Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Well, that's a wrap for the 2023 School Year, what an adventure it's been! 

Before we sign off for the year, I would like to share a number of final, important announcements.

Announcements:  

• We are pleased to share that student reports for Semester 2 are now accessible via the Parent Portal. I encourage you to allocate time to review your child's report and discuss the outcomes together, celebrating their achievements and setting goals for the future.
   
• Many parents and carers have been asking to see the professional photos that were taken at this years Presentation Evening. These have recently been returned from our photographer, and we are thrilled to share them with you all! 
  We are pleased to share two image collections from the evening, which can be accessed via these links: 
  2023 Presentation Evening_Collection 1
  2023 Presentation Evening_Collection 2 
  (Images from Graduation Mass will be emailed directly to parents and carers of Year 12 students on Monday.  
   
• The 2023 Unison will be distributed in January, with Year 12 students (2023) receiving theirs via the post. The timing change for distribution allows us to include memorable events from Weeks 7, 8, and 9 such as the Presentation Evening, Graduation Mass, Sports Award Assembly, Year 9 Tie Ceremony, and Pastoral Days. I am positive you will enjoy flicking through the pages just as much as I will! 
   
• In other exciting news, we are thrilled to announce that in 2024 we will be performing a whole school musical,  'Annie Jr.' We eagerly anticipate the joy and creativity this production will bring to our school community. For students who are interested in performing, they must register ASAP, please CLICK HERE to access the registration form. 
   
• Finally, we would like to remind families that the 2024 academic school year is only 54 sleeps away! We encourage students to embrace positive opportunities that present over the break, however, please remember that on Day 1 of Term 1, 2024, all students are expected to present, at school, adhering to the 2024 Uniform Policy 
  As I've previously communicated, in 2024, jewellery is to be discreet and all visible piercings, other than one small silver or gold sleeper/stud in each earlobe, must be removed. From 2024, rings and bracelets will not form part of the College uniform, so please remind your children to remove additional jewellery. 
   
• For reference, the update to the uniform policy was made in consultation with the College Board and College Senior Leadership Team. By outlining the precise uniform guidelines, we aim to ensure consistency across our entire St Mary's Catholic College Community, reflecting our commitment to delivering a conducive learning environment where every student feels equal.
   
• When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’, and this year there is a 76% chance of less cyclones than average. 
  St Mary’s Catholic College is currently undertaking steps to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season, including ensuring contacts are up to date and accurate, to assist in communications in the event of a severe weather event. Please contact College reception to update your contact details if required. 
  
  Whilst these events can always be distressing, as Queenslanders we always show  strong resilience and community spirit. If our school is affected by a cyclone, storm surge or other event, we will keep you apprised of the school’s situation through SMS and email, in line with state and local emergency advice. We can’t control or prevent these events, but we can be prepared. 
  
  We recommend that every family gets prepared following the 
  Get Ready Queensland initiative, and create a Dangerous Weather Emergency Plan. 

Final Word: 

I would like to convey my sincere appreciation for the remarkable year I have personally experienced here at St Mary’s Catholic College. As I conclude my inaugural year as College Principal, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the invaluable support you have provided. The collaboration between our College Leadership Team, teachers, and every parent and carer has played a pivotal role in creating the nurturing and enriching environment we have here at St Mary's. So, thank you, to each and every parent and carer within our beautiful College community!  

This year has presented its share of challenges, particularly with the changes we've seen in leadership, that we have navigated together. Your understanding and collaboration during this time has been invaluable, and I appreciate your resilience and commitment to our College community. Ahead of the 2024 school year, I look forward to sharing some exciting news regarding permanent appointments that are to be made within the College Leadership team during the break, please stay tuned for this announcement! 

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage every member of our College community to embrace the spirit of kindness this festive season. Let us extend compassion, understanding, and goodwill to one another, fostering a sense of unity for all.

Over the Christmas period, I encourage you to share Christ's simple message of love for your neighbour, extend forgiveness to others, offer peace, and embrace a spirit filled with hope. These gifts carry far greater impact when manifested in our actions than any material offering. I implore you to request from your family and friends this year the gifts of love, peace, joy, and hope. 

May you receive all the blessings of Christ this Christmas! Embrace the joy found in family and cherished friendships, and may you find the faith, hope, and love necessary to make a positive difference in the world this Christmas. 

God bless,

Kerry

Ms. Kerry Manders

Principal

smw.principal@cns.catholic.edu