LINKS: Term Four, Week 3

From the Principal

A huge start to Term 4

Term 4 certainly has started with vibrancy and vigour. An action-packed couple of weeks has really set the scene for how quickly this term will go. This afternoon, we welcome back our Year 5s from their leadership camp and we wish them all the best of luck for their leadership applications and speeches in the coming weeks. Friday night saw our Year 1 sleepover and I heard great reports on how they behaved. Congratulations to all involved in both of these experiences and thank you to the staff and parent volunteers involved in making this camp and sleepover go smoothly.

Thank you to 4L for a moving liturgy on Friday for Catholic Missions as we all joined in the fun of Crazy Sock and Hair Day. You all looked fantastic. Please continue to put recyclable containers into the collection bin so we can continue to donate to Catholic Mission.

Staffing Announcements

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that our Deputy Principal, John Shaw, will be leaving us at the end of the school year. John has accepted the position of Principal of Border Rivers Christian College, Goondiwindi, commencing 2026.

John has been with us since February 2021 and has been a valued member of the school and parish community during this time. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership roles John has fulfilled, including his time as Acting Principal for Term 2 in 2023.

I thank John for his commitment that he has put into his role over the past five years. I know he values his time spent here greatly and has seen it as a time of opportunity and growth.

Additionally at the end of this year, we will bid a sad farewell to Mrs Ina Winter who will be leaving us to start a new chapter. Ina has served our community with loyalty, kindness, compassion and a gentle manner. We thank her for all she has done, and we wish her all the best in her new chapter.

Last week, we also bid farewell to Miss Louise Millar who has moved to be closer to family. We thank Lou for what she has done for this community this year and wish her all the best.

2026 Intentions

We are busily preparing staffing and budgets for 2026. If you know that your child won’t be attending St Mary’s in 2026 and you haven’t let the office know, please do so as soon as you are able.

Illnesses

We have experienced quite a bit of illness to start this term. A friendly reminder with regards to vomiting/sickness at our school. If your child has been vomiting at home and/or vomits at school, we need the child collected immediately and then we have a 24hour exclusion policy. This means that you child cannot return back to school until that 24-hour period is served. This timeframe is in place to stop the spread of germs/bugs within our school and school community. We really appreciate your assistance and cooperation with this.

Hair styles and uniform

I have noticed that a few students are starting to arrive at school with “holiday hairstyles”. This is a reminder that students need to follow the Uniform Guidelines that are on our website: Uniform Guidelines These guidelines outline the expectations for hair and jewellery also.

TCS Leadership Forum

During Week 5, I will be in Toowoomba for the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Leadership Forum. Thanks to John Shaw and the rest of the SLT for assisting during my absence.

Angela Collins
Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Hello St Mary’s community,

Term 4 camps

I am writing from Emu Gully, where our Year 5 students are fully immersed in camp activities and having a ball. It is always great to see them so engaged and enthusiastic, and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their leadership skills.

Last Friday, our Year 1 students had their first school camp, a classroom sleepover. For many, it was their first night away from home, which is a big step. A huge thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who make these experiences possible. Without their support, we would not be able to offer such amazing experiences.

Next up is our final camp for the year, the Year 3 overnight camp at Camp Cooby. This is a new venue for us, located about 30 minutes north of Toowoomba on the shores of Lake Cooby. It offers a range of activities in a beautiful bush setting, and we’re looking forward to seeing our students grow through the experience.

Social Media Age Restrictions – Update
In our last Links, I mentioned the Federal Government’s new law setting a minimum age for social media use, which comes into effect on 10^th December.

On 19^th October, a national media campaign was launched, so you’ll start seeing ads on TV, radio and online. The eSafety Commissioner has created a website with resources for families, young people and educators. I encourage you to check it out and talk with your children about the changes.

You can find the campaign materials and more information here:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/campaign

God bless,

John Shaw
Deputy Principal

Religious Life

Welcome to another busy fortnight ahead. Firstly, a huge congratulations and thanks to all our families who participated with Crazy Sock and Hair Day. I was blown away with the creativity and passion this day always presents. We raised $420.15 which will be sent to Catholic Mission to support their outreach in Zambia.  

First Communion

Those students involved in the Sacramental Program will meet for their formation classes on the following dates:

• Wednesday 8^th October
• Wednesday 15^th October
• Wednesday 22^nd October
• Wednesday 29^th October

The sacrament of First Communion will take place on Sunday 2^nd November at 9am, with celebrations to follow.

Remembrance Day 

On Tuesday 11^th November we will gather at 8:45am in the Centenary Centre for our Remembrance Day Liturgy which will be presented by 6R. Everyone is welcome to attend this moving prayer service. We will also be sending our School Captains and the choir to the Town Park service at 10:30am.  

Awards Night

Our Annual Awards Night is just around the corner! This special evening is a highlight of the school year, where we come together to celebrate the achievements, growth, and contributions of our students across all year levels.

Date: Monday 10th November

Location: Centenary Centre

Times:

Prep – Year 3 Ceremony: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Years 4 – 10 Ceremony: 6:30 – 8:00pm

Please mark this important date on your calendars and join us in recognising the hard work and dedication of our students. It promises to be a memorable evening filled with community spirit.

Year 10 Graduation Liturgy and Dinner

The upcoming Year 10 Graduation Day is a special day where we thank and celebrate our Year 10 students. Students will begin this day with a Retreat Day, a time for connection, reflection, and celebration as they prepare to transition into the next chapter of their lives. The day will end with a Graduation Liturgy at 2:00pm, a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the journey our Year 10 students have taken and to give thanks for their growth and achievements.

To conclude this special day, we will be hosting a Graduation Dinner in the evening. This will be a joyful occasion for students, families, and staff to come together and celebrate the Class of 2025. Please keep Wednesday 26th November free. Invitations and further details will be shared shortly. Please note, that Year 10 students will finish school on Friday 21^st November.

End of Year Mass

As we approach the end of a wonderful school year, we invite all families to join us for our End of Year Mass on Friday 28th November at 9:30am. This is a special time for our school community to come together in gratitude, reflection, and celebration.

Adding to the joy of the morning, our prep students will be presenting their Christmas Play, a heartwarming tradition that never fails to delight. Their performance is sure to bring festive cheer and smiles to all!

Please keep this date free and join us in this uplifting celebration.

Year 6 Graduation Liturgy

Our Year 6 Graduation Liturgy is scheduled for Wednesday 3^rd December at 10:00am. This is a heartfelt celebration to honour our students as they complete their primary school journey.

Invitations and further details will follow soon.

Wishing you all the best for a busy term ahead,

Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

Secondary News

As we move swiftly through the fourth and final term, it’s crucial to remember that this academic period is just as significant as terms one, two and three. The material we cover is equally important, and we must all strive to maintain our best efforts until the end of the year. This commitment will pave the way for building the foundation for a successful 2026 and a well-deserved Christmas break. This is where the concept of grit plays a vital role.

Grit: The Power of Perseverance on the Path to Success

Grit is best described as the combination of passion and long-term perseverance. Researcher Angela Duckworth has spent years studying grit and has found that sustained effort toward meaningful goals is a better predictor of long-term success than many other traits we often chase.

What is grit, exactly?

• Grit is about staying focused on a goal even when the excitement fades.
• It’s the willingness to put in deliberate practice day after day, month after month, year after year.
• It means embracing the process of learning, failing, adjusting, and trying again.

Two key ideas that matter for our St Mary’s School community:

1. There is no substitute for “time on task”. Short bursts of effort can help, but real growth happens when we commit to consistent practice over months and years.
2. We learn more from struggle than from easy success. Facing challenges head-on builds the skills and resilience that money, luck, or talent alone can’t guarantee.

What does grit look like in school?

• Setting a meaningful goal and breaking it into smaller steps.
• Showing up every day with a plan, even when the material is tough.
• Reflecting on what works and what doesn’t, then adjusting your approach.
• Persisting through setbacks, asking for help when needed, and keeping the big picture in mind.

The most accomplished individuals are often celebrated not for a single moment of talent, but for the sustained work and consistent effort they’ve invested behind the scenes over a long period of time.

Inspiring examples:

• A student who practices a difficult instrument daily, even when early results are modest, can make extraordinary progress over the years.
• A mathematics student who tackles challenging problems weekly, constructs personalised revision notes, writes reflections on mistakes, and revisits concepts can achieve mastery that once seemed out of reach.

How can you cultivate grit?

• Choose a goal you truly care about and outline a multi-month plan.
• Schedule regular practice or study time and treat it as non-negotiable.
• Track progress with a simple journal or checklist; celebrate small wins.
• When you stumble, analyse the setback, adjust your plan, and try again.
• Seek help and feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors and use it to improve.

Grit helps you develop the habits that turn intention into achievement. It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and staying committed - day after day, week after week, year after year. The result isn’t just a single success; it’s the steady growth that leads you toward your full potential.

Your abilities are not fixed. By choosing to work steadily toward meaningful goals, you’re building a foundation for lifelong learning and accomplishment. As Duckworth’s research reminds us, the real power lies in the long game: effort over time, and the quiet, persistent work that shapes who you become.

• Angela Duckworth’s book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.

Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary

Pastoral

Our URSTRONG Friendship spotting boxes have been circulating the playgrounds at lunchtimes. Students have been asked to nominate fellow students who are demonstrating the following Friendship Ninja qualities: inclusivity, kindness, helpfulness, thoughtfulness, selflessness, empathy, respect, trustworthiness and bravery.

It is a delight to see so many students nominating their peers to acknowledge the special friends we have here at St Mary’s. There is a P-3 and a 4-6 nomination box.  On Monday morning parade our school captains Bronson and Lotte will be drawing out 2 names from each box to recognise these beautiful qualities.

Next Friday, 31 October marks Day for Daniel, Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness event. Held annually on the last Friday of October, this important day honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe, whose tragic story continues to inspire a nationwide movement to protect children and empower communities.

We are asking students to respectfully participate in Day for Daniel by wearing a red accessory such as a wristband, red socks, ribbon in their hair or a badge that our wonderful student council will be making. These badges will be available free of charge early next week for your child/ren to take home and wear on Friday if they so choose. There is no gold coin donation required for this day.

During Primary Health lessons this term, students will be participating in activities to educate them and further raise their awareness about child safety. The theme this year is “Safe Spaces” which is all about creating safer environments for children in online and offline spaces. 

For more information or pastoral concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Nicki Wyllie
Middle Leader: Pastoral

Nicola.wyllie@twb.catholic.edu.au

Sports Report

All School Aquathlon & Triathlon

Congratulations to Eliza Scudamore who competed at the All Schools Aquathlon Event in Kawana last weekend. Eliza successfully made the Darling Downs team and will compete in Hervey Bay next February! Great work, Eliza!

Track & Field State Championships

Congratulations to Anthony Heeson who represented Darling Downs last week at the State Track & Field Championships in Townsville. Anthony competed in the Shot Put Event. We are very proud of your efforts Anthony, well done!

MacIntyre Schools Rugby 7s Carnival

Good luck to the 49 students representing St Mary’s at the Rugby 7’s Gala Day on Friday 24^th October. St Mary’s have two U10 teams and two U12 teams in the competition, along with a handful of girls participating in the “come and try” session.

CHANGE OF TIME: Due to heat, the carnival is scheduled to begin at 8.30am instead of 9.30am. Please arrive at Riddles Oval no later than 8.15am on Friday. This means the carnival should finish earlier too around 1.30/2.00pm.

Prep – Year 2 Swimming Carnival

Please find attached the information regarding the Prep - Year 2 Swimming Carnival, which will be held on Friday 7th November at the Goondiwindi Town Pool.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your classroom teacher or me directly.

NRL After School League Stars – Term 4 2025
NRL are excited to host the NRL After School League Stars program at the Goondiwindi Rugby League Grounds this Term 4! The program is open to all primary school students (U5–U12) from all schools and is a fun, safe, non-contact and inclusive introduction to rugby league.

Please see the attached flyer for more details.
How to Register:

1. Go to https://www.playrugbyleague.com/league-stars/
2. Enter postcode (4390)
3. Register for the program by filling out the information"

With your support, we can ensure the program is well attended and provides students with a fun and inclusive rugby league experience.

Thank you very much for your assistance – it is always greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you require any further information.

Awards Night – Sportsperson of the Year Criteria

With our annual Awards Night fast approaching, I’d like to share the criteria for selecting the recipients of the Sportsperson of the Year awards for your information. These guidelines help us recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, performance, and sportsmanship throughout the year. Please note that some award names and age groupings have been adjusted this year.

Under 9 Sportsperson of the Year Award Criteria

This award recognises a student in the 9 Years or Under age group who has shown promising sporting potential throughout the year. Contribution to the sporting life of the school through participation in school carnivals, in-class participation, and selection in representative teams, will be considered when identifying worthy recipients. Emphasis will also be placed on each student’s attitude and approach to sport at St Mary’s. A point-based system will be used to guide the selection process.

Points are awarded for placing in age champion rankings (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) at school carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country & Athletics), and for selection in representative teams including school and Mac Zone. Students who are selected but unable to compete due to injury or illness will still be recognised; however, choosing not to participate will not count towards team selection points.

Only school sport results will be considered — club sport achievements are not included. Please note that the above will be used as a guide only. The final decision will be at the sole discretion of the school administration.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year Criteria

This is an award to recognise the two most outstanding junior sportspersons of the year. Contribution to the sporting life of the school, by way of school carnivals, in-class participation, and selection in representative teams, would make a student a worthy nominee of this award. Emphasis will also be placed on attitude and approach to sporting life at St Mary’s.

A point-based system will be used to guide the selection process. Points are awarded for placing in age champion rankings (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) at school carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country & Athletics), and for selection in representative teams including Mac Zone, Darling Downs, and Queensland. Students who are selected but unable to compete due to injury or illness will still be recognised; however, choosing not to participate will not count towards team selection points.

Only students who turn 10, 11 or 12 in the current school year will be eligible. Only school sport results will be considered — club sport achievements are not included.  Please note that the above will be used as a guide only. The final decision will be at the sole discretion of the school administration.

Senior Sportsperson of the Year

This award recognises the most outstanding senior sportsperson of the year. Contribution to the sporting life of the school, by way of school carnivals, in-class participation, and selection in representative teams, will be considered when identifying a worthy recipient. Emphasis will also be placed on attitude and approach to sporting life at St Mary’s.

A point-based system will be used to guide the selection process. Points are awarded for placing in age champion rankings (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) at school carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country & Athletics), and for selection in representative teams including Border District, Darling Downs, and Queensland. Students who are selected but unable to compete due to injury or illness will still be recognised; however, choosing not to participate will not count towards team selection points.

Only students who turn 13-16 years in the current school year will be eligible. Only school sport results will be considered — club sport achievements are not included. Please note that the above will be used as a guide only. The final decision will be at the sole discretion of the school administration.

Term 4 Sport Dates

Rommy Beckinsale 
Middle Leader: Sport

rommy.beckinsale@twb.catholic.edu.au

Cultural

Shrek Jr!

AUDITION REGISTRATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED. You will receive all further audition information through the Sentral Parent App ‘Shrek Auditions’ Activity in due course. This will outline your audition day and time.

All key dates are available in the Sentral Calendar for Parents, and we’ve outlined the audition timeline below to help families plan ahead.  A reminder that students should be preparing for their auditions using the scripts and scores on website here: https://benitaklowss.wixsite.com/sms-shrekjr

Choirs of Angels – Term 4 Rehearsals and Event dates

A reminder for upcoming rehearsals and event dates for term 4:

Benita Klowss
Middle Leader: Culture

benita.klowss@twb.catholic.edu.au

Building Cultural Capacity one experience at a time.

Library News

Your kids next read

Author Allison Tait and Teacher Librarian Megan Daley have been teaming up for quite a while to assist parents looking to help their children find books of interest and appropriate content . If this sounds like something you might like, you can join the YKNR group on Facebook. They have a great website and produce an entertaining and informative podcast. You can also take a look at our online catalogue or come in for a chat with library staff to help find your childs next read.

Library books and swimming bags

With the commencement of swimming lessons and training, we often see an increase in wet books. Please remind students to remove library bags from school bags as soon as possible to prevent the damage of books and also to put library bags in separate sections within school bags where possible.

Happy reading!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the library staff at:

goondiwindilib@twb.catholic.edu.au

Bookclub

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 7 has been sent home with orders due online Wednesday 22^nd 8pm.

Why You’ll Love Issue 7:

• Affordable Choices: Great value for families, with books starting at just a few dollars.
• Exclusive Promotions:
  • Spend $25 and choose 1 FREE book
  • Spend $50 and choose 2 FREE books
  • Spend $75 and choose 3 FREE books
    (Available via LOOP orders – registered accounts only) [scholastic.com.au]

Support Your School
Every order gives back! Scholastic returns 15% of every purchase to your school through the Scholastic Rewards Program, helping fund essential educational resources. As we are not hosting a Book Fair this year, we would love your support to purchase popular fiction for our fabulous library!

Convenient Delivery
Books are delivered straight to classrooms, making it easy for students to unwrap the joy of reading.

Empowering Young Readers
Let kids choose their own books from the physical catalogue – proven to boost engagement and reading enjoyment.

Happy reading!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the library staff at:

goondiwindilib@twb.catholic.edu.au

Student Support

Limited number of free Hearing Screeners Available

At St Mary's this year, we offered free Sound Scout hearing checks to all prep students. We still have a few free screeners available to use before the end of the year, so would like to open this opportunity up to any student in the school.

An estimated 1 in 10 children suffer from hearing loss which left undetected can lead to speech, learning and behavioural problems. The Sound Scout App allows us to screen our students through 3 interactive games, testing speech-in-quiet, tone-in-noise and speech-in-noise. Collaborating with the National Acoustic Laboratories, Sound Scouts have created this online hearing test app that delivers an immediate report, including next steps if a hearing loss is detected.

If you would like your child to have a free Sound Scouts hearing screener, please complete the form through the link below, and I will email you once the screener has been completed.

https://ssimpl.soundscouts.com.au/portal/players/intake_form/3730ec53-d30c-41f2-afe6-bcd4d072dab9/

Allison Marsh
Middle Leader - Student Support Services 

Guidance Counsellor

Early Childhood Best Practice Framework released

The recently released National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention describes what high-quality, evidence-informed support looks like for children with developmental concerns, delay, or disability, and their families.

The Framework and supporting resources for families, were jointly developed by a group of research, practitioner and community representative organisations – including Professionals and Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention (PRECI) who recently became an Autism CRC Affiliate organisation.

Like Autism CRC’s Strength and Support Needs Framework and the Supporting Autistic Children Guideline, this is an important resource for those working with, and supporting, children and families in Australia.

Watch The Video

More information for families

Paul Fomiatti
Guidance Counsellor 

E Paul.Fomiatti@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Careers

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the world of career pathways!

Soaring to New Heights: Jarin’s Aviation Adventure

Jarin Charles (Year 9) has taken flight - literally - by beginning his aviation journey through a flight training program, supported by a bursary that’s helping him work toward his Recreational Pilot Certificate. On Sunday, he celebrated a major milestone: his first flight in a BRM Aero Bristell, accompanied by his flight instructor.

Over the coming months, Jarin will continue to build his skills and confidence in the cockpit, gradually flying more independently while receiving expert guidance. With a genuine passion for aviation, Jarin is well on his way to turning his dream into a rewarding career. We commend his dedication and courage in embracing this opportunity!

All Systems Go for Tyler!

We’re also proud to announce that Tyler Dillon (Year 9) has received official approval from the Department of Trade, Employment and Training to begin his School-Based Apprenticeship with Dillon Mechanical.

Tyler will be working toward a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, gaining hands-on experience while still at school. This is a fantastic step forward in his career journey, and we’re excited to support him as he pursues his goals with determination and enthusiasm. Congratulations, Tyler!

If you're seeking information about specific career pathways or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch I'm always happy to help!

Karen Sullivan 
Secondary Teacher: Careers

karen.sullivan@twb.catholic.edu.au

PEN (Parent Engagement Network)

Please see below additional details regarding the upcoming Parent Engagement Presentation.

Strengthening Parent–Child Communication

A 2-hour interactive session with psychologists from Susan Long Psychology & Associates.

Building a strong emotional connection with your child is one of the most powerful ways to support their wellbeing, learning, and confidence.
In this engaging and practical session, you’ll learn how small, everyday moments of connection can make a lifelong difference.

What We’ll Explore

1. The Power of Connection

Discover how feeling seen, heard, and understood helps children feel secure and valued—laying the foundation for healthy emotional development and trust.

1. Raising Resilient and Independent Kids

Learn how secure attachment encourages confidence, independence, and the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges.

1. Managing Big Feelings Together

Explore practical ways to help your child identify, express, and manage emotions—reducing meltdowns and building calm, cooperative communication at home.

1. Everyday Conversations that Count

Find out how to turn ordinary interactions (like car rides, mealtimes, or bedtime chats) into opportunities to build connection, confidence, and self-worth.

1. Creating a Home that Supports Growth

Learn how consistency, warmth, and genuine attention shape children’s lifelong mental health, behaviour, and motivation to learn.

Why It Matters

Children who feel emotionally connected to their parents are:
✔ More resilient in the face of setbacks
✔ More confident to explore and learn
✔ Less likely to experience anxiety or depression
✔ Better able to regulate emotions and behaviour
✔ More open, communicative, and trusting

We are looking forward to seeing you, 5:30pm in our Library.

Please RSVP for catering purposes using the below link:

https://forms.office.com/r/8gWTtrc5s5

Mr Andrew Erbacher
PEN - Chair

COMMUNITY NEWS