Newsletter - T1 W11 - 12/4/24
From the Principal
Catholic Education Week
On Monday, 8 April 2024, a group of students and staff represented St Mary’s in Lismore to participate in a Mass to celebrate Catholic Education Week. Below is an extract from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools website.
“Catholic Education Week is a time to celebrate our shared faith, educational excellence and the importance of every student. Catholic schools offer an educational foundation for enabling the fullness of life through development of each student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, moral and emotional growth.
Catholic schools respond to and serve the needs of parents who seek a Catholic education for their children. Catholic schools contribute to the Church’s mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Mercy Centre Official Opening
On Tuesday, 2 April 2024 we were delighted to welcome a host of dignitaries including:
- Bishop Gregory Homeming OCD
- Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change & Energy, Senator for NSW
- Honorary Kevin Hogan MP, Federal member for Page
- Richard Williamson MP, State member for Clarence
- Robert Mustow, Richmond Valley Council Mayor
- Adam Spencer, CEO Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
- Honorary John Hannaford AM, Chair Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
- Honorary Thomas George, former State member of parliament
- Parish representatives
To officially open the Mercy Centre, below is an extract from the Principals’ address:
“In 2019, we embarked on ambitious plans to refurbish this building. Little did we know the trials and tribulations that lay ahead for the world, our region and our school community. The Mercy Centre is more than just a building; it is a testament to our perseverance, our resilience, and our unwavering dedication to the future of our children.
We are deeply grateful to those whose support has turned our vision into reality. Firstly, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian Government's Capital Grants Program for their invaluable contribution. Their investment in education infrastructure has significantly enhanced our students' learning environment and secured a brighter future for generations to come.
Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools for their unwavering partnership and commitment to this project and to our shared mission of enabling our students to experience the fullness of life.
The design of the Mercy Centre was evidence based with contemporary pedagogies front and centre. This building represents a centre of excellence with high expectations that fosters faith, learning and wellbeing outcomes. It highlights that students at St Mary’s are cared for, respected and valued.”
Open Evening
On Monday, 8 April 2024 the College hosted its annual Open Evening. The evening gave us an opportunity to showcase our community and all the wonderful faith, education, and well-being outcomes that are provided to enable students to receive the ‘fullness of life”.
It was a very successful evening and our numbers for 2025 are looking strong. I am very excited at the prospect of welcoming our new students and families to the College in 2025.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day falls on the second Thursday of the school holidays this year. I would like a strong representation from our community. Please encourage your child to join us at the March.
Date: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Uniform: Formal Uniform - Including College hat
Dawn Service: 5.30am - Mafeking Lamp
Assemble for March: 9.50am - Graham Place (next to the Council Chambers)
March Commences: 10.15am
Have a great week
Michael Campbell
Principal
From the College Business Manager
School Fees
Thank you to the families that have paid their Term 1 School Fees. The Term 1 due date for school fees was Saturday, 30 March 2024 unless regular payments are being made or an arrangement is in place. The due date for families making regular payments is Thursday, 12 December 2024.
Timing of School Fees
- Tuition fees are billed over four terms for students in Years 7-11 and students in Year 12 will be billed over three terms.
- Levies and Electives will all be billed in Term 1
- At the end of each month, the Catholic Schools Office will email a School Fee Statement to fee payers. Fees can also be viewed in the Compass portal
Camps will be billed in advance and will have separate due dates for fees.
Please click here for a full Schedule of School Fees for 2024 which includes due dates and methods of payment. Bpay is our preferred method of payment as it is the most cost-effective for the College. The Bpay biller code and your unique reference number are at the bottom of the School Fee Statement. The schedule may assist families with budgeting for the remainder of the year or if they wish to calculate the annualised cost of tuition fees for the whole year. We are unable to generate a statement for the whole year but payments in advance may be made via the usual methods of payment.
Camp Kokoda Payments
The Year 9 2023 Camp Kokoda excursion was added to school fee accounts for Year 9 students this Term. A reminder that payment is due by Friday, 5 July 2024. Thank you to the families who have already paid or are making regular payments.
The College is required to confirm student numbers and make an advanced payment to Camp Kokoda six weeks prior to the camp i.e. Wednesday, 17 July 2024. The camp is compulsory for all Year 9 students however if your child has a valid reason for not attending this camp, an application must be made to the Principal in writing and approved prior to Friday, 5 July 2024. If the Principal deems the reason valid then a full credit for the camp costs will be applied to the debtor account. Please note this is a non-refundable event.
No student is to miss out on this opportunity. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the College Business Manager as soon as possible to make alternate payment arrangements.
Leanne Cummins
College Business Manager
Upcoming Dates
Week 1
Monday 29/4/24 - First Day of Term 2 (Day 1)
Monday 29/4/24 - ANZAC Remembrance
Tuesday 30/4/24 - Stage 6 Exams Commence
Wednesday 1/5/24 - Year 7, 2025 Enrolment Applications Due
Thursday 2/5/24 - NRCC Rugby League Challenge - Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino
Week 2
Wednesday 8/5/24 - Open Boys Rugby League, CCC Cup - Woodlawn
Thursday 9/5/24 - North Coast Barista Competition
Thursday 9/5/24 - Year 10 Charge your Engines - Earth Centre
Thursday 9/5/24 - Year 9 Geography Excursion - Byron Bay
Parish Mass Times
Weekend Mass
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 8.00am
Weekdays
Monday 9.00am
Tuesday 8.00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday 9.00 am
Friday 9.00 am
Saturday 9.00am
Adoration
Wednesday 5.00pm
Following 9.00 am Mass Saturday
Reconciliation
Saturday 8.30am - 9.00am
First Saturday of each month - Anointing of the sick
Country Mass
Sunday 14/4/24 - 10.30am Bonalbo
Mission Team
Thank you for the wonderful fortnight we have had to finish off a busy term!.
The Opening of the Mercy Centre
Last week we were celebrating the opening of the Mercy Centre. Some of these images can be found on the College facebook page. It is fantastic to have such wonderful facilities here at College for our students to use daily.
General Uniform
Students are asked to take responsibility for their College uniform, which needs to be worn with pride. There are no excuses for poor uniform choices (e.g. incorrect shoes, piercings, jewelry etc.). Please reinforce the College uniform expectations with your son/daughter over the holidays.
General Manners
At SMCC, students are asked to show gratitude in their classes by thanking the teacher at the conclusion of each lesson. Saying thank you costs nothing, and when expressed with an attitude of gratitude means so much to the recipient. At St Mary’s, we pride ourselves on how welcoming and hospitable students are with each other and our staff.
I wish every member of our community a wonderful holiday period and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, 29 April 2024.
Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission
LEAD Conference
In Week 8, 20 senior students from the College went to the LEAD Conference in Grafton. This event was a great opportunity for our students to grow into the leaders they strive to be. There were a number of keynote speakers who provided personal insights on their faith journey as well as small and large group activities across the two days. We look forward to seeing how they implement their learnings into the College over the year.
Transitus
This week, 7 Year 7 students from the College attended the Transitus Retreat in Lennox Head. This retreat gave students the opportunity to celebrate and nurture their faith while moving into secondary school. Students participated in both small and large group activities over the two-day retreat. We look forward to these students sharing their experiences with others in Year 7.
Catholic Education Week
A group of Year 10 students traveled to Lismore on Monday, 8 April 2024 to be a part of the Catholic Education Week Mass. Students from the College joined students from both primary and secondary schools in our local area to mark the beginning of Catholic Education Week. Following the mass, students enjoyed morning tea while having the opportunity to speak with students from other schools.
Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation
Attendance Matters
The impact of school absences, even seemingly small ones, can accumulate and affect a child's learning significantly. The cumulative effect of absences over time can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding.
Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, as each day in school provides valuable learning opportunities.
If your child is expressing reluctance to go to school regularly, it's essential to address the issue promptly.
Watch My child refuses to go to school, what can I do? for some simple strategies – Problem solve, Validate and Hope.
Epilepsy Awareness Day
Tuesday, 26 March 2024, we celebrated Epilepsy Awareness Day. Our Year 10 Child Studies class, led by Eva Barsby, Bella Roberts and Amelia McCray, prepared some information posters to distribute around the school. They also sourced a short video clip for homeroom groups to view in order to raise awareness of Epilepsy and to educate our school community about the first aid procedures to assist in managing a seizure. A big thankyou to these girls for this initiative. You may wish to view this informative video below. Epilepsy video
Safe on Social
Kirra Pendergast, an expert on Cyber Safety, will be presenting to our Year 7 to 10 students on Friday, 17 May 2024. This is the presentation which was postponed earlier this term.
Kirra is passionate about ensuring children are educated about the use of online platforms, cyberbullying, and the responsible, safe and ethical management of AI use in education.
Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social has shared an interesting article on Sextortion, which has been in the news of late. Please take the time to read her suggestions for conversations with your child around this topic. Conversations with your Teenager
Michele McCaffery
Leader of Pastoral Care
Learning & Teaching Team
Disability Provisions - HSC Examinations
Attention: HSC 2024 parents and students
This information is for students in Year 11 and 12 who will be sitting HSC exams in 2024.
Disability provisions in the HSC are practical arrangements designed to help students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt to show what they know in an exam room.
The provisions granted are solely determined by how the student’s exam performance is affected by their diagnosed disability. Provisions may include braille papers, large-print papers, use of a reader and/or writer, or rest breaks.
The College would like to lodge student applications with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) by the end of this Term. To start this process, please obtain a ‘Disability Provisions - HSC Examinations 2024 form’ from the College Office and return by Week 9 Term 1.
When this information is provided the next step is to determine what evidence will be required for the application. This could involve a reading and spelling assessment, a letter from a doctor and/or sample essays. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide medical reports for disabilities such as Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Further information can be found at http://educationstandards.nsw.
Once NESA has made a decision about which provisions are approved or declined, a decision letter is provided to the College. The College will provide the family with a copy of the letter. Many families request extra time for their child. Please note that for disabilities such as Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder the students may receive separate supervision and time to rest, not extra time to complete the exam. During this rest time the student must turn over or close their examination questions and answers booklet, must not read, write or make notes, however may stretch, move, rest or refocus in their seat. During the rest break, the timing of the examination stops and then restarts when they continue with the exam. Further information about rest breaks can be found at http://educationstandards.nsw.
If your child is approved to access a reader or writer for their examination please note that it is a student in Year 10, trained in these conditions, who will be their support person.
For further information please contact Alicia Nowlan, Leader of Learning Inclusion and Diversity.
Alicia Nowlan
Leader of Learning - Inclusion and Diversity
UAC PIN: emailed to all NSW students in Year 12 on 3rd April 2024
This PIN will allow you to apply to a huge number of NSW Universities - more information to come about this OR make an appointment with Mrs Went.
Southern Cross University early entry portal opens: Monday, 8 April 2024 (closes Monday, 30 September 2024)
New degrees at Southern Cross University:
- 2025 Vet Technology, 2026 Vet Medicine - Both at Lismore Campus
- 2025 Physiotherapy at Coffs Campus, 2026 at Lismore
Reminder - Griffith University Webinar for parents & students in Years 11 & 12: Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Charles Sturt University’s early offer program opens on the Wednesday, 1 May 2024. See their website for more details, including the 3 questions you’ll need to answer as part of your application.
UNE’s early offer portal is already open!!
University of Queensland will hold an information session at Emmanuel Anglican College on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 from 5:30pm. This event will talk about UQ but also cover a range of general information about university study in general. Please see below for details:
We invite you to join forces with UQ Ready—an exceptional transition to university information night. This event is designed to empower Year 11 and 12 students as they embark on their higher education journey.
The UQ Ready event hopes to offer the following benefits:
- Comprehensive ATAR Advice: Equip students with essential strategies to maximise their ATAR potential
- Expert Guidance in Responding to University Offers: Ensure students have confidence and clarity in responding to university offers.
- Streamlined Enrolment and Timetable Planning: Help students navigate the enrolment process and master timetable planning.
- Relocation advice and Support Services: Showcase diverse on-campus and off-campus housing choices and provide valuable guidance and support for students’ transition to a new living environment.
- Building a Strong Foundation: Empower students with essential tips for a successful transition from high school to university.
Secure your spot by registering below. Act promptly as spaces are limited.
We look forward to welcoming you to UQ Ready—an event that will empower you to thrive in your academic pursuits and successfully transition to university life.
For any questions, please contact Karina Marshall at futurestudentsaustralia@uq.edu.au
Australian National University (ANU), located in Canberra - their early offer program is currently open but will close on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
Michelle Went
Leader of Learning - VET/ Careers
MUNA
On Saturday, 6 April 2024 Ella Andrews, Brooke Chivers, and Erica Richards represented the College at the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Tweed Heads. Each year, competitors represent nations and model the UN assembly, placing students in the roles of diplomats and ambassadors. The students represented the Philippines. Our students were awarded a 'best dressed' trophy. Congratulations to these students on their efforts and the professional way in which they represented the College.
Ashleigh Bailey
Legal Studies Teacher
Sports News
A lot of sport has occurred over the last couple of weeks even though we have had some difficult weather to deal with. There have been some cancellations but overall SMCC has again proven itself to be very competitive across a range of sporting disciplines.
Our Lismore Diocesan representative swimmers returned from the CCC State Swimming Trials with Clayton Wilkinson making the NSWCCC team that will compete at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships in late May 2024.
Lismore Diocesan Age Swimming Champions from the carnival held in Port Macquarie on Thursday, 7 March 2024. Pictured from L to R Harper Myers (14yrs Girls Age Champion), Ella Rose (R-up 14yrs Girls Champion) & Clayton Wilkinson (17+ yrs Boys Age Champion)
Congratulations to all our members of the team. Clayton is pictured below at Sydney Olympic Park with, from L to R Ella Rose (Y9), Harper Myers (Y8), Emma Green (Y8) & Kayla Patch (Y8).
Congratulations to the following students:
- Finbar Standfield (Y10) who was selected for the U15’s Nth Country Rugby League team to compete at the NSWCCC State Trials in Term 2.
- Hanna Formaggin made the U15’s Lismore Diocesan Girl’s Netball team that will compete in Sydney early Term 2. Sofie Formaggin was selected in the same team as a shadow player.
NRL Schoolgirl Challenge - Queen Elizabeth Park
SMCC took 3 teams to Queen Elizabeth Park (U14, 16, and Opens girls) for the League ‘Tag’ competition on Tuesday, 2 April 2024.
The U14 girls won their respective age group beating Emmanuel Anglican College in the final with Josie Ryan, Lila Standfield, and Gemma Reichmann all scoring in the final. Previous to the final SMCC had beaten McLean High 12-4, Alstonville High, 12-0 & finally Kyogle High 16-8 to win their pool.
A great effort by all the girls!
The U16 girls were ready to go with some that had not played League ‘Tag’ before. Sienna Thomas took on a leadership role by warming up, motivating the girls, and leading in the attack. The girls won their first game 16-8 against Woodlawn. The girls were excited about this and gained confidence entering their second game against Kyogle High School. There was a huge improvement in this game as the girls worked hard in defense by getting up off their line quickly. The girls came away with a 28-8 win. The U16’s last game was the toughest one against Rivers College. Sarah Green got points on the board for us with a try but Rivers showed too much class and speed coming away with the win. The girls were great competitors coming away with 2/ 3 wins and displayed great sportsmanship at all times.
The Open girls drew two games and lost one. With 6 open players and wonderful help from the U16 girls team, helped make it a fun day. The girls played every game with passion which was a credit to the Open League girls!
Open Boys Soccer - Lennox Head FC
Wednesday, 3 April 2024 our Open Boys Soccer team travelled to Lennox Head for the day for 4 games against Woodlawn, Trinity, Xavier and finally St Joseph’s Banora Point. The boys had little to no time to warm up but they did not hesitate getting on the field and giving it their all. SMCC had a tough few games to start the day but the boys played hard for every minute. We saw a terrific goal in game 3 that called for the best celebration of the competition, other schools couldn't help but join in our celebration. The boys kept the energy high and only improved as the day went on seeing more goals scored. It was a long day and everyone was feeling it but I was very proud of the effort and spirit our St Mary's team showed on the day.
Term 2 Sport Options
Stage 4- Year 7 & 8
- Fishing - Weir or River, near the footbridge (Students bring their own rods and bait).
- Archery - QEP ($4 per week, includes all equipment and instruction from a coach).
- Tennis - Casino Tennis Courts ($4 per week includes coaching and equipment).
- Volleyball - SMCC and possibly Colley Park.
- Rugby League Training - QEP (Mouthguards, Headgear, if worn and boots are required). There will be some contact games as part of the training.
- Netball - Colley Park.
- Lawn Bowls - Casino RSM Bowls Club ($2 per week includes instruction, equipment and green fees).
- Sport Reform - SMCC and surrounds. This group will be made up of members who for whatever reason cannot participate in Sport. They will be doing activities based in and around the College with an emphasis on keeping our environment sustainable. We recognise that not all students can partake in sport each week and by doing activities such as this, it helps with our ideals of reaching out into the community.
Stage 5- Y9 & 10
- Fishing - Weir or River, near the footbridge (Students bring their own rods and bait).
- Tennis - Casino Tennis Courts ($3 per week).
- Volleyball - SMCC and possibly Colley Park.
- Rugby League Training - QEP (Mouthguards, Headgear, if worn and boots are required). There will be some contact games as part of the training.
- Netball - Colley Park.
- Sports Carousel - Casino Indoor Sports Centre (Dodgeball, Basketball, Futsal, Pickleball, European Handball, $20 for the Term).
- Golf - Casino Golf Club ( $5 membership and $2 per week club hire, if necessary).
- Beef Bosses - SMCC Agricultural Centre (Cattle appreciation)
Sport Reform - SMCC and surrounds (see above explanation in Y7 & 8 sport).
Parents/Guardians, can you please consent ASAP so your child can participate.
Upcoming SMCC Sporting Events
- SMCC Cross Country- Wk 11 during Sport, (Thursday 11/04/24- Queen Elizabeth Park).
- Northern Rivers Catholic Colleges U14 & U16 Boys & Girls Rugby League- Week 1 Term 2 (Thursday, 2/5/24- Queen Elizabeth Park).
Upcoming CCC Events and Registrations
Please note no late entries will be accepted. All students must be registered by close date to be considered for selection. The following sports are individual nominations only - this is the responsibility of the parents.
Registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT portal. Parents must create an account and add child. Click here for Assistance.
- NSWCCC Selections - Wednesday, 29 May 2024 - Club Sapphire Merimbula $45
NSW All Schools - Friday, 9 August 2024 - NSWCCC Girls 15yrs and under AFL - Closes Friday, 12 April 2024
NSWCCC Selections - Monday, 6 May & Tuesday, 7 May 2024 - Wagga Wagga $90 - NSWCCC BOYS 16s Football - EOI Closes Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Successful notification by Tuesday, 7 May 2024
NSWCCC Selections - Friday, 17 May 2024 - Kareela $45 - NSWCCC 16 YEARS & 18yrs Basketball - Closes Friday, 3 May 2024
NSWCCC Selections - 18yrs Monday, 13 May 2024, 16yrs Tuesday, 14 May 2024 - Sutherland $45 - NSWCCC 15yrs & Opens Hockey Selections - Closes Friday, 3 MAY 2024
NSWCCC Selections - Monday, 20 May 2024 - Bathurst $45 - NSWCCC 17yrs & Under Water Polo Selections- Closes Friday, 17 May 2024
NSWCCC Selections Monday, 27 May 2024 - Ryde 8:30am - 12pm Boys & 12pm - 3:30pm Girls $35
Catholic Sport NSW
Sport Search (½ way down page) → Step 1 (click on CCC) → Step 2 (select sport). Registration & Calendar is also there.
Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator
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.
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
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays 3.00pm to 4.15pm
Thursdays 1.30pm to 4.15pm
The Uniform Shop service is a cashless service. Methods of payment are by EFTPOS or online ordering via Flexischools. No fees are charged to families for using the Flexischools service.
Please note the following information for orders made via this service:
Tuesday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Monday
- Pick up available from the College office on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.15.00pm
Thursday Orders
- Cut off time is 12 noon on Wednesday
- Pick up available from the College office on Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.15pm.
Orders not collected will be given to the student 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.
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.