St Mary's Catholic College Gateshead eNewsletter

Principal's Message

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

Last Thursday evening, I had the privilege of attending the DioSounds showcase, One Call, One Mission, a truly uplifting celebration of musical and dance talent from across our Diocese. I was exceptionally proud of our St Mary’s students, whose performances shone with passion, skill, and joy. A heartfelt thank you to Ruth McCrae, Lil Marsh, and Adele Weeks for the immense time, care, and energy they have given in supporting our students. To each of our performers, thank you for representing our College with such energy, and talent. You have made us so proud and truly exemplify our motto: Ready to Serve.

Thank You for Joining Our Parent Information Session

Thank you to the many parents and carers who joined us for our recent online Information Session last Wednesday evening. We are grateful for your engagement and encourage all families to take up these opportunities to ask questions, share feedback on College initiatives, and stay connected with updates from the College Executive, Parent Representatives, and Parish.

At the session, we shared details about the reimagining of our House System, an initiative designed to enhance faith development, student leadership, service opportunities, and cross-year mentorship. This new vertical structure will complement, not replace, our current horizontal year-based model, and will help build a deeper sense of community, belonging, and alignment to our Catholic identity.

We are committed to broad consultation, and this new system will be launched in 2026. Student voice will play a key role in shaping the model, with updates and opportunities for input coming soon through our Student Leadership and SPC.

We look forward to keeping you informed as this exciting initiative develops.

Celebrating Staff Achievement

We are delighted to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional achievements of several staff members at St Mary’s.

Congratulations to Mrs Tracey Flack, who has been honoured with the Emmaus Award for Excellence in Teaching – Secondary, by the Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. A dedicated and inspiring member of our Science Faculty, Tracey has been recognised for her commitment to creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences, her leadership in promoting literacy in Science, and her passion for ethical and environmentally sustainable solutions that benefit communities in need. Tracey’s humility, warmth, and professionalism make her a treasured member of our College community. We are incredibly proud of her, and this diocesan-level recognition is a true reflection of her outstanding contribution to education.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Janice Lawrence and Elizabeth Quinlan, who have each been acknowledged for their remarkable 25 years of service to Catholic Education. Their dedication and long-standing commitment to nurturing students and supporting our mission is deeply appreciated.

Thank you, Tracey, Janice, and Elizabeth, for the difference you make every day.

Staffing Update

We warmly congratulate Kyle Clarence, who has been appointed as Acting Ministry Coordinator for the remainder of the term while DeAnna Addicoat is on leave. We thank Kyle for stepping into this important role in support of our College’s faith life.

We also extend our congratulations to Joanne Meagher, who has taken on the role of Acting Leader of Learning – Religion, shared with Elizabeth Quinlan, for the remainder of the term while Elizabeth Savovski is on leave. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to supporting student learning and formation in Religious Education.

We extend our very best wishes to Christina Hookway as she commences maternity leave at the end of this term. Christina is expected to return midway through next year, and we look forward to welcoming her back at that time.

We are pleased to congratulate Nathan Williams on his appointment as Mathematics teacher during Christina’s leave. Nathan is no stranger to St Mary’s, having already made a strong impression as a Visiting Teacher. He is currently teaching at SFX and will join us at the start of next term.

Nathan brings a wealth of experience, having taught Mathematics across Years 7 to Stage 6 equivalent levels in both the UK and Wales. He is a passionate advocate for equity in student learning and wellbeing, and we are confident he will be a wonderful addition to our staff team. We warmly welcome Nathan to the St Mary’s community.

As we head into the long weekend, I extend my warmest wishes to all students, families, and staff for a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break. May this time offer a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality moments with loved ones. Thank you for all you bring to our community. May the weekend be filled with peace, joy, and renewal.

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Congratulations extend to Tracey Flack pictured with L-R: Cathy O'Gorman, Assistant Principal L&T, Michelle Lund, Leader of Learning Science, Brett Donohoe, Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Week 7(A) 2025 Monday 9 June	Public Holiday
Tuesday 10 June	CoGAT Catch-Ups - please see article for further information
Wednesday 11 June	Landcare NSWCCC Cross Country Year 10 (Year 11 2026) Subject Information Evening - please see article for further information
Thursday 12 June	Dio Tennis Knights Knockout U15 Boys
Friday 13 June	Outcome of Year 7 (2026) Enrolments notified to parents
Week 8(B) 2025 Wednesday 18 June	Year 7 Gardisil9 HPV & Boostrix vaccinations - please see flyer for further information
Friday 20 June	Aboriginal Gala Numeracy Day Student Mass

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Year 10 (Year 11 2026) Information Evening - Wednesday 11 June

As mentioned in the last newsletter, we are looking forward to meeting with our Year 10 parents and carers at our upcoming Year 10 (Year 11 2026) Stage 6 Course Information Evening being held on Wednesday 11 June commencing at 6pm in The Josephite Centre. The evening will have two sections – A gathering in the TJC at 6pm outlining details re Course Selection, ATAR and Vocational Pathways. There will also be presentations from the Leaders of Learning in English, Mathematics and Religion regarding advice about the various levels and content of these subjects. In the second section of the evening, students and family members will have the chance to meet with teachers in all subjects including information re EVET, VET and SBAT subjects. We will also have a representative from UoN with us on the evening.

You are encouraged to take the time to review the information in the handbook prior to the Information evening, please bring your Handbooks with you and we look forward to seeing you on the night.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Engagement

Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)

This exclusive, one-off webinar is fast approaching and we hope our St Mary's families will benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
DATE: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

Artificial Intelligence
Misinformation & Algorithms
Sexting and Sextortion
Online Grooming

Please note: Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.

Please consider joining SchoolsTV for this insightful and engaging session.

Ben Frize - Assistant Principal, Wellbeing & Engagement

Ministry

Catholic Schools Week: "One Call, One Mission"

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week which honours and recognises the tireless dedication, commitment, and joy that our community brings to uplift our students, parents, carers, and staff. In embracing this year’s theme Pilgrims of Hope, we are called to walk together through One Call, One Mission to foster hope and to work towards a future where justice, kindness, and love are the values that shape our lives.

We began celebrations in liturgy with schools across the Diocese at Sacred Heart Cathedral where the college was represented by students from our Senior Student Leadership Team and Student Pastoral Council.

On Wednesday, students of Year 7, along with their grandparents and significant elder figures participated in liturgy that celebrated their legacy of love in honouring those who have held our hands, shaped our values, and shared their wisdom and love across generations. At the beginning of the liturgy each person was asked to take a ribbon that spoke to their heart about their journey with family; blue for living family, yellow for those estranged, and white for those who have passed but remain in our hearts. During the ritual, everyone was invited to tie their ribbon to a symbolic family tree—reminiscent of the Stalk of Jesse —representing our coming together as one faith, one community, one family. Over the coming weeks, if you visit reception, you are warmly invited to choose a ribbon and add your story to the tree.

At St Mary’s we are currently running our donation drive for the St Vincent de Paul’s Winter Appeal that wraps up next week on the 11th of June. On behalf of the Ministry Team we thank you all for your ongoing support and the support that has been provided. Every donation is appreciated and goes toward helping uplift members within our community.

Kyle Clarence - Acting Ministry Coordinator

New Administration Contact Emails

Technology Services at Catholic Schools level are converting the administration email addresses into “shared mailboxes”. This transition is designed to enhance collaboration, allowing multiple users to access and manage the mailboxes efficiently. Shared mailboxes will enhance communication by allowing provisioned team members to easily share and respond to messages, ensuring that all inquiries are addressed promptly and consistently, and that other staff with access are aware of these communications.

With immediate effect, please note our new email addresses below. By directing your email to the correct shared mailbox, your communication with be acted upon promptly by the relevant department.

Student Services now has a dedicated email address - use this to inform us of your child's attendance (absences, appointments, early leaver, extended leave etc), event permissions, medical matters, vaccinations, Medical alerts, panadol requirements, uniform changes, request for illness/misadventure forms if your child will miss an assessment:

studentservices@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au

Enrolments now has a dedicated email address - use this to contact us about all enrolment matters including student leavers:

enrolments@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au

Administration retains its email address - use this for general enquiries or if you don't know which email to use! We will point your communication in the right direction.

admin@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9

Year 9 Formation Day at Point Wolstoncroft

Sometimes, the biggest step isn’t climbing a high ropes course—it’s choosing the hard things, to trust others, to believe in yourself.

Inspired by the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”, students explored what it means to overcome fear—not just in physical challenges, but in their personal growth and relationships.

Through shared experiences and quiet moments of reflection, students recognised that strength isn’t just physical—it’s choosing kindness, listening to others, and believing in their own potential. Formation Days are more than a break from the classroom, it is a meaningful step in our journey toward self-discovery and community connection.

This week, myself, roll call teachers & support staff thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with our Year 9 students at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Camp. The purpose of the day was simple but powerful — to build a stronger sense of community among the cohort, to help students reflect on their personal strengths, and to encourage them to see the value in forming genuine, respectful friendships.

Stepping outside of the classroom environment gave many students the chance to connect with peers they may not usually talk to, to challenge themselves in unfamiliar situations, and to recognise just how supported they are within their year group. Throughout the day, students engaged in archery, rock climbing, fishing, bike riding, damper making and quiet reflection. These activities were designed to build resilience, empathy, and self-awareness — and it was encouraging to see so many students respond with honesty and maturity. Some of the student reflections were incredibly insightful: “I realise I should get more involved in things at school.” “I learned that I have people who can help me.” “I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I actually did. I felt part of something.”

These are the moments that remind us how important it is to pause and give students the space to reflect, reset, and be reminded of who they are becoming. I am so proud of how our Year 9 students approached the day. Whether they stepped up as leaders, encouraged a classmate - they each contributed to making the day a positive and memorable one.

Renae Turvey - Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Year 7 Gardisil 9HPV & Boostrix vaccinations will be carried out on Wednesday 18 June. If you are yet to give consent, please do so using the information below. If you would rather have a paper consent form to complete, please contact Student Services who will arrange to send one home with your child.

Student Services: studentservices@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au

CoGAT Catch-Ups

The catch up session for Year 7 students who have missed CogAT will be on Tuesday 10th June in Periods 1 and 2.

Students sitting this test will need to bring to school:

Their fully charged laptop
Their laptop charger
Earphones

This equipment is needed for CogAT testing. Thank you for your support.

Louise Henderson - Gifted Education Mentor

St Mary's Push Up Challenge

On Tuesday 18th June, the St Mary's Catholic College community is coming together to make a difference. As part of the national Push-Up Challenge, we will be raising awareness and vital funds for mental health. In a dedicated 35-minute session, our students and staff will aim to complete as many push-ups as possible – united in our goal to support mental health services, start important conversations, and help destigmatise mental illness.

Mental health affects us all, and by taking part in this challenge, we’re showing that at St Mary’s, no one pushes alone. Every push-up counts. Every conversation matters. Every dollar raised helps provide support for those in need.

Let’s push for better mental health – together.

If you would like to donate, please click the link below to our community page.

The Push-Up Challenge - St Mary's Catholic College Gateshead

VET Hospitality

Year 12 Hospitality TAFE Dinner - Monday 25^th May 2025

As part of our Year 12 Hospitality program, Mrs O'Gorman and I had the pleasure of taking our students to Hamilton TAFE for a special dinner experience. The event featured a beautifully prepared three-course meal cooked by third-year apprentices and served by students completing their Food and Beverage Certificates and Hospitality Management training.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience the hospitality industry in action. Not only did they engage with industry professionals in a real-world setting, but they also had the chance to enjoy a formal dining experience—something quite different from their usual routines. The evening provided valuable insights into both the front-of-house and back-of-house aspects of the industry.

Our students conducted themselves in an incredibly mature and respectful manner throughout the evening. They were wonderful ambassadors for the College, and we were very proud of the way they represented our school community.

Mrs Fiona Edwards - VET Hospitality Teacher

Science

Build Me a Future Day

30 Year 8 students participated in the “Build me a Future Day” Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of Newcastle on Friday 23 May. St Mary's were awarded the Champion School of the day! We now wait to hear about other school’s performances as to whether we progress to the next stage in Canberra (fingers crossed ) .All the students represented St Mary’s with pride displaying teamwork and having fun in the process.

Mrs Matthews and Mr O’Regan

The Science and Stem Day started off with a bang, as we enter the electrifying engineering Room, in the University of Newcastle’s, Callaghan Campus. We were then given a rundown of the day, along with understanding all the challenges, and meeting the hard-working volunteers. The day was a mixture of engineering/problem solving challenges with activities such as creating indigenous designed fish traps, wind turbines and many other energizing challenges. I specifically enjoyed the “Build a Bridge Challenge” (which we tied first), in which you were given 150 grams of materials to build a bridge that could support a weight, ranging from 1kg to 8.8kg (the bridge buster). I thought the day was an overall success, creating an exciting way to experience another world built on solving problems and innovating new ideas.

Jack Ayshford - Year 8

The Australian Science competition was a fun, exciting, and challenging all-day activity that allowed students to explore the topics of STEM. The day included a range of tasks and activities to participate in, including engineering, breaking down codes, and so on. Students had to think outside the box and use the power of teamwork to succeed in the tasks they were assigned to. The day was a great opportunity to discover a new interest that could really build a future.

Darcy Pierchorowicz - Year 8

Child Studies

Year 9 Child Studies – Nursery Shoebox Project

In Child Studies this term, our Year 9 students took on the challenge of designing a nursery, all inside a shoebox! As part of our What to Expect When You’re Expecting unit, their assessment task required them to create a nursery space with budgeting and expenses in mind, carefully selecting and justifying essential baby items while considering safety and child development needs.

The creativity and effort shown was outstanding, with students including handmade cots, bookshelves, mobiles and even tiny clothes on coat hangers in handcrafted cupboards. It was fantastic to see how much time, thought and care went into each project. Well done to all our students!

Miss Artis, Mrs Schultz & Miss Mullen - Child Studies Teachers

National Reconciliation Week Lessons

National Reconciliation Week Religion lessons are continuing, with students across Years 7-10 participating in two lessons addressing this year’s theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’.

Students are adding their own reflections to a leaf, which will combine to form a ‘Reconciliation’ Wall near the Grand Staircase. Some examples are below.

Roo Faulkner, Levi Briggs and Paul McKay - Aboriginal Education Team

Library Matters

Winter is no longer coming. It is here! With a blast of cold weather, you can only begin to imagine that the library is more popular than ever. With every booth and chair taken, students were even laid out on the carpet playing chess, cards and board games. But in amongst it all we also had LEGO PICTIONARY! With just five minutes of build time, a card was drawn indicating what needed to be built. We had cars, cats and shoes and saw some amazing creativity on display. Standout builders were Emily and Sam from Year 7 and Sienna in Year 8. Really, everyone was a winner on the day.

This term in the Year 7 Learning from the Library Program we have seen each Science class come past the library for a Research Skills Lesson. It was great to have the time to build on the skills developed in Primary School ensuring all Year 7 students have the basic skills to get them underway for their next research task.

Congratulations to four amazing Year 7 students who have alredy completed the 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. There are just over two months of reading until the challenge is up, so it is really pleasing to see that we already have some students across the line so early.

Mrs Rosalind Dunn – Teacher Librarian & Mrs Melissa Watt – Library Assistant

Student Achievements

NSW State Surf Classic

Congratulations extend to Blake Lavis, Tom Charman and Kai Cook who made it through to the semi-finals in the NSW State Surf Classic in Coffs Harbour. Well done on your achievement!

Australia Swimming Championships

Congratulations extend to Emily Skehan who has been selected to represent St Mary's College and New South Wales at the upcoming School Sport Australia Swimming Championships, which will be held in Brisbane from 26-31 July 2025. Good luck at the next stage Emily!

Complaints Resolution

St Mary’s Catholic College, Catholic Schools (CS) and Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions however, when members of our schools and wider community are concerned about something that appears to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable. If you have a complaint, please click on the following link:

CS Complaints Resolution

Newsletter 08.25 - Friday 7 June 2025