Dear Parents and Guardians, 

The past fortnight has been a fantastic start to the year, with students settling in well and actively engaging in the many opportunities available to them. From sporting events and outdoor hikes to our VET students serving at the Burnie International Tennis Tournament, it has been wonderful to see such strong participation across all areas of school life. 

Last week, we began with a whole-school Service of the Word and the Commissioning of our School Leaders. This was a meaningful occasion that highlighted the importance of leadership and service, which are central to our college values. A great example of this was seen at our recent Swimming Carnival, where our student leaders took the initiative to serve their peers by running the BBQ—a simple yet powerful demonstration of leadership in action. The money raised will go to Caritas. 

Speaking of the Swimming Carnivals, the energy and enthusiasm over the two days were outstanding. Students fully embraced the spirit of the event, competing with great effort and supporting their peers. It was also fantastic to see staff getting involved, fostering a strong sense of school community. A huge thank you to the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate and organise such a successful event. 

On Tuesday evening, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Year 7 families to the College. It was wonderful to meet so many parents and guardians, reinforcing the essential partnership between home and school. Your support plays a crucial role in your child’s journey, and we look forward to working together to ensure their success. 

A strong partnership between home and school plays a vital role in ensuring that students have a positive and successful experience at the College. Whether you are new to our community or in your final year with us, I encourage you to stay connected by ensuring you have full access to MEL and attend key events throughout the year, such as Parent-Teacher Meetings, Subject Selection Evenings, and other occasions where we celebrate student progress and achievements. 

We know that when parents and guardians are engaged, students are more connected, attend school more regularly, and experience greater success. Across Australia, school attendance is a growing concern, but when students feel supported both at home and at school, they are more likely to attend consistently. We ask for your support in ensuring that your child is at school every day unless they are unwell. Everyday matters—for learning, for wellbeing, and for their future. 

In the coming weeks, Insight SRC will be conducting a School Effectiveness Survey on behalf of Marist Regional College and Catholic Education Tasmania. This survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ perceptions of their children’s school experience. The results will provide valuable insights that can guide the College in using feedback from staff, students, and parents to plan programs and activities aimed at enhancing your child’s school experience.  

This survey will be conducted annually, allowing us to track and compare data year over year. While participation is voluntary and we appreciate the time it takes to complete the survey, the success of this important project is dependent on the involvement of all parents. We will share further information as it becomes available. 

As a Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) school, we operate under CET Policies and our College Protocols. These, along with the CET Feedback Portal, are available on MEL and our College website. I encourage you to familiarise yourself with these documents and support us in maintaining high expectations for all students. 

Our staff are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for your child. You can reach out to staff via MEL when needed, but we also value their wellbeing and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Staff will respond to emails and queries between 8:30am and 5:00pm, and we ask that you allow 24-48 hours for a response. 

Thank you for your ongoing support in creating a strong and connected school community. 

 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal 

 

Board Membership 

We are seeking expressions of interest for Board Membership commencing in 2025. If you are interested in becoming a member of the College Board, please express your interest to:  

Principal’s Office  

Tel: (03) 6432 7612   

Email:  principal@mrc.tas.edu.au