Junior School News
Year 6 concert band hits all the right notes
Our day finished on a high note on Monday afternoon with a spectacular combined concert band performance in the Nagle Centre presented by Year 6 students from St Mary's College and Year 5–6 students from St Virgil's College.
After a full day of rehearsals and band workshops, the students performed the songs they had learned and practised together that very day – and they sounded fantastic!
Teachers, families and peers grooved along to the toe-tapping tunes, as our young musicians delivered a setlist featuring hits including Shark Attack, Tri and It's Raining Tacos before wrapping up with a crowd favourite, La Bamba.
Congratulations and well done to all students who shared their musical talents and thank you to our passionate Music Department and dedicated tutors for curating a thoroughly enjoyable event. Bravo, everyone!
Year 3 hosts' picture-perfect alumni event
On Monday, Mrs Claire Wilson's Year 3 Bottlebrush class welcomed a group of St Mary's College alumni back to the College for a delightful morning tea filled with scones, watercolour paints, cheerful chatter and plenty of laughter.
It was lovely to see many connections forming and new friendships beginning as our current and former students paired up to sketch and paint watercolour scenes of the convent, all while swapping stories and memories that spanned generations.
One of the highlights was a student-led parade showcasing school uniforms from years past, which brought back many fond memories and a touch of nostalgia for our visitors.
Psst! How smart do the Year 3s look in their historic hats and blazers?!
Our alumni guests included several current and past SMC teachers, family members, Meg Messer (Class of 2017), who was once taught by Mrs Wilson (herself an alumna of the College), and Meg’s mum, Josephine Messer, who works over the fence in the St Virgil's College Junior School.
We hope the bonds formed between these students and our alumni continue to grow for years to come.
Thank you to our alumni for generously sharing your time and memories with us. A special thanks to our Year 3 students for hosting the event, to the Year 3 Bottlebrush teaching team – Mrs Claire Wilson and Miss Catherine Vout – for their wonderful organisation, and to our Heritage Officer, Mrs Margaret Rootes, for her invaluable support.
Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption
On Friday 15 August, St Mary’s College came together to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an important day in the Church's calendar.
The Senior School marked the occasion with a Liturgy, while the Junior School gathered for a special Mass.
The Feast of the Assumption honours the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. This reflects the deep significance of her role in God's plan for the salvation of humanity.
For Catholics, the Assumption is a day filled with hope. It reminds us that, through Jesus, our lives do not end with death but continue in eternal life.
At St Mary's, this celebration holds special meaning. As a College named in honour of Mary, we take this opportunity to reflect on her example – her peace, faith, courage and love – and strive to live out those values in our own lives.
Hot off the Press from Year 6 Parliament!
It's been a whirlwind few weeks for our Year 6 parliament. The 'Interviewers', (aka our very own student reporters, Sophie Johns, Isla Brown, Miranda Dineley and Mia Wanandy), are on the case, bringing us all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes happenings in the fascinating world of SMC politics.
Opening of Parliament session
We took our seats, patiently awaiting the entrance of the executive branch and the Speaker (Sophie Veitch). The door swung open, and the Speaker was escorted by the Sergeant at Arms into the room of the Year 6 House of Representatives. The Deputy Opposition Leader (Giselle Knaj) began Parliament as she led prayer, and afterwards, the deputy prime minister (Madeline Palermo) led the Acknowledgement of Country. We all listened closely as the Prime Minister (Amelia Everard) and Opposition Leader (Isla Sharp) truly opened the opening Parliament session with an inspiring speech about the life and journey of Nano Nagle. The opening session of Parliament left us all with excitement and an open imagination of what is to come in Parliament.
Andrew Wilkie visit
One by one, we filled the room as we entered with excitement to meet Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark, who had seen success in the recent state election. The Interviewers arrived holding their clipboards close to their chest and took a seat at the front awaiting Andrew Wilkie. Soon, we saw a figure in the distance, coming closer to the milangkani room. It was Andrew Wilkie!
Mr Wilkie began by talking about Parliament and his stories there. The Interviewers asked many good questions, but these were, for sure, our favourites:
Q: What do you think makes a good leader?
A: "A good character who has good personality that will fight for your people and doesn’t lie."
Q: If you could change one thing about how Parliament works, what would it be?
A: "That every person, no matter their party, could decide on what they wanted to vote, instead of just having to follow with what their party says.”
We learnt a lot from Andrew Wilkie that day, and a true leader is he. We are glad that he made the time and effort to come and meet us that day.
Written by Sophie Johns, Isla Brown, Miranda Dineley and Mia Wanandy (Year 6)