YEAR 7
Starting Well
Mrs Narelle Brooke
Head of Year 7
YEAR 7 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 8
Community Privacy - Mobile Phone Use
St Mary's Mobile Phone Policy is in place to benefit all students, particularly by limiting distractions during the school day (8:30 am – 3:15 pm) and encouraging social interaction during recess and lunch breaks. There is, however, time before and after school when students may access their mobile devices while on school grounds. I would like to highlight an important point regarding their use during these times.
The College grounds are considered private property, and it is therefore illegal to take photographs or video footage of anyone on campus without their consent. Adhering to this legal and ethical standard is essential to maintaining the dignity and safety of our entire school community. Any student behaviour that breaches this expectation is considered serious and will result in consequences aligned with the school's Behaviour Management Policy.
I kindly ask for your support in speaking with your child about the importance of respecting the privacy of all members of the St Mary's community and using their mobile phones appropriately while on school grounds. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns about this matter.
Backflips Against Bullying Presentation
Next Friday, all Year 7 students will attend the Backflips Against Bullying presentation. This dynamic and interactive show uses engaging scenarios to equip students with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to address unwanted behaviour both within the school environment and beyond. A key focus is on empowering bystanders—helping students understand how they can support peers experiencing bullying and contribute to fostering a zero-tolerance culture within our school community.
Uniform Schedule: Week 8
WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES:
Sports Tours Trivia Fundraiser
Friday, 13 June, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, St Mary's Hugh O'Brien Centre
It’s On This Week – Last Chance to Get Your Tickets!
The night will feature a silent auction, delicious food, and drinks available for purchase. Every dollar raised will help our athletes travel and compete in upcoming events, making this a night of entertainment with a purpose.
Purchase your tickets via the following link: https://bit.ly/StMarysSportsToursTriviaFundraiser
Homeless Awareness Sleepover
Friday, 20 - Saturday 21 June, 5:00 pm - 8:00 am, St Mary's Catholic College, Hugh O'Brien Centre
The College is hosting a Homeless Awareness Sleepover for students in Week 9.
Please see the flyer below for further information.
If you would like to participate, register along with your dietary requirements.
Family Connect - Upcoming General Meeting
Laptop Care
National Catholic Conference - Ignite Conference, 2025
The Ignite Conference is a leadership and personal development event designed to inspire and equip students to grow in confidence, purpose, and community. It’s a chance to learn, reflect, and be part of something bigger.
Date: 25–28 September
Location: St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane
Availability: Only 10 spaces available
If you're interested in attending, please complete the application form below.
COMPLETE APPLICATION FORM HERE
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
St Mary’s, in partnership with Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, is providing an exciting, invaluable, and profound experience for students in Years 9–11. Places are limited, so if you’d like to be part of this fantastic opportunity, please register your interest.
All details can be found in the flyer below.
Feedback Surveys will be conducted during Weeks 6-8 of Term 2, May 26 – June 13, to enable the analysis of results to be incorporated into the school's annual planning processes.
All parents and staff will be invited by email from CES to complete the survey, and all students in Years 5, 6, 8, and 11. We estimate that the survey will take up to 20 minutes to complete. All surveys are anonymised in the Survey Manager system, with email reminders sent weekly to non-respondents. Please don't share your survey link - families, staff, and students must access it in their email.
SchoolTV Special Report: Shaping Healthy Masculinity
Young people today are navigating a rapidly changing world - economically, socially and emotionally. Many are struggling to find direction. For boys in particular, even a simple search for advice on fitness, confidence or relationships can quickly lead them into a stream of online content that promotes extreme or unhealthy ideas. This is the reality of the digital age and the nature of today's attention economy.
For more information on how to support young men online, follow the link to the Special Report: https://smcc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au
KEY DATES - Please note that all key dates are listed in the College Calendar. This can be accessed via the MyCE Parent App and synced with your personal calendar.
Enjoy your weekend; we look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Monday!
Ms Leah McBryde - Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9)
On behalf of the College Leadership Team
College Leadership Team
