The Fountain

From the Principal

Damian Messer

International Women's Day celebrations 

To celebrate International Women's Day on Friday 8 March, the students held an assembly showcasing the amazing work carried out by Joanne McClennan from Annie Kenney Young Women's Emergency Accommodation Service—the Prefects' chosen charity for 2024. Joanne shared how the donations from St Mary's College will be used to support young women and children facing hardship in the community. 

Deputy Head Prefects, Grace Cox and Mykala Mastrocola 'On the Couch' with Joanna McClennan from Annie Kenney Young Women's Emergency Accommodation Service.
Deputy Head Prefects, Grace Cox and Mykala Mastrocola 'On the Couch' with Joanna McClennan from Annie Kenney Young Women's Emergency Accommodation Service.

Year 11 and 12 International Women's Day Breakfast

This morning, the Year 11 and 12 students enjoyed breakfast with St Mary's College alumna, Honor Marino (class of 2003) and senior teaching staff to celebrate International Women's Day. 

 

Honor has extensive experience in the field of engagement strategies, having worked on the mainland and overseas in London. Now based in Hobart, Honor runs her own engagement and audio production business. 

 

The students were fortunate to hear Honor speak about her career journey to date, the challenges she has faced and how she forged a new path to career happiness and fulfilment. 

NAPLAN 2024

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) has commenced today for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The program provides comparable data about student performance in literacy and numeracy, nationally. It is crucial to note that NAPLAN tests are just one aspect of our school's assessment and reporting process, and the results can be used to help with the learning plans of our students. 

 

NAPLAN can be a difficult time for some students and the testing process can cause anxiety. The best way to prepare our students is to continue with a good routine at home, to ensure they are well rested and well nourished. 

 

Results for NAPLAN will be made available later in the year. 

Key dates: Easter and end-of-term dates

Please be reminded that the College will be closed for the Easter break from Friday 29 March to Tuesday 2 April. This year, Easter falls during Term 1 2024. Please find the key dates below for your diaries. 

 

Thursday 28 March: Year 7-12 Moderation Day (normal school day for Kinder-Year 6). 

Friday 29 March: Public Holiday – Good Friday (College is closed) 

Sunday 31 March: Easter Sunday

Monday 1 April: Public Holiday – Easter Monday (College is closed)

Tuesday 2 April: Public Holiday – Easter Tuesday (College is closed). 

 

Students and staff will return to school on Wednesday 3 April. Term 1 concludes for all students on Friday 12 April. 

Congratulations and well done! 

  • Congratulations to the students who took part in the Tasmanian All Schools Rowing Championships last weekend at Lake Barrington. We wish the students the very best at the 2024 Head of the River Championships this weekend—the pinnacle event on the rowing calendar. 
  • Congratulations to the Senior School students who participated in the SSATIS Athletics Carnival at the Domain yesterday and will go on to compete in the Year 7-12 SATIS Carnival next Friday 22 March. 

Expressions of interest | College Advisory Council 

The St Mary’s College Advisory Council, and its Sub Committees, is currently looking for expressions of interest.

  • Are you passionate about St Mary’s College providing a quality education, enriching after-school programs and fostering a safe and inclusive environment? 
  • Do you want a direct impact on your child's experience?
  • Do you have valuable skills and experience to share? (e.g., in the area of finance, fundraising, marketing or legal)? 

We're seeking dedicated parents and carers to join our Advisory Council. As a member, you will: 

  • help guide the strategic direction of the College
  • advocate for our students and their families 
  • contribute your expertise and fresh perspectives, and
  • be part of a collaborative and rewarding team.

Meetings are held on a monthly basis on Tuesday evenings from 4.30pm until approximately 6.00pm (eight meetings per year). 

 

Sub Commitees are: 

  • Publicity and Promotions
  • Education Development
  • Charism and Spirituality 
  • Finance 

We value diversity on our Advisory Council and welcome applications from all interested parents/carers. 

 

Learn more and apply: