Abstract sculptures in the wild

Last term, Ms Berger's Year 7 Art classes created colourful clay sculptures inspired by the Public Art Chiaozza Studio, who make large-scale brightly coloured and patterned abstract sculptures within public spaces.

Our students' sculptures were on a smaller scale, but they still incorporated similar shapes, colours and patterns in their work, aiming to beautify and brighten the environment at St Mary's. They specifically chose a large garden bed area on the top ground to install their artworks.

Anna Berger

Secondary Teacher

Inspiring leadership: SMC and SVC unite

At the end of Term 1, the Mary's College and St Virgil's College student leadership groups joined forces for their first collaboration meeting, which took place over a hot lunch in the Year 11/12 Common Room, catered by Murphy's Cafe.

Both leadership groups were well prepared for the day, armed with ideas and initiatives to support the traditional relationship that exists between the schools.

SMC and SVC have a long-standing connection with one another and re-establishing these traditions is something both Colleges are eager to reignite.

There will be further opportunities for the students to connect and collaborate throughout the year, with our Year 12 Prefects looking forward to visiting the SVC boys at the Austins Ferry campus for their second meeting later this term.

Youth Makers Market a success

A Youth Makers Market celebrating the creativity of young people aged 12 to 25 was hosted by the Hobart City Council on the first day of the school holidays.

The College's Justice Action Team worked hard throughout Term 1 to make bracelets and ceramic items for the market, with Year 8 student Mae Williams making a significant contribution with a donation of beautiful flower bouquets for sale.

On market day, Mae, together with fellow students Hal Cormack and Issy Clayton (Year 8) manned the stall, which was open to the general public.

The students generated an amazing income of $250 which will be donated to the Hobart Ukraine community in immediate support of their relocated citizens. Congratulations to all involved!

Growing in faith and service

Over the holiday break, four St Mary's College students attended the Live to the Full Conference featuring the incredible Sisters of Life from New York City, who dedicate their lives to the dignity of the human person and serving those who the world considers 'useless'.

From 26-28 April, the students joined Tasmanian youth from schools across the state at Camp Clayton in Ulverstone for a weekend of faith, growth and community.

Through the talks and workshops, there was a strong emphasis on students discovering their purpose and living with courage and love.

Thank you to Hal Cormack (Year 8) for sharing a snippet from the conference, included here:

The camp was an amazing experience to make new friends and learn more about faith. We used this camp as an opportunity to step outside our comfort zone and try new things. During our time there we made great friends, pushed through challenges and found a greater faith in God. We loved being able to meet the sisters and talk to them about their sisterhood and their experiences (Sr Veritas also demolished half the camp in table tennis). The song 'My Lighthouse' by Rend Collective was one of the many songs we sang and danced to, and it will continue to be the highlight of our nights (the dance is permanently stuck in our heads). Overall, the camp was great and has created many inside jokes and amazing memories.

Belle Young

Youth Minister

Students give coaching a shot

St Mary's College students Olivia Hunniford-Webb (Year 11) and Isobel Geard (Year 10) 'jumped high and aimed higher' to score the opportunity to complete work experience with the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Olivia and Isobel teamed up with JackJumpers community coaches to help lead the school holiday basketball clinics, which involved teaching children aged five to 11 the basic skills of the game in a fun environment.

Working with JackJumpers coach Clint Steidl over the four days was a highlight for Isobel, who said: "It was good to see not only the playing side of a professional basketball team but also the other aspects, showing me all the potential opportunities involved in a career in the sport".

For Olivia, the experience was "incredibly enriching", providing her with a deeper understanding of basketball and techniques when coaching children.

"I appreciated the welcoming and supportive environment the JackJumpers team demonstrated. The positive work culture and sense of camaraderie among team members made me feel valued and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone," Olivia said.

"It was an amazing and unique experience that I am grateful I had the opportunity to participate in," she said.

Mother's Day celebrations

St Mary's College mothers and mother figures were treated to a lovely breakfast in the Nagle Centre this morning in anticipation of Mother's Day on Sunday.

What a treat it was to come together as a community to celebrate our SMC mums and significant female figures.

A big thank you to all our special guests and our wonderful volunteers for ensuring the morning ran smoothly.

View more photos on our website gallery here.

ANZAC Day | Lest we forget

On Tuesday 30 April, we gathered together as a College community to acknowledge and honour the contributions and sacrifices of the ANZACS who served and continue to serve our nation.

Our ANZAC Day Liturgy and Gathering was an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the profound legacy of ANZAC Day and the values of courage, honour, endurance and selflessness that embody the ANZAC spirit.

During the prayer service, St Mary's College Head Prefect, Gabrielle Radic and Deputy Head Prefects, Mykala Mastrocola and Grace Cox laid a commemorative wreath alongside the symbols of remembrance—red poppies, a sprig of rosemary and a slouch hat.

Following The Ode and The Last Post, a minute's silence was observed to remember our fallen veterans.

The Liturgy concluded with a poignant address from Hannah Lucas (Year 12) who reflected on her family’s ANZAC Day legacy and connection to the battlefields of Gallipoli, before the singing of the Australian National Anthem.

The College is proud of all students for their respect and reverence during the service and we thank all those who contributed.

We also extend our gratitude and thanks to those students and families in the SMC community who represented the College at the various ANZAC Day services held in and around Hobart on 25 April.

Congratulations in particular to members of our student choir, Hannah Lucas, Davina Cox (Year 12) and Lucy McKenna (Year 11) for graciously lending their voices to the Dawn Service at the Hobart Cenotaph in Queens Domain.

Year 11 Retreat

While the Year 12 students were on retreat, the Year 11s also enjoyed spending time together as a cohort, with their retreat taking place at the Lindisfarne Rowing Club on 2-3 May.

The retreats are designed to give students an opportunity to reflect on their lives and how, as Presentation People, they are called to go 'One Pace Beyond'.

Central to the Year 11 retreat program was the theme of compassion, with students exploring ways that they can show compassion to others, as well as develop self-compassion and cultivate positive personal wellbeing.

Highlights included team building challenges and bonding activities, along with inspiring sessions from Edmund Rice Camps, Headspace and The Students against Refugees group for TasTAFE.

Empowering students through music

We are delighted to congratulate our Assistant Coordinator of Music, Michael Power on receiving the 2024 Yamaha Breakout Piano Teacher Award, which celebrates Australian piano teachers who are committed and passionate about music education.

Michael and nine other national award winners will be travelling to Melbourne in July to attend two days of professional development with industry professionals.

Since 2023, Michael has been offering students at St Mary’s College an innovative range of music-making opportunities. His enthusiasm and love for music is truly infectious, providing much joy for our learners as they express their creativity and develop their skills and talent.

Michael also chairs the Tasmanian Music Teachers' Association, and his voice could be heard gracing the local airwaves on Monday during an interview with ABC Radio Hobart.

If you missed the live chat, you can listen to the episode online here.

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