ALCOHOL AND OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

Alcohol and young people are far too often a cocktail for disaster. How many lives have been changed forever,

families devastated, communities torn apart, schools divided and lives ended as a result of alcohol related

tragedies? Alcohol usage continues to significantly increase in our society. A recurring theme in our news and

current affairs programs like 60 Minutes, are the tragedies associated with alcohol, particularly when consumed

by young people. Recent alcohol related stories involving its use by our younger generation include: the deadly

mix of alcohol and energy drinks; the dangers of adolescent binge drinking; teen road crashes and fatalities; the

effect of alcohol on breathing, heart rates and brain functioning, particularly on young developing bodies; the

sexual assault of women and the physical assault and violence amongst young males that too often, results in

death and the disappearance and deaths of young backpackers who should be enjoying the experience of

discovering the world. All of these stories have some link to alcohol. The end result is shattered parents and

friends, mystified police and detectives and sadness and despair at the loss of another young life.

At St Mary's College, we proactively seek to educate your sons on the dangers and lure of excessive alcohol

consumption and associated consequences. Like so many places in Australia, Toowoomba has a culture of

excessive and underage alcohol consumption which is disturbing and a cause of concern for even the most liberal

of parents. We pledge to continue to provide educational opportunities for all boys and members of the St Mary's

College family as they wrestle with this modern day problem. As a College, we would never condone underage

alcohol consumption.

I am pleased to announce that St Mary's College has invited, Mr Paul Dillon to speak to all Year 10, 11 and 12

students, staff and interested parents about alcohol consumption and young people.

Paul Dillon is the Director and founder of DARTA (Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia) which

provides high quality research assistance as well as training expertise on a wide range of alcohol and other drug

issues. He is an extremely passionate speaker who aims to ensure that the community has access to accurate and

up-to-date alcohol and other drug information. DARTA speaks to a diverse range of organisations including: The

Football Federation of Australia (FFA), The Australian Red Cross, The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA),

The Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA), Uniting Care, The Mental Health Services (The

MHS) Conference, The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA), Sutherland Shire Council, The Tasmanian

Institute of Sport and many schools across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

The student presentations will deliver basic life skills, examine some of the harms associated with alcohol and

provide some simple tips on how to look after yourself and friends. Teacher presentations expand on these

themes and provide educational tools and follow-up activities for teachers.

Newsletter: 12.03.2013

Wet Weather Care for Senior

Hats

It is advisable in the continuing rainy

weather to take extra care of the Senior

Hats. These hats are expensive and

need to be treated with TLC. There are

Care Instructions inside the hat

including:

Please do not dry clean.

Always brush your hat anti-

clockwise.

Please rest your hat on the crown

when not being worn.

Please do not put your hat away

when it is moist from perspiration or

wet. Turn the head leather out and

allow the hat to dry slowly. Do not

dry in direct sun as it will shrink.

This hat can be treated with a

silicon waterproofing spray.

Alternatively, you can purchase plastic

covers from Hannas that will protect

your hat for $8.95, especially if your

son walks to school.

Parent presentations cover a range of issues including resilience and the importance of connectedness. The delivery of

a high quality and accurate alcohol and other drug information presentation to parents is essential, so as to develop a

community-based approach to drug education; one that can be adopted by St Mary‟s College. The parent information

session will be held at 5:30pm on Sunday, 14th

April the day before the boys commence in Term 2 in the T. P.

O‟Brien Hall. I trust that you will place this important date in your diaries which aims to accentuate positive norms

and empower parents in this controversial and vital area. You are welcome to bring friends from other neighbouring

schools. Paul Dillon is an outstanding and highly sought after presenter. I am very happy that St Mary's College has

been able to gain his services.

COLLEGE BAGS

St Mary's College has one College bag. This bag can be purchased from Hannas in the form of a backpack

(recommended for 1:1 iPad/Laptop program) or handheld bag. I have received calls, regarding the use of a second

small bag for the boys to carry their extra sports gear, boots or workbooks for school-based apprenticeships etc. I am

happy to announce that a second smaller and cheaper College bag is being approved by the College Board and will be

available for purchase from Administration in coming weeks. This is the only other bag allowed, ensuring that the

boys remain in uniform and the cost of additional bags are kept to a minimum for parents. I remind all parents that

your son also has access to his own personal new locker donated by the P&F in 2012. These are excellent lockers with

a safe locking system. Please encourage your son to use these lockers each day and night to lessen the burden of

carrying lots of items in their school bags.

TERM 1 EXAMINATION BLOCKS

Best wishes to all boys from Year 8 through to Year 12 who commence their examinations next week, Monday, 18th

through to the Friday, 22nd

March. I trust that parents will view their son‟s exam timetable on the College website:

www.stmaryscollege.com. I wish all boys the very best of luck in their examinations. Study hard.

INTERNET SAFETY

On Wednesday evening, 6:30pm in the T.P O‟Brien Hall, all parents are

welcome to attend a presentation on Internet Safety Awareness. The

presentation will be provided by the Australian Communications and

Media Authority (ACMA) as part of a national program of cyber smart

initiatives. The presentation will cover: the ways your son uses the

internet and emerging technologies, potential risks associated e.g. Cyber-

bullying, identity theft, inappropriate contact and exposure to

inappropriate content and tips to help your son stay safe. All boys in

Year 8 through to Year 10 will also be having a year/age related

presentation. I hope to see you there on Wednesday.

CERTIFICATE II IN HOSPITALITY

Year 11 and 12 students are invited to complete a Certificate II in

Hospitality Operations (Front of House) over the Easter holidays,

Monday, 8th to Friday, 12

th April. The boys will complete their training in

the private function area of the Irish Club Hotel, on Russell Street. The

students will train to receive the following competencies: clean and tidy

bar area, operate a bar, provide responsible service of alcohol, process

financial transactions and serve food and beverages to customers. I thank

the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE and Smart Skill Queensland

who in partnership with St Mary's College are offering this opportunity

to our boys. For more information contact Ms Jessica Davidson,

Assistant Principal- Curriculum.

CELEBRATION OF LITERATURE

On Friday, 15th March a group of Year 5 students will be attending the 2013 Somerset College Celebration of

Literature at the Gold Coast. They will have the opportunity to hear famous Australian authors speak about their work

including: Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Pat Flynn and Steven Herrick. These well-known authors target boys‟

reading and we have their books in our library, which are very popular. I thank our Teacher-Librarian, Mrs Carol

McGuire who has organised this excursion for the boys. Enjoy.

Prayers of the Mary’s College family

are requested for:

Prayers: Adam Hegarty

FREE DRESS DAY

This Tuesday, 12th March is Free Dress Day with all funds raised to be distributed to our Lenten Appeal, „Caritas

Australia.‟ I thank our Student Representative Council (SRC) who have organised and will facilitate this fundraiser to

such an important worldwide cause against poverty and inequality.

May our loving God walk with all members of the St Mary's College family. Amen.

Mr Michael Newman – Principal

FAITH SNAPSHOTS

Rosies „Friends on the Street‟ will begin an outreach at night to the homeless, lonely and disconnected in Toowoomba.

If you wish to learn more or are willing to volunteer, you are invited to attend an information evening at St Saviour‟s

College, Tuesday 19th March at 7:00pm. Please contact, Chris 33964267 or email admin@rosies.org.au. Members of

College staff will also be attending.

We have had a busy start to the year with the boys attending many

social justice activities and workshops. On Friday, 1st March a

group of Year 11 and 12 boys attended the „ERA for Change‟

(Edmund Rice Advocacy for change) student forum at Nudgee

College in Brisbane. The quality of the speakers was amazing and

the boys have returned inspired to take action. As a consequence,

the College has accepted the invitation to begin an ERA for

Change Chapter to begin advocacy work in Toowoomba. This

work will include online advocacy, awareness raising and student

lead initiatives. It is important to note that this group is lead and

managed by students with a staff member (Mr Ryan Baines) as a

mentor only. Please keep your eyes and ears open as the boys begin their projects particularly on Facebook and in

College Newsletters. Our first project for 2013 is increasing awareness of Earth Hour within our College community.

We would like to congratulate and thank Mr Ryan Baines for accepting

the nomination of Bishop Robert McGuckin to join the Social Justice

Commission of the Toowoomba Diocese. His gifts and passion for Social

Justice will be greatly appreciated by all members of the Commission and

the Diocese.

The quote from Blessed Edmund Rice this week strikes a chord with all of us as we approach the end of term. With

the many assignments, exams, orals and other tasks to be completed, our spirits too, can get quite low and we also

become occupied with many things. The challenge for us is to never lose sight that we truly do experience God‟s love

in many different ways; all we need to do is open our ears, our eyes and our hearts so that we can recognise his love,

his assistance and his hope.

From Edmund Rice this week: „Tell them that for the last (few) days I was a good deal occupied and

what was worse, was that my spirits were for the most part as low as ditch water.‟

Mrs Kay Gleeson - Assistant Principal, Faith, Mission & RE

4th Week of Lent (School week beginning 11th March)

Project Compassion: Week 4 brings you the story of Vannak.

Vannak went back to school and learnt how to do silk screen printing through

the Youth Empowerment Project, a Caritas Australia partner which helps

disadvantaged young people to find their way to a brighter future. Vannak is

now a team leader and encourages other youths who have dropped out of

school to value education.

Your Project Compassion donation is supporting projects like this to empower

young people to change their future for the better.

www.caritas.org.au

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NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE

Bullying has no place at St Mary's College. The school should be a safe place for our boys to come and be the best

they can be. Much research suggests bullying can be reduced and even eliminated when each person stands up against

bullying. This Thursday, we will be acknowledging the „National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence‟.

There will be a number of activities across the week from sporting competitions to promote good sportsmanship and

developing bonds between the boys to poster competitions for the younger grades. It will culminate in the boys

making a pledge to “stand against bullying” on Thursday. Each boy will be given the opportunity to sign a pledge to

say they do not want bullying at St Mary's College. If your son or another student you know is targeted by bullies,

please tell them to report it so we can support your son. Reporting bullies is not dobbing, it is “taking a stand against

bullies” and helping to make our College the best it can be.

Mr Andrew Nielsen-Assistant Principal, Student Welfare

YEAR 8 IPAD ROLL-OUT

The Year 8 iPad Roll-Out night will occur on Monday, 25th March at 6:30pm in the T.P. O’Brien Hall. On this

night, your son will receive his College iPad and download codes for „Paid‟ Apps and textbooks.

During the day on Monday, your son will be involved in a session that will ensure he:

can login to the SMC network with his username and password;

can login to this SMC email account;

create an Apple ID with school email; OR

add SMC email account as a secondary address on their existing Apple ID.

It is preferred that your son and at least one parent representative is present at this session as it is important that the

College and parents work together in partnership to ensure success of the program for their son. If you are unable to

attend either of the sessions above, please contact the College on (07) 4631 7333 so that we can make other

arrangements.

Mr Brendon Willocks-Head of Department, E-Technology

TOOWOOMBA SECONDARY SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Congratulations to the secondary swimming squad who competed in the A-Division of the TSSSA Carnival, last

Tuesday. The team finished a creditable second in the carnival. Our best swimmer, Patrick Ruane, finished as the

runner up in the Father Graham Memorial Trophy for the best swimmer on the day. The Under 13, 15 & 16 age

groups finished second in their competitions with the Under 14, 19 & Open age groups finishing third. The College

finished second in the Relay Competition. Congratulations to the team on this fine result. The 2014 team is now able

to avoid relegation to the B-Division and is able to compete in the A-Division where our College should always

compete.

PRIMARY NEWS

As I write this, I am sitting on the bus with the Year Six boys, safely on our way to Sydney and Canberra. With a jam

packed itinerary, including Taronga Zoo and Parliament House, it will no doubt be a sensational trip. A very big thank

you to Mrs Manthey for her hard work in putting the trip together. Thanks also to Mr Ross, Mrs O'Kennedy, Mr

Willocks and Mr Johnstone for accompanying the boys for the week.

On Tuesday, last week, 54 students from 21 different

schools played in the Toowoomba Schools Chess

competition. It was a great day and all students played well.

Congratulations to Dylan Wiggans, Simeon Butler, Roan

Lambert, Tyson Quinlan,

Logan Brown, Aidan

Roache, Isaiah Knights and

Kaleb Hess for their

excellent efforts and proud

representation of St Mary's

College.

Congratulations, particularly to Lachlan Jones for his fantastic result, placing in the

top five on equal second place. I thank Ms Pilkington for accompanying the boys.

At school on the same day, the primary boys were treated to a Young Australia

Roan Lambert awaiting his next move.

Come and join families with children with differences

for a day of fun in the park.

John Trousdell Memorial Park, Hamzah Drive, Cotswald Hills

Sunday, 24th

March from 10-12pm MyTime is a group designed to support families with children with differences up to 16 years of age! At this

MyTime event there will be a balloon twister and a face painter (thanks to Gigglepots Parties), and we will be

finishing the day with an Easter Egg Hunt!

There is a Cycle Safety track so please bring scooters and bikes. There is a tennis court, cricket pitch and

basketball court – so if you‟d like to bring balls, bats and other equipment, please do. There will be icecreams

and coffee available to purchase. Bring your own picnic and picnic rugs/camping chairs. Bring a hat and any equipment your children may wish

to use at the park.

**Please be aware that there is a small body of water/pond nearby so please ensure that if your children

are not water safe that you have 1:1 supervision for your kids.**

Thanks to MyTime for funding this event. Visit us on Facebook – MyTime Toowoomba.

Workshop "Bach to the Future". The show was a 'Journey Through Time' and used classical music, blues, jazz and

rock n roll to show the versatility of the piano. The boys were also wowed by our College Director of Music

Performance, Dr Voltz‟s display of jazz jamming with Lionel, something we will remember for a long time. It was a

fantastic show and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

I hope you have a great week and look forward to sharing the many adventures we are bound to have on the Year Six

trip with you next week!

Mrs Claire Howden-Primary Curriculum Coordinator

WINNERS – SYDNEY/CANBERRA RAFFLE

Congratulations to the following winners of the Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Raffle. Prizes can be collected from the

College Office.

1st Prize – Dawn French (iPod and $20 iTunes Card)

2nd Prize –Brad Mackay ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher and $50 iTunes Card)

3rd Prize –Lyn Reynolds ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher and $50 iTunes Card)

4th Prize – Daniel Grungo ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher and Lindt Chocolates)

5th Prize – David Roy ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher and Maltesers Chocolates)

6th Prize – Pam Hanrick ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher)

7th Prize – Rod Murphy ($100 Skin Sensations Voucher)

8th Prize – Robynne Mackay ($60 Movie Gift Card)

9th Prize – Carol McGuire ($50 My Fun Card)

10th Prize –Brendon Willocks (M&M Dispenser)ERNI

NG SUPPORT

SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN TOOWOOMBA FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENCES. MyTime http://www.mytime.net.au/

MyTime groups provide facilitated peer support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for children with

differences. MyTime is about sharing ideas and information with others who understand the rewards and intensity of

caring for a child with special needs. Everyone is welcome.

For more information about MyTime Toowoomba please phone Lisa on 0427 265 046 or visit our Facebook page

MyTime Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Autism Noticeboard Toowoomba Autism Noticeboard is a place where information and ideas are posted relating to Autism and local

Autism support services in Toowoomba. Any information about workshops, support groups and products can be

viewed and shared here. We also have local therapists and medical specialists who participate in the group regularly.

This is a way for us all to be „in the know‟ about the great things on offer in Toowoomba for families and individuals

affected by Autism. It‟s also an opportunity to share and connect with others on a similar journey.

Find us on Facebook – Toowoomba Autism Noticeboard. Everyone is welcome.

Mrs Fiona Goodall-Primary Learning Support Teacher

PRIMARY SPORTS DRAW FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Junior AFL vs Our Lady of Lourdes Queen‟s Park #6 at 1:00pm

Senior AFL vs Toowoomba East SS Queen‟s Park #5 at 1:45pm

Junior Softball vs St Thomas More‟s Capt Cook Oval G at 1:45pm

Senior Softball vs Darling Heights SS Capt Cook Oval G at 1:00pm

NB: No Sport Results for Friday, 8th March – games cancelled due to wet grounds.

SOCIAL SPORT VENUES AND BUSES FOR 13TH

MARCH

SPORT / TEAM VENUE TRANSPORT

Touch Social Norman Pk Bus 1a Margaret St (depart 1.15)

Futsal Social ($5) TISC Bus 2 Margaret St(depart 1.15)

Volleyball Social St Mary‟s(outside) Nil(Meet Man.Arts U‟croft)

HipHop Dance Lessons $8 Drama Rooms Nil

Tenpin $7 Garden City Lanes Nil(Meet Outside Art Room)

Tennis $5 Holy Name Nil(Meet at Bus Trees)

INTERSCHOOL SPORT VENUES 13TH

MARCH

SPORT/TEAM VENUE TRANSPORT OPPOSITION

Cricket, 1st,13a

2nd

(Depart 12.30pm)

14a

Newtown Pk

Cahill pk Gatton

Martin Klein Pk

(Jellicoe St)

Bus 1 West St

New Coaster

Bus 6 Margaret St

TSHS,LDSHS

LDSHS (Depart 12.30pm)

TSHS

AFL Capt Ck Old Coaster TSHS

Basketball

13a, 14a,

13b, 14b

15a, 1st

15b, 2nd

TSHS

St Mary‟s (out)

St Mary‟s CBArena

Highfields

Bus 6 West St

Nil (Meet Man Art)

Nil (Meet Man Art)

Bus 5 West St

TSHS

Bye(training)

TSHS

T‟mba C‟ian College

Futsal

13a, 14a,

15a,1st, 15b,15c, 2

nd

13b, 14b

TSHS

St Mary‟s

T‟mba C. College

Bus 6 West St

Nil(Meet BusTrees)

Bus 5 West St

TSHS

TSHS,TSHS,M3,M2,TCC

T‟mba C. College

Touch

13a, 14a,15a,1st

14b, 15b, 2nd

13b

Kearney‟s Spring

Kearney‟s Spring

St Mary‟s

Bus 4 Margaret St

Bus 3 Margaret St

Nil(Meet Man Art)

TSHS

T‟mba C. College

Bye(training)

ALL BUSES DEPART AT 1:00PM EXCEPT FOR THOSE WITH A DIFFERENT LISTED TIME.

BUSES DO NOT RETURN STUDENTS FROM CRICKET MATCHES THAT FINISH AFTER 3:00PM.

STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE THEIR PARENTS PICK THEM UP AT THE VENUE.

The roll is marked as you get on the bus. Line up in alphabetical order at the bus to assist with this.

RSVP Reminder for Missionaries of the Poor Australian Tour

Please RSVP to Your Invitation to Assist Catering

Date Sunday, 17th March

Venue Holy Name Parish Hall

Time 5pm

Event Free BBQ/Buffet followed by guest presentation by Fr Charles

Susai, Fr Joseph Ssali & Wynton Williams

Date Monday, 18th March

Venue Holy Name Church

Time 9am

Event Fr Charles & Fr Joseph concelebrate St Patrick‟s Day mass

COLLEGE ANZAC DAY SERVICE

St Mary‟s College Toowoomba cordially

invites Old Boys who are returned and ex-

servicemen to participate in the College

Annual Anzac Day Commemoration

Service on Wednesday, 24th April 2013.

To register your interest and to be

included in the March of Veterans, please

contact Mrs Kay Gleeson at the College

on 4631 7333 or

gleesonk@stmaryscollege.com

SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS

Cert III In Hairdressing Close Date 13th March

Cert III in Business Administration Close Date 16th March

Cert III in Aged Care Close Date 11th March

Cert III in Hospitality Close Date 11th March

Cert III Business Close Date 15th March

Cert III Business Administration Close Date 20th March

Cert III Hospitality Close Date 15th March

Week 6 Weekly Merit Award Winner sponsored by Grand Central

Ryan Whitaker Waterford 8

12th

March Rugby League Gala Day

Casual Clothes Day – Support Caritas

13th

March Cybersmart Outreach Program 9:50am Yrs 7 & 8

11:30am Yrs 9 & 10 3:30pm Staff Session

6:30pm Parent Session

14th

March Primary Toowoomba AFL Trials

15th

March 2013 Somerset College Celebration of

Literature, Gold Coast Friday Night Basketball

16th

March Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Trip Returns

18th

March Exam Block

Secondary DD Trials Future Planning Meeting 6pm Boardroom

College Board Meeting 7pm Boardroom

19th

March Exam Block Primary DD Basketball & Toowoomba Boys

Touch Rosies ‘Friends on the Street’ Information

evening held at St Saviour’s at 7pm

20th

March Exam Block

21st March Exam Block

Primary DD AFL

22nd

March Exam Block

Big Science Day Yrs 8-12

State Championships Swimming & Volleyball

Primary Interschool Sport Concludes

25th

March Holy Week

Primary School Championships Swimming

14th

April

Sunday

Paul Dillon 5:30pm in the T.P O’Brien Hall

‘Alcohol & Young People’

Reminder

All Secondary students are to be in formal

uniform for the College Annual Anzac Day

Commemoration Service Wednesday, 24th April.

Secondary Interschool Sport commences the

same day so please remember to pack your

sports uniform and change into it during the

breaks.

Thank you.