Years 8 – 12 Information Evening 2013

• Overview of Evening• Mr Newman – Vision & College Directions• Mr Goodman – Whole School Operations• Mrs Gleeson - Spirituality• Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare• Mr Willocks – ICT• Mr Condon – Creative Arts• Dr Bradley Voltz – Music • Mr Canning – Sport• Miss Davidson – Years 8 – 10 Curriculum• Miss Davidson – Years 11 -12 Curriculum

Prayer

3

A New Year

4

5

Excellence

I challenge my son a student of St Mary’s CollegeTo live out the College motto “Conanti Corona” – the one who strives will win the crown by…

6

Integrity

I urge my son to be a boy of integrity in all that he does and I encourage him by ...

7

Action

I call and challenge my son and friends of St Mary’s Collegeto action, to help othersby…….

8

Faith

I challenge my son to open his heart, his ears and his mind to you and will encourage him to walk with you…….

Mr Newman – Vision & College Directions

St Mary’s College FamilyWELCOME

Our Vision

To strive for excellence so as to reach one’s full potential, making a difference to our

world.

Our Mission

To provide a quality holistic Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition,

empowering our students to be men of faith, integrity, action and excellence.

Our Values

As stated in the Charter of Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition our values are grounded in the Gospel stories of Jesus.

We strive for:

1. A Gospel Spirituality

2. An Inclusive Community

3. Justice and Solidarity

4. A Liberating Education

PhilosophyVision of Jesus Christ

Aware of God’s unchangeable love for each one of us

Forgiveness – challenge to grow

Holistic Education: Academic, Cultural, Social, Spiritual & Sporting

Where learning is central

Where social justice is valued

Keeping alive the spirit of Edmund Rice

Where participation is valued

Reaching out to students of different backgrounds

Challenged to grow / forgiveness / reconciliation

Proud of our rich history and heritage

Welcoming spirit

People of prayer

Fosters Christian Living

Recognises worth of the Individual

Always open to improvement

Conanti Corona – ‘the one who strives will win the crown’

On Shoulders of Giants We Stand

1898: Br Ambrose Tracey (Provincial of Australian Christian Brothers) accepted invitation from Fr Denis Fouhy(first PP Twb) to establish Catholic School in Toowoomba.

1899: Old Brothers Residence completed, with Chapel and Classrooms – first Principal, Br Hurley – 2nd October commenced with 120 students.

28 Christian Brother Principals – 1899-1996. 3 Lay Principals.

1903: Numbers doubled

1914: Marble statue of Madonna erected, at sudden death of Br Nugent

(Principal – 1912-14)

1915/16: Placed first in Queensland by official examiner of Christian Brothers.

1920: Primary Building completed.

1929: 5 Old Boys Ordained (90 Priests and Religious O/B’s)

1930’s: Swimming pool and tennis courts

1943: Dr RSJ (John) Simpson placed first in Senior in Queensland.

1945: Old Boy Frank Forde Prime Minister of Australia after sudden death of John Curtin.

On Shoulders of Giants We Stand

1952: Enrolments 502 students

1956: St Joseph’s opened – eastern side of Toowoomba

1960: New classrooms – Hill Street

1968: New classrooms and Science block

1971: Library completed

1978: Old Boys’ Rodgers Oval completed

1979: Manual Arts completed

1982: First Old Boy Principal – Br D. A. Purcell

1983: Old Boys’ T. P. O’Brien Multipurpose Centre completed

1985: Administration building completed

1992: Hill Street classrooms extended – e.g. Drama

1993: Margaret Street classrooms extended – e.g. graphics

1996: Last Christian Brother Principal – Br Walker (Old Boy)

On Shoulders of Giants We Stand

1997: First Lay Principal – Mr Bob White

2005: Old Boys’ Stadium opened on Herries Street (Clive Berghofer)

2006: Last Christian Brother – Br Dwyer – leaves the College

2010: Primary Library & side section of Brothers House refurbish

2012: Refurbishment of Brothers House, Administration & Science Labs.

2013: 750 students, Years 5-12 and 91 staff

Famous Old BoysThe Right Honourable Francis M Forde PC

– PM Australia (Between Curtin and Chifley)

- Deputy PM 1932-1946.

The Honourable Sir Walter Campbell QC, DSO, MC, OBE, MA, LLB

- Leading Queen’s Counsel

- Queensland Chief Justice

- Appointed Governor of Queensland in 1985

Hon Vince Lester OAM, 1974-2004 – Queensland Minister and Parliamentarian

Archbishop Virgil P Copas MSC – Appointed Archbishop of Port Moresby, 1966

Air-Vice Marshall Harold Hawkins GLM, ICD, CBE, AFC – appointed Air advisor to Rhodesian High Commissioner and Chief of Air Staff in 1955.

Rear Admiral Patrick Perry OBE, CBE, RAN – served HMAS Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Australian Navy’s Chief Justice Advocate.

Famous Old BoysTom Gorman – Captain of Australia – Rugby League – 1929-30

Dr John O’Neill – Played 4 tests for Wallabies (Rugby Union) & Captain of Queensland Rugby League Team in 1955

Jonathan Thurston – Captain North Queensland Cowboys, Played Queensland and Australia

Dr John Frawley AM – in 2006 was awarded an AM Medal for service to Medicine in the fields of vascular and transplantation surgery and as a pioneer in paediatric kidney transplants

91 Ordained Priests (8 Monsignors & 1 Archbishop)

39 Religious Brothers

380 Ex-Servicemen

Many prominent Toowoomba citizens: Hannahs, Betros, McNabs, Hall, Gabbett, Drew, Sullivan, Wagner……

2013

– Launch of the 5 Year Strategic Plan for the Future.

- 3 Goals: IT, Literacy & Improvement.

- Partnership.

Mr GoodmanWhole School Operations

• Absences: Notify the College prior to 8.30am and bring a note.

• Unacceptable absences - studying, completing assessment, work or assist in the family business or to miss a College activity.

• Procedure for Late to School: Late Pass• Procedure for Leaving the College during School

Hours: Require a note from their parents and they are to get this signed by the AP Welfare or the DP. Sign out and back in at the student reception in the College office.

Mr GoodmanWhole School Operations

• Senior ATD Subjects: Start 7.50am – T, W, T, F Finish 1.47pm – M, T, T, F

• Better productivity.• Punctuality, Work Habits, Theory & Prac• Communication with College; Newsletter on

Tuesday, Phone, SMS messages sent home, Email teachers – goodmank@stmaryscollege.com, Parent Portal

Mr GoodmanWhole School Operations cont.

• Uniforms: Pride in themselves and pride in the community.

• Reduces incidents of bullying and the stress of peer pressure.

• Helps the students focus on their job at hand.• Arrive and leave in full dress uniform, tie and

hat. Shirts need to be in, socks up. Boys are free to change at 3.05pm.

• Note if incorrect uniform being worn.

Mr GoodmanWhole School Operations cont.

• Lockers: Years 8-12 have a locker. Spare key kept at College. Use for Ipad / laptops during breaks, reduce the amount weight in boys bags.

• Mobile Phones, Ipods etc: Not allowed to be out in the College grounds. Put away in bag or locker for the day.

• Media Release: If you do not want photos taken of your son please notify the College.

Mrs Gleeson – Spirituality

• Faith programs• College expectations • College Mass & Liturgy• Edmund Rice Education Australia• Mentor Masses• Daily Prayer

Mrs Gleeson – Spirituality

• Religious Education Program : Review and Development

• Retreat and Ministry Co-ordinator• Student retreats• Social Justice and action programs• Importance of reflection in the lives of boys

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare

Student Welfare Statement

At St Mary’s College we strive to offer boys a holistic Catholic Educational setting where boys develop into respectable, humble young men that are equipped with the necessary skills, compassion and faith that empower them to be a contributing member of society.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare

• Helping our boys grow into fine young respectable men.

• We want our boys to leave St Mary's as well adjusted, polite, courteous, Champions of the poor.

• We want our boys to grow into men that show empathy for others, have a clear faith direction, are proud of who they have become.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.• We are all made in the image of God so we

have inherent dignity.

• Because of this every member of the community is required to treat each other with courtesy and respect.

• Everything we do and decisions we make are to provide the best outcomes for our school community.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.

Here are just some of the ways we try and provide for the boys at St Mary’s.• Personal Development Programs• Variety of camps and retreats• Rock and Water program• Resilience training• Sporting opportunities• Cultural opportunities • Academic opportunities• School Dances• House activities

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.

Partnerships:• By far, most success is experienced when the

school and parents are in partnership together. • We are here to support you too.• If you are having trouble getting your son to

cut his hair, call us. If you can’t get your son to come to school on time, call us. If he isn’t doing his homework, call us.

• We can fight the battle with you!!!!!

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.

“Responsible Thinking Process”

• RTP is not a set of rules it is an attitude

Understanding that we never know with certainty another person’s view.• It is a structure that gives students the

opportunity to learn how to participate, obtain their goals and not disturb others in the process.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.“Responsible Thinking Process cont.”

There are four important assumptions.

1. Students can expect to learn in a respectful, courteous and safe environment.

2. Teachers can expect to teach in a respectful, courteous and safe environment.

3. The RTC is not a substitute for teacher classroom management skills.

4. Students are responsible for their own actions.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.

“Responsible Thinking Process Questioning”

Aims to develop positive relationships with students.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.What happens in the Responsible Thinking Classroom!• Immediate 1 on 1 assistance with the problem by

people highly skilled in this area.• A private and dignified area where teachers work

closely with the student to identify and plan how they can work and learn better in class.

• This kind of assistance can’t happen in the classroom with 30 other students.

• Students learn important skills of reflection, planning and negotiation as well as how to act in class.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.“Responsible Thinking Process cont.”

Advantages for students:

• Students can learn without disruptions from other students mucking around. Those who are having difficulty can be helped away from everyone else. They don’t have to be embarrassed.

Advantages for staff:

• Teachers can go on teaching without disruptive influences in the class and then can negotiate with the students at a more appropriate time.

Mr Nielsen – Student Welfare cont.• Helps us focus on the behaviour and not the

student.• Helps maintain the dignity of all involved.• Introduces the idea of self reflection:

* What do you want?

* What are you doing?

* Is what you doing, getting you what you want?

* What else can you do?

E-Technology

Brendon Willocks

Vision• A technology rich learning environment will

provide a platform for innovative teaching and learning that is lifelong and life-wide... Anywhere, anytime!

• Our boys will be equipped to contribute and be responsible citizens in a digital world.

• Not about replacing good teaching and learning, but adding, extending and enhancing.

1-to-1 ICT Program at SMC

• Yr 8 – iPad Program – Term 2 start• Yr 9 – iPad Program• Yr 10 – iPad Program• Yr 11 – Laptop Program• Yr 12 – Laptop Program (opt-in)

Classroom Technology at St Mary’s College

• ALL classrooms have a data projector, speakers, docking station and Apple TV.

• Others Computers apart from 1:1• 4 computer labs• 2 class sets of 40 Primary Laptop Trollies• Library with 30 computers, 10 laptops and Interactive

Whiteboard• Specialist Classrooms – e.g. Learning Support, ESL

• Interactive Whiteboards – All Primary Classrooms, Japanese, Learning Support, two secondary classrooms

• Add in photos here…

CyberSafety• Communication and staying connected is important,

but students need to be safe

• What we do – continued awareness, class activities, newsletter, reminders in morning notices, etc…

• If there is a school issue we need to know about it, so we can act– Student Protection Officers – Mr Newman, Mr Goodman, Mr

Neilson

– Report-net-abuse@stmarystmba.qld.edu.au

Some things to consider…• Phones/laptop/iPad not in bedroom during sleep

time• Ask to see son’s Facebook page• What is your son’s online name?• Language online• Limit hours online• Facebook

– Friends??? 458 friends?? Really??– Privacy settings strict?

• Friends only

E-Technology

Brendon Willocks

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

DRAMA VISUAL ART MUSIC

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

The Annual One Act Play Night

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

Mr Condon – Creative Arts

The Annual Cultural Evening

Music at St Mary’s

St Mary’s is committed to providing a comprehensive music program – a program that is inclusive of boys’ individual interests, and which allows boys to develop musical

and performance skills in a supportive environment.

Program Dimensions

College Music comprises four inter-related dimensions:

• Years 5 and 6 Instrumental and Band Program

• Classroom Music Years 7 – 12• Co-curricular Band and Ensemble Program• Private Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Our Focus

Performance is fundamental to music-making, and our challenge is to develop this aspect of music at St Mary’s.

We are keen to involve all boys who have an interest in music, and in particular those boys who study music outside the College.

Make Yourself Known!Please email Dr Voltz (voltzb@stmaryscollege.com)

If• You would like to enrol in private instrumental or

vocal lessons• You learn an instrument outside the College and

would like to be involved in a College band• You are simply interested in music and would like to

have a conversation about ways that you might develop your interest

• You have any questions about Music at St Mary’s

Mr Canning – Sport

• Carnivals• Interschool and Interhouse Sport on Wednesdays• Toowoomba & District & Darling Downs Sport

Academic Matters 2013 –Ms Davidson

• Junior Curriculum and ACARA• Assessment Policies• Learning Enrichment• Careers and Vocational Education and

Training• Senior Secondary Curriculum

Education is Changing

• From teacher-centred to student-centred• From knowledge focussed to skills

focussed• Embracing technology and all the

opportunities it provides.

Boy-Focussed

• We understand that boys learn differently to girls, so we aim to ensure that learning is:– Dynamic– Relevant– Student centred– Skills focussed

Year 8 Curriculum

• Australian Curriculum - English, Maths, Science, History• Religion• Electives (one term each):

– Art – Music – Drama – Japanese– Physical Education– Wood Technology– Metal Technology – Graphics

Year 9 Curriculum• Australian Curriculum English, Maths, Science • One Semester of Australian Curriculum History and Physical

Education.• Religion• Electives:

– Art– Music – Drama – Japanese – Wood Technology – Metal Technology – Graphics – Humanities– Commerce – Information Technology

Academic Matters 2013 –Ms Davidson

Year 10 Curriculum• Australian Curriculum English, Maths A or B, Science • One Semester of Australian Curriculum History and Physical

Education.• Religion• Electives:

– Art– Music – Drama – Japanese – Wood Technology – Metal Technology – Graphics – Humanities– Commerce – Information Technology

Year 10 Senior Education and Training Planning

• One lesson per week of Careers in Terms 2 and 3.

• Work Experience in late September.• SET Plans in Term 3.• School-based Apprenticeships and VET –

Mrs Mandy Goodman

Senior Academic Matters 2013 – Ms Davidson

The Learning Enrichment Hub

• Staffed by Mr David Roy, Mrs Kelly James, Mrs Fiona Goodall

• Allows for the individual learning needs of identified students to be met and catered for:– Individualised Learning Plans– Specific targeted literacy and numeracy

remediation.– The opportunity to undertake six subjects instead

of seven to lower stress levels in students with learning needs.

Extension

• Learning Extension for students who demonstrate:– Above average ability – Task commitment – Creativity and Critical Thinking

Academic Matters 2013 – Ms Davidson

• Debating• Participation in English, Maths, Science Competitions• Music Program• Opti-minds• Rostrum Voice of Youth• Youth of the Year• Constitutional Convention• HeadStart Program• Engineering Challenge• Maths Team Challenge• Brainbee Challenge

Literacy and Numeracy Classes• Intensive skills-based program in literacy for

students in Years 8 and 9 and numeracy in Year 8.• Aimed at plugging gaps in all students’ literacy

and numeracy knowledge.• Initial period of assessment to ascertain strengths

and weaknesses of individual students.• From here, we will be able to identify students

who require additional remediation and necessary referral to the Hub.

Reading

• ‘Literacy is the skill that begets all other skills.’

• Provide reading role models to boys.• Based on the recommendations of Ian

Lilliaco• Dedicated time in the school day allocated

to reading to improve learning outcomes.

Assessment Policy• Assessment Policy • To ensure equity and fairness for all

students.• All assessments are due in the lesson

specified on the due date.• The student should arrive to class on time

with the assignment completed (including all criteria sheets and appendices/bibliographies attached)

Where a student is absent on a due date:

• The student must submit the assignment by 3.05pm on the due date unless an extension has been sought.

• A medical certificate must be provided for absence from an exam or in-class assessment.

Where a student does not have the assessment on the due date:

• The student will complete the assessment in that class, at that time, to ensure fairness and equity.

• The student may be asked to complete the assessment in full and be issued with a subsequent new due date, however, these marks will not be attributed to their semester grade.

Extensions

• All applications for extensions need to be completed prior to the due date.

• An application form is requested by meeting with the AP - Curriculum. It requires the signatures of teachers, Heads of Department and the AP Curriculum.

• Grounds for extensions: sickness, bereavement, other personal concerns.

Partnership

• Contact your child’s teacher with any concerns you may have.

• All email addresses at the College have the same stem:– Lastname + initial @stmaryscollege.com– davidsonj@stmaryscollege.com

• Please ensure that the College has your most up-to-date email address and mobile phone numbers.

Senior Curriculum Information

• The Queensland Certificate of Education• OP and Non- OP pathways• The Queensland Core Skills Test• Levels of Achievements and SAIs• Tertiary Entrance Ranks• Bonus Rank Schemes

Senior Academic Matters 2013 –Ms Davidson

The Senior Phase of Learning:

Senior Academic Matters 2013 –Ms Davidson

Year 11 & 12 Curriculum

OP

NON - OP

• 5 Authority Subjects (six is preferred)

• QCS Test

Queensland Certificate of Education

Counting Up the Points

• 1 point per Semester of each school-based subject.

• 6 Points for Cert III Fitness• 4 Points for Cert II IT• 3 Points for Cert I Engineering• 2 Points for Cert I Furnishing

Tertiary EntranceThe Overall Position (OP)• At least 5 Authority Subjects, six is preferable.• Sit the QCS test.• Best for academic students looking for entry into competitive tertiary

courses

OR

The Tertiary Entrance Rank• Any combination of board, board registered or Certificate courses.• May sit the QCS test• Best for students who are unsure of their career direction, have

some strong subject areas but may find OP eligibility too difficult or stressful.

Senior Academic Matters 2013 – Ms Davidson

• Queensland Core Skills Test• Four tests over two days.• Test the Common Curriculum elements

NOT subject specific knowledge.• Students can’t study for the QCS but they

can prepare.

QCS Preparation

• QCS Preparation Time• Mighty Minds Workshops• Practice Tests in Year 11 and 12 that are

externally, professionally marked. • Comprehensive individualised feedback

on practice tests.• Extra after school QCS preparation

tutorials available.

To get the best possible OP…

• Performance in the Queensland Core Skills Test.

• Rank in the cohort is extremely important.• Level of Achievement, especially in

subjects where there is less that 15 students.

The Tertiary Entrance Rank

• All students will receive a tertiary entrance rank, whether they are OP-eligible or not.

• This is a number between 99- 1 that is used to determine Tertiary Entrance.

• It is determined by students’ results in all subjects, not just Authority subjects.

Senior Academic Matters 2013 – Ms Davidson

Bonus Rank University Schemes

• Some Universities offer a Bonus Rank Scheme.

• UQ/ QUT / Griffith:– Study a Language Other than English = 2

Points – Maths C = 2 Points

• USQ– 2 Bonus Points for passing Chemistry and

Physics.

Bonus Ranks and other University Schemes

Student A• Attains an OP 10 = TER 80• Studies and passes Maths C = +2 points = 82• Studies Japanese = +2 points = 84• TER 84 = OP 8• The closer the OP is to 1, the less affect the

bonus rank will have.• Most effect for students between 5-10, and

non OP students.

USQ - HeadStart

• Students can study a University Course whilst at school.

• Guaranteed entry to a related USQ Course.

• Free• Two QCE Points per subject.• Semester 2 2013 or Summer Term