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Pictured above: Esther (Year 6) with her grandmother at this morning's Grandparents and Special Friends' Day.
Holy Week commemorations
This week we enter Holy Week which, in the Church's liturgical calendar, commemorates Jesus' last week on earth and the events leading up to his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
During this week, students and staff across the College will have the chance to reflect on the significant religious events of Holy Week through prayer, Liturgy and reflection activities.
On Monday 25 March, students in the Junior School began the morning with a beautiful and joyous Palm Sunday Liturgy in the Cathedral.
Presented by the Year 2 classes, the Liturgy shared the story of Palm Sunday, recalling Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey.
Waving their palm branches in the air and shouting Hosanna!, students showed how the people welcomed Jesus and praised him as their Saviour and King.
This afternoon, the mood shifted to one of prayerful reflection as Prep to Year 12 students gathered together to observe the Stations of the Cross ahead of Good Friday (29 March).
Students in Year 6 'performed' each station by creating a live montage and then freezing into place when prayers were recited.
As they reflected on the crucifixion of Jesus, students left the Nagle Centre in solemn silence following the Stations of the Cross.
Thank you to all students and staff involved in organising and delivering the Holy Week program.
Grandparents and Special Friends' Day
The Junior School welcomed grandparents and special friends to the College this morning for a taste of school life and to celebrate the important role they play in the lives of our students.
The College was a bustle of activity today as our special guests visited classrooms to discover what students have been working on throughout the term, before sharing a delicious morning tea and some precious quality time together.
It was clear to see, between the delightful performances from the Junior School choirs, classroom activities and lively games on the bottom court, the extraordinary bond our SMC grandparents have with their grandchildren.
A very big thank you to all families who joined us for this special event.
Year 7 Life and Faith
Have you been to Fermoy Cottage? What can you see in the mural?
As part of their Life and Faith unit on Spirituality and Belonging, the Year 7 classes have enjoyed a tour of Fermoy Cottage with Heritage Officer, Mrs Margaret Rootes and engaged with an activity using the Nano Nagle Mural outside the Kinder and Prep classrooms.
The charism and example of Nano Nagle, together with the continued faith and history of the Presentation Sisters at St Mary's College, remains a key element of all that we do.
The students demonstrated inquiring minds with the 'I wonder' questions they posed and the sounds they imagined they were hearing when looking at the mural and the artefacts in the Cottage.
Interesting and hidden images were pointed out, such as a cat, harp, someone carrying a basket or bundle on their head, and, of course, the recognition of Nano Nagle and the children around her.
So, next time you are at school drop off or pick up, spend a few moments really looking at the mural.
Are there any familiar faces?
How many lanterns are there and how are they being used?
What occupations or activities do you think the people of the time did based on what you can see?
What can you 'hear' when you look at the mural.
I wonder: what do you think Nano Nagle would think of all she can see looking out from the mural?
Fiona Chambers
Learning Leader of Religious Education
Spinning a yarn (bomb)
Recently spotted in the SMC corridors: a gang of yarn bombers weaving and wrapping parts of the school in their colourful creations.
Taking their cue from street artist Banksy, these crocheting culprits wished to remain anonymous. Hiding behind their woolly wonders, their message was this:
'We're not trying to pull the wool over your eyes, we just want you to enjoy this colourful piece of public art! '
Chess Club going strong
It is fantastic to see chess growing in popularity here at the College. Last Wednesday, chess enthusiasts in Years 4 and 6 had the chance to go head-to-head with the St Virgil's College Junior School chess team, who gave our students some tips on mastering the game.
An exercise in focus, concentration and undeniable skill, playing chess can develop memory, logical thinking, teamwork and problem solving—important skills that we seek to foster in our students.
This week, a selection of students will be participating in the Hobart City Interschool Chess Tournament run by Black Square Chess.
The students have been receiving lessons from coach Anya each Thursday this term and are excited to try tournament games. Good luck to all competitors!
Chinese | Term 1 highlights
The Lunar New Year celebration is no doubt the highlight of our Junior School Chinese program in Term 1. To mark the celebrations, Early Years students read a variety of storybooks on Lunar New Year and put their best efforts into making a dragon puppet dance, wishing for the Year of the Dragon to be filled with joy and prosperity.
Years 3 and 4 students have been busy learning the New Year greeting song, Gong Xi Gong Xi (恭喜恭喜), to bring good wishes to family and friends.
Meanwhile, Year 5 students tried their hands at Chinese paper cutting as a world heritage art of decorating and welcoming good fortune to everyone's house.
The focus in Year 6 this term is on researching the food traditions to celebrate Lunar New Year, and, in particular, the eight 'lucky' foods: long life noodles, dumplings, spring rolls, fish, festive fruit, year cake, sweet rice balls and the togetherness boxes.
After a discussion and demonstration centred around the cultural significance of these foods, the students participated in a fun cooking session with Chinese Teacher, Ms Helen Han who shared the process of making dumplings.
The students discovered that making Chinese dumplings is not as hard as it seems - and it's certainly worth it when you get to enjoy the delicious outcome!
