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First Nations Camp: Connecting to nature, culture and Country

Last week, our First Nations students enjoyed their first camp as a group, departing the College on Wednesday 18 September for three days at lunawuni (Bruny Island). 

The camp was a wonderful opportunity for the students to reach back to their roots, as they explored ancient paths and rugged coasts, discovered native flora and fauna, and took in the rich history of the island. 

The students participated in a variety of cultural activities and shared experiences designed to strengthen connections and create lasting bonds amongst the group. 

Bellah Parker, our First Nations Learning Support Officer, has shared a glimpse into the experience with us below.

Last week, the First Nations students had the opportunity to go on a camp to lunawuni (Bruny Island). Over the duration of the camp, the students got to go on country and learn more about their culture and identity. Community member, Sharnie Read was integral to making the camp the most educational and enjoyable time possible. There were experiences such as mariner shell collecting, bushwalks, waddy making, walking the Truganini steps and so much more. 

The students made the most of these opportunities and fully immersed themselves in this experience by asking Sharnie questions and having an interest in their culture. 

We are so grateful for the time together to connect with the land and each other. 

Shakespeare steals the show 

On Friday 13 September, the College's Year 9 and 10 students had the pleasure of watching two engaging and entertaining performances by Bell Shakespeare, one of Australia's most proclaimed theatre production companies. 

The Year 9 students enjoyed an immersive performance of Shakespeare is Dead, while the Year 10 students were treated to the play, Shakespeare, the Human Experience, which explores what it means to be human. Both performances were a powerful example of how Shakespeare's iconic works continue to be relevant in today's world. 

The skilled actors performed key moments from a range of Shakespeare's works, from romance to tragedies to histories and comedies, which complemented the students' studies of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

Students were introduced to a variety of Shakespeare’s characters, delving into some of his most iconic scenes, plot devices, language techniques, iambic pentameter, and even the world in which Shakespeare lived.

Wellbeing Week wrap-up

Our Wellbeing Week program culminated on Friday 13 September with the College’s highly anticipated 'Day on the Green'. Organised by the Prefects, the carnival-style event showcased stalls selling fairy floss, popcorn and coffee, nail painting and face glitter stations, and novelty style games. 

Meanwhile, over on the Junior School courtyard, our younger students were kept amused with bubbles, skipping and chalk drawing.

Students were also offered the irresistible chance to throw wet sponges at their teachers, all for a good, clean cause – raising valuable funds for the Annie Kenney Young Women’s Refuge, our Prefect's chosen charity for 2024. What a fabulous end to a feel-good week!  

A grateful heart is indeed a healthier heart!

One sheet of coloured paper, a few minutes of paper-folding meditation…and an origami heart is born!

To coincide with our Wellbeing Week program, Senior School students used their time in Pastoral Care to craft their own origami hearts. In Term 4, their paper creations will be added to a 'gratitude tree' at the College that we hope will continue to grow and flourish with our students' contributions.

Gratitude is a superpower that not only enhances our wellbeing, but also strengthens our relationships, and when activated, can make us more empathetic and generous in spirit.

Students embraced the moment as a reminder to pause amidst the busyness of life and think about all the wonderful things they are thankful for and blessed with.

RU OK Day? recap 

To acknowledge R U OK? Day on Thursday 12 September, the College's Wellbeing Coaches, Coutrney Hartog, Taylor Fletcher and Zoe Hannaford treated staff to a delightful morning tea, granting them a well-earned break. 

A heartfelt thank you to the team at Murphy's Café for providing an array of delicious sweet and savoury options, and endless cups of tea and coffee, for all to enjoy. 

Students and staff were invited to wear a splash of sunny yellow on the day to show their support, and R U OK? Day cookies were enjoyed by our College at lunchtime. 

More than just a tasty treat, the cookies were the perfect way to promote the R U OK? Day campaign message, helping to reinforce to students the importance of checking in on their peers, recognising signs of mental distress and fostering a supportive community. Remember, you can ask R U OK? any day! 

From bush tucker to gourmet delights: Students explore Australia's food culture 

The Year 9/10 Food Technology classes have been studying the Australian cuisine culture through a historical lens, with a particular interest in how meals and food have evolved throughout history due to changes in production and consumption, the impacts of seasonality, and the influences of migration, multiculturalism and modern cuisine. 

In Semester 2, the classes were tasked with researching and preparing a meal from the mid-20th century (1950s through to the 1980s), which they later had the opportunity to enjoy around the table together. Their projects certainly provided food for thought. Well done!

Making sense of crime scene DNA 

Budding super sleuths in Year 8 and 9 were excited to receive a visit from a 'real life' forensic biologist during a recent Forensic Science class. 

It was wonderful to have Jane Devenish-Meares, from the Forensic Science Service Tasmania, share her journey to becoming a forensic scientist. Jane provided an eye-opening account of the work she does on a daily basis, including her specialties: DNA coding and blood splatter analysis.

The students were interested to learn about some of the cases Jane has helped solve through forensic technologies and how even the smallest trace of blood left at a crime scene can reveal a lot of information about the crime. 

A highlight for students was the opportunity to dress up as a forensic scientist. 

Pictured below are Rosie Fisher (Year 8) and Annabel Pestrucci (Year 9) donning their protective uniform, including face masks and two pairs of gloves! 

Cake and arm candy – we're sold! 

A big well done to the St Mary's College Justice Action group, whose members ran a successful bake sale and craft stall last Friday 20 September to raise vital funds for the Catholic Mission Humanitarian Appeal. 

Senior School students had the chance to bid for their favourite sweet treats in a live auction event, while handmade bracelets, featuring colourful beads and motivational words, proved popular among students of all ages.

 It's continually inspiring to see our students working hard – inside and outside of the classroom – to remove the barriers that people face because of gender, race or ability.