15 SMMC Newsletter 17 September 2025

Principal News

In Week 8 our Teachers gathered for a Staff Professional Development Day to continue their planning and implementation of the latest version of the Australia Curriculum. Important work was also started on changes to the subject time allocations brought about by revisions to the educational programs for non-state schools. These are set out by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB). At St Margaret Mary’s College, our Teachers are highly experienced and skilled at managing educational change to ensure our girls are well prepared and resourced in their classes. While this is a very time-consuming and difficult task at times, our Teachers always rise to the challenge. I’ve discussed in previous newsletters about teacher burnout and workload - as a Leadership Team we are always conscious of the impact of change such as this and do our best to support them during the phases of implementation.

Next year, we are making some adjustments to allow us to successfully implement changes to time allocations and to better cover the essential components of the Year 7-10 Curriculum. Some of the changes our Students will see include:

• Our SMMC timetable will move to 5 x 1 hour lessons per day. This will allow for deeper engagement with content and reduced transition times;
• The timetable will become a fortnightly timetable to reduce the impact of public holidays or missed lessons due to school activities;
• Assemblies will rotate between Wednesday and Friday to allow our TAFE students to participate where possible;
• We will no longer offer Year 11 and 12 Tutorials on a Wednesday, and instead offer 8 x 1 hour lessons across the fortnight for each Senior subject;
• Additional instruction time in English, Maths, Science, Arts and Digital/Design Technology lessons across Junior to ensure we meet NSSAB changes;
• Due to staffing constraints, we will offer only Japanese classes going forward in 2026. Students currently in Senior Italian will be supported to complete their studies online.

Eisteddfod News: Congratulations to the following Eisteddfod groups who have performed so far:

• Bella Voce - 1st Place and Highly Commended

• Guitar Ensemble - Wonderful performance by the Students, narrowly missing out on a place.

Year 10 Transition Day

The end of Term 3 is such a special time for our Year 10s. They participated in their Respectful Relationships formation day Love Bites on Friday and this week they came together for their Transition Day and Work Experience. These are all important milestones as they journey into Senior School. Congratulations to our Year 10 Pastoral Leader Ms Renee Deuble for preparing them for these occasions as well as our Senior Pathways and VET Middle Leader Katherine Truntic for arranging the Work Experience. Rosalie Brooks in the office was also instrumental in helping to arrange their days in industry.

Year 12 Formal

Finally, it was truly heartwarming to witness our Seniors at their Formal — a night filled with elegance, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Seeing them celebrate this milestone with such joy and pride reminded us all of how far they’ve come and the bright futures that await them. Their grace, sisterhood, and school spirit were a beautiful reflection of the Maggies’ community we've built together. I couldn’t be prouder.

To all our Staff, Students and Families - I wish you all the best for the holidays. Travel safe and we look forward to your return next Term.

Term 4 - Staff return on Tuesday 7th October; Students return Wednesday 8th October.

Happy holidays!

Kathleen McCarthy
College Principal 

Parent TV information - Free with CityLibraries

Townsville City Library offers Parent TV for free with a library membership.

ParentTV offers hundreds of on-demand videos to support the parenting and care of children from birth to teens. There are a number of videos that relate to respectful relationships with topics such as:  building resilience, listening, communicating, resolving conflict. There are videos that relate to sexual relationships and also Kids Helpline.

This information could be shared in your parent newsletter.

To access a library membership is required -  click on link to access a FREE online membership Membership - Townsville City Council

Download Townsville Citylibraries App – a quick and easy way to access online Data bases with online Membership Home | Townsville Citylibraries

Use online card membership Number and Password to access parent TV - ParentTV

For any questions or follow up information please feel free to reach out to Fiona Thackray via fiona.thackray@townsville.qld.gov.au

Judy Anderson
Respectful Relationships Project Manager

Inspirited by Faith and Mission

The importance of Friends

As I sit to write this, I have just spent the day with our wonderful Year 12s for Retreat. The focus of the day is ‘Past, Present, Future’ and students are invited to engage in a series of workshops that highlight this topic. While they are all great workshops – from looking at themselves and reading a letter they wrote themselves while they were in Year Seven, to the importance of family and what a gift it is to have people supporting them over the past 13 years of schooling – it is the ‘Friends’ workshop that is my favourite. I suspect it is because they are sitting with friends, and while I get to facilitate the session, I feel like I am more like someone looking at their interactions through a window. And I love every moment!

There are questions to prompt their discussions such as: Who were your friends when you were six? Are you still friends? If yes – how has that relationship changed? Who are your god friends now and why?

But my favourite question is this: What friendships in your life do you thank God for? Wow – the responses this gains is phenomenal and it reminds me of the power of friendship.

So - how important are our friends? An English writer from the 18^th Century Samuel Johnson, who often wrote short passages on different topics said this about friendship: “I look upon every day to be lost in which I do not make a new acquaintance. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.”  And I agree – the upkeep is essential to good friendship.

You may be familiar with this passage that Saint Paul wrote about love, which is often used at weddings. We can reflect on those words, but mentioning “friends” instead of “love”.

Friends are patient and kind; they are not jealous or boastful; they are not arrogant or rude.  Friends do not insist on having their own way. They are not touchy or resentful. They don’t take pleasure when things go wrong for others, but they are pleased with what is good and right.  Friends are always ready to excuse, to believe the other person, to have hope, and to stand beside their friend in bad times as well as good. True friendship never ends.

Gracious God, we give thanks today for the gift of friendship - for those who have walked with us through our past, for those who stand beside us in the present, and for those we are yet to meet in the future. Bless our friendships with patience, kindness, and joy. Teach us to be friends who forgive easily, celebrate generously, and stand faithfully by one another. May the bonds we have built continue to grow stronger, and may we never take for granted the people you place in our lives to guide us, challenge us, and love us. Fill us with gratitude for those who have been true friends to us and inspire us to be true friends to others. We make this prayer through Christ, our ever-faithful friend. Amen.

Blessings,
Rachel Harrison
Assistant Principal - Identity and Mission

Educated Women of Purpose

What an incredible Term Three we have had here at SMMC!  This term has seen many valuable learning experiences for our students and some wonderful extra curricular activities which have extended this learning beyond the classroom walls.  

Over the last two weeks our Year 11 and 12 students have sat their Unit 2 Block Exams and Mock External Exams respectively.  These were an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their subjects.

During Week 10 we will continue providing quality learning experiences for your daughters and it is vital that they are present in their classes.  Year 11s will begin Unit 3 studies and Year 10s will have invaluable work experience placements.

We will begin Term Four with a Student Free Day (Tuesday 7th October) in order to allow our teaching staff time to plan for 2026 and beyond.  This day, coupled with our Student Free Day this term will provide us the time to continue planning the best possible learning opportunities for your daughters.  

This has been an incredibly busy and fulfilling term and I wish you all a safe, restful and relaxing holiday break.

Melissa Pearce
Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching

Inspired by Community

Getting Ready for Term 4 - Maintaining High Standards Until the End

At the College, we want who our young people are to shine brightly, not what they have. Unfortunately, marketing strategies mislead young people, especially women, into feeling that their confidence as an individual can come from false nails and false eyelashes, and that their worth is measured by the jewels they might wear.  We would like to help young people reconsider social pressures.

A uniform is, by definition, uniform and reflects many things:

• A connection to the school with which it is associated 
• Belonging and a sense of pride
• Tailored to workplace standards for safety (e.g. sun protection, protective footcover)
• Preparation for the workforce - many organisations have staff dress codes
• A chance to focus on their identity unattached to brands

At SMMC, our uniform expectations reflect those points outlined above.  As we head into Term Four, we remind families and students to ensure they have:

• a hat and wear it - formal broad-brimmed hat with the formal uniform, and sports hat with the sports uniform
• a College tie and badge every day when wearing the formal or semi-formal uniform
• plain white crew-length socks with formal and sports uniform (no sports or brand logos)
• completely removed all facial piercings for the school day 
• replaced any cartilage piercings with a clear piercing
• 2 x plain studs or sleepers (give the personality a chance to shine)
• removed false tinted eyelashes
• removed coloured acrylic nails
• maintained natural hair colours

Over the final term, we would all like to focus on what matters the most each day:  learning. These expectations of the College are very similar to the expectations of all systemic schools of Townsville Catholic Education.  Like other schools, there are also consequences to help guide students.  Respecting our Uniform Policy is very clearly outlined in the Uniform Expectations for our students and families, and stated during Enrolment Interviews.  

SPECIAL REPORT: Parenting Styles

There's no such thing as perfect parenting. But by understanding different parenting styles, we can better support our children in healthier and more effective ways.

Most of us parent as a blend of our own upbringing, lived experiences and external influences such as books, podcasts or parenting websites. And while parenting is always a challenge, it can become even more complex through divorce, separation, blended families, trauma or bereavement. Not to mention life's many other hurdles.

The concept of "parenting styles" was first introduced in the 1960s by Diana Baumrind, a clinical and developmental psychologist. She identified four main categories of parenting. Each style shapes a child's development in different ways and comes with both strengths and challenges.

Although well-intentioned, each parenting approach can have drawbacks in a child's development. Every child is unique, and their needs change as they grow. An authoritative style may suit younger children, but teenagers often require a greater balance of guidance and independence. The goal is to create a secure environment where children feel respected, heard, and supported.

By learning more about the different styles and how they influence children, you can make informed choices about the approach that best suits your family. And remember, styles are not fixed. They can evolve over time as your child grows and their needs change.

We invite you to watch this Special Report and complete the quiz to discover your own parenting style. You might also like to compare your results with your partner's and reflect together on the different approaches you each bring to parenting.

Here is the link to your Special Report 

On behalf of the pastoral team, I wish our students and families a safe and restful holiday period and look forward to seeing you all next term.

Michelle Kotzas 
Assistant Principal Pastoral

College Administration

SAMARITAN DAY - FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER

Staff and students will celebrate our annual Feast Day on Friday 19th September. Activities for the day include:

• Samaritan Day Liturgy
• Battle of the House Choirs
• Riverway Picnic
• Activities and Games at Riverway
• Swimming in Riverway Lagoon

IMPORTANT DETAILS

1. All students and staff (Years 7-12) will be transported to and from Riverway by bus after the Liturgy and Battle of the House Choirs 
2. Students come dressed in the theme of the day – to be advised
3. Sausage sizzle provided for lunch. Students bring their morning tea and other snacks.  (No deliveries of food permitted). Tuckshop will be closed for the day.
4. Bring hat, sunscreen, swimming gear, water and picnic blankets.
5. Students will return to school at 2:10 pm for Just Dance

First Nations News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the final week of Term 3!

 First Nations Homework Program reminder

The homework program has now ceased for the term and will commence again on Tuesday the 14th of November. Monday the 13th of November is cancelled due to our school completing a First Nations professional development session for all staff.

Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day is proudly produced and presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House. It’s an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Stories, Cultures, and Languages.

Indigenous Literacy Day is held on the first Wednesday of September. This year, it is Wednesday 3rd September with the theme, "Strength In Our Stories: For Now & Future Generations". On Wednesday the 3rd of September at the second break we connected with the Sydney Opera House and screened a 19 minute video that shared some of the deep and diverse ways children, Elders and families connect with stories through culture and languages.

Why It Matters:

Literacy is a gateway to opportunity. By amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Stories, Cultures, and Languages, we enrich our students’ learning and cultural identity.

Indigenous Literacy Day is a powerful way to demonstrate respect, celebrate diversity, and support First Nations voices.

ATSIMS

Friday of week 7 Mr Morganson and our four ATSIMS students left to attend the Orpheus Island camp. This camp offers a multi-stay field-based experience for program participants to connect with Manbarra & Bwgcolman Traditional Owners and representatives, Land and Sea Ranger groups, and relevant industry experts including station officers. Further opportunities to connect with and engage in relevant citizen science initiatives aimed at caring for Land and Sea Country through snorkelling, hiking and creative projects. Please see some of the photos attached. Last Wednesday the 10th of September we attended the ATSIMS Graduation at JCU.  

Blak Excellence and Graduation Liturgy

On Thursday the 4th September our First Nations Team along with our Year 12 First Nations Graduates attended the Blak Excellence Luncheon at The Rydges SouthBank Townsville. We were absolutely delighted and honoured to have had the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion with our students. At the Cathedral Church our students received their sashes from Mrs Kathleen McCarthy as their names were read out by me. A special mention to our College was also given on the night as we were 1 of 3 schools in the running for the School Recognition Award. Unfortunately, we did not win but we were grateful for the opportunity to showcase our dedicated First Nations initiatives. Well done Team!

 First Nations Committee Meetings Term 4

• Our next meeting is Monday Week 3 20th October 5-6pm in the Library

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Have a happy and safe holiday! See you all again in Term 4.

Reminder: Students’ first day back is Wednesday the 8th of October.

Yours in Faith, Culture and Education,
Mrs Louise Martin

Language News

Expressions of Interest – Japan Tour, September 2026

We are excited to announce the opportunity for students to take part in a tour to Japan in September 2026! This cultural and educational experience will offer students the chance to discover both Japan’s rich traditions and its vibrant modern culture. From temples and local customs to the futuristic TeamLabs exhibition in Kyoto and the magic of Tokyo Disneyland, students will experience the full spectrum of what Japan has to offer.

There will be a parent information meeting on Thursday of Week 1, Term 4 (9th October), for those interested in learning more about the tour.

For further details or to register your interest, please contact Ms Townsend mtownsend5@smmc.catholic.edu.au

Food and Textiles News

It’s assessment time, and our students are showcasing their innovation and creative thinking across Food and Textiles. Year 8 students have demonstrated their skills with a range of healthy handheld solutions, including burgers, wraps, taco cups and tostadas, while Year 9 students created Healthy Boxed Meals featuring pasta, dumplings, meatballs and tacos, perfect for a family dinner. Year 10 embraced Café Culture, designing themed menus of pancakes, pizzas, acai bowls and cheesecakes. Our Year 12 Food and Nutrition students even found time to make fresh pasta in between their mock exam preparations. In Textiles, Year 8 students have completed stylish zippered pouches, and Year 9 students have explored creativity through beautiful botanical prints.

Sports News

Rugby 7s & CBSQ Basketball 

This week, our Rugby 7s team and CBSQ Basketball team are heading off to their tournaments, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication. We are also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support has helped make these opportunities possible for our students.

Arts News

EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS!

Congratulations to our Guitar Ensemble and Bella Voce Choir for their amazing performances at the Townsville Eisteddfod this year! Our Guitar Ensemble almost secured a place, finishing just half a point shy of third, but they did a fantastic job with their dedication and their beautiful rendition of “Moorea” by the Gipsy Kings. The adjudicator called it “a most enjoyable performance,” and we couldn’t agree more. Huge thanks to our talented ensemble members Kalina Beams, Mikayla Dove, Drew Harris, Matilda Neucom, Cadhla Manning, and Eva Patton, along with their wonderful teacher, Miss Casey Dufficey.

Our Bella Voce Choir took to the stage on Saturday and competed in three sections.  First up was the Modern Chorus, with the joyful Beatles classic “Here Comes the Sun.” The adjudicator praised it as “a wonderful choral program and choir—well done!” Next, in the Folk Singing Partwork section, the choir performed “Shenandoah,” a beautiful American folk song, earning a Highly Commended award. The adjudicator shared that “there is a lovely choral sound developing…”

Later in the day, the girls showed their versatility in the Novelty Chorus section, singing and dancing their way to first place with a huge 92 points! The adjudicator commented, “Beautiful singing—thank you. A wonderful, unanimous approach. Your energy and classy singing, with great harmonies, really shone. The text and footwork complemented each other perfectly, creating a powerful performance—thank you!”

A big shoutout to Ms. Suzy Sheriff and Miss Taylor Fitzgibbon for all their efforts with the choir, and special thanks to Mr. Chris Davis for his incredible musical theatre skills and choreography, which brought out the best in our students for the Novelty section.

Our three dance troupes—White, Blue, and Gold—are gearing up for the Dance Eisteddfod on Sunday, September 21st at 2:30 pm at the Townsville Civic Theatre. We’d love for you to come along and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of dance and entertainment and cheer on our students.

The arts are thriving here at SMMC!

Nancy Nicholson
Arts Co-ordinator
nnicholson@smmc.catholic.edu.au

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge 

The Premier’s Reading Challenge was a wonderful success with Year 7, 8 & 9 students reading and recording the books they had read.  It’s great to see that reading still plays a huge role in everyday life!

The Winners for the Class who read the most books are:

7ENG1 - 216 books read
8ENG2 - 115 books read
9ENG1 - 153 books read

There is a Pizza Party coming their way!  And because there were some outstanding readers we also gave out individual prizes.  These students were:

Ivy Evans - 7ENG2 - 60 books read
An Pham - 7ENG1 - 56 books read
Tahlia Chatterton - 8ENG1 - 34 books read
Emma Reilly - 8ENG2 - 33 books read

Careers News

Applying through QTAC?

QTAC's free online info night is your go-to for hot tips on a successful application

✅ Learn tips on how to apply
✅ Know the key deadlines
✅ Understand your preferences

Join us on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 6pm. Register here: https://qtac.info/student-info-night

Queensland Year 12 graduates-to-be!

If you haven't yet registered for your ATAR, it's time to make your move. Simply sign up now at qtac.edu.au/year-12-atar/ to kickstart your journey.

QTAC applications for 2026 are officially OPEN!

Ready to apply for your dream course? Start today: 👉 applications.qtac.edu.au/sign-in

Community News