Newsletter - T2, W2 - 10/5/24

From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2, no doubt students all enjoyed their break and it is fantastic to see how quickly students have settled back into their studies. Congratulations to all students who have worked hard during Term 1 and to the students who represented the College with pride at the recent Rugby League Carnival. Our under 14’s boys and girls teams won the event and our under 16 boys and girls teams were highly competitive just missing out on the finals.

On Monday, 13 May from 3.30 pm-6.30 pm the College will be hosting Year 6 students and their parents for 2025 enrolment interviews. If you have a child intending to enrol at St Mary’s can you please call the office to arrange an interview time if you have not already organised this. If you are not available Monday evening, an alternative time and date at your convenience will be provided.

St Mary’s is committed to providing all our students with a holistic education ensuring they achieve the fullness of life, encompassing faith, learning, and wellbeing outcomes. The Diocesan Child Protection Policy and Procedures can be found on our website here. You can click on this link to view the Policy which has been written by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office and is used at the College. This policy identifies child protection processes including mandatory reporting. All staff are briefed on the Child Protection Policy and Procedures every year to ensure the safety of all students in our care. 

A reminder to parents that Monday, 20 May 2024 (Week 4, Term 2) is a Staff Professional Development Day and will be a student-free day.

Have a great weekend.

Michael Campbell
Principal

From the College Business Manager

Term 2 Tuition fees have been posted and are available to view on the Compass portal. They will be included on the School Fee Statement as at the end of April.  Statements will be transmitted to parents in the near future, if not already received. Payments may be made via Compass, in person at the College Office, or via Bpay.  Bpay is our preferred method of payment. Term 2 School fees are due on Thursday, 6 June unless regular payments are being made or an arrangement has been put in place.

The payment of school fees is essential for the day to day running of the College and we are grateful for the efforts people make in paying these fees.  If you need to discuss your school fee account please contact the College Office.

Leanne Cummins
College Business Manager

Upcoming Dates

Week 3
Monday 13/5/24 - Year 7, 2025 Interviews
Tuesday 14/5/24 - NRCC Open Boys Hockey- Goonellabah
Wednesday 15/5/24 - Open Boys Rugby League, CCC Cup -Wwoodlawn
Thursday 16/5/24 - Primex Excursion
Friday 17/5/24 - Lismore Diocesan Cross Country - Grafton
Friday 17/5/24 - Kyogle Writers Festival 
Friday 17/5/24 - Rognvalds Lith Viking Incursion

Week 4
Monday 20/5/24 -Student Free Day / Staff Development Day 
Tuesday 21/5/24 - Barista Certificate - Alstonville
Wednesday 22/5/24 - Aviation Careers Expo - Ballina Airport 
Wednesday 22/5/24 -  2024 U14 Cochrane Cup Rugby League -Woodlawn
Wednesday 22/5/24 - Beef Week Led Steer - Casino CBD
Thursday 23/5/24 - Beef Week- Youth Education Day - Casino Showgrounds
Friday 24/5/24 - Beef Day Activities 
Friday 24/5/24 - Beef Week Intercollegiate Meat Judging - Casino Food Co-op

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 

Country Mass
Sunday 12/5/24 - 10.30am  Tabulam

Mission Team

Catholic Social Teachings
This year, our students are learning about the Catholic Social Teachings which underpin our actions and worldview. This fortnight, we are focusing on Distributive Justice. This calls for a society in which the rights and dignity of every person are respected, and where resources are distributed in a way that reflects God's love and justice. It challenges individuals and institutions to work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.

Beef Week
In a few short weeks, we will be joining with our local community in celebrating Beef Week. This includes Beef Cup, Beef Day, and of course, a chance for our Cattle Team to showcase their skills. More information about this will be coming out to parents in the coming days. 

Tell Them From Me
Each year, we ask members of our community to engage in a feedback process called Tell Them From Me. Our students complete a short survey as well as our teaching staff. We invite our parents to complete a survey too. This can be found at www.tellthemfromme.com/smcc2024.

Our goal is to work together for school improvement. The feedback we receive helps to shape our strategic goals for the following year. We look forward to hearing from all interested parties through this survey.

Secondary Newsletter Items - Online Safety

Item 1:
Online Safety Essential Conversations: Consent for Sharing Photos and Videos
Teaching young people about the importance of consent when sharing images is crucial in today's
digital age. It's essential for them to understand that sharing someone else's images without their
consent is not only disrespectful but also potentially harmful.

Start by discussing the concept of consent in general, emphasising that it applies to all aspects of life,
including digital interactions. Explain that just as they need permission before entering another person's
personal space, they also need consent before sharing someone else's image online.

Encourage open and honest conversations about the potential consequences of sharing images
without consent, including legal ramifications and damage to relationships. Emphasise the importance
of respecting others' privacy and boundaries, both online and offline.

Provide practical tips for obtaining consent before sharing images, such as asking for permission
directly from the person in the photo or video and respecting their decision if they decline. Remind them
that it's always better to err on the side of caution and respect others' wishes regarding their personal
information. You can also model respectful practices within your own family by asking your child’s
permission before posting pictures of them online.

Important tips to discuss with your young person from eSafety

1. Always ask before taking a photo or video.
2. Always ask before sharing photos or videos of people.
3. Always check and follow any special rules set by your school, sports team or other groups you’re
involved with when using social media.
4. If someone asks you to remove a photo or video of them, do it.
5. Call out bullying or other abusive behaviour online. If you’ve seen someone post a photo or video
to humiliate or make fun of another person, you can choose to support the person being bullied –
this makes you an upstander.

Read more at eSafety Consent for sharing photos and videos
If you have any concerns about your young person please contact the school. It is important for the
school to know any wellbeing issues that may impact on learning and behaviour at school.

Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission

Evangelisation
Transitus
At the end of last Term, 7 Year 7 students from the College attended the Transitus Retreat in Lennox Head. It was wonderful to see our students engage so enthusiastically with all aspects of this retreat. We thank Mr Beaumont for accompanying these students on this worthwhile event. 

Street Retreat
This week, Year 11 students were asked to complete an Expression of Interest form for Street Retreat. We are only able to send 4 students on this experience. If any parent would like more information, please contact the front office.

Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation

Attendance Matters 
Regular school attendance will help your child to gain the skills and knowledge for success both now and later in life. 

Regular attendance ensures that students have consistent exposure to new concepts and lessons. Learning is a continuous process, and consistent attendance allows students to build on their knowledge over time.

No matter the age of your child, the starting point may be guiding them to develop a morning routine. This life long skill could include a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Expectations around devices in the bedroom would be an important conversation. Having a structured routine helps students get enough rest and be ready for school each day.

Teaching time management skills to a teenager is an essential life skill that will benefit them in academics, extracurricular activities, and future responsibilities.

Talk openly about common time-wasting activities, such as excessive social media use or excessive video gaming. Encourage your child to be mindful of these activities and set limits to maintain a healthy balance.

Remember that developing effective time management skills is an ongoing process. Be patient, provide guidance, and adapt strategies based on your child’s individual needs and preferences. 

Michele McCaffery 
Leader of Pastoral Care 

Learning & Teaching Team

New Safety Procedures In TAS
The College would just like to make parents and students aware of the new safety procedures that we are introducing into the TAS department from the beginning of this Term.

While the department has always adhered to all regulatory safety protocols, we are finding that students’ attention to the seriousness of these rules has decreased in the last few months, and the College just wants to make sure that all students and parents continue to understand the seriousness of safety breaches and the consequences of unsafe behaviour in the classroom and the workshop.

From the beginning of next week, the following college procedures will apply to all TAS lessons:

1. First Safety Breach = discussion with the student, class detention, and letter home
2. Second safety breach = discussion with student, exclusion from TAS subject for 1 week, letter home
3. Third Safety breach = discussion with the student, exclusion from TAS subject for 2 weeks, letter home
4. Fourth safety breach = discussion with the student, permanent exclusion from TAS subject, new elective is chosen, letter home

Please note - if the safety breach of any student involves damage to school property, an invoice for the value of that damage or to fund a replacement item will be sent home with the safety letter.

The College has a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all students in the TAS classrooms and work environments of the College. Safety rules and standards are put in place to protect all students and must be adhered to at all times.

If you receive communication from the College that you wish to discuss further, please feel free to contact the classroom teacher, Mr Dave Lynch as the TAS Coordinator, or myself.

Nadine Connolly
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Sports News

SMCC Cross Country
At the end of last term after a couple of false starts, we managed to get a fine day and complete the 2024 SMCC Cross Country event at Queen Elizabeth Park. This is a new course and except for a few tweaks, is the local Parkrun course that is used every Saturday morning. Competition throughout some of the age groups was strong and from this, a 30+ strong squad was selected to head to Grafton for the Diocesan Cross Country Championships on Friday, 17 May 2024.

The age champions for each age group were:

12 years Boys:  Marlon Green
13 years Girls: Ella Rippon Boys: Harlan Gannon
14 years Girls: Ella Rose Boys: Lachlan Rippon
15 years Girls: Sienna Thomas Boys: Charlie Falls
16 years Girls: Ella Reddell Boys: Chris Cormanes
17+ years Girls: Lascelle Hayward Boys: Koda Rankin

Absent from above photo: Marlon Green

Northern Rivers Catholic Colleges (NRCC) Rugby League Gala Day - Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino
Last Thursday, 2 May 2024 the NRCC U14 & 16 Boys and Girls was hosted by SMCC at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino. Again the weather played a factor with all other areas' sporting fields closing, QE Park stayed open and dry for the day to be completed without any interruptions. SMCC on their home track were dominant and won their respective U14 age groups and were very competitive in the U16 boys and girls divisions.

Under 14 Boys
The Under 14's Boys were very impressive, winning all their pool games convincingly against Trinity and Xavier Catholic Colleges. They progressed to the Grand Final against Mt St Patrick’s, Murwillumbah, and had another convincing 30-12 win to become the Under 14 Champions on the day. Overall, all boys played outstanding and demonstrated great sportsmanship.

Shannon Beaumont
Coach

Under 14 Girls
The girls were super eager to begin the day at their local ground! We won our first game, lost our second and, won the final against Woodlawn. Josie Ryan scored the majority of our tries, two in the first game and one in the final, which put us in the lead 2 tries to 1. A huge thank you to the NRL guys who conducted a tackling session to help us gain confidence and correct technique to tackle safely in a game. 

Zoe Hughes
Coach

Under 16 Boys
Our first game was against a well-drilled side from Mt. Saint Pat's in Murwillumbah, the boys played well but lost 12–0. In our second game against Trinity Catholic College Lismore, the boys worked well together in both defence and attack, resulting in a draw. Tries went to Finbar Stanfield and Isaac Ellis. Heading into our last game against Xavier Catholic College, the boys weren't confident in a win, as the Xavier side had some very big and skilled players. Credit to the boys though, they suffered injuries early in the game but they dug deep and played their best game of the day. They lost the game 16-12 but scored three excellent tries. Tries went to Ollie Jenkins, Blair Campbell, and Finbar Stanfield. 

I would like to congratulate the team on their efforts and behaviour throughout the day. Noah Batchelor, Riley Grant, and Hayden Griffin were voted as the team's Players Players.

Dean Coggan
Coach

Under 16 Girls
Game 1  was a draw against St Joseph’s, Banora Point. The whole team played well with Josie Carey as the standout performer, scoring both tries for SMCC, her final one to equalise the score right on full-time. Game 2 against the eventual winners Trinity Catholic College, Lismore was the toughest on the day. Despite Trinity coming out strong, SMCC's defense held firm, keeping them scoreless in the second half. Alex Whiston was fantastic, applying relentless pressure and never giving up. SMCC’s final game finished on a high was a victory against Woodlawn.

Despite having no substitutes due to injuries, the team was dominant in attack. Sienna Thomas displayed class and determination, leading the team to the win.

Overall, the girls should be commended for their efforts and resilience throughout the day. They played with heart and skill, earning a draw, a hard-fought defensive stand, and a well-deserved victory.

Keely Maguire
Coach

Beef Week Cup- Thursday, 23 May 2024
See below a timetable for Beef Week sporting events against Casino High and the venue. Parent support is always valued and encouraged, so please come down and cheer on the kids as they play in this valued community schools event.

Thursday Sport for Y7-8 & Y9-10
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.

* Parents/Guardians, can you please consent ASAP so your child can participate in Thursday Sport if you have not already done so. If Compass is a problem, please write a note or email the front office to give consent.

Upcoming SMCC Sporting events:

• NRCC Open Boys Hockey- W3, (Tuesday, 14 May 2024 - Goonellabah).
• Lismore Diocesan Cross Country- W4, (Friday, 17 May 2024 - Grafton).
  
• U14 Boys Cochrane Cup Rugby League- W4, (Wednesday, 22 May 2024 - Woodlawn).
• Beef Week Cup Gala Day- W4, (Thursday, 23 May 2024 - Colley Park & Queen Elizabeth Park). 

To check upcoming CCC events and registrations

Link to 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.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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