Alma Mater - July 2023

Dear Alumni,

The latest edition of the Alma Mater is fresh off the press and ready for your perusing pleasure. Keep an eye on your letterbox as the magazine is due to arrive in the next few days. In the meantime, click here to explore the digital version. 

This edition is filled with news from across St Mary's College, as well as staff and alumni interviews, anecdotes from the archives and details on upcoming events. 

In its pages read about the Pillars program, the College's unique approach to Positive Education in the Senior School; discover our school labyrinth, which offers a place for reflection, prayer and contemplation, and learn about how a group of Year 11/12 Vocational Education and Training students are putting a new spin on fashion and textile design.

We also hear from St Mary's College Heritage Officer, Margaret Rootes, who delves into the history of our crest and motto, and an alumna who has found her calling as a rural reporter based in Townsville, in tropical North Queensland—see more below. 

Thank you to all alumni, staff and students for your interest in the publication and your valuable contributions.  

Please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing communications@smc.tas.edu.au if your mailing address has changed, or if you would prefer to receive the magazine electronically in the future. 

Warm regards,

Community Relations

Sneak peek: Alumni spotlight 

Meet Lucy Cooper (class of 2017)

Can you tell us about your current role and what it involves?

I work as a Rural Reporter for ABC News based in Townsville, North Queensland. I report on stories relating to primary industries, essentially agriculture, the environment and mining. I also host a radio program called the Rural Report and create content for radio programs, television, online articles and social media.

What does a typical day on the job look like for you? 

No day is the same. Of course, there are classic days in the office, but often I get to head out on the road to meet farmers and industry stakeholders. I often record an interview for the radio, or film TV with them, and right now, it’s great to see so many happy to be in ABC TikTok videos. I have a region to cover and report on, which extends from Mission Beach in the north to Bowen in the south, and the beautiful red dirt of the outback towards a township called Hughenden in the west. So, plenty to see!

Check out the latest edition of the Alma Mater (July 2023) to read this profile—and more! 

A stitch in time 

The College's Year 3 students recently designed a ‘limited edition’ blazer, using the school colours, as part of their History of SMC unit. 

The inspiration for the activity came after the class received a visit from St Mary’s alumna, Rebecca Woodhouse (class of 1999), who showed the students an example of the College blazer across three generations: one was Rebecca’s from circa 1990, with the other two belonging to her mum (class of 1972) and grandmother (class of 1947). 

The students were enthralled to see how the uniform has transformed over the years, noticing small changes in detail such as piping, the badges and their meaning, and the braiding used to signify student leadership positions.

Main image: Rebecca Woodhouse with children, Milla Williams (Year 3), left, and Harvey Vandenbroek.