WELCOME
College Leadership Team
Principal’s News
Welcome to the new College year
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome to 2026 at St Mary’s Catholic College! I extend a warm welcome to all members of our College community, and offer a special greeting to the families joining us for the first time. It is a privilege to partner with you in the education and growth of your children. This year marks an exciting chapter in our journey as a community of faith, hope, and love, as we come together to celebrate our 40th Anniversary.
To our new families, we are excited to make you feel a part of this new chapter in your family’s schooling journey. I am looking forward to meeting you next Wednesday morning and again at the Year 7 Meet and Greet Night on Thursday, 12 February.
To our returning families, welcome back. Your contributions are integral to our vibrant St Mary’s Way, and our staff are excited and ready to welcome all students back. The first week of the year is always filled with anticipation, joy, and a wonderful sense of new beginnings.
Our 40th year, 2026, promises to continue a legacy of nurturing our students to become people of action who use their gifts to make a difference in the world.
Our Strategic Direction: 2025–2027
As part of Catholic Education - Diocese of Cairns, we seek to deliver a world-class, faith-filled education and, with thanks to the outstanding work of the last forty years, we are well-positioned.
This year, we continue our commitment to the College Strategic Direction of “Every Lesson Counts”, with a commitment to enhancing learning so that every student can engage successfully and achieve their full potential.
Over these years, we will:
- Embed consistent instructional routines based on the St Mary’s Way.
- Standardise planning processes and communication.
- Strengthen awareness of students’ individuality.
- Prioritise responsive staff professional learning.
- Strengthen student engagement through pastoral connection.
- Deepen family and community partnerships.
We also continue our enduring projects, including the Master Plan Building Program, transition support for high school success, and strengthening alumni connections.
This year, the specific focus within Directions is on embedding evidence-based high-impact teaching strategies and valid, reliable, accessible assessment practices. Our Professional Learning will focus on these two important practices.
Focus on Notebooks
As part of our focus on impactful teaching strategies that enhance student learning and prepare our students most effectively for senior years, we have introduced a renewed focus across Junior Secondary (Years 7–9) on the use of effective notebooks to complement the role of technology. Whilst laptops remain an important resource, research consistently shows that handwritten note-taking improves comprehension and retention. A 2024 study has found that students who take handwritten notes achieve better academic outcomes, with a measurable positive effect on learning.
This initiative responds to student feedback that excessive screen time can reduce engagement and focus. By encouraging structured, well-organised notebooks, we aim to build strong cognitive habits, support memory consolidation, and foster deeper understanding - skills essential for success in senior schooling and beyond.
Celebrating Student Achievement
We are very proud of our graduates of 2025, again our results were outstanding.
QCE/QCIA attainment
95% of Year 12 students achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education, with 100% literacy and numeracy.
ATAR success
- 3 students achieved ATARs above 99, with the highest 99.35.
- 16.1% of students scored 95+
- 25.8% scored 90+.
QCAA Academic Commendations
These are awarded to students who achieve an A in six General subjects. We congratulate our five (5) students who received an A in their 6 subjects, and we awarded these commendations.
University offers
Over 91% of students received first preference offers, including interstate placements.
Vocational Education and Training
87 students earned 133 qualifications across Certificates I, II, and IV levels.
Building Works
Thank you to our Facilities Team who, have been hard at work over the holidays to ensure we are ready for the new year, much has been accomplished. Thank you also to our builders, Osborne Construction Solutions, who have completed the building projects onsite. The team from Osborne has been on-site for nearly twelve months, and we have appreciated their professionalism during that time. Their commitment has ensured that the College's focus remained firmly on student learning. Congratulations to the Osborne team.
As such:
- New I Block classrooms and staffroom are ready for use.
- Demountable classrooms have been removed, creating 19 additional carpark spaces.
- New G Block toilets upgraded; 12 showers now available for teams training in the mornings.
- More handball courts have been created.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will also add four additional shade shelters and begin detailed planning for the Pastoral Precinct.
Celebrating 40 Years of St Mary’s
2026 is a milestone year as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary! We have planned two wonderful events.
Firstly, Commemorative Mass & Morning Tea on Sunday, 8 March. This is almost 40 years to the date of the original Opening Mass.
Secondly, Celebration Fiesta on Sunday, 16 August, when we can showcase the beauty of the College in a festival atmosphere.
These events will be wonderful opportunities to connect with our alumni and celebrate the rich history of our College. Should you have any memorabilia or stories you would like to share, please contact our events team on smw.events@cns.catholic,edu.au.
Looking Ahead
This year promises growth, celebration, and continued excellence. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I look forward to enhanced learning and opportunities for our students to thrive.
God Bless,
Kerry Manders
Principal
