Newsletter - T4, W7 - 29/11/24
From the Principal
Today we hosted our 2025 Year 7 students who are the future of the College. These young people had a great day, as did the staff who ran a tailored program for them. Based on the calibre of these students the future of the College looks bright.
Thank you to all the parents who attended the learning and teaching discussions during transition week. This is the second year of this model which is aimed at deepening the conversation around student learning and what the next steps could be for advancement. The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive.
The Senior Retreat finished on the Friday of Transition Week. It was held at Camp Drewe in Lennox Head. Retreats are designed for students to engage with their faith, connect with each other and build relationships with staff outside the boundaries of the classroom. Students engagement was exceptional and they had a lot of fun which makes these experiences well worth the effort.
The College bid its final farewell to our Year 12 students on Saturday, 16 November with a tremendous celebration at the formal. As usual, the entrance of the students was a highlight, with some very interesting modes of transport. It was great to see students’ parents and staff having fun with each other and give these fantastic young adults the send-off they deserved.
On Wednesday a Student Assembly was held to announce the new Student Leaders. I would like to congratulate all of our newly appointed leaders and look forward to witnessing the positive contribution they will make to the College.
Below is an extract of the message the student body received during the Assembly:
“True leadership involves using your voice to create positive change, whether that’s in our College, in the wider community, or even in your own circles of friends.
Leadership is about service. It’s about putting others first, listening to their needs, and using your skills and abilities to help them achieve their goals. A true leader doesn’t just tell people what to do—they work alongside them, help them overcome obstacles, and celebrate their successes.
Leadership is about responsibility. It means owning up to your mistakes, learning from them, and making things right when they go wrong. It also means standing by your values, even when it’s difficult, and encouraging others to do the same. Leadership requires integrity, the ability to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
In 2015 Pope Francis wrote the following on leadership:
“A leader is a good leader if he or she is able to generate other leaders among the young. If he only wants to be the sole leader, he is a tyrant… If they do not sow leadership in others, they are of no use, they are dictators.”
Have a great weekend
Michael Campbell
Principal
Upcoming Dates
Week 8
Tuesday 3/12/24 - 2024 3 v 3 Basketball - Casino Indoor sports Centre
Parish Mass Times
Weekend Mass
Saturday 6.00pm
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
Country Mass
Sunday 8/12/2024 - 10.30am Tabulam
Mission Team
This weekend we begin Advent and the preparation of the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation and waiting, and it marks the start of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. In simple terms, it's about preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent is about waiting, but it's an active kind of waiting. It’s not about just sitting around, but preparing ourselves to really celebrate Christmas for all it means.
2025 Student Leaders
This week we inducted our new Student Leaders for 2025. At assembly we discussed the role of strong leaders in our community, both those with titles and positions, and those without. I wish all our new Student Leaders my congratulations and I am looking forward to working with the Captains Council and SRC on student initiatives in the new year.
Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Christmas Appeal
As we move into Advent, the College will start our annual Christmas appeal. Students are asked to bring in items to be included in their homerooms’ hamper.
Kate Rowlands
Leader of School Evangelisation
Introduction - Leader of Pastoral Care
Recently I've taken over as the Leader of Pastoral Care from Mrs McCaffery. I endeavour to work with our families and students in a pastoral capacity as Mrs McCaffery has done so for many years.
Uniform expectations
I would like to remind all families and guardians of uniform expectations at the College. Recently, some students have been wearing incorrect shoes and sports uniforms throughout the week. Students must wear black leather shoes and only wear sports uniforms on Thursday.
Old Uniforms
If you have any uniforms you have outgrown and would like to donate them to College for the wellbeing team to distribute, please drop them to the College. We are particularly in need of Sport Shorts, larger junior boys shirts, and junior girls skirts.
Aaron Kennedy
Leader of Pastoral Care
Learning & Teaching Team
Celebration Day- Tuesday, 17 December 2024
On Tuesday, 17 December 2024 we will be holding our annual celebration day event. This event is a rewards day for students who have actively achieved in the College's 3 R's - Respect, Readiness and Responsibility. As part of these awards, students who have maintained a 3.2 or above average throughout the year will be invited to celebration day.
All students have worked hard throughout the year to uphold the expectations that the College has of them and we want to be able to congratulate those who have upheld our expectations. Letters for this celebration day will be sent home via Compass next week, the day will cost approximately $5.00 per student.
Nadine Connolly
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Sports News
Aside from the 3 v 3 Basketball tournament in Casino on Tuesday, 3 December, that is pretty much a wrap for 2024 Sport. We had some outstanding achievements throughout the year with our Rugby League boys and girls all tasting success at various tournaments throughout the year. The female Netball and Volleyball sides made finals with NRCC and Diocesan success. Our Diocesan Swimmers and Athletes accredited themselves with aplomb at Dio carnivals. There are so many highlights I could go on and on, therefore, the St Mary’s sporting spirit is alive and well among our students. Win or lose, they gave their all whilst still demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and wonderful behaviour that made some of our opponents envious.
I would like to take this time to thank all the students who represented the school during the year, many of them playing across multiple sports. Our teachers, who as coaches gave up their free time to take students on trips and run training sessions in the lead up to these events. Thank you everyone!
During our 2024 SMCC Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals we had several Athletes who broke school records. Congratulations to the following students:
Swimming
Belle Wall - 16 Yrs Female 50m Freestyle & Butterfly
Cross Country
Marlon Green - 12 Yrs Male 3km
Harlan Gannon - 13 Yrs Male 3km
Ella Rippon - 13 Yrs Female 3km
Lachlan Rippon - 14 Yrs Male 4km
Ella Rose - 14 Yrs Female 4km
Charlie Falls - 15 Yrs Male 4km
Sienna Thomas - 15 Yrs Female 4km
Lascelle Hayward - 17+ Yrs Female 4km
Athletics
Nashua Thomas - 14 Yrs Male High Jump
Zubaida Soliman - 16 Yrs Female Javelin
Lascelle Hayward - 17+ Yrs Female Long Jump & High Jump
The last newsletter of the year will include information about the start of 2025 Sport with the Swimming Carnival in Week 3, Dio male and female Rugby League and Soccer trials in Week 5, and Term 1 Thursday Sport for Yrs 7-10.
Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator
Diocesan Female Netball Championships - Tuesday, 19 November 2024 - Grafton
At the recent Lismore Diocesan Secondary Netball Championships in Grafton, the Junior SMCC team showcased their skills and teamwork in a highly competitive environment. The team played with determination against the other teams in their pool: Trinity Catholic College Lismore, MacKillop Port Macquarie, St Paul's Kempsey, Mt St Patricks Murwillumbah and McAuley Grafton. They unfortunately lost their first two games but rallied and came away with wins in their next three games. They were then placed third in their pool and played a final game to determine the third place of the two junior pools. The team played their last game with enthusiasm and came away with the win, placing them third overall from all the junior teams. The team all demonstrated a positive attitude throughout the day and represented SMCC with pride which contributed to a memorable day.
Emma Northam
Coach
Intermediate Females Netball
The Year 9 & 10 female Netball team traveled to Grafton for the DIO Netball Gala Day, where they played an outstanding series of matches. Competing against several strong teams, the team won 4 out of their 5 pool games, securing a spot in the semi-finals. In a hard-fought semi-final, the team triumphed over Trinity Lismore, advancing to the Grand Final. Although the team gave it their all, they were narrowly defeated by Woodlawn by just 1 goal in a thrilling finish 11-10.
Throughout the day, the team demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and integrity. Special mention goes to Hanna and Sofie Formaggin, who were named the Most Valuable Players. Their impressive on court synergy and "twin intuition" in the centre court were key to the team's success.
A big thank you to Ms Parker for her coaching and for driving the team to Grafton. Well done to all the players for their hard work and team spirit!
Diocesan Junior Water Polo - Thursday, 21 November 2024 - Alstonville
St Mary's Catholic College saw 10 students travel to Alstonville for the Diocesan Junior Water polo Championships. Our St Mary's team consisting of Isabelle Bennett, Emerald Dean, Emma Green, Sabine Hardwick, Eydie Martin, Harper Myers, Kayla Patch, Makenzie Pearce, Gemma Reichmann and Josie Ryan represented our College with great sportsmanship and professionalism.
The St Mary's team played 5 games in total against schools from across the Diocese. The team won their first game, saw a draw in the second game and were defeated in their third game by Woodlawn. Our team triumphed and continued on to the second part of the day and was defeated by Xavier Catholic College, placing 6th overall.
Our St Mary's team gave their all and we are very proud of them for their efforts on the day. A special mention goes to Josie Ryan who showed great tenacity as goalkeeper throughout the day.
Thank you to Ms Parker and Ms Callaghan who accompanied the team to the Alstonville pool and provided coaching on the day. Well done to the St Mary's girls for their consistent effort and teamwork throughout the day.
Term 4 SMCC Sporting events:
- 3 v 3 Basketball Gala Day for Yr 7/8 & Yr 9/10 Boys & Girls - Casino Indoor Sports Centre, Tuesday 03/12/24 (Week 8)
To check upcoming 2025 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.
Craig Beare
Sports Coordinator
Canteen
The last day for 2024 Canteen orders will be Tuesday 17 December.
The canteen will be closed on Wednesday 18 December as the staff prepare for the end of year and no items will be available for purchase or order. Please ensure your child is prepared with a packed lunch for this day.
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.