From the Principal

Welcome to Term 3

Welcome back to Term 3 and a very special welcome to those students and staff joining the College community for the first time. We hope that your time at St Mary's College will be happy, challenging, productive and fulfilling. 

I wish to thank Caroline Wilson-Haffenden for covering as Acting Principal and Andrew Clarke, for covering as Acting Deputy Principal whilst I attended the National Coalition of Girls' Schools – 2022 Global Forum on Girls Education in Boston, USA and took some long service leave. 

It often takes some time away from the place that you live to get a real understanding of how fortunate we are to call Hobart home. The busyness of our world and the manic nature of our lives was brought into sharp focus; I had the opportunity to visit several educational facilities and it was heartwarming to see how well our school stacks up against many around the world.  We are indeed fortunate to live and educate in such a beautiful environment.

Learning Engagement Framework 

Last week we took the opportunity to launch the Learning Engagement Framework to our community. The framework is a culmination of significant consultation, work and preparation which came out of student, parent/carer and community consultation.  

You are encouraged to view the framework, which is available on the College website here. 

We look forward to the framework being the platform that paves the path to the success of all students.

Year 12 cake 

As Term 3 ticks away and we work towards the end of our school year, our Year 12 students passed a significant milestone in their journey last Monday. We came together as a senior group to celebrate that they had 50 days left before finishing their time at the College.  

While the students were in a celebratory mood it brought into sharp contrast how little time they have left. We wish them every success for their final days at St Mary’s and look forward to supporting them through their final assessments and examinations.

House spirit 

House spirit is alive and well at the College. Our leaders continue to promote their House charity with this week being College’s turn to hold their chosen activities, which include 'guess the teacher baby photos', red day and a cake auction. 

This follows on from very successful events held last term. Nagle House Week, which ran in week one, sold fairy floss, held a barbecue and organised a coin line, raising $1,522. Presentation House Week followed in week four, raising $1,050 with activities including a pamper hamper raffle, guess the lollies in the lolly jar, a popcorn stall and an icy pole day. We look forward to Manresa's turn in week 6 of this term. 

This Friday 12 August our senior students will get into the spirit of House competition at our annual Senior School Athletics Carnival. We hope the weather gods will shine down on us and we look forward to a fun and exciting day.

Meet the Principal Tours

The next ‘Meet the Principal Tour’ will be held on Friday 16 September at 9.30am. 

The session commences with a meeting and presentation by me, followed by a College tour led by student leaders, giving parents and carers the opportunity to speak to students and staff, and see what we do during a day at St Mary’s College. 

Subsequent tour dates are available on our website. 

Please note that Year 7 2024 enrolments close on 9 September 2022. 

COVID-19 update

All COVID-19 related information is available on the College website here.

Damian Messer

Principal