E ditor's Note Welcome to the April 2022 edition of the Alma Mater! The turn of the calendar brings both the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and the chance to begin planning for the next dozen. For many of us, it is a time for new beginnings and of looking to the future with purpose and intention. These sentiments ring true for us here at St Mary’s College as we are excitedly writing our latest chapter with our new College leadership team, led by Principal Damian Messer and Deputy Principal Caroline Wilson-Haffenden. You can read more about their appointment in the following pages.
This year's focus is on the Presentation Touchstone of Hospitality.
Our school garden, which is now growing bush tucker plants in connection to our palawa land, and our canteen, which is transitioning to a café status, are two spaces in which we are breaking new ground. Read more about these projects on pages 9 and 11. Our Kinder program is also growing and adapting to support families who are currently utilising childcare options alongside Kinder. The College has developed a flexible Kinder program where Kinders have three compulsory ‘core’ days, but families have the option of requesting four or even five days a week. And, as usual, our fabulous alumni are proving that the current pandemic is no barrier to their success. Have a read of their stories on page 17, plus pages 19-23, and be inspired by their extraordinary professional and personal achievements. Wishing you all a wonderful year. We hope 2022 is kind to you. The St Mary’s College Community Relations team
This year, St Mary’s will be focusing on the Presentation Touchstone of Hospitality. Students and staff will be exploring how we can truly be a welcoming community, sharing the love of God with all those we meet. While the COVID-19 pandemic hindered our plans for our first community event for the year, we will be continuing to look at ways that we can inspire and cultivate a sense of hospitality at the College at a grass-roots level.
S T M A RY ’ S C O L L E G E A L M A M AT E R A P R I L 2022
Top to bottom: The College garden, Kinder students, Ivy, Zoe and Emma, one of the new additions to the grounds, the garden feature and turf grass to enhance the play area.
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