St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 1, Week 3

From the College Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

Welcome to 2023. I have certainly received a very warm welcome to the College and I want to extend my gratitude to the many parents, students and staff who have ensured that for all those beginning their journey here at St Mary’s the first experiences have been so positive. 

It is certainly a privilege for me to be formally acknowledged as Principal and marking the start of another school year here at St Mary’s Cathedral College. The College has been blessed to have had Mr Kelleher as principal since 2016 and it has flourished under his outstanding leadership. I hope to continue to honour the legacy that he has left behind.

St Mary’s is a very special place and over the past weeks I have begun to understand just how exceptional the staff, students and the culture of this school is. So as we embark on a new journey here together  I want all those in our community to know that as a teacher and as your Principal I will walk along side you as we embrace the opportunities that await us and we continue the legacy of this great College this year and beyond. 

With new leadership structures in place and with the College continuing to grow, we welcome a number of new staff:

College Deans:  

• Dean of Mission: Mr Thomas Hunter 
• Dean of Liberal Arts: Ms Belinda VenderGert
• Dean of Senior YearsP: Mr Christopher Moudis 
• Dean of Middle Years: Mr David Timillero

We also welcome those in new leadership roles:

• Leader of Liturgy: Mr Angelo Ciaschetti
• Curriculum Coordinator: Ms KarenFahey
• Instructional Leader Religious Education: Ms Charlotte Claxton-Fante
• Instructional Leader Philosophy: Mr Matthew Mastrobattista
• Leader of Learning English: Ms Bernadette Johnson

Role of special responsibility

• Careers Advisor: Mr Ashley Norman 
•  Student Leadership and Character Development: Mr Angelo Ciaschetti 

New teaching staff:

• Ms Fiona Roy - Primary (Year 5)
• Ms Moshoula Mavrakis - English
• Mr Christopher Corpus - PDHPE
• Mr Samuel Hammersley - PDHPE
• Ms Melissa Regaya - Maths
• Ms Mithun Vaghela - Science
• Ms Niamh McGrath - Religious Education

New members of our office and support staff team:

• Ms Fleur Cane - Marketing & Communications/ EA to the Principal
• Ms Amanda Macdonald - Office Administration
• Ms Victoria Zambetti - Learning Support Officer
• Mr Ivan Greguric - Learning Support Officer

We have had the privilege of coming together as a whole school community for our start of year events. We welcomed our new Year 3 and Year 7 students as well as new staff in our official Welcome Assembly and our Year 12 Student Leadership Team launched the College theme for 2023 calling upon students to “Lead with Courage, Illuminated by faith, Be a light for the ages.” The students drew inspiration from Psalm 145:4 “One generation shall land your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” This theme inspires all of our students and staff to embrace the light of faith, to seek the light of truth and knowledge and become a light of hope for others to follow. I certainly look forward to seeing how this hope is realised throughout 2023.

I was moved by the beauty of the Opening Mass and the words of invitation given to me in my investiture. It also provided me with an opportunity to outline some of my hopes for the future. I share some of my speech below:

Today we had the honour of congratulating the Class of 2022 whose outstanding achievements in the HSC were recognised at our High Achievers Assembly. College captain and Dux Jayden Younan  who received an ATAR of 99.85 provided the student body with some words of inspiration reminding all of our students that hard work, effort and resilience are rewarded with success. The High Achievers remained behind for the College’s inaugural HSC forum where our alumni gave some great advice to our current year 12 students. It was a fantastic assembly.

Finally, I look forward to working with our parents and carers over the course of the year. Our first P&F meeting will be held on Monday 27 February in person and via zoom. Further details to follow. We will also be hosting our College Open Day on 8 March. We look forward to meeting prospective parents at this event and I am sure our students will do us proud as they showcase learning at the College.

Kerrie McDiarmid, College Principal

From the Dean of Senior Years

Welcome back to the new year and I’d like to thank everyone for their warm welcome they have afforded me in my first few weeks at St Mary’s. I feel that there is a strong sense of spirit and tradition within the College community. The first few weeks have been extremely busy, but the staff and students have settled well into their routines. It is imperative that all students are well organised and prepared to ensure positive habits exist for the year ahead.

In my first opportunity I met the boys in the senior school, I stressed the importance of respect. I challenged the boys to respect themselves, others and their college. As they grow and develop into strong young men we remind them to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. This is a critical value that exists here at St Mary’s that I believe sets up a culture of success.

Academic research suggests that a culture of High Expectations brings about High Achievement. St Mary’s is resolute that a culture of excellence is underpinned by high expectations. Therefore we must get the “small” things right in order to maintain a strong culture of excellence. Uniform, grooming, attendance and punctuality are the pillars of high expectations. Getting these things right establishes appropriate lifelong habits that ultimately lead to success,

Uniform & Grooming 

I would like to thank the many parents who have ensured that their son/s have arrived back at school neatly attired in our College uniform. Students have been reminded of our clear expectations to wear the uniform with pride.

There is an expectation that hair is maintained according to College policy as outlined in the student diary. Boys are to be clean shaven. Shirts are to be tucked in with the top button fastened and ties done up. Shoes are to be polished. The Leaders of Wellbeing along with Homeroom teachers will continue to monitor compliance with these matters.

The College backpack is somewhat of an issue and we have made the decision that in 2023 it is compulsory for students up to and including Year 9. Moving forward, each subsequent year, the College back up will become compulsory for all students by 2026.

Attendance

Educational literature suggests a settled learning environment, where students are at school and in class as much as possible, as significant in ensuring positive learning outcomes. I’d ask parents to ensure their son is at school and present for learning every single day. Please avoid appointments during school time and limit holidays to the designated school breaks. 

From time to time we understand there are circumstances for early or extended leave and I ask that parents follow the processes in our attendance policies to ensure minimal disruption to learning time. Sport time on Thursday is not a suitable time for any appointments whatsoever. 

Finally, I would like to remind the community that attendance at whole school college events is compulsory. Should a student be absent from such an event, they are expected to furnish their Leader of Wellbeing with a doctor’s certificate. Students that do not fulfill this requirement will face the usual consequences for failure to comply with College expectations. Parental support in should this instance present itself is appreciated. 

Academic Care

Of particular interest to me is building upon the strong academic culture here at St Mary’s. This year we are implementing extended supervised study hours in our Library from 3pm-6pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This is available for all students in Years 9-12. Details for when this commences will be forthcoming.

Our Year 12 students will have access to academic coaching and tutoring each afternoon during our extended study hours. It is hoped this will be extended to Year 11 students later in the year. Students in Years 10-12 will also be provided with growth coaching and mentoring to assist them with navigating senior studies. We hope these programs will enable the boys to engage closely with their peers and teachers to enable them every opportunity to achieve academic success. 

Wishing everyone a happy and successful 2023.

Chris Maoudis, Dean of Senior Years

From the Dean of Middle Years

The middle school years can be exciting, as your child moves toward adulthood and enjoys new experiences. But they can also bring challenges, like finding ways to keep connected with your tween and helping him handle peer pressure. Here’s how to support your child and help him thrive. Below are some useful tips for transparent communication with your child:

Stay in the loop 

• Reach out. Ask specific questions, like what he’s learning in history class or who won last night’s football game. You could also send texts or leave supportive notes for him. (“Good luck on your choir practice. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!”) 
• Make friends welcome. Social circles are important at this age. By encouraging your child to invite friends home or on family outings, you’ll show together. 
• Use transport time. Many parents find the car to be a great place for conversations with their kids. When you drive your middle schooler to piano practice or to get a haircut, make the most of it. If he’s quiet, try talking about your day or sharing family news to get the conversation started. 

Build self-esteem 

Middle graders can feel unsure of themselves from time to time. Help your tween develop a good self-image with strategies like these. 

• Encourage confidence-boosting hobbies. Noncompetitive activities provide a safe way for your child to try new things.
• Be there. Make your middle grader feel valued by attending events he cares about. For example, if he’s on the sound crew for the school play, go to opening night. If he loves horses, take him to a horse show. 
• Celebrate strengths. Everyone is better at some things than others. If your youngster puts himself down, challenge him to list at least five of his strong points. When he wants to improve at something (say, skateboarding), suggest that he set a goal and make a plan for achieving it, such as practicing 30 minutes three times a week

Manage stress 

More responsibilities at home and at school can cause your child to feel stressed sometimes. Try these suggestions for support. 

• Stick to routines. Knowing what to expect can make your youngster’s life more predictable and less stressful. Help him set up routines that work for your family and your son, such as having her do homework right after school or packing her lunch at night.
• Pay attention to sources of anxiety. Does your tween have a tendency to put off big projects and then stress about them at the last minute? Remind him of this, and brainstorm ways to prevent it from happening again. For example, they should start work sooner and perhaps buddy up with a classmate to stay on track. Or if he’s irritable because he isn’t getting enough sleep, set an earlier bedtime. 
• Watch for bigger issues. Some stress is normal for middle graders. But symptoms that last more than two weeks may indicate a problem. If your child isolates himself from friends and activities, complains of headaches or stomachaches, or is often tired or sad, have him see her doctor. A professional can rule out physical causes and suggest ways to help if he has anxiety or depression. 

It has been humbling to see our middle school students come back to school with so much enthusiasm for learning. They are engaging so well with their teachers and each other, so I congratulate them on this fantastic start to the year.

Thank you to all those people with the community that have been warm with their welcome of me to this great school. I am looking forward to working with you all.

David Timillero, Dean of Middle Years

From the Dean of Liberal Arts

Learning at SMCC

Welcome to the 2023 Academic School year. The students have been settling well into their classes and engaging in their learning.

Year 7s have been introduced to a program specifically aimed at developing skills essential to a contemporary learner.  Project Based Learning is where students focus on a question or problem, then answer the question or solve the problem through a collaborative process of investigation over an extended period of time. Students also learn valuable skills that can be used in all subject areas. The focus is collaborative learning,  developing critical thinking and communication skills.

The first project is titled “Which Paper Airplane design will fly the furthest?” This will see all Year 7s researching various designs, testing their designs, evaluating and presenting their findings. The project will conclude with the “Great Fly Off”, where each class will have one representative to compete to find out which design will truly fly the furthest.

Year 9s have begun their introduction to Psychology. This term provides students with the opportunity to learn about the adolescent brain and how this impacts their learning. By understanding the development of the brain, the students will be able to explain their behaviour and learn how to reach their true potential.

Invitation to attend a thought provoking presentation

Students in Years 9 - 12 are invited to attend a free presentation organised at Newington College.

• 1st March - 6:30pm Young Australian of the Year - Dr Daniel Nour presenting "Bridging the Gap between Homelessness and healthcare" at Newington College
• 15th March - 6:30pm Dr William MacAskill presenting "Doing Good Better".This session will be online.
• 30th March - 6:30pm Journalist Leigh Sales presenting "Life lessons learned from 30 years at the media frontline"  at Newington College

Click HERE to find out more information on the presentations. 

Belinda VanderGert, Dean of Liberal Arts

From the Dean of Mission

Opening College Mass

Led by Fr Don Richardson, our opening College Mass was a beautiful experience of faith and a time of prayer for the year ahead. It is always an important time when we gather as a faith community to reflect on the Gospel values we are called to live. This was the meaning communicated to us by the lighting of the College candle by our new Principal, Mrs Kerrie McDiarmid, who reminded us of the words of Pope Francis, “It is not enough to receive light, we need to become light". This takes up our College Theme for 2023, "Lead with courage, illuminated by faith, be a light for the ages". May we shine bright this year by our faith, our care for one another and by our studies. 

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The Season of Lent 

As we approach the season of Lent, we are reminded in a special way of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Traditionally a time of fasting and charitable works (almsgiving), we are challenged to give up something as a reminder that we are all called to imitate Jesus, who as God sacrificed Himself as a sign of unconditional love for all people. The College will be running a Shrove/Pancake Tuesday fundraiser for the victims of the earthquake tragedy in Turkey and Syria via the charity Aid to the Church in Need. We will also be running a fundraiser across the whole of Lent for Caritas "Project Compassion". Starting on Wednesday, 22 February (week 4) every recess for the season of Lent, students are warmly invited to attend a Lenten Reflection program in room 527. This reflection program will aim to provide time to students to partake in reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation each week - and ultimately allow us to focus on the message of the season of Lent and what it means to us. This program will run for no longer than 15 minutes at the start of each recess break - so I challenge you to give up some of your free time during this season of Lent.

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

From the Acting Leader of Learning, Curriculum

Assessment Handbooks

Assessment Handbooks for Years 7-11 were shared via Compass this week. This important document outlines the assessment procedures and the schedule of assessments for each course delivered at the College. Please note that this document, along with the assessment calendar, is available within the favourites (the star) tab of the Compass portal. Parents are encouraged to be familiar with it and discuss the contents with their sons.

7-10 Timetable (2023) Class Structures

Boys in Years 7-10 are in different groups for different subjects. Some are graded, but most are of mixed ability. In summary, the classes are organised as follows:

Year 7

• Music classes are constructed according to students' chosen instruments and participation in the Amadeus program.
• Science, TAS, PDHPE, and English classes are linked to Music Classes.
• Mathematics classes 1 and 2 are graded. Classes 3 and 4 are mixed ability classes, and classes 5 and 6 are supported groups.
• HSIE and RE classes are all mixed-ability groups.

Year 8

• Mathematics classes 1 and 2 are graded. Classes 3 and 4 are mixed-ability, and class 5 is a supported group.
• Science classes are mixed-ability groups.
• PDHPE, Visual Arts, TAS, and English classes are linked to Science.
• Geography classes are mixed-ability groups.
• Italian and RE are linked to Geography.

Year 9

• Geography, RE, and PDHPE classes are mixed-ability.
• Mathematics 5.3a,b,c and 5.2a are graded groups. 5.2b and 5.2c are supported groups.
• Science classes 1 and 2 are graded groups. Classes 3 and 4 are equal mixed-ability groups. Classes 5 and 6 are supported groups.
• English classes are all mixed-ability groups.
• Subject selection choices determine elective classes.

Year 10

• RE classes are all mixed-ability groups.
• History and PDHPE classes are linked to RE classes.
• Mathematics 5.3a,b,c and 5-2a classes are graded, and 5.2b is a supported group.
• Science class 1 is extended. Classes 2 and 3 are equal mixed-ability groups. Classes 4 and 5 are supported groups.
• English classes are all mixed-ability groups.
• Subject selection choices determine elective classes.

There may be some movement of boys between classes in Mathematics and Science at the end of Term 2.

High Achievers Assembly 

This week students from the class of 2022 returned to the College and were commended for their outstanding achievements in the HSC Examinations. During the celebration, we recognised 19 students who received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) above 90. The ATAR is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 which indicates a student’s position relative to all HSC students. So, an ATAR of 90.00 means that a student is among the top 10 per cent of HSC candidates. The ATAR is used by universities to select students for their courses. The higher the ATAR, the more likely it is that students will be invited by a university to enrol in the course of their choice, including those courses that are extremely popular. The students from the class of 2022 who attended the High Achievers Assembly today were not only fine scholars; they were also engaged in many areas of college life. During the Assembly, our DUX Jayden Younan, with an ATAR of 99.85, spoke to the boys offering some sound, practical and inspirational reflections.

During the assembly, we also congratulated students from the class of 2022 who were nominated for NESA Showcases in Industrial Technology and Drama.

We are proud of the class of 2022 and the way they approached their final examinations with maturity, resilience, and enthusiasm. 

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Karen Fahey, Acting Leader of Learning, Curriculum

Onstage

On Monday 6th February, Year 12 Drama students, along with Ms Andreacchio visited the Seymour Centre to view the Onstage showcase and exhibition. This event includes exemplary works from HSC Drama students in NSW from 2022. 

Students were inspired by the range of works displayed and engaged in fruitful discussions in critiquing the works they saw. The range of projects and performance on display included:

• Monologue and Group Performances
• Moved Script Reading
• Video Drama Films 
• Costume Designs
• Set Designs
• Poster and Program Designs
• Lighting Designs
• Portfolio of Theatre Criticism
• Director’s Folio
• Applied Research Project

The showcase emphasised the range of choices available to senior Drama students and demonstrated flair and integrity in the theatrical world. 

In 2022, one of our own HSC Drama students, Joe Woolford was nominated for the Onstage showcase for his monologue performance of ‘Prodigal Son’.  

Georgia Andreacchio, Teacher of Drama/English

Work Experience

The Year 12 students in Work and the Community have started a course of work experience at Disability Services Australia in Mascot. Last week Ms Tafeuni accompanied Chris, Aurelius and Daniel to Mascot where they had a tour of the centre, met the helpful staff and learned all about work health and safety. The students then worked in the warehouse doing some packing for Qantas! DSA has a contract with Qantas to pack snacks, cutlery etc. Next time you fly - think about how those snacks are put together and the wonderful work done by some of our disability employment sites around Sydney. The students loved their first experience of work and are looking forward to attending each Friday this term. Thank you to Ms Tafeuni for accompanying them for this meaningful opportunity

Kate Fullbrook, Leader of Diverse Learning

Junior School News

Beginning Year Interviews

It has been a positive start to the year with parents coming in to meet with their son's primary teachers face-to-face. After 3 years, this has been the first time (for some) that we have been able to do so and it is important in establishing a strong partnership between school and families in developing student goals. This will support student success in learning. Thank you to parents for taking the time to come in and begin our year.

Awards

Congratulations to our first award winners for Week 2

Stage 2 - Year 3 and Year 4

• Ethan Barnes
• Marlon  Coulthard

Year 5

• Steve Peiris
• Jordan Chiang

Year 6

• Harrison Howes
• Charbel Habib
• Dominic Ryan
  

Well done to our first Year 6 students who led the mini assembly well. We look forward to welcoming parents to our Friday afternoon assemblies in the future.

Magdalene Mattson, Primary Coordinator

School Vaccination Program Update - Year 7 & Year 10

Term 1 Upcoming Events

Community News

Army Cadets are a fun way to learn leadership, courage and discipline. 206ACU is engaging in a new recruit induction for the unit, and it is a great experience for year 8's and above to attend. Click HERE for more information.