LINKS: Term Four Week Five
From the Principal
We have had a very busy few weeks at St Mary’s School. Our students and community have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities!
Lifestuff with Samuel Johnson and Aaron Williams
On Thursday 19th October, our Year 4 – 10 students went to Goondiwindi State Primary School to listen to Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson and Mental Health expert Aaron Williams. The important message of detecting cancer early by Samuel Johnson may have lead to a few strange dinner conversations, while the tips and strategies Aaron taught us about 3, 2, 5 breathing may help when we are overwhelmed with what we are facing! Thanks to Mr John Shaw and Care Goondiwindi for organizing this for our students.
2024 Middle Leaders
I would like to announce our Middle Leaders for 2024 and beyond! We are truly blessed to have such capable and professional staff who are willing to take on leadership roles.
P- 3 Curriculum: Tenille White
4-10 Curriculum: Chrissy Border
Learning Support and Student Services: Allison Marsh
Extension and Enrichment: Lou Cowley
P-10 Sport: Kath Spicer
P-10 Cultural: Benita Klowss
P-10 Pastoral: Nicola Wyllie
Congratulations and I know we will all support you in your roles.
Grandparents’ Day
What a privilege to host over 150 grandparents on Friday 27th October. This was the first time St Mary’s has hosted Grandparents’ Day like this and we are proud it was such a huge success. To navigate an extra 150 people around the school is no easy feat and I’d like to thank Mrs Karra Suhr for her leadership with this, along with all the teachers for preparing such fun activities for our important family members.
Year 5 Leadership
Following the Year 5 camp, I had the pleasure of interviewing those students who have applied for a leadership role in 2024. This gave me great insight into what the students learnt about leadership while on camp. It fills me with confidence that so many of our Year 5s have applied for these positions and I look forward to hearing your leadership speeches in Week 7. All the best, Year 5!
Year 6 Transition Day
Monday 23rd October saw our Year 6 cohort along with students from surrounding schools join our Year 7-10 students to gain some insight on what it looks like in secondary school with our Transition Day. The students participated in Hospitality, Science and Maths classes and enjoyed a BBQ lunch. Many thanks to Mr Bevin Goodes and the secondary staff for organizing this fantastic day for our students!
Choirs of Angels concert
On Tuesday 24th October, we were blessed to hear our Choirs of Angels perform at our Choral Concert in St Mary’s Church. Congratulations to our Seraphim Singers, Cherabum Choirs and Angel Choir who entertained us for a beautiful evening of singing. Thank you to Mrs Benita Klowss, Mr Sam Jessen and Mrs Ina Winter for making this night possible. Thanks also to Fr Hermi and St Mary’s Parish for allowing us to use the church for this event.
Principal’s Forum
I will be away in Toowoomba for the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum from lunchtime Monday 30th October for the remainder of Week 5. Thanks to the Executive Team for stepping up in my absence.
School Tuckshop
As the weather heats up, we need to keep cool. Just a reminder that only students in Years 3 – 10 can use cash to purchase ice blocks at lunchtime. Parents of younger children can purchase these items via the Flexischools app.
Week 9 Tuckshop Arrangements
Monday 27th November - ‘Skeleton Tuckshop’ - We will have a reduced menu available via FLEXISCHOOLS
Tuesday 28th November - Free Sausage Sizzle second break only. No First Break tuckshop available
Wednesday 29th November - NO TUCKSHOP AVAILABLE
After school pick up
Just a reminder that all students should be picked up at 3pm at the end of the school day. Should you be unable to get here by 3.15pm at the latest, you are welcome to use our Outside of School Hours Care facility.
SRIP
Just a reminder that this year’s School Renewal and Improvement Process (SRIP) report is available on our website: SRIP Report
Miss Angela Collins
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Hello St Mary’s community,
With only about 4 weeks to go (depending on when you read this), we are quickly coming to the end of the school year. But there is still plenty of learning and assessment to be done. Please ensure that your children are getting adequate sleep to cope with the rigours of school life. I think our staff are all working in two headspaces at once, simultaneously working on this year’s curriculum, as well as planning for 2024.
This week we have two late afternoons of auditions for our 2024 musical, Lion King Jr. I wish the theatrical hopefuls all the best for their auditions. I am sure some parents will know the audition script inside out by now!
We have one more camp to go in our annual St Mary’s camping calendar: Our Year 3 overnight camp at Camp Laurence, on the shores of Lake Moogerah. I know the Year 3 students are eagerly looking forward to it. We are really blessed to have such a rich camping program at St Mary’s.
Just another quick reminder to check the lost property cupboard near the undercover area at the western end of the administration building. There is quite a variety of lunchboxes and food containers, as well as various uniform items.
God bless,
John Shaw
Deputy Principal
Religious Life
Grandparents Day
A huge thank you to everyone who supported Grandparents Day last Friday. It was heartwarming to see so many of our grandparents in attendance. We heard many lovely stories of grandparents arriving and surprising their family and many others who took the opportunity to stay for the weekend. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents back next year.
Remembrance Day
St Mary’s will stop and remember our fallen soldiers and those impacted by war on Friday 10th November at our assembly starting at 8:45am. Our secondary school captains will be attending the town service at the Town Park on Saturday 11th November at 10:30am. All are welcome to attend either event.
Year 12 Mass
St Mary’s will host the Year 12 Mass for the graduating class at Goondiwindi State High School. All our families and friends are invited to join us at this celebration on Tuesday 14th November at 9am.
Family Mass
Our final Family Mass is on Sunday 19th November at 9:30am. During this Mass we will be looking at the Christmas story and completing a craft activity. Please join us for our last gathering for 2023.
Last Assembly
Friday 24th November, the school will gather for our final Friday assembly for 2023. At this assembly, students will bid farewell to the year 10 and Year 6 students. Students will create tunnels for our Year 6 and 10 students to walk through at the conclusion of our assembly. Please join us at 8:45am in the Centenary Centre.
End of Year Mass
The end of year Mass celebration is scheduled for Monday 27th November at 9:30am. This is a wonderful celebration where our prep students will perform the Christmas Story and we will bid farewell to those members of our community who will be leaving us. All are welcome to attend this lovely celebration.
Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Secondary News
Miss Jenna Aroyan, under the mentorship of Mrs. Sheridan, completed her final teaching placement on Friday, October 13th, 2023. Not only did Jenna prove herself to be a effective classroom practitioner, she also was able to effortlessly establish meaningful connections with both colleagues and students. Jenna's departure has left a void at St Mary’s, and we wish her all the best for her continued success in her future teaching career.
The exemplary behavior displayed throughout the recent Year 6 Transition Day was exemplary with all students engaging with the activities. A huge thank you goes out to all the staff and students who made it a success. The BBQs now run seamlessly, from their organisation to the clean-up, thanks to everyone's efforts. This day exemplified how teamwork leads to a fun and enriching learning experience for all.
We wish to make these transition days a more regular occurrence in 2024, and are aiming to start them earlier in the year. In order to enhance their effectiveness, we have distributed feedback forms to all staff and students who participated, and we will be implementing improvements based on the valuable input received.
Once again, the Angelic Annual Choir Concert, held in our church, proved to be a memorable event, showcasing the remarkable talents of our dedicated students. It was a lovely experience, and we're eagerly anticipating next year's event. We're now looking forward to the Instrumental Concert this Friday. Thank you all for your efforts.
As the selection process for St. Mary's leadership positions draws near, we are thrilled that so many students are eager and willing to embrace the challenges. We recognize the courage and determination it takes to not only apply for these roles but also commit to them throughout the year. As a staff, we understand that effective student leadership significantly enhances the school's operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and an enjoyable experience for all, resulting in a year filled with cherished memories. Good luck to all those who are taking part.
Sleep
At the end of each day your mind needs to reset to recharge. At least 7 to 9 hours of sleep needs to be achieved each night.
Benefits of getting quality sleep
- Sleep rests your eyes and vital organs and is essential for growth.
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) is lowered with the right amount of sleep.
- Learned material is stored in your long-term memory during REM sleep.
- The right amount of sleep will lead to more energy during the day.
- The right amount of sleep improves the immune system.
Tips for better sleep
Exercise
Make sure both your mind and body are fatigued but try to avoid exercising within two hours before you go to bed.
Darkness
Dim your light in the run up to bedtime and sleep in total darkness (increased release of Melatonin). Turn off phones and computers one hour before going to bed.
Routine
Same time every night.
E.g.: Brush teeth, Read for 15 minutes, Sleep.
"Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day”
~ Matthew Walker
Mr Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary
Primary Sports Report
Darling Downs Aquathlon
The Darling Downs Aquathlon trials which were to be held last Friday in Dalby are now being held on Friday, 3rd November. Best wishes to Angus O’Toole, Jono Webb, Charlie North, Hudson Derbidge, Rocky Heeson, Sam Bishop, Fergus Murray, Milly Doherty, Annie MacDonald, Polly Wild, Molly Giltrow and Bridie Bate.
Prep - Year 2 Swimming Carnival
The annual Prep - Year 2 Swimming Carnival has been set for Friday 3rd November, from 8.45 – 10.45. The Preps will be set up in the little toddler pool area and compete in novelty games. The year 1s and 2s will be in the 50m pool. Your child should be aware of what events they are swimming. Please drop students to the pool and they will be bussed back by morning tea.
Program of events
Event 1 - 25m Freestyle year 2 boys
Event 2 - 25m Freestyle year 2 girls
Event 3- 25m Freestyle year 1 boys
Event 4 - 25m Freestyle year 1 girls
Freestyle arms with kick board or 12.5m freestyle
Event 5 - 25m Backstroke year 2 boys
Event 6 - 25m Backstroke year 2 girls
Event 7- year 1 boys (shallow end)
Event 8- year 1 girls (shallow end)
12.5m backstroke or back kick with a board
Event 9 - 25m year 2 boys (noodle race)
Event 10 - 25m year 2 girls (noodle race)
Event 11 - 25m year 1 girls (noodle race)
Event 12 - 25m year 1 boys (noodle race)
Yours in Sport,
Kathy Spicer
Library News
Book club
BOOK CLUB ISSUE 7
Items purchased will be sent home as soon as possible after they arrive.
Thank you for your support of Book Club as it raises funds for our library.
Due to the ordering system, no late orders will be accepted. Please order online using ‘the loop’ platform. Information can be found on the order forms. Thank you for your support of Book Club, all purchases contribute to reward points for our school library.
Thank you to all of our families for your support of our annual Book Fair.
I don’t have the amount of funds raised at this time but I know it will be significant in terms of providing more books for our students.
Thank you so much!
Would you like to know what books we have in our fabulous library?! Find us at: https://au.accessit.online/STM25/
If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail the library staff at:
goondiwindilib@twb.catholic.edu.au
Emma Petrie
Teacher Librarian
Careers
7 Productivity Hacks for High School Students
If you’re fed up with late-night study sessions, feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or exam prep, and drowning in textbooks, perhaps it’s time for some new strategies. By working smarter, not harder, you could boost your productivity, retain information better, and reduce the stress that often accompanies high school life. Here are seven productivity hacks for high school students to help you maintain a balanced lifestyle:
Prioritise your tasks.
Begin by identifying your most important and urgent tasks. You could try using the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorises tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on the tasks in the “Important and Urgent” quadrant first to help manage your time best and maximise your productivity.
Create a study plan
Establish a study routine that suits your personal preferences and commitments. For example, do you study better in the morning or at night? Do you have extracurricular or work commitments? Block those times out of your schedule. Then allocate specific time slots for each subject or topic, ensuring a balanced workload. Stick to your schedule to develop consistency in your study habits.
Break tasks into smaller chunks
Tackling a massive assignment or a lengthy reading list can feel daunting. If you start by finding a way to break all your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks it will seem much more achievable and give you focus. Completing bite-sized portions could also give you a sense of accomplishment and make the workload feel less overwhelming.
Eliminate distractions
Identify your most common distractions and take steps to minimise them. Put away your phone, use website blockers if needed, and create a dedicated study space that is free from interruptions. If you can’t set something up at home, try and find a space at school, the local library, or other community space.
Embrace study techniques
Finding an established study technique that suits you and the way you work could help you to stay on track and be more productive, without reinventing the wheel yourself.
Use technology wisely
There are dozens of apps and tools available to enhance your study experience. Some of them are free while others you might have to pay for, but if you can’t afford a specific tool you could also look for alternatives.
Tools like note-taking apps, task managers, and calendar apps can help you stay organised and on track. Why not have a look at the educational apps and online resources that could you to reinforce your learning, be productive, or stay on track? You could ask your friends, family, or teachers what they use if you’re not sure where to start.
Review and reflect
After each study session, take a few minutes to go over what you’ve learned. Ask yourself questions and think about the key takeaways. This active recall technique could help reinforce your memory and comprehension.
Remember, productivity isn’t about studying longer hours; it’s about studying efficiently and effectively. By incorporating the hacks that work for you into your routine, you could improve your study habits, reduce stress, and achieve better academic results. So, go ahead and start studying smarter, not harder, and see if it makes a difference.
Rachael Reeves
Career Development Practitioner
Guidance Counsellor
Mental Health Month
To continue the theme of mental health month there are some resources that have become available to encourage RU OK? Everyday. Every Day with RU OK?
There is also a recorded Webinar, “How to Help Children with Anxiety & Trauma”. Webinar LINK This is a resource for parents and carers to support children in coming to grips with the more recent horrific events that have taken place in Israel and Gaza.
Mental Health Quick Tip: Tech-Connect Conversations with Teens!
Feeling out of the loop with your teen's digital life? Bridge the gap with these strategies:
- Show Genuine Interest: Initiate by showing curiosity about their online experiences, avoiding immediate concerns.
- Interactive Learning: Request a walkthrough of their favourite apps or platforms, starting with safety tools like blocking.
- Deep Dive Questions:
"Ever felt the need to block someone? Why?"
"How do your peers feel about photo-sharing?"
"How can you tell if online content is genuine?"
"Witnessed a friend facing challenges online?"
"What's your strategy for screen time management?"
"If you could tweak one internet aspect, what would it be?"
"Top reasons you enjoy being online?"
"Is your online persona different from real life?"
Tech-Connect: A key to understanding and bonding in today's digital era!
Paul Fomiatti
Guidance Counsellor