YEAR 7

 Starting Well

Narelle Brooke

Head of Year 7

nbrooke@cns.catholic.edu.au 

YEAR 7 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1

Welcome Back for Term 3 

I hope all of our Year 7 families had an opportunity for rest, relaxation, and quality family time over the holiday break. We are looking forward to another term of growth for our Year 7 students. 

Throughout the term, students will have many opportunities to explore their interests, participate in College activities and build connections within our school community. Students are encouraged to stay informed by checking the Daily Notices on the Student Portal, which are also shared each morning during Pastoral Group. 

Shared Documents between Students

Late last term, we identified an issue with a number of Year 7 students using shared Google documents to communicate directly during class time. While these collaborative tools have many educational benefits, they can also be used inappropriately. As a college, we will provide educational reminders about how to use these programs appropriately during an extended pastoral group in the coming weeks. 

We ask parents and carers to speak with their child about using digital platforms responsibly and respectfully.  We will continue to educate students about appropriate online behaviour and monitor the use of digital technologies in line with our College expectations.

Year 7 Camp: Echo Creek Adventure Centre 

Wednesday 19 August – Friday 21 August (Week 6) 

We are excited that our Year 7 students will once again travel to Echo Creek Adventure Centre, near Tully, for the annual Year 7 Camp. This experience has become a highlight of the Year 7 calendar, and we are excited about the shared experiences our students will have. 

Permission forms and further camp details will be communicated in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's attendance, please reach out to your child's Pastoral Mentor or me at your earliest convenience. We understand school camps can create some worry for students, and we are here to listen and discuss the many options we can accommodate to make the camp a memorable experience for your child.

Looking After Student Belongings 

As we begin a new term, it is a good opportunity to remind students to take responsibility for their personal belongings. We encourage families to discuss the following expectations with your child: 

• Ensure lockers are secured with a working lock and keep locker codes private to ensure safe and appropriate storage of valuable items.  
• Keep school bags zipped up and placed above or below lockers or on the designated bag racks. 
• Laptops should be carried in their protective laptop bags at all times. 
• Hats, lunch boxes, water bottles and other belongings should be clearly named and placed inside bags or lockers when not in use.  

UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK 1

WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES

New E-Bike & E-Scooter Laws from 1 July 2026

If you ride an e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard or e-unicycle, important new Queensland laws came into effect on 1 July 2026.

Key changes include:

✅ New speed limits on footpaths and when passing pedestrians

✅ Increased penalties for unsafe riding

✅ Police powers to seize illegal devices used in public places

✅ Stricter requirements for legal e-bikes and personal mobility devices

✅ Continued focus on helmet use, mobile phone restrictions, and drink-riding laws

These changes are designed to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and all road users. Parents and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules.

📖 For full details and to check whether your device complies with the new laws, visit: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/

https://clarkeandprince.com.au/

https://stratforddelicatering.com.au/

https://www.harleyseducational.com.au/

https://www.cairnsluxurycoaches.com.au/

https://www.airfirst.com.au/

Download MyCE Mobile App and jump on board!

A new version of the MyCE Mobile App has arrived, with new features making it easier to stay connected. We would love you to download and log in to the app as our Parent Portal has been retired as of June 30, 2026. To avoid missing important news, please update your app and turn on notifications.

KEY DATES 

Please note that all key dates are listed in the College Calendar. This can be accessed via the MyCE Mobile App and synced with your personal calendar.

COLLEGE WEBSITE - For the latest information and guidance relevant to both staff and families, please refer regularly to our St Mary's Catholic College Website.

Leah Dewar

Assistant Principal 

Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9) 

ldewar@cns.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the College Leadership Team

College Leadership Team