YEAR 8 

Building Strong Connections

Clare Robertson 

Head of Year 8

crobertson1@cns.catholic.edu.au 

YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1

Welcome Back - Term 3

A warm welcome back to our Year 8 students and families. I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and rejuvenating break, and I look forward to hearing students' holiday stories this week. 

Students will begin new electives this term and will be able to access their updated timetable via the Student Portal from Day 1. Pastoral Mentors will also provide students with a new, printed timetable during the first week of Term 3.

A strong start to the term will help set our students up for success. We gently remind students to ensure they are:

• Wearing the correct uniform each day. Sport changes to Wednesday this semester. Students are to wear their sports uniform only on Wednesday and on any day they have a HPE lesson. 
• Adhering to jewellery and personal grooming standards
• Using their diary in every lesson to record homework and summarise their learning, with parents/carers signing their diary each Monday evening.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS - TERM 3 FOCUS

In keeping with the Year 8 theme of ‘Building Connections’, we are excited to partner with Year 10 students this term to strengthen connections across year levels. 

We thank our senior students for volunteering their time and for being such wonderful, positive role models for our Year 8 students. 

During Weeks 4, 6 and 7, the Year 10 prefects will run an interhouse sports competition during Pastoral Group. Which house will claim victory? 

In Week 5 during SEL, Year 8 students will participate in a ‘What I Wish I Knew in Year 8’ panel featuring senior student mentors. Students will have the opportunity to hear advice from Year 11 mentors across houses and genders on topics including navigating friendships, managing assessment stress, subject selection, leadership opportunities, and seeking support when needed. 

We look forward to hearing the insights and advice our senior students have to share.

Subject Selection Expo 2027

In Year 9 (2027), students can choose two electives to study each semester. This is the students’ first opportunity to begin specialising in subjects and to consider the pathway they want to pursue in their senior years. 

The St Mary’s Subject Selection Expo will be held on:

Wednesday 15 July (Week 1) 

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Hugh O’Brien Centre (HOB)

Students and families are encouraged to attend. Staff will be available to provide information about elective options and future pathways and to assist students in selecting electives best suited to their strengths and interests. 

Key Dates for Term 3

Looking ahead, our Year 8 students have another busy term planned.

St. Mary’s Day 

Wednesday 12 August

College Musical (Frozen Jnr) 

Year 8 students will be watching this performance during Sport in Periods 5 & 6 on Wednesday 26 August (Week 7). 

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 before the school holidays.

📖 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/

2027 Subject Expo

Year 8, 9 & 10 students and parents are invited to attend the 2027 Subject Expo on Wednesday 15 July from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the HOB at St Mary's College.

Year 8 & 9 Students and Parents

🕓 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Explore subject displays and speak with HODs and teachers about subject selection options for 2027.

Year 10 Students and Parents

🕔 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Visit subject displays and meet with HODs, teachers and external providers to discuss subject selections and pathway options for 2027.

The Subject Expo is a valuable opportunity to explore the wide range of subjects on offer, meet teachers, ask questions, and gather information needed to make informed decisions about future study pathways.

To help families prepare for the Year 9 subject selection process, we have created a short Year 9 Subject Selection Information video.

We encourage students and parents to watch the video together before attending the Subject Expo on Wednesday 15 July, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the Hugh O’Brien Centre.

Video: Year 9 Subject Selection Information 

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Download MyCE Mobile App and jump on board!

A new version of the MyCE Mobile App has arrived, featuring new features that make 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