YEAR 8
Building Strong Connections
Clare Robertson
Head of Year 8
YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 9
Year 8 Success
In Assembly this week, we celebrated our Year 8 students' successes in achieving Principal’s Certificates and Cross Country Age Champion Awards. Our Year 8s have also achieved success in many other aspects of College life recently, including selection in sporting teams, participation in Opti-MINDS and chess tournaments, leadership at Open Evening, and great attendance. The list goes on, and I could write pages about their achievements, which makes me incredibly proud! All of these students have achieved success through the development of strong habits and a positive growth mindset.
Success is not just about winning medals; rather, it is the willingness of our students to put their hands up and get involved in activities that push them outside their comfort zone, improve their academic performance, develop their leadership skills, or enhance their health and wellbeing. While it may look different for each student, all of our Year 8s are capable of success.
I would also like to reiterate Ms Mander's message from Assembly about the importance of our students having a go and working hard to improve. In a society where nonchalance and low effort are unfortunately aspirational, I encourage our Year 8s to continue modelling effort, unlocking their highest potential, and striving for success. These qualities will set them up well for their senior years and beyond.
Congratulations, Year 8s!
Assessment
Year 8 students have a number of assessment pieces due in the coming weeks. Please consult the assessment planner emailed to students in Week 2 of this term. All Year 8 students will sit their Math exam in the HOB on Wednesday 17 June during Period 5. Students should be completing revision tasks and studying each evening in preparation for their assessments.
Looking Ahead…
The College Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday, 22 June (Week 10). This is a compulsory school day at Barlow Park, and I look forward to seeing the Year 8 participation and leadership throughout the event. Students are encouraged to dress up according to their House theme, which will be introduced at our House Assembly next Tuesday. Go the mighty Cahill house!
UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK 9
WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES
New E-Bike & E-Scooter Laws from 1 July 2026
If you ride an e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard or e-unicycle, important new Queensland laws come into effect from 1 July 2026.
Key changes include:
✅ New speed limits on footpaths and when passing pedestrians
✅ Increased penalties for unsafe riding
✅ Police powers to seize illegal devices used in public places
✅ Stricter requirements for legal e-bikes and personal mobility devices
✅ Continued focus on helmet use, mobile phone restrictions, and drink-riding laws
These changes are designed to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and all road users. Parents and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules before the school holidays.
📖 For full details and to check whether your device complies with the new laws, visit: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/
State of Origin Shirt Day
State of Origin Shirt Day is being held to celebrate State of Origin and raise money for the Cancer Council. Staff and students are invited to take part, and everyone is encouraged to get involved.
Those participating are required to bring a gold coin donation, which will be collected by Pastoral Mentors during Pastoral Group (in plastic envelopes in roll folders).
So grab a coin and:
- Wear a blue or maroon shirt with your sports uniform (SMCC uniform shorts/shoes/socks/hat)
- Follow all usual grooming expectations (hair, jewellery, etc.)
Students who do not meet these expectations will be required to change into their correct school uniform for the day: this may mean students are sent home to change.
General Expectations
- Clothing must be sun-safe and modest. Shirts must have sleeves and cover the midriff (e.g. no singlets or crop tops).
- Pyjama tops are not appropriate for school.
- Clothing with inappropriate slogans or images, or that mocks or demeans others, is not permitted.
- Students who choose to wear their school uniform must wear it correctly and in full. Mixing formal uniform with team colour items is not permitted.
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Download MyCE Mobile App and jump on board!
A new version of the MyCE Mobile App is arriving in June, with new features to make it easier to stay connected. We would love you to download and log in to the app as our Parent Portal is being retired on June 30, 2026. To avoid missing important updates, please update your app and turn on notifications.
KEY DATES
Please note that all key dates are listed in the College Calendar. This can be accessed via the MyCE Parent App and synced with your personal calendar.
| Event | Date | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics Carnival | Monday, 22 June | Term 2 |
COLLEGE WEBSITE - For the latest information and guidance relevant to both staff and families, please refer regularly to our St Mary's Catholic College Website.
Leah McBryde
Assistant Principal
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
