YEAR 8
Building Strong Connections
Clare Robertson
Head of Year 8
YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1
Hello Year 8 Families,
Welcome back to the 2026 school year! I trust students and families had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break. I am very excited to welcome the Year 8s back to the College on Wednesday to commence a productive school year, no longer as new faces to our College, but as settled, valued members of our community.
My name is Clare Robertson, and I am excited to step into the role of Head of Year 8 for 2026. This is my 9th year at St Mary’s, and I love belonging to this welcoming community and working with such dedicated staff. I teach Health & Physical Education, and have also taught junior Math and Science. Last year, I was fortunate to be a Year 7 Pastoral Mentor. I am a born-and-bred Cairns local, and when I’m not teaching, you’ll find me swimming, riding, running, or walking along the Esplanade with my husband and dog.
I believe that student well-being is the cornerstone of school success, and that success looks different for each student. I am an advocate for drawing on the parent/student/teacher partnership to ensure the best educational and well-being outcomes for our students; as such, I welcome any questions or concerns you may have at any point throughout the year. The Head of Years, along with our fantastic counselling, senior leadership and student support teams, are here to assist your child and family. I look forward to working with Year 8 students and families in 2026, and I am excited for a productive and rewarding year!
Year 8 Reminders and Expectations
A reminder that students will need a writing book for each subject this year, and should be bringing this, along with writing equipment, to all classes.
All Year 8s will have sport on Tuesday afternoons this semester, and must wear their Sports Uniform on this day. A new, combined house/sport uniform is available from the uniform shop this year; please note this is optional and not compulsory for Year 8 students in 2026. These will be available when the previous house shirts have sold out.
- A successful year is achieved through our everyday habits. We encourage you to discuss with your child ways to optimise organisation and efficiency in their daily routine, particularly as students navigate the increased demands of Year 8; e.g. laying out uniforms the night before, pinning the term planner to the fridge, preparing a clutter-free space for homework, and reducing screen time in the evenings.
Year 8 Timetable
Students will be able to access their electronic timetable on Wednesday morning to help them find their Pastoral Group rooms. They will also receive a printed copy of their timetable during their pastoral group session.
WEEK A SCHEDULE: WEEK 1
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
