The Right Moves

Chess is more than the movement of pieces around a board. The ancient game offers opportunities for camaraderie, connection and the development of critical thinking skills.

Through chess, students learn to concentrate, understand consequences and the need to plan ahead. They develop problem solving skills, become better logical, lateral and creative thinkers, and they learn a game that is known throughout the world.

St Mary’s College proudly supports opportunities for students to learn, play and to represent the school at inter-school chess competitions.

In Term Two, we celebrated the success of seven primary students who participated in the inaugural Toowoomba Catholic Schools Inter-School Chess Tournament. The tournament had St Mary’s students showcasing their chess skills, with Thomas Smith (Year 6) taking first place with only one loss, and Asher Miller (Year 6) awarded third place with five wins and a draw. It was a strong representation from St Mary’s, with four of the seven students finishing in the top ten placings.

High school students were again offered chess as an option for Wednesday afternoon sport. With 25 registered, the boys extended their skills, were challenged with alternate chess games, and sharpened their competitiveness through tournament rounds.

Chess is an option for all students at St Mary’s College in Term 3 with free sessions before school on Thursdays. Students may also register for chess for Wednesday afternoon sport (secondary) and Friday afternoon sport (primary).

St Mary’s College dominates in debating!

Congratulations to all students involved in debating this semester.

After the fourth and last round of the debating competition against other Toowoomba schools, both of the senior teams walked away victorious.

The Year 12 team is undefeated and the Year 11 team won three out of their four debates.

Additionally, the Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 teams recorded many wins.

All students should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Well done, gentlemen.

In Term Two we held a NAIDOC Day for Year 7 students led by our Senior Indigenous students and Indigenous Old Boys, who were excited to share their pride and leadership for their culture with the younger boys.

All Year 7 students participated in four cultural workshops, focusing on traditional dance, art in the form or painting and beading, as well as traditional games.

Thank you to Mrs Ashleigh Sowter, our First Nations and Multicultural Coordinator at the College for organising these activities.