TERM 2 WRAP - UP

And that's a wrap for Term 2, 2024. I hope your child/ren is embracing the holidays with both hands and taking the opportunity to sleep in and rest up ahead of another busy term at our College!

Before we embark on Term 3, I wanted to reflect on the past term, filled with opportunities that allowed our students to shine academically, athletically, and artistically. 

A special thank you to the students and families across the College who volunteered their time at the vast array of events we held in Term 2. Your contribution to our College community was greatly appreciated. 

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the teachers and staff who tirelessly supported our students' growth and development throughout the term; their guidance, care, and dedication were instrumental to the success we saw.  

TERM 2 REVIEW

Below is a review of the significant events and successes we saw as a College community in Term 2. We achieved some outstanding results, which I am personally very proud to share on behalf of our staff and students:       

College Awards and Recognitions

Throughout Term 2, various awards celebrated students' dedication and hard work. The prestigious Principal's Awards and College Medallions were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies and school life. Special recognition was also given to our First Nations Student leaders when they were presented with Nulung Kayn Kasi pins, acknowledging their leadership and cultural contributions to the College. 

Competitions and Achievements

Term 2 saw an extraordinary number of students excel in numerous competitions. A small selection is highlighted below:

• As a College, we achieved outstanding success at the Cairns Eisteddfod, with our remarkable choirs, ensembles, string orchestra, and individual performances taking home various awards and commendations.   
   
• Our Year 7 students showcased their mathematical prowess as they battled it out to take home the inaugural Times Tables competition! The Year 7 Dodgeball Tournament, coordinated by our Year 11 student mentors, was also a hit, which promoted house spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
   
• Our Junior Debating teams impressed judges at the interschool debating competition at Newman Catholic College, winning multiple heats with their eloquence and critical thinking.
   
• Outstanding success was also achieved by nineteen Year 10 Visual Arts students who received awards and commendations for their artwork submissions in the Australian Government REEFlection Task! 
   
• At the JCU Science and Engineering Interschool Challenge, we achieved first place in the Bridge Construction Challenge, a testament to the student's perseverance, technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
   
• We saw remarkable success with our Chess Teams this term, which dominated the A and B Divisions at the Interschool Chess Tournaments.  
   
• Our CISSA Teams also shone this term! We were crowned CISSA Champions for 2024 in Girls Touch Football, Girls Netball and Boys Soccer! 
   
• Many of our students were also individually honoured for personal sporting achievements throughout the term. From representing Peninsula at the Queensland School Championships to representing QLD at national events and even being called to represent Australia in global events! We are incredibly proud of every one of you!   

Term 2 College Events

Term 2 was enriched with various events that fostered community spirit and personal growth. Listed below is a sample of the key events held over the last ten weeks:  

• As a College community, we gathered alongside dignitaries and family members to take part in our poignant ANZAC Commemorative Service, where Lieutenant Colonel Jones, College Alumni Class of ’92, delivered a profoundly moving address.
   
• Ourinaugural Mother's Day Assembly was a fabulous occasion that filled the Hugh O'Brien Center! We celebrated the importance of all mothers and mother figures within our community and enjoyed a spectacular morning tea together.  
   
• Our students contributed to the community by volunteering at the 2024 Cairns Ironman and participating in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Our morning tea fundraiser raised $1,342.40 for the Queensland Cancer Council! 
   
• This year, Open Evening attracted a record number of attendees (over 950!), reflecting the growing interest in our vibrant school community.
   
• Students showcased their athletic prowess at the Athletics Carnival, held for the first time at Barlow Park, and by competing in our annual  Cross Country event. Our College grounds sparkled when we also hosted the TCS Cross Country Trials.  
   
• Our National Reconciliation Week assembly and interactive activities were rich in cultural exchange and learning opportunities, providing meaningful insights into the importance of reconciliation for our College community. 
   
• Year 9 St Vincent de Paul Formation Day activities deepened our students' understanding of social justice as they assisted in sorting donations from the Cairns community. 
   
• The RYDA Road Safety Education Workshop was very well received by our Year 11 students, which provided invaluable practical learning experiences that, one day, might just save a life!  
   
• Run Squad Training Camp assisted our athletes with preparing for the Cairns Marathon Festival. 
   
•  The St Mary’s Choir Camp strengthened our sense of community and school spirit. We also hosted a Primary School’s Music Camp Day and an Instrumental Music Showcase, celebrating students' musical talents.
   
• The thought-provoking workshop Pornography & Your Young Person, with Melinda Tankard Reist and Daniel Principe, provided valuable insights for our community and generated positive conversations among students and parents/carers. 
   
• Family Connect hosted a Family Bingo event,which was well attended and greatly enjoyed!

Staff Update

At the end of Term 2, we said farewell to four staff members: Ms Moor-Tolson, Mrs Virtue, Mr Wilkinson, and Mrs Gibney. We wish them all the very best for the next stage of their journey.  

Additionally, we wish Mrs O’Reilly and Mr Laudadio all the best as they head off on long service leave in Term 3.  Mr Chapman has taken up an opportunity at MacKillop Catholic College as Acting Deputy Principal, and we also wish him well.   

Final Word

Term 2 was a tapestry of achievements, learning, and community engagement. Each event and accomplishment contributed to the rich fabric of life at St Mary's Catholic College. As we look forward to the next term, we carry the lessons learned, the friendships strengthened, and the memories created. Thank you to everyone who made Term 2 a success.

God bless,

Kerry   

Kerry Manders I Principal

Phone: (07) 4044 4200

Email: smw.principal@cns.catholic.edu.au  

Website: www.smcc.qld.edu.au