Many activities are held throughout the year to strengthen a student's identity with their year level and College house,  including House Celebrations, Choir Competition, Pastoral Care shared lunches and Mercy Week celebrations. The four House groups, Gorry, Horan, Murphy, and Whitty are named after significant founders of our College and link to our Mercy heritage.

​Student Support Services 

​There may be times when the young women in our care require additional support in academic or pastoral matters. All students are encouraged to access, or may be referred to, the services of a range of our student support services staff.

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Counselling and Support

​St Mary's College has two guidance counsellors on site who are available to students and parents who are experiencing difficulties managing stress, friendship issues, family matters or mental health issues. The school Counsellors work closely with the Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing, and Pastoral Leaders to provide programs to enhance the social, emotional and personal skills of students. The Counsellors also provide confidential personal counselling for students and assist with parent education and support in the area of behaviour.

Meeting with the counsellors is via appointment or in emergency situations, as the need arises. The counsellors can work with students and parents to provide strategies and support to deal with issues as the​y arise or give advice or make referrals to outside providers or agencies, should long term support be required.

Families may also wish to consult with their GP about any concerns they may have for their daughter if this is more appropriate for their family. There are also support services available in the wider community and a good starting point is:

Headspace: headspace Ipswich | Youth Mental Health Centre & Services

ReachOut: A Safe Place to Chat Anonymously, Get Support & Feel Better | ReachOut Australia

Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue | 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention​

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Defence School Mentor

Ipswich is a Defence town, and St Mary’s is a Defence community. We are proud to educate many students from current and former Defence families. 

The Defence School Mentor (DSM) supports and assists Defence students and their families in making a smooth transition from one school to the next. Working in partnership with the Pastoral Care team and teaching staff, the DSM provides ongoing assistance, helping to resolve issues that may arise during a student’s time at the College. 

For students and families, the DSM: 

 • Supports new ADF students and their families as they integrate into the College community. 

• Provides ongoing support to students during challenging times, for example, when a family member is absent due to deployment, exercises or courses. 

• Regularly communicates with staff to create awareness and understanding of the particular needs of young people from ADF families

.• Provides a key point of contact for Defence students and parents. 

• Monitors students’ day-to-day social and emotional well-being. 

• Facilitates opportunities for Defence students and their families to meet and socialise. 

The DSM works to ensure students’ experience at St Mary’s College is positive and productive. Please get in touch with the DSM if you have any new enrolment enquiries or questions regarding this program. 

Additional supports available for Defence families include;