Student Life at St Marys Senior High School
St Marys Senior High is a very different kind of school, if you are thinking about enrolling at St Marys, it is important to understand the differences. This page explains some of those differences and outlines what we mean when we talk about the
“adult learning environment” of St Marys Senior High School.

The Teacher Mentor
It is easy to feel “lost” in a new school, especially one as large as ours. We don’t want that to happen and we try to help students to settle in quickly and to be successful. In particular, we have a system of mentors, or advisers that are the core of our student support.

All students have a member of staff as a mentor while at St Marys. The mentor has the training and the resources to overview the total school program for each of their 15-20 students in Year 11, and 6-9 students in Year 12. Mentors check on course progress, provide advice on study methods, discuss academic reports and monitor attendance.

Your Responsibilities
At St Marys the focus is providing an adult learning environment to support the development of confident independent learners who will contribute to the quality of the school environment. Students who are successful in this environment usually display most of the following traits:
·         Respect the values of our school community and the rights of others.
·         Show a clear purpose and a high level of personal commitment.
·         Organise themselves and use the support available.
·         Make sound, well-reasoned decisions.
·         Gain experience in decision-making and self-management.
·         Have a positive self-concept.
·         Have good family/community support networks.
·         Engage in school life and activities beyond the classroom.
Enrolment is an agreement to respect the values of our school community and the rights of others.

Start and Finish Times
School starts at 8.20am and finishes at 3.20pm This may vary according for individual students according to their curriculum pattern. Some TAFE and VET courses may finish as late as 6.00pm.

Attendance and Coursework
Full attendance and completion of coursework are essential. Mentors, student advisors and other staff monitor this closely throughout the year in order to be able to support students with problems at the earliest possible opportunity.

Students are encouraged to seek help if they are having difficulties in meeting the demands of the curriculum. Often there are personal reasons or personal issues not related to school that result in poor attendance or performance. At St Marys we have trained staff who are in a position to provide advice and assistance.

The Student – Teacher Relationship
In fostering a positive relationship between staff and student the emphasis is on developing an environment of mutual respect and trust.

It is pleasing that the most positive comments our students make about their life at St Marys are about the quality of the student-teacher relationship. One of the unusual features of our school is the willingness of staff to be addressed by their first name. While you are still able to use traditional titles, what matters is not what we call each other, but how we meet our responsibilities to each other.

Students can expect that their teachers will provide an interesting, thorough, thoughtful and helpful presentation of their subject. Teachers can expect that students give their full attention and effort, complete all set work and take note of their professional advice and guidance.

As in any school students are expected to collaborate with staff to ensure the smooth functioning of the school and classrooms, make the school safe for everybody and meet the Department of Education and Training requirements.

School Dress Code
The school dress code and the wearing of it is a requirement of you accepting enrolment. The advantages for the student include:
·         Minimising the need for an extensive wardrobe.
·         Reducing the risk of intruders on school premises. Students are required to carry an identity card as a further security measure.
·         Providing a sense of belonging to the St Marys Senior HS community.
·         Minimising the risks related to Occupational Health & Safety.

Students are also required to purchase a white school polo shirt for special events and ceremonies. In cases of financial hardship, the school may provide some assistance in obtaining suitable school clothing.

Innovation and Change
St Marys Senior HS has a long standing tradition of innovation and change in education. Students accepted into the school can expect this to continue. Recent initiatives include:
·         Business executives mentoring students in local, national and international companies.
·         The Western Sydney Ningbo Province (China) educational partnership.
·         The UWS learning support and leadership partnerships.
·         Trained student tutors supplementing staff curriculum support in the Learning Centre.
·         Shared curriculum delivery between schools through the Connected Classrooms Project that
          utilise video-conferencing equipment.
·         Online learning support and opportunities for students to access resources from home through the Moodle open source platform.
·         SIMS Program for students - Student Individual Mapping System.

In return we expect our students to be willing to adapt to the innovative programs we have to offer to maximise their opportunities at SMSHS.

Department of Education and Training (DET) Policies
Students are required to follow DET policies and regulations. Two policies that need to be clarified in the adult learning environment relate to smoking and cars. At SMSHS:

- Students are not allowed to smoke at school, in the vicinity or travelling to and from school
- Student drivers must be registered with the Deputy Principal and are not permitted to carry passengers in connection with any school activities (including to/from school or during school time) without parental consent.

Use of “Free” Time…
There will be periods on your timetable when you do not have a timetabled class. These should be used as study periods, where you complete assessment tasks, homework, etc. The library, technology centre, learning centre and welfare area are all available to use throughout the day.

A program of learning support is available to students in their free time. The learning centre is staffed for the majority of the week and a timetable of staff and student tutor support is published regularly.

Your mentor can help get your study organised and support you in developing study techniques to maximise your study program. There is regular time set aside during your mentor periods for supervised study time. You should make full use of your weekly mentor time to maximise your learning opportunities.

Leaving Our Campus
During non-timetabled periods and lunch time students are able to leave the school grounds. You are however encouraged to use spare periods for completion of homework and assignments. Students who follow this strategy are usually more successful.

To Parents … Most schools usually do not permit students to leave the school premises during the school day. Parents and students should be aware that, because of our timetable and the nature of our student population, we operate differently. We do permit our students to leave the premises on those occasions when they are not engaged in school based activities. The school reserves the right to revoke this privilege if required.

To Students … You are required to be present for all timetabled classes, mentor periods, assemblies, cluster meetings, etc. If you have things to do you may leave the premises at other times. It is your responsibility to safeguard yourself and the school’s image while you are away and to return in time for the next class.

A Note to our New Students
Students coming to St Marys generally find more freedom than they have been used to at their previous school. Freedom to make decisions is necessary if you are to learn to make good decisions. But freedom always comes with responsibilities – to yourself, your family and your colleagues – and not everyone can handle this well at first.

After the first few times you have relaxed in the sunshine or gone for a stroll in your “free” period, you should think about whether this really is the best way to use that time. Remember, the Higher School Certificate is highly competitive and while you are relaxing, other students are gaining HSC marks and the opportunities they bring.

If you are not performing well, we will draw your attention to the fact, but you should learn to judge this for yourself and take steps to stay on track.

SMSHS has the structures and programs in place to help you become an independent learner. If you learn to work effectively in this setting you will be in the best possible position to be successful in our flexible and supportive tertiary environment.

The Teacher Mentor It is easy to feel “lost” in a new school, especially one as large as ours. We don’t want that to happen and we try to help students to settle in quickly and to be successful. In particular, we have a system of mentors, or advisers that are the core of our student support.

Start and Finish Times School starts at 8.20am and finishes at 3.20pm This may vary according for individual students according to their curriculum pattern. Some TAFE and VET courses may finish as late as 6.00pm.

Attendance and Coursework Full attendance and completion of coursework are essential. Mentors, student advisors and other staff monitor this closely throughout the year in order to be able to support students with problems at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Student – Teacher Relationship In fostering a positive relationship between staff and student the emphasis is on developing an environment of mutual respect and trust.