YEAR 8 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

This week, we saw an incredible number of students across all year levels receive either a Principal's Award or a College Medallion. 

136 Principal's Awards were presented to students who have previously received four Head of Year Awards, while impressively, 11 College Medallions were awarded to students who have previously received four Principal's Awards, which is an outstanding achievement!

Students are recognised and awarded for consistently working hard across all aspects of the College and by demonstrating our Five Guiding Principles: Dignity, Empathy, Dialogue, Community and Perseverance.  

We look forward to celebrating further success over the final term of 2024. We encourage students to keep up the fantastic work and strive for success.

2025 COLLEGE STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

We congratulate and thank all Year 11 students who embraced Mary's courage to say "Yes" and participated in the 2025 Student Leadership selection process. We had an extraordinary number of applicants for 2025, which is a testament to our students' passion, dedication, and commitment to serving their College community. This enthusiasm reflects the strong values and leadership qualities fostered at St Mary's, which we are certainly very proud of!    

This week at assembly, we announced and congratulated the College Student Leadership Team that has been appointed for 2025, for reference this is outlined below: 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: GROUP PHOTO DAY

This Monday, 9 September, students who have participated in extra-curricular activities throughout the year will be involved in Group Photo Day. Photos taken on this day will be featured in the 2024 Unison. 

All details have been shared with parents/carers through an EdSmart Broadcast sent on Monday, 2 September, at 4:30 pm. Students have also been informed and reminded throughout the week via Daily Notices, delivered each morning during PG, and were copied into the EdSmart Broadcast sent to parents/carers. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

Students must adhere to the uniform guidelines outlined in the Student Expectations Document. Those who do not meet the standards will be excluded from photos and listed as 'absent on photo day' in the Unison.  

R U OK? DAY

Next Thursday, we recognise R U Ok? Day for 2024, which serves as a timely reminder for students, staff and families to 'check in' and start a conversation by simply asking, "R U OK?" 

Below are the initiatives taking place on Thursday, 12 September. We encourage all students to wear yellow on the day to assist with raising awareness and sharing in community spirit. 

YEAR 12 GRADUATION DINNER

Next Friday is the Year 12 Celebration Dinner, which is being held here in the Hugh O'Brien Centre for the first time. Throughout the week, our versatile HOB will be transformed into a spectacular 5-star event space, topped off with two sparkling chandeliers!     

We encourage all families to join us for the red carpet arrivals starting at 5:30 pm. It will be a stunning display of elegance, sure to inspire younger students as they look forward to their own Celebration Dinner in the future. 

We pass on our best wishes to Year 12 students for the event; we cannot wait to see the photos! 

SCHOOLTV

Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is a well-being resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting.

This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.

R U OK? Day is on Thursday, 12 September. This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Please follow the link to FREE resources: https://smcc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day.

GRANDPARENTS ASSEMBLY

Calling all Parents and Grandparents in our College community, please save the date for our first Grandparent's Assembly and Morning Tea! This lovely event will honour and celebrate the contribution Grandparent's make to both our College and the wider Cairns community.

Please RSVP by Friday, 20 September 2024, via the following link: https://bit.ly/GrandparentsAssemblyMorningTea

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS AUSTRALIA SURVEY

The CSPA 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning seeks your perspective as parents/carers of children attending a Catholic School in Australia. You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning. 

Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.

Please follow the link to complete the survey:

https://unesurveys.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5a7NXLpTKbNAtE

St Mary's Catholic College welcomes employment applications from those who share our mission to provide a stimulating and challenging curriculum and enhance students' dignity, self-esteem, and integrity.

Please follow the link to our current vacancies: https://www.smcc.qld.edu.au/our-college/employment/