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Dear Parents, Carers and Members of our College Community,
Welcome to the school year and if you are new, as am I, welcome to the Marymount community. It is a large and flourishing community, and I am proud to be stepping into the role of Principal. Prior to this, my role was Senior Leader, School Progress and Performance (looking after 10 BCE secondary Colleges), so, as you can imagine I am passionate about working alongside leaders and teams to focus on how we can go from strength to strength. I was Principal at Chisholm Catholic College in Cornubia for five years prior to my role as Senior Leader and find now as I did then, that the joy in my work comes from being a part of the school community, hence my decision to step out of an office-based position and rejoin a College. I feel very fortunate that it is Marymount College I am joining.
It has been far from a typical start to the school year. Covid-19 may have touched your family. It has certainly impacted on mine. My daughter spent some time in hospital just last week when she contracted this illness and she seemed to be deteriorating rapidly. I was gripped by a fear with which I have become unfamiliar and as she has improved, recognised that we are all living in strange days, with a level of constant stress that plays out in the way we live each day. With this in mind, the College has spent a great deal of time preparing for the safe return of students and staff members to school. We have very clear policies and practices and will do all we can to keep your children safe and ensure continuity of their learning. You will receive Covid-19 updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the foreseeable future. I know that events, gatherings, excursions and assemblies have been postponed or cancelled and this is not ideal, however, we are bound by the Qld Government directive that these do not take place for the first four weeks of school, and we follow that directive to keep the students, staff and parents as safe as possible.
As well as preparing for the eventualities of Covid-19, we have continued our strategic planning. I will be able to include our strategic plan for the year in the next newsletter but please know that it will come from and align to our new Mission and Vision Statement. All we do in the College comes from what we believe as a faith community. Marymount College is a supportive Catholic educational community, committed to life-long and life-giving learning. Our full Mission and Vision Statement is in draft form and will be soon published for sharing with all our stakeholders. My hope is that you will see your young person grow in faith, in intellect, in resilience and find their voice for justice and truth because they have been part of Marymount College. That they have the skills, knowledge and critical awareness to make good choices and stand by them, on firm ground even when the winds of change blow, because we have worked together, partners in these crucial teenage years.
I received a call last week which demonstrated how Marymount students reflect the values of the College. I can’t take any credit for the events that police officer who called outlined to me. It went like this... the police officer identified herself and, as a Principal, I wondered what I was going to hear. She proceeded to let me know that she had been at the skate park trying to assist a child who was distressed, not where he was meant to be and was not interacting with the police who were there to help. That’s when a group of Marymount Year 12 students stepped in to assist. They spoke to the child, calmed him down and interacted with him until he felt more confident accompanying the police. The officer emphasised that this took some time, and the students were patient and kind. They continued to be of assistance in some other tasks the officer had to complete. The officer could not say enough to tell me how outstanding these boys were and the difference they had made to a little boy they did not even know. They showed that ability to not only assist, but to stick it out and walk with a person in need. Who knows what lasting impact their behaviour may have for that little lad. Sometimes we don’t hear about the good things teenager do. I am glad this information was shared with me.
I have attached some of our key policies for your reference below.
I look forward to eventually meeting you and your children.
God Bless You,
Martina Millard
Principal
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Policies for Parents, Guardians and Students
Here are a number of important BCE policies to help protect the safety and well-being of students that parents need to know about. Should the need arise the links to these policies are also easily accessible on the College website at the BCE Policies tab.
The following College Policies are located on the website under the Our College tab, then Policies.
Student Protection Contacts
Student safety is everybody's business. If you have a student protection concern, please contact one of the Student Protection Contact Officers listed below who can assist you. You may reach them by calling the school office or through the email listed in the Staff Directory on the Parent Portal.
- Sandra Devine- Guidance Counsell
- Cintia May - Guidance Counsellor
- Martina Millard - Principal
- Geoff Browne - Deputy Principal
- Vivian Savage - Assistant Principal Pastoral
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Deputy Principal's Update
The City of Gold Coast (City) wants to ensure that motorists comply with school zone road rules at and around schools to achieve a safer environment for children and the broader school community. These rules also help to optimise traffic movement and safety.
Please take extra care and obey the signed parking rules when parking on the roads and streets around the school.
Park Safe Vehicles - Licence Plate Recognition (LPR)
As part of the City Parking Plan 2015 to improve parking behaviour on the Gold Coast, City Parking Officers will soon patrol the city (including key school zones) using vehicles, clearly badged as “Park Safe” vehicles. These vehicles use Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) which is camera technology fitted to Park Safe vehicles to ensure motorists are parking safely.
Park Safe will operate on school days at student drop-off and pick-up times focusing on pedestrian areas around schools. If a vehicle is found to be parked illegally the City will issue an infringement notice to the registered vehicle owner by post.
Offences to be aware of:
- stopping 20 metres before or 10 metres after a sign posted crossing
- stopping 20 metres before or 10 metres after a bus stop
- stopping within 10 metres of an intersection or corner
- stopping within a bus zone (bayed area)
- stopping on a footpath or nature strip within a built-up area
- stopping in a way that restricts access to a driveway
- stopping on a yellow painted line
- stopping in a loading zone
- double parking for any period of time.
Park safely and legally to avoid a fine.
For more information visit www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/parksafe
Geoff Browne
Deputy Principal
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School Photos
You will need your student ID number to place an order. This has been emailed to parents on Thursday 3 February.
Payment Method: Visa / Mastercard or PayPal
To avoid paying extra, please finalise your order by Friday 25 February
Any orders placed after this date will incur an $18.00 admin processing and handling fee
Photo delivery: Photos will be delivered to the school and distributed to students approximately 8 weeks from photo day.
Group photo format selected by school: Composite
- Photographers will be taking individual photos only. A composite group photo for pastoral groups will be available for purchase.
- The Year 12 whole cohort photo will be scheduled for later in the year.
Sibling Photos: These will be taken at a later date. This is a scheduling decision, and not due to Covid-19. The ordering system will reopen, and parents will be advised once we have a date booked.
Please contact Karen Harrison via kharrison@marymount.qld.edu.au if you have any queries regarding school photos.
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Calendar Dates
Week 03
Monday 7 February
ONLINE: Year 12 Parent Information session 6:00pm via TEAMS
Wednesday 9 February
School Photos (Whole School)
Thursday 10 February
CANCELLED: Swimming Carnival
Friday 11 February
Year 10 'Out of the Box' Periods 1 & 2
Saturday 12 February
CANCELLED: Principal's Tours
Week 04
Monday 14 February
St Valentine's Day
Year 7 Out of the Box
Tuesday 15 February
ONLINE: Year 11 Parent Information Evening 6:00pm via TEAMS
Wednesday 16 February
ONLINE: Year 7 Parent Laptop Information session 6:00pm
Thursday 17 February
Oceanic Swimming Carnival (selected students)
Friday 18 February
Peer Support Badge Ceremony
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Assistant Principal Religious Education Update
“Change is the only constant in life.” - Heraclitus (ancient Greek philosopher)
Beginning my report for our first Newsletter of 2021, I started with the quote from Heraclitus above. This time last year was filled with great optimism and energy, we were all settled back into school and events were being ticked off the very full calendar. But one year on, we are in a very different set of circumstances with yet another new normal to be worked through.
However, with our new Principal Martina Millard at the helm and our utterly dedicated staff, things have been moving along in the strange quietness of the past three weeks ensuring that everything is in place for the safe return of all students and staff to campus next week
To begin the year our staff enjoyed an excellent professional learning workshop, presented by Dr Peter Ivers, which was appropriately titled Pregnant with Hope: What is your vision and mission? The title is based on Luke’s account of the Visitation where the pregnant Mary and pregnant Elizabeth encounter each other and both are overwhelmed with the joy of the moment. We considered some interesting reflections from Father Ronald Rollheiser’s visit to the Church of the Visitation in Israel. We reflected on what these obscure peasant women were gestating and carrying inside of themselves would one day change history more than any army, any philosopher, any artist, any King or Queen, or any entertainment star ever would.
Like everything else all earlier plans were changed so it was an online beginning to the year and with such an apt title! It was an energising, refreshing experience to reacquaint ourselves with the bigger story of Marymount College, look into the story and in our own everyday lives to notice the 'Visitation' moments so we too can be 'pregnant with hope' for what lies ahead.
Whilst I’m in no doubt the Year 12s will be disappointed that their Retreat is not happening right now, it will happen as soon as this becomes possible. Likewise, with everything which has had to be postponed for the present, such as the Opening Liturgy, these will take place as soon as possible and will be adapted to suit the circumstances.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Martin Cowan, a member of our school community who passed away on Wednesday 2 February, after a long illness. May Martin rest in peace.
May we all go safely into the term together next week and may our ever-present God protect each and every one of us.
Dolores Maitland
APRE
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College Chaplain
Dear Marymount Community,
Welcome to 2022! It seems that what we considered ‘normal’ is now a distant memory, but this is okay because I’m sure this new year will be an extraordinary one for us in so many different ways.
I look forward to welcoming you back to Marymount next week in person as we begin our journey together once again. During this coming year, I hope to have the opportunities to meet and to get to know the students, families, teachers and staff a little better in the day to day life of the College. There will, of course, be times for us to celebrate and to pray together as well as sharing moments of laughter and perhaps even tears. I’m here to share the journey with you so please feel free to reach out if I can be a listening ear or if I can be part of your journey in any way.
Have a wonderful year ahead! Let’s journey 2022 together as a community of faith, hope and love.
Blessings,
Fr Jack
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Burleigh Heads Parish Sacramental Program 2022
Families with children, who are baptised Catholic and in the Year 4 age group and older, are invited to attend a Parent Information and Enrolment Session to register for the three Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Please attend one Parent Information and Enrolment Session on Wednesday 16 February 2022 at either 3.30pm or 5.30pm in Mary Mother of Mercy Church, Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters. Enrolment forms will be available on this day. Please register your attendance at -
Parent Information and Enrolment Session Link: https://signup.com/go/feNptDR
Enrolled families will commence preparation for Penance during Mass on the weekend of 26 and 27 February with the presentation of Sacramental sashes, and preparation will commence online in the week following.
Can you assist? We are looking for anyone who would like to help with the administration on the Enrolment Day.
Angela Williams
Sacramental Coordinator
pa.burleigh@bne.catholic.net.au |
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Pastoral Update
Friendship & Belonging
It is not always easy for children and teenagers to always know how to manage friendships. Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a child’s wellbeing.
Friendships are full of ups and downs and it is better for kids to learn how to manage and build their own friendships, even though as an adult carer you may be tempted to interfere.
SchoolTV has a series of videos on this topic that may be useful for parents.
Vivian Savage
Assistant Principal Pastoral
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Curriculum Update
We are aware this is a stressful time for families and you may be concerned about how the delayed start will affect your child’s education. To ensure students have enough time to access the curriculum we have made the following adjustments:
- For the first two weeks, there will be timetabled classes on a Thursday afternoon
- Assessment dates have been adjusted
- Interim progress reports for Term 1 will be done in Term 2, Week 2.
If your child is sick: please follow the normal procedures and advise the school through the parent portal or BCE Connect. If your child is feeling well enough to do some work at home they can access their classwork via Moodle or One Note. Each class teacher will start the year explaining what the work will be for the term and where to find resources. Your child can also email their teacher for assistance or clarification. If your child is absent for an extended time –more than a week— extensions will be granted for assessment as per our normal policy for illness. If you have any concerns In the first instance liaise with your child’s teacher—email addresses can be found in the school directory on the parent portal or BCEConnect App.
If you have further concerns, please contact either:
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Senior Curriculum
I am looking forward to students starting face to face learning on Monday. A school without students is very lonely! I am excited to work with the Senior Students to help them achieve their academic goals. Please find below some relevant information for each year level.
Year 12
On Monday 7 February there will be a Year 12 Information session at 6:00pm live streamed. You will receive a separate email on how to access this event. This will be the first time we have done a live event online so I am a bit nervous about how we will perform without an audience! This evening we will provide information on our pastoral program, Year 12 timelines, QCE, ATAR’s and finish with a message from our counsellors.
I am looking forward to working with the Year 12 cohort, my goal is to help them achieve their potential.
Year 11
At 6:00pm on Tuesday 15 February, we will present a Year 11 Parent Information session. The information presented will include how the ATAR system works, what is a QCE as well as a pastoral approach to dealing with students commencing their Senior years.
Year 10
I will speak briefly to the Year 10 cohort on their first day explain the expectations for their studies in their transition year into Senior school.
Of most importance is the requirement to meet our minimum standard prerequisites by the end of Semester 1 to commence the Senior Education & Training (SET) Plan and subject selection process for their Year 11 and 12 course of study. We will work with students to help them make the right choices and encourage them to work hard in Year 10 to achieve the results they need.
Katrina Nicholson
Assistant Principal Senior Curriculum
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Junior Curriculum
Start of the year and HPE arrangements
As part of our Covid-19 Safe Policy to commence the school year, students in Year 7-9 are permitted to wear their sports uniform for the entire day on the days they have a Health & Physical Education lesson. This will continue for Term 1 Weeks 3 - 5. This policy will be reviewed in Week 5 and updated communication will be emailed.
Please note, that students must wear their formal uniform on Monday 7 February (first day) and on Wednesday 9 February (School Photos).
Year 7 Parent Laptop Information session
Information on how to access the Year 7 Parent Laptop session held online on Wednesday 16 February will be emailed to parents next week. Students will be issued with their laptops on Monday 14 February and will spend most of the day in an 'Out of the Box' session setting them up.
Wes Guthrie
Assistant Principal Junior Curriculum
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Year 12 Update
Key Dates
- 7 February Parent Information Session 6:00pm via TEAMS
- 9 February College Photo’s (seniors wear a tie)
Welcome back!
Whilst not the start we envisaged when we went on holidays last year, it is still very exciting to welcome back our Year 12s for this, their final year at Marymount. Despite having the retreat postponed and the swimming carnival cancelled, we are hopeful that their senior year can be full of experiences and opportunities that they can make the most of. We encourage all our seniors to get involved in everything the College has to offer, to maximise their final year.
Welcome Ms Henttonen
We are very happy to welcome Ms Sarah Henttonen to the Assistant Head of Year 12 role for the first semester. Mrs Henttonen joined the Marymount community last year and has had extensive experience in pastoral roles in other BCE schools. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to her having a positive impact on the Year 12s during her time in the role.
Theme
Last November the Student Leadership Team used their time at the leaders’ camp to decide what they wanted the theme for 2022 to be. After thought-provoking discussions, a consensus was achieved and the theme for 2022 will be:
We are very grateful to one of our talented Year 12 students, Peri Turner, for creating this logo. The leaders were asked to write an explanation of their vision for 2022 and how this theme ties in with that. Their response is found below:
2022 Vision
Marymount College prides itself in uplifting, encouraging and challenging students to fulfil their goals and immerse themselves in the knowledge and education provided by the teachers and carers of this community. Through understanding Marymount College’s mission, we the student leadership team have created the theme, Let Your Light Lead the Way. We believe this theme will inspire younger grades as well as our own to find confidence, passion, and drive within themselves which will, in turn, lead them on a path to success.
 While it may be defined in many ways, we envision the light within us as an embodiment of all the virtuous traits we hope to see in our community. The love we give, the compassion we show and the courage we display, along with numerous other actions will all create an unmistakable beacon of light; as the leadership team of 2022, we implore you all to use your light to lead and guide those around you.
The lantern is our chosen symbol for this year, portraying light, guidance and the power of uplifting others. The design we have created features Marymount College’s Crest centred on a floating lantern. The four colours beaming from the lantern represent our Houses, Allambee, Bulimah, Katandra and Patanga. A blue banner strings the bottom of the lantern reading our theme, Let Your Light Lead the Way. This symbol visually represents our mission, that through our team spirit at sporting carnivals, academic achievements at the college and lives we lead as young people in this community we can create a unique beam of light to share and embrace with others.
We are very impressed with the student leaders’ efforts and look forward to this theme being lived by all members of the Marymount community throughout the year.
Bring on next week
We are very much looking forward to getting everyone back on campus on Monday. It promises to be a wonderful year for the Year 12s and we look forward to watching them embrace all that is affords them.
Matt Carroll and Sarah Henttonen
Head and Assistant Head of Year 12
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Year 11 Update
Key Dates
- 9 February College Photo’s (seniors wear a tie)
- 15 February Year 11 Parent information Session 6:00pm via TEAMS
- 22 March & May 3 Parent Teacher Interviews 1:00pm-6:00pm
- 18-24 May Unit 1 Exams
- 25-27 May Year 11 Retreat
Welcome Year 11 and their families to Marymount College for 2022. We welcome new students Jett, Mikayla, Sienna, Talia, Tanner, Oren, and Finn. Smiling faces and peers willing to engage with others outside their friendship group fosters a sense of belonging. It is our hope Year 11 embrace the new members of their cohort, being aware and responsive to their needs.
On our first face to face day back, it is our expectation to see correctly dressed, happy, senior students, ready for learning. We do not wish to have conversations with students about poor uniforms or be positioned to send a student home.
Year 11 are reminded of the importance of the little, non-negotiable things required of them as leaders of the College. This includes adhering to the uniform code, following teacher directions, leaving phones in lockers, locking lockers and being on time. Getting the little things right is important. It creates time and preserves energy to work on larger goals.
Year 11 is to be congratulated on their positive spirit and efforts thus far with the alternate learning program. Next week during a pastoral lesson our students will set SMART goals and steps to achieve them. Goal setting would be a good discussion to have this weekend in the family home. Each student will record their goals for the term into the Student Record Book. Goal commitment requires grit and perseverance.
In addition, students are encouraged to use strategies to improve their learning.
Some examples are:
- Attend tutorials run by teachers
- Ask more questions in class
- Sit away from friends because they may distract
- Complete homework every time
- Revise on the weekend, work with peers
- Utilise feedback
Homework is set to consolidate classwork and is aimed to assist student performance. Students are expected to complete 1- 2 hours per evening. Parents are encouraged to assist by helping their child establish good study and homework routines at home. Casual employment is encouraged but should not impede a student’s ability to complete homework.
The Year 11 team are very optimistic and excited about the year ahead. We are looking forward to meeting the cohort face to face and working with their families. Support of parents, families and staff, people working together to achieve common goals will always go a long way to the progression of our young people’s learning and growth.
We encourage Year 11 students to be the best version of themselves possible, and to respect the needs and wellbeing of others in all that they do. We are hopeful of a positive and productive year.
Cathy Cooper and Nigel Ward
Head and Assistant Head of Year 12
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Year 10 Update
Key Dates
- 9 February College Photo’s (seniors wear a tie)
- 11 February Year 10 'Out of the Box' periods 1 & 2
- POSTPONED: 2 March Year 10 Reflection Day
A very warm welcome to all our new and continuing students in the Year 10 cohort. It has been an interesting start to 2022, and it is going to be a very busy year with Year 11/12 subject selection later, as well as information about ATAR, Careers and VET Courses.
Monday 7 February
Year 10 Students are asked to go to their new rooms in E Block when the school starts on Monday. Class lists will be displayed on each classroom door as well as outside the Year 10 Head of Year Office.
- Timetables, record books, calendars and yearbooks will be given out by pastoral teachers,
- Year 10 Information session via Teams before normal classes start.
Class and STAC Representatives
Students will be involved during the next few weeks in the nomination, speeches and voting process for Class reps and STAC reps. We look forward to working with our new representatives at our fortnight meetings, STAC meetings and school ventures once this process has been completed.
Reminders:
- All students must have a College bucket hat to be worn at recess and lunch breaks.
- Students are to ensure that they are adhering to the uniform policy, especially for hair, jewellery, masks and makeup.
- Ensure positive interactions with staff and students to build rapport.
- Every student must use the Marymount school bag.
Kevin Cornor and Belinda Faulks
Head and Assistant Head of Year 10
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Year 9 Update
We would like to extend a warm welcome back to all students and, although it is not a usual start to the year, we hope that 2022 will provide you with many positive and enriching moments.
Year 9 is always a year of great change and growth for students. Not only are the changes physical and emotional, but it is a year where young people are really starting to make decisions about what their senior schooling experience might look like.
It is also a time when students become more independent from their parents. Naturally, they look to and lean on their peers for support and advice.
The Pastoral team — made up of Pastoral teachers and Heads of Year — can support Year 9 students through these changes with education and advice.
Please take the time to discuss with your son/daughter who their Pastoral teacher will be for 2022.
The teachers are:
9AA—Bernadette Gair
9AB—Jane Greffe/Rachael Lethbridge
9BD—Jeremy Watt
9BE—Rebekah Snellenburg
9KG—Jo Nairn
9KH—Ashleigh Brindle
9MM—Tim Rowe
9PI—Daniel Cousins
9PJ—Georgia Artmann
Your child’s pastoral teacher is available via email (see Colege directory on parent portal or BCE Connect App) if you need to ask questions or give information about your child. Alternatively, you can email or phone the Heads of Year.
Nicole.Browne@marymount.qld.edu.au
MGeyer@marymount.qld.edu.au
We hope that we will meet many of you at the Year 9 Parent Information Evening later in the term. Here we will offer support and provide education as to how to navigate this year of great change for your son or daughter.
Nicky Browne and Matthew Geyer
Heads and Assistant Head of Year 9
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Year 7 Update
Welcome new Year 7s in 2022!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new Year 7s starting at Marymount in 2022. Unfortunately, the year hasn’t quite started how we would have originally hoped, but the Year 7 pastoral team is ready for the students first day on Monday. There is a renewed energy and enthusiasm amongst the Year 7 teachers for the new group of students, all are eager to get into the classroom and teach and welcome the Marymount class of 2027.
Our first four lessons will be spent setting students up with lockers and doing Induction activities.
Please refer to the email sent on Thursday 3 February titled BACK TO SCHOOL: First week arrangements for what to wear and what to bring each day for the first week.
Mrs Samantha McMenamin and I look forward to working closely with the parents of the Year 7 cohort as we navigate our way through the challenges 2022 has already presented. As a parent and school community, however, I’m certain we will have an incredible year.
Matt Hurley and Samantha McMenamin
Head and Assistant Head of Year 7
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Careers and Vocational Education
Semester 1 Changes
Jason Hamilton has taken long service leave for Semester 1—how lucky to have that much time off! We are all jealous but hope Jason enjoys this time with family and friends. I am taking over Jason’s role of Head of Careers and VET in his absence. Having been a chef before becoming a teacher, I know the benefits of a VET pathway and I am excited to share my insights and help students explore career options. As with Jason, if you need any assistance, information or have any general questions, please contact me or Terri Webster in the Careers Centre and we will do our best to help students with a pathway that they may be interested in. Thank you.
David Grant
Head of Careers & Vocational Education (acting)
Year 11 & 12 ATAR Students —University Showcase Date Claimer
Year 11 and 12 ATAR students will participate in the 2022 University Showcase on Friday 4 March 2022 from 11.00am–12.00pm in the Doyle Centre. This event will give students general information about transitioning from high school to university (housing, finances, academic, sporting and social life), as well as access to individual university information provided by Student Admission experts from each of the major institutions (including Griffith Uni, Bond Uni and Southern Cross Uni). Mark this one on your calendar.
Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance
Aviation Australia is a division of TAFE Qld. They are opening a second class for the Cert II in Aircraft Line Maintenance to start in February. Places are still available. The course will be run from their Brisbane campus. Students will get hands-on experience in a workshop environment and work on aircraft. Students attend one day per week with no training on school or public holidays or in exam periods. The course runs for 18 months. Public transport is available to the door at the Brisbane campus. For further information, please click the link below and advise the College Careers Centre if you are looking to enrol.
Further Information
2022 School-based Traineeship Opportunities
School-Based Traineeships are administered through the Careers Centre. Now is the perfect time for interested students to consider securing a position that provides paid employment, hands-on workplace experience and a certificate qualification upon completion. School-Based Traineeships are offered generally to Year 10 and 11 students due to the work hours required. Please feel free to visit the Marymount Careers Centre for further information. Vacancies are listed on the display boards outside the Careers Centre and on the College website.
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Indigenous Program
Marymount College has a comprehensive Indigenous Program dedicated to the advocacy and support of students who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. The Program provides educational and pastoral support, cultural enrichment and career pathway advice, under the guidance of Mentor Teacher Mrs Maureen Lill, and Program Assistant Mrs Monica Weatherall.
The students call themselves the Marymount Mob. They are a close-knit group who offer one another genuine support through peer mentoring and through their involvement in activities and events that enrich their cultural awareness and celebrate their shared heritage. The Mob also interact with the Indigenous students of Marymount Primary School, forging strong bonds that have proven to be invaluable in helping these students have a smooth transition to high school.
The students meet weekly during pastoral, and each year have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities, including camps, incursions, assemblies, cultural experiences and more.
Any students or parents who would like more information about Marymount’s Indigenous Program, please email Maureen Lill Maureen.Lill@marymount.qld.edu.au or Monica Weatherall mweatherall@marymount.qld.edu.au or telephone the College.
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Library & Resource Centre
Whilst we love our usually busy working place, for the next two weeks the Library will be open to senior students only, at break and lunchtime, to allow them to consolidate their studies and put themselves in the correct mindset for the year ahead! Junior students should see Library staff with any other particular needs.
Blind Date with a Book and Makerspace
However, February 14 and St Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and, as always, Library Lovers Day just happens to coincide. We will be displaying a tableful of wrapped and unidentified books for our insatiable library readers to test their luck at choosing a blind date.Read a book, Share your thoughts, and Go into a $30 draw!
And for our Makerspace activities, students may come in and collect a free Takeaway bag of Library Lovers and St Valentine’s activities or check out the Makerspace ideas Padlet on the Library page on Moodle.
Welcome to all our new students. The start of any new school year can sometimes be a little confusing, but we look forward to seeing you in the Library very soon!
Janet Cartlidge
Teacher Libriarian
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Dance
Welcome to another year of exciting dance opportunities in 2022. While the current regulations are requiring some changes of plan, it will be terrific to be back with Dance subject classes shortly. Details about the following will be advised later next week:
College Dance Uniform
Information will be emailed about how to purchase Marymount College Dance t-shirts ($18) and jackets ($50) through the Dance Department via the Online Payments link on the College website. Both of these items are optional but can be worn for practical classes and at eisteddfods. Students will be able to present their receipts to Ms Press in E17 during break times to collect.
Extension Dance Auditions- times to be advised
Marymount College’s Extension Dance Program strengthens highly experienced dancers’ performance skills by extending their study of core curriculum Dance. Participation in the program requires students to attend at least two hours of dance classes per week outside of school (strongly recommended) and selection of Dance as a subject in Years 8-12.
Year 7 students who attend two or more classes a week at a studio are invited to audition. Note: students who auditioned in 2020/2021 do not need to re-apply.
Junior Extension is on a Thursday 3.00pm-4.00pm and Senior Extension is on a Thursday afternoon during sport time. The one audition is for both teams, so stay tuned for details.
Congratulations
In very exciting news, Laura Le (Year 11) was accepted into Australasian Dance Collective’s Youth Ensemble for 2022. Laura will commence her training with this renowned Brisbane-based company shortly and perform in various shows later in the year. Congratulations, Laura—2022 will be a most exciting year for you!
Shona Press
Dance Coordinator
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Sport Report
Oceanic District Swimming Carnival
The Oceanic District Swimming Carnival is being held at Somerset College on Thursday 17 February. Somerset has advised that there are to be no parent/guardian spectators on the day to align with their Covid Safe plan.
Swimmers wishing to nominate for the district carnival need to follow the directions that were sent out via email to all parents on Friday 21 January titled: Oceanic District & South Coast Regional Swimming Carnivals.
There are many students that have filled out the nomination form from that email but are yet to send through their proof of times. Please make sure those times comes through by Wednesday 9 February.
Once I have completed the nominations I will inform the students what events they have been entered into.
Oceanic District or South Coast Regional Sport Trials
Our school is a part of the Oceanic District when it comes to representative school sports. Students need to trial for and make the Oceanic District Team before they can go and trial for the South Coast Regional Teams and then on to the Queensland State School Teams.
If you wish to trial for any of the sports on offer students need to come and see Mr Balym in the sport office (D71) to register and collect the relevant information. All students that trial for the district or regional teams must complete the South Coast permission and details booklet that can be found here.
This booklet needs to be filled out electronically, printed out and then brought to Mr Balym, who signs on page 3 for the principal. Without that booklet being brought in and signed by Mr Balym, you will not be allowed to attend a trial.
In most cases, the age for the trials are the age you turn this year. If a team is for 13-15yr olds, one team is selected that covers the whole range of ages.
Most 12yr age group trials are held after school and the other age groups are usually during school hours. You do need to organise your own transport to and from the trial venues. If the trial requires you to leave school early, you do need to follow school protocol and sign out. If a trial requires you to be absent for a whole day, you do need to contact the school as per any other absence.
Make sure students listen to the daily notices and check their student email accounts for information about the upcoming trials.
Currently, the following trials are being advertised:
- TENNIS – 13-19yr Boys & Girls – Nominations due 4 Feb
- BASEBALL – 12-14yr Boys – Nominations due 10 Feb
- BASEBALL – 15-18yr Boys – Nominations due 10 Feb
- SOFTBALL – 13-19yr Girls – Nominations due 10 Feb
- WATER POLO – 13-19yr Boys & Girls – Nominations due 10 Feb
- NETBALL – 13-15yr Girls – Nominations due 11 Feb
- NETBALL – 16-19yr Girls – Nominations due 11 Feb
- RUGBY LEAGUE – 14-15yr Girls – Nominations due 18 Feb
- RUGBY LEAGUE – 16-18yr Girls – Nominations due 18 Feb
- SOCCER – 13-15yr Girls – Nominations due 18 Feb
- SOCCER – 16-19yr Girls – Nominations due 18 Feb
- TOUCH FOOTBALL – 10-12yr Boys & Girls – Nominations due 18 Feb
AGCC Interschool Sport – Semester 1
This semester we will be competing in the AGCC Interschool sport competition. All students need to be involved in this program unless they have a traineeship organised through the College Careers Office.
The sports available are:
Boys: Basketball; Indoor Cricket; Soccer; Volleyball
Girls: Futsal; Netball; Oztag; Tennis
Mixed: Touch Football
Students are not able to select their own sport – parents/guardians need to make the original selections through the parent portal/email that was originally sent in November 2021 and resent to those who had not yet selected in late January.
The list of choices that have been made will be emailed to all students and placed on the sport noticeboard outside SAO next week. If your child then wishes to change from what you originally selected, you can email me at tbalym@marymount.qld.edu.au with the student’s name, year level, original sport and the one they wish to change into.
Government Funding for Student Sport
There are three programs offered by the State and Federal Government that are available for students involved in or wanting to be involved in sport. They are:
- Get Started Vouchers Program: A voucher of up to $150 is available for children and young people who can least afford or may otherwise benefit from joining a sport or recreation club. Further information
- Young Athletes Travel Subsidy: The travel subsidy provides financial assistance through three event tiers and supports attendance at specific state, national and international events. Officials (such as coaches, referees and scorers) officiating at eligible events can also apply for assistance if they meet the eligibility criteria. Further information
- Local Sporting Champions: The Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for young sportsmen and women aged 12-18. Further information.
Trent Balym
Sports Program Leader
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YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament 2022
Nominations are Open
Nominations are now open for the 2022 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. It is open to young Queenslanders aged 15 - 25 who would like to represent their community, have their voice heard and make a difference.
The prestigious YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is the only official youth parliament in Queensland that has run for over 25 years. It provides an amazing opportunity and a platform for young people’s voices to be heard, as well as to network with inspirational young people from all over Queensland and politicians.
The highlight of the program is sitting in the Parliamentary Chamber in Brisbane, sitting in the same seats as the real parliament. Although, the tea and scones on the parliamentary balcony are also memorable!
Marymount College has had a long involvement with the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament – many College Alumni have represented their community through the program in the past, including Kate Coombes, Jack McLintock, Monnie Esmond (2013), Nikara Rangesh (2014), as well as a former student and staff member Miss Janie-Marie Burgess (class of 2012). In addition to the current teacher, Mr Garrett Fitzgerald who participated as the Youth Member for the Greenslopes Electorate in 2009 and 2010. And was previously involved with running the program as Community Engagement Officer in 2011.
However, Marymount College is not currently involved with the program, it is merely being promoted it to Marymount Students. Marymount College is supportive of the YMCA Youth Parliament, but please note that it is not a school activity and no staff will be present.
Nominations are open! They can be made through the website. For more information check out: the website, Facebook page or ask Mr Fitzgerald for more details: http://www.ymcaqyp.org/. Garrett Fitzgerald
Humanities and Religion Teacher
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