Dear Parents and Guardians,
Lent – A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Last week, we entered the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, marking a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal in our faith journey. A special thank you to our Student Representative Council (SRC) for their efforts in preparing and serving pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. This was a wonderful way to honour tradition and bring our community together.
Whole School Mass – Celebrating Our Community
On Tuesday, we were blessed to gather for our first Whole School Mass of the year—a truly meaningful and joyous occasion. Our School Captains spoke beautifully about the importance of community, which they have chosen as their focus for the year. Their words were a powerful reminder of the strength we find in unity and shared purpose.
Year 7 Camp – New Adventures and Friendships
Our Year 7 students had an unforgettable experience at their camp at Riverbend in Smithton. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to build friendships, step outside their comfort zones, and take part in a range of fun and challenging activities. I was privileged to spend Monday evening with some of the students and saw firsthand how they were growing in confidence and connection.
Staffing Update – Farewell and Welcome
At the end of this term, we will farewell Ms Maxine Neaton, our Director of Middle School. Ms Neaton has been an invaluable member of our Marist community, and we sincerely thank her for her dedication and contributions. She will be greatly missed.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs Niamh Baly has been appointed as the new Director of Middle School. Mrs Baly brings a wealth of experience, and we look forward to the leadership and vision she will bring to this role. Please join me in warmly welcoming her.
NAPLAN
A reminder to families of students in Years 7 and 9 that NAPLAN assessments will take place in Weeks 5, 6, and 7 of this term, beginning on Wednesday, 12 March. These national tests provide valuable insights into students’ literacy and numeracy progress.
Last year, our students performed exceptionally well, achieving some of the highest results in Tasmania. This reflects the strength of a Marist education and our commitment to academic excellence. While these assessments are important, we also recognise that they can bring added pressure. We encourage our students to see them as an opportunity to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and demonstrate their learning, knowing that no single test defines their abilities or potential.
Celebrating 30 Years of Our College Library
This year, we celebrate a significant milestone—the 30th anniversary of our College Library! For three decades, our library has been a cornerstone of learning, curiosity, and discovery for students and staff alike.
On Wednesday, we marked the occasion with a birthday cake, and I had the pleasure of speaking with students in the library. They shared how invaluable this space is for research, study, and quiet reflection. A library is more than just a collection of books—it is the heart of a school, fostering a love of learning, encouraging independent thinking, and providing a welcoming environment for collaboration and academic growth.
We are grateful for the role our library plays in supporting our students on their educational journey, and we look forward to many more years of learning and exploration within its walls.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we journey through this term together.
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