Identity and Outreach
Andrea O'Grady
Term 3 has been an incredible whirl of activity for Identity and Outreach. In Weeks 1 and 2 the Year 10 students attended a reflective retreat on the theme of “Who Am I?”. Taking time out of routine to consider the sort of person you wish to become (timely as we enter senior subject selection) and those who influence us is a gift that I am thankful for. I am grateful for the wonderful supportive staff who make this happen, and those who continue to work with the classes we have left at the College. The students had a great time at Genazzano Retreat Centre.
Mr Shirvington led staff and teams as we walked many laps of Barlow Park as part of Relay for Life. This activity finalised our Term 2 Outreach to the Cancer Council raising over $9000.
Catholic Education Week was celebrated as “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love” where Missio Dei, led by Helena Tutoe built connections with the Community Breakfast, Staff vs. Student Sport, Lip Synch Battles, crazy “Just Dance”, Catholic Education Week Mass at the Cathedral where the choir was outstanding and a Hawaiian themed free dress day. Money raised during this week of activities goes to Centacare Cairns.
Catholic Education Week went out with a “bang” as St Mary’s hosted the Docemus Awards for the Diocese. We are very proud to have the following nominees:
- Ms Leigh Baldwin – Secondary Teacher
- Ms Eloise Harnett – School Officer
- Mr Brent Van Dam – School Officer
- Mr Lee Slatcher – Early Careers Teacher
- Ms Alison Krause – Leadership
It was with joy that we celebrated Mr Brent Van Dam as he was awarded the Spirit of Catholic Education Award for Queensland and the Docemus Award for School Officer in the Diocese of Cairns.
NAIDOC Week followed with a flurry of activities, dancing and celebration. We saw 9 students graduate with QATSIF scholarships. An assembly highlighting the importance of Elders and sharing of knowledge and ways of being and doing through dance, story, weaving and painting. The Trivia night was a hotly contested event where great prizes where on offer.
Look out for St Mary’s Day – 15th August – on the Feast of the Assumption in Week 6. So much fun to be had as we celebrate our Identity and support our Outreach projects.
With faith, hope and love,
Andrea O'Grady
Assistant Principal Identity and Outreach