YEAR 8 

 Building Strong  Connections

Clare Robertson 

Head of Year 8

crobertson1@cns.catholic.edu.au 

YEAR 8 KEY INFORMATION: WEEK 5

Tent Pitching Success!

On Tuesday during sport, the Year 8 students practised pitching their tents in preparation for Year 8 Camp at Fitzroy Island in Week 7. Students faced very windy and challenging conditions, but I was so proud to see them demonstrating teamwork, resilience and leadership to get the job done. 

With only two more school weeks until camp, we appreciate your support in continuing to ensure your child is organised and prepared. Have they rearranged extracurricular activities for the week? Have they purchased a snorkel mask and goggles? Are medications packed appropriately with the necessary information included (please refer to parent slip)?

Homework, Study & Diary Use

The Year 8 assessment schedule is starting to ramp up as we enter the middle part of the term. It is crucial that students are staying organised, completing homework, and conducting study at home to maximise their opportunity for success in the academic space. The College diary is a mandatory tool that the Yr. 8s are using every lesson, every day, to record homework and key assessment dates. Parents are still required to sign their child’s diary every Monday evening, in preparation for Pastoral Mentor checking on Tuesday mornings. Thank you in advance for your support in building lifelong organisational habits for our young people. 

Ushers - Open Night

I was most proud to see a large number of Yr. 8 students volunteering to serve the community in the role of Usher for our College Open Night in Week 5. This is such a positive opportunity for our young people to develop their confidence and leadership skills, and to promote our wonderful College to prospective families - who better to hear from about how great our College is than from our wonderful Yr. 8s! A reminder that if your child did not attend the mandatory training last Thursday, they must attend training on Tuesday in M1/2 from 3:15pm - 4:15pm. 

Extracurricular Spotlight - Chess Club

Chess club is held every Tuesday at second break in the library. It is a great opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and logic, widen their social circle, and have screen-free fun with peers. There is an inter-school Chess Tournament at TAS WHite Rock on Friday in Week 7 (5th June). See Mr Peppler for more details (gpeppler@cns.catholic.edu.au) 

UNIFORM SCHEDULE: WEEK 5

WHOLE-OF-COLLEGE NOTICES

Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS)

Applications for Semester 1, 2026 of the Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) will open from 1 – 31 May. 

The scheme provides financial assistance to families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland through two programs:

• Bus Fare Assistance - Supports families who pay more than the weekly threshold in bus or ferry fares.

• Students with Disability - Assists students with a disability who have demonstrably different transport needs from other students of the same age.

   

To find out if you are eligible, please visit: www.schooltransport.com.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.

COLLEGE WEBSITE - For the latest information and guidance relevant to both staff and families, please refer regularly to our St Mary's Catholic College Website.

 

Leah McBryde

Assistant Principal

Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 9) 

lmcbryde@cns.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the College Leadership Team

College Leadership Team