Student achievements

Congratulations to the following students: 

Ella Striker and Sarah Thomas (Year 8), who have been named national winners in the 2022 Day of AI competition for their project on artificial intelligence (AI). 

Developed by i2 Learning and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Day of AI introduces students to the knowledge and skills needed in order to thrive in a world that's powered by AI. 

Ella and Sarah presented a fantastic idea that looked at using AI technology to reduce school traffic congestion by alerting parents and carers when they had stopped in the drop off zone for too long. 

Commenting on the pair's project, the judges said: 

"...It was great to see how much thinking and creativity went into your pitch to bring the technology to life.

"Your application of how the AI technology would work, and the data needed to power your idea, as well as identifying the key ethical considerations - such as the need to delete people’s data after a period of time, was brilliant and demonstrated how much you learnt throughout the day."

Ella and Sarah have each won a $250 gift voucher for JB Hi Fi plus a couple of AI kits.

Well done, Ella and Sarah, and congratulations also to our IT teachers, Gaby Stuebing and Carol Chatterjee, and our Junior School teachers, who have instilled a love of learning and an appreciation of what digital technologies can do to help make our world a better place. 

Jasmine Williams (Year 7) and Sarah Bolonja (Year 9), who have been selected to compete in the National Youth Soccer Championships in Coffs Harbour later this month, as an U14 state team representative and U16 state team representative respectively. 

Well done, Jasmine and Sarah. The College is very proud of how hard you have worked on your game and we are pleased you are now getting rewarded for your efforts. Good luck to you both! 

Rosie Arnold (Year 7), who was voted best and fairest player in the Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League U13 Girls A2 competition for the 2022 season. 

Rosie out-polled about 120 players across seven teams to receive the top honour. What a fantastic end to a stellar season, Rosie. It is wonderful to see the Presentation values represented in all that you do. We look forward to seeing what the next year has in store for you!

Alicia Dale (Year 9), who has been selected in the All Australian Tennis Team following tough competition in the 2022 Pizzey Cup. 

The tennis superstar was among more than 100 secondary school students from across the nation to compete at the prestigious event held in Western Australia, which doubles as the 2022 School Sport Australia Tennis Championships. Amazing job, Alicia! 

Laine Debnam and Ella Holmes (Year 8), who have been selected to represent Tasmania at the U15 Water Polo National State Championships, to be held on the Gold Coast at the end of this month. 

We wish you all the very best and hope you both have an amazing time. 

Amelia Howell (Year 12) and Holly Ward (Year 10), who will both feature in the Musical Theatre Crew's upcoming production of Mamma Mia! 

Amelia has been cast in the lead role of Donna, and will also perform in the Greek chorus, alongside fellow SMC student, Holly, and 15 other chorus members. 

The musical is showing at Playhouse Theatre from Thursday 8 September to Saturday 17 September. Click here for ticket information and session times.

Congratulations to the following students have successfully auditioned for the John X production of Disney Newsies Jr, which will be showing at the Theatre Royal from 13-15 October 2022: 

Sienna Griffin (Year 4), Annabel Hutchinson (Year 5), Lea Jenkins (Year 7), Davina Cox (Year 10), Grace Simonetis (Year 11) and Eliza Topham (Year 11).

Tournament of Minds 

A big congratulations to our Tournament of the Minds (TOM) teams who competed in the state finals at Hobart City High School over the weekend. 

The national problem-solving program competition is aimed at enhancing student thinking, and consists of a long-term challenge in either language and literature, STEM, Social Sciences or Arts, and a short-term challenge. 

This year, we had two Year 5/6 teams proudly representing the College at the tournament, with both teams rising to the challenge to win honours (second place) in the primary division. 

The students were: 

Emma Clark, Tilly Cunnigham, Katie Yan, Annabel Hutchinson, Lucy Kearney (Year 5), Jorgia Eyles, Molly Verrier, Lucy Booth, Cara Watt, Nellie Schrale, Mia Brooks, Dotty French and Gretel Innis (Year 6). 

Thank you to all staff and parents/carers involved in supporting our hard-working students, who put in six weeks' worth of preparation ahead of the event. 

In particular, we wish to thank Junior School Extension Teacher, Nicole Holloway, for her guidance and encouragement. Fantastic efforts all round!

Prime Minister's Spelling Bee 

What clever bees we have in our hive! We are so impressed with Mae Williams (Year 6) and Meg Brewer (Year 7), who have both advanced to the national final of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. 

Only the top three students from each state and territory are selected to compete in the final round of the competition, so this is a fantastic achievement. Good luck, team SMC!

We also wish to congratulate the following students who made it through to the the state and territory finals earlier last month: Chloe Featherstone, Jorgia Eyles, Chloe Gray, Meisie Kruger, Lucy Breen, Nonica Malhotra (Year 6) and Jasmine Williams (Year 7). 

If you have a student achievement to share, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing stmarys@smc.tas.edu.au