Pastoral Bulletin
Welcome to Week 10 of Term 3 2023
Important news
Dear Parents and Carers,
I write today regarding our neighbours, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort. Management has advised they have increasing numbers of young people coming into the resort to use the facilities and visit the kiosk. Only guests of the resort are allowed to be on site and/or use the kiosk.
As such, I would like to make all St Mary's students and parents aware that they are not to visit, or wait on, resort property.
Please advise your child of these circumstances. The BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort, including the kiosk, is now out of bounds to all St Mary's students.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Ms Kerry Manders
Principal
smw.principal@cns.catholic.edu
News and Reminders from your Pastoral Leaders.
General School News
- R U Ok? Day is Wednesday, September 13. All students are encouraged to participate in the day by wearing yellow. The day will commence with a breakfast between B and D Block, lunch concert and dance competition. The day is about strengthening community and letting one another know that we are here to listen. If any students need additional support, our College counsellors and Heads of Year will be available.
- 2023 extra curricular photos will take place on Monday. Students involved are expected to bring the appropriate clothing for these photos and ensure they know the time for each photo.
- On Tuesday, we have a house assembly in preparation for the swimming carnival next term. Students are required to wear sports uniform with their house shirts for this day. The swimming carnival will be held on the first day back of Term 4. Students will not attend school and instead should be dropped at the Woree Swimming Pool.
- We wish all St Mary’s families a restful break over the holidays. Take the time to rest and recharge the batteries ready to finish the year strong. We look forward to welcoming families back in Term 4 on October 3.
- A reminder that when returning to school in Term 4, normal uniform and personal grooming expectations must be adhered to. Be mindful of this over the holidays when requesting haircuts or additional piercings.
Regards
Leah McBryde
Assistant Principal, Junior Years (7 - 9) | lmcbryde@cns.catholic.edu.au
Justin Brennan
Acting Assistant Principal, Senior Years (10 -12) | jbrennan2@cns.catholic.edu.au
Year 7
- In this week's SEL lesson, students focused on team work and effective communication in difficult situations. This allowed for reflection from camp as well as class based activities.
- We look forward to recognising R U Ok? Day this Wednesday with students wearing their best yellow clothing and sharing in conversations with the community.
- Take time during the holiday period to enjoy the rest and we look forward to seeing you all in Term 4 to finish your first year of high school.
Regards
Leah McBryde
Head of Year 7
Year 8
- Last week during our SEL lesson, students explored the importance of respectful relationships and how our behaviours and interactions affect others.
- I hope all families have a restful break and enjoy your time together.
Regards
Andy Winter
Head of Year 8
Year 9
- As we conclude another term, students are encouraged to reflect on their experience in the College, taking note of what they are proud of this term and what they can change for next term. I strongly encourage students to make time to contact their teachers and ask for guidance if they have questions or are disappointed with their results.
- A reminder regarding haircut guidelines to keep in mind before returning from the holidays:
- When returning to school, hair is to be of conventional style, neat and of a natural colour, shade and tone. Examples of unacceptable styles include, but are not limited to: mullets, undercuts, shaved patterns, steps, lines, dreadlocks, corn-rows, marked contrasts of length, crewcuts less than number 3 comb length. Given changing fashions, the College reserves the right to determine what is considered acceptable at any time. Hair that is longer than collar length must be tied back at all times with discreet hair accessories that are black or one of the College colours – white, maroon or dark green. Hair must be kept out of the face and eyes.
Regards
Saripha Curro
Head of Year 9
Year 10
- Last week’s SEL lesson was on gratitude. The students explored the benefits of gratitude by looking at the science (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PueGhNjLwys). It is suggested that by showing gratitude:
- You are less likely to have mental health and physical health issues.
- Your relationships improve.
- Your sleep patterns improve.
- I am keen to see Yr10 students support the message and get into the spirit of R U OK? Day by donning some yellow on Wednesday.
- Report cards will be released to families at the start of the holidays. I would encourage all parents and students to sit down together and discuss the highlights from Term 3 as well as establish a shared vision for Term 4.
- Enjoy a restful break and prepare yourself for a super busy final term.
Regards
John Cahill
Head of Year 10
Year 11
- Well done to all our Yr11 students for a great term! We saw a positive increase in attendance and punctuality; students developed awareness of kindness and empathy, and hopefully their report cards will reflect all their hard work.
- PG groups have been taking part in challenges throughout the term; the winning group will be having a party on Tuesday!
- Wednesday is R U OK? Day; students are encouraged to wear yellow, and during Community PG they will be able to read affirmations from their peers boosting community spirit.
- Yr11 Community Day will be Monday of week 4 next term. Information will be sent out soon. This event will mark the end of their Yr11 journey and the start of their Yr12 one in the senior space.
- I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable break!
Regards
Sophie McQueen
Head of Year 11
Year 12
- Our Celebration Dinner is this Thursday commencing at 6:30pm. All students are required to be there before this time so that a group photo can be taken.
- A reminder that students are studying from home on Thursday and Friday and NOT required to attend school on those days.
- Trade Training Centre carpark - we have had several issues with students parking inappropriately as well as TTC staff having to leave classes to open/unlock and shut the gate. This is unsustainable for them and a significant workplace health and safety issue. As a result, the carpark will be locked at the start of school and will not be opened again until the end of the day. Students needing to leave early or those who come late will need to park outside. Students are reminded to obey road rules when parking outside the school.
- I would like to wish all students and families a very safe and enjoyable break, ahead of our final term of formal education.
Regards
Lucy Fitzpatrick
Head of Year 12
lfitzpatri@cns.catholic.edu.au