Senior School News

Mathletes put their pedal to the metal for annual relay 

Each year, the Mathematical Association of Tasmania hosts a relay competition across the state for students in Years 5–12. This event is designed to challenge enthusiastic mathematics students in a collaborative and enjoyable setting, while also raising the profile of mathematics and celebrating the joy of engaging with the subject. 

On Sunday 21 September, St Mary’s College proudly entered both a Year 7 and a Year 8 team to represent our school in the competition. Each team raced against the clock to solve 20 increasingly complex mathematics questions within 45 minutes. 

Throughout the event, our students demonstrated impressive mathematical skills, persistence and teamwork. We are very proud of their efforts and grateful for their commitment in giving up their weekend to challenge themselves beyond the classroom.

A special thank you to Ali Canning, Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning, and Nicole Barnard, Learning Leader of Technologies, for attending on the day to assist with marking, help with organisation and support our wonderful students.

Congratulations to the following students: 

Jean Beerworth, Abbie Fidanza, Emma Clark Jennifer Wong (Year 8), Nina Canning, Annabel Barnard, Alice Matthews, Zoe Ratcliffe (Year 7). 

Jess Veitch

Learning Leader for Mathematics 

Lip-sync legends | Year 7 and 8 battle for glory

This term, the Year 7 and Year 8 Pastoral Care classes took centre stage in a brand-new and exciting challenge – the inaugural Lip Sync Battle! Each PC class selected a two-minute song and choreographed a performance to match, bringing energy, creativity and plenty of flair to the competition.

The battle unfolded over several rounds, with classes going head-to-head in front of a judging panel and their peers. The final showdown, held in the Nagle Centre, was a highlight of the term, with all Year 7 and 8 students in attendance casting their votes alongside the judges.

A huge shoutout to Year 7 Nagle A and Year 8 Nagle B, who emerged as champions of their respective year groups. After a show-stopping final performance, Year 7 Nagle A claimed the ultimate title of Lip Sync Battle Champions!

Well done to all participants for their enthusiasm and showmanship! 

Budding builders get a taste of the trade 

Last week, three of the College's Year 10 students swapped their textbooks for toolbelts during an inspiring site visit with Fairbrother, Tasmania's largest construction company. 

With our Pathways and Course Advisor Mrs Lucy Paske leading the way, students Prue Ridgeway, Madeleine Donaghy and Constance Spangler got a sneak peek behind the scenes of a real building site. They also discovered what a carpentry apprenticeship might look like, right from the ground up! 

Fairbrother is passionate about getting more girls 'on the tools' and encourages students to join future work experience programs. 

Curious about a career in building and construction? Contact Mrs Paske to learn how you can apply for work experience opportunities with Fairbrother in 2026 and start building your future, one plank at a time! 

We’re incredibly grateful to Fairbrother for providing this valuable opportunity. 

Global health in focus 

On Monday 8 September, Mrs Kate Lakos' Health Studies class was honoured to welcome Dr Andrew Ottaway from Health Volunteers International for a powerful and thought-provoking presentation on maternal and infant mortality. The session explored global health challenges and their connection to Sustainable Development Goal 3, particularly the reduction of maternal deaths and preventable deaths of newborns and children under five. 

Dr Ottaway began by contrasting the experience of childbirth in Australia with that in a Least Developed Country, using imagery and real-world examples to highlight the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session, allowing students to delve deeper into the complexities of global health and humanitarian work.

We were delighted to welcome visiting students from St Aloysius Catholic College, St Virgil's College, MacKillop College and The Fahan School, marking a wonderful collaboration between schools and a shared commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

Year 12 Alumni Luncheon

A heartfelt thank you to our Alumni Association for hosting today’s Year 12 Alumni Luncheon and for preparing such a delightful spread for our students to enjoy.

This event provided a special opportunity for the committee to connect with the next generation of SMC alumni, sharing their wisdom, experiences and advice over a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

It was a true honour to welcome our cherished alumni back to the College (including a few familiar alumni faces amongst our teaching and administration staff) as we begin to farewell the graduating Class of 2025.