St Mary’s Catholic College - Cairns 1

St Mary’s Catholic College

53 Anderson Road Woree QLD 4868

Phone (07) 4054 6144 Fax (07) 4054 6617

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www.smcc.qld.edu.au

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1 September 2011

From the Principal

Dear St Mary’s Family

Recently, I attended the second semester Year 12 Music Extension concert and was once again impressed by the achievement of our Music students. There is always the temptation to explain these students as being simply blessed or gifted with musical ability; however, this would be selling them short. I acknowledge that they enjoy a good measure of talent and skill, but what these students also have in common is passion and perseverance. For, whether it is in the musical, academic, sporting or other cultural

I’m sure that, regardless of their passion, the hours spent in practice is not always perceived as fun, so perhaps perseverance is more important than passion, for perseverance is what remains when the passion has gone, and, unlike an inherited gift, perseverance can be learned. Quite simply, what St Mary’s high achievers exhibit is a commitment to putting in the hours and, through hard work, they excel. The importance of mentors, be they coaches, teachers or parents, should not be underestimated. Champions are not created in isolation and so it is that, while I commend our students for their diligence, hard work and perseverance, I also know that without their teachers and parents behind them, many of our students would not be achieving at the same high levels which they are today.

Planning of St Mary’s Trade Training Centre is progressing and we look forward to being completely operational by the beginning of 2013. Our College has long been committed to the Vocational and Educational Training pathway as a viable alternative to academia and St Mary’s school-based

this part of school life. The building program consists of three stages: the building of a multifunctional industrial shed for the teaching of construction, engineering and electrical skills; the revamping of our current Industrial Technology and Design area; and the building of an industrial kitchen and dining area for Hospitality students. It means that we will be forging even stronger community and industry links.

students who choose to consider alternative learning pathways and allows us to respond to their interest and level of development.

St Mary’s 25th Reunion celebrations have come and gone. Many past students and staff celebrated with Mass in the morning followed by morning tea and a tour of the College. Still more attended the dinner dance where we were entertained by past students such as Sister Therese Mills, Mr Curtis Pitt MP (State Member for Mulgrave and Minister for Disabilities, Mental Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships)current students who make up the choir, stage band, string ensemble and other vocalists entertained us throughout the evening and, to put it simply, a good time was had by all. I sincerely thank all staff who worked tirelessly to bring this celebration to fruition. I especially would like to thank the Parents & Friends Association whose hard work and commitment to the College made the day very special.

It has been a very busy term, and, amongst all of the extra-curricular events which have been happening, I hope students have found time to study. Exams and assignment dates are fast approaching. I wish all of our students well as they prepare for this important time of the year. To our Year 12 students who completed the Queensland Core Skills Test this week, my prayer is that you performed well and to the best of your abilities. You have been prepared well and now need to trust in yourselves and know that our prayers are with you.

Lord, help us not to look on you as an umbrella, but as someone who helps us to enjoy the rain. (Ken Walsh)

Kind regards

Patricia Jones College Principal

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St Mary’s Catholic College 25th Anniversary of St Mary’s

Feast Day Celebrations

THE SPIRIT OF ST MARY’SOur Principal, Patricia Jones, often refers to the spirit of St Mary’s and

the celebration of our feast day epitomizes it.

On the morning of St Mary’s day at 8.15am, about the time your children were arriving at St Mary’s I had the spirit of St Mary’s, the part that is about helping out when you’re needed. About 5 boys were in the Hugh O’Brien Centre lugging chairs about with hefty muscled precision, another two or three were tweaking wires and repeating two into the microphone as they adjusted the sound system. The choir and readers were practising and the Hall was starting to hum. Paul Gates, our APRE was issuing last minute instructions orchestrating all his helpers with a practised calm. By 9.15am a kaleidoscope of colour whirled into the hall as the students descend from their homeforms, needing orders of service, chairs, hats to be removed,

and our Chaplain Father Martin was ready to begin our Mass.

This year is our College’s 25th anniversary and we wanted St Mary’s Day to be a highlight. We have a familiar routine and the day begins with Mass. This year the theme was “The Greatest of these is Love”, based on the reading in 1 Corinthians. Father Martin’s homily was an appropriate and poignant reminder of the practicalities of life. These words and traditions add to our faith and are the essence of St Mary’s.

Congratulations to Mrs Carol Dickson who was presented with the Jean Hay award this year for her commitment and dedication to the College. These words and traditions add to our faith and are the essence of St Mary’s.

A delicious morning tea was supplied by our capable tuckshop staff and provided for the staff and guests.

The students enjoyed recess in bright sunshine before assembling

day. Students dashed between events, collecting stamps on their coloured wrist bands as they participated enthusiastically in a variety of events including face painting, karaoke, zumba, CO2 Car

space to sit and chill whilst having your nails painted as well as

novelty games, Chocolate Square throw and many other activities. Constant queues formed in front of the Mega slide, bungee run and Chair–rides provided by Barrier Reef Amusements. Two hundred and thirty patty cakes were baked, iced, decorated and eaten. Giovanni, a very friendly crocodile and the College mascot, made guest appearances with an assortment of offerings kindly donated by Coca Cola, providing drink packs and Far North Wholesalers who contributed chips. It was fabulous that Steven Patrick in Year 11 was able to organise players from the Northern Pride to visit our College. The Bean Queen Coffee van was invited to provide a range of refreshments and our House Leaders honed their life skills at the BBQ cooking a sausage sizzle for 900 people.

Talents were showcased in the afternoon concert with an amazing array of talent in song, dance and music. Students broke into spontaneous dancing, clapping and had a great time cheering on their peers. The winner of the Book Week competition was Nikki Cheng and the fancy dress prize donated by Wendy’s Ice-cream at Stockland, Earlville was awarded to the Year 12 animal menagerie.

This day is a whole College event; it relies on the goodwill of all the students and the willingness of our staff across the entire spectrum.

are all involved in organising and running events along with students. The community spirit is palpable, everyone works together to make the whole day great. No one person achieves this, we achieve it together and that is the spirit of St Mary’s.

Andrea O’Grady Teacher

Catholic Education – Diocese of Cairns 2012 Tuition Fees

Forms and Documents in the side panel of the Schoolzine Newsletter. See also Bulletin article on St Mary’s website.

Child Protection Week 4 – 11 SeptemberThe theme for this year is

Safeguarding Children and Young People

provide a safe environment. Joining with others in this awareness raising campaign, we proclaim to our parish and to society at large, our determination to protect

young people and to stop child abuse wherever it occurs.

Doug Belton (Acting) Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care

SYNOD NEWSSynod Connections are available in the church or on the diocesan website - http://www.cairns.catholic.org.au/ . If you are interested reading the “Report to the Synod” please see Father Martin Kenny or Mrs Patricia Jones, Principal. It will also be available on the website. Observers are welcome at the Synod – please see Father if interested.

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From the Assistant to the Principal, Administration

The Block Exam timetable has been published for senior students at the beginning of Week 7. It is also available on the College website. Any concerns regarding the Block Exam timetable should be forwarded, by students or their parents, directly to me as soon as possible.

Year 11 and 12 exams commence on Monday 5th September.

Block Exams are in Week 9 only.

Students are expected to attend normal classes in Week 10.

Parents are reminded that the end-of-term assessment/Block Exam period should be avoided in terms of planning travel or other extended absence.

Students and their families are reminded of the following protocols for the Block Exam period:

When students do not have exams scheduled, they may study at home.

Full school uniform needs to be worn to exams.

Students need to be present at least ten minutes before the start of each exam.

If a student is unable to attend an exam due to illness, the

produced. Students must make alternative arrangements to be organised with the relevant teacher.

Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not to be taken into exams.

Alison Forster Assistant to the Principal, Administration

From the Deputy Principal - Curriculum

WEBPREFERENCES

for making changes to 2012 online subject selections was Friday 19th August. All students have hopefully selected subjects that are relevant to their pathway and that they have an interest and ability in. Once the data is collated we will begin the task of looking at classes for 2012 – it is important to remember

that it may be necessary for reserve subjects to be used in some instances.

QCSThe QCS test was held this week on the 30th and 31st August – the Year 12 students, who sat the exam, were a credit to the school. They applied themselves well to the task at hand and their behaviour was exemplary.

The training that has been provided so professionally by our QCS teachers: Robyn Brewer (QCS Coordinator), Lesley Laska, Jacquie Cox, Sonya Helms, Peter Hume and Alison Forster, meant that students were prepared and positive on the test days. Well done all.

A special thank you to the staff that assisted on the test days with setup, supervision and catering:

Our Community Representatives; Megg Kennedy and Lyn Roles

Alison Forster did a great job of organising supervisions and all teaching staff who supervised the tests did so in a professional manner.

Frances Raciti and Robyn Dubbins did a wonderful job of managing behind the scenes set up to ensure the smooth running of the two days.

Neil Jobling and the cleaning staff for the HOB setup – it is a big job and they meet QSA standards every time.

Louise Baker and her ladies in the tuckshop provided refreshments that got huge accolades from the Community Representatives.

involved and St Mary’s Catholic College is fortunate to have such professionalism on hand.

YEAR 12 - QSA PROVISIONAL STATEMENTSAll Year 12 students have been given a copy of their Provisional statement from the QSA – it is very important that parents and students check through this statement carefully as the information included is what will appear on their Senior Statement and can affect their OP and QCE eligibility. You need to check that subjects are listed correctly (including Semesters studied) particularly if you

courses studied at the school need to be listed and competencies noted. You also need to check spelling of names, address details and contact numbers. If you note any errors please bring them to the school’s attention immediately so that changes can be made. Remember, after the last day of Year 12, the QSA will contact you directly so you need to ensure that contact information is correct.

Thanks,

Clancie Neilson Deputy Principal – Curriculum

TCS Athletics On Wednesday 17th August a team of 60 Athletes from SMCC went to Barlow Park for the Trinity Coast South (TCS) Athletics trials, hoping to gain a place to trail for the Peninsula team. These students were offered the chance to attend the trials after placing top 3 in track events or top 2

St Mary’s was represented strongly and the school spirit was on show for all the schools to see. Three students performed exceptionally well on the day and were awarded second and third place Age Champions in their respective age groups. Congratulations to the students below:

Daboh Forna 3rd Place, 13 Boys

Kristen Forrester-Bidgood 2nd Place, 16 Girls

Jasjeet Singh 2nd Place, 16 Boys

Congratulations to all athletes who attend the carnival and made it such a successful event for St Mary’s.

Kylie Kickbusch Sports Coordinator (Acting)

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Peninsula Athletics TrialsAfter success at the TCS Athletics Carnival, 12 students won the right to trail for the Peninsula Athletics team on Friday 26th August. These students placed top 3 in their events at TCS trails and had to compete against students from the Peninsula region to make the team to represent Peninsula at the State Titles in Brisbane later in the year. Congratulations to the below athletes who successfully made the Peninsula Athletics team:

Joe Sakata (17 Boys Triple and Long Jump), Joshua Amarille (14 boys 100m and 200m), Zoe Henderson (15 Girls

400m and 800m), Daboh Forna (13 Boys Triple Jump) and Jasjeet Singh (16 Boys Long Jump).

Kylie Kickbusch Sports Coordinator (Acting)

Opti-Minds

The St Mary’s Opti-Minds team, “St Mary’s Literature Loving Legends” (Pictured) performed at the James Cook University Open Day on Sunday 21st August. They are to be congratulated on their creative performance. They were awarded “The Spirit of Opti-Minds Award“. A great deal of time and effort went into preparing for this Challenge.

Congratulations to:

Joshua Williamson, Sharon Jan, Lewis Holmes, Jordon Dodge, Sarah Ryland and Kieran Bruton, (Pictured above L-R)

Robyn Brewer Extension Learning Coordinator

Counsellor’s Column

BULLIESIn the short time I have been at St Mary’s I have been talking with young people who have experienced some kind of bullying or are bullies themselves. For the bullied teen, bullying can have a devastating and sometimes lasting impact. Bullying has been a problem for schools for many years and research

Psychologists used to believe that bullies have low self-esteem, and put down other people to feel better about themselves. While many bullies are themselves bullied at home or at school, new research shows that most bullies actually have excellent self-esteem. Bullies usually have a sense of entitlement and superiority over others, and lack compassion, impulse control and social skills. They enjoy being cruel to others and sometimes use bullying as an anger management tool, the way a normally angry person would punch a pillow.

All bullies have certain attitudes and behaviours in common. Bullies dominate, blame and use others. They have contempt for the weak and view them as their prey. They lack empathy and foresight, and do not accept responsibility for their actions. They are concerned only about themselves and crave attention.

Bullies are not born that way. Bullying is a learned behaviour, not a character trait. Bullies can learn new ways to curb their aggression

Bullies come from all backgrounds. Researchers have not been

income level, divorce, or any other socio-economic factor. Girls are just as likely as boys to bully and abuse others verbally, although boys are three times more likely to be physically abusive.

There are different types of bullies produced in different types of homes. Among them are the hyperactive bully who does not understand social cues and therefore reacts inappropriately and often physically. The detached bully plans his attacks and is charming to everyone but his victims. The social bully has a poor sense of self and manipulates others through gossip and meanness. The bullied bully gets relief from his own sense of helplessness by overpowering others.

Bullies are often victims of bullies themselves. According to some leading researchers 40% of bullies are themselves bullied at home or at school and that a victim at home is more likely to be a bully at school. The reason may be that when a bully watches another child appear weak and cowering, it disturbs him/her because it reminds him/her of their own vulnerability and behaviour at home.

Bullies have immature social skills and believe other children are more aggressive than they actually are. If you brush up against a bully, they may take it as a physical attack and assault you because “you deserve it, you started it,” etc. Research indicates that bullies see threats where there are none, and view other children as more hostile than they are. The hyperactive bully will explode over little things because they lack social skills and the ability to think in depth

A bully’s parents may be permissive and unable to set limits on their child’s behaviour. From early on, the bully can do whatever they want without clear consequences and discipline. Their parents may have been abused themselves as children and view disciplinary measures as a form of child abuse. While their lax style may have

aggressive child. This bully may be allowed to dominate younger siblings and even take over their entire family - everything will revolve around their agenda.

A bully’s parents often discipline inconsistently. If their parents are in a good mood, the child gets away with bad behaviour. If the same parent is under stress, he or she will take it out in angry outbursts against the child. This child never internalizes rules of conduct or respect for authority.

Self-centred, neglectful parents can create a cold, calculating bully. Since their parents do not monitor their activities or take an interest in their life, they can learn to abuse others when no authority

they constantly humiliate their victim, often getting other children to join them.

A bully has not learned empathy and compassion. The parents of bullies often have prejudices based on race, sex, wealth and achievement. Other people are just competitors who stand in the way. Their child must always be the best in sports or academics, and others must be kept in an inferior position. Research suggests that bullies watch more aggression on television and in family interactions. Aggression is rewarded and respected, and humiliating others is tolerated. Compassion and empathy seem like weaknesses.

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If you are a bully or are being bullied and can relate to any of the above there is help. There are therapeutic approaches such as “mindfulness” (which was outlined in the previous newsletter) or another approach called “Choice Theory” and a current resource that I am working through with some students called “Transforming Anger to Personal Power”. All of these approaches help the person experiencing the problem to see things differently and initiate change.

Additionally, there are some great services in our community that can help families or young people who feel that bullying is having such an impact that their quality of life is affected and this can also be the case for the bully.

Please feel free to make an appointment with me if you feel that you are in this situation.

Take care everybody.

Julie Hartmann College Counsellor

Library NewsONE WORLD: MANY STORIES

Book Week 2011 has drawn to a close.

St Mary’s this year had a competition asking students to put together a book review and poster based on a book in the library that they had read. Some were about books that aren’t in the library; but will be on the shelves in the not too distant future. There is a compilation of their book reviews on the school website in the library section – a revamped one will be there soon.

All participants came to a pizza lunch on Tuesday in Book Week and the winners were announced:

First prize: Alexia Papamichael

Second Prize: Pia Cannon

Third Prize: Megan Maclean-Tuckett

Highly Commended: Sharon Jan, Thomas Greenwood and Zoe Henderson

Commended: Zachary Wade and Nicole Chan

Alexia and Pia had also put a lot of effort into entries in the Queensland Children’s Book Council Book Trailer competition and need to be commended for their work. Check out the Queensland CBCA website if you would like to see the winning entries.

There was an additional competition on the One World: Many Stories

Cheng had her name drawn as the prize winner from the collection of entries that were completely correct.

Sonya Hartnett’s Midnight Zoo took out the major prize awarded by the Book Council of Australia this year. It is a fable. Set in a war

and encounter a zoo. The themes are for serious readers who like to ponder some of the big questions about life, the universe and all that. This one focuses on war and freedom. It is a beautifully crafted book for the mature reader.

Two other books took out Honours Awards. Doug McLeod’s Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher Cath Crowley’s

The Australian Children’s Book Council has Book of the Year Awards

website.

Roberta Michna Teacher Librarian

North Queensland Middle School State Honours

Ensemble Program

From Friday 5th of August to Sunday 7th of August St Mary’s Catholic College played host to middle school (Years 7- 9) music students from all over North Queensland for the North Queensland Middle State Honours Ensemble Program. This is a unique opportunity for Wind, Percussion and String primary and secondary students from North Queensland (Mackay and north), to work with their peers in an intensive environment of musical excellence.

In 2011, St Mary’s was happy to welcome our continued partnership with the Queensland Conservatorium to bring the State Honours North Queensland back to our school.

Over the course of the weekend successful applicants were guided by a team of distinguished

Students engaged themselves in a rigorous weekend of musical instruction which concluded in a showcase concert. Playing and singing to an appreciative crowd of over 500, the students highlighted not only their tremendous talents but the unrelenting efforts they put into the weekend.

The 2011 program was a tremendous success and one which St Mary’s was strongly represented in.

Special congratulations to St Mary’s students Jerusha Bishop, Julia Blue, Jessica Brooks, Lauren Cavey O’Connor, Nikki Cheng, Jade Della Ricca, Luca Godfrey, Taylor Jackson, Alanah Mayers, David McDonough, Charlotte Mears, Travis Otto, Oliver Phua, Rebecca Shield, Kieran Walsh, Zac Wang and Iosefa Whittaker.

Special congratulations must also go to all of our associated primary school instrumentalists.

Alison Krause Instrumental Music

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Careers NewsIt has been good to meet with so many Year 10 students and their parents/guardians to commence work on their Senior Education and Training Plan. Students and parents/guardians who are still to meet

contact me directly to arrange a suitable time. The SETP interview is to touch base with Year 10 students and parents/guardians and discuss where students hope to be heading next year and beyond. The

interview provides a good opportunity to consider subject selection for senior (i.e. to ensure prerequisites are met) and look at options. For more information on the SETP please visit www.qsa.qld.edu.au/3181.html

There was an interesting article in the Sunday Mail last weekend, 21st August, ‘Household Chore Wars’ by Fiona Baker. She quotes Lynn Lott, psychotherapist and author of Chores Without Wars: Turing Housework into Teamwork, who strongly believes that it is important to get children involved in household chores – “Aside from you (parent) feeling exhausted and resentful, you’re taking away many important learning opportunities for your children. You’re also sending them into the world without the skills and ability to handle the logistics of life”. There are many employability skills developed by children participating in household chores including: the opportunity to be team players, the expectation to treat others respectfully, the pride that comes from making a difference and contributing to the family, the practice of being responsible and learning to manage time, the strengthening of a “work-hard” muscle (might have to read her book to get more information on

For more information visit www.bodyandsoul.com.au – Fiona Baker (Parenting tab)

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY – ENGINEERING

for students to study an undergraduate Engineering degree at

(AEA exam). Successful students will receive an offer of guaranteed admission into the Gold Coast campuses. The AEA exam is open to current Year 12 students. The AEA exam will be held in Cairns on Saturday 24th of September. Registrations are open and close Tuesday 13th September. Applicants can register online at www.acer.edu.au/tests/aea/registrations . Applicants will be informed of their results within six weeks of undertaking the exam. If students are successful they will still be required to submit a QTAC application but will be provided information on how to process the offer of

University.

BOND UNIVERSITY’S FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS (BUFTA) are now open for submission. Open to Year 11 & 12 students it gives them the opportunity to win a full tuition scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University, valued at over $91000 by entering

information please visit www.bond.edu.au/bufta. Closing date is October 7th 2011.

“DISCOVER QUT “ SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS - BRISBANE

If you are interested in QUT and visiting Brisbane 27–29 September all three QUT campuses are offering course and career presentations. High school students and their parents are encouraged to attend ‘Discover QUT‘ to be held 27–29 September. Faculties based at each campus will offer course and career presentations on their respective days.

Tuesday 27 September 9.00am–3.00pm Gardens Point campus register outside A block (For students interested in built environment and engineering, business, law and justice, science and technology)

Wednesday 28 September 9.00am–3.00pm Kelvin Grove campus register outside A block (For students interested in creative industries, education and health)

Thursday 29 September 10.00am–1.00pm Caboolture campus register in the Courtyard (For students interested in business, creative industries, primary education and nursing)

YEAR 11 HIGHT-ACHIEVERS’ EVENING (BRISBANE 27TH SEPTEMBER)

QUT high-achievers‘ evening provides high-achieving Year 11 students and their parents with practical skills to assist with the senior year of school. Students will participate in a specially designed workshop on study skills and time management, and interact with current QUT academic merit scholars. Parents will have their own session on supporting their son or daughter through Year 12.

This will be the second time this event has run and last year‘s attendees are already putting their new skills into practice. Tuesday 27 September 5.00pm–7.30pm Z block, level 3 Gardens Point campus

Interested high-achieving Year 11 students need to RSVP directly to Amelia Francis by Friday 16 September on a3.francis@qut.edu.au.

3138 3181 or on email above.

EMAIL A STUDENT - QUT

QUT‘s email a student service allows prospective students to contact real university students. Visitors to the site can choose to email a student from a study area that matches their interests. In addition to these study areas, students can also email a regional student to

edu.au/starthere

Q-STEP NOW VIA QTAC

QUT‘s scheme to provide special consideration to students affected

will be administered by QTAC, rather than by direct application to QUT. Students who nominate a QUT preference and wish to be considered for the 3 OP/6 rank bonus and $1000 bursary can apply online as part of their QTAC application.

QTAC‘s new Educational Access Scheme (EAS)—formerly Special Consideration of Educational Disadvantage—will consider students

other life circumstances.

hardship, EAS also considers issues such as disrupted schooling, home

disability, refugee status, and natural disasters. For more information visit www.qtac.edu.au

QUT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION TIPS

QUT receives a high volume of applications each year so here are some hints and guidelines for students to help maximise their chances of a scholarship application being successful.

your application will be viewed more favourably if the assessor can easily grasp why you should be granted the scholarship.

In your written application, ensure you have responded to each aspect of the selection criteria using examples to demonstrate your skills.

Avoid repeating yourself. Do not rely solely on your academic achievements; try to distinguish yourself by highlighting other qualities and achievements. Make sure you include relevant documentation of your achievements.

To give the assessor a concise overview of your achievements and to ensure nothing is missed, organise your material into sections, for example, all references together, all academic reports together, and all sporting achievements together.

For more information visit www.qut.edu.au/scholarships

QUT’s ELITE ATHLETE ENTRY PROGRAM OPENS 1ST SEPTEMBER 2011

QUT has signed with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission as an ‘elite athlete friendly‘ university to help lead the way nationally in supporting elite athletes. The Elite Athlete Program is managed by QUT Careers and Employment.

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QUT recognises the demands on elite athletes through training and competition, and endeavours to provide student athletes with the same opportunity to excel in their studies as other students. More than 300 elite athletes, represented across more than 50 different sports, are currently enrolled at QUT and registered with the program.

QUT‘s Elite Athlete Entry Program offers prospective students who excel in their sport an exemption of between 1 and 3 OPs. For example, an elite athlete student who receives an OP 8 and wants to study a course that requires an OP 5 may still be eligible to study at QUT.

rounds are announced in late-December and mid-January. Mid-

announced.

For more information visit www.qut.edu.au/elite-athletes

QUT ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE AND BRIDGING COURSES

When deciding on subjects for senior years, students are strongly encouraged to undertake assumed knowledge subjects as though they were prerequisites. However, if students change their direction while at school and no longer take the subjects required, QUT (and other universities) recommend that they consider undertaking a bridging course.

QUT‘s Continuing Professional Education runs bridging courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students can study chemistry and mathematics on-campus in Semesters 1 or 2 or during summer. Physics is studied online and can be started at anytime. The tuition fees for bridging courses range from $600 to $1050.

QUT‘s bridging courses are also recognised at many other institutions,

as to whether these courses are acceptable for entry. For more information visit www.qut.edu.au/professional-education

For more information on QUT‘s Assumed Knowledge scheme, visit www.qut.edu.au/assumed-knowledge

QUT START HERE WEBSITE

The Start Here website is designed to help high school students research their tertiary study options. It offers course selection tools,

more about QUT. www.qut.edu.au/starthere

KEY DATES

Tuesday 6th of September - Duchesne College Visit to St Mary’s Catholic College – girls considering living at Duchesne College UQ in 2012 should attend this meeting.

Sunday 9th of October (1st weekend back after the holidays) - HMAS Cairns Open Day

RSL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS CLOSING 11th NOVEMBER

Applications for the 2011-2012 RSL Youth Development Program will remain open until Remembrance Day (Friday, November 11). Current Years 10 and 11 students from across Queensland are eligible to apply, and must complete an online application form at www.RSLyouth.com.au A number of St Mary’s students have been successful in their applications for this scholarship over the past two years. The holidays might be a good time to look at the website and start work on the application if interested.

Rebecca Ambrose Careers Counsellor

VET News

Congratulations to the following students.

Darleen Wallace for the successful completion of her

with McDonalds.

Caite Finlay for being signed up for

with Donut King Stockland.

Benjamin East for gaining an

apprenticeship with

III Food Processing (Combined)

Well done to all the students.

Carolyn Wilkinson VET Coordinator

Positions Vacant – School-Based Trainee Opportunities

Brumby’s Edmonton – Cairns Noodle Box – Cairns

Equipment (Mechanics) Cairns - School-Based

Administration – Indigenous

10 Positions available in Retail Newsagency – Cairns Area Junior Property Manager Assistant – Reception Expressions of Interest – Big W Cairns – Customer Service Associates, Recovery (tidy) Associates and Checkout Associates – After school and weekends.

If interested in any of the above positions see Mrs Wilkinson in F8 for an Application Form.

THIESS PLANT APPRENTICE INTAKE 2012

As one of Australia’s largest mining and construction groups, we manage sites throughout Australian and South East Asia. Our people are at the centre of what we do, and we are committed to developing the skills and opportunities of all employees.

Working with experienced colleagues at various Thiess projects, out Apprenticeship Program will offer you the chance to participate in structured training towards a nationally recognised trade

You will need to be self-motivated, conscientious and committed to developing a career for yourself in the construction or resources industry. A mature attitude is essential and you must be willing to learn new skills and accept direction. Shortlisted applicants will

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progress through a structured recruitment process which involves participation in an assessment centre, formal interview and medical examination (including drug and alcohol testing).

To be eligible to apply, you need to have completed Year 12 as from 1stJanuary 2012. Mature aged, female and indigenous candidates are encouraged to apply.

To apply go to link below, under job search click on apprenticeships or type in the above job no.

http://www.thiess.com.au/careers

Host an International Student and Learn about yourself!

As Marcel Proust, a late 19th century novelist, wrote: “the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes”. Host an international high school student in February 2012 through Southern Cross Cultural Exchange and prepare to be amazed at the way this unique opportunity helps your family to become closer, to understand themselves better and to see the world in a new light.

Carefully selected students will arrive in February for one or two semesters from France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Japan, the U.S.A. and Canada. They will live as a local, attend a local secondary school, are fully insured and have their own spending money.

Call S.C.C.E now on 1800 500 501, email scceaust@scce.com.au or visit our website ( www.scce.com.au) to be part of this rewarding

the spirit of family and friendship.

Cairns Stingrays Swimming Club

2011-12 SEASON SIGN-ON Saturday 3 September 9:00am-11:00am Woree Bicentennial Aquatic Centre, Pool Close, Woree Free Sausage Sizzle and Swim All members receive Stingrays backpack, drink bottle, swimming cap and information pack.

sighting. For more information please contact: Club President Matt on 0438 749 191 or Vice President Jenny on 0421 688 325 or email cairnsstingrays@hotmail.com

Mulgrave Cricket ClubJunior season commences from 3/9/11 with some pre-season games.

Age Groups – Into Cricket (U7), U10, U12, U14, U16

Anyone interested in playing or being part of the Mulgrave Cricket Club are welcome to come along.

Junior training and sign on Wednesdays from 5.00pm to 6.30pm at Fuller Park, Wolff Street Edmonton.

Costs have been substantially discounted for the coming season with a view to increasing junior participants.

For more details phone 0459 024 573.

Beginner’s Circuit Class – SMCC Oval

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 4.15pm Term time

First Session FREE Starts: Next Tuesday 6th Sept

Bring a towel, hat, water bottle and a friend Lots of fun

Expert personal trainer who will tailor a program to your needs.

Cost: $20 a week for 2 classes or $15 for one class a week.

Any questions please call Terri (the trainer) 0424 618 698

Breakthrough Catholic Youth Conference

Only one month before this epic youth event, September 26-28. Amazing speakers, 3 energetic NET teams, lots of young people, prayer, drama, faith experiences, music and lots more.

Contact msb@netministries.com.au or cairnsstandrewsteam@netministries.com.au for more info.

in the side panel of the Schoolzine Newsletter.

Blessings Deacon Matt Ransom

Caritas AustraliaThe drought gripping East Africa is a humanitarian catastrophe. Caritas Australia and the Catholic Community must stand in solidarity with prayers and support for the 12.5 million men, women and children in urgent need of assistance. Caritas Australia is engaged in Kenya and Somalia and is working towards ensuring families have access to health care, food rations, clean water and nutrition for the sick.

Through the East Africa Crisis Appeal, you can help provide food relief, clean water and basic necessities in this time of crisis. For more information or to

donate please visit www.caritas.org.au/eastafricacrisis, call 1800 024 413 or post donations to GPO Box 9830 Q 4001

9St Mary’s Catholic College - Cairns

Tuckshop Roster29.08.11 HELP, HELP, HELP

30.08.11 Sharelle Sue Yek

31.08.11 Margret Drielich, HELP

01.09.11 Margret Drielich, Rosina Di Salvo

02.09.11 Linda Hill, Marina Kenny

05.09.11 Carol Dickson, HELP

06.09.11 Sharelle Sue Yek

07.09.11 Margret Drielich, Maria Ireland

08.09.11 Margret Drielich, Rosina Di Salvo

09.09.11 Linda Hill, Marina Kenny

Louise Baker Tuckshop Roster

Balaclava School Dental Clinic

We would like to offer St Mary’s students in Years 8 to 10 a free dental examination and follow up treatment. A parent or guardian is required to attend the initial consultation.

To arrange an appointment, please phone the Balaclava School Dental Clinic.

If you have received a Medicare Teen Dental Voucher, please bring it to the appointment.

School Dental Team

Date Claimers05.09.11 Board Meeting 7.00pm

05.09.11 Years 11 & 12 Block Exams commence

13.09.11 P & F Meeting 7.30pm

14.09.11 Year 8 Vaccinations male/female HEP B (2) + HPV (3) females

16.09.11 Last Day of Term 3

17-30.09.11 Year 10 Italian Studies students Excursion to Italy

03.10.11 Start of Term 4

03.10.11 Board Meeting 7.00pm

10.10.11 Year 8 Sexuality Day

11.10.11 Year 9 Sexuality Day

17.10.11 STUDENT FREE DAY

18.10.11 P & F Meeting 7.30pm

21.10.11 Kathy Kelly Peace Activist – Years 11 and 12, P3 and P4

25.10.11 Presentation Night 6.30pm Cairns Civic Theatre

28.10.11 World Teachers Day

04.11.11 Year 10 Social

07.11.11 Board Meeting 7.00pm

07.11.11 Year 12 Block Exams commence

08.11.11 Casual Clothes Day – Christmas Appeal (St Vincent De Paul)

14.11.11 Year 11 Block Exams commence

15.11.11 P & F Meeting 7.30pm

17.11.11 Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner

22.11.11 Year 8 Orientation Day and Parent Information Sessions

25.11.11 Last Day for Years 8, 9, 10 & 11 Students