Senior School News

Farewell to the Class of 2025

And just like that, the Class of 2025 have graduated!

Last week was a whirlwind of emotions as we celebrated the Class of 2025 and their formal completion of schooling at St Mary's College. 

On Thursday 30 October, we came together at the Cathedral for a beautiful graduation Mass led by Archbishop Anthony Ireland. It was a special occasion to honour our Year 12s, reflect on their achievements and give thanks for everything they have brought to our community. 

With proud families, friends and staff looking on, the Year 12 students received their graduation rings and candles, symbolising the light they carry into the world and the enduring flame of faith and knowledge that will guide them forward. 

In his address, Principal Mr Damian Messer drew inspiration from the Homily to speak on the theme of journey. He reflected on the students' readiness to embrace the next chapter of their lives and reminded them that, wherever their paths may lead, the values and touchstones of St Mary's College will continue to guide them. 

Mr Messer also reminded us of the significance of the date: on 30 October, exactly 159 years ago, the Presentation Sisters arrived in Hobart to begin the mission that became our College. 

"Nano Nagle’s story reminds us that one person can truly make a difference. My challenge to you, the leavers of 2025, is to never lose sight of the difference you can make in the world.”

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the staff's candlelight rendition of The Blessing Song, accompanied by Mr Scott Weston on the piano – a tradition that never fails to stir the heart and bring on a few tears. 

And of course, no graduation Mass would be complete without the Year 12 leavers singing the Alma Mater with gusto as they made their way out of the church and into the night. 

After Mass, the celebrations continued in the Mary Morgan Wing with supper, cake and plenty of reminiscing. Each Year 12 student received a keepsake from the Alumni Committee as they officially joined the St Mary's alumni family. 

Back at school on Friday, the Year 11s hosted their own celebration for their Year 12 friends in the Year 11/12 Common Room, which was transformed with paper flowers, music and delicious treats. 

The remainder of the day was packed with traditions, highlighted by the planting of a tree on the College grounds to represent the legacy Year 12s leave behind and the deep roots they have established during their time at SMC. 

Then came the final leavers' assembly and one of our oldest traditions: the Belling Out. Dressed as Greek goddesses and legendary figures, the Class of 2025 made their way through a guard of honour formed by peers, teachers and families. As they passed, the convent bell rang, marking the end of their school journey and the beginning of their next chapter. 

The day wrapped up with laughter, photos and a ride around the city on a double-decker bus. 

Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2025! We wish you ever success in your final exams and beyond and remember, your St Mary's College community is always behind you, every step of the way, as you continue to light the world with your flame. 

We look forward to seeing you in your green blazers one final time at the Senior School Prize Giving Evening on Tuesday 16 December. 

Mali gets a taste of Tasmania's seafood industry

Congratulations to Mali Smith (Year 9), who recently took part in a three-day Working on Water program – an initiative aimed at introducing Year 9 and 10 students to the wide range of career opportunities in Tasmania's marine environment. From seafood and marine science to tourism and resource management, the program offers students a hands-on look at life and work on, in and around the water.

Read on to discover some of the highlights from Mali's experience. 

The Working on Water program was an incredibly educational experience that opened my eyes to the many different career opportunities available across Hobart and Tasmania. Our site visits included Huon Aquaculture, for a look at the salmon farming operations, and the IMAS Taroona facility, where we dissected fish, examined marine life under the microscope and explored the area where scientists are working to support the reproduction of critically endangered species such as the red handfish and Maugean skate. We also travelled aboard the Mona Roma boat to visit the salmon farm in Tinderbox, with a stop at Mures for lunch. 

Other highlights included a lecture at Tasmania Oyster OC, where we heard from a farmhand, the CEO and other team members involved in the company. We also visited the Maritime Museum and Skretting Australia, a major producer of fish and prawn feed across Australia and New Zealand. 

Overall, the Working on Water program was an amazing educational experience that has helped me consider a variety of jobs on and around the water.