KidzWish | Today the year 9 child studies class travelled to Symbio Zoo to volunteer at the KidzWish Foundation Christmas Party, it was a day full of fun! We got the privilege of handing out Christmas presents to children who suffered with a disability, helping out the crew, watching the talent of Kidsrock, magicians, Acromazing and enjoying a delicious complementary lunch. It was incredible to see the smiles on everybody's faces! We had so much fun!! By Zahlee Hamilton

OUR STORY | Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Allies are working on a significant art project. We are privileged to enjoy Aunty May’s expert guidance as students work with shells to create a unique artwork. ‘Our story’ is a design that depicts the student’s unique place at St Mary’s, between the escarpment and ocean on Dharawal Country. St Mary’s students have collaboratively worked on the design with a focus on the College as a central meeting place. This is being painstakingly crafted on a surfboard over many lunchtimes in the art rooms. Thank you to Aunty May and Ms Kylie Becker who have spent time facilitating this project. We look forward to seeing the completed product!

STAY SAFE | Stay Safe Schools Self Defence Programs provide the opportunity for children and teens to explore a range of simple yet practical skills that improve the ability to effectively resist unsafe, threatening or assaultive behaviour, such as harassment, bullying, physical and sexually abusive situations. The sessions cover content that is specific to the dangers of the age and gender of the group, with the program tailored to suit our students. The programs contain both physical and non physical components. The principle outcomes of the personal safety sessions is that students feel more positive about what they ‘can do’, gaining appropriate and empowering verbal and physical skills to respond positively to potentially violent and dangerous situations.