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Students get the university experience 

Eleven students in Years 11 and 12 received a glimpse into university life when they attended a 'taster day' at the University of Tasmania's Medical Science Precinct last term. 

The day gave students the opportunity to learn about potential pathways to future study as they explored the disciplines of paramedicine, biomedicine and medicine. 

In addition to touring the onsite research facilities, students participated in hands-on activities including examining samples under the microscope, measuring blood pressure, practising first aid skills on CPR dummies and using the ELISA method for checking for influenza antibodies. 

Year 12 Retreat 

On 29-30 June, our Year 12s attended an overnight Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Dodges Ferry. The Retreat explored the theme of what it means to be 'People of the Lantern', following in the footsteps of Nano Nagle. 

A key presenter on the Retreat was Marty Ogle, from the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office, who worked with students to help them develop a legacy they wish to leave by the time they graduate from St Mary's. 

Marty shared his reflections on his time with us, which you can read below. 

Recently, I had the privilege of working with the Year 12 students in regard to 'Leaving A Legacy'. We discussed inspirational leaders, and especially women who have shown others the way forward. They discussed people in their families and lives who 'they have been blessed with'. They used words such as empowering, innovative, motivational, positive and open minded, positive attitude and many other inspirational words to describe these people. A great example of this was Turia Pitt who has overcome great hardship to power through and achieve so much. 

At the end of the first session, I challenged the class overnight to discuss a legacy they could create to help others. The next day they came armed with so many amazing ideas and suggestions. Some were simply to improve their furniture and to continue the tampon service begun by a previous Year 12 cohort. However, the majority of their focus was on striving to find ways to improve mental health in their school community. 

To listen to these young people (plus their enthusiastic staff), I have no worries that they will follow through with many of these suggestions, and I feel the world is heading in a great direction if this is the calibre of the future.

I was blessed to be a part of their retreat. 

Sharon Lawler

Director of Identity and Mission

Year 8 Pillars

In Year 8, Pillars students have been learning about the concept of empathy and then applying this and other key qualities to working successfully as a team. The key qualities for successful teamwork identified by the students were effective communication, including active listening, encouragement, empathy, kindness and cooperation. 

As a whole class we then attempted to pass one and then two hoops (in the opposite direction) around an enclosed circle using words of encouragement, as well as our physical flexibility to achieve this. A lot of fun was had, and we were able to pass one hoop around in a record of 57 seconds and the two-hoop challenge was completed in 1:40. 

We were very pleased with our efforts and even more pleased with our ability to work and achieve success together.

Fiona Chambers 

Learning Leader of Religious Education / Secondary Teacher