YEAR 7
Starting Well
WELCOME TO ST MARY'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE!
In preparation for Week 1, please find below all the essential information required for Year 7 families to succeed in Week 1, Term 1, 2025:
SCHOOL COMMENCES WEDNESDAY, 29 JANUARY at 8:25 am
All students are expected to arrive at school no later than 8:25 am. Student supervision commences daily at 8:00 am; however, students are welcome to use the library from 7:30 am should they arrive at school before 8:00 am.
All new students to our College (including Year 7s) are to meet at the Hugh O'Brien Centre (HOB) at the start of the day.
Year 7 students are only required to bring the following items on Day 1:
Core subject books,* pencil case and pens, water bottle, hat, lunch or money to purchase food from the Tuckshop. *Core Subjects = Math, Science, English, Humanities and Religion.
Students are required to bring a lock for their locker; this can be a lock that requires either a code or key. If your child has a lock with a code - please take the time to help your child learn how to set the code and use the lock.
Day 1, Term 1, will conclude at 3:15 pm. Students can be collected from the College, walk to the Cairns Coconuts Resort bus stop, or make their way home using alternative arrangements.
The College Tuckshop will operate with a reduced menu in Week 1; the full menu will commence in Week 2.
Further Essential Details
WEEK 1 SCHEDULE FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS
Wednesday: College induction and on-campus activities
Thursday: On-campus activities + laptop collection
Friday: Pool Day! Students will attend the Woree Swimming Pool and participate in various team-building activities (AKA a super fun day at the pool!)
WEEK 1 UNIFORM
Wednesday: Formal Uniform
Thursday: Formal Uniform
Friday: House Uniform
LAPTOPS
HAVE YOU RETURNED YOUR CHILD'S LAPTOP HIRE AGREEMENT?
Your child can not be issued with a laptop until the signed agreement has been returned. Please complete the signed paperwork and return to College Reception
MOBILE PHONE POLICY
Mobile phones may only be accessed in the first ten minutes of each break at the student's locker. Phones are then locked away for the remainder of the school day. If students wish to purchase food from the Tuckshop, they must use either cash or their physical debit card.
WHO TO CONTACT IF YOU HAVE: PASTORAL-RELATED CONCERNS
1: Pastoral Group Mentor
2: Head of Year 7: Narelle Brooke nbrooke@cns.catholic.edu.au
3: Assistant Principal 7 to 9: Leah McBryde lmcbryde@cns.catholic.edu.au
4: Deputy Principal: Louise Shields lshields1@cns.catholic.edu.au
WHO TO CONTACT IF YOU HAVE: LEARNING-RELATED CONCERNS
1: Classroom Teacher
2: Head of Department: Please see the flyer below for details
3: Assistant Principal Learning: Janet Ross jross@cns.catholic.edu.au
4: Deputy Principal: Louise Shields lshields1@cns.catholic.edu.au
PLEASE MEET:
Ms Leah McBryde - Assistant Principal Junior Secondary
Welcome to St Mary's!
My name is Leah McBryde, and I am privileged to serve at St Mary's Catholic College as the Assistant Principal of Junior Secondary. Originally from Mackay, I have been part of the St Mary's community for the past five years, and during this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for fostering student growth and well-being. I am dedicated to supporting students' personal growth by encouraging them to embrace our College's Guiding Principles of Dignity, Empathy, Dialogue, Community, and Perseverance - so they can succeed socially, emotionally, and academically.
On a personal note, I have a love for travel, food, and sport. When I’m not at school, you’ll often find me running through the hills and trails of Far North Queensland, as I enjoy competing in ultra-marathons or spending time with family and friends.
It is my hope that the 2025 Year 7 students will grow into confident, compassionate, and capable young people who graduate in 2030 ready to make a positive difference in our world as leaders, thinkers, and innovators. I feel incredibly fortunate to share this journey with your family and look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child’s success.
Ms Leah McBryde
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
PLEASE MEET:
Mrs Narelle Brooke - Year 7 Head of Year
Greetings, Year 7 Families!
Welcome St Mary's Catholic College and to the beginning of your child's secondary schooling journey! My name is Narelle Brooke, and as the Head of Year 7, I wish you a warm welcome to the St Mary's community. I am honoured to lead your child into their high school experience. I look forward to seeing them settle into regular routines and develop their understanding of the ‘St Mary's Way’ over the coming term and throughout the year.
My teaching background is in Health and Physical Education, where I spent many years in primary schools, so I am well-versed in students' unique needs and challenges during this transition and change. Student wellbeing is one of the keys to success, and my teaching experience has provided insights into developing students' resilience, empathy, and perseverance so that they can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. It is my hope that this group will leave St Mary’s in 2030 as confident and capable people of action.
On a personal level, similar to Ms McBryde, I greatly enjoy travel, food, and sport. In my spare time, you will often find me on the sidelines of my son’s matches, spending time with family and friends, or in the garden.
I am grateful to be able to share this journey with your family, and cannot do it without your support. The Pastoral Group Mentors and I are here to address any questions or concerns about your child’s education and well-being. I welcome any contact and would love to hear about successes as well as challenges. If you have any, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.
Blessings for the week ahead,
Narelle Brooke
Head of Year 7
PLEASE MEET: Heads of Departments
