Newsletter 05.25 - Friday 4 April 2025

Principal's Message

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

As we continue our Lenten journey, we find ourselves in a season of reflection, renewal, and preparation; a time to deepen our faith and consider how we are called to live with compassion, humility, and service. In our Josephite context, Lent reminds us of Saint Mary MacKillop’s commitment to walking alongside those in need, seeing a need and doing something about it. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for His mission, we, too, are invited to reflect on how we can be more present to others, embrace simplicity, and act with kindness in our daily lives. Lent is not just about personal sacrifice but about opening our hearts to transformation, both within ourselves and in the way we serve our community. May this time encourage us to embody the values of love, hope, and service, so that we may continue to build a school and a world where all are valued and supported.

Year 7 Camp – A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Laughter

Year 7 Camp is an experience I do not want to miss. It is a time of building connections, growing confidence, and watching students become more comfortable with who they are—both as individuals and as a cohort. Learning does not begin and end in the classroom; it is woven into every experience, every challenge, and every shared moment. Camp reminds us of this, as students step beyond their comfort zones, support one another, and embrace new adventures. It is also a time for laughter and fun, like when, on our first day, my group had carefully set up our sailing rafts, only to see a good gust of wind send seven of them drifting out to the water with nobody on board! Or the moment on April 1st when I had every Year 7 student believing that NAPLAN had lost their results and a bus was on its way to take them back to school to redo the tests, until some quick-thinking students at the front of the cohort started to piece together that it was, in fact, an April Fools’ joke! Beyond these moments of laughter, it was also wonderful to see staff and students interacting in a new light—sharing stories, encouraging one another, and recognising that we are a community of caring and supportive adults who take great pride in shaping character and guiding our young people.

A huge thank you to Mr David Luschwitz and Mrs Anne-Maree Artis, for their outstanding organisation of the camp, and to all the staff who gave their time, away from their own families, to create an unforgettable experience for our students. Now, onto planning for the 2026 Year 7 Camp!

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Forums and Guidelines

At St Mary’s, we deeply value the vital role that parents, carers, and families play in the education and development of their children. We know that when schools and families work together in partnership, student wellbeing, achievement, and confidence all thrive. As part of a whole-of-diocese commitment to strengthening these connections, our school is proud to support the implementation of the new Family and Community Engagement (FACE) guidelines, see link below. These guidelines recognise the complementary relationship between families and schools, as beautifully expressed by Pope Francis: “School is not a substitute for parents but is complementary to them.” Next week, our four nominated parent representatives will meet with me and our Diocesan Parent Liaison Officer to discuss how we can begin embedding the FACE model at St Mary’s from Term 2. We are excited about this next step in continuing to grow a welcoming, connected, and inclusive College community—one that truly honours the voice and contribution of our families.

As we draw Term 1 to a close, I want to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of all our students across the College. It has been a term filled with learning, growth, and countless moments of pride. A special mention must go to our Year 7 students, who have now completed their first full term of high school, a significant milestone marked by new friendships, routines, challenges, and successes. At the other end of the journey, our senior students are to be commended for the tremendous effort and determination they continue to show as they engage with their learning and meet the expectations set by NESA. Across every year group, I am grateful for all that our students have achieved this term, inside and outside the classroom. Your resilience, commitment, and enthusiasm are what make St Mary’s such a special place to learn and grow

Kind Regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Three weeks at a glance

Ministry

Over the past two weeks, we have come together as a community to celebrate both Harmony Day and our College Feast Day.

On Harmony Day, we embraced the beauty of our diversity and the gifts it brings to our college. Please take a moment to read Carmen’s (Year 12) inspiring speech, which she delivered to the College on the day.

We also celebrated our Feast Day as St Mary's of the Annunciation, reflecting on our college motto, which is inspired by Mary’s "yes." Through liturgy, prayer, and song, we honoured our Josephite heritage and expressed gratitude for the Sisters of St Joseph, Lochinvar, whose blessings continue to shape our community.

The echo of Mary’s "yes" resonates as a heartbeat, calling us to extend a helping hand to those in need. Our celebrations were filled with joy, laughter, and a deep appreciation for who we are as a college. We shared in meaningful activities, cheered together, and strengthened the bonds that make our community special. A community that works hard together, celebrates together, and always ‘Ready to Serve’.

Carmen's Harmony Day Speech

I have a question for you all—one that invites reflection on our experiences and everyday lives:
What would you do if you had to move to a different continent, leaving behind your friends, family, and any way to keep in touch with those from your home country, only to arrive in a place with an entirely new cultural experience?

It’s a difficult question, but my journey has shaped and strengthened me, helping me understand harmony in a deeper way.

For those who don’t know, I was born in Iraq, a country rich in its own beliefs, culture, and expectations. That was my world—until, a year and a half ago, I had to leave it behind. I came to beautiful Australia, and at first, I couldn’t put its beauty into words. But beyond its landscape, it was the opportunities and people here that truly shaped my experience.

I was given the chance to advance from Year 9 straight to Year 11 at St. Mary’s, a challenge I embraced and overcame. And today, I stand before you not just as a student, but as one of your leaders, supporters, and friends.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because this journey has shown me the true meaning of harmony.

Harmony is often defined as a state of peace between people. But I’ve come to see that harmony exists in multiple forms.

The most well-known form is harmony between people. Though I lost touch with many of my friends and family in Iraq, I have built wonderful connections with incredible people here. These connections have taught me that everyone faces challenges, no matter how different our stories may seem. One of my Year 12 friends once shared a difficult experience with me, and that conversation helped me realize the importance of deep, meaningful bonds. Through shared experiences, we find understanding, empathy, and ultimately—harmony.

But there’s another form of harmony that isn’t talked about enough: harmony with oneself.

When I first arrived in Australia, I struggled to see the purpose of my journey. I wouldn’t say I lacked self-worth, but I couldn’t fully recognize it. It took a shift in environment—a new place, new people, and new challenges—to help me see my own worth. Sometimes, we need to be in the right surroundings to truly understand our potential.

So, as we celebrate Harmony Day, let’s not forget its deeper meaning. Harmony isn’t just about unity with others—it’s about being at peace within ourselves, nurturing connections, and embracing the challenges that help us grow. And as God calls us to.

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Testing times!

Yes, Term One, has been a “testing time” – NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9 students, Year 10 Minimum Standards and the upcoming PAT tests fr Year 7 in English classes.

So, why all the tests?

Assessment tools, such as those like NAPLAN and Minimum Standard Tests, allow for national and state collection of data in areas such as Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Grammar and Punctuation. These tests enable planning at both a MACRO (that is, at the National/State/System level eg in areas such as funding and policy) as well as the MICRO (where schools can use the data collected to assess where students are at in these basic skills, adjust programming, design intervention strategies and build pedagogical practice that will facilitate growth in each student).

At St Mary’s we use the data collected from these assessments to assist us in “knowing” our students, enabling us to plan strategies such as extension activities, remediation, literacy support and cross-faculty strategies such as spelling and non-fiction writing. In short, the snapshot of the student from each of these tests, coupled with evidence collected throughout the daily teaching cycle, enables us to determine the best way possible to enrich student learning and build growth in areas that need development.

So, yes, “testing” times – but what a tremendous effort from all our students and teachers. The behaviour of all students - their conduct, maturity and willingness to “be their best” - has impressed all teachers and we are incredibly proud of each and every student. I’d also like to thank the teaching staff for their support of the processes, the Support staff for the organisation of such things as setting up the hall and testing rooms, creating and compiling testing slips, organising additional technology support etc and, finally, those who primarily had oversight of the tests – Mrs Michelle Van Vlimmeren & Ms Flood (NAPLAN), the English Faculty (PAT) and Ms Flood (MS Testing). We are deeply grateful to all involved in supporting these assessments. Thank you!

Year 7 – 11 Interim Reports

Interim Reports were recently published for all students based on simple criteria aimed at providing an overview of a child’s progress and the manner in which they have settled into their learning for 2025 here at St Mary’s.  Interviews are now completed and I encourage students to reflect on the following questions moving forward:

• What am I learning?
• Why am I learning this?
• How am I doing?
• How do I know?
• How can I improve?
• Where can I go for help?

I also include below a graphic that unpacks our Approaches to Learning at the college – please engage in conversation with your child around these approaches as we move into Term Two.

Helping Students Navigate AI in Their Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and learn. From ChatGPT to educational apps, AI tools are becoming a part of students’ study routines. As parents, it’s important to understand how AI can support learning while also teaching our children to use it wisely.

AI can be a fantastic resource for research, writing assistance, and problem-solving. It can help students generate ideas, check their work, and even explain difficult concepts in new ways. However, just like a calculator doesn’t replace learning basic maths, AI should not replace critical thinking and independent learning.

At our school, we encourage students to use AI responsibly—asking questions like:

• Am I using AI to learn or just to get quick answers?
• Can I fact-check the information I receive?
• How can I use AI ethically, without relying on it to do the work for me?

By helping students navigate AI thoughtfully, we prepare them for a future where these tools will be an everyday part of their lives. We invite parents to have open conversations about AI at home and encourage students to use it as a learning aid, not a shortcut.

In Week 11 Tuesday 8 April, we will be conducting AI Inductions for students in Years 8, 9 & 10. Please take the time to talk with your child about the course and their learning.

The Importance of After-School Study at Our College

At our college, we understand that learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. After-school study sessions provide students with a valuable opportunity to reinforce their learning, develop good study habits, and seek extra support in a structured environment.

These sessions are particularly beneficial for students who need extra time to complete work, revise for exams, or clarify concepts they found challenging in class. With access to teachers, resources, and a quiet space free from distractions, after-school study can make a real difference in a student’s academic progress.

Beyond academics, attending after-school study fosters discipline, time management, and independent learning—skills that will benefit students throughout their education and future careers. We encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity and make the most of the support available to them.

If you have any questions about after-school study sessions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

Attendance Matters…

Dear parents, carers and staff

As the term draws to a close, I would like to thank you for the many ways you have supported our learning community this term. In particular, I would point to how we as a community have risen to the challenge of improving daily attendance and attendance at college events.

While the taught curriculum is the backbone of our educational program, and I would emphasise that we take great pride in the expert delivery of coursework across the College; equally important to acknowledge, is the hidden curriculum. The hidden curriculum encompasses the implicit lessons and embedded values our young people learn through daily interactions with peers and staff. Hidden curriculum speaks to the culture of a community, our “way of doing things around here”.

As your child grows, their knowledge and understanding of our culture, writ large in our motto (Ready to Serve) and mantra (We are Safe, Respectful Learners) is as important as the taught curriculum in ensuring success in their journey through high school. Our carnivals, formation and feast days provide a plethora of hidden curriculum teaching moments, and participation in them is foundational to your child’s understanding and appreciation of our culture.

I am glad to report that we have seen significant improvement in attendance at events this term and would like to thank all our parents and carers for your willingness to value the efforts that go into the organisation and implementation of these cultural events.

Kind regards

Ben Frize - Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Engagement

Cybersafety

Year 7 Camp

Reflecting on the Year 7 Camp

Grange (2022) writes, “the outdoor education providers have the antidote for the challenges associated with mental health, resilience and other things life throws you… Outdoor learning is not new, but newly important.” Looking back at the first Year 7 Camp for St Mary’s Catholic College, I can’t help but agree. The benefits of outdoor education are vast. Students from St Mary’s engaged in a variety of activities, from sailing in groups of 4 – 8 students on a twin-hulled sailing boat (the clear favourite in conversations with students after camp), to orienteering, rock climbing, raft building, kayaking, canoeing and archery tag. Games of half-court basketball in the middle of the clearing saw celebratory cries and shots even Le Bron would be proud of. Touch football, pull-up competitions on the monkey bars, and trivia nights provided more opportunities for bonding. Students set up for meals and cleared up after each other. They shared cabins, timed showers and shared responsibility for keeping their areas clean and tidy. Phones were handed in of a nighttime and some were returned in the morning; interestingly, many students chose not to claim their phones back until the end of the camp experience.

On the importance of play, Sahlberg (2019) cites “skills like creativity, innovation teamwork, focus, resilience, expressiveness, empathy, concentration and executive function.” From the very first conversation about camp, Anne-Maree Artis (Stage 4 Coordinator) and myself, set out to achieve just that in the experience we planned for Year 7 students. Everything from the selection of the venue and recreational activities, and the decision to empower students to choose their cabin buddies, was to provide that sense of adventure, excitement and wonderment for students about Year 7 Camp. I am proud to say that students embraced it wholeheartedly, stepping into the whole experience in a way I’m sure that they themselves are surprised about. Students stood up – they led, and they served one another. They looked out for each other. They built together and celebrated victories, laughed off mishaps together and learned from their mistakes.

If you look closely at the photo below you will see a group of Year 7 students who have cleaved together over this past week – students who arrived at camp acquainted with one another, but who left as friends. Some knew nothing about each other, but now they have seen each other in a new light; there is an underlying respect for the other, which Year 7 Camp fosters more rapidly than the school setting. Therein lies the importance of these kinds of experiences.

I’d like to thank you for trusting us to plan and execute this experience for your child. I am so grateful that you have partnered with us in this way, and I hope, indeed I expect that this week will be formative in your child’s school life. There are fruits of this experience that you and your child will harvest in years to come. For now, though, your child has been catapulted into Year 7. Enjoy the next week and I pray the leadup to Easter and celebration in the holidays is a really blessed and rewarding time for you.

David Luschwitz - Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 11

Year 11 2025 have settled very well into their course of study. Last week’s Parent Student Teacher Conferences affirmed for so many of the students how well they have embraced Stage 6 learning and the responsibility that now sits on their shoulders for their own results. There is a strong sense of accountability amongst the cohort for the amount of work they are completing both in class and at home. Many have engaged with their mentor and been part of very healthy conversations around how they can organise their time to ensure every task is completed thoroughly and deadline met.

I continue to be proud of this remarkable group of students and wish you all the best for the holidays and Easter season ahead. We’ve all earned the break.

Katrina Smith - Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Religious Studies

On the 27^th of February students of Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought travelled to Sydney to explore the Human Person through Art. Students travelled by train from Cardiff Station to St James stepping out to see St Mary’s spires towering in the distance across Hyde Park. Students were steeped in the rich history of Catholicism in Australia across various art and architectural elements that make up St Mary’s Cathedral on their guided tour. Students even got to visit the crypt with its floor highlighting the Creation Story found in Genesis.

Students lunched in the grounds of the Botanical Gardens and proceeded to visit both exhibition buildings of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Students had the opportunity to engage with traditional and contemporary art through painting, sculpture and digital mediums from countries around the world. The artworks on display allowed students to see how the human person has been understood by various cultures, places, and artists through time. The works spoke to what students have been studying in class on the ideas of what it means to be human, the mind, body, and soul, and being made in the image and likeness of God.

This excursion prefaced their first assessment task allowing students to find an artwork that spoke to them. Students who attended had a wonderful experience.  

The students were accompanied by Mr Clarence, Mr Frize, Mr Caruana and Ms Garvie

Faith Story Witness

Year 7 students have been working through the unit Faith Story Witness. 7.1 handed in digital art on the theme of Belonging.

Examples of their work from Annabel Deed, Eviee Hanson and Charlie Bubenicek are below:

Landcare

Another successful day in our Landcare site supported by Lake Macquarie Council in the form of plants, mulch and tree guards and technical advice. Wendy Gleen from Lake Macquarie Landcare visited and educated the students about the importance of Creek Regeneration.  We thank her for her time and expertise. 300 native plants, grasses and shrubs were successfully planted, mulched and guarded and then the rain came. We had fun, worked hard and made a difference to our local natural environment. Great team effort.

Aboriginal Education

A Powerful Journey with Aunty Louise and Aunty Gloria

Last week, our Year 10 HSIE classes were privileged to host Aunty Louise Campbell and Aunty Gloria Smith, who graciously shared their personal experiences as members of the Stolen Generation. This extraordinary opportunity offered our students a firsthand glimpse into one of the most impactful chapters of Aboriginal history.

As part of their Rights and Freedoms unit, our students were deeply moved by the narratives of resilience and courage that both Aunties shared. Their stories illuminated the harsh realities faced by Aboriginal communities during that era and underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure justice and healing for those affected.

The visit was not only a lesson in history but also a celebration of cultural identity and the enduring strength of Aboriginal people. Aunty Louise and Aunty Gloria's insights brought the curriculum to life, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of the importance of human rights.

These pictures capture the significance of the day, with our Aunties standing proudly alongside Levi Briggs (Aboriginal Education Worker), Aunty Gloria's Great Grandson & Maryanne Murray (HSIE Teacher). Such moments remind us of the vital role education plays in building a more inclusive and compassionate future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Aunty Louise Campbell and Aunty Gloria Smith for their invaluable contribution to the growth and learning of our students. This remarkable day will surely leave a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to experience it.

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

HSC Marine Studies

Our Year 11 and 12 Marine Studies classes have participated in a couple of excursions this term.

Year 12 camped out for 3 nights at One Mile Beach. Highlights of the trip were visiting Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre, snorkelling at Fly Point and a day trip to Broughton Island.

The students certainly deepened their appreciation for marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

Year 11 last week visited Charlestown Pool for their annual swim testing in preparation for later excursion opportunities. Requirements include a 200m swim, 10 minute float, 3 minute treading water, 25m fully clothed swim, rescues and other survival techniques.

Check-Mate !

Great results following our recent participation in Round 1 of the Chess Competition.

Under the careful mentoring of Mr John Hepworth, our students met with success – John reports....

We played Warners Bay High School at Warners Bay

Board 1 - Incredible game between Oliver Beath and possibly the strongest female player in the region, Oliver Beath - Won

Board 2 Alexander McMichael-O’Brien Lost
Board 3 Jordan Bika Won

Board 4 Jasmin Diu unable to play due to Di Vinci Decathlon, Justin Davey unable to play. William Hatcher late step in with lots of nerves, played well but was pipped to the post - Score 2 vs 2

Countback system used by removing board 4.

Final Score 1 vs 2
St Marys Gateshead declared winners of Round 1

Congratulations St Mary's - onwards and upwards!

Da Vinci Decathlon

Last week, groups of Year 8, 9, and 10 students represented our school at the annual Da Vinci Decathlon. This prestigious competition challenges students across various disciplines. Mentors - Louise Henderson, Tarryn Wilson and Karenna Andrews are incredibly proud of not only their achievements but also the way they conducted themselves throughout the event. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and respect for others were outstanding. They engaged positively with students from other schools, demonstrating great sportsmanship and collaboration.

Tuesday (Year 8):
🏆 2nd place – Art and Poetry
🏆 3rd place – Code Breaking

Wednesday (Year 9 and 10):
🏆 3rd place – Creative Producers
🏆 3rd place – Ideation
🏆 3rd place & 1st place – Engineering

Congratulations to the following students on their achievement: 

Year 8 - Neve Watts, Rafael Fernandez, Maggie Hawe, Eli Boslem, Ziggy Debein, Kaley Harris, Jasmin Diu, Lewis Cook

Year 9 - Beatrice Ursino, Siobhan Williams, Mitchell Banister, Sienna Burns 

Year 10 - Zara Martin, Maggie Dodds, Sheridan Owen, Liam Lane, Ethan Tonkins, Ava Hungerford, Ashleigh Kowalski, Lucas Anthony, Grace Quinn, Lachlan Wenke, Tom Chapman, Laura Smith, Hayley Cummings, Peppa Kelly, Isabella Wilson, Victoria Chong, Sonny Matzen, Jack Foster, Nicholas Muraro, Fraser Gillies

Support and Care

Headspace Work and Study Support

Looking for support to reach your work or study goals? headspace helps thousands of young people in Australia each year through free tailored 1-on-1 support, helpful articles, and group chats. You can access this support through their website - see link below. Only 54 % of young people feel confident applying for a job, therefore reaching out to headspace can create a real difference in helping you build confidence and find a job. A Work & Study Specialist can help you figure out your goals, build your skills and find your balance to avoid work and study burnout. If you do not want specific help online there is article and resources that you might want to access to help write a resume, prepare for a job interview, manage study related stress or skills for studying for exams.

Save the Date!

Uniform Shop

The Uniform shop is closed during the April School Holidays. Any orders that are placed online during the School Holidays will be packed and or posted out on the first day the uniform shop reopens for Term 2.   Parents are encouraged to purchase any uniforms they require before school holidays commence or when the uniform shop reopens Tuesday 29^th April 2025.