Newsletter - T3, W2 - 2/8/24
From the Principal
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
At Wednesday’s assembly this week I addressed the student body using the theme of Olympic Spirit. The Australian athletes, in particular our female swimmers have attained outstanding results, whilst these results require celebration so does the effort and commitment of all the athletes, including those who believe they failed. I used the example of Harry Garside, an Australian boxer who fell short of his own goal Monday night. Harry gave a fantastic interview with Karl Stefanovic and spoke of the themes below. This is an extract of the student address Wednesday:
Harry Garside spent 20 years training for this moment. Unfortunately, he was beaten in the first round. Was this a failure? In terms of a gold medal, I guess it was, but as I said a couple of weeks ago the Olympic Spirit is not about Gold medals.
Failure is part of the human condition. We have all encountered moments when our efforts fall short, our plans go awry, and our dreams seem just out of reach. These experiences can be disheartening and leave us questioning our worth and purpose. Through our Catholic faith, we find wisdom and encouragement to rise from failure and look to the positives of the future.
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the story of St. Peter, a man who knew failure intimately. Peter, the rock upon which Christ would build His Church, denied Jesus three times on the night of his arrest. Imagine the depth of Peter's anguish and shame as he realised his betrayal. Yet, even though this was a moment of profound failure for Peter he went on to become a cornerstone of the early Church.
Practically speaking, how can we bounce back from failure? First, we must embrace humility and acknowledge our limitations. We can turn to prayer, seeking guidance and comfort.
Secondly, we should seek the support of our family and our community who encourage and love us.
We learn valuable lessons from failures. A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.
When we overcome adversity, we bear witness to the transformative power of God's love in our lives.
Welcome - Sheila Galea
The DLCSL have recently recruited staff to assist schools with fee collection and fee assistance. Sheila Galea has been appointed to our region and will be assisting our Parish Schools. We warmly welcome Sheila to our community.
Have a great weekend
Michael Campbell
Principal
From the College Business Manager
School Fees
Term 3 Tuition fees have been processed and are available to view on the Compass portal. They will also be included on the School Fee Statement as at the end of July. Statements are transmitted to parents at the end of each month. Payments may be made via Compass, in person at the College Office or via Bpay. Bpay is our preferred method of payment. Term 3 School fees are due on 22 August 2024 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 or make a payment plan arrangement please contact the College Office or Sheila Galea via email cash-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
Leanne Cummins
College Business Manager
Upcoming Dates
Week 3
Monday 5/8/24 - Headspace Presentation Year 8
Monday 5/8/24 - 10 PASS Tennis Courts - Casino Tennis Courts
Tuesday 6/8/24 - 2024 Festa Christi (Boy’s Retreat) - Bonville
Tuesday 6/8/24 - 9 PASS excursion- Indoor rock climbing - Ballina
Thursday 8/8/24 - 2024 Festa Christi (Girl’s Retreat) - Bonville
Friday 9/8/24 - 2024 Apostoli Retreat
Week 4
Monday 12/8/24 - Headspace Presentation Year 7
Wednesday 14/8/24 - 2024 Shine Small Group Training
Wednesday 14/8/24 - Assumption Mass 10am
Thursday 15/8/24 - 2024 Schools Cup Netball - Lismore
Friday 16/8/24 - Backflips Against Bullying
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
Anointing of the sick
First Saturday of each month
Mission Team
Welcome back to Term 3. We are excited to welcome Mrs Cleo Karrim to the College and leading our Religious Education facility. Mrs Karrim comes to us with a wealth of teaching and learning experience. She has joined us from South Africa, and we thrilled to have her on board with our team at the College.
This term we are running some small House based games in our homerooms. Students have already completed the Olympic decorating competition and the Paralympic competition is heating up. These are the last few opportunities to gain house points before the end of the term, which is also the end of 2024 competition. We encourage all our students to get on board with the Spirit Cup and build community spirit in the process.
Online Safety Essential Conversations: Upstander - Unwanted Images or Videos
If your young person receives a random nude or inappropriate image or video of someone, you want to feel confident in what their actions will be.
The person in the image or video may be the one who shared it with your young person, or someone else may have shared it without the person in the image or video even knowing.
An essential conversation to have with your young person is about the two appropriate ways they can respond to an unwanted image.
Tell the sender it’s not cool
If your young person knows the sender, encourage them to tell the sender not to share any more images or videos like that. Encourage your young person to practise saying “no” in ways that feel comfortable and to tell you if this happens so you can help.
Take action
- If your young person doesn’t know the sender, ask them not to respond and to block the sender.
- Ask them not to forward it to someone else or delete it.
- Report this to the police. Also, if it was sent through social media, a game or another app you can report it directly to the service or platform.
Encourage your young person to tell you if they keep getting unwanted images.
Read more at Raising Children Sexting and teenagers: practical steps for problem situations 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
Shine
We are on the countdown for the Shine Conference in week 5. Students who are attending have already selected their workshops, and our senior students are undergoing training to be small group leaders this year. More information for students will become available in class over the next few weeks.
Apostoli
Year 9 and 10 Ministry Students will be taking part in a half day retreat on Monday, 5 August (week 3). This retreat will give students the opportunity to participate in activities across the two classes before heading to Shine in Week 5.
Festa Christi
A number of Year 8 students will be traveling to Coffs Coast Adventure Centre at Bonville next week to participate in the discipleship event, Festa Christi. We look forward to hearing about their experience when they return.
Feast of the Assumption
On Wednesday, 14 August 2024 the whole College will attend the Feast of the Assumption at our Parish with Fr Wilbur.
Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation
Headspace Presentations
Over the next few weeks, Headspace will be presenting workshops to our Year 7 and Year 8 students. Year 8 workshops will be delivered on Monday, 5 August and the Year 7 workshops Monday, 12 August.
The workshops will focus on friendships, bullying issues and being resilient. Students will be encouraged to share their feedback with you.
Backflips Against Bullying
On Friday, 16 August, Action Education will be facilitating the Backflip Against Bullying Presentation for Years 7 to 9. This is a Bullying Prevention Acrobatic Show and the link below will give you an idea of the program content.
Throughout the day, our Student Representative Council will also be running some events for Bullying No Way Day.
Michele McCaffery
Leader of Pastoral Care
The Family Connect Service: Introducing Jamie-Lee Farnham
My preferred name is Jimmy, and I have grown up in the Northern Rivers Region. Over the last 5 years, my journey has been working in the Out of Home Care sector, particularly within the Semi-Independent Living (SIL) program, working in the roles of a SIL coordinator and crisis youth mentor, guiding and supporting adolescents towards independence.
I have completed my Diploma of Community Services, as well as my Certificate IV in Community Services. Additionally, I've obtained certifications in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Applied Suicidal Intervention. These qualifications, and my experiences working as a frontline crisis youth worker, have greatly shaped my ability to support and empower families within our community.
My approach is about empowerment and strength-based methodologies. I thrive on building strong rapport and connections, firmly believing in the power of collaboration. Whether it's working directly with families or coordinating with appropriate services, my aim is to ensure that families and young people receive the best possible support.
Learning & Teaching Team
Showcase
Showcase is on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 (Week 9). Doors open at 6pm.
Darren Harper
Visual Arts/ Multimedia Teacher
Sports News
Last Thursday I had the pleasure of taking a large group of boys and girls to the inaugural Alex Gibbon 7’s Rugby Union Gala Day. Aside from Alex Gibbon being a local junior who has represented Australia in Rugby 7’s, it made me think that many of our own SMCC students could also one day represent at a high level in their preferred sport. I say this because we have so many enthusiastic and talented students who not only enjoy participating in school sports but do so with a spirit to achieve their very best every time they step on the field, court, track, etc.
Alex Gibbon Rugby 7’s Gala Day - Evans Head, Thursday 25 July 2024
SMCC travelled to Stan Payne Oval, Evans Head for the inaugural Alex Gibbon Rugby 7’s Trophy. We had 56 eager players as part of 5 teams ranging in age from U14 to Open boys and girls who represented the College.
U14 Girls
The U14 girls were familiar with each other, with the core of players involved in League ‘Tag’ tournaments earlier in the year. This was evident with a first-up win against local rivals Woodlawn. Tries to Josie Ryan and Lila Standfield ensured a solid start to the tournament for the girls.
Game 2 saw SMCC take on a well-drilled and organised Mt St Pat’s, Murwillumbah. Unfortunately, SMCC ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard with Josie Ryan receiving a head knock and several other players picking up bumps and bruises.
Game 3 against Alstonville High (AHS) was never in doubt but AHS was brave and never gave up even though SMCC scored 4 tries, 2 to Josie Ryan, 1 each to Lila Standfield and Kayla Patch.
The final game against Ballina Coast High School (BCHS) was always going to be a tough affair with many of the players feeling a bit sore and sorry after 3 previous physical games. Captain Brianna George asked for one last big effort and although very close, BCHS pulled away from a brave SMCC outfit at the end to win 25-15.
Overall, a very enjoyable day of Rugby with the girls winning half of their games. All the girls played very well but a special mention to Lila Standfield for her excellent defence in all 4 games.
Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator
U14 Boys- Junior Rugby Sevens Team Triumphs with Perfect Record
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, our Under 14’s Boys Rugby Sevens team emerged victorious in all of their matches, showcasing their prowess against some formidable opponents. The team’s flawless performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the competition.
A significant factor in this success has been the guidance of their exceptional coach, who seems to have a magic touch when it comes to winning games. Wins against Woodlawn, Mt St Pats, Murwillumbah, Lindisfarne Anglican College, and a draw against a strong Maclean High, demonstrates how well these boys played on the day.
Congratulations to the players for this remarkable achievement. We look forward to more thrilling performances and continued success in the future.
Shannon Beaumont
Teacher
U16 Boys
The SMCC under 16 Boys played in one of the largest pools of the day, with 3 pools and 4 teams in each. Our team of nine played a total of three games for the day. Their first match was against Evans River, proving to be a challenge, having seen Evans River get the first and second tries and our boys finally finding their rhythm in the second half, scoring a couple of tries. The final result was 4 /2 to Evans River.
St Mary's second game was against Ballina Coast High School, and what a great game it was. Our team played with greater confidence than their first match, which led to them winning 4 to 2.
The third and final game was against Woodlawn, they had a strong side with a good number of reserve players as well as many of them currently playing Union. Unfortunately, the game was a very one-sided game with Woodlawn walking away with the win.
Credit to our St Mary's boys who played with commitment, heart and soul, they didn't let up in any way and pushed hard in every play. We are very proud of the level of play and commitment from our boys and their great representation of St Mary's Catholic College, Casino.
Daniel Sekulic
Teacher
Open Boys
The open boys attended the Alex Gibbon Rugby 7’s and played a total of four games. The boys played better as the day progressed, but with only eight players, they struggled to keep up with teams that had many reserves and unfortunately went down in all games. Tries for the day went to Jayden De La Cruz, Rory McInnes, Colby Leeson, Tom Ainsworth and Captain Max Hale. A highlight of the day was Max celebrating his try with a rendition of the worm. Overall, the boys should be proud of themselves and their efforts on the day.
Dean Coggin
Teacher
Open Girls
The team, comprising of students from Years 10-12, displayed remarkable camaraderie and enthusiasm. Despite varying levels of experience, including some first-time Rugby Union players, the girls courageously overcame their fears and gave their all. They faced formidable opponents but worked cohesively to counter them. Zubaida emerged as the top try scorer, while Ellisha, Isabel, Sienna, and Samara also contributed to the scoreboard. Lascelle Hayward stood out with her natural competitive spirit and impressive tackling skills. In their three-team pool, the girls secured a victory against Lindisfarne Grammar School but fell short against Ballina Coast High School.
Keely Maguire
Teacher
Upcoming Term 3 SMCC Sporting events
- Yr 7/8 & 9/10 Boys & Girls Schools Cup Netball - Lismore - Thursday 15/08/24 (week 4).
- U16 Boys & Girls Nth Rivers Catholic Colleges (NRCC) AFL - Byron Bay - Tuesday 20/08/24 (week 5).
- U14 Boys & Girls NRCC AFL - Byron Bay - Thursday 22/08/24 (week 5)
- U14 & U16 Boys & Girls Nth Rivers Catholic Colleges (NRCC) Volleyball - Casino Indoor Sports Centre - Monday 26/08/24 (week 6)
- Dio Athletics - Coffs Harbour - Monday 02/09/24 (week 7)
- U15 & Opens Boys & Girls NRCC & Nth Dio Touch Football - Grafton- Wednesday 11/09/24 (week 8)
- Len Diett Rugby Union (TBC)
To check upcoming Combined Catholic Colleges (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.
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.