As the convent bell rang across the College on Wednesday 4 March, each chime signalled an individual student or staff member beginning their journey with us.
A much-loved SMC tradition that brings our entire community together, the Belling In sees students and staff form a College-wide guard of honour that winds through the school grounds. This year’s procession began with our youngest students in Kinder, who were gently guided along the pathway by our oldest students – our leaders in Year 12.
Along the way, they were met with rounds of applause, enthusiastic high fives and excited cheers. They were followed by the remaining new students and staff, who received the same warm welcome as they made they progressed from the front of the convent up to the College Green.
For our Kinder students, the next time they experience this tradition firsthand will be in 13 years, when they are ‘belled out’ at graduation.
This rite of passage is a meaningful affirmation of each student’s place within the St Mary’s College community and a reminder of the strong, supportive network that carries them from their first day as SMC students to their last.
