YEAR 9
Growing Together
St Mary's Catholic College
Libby Schuring
Head of Year 9
YEAR 9 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 6
Year 9 Community Day
We have sent the electronic permission slip for our upcoming Year 9 End-of-Year Community Day to all families. The event will take place on Friday 27 November (Week 8) and is a compulsory component of the Year 9 program at St Mary’s Catholic College.
The day will commence with the Christmas Liturgy at the College, followed by a trip to Yorkey’s Knob, where students will enjoy a day of reflection, connection and celebration of their achievements throughout the year.
Please complete the electronic permission slip as soon as possible so we can finalise arrangements and ensure students can participate in this important end-of-year event.
VPG Interviews
We are pleased to share that the VPG interviews held last week were a great success. Our students represented themselves and the College with pride and maturity, demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm as they explored future opportunities.
If you have any questions regarding work experience placements or career pathways, please contact Mrs Earl, our Careers Officer.
Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal
The Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal is now well underway! I spoke with our Year 9 cohort during Community this week and encouraged all students to contribute one or two items to support families in need this Christmas.
Every contribution makes a difference, and each basket of donated items will earn House points, contributing to the overall House tally. We encourage all students to get involved and help make a positive difference in our wider community.
End-of-Year Preparation – Library Resource Return
As part of our end-of-year procedures, students received library loan reports outlining the books and resources currently on loan.
Students are asked to check their reports and return all outstanding items to the library by the end of Week 7 (Friday 20 November). Replacement fees will apply for any items that cannot be located.
Year 9 Tie Ceremony - Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Careers
Work Experience Interviews and VPG Pathways
Congratulations to all students who recently completed their work experience interviews. They should be proud of the professionalism, preparation, and confidence they demonstrated throughout the process.
Make-up interviews for students who were unable to attend, and/or respective alternate arrangements, are currently being finalised. If you are unsure whether your child has attended an interview or has alternate arrangements in place, please contact me as soon as possible.
Please note that students must complete a VPG interview before they can progress in the program. If your child cannot attend an interview at school, they will need to attend an interview at the VPG office in Manunda.
If your child would like to revise their industry preferences, VPG is accepting changes until Wednesday 11 November.
VPG has advised that Physiotherapy has been an especially popular choice this year, with more students expressing interest than there are likely placements available. If your child would like to update their preferences in light of this information, or simply after having more time to consider their options, please feel free to contact me.
We are happy to support students in finding pathways that best match their interests, strengths and future goals.
VPG will return to the College towards the end of Term 1 next year to confirm individual work experience placements. In the meantime, students are asked to keep an eye on their school email account in case VPG needs to contact them regarding their applications.
White Card Training - Registrations Closing Soon
A reminder that registrations for White Card training close on Tuesday 10 November.
This qualification is required for students considering pathways in construction, engineering (where on-site work is involved), and related trades. It is also a valuable introductory qualification to add to their résumés.
Students will need a USI (Unique Student Identifier) to register, and payment must be completed before registration can be submitted through the parent InForm sent on 23 October.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this process. It has been wonderful to see students engage so positively with these opportunities, and the feedback from VPG has been extremely encouraging. I look forward to supporting our students as they continue exploring the many exciting pathway possibilities ahead.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ms Earl.
Leah Dewar
Assistant Principal
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
