2012

Victoria Ridgwell a former student of SMC started school in Reception 1999 and finished school in 2012. She loved learning and was also involved in Social Justice and school sport. Victoria enjoyed helping others, and the Immersion Trips really opened her eyes and helped her grow as a person.

Victoria made lifelong friends, catching up regularly on the weekends. Her strongest memories are how well she got to know her friends on her Immersion Trips. She made lifelong friends from SMC and CBC. Victoria was not keen on getting in trouble. She only went through MacDonald's drive through while she was moving her car.

Juggling school and extra curriculum showed during Year 12 especially during exams. She said that SMC gave her lots of opportunities for life. In Year 12 she received an award and was grateful to be recognised for all the things she did throughout her school years. 

Written by Eimear Agnew (student)

Giordana Cimmino first stepped through the gates of St Mary's College in 2000 and graduated in 2012. Her time at St Mary's was memorable. Giordana participated in the Vietnam Pilgrimage in 2011. Advice Giordana would like to share is, enjoy every minute and don't take opportunities for granted. Her most surprising moment was winning the Sister Susan Sullivan Award. Giordana was a member of the first stage band that Mr Chambers took to Generations in Jazz.

One of Giordana's greatest memories was playing Batty Bingo and Batty Rounders. Her craziest moments were with best friend Sarah. School prepared Giordana for Uni and full-time work as a counselor. What she learnt helps Giordana counsel the students at her school. Giordana fondly remembers everything about her time at SMC. Her experiences at St Mary's has helped shaped who and where she is today, built up her confidence and assisted in achieving her life goals.

Written by Jeanice Jinaro (student)

At SMC, Lucy learned about social justice, forgiveness, getting second chances and developing confidence. Lucy's teachers helped prepare her academically, but it was the experiences, working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, the valuable life skills and lessons that helped shape her confidence for life beyond school.

Lucy was College Captain in 2003. She was given opportunities, such as going to South Korea, Oak Valley and Vietnam. Lucy developed passions for education, social justice and history. Lucy's advice to students is to make the best of your time and don't take school for granted because it goes by very quickly. Lucy's experience at St Mary's has shaped her life and it has given Lucy confidence in herself. Opportunities to learn about young women were memorable for Lucy. She always remembers the St Mary's College community and, in her words, "the sense of home", that this school provided for her.

Written by Ioanna Antoniou (student)

Eilish Maguire attended St Mary's as a student in 2006 and graduated in 2012. Her strongest memory is becoming Social Justice Captain, attending meetings and getting involved with good causes. Once, in a crazier moment, she hired a superhero outfit, running around school and busking near the old library. During her time at St Mary's, she learnt a lot about resilience and the importance of bouncing back from difficult times.

The college has helped her to become a strong, independent woman, with the confidence to navigate life after school and to succeed in regard to job opportunities. During one interview, Eilish was asked if she had run any large events. This question took her straight back to her involvement in Social Justice Day her contribution giving her skills needed for the future. Overall, she thought SMC was a fantastic school and was glad to meet the people that she did.

Written by Dior Fraus (student)

Shannice Marie Simbol started her journey at St Mary's College in Year 8 and graduated in 2012. During her time at the college, she grew to be fond of music which led her to participating in the music program. The music program taught her to become more confident in herself. Shannice cherished her time at the college, and it was her second home because of the amiable environment provided by the girls and teachers.

She will always hold the moments she experienced here in her heart. She learnt many important life lessons, such as standing up for yourself and not letting people push you around even though they're in authority. A piece of advice she gave SMC students was "Do what you want to do and not what other people want you to do". The college shaped Shannice well academically and made her the strong, wonderful women she is today.

Written by Jedidiah Alvarez (student)

Mary Foley had two main roles at St Mary's College over the 30 years she was a part of the community: being a parent of the school and working as an ESO. One of Mary's strongest memories and life lessons was in 2006, when she worked with some students who were affected by war back at home in Africa. Mary felt privileged to work with these students as she was able to help them overcome their challenges and get a quality education.

After 30 years of being a part of the St Mary's College community, she retired, sad but satisfied. Mary is proud that she worked in such a caring and friendly environment and hopes the school never loses that quality. Mary learnt many lessons throughout her time at St Mary's College and feels blessed that she had the opportunity to be a part of such a loving, caring community.

Written by Isabelle Barone