YEAR 11
Leading The Way

Christina Borzi

Head of Year 11
cborzi1@cns.catholic.edu.au

YEAR 11 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 5

Information Evening - Thank you

Thank you to the families who attended our Year 11 Information Evening. It was lovely to meet many of you. For those who could not make it, we introduced our 2026 theme, “Leading the Way,” and shared key dates for the year along with an overview of the Senior Jersey process and our expectations around organisation and study routines. I also shared a key message with students: senior school is not something that happens to you; it is something you take responsibility for. If you would like any further information from the evening, please feel welcome to get in touch.

Building Positive Study Routines

As we reach the midterm point, I encourage our Year 11 students to continue developing strong, consistent study habits that support their learning. Establishing a regular study routine, staying organised with classwork, and setting aside time to revise key concepts will help them feel prepared and confident in the weeks ahead. Families can support this by encouraging a calm study space, reducing distractions, and promoting healthy sleep and wellbeing routines.

VET Spotlight – A Strong Start to the Year

Our Year 11 VET students have had a great start to the year, settling into their courses with focus and enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure to begin the day alongside them at their morning toolbox talks, where students engage thoughtfully, demonstrate responsibility, and develop workplace habits expected in their industries.

These early mornings set a positive tone for the day and reflect the commitment our VET students are showing to their learning and future pathways. We look forward to seeing this momentum continue as the year progresses.

UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK A

WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES

Shoe Guide

At the College, students are required to adhere to the uniform and personal grooming guide. We want to support families, students, and teachers in understanding specific requirements, particularly for sports shoes. We know students are currently wearing shoes in the 'not suitable' section of the graphic below.

To provide clarity, we have listed the main shoes worn by students with their sports uniforms that require fixing and shoes must meet expectations for the start of Term 2. This provides you and your family time to make changes to comply with the uniform guideline outlined in the College Diary under Uniforms: Sport shoes - Low cut, supportive, lace-up, all-purpose shoes for running with a suitable grip. Colour scheme should be discreet. Skate shoes and other flat-soled shoes are not acceptable.

The shoes shown in the graphic below are examples we frequently see; they are not the ONLY shoes not permitted. If you are unsure of the correct shoes, please send a picture or ask your child to speak with the Head of Year for clarification. Uniform infringement consequences will come into play at the commencement of Term 2. We appreciate your support in making it very clear what we expect regarding appropriate footwear at the College.

Day of Action against Bullying

Today, St Mary’s recognised the Day of Action against Bullying. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to take proactive approaches to combating bullying, with a strong focus on kindness. Pastoral Groups participated in ‘Kindness Bingo’, while today students pledged acts of kindness at our ‘Kindness Wall.' Each Pastoral Group’s morning prayer also focused on community and selflessness.

Students in Years 7-10 spent their SEL lesson exploring topics on bullying, friendship, and cyberbullying. Across the College, there was a sea of orange accessories to show solidarity and commitment to standing against bullying.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to a proactive approach to addressing bullying. We encourage all students and parents/carers to contact Pastoral Mentors or Heads of Year if there are any concerns.

Join the Choir!

The St Mary’s College Choir commenced on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm in M3/M4 in the HOB (enter the HOB via the laneway near the Nazareth Pavilion). We welcome and encourage new members to join or try it out.

We will hold a Choir Camp in Term 2, from 8 - 10 May, during which we will travel to Genazzano Retreat on Friday and return on Sunday at lunchtime. Camp is always a highlight of the year. During the camp, we build our repertoire and prepare for performances at the Eisteddfod at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

We would particularly like to have some more senior boys join us, as well as some keen Year 7 students. New students are asked to please complete the below enrolment form and return it to Mrs Wright, jwright@cns.catholic.edu.au, or Mrs Jepson, kjepson@cns.catholic.edu.au

Ensemble Enrolment Form 2026 (SMCC).pdf

The Tuckshop

Family Connect Meeting

Commemoration Mass and Morning Tea

Sunday, March 8 2026, 10:00 am

We warmly invite you to join us for St Mary's Catholic College Commemoration Mass. This special occasion marks 40 years since the commemoration of the opening of the College. Following Mass, morning tea will be provided.

Please register via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/DIYHJ

College 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.

Event	Date	Term
Swimming Carnival	Tuesday, 3 March	Term 1
Commemoration Mass & Morning Tea	Sunday, 8 March	Term 1
Cross Country	Wednesday, 1 April	Term 1

Parish Support - Our Lady Help of Christians

Dear Parents and Carers, your children attend school within our parish boundaries, and we warmly welcome your support. You can be a volunteer and/or contribute to the parish financially (one-off or regular donations).

Our banking details are provided below:

Earlville Parish Account

BSB: 084352

Account number: 000004441

Reference: Surname and initials of first name(s).

Please contact the parish office if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support, Fr. Nathan.