From the Director of Teaching and Learning K–12

Schools Recommendation Program (SRP)

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of the Year 12 students who have received early offers from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) through the Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). This program recognises students’ commitment to learning and their contributions to school life, providing an opportunity to secure a university place based on school recommendations and approaches to learning.

Receiving an SRP offer is a testament to the hard work, character and potential of our students, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. We congratulate each student on this exciting milestone and look forward to seeing the next chapter of their learning journey unfold.

Students who completed round two offers, or an SRP through another university, will receive an update later in October. 

Continuing our commitment to high-impact teaching

Our commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging and explicit teaching remains at the forefront of our practice. This term, our teachers have continued working closely with Shaping Minds, a partnership that supports evidence-based strategies to enhance student learning across all year levels.

Through this collaboration, staff are deepening their understanding of effective instructional practices and refining their approach to ensure every student is supported and challenged in their learning journey.

To build on this momentum, day one of Term 4 (Monday 13 October) will be dedicated to a Professional Learning Day with Shaping Minds and the Insight Project team working with Catholic Education Tasmania (CET). This session will provide valuable time for our staff to reflect, collaborate and further embed the strategies that are making a real difference in our classrooms.

We are proud of the dedication our teachers show in continually growing their practice and thank our community for supporting this important work.

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

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.

Further details will be shared via Consent2Go. 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.