Student achievements

Congratulations to the following students

Ella Edwards (Year 12), who has been shortlisted for this year's Hachette Australia Prize for Young Writers. This is one of the most significant writing awards for students in Australia. Ella has been shortlisted in the nonfiction category for her entry, titled Banging in The Brain. With 350 entries received this year, being selected as one of only five nonfiction shortlistees for this major prize – and the only Tasmanian student on the overall 15-strong shortlist – is a huge achievement. 

The shortlistees will be offered an exclusive Q&A session with prize mentor and author, Jane Godwin, as well as a writing masterclass and book packs of YA titles courtesy of Hachette Australia. The winner of each category will be announced on Monday 28 October. Congratulations, Ella and good luck!

Ava Read (Year 12), who has been named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year for 2024, ranking her amongst the best in the competition. Ava enjoyed a sensational season playing for the Tasmanian Devils U18 girls' squad, where her goal-kicking prowess has also earned her the title of leading goalkicker for the Tasmania Devils Talent Pathway. This is a huge achievement for Ava and speaks volumes about her talent and hard work, which are clearly paying off. Congratulations, Ava. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you! 

Amaya Yee (Year 9), who has won the junior section of the Forty South writing prize. She will receive a cheque for $300 and her work will be published on the Young Tasmanian page on the Forty South website and in the Forty South Short Story Anthology 2024, sharing the spotlight with adult writers. The competition judge said this of Amaya's winning story, titled Fever Dreams: 

'This story plunged the reader into a liminal world marked by febrile visions and humour. With its condensed, claustrophobic tone and eerie imagery, 'Fever Dreams' stood out for its strangeness and whirring motion, propelling the reader into an increasingly bizarre evening.'

Winning a writing award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Amaya's hard work, creativity and dedication. Well done! 

Special mention goes to Hal Cormack (Year 10), who received a highly commended in the senior section. Congratulations, Hal!

Haily Wasala (Year 9), who has been selected for the state U15 Underwater Hockey team. The team will travel to Ballarat in January to compete against the other states. The College wishes Haily and her team the best of luck in the competition. Keep up the great work, Haily and continue to strive for excellence!

Bella Child (Year 7), who recently competed in the 2024 National Clubs Carnival for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Level 6. Bella and her team advanced through to Division C for day two, where they placed 2nd on bars and 6th overall. The carnival was a fantastic opportunity for Bella to compete against clubs from all over Australia, showcasing her talent and hard work. Congratulations to Bella and her team for the impressive performance.

Abby McShane (Year 7), who represented Tasmania in the U13 soccer team at the Western United Cup in Ballarat during the October school holidays. Her team triumphed in the Plate Cup grand final, taking home the coveted trophy. A remarkable achievement – keep up the amazing work, Abby! 

Is your child accomplishing amazing things? We'd love to celebrate their success! Please email their achievements to stmarys@smc.tas.edu.au and we will acknowledge them in The Fountain newsletter.