From the Director of Teaching and Learning K–12

Real Talk seminars

In Week 9, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 participated in a one-hour seminar delivered by Real Talk. Supported by Catholic Education Tasmania, the seminars use real-world examples, dynamic presentations and interactive activities to help students critically engage with topics such as respect, relationships, identity, self-worth, consent, media influence and the importance of making good choices.

Thank you to Mrs Sharon Lawler, Director of Identity and Mission, for coordinating this event. A summary of the three presentations is included below: 

Year 7 – Love and Life 

Focus: Relationships, self-worth and personal identity 

• Personal testimonies and interactive discussions 
• Exploration of self-worth and making good choices 
• Understanding the significance of our bodies and actions 
• Media literacy around relationships and body image 
• Catholic teachings on love and marriage 

Year 8 – Getting Real in the Digital World 

Focus: Digital safety, media literacy and respectful online behaviour 

• Cyber safety, bullying and harassment 
• Sexting, pornography and digital reputation 
• Healthy tech use and critical media literacy 
• Emphasis on human dignity and respect 
• Guidance on what to do in difficult online situations 

Year 9 – Brave and Beautiful (now called Courage) 

Focus: Female identity, self-image and empowerment 

• Challenging false portrayals of beauty in media 
• Addressing issues like self-image, eating disorders and societal pressures 
• Encouraging confidence, maturity and healthy relationships 
• Helping students recognise true beauty and their God-given worth 

Key reminders: 

Please be reminded of the following important dates, as communicated in the last Fountain newsletter. 

Year 10 RYDA Road Safety Education Day

As part of the College's commitment to student wellbeing and life skills education, Year 10 students will participate in the RYDA Road Safety Education program.

Date: Thursday 25 September (Tomorrow)

Location: Hobart Showground

Time: All Day

RYDA is a nationally recognised program that empowers young people to make safer choices as drivers and passengers. Students will engage in interactive workshops covering topics such as risk awareness, distractions, fatigue and responsible decision-making.

We encourage parents and carers to discuss the day with their child and reinforce the importance of road safety as they approach driving age.

Thank you to Manresa House Leader, Ms Teresa Klimek for organising this event. 

Understanding PAT Testing at St Mary’s College | Prep–Year 9

At St Mary’s College, we use Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs) to support student learning and growth across key areas such as reading comprehension, mathematics and vocabulary.

PAT testing provides valuable insights into each student’s current level of achievement and helps teachers tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs. These assessments are not high-stakes exams, but rather data that informs teaching and tracks progress over time.

Why PAT testing matters:

• Identifies strengths and areas for growth
• Supports targeted teaching strategies
• Monitors student progress year-on-year

• Helps inform whole-school improvement planning

   

Students from Prep–Year 9 will complete PAT assessments during Term 4, and results will be used to guide teaching and learning programs for 2026. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about the experience and reach out to teachers if they have any questions.

We appreciate your continued support in helping us deliver high-impact, personalised learning for every student.

Term 4 exam reminders and key dates

As we begin Term 4, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be preparing for their final examinations. This is a crucial time for consolidating learning and demonstrating growth across all subjects.

Year 11 and 12: 

Final day of classes: Thursday 30 October

Exam study period: Week 4, November 3-7

Exam period: Weeks 5 and 6, November 10-20

Folios and performance-based exams: Check Course Calendar

Year 10: 

Exam revision booklet: Shared at the end of Week 1, Term 4.

Final day of classes: Tuesday 25 November

Exam study day: Wednesday 26 November

Exam period: Thursday 27 November – Wednesday 3 December 

We encourage all students to begin revising early, seek support from their teachers, and maintain a balanced routine during this busy period.

Parents and carers are invited to support their children by reviewing the revision materials together and helping them plan a study schedule that suits their needs.