Latest news

Announcing our new Deputy Principal 

Today is an exciting day at St Mary's College! 

We are delighted to announce that Caroline Wilson-Haffenden will embark on a new role next year as our Deputy Principal.

Joining new College Principal, Damian Messer, Caroline brings 18 years of experience in girls’ schools and a passion for educating strong, brave and confident young people. 

Caroline’s teaching and learning journey began at St Virgil’s College, followed by Mackillop Catholic College, Mount Carmel College and most recently, St Mary’s College. 

Caroline is looking forward to developing a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity and excellence and so are we!

Congratulations, Caroline. We look forward to the 2022 school year and this exciting new chapter for the College community.  

Just Leadership Day

On Thursday 4 November a group of Year 9 students had the opportunity to attend the Caritas Just Leadership Day 2021. 

Around 50 students from Catholic colleges around Hobart gathered at Sacred Heart College for the event, which was facilitated by Catholic Education Tasmania and representatives from Catholic aid agencies including Caritas Australia, St Vincent de Paul and Catholic Mission. 

Our students were outstanding representatives on the day and learned a great deal about the practical ways they can support the agencies back at school through fundraising and awareness-raising events and activities. 

Belle Young

Youth Minister 

Empowering curious students to question our changing climate  

Year 10 students had their most pressing climate change questions answered through their involvement in a new program called Curious Climate Schools. 

The project, which is led by UTAS, encourages Tasmanian school students to pitch their questions about climate change and have them answered by climate experts. 

In Science and HASS, students have been looking at this pertinent issue, with a particular focus on the reasons for the enhanced greenhouse effect and consequences for our planet. 

Students asked our visiting guest 'climate expert', Professor Jan McDonald, a range of insightful questions such as: 

• Will humans adapt to climate change? will our genetics alter?
• What will be the first effects of climate change that we will notice in Tasmania?
• Are we seeing any changes in our attempts: Some countries have succeeded in rising the usage of renewable energy but is that making a difference, or do we need to do more?
• Do you believe that we, as the future leaders, are being heard enough? For example, are Scott Morrison or other politicians listening?
• Will the solutions for climate change do more damage than climate change itself?
• If we act fast enough can climate change be completely reversed?

Professor McDonald spoke to the students about her particular area of expertise in environmental law. 

The class was inspired to hear about what other young Australians are doing in the effort to change the laws surrounding climate change and the exciting potential changes to policies around new coal mines. 

Spaces for prayer, hope and healing 

Year 9 Life and Faith recently created prayer spaces in the College chapel as part of their unit on reconciliation titled 'hope and healing'.

The prayer spaces encouraged students to pause and be still for a few minutes and just 'be'. 

With each space exploring a different theme, students were invited to pray and reflect on different areas of their lives. 

Science innovation on display

Students in Years 7-9 recently conducted an independent research investigation in teams on a topic of their choice.

Well done to all students who chose to make a board to present their work in a creative way and enter it into our school-based competition. 

Years 5-6 students visited the Science labs to view the boards and were very excited about what is in store for them in the Senior School. 

 All students also voted on the 'Most Popular Choice Award'.

Forty boards were judged, with the prize winners to be awarded at their next assembly on 23 November. Some of the standout results are outlined below. 

Year 7 

First place – Gracie Pelham and Sophie Robertson: Battle of the Beverages. 

Second place – Evie Galea and Sophie Fidanza: Hair We Go.

Third place – Clare Wanandy and Alet Le Grange: Let's C Vitamins.

Year 8 

First place – Lillian Scott: Stick to the Rhythm. 

Second place – Sofia Lumb: Crystal Chemistry.

Third place – Maggie James, Nessy Cruz and Nala Cater: Too Much Salt. 

Year 9

First place – Grace Cox and Anna FracalossiL You Can Run but You Can't Hide.

Second place – Emma Grubb and Madeleine Grubb: Water You Drinking?

Third place – Olivia Walter and Kyra Mastrocola: What Are You Swimming In?

Most Popular Project Years 7–9

Maya Armstrong, Holly Ward and Bella Mihal (Year 9): Berry Full of DNA.

Most Creative Idea Years 7–9

Madison Mackey and Evie Christie-Johnston (Year 8): This is Gonna Be Sweet.

Year 4 welcomes fluffy—and spindly—new friends

Year 4 students were excited to welcome some feathery new members to the Junior School family this week, with the arrival of the College's very own baby chicks.

These adorable little balls of fluff hatched from fertilised eggs courtesy of Canteen Manager, Phil Shanny's farm and, with their enthusiastic chirps and peeps, are already making their presence known in the classroom. 

The addition of the chicks has provided a wonderful experience for our students as they learn firsthand about the life cycle of a chicken and watch the baby chicks grow right before their eyes! 

In more animal news, the Year 4 students have recently expanded their pet collection to include two new praying mantises, named Bluegum and Myrtle. 

The temporary guests are a fun way for children to learn about life cycles—and they make great study buddies too!