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International Women's Day

Celebrations were held across the College yesterday (Tuesday 8 March) in honour of International Women's Day (IWD), an annual event that recognises women's achievements throughout history and around the world. 

At St Mary's College, we educate and empower our students to contribute to a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. We champion and celebrate the trailblazers, changemakers and leaders who work hard in their communities to achieve greater gender equality and provide opportunities for women from all walks of life. 

Our IWD celebrations commenced with a special breakfast for our Year 11 and 12 students, at which we were delighted to welcome Holly Andrée, alumna and 2017 Head Prefect, as guest speaker. 

Holly delivered an inspiring speech that reflected on her time at St Mary's and her journey since graduating from the College. 

In line with this year's IWD theme, 'Break the Bias', Holly spoke about the importance of rewriting the narratives around expectations for young women in today's society. She encouraged students to tread their own path; to follow their passions and contribute in their own individual ways. 

‘Personal success takes time, and you don’t need to rush into your futures. You are completing your final years of schooling during a pandemic and it’s okay to take time to work out what’s next for you.’  

—Holly Andrée (class of 2017) 

The focus of women empowering women continued in the Senior School assembly with Year 12 Deputy Prefects, Caitlin Marr and Mackenzie Kinghorn welcoming alumni, Lucy Eade (class of 2020) and Kelsie Raspin (class of 2010) to the couch for an insightful and thought-provoking chat. Click on the link here to watch. 

The conversations included showing support for First Nations gender justice as we celebrate the strength of First Nations women now and always, and acknowledge women who are marginalised in society.

We are incredibly proud of our students at St Mary's College and the strong, resilient women they are. 

Helping to #BreakTheBias 

Pictured above: Kinder students striking the IWD #BreakTheBias pose with their arms crossed to show their commitment to calling out bias, smashing stereotypes, breaking inequality and rejecting discrimination.

Ladies in literature 

The College's Student Resource Centre (SRC) created a fantastic and informative display in celebration of International Women's Day, showcasing literature by and about women, and an assortment of biographies about great women in history. 

Update from the Student Resource Centre

In other SRC news, we have two winners for the 'Love at First Line' competition. Congratulations to Jasmine Williams and Abbey Creese (Year 7), who successfully listed the titles of 10 books with only the first line as a clue.

We also wish to congratulate Zoe Ratcliffe (Year 4), who is our Junior School Resource Centre 'Reader of the Month'.

Zoe is an avid borrower in the Resource Centre and has already dived into a variety of books for 2022. Zoe is respectful and enthusiastic, always keen to participate or help those struggling to find their next read. A true asset to the SMC reading community!

Student Resource team 

Lent: a time for compassion 

Last week we began the season of Lent. Lent is a time in the Church's year that is focused on getting 'back to basics'. It is a time for having a clean out, and eliminating attitudes and patterns of behaviour that prevent us from being as free as God made us to be. 

During our Ash Wednesday Liturgies on 2 March, students participated in the ancient tradition of receiving the ashes and were challenged to fully engage in Lent this year through prayer, fasting and giving to others. 

Students were also reminded about the life-changing work of Caritas Australia—a Catholic organisation that works with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

Through Caritas' Lenten program, Project Compassion, students can both participate in Lent and make a practical difference in the lives of people living in difficult circumstances in the world today. 

For more information about Project Compassion or to find out how you can contribute to their global work, please go to lent.caritas.org.au

Sharon Lawler

Director of Identity and Mission

First Nations on Country 

At SMC, we have a group of First Nations students and staff who gather to participate in cultural activities and go on excursions that take us on Country. Last Friday, we had the opportunity to visit piyura kitina (Risdon Cove). Led by Jye Crosswell, the great-grandson of Annette Peardon and a proud palawa man, we learned more about rikawa (bull kelp). The word rikawa also describes bull kelp water carriers, and under Jye’s guidance, we created our own.

We started by twisting dried nimina (grass) into thin but strong cords. These became the strings that held together our carriers. The next step was to obtain kelp, which Jye had collected ahead of time. These kelp pieces were circular shaped and had eight holes spaced out around the perimeter. We then threaded our cord through these holes, adding rina (shells) and dried ‘kelp coins’ to the spaces. Pulling tight, our carriers came together, pinching at the corners and forming into the shape of a bowl.

With our carriers now made, the soft bull kelp must dry. We filled them with sand to help draw out moisture, so they should be rock solid within the fortnight. A bit of oil on them and they will be sealed and ready to use. They are currently sitting in the Meeting Place, our First Nations gathering space at the College.

After this, needing to stretch our legs, we ventured to the top of the hill at the base of which piyura kitina sits. As our guide, Jye described the features of the land, naming the plants and animals surrounding us as we climbed higher. We saw tara (a kangaroo) and pulura (crows) and made it to the top where we looked out upon timtumili minanya (River Derwent). Jye explained to us the significance of kunanyi (Mount Wellington); how its height connects palawa people to the sky, where the ancestors of every living thing live.

It was a morning spent well, creating, learning and delving into culture. We had a range of ages in our group, from our Junior School students through to our staff, and Jye catered for that amazingly. 

With COVID-19 and other restrictions, opportunities such as these are hard to come by, but we were so lucky to spend this time together, sharing and growing.

Caitlin Marr

Gamilaraay woman and Deputy Prefect 

Big night in 

The Year 12 Big Night In went off without a hitch on Friday 25 February. While a sleepover wasn't possible for this event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the students made sure the night was jam-packed with fun and frivolity. 

'The Big Night In was a night filled with challenges, laughter and bonding. This included screams of joy and fear on St Mary's best ghost tour run by the Year 12s. The night opened doors for newfound friendships as they get into a year of college together.'

—Nicola Morgan (Year 12)

Therapy dog helps with 'ruff' school days 

Meet SMC’s newest staff member, Miss Millie. She’s no ordinary teacher though – she’s of the furry four-legged kind and she has a very 'im-paw-tant' job. 

A six-month-old Old English Sheepdog, Millie is currently in training as a therapy dog in our Junior School, where she will provide a morale boost (and plenty of hugs and licks) when students need it most. 

Did you know therapy dogs can help to reduce anxiety and stress in students and provide a sense of connection during difficult times in a child’s development? Research also shows they can help boost school attendance. 

The Prep Bilbies students were very excited to give Millie a very warm welcome at the College this morning. 

Millie is learning under the expert guidance of Heather Collet, our Junior School Administration Assistant, and we’re pleased to report that she passed her first test with Principal, Damian Messer with flying colours. Nice work, Millie!