YEAR 7
Starting Well
Narelle Brooke
Head of Year 7
YEAR 7 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1
Greetings, Year 7 Families!
My name is Narelle Brooke, and as the Head of Year 7, I wish you a very warm welcome to the St Mary's community. I am honoured to be leading your child into their secondary school experience. Over the coming term and throughout our year, our focus is ‘Starting Well Together’ as we all navigate this period of transition as a cohort. I look forward to witnessing students settle into regular routines and developing their understanding of the ‘St Mary's Way’.
My teaching background is in Health and Physical Education, where I spent many years in primary schools, so I am well aware of the unique needs and challenges of students during this time of change. On a personal level, I enjoy travel, food, and sport. In my spare time, you will often find me on the sidelines of my son’s sports matches, spending time with family and friends, or tending to my garden.
Student well-being is a key to success, and my teaching experience has given me insights into developing students' resilience, empathy, and perseverance so they can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. It is my hope that this group will leave St Mary’s in 2031 as confident and capable people of action.
I am grateful to be able to share this journey with your family, and I cannot do it without your support. The Pastoral Group Mentors and I are here to address any questions or concerns about your child’s education and well-being. I welcome any contact and would love to hear about successes and challenges. If you have any, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.
Year 7 Transition Program Outline
- Wednesday, 28 January - School-based orientation activities
- Thursday, 29 January - College Assembly and Pastoral Activity at Woree Pool (further details provided via Ed Smart email)
- Friday, 30 January - Laptop induction and regular timetabled classes, Periods 4-6.
Year 7 Timetable
Students will receive a printed copy of their timetable during their Pastoral Group sessions on Wednesday morning. Students will also be able to access an electronic copy via their student portal after logging in to our system.
New College Sports Uniform
Due to high demand, the uniform shop has temporarily sold out of the smaller sizes of the new sports shirt. Families who still need to purchase a smaller size will be issued our current sports shirt to use while we wait for the express shipment to arrive.
If you have already purchased a shirt in the wrong size due to limited stock, please contact the uniform shop. We can provide an old‑style sports shirt for your child to use until the correct size becomes available.
An express order for Youth sizes 10 and 12 has been placed, and we will notify families as soon as these arrive. Families will only be charged for the new sports shirt, with a swap taking place once the new stock is ready.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this process.
Year 7 Welcome Evening
Thursday, February 12 2026 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Parents and Carers are warmly invited to join us for canapés at the Year 7 Welcome Evening. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what lies ahead for Year 7 students in 2026 and meet and connect with Pastoral Mentors and Subject Teachers.
Please register via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/DICRK
UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK 1
WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES
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
Student Protection Contacts
Introducing My School Connect
We are excited to introduce My School Connect, our new online provider for tuckshop and uniform ordering.
Please keep an eye on your inbox for an email from My School Connect with instructions on setting up your account.
If you have any account-related questions, please visit the My School Connect Help Desk for support.
Thank you for your support as we make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. We appreciate the trust you place in St Mary’s Catholic College, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional services to our school community.
COLLEGE WEBSITE - For the latest information and guidance relevant to both staff and families, please refer regularly to our St Mary's Catholic College Website.
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.
Leah McBryde
Assistant Principal
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
College Pastoral Team
