From the Acting Director of Teaching and Learning K–12

Celebrating creativity and legacy through the arts 

A vibrant arts program is one of the most powerful gifts a school can offer its students. Creative learning doesn’t just build technical skill; it nurtures confidence, curiosity, problem‑solving and the ability to see the world through multiple lenses. At St Mary’s College, the arts have always been an important part of our academic programs, and this year, that commitment shines even more brightly as we honour the 250‑year legacy of the Presentation Sisters and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for the creative life of our College. 

Across the Junior and Senior Schools, students have been immersed in projects that celebrate the remarkable women who shaped our community. Every Junior School class is contributing to our upcoming exhibition, each focusing on a different Presentation Sister. Their artworks, which will be displayed in classrooms, windows and shared spaces, reflect the spirit, courage and compassion of these extraordinary women. 

In Year 6, students have been working in the senior art studios to create ceramic Celtic crosses inspired by Sister Xavier Murphy, pictured below. Sister Xavier is one of the founding sisters whose story continues to inspire our College today. 

In the Senior School, eight selected students from Years 10–12 have been commissioned to create portrait works for the exhibition. Next week, they will meet with the Sisters over morning tea, gaining personal insights that will inform and enrich their artistic responses. This intergenerational exchange is a beautiful reminder of how art connects people, stories and time. 

This celebration of creativity also aligns with the proposed development of our Presentation Arts Precinct. This state‑of‑the‑art visual arts facility, named in honour of the Presentation Sisters, will elevate our arts program and provide students with inspiring, purpose‑built spaces to explore and extend their creative potential. Families can learn more about the project and ways to support it through the College’s Presentation Arts Precinct Fundraising Campaign. 

We warmly invite all families to join us for the official exhibition opening on Wednesday 19 August from 6.00pm. This event will showcase the artistic talents of our students while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the Presentation Sisters. A legacy of service, education and creativity that continues to shape the heart of St Mary’s College. More details will be shared with families closer to the date.