Whole-of-College Notices

Happiness & Gratitude

Happiness is a term that captures a huge variety of positive emotions such as humour, serenity, optimism, joy, pride, inspiration, love and hope. Happiness means different things, to different people and is essential to your understanding of emotional literacy.

Throughout history, philosophers, religious writers and poets have pondered on the meaning of happiness and how it might be achieved. In the last few decades, scientists and psychologists have researched this further by studying a field of science called positive psychology.

The result of this research suggests there is a strong correlation between gratitude and greater happiness. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus to positive memories or experiences, noticing the good in your life. Over time, this will re-wire your brain to create new neural pathways, increase your state of happiness and overall wellbeing.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and care-givers will learn the benefits of practising gratitude.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Explore the Happiness & Gratitude edition of SchoolTV:

Happiness & Gratitude – SchoolTV

More than a Trip. More than an Event. A Journey of Hope

World Youth Day Seoul 2027

Catholic Education – Diocese of Cairns and the Diocese of Cairns invite expressions of interest from young people aged 16–35, along with accompanying family members, to join thousands of pilgrims from around the world for an unforgettable experience of faith, friendship, culture and purpose.

World Youth Day (WYD) offers a unique opportunity to encounter the universal Church, discover your place within a global community and be inspired by a generation united by hope.

Through prayer, celebration and the shared experience of pilgrimage, participants can encounter new perspectives, create new friendships and reflect on what truly brings joy and purpose to the human heart.

At World Youth Day Seoul 2027, you could be part of a generation inspired by Christ’s message of hope, strengthened by community and encouraged to discover the courage to live and lead with faith, hope and love.

Participants can expect:

✈️ 11-Day Pilgrimage to South Korea

Depart Cairns: Friday, 30 July 2027

🏙️ Pre-WYD Journey: Visit significant sites across Seoul, Suwon and Jeonju

🌍 World Youth Day Activities: Experience WYD celebrations and activities from 3–7 August

✈️ Depart Seoul: Monday, 9 August 2027

Preliminary Cost: $6,500 per person

The estimated cost includes:

• International airfares and airport transfers in Seoul
• WYD registration
• Multi-share accommodation in 3–4-star hotels
• Breakfast and dinner during the pre-WYD journey
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during WYD activities (3–7 August)

This estimate is approximate and subject to change, depending on the final itinerary.

Expressions of Interest

For more information or to register your interest, please contact Andrea O’Grady on 4044 4200 or aogrady@cns.catholic.edu.au.

Reminder: Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Arrangements

The car park for the businesses opposite the College has become increasingly congested due to students being dropped off, picked up, and congregating in this area. This space must not be used as a school drop-off or pick-up location and students should not gather there before or after school.

These car parks are private business spaces and are required for their customers. Using these areas creates congestion, impacts local businesses, and raises safety concerns for students and motorists.

Parents and carers are asked to please make alternative arrangements with their child. Students should use the College Stop-Drop-Go zone or arrange to meet in a safe, approved location on a nearby side street.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain safe and respectful practices for our students, families and surrounding community.

What's New in MyCE?

We are pleased to advise that there is a range of new features and improvements now available in MyCE v2.0.1, making it even easier to use for families, schools, and administrators.

New Features for Parents and Carers - Available now!

• Access NAPLAN Reports - Related Persons with Portal Access can now view and download their student's NAPLAN reports directly from MyCE, providing convenient access to important student achievement information.
• Year-to-Date Attendance Reports - Related Persons with Portal Access can now view their student's Year-to-Date (YTD) attendance information, helping our families stay informed about attendance throughout the school year.
• Improved Timetable Experience - We've enhanced the timetable display to provide a cleaner, more user-friendly experience, making it easier for families to find the information you need.
• Calendar Improvements - All-day and multi-day events now display correctly on the MyCE home page, making it easier for families to stay connected to upcoming school activities and events.
• General Improvements - We've also delivered a range of quality-of-life enhancements, including:
• Better support for a wider range of absence scenarios
• Improved navigation and deep-linking throughout the app
• Faster and more reliable file processing

Lastly, please remember to turn on your notifications (Me Menu > User Settings > Enable push notifications) to ensure that you don't miss a news post!

KEY DATES 

Please note that all key dates are listed in the College Calendar. This can be accessed via the MyCE Mobile App and synced with your personal calendar.

COLLEGE WEBSITE - For the latest information and guidance relevant to both staff and families, please refer regularly to our St Mary's Catholic College Website.