From the Deputy Principal

In the previous edition of The Fountain, I highlighted the importance of transition and the fact that periods of change are an inevitable part of growing up. Change can feel exciting and, at times, a little overwhelming, but every transition brings opportunity.

Recently, the College has been alive with change:

• Year 12 students have completed their schooling and await results, along with the Year 11 students.
• Year 10 students are finishing exams and preparing for senior subjects that will shape their future.
• Senior School Pastoral Care groups are being reshuffled, creating space for new friendships and resilience.
• In 2026, senior and junior students will experience new core classes, providing a chance to grow in confidence and discover new connections.
• We will also welcome kindergarten students, Year 7s from many schools and new faces across all year levels.

As parents and carers, you are the steady anchor in these seasons of change. Your calm confidence helps your daughters see transition as a possibility, not uncertainty.

Here are some ways to support them: 

• Celebrate change: Share your own stories of growth.
• Encourage reflection: Ask what excites them and what they’ve achieved.
• Champion flexibility: Embrace new subjects, teachers and peers.
• Highlight strengths: Qualities like perseverance and curiosity matter most.

Simple questions can spark resilience:

• “What excites you most about this next stage?”
• “What feels challenging, and how can we work through it together?”

Together, we can help our young people step into each new chapter with confidence and hope.

Upcoming events 

As we look forward to finalising units of work and celebrating the end of the academic year, there are still many exciting activities planned, including Year 5 and 6 Beach Days, Junior School End-of-Year Concerts, Year 8 Retreats, Year 9 Pillars experiences, the Year 8/9 Step-Up Day and Prize Giving. Please refer to relevant correspondence for details about these events. 

Key details about Senior Prize Giving:

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Senior School Prize Giving evening on Tuesday 16 December in the Tasman Room at Wrest Point. This is a very special evening for St Mary’s College, where we honour our prize winners, recognise student achievements and celebrate the school year. 

If, due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, your child is unable to attend Prize Giving, please notify the College Principal, Mr Damian Messer, via email to the Administrative Officer (Principal), Ms Megan Hunniford, at mhunniford@smc.tas.edu.au.

All Senior School students are required to arrive at Wrest Point by 6.30pm and sit in designated areas with their Pastoral Care Teachers. The formal uniform (without jumpers) must be worn in accordance with the College's Uniform Guidelines. If you need a refresher, please view the guidelines on our website here. 

Students involved in Drama or Music groups are expected to arrive by 6.00pm. 

Arrangements for Rehearsal Day | Tuesday 16 December

All Year 7 to 9 students are expected to attend school in their PE uniform. Students will be dismissed at 12.50pm to allow time to go home and prepare for the evening. Supervision will be available for those students catching buses after school. If this option is required for your child, please contact the Administration Officer, Mr Ryan Flack, at rflack@smc.tas.edu.au.

Please note that there will be no opportunity to purchase food or drink at Wrest Point. 

Valuables should not be brought to Wrest Point, as bags may be left unattended in the auditorium for part of the day. 

*The Year 9 students will complete the Soldiers Memorial Walk at Queen’s Domain and participate in activities at school. Further details will be communicated via the Consent2Go correspondence.