TERM 4
Wrap-Up

VIDEO MESSAGE

Please click the 'play' icon below to watch our 'Term 4 Wrap-Up' video message:

PRINCIPAL'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

We are about to enter the season of Advent which prepares us for Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas quite literally means the mass of Christ; we cannot have Christmas without thinking about Christ. It is the time of the year we remember the blessing that Jesus brought to the Earth. It is at Christmas that we reflect on Jesus’ message to the world.

According to Pope Francis, the birth of Jesus at Christmas is the 'newness' that enables us to be reborn each year and to find, in Jesus, the strength needed to face every trial ...

Yes, God came into the world as a child to make us children of God - What a magnificent gift! God amazes us and says to each of us: 'You are amazing’.

The love of Jesus can transform our life, heal our deepest hurts and set us free from the vicious circles of disappointment, anger and constant complaint ... Jesus was born in a lowly manger of a darkened stable. He came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love."

Jesus’ teachings were simple and wise. As written in John 13 - Love one another as I have loved you. And at Christmas we look for ways to embrace this message.

In Catholic schools we give witness to Jesus, we strive to live out God’s values and to show others that when they encounter each of us, we respond in a Christ like way, that is to bring love to this world. Love one another as I love you!

This Christmas, we wish you all the blessings of the season and hope that you will have a blessed and holy Christmas with a happy and safe New Year.

God bless

Kerry

STAFFING UPDATE

We are delighted to announce that Mrs Tina Nguyen-Hales will be joining us in a permanent capacity as Assistant Principal Senior Secondary from 2026. Mrs Nguyen-Hales has successfully served in this role in an acting capacity during the latter half of this year, and we look forward to her continued contribution as a valued member of the College Leadership Team.

Please see attached correspondence from CEDC Executive Director, Mr Durm O'Riordan, regarding the appointment of Mrs Tina Nguyen-Hales to the position of Assistant Principal Senior Secondary.

Appointment Letter

Farewell and Thank You

As we conclude the year, we warmly farewell several valued members of our College community.

Mrs Christina Spillane, our Business Manager, has been a steady and professional presence, ensuring the smooth operation of our financial and administrative systems. Her warmth, attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been greatly appreciated. Thank you Mrs Spillane.

Ms Bambrick-Rowe has brought creativity and passion to her teaching, inspiring students to think deeply and engage fully in their learning. Her dedication to student success has left a lasting impact. Thank you Ms Bambrick- Rowe as you head back to your family.

Mrs McPhee-Smith, in her role as Sports Operations Manager, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our sporting programs ran seamlessly. Her energy and enthusiasm have enriched the co-curricular life of the College. We wish you well for the future.

Mr Winkle has cared for our grounds with pride and diligence, creating a welcoming and beautiful environment for students, staff, and visitors alike. His hard work has been evident across the College. All the best for your next adventure.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms Fitzpatrick, who stepped into the Acting Head of Year role with professionalism and care, and to Mrs Purvis, who has led the Science Department in an acting capacity with expertise and dedication. Your willingness to serve in these roles has been invaluable. We wish you the best for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.

To all who are leaving, thank you for your contributions to our College. We wish you every success and happiness in the future.

We would also like to acknowledge and farewell the teachers who have been with us on contract this year, stepping in to support our students whilst staff were on leave. Your flexibility and commitment have been greatly appreciated. Our sincere thanks go to Mrs Amy Henry, Mrs Claire Williams, Mrs Ann Sebastian, Mrs Cindi Mangano, and Mr Laurie Green for the care and expertise you have brought to your classrooms. Each of you has made a positive difference in the lives of our students, and we are grateful for your contribution to our College community.

We wish you all the very best for 2026 and beyond.

COLLEGE FEE INFORMATION

As we approach the end of 2025, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the year. Your commitment to our College community has been invaluable, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us to provide the very best for your students.

Special Thanks

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to those families who have already paid their 2025 fee account in full. Your timely support helps us continue to deliver the highest quality of education and services. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Accounts Team if you would like to suspend your Direct Debits over the festive season.

Friendly Reminder

For families on approved payment plans, please note that full payment of your account is due by 30 November 2025.

If you anticipate any challenges in meeting this deadline, we warmly encourage you to contact our Accounts Team on smw.accounts@cns.catholic.edu.au as early as possible. Extensions or financial support options may be available, and we are here to assist you in finding the best solution for your circumstances.

Planning Ahead for 2026

If you would like assistance in recalculating the minimum payment instalment required to pay 2026 fees by the 30 November due date, our Accounts Team is available to guide you through the process and ensure your plan is manageable. The Accounts Team will be available to assist via email throughout the holidays, except during the College closure period from 24 December 2025 to 05 January 2026.

As we enter the joyful season of Advent and Christmas, may the hope of Christ’s birth bring peace to your homes and happiness to your families. May this time of celebration be filled with faith, love, and renewal as we look forward to the year ahead.

Thank you once again for your dedication and support throughout 2025. On behalf of the College, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Mrs Christina Spillane

Business Manager

SEMESTER 2 REPORTS

Semester 2 Reports will be uploaded and accessible via the MyCE Parent App or the Parent Portal on Saturday, 06 December. Please click on the tab labelled 'The Learning Dashboard' to view your child's report.

COLLEGE OFFICE CLOSED DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

During the December/January school holidays, the College Office will be closed from Monday, 08 December 2025 until 08:00 am on Tuesday, 19 January 2026.

CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS PLAN 2025/2026 - ADVICE TO PARENTS

When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The average number of tropical cyclones for our region each year is three, with one of these making landfall (on average). St Mary’s Catholic College is currently undertaking steps to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season, including ensuring contacts are up to date and accurate, to assist in communications in the event of a severe weather event. We may be in contact to confirm details.

Whilst these events can always be distressing, as Queenslanders we always show a strong resilience and community spirit, and through this, we always get through. If our school is affected by a cyclone, storm surge or other event, we will keep you apprised of the school’s situation through SMS and Email in line with state and local emergency advice.

We can’t control or prevent these events, but we can be prepared. We recommend that every family gets prepared with the Get Ready Queensland initiative here, and create their own Dangerous Weather Emergency Plan here.