Beyond the Classroom

​​Instrumental Music 

Our 2026 Instrumental Music Program, facilitated by CreativeKidz On Stage, is designed to nurture young talents and foster a lifelong love of music. CreativeKidz is a leading Australian provider of high-quality music education for children, and their partnership with our school allows us to offer a diverse and enriching learning experience. The program is delivered by passionate and experienced music educators who value the role of music in developing confidence, creativity, and teamwork among students. Led by Directors David and Kathleen Smith, CreativeKidz brings a wealth of expertise, ensuring practical and engaging music education tailored to our school community. Their mission is to inspire students’ creative minds while promoting fun and academic growth through performance-based learning.  

The program offers lessons in keyboard, guitar, drums, and singing, with both small group and individual options available during school hours for accessibility. Students of all skill levels are welcome, whether beginners or those with prior experience. Throughout the year, participants will have opportunities to perform at school assemblies, the Arts Showcase, and an end-of-year event, allowing them to showcase their progress and talents. Enrolment is now open, and each student receives a 30-minute specialist small group lesson each week for eight weeks per term. After exploring each instrument, students can choose their preferred focus for term 4, further strengthening their musical knowledge and skills. 

Crescendos Choir 

The Crescendos Choir is a collaborative program between St Mary’s College and St Mary’s Primary School, designed to foster musical growth and community connection. Rooted in the College’s strong tradition of choral excellence, the program provides students from Years 4–6 at SMP and Years 7–12 at SMC with the opportunity to develop their vocal skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. The name “Crescendos” reflects the musical term meaning “to gradually increase,” symbolizing the personal and artistic growth students experience through participation. Rehearsals focus on building solid singing techniques before moving into diverse repertoire for performances at school and community events throughout the year. 

Dance 

Dance is a powerful tool for promoting physical wellbeing and holistic growth in students. Through rhythmic movement and structured routines, children enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination, which are essential for healthy physical development. Dance also refines gross motor skills by encouraging large, controlled movements that improve balance and spatial awareness. Beyond physical benefits, dance nurtures teamwork and confidence—students learn to collaborate in choreography, support peers during performances, and express themselves creatively. These experiences build resilience and self-esteem, making dance an engaging way to combine fitness with personal growth. 

LEGO Club 

FIRST LEGO League​ is a global robotics program that introduces children to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The program is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills. SMPS students work together to build teams, to design, build, and program LEGO-based models ​and robots, applying coding and engineering concepts to tackle themed challenges. Each season presents a new real-world topic, encouraging students to research, innovate, and collaborate as they develop solutions that combine technical skills with critical thinking and teamwork. LEGO Club is run by out Technology Teacher who works with students during lunch breaks and after school to build skills, help with their LEGO program and presentation in order to prepare for the Lego League Challenge excursion.

EcoMarines School Environmental Program 

Our partnership with EcoMarines Foundation empowers students to become environmental leaders through hands-on sustainability initiatives. EcoMarines provides free programs for schools across Queensland, focusing on conservation, waste reduction, and habitat protection. Students are appointed as EcoMarines Ambassadors, leading projects such as beach clean-ups, recycling campaigns, and awareness events. These programs align with curriculum standards and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills while fostering a deep appreciation for nature. The goal is to create long-term positive behaviour​ change and inspire young people to protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.  

Tangalooma Island Resort Excursion 

Our excursion to Tangalooma Island Resort offers students an immersive experience in marine conservation. Located on Moreton Island, the resort’s Eco Centre provides interactive education about local wildlife, including dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and whales. Guided by passionate Eco Rangers, students participate in educational tours, presentations, and activities that highlight the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. This excursion connects classroom learning with real-world environmental stewardship, reinforcing the values taught through EcoMarines programs and inspiring students to take action for sustainability in their communities

Project Go: Ipswich Waste Services 

Project Go is a collaborative initiative with Ipswich Waste Services designed to educate students about responsible waste management, recycling, and environmental stewardship. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, students learn the importance of reducing landfill waste, sorting recyclables, and adopting sustainable habits both at school and home. The program empowers young leaders to champion eco-friendly practices, inspiring positive change within the school and the broader Ipswich community. ​

Exciting Lunch Break Activities at School 

We’re thrilled to offer a range of fantastic activities during lunch breaks to make your school day even more enjoyable. Whether you love sports, getting your hands dirty in the garden, or prefer quieter indoor pastimes, there’s something for everyone. These activities are a great way to have fun, learn something new, and build strong friendships. 

The Library Lunch Club is open every day at first break, offering a peaceful alternative to playing outside. Come in and enjoy reading, play chess, get creative with arts and crafts, or even have a go at Minecraft. The library is a welcoming space to unwind, discover new interests, or connect with other students who share your hobbies. It’s a perfect spot if you’d like some quiet time or want to try something different during lunch. 

Why Get Involved? 

Lunchtime activities are more than just fun—they’re opportunities to explore new things, develop important life skills, and build lasting relationships. By joining in, you can: 

  • Make new friends and strengthen existing ones 
  • Improve your physical and mental wellbeing 
  • Discover new hobbies and interests 
  • Feel a greater sense of belonging at school 

We encourage everyone to have a go and see what you enjoy. These clubs and activities are open to all students, so come along, try something new, and make the most of your lunch breaks! 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about any activity, feel free to ask your teachers or club coordinators. 

See you at lunchtime!