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St Mary’s College
Gunnedah
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1879
Parent Information
&
Subject Booklet
St Mary’s College
Gunnedah
Mission Statement
The members of the community of
St Mary's College will strive to provide
a caring and stimulating environment
for a holistic education of high quality
for all of the College's students,
in the Catholic and Mercy traditions.
Contact Details
Address:
151 Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah
Postal Address:
PO Box 730, Gunnedah NSW 2380
Phone:
(02) 6742 2124
Fax:
(02) 6742 0188
Email:
[email protected]
General Information
St Mary’s College is Catholic College serving young men and women in Years 7-12 from Gunnedah
and nearby towns in North-West NSW.
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1879, the College has, for over 130 years, educated girls and
boys from throughout Gunnedah district and beyond who have achieved highly educationally, as
well as in personal, social, spiritual and emotional growth. At the end of 2002, the College
transferred from the governance of the Sisters to become a systemic school with the Catholic
Schools Office of the Diocese of Armidale from 2003.
Inspired by a distinctive Catholic tradition under the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, the College
motto “Via Vitae Virtus” – Virtue is the Way of Life – provides the educational vision for all those
who teach within its walls.
Despite the closure of the boarding school for girls in 1987, the College has continued to grow,
enrolling students from not only Gunnedah but as far away as Tambar Springs, Boggabri and
Narrabri. Drawing on students from a rural setting, St Mary’s fosters the uniqueness of the
individual and encourages the giftedness that each brings to the College.
With a current populating of 370 students, St Mary’s is able to offer a wide range of subjects in a
professional and caring learning environment whilst fostering quality relationships between
students staff and parents.
Students at work in the College Library
St Mary’s is a Catholic College
The most important difference between St Mary’s College and many other schools is that this is a
Catholic College. We show our commitment to the Catholic Faith and to the teachings of Jesus
Christ in a number of ways.

Religious Education courses are compulsory from Year 7 to Year 12

There are whole school and Year level Masses and liturgies

Students participate in Reflection Days and Retreats

Prayer is part of our day

Christian values are incorporated into all subjects through the “Sense of the Sacred”
program

Bursaries are offered to support students from needy families

Our pastoral system recognises the value of each student “made in the image and likeness
of God.” Each student is supported in building a positive self-image, but challenged to aim
at achieving his or her full human and spiritual potential.

Students are encouraged to develop a conscious commitment to Social Justice both
through components of the Religious Education course and through the College’s charitable
works program.
All students are expected to participate in the Religious Education program and Catholic devotions.
St Mary’s College does, however, welcome students who are not Catholic, subject to the
constraints of the enrolment policy. The College aims to instill Christian values into all students
and deepen their sense of faith in a loving and caring God.
Resources and Facilities
A number of building programs, especially over the last 25 years, have provided St Mary’s with
modern, well equipped facilities which include:
 Industrial Arts room – with an emphasis on woodwork
 Three Computer Rooms, including two for seniors
 Several other rooms with banks of computers
 13 Interactive Whiteboards
 Food Technology Laboratory
 Textile and Design room
 Darkroom for Photography
 Two spacious Visual Arts rooms, one with a kiln
 Music facility with practice rooms
 Library and Resource Centre
 Three modern Science Laboratories, refurbished
in 2010-11
 A Language Laboratory constructed in 2010-11
 Fifteen modern air conditioned class rooms
 Modern Canteen, serving healthy food
 Careers Room
 Two Ag Plots
 Tennis Courts
 Access to Sports Oval and Basketball Courts
(Kitchener Oval)
 Counselling Room
 Landscaped grounds, a pleasant and well maintained environment for learning
 All computers are fully networked and have internet connection. Students have their own
passwords to access the internet. The College acquired 88 new computers in 2009 as part of
the Federal Government’s “Education Revolution.” 113 more computers were purchased in
2010-11, including three class sets of laptop computers on trolleys
 A large shade / shelter structure (COLA) was erected in 2009
Staff
St Mary’s College has a staff of about 36 teachers and 14 support staff. Some significant members
of the staff are:
College Pastor:
Fr John McHugh
The College Executive:
Principal – Mr Max Quirk
Assistant Principal – Mr Greg Boyce
RE Co-ordinator - Mrs Sandra Garnett
There are six Subject Co-ordinators, who have responsibility for the learning areas of
English, Mathematics, Science, TAS / Creative Arts, PD / Health / PE and HSIE. There is also a
Sport Co-ordinator and an IT Supervisor.
There are six Year Supervisors, one for each Year. The Year Supervisor takes a special interest in
the welfare of all students in that year and will be, for many issues, the first point of contact
between parents and school. The Year Supervisor is the teacher students would see if they have
difficulties or problems and is the most likely teacher to contact parents if there are overall
behaviour problems. The Year 7 Supervisor is normally appointed in Term 4. The normal
procedure is that the Year Supervisor moves through the Years with one cohort of students.
There is an Student Support Unit, comprising two part-time Student Support Teachers, a part-time
Indigenous Focus Teacher, two Educational Assistants and an Aboriginal Education Assistant.
Centacare provides a Student Counsellor, who comes to the College for student consultations for
two days per week. Students can be referred to the counsellor by staff, with parental consent. In
certain circumstances, students can self-refer themselves to the counsellor.
There is a part-time Canteen Manager, Mrs Helga Carter, who appreciates the assistance of parent
volunteers to keep the canteen operating for five days per week. There are two part-time
managers of the College Uniform Shop.
Some Advice about Uniform
 Write the child’s name on all items of clothing. Named items will be returned to the child;
unnamed items can sit in the lost property box for weeks.
 Don’t allow your child to talk you into getting items not permitted in the policy because
“everyone else is wearing them”. Parents will be advised of any changes in the policy.
Parent Involvement
While parent involvement in secondary education is not generally as extensive as their involvement
in primary education, there are still several ways in which parents can be involved in the school.
 Canteen – we employ a canteen manager (Mrs Helga Carter) for 25 hours per week, but
need the help of volunteers to help with serving, making lunches, etc. If any parent or
grandparent can help in this way, your help would be appreciated.
 School Board – each Catholic school in the Diocese of Armidale has a school board which
provides advice to the Principal and Parish Priest on policies and matters such as finance
and building and maintenance. The Board contains four members elected from the parent
body and parish. Any new or experienced parent who is interested in standing for the
2013 Board is asked to contact the Principal as soon as possible.
 Parents & Friends Association – all parents are invited to take an active role in the
Gunnedah Catholic Schools P&F. The P&F meets monthly during term, at 7:30 pm on the
third Wednesday of each month. In 2012, the meetings are being held in the St Xavier’s
School. In 2013, they will be held in St Mary’s College. The P&F organises a range of
activities and raises much-appreciated supplementary funds for the two schools. This
year’s Catholic Debutante Ball in March raised over $9000.00. A Family Fun Fair is held
every second year.
 Parent-Teacher Interviews – parents are encouraged to attend parent-teacher
interviews, as mentioned elsewhere in this brochure. The first interviews for Year 7
parents only are very important for parents to meet their children’s teachers and vice
versa.
 Sports – there is sometimes the call for parents to be involved in sports coaching, or as
officials at College sporting events. Parents are very welcome to attend our carnivals,
which are held in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
 Examination special provisions – some HSC students have special provisions in
examinations which entitle them to have a reader or writer; we therefore sometimes call
for parents to volunteer for this role.
The most important parent involvement is taking an interest in your children’s education. Look at
their books and diaries, discuss their assignments with them, make sure they have a suitable place
and regular time for doing homework. Encourage them to ask questions of teachers if they are
experiencing difficulties. Talk to them about how they are going in tests and assignments. If they
believe that they are being bullied, either encourage them to talk to the Year Supervisor or contact
the Supervisor yourself.
It is strongly recommended that parents take an interest in what their children do on the internet,
particularly with regard to the use of social media, including Facebook.
Communication
There are some regular means of communication between the school and parents.





The Newsletter is published fortnightly. It is normally given to the youngest member of the
family on Friday mornings in homeroom.
Excursion notes and assorted other notes are given to students from time to time. It may
pay to get your child to empty out the schoolbag periodically.
The Namoi Valley Independent Schools In column has a regular contribution from St Mary’s
College.
Years 7 to 10 Reports are issued
 Late in Term 1
 At the end of Term 2
 At the end of Term 4
Years 11 and 12 reports are issued in mid-Term 2 and about the end of Term 3
Year 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews are held after the Term 1 reports, to allow parents to meet the
teachers and vice versa and to address any early concerns or questions. These are held after
school (3:30 pm to 6:00 pm). Year 11 and 12 Parent-Teacher interviews are held after the mid
Term 2 reports. Early in Term 3, Parent-Teacher Interviews are held for Years 7 to 10, spread
over two afternoons after school. After the Term 4 reports, there is the opportunity for parents to
make appointments for interviews with teachers.
Notes are requested from parents in the following circumstances:
(a) to the Home Room teacher as soon as possible after an absence through illness or other
reason
(b) to the Home Room teacher if your child is more than 15 minutes late to school
(c) to the Year Supervisor if your child needs to leave the school during the day for any reason
(d) to the Year Supervisor if there is a temporary difficulty with uniform
(e) to the subject teacher if there is an issue with, say, homework, or inability to do particular
activities
If parents would like the child to be out of school for three days or more, it is appropriate to write
to the Principal to request leave. If a child is absent for an extended period because of illness, it is
best to contact the Year Supervisor.
Parents are welcome to ring the school either to make appointments with staff or to ask them to
ring back to discuss relevant matters. The appropriate person depends on the matter for
discussion. It could be the subject teacher or the subject co-ordinator for academic matters. For
pastoral matters, it is most likely to be the Year Supervisor. At times, it may be the Assistant
Principal or Principal.
Term Dates, 2013
Term Dates, 2014
Term 1
Term 1
Staff commence
Tuesday, 29th January
Students (7-12) commence Wednesday, 30th January
Term ends
Friday, 12th April
Staff commence
Tuesday, 28th January
Students (7-12) commence Wednesday, 29th January
Term ends
Friday, 11th April
Term 2
Term begins
Term ends
Monday,29rd April
Friday, 28th June
Term 2
Term begins
Term ends
Monday, 28th April
Friday, 27th June
Term 3
Term begins
Term ends
Monday, 15th July
Friday, 20th September
Term 3
Term begins
Term ends
Monday, 14th July
Friday, 19th September
Term 4
Term 4
th
Term begins
Tuesday, 8 October
Term begins
Tuesday, 7th October
Term ends for students
Term ends for staff
Wednesday,18th December
Friday, 20st December
Term ends for students
Term ends for staff
Wednesday, 19th December
Friday, 21st December
School Hours
Student hours
8:45 am to 3:10 pm
Students who come to school by means other than buses should arrive no earlier than 8:15 am.
At the end of the day, students proceed to bus lines or leave the school as soon as possible.
Office hours
8:15 am to 4:00 pm
The end of another school day
Curriculum
The following pages contain information about the curriculum in place in NSW as well as the
particular curriculum offerings of the College.
NSW Board of Studies
The curriculum in NSW Schools is determined by the NSW Board of Studies, which is responsible
for setting syllabuses, making requirements for patterns of study throughout secondary schools,
issuing credentials such as the Higher School Certificate and the Record of School Achievement
and setting external examinations such as the HSC Examinations.
The Board of Studies divides the secondary curriculum up into eight Key Learning Areas (KLAs):
English
Mathematics
Science
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Creative Arts
Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)
Languages
For each KLA, there are requirements for the study of subjects within that KLA over the course of
Years 7 to 10. St Mary’s College complies with all of these requirements. In addition, the College
as a Catholic school, has a program of Religious Education from Year 7 to Year 12.
The College Curriculum
In Year 7, all students do Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography,
PDHPE, Visual Arts, Music and Mandatory Technology.
In Year 8, all students take all of the same subjects as they do in Year 7, with the addition of
Languages (Indonesian).
In Years 9 and 10, all students take Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Australian
History, Australian Geography and PDHPE. Each student also studies two elective subjects, which
are not necessarily continued from Year 9 into Year 10.
In Years 11 and 12, the only mandatory subjects are Studies of Religion and English, although in
some years there is no alternative to Mathematics. At the end of Year 12, students who have
applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to their studies become eligible for the
Higher School Certificate.
Australian Curriculum
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), in collaboration with
states and territories, has developed an agreed Australian curriculum for English, Mathematics,
Science and History. Each of these learning areas includes content statements that represent
essential learning for all Australian students.
In NSW, the Board of Studies has worked closely with teachers and key education stakeholders to
develop syllabuses that include the Australian curriculum content and further detail that clarifies
learning. As a result of this work, Kindergarten to Year 10 syllabuses provide direction to ensure
greater consistency between NSW schools.
The new syllabuses build on the strength of the existing NSW curriculum. Many features of the
new K–10 English, Mathematics, Science (incorporating Science and Technology K–6) and History
syllabuses are retained. Literacy and numeracy remain important areas of focus in the new
curriculum.
The syllabuses identify essential knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that
students are expected to develop in each learning area. They are designed to provide flexibility for
teachers to develop their teaching and learning programs to meet the needs of their students.
In 2014 the Years 7 and 9 English, Mathematics, Science and History courses will commence and
in 2015 teachers will start teaching the Years 8 and 10 English, Mathematics, Science and History
courses. Further information for parents is available on the NSW Board of Studies website.
NAPLAN
ACARA also conducts the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy. Students
throughout Australia sit for tests in Literacy and Numeracy in each of Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
These tests are held in May each year. The results usually come back to schools and parents in
October. Summaries of the results of each school are published on the My School website
NSW Record of School Achievement – RoSA
In 2011 the NSW Minister for Education announced that School Certificate tests would not
continue beyond that year. Starting with Year 10 in 2012, eligible students who leave school prior
to receiving their Higher School Certificate will receive the NSW Record of School Achievement
(RoSA).
Some of the key elements of the RoSA are:
 It will be cumulative, showing a student's achievement until the time they leave school
 It will be based on school-based assessment
 It will be able to be reliably compared between students across NSW
 It will give students the option of taking online literacy and numeracy tests
 It will offer a means of recording extra-curricular achievements.
Religious Education
INTRODUCTION
Through the work and dedication of the Religious Education staff at St Mary’s College,
students are taught within a climate conducive to their intellectual, spiritual and moral
development. The Religious Education program is a primary focus of the life at the
College.
FORMAL CURRICULUM
Each student at the College participates in formal Religion classes
using the Faithful to God; Faithful to People Program. This
curriculum is divided into five strands of content.
a) Scripture and Jesus
b) Church and Community
c) God, Religion and Life
d) Prayer, Liturgy and the Sacraments
e) Morality and Justice.
From Year 7 to Year 10, topics within each of these strands are undertaken. The depth
covered in each topic is geared toward the emotional and spiritual development of
students in that Year group.
In Years 11 and 12, students participate in the Board- developed course, Studies of
Religion. This course examines a range of religious traditions but maintains a strong
Catholic focus.
INFORMAL CURRICULUM
Various activities are undertaken within the College, under
the auspices of the Religious Education Department,
designed to complement the formal curriculum taught to
students in the classroom. These activities lead students
into a personal experience and practical application of the
content taught in the classroom.
Student Prayer
Classes pray together during roll call to begin each school day. Students are
also given regular and varied experiences of both individual and group
prayer within their Religious Education classes.
Retreats and Reflection Days
Retreats and Reflection Days are vital to the life of the Religious Education Program at St
Mary’s College. These retreats and reflection days are compulsory parts of the religious
education program and enhance the formal curriculum.
The College Charitable Works Program
The Religious Education Department at St Mary’s College seeks to
develop in students an awareness of those in need within both our local
and wider community. Faithful to this aim, students are encouraged to
become involved in some charitable works.
BROAD AIMS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Religious Education at St Mary’s College seeks to achieve the following aims:

To provide opportunities for students to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.

To make students aware of Catholic spiritual heritage in the areas of liturgy, doctrine,
Scripture and prayer.

To help students to live in such a way that their actions give living expression to their
faith.

To give students experiences in participation in the prayer life of the Church - in the
Mass, the Sacraments, and Devotions.
For further information please contact:
Mrs Sandra Garnett
Religious Education Co-ordinator
English
INTRODUCTION
At St Mary’s College, the English Faculty endeavours to provide all students with a learning
environment in which they are given the opportunity and encouragement to develop confidence
and competence in reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening. Students are offered a wide
range of learning experiences that will develop their communication skills, and prepare them for
NAPLAN and Higher School Certificate examinations.
CURRICULUM
Years 7-10
The content of the courses offered in Years 7-10 incorporates the study of novels, picture books,
poetry, drama, film, media and public speaking. The basic skills of spelling, grammar, vocabulary
and written expression are also taught and revised.
A flexible policy is adopted to determine whether the classes in Years 7-10 are streamed or mixed
ability. This decision is made each year according to the skills and needs of the cohort.
ACTIVITIES:
St Mary’s College provides students with the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities. We enter in state-wide competitions such as the annual Dorothea Mackellar
Poetry competition and the Sydney Morning Herald WRITE NOW section for students in Year 7-10
and YOUNG WRITER for senior students. Each year students are encouraged to participate in the
Australian English competition. Students enter the local eisteddfod in the Public Speaking section.
We also encourage students to support the local show by entering the writing and poetry sections.
Whenever suitable plays, films or travelling performers visit the area, excursions are organised to
cater for curriculum demands and the students’ interests and entertainment.
For further information please contact:
Mrs Janet Russell
English Co-ordinator
Mathematics
INTRODUCTION
At St Mary’s College the courses of study in Mathematics endeavour to meet the needs
of students of all levels of mathematical ability.
CURRICULUM
Years 7 and 8: Students follow a common course in keeping with the requirements of
the Board of Studies.
Year 9 and 10: Students attempt one of three Board courses:

Mathematics 5.1

Mathematics 5.2

Mathematics 5.3
Years 11 and 12: Students follow one of four Board Courses:

General Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics Extension 1

Mathematics Extension 2
TECHNOLOGY
At St Mary’s College we use technology to enhance learning. All Mathematics classes are
taught using interactive whiteboards and have timetabled lessons in a computer room.
CATERING FOR THE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS
Students:
 learn at different rates

can miss school and lesson time but still catch up on missed work

need challenges for extension and enrichment

can need extra tutoring at home.
To complement and support the learning your child does at school, St Mary’s College uses
the following online learning programs:

HOTmaths: a fully interactive online learning system that covers the Year 7 to Year 10 courses. It uses
interactive animations to promote learning and understanding. Students can work at their own pace to
revise, catch up on missed work, review lessons not understood in class or challenge themselves with
open investigations and thought-provoking activities. The work students complete in the program is
closely monitored and is used in formal assessment.

Maths Online: an online learning system that covers the Year 7 to Year 12 courses. It provides
video/audio lesson demonstrations and worksheets.
For further information please contact:
Mr Allan Russell
Mathematics Co-ordinator
SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION
Science education is one of the cornerstones of high school education. At St Mary’s
College we endeavour to actively engage our students in their learning. Students are
offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities to complement their formal learning.
FACILITIES
St Mary’s has four well equipped Science laboratories. The three “wet labs” were designed
to maximise student learning and safety. In each of these labs the central classroom is
surrounded by practical benches with plenty of room to leave experiments set up. The
fourth laboratory is a specialist Physics facility. Computer technology is integrated into
lessons with the use of Smartboards in each laboratory, data loggers, laptop computers
and a permanent computer lab.
Agriculture is part of the Science Department. A small agricultural plot is located within the
school grounds. This area has a glasshouse, shadehouse, raised garden beds, aquaponics
units, poultry, poddy livestock, wormfarm and composting bays. A larger agricultural plot
containing cattle yards and cattle feeding facilities is located within a 5 minute walk from
the school. Cattle showing is an integral part of the program.
CURRICULUM
Years 7-10
The Stage 4 and 5 courses in Science emphasises outcomes for students that are both
knowledge and skills based. The programs are dynamic and theme based; already
reflecting the new Australian Curriculum. Each term of each year level addresses a
different strand of Science. A wide range of texts, practical activities and web-based
learning ensures our students are well prepared for assessments
Agriculture is offered as an Elective in Years 9 & 10.
Years 11-12
Students in the senior years have the opportunity to
select specialist subjects with a view to higher education,
or to participate in courses which give a broad range of
experiences and give a background of scientific
knowledge.
HSC Science subjects offered at St Mary’s College include: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, Senior Science and VET Primary Industries.
Participation in Science and Engineering Challenge
Agriculture
Students at St Mary’s College have a strong tradition in the Agricultural subjects. Students in Years
7 and 8 gain a “taste of Agriculture” through the Design and Technology program. Students in
Years 9 and 10 are offered Agriculture in the electives. Four different 100 hour courses are made
available to the students. This allows students to specialise early in this subject.
At HSC level both Agriculture and Primary Industries are able to be studied by our students.
Agriculture has a Science base allowing students to readily move into tertiary studies in
Agriculture. Primary Industries is a school based vocational course that allows students to gain
skills and qualifications that assist them in employment.
The Agriculture program gives students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of areas
including aquaponics, horticulture and poultry. Over the years the students have also had a great
deal of success in showing and judging cattle. Students from St Mary’s College have won the
Junior Judging events at state level and in 2013 one heifer prepared and presented by the
students took out Grand Champion in the Trade Cattle section of the Royal Easter Show. This
beast was awarded the first gold medal ever awarded for eating quality in this open competition.
Students also have the opportunity to extend their Agriculture by participating in a range of camps
made available through Rotary and the University of New England.
Success at the Royal Easter Show
2013 Gold Medal for Champion Trade Carcass
For further information please contact:
Mrs Prue Kesby
Science Co-ordinator
Cattle Judging at 2013 Gunnedah Show.
Photo compliments of Namoi Valley Independent.
Human Society and its Environment
Years 7 – 10
Years 7-10 History &
Geography
In Years 7 and 8, the course content is divided
into one semester of History and one semester of
Geography. Students study topics such as
ancient Egypt, medieval Europe and conflict and
Years 9 & 10 Electives
colonization in the Americas and Australia. In
Geography, students investigate place
geography, globalisation and global issues.
Commerce: Provides students with a
competent understanding of personal
In Years 9 and 10, students study an integrated
finance, law, marketing and consumer
course which includes topics such as 20th
decision-making.
Century Australian history, global conflicts,
Australia’s physical environment, natural
Information and Software Technology:
Students learn about databases by
creating online speech bubble
animations, online presentations on a
digital media device and investigate
artificial intelligence.
disasters and future population challenges.
Human Society and its Environment
Years 11 and 12
Modern
History
Ancient
History
Business
Studies
Using a variety of
Students
This course
sources, students
investigate
explores the
Students learn about
learn about the
fascinating and
theoretical and
information based systems
history of countries
complex ancient
practical aspects of
and the technologies that
such as Tibet, South
civilisations, such
the world of
support them.
Africa and the USA,
as Rome, Egypt
business. Topics
conflicts and issues
and Pompeii. The
range from
such as WWI, the
course begins with
planning a small
American Civil War,
a study of the work
business to
the Holocaust,
and techniques of
marketing, finance
Students learn how to use
Adolph Hitler, the
archaeologists and
and employment
IT in a workplace
slave trade,
students conduct a
relations.
environment and gain an
apartheid and
dig!
Nelson Mandela.
Information
Processes and
Technology
VET Information
Technology
industry-recognised IT
qualification!
For further details contact HSIE Co-ordinator
Miss Nikki Williams.
Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education
INTRODUCTION
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
is one of the Key Learning Areas in the NSW
Secondary Curriculum. It has been designed to
provide educational opportunities that prepare all
students for effective and responsible participation in
their society, taking account of moral, ethical and
spiritual considerations. It is hoped that students will
develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes
which are essential for all students to succeed in and beyond their schooling.
FACILITIES
St Mary’s provides a range of sporting and recreational facilities and equipment. There are
two tennis courts, which can also be used for netball and volleyball. In addition to this the
school has access to council facilities.
COURSES
PDHPE (Years 7-10)
These are mandatory courses.
The course follows a syllabus that covers four content
strands designed to provide students with specific
skills and knowledge in order to develop positive
attitudes, values and morals in health physical activity
and lifestyle related issues. The four main focus areas
in
the
strands
are
based
on
communicating,
interacting, planning, moving, decision making and
problem solving.
PDHPE (Years 11-12)
The two-unit Course is offered in Years 11 and 12. Study in these courses deals with
individual and community health, fitness issues and scientific principles that relate to
movement, sport and exercise. In addition to this, students study options in improving
performance, sports medicine, first aid and outdoor recreation. Students are given the
opportunity to gain The Red Cross Senior First Aid Certificate. Students also participate in
an outdoor recreation excursion which provides students with an opportunity to develop
outside the classroom.
SLR (Year 11)
This two unit course is offered in Year 11 and areas of study include aquatics, games and
sport, sports administration and social perspectives of games and sport.
PASS (Years 9/10 elective)
This elective course is offered to provide students with the opportunity to further develop
the knowledge and skills which relate to sport, fitness and health.
For further information please contact:
Mr Robert Carlyon
PDHPE Coordinator
Technological and Applied Studies
Technological and Applied Studies subjects contribute to the development
of students’ technological skills by giving them practical experiences in
designing, planning and making.
Facilities
St Mary’s College provides up-todate specialist facilities. We have
an Industrial Arts workshop
equipped with specialist
machinery and equipment, a fully
networked computer laboratory, a
Textile and Design workshop and
a Food Technology Laboratory.
Subjects offered as elective choices
in Years 9, 10 11 & 12
 Food Technology
 Textiles Technology and
Textiles & Design
 Industrial Technology &
Industrial Technology – Wood
 Design & Technology
Curriculum – Mandatory Course
Technology is a mandatory course for
Year 7 and Year 8 students. The
course will give the students
experiences in planning, costing,
constructing, making and evaluating
design projects, In the areas of Wood
Technology, Textile Technology, Food
Technology, Graphics Technology,
Information & Communications
Technology. From these experiences
in Years 7 & 8 students then can
decide on the specialist elective
courses they wish to pursue in Years
9, 10, 11 and 12.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts Education encourages - Awareness, Imagination, Enthusiasm and
Communicative Skills. It aims to develop, encourage and enhance creative qualities in the
individual. Creative Arts provide students with the opportunity to develop ideas, feeling and
responses to their personal and global environment.
Facilities
St Mary’s College provides up-todate specialist facilities and
equipment for Creative Arts
students. The Visual Arts
workshop, Photography
darkroom, Music Conservatorium
and Music practice rooms are fully
equipped specialist facilities with
current and traditional
technologies.
Music
Music is offered as an elective course to
students in Years 9 and 10 and as a 2 Unit
HSC course in Years 11 and 12.
Music is presented in four strands as per
the syllabus1. Performance
2. Musicology
3. Composition
4. Aural
Students are encouraged to perform to
different audiences, ranging from College
peers to the wider community, e.g. The
Gunnedah Eisteddfod and The Gunnedah
Schools Spectacular.
The faculty has also facilitates numerous
extra-curricular musical activities to cater
for students’ talents and interests. These
have included
 Rock Bands
 Vocal Ensembles
 School performances
 School based concert
 Information nights
Curriculum – Mandatory courses
Visual Arts and Music are mandatory courses in Years
7 and 8. The courses will give students various
experiences in the visual and performing arts.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts is an elective course
offered to students in Years 9 and
10, and a 2 Unit HSC course in
Years 11 and 12. Students cover
two areas of Arts Practice:
 Art History/ Criticism
 Art Making
Students have the opportunity to
experiment in and explore the
following areas: Drawing,
Textiles, Painting, Sculpture,
Ceramics, Computer Graphics,
Photography and Printmaking.
TASCA EXHIBITION NIGHT
Every year the TASCA Faculty
holds an annual exhibition
night that showcases the
talents of its senior students
in Visual Arts, Music, Textiles,
Food Technology and
Industrial Technology.
Let your child’s
creativity shine
For further information please contact Miss Angelique Langton – TASCA Coordinator
Languages
Selamat datang! Welcome.
At St Mary’s College, students study Indonesian for 100 hours in Year 8. During this time,
students will come to understand the cultural background of languages and employ
practical skills in the use of language, through experience in reading, writing and
oral/aural communication.
The classroom is an active one, where students
experience speaking aloud in a range of activities. The
program is enhanced through access to interactive
language and cultural activities. The main aim of this
course is to enjoy studying another language, and
become more confident in using that language.
The students will have the opportunity to experience
Indonesian cuisine. They will explore the intricate nature of
Indonesian society and its culture. This knowledge is both
relevant and important in developing an understanding and
appreciation of our Asian neighbours, particularly as Australia
develops trade in this region.
For further information please contact:
Mrs Sandra Garnett
Teacher of Languages
Extra-curricular Activities
Students at St Mary’s College are encouraged to be involved in a variety of sporting,
academic, cultural and community activities.
Representative sport generally follows the School – Diocese – Combined Catholic Colleges
pathway. There is further information about sport in this handbook.
Academic enrichment activities include:

Agricultural Field Days

Livestock Judging

TAFE courses for selected junior students

Science and Engineering Challenge


Statewide Competitions – Maths, English, Science, Poetry etc. – are available for
interested students
Honeywell Engineering Experience

The Science Experience

Forensic Science Camp

PICSE Scholarship

Educational institutions such as CSIRO and universities
Cochrane Cup Netball
Cultural pursuits include:

Model United Nations Assembly

Public Speaking and Debating

Musical Performances/Eisteddfod

Participation in a variety of bands
and choirs

Chess competitions
Among the community and miscellaneous activities are

Project Compassion appeal

Bloodbank (for students aged 16 or more)

Voluntary support for Riding for the Disabled (Year 9 Students)

Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Yr 11 Primary Industries Blazeaid Coonabarabran
SPORTS DEPARTMENT
Sport enjoys a high profile at St Mary’s College and we have a proud tradition of sporting
achievements. In recent years we have experienced success at state and national level
following the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges pathway. As a school we participate in
Diocesan sport organised by the Armidale Diocesan Sports Council which can lead to state
and national representation.
Sports we participate in include athletics, basketball, cricket, cross country, golf, netball,
rugby league, rugby union, swimming, tennis, touch and triathlon. The equestrian team
participates in several interschool gymkhanas and attends the Coonabarabran Horse Expo
each year.
Students are also encouraged to pursue sporting and leisure interests outside of school
hours to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
For further information
Please contact
Mr Tim Kennedy
(Teacher in-charge of Sport)