Latest news
Inspiring students towards a future in STEM
A team of enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 students put their STEM skills to the test when they competed in the Science and Engineering Challenge on Tuesday 29 March.
Run by UTAS, the day sees students from across the state battle it out to solve a range of fun and engaging hands-on science and engineering challenges.
Activities on the day included building an earthquake proof tower, a Mars rover, bridges and turbines; designing communications using light, and problem solving how to efficiently power cities.
Although the students didn't come out on top on the day, they demonstrated exceptional skills in team work, communication and problem solving.
On behalf of the College, and their teachers, Dr Diana Nahodil and Clinton Jordan, we are very proud of their efforts.
Federal Court field trip
On Friday 1 April, the Legal Studies class visited the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at the Edward Braddon Commonwealth Law Courts Building on Davey Street in Hobart.
Our students were very fortunate to have been given a tour of key sections of the building including two Federal Court rooms. They also had the opportunity to present an argument before Judge Turnbull, and receive a unique insight into the role and experiences of a Federal Court judge.
A huge thank you to the Honourable Judge Turnbull and his Deputy Associate, Kate Barwick for such an invaluable learning experience.
Angela Deconinck
Secondary Teacher
SMC continues long-standing Relay for Life tradition
St Mary's College students proudly donned purple and put their best foot forward as they took part in the annual Cancer Council Relay For Life event last weekend.
Prefect Amelie Cox (Year 12) has provided the following report.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March, Year 11 and 12 students participated in Relay For Life, a continuous 20-hour relay to raise awareness and funds for cancer.
The money raised through this event is used to support cancer patients with expenses including wigs and transport for treatment, along with funding cancer research.
Approximately 50 SMC students took part, most of whom stayed overnight.
The day started off with the 'survivors and carers' lap, followed by team laps. It was a hard day of walking but the many people made light work. We also had time to reflect and celebrate, with great entertainment including live music and dancing courtesy of several local groups.
Overall, St Mary's College managed to raise $6,712 for the Cancer Council.
Thank you to Nicola Morgan (Year 12) for organising this event on behalf of the Year 12 cohort.
Amelie Cox (Year 12)
Feast of the Annunciation
On Friday 25 March the College celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. This special day in the Church's year celebrates God coming as one of us and inviting Mary to be a key part of it all.
As a College, we always celebrate Mass on this day, but this year, we needed to think creatively so that all students could take part while still following COVID-19 restrictions.
The day began with Liturgies in the College Chapel for Prep to Year 3. Then at midday, the Year 10-12 students gathered in the Cathedral for Mass which was livestreamed to the Year 7-9s assembled in the Nagle Centre. The Year 4-6 students also joined in the livestream from their classrooms.
All students across the College joined in with the responses and prayers and were even able to receive communion or a blessing when the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist came from the Cathedral to where they were gathered.
The students are to be commended for their engagement and participation in this beautiful Mass and, of course, it would not have been possible without Father Leonard Caldera.
Sharon Lawler
Director of Identity and Mission
Students sharpen tools—and and skills
From the start of Term 1, Year 8 Design and Technologies students have been carefully working on their first project—and the results are outstanding.
The project introduced the students to timber veneer and the many creative ways this sustainable resource can be used.
The students worked with a tray brief and adjusted the design as desired. With meticulous measuring, cutting and assembling, the pieces of veneer were fashioned into tray bases. Students then utilised timber to frame their bases.
Check out their finished products below!
Teresa Klimek
Design in Wood Teacher
Nano's light shines bright
A beautiful stained glass lantern has been unveiled in the College Chapel, symbolising shining light into the darkness and our founder, Nano Nagle's evening visits to the poor and needy of Cork, Ireland.
The lantern, which was generously gifted to the College by alumna, Mary Smith (class of 1951), was officially blessed at a ceremony on Monday 4 April, led by Archbishop Emeritus Adrian Doyle.
Work on the project began last year, with Hobart blacksmith, Ben Clark —the son of alumna, Jane Short (class of 1962) building the structure for the lantern, and local artisan Gavin Merrington creating the stained glass panels.
The four panels are hand painted with intricate images that feature Nano Nagle, the 'Nano heart', The Empress ship (on which the Presentation Sisters journeyed to Tasmania in 1866), and rays from the sun, which depict the ongoing influence of Nano and her mission and charism.
Nano's lantern has become a symbol for the Presentation Sisters, representing her kindness and God's love for the poor.
Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition, in particular, College Heritage Officer, Margaret Rootes.