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Dear Parents, Carers and Members of our College Community,
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope the term has begun well for you. I know that many staff, students and parents have been ill during the holiday break and we begin the term dragging our feet just a little. Nevertheless, this last fortnight has been bustling and busy with Year 12 Retreats, Anzac Services (both onsite and in Burleigh Heads) and many excursions, sports and event happening at the College.
We are lucky to have begun with a few long weekends in a row. It has allowed us to ease into the term a little. Last weekend, the marking of Anzac Day on Monday saw the College participate in the dawn service, the march down James Street and the service at 9:30am. It struck me, as I stood in the rain at 4:20am, how fortunate we are to live in a land of peace and prosperity. We owe much to our parents and grandparents and those who were willing, in fact eager, to fight in far off lands for this country. I am sure every family in Australia and in New Zealand has a story of a relative who was or still is, a member of the armed forces.
Anzac Day remains, even more so in times like these, a very relevant and important day. Even 107 years on from the Gallipoli landings, we take time to pause and be grateful for what Abe Lincoln called, the “the last full measure of devotion” given by so many young men and women.
As a country, the connection to Anzac Day is part of our Australian story. According to most recent research, the number of Indigenous enlisted soldiers in World War 1 was anywhere between 800 and 1,200. Whilst we allowed Indigenous Australians the right to fight and die for their country, it would still take another 50 years to afford them the right to be counted in the census in the 1967 referendum. Also, an estimated 30% of Anzac soldiers were born overseas.
For myself, my grandfather, Claude Selby McKinnon, was part of the Light Horse. His battalion landed at Gallipoli before moving on to Egypt, where he was wounded and ‘tagged’ as he lay on the battlefield as ‘too far gone’ to receive medical attention. He pulled the tag off and threw it away. Thus, he received the attention that would save his life and see him come home from the war. My father was a bomber pilot with Coastal Command in the second world war at the age of 22. As a result of his war stories, I believe whatever I see on war movies, as it seemed anything was possible!
What I think I liked most about those Anzac ceremonies was the identification of the values that were imbued as part of the Anzac spirit – loyalty, courage, mateship, integrity. Certainly they are values still so relevant today, not least of all in school settings. What are your stories? Do your children know them? Do they know of your own challenges, bravery, loyalty and integrity? Sometimes teenagers don’t seem that interested, but I can attest to the fact that you could have heard a pin drop during the minute of silence at our Anzac service.
God bless you,
Martina Millard
Principal
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Deputy Principal's Update
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SMART Device Policy
Smart Devices (mobile phones, SMART watches, and similar devices) are not to be used during school days between 8:00am—3:00pm and all school-related activities.
Our core business of teaching and learning needs to be conducted in an environment free from unnecessary distractions or disruptions. This policy ensures that SMART device use during school hours is managed in a consistent way and therefore ensures that students, parents/carers and teachers all understand the rules of the College regarding the use of SMART devices during school hours, in particular, learning time.
The SMART Device policy is available under Our College > Policies on the College website
Geoff Browne
Deputy Principal
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Calendar Dates
Week 03
Monday 2 May
Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 3 May
Students dismissed at 12:30pm
Parent Teacher Student Conferences
Wednesday 4 May
Year 7 2024 Enrolment Interviews
Thursday 5 May
College Swimming Carnival - Palm Beach
Friday 6 May
Jazz Music Institute Workshop
Week 04
Monday 9 May
NAPLAN (Year 7 & 9) Preparation Day No Tests Permitted
College Tours
Tuesday 10 May
NAPLAN (Year 7 & 9) 9:00am- 10:30am Reading Test (65 minutes)
Wednesday 11 May
NAPLAN (Year 7 & 9) 9:00am- 10:30am Writing Test (42 minutes)
Thursday 12 May
NAPLAN (Year 7 & 9) 9:00am- 10:30am Conventions of Language Test (45 minutes)
House Track & Field Nominations
AGCC Sport Round #1
Friday 13 May
NAPLAN (Year 7 & 9) 9:00am- 10:30am Numeracy Test (65 minutes)
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Katrina Nicholson
Assistant Principal Senior Curriculum
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Assessment FOR, AS and OF learning Series – Part 2
Assessment is an essential component of the teaching and learning cycle.
Assessment for, assessment as and assessment of learning are approaches that enable teachers to gather evidence and make judgements about student achievement. These are not necessarily discrete approaches and may be used individually or together and formally or informally.
Assessment of Learning
Assessment of learning assists teachers in using evidence of student learning to assess achievement against outcomes and standards. Sometimes referred to as ‘summative assessment', it usually occurs at defined key points during a teaching work or at the end of a unit, term or semester, and may be used to rank or grade students. The effectiveness of assessment of learning for grading or ranking purposes depends on the validity, reliability and weighting placed on any one task. Its effectiveness as an opportunity for learning depends on the nature and quality of the feedback.
Assessment of learning:
- is used to plan future learning goals and pathways for students
- provides evidence of achievement to the wider community, including parents, educators, the students themselves and outside groups
- provides a transparent interpretation across all audiences.
The approach or approaches used will be informed by:
- the evidence of student learning to be gathered
- the processes for gathering the evidence
- the feedback to be provided to students.
For example, formal assessment provides an opportunity to collect evidence of student learning and may be used for grading and ranking purposes (assessment of learning) as well as informing feedback for students to improve their learning (assessment for learning).
NAPLAN Information
How to prepare for NAPLAN
It’s important to remember that NAPLAN is different to tests of content (such as what your child learns in a science unit, for example). Rather, it assesses literacy and numeracy skills that have been acquired over time through daily learning in the classroom. It is a point-in-time measure of a child’s performance in areas of literacy and numeracy.
ACARA advises that the best preparation for NAPLAN is instruction in the literacy and numeracy content of the Australian Curriculum. They don’t encourage excessive drilling or cramming.
ACARA recommends that parents:
- encourage their child to simply do the best they can on the day;
- avoid excessive cramming or coaching in the NAPLAN lead-up; and
- speak to your child’s school if you have questions about how you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN.
How to improve your reading, writing and maths skills and be ready for NAPLAN
Remember, NAPLAN isn’t a test that your child can prepare for like they would for a regular subject exam. It tests skills that improve over time, which are best developed with practice throughout the year. Trying to cram in information prior to NAPLAN will likely only lead to stress and anxiety.
The ideal way to help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to continue to help them develop literacy and numeracy skills.
Attached are several Australian education resources for parents seeking information about how to support the literacy and numeracy development of their children.
Online practice tests to help students prepare for NAPLAN
Another way to help your child be well prepared for NAPLAN is to ensure they are familiar with what the tests look like. A quick visit to the public demonstration site can support your child’s familiarity with the online platform.
Test Schedule for Term 2
Term 2 Week 4B
- Monday 10 May NAPLAN Preparation Day No Tests Permitted
- Tuesday 11 May 9:00am- 10:30am Reading Test (65 minutes)
- Wednesday 12 May 9:00am- 10:30am Writing Test (42 minutes)
- Thursday 12 May 9:00am- 10:30am Conventions of Language Test (45 minutes)
- Friday 13 May 9:00am- 10:30am Numeracy Test (65 minutes)
- Year 7: Level 2 J and K block Year 9: Level 3 J and K block
Term 2 Week 5A
- Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 May Catch-up/Rescheduling Days
Wes Guthrie
Assistant Principal Junior Curriculum
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Vaping & E-Cigarettes
Vaping is becoming a trendy pastime that is growing in popularity across Australia, especially amongst teenagers. It is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. They are often cheaper than conventional cigarettes, making it more cost-effective and attractive to young people.
Although under 18s are not legally allowed to purchase any type of e-cigarette or vaping product in Australia, teenagers are finding ways to access them online. Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products, and attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of them. Many of the flavoured liquids associated with vaping, contain not only high levels of nicotine, but other potentially harmful additives. Many of these “e-liquids” contain chemicals that are likely to be toxic, that when inhaled or vaped repeatedly, can cause severe damage to the lungs.
Vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking. However, doctors strongly advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs.
This Special Report highlights the facts around vaping and e-cigarettes and what are the potential risks. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report
Vivian Savage
Assistant Principal Pastoral
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Religious Life of the College
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Year 12 Retreat
Year 12 Retreat was a little later in the year than planned—for all the reasons we‘re learning to live with—but, as always, the students’ excitement and anticipation was as great as ever.
Given it was also Easter Week, the journey metaphor in the Road to Emmaus story was most appropriate. Father Jack’s presence as he celebrated Mass with us and time spent with the students at all three venues heightened the Emmaus parallels.
The experience of travelling away from the familiar sights of everyday life and the backdrop of beautiful bush set the scene for students’ reflection on their lives at this time, in their relationships with themselves, with family and loved ones and beyond to the unknown future. Through a variety of activities from high energy to very quiet, and great fun, conversations, and personal reflection, openness to new possibilities began to grow for many. One way of capturing this was in the personal letter written to themselves, which they will receive at their Graduation Liturgy.
To all those parents who know the challenge of writing “that letter”, be reassured the moment of its presentation is sacred. Keeping it a mystery heightens its specialness to the recipient. That moment carries a lifetime of blessing. Our Retreat staff’s privilege is to witness this profound moment. So thank you and well done to all your parents and loved ones of our students.
A huge thank you to Father Jack, who set out on Wednesday afternoon and visited all three venues, was present to everyone and celebrated Mass with us.
Thank you to the Retreat staff for their generosity in being there, and to the staff back at the College who cover for us and allowed it all to happen. Also, thanks to SAO staff for all their work in supporting the Retreat preparation at every stage.
And now we’re looking to Year 11 Retreat, which will be held from 25-27 May and Year 9 Reflection Day on 20 May at Bond University. These are all significant experiences in the spiritual development of our students. They are compulsory for all students.
Recently appointed Auxiliary Bishop, Tim Norton will be visiting Burleigh Parish on Sunday 1 May. Students and families are cordially invited to attend 10.00am Mass and say “hello” to Bishop Tim. Bishop Tim is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, a religious missionary order and has broad experience working on the missions in many countries. Link to story.
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Regenerating Australia
To celebrate Laudato Si week in 2022, Catholic Earthcare is hosting an online screening of the newly released 'Regenerating Australia' short film. This short film is a sequel to the '2040' film which was released in 2019.
'Regenerating Australia' is a fictitious news segment set on New Years Ever 2029, examining the decade that 'could be'. The film challenges us to consider how we respond to the Cry of the Earth. Catholic Earthcare invites parish groups, schools (including staff and students), and families to join us online for FREE to view the short film.
We will be joined by Bishop Ken Howell and a range of guest speakers to share in this celebration. After the film streams, there will be a panel discussion and question time regarding how we can take the teachings of the film and respond as Catholics here in Australia.
You are welcome to join us by yourself, or to register a parish or school group for the viewing. Please note that if you are registering for a group, only 1 person need register via the trybooking link. The video will be streamed via zoom which you can watch in the comfort of your own home, or together on a large screen at a suitable venue like a parish hall. If you are wanting to plan a get together with a team and need some help, I am happy to assist. Below you will find my contact details, so that if you are having technical difficulties on the night, I can assist as best I can.
The online event will be held on Tuesday 17 May 2022 from 6pm - 8pm AEST, 4pm - 6pm AWST.
To book your place please follow the link here: https://www.trybooking.com/BZADT
Dolores Maitland
APRE
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Homework Club
Homework Club is on Thursday afternoons 3:00-4:00pm. Homework Club is held in the library every Thursday afternoon (except for the last week of each term). It is a great way for students to access support with their homework and assignments, access the library resources or just have a quiet place to work. Support and supervision is provided by the Support Teachers - Leigh Dornan, Maureen Lill, Lauren Mitchell and Sam McMenamin.
As the name suggests students participating in Homework Club need to be working on school work. Those who aren’t or do not have any work to complete will be asked to leave. All students are required to sign in when they arrive (no later than 3:15pm, students are not allowed to leave the campus and then return for Homework Club) and sign out when they leave. Younger Primary School siblings are not permitted to attend Homework Club.
If you have any questions about Homework Club please contact the Learning Support Department.
Tertiary Education Experience – Griffith University
The Tertiary Education Experience is taking place on 31 May in-person at Logan campus. This event is designed to give senior high school students with disability a taste of university life and looks to provide them with information regarding the support and advice on reasonable adjustments they will receive if they study at Griffith University.
This event is held with assistance from Griffith University's Student Disability and Accessibility Team and Schools Engagement Team.
To find out more information or register click HERE
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Year 12
Key Dates
- Tuesday 2 - Friday 5 August—Year 12 Applied Unit 4 Exams
- Friday 21 October—Year 12 Farewell Assembly
- 24 October-15 November—Year 12 External Exams
- Tuesday 15 November —Graduation Liturgy
- Thursday 17 November—Year 12 Formal
We’re back!
There was no time to ease into the term for our Year 12s as we were only back for a day, but it was full of information pertaining to results from Unit 3 and outlines for Unit 4 of general subjects. Already there has been talk of the content that will be covered and the impending assessment tasks. Ensuring students are across all of the relevant information and timelines is crucial to allow them to prepare their study schedules and manage their time to ensure they can still fit in their part time jobs and their extracurricular activities. We will continue to encourage them to plan effectively to allow them to produce the results they are capable of.
Retreat
The remainder of Week 1 saw us finally embark on the Year 12 retreats after their postponement from Term 1. A huge thanks to all involved in rebooking venues to allow this to happen. The cohort split into three groups and set off to either Kindilan, Outlook or Bornhoffen. You can see evidence of the fun that was had at each venue in the photos included in this newsletter. But of equal importance to the fun, was the opportunity for the students to spend some time creating new and/or strengthened bonds with their peers, to think about the people who have helped them to get to this point in their lives, and to reflect on their relationship with God.
We sincerely hope that the retreat experience provides a launchpad for the remainder of the year for the students both as individuals, but also as a cohort. A galvanised senior cohort will hopefully allow them to get the best out of themselves and each other as they push towards their goals for next year and beyond.
A huge thanks to all of the staff who gave up their time to be a part of the retreats, without their guidance, the retreats don’t happen.
Term 2
Now that we have returned to school, students are reminded of the need to adhere to all College expectations, particularly those pertaining to attendance and uniform.
It promises to be a huge term, one filled with opportunities for the 12s. We encourage them to involve themselves as much as possible and to let their lights lead the way.
Matt Carroll and Sarah Henttonen
Head and Assistant Head of Year 12
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Hannah appears in the following YouTube clip for the AAFC
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Outstanding Student Achievement
In addition to Year 12 student Hannah Yates’s recent acknowledgement with Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s Point Danger Branch, Youth of the Month Award for completing 237 volunteer patrol hours, constantly demonstrating great leadership skills, participating in Team Xtreme and leading by example, she has also now achieved an outstanding result in her Air Cadet career.
Hannah was recently chosen from a pool of more than 100 suitable air cadet applicants, to attend a two-week live-in pilot training course on Amberley RAAF base together with seven other young people, of which only one other was female.
Hannah’s professional and unremitting application to her pilot training regime saw her graduate as the first and only female air cadet pilot to fly solo in Queensland to date, and so officially gained her wings with this RAAF scheme.
Hannah marched on ANZAC Day at Nerang with 232 Squadron. Her superior officer took the time to tell Hannah’s parents how proud he is of Hannah's hard work to be the only female air cadet in Queensland to have successfully completed the air cadet flying course to solo standard.
Photos: 1. Hannah ready to fly 2. Hannah with Captain Young from the RAAF, who is a fighter pilot, presenting her with the Cadet of the Year Award 2021.
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Year 11
Key Dates
- 18-24 May Unit 1 Exams
- 25-27 May Year 11 Retreat
Cathy Cooper and Nigel Ward
Head and Assistant Head of Year 11
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Year 10
Key Dates
- Monday 13-Friday 17 June—Year 10 Exam Week
- Monday 25 July—Year 10 Immunisations
- Monday 25 July—Year 11 2023 Subject Information Evening
- Monday 1 August—Year 10 SET Plan Interviews
Welcome back to Term 2 in Year 10. We hope you all had a wonderful Easter break with family and friends. It is great to be back in the classroom, with learning in the forefront of student’s minds.
ANZAC Liturgy
The recent Anzac Day Liturgy was a wonderful testimonial to past servicemen within the Marymount Community. Our students were humbled by the sacrifices of others before them.
Pastoral Care Unit
This term we begin our Pastoral Care Unit on Good choices – Drugs, Alcohol and Cyberbullying. Students will engage in class discussions and interactive activities to gain further perspective on these societal issues.
Careers Sessions
The fortnightly Careers sessions are extremely valuable as we move towards subject selection in Term 3. Students and parents should begin discussions of Senior subjects that are required for university entrance, or for employment. The compulsory Careers Expo at Marymount College will be held on the 30 May 5:30pm-7:30pm. This is an opportunity for students to engage with university representatives and prospective employers.
Locker Security
Over the long weekend, we had several individuals trespass on school grounds and get into any unlocked lockers. It is important that all students lock their lockers at the end of the school day, especially prior to the weekend so that items are not stolen/damaged.
Expectations
Students are encouraged to meet expectations in regard to uniform, phone use, behaviour in the classroom and yard, and build respectful relationships with staff and students.
Congratulations to all Year 10 students for their efforts in Term 1. We will meet with students who performed exceptionally well for their progress reports and encourage/support others who may be having difficulty meeting the demands of the Senior Curriculum.
Kevin Cornor and Belinda Faulks
Head and Assistant Head of Year 10
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Year 9
Key Dates
- Monday 10-Friday 13 May—NAPLAN
- Friday 20 May—Year 9 Reflection Day (Bond Uni)
- Monday 8 August—Year 10 2023 Subject Information Evening
- Thursday 11 August—Science Night
Nicky Browne and Matthew Geyer
Heads and Assistant Head of Year 9
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Year 8
Key Dates
- Monday 6-Tuesday 7 June—Night of Living History
- Thursday 11 August—Science Night
UNIFORM
As we have returned from holidays, it is a timely reminder to check in on uniform. Further to what is outlined in the College uniform policy (page 8&9 student record book) here is what is permitted:
Girls
- simple sleeper or small stud (no large pearls, hoops or drop earrings)
- no fake nails, fake eyelashes or makeup
- Hair to be worn neatly in a ponytail with a ribbon. If hair is short, it must sit above the collar otherwise it must be tied back.
- Skirts and sport shorts to be worn at a respectable length
Boys
- Hair needs to sit above the collar
- Clean-shaven face
- Belt
- Socks up and rolled neatly
Shoes & Jackets
- Only sneakers are to be worn with sport uniform
- Black leather dress shoes are to be worn.
- Wearing of canvas shoes such as Vans, Converse etc will result in the student sitting in PBR or sent home if appropriate shoes cannot be brought to school.
- The blue sport jacket can only be worn on Thursday. The blue knitted jumper can be worn every other day with dress or sports uniform.
If for some reason the uniform cannot be worn correctly, please bring a note to the Head of Year office, we can issue a variation.
School Bags
All Marymount Students must use their navy-blue backpack to carry equipment to and from school.
The student laptop agreement - that everyone signs when enrolling in the College - states that laptops will be carried in the school laptop bag. Failure to do so and if the damage occurs can result in the laptop not being covered by insurance and families having to pay for the damage. The take-home message? Use the school bag and use the laptop bag. We have seen an increase in canvas tote bags, these are not part of the school uniform. A canvas bag can be used to carry sports uniforms, but it is not a school bag.
Students who are seen with canvas bag only will receive a Uniform Detention.
Extra-Curricular
Towards the end of last term, we had three of our Year 8 students participate in the Clean Up Australia Day initiative run by the interact club. Josie, Lola and Violet all received certificates for donating their time to a great cause
Many Year 8s laced up the running shoes to participate in cross country on Tuesday. They braved cold winds, soggy fields, and loss of socks to compete. Congratulations to our enthusiastic runners.
Finally, after the delayed start to the year and wet season, we finally got to pick our sports teams. For students wishing to find out if they made the representative sides, they will be able to check the sports board. Those who did not make it, they will be able to select house sports to participate in each week.
Peter Carroll and Lauren Hutchinson
Head and Assistant Head of Year 8
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Year 7
Key Dates
- Monday 10-Friday 13 May—NAPLAN
- Thursday 11 August—Year 7 Pastoral Day
Year 7 Camp
At the end of Term 1, it was unfortunate that the Year 7 camp had to be postponed due to the lingering impacts of Covid-19, to both staff and students.
Fortunately, the camp venue has an opening in November, so we have been able to successful rearrange the camp to proceed from the 16 to 18 November. This will be a fitting conclusion to a very turbulent and busy year for our students.
Student-led tutoring sessions
With the Year 7’s first term of High School now in the rear-view mirror, the focus now turns to the academic rigour of Term 2, in the lead up to end-of-semester reports.
We encourage students to work on their time management to assist in the build-up of assignments and exams. To assist with this, Year 12 leaders are running a tutoring session on Fridays at lunchtime in J201. This is open for all Year 7s that would like some assistance with any of their classwork.
We are looking forward to a positive and productive term in Year 7.
Matt Hurley and Samantha McMenamin
Head and Assistant Head of Year 7
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ANZAC Day 2022
What does ANZAC Day mean to you?
For many marching in the momentous parade, it was a time to remember loved ones. My Great Grandfather served in the armed forces during the Second World War. The red poppy— hope, remembrance, armistice—is worn as a show of support. We represented our school and community to pay our respects. ANZAC Day is an occasion to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom.
Marymount students and staff joined with our Burleigh community and marched together to the Cenotaph in Burleigh Heads this ANZAC Day, on Monday 25 April. Rain, drizzle and chilly conditions did not stop us from attending the 107th ANZAC Day Community Memorial Service to commemorate one of the most special days on the national calendar: ANZAC Day.
Special heart-warming moments occurred with Guest Speaker, Brigadier Rod West CSC Retd, during the Last Post and throughout the Ode. In addition, College Captains Lily Puffett and Nicholas Ranson recited the 1st and 2nd Resolute. Nick also read the Story of Simpson and his Donkey.
The ANZAC march and service was a significant event for all members of the community. I felt blessed to have the opportunity to be part of this National Day of Remembrance.
Lest we forget.
Grace Shefford
Year 7 Insider
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Careers and Vocational Education
2022 MARYMOUNT COLLEGE CAREERS EXPO
MONDAY 30 MAY - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
This event is considered vital in terms of our Senior Students’ journey and we highly recommend all senior students and their parents/caregivers attend this CovidSafe event.
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
Griffith University’s Pathways to Medicine Webinar
Thursday 5 May, 5.30–6.30 pm
Join Griffith University’s study experts as they introduce the various entry pathways into the Doctor of Medicine. This short webinar will be followed by a Q&A session and will cover everything students need to know about Griffith’s admission criteria and selection process.
Griffith University’s Musical Theatre and Acting Workshops
Winter School: 27–30 June 2022
Audition workshops: 4–7 July 2022
The Performing Arts department at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) invites Year 11 and 12 students with an interest in performing arts, to register for their Winter School and Audition Workshops in acting and musical theatre. The programs are run by Conservatorium performance coaches and based on teaching from QCGU degrees.
Cost: $450 (including GST) per workshop
Griffith University’s Tertiary Preparation Workshop for Music
27 June–1 July 2022
Students can stand out from the pack at their Queensland Conservatorium Bachelor of Music audition by participating in a Tertiary Preparation Workshop. This program is designed to help students prepare for the theoretical and practical requirements of the audition process.
Cost: $495 (including GST)
Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art Portfolio Workshops
Workshop dates: 29 – 30 June 2022
Work in a supportive, inclusive and encouraging environment to build your creative portfolio. This workshop is tailored to students in Year 10, 11 and 12, and anyone considering future tertiary study at the Queensland College of Art.
Apply now for Griffith University’s Winton Film Camp
1–7 July 2022
Secondary school students in Years 11 and 12 looking to pursue a career in screen and media production are invited to apply to attend Swaggies Film Camp in Queensland’s Winton from 1–7 July. The immersive production camp provides opportunities to shoot and edit in small crews, with instruction from Griffith Film School experts.
Cost: $580 (to be paid upon successful selection)
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Australian Catholic University have a number of events coming up. Please see the list below.
Guided Campus Visit: Explore ACU facilities and learn more about studying with there. Register here
DEFENCE WORK EXPERIENCE
The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) is a national Youth Program that provides young Australians with an interest in a Defence career the opportunity to gain exposure to a range of job roles available within Defence and the Australian Public Service. Defence work experience activities are designed to be hands on and interactive so that young people can make informed career decisions.
The following programs are now taking applications online with others to follow as the year progresses:
Defence Work Experience
Program |
Location |
Program
Dates |
Applications Close |
| Army Familiarisation Program |
Gallipoli Barracks |
20-22 June |
08 May |
| Aviation Program for Women |
RAAF Amberley |
23-30 June |
15 May |
| Aviation Program for Women |
RAAF Amberley |
03-07 July |
15 May |
| Army Familiarisation Program |
Gallipoli Barracks |
25-27 July |
12 June |
| Air Force Familiarisation Program |
RAAF Amberley |
29-31 August |
17 July |
| Army Familiarisation Program |
Gallipoli Barracks |
29-31 August |
17 July |
| Army Familiarisation Program |
Gallipoli Barracks |
12-14 September |
31 July |
Applications may close before the advertised date if large volumes are received. Students are advised places are limited and are strongly encouraged to submit complete and considered applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please contact the Careers Centre for further information.
Defence Careers Information Session
Date: 11 May 2022.
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
![Register now]()
2022 SCHOOL-BASED TRAINEESHIPS
School-Based Traineeship opportunities are managed through the Careers Centre, and a number of excellent opportunities currently exist. Now is the perfect time for interested students to consider securing a position which provides paid employment, hands-on work experience and a certificate qualification upon completion. Offered to Year 10 - 11 students (Non-ATAR). Visit the Careers Centre for further information or click on here below to view current opportunities.
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Agricultural Science
Experiments in Agriculture
Senior Agricultural Science students are busy gathering data in their student experiments. The Year 11 group are measuring the impact of light intensity and plant density on the growth of sunflowers. The sunflowers have been transplanted into raised garden beds after being raised as seedlings by the students. The class is divided into six groups with each group looking at different combinations of these variables. Let’s hope the cockatoos stay away for the next few weeks.
The Year 12 group are conducting an investigation on selective breeding in chickens. Students are measuring the growth rate and food consumption of two-layer breeds and that of a meat breed. The birds are all the same age, given the same feed and kept in the same environment. After only one week, the meat chickens are already twice the size of the layer chicks. Despite what people think, meat chickens are not given hormones to grow quickly. Their fast growth rate is the result of years of “breeding the best with the best”.
In about a month’s time, all the chicks will be available for sale to the students and the wider Marymount College community. Email me at cjlarkin@marymount.qld.edu.au if you are interested.
Chris Larkin
Agricultural Science Teacher
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Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival
Marymount College is entering the Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival this year.
This event involves over twenty Gold Coast schools in both the private and state system and performs across three venues throughout Weeks 4 – 5 of Term 3. Students will be directed in a one-act play and will compete in a friendly competition against various Gold Coast schools. The performances showcase the high calibre of acting and directing skills possessed by young artists from all over the Gold Coast who proudly represent their school. The most important aspect of the annual festival (now in its 50th year) is allowing students the opportunity to work through the process of interpreting a play text or devising new work, collaborating to bring a directorial vision to life on stage for an audience. Marymount is entering a play in the Junior (Year 7 and 8), Intermediate (Year 9 and 10) and Senior (Year 11 and 12) sections.
Auditions will be held in the next three weeks and further information regarding these auditions will be on the school notices. All interested students are welcome to audition.
Melanie Howe
Drama Academic Coordinator
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Food Technology
Last week all Year 10 Food Technology students participated in sensory testing.
After some explicit teaching of sensory vocabulary terminology, students were presented with several different foods. Ranging from crackers, cheese, chocolate, corn chips and even some lemon wedges. One class even got to enjoy some spoils from the Agricultural Science/Food Technology garden, created last year.
This class was introduced to curry leaves, saltbush herb, baby eggplants, chilli, strawberries as well as some rosella fruits. Students were able to savour each morsel and then use their newly created sensory vocabulary word banks to evaluate each food across the five senses. We are excited to see the students use this lesson in the assessment this term when they are creating a line extension for the Byron Bay Cookie Company.
Year 11 Food and Nutrition were taste testing alternate protein sources (mealworms, crickets).
Mr Grant generously offered Year 8s the chance to taste test. They were all curious, and most courageously tried both options. Although I don’t think anyone will be racing to add these to their weekly menu, they all really enjoyed the opportunity to try something different.
Rachel Evans
Acting Academic Coordinator Food Technology
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Cross Country Photography: Elise Nguyen and Finn Reynolds (Year 7)
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College Swim Carnival
We are holding our College Swim Carnival on Thursday 5 May at Palm Beach Aquatic Centre.
All parents/guardians have been sent an email with the permission form and details of the day. Please ensure you have completed the permission form by Tuesday 3rd of May so we can organise the number of buses we require.
College Cross Country
On Tuesday morning we held the College Cross Country trials to select the students that get to compete at the Oceanic District Cross Country on Tuesday 3 May. The top 6 competitors in each age group have qualified to compete at Pizzey Park next week. Special congratulations to our age champions for 2022:
- 12yr: Katie Palmer & Nicholoas Cannard
- 13yr: Meika Locke & Alex Simpson
- 14yr: Emma Landrigan & Jackson Hall
- 15yr: Meka Norton-Smith & Luke Palmer
- 16yr: Talia Balym & Rory Randall
- Open: Charli Greedy & Ky Veech
Good luck to all our competitors at the district races on Tuesday.
The whole school will compete in a cross country run later in the term to determine the champion cross country house for 2022.
South Coast School Sport Representatives
Congratulations to Shay Massey (Year 11) and Oscar Devine (Year 12) on their selection in the 13-19yr boys South Coast Hockey team to compete at the State Championships in Ipswich. We wish Shay & Oscar all the best as they take on the best hockey players in the state.
Outstanding Sporting Results
Lucas Berezwick (Year 12) recently competed at the 2022 Open Australian Surf Life Saving Titles and he came away with some great results. Lucas won silver in the U17 Male Board Rescue and Bronze in the U17 Male Taplin Relay. He also just missed a medal in the U17 Male Board Race where he finished fourth. Congratulations Lucas!
Outstanding Sporting Results
Last weekend we had two students compete in the Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Championships at Coomera Lake.
For both of these students, it was not only their first national championships but also their first races in a kayak after the state titles were cancelled earlier this year due to the poor weather we were having.
Talia Balym (Year 11) won gold in the U16 women’s 14.8km K2 with her partner on the Saturday and then backed that up with a bronze in the U16 women’s 14.8km K1 individual race on the Sunday. Rory Randall (Year10) also won gold, his gold was in the U16 men’s 14.8km K2 with his partner.
Congratulations to both Talia & Rory on your fantastic results in your first-ever kayak races!
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Interschool Sport Semester 2
Our interschool sport continues in terms 2 & 3 on a Thursday afternoon. The Semester 1 competition is nearing the end with the finals set down for Week 5.
We begin team trials for the semester 2 sports in week 8. The competitive games will begin in the first week of term 3. Students who don’t get selected into an interschool sport team will be placed into our intraschool house sport program.
All parents will shortly receive an email instructing them to give permission for their child to participate and to make their child’s sport selection. Please discuss the available options with your child before making the selection for them.
SPIRIT POINTS
Each year students earn points for their house towards the spirit trophy.
Points are earned for just about everything a student gets involved in around the College. Activities like: debating, MUNA, extra-curricular sport, drama festivals, music ensembles, choir and they even earn points for receiving Principal Awards.
Currently, the points table stands at:
- 4th Place – Allambee 93
- 3rd Place – Bulimah 105
- 2nd Place – Patanga 124
- 1st Place – Katandra 144
Therefore, get out and involved in the activities around the College to gain points for your house.
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Student Sporting Results
Any student who achieves outstanding results in any sporting field and wants to be acknowledged in the newsletter needs to make sure they let Mr Balym know about the results. This information can be emailed directly to Mr Balym: tbalym@marymount.qld.edu.au
Trent Balym
Sports Program Leader
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Gold Coast Inter-School Junior Debating Competition
Sweet or savoury—which do you love the best? Gold Coast Debating is a three-on-three style competition, comprising five preliminary rounds locally and a final debate against a variety of schools from across the state. The season runs from March to August.
Debating provides the opportunity to develop the ability to ‘think on your feet’ during rebuttals, research, preparing and presenting persuasive, logical arguments for or against topics like ‘Sweet is better than savoury’. This was our job—as junior debaters—for our first ever debate! On the 20th of April, Marymount College was well-represented in Round One of the Gold Coast Junior Inter-School Debating Competition, with two teams of students in Year 7. Furthermore, my debating team, MMC 1, was assigned as the negative in the debate over this topic and MMC 2 assigned as the affirmative. The debating teams were adjudicated by an industry professional scoring on three areas: matter, manner and method with outstanding feedback. Although our teams were narrowly defeated in this round, this was an excellent effort and commitment given we had never attempted debating before! I am proud of our skills in teamwork, critical thinking, communication and public speaking.
Congratulations for a great start to the season to all our Year 7 Debaters—Finn Reynolds, Elise Nguyen, Grace Shefford, Sophia Gabriel, Coco Symons, Nicholas Cannard, Oscar Tuckett and Ella-Rose Hutchison. And thank you to our dedicated Debating coaches—Ms Gorman, Ms Lowe, Mr Symons and Mr Mitchell.
Debating is a fantastic, fascinating and fun experience. We look forward to an enjoyable season and excited to see where our future debates take us.
Grace Shefford
Year 7 Insider
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