Student leaders get a GRIP

The College's Junior School leaders attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference on Wednesday 16 March, where they had a fantastic time learning and networking with other student leaders from schools around Hobart.

The interactive program covered a wide range of topics on leadership that challenged students to 'step up' the way they serve others; take initiative; exemplify school values and set a purpose.

Students learnt about practical ways to lead with integrity, as well as how to respond to constructive criticism and work successfully as a team to achieve shared goals.

The leaders returned to school filled with enthusiasm and a newfound motivation to implement what they had learnt.

Patricia Mehl

Year 6 Class Teacher

Standing with Ukraine

A group of Senior School students deeply saddened by the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia and concerned for the welfare of family and friends overseas approached their teacher, Catherine Sandric to discuss ways they could show solidarity with, and support for, the people of Ukraine.

One outcome of these discussions was the creation of a 'prayer space' for the College Chapel, where students could visit and write messages or prayers for peace during HaSS and Life and Faith classes.

'While making the prayer space, the students couldn't help but ask, "what more can we do?", Catherine said.

'Through Facebook, I messaged the Hobart Ukraine Community to convey the genuine and heartfelt support the students had expressed for the people of Ukraine,' she said.

Catherine was then invited to talk with members of Hobart's Ukraine community at the Hobart Town Hall during their stand for peace (all members of the general public are invited to join them during the week from 12.30pm to 1.30pm).

'After meeting with and listening to the group's stories of desperation and fear, I asked what we, as a College, could do to help, and making peace banners was suggested,' Catherine said.

Over the past two weeks students have been gathering in the reflection garden, making banners for peace to be used in the peace rallies.

On Saturday 19 March, the group took their finished banners and messages to the rally at Parliament Lawns, which was held on Saturday 19 March.

'The community was so grateful and appreciative of our small gestures of solidarity,' Catherine said.

'They ask me to speak about what our students had been doing and read out their messages. I concluded with a prayer from our Celtic tradition.'

If you would like to support the people of Ukraine directly, you can donate to the Caritas appeal online here.

A Gaelic Blessing

Deep peace of the flowing air to you

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the gentle night to you.

Moon and stars pour your healing light on you...

Deep peace to you.

John O’Donoghue

Catherine Sandric

Secondary Teacher

Millie, the teacher's pet...

Year 2 Wombats were overjoyed to welcome Millie, the College's therapy-dog-in-training, into their classroom for a visit last week.

Accompanied by her trainer, and College staff member, Heather Collet, the six-month-old pup lapped up the extra attention and enjoyed receiving many pats and cuddles.

The class learnt about Millie's current training program, her recent assessments and the special harness and high-vis vest she wears that signify that she is a 'learner' dog.

This special uniform puts Millie in a frame of mind for work. Millie knows that when she has her vest on, she must behave and be very quiet and settled.

The vest also notifies the public that Millie has a job that needs to be done, and she needs her focus to be towards her handler. This means that people should always ask if they can pat her before doing so.

Our students are looking forward to seeing Millie around the College on a more regular and structured basis once she completes her therapy dog training and achieves her full accreditation by the time she is 18 months old. Watch this space for more updates!

Millie has approached her studies with diligence, and is proving to be a clever canine! Her calm, friendly and affectionate nature will help her succeed in her future role.

Millie is also well-trained in basic obedience, and is easily adaptable to novel noises, places, smells and equipment, making her the perfect fit for a school therapy dog.

Livinia Sproule 2022 Memorial Round

To honour the memory of Livinia Sproule (class of 2019), and to celebrate the kind, loving and courageous young woman she was, the Tasmanian Hockey Centre will be hosting the Liv Sproule Memorial Round on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March in her much-loved sport, hockey.

On the hockey field, Livinia was a dedicated athlete who represented Tasmania with determination and a keen competitiveness.

All members of our College community are welcome to attend this special round, which will be raising much-needed funds for Rare Cancers Australia.

These funds contribute towards community education, research, patient support and treatment. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by clicking here and donating via Rare Cancers Australia.

Liv is dearly loved by her SMC family and holds a special place in our school and our hearts. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

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