YEAR 8
Building Strong Connections
Mrs Christina Borzi
Head of Year 8
YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1
Welcome Back forTerm 3
I hope the holidays provided an opportunity for you to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with your loved ones. As we begin the second half of the year, we continue to focus on Building Connections within our Pastoral Groups, across the classroom, and in the wider school community.
This term presents numerous opportunities for students to get involved, try something new, and foster the relationships that support their growth and well-being. I encourage all Year 8 students to pay attention to the Daily Notices, which are read during Pastoral Group each morning, and take advantage of the opportunities available. I look forward to a positive and connected term ahead.
Reflecting on Reports and Looking Ahead
Semester 1 report cards were made available via the MyCE App over the holiday break. This week, Year 8 students will take time in Pastoral Group to reflect on their progress and set meaningful goals for the term ahead. These reflections may focus on academic growth, behaviour, organisation, or overall engagement in school life.
This process also supports students as they begin to think about their elective preferences for Year 9. While subject selections will happen later this term, now is a great time for students to start considering their interests and strengths.
Subject Expo
The subject expo for students and parents/carers in Years 8, 9, and 10 will take place on Wednesday, 16 July. Parents/carers are expected to attend for information about subject selection and career pathways in 2026.
This is a brilliant opportunity for students and parents/carers to obtain specific information regarding subject selections and career pathways in 2026. All Heads of Departments will be available to talk with throughout the event.
Uniform Schedule: Week 1
WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES:
Jewellery & Personal Grooming
Please see below the Jewellery and Personal Grooming requirements for the commencement of Term 3, as observed in the Student Expectations document found on the College website.
Please keep in mind: Students who DO NOT meet these expectations at school's commencement will be withdrawn from recess breaks, with expectations to be adhered to by Thursday at 8:30 am. Further consequences that impact the usual learning program will follow after Thursday should these expectations not be met.
JEWELLERY:
Jewellery is to be discreet, meaning not particularly noticeable, and is limited to:
- 1x Watch
- 1x Silver or gold simple necklace with a religious medallion or cross is only worn under the College uniform and is not visible
- 1x Small silver or gold sleeper/stud in each earlobe only no larger than 5mm
PERSONAL GROOMING:
- Make-up, nail polish, and cosmetic accessories such as acrylic nails and eyelash extensions are unacceptable. Eyebrows are to be natural and discreet.
- Hair is to be of a conventional style, neat and of natural colour, shade and tone. Examples of unacceptable hairstyles include but are not limited to mullets, undercuts, shaved patterns, lines, tracks, corn rows, dreadlocks, marked contrasts in hair length, no shorter than a number 3 comb length.
- Students are to be clean-shaven.
Term 3 Tuckshop Menu
Please see below the updated Tuckshop Menu for Term 3. There are quite a few changes, so please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the updated prices and items.
National Catholic Conference - Ignite Conference, 2025
All St Mary's students are invited to attend the 2025 Ignite Conference! This leadership and personal development event is designed to inspire and equip students to grow in confidence, purpose, and community. It’s a chance to learn, reflect, and be part of something bigger.
Date: 25–28 September
Location: St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane
Availability: Only 10 spaces available
If your child is interested in attending, please complete the application form below.
COMPLETE APPLICATION FORM HERE
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
St Mary’s, in partnership with Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, is providing an exciting, invaluable, and profound experience for students in Years 9–11. Places are limited, so if you’d like to be part of this fantastic opportunity, please register your interest.
KEY DATES - Please note that all key dates are listed in the College Calendar. This can be accessed via the MyCE Parent App and synced with your personal calendar.
Wishing all families a wonderful break! We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, 14 July!
Ms Leah McBryde - Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
