Dear St Mary’s College Community,

As you read this, I will have started a short time of long service leave. Those who have been around for a while will know that my last time of long service leave was abruptly cut short by the arrival of the pandemic. I found myself scrambling for a flight to get home before the borders closed, and then I was back at work.

Time to slow down is something we all need. It is interesting to navigate this post-pandemic period as we balance the joy of a life that feels full and familiar, and perhaps a slight (or large) longing for the quieter time we have had in the last three years.

The seasons of Lent and Easter in the church year invite us into times for slowing down. As a community, we are encouraged to turn inwards and reflect on the presence of God in our lives and our world, and to consider the way in which this shapes our being and acting with each other.

This inward and outward pattern is captured in our theme, Connecting In - Reaching Out. As a school community, we will have time for quiet contemplation as we remember the events of Holy Week leading to the death of Jesus. It is a story at the heart of our tradition that reminds us that suffering, times of trial, experiences of injustice and abuse of power are part of our experience as humans. We believe this suffering does not have the final say, that the story and events of Holy Week lead us into the celebration at the heart of our faith - the experience of the Resurrection. Light conquers the darkness.

I often reflect on the seven Sisters who travelled across the seas for 86 days, not knowing what was ahead of them... and all who have come after them. Their courage, bravery, passion, commitment and intellect, as well as their purpose and belief in the education of young people... despite all the obstacles, they never gave up. Thanks to them, here we are 154 years later. One of the gifts of being part of this community is that we can explore what it means to be human, our meaning and our purpose on this planet. Through dialogue and critical thinking, our students grow and develop into empowered young women. I am filled with hope for the future of our world, knowing these young people will shape the future, will stand with all who are on the margins, and be a voice for the voiceless people and voiceless planet.

During my 25 years at St Mary’s College, I am so grateful for the many opportunities I have had to:

• Lead the Faith Life and Mission of the College for 16 years, including the Dominican formation of students and staff
• Develop our understanding of First Nations cultures and traditions, particularly through the Year 10 Retreat and Oak Valley Immersion and Reconciliation initiatives
• Develop our Sustainability and Ecojustice platform, particularly with the evolution of the Ecommit Student Environmental Action Group, which led to the introduction of the Split Bins System

I am fully invested in Dominican Education and am passionate about contributing to the mission and life of Dominican Education Australia through this new and exciting opportunity as Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to having a voice at the table in lay leadership where I can help shape the future Church, and shape school students for the future Church.

Hello everyone, my name is Ella, and I am the Art Coordinator for 2023.

Having been at St Mary’ s College for nearly 13 years now, being able to give back to the community through leadership is truly a privilege for me. The school has empowered me not only as a leader, but as a person, bettering myself to be able to spread passion and joy to the wider community in ways I never could have by myself. Leadership, to me, is about one voice holding up 100 others, giving a community of people the opportunity to be empowered and spread positivity to those who need it.

I am genuinely looking forward to this year, especially considering the upcoming events in terms of the arts. Multiple exhibitions are currently in the works, and I am very excited to be able to share the talent and passion that our students have for art as a medium. I would also be looking out for our Year 11/12 Art and Design students; the Senior Art cohort is full of creative minds working hard and with a flame of passion emphasised in their work.

Outside the art room, I spend my time in music rehearsals, reading, and playing video games with my friends. I hope this gave you an opportunity to know me a little better, and I look forward to seeing ya’ll in the schoolyard!

MUSIC

Once again, 2023 found everyone involved in music at the College, not running, sprinting!

The program began the Combined Vocal Jazz group leading the singing at the Opening Liturgy and senior ensembles and instrumental lessons starting in Week 2. Music camp was held in Week 3 and auditions for the College musical 'Oliver!' began with rehearsals now in full swing.

Our Stage Bands and Senior Vocal Ensembles performed at Sounds Of The City alongside St Aloysius and CBC. The Small Jazz and Combined VJ Ensembles celebrated International Women's Day and later performed prior to the screening of the College’s Animation project, and at the Rotary Club as part of their concert series for elderly residents. Our ensembles will do a practice run at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on Sunday before heading to Mount Gambier in Term 2.

Term 1 will end with a Combined VJ Ensemble leading music for Stations of the Cross, as well as Middle and Junior Choirs performing in Week 11 for the Junior School.

That’s Term 1.

David Gauci , Coordinator of Performance Music  

DRAMA AND DANCE

Term 1 has been a great opportunity for learning and exploration.

Reception to Year 2 students explored Green Screen technology for film and TV, creating characters inspired by the book "Where is the Green Sheep", and exploring movement and gesture. Middle and Senior Drama students also used the technology to imagine the amazing places we can be taken to with the magic of the camera and Green Screen such the beach and space.

Our Stage 2 Dance class are well underway in completing their first assessment in skills development with outside professional practitioners assisting them in their work. They have had a one-on-one session with a pilates instructor, assisting with their understanding of muscles and exercises that will help develop various skills in dance.

The Stage 2 Leaps and Bounds Dance Day at the Space Theatre was a chance for students to gain a deeper understanding of the requirements of Stage 2 Dance. They worked through contemporary technique, choreography and composition, and using character.

Students have now begun learning their Hip Hop routine with Chymes Angeles and are getting ready for their Dance showcase and various upcoming competitions.

Rhiannon Davis, The Arts Learning Area Leader 

Dear friends and families,

Our St Mary's College community is excited to share upcoming events that may interest your friends and family members. Whether considering a new school for their daughter or just curious to see what St Mary's has to offer, please invite them to join us for one of our upcoming College Tours or Come and Try Days.

Our College Tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore our campus, meet our staff and students, and get a sense of the programs and activities available at St Mary's. Prospective families will be able to see first-hand the facilities available to their daughters and gain insight into the unique atmosphere of our College.

For those considering enrolling their daughter at St Mary's, our Come and Try Days are an excellent opportunity for her to experience and participate in classes and activities and get a feel of our school's culture. A Come and Try Day can be beneficial in feeling confident about attending a new school.

Dates for Term 2:

• Principal Tour - Wednesday, 17 May, Open Evening, 3:45 - 7:00 pm
• Junior School Tour - Wednesday, 7 June, 9:30 - 11:00 am
• Middle School Tour - Tuesday, 20 June, 9:30 - 11:00 am
• Come and Try Day - Friday, 19 May, 9:15 am - 2:30 pm

We encourage our community members to share this information with family and friends and hope they will join us for one of these events and discover the 'St Mary's College difference'.

If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Nadia, our Registrar, at nadia.yelland@stmarys.sa.edu.au or visit our website to register www.stmarys.sa.edu.au