YEAR 8
Building Strong Connections
Clare Robertson
Head of Year 8
YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 10
Reminder: College Phone Policy
To minimise distraction and support high levels of engagement in learning, our College has a strict mobile phone policy. From 8:25 am - 3:15 pm, students may only access their devices during the first 10 minutes of each break, and mobile phones are not to be taken to class. If students need to contact parents or guardians during the school day, they should go to Student Reception. Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing this expectation with your child.
Athletics Carnival 2026
The St Mary’s Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday, 22 June at Barlow Park. Sporting carnivals are a fantastic way to build teamwork and resilience and to promote active lifestyles.
This is a compulsory school day, and all students are expected to attend. If your child is unwell on the day, please log their absence via the MyCE app as per the normal procedure.
A reminder that:
- Students are to be dropped off and picked up directly from Barlow Park
- Students should arrive in their house uniform (including running shoes) and may change into costumes at the venue
- Every participation point counts, and I look forward to seeing our Year 8 students out in full force representing their House!
Holidays, Lockers & Report Cards
I wish all students a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to welcoming our Year 8 students back to the College refreshed and ready for another term of learning on Monday, 13 July. A reminder that students are required to clear their lockers before the end of the term.
Parents and carers are encouraged to take time over the holidays to discuss your child’s report card with them. This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate strengths and identify areas for growth in Term 3. At St Mary’s, we value our three-way partnership between families, students and teachers. Please reach out to teachers via email if you have any questions about report cards or if we can further support your child’s learning.
UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK 10
WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES
How to Order
Please complete thepre-order form and make payment at the Uniform Shop (located next to the Tuckshop), which is open Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 am–8:45 am.
When ordering, please include:
- Name of the student or family member collecting the order
- Quantity required
Shirt size(s)
Orders close: Friday 19 June (Term 2, Week 9). Payment must be received by the end of Term 2.
For any enquiries, please contact Ms Tamara or Mrs O’Grady at aogrady@cns.catholic.edu.au.
Thank you for supporting this special NAIDOC initiative and celebrating First Nations culture within our College community.
New E-Bike & E-Scooter Laws from 1 July 2026
If you ride an e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard or e-unicycle, important new Queensland laws come into effect from 1 July 2026.
Key changes include:
✅ New speed limits on footpaths and when passing pedestrians
✅ Increased penalties for unsafe riding
✅ Police powers to seize illegal devices used in public places
✅ Stricter requirements for legal e-bikes and personal mobility devices
✅ Continued focus on helmet use, mobile phone restrictions, and drink-riding laws
These changes are designed to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and all road users. Parents and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules before the school holidays.
📖 For full details and to check whether your device complies with the new laws, visit: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/
2027 Subject Expo
Year 8, 9 & 10 students and parents are invited to attend the 2027 Subject Expo on Wednesday 15 July from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the HOB at St Mary's College.
Year 8 & 9 Students and Parents
🕓 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Explore subject displays and speak with HODs and teachers about subject selection options for 2027.
Year 10 Students and Parents
🕔 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Visit subject displays and meet with HODs, teachers and external providers to discuss subject selections and pathway options for 2027.
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore subject options, meet teachers, and gather information to help make informed decisions about future study pathways.
https://clarkeandprince.com.au/
https://stratforddelicatering.com.au/
https://www.harleyseducational.com.au/
https://www.cairnsluxurycoaches.com.au/
Download MyCE Mobile App and jump on board!
A new version of the MyCE Mobile App is arriving in June, with new features to make it easier to stay connected. We would love you to download and log in to the app as our Parent Portal is being retired on June 30, 2026. To avoid missing important updates, please update your app and turn on notifications.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics Carnival | Monday, 22 June | Term 2 |
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.
Leah McBryde
Assistant Principal
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
