From the Deputy Principal

Cocurricular photographs

The Junior and Senior School cocurricular photographs will be taken next week (21–23 September) in the Nagle Centre. 

Cocurricular photography schedule

• Monday 21 September: Senior School (Formal and Sport) 
• Tuesday 22 September: Senior School and Junior School (Formal and Sport)
• Wednesday 23 September: Junior School (Sport Only)

Key details:

• Senior School students may need to arrive in their formal uniform on Monday and Tuesday, bringing their sports uniform to change into for scheduled photos. 

• Junior School formal photos and select sports photos will take place on Tuesday, followed by all remaining Junior School sports photos on Wednesday. 

   

Uniforms:

• All sports photographs: Students are to wear their tracksuit pants, sports polo top and sandshoes (casual shoes e.g., street/canvas shoes are not permitted). 
• All formal cocurricular photographs (e.g. Debating): Students are to wear the full formal uniform – College blazer, dress, skirt or trousers, sky blue blouse, stockings or fawn socks (knee length/ankle), hair ribbons, socks and brown school shoes.
• The normal requirements of polished shoes, minimal makeup, natural or French nail polish, no jewellery (other than plain studs or sleepers) apply on this day. Students are to wear their hair tied back with school-coloured ribbons. Junior School students are not permitted to wear make-up.

Reminder: Bus zone safety on Harrington Street 

To help ensure the safety and efficiency of student transport services, families are reminded that the bus zone on Harrington Street must remain clear of parked vehicles during designated bus times. 

Bus operators have advised that when vehicles park within the bus zone, particularly at the front of the area, buses are unable to pull forward as intended. This can create difficulties when multiple buses arrive, resulting in buses extending into the traffic lane and creating potential safety risks for students, drivers and other road users.

Traffic inspectors will be conducting regular monitoring of the area and may issue infringement notices to vehicles parked illegally in the bus zone.

We kindly ask all parents and carers to observe parking restrictions and avoid stopping or parking in designated bus zones. Your cooperation helps maintain a safe environment for everyone and ensures that bus services can operate smoothly and efficiently.

Attendance 

Daily attendance is a priority for all students. Attendance is not merely about being physically present, but coming to school prepared to engage in learning opportunities, being receptive to feedback and implementing recommended strategies to achieve academic growth, positive social connections and emotional wellbeing.

When a student is unable to attend school, parents/carers must advise the school by 9.00am. 

• Phone: The Student Services office (6108 2560), stating your child's name, year level and the reason for their absence.
• SMC Toolbox on the College website: Access Report an Absence (see screenshots below), clearly stating your child’s name and year level, your name, email address, date of student absence and the reason.

If a student is absent without notification, an SMS message will be sent to their parent and/or carer at approximately 10.00am. Parents and carers are required to respond to this message.

Please note that per CET’s Attendance Policy, there is a limited set of circumstances under the Education Act (2016) that are deemed excusable circumstances for not attending school, including sickness, physical and mental incapacity. A full list of reasons for authorised absences appears under the Education Act, specifically sections 19 and 36, and Ministerial Instruction No. 4 – Students Excused from Daily Attendance at School (under the Education Act 2016 (Tas).

Schools are required to record all absences and formally follow up on any absences with parents/carers. If a student is absent from school for non-excusable circumstances or if no communication is received from a parent and/or carer on the day of absence explaining the reason for a student’s absence, the absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.  

Catholic Education Tasmania has developed a series of infographics to support students and families. These resources outline the key benefits of consistent, daily attendance. Click through the images below to explore each infographic.

We recognise that students may experience challenges that impact their attendance. It is essential that parents and carers contact the student's Class Teacher (Junior School) or Pastoral Care Teacher, Year Level Coordinator or House Leader (Senior School) so we can work together to provide appropriate, ongoing education and support. 

Parents and carers play a vital role in fostering strong attendance habits. Suggested steps that may support your child's attendance include:

• Morning routines: Create a calm and consistent start to the day with positive energy and reliable structure
• Prioritise sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night 
• Open communication: Let us know about any challenges your child is facing
• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge attendance wins at home – whether it’s arriving on time or overcoming a tough morning. 

Wellbeing Week 

Last week, students and staff came together to celebrate Wellbeing Week, an initiative dedicated to promoting positive mental, physical and emotional health across our College community. Throughout the week, a range of engaging activities were offered, all centred on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware and Help Others. These experiences encouraged students and staff to strengthen their wellbeing, build positive relationships and develop healthy habits that support lifelong learning and personal growth. 

Highlights of our Wellbeing Week celebrations included: 

• Learning origami
• Mindful colouring-in and bracelet-beading
• Outdoor games and activities including a picnic on the College Green
• 'Just Dance' sessions
• A student–staff dodgeball competition 
• R U OK? Day-themed activities and cookies
• Glitter stall

Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to see more moments from Wellbeing Week at SMC. 

Year 12 Father's Day Breakfast

A special thank you to Murphy's Café for once again providing a delicious breakfast and the Community Relations team for their organisation of the Year 12 Father's Day Breakfast on Wednesday 9 September. Alongside the meal, guests enjoyed a quiz, a chocolate raffle and a paper plane flying contest. The competition was fierce, and there were plenty of laughs as everyone tried to launch their planes the furthest! 

Given our focus on Wellbeing, SchoolTV’s latest report about the importance of connection is timely. 

SchoolTV: Strong, supportive connections play an important role in a young person's mental health, wellbeing and development. Feeling connected to family, friends, school and community can provide children and adolescents with a sense of belonging, security and acceptance, helping them feel valued and supported as they grow.

 

As young people navigate friendships, increasing independence, social pressures and the digital world, maintaining meaningful connections can sometimes become more challenging. Positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging can help protect against loneliness and isolation, while building resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

 

This edition of SchoolTV explores the importance of connection and offers practical strategies to help strengthen relationships, foster belonging and ensure young people feel supported, understood and connected.

Here is the link to this topic: http://smc.tas.schooltv.me/newsletter/importance-connection-au