Latest news

Mad about STEM: UTAS program engages bright minds

Always up for a challenge, three bright sparks in Year 5 jumped at the chance to attend the UTAS STEM School of Excellence recently for two days of hands-on learning. 

Junior School Extension students, Emma Clark, Annabel Hutchinson and Lucy Kearney participated in the program on Monday 4 July and Tuesday 5 July, which was a joint initiative of Brainways Education and the university. 

The STEM program was a great experience and something we will never forget. It was a challenge, but we enjoy a good challenge. We learnt about a lot of things including engines and antibiotics. We met new people and we would love to do it again in the future.   –Lucy and Emma

Thank you to Lucy and Emma for sharing your experience. What an amazing opportunity! 

Program sparks curiosity about world of artificial intelligence

On Wednesday 27 July, the College's Year 7-12 students participated in a day of creative, fun and hands-on activities as part of the 'Day of AI' artificial intelligence (AI) program. 

Topics covered everything from learning the basics of AI and computer science, through to design and creation exercises using AI. 

One task even involved collecting and processing data to build a challenging yet fun iteration of the infamous 'Rock Paper Scissors' game. Students were up against some tough competition and there were some nail-biting moments witnessed!

Students also gained an understanding of the benefits and potential risks of AI, and the many ways it applies to their lives. 

With little to no background in computer science and digital technologies required, the activities were accessible to students of all abilities. Well done to all involved! 

The Day of AI program is supported by the TDM Foundation, CS in Schools, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and Teach for Australia. Learn more via the website here.

First Nations signage unveiled 

If you visited the Junior School this week, you may have noticed some new eye-catching signs on display in and around our buildings.  

We are pleased to now have on display our fabulous new First Nations name plaques, which were installed at the entrance of each classroom in the Junior School during the school holidays. 

The new signage, which was created in celebration of our College's connection to our First Nations people, displays the palawa kani names of native Tasmanian animals and plants. 

Each class has been assigned a different name to identify with, presenting the opportunity for students to engage in activities that promote creativity, storytelling and meaningful conversations around our collective culture, heritage and history. 

End of Term 2 highlights

Creativity in full bloom 

In Term 2, Year 3 students received the special opportunity to create a Spring-themed banner as part of a competition run by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. 

Students from both classes contributed to the painting, which depicted a beautiful and brightly coloured tulip scene inspired by 'the tulip festival at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens'. 

To turn their creative concepts into artwork, the students worked with their class teachers to brainstorm ideas. They discussed what spring means to them and decided on the colours and details that would work best for the medium. 

Keep an eye out for the banner, which will be displayed outside the TMAG building in Term 3. Congratulations Year 3 Gumnuts and Bottlebrush! 

Year 8 Science | Getting to the heart of the matter 

Year 8 Science students have been busy studying the different bodily systems and were very excited to spend some time at the end of last term dissecting sheep hearts. 

The budding scientists learnt how to identify the parts of the heart and got a close-up look at the tissues and muscular structure of the heart, as well as the blood vessels, including the aorta and pulmonary arteries. 

Well done to all students for completing their dissection and braving the hands-on experience! 

Year 12 Retreat | A time to reflect

Year 12 students recently took a step back from the demands of everyday life to participate in their overnight retreat at Blue Lagoon, Dodges Ferry. 

The annual event provides an opportunity for our Year 12s to gather in the final year of their schooling to reflect on the experiences they have shared together throughout their time at St Mary's College. It is also a time of deepening friendships and delighting in the company of one another.

Guided by this year's retreat theme, 'People of the Lantern', the students reflected on their values and character strengths and how these shape who they are as Presentation people. 

They exchanged memories of their years at St Mary's and wrote a letter to a person who has supported them along their life journey. 

The students also thought about the legacy they want to leave the College and explored the symbol of the lantern as it relates to their lives and their futures. 

While we were at Blue Lagoon, the group took advantage of the wonderful onsite facilities, including the indoor rock climbing wall, camp fire and, of course, the amazing view. 

Sharon Lawler

Director Identity and Mission 

Happy campers discover brand-new heights 

Our Year 7 students embraced the wonders of the great outdoors during their recent Pillars program camp at Orana, Roches Beach.

Highlights of the camp included a sand castle-building competition, a beautiful walk from 

Roches Beach to Seven Mile Beach—where students encountered various marine life, tree climbing with a low and high ropes course, and rock climbing. 

Students forged new and deeper friendships and tested their communications skills as they pushed themselves outside of their comfort zones and completed a range of problem-solving tasks.

It was great to see our Year 7s giving new adventures a go. Great job, everyone! 

NAIDOC Week 2022

Activities were held across the College during the last week of Term 2 to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Our NAIDOC Week celebrations included a special luncheon for our First Nations students and their families, along with lovely student artwork and the opportunity for students to sample a cup of lilly pilly cordial and iced wattle seed caramel latte from Murphy's Café. Yum!

Students also enjoyed learning about this year’s theme for NAIDOC week, 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!'

A special thank you to our First Nations students, and to teacher, Catherine Sandric, for your wonderful contribution to NAIDOC Week. More photos are shared on our website gallery here.

Bush tucker garden a real treat

How lucky are we here at St Mary's to have our own bush tucker garden growing on our very doorstep! 

The garden is an initiative of College Sustainability Officer, Phil Shanny and the Junior School, and the fantastic work behind its growing success has now made national news, with ABC News recently covering the story on Friday 8 July. Click this link to read the article. 

An abundance of love and care goes into managing the garden and growing the veggies which will eventually make the journey from garden to plate in Murphy's Cafe over the coming months. Well done to Phil and our junior green thumbs!