YEAR 7

 Starting Well

Mrs Narelle Brooke

Head of Year 7

nbrooke@cns.catholic.edu.au 

YEAR 7 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 3

Social Emotional Learning

A major part of our pastoral process is supporting students in managing peer relationships during their transition into high school. For some students, Year 7 can bring challenges as they seek to find their place in the new and larger St Mary's community, and changes that occur within their primary school friendships can leave some students feeling lost and confused. 

Negative interactions with peers are going to occur, and through our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, this term will be focused on students having the ability to identify the differences between rude and mean behaviour, how best to deal with minor conflicts, and when to seek help from a trusted adult. The aim is to empower students to support each other using our guiding principles of dignity and empathy, and giving students the skills and strategies to foster positive relationships. These lessons will be supported by two incursions this term: 

• Collective Shout (Week 5) - focused on navigating digital environments 
• Backflips Against Bullying (Week 8) - focused on being an upstander 

Additionally, the School TV resource has links to many articles on friendships that can be of assistance as you navigate peer group situations with your child.  

Please feel free to reach out to Pastoral Mentors or me if you have queries or concerns about your child's peer relationships at school.  

Subject Spotlight – Religion 

In term 1 of Religion, the year 7s learned about the communities that they belong to, and their new community at St Mary’s Catholic College. They explored the values, hope and faith of Jesus and how these are present in our everyday lives. In Term 2, the Year 7 Religion assignment will be based on their exploration of the 10 commandments. They will be writing a Letter to God about one of the 10 commandments and how they feel that commandment is relevant to a relationship between God and humankind, as well as how that commandment can help them live a life that is faithful to God’s will. 

For any concerns or queries, please get in touch with our Head of Religion, Mrs Maddie Byrnes: mbyrnes1@cns.catholic.edu.au 

Uniform Schedule: Week 3

WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES: 

Monday - Labour Day Public Holiday

Enjoy another long weekend! We look forward to seeing students on Tuesday. 

Term 2 Assessment Planners

Term 2 Assessment Planners can now be downloaded via the College Website, MyCE App or Parent Portal. This is a critically important resource that will assist with setting students up for success in Term 2. 

Mother's Day Assembly 

Please join us on Tuesday morning as we recognise and celebrate mothers, carers and other special women in our students' lives. Following the Assembly, morning tea will be provided at Green Leaf Café.

Please RSVP via the following link:https://bit.ly/MothersDayAssembly2025

Free Family Connect Event - Please RSVP to Confirm your Attendance:  CLICK HERE

Download Session Overview Here

Term 2 School Fees and Levies

The school fees and levies for Term 2 will be emailed to all account holders in Week 3, from Wednesday, 7 May.

Full payment is due by Wednesday, 21 May. If you are unable to pay in full by the due date, please contact the Accounts Team to arrange an approved payment plan with the College.

Premier's Reading Challenge 2025

Students in Years 7 to 9 are invited to take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge, which begins on Tuesday, May 6 and runs through to Friday, August 22.

To get involved, students can collect a Reader Tally Sheet from the library. Once they’ve read the required 15 books, they simply return the completed sheet to the library for official submission to the Premier.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, discover new authors, and celebrate the joy of reading. Happy reading!

CSPQ-Diocese of Cairns Parent Engagement Mini Conference

 Saturday, 31 May 2025, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, St Augustine's College 

All Catholic school parents, carers, principals, and staff are warmly invited to a free event focused on supporting student learning and well-being. Enjoy complimentary morning tea and lunch while gaining valuable insights. You're welcome to attend the entire day or join the sessions that best suit your schedule. The event is open to families with children from Prep to Year 12.

Register here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/cspq-miniconf2025-cns

KEY DATES - Please note the College Calendar can also be accessed via the MyCE Parent App and can sync with your personal calendar. 

Enjoy your weekend; we look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Tuesday!

Ms Leah McBryde - Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9) 

lmcbryde@cns.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the College Leadership Team

College Leadership Team