival events will be included with the permission note. Students in Year 7 will have the opportunity to enter competitive or participant races to earn points for their House. Students in other year groups will enter competitive races only. Girls who win or are placed in some events will be selected for the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 14 March. Age champions will be announced at the following college assembly. Good luck to all our swimmers. Diocesan Football: Selection trials will be conducted at lunch times to select five teams to attend the Diocesan Football Carnival in Nowra on Wednesday 29 February. Girls will be notified via the Daily Bulletin of trial and training dates. Players must wear sport shoes and shin guards. Netball and Basketball trials are also being conducted to select teams for Years 7-8. Girls must get changed into their PE uniform promptly to attend trials, then back into their school uniform before returning to classes after lunch. Good luck to all girls attending trials over the next few weeks. Belinda Sparks, Sport Coordinator
CATHOLIC CARE: LIFE PROGRAM
would like to thank in particular the students of the Interact Club who helped organise the event. It is wonderful to see the results of all our hard work. Peter Wouters, Performance Coordinator
A therapeutic group for men and women experiencing anxiety and/or depression: learn about what keeps anxiety and depression going and how to reverse the cycle. Explore thoughts and feelings in a safe and friendly environment. Five Friday mornings, 10am-12.30pm: 3, 10, 17, and 24 February, and 2 March. Venue: CatholicCare at 25-27 Auburn St Wollongong. Cost: $20 per session. Bookings are essential - phone 4254 9316.
CHANGES TO ATTENDANCE LEGISLATION
IT’S NOT OKAY TO BE AWAY!
Parents please be aware that there have recently been significant changes to the Education Act 1990 in relation to student attendance and absentee notifications. The changes require much more accountability from schols and families regarding absenteeism and the reasons for absences.
Last year it became apparent that a number of our students had their educational progress severely interrupted by absences which were often avoidable. In response to this and changes in legislation, I would like to draw your attention to the importance of regular school attendance.
School attendance is a requirement of parents and guardians and is also supported by the Keeping Them Safe Legislation. Educational neglect is a reportable offence that falls into the area of school attendance.
To reach their potential at school, students need to attend regularly. This means a few days off per year due to genuine illness - not a nine-day fortnight which can accumulate to 25 days absent, or 150 periods absent, which is the equivalent of five weeks a year. Looking at these figures, it is easy to see how it would be difficult for a student to keep up with the work and achieve her best.
The legislation also now requires absence to be explained with seven days. In an effort to support families with this, the College has enabled an SMS reply facility to the existing SMS service. Parents will now be able to reply to the SMS message regarding absences, or notify the college in advance via the dedicated number (see below). SMS ABSENTEE MESSAGING @ SMC If a student is absent, the following SMS will be sent to the parent/guardian: [NAME] was marked absent today. Please reply with full student name, reason and date of absence. If not accurate call 4226 3959. A reply would be appreciated as soon as possible after receipt of this SMS. This SMS will be acceptable in place of a note.
Absences can be minimised by arranging medical appointments after school or in holidays and avoiding other unnecessary appointments. Helping at home, shopping, beauty appointments, getting to Sydney for a concert and visiting relatives may all seem important at the time; however, the longterm impact on your daughter’s education and future is significant. It is disappointing to see parents condoning these types of absence, even if for a partial day, especially for our senior girls. It is hoped that families will take these thoughts into consideration throughout the year. Should you require any support in saying NO to your daughter, please do not hesitate to contact her Year Coordinator or me. Emma Magill, Dean of Pastoral Care
Your reply message must include: • • •
full student name reason date of absence.
If you are aware in advance that your daughter will be absent you can also send an SMS to the dedicated number: 0416 905 335
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS SPORT REGISTRATIONS Southern Suburbs Netball Club: Sat 11 Feb 12pm at Shellharbour Stadium (call 0407 810 372). Tarrawanna Rovers Junior Football Club: Sat 11 Feb 10am-2pm at Tarrawanna Public School (call Gary Zuiderwyk 0412 005 235, John Plunkett 0417 874 246 or Trish Bartlett 0411 157 094). Wests Netball Club: Sat 11 Feb 10am-3pm at Berkeley Indoor Netball Stadium (www. westsnetball.netball.asn.au). Woonona Netball Club: Sat 11 Feb 2-4.30pm at Woonona Bulli RSL (call Jenny 0408 097 463). South Coast Hockey: Under 7s, 9s, 11s & 13s girls and boys Mon 5 Mar 4-6pm at Croome Road Hockey Turf Albion Park (call Faye 0409 787 763 or Kath 0419 899 875).
WOLLONGONG AUSTRALIA DAY On 19 January, Mr Pitt, Mrs Todhunter and I attended the annual 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 two very worthy Year 12 2011 students. Makenzie Russell was recognised for her representation of indigenous youth at her school, and for her contribution to NAIDOC Week. Makenzie was involved in other activities like Wall of Hands, Good Sam’s Day, Knit & Stitch, St Vincent de Paul and Caritas. She was instrumental in organising the Op Shop Ball which raised $1500 for the Indigenous Outback Immersion programme attended annually by Year 11 students. Jenny Maidment has been involved in Surf Lifesaving since 1997. She has helped improve water safety amongst youth, and raised awareness and participated in yearround beach patrols. She also organised blood donations from students to help the sick, worked with disabled surfers during their visits to beaches and helped refugees during their annual picnic day. We are delighted to announce that Makenzie won the award. Congratulations to Makenzie on her success and to both girls for making a significant contribution to the wider community.
NB: this number goes through to an email address and parents wishing to contact the college should continue to call 4226 3959. If you have any further questions regarding the changes, please do not hesitate to contact me. Emma Magill, Dean of Pastoral Care
Mrs Davis, Makenzie Russell, Jenny Maidment, Mrs Todhunter and and Mr Pitt
HSC SUPPORT This year college is able to offer HSC support in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. This is an opportunity for Student our students to gain extra tuition. Attendance Support Mrs Koot will be running workshops Kit in Mathematics and Ms Hsu will be responsible for Chemistry and Biology. The sessions will be run after school as well as selected lessons throughout the day. The afternoon sessions (3.15pm to 4.15pm) are as follows... Maths: Days 3 & 7 in the Senior Study Chemistry & Biology: Days 2 & 8 in Lab 101 If there is sufficient interest the college will consider offering HSC support to students in other subjects.
It is worth noting too that ex-student Victoria Dimise, 2010 winner of this prestigious award, was in attendance to speak about her experiences as a young ambassador for the Wollongong Australia Day Council. St Mary’s again had a visible presence at the event. Liz Davis YOUTH MEMBER FOR KEIRA Congratulation to Year 12 student Rosie Gardiner who has been selected to participate in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament 2012. Rosie wil be one of 110 students who will have the opportunity to speak to the NSW Legislative Assembly about issues that are important to young people.
AMNESTY CLUB
A SPECIAL INVITATION
Hello I’m Azkah your Amnesty President for 2012. I am very passionate about Amnesty and what it stands for. Let’s be a movement of ordinary people working together to achieve extraordinary change. Our focus in Term 1 will be the crisis in Syria. Our meetings are on Tuesdays Day 2 in F305. Come in, have fun and learn something new. You never know, “you may make a difference, to someone less fortunate.” Azkah Khan, Year 11
On 4 February I was blessed to be part of the first profession celebration of Helen Grace Marcelo at the Our Lady of the Nativity church in Lawson. As Helen’s family could not make the journey from the Philippines, a large contingent of Good Samaritan Sisters, along with students from St Pat’s, St Scholastica’s and our own St Mary Star of the Sea, made sure that Helen Grace’s day was very special. Here is some of what our students said:
Amnesty Club enjoyed their first meeting
GODSPELL KICKS OFF Over 100 students auditioned at the end of last year for a principal part in our next big musical, the 1970’s hit Godspell. It is an exciting and dramatic rock musical, based on Jesus and his apostles, and the show originally had a flower power or clownlike approach. We’re bringing it into the 21st century with a steam punk and metal recycling approach to bring contrast and drama to the world that needs the hope and humanity Jesus brings. The music is hugely engaging. You probably remember Day by Day, Prepare Ye and Light of the World. Students shouldn’t worry if they didn’t get a principal part. We could have cast these parts five times over such was the talent, but congratulations to the final group chosen. Chorus and dancers will get opportunities to enjoy their time on stage, so stay or get involved, no auditions necessary. The production is mid-June. All students can be in it if they have the commitment and time - there’s a letter available with dates. Parents and carers will be invited to help in different ways - stay tuned. This is always a marvellous community project that pays off with positive input from students, families and staff. Prepare ye! Stephen Goldrick, Director
“Seeing so many of the Good Samaritan Sisters together, welcoming their beautiful new Sister, Grace, and being able to spend time speaking with them and hearing their stories was very touching. The saying ‘once a St Mary’s girl, always a St Mary’s girl’ rang true with many of the Sisters, as they came up to us and introduced themselves as ‘old St Mary’s girls’. It was an experience I will never forget!” Bridget Haywood
Rosie Gardiner, Lauren Alla, Bridget Haywood and Rachel Hennessy with Sr Helen Grace Marcelo and Sr Rita Fitt
“A once in a lifetime opportunity that I will truly value and remember for many years to come. Being together as a part of the Good Samaritan Order/congregation, we were all in the same place for the same reasons: to experience Sr Grace and the power of God and his works.” Rosie Gardiner “A beautiful day and rare opportunity to embrace the excitement and joy of a new Good Samaritan Sister. The ceremony was lovely, as were all the Good Sam Sisters who were happy to share their own experiences and make the day a worthwhile and special memory for us all!” Lauren Alla “Seeing such a beautiful young woman committing her life to God was such a fantastic experience. The joy with which the Good Sam community came together was so beautiful and made me so proud to be part of a school in their rich history. A day I will remember for a long time to come.” Rachel Hennessy
Lauren, Bridget, Rosie and Rachel took the opportunity to chat with Sr Clare Condon, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan
The students and I would like to thank Sr Rita Fitt for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a special occasion. Norina Todhunter, Maths Coordinator FOR PARENTS: UNDERSTANDING ASIA LITERACY PROJECT Registrations are open to parents to participate on 7, 9 or 12 March, in Sydney, in a program aimed at building parents’ understanding of the importance of learning about Asia and Asian languages to increase career and life opportunities for their children. Information and registration are available at: http://www.pual. org.au/. CANTARES: A new vocal ensemble in Wollongong for 14-40 year olds with ablity to read music - repetoire includes Madrigals, Classical and Modern - enquiries to Bethany 0402 983 135.
16 Harbour Street Wollongong - Locked Bag 42 Wollongong NSW 2500 Phone (02) 4228 6011 Fax (02) 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au