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S t M a r y ’ s C o l l e g e Sent to Proclaim the Gospel

From the Principal St Dominic’s Day Mass

This week I share with you the reflection as below, which was delivered by Marie Khoury (11G) and myself on Thursday, 11 August at the St Dominic’s Day Mass, in place of the homily. At this time in the Mass, it is usual for Father Paul Mullins to be standing at the lectern about to deliver the homily. Today, Marie Khoury and I would like to contextualise why Father Paul has offered the reflection to pass to two St Mary's women. As you know, Marie and I attended the Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference in America last month. There, we witnessed students from all over the United States come together to prepare to be preachers in their Dominican colleges. Most were called ‘rising seniors’ i.e. about to start their final year of study. They would return from this conference to lead their schools in ministry of social justice action, liturgy, prayer and preaching. We were astounded by their deep faith and desire to further the ministry of preaching in the Dominican tradition - especially in this year - the 800 years of the Order of Preachers.

So how does our reading today in which we hear of Jesus being approached by the Canaanite woman relate to what we witnessed in America? How does it relate to what we are celebrating today and how does it relate to what we, a community created to educate women, manifest of Dominic's mission? The Dominican Order was in fact founded in stages by Dominic in partnership with those who shared his vision - 810 years ago for the women of the Prouille Convent in France and 800 years ago for the men and refounded through the centuries to answer new needs in new times. The Canaanite woman was an outsider, Gentile not Jew. Even his disciples told Jesus she was being a nuisance and to send her away, but she persevered in asking for help for her daughter. Jesus acknowledged her faith and resilience and determination by his healing act. When he tested her by saying “you don’t take children’s bread and feed it to dogs”, she responded with “Yes, Lord, but even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”. She passed his test by claiming her human right to compassion and access to his mercy and healing. Like Jesus, Dominic preached a God of love not punishment. He was human like us. He believed that everyone had access to the spirit not just him, and at a time when only bishops could preach, and then only in churches and cathedrals, he was given permission to take the gospel to the marketplace, out into the world of people’s everyday life.

What our 800 years of the Dominican Order of Preachers calls us to realise is that the preacher expresses God’s Word in human terms. Sometimes we use words as in the homily and reflections of the Mass, sometimes in action, as in our social justice program. The Dominican task is to study, explore and discover better, more effective and newer ways to spread the Gospel message of God’s love, mercy and compassion.

Preaching is the distinctive sign and constitutional reality of the Order that Dominic founded. It follows that we cannot be truly Dominican if we are not in some way trying to proclaim the gospel.

What does that mean to us today? The story of the Canaanite woman speaks to us about persevering and believing as young women.

Dominic was a man who believed each person was gifted with the spirit, and he made no distinction between men and women, other than what safety dictated at the time. 15 years after the men’s Order was proclaimed, the women were given a Rule to follow, and even then they were to govern themselves within their own priories and their own decision making structures. The earliest papal records grant all privileges to both the men and the women of the ‘holy preaching’. The Albigensian women Dominic gave shelter to had ‘convent’ structures where they could teach the tenets of their belief to the local children. While there are no records of the early Dominican women conducting educational enterprises, they do seem to have had plenty of influence over the people around them.

What we see in this is that Dominic set a new standard. The women were to be taught the faith, thoroughly and not just by a friar – only masters of theology were to be good enough. Dominic recognised the place of women and the powerful possibilities among people of the time.

Girls, you inherit that legacy here today as women of St Marys. If like the Canaanite woman and the First Dominican women, you respond to the challenge of the gospel to spread good news, to discern what your preaching in word or action can be in your everyday school and family life, you are truly giving witness to, then taking up your Dominican invitation.

This gospel story today is essentially built around the conversation between the woman and Jesus. What is clear, is that the woman was not going to give up, but kept pleading so that Christ recognised her great faith.

S t M a r y ’s C o l l e g e

253 Franklin Street

T:8216 5700

F:8216 5730

W: www.stmaryscollege.catholic.edu.au

Issue 10, Monday 29 August 2016

Continues next page..

Our SMC School Leaders with Leaders from St Dominic’s Priory,

Blackfriars and Cabra at one of the St Dominic’s Day masses celebrated

throughout the week.

St Mary’s College, Issue 10, Monday 29 August 2016

From the Principal: continued..

She showed no resentment, no anger about her situation, she only knew that Jesus was the Jewish messiah who came to heal people and for some reason, he was in her town. She sought mercy from him. It teaches us about faith when we are in need.

So as we celebrate 800 years of Dominican preaching, our own school’s active preaching of good news, our presence as women in Dominican education, let us be like the woman of the gospel, persistent and confident in our faith, that we are deserving of being heard and being granted grace. The gospel woman who would not take no for an answer - she showed that even a powerless woman could obtain justice. How strong a message is that to our society?

Thank you to the St Mary’s students who have recently returned from Cambodia, America and Common Ground for being preachers in action in our times.

Dominican Education Australia Launch

On Friday August 12th sisters of the Holy Cross Congregation and North Adelaide Congregation gathered at the Convention Centre to attend the launch of Dominican Education Australia (DEA). Also in attendance were past and present principals from the four Dominican Colleges of Adelaide, their College Executive Leadership teams, Board Chairs and other invited guests.

The extract below from the Launch spoken by the three Australian Congregational leaders, illustrates the significant movement forward into the future for Dominican Education Australia wide and the legacy of the sisters that will prevail throughout time.

Sr Bernadette Kiley

When the Dominican Congregations were each established in the 19th century in Australia, their focus was to respond to the education needs of the growing Catholic

population. While Sisters answered this need for well over 100 years, we believe there are now new ways of responding that invite collaboration with others who are

also deeply imbued with the Dominican charism.

Sr Judith Lawson

The collaboration and participation of lay colleagues with us in our ministries reflects our response to the call of the Second Vatican Council for us to re-think how we

share mission. This collaboration acknowledges the call of all who are baptised to contribute to the mission of the church.

The vision of Dominican Education Australia is to continue and further enliven the works of the Congregations of Dominican Sisters into the future. Its vision comes

from the inspiration of Jesus Christ and the spirit of Dominic and it will continue to build on the founding grace and tradition of each of the congregations.

Sr Noreen Reynolds

As we light this candle we pronounce Dominican Education Australia launched, confident in the belief that as a collaborative work of our three Congregations and our

lay partners it will govern to ensure that our education ministries function as independent, life-giving and joyful expressions of the Gospel.

Principal

St Mary’s College Absentee Phone Line : 8216 5716

Please telephone before 9.30 am if your daughter is absent

From the Deputy Principal: Student Wellbeing

It is not small people who ask for forgiveness. It is large hearted, magnanimous, courageous people who are ready to say what are some of the most difficult

words in any language: “I am sorry”. But once uttered, they open the way to a new opportunity, the possibility of a new beginning, the chance to start again, having

learnt a lesson from the past. Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1998)

What is Restorative Justice? Restorative: to give back; to repair the harm and rebuild; to reintegrate the person(s) who did the harm; restore a sense of wellbeing and connection. The philosophy and

practice of restorative justice in schools is to promote resilience in both the one who is harmed and the one who causes harm. It is about helping young people become

aware of the impact of their behaviour on others through personal accountability and being open to learning from conflict situations. Marist Youth Care, Sydney (2004).

As you are all aware, Restorative Justice underpins all we do here at St Mary’s College, especially in terms of helping students develop their own sense of personal

responsibility. I have outlined below some of the principles of restorative justice, and also some of the questions that are asked in restorative meetings by the facilitator.

The Principles of Restorative Practice

Foster awareness in the student of how others have been affected.

Avoid scolding or lecturing. This often results in the student reacting defensively. It distracts from noticing other people’s feelings.

Involve the student actively. Instead of simply doling out punishment, which the student is expected to accept passively, a restorative intervention encourages the

student to speak. They face and listen to those who have been affected by their inappropriate behaviour. They help decide how to repair the harm and make a

commitment to this. The student is held accountable.

Accept ambiguity. Often fault is unclear and people can agree to accept the ambiguous situation.

Separate the deed from the doer. We can recognise a student’s worth, their virtues and accomplishments while disapproving of their wrongdoing.

See every serious instance of wrongdoing and conflict as an opportunity for learning. Negative incidents can be used constructively to Continues next page..

From the Deputy Principal: Student Wellbeing continued..

build empathy and a sense of community in the hope that there is a reduction

of negative incidents in the future.

Affective Questions / Focus Areas

These questions are used to assist in managing conflicts or potential conflict

situations and working towards resolution.

1. What happened?

2. How did it happen?

3. How did you act in this situation?

4. Who do you think was affected?

5. How were they affected?

6. How were you affected?

7. What needs to happen to make things right?

8. If you find yourself in the same situation again how could you behave

differently?

Focus is on the specific behaviour or incident without blaming. Who was

affected and how they were affected is drawn out. Questions are directed

toward problem solving what needs to happen to ‘make things right’.

Affective Statements

Reflect on the impact that the behaviour or incident has had on the

student and others

Consider the effect on other students, the class, the year, other

teachers, parents or the school community as a whole.

Uniform Information Coloured Sports Shoes

One of the requests that has come via the SRC this year, has been for a

change to the Sports Uniform which would allow students to have the option to

wear coloured sneakers or predominantly white sneakers. Two Year 11 SRCs

wrote a formal proposal to go to the College Council, who ultimately make the

final decision on all policies within the College (which is made up of parents of

students here at St Mary's).

This proposal was presented and discussed at last week's College Council,

and it was approved, on one condition: Coloured or predominantly white

shoes can be worn as part of the PE uniform, but they must be SPORTS

shoes not fashion shoes, and therefore must provide good support.

I would like to thank Chelsea Carruthers and Ashlee Rinna in particular, who

took the time to survey students and write the proposal to go to

Council....action speaks louder than words!

Rain Jackets

Another initiative of the SRC, was a proposal in regards to students being able

to wear dark navy rain jackets, including those that students have purchased

for overseas trips during the very wet and cold weather we’ve been having.

This is a temporary interim measure for this year only, until

the proposal goes to the College Council and is formally

changed.

Please note: The Uniform Shop will be closed in Week 9 this term, but will

re-open in time for families to buy and/or upgrade summer uniform items.

Lorna Starrs

Deputy Principal: Student Wellbeing


From the Deputy Principal: Curriculum Dear Families,

The halfway point of the term (not that our Year 12s are counting!) sees the

continuation of some pretty important initiatives commenced early in the year.

Two of these are our work with our online Learning Management System (LMS),

Seqta, and the ongoing development of our Learning Policy.

Seqta After working for two years with the initial leader in LMS software, Knowledgenet,

in the middle of last year St. Mary’s moved to a more holistic system called Seqta.

Seqta promotes itself as a ‘one-click paradigm’, in the sense that information,

interaction, resources and lessons are only one click away. Semester 2 last year

saw our initial introduction to Seqta through the Pastoral Care module with real

time, lesson-by-lesson attendance data being taken.

Our work for this year has been mostly on the Curriculum component of Seqta.

This has seen teachers working collaboratively to develop new and refine existing

skills in enacting curriculum in an online environment. We developed a set of

‘Essential Skills’ through which we worked sequentially during the year. Towards

the end of 2016, this initial journey into curriculum should be almost complete.

During staff meetings and professional development days, teaching staff

(predominantly Middle School) have progressively worked through the following

Essential Skills with one or more of their classes:

Developing a cover page & overview

Editing a teaching and learning programme

Organising (and moving) lessons

Working with Marksbook through entering grades, annotating grades

with responses, utilising student self-reflection

Introduction to the use of folios

Further developments next term will see a focus on quality online lessons. The

Junior School has established an emerging primary systems through Story park

and Seesaw which we will continue to integrate with the Seqta ecosystem.

Much of the interaction has been very successful this year; it has seen teachers

and students communicate, interact, learn and find different solutions to similar

issues. Our teachers have worked hard this year throughout this process (while

not missing a beat with regards to our high standards of teaching and learning

across the school); I commend our teachers for their work this year in these key

areas. Students also tell us they have enjoyed the chance to see ‘everything in

one place’ and ‘exactly where it is needed’.

Late last term a trial group of parents across three classes had access to the

Parent Portal. Very soon this term we will be open up access to the parent portal

(Seqta Engage) for Middle and Senior School parents. This may provide you with

a window into the classroom. In doing so, it is important to remember that we are

still on our own learning journey with this as teachers this year. This may mean

that pages look different for different subjects, year levels and teachers (this level

of individual freedom in teaching is actually a positive). Please also be mindful

that there will also be varying levels of access with and use of Seqta across the

variety of subjects here.


From the Deputy Principal: Curriculum continued..

As always, the most important connection in a classroom is that between your

daughters and her classroom teachers. The importance of this hasn’t changed,

but rather hopefully enhanced by the different opportunities presented in Seqta.

Policy on Learning

Over the last few years, and with more of a focus this year, our Learning Area

Coordinators have been looking to put some language around ‘the St. Mary’s

approach’ to teaching and learning. We know that our students achieve

excellent outcomes; we know we have passionate teachers who want the girls to

succeed. The key for us was to find something that would succinctly summarise

our approaches to teaching and learning. We believe our policy does this.

St. Mary’s Policy on Learning is: “St. Mary’s Students are challenged and

supported to achieve their Personal Best”.

We believe this policy to be effective as it summarises our focus on personalised

learning and being in a learning relationship with students to challenge and

encourage them to reach their best, whatever that may be. When choosing to

enrol your daughter at St. Mary’s, I’m thinking this may have been an ultimate

aim for you her too.

Functionally, the Learning Policy will work as below:

In defining Personal Best as a policy for learning, we have then explored a series

of Learning Statements which are represented by the themes in the diagram.

This helps us to depth all of the areas teachers can support and challenge a

student to achieve their Personal Best. We also have begun work on

reinvigorating and redeveloping procedures that will sit behind these themes to

reinforce the processes which support students to achieve their Personal Best.

This year, we have worked through Standards Referenced Assessment and

Differentiation. Discussions in these two areas for refinement of procedures will

continue, as will those around the other key themes. It is then our intention, over

the next few years, to have a fully revised developed set of procedures, which

depth the themes, which then measure how Personal Best can be achieved,

which are reflective of contemporary teaching and learning.


I am That Girl…

I AM THAT GIRL (IATG) is a self-love organisation that started in America, with

the aim to change girl culture. For generations, we as girls have been taught that

the way to make ourselves feel better is to make others feel worse. IATG is taking

a stand against this idea and proving to girls that it is okay to love ourselves, and

our fellow girls. We believe in making it safe for girls to be who they are without

having to fear hate or judgement. THAT GIRL is the best version of all of us. She

loves, she supports, she speaks the truth, and she gives back to her community.

As a teenager, body image is something I struggled a lot with over the years. One

day, I decided enough was enough and unfollowed the pages on social media that

made me feel unhappy, instead following body positivity pages. I was on the

Instagram of Sophia Bush (an American actress and activist) and saw she posted

a lot about a book called “I AM THAT GIRL.” After looking at the book and

enjoying it, I was directed to their website, which had all the values I believe in. I

took the pledge and applied to lead the South Australian chapter, because I knew

I had found my passion. After the interview, I was told that I was perfect for the

position. After completing leadership training, I picked my backup leaders,

Christina Favretto and Hannah Docking.

Being the South Australian ambassador of IATG has been somewhat difficult,

juggling meetings, leadership training, advertisement of the organisation, as well

as doing Year 12 and a course in education support. Despite the demanding and

hectic nature of my life at the moment, I know that IATG has already transformed

my life in amazing ways, and I’m willing to do whatever I can to help other girls get

to where I am.

By having I AM THAT GIRL meetings at St. Mary’s, I hope to show young girls

how to apply the teachings of IATG to their lives. Christina, Hannah, and I all want

to help girls have an easier journey through their teenage years than we did.

Official I AM THAT GIRL meetings will be starting soon, and will be held fortnightly

for different age groups to discuss topics like self-care and personal issues. We

hope to see you there!

For any further inquiries feel free to email us at [email protected]

Belinda Cocks

12Y

I look forward to discussing these elements with the Parent Advisory Council soon

and would welcome any feedback or questions you have.

2017 Subject Selection

The Subject Selection processes continue for Stages 1 & 2 next year with our

current Year 10 and 11 Students. Year 11s are well into the process, the next

major event of which is Wednesday this week where families will meet with a key

Senior School Staff Member to discuss what are the subjects and types of learning

that she can choose which will lead her to achieving her Personal Best. Year 10s

are in the midst of making provisional subject selections and will undergo a similar

process of personalised interviews in Week 8 after having experienced the Subject

Selection Expo the previous week.

Corey Tavella Deputy Principal: Curriculum

mailto:[email protected]


When Icicles Hang – Combined Choral Performance

On Saturday 20th August, the St Mary’s College Concert Choir performed in a

combined concert of John Rutter’s When Icicles Hang at Brighton Concert Hall.

This performance also involved Brighton Secondary School, Christian Brothers

College, St Peters College and Young Adelaide Voices. All proceeds of the

performance were donated to the St Vincent De Paul Society.

John Rutter received a commission for a piece of music that was seasonal for

winter in the early 1970s. Rutter composed the six movement work for

orchestra and choir. He chose his texts from Elizabethan and other early

English poetry, each text dealing with images from the wintery season, be they

the cold, ice-bound landscape and its winds; an older man’s weariness in the

face of the season; or the contrapuntal pleasures of ale and ‘honey love’ for

those safely inside on winter nights. Rutter composed the music in this work

connecting to these different meanings of winter for various people, leaving

listeners to wonder which vision of the season prevailed in his music, and in

their own lives.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Andrew Barrett from Brighton, Nerissa

Pearce from St Peters College and Young Adelaide Voices for accompanying

on piano, and Sue Rodger and Fiona Turner from St Mary’s College for adding

instrumental lines on flute. A big thank you to the choir directors and

conductors: Hamish Buckley from Christian Brothers College, Emma Borgas

from Brighton School, Andrew Chatterton and Katie Carey from St Peters

College, and again to Andrew Chatterton from Young Adelaide Voices, as well

as tutor Robin Parkin and YAV artistic director, Christie

Anderson. These opportunities for schools to collaborate are

invaluable, for both students and educators. We hope that

this can become a tradition amongst these choirs in years to

come.

Alexandra Bollard

Music Teacher

Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association

(ABODA) - Combined Dominican Orchestra

As this year is the 800 celebration of the Dominican order, the Music Department

invited 4 Dominican Colleges within Adelaide to participate in an orchestral

collaboration: St. Mary’s College, Cabra College and Blackfriars College were

available to come together to form the Combined Dominican Orchestra!

This large group of musicians of over 110 students have come together on six

occasions to rehearse and prepare for the ABODA (Australian Band and

Orchestra Directors Association) Festival/Competition held every year at the end

of August at Westminster College.

The wonderfully committed and dedicated ensemble are living examples of the

great Dominican connection alive and well within our schools, strengthened

recently of course by the initiation of the DEA agreement implemented this

month.

The orchestra will be performing a symphonic work in 4 movements which is

both challenging, yet invigorating and we are very excited about entering the

Open Orchestra Section of the competition and hope to do well in the placings.

Nonetheless, it has been a fantastic way to bring together students who share

the Dominican ethos and combine their exceptional talents in such a proud

manner. Good luck to students from all schools and have fun this week!

Student’s reflection:

In Week 5, our music department will make its way down to Westminster to

compete in the annual ABODA competition. This year, we are lucky enough to be

able to take 5 ensembles including the String Ensemble, both Senior and Junior

Concert Bands and both Senior and Junior Stage Bands. Last year, the Senior

Stage Band was able to take out first prize as "Intermediate Section Winners"

and we hope to do the same this year. All ensembles have been rehearsing hard

these last few weeks and we wish them all the best of luck in

their performances.

Stephanie Girgolas - 12W

Ben Chambers Head of Music

Dominican Education Australia (DEA) Launch

The Adelaide launch of DEA was held at the Convention Center and the Con-

cert Choir sang in the liturgy with music students from Cabra and St

Dominic's. We performed Waltzing Matilda as the Acknowledgement of Country

and other liturgical pieces in the combined choir, which was a great opportunity

to interact and sing with students from the other Dominican schools. It was a

true privilege to be present and a part of such a significant event.

Alexandra Gavrilidis (12W)

From the Music Department...

From the English Faculty: A Poets Quest – “Poetry In Action”

A new show that brought the joy, fun and silliness of language to life, ‘A Poet’s Quest’ introduced students to poetry and took them on a hysterical journey through time.

In the CPA on Tuesday 9th August, performers from ‘Poetry in Action’ entertained

the Year 7 and 8 cohort with a selection of humorous and engaging poetry from

around the world. The presenters took students travelling through time on ‘The

Poet’s Quest’ where they were able to learn from some of the greatest poets in

history. Students were given the opportunity to build on their

knowledge of poetic techniques, in particular the use of imagery,

rhythm and rhyme. An exciting show that was enjoyed by all.

Angela Carbone

Year 8 English Teacher

The performance was about a character named Blake who had to travel back in

time to learn about poetry. Blake met many Poet Masters on his way and learnt

about the techniques of poetry in order for him to win back his muse. ‘The Poet’s

Quest’ brings joy, fun and silliness and takes the audience on a light hearted

journey that entertains and educates all involved.

Meg Ronoastro

This particular story was very entertaining and fun, especially with the time travel

idea and the variety of characters and use of props. The performance had a good

storyline and provided poetry in a humorous way. Although not everyone enjoys

poetry, this play was written and performed in a way that was extremely

entertaining, which made it fun while also educational.

Katelyn Rice

‘The Poet’s Quest’ succeeded in being both educational and entertaining for the

targeted audience, making reference to current pop icons and trends, such as

Taylor Swift and selfies. This made the play more relatable and enjoyable. It was

evident that the actors were experienced and had well-practiced lines, as there

were no noticeable mistakes. They were also very versatile, which is shown in

their rapid character changes.

Stella Kemp

The performance was very funny, enjoyable and interesting with a simple to

follow story line, making it easy to pick-up and great to follow along to. One of the

best parts about the performance was how the actors involved the audience so

they weren’t watching the whole time! The enthusiasm from the actors was

contagious with the audience picking up on the energy. The use of props helped

the audience understand the performance better.

Kasey Bauer

The play was very well written and incredibly creative. The actors did a

remarkable job and really got the audience involved in their performance. I

enjoyed the variety of characters and their personalities as well as the play itself. I

believe it was performed really well and was an insightful experience.

Rebecca Aaserud

I think the performance was very entertaining and very funny. The actors were

excellent and amazing at each of their roles. They made it enjoyable to watch. I

really liked the storyline of the performance and how it helped us to learn more

about poetry.

Natalie Zaki


The Duke of Edinburgh Award:

Congratulations Jayda!

A big congratulations to Jayda Addleton (10R) who completed her Duke of

Edinburgh Bronze award on July 26 2016.

The Award is an inclusive, leading structured youth development program,

empowering all young Australians between age 14 to 25 to explore their full

potential regardless of their location or circumstance. Bronze earns you 10

Level 1 SACE points, Silver earns you an addition 10 Level 1 SACE points and

Gold earns you 20 Level 2 SACE points. Each young person who takes part in

the Award learns a skill, improves their physical wellbeing, volunteers in their

community and experiences a team adventure in a new environment. All

participants are supported by a network of adult award leaders, assessors,

supervisors, and mentors.

Jayda has worked very hard to achieve her Bronze award and is now working

towards completing a Silver award. An impressive effort, Jayda! Well done.

St Mary’s College Uniform Shop 8216 5719

Opening Times:

Monday 8.00 am - 11.00 am Wednesday 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm Thursday 8.00 am - 11.00 am


Research Project News Research Project Barr Smith Library

Excursion

Year 11 Research Project students recently visited the Adelaide University Barr

Smith Library. This was an excellent opportunity to access resources that could

improve the quality of their research outcomes. Students explored the several

floors of books, trying not to get lost amongst the 6 million print items. It was a great

morning with the students all genuinely enthusiastic about the beautiful facilities

available to them. A big thank you to our own librarian, Eileen McCabe, for

assisting in the organisation of this wonderful morning.

“I decided to go to the Barr Smith Library excursion because i thought it would be a

great opportunity to be exposed to a range of resources that would benefit my

Research Project. Upon entering the library, we were all amazed at the size and

complexity of the place. Janette Gerhardy gave us a run down on how to effectively

use the library's databases to access resources with our new library cards. Feeling

very intellectual, we then navigated our ways around the library. Trekking back to

school with our heavy packs, we discussed how lucky we were to have been able

to visit a library that will help not only with our Research Projects but with school

and university work to come in the future.”

Millie Bird

11Red

Volleyball News Over the first weekend of August (5-7th August), 7 girls represented St Mary’s

College and participated in the inaugural State Schools Cup competition. We

began the weekend with an early start on Friday morning at the Marion Leisure

Centre, playing against Brighton High School, Immanuel college and

Westminster. On Saturday, playing at the newly renovated Arc in

Campbelltown, we played Seymour College and at the Mt Lofty Sports Centre

on Sunday, we competed against Concordia College and Temple Christian

College. Although we did not place, it was a really positive weekend where we

were able to bond as a team and strengthen our game knowledge and skills. As

Captain, I am very proud of all the girls who participated and look forward to the

coming weeks where we will now prepare ourselves for the National Schools

Cup held in Melbourne during December. Thanks to Taylah, our coach, who

continues to inspire us through her commitment and effort not only to our team,

but to also to the wonderful game of volleyball.

Front Row Kneeling Left to Right: Elly Hunter, Sophie Gepp, Piper O’Rielley

Second Row: Bailie Sauerwald, Hannah Hudson, Marie Khoury, Isabella Barresi, Taylah Watson

Absent from the photo are Christina Vincent and Dannica Montilla

Research Project Expo (9th and 10th

August)

The SACE Board recently held their annual Research Project Expo at the

Adelaide Showgrounds for over 4000 students. St. Mary’s ran a booth presenting

samples of previously completed projects. Multiple visitors commended our

presenters on the quality of their work and their passion for their topics. We even

featured on the SACE Board Twitter feed!

Zoe Gomez, Year 12, also presented at the after-hours event to over 150 parents

and students. Her recap of her experience, particularly the skills and learning that

she developed, proved insightful to many. Of particular note was an excerpt of

her speech, which highlighted the importance of choosing a project that was both

pertinent but researchable. “I very much enjoyed learning all about my future

career path, and immersing myself in the computer science community, whilst

communicating with the university and various CS professionals. I have already

made connections with multiple professors, students, and even the Head of the

Computer Science Faculty, who recently recognised me at the recent Adelaide

University Open Day.”

Year 11 students who attended the after-school session found it invaluable. As

Demi Maio and Cassie Poritz reflected, “it was an immensely useful activity to

find resources, see examples and to find out exactly what the SACE Board

expects from us.”

Importantly, Year 11 students who are currently undertaking the project can

access all of our materials in the Study and Learning Centre and in the Library.

***Zoe’s advice for parents with daughters undertaking the Research

Project***

Talk to your daughter about her project. Get her thinking about all the

facets involved by asking questions.

If you have helpful contacts, assisting in mediating communication

Keep your eye out for resources in formats that your daughter may not

access i.e. the newspaper, nightly news, magazines, journals.

Many congratulations go to all of the presenters over the two days.

Research Project SAHMRI Excursion Towards the end of last term, another group of students interested in science

and medical topics also had the opportunity to visit the South Australian Health

and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) located on North Terrace. Combined

with Prince Alfred College and the Australian Science and Maths School, the

group of students were able to talk with PhD researchers, explore the world class

facilities and find out about the way that scientific research projects are run. It

was an exciting opportunity to interact with leading professionals and showed the

students the future career pathways that rely on research credentials.

Future expeditions to the State Library, State Archives and other resource

centres are currently being planned.

Happy researching,

Jasmin Parasiers Research Project Coordinator



As part of our Dominican Week celebration, the Junior School created the four Values of St Mary’s pillars based on Dominic’s teachings. The JS classes buddied up to give artistic expression to each pillar reflecting on a piece of scripture that proclaims the Good News so as to continue the good work

Dominic began 800 years ago.

TRUTH - proclaiming the Good News today, everywhere was expressed

through colourful hearts by the Year 2’s and 3’s.

“of faith, hope and love …the greatest of these is LOVE.”

FREEDOM – being true with God and others was represented through intricate

butterflies by the Receptions and Year 4’s.

“…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

RESPECT – towards others and ourselves was highlighted through the mosaic

of intertwining hands by the Year 6’s.

“Love one another as I have loved you”

STEWARDSHIP – of St Mary’s and the environment was brought to us through

the vibrant images of nature by the Year 1’s & 5’s.

“And God saw that it was good.”

These creations have been a very real way for our girls to connect with and

continue Dominic’s mission as shown in these girls’ reflections.

Tyanna (Year 4): “I found it amazing and good that St Dominic did these

things. It was inspiring and it makes me think that it is something I can do.”

Scarlett D (Year 6): “I liked it [doing the mosaics] because it was very different. Our symbol had the symbol of our blazer crest on the hands – I thought it’s like the way to do things – it represents that if someone else held the hand it’s like

spreading the word of Dominic.”

Anne Soldan

Junior School Prayer and Liturgy Coordinator

Dominican Week Celebration:

Junior School

Dominican Week Celebration

During Term 3 Week 3, St Mary's College celebrated St Dominic’s Week. St Dominic’s

Week was particularly significant this year as it signified 800 years since the Dominican

Order of Preachers was established. To celebrate the importance of this moment in

history, the College hosted 4 girls from St Dominic’s College, Cabra in Ireland,

accompanied by their Deputy Principal and another teacher. These girls were from the

school where the seven Dominican nuns who founded St Mary’s College originated, in

essence our Mother school. This was a fantastic way to share and strengthen our

Dominican relationships and values which shape our respective communities.

To welcome our Irish visitors and to commence St Dominic’s week, a Whole School

Breakfast was held. At this Breakfast, the school assembled in the shape of a large 800 to

signify the 800th year of the Dominican Order. In this position, a photo was taken to

commemorate the importance of this international event which will be etched our College’s

history for at least another 800 years, as a moment of great celebration for our community!

Throughout St Dominic’s Week, the College celebrated the Good News in contemporary

ways which were engaging and fostered strong participation. During the week, three

podcasts were broadcast throughout the school either via the PA or a video shown in Care Group.

These podcasts discussed how the spirit of St Dominic is still alive within our school community and our wider global community 800 years on and were an effective way

of displaying how our College continues to live out the Good News.


Dominican Week Celebration

continued..

To further demonstrate how the spirit of St Dominic is alive in St Mary's

College today, an 800 Acts of Kindness board, which featured a Matisse

image of Dominic, was played out the front of the SSO. This gave students an

opportunity to think of others and not of themselves by reflecting upon acts of

kindness which they displayed, witnessed or received. By the end of the week,

the Matisse image was filled with acts of kindness, a visible sign of the great

generosity and heart of our College community.

To actively celebrate the adventures Dominic embarked on, the school

community participated in the Domazing Race. This race was an intense

school competition which required each class to collect and analyse clues

from different stations around the school. Each clue had an educational theme

centred around aspects of Dominic’s life and mission. The Domazing Race

was created by a group of passionate and dedicated SRC representatives and

executed with great enthusiasm.

To conclude what was a memorable and eventful week in St Mary's College

Dominican history, the whole school participated in the St Dominic’s mass.

This mass was attended by members of our wider Dominican family, including

students and accompanying staff from Cabra College, Blackfriars Priory School

and St Dominic’s Priory College. This spirit of this mass was reflective, uniting

and empowering.

Overall, the week was hugely successful and enjoyed by all staff and students

- a true testament to Dominic and his spirit, which is still alive today.

Isabelle Haklar and Sophie Heath

Deputy College Captains



OAK VALLEY VISIT ST MARY’S 2016

On Friday July 1st, St Mary’s College was fortunate to host the students and

staff from Oak Valley Anangu School, in the Maralinga -Tjarutja Lands. Old

scholars, as well as current and future Oak Valley participants, enjoyed the

opportunity to host our Oak Valley friends, making them feel welcome in our

school community, as well as in Adelaide.

To begin the day, the whole of the St Mary’s College community and the Oak

Valley visitors gathered on Veritas Lawns for a welcome assembly. We

exchanged soil and our Oak Valley friends poured their red dirt over the St

Mary’s Time Capsule in our Kaurna Garden. This Time Capsule was prepared

by students during Reconciliation Week and contains our hopes for what

Reconciliation will look like in 25 years.

The Oak Valley students were then involved in different activities across the

College. The young ones joined the Reception class, working on literacy

activities, playing with shaving cream and dress ups. The Middle School

students started with a competitive game of two-ball soccer before a musical

morning learning the drums, guitar and piano, all quickly mastered by our eager

guests. The Senior students joined Ms Hancock and a Year 8 class with

cooking up some yummy morning tea.

For lunch, we made our way down to the Central Markets where we had a filling

meal of Chinese cuisine, which was something very new and enjoyable. Before

we knew it, it was time to say our goodbyes, until next time!

This was a brilliant opportunity for the 2016 Oak Valley Immersion students to

begin to form some amazing relationships in preparation for our trip in

September. We’re all very excited, as we prepare to embark on what will be an

incredible experience for us all… one which will be remembered forever.

By Natasha Bourke and Eliza Caminiti

Below are reflections from various Year 7 students who shared in the day:

“Our Year 7 Retreat gave us a greater understanding of the origin of our school and

where we came from. Mrs Young took us back to the Cabra Convent in Dublin, with the

7 Dominican Sisters. She explained the determination and commitment that these

Sisters had when they built the school we now know today as St Mary’s College. “

“I really liked we got to walk from place to place, that we also got to learn about the

Kaurna people and some of their stories.”

“We walked to Victoria Square or Tarndanyannga, where Uncle Mike O’Brien shared a

few Kaurna stories with us. He told us the adaptations and challenges that Kaurna

people have faced. This helped us to build up our knowledge. He said, “When you walk

the land, it becomes a part of you and you become part of it”.

“One of Uncle Mike’s messages, is to always stay close to family and never leave them,

also to never give up and keep on trying.“

“We finished in the Cathedral Hall, where we reflected on our Primary journey. We tied

coloured ribbon to our St Dominic’s walking stick, representing our character strengths

that would equip us for the road ahead.”

“This journey will forever be remembered. I now know more about our Dominican past

and Aboriginal past.”

“Overall the retreat helped us to look over the challenges we have faced and what we

are going to face in the future.”

“I personally really enjoyed the day and thought it was great to learn more about other

people’s journeys. This will help with ours also.”

“The day of reflection and understanding our journey was a reminder for us all… We

are in this together.”


Year 7 Retreat: Our Shared Journey

Finance News As detailed in the St Mary’s College Fee Schedule and Policy, all families are reminded that fees are due to be paid in full by 30 September 2016. Exceptions to the rule are those families who have established an alternative arrangement with the Business Manager acknowledging their unique circumstances. If any family is in a position where they seek to establish such an arrangement, they are asked to arrange a time to discuss possible options with the Business Manager. Non timely payment of tuition fees invariably applies pressure to the resources

available to deliver curriculum to students.

If you have any queries regarding your statement of fees, please contact Mrs

Nuala O’Donovan (8216 5709). I ask that you ensure that your payments are up

to date by the end of Term 3.

Payments can be made by Cash to front office, Cheque, Eftpos, Credit Card,

Direct Debit, BPay and Qkr!

Information on using Qkr! on a mobile device or online via your computer is

available on the St Mary’s College Website.

http://www.stmaryscollege.catholic.edu.au/qkr--payments.html

Click the link above to visit the web page and learn how to set up and use Qkr!

Richard Watson Business Manager


SAETA “Young Writer’s Award” 2016 Each year the S.A English Teachers’ Association “Young Writer’s Award” attracts

entries from hundreds of students from Reception to Year 12 across the state. The

awards encourage students to use imagination to write creatively, either in prose or

poetry form. Winning entries from selected students are then published in a booklet

which is distributed to SA schools for others to read and enjoy.

A number of girls from St

Mary’s entered this year’s

competition and we were

excited to hear the news

that four of our

Secondary students

[pictured above with their

certificates] were

successful. For the first

time in many years, two

of our students –Emma

Margrison (Year 10) and

Cara Roberts (Year 8) –

were winners in their Year levels, with Emma gaining first prize for Years 9 and 10,

and Cara gaining second in Years 7 and 8 categories. These very talented writers

were recognised at the official ceremony held last Friday evening at Adelaide

University. As well as our two finalists, two other students gained a ‘Certificate of

Commendation’ for submitting pieces that were short listed in this year’s awards.

Both Annabel McColl (Year 10) and Anchal Luthra (Year 9) were recognised in this

way. It seems fitting during “Book Week” with a theme of ‘Telling Stories’ that we

recognise the fine creative writing efforts of these four students and

all from St Mary’s who contributed entries this year.

Bernie McInerney

English Coordinator

Award winners pictured left to right: Annabel McColl 10G, Anchal

Luthra 9B and Emma Margrison 10W

Science Week

St Mary’s once again celebrated the

wonder of science during science week.

In addition to many class activities,

some students visited the ‘Science

Alive’ expo at the Wayville Show-

grounds and all Year 5-9 students saw

the theatrical presentation ‘STEMania’,

which centred around delivering Sci-

ence, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics in an entertaining and

educational way.

Many science classes from Year 7 – 11 will be participating in a citizens science

project called the Caterpillar Conundrum. This is part of a PhD project being

conducted by an old scholar, Erinn Fagan-Jeffries at the University of Adelaide.

She is studying parasitoid wasps in Australia and she needs to learn what their

hosts are. That’s where our students come in!

We are asking our students to rear caterpillars that they find in their backyard or

local park. A small number of these caterpillars will have parasitoids inside them,

which will form cocoons on the body of the caterpillar and emerge as wasps or

flies. If this happens, we’ll send in the parasitoids and dead caterpillar to Erinn so

she can sequence the DNA. The DNA will help Erinn learn about the relation-

ships between parasitoids and their hosts.

Joanne Surman

Science Coordinator

http://www.stmaryscollege.catholic.edu.au/qkr--payments.html

St Mary’s College OSHC : 8216 5743

Term 3, 2016

Wed 31 Aug Year 12, Subject Counselling

Thurs 1 Sept Year 4 RELAT

Mon 5 Sept Year 7/8/9, 2017 Mobile Device Parent Evening

Thurs 8 Sept Year 4 RELAT

11—20 Sept Year 11 Oak Day Immersion Trip

Sun 11 Sept Music Department Soiree

Mon 12 Sept Year 10, 2017 Subject Selection

Tues 13 Sept Year 8 Vaccinations

Wed 14 Sept Year 11, 2017 Subject Counselling

19—23 Sept Year 10 Work Experience Week

Year 11 Service Learning Week

Wed 21 Sept Celebration of Confirmation—7:00pm St Patrick’s

Sun 25 Sept Celebration of First Communion—2:00pm St Patrick’s

27-29 Sept Catholic Schools Music Festival

Fri 30 Sept Social Justice Day

Last Day of Term 3 (3:15pm Dismissal)


2016 Parents in Education Week—book your spot!

You are invited to attend a series of free evening information sessions delivered

by renowned and national child development and learning experts.

Information sessions will run from Monday 12 September to Thursday 15

September across 4 key locations within the State that can be viewed online or

attended in person.

Parents will be provided with practical tips and easy ways to support their

children’s learning at every age and stage.

To find out more and to register for a reason, visit

www.decd.sa.gov.au/2016PIEWeek

http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/2016PIEWeek


From the Catholic Schools Music Festival

Sponsor the Music Festival

‘Friends of the Festival’ Program

Do you work for or own a company that would like to be a sponsor for the Catholic Schools Music Festival this year? We would

love your help!

Who We Are: The Catholic Schools Music Festival is the premier arts event for Catholic Education in South Australia. It is a non-for-profit

event which relies on the generous support of school communities and volunteers to make it a great success.

What We Do: Each year one of the biggest entertainment events on the South Australian arts calendar takes place at the end of

September. The Catholic Schools Music Festival brings together thousands of students, parents and general public to celebrate the

extraordinary talentsof young people in Catholic Schools from South Australia.

When: The 2016 Festival consists of a series of four performances held in the Adelaide Festival Theatre from Monday 26 September to

Thursday 29 September. (Term 3, Week 10)

How Can You Assist: Sponsorships are sought from companies and individuals willing to support this event in the following ways:

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Catholic Education recognises the important part sponsors play in the success of the Festival.

More than 6000 audience members, nearly 1800 student performers and countless support staff attend the festival over four nights.

Sponsors are acknowledged at each evening’s performance and gain exposure to the Catholic Schools network of 45,000 students and

their families, and 6,500 staff.

For application forms and full details regarding sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Catholic Schools Music Festival website: http://

musicfestival.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sponsors/sponsorship

Alternatively, forms can be sent directly to you upon request by contacting Sam Taylor, Music Festival Coordinator on 8301 6813 or

[email protected] All enquiries welcome.

Tiered Sponsorship Levels

1. Bronze $300

2. Silver $600

3. Gold $1,000

4. Platinum $5,000

5. Premium Platinum $25,000 (sponsorship attracts GST)

‘Friends of the Festival’ Sponsorship

Sponsor-a-Row $50

Sponsor-a-Song $150, $200, $250, +

Donations and Various

In-kind Sponsorship

(Donations & In-kind sponsorship do not attract GST)

St. Joseph's Old Scholars Centenary Dinner

When: Wednesday 5th October.

Time: 6.30p.m. for 7p.m. start.

Where: Adelaide Royal Coach - 24 Dequetteville Tce. Kent Town.

Cost: $43 for a 3 Course Carvery.

Guest Speaker: Sister Marie Foale RSJ.

Bookings

Name and phone number bookings by 30th September with

Josie 82953667 or Margaret 8371 1527.

Invitation for all former students/teachers (male and female) from any Josephite

Schools/Colleges to attend.

http://musicfestival.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sponsors/sponsorship

http://musicfestival.cesa.catholic.edu.au/sponsors/sponsorship

mailto:[email protected]

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