Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends - St Mary's College

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends,
Mary Street, Woodend, Q 4305
PO Box 172, Ipswich, Q 4305
Tel: (07) 3432 - 5444
Fax: (07) 3432 - 5432
Email: admincentre@stmarys.qld.edu.au
Website: www.stmarys.qld.edu.au
Term One, Week Five
2012
“We should be as shining lamps,
giving light to all those around us.”
Catherine McAuley
Shining Lamps… community
For those who are new to St Mary’s College, you may not have taken time to look at the College logo which has the
words “a community” positioned under the SMC written in a soft and feminine form.
It is a continual reminder to us about the importance of building community in all we do and say.
As a Catholic, Christian community, this week we marked the start of Lent with our Ash Wednesday liturgy. At this
time, Mr Blanchfield reminded the girls of the significance of the six weeks leading up to Easter as a time to reflect on
our journey and consider ways with which we can continue to be our best self. Normally the time of Lent is associated
with giving up or making sacrifices. However, I would more encourage each girl to consider how she might improve the
way she relates to other girls at St Mary’s College… these relationships are key to ensuring our community continues
to thrive. And so often, the sending of an inappropriate text message or posting on Facebook can cause these
relationships to break down. To be our best self means we should always act and speak with great integrity, to be
encouraging of others, to build others up and allow their light to shine.
So, instead of embarking on this journey towards Easter by giving up chocolate or cake, why not make a promise to be
your best self in the way we relate to our friends and other girls at St Mary’s College? Your actions will only help to
make our community a better place for everyone.
I was thrilled this week to receive a letter from Beyond Blue acknowledging a contribution from the St Mary’s College
Staff of $722. This money was raised as part of our Christmas lunch at the end of the year through a raffle of prizes
donated by staff. The total money raised is then donated to a charity of our choice. Beyond Blue is a national
depression and anxiety initiative and we are thrilled our money will assist in their ongoing research.
Today, it was a pleasure to join the St Mary’s Primary School for the Induction of their Student Leaders. We wish Mr
Mike Quinn, Principal, staff and all the members of their Student Leaders team the best for the year ahead.
Shining Lamps… Getting Involved
All the best to Brittany Rodgers (Year 11, G3) and Annie-rose Forsyth (Year 11, M2) as they are inducted into the
Ipswich Youth Advisory Council next Monday. The College is already very well represented on this council which is
made up of young people aged between 12 – 17 years who are keen to provide a voice on youth issues and represent
the community at various events and activities. Well done Brittany and Annie-rose!
We wish Ebony-Lee Corbyn (Year 12, G5) all the best this week as she competes in the first round of the Lions Youth
of the Year on Sunday. Ebony-Lee will present a prepared speech and answer a range of general knowledge
questions.
If you are like me, I was overwhelmed with pride when I read the Page 5 article in the Queensland Times on Tuesday.
What an “awesome achievement” to quote the article of a young Annabelle Heather (Year 9, H6) to be awarded the
prestigious Australian Scout Medallion. Of course, I was even more impressed about the level of contribution by our
Cont’d .......

girls to the wider community, when I was informed that
Annie-rose Forsyth (Year 11, M2) was also presented with the
same medal. Congratulations to both Annabelle and
Annie-rose on receiving this acknowledgement of your hard
work and dedication over many years.
Exciting times as auditions start next week for the Combined
Colleges Musical “13”. This is a great opportunity for girls to be
involved, have fun and feel a great sense of accomplishment
being part of such a wonderful production.
All the best to the Murphy and Gorry Houses and their families
next week for your House Celebrations… and a friendly
reminder to parents to get involved by coming along to the St
Mary’s College Parents and friends’ Bushdance.
Enjoy your weekend with family and friends,
Deidre Young
Principal
“Ain’t about how fast I get there, Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side, It’s the climb.”
These were the words sung by Angie Narayan to open the event.
On Shrove Tuesday, Amelia-Jane Savage (Year 12, W6), Tiarna Evans (Year 11, M8) and ourselves had the
privilege to attend a Pancake Manor function to support and fundraise for the Ipswich Women’s Shelter in Ipswich.
The women at this shelter have had many hardships in their lives and it was a great opportunity to give back to the
people in the community who have more mountains to climb than us.
We had the honour of participating in many pancake activities including a pancake relay and toss (which we won).
We would like to thank Councillor Andrew Antoniolli for inviting us to join his table and winning the eating contest! We
would also like to thank Mrs Antoniolli for accompanying us on the day. Overall it was a great day filled with fun
activities to help a worthy cause in true Mercy spirit.
Alexandra Collins (Year 11, H7) and Madeline Cross (Year 11, H8)
2

From the Deputy
Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Students and members of our St Mary’s Community:
Education is a hot topic all around the country and even globally these days. There is a
strong drive from governments for results in return for economic expenditure. There are
lots of statistics around making comparisons between different groups, different states,
and different countries about expenditure and results. Technology is seen by some as the
solution to improving every situation. As is the case in our modern world, everyone
seems to have a view and be very willing to express it.
I think that we can look at these issues through examining these questions:
What is education about these days? Is it about learning information? Perhaps not long
ago, it largely was, but in this day and age, information is changing so rapidly, that by the
time a student finishes a course the information learnt is obsolete. Information is also
readily available through the internet, so if this was all that education was about, then
why the need to go to school? I believe that education is about a lot more than just
information – It is also about learning skills both academic and technical; about ways of
thinking about a subject and the world; about how information is shared, acquired and
most importantly, critiqued; about becoming an effective lifelong learner to change and
adapt constantly to a changing world well into the future.
What is high school education about these days? Is it just about academic results and
preparing students for jobs? While these may be important considerations, these are not
the only important aspects. I believe that high school education is also about developing
the whole person – about developing socially, emotionally and psychologically well
balanced people; about developing good citizens who contribute positively to their
families, their local communities, their countries and their world; about developing people
who are ethical and have values; about developing people who can think, evaluate,
question and challenge.
What is Catholic Education about these days? Is it about learning dogma and following
rules and official teachings of the Church? Of course it does include those things. I
believe that it is also largely about nurturing faith filled and hope filled people – about
people who see value in looking to the teachings and values of Jesus Christ to guide
them through their life; about nurturing in people the living out of Gospel values of love,
justice, forgiveness, compassion, faith and hope; about nurturing people who build
community, and whose goodness is so inspiring that other people in this world are
inspired to be better people too.
This is what the parents and teachers and people in the community I talk to are interested
in. I hope our politicians and community leaders listen to them as well!
God bless!
Paul Wruck
Deputy Principal
3

From the APA
Last week the Student Leadership Team represented our College at the annual Student Leaders’
Conference hosted by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Read on for the girls’ feedback
from the day. Thanks girls, for representing St Mary’s College so well.
All students in Years 8 and 10 should have returned their Immunisation paperwork to the Student
Office. Please attend to this if needed.
Don’t forget to keep Thursday 8 th March at 11.10am free for our annual International Women’s Day
Event.
Have a great week,
Karen Mulcahy
Assistant Principal Administration
On Thursday 16 th
February, the University of Southern Queensland invited leadership
representatives from schools in Southern Queensland
to participate in their annual Youth Leadership Day.
The St Mary’s College Student Leadership Team
attended this event with many leadership skills being
built upon.
The first part of the program was a speech by Mr
Doug Fraser (Director of USQ) which was titled
“Effective vs. Ethical Leadership”. We were shown
the images of five different leaders: Churchill,
Obama, Mao, Mandela and Ghandi and were then
invited to create a poster which listed five
characteristics of effective leadership and five
characteristics of ethical leadership. It was made clear
that a good leader is someone who incorporates both categories. To conclude his presentation, Mr
Fraser gave eight simple guidelines for school leaders.
The second part of the day was conducted by motivational speaker, Alissa Phillips. As a child,
Alissa shared her home with many children whom her mum would foster. These children each had
their own unique disabilities and she quickly found herself in a diverse range of situations which
culminated in she and her friends creating a community centre called S.P.A.C.E. (Specialised
Programs and Community Endeavours). In Alissa’s session, we were introduced to the concept of a
“World Café”, where the key notion was “If you want to change the conversation, you have to
change the people.” With respect to school leadership, the main lesson was if you want to make
improvements, you need to have discussions with a wide range of people or the idea will continue to
go in circles. Alissa also shared with us her motto: “I dare you, just once, to have a magnificent
obsession” which we are all looking to apply in our roles.
The final session was unanimously the favourite of the St Mary’s College Student Leaders. In this
session, each school came up with ideas they wanted to implement in their schools and shared them
with the entire group. Even though the situations we all find ourselves in as Student Leaders are
relatively similar, the variety of ideas was phenomenal.
We all walked away with many ideas and are looking forward to implementing them in the year
ahead.
Brooke Geeling and Lauren Bilyj
(College Vice Captains)
4

From the APRE
On Wednesday our school community
gathered in the McAuley Centre to mark the
beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is the
day we commit ourselves to six weeks of
preparation for the Church’s greatest feast:
the resurrection of Jesus.
Lent is meant to be a time when we
deliberately take steps to return to God — to
refocus on the things that are really
important in our lives. So it is a time of
reconciliation when we reflect on the
significant relationships in our lives and try
to revitalise them. Christians believe that
there are four basic relationships which
define our lives.
Firstly, each of us is in a relationship with
God. We share his life as his son or
daughter. During Lent we try to reflect on
this reality and make it a source of
confidence and courage as we face the
challenges of living.
Secondly, we are in relationship with others. Lent is a time to go out to our friends and family and
even to strangers in a deliberate effort to heal and deepen our relationships. Their gestures need
not be dramatic. Maybe we can simply put aside time to be with another.
Thirdly, we are in relationship with our true selves. During Lent we try to reflect on the type of
person we are becoming. Am I on my way to being the person God intends? It might be a time
to exercise our spirits by deliberately choosing to perform acts which allow us to show the
compassion, love and hope to which we have been called.
Fourthly, we are in relationship with the rest of creation. Lent can be a time when we take stock
of how we impact on creation and perhaps to change our habits to lessen that negative imprint.
Our first reading on Ash Wednesday will remind us that we need to turn to God and rely on his
grace. St John says:
If we say we have no sin in us,
we are deceiving ourselves and refusing to admit the truth;
but if we acknowledge our sins,
then God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and purify us from everything that is wrong.
We can be sure of God’s compassion when we turn to him. This is shown in our Gospel which
tells the story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet. His gentle forgiveness should give us
hope. This hope is the theme of our reflection song in which we hear God speak to us:
But if you could see beyond the tears,
You’d know love won’t desert you.
To see beyond the tears, you know I’ll never hurt you.
To see the sun behind the rain, feel the joy behind the pain.
You know you’ll see me standin’ right
beyond the tears...
Michael Blanchfield
Assistant Principal Religious Education
5

Japanese News
Konnichi wa!
In June, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to sit for Japan’s most popular Kanji
qualification, Kanji Kentei. These qualifications are recognised in Japan and by Queensland universities.
They are an excellent opportunity to motivate students in their Kanji studies. Kanji Kentei will take place at
Indooroopilly State High School on Saturday 2 nd June from 1.00pm. Applications close on 28 th April. Level
10 is for beginners. I strongly recommend all Year 10 and 11 students take Level 10 and Level 9 for Year
12. For entry details, please contact Takeaki Nakamura at tutoring@links-across-cultures.com. Information
about the qualification can be found on the following website: http://www.links-across-cultures.com/kan/
Kanken_En_20120602.html. I will be there on the day as I will be renewing my Kanji qualifications.
I was very pleased to welcome Haruka, Miku and Miho to St Mary’s College last week. All three girls
arrived safe and sound on Saturday morning after a long trip from Kagoshima, Japan. The girls are
participating in our sister school’s (Kagoshima Immaculate Heart) annual Australian Homestay Program
and are studying English
and Teaching. The girls
will be attending all
Japanese classes, some
classes with their host
sisters and Year 10 Art
until 9 th March. Thank you
once again to Rebecca
and Georgina Allen (Years
9 and 11), Olivia Grissell
(Year 9) and Callie Wood (Year 10) and their families for hosting the girls. Feel free to chat with the girls if
you see them around the College.
Attention all Anime Fans!
This is a notice for all Anime and Manga fans who are not currently studying Japanese. The 2012
Animania Festival will be held in Brisbane on 10 th March at the Mercure Hotel. There will be many Manga,
Anime and Origami workshops; stalls selling Anime and Manga goods as well as stalls selling Japanese
food. For more information please see Ms Yamaura.
Ms Anna Yamaura
Japanese Coordinator
The St Edmund’s College newsletter
is available in ‘News and Events’
on the College Website.
(Click on the link below)
http://www.sec.qld.edu.au/
Uniform Shop Hours
Monday 8.00am to 12.00pm and 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Thursday 8.00am to 10.00am and 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
If these days fall on a public holiday, the shop will open the
following business day.
PLEASE NOTE:
TO REPORT STUDENT ABSENTEES ONLY
BEFORE 7.30AM, PLEASE PHONE
3432-5499 WITH THE STUDENT NAME, YEAR
LEVEL AND PASTORAL CARE GROUP.
TO REPORT STUDENT ABSENTEES
DURING SCHOOL HOURS,
7.35AM-3.15PM, PLEASE PHONE
STUDENT OFFICE ON 3432-5407.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTH OF THE ABOVE
PHONE NUMBERS ARE TO BE USED FOR
STUDENT ABSENTEES ONLY.
We are now accepting enrolments for girls to enter Year 8 in 2013 and 2014. Please
contact the College office on 3432 5444 for an application package or visit our website to
download a copy – www.stmarys.qld.edu.au. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
6

Year 8 Camp 2012
7

iCentre News
2012 Ipswich Poetry Feast
The Ipswich Poetry Feast is an exciting initiative of the Ipswich City Council. The
competition aims to:
Encourage young and aspiring poets
Raise community awareness of the creativity and skills in poetry writing
Promote and showcase Ipswich as a vibrant, culturally rich region.
Competition Categories
1 st Prize 2 nd Prize 3 rd Prize
Age 11 - 13 years $120 $80 $50
Age 14 - 15 years $150 $90 $60
Age 16 - 27 years $250 $150 $100
Special Awards
Awarded to poems submitted in any category that best reflect the theme: Faces of
Ipswich – Prizes as follows:
Age 5-13 years $100
Age 14-17 years $150
For more information on guidelines and conditions of entry and
entry forms please see Mrs Callaghan in the iCentre.
Entries are due to Mrs Callaghan or Mrs Lynch
by Friday 20 th July 2012.
8

World Book Web
Designed to make reference resources and research tools
accessible at all learning levels, World Book Web delivers World Book’s reference
collection to cover the needs of students from primary school and up.
To access the World Book Web from home, go to:
www.worldbookonline.com
URL
User Name: stmary11
Password: st4305
HINTS:
1. You can save your user name and password for faster login – simply tick the box
labelled “Remember my ID and password”. The next time you visit World Book the
login prompt will already contain your username and password.
2. Once you arrive at the World Book home page, you should bookmark the page or
add to favourites for easy access to World Book in the future.
The World Book Web includes several reference sites that feature:
A vast collection of primary source documents
Thousands of editor-selected Web sites
Research tools, including a timeline and citation builder
Current magazine and newspaper selections
Individual accounts that offer students the ability to save research
Content correlated to curriculum standards
For more information or assistance please visit the iCentre or see Mrs Callaghan.
9

News from the College Counsellors
Centacare Catholic Family and Community Services
What: Free workshops in The Healthy Relationship Series for Women. Workshops are for women who are in a
controlling relationship or rebuilding after one, considering working through family separation or wanting to
create healthy relationships in the future. Free child minding available for children under 5 years (bookings
essential).
When: Tuesdays: 6 th March, 13 th March, 20 th March, 27 th March, 3 rd April and 10 th April from 10.00am to 1.00pm
with morning tea provided.
Where: 58 Morgan Street, Fortitude Valley. Register at cfcs@centacarebrisbane.net.au or call (07) 3252 4371.
Engineering Link Group Projects
What: Enterprise Management Project 2012 (EMP12) for Year 12 students.
When: 10 th to 13 th April 2012 (the second week of the holidays).
Who: The EMP12 is designed to cater for students who have a business, entrepreneurial, engineering or artistic
background, or have an idea that they think may be developed into a product or service that would benefit
the wider community. Students will develop their skills in team dynamics and problem solving, management
and leadership, marketing and communication, venture capitalisation and time management.
Where: Capricornia College, CQ University, Rockhampton.
Closing: Friday 2 nd March 2012.
Cost: $198 – all meals, accommodation, materials, excursions, activities OR $110 – as above with out
accommodation (or breakfast). Travel subsidies are available for those who live outside of the CQ area to
the value of $100. Registration: www.telg.com.au/Registration.html or phone (07) 4725 8488.
Keys2Drive Free Driving Lesson
Free driving lesson which brings the learner and their parent/supervisor together with a keys2drive accredited
professional driving instructor. www.keys2drive.com.au.
Antipodeans Abroad Info Nights - Brisbane
When: 5:30pm to 6:30pm, 22 nd March 2012.
Where: The Watermark Hotel, 551 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, Brisbane.
http://www.antipodeans.com.au/info-nights.htm
UMAT 2012
Test for selection into Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science degree programs. UMAT is offered once a year only.
When: 25 th July 2012.
Registrations online only and open April and close at 5.00pm on 1 st June. Cost: $210
http://umat.acer.edu.au/
MedEntry Training at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
What: Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School will be hosting the MedEntry Registered Training Educational Institution,
which provides training to students interested in taking the UMAT to be accepted into an undergraduate
health degree. The MedEntry program consists of two days of work shops, practice exams, and interview
skills development and is proven to assist students in achieving higher UMAT scores.
When: Saturday 5 th and Sunday 6 th May 2012.
Cost: $790 per student or $570 if a group of three or more students register together.
Register: On the MedEntry website www.medentry.edu.au or call (03) 9359 9960.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) - Open Day 2012
9.00am to 3.00pm, 29 th July at the Kelvin Grove Campus. http://www.qut.edu.au/study/events/qut-open-day
Nursing and Health Expos
When: 15 th April 2012.
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. http://www.rcna.org.au/WCM/RCNA/Events/nursing-andhealth-expos/Qld/rcna/events/nursing-and-health-expos/queensland.aspx.
Projects Aboard - Information Evenings
Where: Bleeding Heart Gallery; 166 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD.
When: 6:30pm to 7:30pm, 8 th March 2012.
Register: http://www.projects-abroad.com.au/more-info/meet-us/information-events/http://www.projectsabroad.com.au/more-info/meet-us/#information-evenings
Melbourne Football Club Work Experience
What: Spend a week embedded in an AFL club.
Who: 40 high school students from around Australia.
When: 7 th to 11 th May, or 2 nd to 6 th July 2012.
Applications close March 31 st . http://www.melbournefc.com.au/WorkExperience/tabid/17077/Default.aspx
University of Southern Queensland - Open Days 2012
Sunday 19 th August, 10.00am to 3.00pm, Toowoomba campus.
10

Sunday 26 th August, 10.00am to 2.00pm, Springfield campus. http://www.usq.edu.au/openday
University of Southern Queensland: Mid-Year Information Sessions 2012
Brisbane City - Thursday 17 th May 2012 11.00am to 3.00pm, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City.
Springfield - Wednesday 30 th May 2012 5.30pm to 7.00pm, USQ Springfield campus.
Toowoomba - Thursday 7 th June 2012 5.30pm to 7.00pm, The Empire Theatre Church.
http://www.usq.edu.au/future-students/info-sessions
Lions Youth of the Year Quest
For ages 15 to 19. Designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and
constructive role in the community. To enter talk to your local Lions Club or email md201yoty@bigpond.com http://
www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty/about%20the%20quest.htm
Youth Disability Advocacy National Youtube Channel
For young people with disabilities with film and video editing skills. Share your thoughts on issues that affect you and
other young people with disabilities. To see what we are currently doing visit: www.youtube.com/ydannetwork. For
more information please email Jarrod: ydasjarrod@yacvic.org.au
Australian Government Department of Defence Work Experience Program
Placements in the Air Force, Army, Navy and Public Service. http://www.defence.gov.au/workexperience/default.htm
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Try new activities, learn new skills and have a great time along the way. http://www.dukeofed.com.au/.
Australian Music Examinations Board QLD - Enrichment courses for QCE
Certain AMEB subjects are recognised as ‘enrichment’ courses and contribute towards the attainment of a student’s
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). www.ameb.qld.edu.au or contact the AMEB Qld State Office on (07) 3514
4333. Qualifications from Seventh Grade upwards can be used to obtain a ranking from QTAC. Contact QTAC on (07)
3858 1222 for further details.
Open Conservatorium @Griffith University
Learn music from seasoned professionals. Programs for all ages. http://www.griffith.edu.au/music/openconservatorium
START QUT @ Queensland University of Technology - Early Entry Scheme
For students in years 11 and 12. Courses in Business, Creative Industries, Education, Health, Law, Science and
Engineering. Benefits:
Guaranteed entry to selected QUT courses (if you continue straight onto University)
Bonus points added to your Rank/OP
Credit for units studied going towards a related bachelor’s degree. http://www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-andscholarships/scholarships-and-prizes/start-qut.
Applications open on 1 st May 2012 and close 1 st June 2012 (for
Semester 2).
QUT Date Claimer
4 th and 5 th May - Careers and Employment Expo, Brisbane Convention Centre (www.eoexpo.com.au)
16 th May: Parent Information Seminar for parents of senior school students at Kelvin Grove Campus (www.qut.edu.au/
study/events)
29 th July - Open Day at Kelvin Grove Campus (www.qut.edu.au/openday)
1 st August: Ipswich Careers Market, Bremer TAFE, Bundamba Campus.
Latitude Global Volunteering
International volunteering and gap year placements for under 25s. 2013 Applications now open in a wide range of
countries, including new additions: China and Ghana. There are also sports coaching placements, where volunteers will
be able to share their own sporting knowledge with local schools and community groups. There are a range of Latitude
scholarships as well as external grants available. www.latitude.org.au or call (03) 9826 6266.
UQ April School Holiday Campus Tours
Students do not have to wait until they are studying at UQ to visit one of our first-class campuses. Tours of the St Lucia,
Ipswich and Gatton campuses will be held during the QLD & NSW school holidays. For more information about tours
please visit www.uq.edu.au/campustours.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange
What: Offers international exchange programs to Europe, South America, North America and Asia for students in
Years 9 to 12. The purpose of the exchange is to further tolerance, to challenge youth towards international
understanding, to encourage youth towards further learning and to provide self-knowledge and awareness.
Scholarships are available. 2012 and 2013 programs available for short term or longer term including over the
summer. Contact 1800 500 501 or visit www.scce.com.au.
Joanne O’Bryan and Kristina Holland-Thomson
Counsellor/Careers Guidance
11

ST PATRICK’S BUSH DANCE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
If you have misplaced your ticket order form,
you can download a spare
one from the P&F page of the College Website www.stmarys.qld.edu.au
Saturday 17 th March 2012
Tickets $30 per adult
Early Bird Group Booking Special
Table of 10 for $270 (available until 29 th February)
Includes 3 course spit roast dinner—Licenced bar available
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
We are looking for goods to use as raffle prizes for our St Patrick’s night….if you have a business or
know of someone who does, it would be great if you could support our function by donating items that
would be suitable to raffle. We are able to provide a letter from the P&F if you need it for tax purposes.
Please contact Del at collegep&f@stmarys.qld.edu.au
DIARY DATES 2012
27 th Feb Deportment Course Begins
28 th Feb Murphy House Celebration 6.00pm
29 th Feb Gorry House Celebration 6.00pm
TUCKSHOP ROSTER
Mon 27 th Feb
Tues 28 th Feb
Wed 29 th Feb
Thurs 1 st March
Fri 2 nd March
J. Collins
K. Keidge
E. Gardner
A. Sloan
P. Phillips
L. Rae
C. Adams
S. Walker
M. Bill
N. Mallory
K. Taylor
St Mary's College publishes
advertising for outside
school events in good faith
and takes no responsibility
for such events or the
personnel involved.
Change to Parental Contact
Details
If your contact details have changed or are
going to change, please notify the College in order
for your records to be updated. Please
e-mail admincentre@stmarys.qld.edu.au
with your Daughter’s Name,
Year Level and Pastoral Care Group.
FINANCE OFFICE
HOURS
Students:
8.10am to 8.30am and first break and
second break
Public:
8.30am to 3.30pm
FINANCE
OFFICE
RELOCATION
Please note that
the Finance Office
has been relocated
to ‘Bookhire’.
Please Note
St Mary’s College Resource
Centre is open from
7.45 am - 3.30pm daily
HEAD LICE
Parents and guardians please note that
there have been reported cases of
Head Lice at St Mary’s College -
please check and treat
(where necessary) your child’s hair
regularly. For more information please
go to www.health.qld.gov.au/headlice
12

The Principal, Mrs Deidre Young,
and Year 12 Student Leaders
invite all Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts,
Friends of the College,
Staff and Students
to join us in
celebrating
When: Thursday 8 th March 2012
Where:
Time:
“The Theatrette”
St Mary’s College
11:10am
Guest Speaker: Mrs Elizabeth (Beth) Newlands (nee Jackson)
Refreshments:
Member of the Graduating Class of 1948
Values the traditions of the Mercy Sisters
since childhood
Former School Principal
Former television personality
Active member of Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish
Proud Grandmother
To follow the address
Please rsvp by Monday 5 th March
by phoning the College Office on 3432 5444 or email katec@stmarys.qld.edu.au
13

24 th February 2012
Dear Parents and Friends,
The final report of the Gonski review of school funding was released earlier this week (20 th
February).
The report makes recommendations about a possible future funding model for schools in
Australia that will now be considered by Government and key stakeholders, including Catholic
education.
The Government has announced a consultation phase, including analysis and testing of the
proposed model, to commence immediately. This work will be used to help define a concrete
funding model.
Many questions remain unanswered before we can fully understand the implications of the report
for Catholic schools.
The Catholic sector is ultimately seeking a new model of funding for schools that will deliver, as a
minimum, current levels of funding in real terms. Currently, even when parent contributions are
taken into account, Catholic schools, on average, operate with only about 90% of the resourcing
levels of government schools.
The Catholic sector strongly backs the Gonski review’s call for an additional $5 billion in funding
for all schools - this represents less than one half of 1% of Australia’s gross domestic product
(GDP) - and has called on governments to commit to increased funding sooner rather than later.
In its response to the report, the Government recognises that families face financial pressures
and do not wish to see school fees rise beyond their reach. The Government has stated that it will
ensure that no school will lose a dollar per student as a result of this review.
I encourage all parents, staff and other stakeholders in Catholic education to remain vigilant and
add their voice to the debate as details of a proposed new funding model emerge over the coming
weeks.
The full Gonksi report along with information about participating in consultation processes is now
available on the www.schoolfunding.gov.au.
Further information about Catholic school funding is available at:
www.fundinginfo.catholic.edu.au.
Yours sincerely
Deidre Young
Principal
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