Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome back to Term 3. It has been wonderful to see our students return refreshed, enthusiastic and ready for the opportunities that lie ahead. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new families who have joined our College community this term. We are delighted to have you as part of the Marist family. This term promises to be another busy one, highlighted by our much-anticipated production of “School of Rock” in September. If you haven't already secured your tickets, details are available in this edition of the “Marist Star”. 

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education Week, providing an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage that has shaped Catholic Education in Australia. Catholic schools were founded because religious sisters, brothers, priests and lay people recognised that education should be available to everyone, especially those who were poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

Our own story at Marist Regional College is deeply connected to the Sisters of Mercy. In 1827, Catherine McAuley used her inheritance to establish the House of Mercy in Dublin, providing education, shelter and hope to poor women and girls. Her vision grew into the Sisters of Mercy, whose ministry now spans education and healthcare across the world. Here in Burnie, the story began when the Sisters of Mercy from Deloraine responded to Father Hayes' invitation to establish a convent school on Mount Street, welcoming their first students in 1900. In 1972, Stella Maris Regional Girls' College and Marist College came together to form Marist Regional College, creating the school we know today. 

The Mercy values of Spirituality, Community, Service and Social Justice continue to complement our own College values of Hospitality, Respect, Justice, Compassion and Responsibility. During Catholic Education Week, we give thanks for the vision and sacrifices of those who came before us, and for the opportunity we have today to provide an education that nurtures not only academic excellence, but also faith, character and a commitment to serving others. 

Over the past fortnight, our team has met individually with every Year 10 student and their families as part of the subject selection process. While these meetings fulfil an important educational requirement, they are far more than an administrative exercise. They provide every student with personalised advice and guidance as they begin planning their senior secondary pathway. It is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring every young person is known, supported and encouraged to pursue a future that reflects their interests, abilities and aspirations. 

As we prepare for Subject Advice Evening, which is Monday, I am reminded that the opportunities available to our students are made possible through the dedication and expertise of our staff, together with the support of our families. Ultimately, the greatest measure of our work is reflected in the achievements of our students. 

Last year, our Year 12 students achieved outstanding results: 

• Four students received TASC Outstanding Achievement Awards. 

• 20% of our Year 12 students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above. 

• 98% achieved their Tasmanian Certificate of Education, with every student achieving at least 80 TCE points. 

• 80% of students achieved an ATAR, representing a significant increase over recent years. 

• 67% completed a VET unit, while seventeen percent graduated with both a VET qualification and their TCE. 

These strong academic outcomes translated into excellent post-school destinations: 

• 59% commenced university study. 

• 18% chose a gap year. 

• 12% began an apprenticeship or traineeship. 

• 8% entered full-time or part-time employment. 

Another outstanding achievement is that 80% of our Trade Readiness students secured an apprenticeship at the completion of Year 10, demonstrating the strength of our vocational pathways and the confidence local employers have in our students. 

This week, I spoke with students about the role mobile phones play in our lives. Using a humorous reflection from comedian Jack Lambert, I challenged students to consider whether they are giving more attention to the people around them than the screens in their hands. I reminded students of the College's expectations regarding mobile phone use.  

For students in Years 7–10, mobile phones and other personal online devices must be switched off and securely stored in lockers from the time students enter the College buildings in the morning, until they leave the buildings at the end of the school day. Senior College students have the privilege of accessing their devices during break times in designated areas for appropriate purposes, such as checking work-related messages. Above all, I encouraged students to make the most of their time at school by investing in friendships, conversations and face-to-face relationships that strengthen their wellbeing and sense of belonging. 

I also addressed the serious issue of students recording or sharing images and videos without permission, particularly in change rooms. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, breaches the privacy and dignity of others, and may result in significant disciplinary action and, in some circumstances, legal consequences. It is an important reminder that once something is shared online, it can never truly be taken back. 

As parents and guardians, you play an important role in supporting healthy digital habits. One simple way you can assist is by avoiding contacting your child on their personal device during the school day. If you need to pass on an urgent message, please contact the College Office on (03) 6432 7600, and we will ensure the message reaches your child promptly. I also encourage families to access the excellent resources available through the eSafety Commissioner, which provides practical advice on online safety, cyberbullying, social media and supporting young people to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 

Thanks, and have a great fortnight.  

Warm regards, 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal