From the Principal

Director of Junior School appointment

Brigid Knight is stepping down from her role as the Director of Junior School at the end of this year.

Brigid has provided an incredible service to the St Mary's College community for many years. Later this year, we will have the chance to show our appreciation for her invaluable contributions.

Over the past few weeks, we have been seeking Brigid's replacement and after an extensive process I am pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Thirgood as the new Director of the Junior School, effective 1 January 2025. 

Melissa is currently Deputy Principal of St Cuthbert’s Catholic School in Lindisfarne. Melissa is a dedicated educator with a depth of experience within Catholic education and we look forward to welcoming her to our community.

As you can see below, our school is never a dull place and there is no shortage of amazing events and activities that our young people can get involved with. A massive thanks to all the staff for supporting our students' endeavours and guiding them to success, and thank you to the students for actively participating in all aspects of College life. 

Science Week | 12–16 August

Science Week was a remarkable success, showcasing the enthusiasm and curiosity of our students. Activities ranged from interactive experiments to engaging presentations. Read a recap of the week's highlights in the 'Latest news' section of this newsletter. 

Book Week | 17–23 August

Book Week celebrated the joy of reading and the power of literature. Our teachers and Student Resource Centre staff worked tirelessly to create a vibrant literary atmosphere. The enthusiastic participation from students highlighted the success of this weeklong celebration of books and reading. One of the highlights of the week was the character parade, which saw students across the College come to school dressed as their favourite book character and take part in the lunchtime parade. See more photos in 'Latest news'.

Overland Track | 16–23 August

The Overland Track excursion was a term highlight, providing students with a unique chance to engage with nature and enhance their outdoor skills. The trip was a testament to the hard work of our staff in organising and leading the adventure. 

NEAA Student Conference | 20–23 August

The NEAA Student Conference was a significant event held at St Rita’s College in Brisbane. The event provided students with a platform to engage with students from our fellow Presentation colleges from around Australia. Thank you to the staff and the Year 10 students who represented St Mary’s College with such pride. The students in attendance were: Abbie Graves, Lucy Hofler, Maddie Linell, Holly Richardson, Chloe Riley and Sarah Thomas (Year 10).

Rotary Youth Driver Awareness | 23 August

The Year 10 Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program was a valuable educational experience, focusing on road safety and personal responsibility. The success of the event was made possible by the enthusiastic involvement of students and the dedication of our staff in facilitating this crucial program. The commitment to promoting safe driving practices among our students was evident in their active participation and engagement.

Year 6 Band Workshop and Concert | 26 August

The Year 6 Band Combined Workshop and Concert was a musical triumph, showcasing the talent and hard work of our young musicians from St Mary’s College and St Virgil’s College. The event highlighted the dedication of both the students and the music staff, who worked collaboratively to prepare for the concert. The impressive performance was a testament to the continued commitment to fostering a strong music program and nurturing student talent.

Father’s Day Breakfast | 28 August 

The Father's Day Breakfast, hosted this morning at the College, was a heartwarming celebration of family and community. The event provided an opportunity for students and their families to come together and enjoy a special breakfast. The success of this event was due to the careful planning and dedication of our staff, reflecting the strong sense of community and support within our College.