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A memorable farewell for our Year 12s 

The Year 12 Class of 2024 received a grand send-off last week, starting with a special Graduation Mass on Thursday 31 October, followed by their Belling Out on Friday 1 November. 

To celebrate their final week of classes, the students enjoyed a lunchtime ‘slip and slide’ on the College Green, a party hosted by the Year 11 students and dressed in different themes each day. The week culminated in a fun and entertaining Leavers’ Assembly, where they led the Senior School in celebration.

Graduation Mass | Thursday 31 October

Thursday was a night to remember as our community gathered at the Cathedral to honour our Year 12 students with a beautiful and moving Mass.

During Father Pereira’s homily and Principal Mr Damian Messer’s address, students were reminded to be compassionate, kind and courageous in the face of adversity, to stay true to themselves, and to honour the legacy they leave behind at the College.

Each graduate received a certificate, a graduation ring and a candle, symbolising the light of Christ and the flame of Nano Nagle’s lantern guiding their future path. In the darkness of the Cathedral, lit only by candlelight, staff sang The Blessing Song to the Year 12 cohort.

Following the Mass and Ceremony, guests moved to the Mary Morgan Wing to enjoy supper and the graduation cake. The Year 12s were also presented with a keyring from our Alumni Association to welcome them into the fold. 

Thank you to all those who attended the Year 12 Graduation, including our families, staff, members of the Board and Alumni Association, Presentation Sisters and past principals of the College.

Year 12 Belling Out | Friday 1 November

Cheers and applause echoed throughout the grounds last Friday afternoon as our Year 12 students walked through a guard of honour, taking their final steps as students at St Mary's College.

Our bittersweet Belling Out tradition marked the end of an era and the start of a bright new adventure for our Year 12s. 

As the convent bell tolled in the background, the students –dressed in Disney-inspired costumes – closed the chapter on their time at SMC, sharing hugs and emotional goodbyes with the community that has supported them for the past 14 years.

Find more photos from the Belling Out on the College website here. 

The College wishes the Year 12s all the best on their journey ahead and good luck with the upcoming exams. We are excited to see how each of you will contribute to our legacy and make your mark on the world.

Students turn a new leaf

Every year, on their last day of school, our Year 12 graduates plant a tree at the College, symbolising their lasting legacy and growth.

This year's pear tree will be a flourishing reminder of the strong foundations SMC has provided the Class of 2024, the connections the students have forged and the opportunities that await them. 

We hope that as our amazing graduates branch out into the world, they will always return to their roots to guide the next generation of St Mary’s College students.

Many thanks to Murphy’s Café Manager, Mr Phil Shanny for making this special tradition possible. 

Caritas Australia | Just Leadership Day 

Our students are brimming with big ideas and even bigger ambitions to drive change in their community.

A group of fabulous Year 5s recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Caritas Australia Just Leadership Day. This event engages students with social justice issues and encourages them to be 'just' leaders in their schools and communities, promoting both local and global change.

Well done to these young change-makers for their commitment to making a difference and serving as inspiring role models for their peers!

Elder keeps students engaged through culture 

Last week, the First Nations students had the opportunity to meet Aunty Dawn Blazely. It was a truly inspirational experience hearing about Aunty Dawn's life and what made her the person she is today. 

Aunty Dawn shared how family is important to her and motivated us all to create our own family trees. Each student sketched a tree from the SMC front lawn, including hearts on the branches to represent each special person in their life. 

This was not only a special activity but also a powerful and impactful moment in time with an Elder. We were all reminded of the importance of listening to our Elders and the unique wisdom they have to share. 

Bellah Parker

Learning Support Officer (First Nations)

Millie the masterpiece 

Millie, our beloved school therapy dog, is continuing to capture hearts and inspire creativity wherever she goes. Not only is she a comforting presence here at SMC, but she’s also become an artist’s muse! 

Recently, Millie, who works in her spare time as a Dulux Australia mascot, had her portrait painted as part of a nationwide Dulux promotional event, giving a new meaning to a ‘fresh lick of paint.’

Last week, we were delighted to meet the talented local artist – Bunnings Warehouse Australia Glenorchy Future Leader – Nushani, and receive the beautiful artwork, which has been generously donated to the College by Dulux, in conjunction with Bunnings.

The artist has done a fantastic job capturing Millie’s love of the outdoors, bringing across her gentle, friendly and faithful nature with just a few brushstrokes. You can see more of Nushani’s pet portraits on Facebook here.

The College extends a big thank you to Nushani, Bunnings and Dulux for adding an extra splash of colour to our school. 

Year 6 parliament proposal strikes a chord 

After learning about Australia's government and law-making processes, our Year 6 Parliament proposed and debated a bill to change the bell music, which is played at the end of recess and lunchtime. 

Some Year 6 students debated the reasons for keeping the classical music, while others presented compelling reasons to switch to more modern music. 

The parliament voted in favour of the bill proposal, which was then sent to the College Principal, Mr Messer, and the SMC Leadership Team for the final stamp of approval. 

After the bill was passed, the Class Ministers conducted a poll for Junior School students to vote on a selection of songs to be played at bell times. The chosen songs then became the new bell music. 

Year 6 Parliament has been great fun and an important learning experience that we will always remember. We hope everyone is enjoying the new bell music! 

Annabel Barnard and Nina Canning 

Year 6 Press Gallery