Newsletter - T3W10 - 23/9/22

From the Principal

We find ourselves at the end of another School Term and also the point at which we farewell our Senior Class of 2022. I don’t think that it matters how long you have been teaching – it is never easy to say ‘goodbye’ to a group of students who have contributed so much to the life of a School in what has been, at six years in most cases, one third of their lifespan. It was the first time since 2019 that we have been able to celebrate our graduation in the traditional way. I thank all of our students who participated in the Graduation Mass and Awards ceremony  for the respect shown during this time. It ias a time where we are all very proud of our school and its accomplishments. We wish our Senior students (including our Year 11 ‘Compressed’ students) all the very best for their upcoming HSC examinations.

At this point I would like to pay particular recognition to our outgoing Student Leadership Team, especially Jordyn Aleckson, Nic Griffin, Elizabeth Robinson, Josh Macdonald, Brayden Gumbleton, Sophie-Rose Hastie, Sam Coggan and Chelsea Robertson. Our Seniors of 2023 have certainly been left big shoes to fill.

I would like to remind parents about the necessity of ordering uniforms for 2023. While we endeavour to carry a range of stock in multiple sizes, bulk purchases at this time of year often means that supplies are depleted more rapidly than would otherwise be the case. I would also like parents to note that as ‘Compressed Curriculum’ comes online from Monday, 14 November, when our entire College timetable rolls into 2023 classes, our ‘new’ Year 11 students (current Year 10) will have the OPTION of wearing the Senior uniform from this date. Wearing this Senior uniform will only become compulsory for this group of students from January, 2023. 

A reminder that Term 4 commences on Tuesday, 11 October which will be a Day 2 on the Timetable. Monday, 10 October is a Student Free Day and staff will be undertaking professional development at this time. Other Term 4 dates to note are: Monday, 7 November and Tuesday, 8 November – Student Free Days. Staff will be finalising 2022 marking and reporting and preparing for the 2023 academic year which commences on Monday, 14 November. Our ‘Transition Week’ activities will be held over three days for students in Years 7-9: Wednesday, 9 November to Friday, 11 November. The final day for students is Friday, 16 December. 

Finally, I wish all members of the St Mary’s community a relaxing holiday break, spent in the fine company of family and friends. I look forward to seeing you all refreshed at the beginning of next term. Thank you, again, for your ongoing support.

Tracy Robinson
Principal

Upcoming Dates

Week 1
Wednesday, 12 October - HSC Exams commence
Friday, 14 October - Diocesan Volleyball, Coffs Harbour

Week 2
Thursday, 20 October - Year 8 Catch The Wave Day
Thursday, 20 October - Lismore Show Steer Competition

Parish Mass Times

Weekend Mass
5.00pm (Sat) & 8.00am (Sun)

Mass ONLINE

Weekdays
Monday 9.00am 
Tuesday  8.00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday  9.00am
Friday  9.00am
Saturday  9.00am

Adoration
Follows 9.00am Mass

Reconciliation
Saturday 8.30am-9.00 am

Country Mass
25 September - Mallanganee 10:30am

Masks are recommended in the Church

From the Assistant Principal - Mission

This week we celebrated our year 12 students as they graduate from the College and move on to their amazing future. In the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus say “I send you” (John 20:20). This is our hope for our fantastic leaders, that they are sent into the world to be people of peace who demonstrate respect, are responsible and ready for our emerging world. 

I truly wish our Year 12 leaders a lifetime of joy, happiness and hope as they embark on their life journey.

Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission

From the Leader of Pedagogy

R U OK? Day at SMCC
On Friday, 9 September, the College Community acknowledged RUOK? DAY to raise awareness about mental health, and to promote healthy conversations to check in on each other. Students and Staff wore mufti, with a focus on wearing yellow. Breakfast Club ensured everyone started off the day well, with a cheese toastie and the chance to sit down with the SRC and get a conversation started. 

This was followed up with a morning assembly hosted by the SRC. Our College Captain, Nic Griffin, spoke to the whole community about how a conversation can change a life. He used a really significant line from UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett that has stuck with us:

“I'd rather have my mate cry on my shoulder than be at his funeral next week”. 

Nic encouraged all students and teachers, affected with mental health issues or not, that it is our responsibility as mates, as brothers and sisters and as a community that we unite and start the conversation that may change a life. I recommend that you take the time to watch the video of Nic’s speech.

At lunch, students wrote affirmations and united as a community in a couple of games of our new College Sport - Cornhole! Thanks to Mr Kennedy for his hot cornhole coaching tips. Thanks also to all those students and staff who stopped to take time to ask “Are you OK?”.

Dana Barnsley
Leader of Pedagogy

From the Leader of Library and Resources

Holiday Reading
As we get closer to the end of the year, I thought I’d highlight some of the new features on SORA that may provide access to a huge range of books and magazines. We are very lucky to have access to this resource. On the explore page, you will find each Collection with samples of books available.

Collections here include; The 2022 CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) Notables have available for loan shortlisted books from this year’s Book Week. All are highly recommended. Continue scrolling to view samples of available ebooks and audiobooks in each collection including; comics, magazines, wellbeing etc.

One of the easiest ways to search for books is via the Collections link on the Explore page. Here you can go straight to your preferred collection and view all books available. 

One collection I do love is ‘Diversity and Inclusion. Books in this collection tell stories and provide insight into people of many places and backgrounds. Reading such books helps broaden perspectives and allows us to see the world through another lens. One book in the collection is the story of Nick Vujiic, born without limbs, but travels the world sharing how he overcame his own challenges to path the way to what he describes as his ‘ridiculously good life’. 

I hope students will find something here amongst the 18,000 books available that they will enjoy.

Bev Champion
Leader of Library and Resources

From the Leader of Learning - Inclusion & Diversity

NDIS are hosting eight virtual Information sessions on Pathways to Post School Life in Term Four starting from 18 October 2022.  

These sessions are focused on building skills and paving a pathway to post school life. A range of NDIS-funded supports and available assistance to help young people build skills to prepare for their transition, will be discussed.

To meet the varying needs of students and families NDIS are offering a range of different session times. Please see the below flyer for dates and times. Each session will go for 1 hour and a resource information pack will be sent after the session.

Who should attend?
Students with a disability in Years 10-12, their parents, carers, and others who support young people.

Click on the link to register:  NSW and ACT Pathways to Post School Life Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the College.

Kelly Scurr
Leader of Learning - Inclusion & Diversity

From the Sports Coordinator - External

Four students from SMCC travelled to Sydney to compete in the 2022 NSWCCC Athletics Championships on Monday 12 September. A first time event for each of these students.

Zubaida Soliman: 14yrs Javelin – 4th with a throw of 27.57m (just outside of 3rd)
Angel Codrington: 15yrs High Jump – 6th and Long Jump – 10th  
Spencer Darragh: 13yrs Discus – 6th 
Angus Lawler: 15yrs 200m - 12th and 100m – DQ at the start

This will be my last report as Sports Coordinator - External at St Mary’s Catholic College. It has been a huge pleasure to be part of a very positive group of teachers and students here at the St Mary's. Over my short time here the students have represented the College at a very high standard – in both ability and behaviour. I thank you all of for the enjoyment that you have given me.

Mike Ryan
Sports Coordinator - External

From the Leader of School Evangelisation

Primary School Visits
Over the course of the year, St Mary’s Catholic College has been in close contact with St Mary’s Primary. The Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs), Hannah Winkler and Jacob Franey,  have been visiting SMP twice a week for the most part of this term. This often involves them having a youthful and energetic presence amongst the kids, as well as working with the kindergarten classes. They will help with craft activities, play games and help the teachers to engage with the class. They have also assisted the primary school in the facilitation of Retreat days, which have taken place over the year. This involves running games, prayer activities and crafts. 

Not only have the YMOs been present in the SMP community, but they have also been allocated to weekly visits in respective primary schools around the area. 

Jacob has been allocated to St Joseph’s Primary in Coraki, whilst Hannah has been allocated to St Brigid’s Primary in Kyogle.

Year 8 Catch the Wave Day
The annual Year 8 Catch the Wave day will be held early next term on Thursday, 20 October. We are extremely fortunate to have the diocesan band ‘Wildfire’ facilitating this day. The students will be able to experience praise and worship with the extremely talented musicians. An information note will be sent home to parents during week 1 of Term 4.

Graduation Mass
This week we farewelled our graduating class of 2022. It was a momentous occasion filled with emotion. We sincerely thank Fr. Peter Slack for blessing our graduating class of 2022 and placing them under the protection of God as they move onto the next chapter in their lives.

Mahaila Day
Leader of School Evangelisation

Canteen

Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the Canteen. Please contact the Canteen via the College office if you are available at any time to help.

Flexischools
Flexischools is a well-established organisation allowing you to easily place all your canteen orders online at any time.

Download the Flexischools app from the App store or Google Play. Click here for details on how to set up your account. 

Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately.

Please note that sushi orders will need to be placed before Tuesday afternoon at 1pm as Sushi will only be available for Wednesday orders.

There is a charge of $0.29 per order for using this service.

If you have any questions, please contact the Flexischools Customer Service Team via their website contact page.

The normal process of ordering from the canteen (cash, eftpos, morning lunch orders) is still available.

Uniform Shop

2023 Year 7 Students
The Uniform Shop is now accepting orders for Year 7 students, 2023.
Orders can be placed online via Flexischools or in person at the College Uniform Shop.
We would encourage parents to place orders/layby uniforms, especially for those students who may require special orders, as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.
Please note that while we are able to exchange uniforms (ie change of size), the item must be unused, and in its original condition and packaging. Please retain your original tax invoice and/or receipts for proof of purchase. 

2023 Senior Students
All students that are going into Year 11 when the new academic year commences in Week 6 of Term 4 are advised to start looking at purchasing their senior uniforms in the coming weeks.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays         3.15pm to 5.00pm
Thursdays        2.00pm to 5.00pm

Payments of cash, cheque or EFTPOS are welcome.

Orders can also be placed via the Flexischools service. No fees are charged to families for using this service.

Please note the following information for orders made via this service:

Tuesday Orders
- Cut off time is 12noon on Monday
- Pick up available from the College office on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm - 5.00pm

Thursday Orders
- Cut off time is 12noon on Wednesday 
- Pick up available from the College office on Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm - 5.00pm.

Orders not collected will be given to the student the following day to take home.

Whilst all care will be taken to ensure that stock availability is correct at the time of ordering, there may be some items that are not in stock at the time of packing the online orders. In this case, you will be contacted to advise of an estimated time of arrival for new stock of that item or given the option of a refund processed through Flexischools.

All uniform shop order enquiries can be emailed to: cash-uniform@lism.catholic.edu.au

Second Hand Uniforms
Sustainable School Shop is an online shop dedicated to buying and selling of second hand uniforms. For more information ring 1300683337 or visit www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au.

 Please note that this facility is available for use with the new College uniforms only.

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