Newsletter 10.25 - Friday 4 July 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Carers and members of the St Mary’s Community,

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, it is timely to pause and reflect on all that we have achieved together as a College community. The term has been marked by rich learning experiences, vibrant events, and a deep sense of connection and service. From the energy and spirit of our Athletics Carnival to the success of the Junior Music Showcase, our involvement in the Science and Engineering Challenge, and our collective effort in raising $788 for adolescent mental health through the Push-Up Challenge, the list of accomplishments is both impressive and inspiring.

Our students have also shone in the creative arts, delivering outstanding performances in Diosounds and now turning their focus and talents toward the highly anticipated ASPIRE production. Across all areas—academic, cultural, service, and sporting—students have represented the College with pride: volunteering with Landcare, Breakfast Club, and Thursday Café; participating in formation and retreat experiences; and celebrating community through events such as the Mother’s Day Breakfast and our Anzac Day Assembly. These moments remind us that St Mary’s is not only a place where learning is valued and pursued with excellence, but also a community where each person is encouraged to contribute, belong, and thrive. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Student Leaders, House Leaders, the Student Representative Council, and most importantly, to our dedicated staff who walk with our young people each day and make all of this possible.

2025 Learning Conference: Building Strong Foundations

Over the past three days, our staff have participated in a rich and purposeful Learning Conference, centred on the themes of inclusivity, excellence, and engagement. Through a blend of keynote presentations and collaborative workshops, teachers and support staff explored best practice in areas such as differentiation in assessment and classroom practice, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L), and evidence-informed approaches to teaching gifted and high-performing students. What has stood out most to me is the depth of collaboration across our teams, professionals coming together with shared purpose, open dialogue, and a genuine commitment to growing their impact in the classroom.

At St Mary’s, our philosophy of learning is built on the belief that we learn best together, through shared reflection, professional trust, and a deep care for the wellbeing of each other and our students. I thank all staff for their engagement and the energy they have brought to these days, it is through this collective effort that we continue to strengthen our learning culture and ensure every student can thrive.

2025 AJASS Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the AJASS (Australian Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) Conference in Sydney, where I joined with principals and school leaders from across the country who share in the Josephite tradition. The conference provided a powerful opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and how her vision continues to shape Catholic education today. Over the three days, we explored key themes such as servant leadership, the dignity of each person, inclusion, and responding to the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. We engaged in rich dialogue about the role of our schools in nurturing students who are faith-filled, socially aware, and ready to make a difference. It was a reaffirming experience that highlighted the strength and unity of our Josephite network. I return to St Mary’s inspired by the shared commitment of our fellow schools and proud of how deeply our own College lives out the values of learning, service, and hope in the spirit of Mary MacKillop.

As we conclude the term, I extend my warmest wishes to all members of our St Mary’s community for a safe, enjoyable, and restful holiday break. May this time provide an opportunity to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge for the term ahead. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in the life of our College. I look forward to all that we will continue to achieve together next term.

Kind regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Additional Courses of Study Evening

Please find below information regarding the Year 8 (Year 9 2026) Additional Courses of Study Informaton evening being held on Tuesday 22 July. This information can also be found on Compass.

Year 12 Holiday Workshops

Please see below for Year 12 Holiday Workshop Timetable. Year 12 students are encouraged to attend where possible.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

Year 7-10 Parent Student Teacher Conferences

Please note - Friday 25 July:

• Classes as normal for Year 12 Students.
• Year 11 Students are not required to attend class this day.

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

CCSP Parents and Carers Conference

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for the 25 October CCSP Parents and Carers Conference.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES: WORKING TOGETHER IN A MODERN WORLD

This special one-day event will bring Catholic school parents together from across NSW to explore how we can support and strengthen families in a rapidly changing world. With thought-provoking keynotes, breakout sessions and opportunities for connection, it’s set to be an amazing day.

Find out more about the program, speakers and session details on our website:
ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/2025-conference

Secure your ticket now via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/supporting-families-working-together-in-a-modern-world-registration-1363786414879?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to welcoming you to this milestone event as we celebrate, reflect and look to the future of Catholic education and school + family partnerships!

When: Saturday 25 October 2025

Where: Novotel Parramatta, Sydney

What time: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Ben Frize - Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

Ministry

As we reach the end of the term, may we use these holidays for rest and renewal to reflect on the growth and moments shared together this semester. In the highs and lows, Christ has walked with us, guiding our hearts to serve one another. May we return next term with open hearts, grateful for what has been and hopeful for what is to come.

House System Update

This term the Mission Team, House Coordinator and House System Committee continued to prayerfully discern the Catholic narrative of our College with the development of the house system. We engaged with staff, parents, and student representatives including the Senior Student College Leadership Team and Student Pastoral Council to gain insight and feedback on the progress thus far. Focus was placed upon house names and if they should be aligned with a place grounded in Biblical history and Scripture or aligned to the house patron. The data overwhelmingly conveyed that house patron names were preferred. In Week Two of next term, every student within the College will be invited to voice their feedback at year level house system presentations.

St Vincent de Paul Report

“Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.”

This term, St Mary’s lived out St Teresa of Avila’s words through the Vinnies Winter Appeal. With hearts moved by faith, we walked with compassion and acted with generous hands offering not just donations but hope in the bleakest of seasons. On Tuesday, we gathered in prayer to hand over the donations to our local St Vincent de Paul chapter. Like Christ, who blessed the cup, we offer love poured out comforting those in need across our community. On behalf of the Ministry Team and the College community we thank you all for your support this appeal.

Many Blessings,

Kyle Clarence - Acting Ministry Coordinator

Year 12

Key Dates - Year 12 2025

Please find below a list of key dates relevant to Year 12 families. This information can also be found on Compass.

Year 10

Year 10 Students to Attend PPEP Talk® – Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program

Supporting Student Wellbeing through Education

We are pleased to inform you that all Year 10 students will participate in the PPEP Talk® (Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program) on Wednesday 30th July (Week 2, Term 3) during Wellbeing Assembly and Period 3.

The PPEP Talk® is a fun, engaging, and medically accurate session designed to provide age-appropriate information about periods, pain, and endometriosis. Grounded in modern neuroscience, the session explores how the brain processes pain and offers helpful strategies for managing it. This curriculum-linked health and wellbeing education program is aimed specifically at Year 10 students—an age where most students will have begun menstruating—and benefits all students, particularly the 1 in 4 girls and people assigned female at birth who experience severe period pain.

The program is an initiative of the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia (PPFA) and is funded by the Federal Government Department of Health, with support from State and Territory Governments.

Importantly, sessions for boys and people assigned male at birth are included to help students feel more comfortable discussing menstruation and to empower them with knowledge on how to best support friends, family members, and future partners who may experience period-related pain.

By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversation, PPEP Talk® equips young people with the knowledge and tools to seek help early and to support one another with empathy and understanding.

For further information, please see the information provided by the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia: PPEP Talk® - Pelvic Pain Foundation

Brittany Avery - Stage Coordinator

Virtual Academy

Congratulations to our Virtual Academy students who have been sharing their projects with staff and students from across the diocese this week.

ENTERPRISE: Luca Masters, Alisa Samarkina, Claye Warner Year 7

Our Virtual Academy Enterprise unit students presented their business pitches to the Investor Panel, showcasing their entrepreneurial thinking and creative problem-solving. It was great to hear about sustainable fashion and Arthoops - where art meets sport.

AGENCY: Jasmin Diu Year 8

Students shared their original compositions developed from their passions and a growing sense of self through digital creations, art, games and more.

PERSPECTIVES: Louisa McRae Year 7

This G20 Summit session is a diplomatic simulation where students from across the diocese stepped into the roles of international leaders to address critical global challenges.

TIME: Ziggy Debien Year 8

Students exercised their presentation skills and demonstrate their strategic problem-solving capabilities.

Louise Henderson - Gifted Education Mentor

Aboriginal Education

Kaayi (ky-ee) – Hello,

Karawang Dance Group

The newly named St Mary’s Aboriginal dancers, The Karawan (Magpie) Dance Group, performed for the whole school at the Reconciliation Assembly. The students, lead by Roo and Levi, did an amazing job presenting dancing as part of the Acknowledgment of Country. The dance performed was about greeting family and friends, and cleansing Country.  It also acknowledged the Ancestors and Elders.

Well done to Ella H, Jax, Brax, Flynn R, Allira K, Blaze L, Zander, Lola W and Claye (Yr 7), Bonnie and Micah (yr8), as well as Barry, Nate B, Payton and Barney (yr 9) and Hayley C (Yr 10). Thanks also to Ava H and Alex C (Yr 10) for their leadership at the assembly.

Reconciliation Lessons

Reconciliation lessons have nearly concluded, with students across Years 7-10 committing to an action they can take. These actions were written on an individual leaf. These individual leaves were then decorated and combined to create a wall of actions to show how we can make a difference.

Numeracy Gala Day

Some of our Yr 7’s headed off to McDonald Jones Stadium recently for a Numeracy NRL Gala Day. Our students – Jax H, Lola W, Ella H, Allira K, Brax D, Zander M, Blaze L and Flynn R – were outstanding ambassadors for our school. They completed some challenging activities and fun engaging with some of the NRLW players.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

NAIDOC Week falls over the school holidays. Everyone in the community is invited to the  Eastlakes NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Friday 18th July 2025 at Pelican Foreshore. Hayley Cummings in Year 10 will be a special guest speaker at the event. We wish you well, Hayley!

Pictured above: Flynn, Jax and Zander creating a dodgy salary cap to makle the Knights a force in 2026!

St Mary’s NAIDOC Week Celebration

St Mary’s will be celebrating NAIDOC week with a special assembly on Wednesday 6 August. Year 7 students will also participate in some Indigenous Workshops for periods 1 and 2 that day.

Indigenous Soccer Team

Congratulations to Lachlan Morgan in Year 11 who was selected for the Under 16 Boys Indigenous Team for the State Youth Championship. The team will play a round-robin at Speers Point Soccer Complex over the holidays. Good luck, Lachlan!

Wollutuka Emerging Days

Recently students have had the opportunity to attend the Newcastle University Emerging Days organised by the Wollutuka Institute at the Callaghan Campus and Clinical School at Gosford Hospital. Ava H, Hayley C, Alex C and Chloe M attended sessions exploring careers including Robotics, Psychology, Education, Pharmacy, Medicine and Nursing. Congratulations to these students for being such great ambassadors for St Mary’s.

L picture: Ava and Alex learning about a 'Robo-Doodle' at Callaghan Robotics Unit

R picture: Nurse Ava steps up for the diagnosis at the Gosford Clinical School as Hayley and Chloe look on.

Paul McKay, Roo Faulkner, Levi Briggs - Aboriginal Education Workers

Student Administration

Attendance Information for Parents/Carers

Partial and Full Day Absences:

• SMS Text Messages
  • SMS messages will go out to parents/carers each morning at 9.40am
  • If your child/ren signs in to school after 8.50am (and it has not been explained on Compass), parents/carers will receive a SMS
  • These SMS's are a bulk, automated notification and cannot be altered for individual circumstances
  • Explanations for partial/full absences can be entered by parents/carers via the Compass app, email studentservices@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au or call 4944 4800
  • Please note, we cannot explain an absence, unless it has come from the parent/carer. Student explanations will not be accepted. This includes late buses/trains.

Student early sign out procedures - Monday to Thursday:

• Junior Students (Years 7-10) and Year 11:
  • A parent/carer must be present in person to Student Services to collect student/s.
  • To ensure all students are accounted for on Compass, staff will only call students up once parents/carers have arrived at Student Services
• Senior Students (Years 12):
  • Parents/carers should email Student Services to advise the time and reason that the Senior student is signing out.
  • Once notification has been received, Senior students are allowed to sign themselves out at Student Services.

Student early sign out procedures - Friday:

• Junior Students (Years 7-10):
  • Parents should email Student Services prior to 9am with the leave request: studentservices@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au OR send a parent note with your child which is given to the Sport Coordinator, Mr Rediger.
  • Parent/carers are encouraged NOT to collect students during lesson time (ie. before 11.50am)
  • Parent/carers are required to report in person to Student Services. Please exercise patience with our office staff.
  • Please note that if your child is going home with another parent, a written note is required giving permission, and details of who will be picking them up. If this is to occur from the sports venue, the note is required to be handed to the supervising sports teacher.
    
• Leaving the Sports Venue:
  • No student is permitted to leave the sports venue during school hours without a parent or carer collecting their child from the venue and speaking directly to the supervising teacher.

Catch-Up Immunisations

Holiday Activities

Term 3 begins Monday 21 July