Have you been on our new College website? It is ... - St Mary's College

Newsletter: 29.05.2012
YEAR OF GRACE
On the 14 th May 2012, the Angel of the Gap died. Don Richie, 85, spent five decades looking out of the window of his
Old South Head Road home at Watsons Bay for the next person he could coax away from the edge of The Gap - that
notorious Sydney cliff edge that many people have jumped from to commit suicide. Officially, he was known to have
saved some 160 people from throwing themselves off this cliff but unofficially, somewhere between 400 and 500 lives.
To coax them from the cliff’s edge, it is believed Don would simply smile at them and ask the common question, ‘Is
there something I can do to help <strong>you</strong>?’ From here, he would invite them back to his place for a cup of tea and breakfast.
Before he died, Don shared his story and spoke of the many wonderful people he had met and the positive feedback
and letters he had received in gratitude. He shared his story so that all Australians would realise how common
depression and suicide tendencies are and that there are many people willing to assist troubled people to help them get
through their dark times. To me, Don Richie is a modern day hero who is so inspirational. He certainly is an image of
God’s love and goodness in the everyday lives of people.
On Sunday, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference launched the Year of Grace. This launch coincides with
Sunday’s Feast of the Pentecost: the Living Spirit of Christ dwelling in the hearts of the disciples in that room and
today in each of our lives. During the Year of Grace, we are challenged to refocus our hearts, lives and actions on the
person and presence of Jesus Christ. It is the challenge to reflect more on Jesus’ life and allow his way to become our
way. I am sure that <strong>you</strong> would all agree, Don Richie certainly lived this ‘Jesus way’ as demonstrated through his
extraordinary actions of grace.
Loving God, we pray that in this the Year of Grace, we start afresh with Christ. May we experience a new wave of
grace, allowing the light of Christ to burn more brightly in our hearts and through our actions. Amen.
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES
Next Tuesday, 5 th June, St Mary's College Year 8 students undertake the presentation of their rich task studies of a
notable person. This rich task is the work of a combined effort of their Religious Education, SOSE and English
teachers and studies. I thank these teachers along with Mrs Cathy Gillespie (Convenor) and Mr Andrew Street (Head
of English.). The Night of Notables will be held in the Clive Berghofer Arena on Herries Street from 7 – 9pm. Our
Guest Speaker on the night is Mr Bryan Flemming, a past Moto-cross Stunt Rider. Do come along and enjoy this
interactive learning experience with the boys. It is always a great night!
NEW COLLEGE WEBSITE
<strong>Have</strong> <strong>you</strong> <strong>been</strong> on our new College website? It is first class. You will find it at www.stmaryscollege.com . I thank
our IT Co-ordinator and 1:1 Laptop Co-ordinator, Mr Brendon Willocks for his fine leadership and dedication to
ensuring this site has became a reality. Well done and thanks Mr Willocks!

PLEASE NOTE
It has <strong>been</strong> reported that the College’s name has appeared on a Victory Life Church leaflet which was distributed to
homes around Toowoomba. I would like to make it quite clear that no authorisation from this College was gained
prior to its distribution.
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 th May to the 3 rd June preceded by National Sorry Day on the
26 th May. The week is about valuing the rich and diverse Aboriginal culture and valuing our difference and the things
we have in common and getting to know each other more. The theme, this year, is: Let’s Talk Recognition, with a
focus on how Australians can better recognise each other and recognise the contributions, cultures and history of
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people. It is the perfect opportunity to further recognise all Australians and the
unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within this country. St Mary's College will celebrate
National Reconciliation Week on Thursday, 7 th June at the College assembly.
LEARNING SUPPORT
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the excellent and professional teaching undertaken in the area of
Learning Support at the College by teachers, Mrs Fiona Goodall and Mr David Roy and teacher aides, Mrs Pam
Hanrick, Mrs Leanne Peters, Mrs Cheryl Knox, Ms Tanya Brown and Mr Mitch Smith. They continue to provide
meaningful, challenging and scaffolded learning experiences for our boys who are either, finding literacy and
numeracy a struggle or who require extension activities to their normal academic program. I acknowledge the work
undertaken using the MULTILIT Program (making up for lost time in literacy) which is particularly assisting our boys
to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
DEVELOPMENT CUP – SUPER 8’S DAY
Best wishes to our Primary Development Cup side who will participate in the Super 8’s Day on Thursday, 31 st May.
Our boys remain undefeated. Best wishes to their Coach, Mr Simon McKeiver (Primary Sports Co-ordinator) and
Assistant Coach, Mr Greg Manthey.
GOLDEN GLOVE STATE SOFTBALL
Well done to the St Mary's College softball team who participated admirably in the State Championships over the
weekend. By all reports, the boys had a great time and improved significantly throughout the carnival. I thank their
dedicated coach Miss Jesse Bolton and Mr Jeff Nolan who accompanied the boys.
MAYOR’S ANNUAL MORNING TEA
Our Secondary College Leaders will attend the Mayoral Morning Tea this Friday, 1 st June. Our Primary Leaders will
attend a separate Mayoral Morning Tea on Wednesday, 6 th June. The boys will have the opportunity to mingle and
meet with the new Toowoomba Regional Council Lord Mayor, Councillors and other leaders from Toowoomba
schools. Enjoy!
UPCOMING EXCURSIONS
Best wishes to our students who will be undertaking various practical learning experiences over the coming weeks. On
Friday, 1 st June our legal studies students will experience a session of the Arrest Court. This is a great opportunity to
attend a question and answer session with the Magistrate who presides in the court. I thank Ms Philippa Alroe (Head
of Department, SOSE) who is organising this excursion for the boys.
Also on Friday 1 st June our Year 10 SOSE students will study tourism, marketing, environmental impacts, economic
impacts and workplace health and safety issues at Dreamworld, Coomera. My thanks are extended to Mr Phil
Coverdale for organising this much anticipated learning experience for the boys.
Best wishes to our Year 7 students who will visit the Planetarium and the Science Centre in Brisbane on Thursday, 7 th
June. I thank Year 7 teachers, Mrs Sheryl Pilkington, Mr Simon McKeiver and Mrs Pam Hanrick and Mrs Leanne
Peters who will accompany the boys. I hope all boys enjoy these interactive and practical learning experiences.

TUCKSHOP HELPERS MORNING TEA
Br Tim Scott and Br Kevin Dwyer passed on their thanks to all involved with the Mother’s Morning Tea, last
Saturday week. I quote from a letter to the College from Br Tim Scott - “Please pass on my thanks and
congratulations to all involved in the organisation of the Tuckshop Helpers Morning Tea, last week. We, Christian
Brothers, would never have succeeded without the mothers - they are a great encouragement to us all.”
May our Loving God walk with all members of the St Mary's College family. Amen
Mr Michael Newman-Principal
PENTECOST AND YEAR OF GRACE
Last weekend, the Church celebrated Pentecost the feast day that marks
the beginning of the Church by the coming of the Holy Spirit to the 12
Apostles, Jesus’ mother, family and other friends. It also is a very
special time for many of our families and parishes as they participate in
First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies throughout our diocese.
On behalf of the St Mary’s College community, we would like to
congratulate those children and wish them all the best in their faith
journey.
For the Australian Church in 2012/2013, this Pentecost marks an
important beginning. The beginning of the Year of Grace is a year for
each of us to start a fresh from Christ. We are asked to challenge
ourselves to rekindle or deepen our relationship with Christ and open
our hearts to his grace. Grace - meaning his total unconditional love, strength, hope and joy for us all.
Mrs Kay Gleeson-Assistant Principal, Faith, Mission & RE
FIRST X111 RUGBY LEAGUE
The Firsts Rugby League have <strong>been</strong> travelling to Brisbane over the last four weeks and have <strong>been</strong> learning to step up
to a higher level by playing more consistent teams in a stronger competition. While our results have <strong>been</strong> mixed, the
development of our game has improved markedly since we first began training in Term 1. On Tuesday, we travelled
to Banyo to play Mountain Creek SHS, traditionally a strong school from the Sunshine Coast and went down 32-14.
The score was by no means an indication of the game with St Mary’s having the upper hand in the first half. Due to
some late withdrawals on the day (injury and unforeseen circumstances), we were a little short on players but those
that did pull on the jersey demonstrated plenty of spirit and never gave up, which was very pleasing. Our next and
final game before the Confraternity Shield will be on Wednesday against St Peter Claver College in Ipswich.
Mr Robert Anderson-Head of Department-Human Movements
FINANCE
College fees were due on 11 th May. If <strong>you</strong> have not finalised Term 2 fees, we ask that <strong>you</strong> do this by Friday, 8 th
June. If <strong>you</strong> are having difficulties with school fees, please contact the Principal, Mr Michael Newman or myself on
4631 7333 to discuss an arrangement.
Mr Ed Gleeson-Business Manager
COLLEGE WEBSITE
We are excited to launch our new look College website. Check it out at www.stmaryscollege.com
Parents will now be able to:
Access all the latest forms and letters electronically;
View a detailed calendar of events at St Mary's College;
View the latest College News;
Access the Newsletter electronically and subscribe to our mailing list to receive the Newsletter each week;
Check out the latest photos from College events;
Information about whole College operations;

Plus a ‘Parent Portal’ coming soon.
Don’t forget to check us out online via the website, our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Mr Brendon Willocks-Head of Department, E-Technology
TSSSA RESULT SLIP TERM 1 – 2012 BOY’S SPORTS
SCHOOL - St Mary’s College
TERM 2 - 23/05/2012
RUGBY LEAGUE
13A ST MARY’S - 1 36 d FAITH 4
13B HSHS 26 d ST MARY’S - 2 10
14A ST MARY’S - 1 40 d FAITH 6
14B HSHS 38 d ST MARY’S - 2 22
15A
MOUNTAIN 32 d ST MARY’S - 1 10
CREEK SHS
15B ST MARY’S - 2 -- d FAITH forfeited
2 ND ASSUMPTION 30 d ST MARY’S - 2 10
COLLEGE -
WARWICK
1 ST MOUNTAIN 32 d ST MARY’S - 1 14
CREEK SHS
SOCCER
13A ST MARY’S - 1 2 d FAITH 1
13B HSHS 3 d ST MARY’S - 2 0
14A ST MARY’S – 1 3 d FAITH 0
14B HSHS 7 d ST MARY’S – 2 0
15A ST MARY’S - 1 2 d FAITH 1
15B HSHS 10 d ST MARY’S - 2 0
2 ND HSHS 4 d ST MARY’S - 2 1
1 ST ST MARY’S - 1 3 d FAITH 1
VOLLEYBALL
13A FAITH 2 d ST MARY’S 1
14A ST MARY’S - 1 2 d FAITH 0
14B HSHS 2 d ST MARY’S - 2 1
15A ST MARY’S - 1 3 d ST MARY’S - 3 0
15B ST MARY’S - 2 2 d HSHS 1
15C ST MARY’S - 1 3 d ST MARY’S - 3 0
4 TH (A2) TCC - 1 2 d ST MARY’S - 2 1
3 RD (A2) HSHS 3 d ST MARY’S – 1 0
2 ND (A1) ST MARY’S - 2 -- d FAITH forfeited
1 ST (A1) ST MARY’S - 1 3 d FAITH 0
SOFTBALL
JNR - A FAITH 9 d ST MARY’S - 1 2
JNR - B TCC 6 d ST MARY’S - 2 0
1 ST ST MARY’S – 1 12 d ST MARY’S - 2 2
2 ND ST MARY’S – 1 12 d ST MARY’S - 2 2
TCC = TOOWOOMBA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE TSHS = TOOWOOMBA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
HSHS = HARRISTOWN STATE HIGH SCHOOL DDCS = DARLING DOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
TSHS WC = TOOWOOMBA STATE HIGH SCHOOL WILSONTON CAMPUS

SOCIAL SPORT VENUES AND BUSES FOR MAY 30TH
Social Sports Venues
SPORT / TEAM VENUE TRANSPORT
Tenpin Cost $6.00 Garden City Lanes Nil
Study for ESL Students Library Nil
Social Soccer Capt Ck Bus 1West St
Hip Hop Dance $7.00 St Mary’s Drama Room Nil
INTERSCHOOL SPORT VENUES MAY 30TH
SPORT/TEAM VENUE TRANSPORT OPPOSITION
Soccer
13a, 14a
15a, 1 st
13b, 14b
2 nd
15b
Gatton Soccer Club
Capt Ck
Wanderers Soccer Cb
TCC Kuhl’s Rd
St Mary’s
Bus 4 Margaret St
Bus 2 West St
Bus 6 Margaret St
Bus 7 West St
Nil
Rugby League
13a
14a(Depart 12.30)
15b(Depart 12.30)
13b,14b
15a, 1 st
2 nd (Depart 12.30)
St Mary’s
LDSHS
Cahill Pk
Brothers RLFC
North Ipswich Reserve
LDSHS(Depart
12.30)
Nil
Bus 3 Margaret St
Bus 4 Margaret St
Bus 5 Margaret St
College Coasters
Bus 3 Margaret St
LDSHS(Depart 12.30)
LDSHS
St Joseph’s
TCC
St Joseph’s
LDSHS
LDSHS(Depart 12.30)
LDSHS(Depart 12.30)
St Joseph’s
St Peter Claver
LDSHS(Depart 12.30)
Hockey Clyde Pk Bus 5 Margaret St Development
Softball
2 nd , 1 st
Jnr A, Jnr B
O’Quinn St
Kearney’s Spring
Bus 2 West St
Bus 6 Margaret St
St Joseph’s, TSHS
LDSHS, St Joseph’s
Volleyball
13a,14a
15a(bye),15c, 4 th
1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd
14b,15b
LDSHS Indoor
St Mary’s Outdoor
CB Arena
St Joseph’s
Bus 3 Margaret St
Nil
Nil
Bus 6 Margaret St
LDSHS (Depart 12.30)
Bye, HSHS, St Joseph’s
LDSHS, St Jo’s,LDSHS
St Joseph’s
ALL BUSES TO GATTON DEPART AT 12.30 PM. ALL OTHER BUSES DEPART AT 1.00PM
YOUNG AUSTRALIANS WORKSHOPS
Last Thursday, the primary students and staff were treated to a wonderful performance at the Empire Theatre called
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes which was based on the life of Sadako Sasaki. Sadako’s message for peace
has turned into a worldwide movement. Her story is a celebration of life and has
touched the hearts of children in almost every country. The performance was
very touching and the staff and students greatly enjoyed the experience.
On Monday, the students and staff were once again fortunate to see a great
performance by Mark Greenwood called Breathing Life into Myths and Legends.
Mark discussed the origins and inspirations for his books and showed the
students how their imagination is the catalyst for great writing. Some of Mark’s
books include, The Legend of Moondyne Joe and The Legend of Lasseter’s Reef.
Mark maintained the students’ interests for the entire performance and was
surrounded by the students asking questions at the conclusion.
Pictured: Riley Watterson, Mark Greenwood and Sebastian Elara

OPEN DAY
Thank <strong>you</strong> to the twenty-five primary students who volunteered to assist with Open Day on Sunday. It was great to
see these boys so proud of their College as they showed the visitors their classrooms and the activities that are offered
here at St Mary’s College. One Year 5 student even led a tour of the school as there were no senior leaders available at
the time. A number of the visitors commented on how well-mannered the students were and that they were able to
provide them with a lot of information about the College. Well done, boys.
Mr Stephen Coren-Head of Primary
NEWS FROM YEARS 7B & 7W
The boys in Year 7 have <strong>been</strong> very busy over the past few weeks working on their major assessment items for the term.
They are currently drafting their religious narratives which are based on a major world religions of their choice. It is
through this task, the boys are learning more about other world religions and developing an understanding of people
with different beliefs from their own.
Year 7 are also completing their tasks on Ancient Greece & Egypt. The boys are researching and writing on different
aspects of these ancient societies. When this task is completed, the boys’ work will be collected and used to create a
class magazine.
In maths, Year 7 has <strong>been</strong> doing lots of work on decimals and percentages. This is leading up to their Term 2 exam
which will cover all the topics they have studied this term.
In Technology, the boys have <strong>been</strong> working hard creating models of security systems. Students are working
collaboratively in groups to create working models that incorporate electronic systems.
Ms Sheryl Pilkington and Mr Simon McKeiver-Years 7B & 7W Teachers
PRIMARY SPORT
Congratulations to the Development Cup Team who finished the Toowoomba section of the competition as
undefeated premiers. The team now moves onto the next stage of the competition at the Super 8s carnival on
Thursday.
This carnival will be played at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Arthur Street, Toowoomba, with the first game being played
at 8:30am. Players are asked to be at the ground by 7:50am. If the team qualifies for the final, it will be played at
3:10pm.We look forward to seeing all our supporters at the carnival on Thursday.
Mr Simon McKeiver-Primary Sports Co-ordinator
PRIMARY WORKERS OF THE WEEK
Year 5B Julian Kelly Excellent host for Open Day
Year 6W Jared Schneider Participating well in class
Year 6B Alex Vairop For working very well in class
Year 7W Liam Carrington Working well in class
Year 7B Tallen Kelly Working well in class
NEWS FROM LEARNING SUPPORT
This year’s transit of the planet Venus across the Sun’s face will be the last such event we can see from Earth until the
year 2117. Historically, transits of Venus were of practical interest for measuring the scale of the solar system and
improving navigation and Captain James Cook’s voyage to the South Pacific and Eastern Australia included
observation from Tahiti of the 1769 transit. In modern times, astronomers use observations of planets transiting in
front of stars to discover and study planetary systems other than our own.
To celebrate the 2012 transit of Venus, we have arranged a public talk by a distinguished guest and safe viewing of
the transit using USQ’s Toowoomba campus observatory and special solar filters.
Both events are free and open to all.
PUBLIC TALK: "Eclipses, transits, and occultations: observing special alignments for fun and science"

Presenters: Dr Leslie Young, Southwest Research Institute Planetary Science Directorate, Boulder, Colorado, USA &
Deputy Project Scientist for NASA's New Horizons Pluto-Kuiper Belt Mission
Date & time: Tuesday 5 June, 3:30-4:00pm: light refreshments, 4pm to 5pm: lecture presentation
Location: University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba campus, Allison Dickson Lecture Theatre
TELESCOPIC VIEWING OF THE TRANSIT OF VENUS
Supervised telescopic solar viewing using specialized filters (WEATHER PERMITTING)
Date & time: Wednesday 6 June, 8:00am-2:45pm
Location: University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba campus observatory (beside Macgregor College, Baker
Street,)
Fiona Goodall-Learning Support Teacher
27 th May-3 rd National Reconciliation Week
June
31 st May Creative Arts Experience Day – 8.20am -
2.30pm
31 st May Primary Development Cup Super 8’s Day
1 st June Secondary College leaders attend
Mayoral morning tea
1 st June Legal studies students attend a session of
the Arrest Court in Brisbane
1 st June Year 10 SOSE students attend excursion
to Dreamworld
4 th June P&F Meeting 7pm Boardroom
5 th June Night of the Notables 7pm Clive
Berghofer Arena, Herries Street
6 th June Primary Leaders attend Mayoral morning
tea
7 th June Year 7 visit Planetarium and Science
Centre in Brisbane
21 st June One Act Play Night-6.30pm
Work Experience
Tuesday 5 th Year 11 and 12 Non OP Students
June, 2012
What <strong>you</strong> need to do and by when:
Wednesday, 30th May Student/Employer
information returned.
Thursday, 12 th July Students receive Form C
to obtain all necessary signatures.
Wednesday, 25th July All Form C to be
completed and returned.
Monday 30 th July Work experience
commences
Friday, 3 rd August Work experience
concludes.
Invitation
The Year 8 Cohort 2012
Wish to invite the College Community to
Night of Notables
Tuesday 5 th June, 2012
At the Clive Berghofer Arena
Program: 7.00pm
Welcome to parents, visitors & special guests
Address from guest speaker,
Mr Bryan Flemming
Roll Call of Notables
Guests inspect student displays, interact with
Notables and sample finger food relevant to
the Notable and/or his/her time.
9.00pm Evening concludes