Dear Members of the St Mary’s College Family,
St Mary’s College is very proud of our new hall, the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre (ERCC). Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the Giabal and Jarowair peoples of the greater Wakka Wakka nation, the custodians of the land upon which this hall has been built, and whose cultures and customs continue to nurture our young men today.
Each day in my time here I reflect on how grateful I am to be Principal of a school with such an impressive facility. The ERCC is a space which showcases the best of St Mary’s to the wider Darling Downs community and beyond.
It is a highly impressive building and symbolises what we are trying to achieve together. The design of this hall is unique and visually appealing and truly puts St Mary’s on the map to help attract new families in the future - whatever skills and abilities they bring.
The ERCC is an extension of the vision and ambition of the school community to improve and make its mark. The centre will provide a contemporary, flexible space for St Mary’s to deliver its many impressive programs. These include music and drama performances, large school
Masses and other assemblies, teaching spaces and ATAR exams, various sports and other fitness and movement activities. Because the floor can be divided in a number of configurations, some of these activities can be run simultaneously.
The building is supported by cutting edge technology which includes three impressive screens, data, video, lighting and a sound system of which I have not seen the equal in any “school hall”. As someone interested in sound and how we communicate, I believe it is money well spent.
As an example of what the ERCC can provide, the spotlight shone earlier this year on our musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar”. What a show it was! We are thankful for the many contributions of our generous staff, our families, but most importantly, the talents of our boys from St Mary’s College, in partnership with the girls from St Saviour’s College. These students exemplify that while the ERCC is impressive, it only serves to accentuate the gifts of our students.
With the benefits provided by the ERCC, we look forward to an exciting year ahead.
Mr Brendan Stewart College PrincipalForming young men of faith, integrity, action and
22 excited young men have taken the opportunity to represent St Mary’s College in leadership roles this year.
St Mary’s College is extremely proud of the fine young men who have taken the leadership positions in their stride and accepted the responsibility of ensuring that the spirit and direction of the College is maintained and strengthened throughout 2021.
The primary and secondary leaders are highly involved in the school community that is supporting them to grow into young men of faith, integrity, action and excellence.
Each of the boys have great values, conduct themselves to a very high standard and embrace the school motto ‘Conanti Corona’, which means ‘strive for the crown’, every day.
The student leadership team is expected to be a voice for the other students in the College, which is an important concept in education. The leaders empower students and enable them through collaboration, to achieve what they desire.
College Captain, Xavier Va’a says he is privileged to be representing and leading St Mary’s College.
“As College Captain, I hope to work with the other leaders to nurture the importance of being good brothers to each other day-to-day, but especially through difficult times,” Xavier said.
“We hope to continue to lead through service and to inspire the future leaders of this great College,” he said.
Primary Leader, Nate Fry, said being the Primary Leader means to stand up and show leadership when opportunities arise.
“I really enjoy helping others when they feel down, or simply explaining something to a fellow student,” said Nate.
Primary Cultural Leader, Declan Parle said being a leader at St Mary’s College is a great privilege.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to help boys get involved in cultural activities at the school. Part of the job is being a role model, so I have participated in lots of activities, like Primary Drumline which has been great,” said Declan.
There are six primary leaders and sixteen secondary leaders who each leads a portfolio within the College – academic, identity, mission, cultural or sport. The student leadership team is looking forward to a prosperous year ahead.
College Captain Xavier Va’a
College Vice-Captain Joseph Doljanin
Academic Leader Alexanda Myers
Identity Leader Bode Ferguson
Mission Leader Connor McGinty
Sport Leader Ryan Ward
Cultural Leader Nicholas Morgan
Bowdler Captain Riley Madden
McGoldrick Captain Connor Nicholls
Purcell Captain Dean Conway
Waterford Captain Samuel Rogers
Prefect Joshua Pleszkun
Prefect Harold Shelton
Prefect Jacob Madden
Student Voice Prefect Nicholas Brown
Student Voice Prefect Lachlan Pleszkun
Primary Leader Nate Fry
Primary Leader Hudson McDonald
Primary Academic Leader Conrad Balderson
Primary Identity Leader Lachlan See
Primary Cultural Leader Declan Parle
Primary Sport Leader William Ryan
In 2021, the St Mary’s College Student Engagement team introduced the Student Voice.
The Student Voice concerns itself with a variety of matters related to College life including service, curriculum matters, student well-being issues, College facilities and the organisation of a variety of social curricula activities.
Students meet regularly during breaks to discuss issues as they arise. Please see below Student Voice representatives:
Year 6 Rhys Branson & Landon Brown
Year 7 & 8 Chevy Ryan, Hayden Beckett & Nicholas Jewell
Year 9 & 10 Samuel
Year 11 & 12 Hamish
Gleeson, Nathan Ottobrino, Henry Goodall, Yanojan Navaneethan, Aaron Convery & Isaac Lee Earle-Jones, William Delaforce, Coleby Keogh, Lachlan Debel, Nicholas Brown & Lachlan PleszkunThe 2020 Year 12 graduates of St Mary’s College should be extremely proud of their fantastic achievements. In a year of uncertainty, St Mary’s was proud to learn the College Dux, Dhairy Shah, received the highest ATAR score in Toowoomba - 99.90! Craig Danckwerts received a score of 98.50, Dhyey Shah received a score of 98.40 and Simeon Butler received a score of 97.95. All senior students are to be commended for their exceptional effort, with 70% of students achieving an ATAR above 65% and 67% students receiving their first university preference. Five students graduated with a completed certificate qualification and a further 19 students converted their school-based apprenticeships into full-time trade apprenticeships.
18% of students achieved an ATAR above 90.
99% of students achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education.
National Careers Week (NCW) events were held at St Mary’s College reinforcing the 21st century concept of careers to the boys and promoting the economic, social and personal benefits of managed career development.
Currently career development is seen as the process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training and work.
Ultimately, career development is much more than just ‘a job’ – it is about undertaking occupations that are personally satisfying and enriching, contributing to society and the economy and allowing a balanced fulfilling life. NCW highlighted to the boys the changing nature of work and its impact on all Australians with the need for ongoing reskilling and upskilling to support their careers throughout their working life.
During this week we showcased a range of industries and career opportunities available, many times drawing on the skills and expertise of the St Mary’s Old Boys and parent network. We certainly welcome this connection and would be happy to hear from Old Boys who would like to assist in the career development of the boys, through offers of work experience, mentoring, school-based apprenticeships and future employment.
Boys attended presentations by the Australian Defence Force, TAFE, The University of Southern Queensland and Toowoomba Catholic Schools.
Kane Bennett, St Mary’s Old Boy and business owner of ‘BrisVegas Machinery’ also visited senior business classes.
Electrician, Grant Spies from ‘Livewired’ spoke to the boys about pursuing a trade and solicitor, Dean Spanner from ‘Kennedy Spanner Lawyers’ spoke to the boys about professional business pathways.
Every year, libraries and information services throughout Australia showcase their resources and services to their communities, through programs and events during Library and Information Week. At St Mary’s College, this is the week where we celebrate the services our school library provides to staff and students, as well as being an opportunity to learn more about the important role of a library in a school setting. During this time, we reflect and build awareness of the broader range of the library and information services and how we promote these in our community
This year’s theme was “Adventures in Space and Time”, which tied in nicely with libraries being places of adventure, with books taking readers to different places and times. Students, who connect with libraries through books, take a journey, whether it’s in search of specific information, browsing through the relevant collections, or coming together with others to learn something new. Modern libraries are now meeting places; new, innovative and inspiring building spaces, where learning occurs both physically and virtually, and where students can interact and stay connected to information and each other.
This year we celebrated Library and Information Week with daily library activities. The most popular activities were the Book Trivia Competitions held throughout the week; followed closely by Hangman, which was also very popular, and, at the students’ request, we will offer this again later in the year. The Book Trivia competition was offered for the different year levels, with questions from our most popular book series in the library. Each competition was a very tight contest with the outright winners winning by only one or two points. Congratulations to all the competitors, particularly the winners who took home a prize. The students have asked that the staff be excluded from the next senior competition to give them a fighting chance! We are looking forward to next year’s event with anticipation.
Get Lit! Winners from left: Mr Jake Weise, Ms Lilliana Cowen, Ms Madeleine Rayner and Pierce Hardy. The Big Brains Winners from left: Xander Gould, Conrad Balderson, Lachlan See and Bailey Hombsch.
What role did your teachers and other staff play in your achievement?
The teachers and staff at St Mary’s College were incredibly supportive of me throughout my time at school and that has played a huge role in my achievements. They were aware of my potential and challenged me to achieve it every single day, especially last year, with the pandemic and new syllabus. I’m grateful to have had teachers that guided me through.
Where did you draw motivation from, going into Year 12?
My motivation in Year 12 came from my parents, friends and teachers, who showed a lot of faith in me and believed that I had what it takes to achieve a great ATAR. Being part of the first cohort of ATAR students was also a motivation since I realised that I could be part of something special if I got a good enough result. My goal in the final year was to give all my efforts to achieve the best possible ATAR score.
What does the future hold for you?
I have currently finished my first semester at UQ in Brisbane and I am hoping to graduate as a doctor in 7 years. So, to answer the question; yes, I have quite a lot of studying still to go, at least in the near future. I have wanted to become a doctor since Year 9. I can’t wait to practise in the field to help people and communities.
Do you have any advice for a St Mary’s College boy?
My advice to any young St Mary’s boy would be to make the most of the opportunities that you’re presented with. We often have a goal in mind of what we want and it’s a great idea to follow through with that but don’t let that stop you from trying new things. Also,
don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need help!
What does the College motto ‘Conanti Corona – Strive for the Crown’ mean to you?
To me, striving for the crown means never settling for anything but the best. I always try to live by this motto throughout all aspects of life.
What is your fondest memory at St Mary’s College?
When I reflect on my time at the College, I remember the teachers, staff and students. I remember the community and how everyone was kind and welcoming. I ask students to enjoy and make use of every moment they are presented with at St Mary’s College.
On 2nd June, more than 500 students, teachers and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) experts gathered for the Youth Entrepreneurs and STEAM (YES) Conference at St Mary’s College.
Attendees were excited to share, network and connect with inspiring industry role models, innovators and universities for a day of interactive STEAM workshops.
The Conference was opened by Mayor Paul Antonio from The Toowoomba Regional Council.
Keynote sponsors included Professor Jonti Horner from the Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Southern Queensland and Dr Derek Long from the Centre for Agricultural Engineering.
Thank you to Toowoomba Catholic Schools and the team at Spark EDU Conferences for providing this opportunity.
Jhett Bubb loving the STEAM Conference.
Students from left: Ethan Payne and Andrew Burke.
Alex Cole enjoying the presentations on offer.
Congratulations to all boys who were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates at the 2020 Semester Two Academic Awards Ceremony in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
Their academic efforts and the example they demonstrate to other students is admired. In particular, we congratulate the Gold Award recipients listed below.
Primary Students: Rylan Borger, Nate Fry, Oscar MacAvoy and Lachlan See.
Secondary Students: Hayden Beckett, Sean Fischer, Sam Monk, Aaron Convery, Andrew Dennis, Jared Fry, Nathan Ottobrino, Ethan Payne, Bassie Seeto, Harry Skobe, Charlie Biggar, Demetrius Christodoulou, Ryan Coleman, Alexander Eddie, Alex Fischer, Jacob Lasserre, Isaac Lee, Mitchell Prior, Daryll Quijas, Bart Steffen, Darcy Carswell, Bailey Fry, Noah Smith and Jacob Madden.
Well done, gentlemen - keep up the great efforts with your studies!
Last term, a number of St Mary’s College students from Years 7 to 11 attended the State Da Vinci Decathlon at Nudgee College in Brisbane.
Schools from all over Queensland participate and this is the first time St Mary’s College has entered.
The Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem-solving and creativity.
Students competed in teams of 8 across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.
Year 11 came first in Mathematics and third in Code Breaking.
Year 10 came first in Engineering and Year 7 came second in Mathematics. Well done, gentlemen!
St Mary’s College students participated in a healthy debate against Downlands College in Term Two.
The students won the debate with the topic “Fairytales set us up for disappointment”. They presented the negative side of the argument.
Thank you to Ms Madeleine Rayner for coaching the boys.
In Term Two, 16 young brave mathematicians ventured out to the Maths Team Challenge competition, competing against 13 other schools within the district.
The boys represented the College to a high standard. They displayed professionalism towards the other contestants throughout the day and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship to those teams who won the competition.
Students are looking forward to competing again next year.
Students from left: Hayden Beckett, George Yeo, Sam Monk and Lachlan Parker.In February, students, staff and special guests gathered for the St Mary’s College Opening Mass, Blessing of the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre and official welcoming of the new Principal, Mr Brendan Stewart.
The Edmund Rice Cultural Centre is a state-of-the-art facility housing a gymnasium and tiered seating lecture theatre with cutting-edge technology.
The building is an extension of the vision and ambition of the school community to improve, grow and offer students a comtemporary, flexible space for St Mary’s to deliver many programs, such as music and drama performances, live school masses and assemblies, teaching spaces, examination facilities as well as sport and fitness activities.
Thank you to Bishop Robert McGuckin, Dr Pat Coughlan Mr Brendan Stewart for opening the building.
In Term Two, nine staff members enrolled in the Cornerstones Program focusing on Catholic Social Justice Teachings.
The community of practice formed around this program, inspired by the leadership of scholars to share the story, is the most professionally exhilarating experience.
Here the group takes the time to listen to each other and spin the dance ball of faith, lighting up our understandings and our stories.
So often in our community we do not hear the cry of the poor, we do not act to clothe those who are naked, we do not embrace the homeless because our ego gets in the way.
We are fearful of what we may have to give up to be that sign of Christ in the world and in our College terms, to
be a brother to one another.
We build one transaction on another; what Pope Francis writes as a “Global society is not the sum of the countries that comprise it, but rather the communion that exists amongst them as members of the “greater human family” (Fratelli Tutti, n149).
In Term One, a group of six staff, together with six support staff and Father Ray Crowley embarked on the journey to full Communion with the Catholic Church.
For ten weeks, staff gathered in the Brothers’ House on a Tuesday evening. They opened up areas of faith, theology, ecclesiology and life, as they came to grips with the call of our God to come closer.
This journey culminated in all being received
into the Church in the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at Easter time.
It was a gift for all involved and an ongoing gift for the community of St Mary’s College and the community at large.
In Term Two, St Mary’s College celebrated Edmund Rice Day.
Edmund Rice was the founder of the Christian Brothers who started St Mary’s College in 1899.
The day commenced with a full College Mass, led by Old Boy, Father Ray Crowley. Following Mass, the homily was presented via
a question and answer session with some of our Year 12 students.
Throughout the day, all students participated in a number of exciting activities, including: DJ dance club, cross bar footy challenge, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, board games, computer gaming room and movie room.
Staff versed students in various competitions,
This year, St Mary’s College staff have begun to meet every Thursday for Eucharist celebrated by Father Ray Crowley.
The Eucharist is celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in the Brothers’ House.
It has been a source of support and reflection for all who attend, as we sit like those who have sat in this place for 122 years.
Staff seek solace and support from our loving God who travels with us.
including games of touch football and basketball. They also went up against each other in a bench press competition.
Students studying business managed the Tuckshop, serving pizzas and also cooked a sausage sizzle.
A great day was had by all members of the St Mary’s community!
Students enjoying the inflatable obstacle course. Finn McKellar had his face painted by Ms Dempster.At St Mary’s College we are proud to offer a diverse range of sporting opportunities for boys of all ages.
So far in 2021, we have seen representation of students at Darling Downs and State levels. Congratulations to the following students:
AFL: Lachlan Ottobrino, Flynn Anderson, Tyler Robinson, William Stone and Conrad Balderson.
Basketball: Athian Yel, Harry Skobe, Jaxen Salmi, Lachlan Sheldrick, Samuel Holt, Samuel Moore and Tayt Jackson.
Cross Country: Fletcher Tate-Roche, Hayden Delaney, Jackson Carney and Ronan Delaney.
Football: Aaron Picker, Brock Smith, Sam Hinton, Scott Forknall, Nicholas Brehaut and Sam Hinton.
Hockey: Logan Macready and Ryan Bidgood.
Orienteering: Oscar Kelly and Lachlan Moore.
Rugby League: Oscar Kelly, Andrew Leach, Braithen Scott, Cooper Currie , Darcy Carswell, De La Salle Va’a, Domenic Whittingham, Fletcher Collie, Hamish Tomlinson, Jai Purser, Scott Patterson, Kingston Mua, Lane Madden, Marcus Ridgway, Nate Goulding, Preston Brown, William Ryan, Lachlan Hillman, Jake Durie, Lucas Paynter, Noah Rogers, Patrick Sanderson, Tait Cameron, Tarrant Whittingham, Tom Fry, Jai Perser, Preston Brown, Riley Wockner and Ben Bourke.
Rugby Union: Demetrius Christodoulou, Nikolai Bradley, Preston Brown, Ty Khomenko, Zac Brown and Tyson Harper.
Softball: Lachlan Moore and Seth Hardaker.
Swimming: Kaidan Sack, Lincoln Sack, Jasper Eagleson and Lachlan Parker.
Touch Football: Tom Fry, Logan Smith, Connor Nicholls, Jacob Madden, Lachlan Hillman, Lane Madden, Riley Madden, Ronan Delaney, Ryan Ward, Sam Sheppard, Scott Patterson, Tyler Madden and Xavier Newton.
St Mary’s College set off to IONA College in Brisbane this year for the Confraternity Carnival. After only playing three games, the competition was sadly called off due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The boys played with desire but unfortunately found themselves on the wrong side of the score line after the first two fixtures.
Determined to succeed, the boys won their last game, finishing the carnival on a high. Special thanks to Mr Matthew Jahnke, Mr Louis Reen, Mr Mitch Koina, Mr Aiden Watterson, Mr Scott Cowan, as well as sponsors AFHP, iThink, DC Advisory Group, Brothers Rugby League and Ged Dwan from Up and Active Physiotherapy.
We are excited to announce Year 12 students Jacob Madden and Riley Madden have been selected in the Under 18 Australian Touch Football squad. Additionally, Ryan Ward has been selected in the Under 20 Australian Touch Football squad.
Year 9 student, Tom Fry has been selected in the Under 15 Queensland Fire Merit Touch team. Ryan Ward also made the Queensland Fire Merit Touch team, but for the Under 18 (Opens) side. Congratulations on your hard work and achievements.
St Mary’s College has been successful in its bid to host the 2023 Confraternity Rugby League Carnival.
This means more than 50 Rugby League teams, families and supporters from around Queensland will arrive in Toowoomba to partake in this carnival and boost the Toowoomba and district economy in 2023.
We thank the Toowoomba Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office and local politicians for their support.
We look forward to the countdown to the 2023 Confraternity Carnival.
Earlier in the year, St Mary’s College participated in the Golden Gloves Softball Carnival at Kearneys Spring.
Mr Dave Lewis and Ms Sue Pike were extremely proud of the boys who attended.
All students played with grit and determination. They were proud to play in the blue and white and showed exceptional sportsmanship.
The boys versed Wilsonton State High School, Harristown State High School and Centenary Heights State High School.
After three wins and only one loss, the boys brought home the trophy!
Congratulations to the following students: Jackson Williams, Deklin Hargens, Michael Pfingst, Charlie McDonald, Callum Gordon, Jack Kowitz, Lachlan Moore, Eli Schmidt and Seth Hardaker.
Well done to all the boys who participated in the Term 1 Swimming Carnival.
Congratulations to the Age Champions and Lachlan Parker in Year 6 who broke five College swimming records. What an incredible achievement! It was an outstanding effort from Purcell House who claimed victory on the day.
Once again the St Mary’s College Cross Country was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hold the event in the usual format; however, we were still able to have all competitive students run their allocated distances on the oval and around the College campus.
Purcell House definitely started the year off strongly, claiming victory at the Cross Country, following their success at the Swimming Carnival in Term One. Congratulations to the following students who were named Age Champions:
Patrick Waters, Xavier Driscoll, Jasper Eagleson, Ty Khomenko, Lane Madden, Jaxen Salmi, Oscar MacAvoy, Lachlan Ottobrino, Lachlan Parker, Finn Crockett, Mohamed Haroun, Hayden Macready, Braithen Scott, Fletcher Tate-Roche, Harrison McCarthy, Jackson Carney, Nikolai Bradley, Mitchell Prior, Ronan Delaney, Lachlan Moore, Alastair King, Scott Forknall, John Ndabarishe and Bailey Fry.
Nothing could stop the students of St Mary’s College and St Saviour’s College putting on the show of their lives.
In April, after more than 12 months of rehearsing and two postponements due to COVID-19, the cast performed the musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar”.
A massive congratulations to the entire cast and crew - it was an incredible peformance!
Thank you to our guests, suppliers and volunteers. We would also like to thank Hello Harry’s Toowoomba and Toowoomba Orthodontics for sponsoring the production.
We are looking forward to the next show, led by the team at St Saviour’s College in 2022!
All students in Years 5 and 6 at St Mary’s College participate in an instrumental program, where they learn a percussion, brass, string or wind instrument.
In Week 10 of Term Two, students performed the pieces they have been working on to family and friends in the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.
It was lovely to be able to have loved ones gather in person to support the boys, after a year of social distancing restrictions. Thank you to the dedicated primary and music teachers.
Each year, students from different schools in the Darling Downs region enter artworks into the Toowoomba Show.
This year, St Mary’s College had 11 prize winners in the School Art Division.
Congratulations to all the prize winners, including Joseph Cullen who won 1st prize in the Year 8 Freehand Drawing and Charlie McDonald who won 1st prize in the Year 9 Colour Picture.
The St Mary’s College Choir recently competed in the Toowoomba Choral Eisteddfod in the Secondary Schools Boys Choir section. Although the students did not place, they represented the school with enthusiasm and determination.
In the Speech and Drama section, the boys celebrated much success. Hilarious and crowd pleasing performances were on show!
Congratulations to the following students:
First row from left: Hayden Baxter, Declan Coleman, Caleb Allen, William Thomas and Tui Rei.
Second row: Jacob Lasserre, Ryan Coleman, Nikolai Bradley and Benjamin Thomas.
Back row: Isaac Lee, Cohen Shearer and Nicholas Bielby.
Absent: Matthew McLean, Alexander Eddie, Noah Taylor, Alex Fischer, Nikolas Elwell, Angus Goddard and Zachary Lasserre
St Mary’s College Principal, Mr Brendan Stewart, Mr Tim Marsh and a number of our boys attended a Reconcilation Week Breakfast in June.
Thank you to St Saviour’s College for hosting the event to celebrate Indigenous history and culture.
Students from left: Peter Weatherall, Zachary Lasserre, Tait Cameron, Braydon Hobson, Jacob Lasserre and Shaun Elara.
We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week in Term Three.
The Edmund Rice Touchstones which are authentically linked to the charism of Edmund Rice underpin the strategic vision of the Identity initiatives in which the boys at St Mary’s College participate.
So far in 2021, these experiences have been characterised by an effort to reclaim a positive masculinity, one that recognises the gifts that ‘young men in the 21st century’ can bring to bear, in contrast to the often-linear narrative tried and tested in contemporary media.
St Mary’s College students have engaged with the work of Caritas’ Catholic Missions, Orange Sky, Emerge Toowoomba and the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Winter Appeal.
In Term One, the College launched Project Compassion, a campaign that had the boys demonstrate their love, faith and generosity by way of raising much needed funds for people in countries like Bangladesh.
The boys gathered each assembly to learn more about the lives of people like Jamila, a refugee in the world’s largest Refugee Camp – Cox Bazar, or about the conflict in Myanmar and the dislocation of communities. Over the course of 10 weeks, the students and staff of St Mary’s raised an incredible $4,000 for the Mission branch of the Catholic Church.
Term Two has been a hive of activity, with 5 of our young Year 11 men selected to represent the College at the Ozanam Leadership Course. The course is facilitated by ‘Vinnies Youth’ Toowoomba, partnering with their Brisbane
representatives. Our boys have been engaged almost weekly in leadership camps, at Emu Gully, Chapter meetings of prayer and reflection at the Julia St Head Office, along with planning and preparing for the Winter Appeal and Sleep Out that will be hosted by the University of Southern Queensland in July.
Year 11 students, Lachlan Moore, Hamish Earle-Jones, Lachlan Debel and Robert Hales have really driven local initiatives, inspiring the 900 strong staff and students of St Mary’s College to donate warm socks in exchange for ice-creams as a way of celebrating the outward looking charism of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice’s feast day. It was a wonderful initiative that even had students as young as Year 5 and 6 assisting with the packing and labelling of warm socks that are handed on to families who might be doing it a little bit tougher this winter.
The Winter Appeal was the perfect springboard to examine the work of Orange Sky Laundry, whose founders are Old Boys of another Catholic College in the Edmund Rice tradition. These were young men who saw a need and responded and it’s through their story that our young men can be inspired to do the same.
In recent weeks, students and staff engaged in a free dress day wearing Winter attire. Dressed in their ‘uggies’ and ‘flannies’, the student population donated warm blankets, jumpers, scarves and track suits, in aid of the enterprising Emerge Café who responds to the needs of youth in our district with emergency accommodation, employment and training, mentorship and now hopefully their young
Day in, day out, students across all class levels are participating in this Sacrament of the Earth that we celebrate constantly.
At St Mary’s College, we are trying in a real way to live the message of Pope Francis in Laudato Si – “Our Common Earth” and to make our College a place that is working towards zero emissions.
We are all called to celebrate this sacrament, and in turn we call on our school community and Diocese to take tangible steps to make this a reality.
Students are proud to be participating in Containers for Change.
people can benefit from these donations of warm articles of clothing from the St Mary’s College community.
Ahead of us lies the Winter Sleep Out where students will head out on a cold and blustery night in July to empathise with those who are impacted by homelessness.
Our St Mary’s men will gain a fleeting experience of what confronts people who are living on the streets and, in turn, we hope it transforms their hearts to stand in solidarity with those on the margins.
All new families to St Mary’s College were invited to attend a liturgy at the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre in February.
This was an opportunity for us to formally welcome new families into the St Mary’s College community and to offer assistance and answer any questions that may have arisen during their first few weeks at the College.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, families were invited to stay for a delicious meal together and to socialise with staff, students and other new families.
We look forward to the year ahead!
The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual state-wide initiative for Queensland students from Prep to Year 9. The Premier’s Reading Challenge aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning. The PRC is not a competition, but more a way to inspire students to develop a lifelong love of reading. During the challenge, students were given the opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide range of literary texts, while developing an appreciation of the English language.
St Mary’s College is participating in the challenge this year and has asked that boys read 15-20 books from a selection of popular and interesting titles by 27th August 2021. This project has been a fantastic initiative to promote reading at St Mary’s College. Many students have not only read the 20 books, but are continuing to read others, with some having read over 25 books. We were able to purchase extra titles for the boys to read, which has enabled continued reading.
A big thank you to Mr Stewart, who requested the program be implemented
at St Mary’s and is a wonderful supporter of reading. Also, thanks to Shari Pauli, who teaches Year 5, and has coordinated the project, in conjunction with the dedicated SMC Library staff: Gemma Tracy, Cathy Collins, Karen Maben and Jenna Eyers, who have facilitated the program.
Students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland.
St Mary’s College will recognise the readers’ achievements with a special presentation on school assembly during the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) celebration weeks in November 2021.
Alex Burke and his family attended the New Families Liturgy and BBQ.
Students from left: Riley Gartner and Callum Zull enjoy reading at lunch break.
Cameron Mead browsing books to borrow.
Lachlan Hanna reading in the Library.
Q. What does it mean to you to be in the role of College Captain in 2021?
Representing St Mary’s as College Captain in 2021 is a privilege. It has been a challenging year already, still one full of hope and new experiences. I love the College for many reasons: the opportunities available in all facets of College life, the supportive staff, the families, but especially the brothers I’ve grown up with during my time here. St Mary’s is a community built on the foundation of Brotherhood and service. This role has provided me with a platform to help nurture relationships within the school community and connect through faith. I remain humbled and thankful for the opportunity to lead our great College.
Whilst my sporting endeavors have come to end due to a wrist injury, I still have many goals to achieve in my final year. I plan to finish strongly and attain the highest ATAR score possible to gain entry into University.
Semester Two is busy for all, especially the Seniors. The leadership team and I hope to nurture the importance of being good brothers to each other day-to-day, but particularly in difficult times. We will continue to lead through service and hopefully inspire future leaders. It is my aim to leave our school spirit healthy, thriving and always challenged to improve.
In 2022, I plan to be studying Sports Science part-time, with continued interest in the area of Sports Psychology. Rugby League continues to provide opportunities to further my aspirations to be a professional athlete.
Embrace our community! If you have an opportunity to represent the College, then go for it! Whatever you do, give it 100% percent. Your time at St Mary’s is such a small percentage of your life, yet it will be a place you’ll create lifelong friendships and memories. Be proud to be a Mary’s man; it binds us for life.
Finally, if you are feeling lost or confused about any issues, have the courage to ask for advice and help from our staff. Take the time to consider your mental health and ensure you are emotionally well. There are so many channels within the College, with our structures of House Leaders, teachers, mentors, and counsellors, all willing to help. I ask the boys of St Mary’s College to be brave and know when to seek help. No one here should ever feel alone or unsupported.
I wish all the students the best in finishing this year strongly and focused.
I am extremely privileged and honoured to be in the the role of ViceCaptain for 2021. To me it means more than the title or the badge. Being assigned this role, means that I have been considered by my teachers and the students as a person who possess a blend of personal humility and unparalleled will to lead others through service for the cause of preserving and maintaining the high standard of a school of excellence. It is this trust, instilled in me through this prestigious role, that signifies what it means to me to be in the role in 2021 - an honour that will forever be held close to my heart.
As the year reaches its crescendo with final exams fast approaching, the leadership team has collaboratively composed what we deem as the “2021 Leaders Bucket List”. The bucket list emerged parallel to our desire to leave a long-lasting legacy on the College and entails the goals that we, as a collective leadership team, would like to achieve before the fruition of our schooling journey. The list comprises several charitable fundraisers, acts of service and advocacy through social justice initiatives, such as participating in the Sudsy Challenge and Rosies outreaches,
engaging and working with the kids of Toowoomba North State School, as well as a Movember fundraising event. It is therefore my goal to see the fulfilment of this bucket list and hopefully, in turn, instil and encourage the development of empathy, compassion and a genuine desire to contribute to a better world for all within the younger grades; to ultimately not only preserve but strengthen the proud culture of service through brotherhood.
In 2022, I plan to move to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Law and Commerce at the University of Queensland. Asides from studying, I hope to spend some time working on a cattle station in far north Queensland.
Identify the type of person you want to be and be perceived as by others and actively and consciously pursue it every day. Although it’s a neverending process that requires constant reflection, and one that entails many highs and lows, it is a process that proves to be very rewarding and comes with great self-satisfaction and self-respect. It is this process that sits as a precursor to becoming the “best man you can possibly be”.
Finally the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in March this year and we were able to hold our first face-to-face gathering of the Toowoomba and Brisbane Old Boys Association branch since early 2020. More than 20 Old Boys were able to attend with a further 24 apologies sent through by those unable to make it to our regular venue at Harlequin Jacks Bistro situated conveniently above Central Train station in Brisbane.
This was followed up by our second meeting on the 18th June where we had 20 in attendance. Our thanks to Carl Betros for his continued efforts to bring some of the Toowoomba Old Boys down to catchup with mates in Brisbane.
Two more gatherings are planned for the 3rd September and 19th November.
The Sunshine Coast group coordinated by Terry Murphy plan to have a meeting on the 9th July with another planned for later in the year.
Unfortunately, many of our Old Boys have passed to Eternal Life during the lock down which has seen a reduction in the number of attendees at our Brisbane gatherings.
The following are just some of the Brisbane branch cohort who are no longer with us.
Please remember in your prayers Daniel Reilly, John Bagget, Brien Dunne, Br Gary Ferguson, Rolly Griffin, Tom Hutchinson, Eric Howe, John Kenafake, Jim Long, Jim Mullins, Errol Ryan and Kerry Taylor.
We welcome any Old Boys who may live and work in the Brisbane area to come along to our gatherings and catch up with the regulars to reminisce about your time at the College.
Take care, Byran McSweeney & Dan McErlean
Please phone Todd Grieve on 0434 589 301 for more information.
Please phone Bryan Blacka on 0414 703 995 for more information.
Sunshine Coast Gathering
9th July 2021
Please contact Terry Murphy on 07 5456 4340 for futher information.
Brisbane Gatherings
3rd September & 19th November 2021
Please contact Dan McErlean on 07 3345 4404 for further information.
If you are seeking help or advice on reunions, or if you would like to book a tour of the College, please contact Public Relations and Foundation Officer, Tyhla Roper via email at ropert@stmaryscollege.com or phone 07 4631 7333.
St Mary’s College was pleased to host the book launch of “Car Crash” by author and Old Boy, Lech Blaine (2009).
At seventeen, Lech walked away unharmed from a car crash that killed three of his friends and left two in comas just outside Toowoomba.
Lech was accompanied by Archie Hamilton from the ‘Betoota Advocate’ for the two events.
The first event was a student event, with seniors of St Mary’s College and Downlands College. Later that evening, more than 300 members of the community attended the public event.
“Car Crash” is an accomplished debut novel that dissects ideas of grief, mateship, survivor’s guilt and stifling masculinity. Purchase a copy of “Car Crash” at your local bookshop.
Nicholas Joy, current St Mary’s College staff member and Old Boy recently directed the sold-out musical “Be More Chill”. Full of St Mary’s talent, the production featured students William Thomas and Nik Elwell, as well as teacher Pierce Hardy.
The following week, Nicholas performed his one-man show “Hell Yeah!”.
Nick reflected on past experiences that have shaped him to be the person he is today in a comedic take on Nick’s high school life, he explored the ups and downs of growing up. It was a hilarious, but challenging story that he had been working on since leaving school in 2017.
The St Mary’s College Edmund Rice Cultural Centre is now open. The Francis Forde Auditorium features an archives display in the foyer.
This display is set to highlight the extraordinary lives of past students, as well as the extensive history of the College.
We are currently seeking donations of St Mary’s College artefacts and
memorabilia. Visit www.stmaryscollege.com/community/old-boys to submit photographs and stories.
Alternatively, please contact Public Relations and Foundation Officer, Tyhla Roper on 07 4631 7333.
1937 Champion Football Team
1971 School Play
1941 Cricket Team
1950 West Street Entrance
1930 Essay Winners
