Launching Our Strategic Plan: Men for Tomorrow - A Future with Integrity (2026-2028)
On Tuesday 28th April, St Mary’s College proudly launched our new Strategic Plan, Men for Tomorrow: A Future with Integrity, setting a clear direction for the College from 2026 to 2028. The evening marked an important milestone in the life of our community, bringing together students, staff, families, Old Boys and valued community partners to reflect on who we are and where we are heading.
The launch event was led by College Captain Max Murphy and Vice-Captain Ari Cowan, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of the Strategic Plan from a student perspective. The evening began with an Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the Giabal and Jarowair peoples of the Western Wakka Wakka Nation, followed by a prayer led by Mr Kevin Murphy, grounding the occasion in faith and purpose.
A Shared Vision for the Future
In his address, Principal Mr Brendan Stewart spoke about the collaborative journey that shaped the Strategic Plan and the strong sense of community that underpins it. The plan reflects extensive consultation and a shared commitment to ensuring St Mary’s College continues to provide a rich, future-focused education in the Edmund Rice tradition.
Central to the plan are five Strategic Initiatives, each designed to support the holistic development of our students while strengthening our staff, environment and community.
The Five Strategic Initiatives
Inspiring Learners for Life focuses on learning that is purposeful, engaging and tailored to the needs of boys. With clear learning pathways, effective use of technology and teaching practices that empower students to understand how they learn best, this initiative supports students to take ownership of their learning and build confidence for life beyond the classroom.
Shaping Men for Tomorrow reinforces the College’s commitment to pastoral care, mentoring and wellbeing. By clearly defining what it means to be a “Man for Tomorrow,” this initiative supports students to grow in character, resilience, integrity and respectful relationships, ensuring every student feels known, valued and supported.
Building Professional Capacity recognises that students thrive when educators are supported. This initiative strengthens staff development, collaboration and leadership, ensuring consistent, high-quality learning experiences across the College.
Creating a Future-Focused Environment looks to the physical and relational spaces that support learning and connection. Through thoughtful planning, facility development, partnerships and sustainability, this initiative aims to create an environment that fosters pride, belonging and growth for current and future students.
Embracing Our Identity strengthens St Mary’s Catholic identity within the Edmund Rice tradition. Through faith formation, service and social justice opportunities, students are encouraged to live out Gospel values and develop a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to others.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The evening concluded with words from Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director of the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, affirming the importance of the plan and the clear, values-driven direction it sets for the College.
The launch of Men for Tomorrow: A Future with Integrity marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for St Mary’s College. We look forward to working together as a community to bring this vision to life and to continue supporting our students as they grow academically, personally and spiritually - leaving St Mary’s as men of integrity, ready to face the future with confidence and purpose.
