From the Director of Identity and Mission

Year 7 Retreats | An opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect 

The Year 7s spent their Retreat day last week exploring what it means to be a Presentation Person. Held at the New Town Rowing Club, students engaged with the Presentation Touchstones of hospitality, compassion and simplicity, and learned how these values can apply to their own lives.

Students reflected on the life of Nano Nagle and the story of the Good Samaritan to get a better understanding of what being a Presentation Person looks like. They then put this learning into practice by creating welcome postcards for new staff and students at the College, and by hand‑making felt pocket hearts to give to someone they know who could use a little extra love and support.

A highlight for the students was adding their name and handprint to their ‘Class of 2031’ banner, which they will continue to contribute to at each future Retreat until it is completed in Year 12 (2031).

The Year 7s are to be congratulated for their participation and enthusiasm on their Retreat day. Special thanks go to Mrs Fiona Chambers, Mrs Selma Murphy, Miss Lucy Ryan, Mrs Irene Knauseder and Miss Ellie Brown for their help on the day, as well as Leanne Prichard from Catholic Education Tasmania, who helped lead the day with me.

Presentation Sisters Legacy Art Project

In this 250th year of the Presentation Sisters, our College has been exploring a range of ways to connect more deeply with our Presentation history and charism. This term, across the Junior and Senior Schools, students have been learning more about St Mary’s own Presentation Sisters through the Presentation Sisters Legacy Art Project. 

Sisters who have had a connection with our College have been immortalised through paintings, sketches and sculptures created by our budding young artists. Through the leadership of Miss Emma Havard in the Senior School and Mrs Claire Wilson in the Junior School, students have been inspired by the dedication and devotion of so many of our Sisters throughout our 158-year history. 

The completed work will be on display around the College in Term 3, with a selection of pieces to be featured in a special exhibition to be held during Week 4 of Term 3.