From the Principal
As always, the pace of College life is certainly maintained with a number of significant events taking place and coming up. As we take a snapshot of the past week, it is quite extraordinary to think how busy life, and school, can get.
We began last week by welcoming 500 visitors to our Presentation Families Father’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 31 August; it was great to see our families coming together and the pride with which the students showed off the school to their parents.
We followed that up with the Tasmanian Philosothon that evening - an opportunity for our senior students to join together with students from a number of high schools across Hobart to discuss elements of the future.
Thursday evening saw all our Performing Arts students put on a wonderful performance for our College community at our Music Gala. We are so blessed to have so many talented students at SMC.
The week concluded with staff working closely on the moderation of students' work in preparation for our seniors' final exams.
Over the weekend, we had a number of teams participate in the annual Tournament of Minds. Our two Year 5/6 teams were awarded honours in the primary division for their creative thinking.
Yesterday, our Senior Athletics Team put on an outstanding performance to win the Aggregate Girls' trophy at the Southern SATIS Carnival, and this morning, I had the privilege of visiting the Year 10 Pillars Program at the Triabunna Mill. I watched the students participate in a coastal walk, visit the kitchen garden, pick fresh herbs - which they used to make their own pizzas, learn about sustainability, engage in coastal planting and reflect on their own spirituality.
I thank all who were involved in these activities, helping to create wonderful opportunities for the students in our care. I would particularly like to thank the students for their enthusiasm and willingness to participate to the best of their ability.
The pace of College life will certainly be maintained in the coming weeks. I have listed below the activities for your information:
- Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival – 9 September
- Year 6 Camp – 12-14 September
- Year 7 to 12 SATIS Athletics – 17 September
Year 11/12 2023 Course Confirmation Meeting
A friendly reminder of the opportunity for parents/carers and students in Years 10 and 11 to attend the final subject selection meeting tomorrow (Thursday 8 September) at 4.00pm in the Student Resource Centre.
We hope to see you there and answer any questions you may have.
Year 7 2024 applications
Applications for enrolment in Year 7 2024 in Catholic schools are due on Friday 9 September 2022.
If you have friends or relatives keen to enrol their daughters in Year 7 at St Mary’s College for 2024, could you please let them know that if they have not already done so, they will need to contact our Enrolment Officer, Nicole Wighton at the College on 03 6108 2560 or email nwighton@smc.tas.edu.au to progress an enrolment application.
Year 12 Graduation | Tuesday 25 October
As we get closer to our Year 12 Graduation, we are in the process of confirming the availability of the Cathedral for the Graduation Mass. In the interim, we have made a tentative booking at St Joseph’s Church, in Hobart, followed by light refreshments at Legacy House, next door to St Joseph’s. We will keep you updated as soon as we are able to confirm the final details.
New leadership appointments
As we move forward with planning for 2023, I would like to announce the appointment of Ali Canning and Sarah Clark (Year 6 Teachers) to the joint position of Deputy Director Junior School for 2023 while Glynis Devereux is on leave. I know you will all join me in congratulating both Ali and Sarah on their appointment and wish Glynis all the best during her leave for 2023.
Building update
An exciting update is the extension to Murphy’s Café which has finally got the tick of approval from the Hobart City Council (HCC). We have engaged a builder to lodge the building application with the HCC, with the hope to commence the project soon. We look forward to seeing this project take shape.
COVID-19 update
All COVID-19 related information is available on the College website here.
Damian Messer
Principal