LINKS: Term Four, Week Five
From the Principal
World Teacher’s Day
On Friday 25th October, we celebrated World Teacher’s Day. Our teachers and all of our staff work incredibly hard to make sure they provide the best possible outcomes for your children, so it is great to have a day to celebrate their amazing work. I’d like to thank the P&F for buying our staff a coffee and providing them with Morning Tea last Friday, it was certainly appreciated.
Staffing update
Kath Spicer is taking leave in 2025. We wish Kath all the very best for her leave. I am thrilled to announce that Rommy Beckinsale will be joining our St Mary’s community as Primary PE teacher and Middle Leader: Sport for 2025.
First Holy Communion
I would like to congratulate all those members of our community who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday. This year, these students have shown great commitment to their formation classes on a Wednesday to prepare for three of their Sacraments: Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. I would like to thank Fr Bony and Mrs Karra Suhr for supporting these students with their learning throughout the year.
Year 3 Camp
On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November, our Year 3 Camp will take place at Camp Laurence, Moogerah. I wish our Year 3s all the very best for a fun and exciting time. I would also like to thank Ms Mykytowycz, Ms Reithmuller, Mr Shaw, Ms Dorey and Mr Alister Persse for attending camp with our students.
Principal’s Forum
This week, I am in Toowoomba for our final Principal’s Forum for the year. I would like to thank Mr John Shaw and the entire Senior Leadership Team for leading the school in my absence.
Angela Collins
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Hello St Mary’s community,
It is now Week 5, which means we are halfway through the last term for 2024! (I won’t even mention Christmas!)
I know I am stating the obvious, but this is a busy time of the year! Apart from having lots of events on our school calendar during the final weeks, classes are busy with assessments.
As painful as they may be, assessments are an essential part of schooling, and they help prepare students for after-school life, when we all have to face assessments in one form or another. Whether it be tertiary assessments, formal work qualifications, or work performance appraisals. Job interviews and auditions are also a form of assessment, as are tryouts for sporting events.
At school, formal assessments are used to provide feedback to students on their progress, and to assist with reporting to parents. Teachers refer to two types of assessment: formative and summative. Formative assessment provides information to teachers about how students are learning, so they can modify their teaching if required. It can also help students to identify strengths and weaknesses. Formative assessment occurs in every lesson and tends to happen without students being aware of it. Summative assessment, (such as written, practical or oral tests and assignments), are used at the end of an instructional period to demonstrate what a student has learned in comparison to a benchmark or standard. These then help guide teachers to write reports.
How can parents help? Here are just some of the ways you can help your children:
- by keeping routines at home
- ensuring children are getting to bed in good time (and without devices!) for adequate sleep
- providing healthy meals and snacks, including breakfasts that have a low GI (glycemic index)
- ensuring their children maintain a high attendance at school, including arriving on time
- discussing your child’s schoolwork with them and helping them to keep on top of due dates and homework
Here’s hoping that the last half of the term is not too busy and stressful for you!
God bless,
John Shaw
Deputy Principal
Religious Life
Dear Families,
We’re now halfway through the term, and it’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and effort our students are bringing to their learning. This is a busy time, with students actively engaged and right in the middle of their units across all subjects.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we work together to make this a productive and rewarding term. Here’s to a fantastic Week 5 and 6!
First Communion
Congratulations to the 24 students who made their First Communion on Sunday. It was a lovely morning and such a great celebration for the students. The Parish also organised a Family Fun Day on the same morning which was a huge hit! Thanks to the Erbacher Family and White Family for your leadership in organising this lovely Parish event.
Family Mass
Our final Family Mass for the year is scheduled for Sunday 17th October at 9am. Please mark this date on your calendar. We would love to see you there!
Year 12 Graduation Mass
Our Grade 12 students from Goondiwindi State High School will join us to celebrate their Graduation Mass on Tuesday 12th November at 9am in the Church. All parents, friends and members of our Parish are more than welcome to join.
Other upcoming end of year events:
Tuesday 19th November | Year 10 Retreat Day Year 10 Graduation Dinner |
Monday 25th November | Awards Night |
Monday 2nd December | Prep Christmas Play and End of Year Mass 9:30am |
Wednesday 4th December | Year 6 Graduation Mass 9:30am followed by Pool Party |
AWARDS NIGHT 2024
- Awards Night is scheduled for Monday 25th November (Week 9). Please see Invitation at bottom of page.
Prep – Year 3 Session – 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Sausage Sizzle 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Years 4-10 Session: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- During the second session, Miss Collins will be launching our new five-year Strategic Plan. If you’d like to see the launch of this, please stay for the start of the Years 4-10 Session.
- Students will be having a small practice the morning of Awards Night at school during school hours.
- Students may wear their sports uniform on Monday 25th November to allow for their formal summer uniform to be clean and ready to go.
CHANGE IN DROP OFF PLANS:
- We ask that Prep – Year 3 students are dropped off at classrooms prior to Awards Night at 4:45pm
- Students in years 4-10 need to be dropped at the bottom oval by 6:20pm, before the 6:30pm start.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE:
- Please RSVP your numbers (including your child/ren) using the link below to assist us in catering. Please note we will only be catering for those who have responded. Please do this by Wednesday 20th November by 3pm.
- Please note there will be no movie or babysitting operating this year.
Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight ahead,
Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Secondary News
As we reach the halfway point of the term, we look forward to an exciting and action-packed second half. This week, we were privileged to welcome another inspiring guest speaker, Jerome Leray, the founder and Managing Director of Infarm. Infarm is a groundbreaking ag-tech company that specialises in innovative agricultural solutions. By utilising big data and artificial intelligence, Infarm helps farmers enhance their practices, particularly in reducing herbicide use and promoting sustainable farming methods. Our students thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Leray's presentation, and we’d like to thank him once again for generously sharing his insights.
We would like to provide an update on the upcoming introduction of ‘The Resilience Project’ (TRP) for students in years 7-10, starting in 2025. We have officially commenced our journey with this initiative through our Leading TRP session and the TRP Welcome Meeting. During these sessions, we mapped out essential milestones and planned the implementation of weekly lessons. Stay tuned for updates on our social media channels and future newsletters!
The Importance of a Structured Approach to Revision
As students navigate the challenges of their academic journeys, effective revision strategies become essential in ensuring success. A structured approach to revision not only enhances understanding but also helps in managing time efficiently.
Without a structured revision plan, students may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material to cover. A well-organised revision strategy can break down complex topics into manageable parts, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of information. Here are key components of a structured revision strategy:
- Scheduled Study Sessions: Establish specific times for study within a weekly planner to reinforce the habit of regular revisions. Scheduling sessions minimises procrastination and creates a routine for learning.
- Variety of Techniques: Engaging with material through various methods enhances memory retention. Techniques such as:
- Mind Mapping: Graphically organising information to visualise relationships.
- Practice Tests: Applying knowledge in test-like conditions to assess understanding.
- Flashcards: Creating flashcards for key terms and concepts can aid in quick recall.
- Active Engagement: Actively engaging with the material through discussions, teaching peers, or summarising notes helps solidify knowledge. The more actively involved a student is in their learning, the better they’ll retain information.
Utilising the Eisenhower Matrix for Revision
The Eisenhower Matrix, a tool for prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance, can significantly enhance a student’s revision strategy. It divides tasks into four quadrants:
Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important: Tasks that require immediate attention, such as preparing for an imminent exam or completing a project due shortly. These tasks must be tackled first.
Quadrant 2: Important but Less Urgent: Tasks that contribute to long-term learning, such as reviewing material for future assessments or working on personal projects that enhance understanding. Scheduling time for these tasks is crucial, as they are often neglected.
Quadrant 3: Urgent but Less Important: Tasks that may seem pressing but do not significantly impact long-term goals, like responding to minor inquiries or checking emails. Delegation is recommended wherever possible.
Quadrant 4: Less Urgent and Less Important: Activities that consume time without providing any benefit to learning. Examples include excessive social media browsing. These tasks should be minimised or eliminated.
By categorising revision tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, students can focus their energies on what truly matters, ensuring that they are not only busy but productive. This approach makes it easier to identify and eliminate time-wasters, allowing more room for important, strategic study activities that ultimately contribute to greater success.
A structured approach to revision is not merely about creating a plan, but it’s about executing that plan effectively. The combination of variety in revision techniques and the Eisenhower Matrix creates a robust framework that students can adapt based on their unique needs and learning styles. By prioritising tasks thoughtfully, students can foster a productive study environment, paving the way for academic achievement and a deeper mastery of the material. Implementing these strategies can empower students to take control of their learning journey and achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.
Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary
Pastoral
URSTRONG FRIENDSHIP SPOTTING
Our URSTRONG Friendship spotting boxes have been circulating the playgrounds at lunchtimes. There is a P-3 and a 4-6 nomination box. Students have been asked to nominate fellow students who are demonstrating the following Friendship Ninja qualities: inclusivity, kindness, helpful, thoughtful, selfless, empathy, respect, trustworthy and bravery.
It is a delight to see so many students nominating their peers to acknowledge the special friends they have here at St Mary’s. During Week 8, we will be drawing out 5 names from each box to reward these important friendship qualities.
DAY FOR DANIEL
At last Friday’s assembly, Jack and Scarlet explained the reasoning behind ‘Day for Daniel’ and the importance of raising awareness of child safety, protection and harm prevention.
Thank you for all the support show by our students, to raise awareness for this influential message on this day.
Nicki Wyllie
Middle Leader: Pastoral
Nicola.wyllie@twb.catholic.edu.au
Sports Report
Darling Downs 10-12 years Aquathlon
Congratulations to our 6 boys and 5 girls who competed at the Darling Downs Aquathlon in Dalby, on Friday 25th October. Congratulations to Piper Rose, Maggie Prior, Lotte Persse, Bridie Doherty, Abby Pimm, Fletcher Rae, Fletcher Kelly, Joey Rocks, Jim Jekyll, Charlie North and Bronson White. Special congratulations to Bronson for finishing in the top ten, and who has made the Darling Downs Aquathlon Team. Bronson will compete in Hervey Bay in February next year.
Legends of League
The Legends of League are visiting our school on Thursday 7th November.
Up to 4-6 former NRL players will chat to the year 5/6 and secondary school students about life decisions, Dream, Believe, Achieve, Mental Health, Anti Bullying, Leadership, the importance of staying at school, distance is no excuse & guiding them to make the right choices in life.
The Legends of League games for the 2014/2015 boys is now to be played at 1.45pm.
The 2012/2013 game will now be played at 2.40pm. (Please note game times have changed)
All players will be given a ticket for entry. Players to meet me or a St Mary’s representative at the gate at either 1pm or 2pm depending on your playing time. Parents/ families will need a ticket for entry. (tickets are available at the gate or online - Tickets bought earlier are cheaper)
http://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1302459?qr=true&qr=true
“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts”. (Albert Einstein)
Yours in Sport,
Kathy Spicer
Cultural Report
Benita Klowss
Middle Leader: Culture
Library News
Book Fair – This week!
Our Book Fair is currently running, and we have had some great feedback from parents saying they are liking the change to a different company, this was great to hear! Book Fairs provide children with the opportunity to look at books before purchase whilst also raising funds for books for our library.
If you prefer to purchase books online you can do so by clicking here
Step 1: Select St Mary’s Goondiwindi
Step 2: Confirm you have chosen St Mary’s Goondiwindi
Step 3: Enter your child’s name and class
Materials will be delivered to school in the next couple of weeks! If you would like to order gifts, please e-mail me at emma.petrie@twb.catholic.edu.au to ensure the books do not go to your child/ren.
We look forward to seeing you at the Book Fair in Term 4.
If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail the library staff at:
Guidance Counsellor
Mental Health: Continued awareness throughout the month of October
QLD Health has an informative site that provides a range of Podcasts that you could find very helpful during your busy schedule. To supplement the Mental Health month of October you will find some very helpful topics. See an example below.
Podcast: My Amazing Body: Depression
Source: Queensland Health
My Amazing Body is a podcast that explores interesting, unknown, and misunderstood parts of your body, featuring interviews with medical experts and stories from real Queenslanders. Each episode runs for about 20-30 minutes.
Listen to My Amazing Body at www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/podcast, or find the episodes on Apple Podcasts1, Spotify2, Google Podcasts3, Pandora 4 or your favourite podcast app.
In Australia, it's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime and in any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression. In this episode we explore depression. What is depression? Who does it affect and what does it do to your body?
Dr Daniel Gileppa, a mental health expert and psychiatrist at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, explains what depression is and how it affects your body. He also talks about the signs and symptoms of depression and the best ways to look after your mental wellbeing. Kasey, a Queensland woman, talks about her lived experience with depression.
Podcasts can be helpful if your busy lifestyle prevents you from finding a considerable block of time to read hard copy publications. Something that can provide information while busy in the workshop or driving a long distance for an appointment. There are lots of choices so perhaps you’ll find something that’s more appropriate for you.
Paul Fomiatti,
Guidance Counsellor
Student Support
Hearing Health Date of Visit: Tuesday, 05th of November
If you would like to have your child/ren to have a hearing screener by Carbal Hearing Health Nurses, they will be visiting our school on Tuesday of Week 6. Please complete the attached consent form, or visit the school administration for a printed form. The service is free for indigenous students, and $25 will be added to the school fees of non-indigenous students.
Allison Marsh
Middle Leader - Student Support
COMMUNITY NEWS
