8 Newsletter SMMC 28 May

Principal's Message

Celebrating Our Teachers – Every Day of the Year

Every October, we come together to celebrate the incredible work of teachers and school staff on World Teachers’ Day. But at St Margaret Mary’s College, we know that our appreciation shouldn’t be limited to just one day. Our teachers deserve recognition and support every single day of the year.

A quote that inspired me to become a teacher over thirty years ago still resonates deeply with me:

“A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.”

This powerful truth has stayed with me throughout my career. Teachers shape lives in ways that often go unseen, and the memory of a caring, supportive teacher can stay with a student for a lifetime.

I was fortunate to have had amazing teachers during my time as a student at St Margaret Mary’s College—some of whom are still part of our community today. Their dedication left a lasting impression on me, and I see that same commitment in our staff every day.

Our teachers work tirelessly to provide the best education possible. They arrive long before the first bell and often stay well after the last. Their holidays are spent marking assessments, planning lessons, and worrying about students who may not have safe or supportive homes. This emotional labor is real—and it takes a toll.

Teacher burnout is a growing concern in Australia. According to the Black Dog Institute, 46.8% of Australian teachers are considering leaving the profession within the next 12 months. The reasons are clear: increasing workloads, mental health challenges, and exhaustion—all within the context of a national teacher shortage.

There are no simple solutions, but at St Margaret Mary’s, our Leadership Team is committed to supporting our teachers in every way we can. We also know that the broader community plays a vital role. When parents and students take the time to thank a teacher or support the school’s efforts, it makes a world of difference.

This partnership—between school, home, and community—is the key to a student’s success.

So today, I invite you to reflect:

• Who were the teachers that made a difference in your life?
• What was it about them that stayed with you?

Let’s continue to show our gratitude—not just in October, but every day.

Thank God for Teachers.

God bless
Kathleen McCarthy
College Principal

Educated Women of Purpose

Year 7-10 Assessment

At this point of the term our Year 7 to 10 students are in the middle of assessment.  It is important for students to establish a regular study routine to assist with managing the stress around assessment time.  This study routine could comprise homework, reading, revising of class concepts taught in preparation for exams and completing assignments.  It is recommended that students incorporate this into their schedule everyday.  Our school TV has some useful resources for combating exam and assessment stress for students.

Year 11 Unit 1 Assessment

Well done to our Year 11 students who have completed their Unit 1 Exam Block of their senior studies.  These exams will now be marked, moderated and the results released to students in the Unit One report that will be released at the end of the term.  

Any students who are intending to change subjects for Unit 2 should have expressed interest to Mrs Truntic already.  These subject changes will be completed ASAP.  

Year 12 IA1 Results

Over the last two weeks, many of the first Internal Assessment results (IA1) have been confirmed by the QCAA.  Students will be notified if there have been any minor changes to results by their classroom teachers. Students will soon be able to access their confirmed results via the QCAA myQCE student portal. Students should have already logged in to the myQCE student portal to check their details are correct. Through this portal they will also be able to see other learning from other providers along with their learning and results here at the College. I strongly urge parents to sit with their daughters to look at the myQCE student portal together.

Melissa Pearce
Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching

Inspirited by Faith and Mission

Healing, Dignity & Justice

This week as a college we acknowledge Reconciliation week – supported by beautiful prayer and liturgy. The week began with Sorry Day to acknowledge the harm caused to Indigenous Australians by the ‘Stolen Generations’, a policy that involved forcibly removing children from their families and communities. And while we can become bogged down by why and how and who – it is essential to heal that we acknowledge this as our history.  

We are all encouraged to commit to human rights and the key principles that will ensure justice for Indigenous peoples. This includes supporting initiatives like National Reconciliation Week, which follows National Sorry Day and focuses on learning about shared histories, cultures, and achievements – and there is lots to celebrate in this realm.

To say sorry – and really mean it – means to promise to endeavour to try really hard to never repeat this again. The following creed is one I am keen to share it with you today:

AN AUSTRALIAN CREED

We believe in God, creator and sustainer of life, creator of the black woman and the white woman of the black man and the white man of the woman who is not quite black and not quite white of the man who is not quite white and not quite black.

We believe in God, the Creator who gave us the desert pea and the flowering gum, the Murray cod and the platypus, the Southern Cross and the Milky Way.

We believe in God, who gave us a land to keep, to reverence and to cultivate.

We believe in Jesus, born of a woman who was not quite black and not quite white, a woman who was not quite sure of who she was or who she was to be, a woman who faithfully struggled to believe.

We believe in Jesus - risen, liberator of all humanity, Emmanuel, God-with-us, God-for-us.

We, women and men of the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit, believe in the power of the Spirit to set us free to regenerate our land, to transform our world, to work for peace, to listen to the loneliness of 'the drover's wife' and the 'weeping man'.

We believe in the power of the Spirit to transform our dealings with our sisters and our brothers of other colours and diverse creeds. Amen

Through our Religion lessons and Pastoral Care your daughters know that advocating for healing, dignity and justice aligns with our Catholic faith, fostering understanding, healing, and reconciliation. How fabulous is that!

Year 9 Reflection Day: Body, Mind, Soul & Spirit

Last week our year 9s participated in a day reflecting on the theme of body mind, soul and spirit. Their presence during this day was wonderful as they engaged in a number of workshops and activities. From smashing out beats in the drum circle, creating bees as a reminder to ‘bee kind’, dancing and yoga, the girls participated beautifully. 

Year 8 Sisterhood Reflection Day

Sisterhood is a concept that permeates our college beautifully and our Year 8s workshopped this last week during their reflection days. While they created gratitude beads, healing cards and posters it was the prayers they wrote that were the highlight for me. Some students were even brave enough to share these prayers during our closing liturgy – truly fabulous!

God bless,
Rachel Harrison
Assistant Principal - Identity and Mission

Inspired by Community

It has been lovely to experience the cooler mornings in recent days - it’s almost jumper weather. Now would be a good time for students to pull out their school jumper or jacket and check if it needs an update before the cooler months. Families are reminded that tour hoodies or other jumpers are not part of the school uniform and students will be asked to remove them.

There has been much happening in the Pastoral space over the last couple of weeks. Our Year 7s had a fantastic time on camp at Magnetic Island. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves and build new connections. Staff were impressed by students’ willingness to have a go. Enormous thanks to Mrs Hendle for her meticulous planning of the camp.

The Year 8 cohort experienced a cultural immersion program at Mungalla Station, providing valuable insight into First Nations culture and history. Alongside this was a wonderful Retreat experience facilitated at the College by the dynamic Ministry duo of Mrs Harrison and Mrs Sheriff.

Our Year 9s enjoyed heading out to Riverway for their Outer Limits Activity Days where they participated in archery tag, kayaking and an amazing race. Mrs Orman said it was great to see students challenging themselves and stepping outside their comfort zone. Running concurrently with activities in the great outdoors was an opportunity to look inward at the Retreat offered by Mrs Harrison and Mrs Sheriff. Many thanks to all the staff involved in these days.

Year 12 students also had an important visit from the Queensland Fire & Rescue team who facilitated the Road Action & Attitude Planning (RAAP) program. The presentation is designed as a preventative strategy to provide information to young people about road safety, so that they can make informed decisions to mitigate risks and consequences by planning ahead. It delivered powerful messages for our young drivers.

Alison Lloyd
Acting Assistant Principal, Pastoral

Yr 9 Altitude Day

On Friday the 23rd of May, twelve Year 9 students went to Brothers Leagues Club to participate in the Ylead Altitude Day. This Day is designed for junior leaders to elevate their skills and confidence. During the day, we had an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. We also stepped outside of our comfort zone by taking part in team building activities with students from other schools. 

Our guest speakers for the day included the CEO of Ylead, Zoe Meredith-Brown, and the CEO of Third Culture, Krushnadevsinh Ravalji or Kano. Both of these inspiring adults spoke with integrity and humility, teaching us the importance of confidence, kindness, and staying true to ourselves no matter the challenges we face.  We took away the messages of embracing diversity, leading by example and using the things that make you different to make a difference. We would like to say thank you to Mrs Orman for taking us on this eye opening day.

By Amèlie Edwards and Alessandra Parliaros

Fundraiser in support of Redkite and Summa

SMMC students are invited to join us this Friday, 30 May at Bene Place as we come together to support Redkite — a national Australian charity dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer.
🕔 Doors open at 5.30pm
💵 $5 entry fee

Please RSVP and consent within the Events section of your Compass app.

College Administration

Year 7 and 10 Vaccinations are scheduled for later in the term

Year 7 - Thursday 12 June
Year 10 - Thursday 19 June (and Thursday 11 September)

If you have not returned your forms, please do so as soon as possible.  Any queries, please contact Ms Jenny Walker in the Health and Wellbeing Unit of the College.

First Nations News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 6!

ATSIMS

It was great to see so many of our Year 10 First Nations Maggies apply for the ATSIMS program in the last two weeks. As we can only have 5 applicants, it came down to attendance and application in their Science classes. I would like to congratulate the following students who received a formal invitation:

• Addison Ironside
• Grace Brook
• Dakota Parker
• Calleigh Reynolds
• Chloe Lewis

Reconciliation Week

Our Reconciliation Sorry Day liturgy will be held this Friday 30th May. I would like to invite all of our families to this event starting at 8:50am in Bene Hall. We will also have our dancers performing and awarding Reconciliation Awards to those in our college community. It would be fantastic to see our families there!

First Nations Education Advisory Committee Meeting

Our first Term 2 committee meeting will be held next Monday the 9th of June from 5-6pm in the Library. A light afternoon tea will be provided. All are welcome to attend!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Culture, Faith and Education,
Mrs Louise Martin

Arts News

WE WILL ROCK YOU

The cast and crew of the Combined Schools' Musical 'We Will Rock You' are getting very excited as the show dates fast approach.  There's a lot of hard work going into this musical from all involved from the three schools, and we look forward to seeing their efforts as they shine (and Rock!) on the Civic Theatre stage on June 6-7.  Book your tickets now via Townsville Ticketshop. Congratulations and a big CHOOKAS to our students in the cast: Ellie Ahern, Oge Ajairo, Amelia Archer, Holly Archer, Cassie Bradbury, Aria Bryenton, Maya Cavalho Dalsenter, Lucy Chand, Alice Cochrane, Paige Cooper, Marley Cottone, Mia Cussen, Elizabeth Davis (LEAD - Ozzie Ozborne), Esther Duiker, Tahlia Edgecombe, Chloe Edwards, Evie Elton, Priya Hankins, Kartia Hankin, Drew Harris, Esme Helm, Georgia Hoffensetz, Isla McGowan, Sophie Parsloe, Clara Rois Nodar, Dayley Smith, Cailin Squire (LEAD - Teen Queen), Ruby Weston, Tilly Westwood, Violet Ziehmer.
CREW and HAIR MAKE UP TEAM:Lacey Turner, Matilda Neucom, Myla Cox, Calleigh Reynolds, Ruby Gibb, Evelyn Jurgens, Loato Keablwe, Emma Thompson, Grace Todd.

MELODIES and MOCKTAILS

Melodies and Mocktails- a wonderful event by our Hospitality and Arts students will be held on Samaritan Campus, Hospitality and Theatre Forecourt on Monday, 16 June from 5.00 - 7.00pm.Enjoy an evening of delicious food, wonderful entertainment, and a Visual Art display by our Hospitality and Arts students.Tickets are $10 per person, all funds will be donated to the Cancer Council in honour of those in our College Community battling Cancer at this time.   

Tickets available via Compasstix: https://compasstix.com/e/2le7ct3oav

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

It is important as a parent/caregiver to support your child's musical development through your support and involvement in their musical pursuits.  Encourage your daughter to schedule practice times (homework) and encourage persistence.  Musical achievement requires continual attention over a long time. The time spent in lessons and ensemble rehearsals is limited.  What your daughter learns at school during her lesson needs daily personal practice time at home for these new skills to be developed.   Music teachers are delighted when students are making progress because of their dedicated home practice. 
Students wishing to withdraw from lessons in semester 2 are asked to advise the Music Office two weeks before end of term 2 (Friday 13th June) as per the enrolment form.  Lessons will continue to be scheduled for Term 3 unless we hear from you.   Students learning Guitar from Miss Dufficey please note that lessons are now in recess while Miss Dufficey is overseas, but will resume week 2 of Term 3.    
There are a few spots available for Singing/Vocal lessons and Guitar lessons for Semester 2. New students are to commit to the full semester.
Learning a musical instrument or learning correct vocal technique through singing lessons is a skill for life!  Please contact the undersigned for further details for an enrolment form.

Nancy Nicholson
Arts Coordinator
nnicholson@smmc.catholic.edu.au

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, invites all students from Year 7,8 & 9 to participate in the 2025 Reading Challenge. The challenge is not a competition but aims to improve literacy and encourage reading for pleasure and learning.  Where will reading take you?

Students at SMMC will be encouraged to join the challenge and read 15 books, ebooks, graphic novels etc by 22nd August.  Each student who completes the challenge will receive a certificate of achievement, signed by the Premier.

Reading begins this week!

Defence News

Wattle Company Parade
I had the privilege of meeting with some of your daughters last week through the relaunch of our Wattle Company Parade. Each fortnight on Tuesday mornings we will be gathering. The purpose of these meetings aligns with the DSMP program Objective 2 - facilitate opportunities for Defence students to build relationships and connections through events and other initiatives. We will also use this time to plan and work on group initiatives to build awareness in our school community about the ADF lifestyle, and give back to charitable organisations. The students have been offering their ideas and suggestions for what we will work on together, including fundraising ideas. Wattle COY PDE is held every 2nd Tuesday morning (even weeks) during Term 2. The girls have been encouraged to BYO breakfast or a share plate.

Defence Member And Family Helpline - 1800 624 608
This is a gentle reminder that DMFS provide a 24/7 helpline for advice, support or local community information. The helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that are offered by Defence Member and Family Support, to help Defence families manage the military way of life. The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.  
If you would like to contact me I am available on campus on Mondays and Tuesdays 9-2pm, and via email during the week: 
vclothier1@smmc.catholic.edu.au

Take care of yourselves and each other,
Vicki Clothier
DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Sports News

Northern Girls Shine at State Rugby League Championships

The Northern 17–18 Years Girls team faced a tough campaign at the recent State Championships. They kicked off with a strong 28–6 win over Wide Bay in Game 1 but were unable to carry that momentum forward, falling short in their next three matches to finish 8th overall.

The younger Under-16s Girls team, however, delivered an outstanding tournament. They notched impressive victories over Rugby League powerhouses Metropolitan West and then dominated regional rivals Capricornia 26–6 in the semi-final. Their performances earned them a spot in Sunday’s Grand Final — the first time a Northern high school-aged girls’ team has reached this stage in either the U16 or U18 age group at the State Championships.

Though they were ultimately defeated 30–4 by an exceptional Metropolitan East side, the silver medal marks a historic milestone and builds on last year’s third-place finish.

St Margaret Mary’s College was proudly represented across both age groups. Chloe Lane and Mia De Courcey featured in the U16s squad, while Olivia Fletcher, Narly Doolah and Dakota Namok competed in the U18s. Evoltia Tuala was also selected in the U18s team but was unable to travel away with the team, ruled out due to injury. Mr Bebb, a new staff member here at St Margaret Mary’s College, was again the coach of the Under-16s side.

All four girls represented St Margaret Mary’s with grit, determination, and pride. Their efforts were outstanding, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic tournament!

Parish News

Community News