2016

Sarah Bastian attended St Mary's from Year 7 to 12. She cherishes the time spent at the college and strives to still incorporate the 4 Rs she learnt here in everyday life Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Relationships. Whilst a student, Sarah had always had a busy life due to her love of sports. St Mary's accepted this and helped create a healthy balance between the two. Having the privilege of being selected for the Vietnam Pilgrimage was the highlight and 'proudest moment' of her years at the college. To Sarah this trip proved how determined, strong and powerful the young women at SMC are and how much of a difference they can make when they put their minds, hearts and hands into something.

St Mary's instilled in Sarah the ability to 'develop relationships, live the most out of everyday and embrace every moment'. She will never forget her time at the college.

Written by Melissa Finlay (student)

Caitlin Emma Hegarty created a community for life and found love for academic experiences during her five years at St Mary's College. These friendships and connections contributed to her future success. Being involved in netball at St Mary's taught Caitlin teamwork and resilience and helped develop her passion for sport. By participating in year 12 activities she became competent in public speaking.

In Year 12, Caitlin was extremely proud to participate in the trip to Oak Valley which fueled her passion for travelling. After completing Year 12, Caitlin went to Dublin, Ireland and it was there that she realised the connections St Mary's had to the people, community and places in Dublin. Caitlin, overall, had developed a strong foundation of friendships, sense of community, passions, skills and academic achievements from her life as a student at St Mary's College. This has helped to shape her future and who she is today.

Written by Amelia Morris (student)

Georgia explained that the confidence she gained at St Mary's allowed her to pursue new ventures in the outside environment. This included starting a new job, university and going overseas this year. Georgia said she gained a passion for Art, which she has continued outside of high school. Her time at SMC prepared her for life as she is now studying 2 of her favourite subjects; English and History in university and is hoping to teach them one day.

Her strongest memory of her time at St Mary's was the Cambodian Pilgrimage. She said that teaching the kids and being immersed in the culture was very eye opening. "It was truly a once in a life-time experience that I don't think I'll ever forget". She emphasised that the encouragement of the teachers she had inspired her passion to become a teacher and shaped her into the person she is today.

Written by Mia Pasculli (student)

Without even knowing it at the time, Issy absorbed everything St Mary's had to offer. She was heavily involved with Social Justice, Music and her work on the environment, and is proud of what she achieved at school; especially introducing the concept of sustainable fashion to the Year 12 Religion course. Issy is currently studying Law and Environment at university, a product of these last two years of education; therefore, combining the environment, social justice and her passion for law.

The Cambodia Pilgrimage was a highlight of Issy's school life. She always valued social justice and leadership and took these passions out of school and created an organisation through university. In her last year at school, Issy stepped into her own self. Her time in Year 12, as well as the supportive culture, is what prepared Issy best for university; it is what she took away from school more than anything.

Written by Harriet Burgess (student)