From the Director of Identity and Mission

Happy Easter to all our families!

“Easter is the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred” (Pope Leo, 5th April 2026). 

These words, spoken by Pope Leo on Easter Sunday, remind us of the importance of Easter in the life of the Church and its powerful imagery for the whole world. 

During these last two weeks of Term 1, we have been focusing on the joy of Easter around the College with a Whole School Easter Liturgy last Wednesday and an Easter egg hunt for Senior School students, as well as the Project Compassion Coin Line, where Pastoral Care classes laid the coins they gathered throughout Lent end to end. Well done to Manresa 7B for the longest coin line (31.88 metres) and Nagle 7A for raising the most money ($221.25). 

We have also provided our Year 11 and Year 12 students with an opportunity to pause, reflect and grow, both individually and as a community, during their annual Retreat experiences.

Year 11 Retreat | People of Community

The Year 11 Retreat was held over two days and incorporated a Pillars experience. On day one, students explored the concepts of community and belonging; they unpacked what had changed within their cohort since the end of Year 10 and reflected on ways they can build connections and grow together as they undertake their senior secondary education. Day two involved a bushwalk in the foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the 'Amazing Mate Race', designed to explore teamwork and problem‑solving.

Student reflections: 

“It was an experience that allowed us to become closer with our House groups and with each other. We also had the chance to step outside the classroom for walks and orienteering, which was a great change from our normal day.”

“Pillars was a beneficial experience where we were able to come together with the opportunity to make connections through shared interests and teamwork and see our grade as a collective.”

“It was a great and meaningful experience. I enjoyed getting to know which of my peers are similar to me and getting to work – and enjoy working – with people I don't usually work with.”

Year 12 Retreat | People of the Lantern

The Year 12 Retreat was a two‑day, overnight experience held at Blue Lagoon Camp in Dodges Ferry. This Retreat provided students with opportunities to reflect on their experiences at St Mary’s so far and to consider the legacy they hope to leave behind after they graduate. The recurring theme of the lantern not only connected them to the charism of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters but also encouraged the Year 12s to consider how they will carry their own lanterns into the world when they leave St Mary’s.

Student reflections: 

“The Retreat allowed time to learn more about my peers, relax away from the stress of Year 12 and discover more about myself.” 

“The Retreat was an amazing opportunity to grow and strengthen friendships, and to notice similarities with people you hadn't spoken to before. The memories created will last a lifetime!”

“A highly enjoyable experience that allowed me to bond with others in the grade and work as a team with people I don't normally hang out with.”

“It was really enjoyable and an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the year level.”

We look forward to a busy, exciting and meaningful Term 2, which will begin with our Year 10 Retreats in Week 1 and our celebrations of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters at our Whole School Nano Nagle Mass in Week 2. 

Throughout May, we will also honour Mary by pausing each day at 12.00pm to pray the Angelus, with the Angelus bells rung by our Year 6 students.