Latest news

Girls in power! 

Late last term, six Year 9 students were selected to participate in a two-day Girls in Power program run jointly by Hydro Tasmania and TasNetworks with the support of the Tasmanian Government. 

This program was the first of its kind and provided those who attended with an opportunity to learn about careers for women in the power industry. 

The sessions included an engaging mix of guest speakers talking about their journey into the power generation industry, hands-on workshops designing power stations and exploring the circular economy. 

The group also enjoyed multiple tours of renewable energy generation sites at Cattle Hill Wind Farm, Meadowbank Hydro Power Station and the heritage site of the Waddamana Power Station. 

The girls thoroughly enjoyed this experience and have come away buzzing from the opportunities presented to them. 

Dr Diana Nahodil 

Praying for peace 

On Tuesday 18 October, Junior School students gathered during their morning line up to pray the rosary - joining one million children taking part in the worldwide initiative, which calls for peace and unity. 

In the Catholic tradition, the month of October is dedicated to praying the rosary, an important devotion that honors Mary while focusing on the events in the life of Jesus Christ.

After praying a decade of the rosary (one Our Father and 10 Hail Marys), students returned to their classrooms where they worked with their buddies to make their own rosary key chains. 

Afternoon tea for our graduating class 

Year 12 students were showered with love on Tuesday 18 October thanks to a special afternoon tea hosted by the Year 6 classes. 

The class of 2022 walked into the Year 6 classrooms to find a spread of yummy snacks and beautiful flowers awaiting them.

After an official welcome from the Year 6 leaders, the students gathered together for a picnic-style lunch with plenty of opportunities to catch up with the Year 12s before they officially graduate in just a week's time. 

Thank you to the Year 6 classes for your hospitality - the afternoon tea was such a lovely gesture and was enjoyed by all! 

Stop and smell the tulips

If you happen to be driving past the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery this week, be sure to pull over (safely, of course) to admire our Year 3 students' 'spring banner', which is hanging proudly outside the Dunn Place entrance of the building. 

With its vibrant colours and eye-catching tulip design, you will have a hard time missing it! 

Our banner features in a 'precinct street gallery' alongside work from 22 other schools across Tasmania. The display runs until Sunday 23 October. 

Piano power

Congratulations to pianist and SMC Prac Music Teacher, Michael Power, who will be showcasing his extraordinary talent in a concert to be held in Hobart this Friday. 

Michael will provide piano accompaniment to the all-female choir, and we wish him all the best for the evening! Bravo! 

Photo credit: The Mercury newspaper

Highlights from the end of Term 3

Year 6 camp

Toward the end of Term 3, both Year 6 classes attended camp at the Spring Beach Youth Camp in Orford. We arrived to a buzz of excitement and were quickly sorted into our cabins. 

Over the next two days we enjoyed a variety of activities including zip lining, a commando course, archery, team initiative and the challenge of building a catapult. In the evenings we had delicious dinners preceding a movie on day one and talent show on the second day. 

On our final day, following pack-up and breakfast, we headed to the beach for a sandcastle building competition. After that, we hopped back on the bus and headed to Richmond for a final play, as well as ice creams and lunch, before coming back home. 

Our Year 6 camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We made lots of fond memories. A big thank you to all the parents and teachers who made this possible. 

Year 6 Press Gallery 

Cara Watt, Jorgia Eyles, Lucy Breen and Violet Williams 

Addams Family musical a hit!

A big round of applause for the St Mary's College and St Virgil's College cast, crew, orchestra and production team on a terrific season of The Addams Family, the musical. 

The College is very proud of what you have all accomplished. The production was a great celebration of the arts and audience members were thoroughly entertained - and spooked!

View more photos on our website here. 

Fostering excellence in educational leadership 

It is with great pride that we congratulate Louise Bender, the College’s Director of Learning and Innovation, on being named a recipient of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Tasmania ‘Excellence in Educational Leadership Award’.

The award honours educational leaders who, in the view of their colleagues, have made a significant contribution to the understanding and practices for the teaching profession and educational leadership. 

Congratulations, Louise, on your well-deserved award! 

You can read more about Louise's significant contributions to education and the professional learning space on our website here. 

Staff Spirituality Day

On Friday 30 September, St Mary’s staff participated in their annual Staff Spirituality Day. 

This day, centered on the theme of hospitality, began with a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Staff focused on what hospitality looks like and then gained inspiration from a range of people who have welcoming hearts, such as Nano Nagle.  

We then broke up into workshops where we heard from the L’Arche Community, Calvary Hospital, Red Cross, Sr Majella Kelly, Marty Ogle and Leanne Prichard from Catholic Education Tasmania. 

Each representative presented a unique perspective on hospitality. 

We are incredibly grateful for their contributions to our day.  

In the afternoon, we explored ways we can be a more welcoming community and ended the day with a beautiful liturgy. 

Thanks to all the staff and presenters who helped to make our day a meaningful one.

Sharon Lawler

Director of Identity and Mission 

Question time in Year 6

Year 6 students put Ella Haddad MP under the spotlight recently - but it was all in the name of fun and learning!

The local Labor MP visited our Year 6s at the end of last term to introduce students to the world of politics and democracy, and explain how they, as the leaders of tomorrow, can influence change in their community.

Students were intrigued to learn about Ella's work in the political arena and raised a diverse range of issues when they had the chance to ask their own burning questions!

We thank Ella for being so giving of her valuable time and speaking to our students with such passion.