As we approach the halfway mark of the term, we encourage families to review and discuss study routines with their student. Take the time to look back once again on the Semester 1 report, make some study commitments and be ready for assessments coming in towards the back half of this term.
On the theme of ‘nearly halfway’....some students will be getting due for a haircut. If students should choose to have a short haircut, please ensure that it is blended (no stark contrast in lengths). Please refer to our student expectations and scroll down to Personal Grooming for more details. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you require further clarification
Students have been emailed the process for our weekly sport program. This process has been causing some confusion for some students. Please take the time to read through this process with your child. If they require further assistance, please encourage them to talk to their Pastoral Mentor in the first instance.
The Ignite Conference is happening again this year during the September holidays! Ignite Conference is a national contemporary Catholic youth conference held annually in Brisbane. If you would like to learn more, please click here to view the information sheet and expression of interest form.

Regards,

Leah McBryde

Assistant Principal, Junior Years (7 - 9) | lmcbryde@cns.catholic.edu.au

Justin Brennan

Acting Assistant Principal, Senior Years (10 -12) | jbrennan2@cns.catholic.edu.au

Year 7

Congratulations to PG Group 7.8 for winning the first two house competition challenges. Murray is currently on top of the overall leaderboard. Can Cahill, Heavy and Hutchinson close the gap to the top during this week's challenge!
During SEL on Tuesday, students will be completing a well-being survey in the first half of the lesson which will allow them the opportunity to express how they feel about being a member of the St Mary’s community. The second half of the SEL lesson will be spent developing students' abilities to contribute positively to the success of a team.
Lastly, camp is only two weeks away! Excitement among the cohort is building. Now is a good time to ensure that all bedding, clothing and supply needs are ready to be packed in preparation for our departure on Wednesday the 16th of August.

Regards

Nathan Haydon

Head of Year 7

Year 8

Congratulations to PG 8.7 who took out the Inter-House challenge this week, your prizes will be delivered during community PG on Wednesday. Congratulations to Murray house who are currently in the lead.
Next week during SEL, students will be completing the College’s annual wellbeing survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide students with a voice regarding their personal views on a variety of topics around the College and will be used by the Pastoral team to shape our future processes.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in this years NAIDOC activities. It was fantastic to see so many staff and students in their NAIDOC shirts.

Regards

Andy Winter

Head of Year 8

This term Year 9s are participating in a range of PG challenges including Kahoots and sporting challenges. Congratulations to PG 9.4 and Mrs Prenderville on winning our first Kahoot challenge while earning House Points for Heavey!
Although Heavey has won the Kahoot challenge, Hutchy also earnt some points with PG 9.5 and Ms Brophy leading the way with merits and attendance! Sliding into the end of term, will Cahill and Murray be able to catch up?
This week during Community PG, we spoke about bullying and the negative impacts. I encourage students to continue speaking up about issues because communication between the College, students and parents are vital in preventing and addressing the issue.

Regards

Saripha Curro

Head of Year 9

A reminder that House uniforms are to be worn on Tuesdays for the remainder of Term 3.
I was very impressed to see 59 Head of Year Certificates on my desk when I returned from Retreat. What a fantastic way to start the new semester and further evidence of the hard work this cohort is becoming known for.
The last remaining SET plan meetings should be occurring this week whereby students will complete their initial subject selections for Year 11. There may still be some deliberations however final submission of selections is due by 3pm, Monday 21 August.
Below is the Inter-House results:

Regards

John Cahill

Head of Year 10

Well done to all Year 11s who engaged in the NAIDOC celebration activities and thank you to those who helped out, it is truly appreciated! What a great opportunity to show leadership skills!
Reminder that on Tuesdays, for Senior Sports, students are to wear their House shirts as they are taking part Inter-House competitions for the remainder of the term.
Next week during SEL, students will be completing the College’s Annual Wellbeing survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide students with a voice regarding their personal views on a variety of topics around the College and will be used by the Pastoral team to shape our future processes. They will then proceed to discuss and reflect upon the importance of showing kindness and empathy towards others. This will continue during SEL in week 9.
Congratulations to our Year 11 Head of Award recipients

Regards

Sophie McQueen

Head of Year 11

Last week we had a presentation from Mrs. Ambrose about QTAC - students should ensure they follow her instructions when using that website.
Community PG will be this Monday in the lecture theatre.
Tuesday Sport - we will be in the lecture theatre for a presentation by Jenny Cunsamy about preparing for the work force.
Information regarding the first three weeks of Term 4 and the External Exam schedule was emailed last week, please be sure to read that carefully and be aware of what will be happening next term.
Celebration dinner tickets must be paid for by Friday of Week 6. Parents are asked to please record their information on the registration form once tickets have been purchased. A link was supplied in the letter that was emailed in Week 3.

Regards

Lucy Fitzpatrick

Head of Year 12

lfitzpatri@cns.catholic.edu.au