YEAR 10

 Planning Your Journey

Sophie McQueen  

Head of Year 10 smcqueen1@cns.catholic.edu.au

YEAR 10 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 1

Welcome back to a new term! I hope students have enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

In Week 1, we will be holding our Subject Selection Expo. By now, we hope families have had the opportunity to review Semester 1 results and reflect on what is working well, areas for improvement, and the steps required to make meaningful progress. Moving forward, it is important that students set clear goals and engage in regular check-ins with those supporting their learning journey. 

Students will soon begin selecting subjects for their senior pathways, and the Subject Selection Expo will provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions and gather further information.

Year 10 Retreat - Genazzano

In Week 2, students will attend the Year 10 Retreat at Genazzano. Students who are not attending the retreat are expected to attend the College as normal. 

During their two days at school, students will have the opportunity to visit JCU, participate in workshops, and engage with a careers panel where they can ask questions and explore future pathways. Students will also complete their SET planning questionnaire, which will form the foundation for their upcoming SET planning interviews. 

Group 1:

10 CA2, 10HE2, 10HU2 and 10MU2 

Monday departure: 9.30 am (students to be at school by 9:00 am)

Wednesday return: 11.30 am arrival.

Group 2:

10 CA1, 10HE1, 10HU1 and 10MU1

Wednesday departure: 9.30 am (students to be at school by 9:00 am)

Friday return: 11.30 am arrival

Please note that on Wednesday of Week 2, there will be no Year 10 students on campus, as Group 1 returns from retreat and Group 2 departs. As always, please ensure the College is notified of any student absences.

Grooming Expectations

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind students of our grooming expectations as we begin the new term. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring students proudly represent themselves, their cohort and the St Mary’s community.

Careers - JCU Heroes in Veterinary Science 

Applications for JCU Heroes in Veterinary Science are now open to students in Years 10, 11 & 12. 

When: Tuesday 11 August 2026 

Where: JCU Townsville (travel subsidies may apply - see below)

Applications close: 11:59 pm Tuesday 30 June 2026 

This full-day experience offers students a unique insight into careers in animal health and welfare. Students will hear from JCU academics and current students, explore JCU’s Veterinary and Emergency Centre and Hospital, and gain perspectives from industry experts in veterinary science. It’s a hands-on, behind-the-scenes opportunity to discover what it’s really like to work in the veterinary science field. 

Travel subsidies are available to students accepted into the program who need to travel more than 300km to JCU Townsville. JCU encourages all Year 10, 11, and 12 students in Central, North, and Far North Queensland who are interested in a career in veterinary science to apply. 

Felicity Earl, Careers Counsellor  fearl@cns.catholic.edu.au

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.

Years 8 & 9 Students and Parents

🕓 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Explore subject displays and speak with Heads of Department 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 Heads of Department, teachers and external providers to discuss senior subject selections and future 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.

Supporting Our Year 10 Families

The first few weeks of Term 3 are an important time for our current Year 10 students as they make begin making some big decisions about their senior pathway and subject selections.

To support families through this process, we have developed a series of short information videos.  These videos reinforce the work students have covered in class during their Short Course Careers lessons in Term 2, while also providing parents and carers with important information about senior pathways and subject selection.

We encourage all Year 10 families to watch these videos together before attending the Subject Expo on Wednesday, 15 July (5:00 pm - 6:30 pm).

Video Series

• Senior Pathways – Video 1
• The ATAR Pathway – Video 2
• The Blended Pathway – Video 3
• The VET Pathway – Video 4
• Subject Selection – Video 5
• What is a QCE? – Video 6

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.

Tina Nguyen-Hales

Assistant Principal 

Senior Secondary (Years 10 to 12) 

tnguyenhal@cns.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the College Leadership Team

College Leadership Team