​I warmly welcome you to St Mary's College, Ipswich. My name is Paula Goodwin and I am proud to be Principal of St Mary's College Ipswich. I am grateful to be part of this wonderful community and am excited for the year ahead.

Steeped in the Mercy tradition, at St Mary's, we are proud of our nearly 160 year history, educating the minds and hearts of young Ipswich people. We empower our students to be strong, inquisitive and compassionate, preparing each student to embrace their future – just as Catherine McAuley envisioned all those years ago.

This year, we will support all of our students to thrive at St Mary's College. In recent years, our students have demonstrated tremendous flexibility and adaptability; taking change in their stride and finding the positives in every situation. They have remained focused on their learning, committed to their sporting endeavours and cultural pursuits, and stayed connected to their friends and families.

This would not have been possible without our community. Students across all year levels enjoy strong friendships. Teachers, as well, know students individually, and join in celebrating personal achievements, and offering support through times of challenge. Education is a partnership, and we welcome input from our families.

I am proud of our older students who have demonstrated the importance of community, welcoming our Year 7 students warmly. I know their guidance has eased some uncertainty for our youngest students who are transitioning to high school. All students at St Mary's College are encouraged to develop, excel and lead. We support every student to participate, try new things, and pursue their passion. I will watch with interest as our Year 7 students immerse themselves in College life and grow and develop this year.

The professional and dedicated staff at St Mary's deliver a rigorous and academically challenging curriculum. They too have taken things in their stride recently, remaining flexible and open minded to respond to changing situations. Their focus remains on our students and helping each one to achieve their personal best.

Mercy Education is holistic in nature. Working in partnership with parents, each of our students is challenged and encouraged to be the best that they can be. At a personal, intellectual, physical and ethical level, they are positioned to be a graduate who is reflective, accomplished, fulfilled and is passionate.

Education is our business, but community is at the heart of we do. I look forward to strengthening partnerships with all in our community this year.

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