Newsletter 17.25 - Friday 7 November 2025

Principal's Message

Celebrating Achievement and Growth

This week, we gathered as a whole school to recognise achievement, growth, and the hard work of our students. It was particularly special to celebrate our Year 11 cohort at their awards ceremony, where we acknowledged not only academic success but the character and resilience that sit behind every certificate. As I shared with them, “behind every award is a story of persistence — of students who kept showing up even when things got tough.” Their efforts are something to be truly proud of.

We also acknowledge our Year 12 students who have now completed their Higher School Certificate. This marks a significant milestone, the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. Our students approached their final exams with maturity and purpose. As they move into university, trades, work, apprenticeships, travel, or service, they carry not only knowledge, but values grounded in faith, humility, and readiness to serve others. This is what truly matters.

We were also inspired by three of our Year 10 students, Thomas Chapman, Victoria Chong, and Laura Smith, who spoke at assembly about their learning through the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Education program. Their reflections highlighted independence, curiosity, and the courage to step beyond the standard curriculum. Their achievement is a testament to what is possible when students are willing to challenge themselves.

I also congratulate our Year 8 and Year 10 students who have also achieved something remarkable, with St Mary’s in each year recording the second-highest result across the Diocese. This is outstanding. It reflects the determination of our students and the professionalism and dedication of their teachers who guide, stretch, and support them each day.

While these accomplishments deserve celebration, I reminded our students that “success isn’t about being the best; it’s about becoming your best.” At St Mary’s, success takes many forms. Every student has the opportunity to grow in learning, character, faith, and confidence. Each time they try, persist, and learn from their mistakes, they take another step toward becoming the person God is calling them to be.

Our culture at St Mary’s is built through our mantra on three simple expectations; Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be a Learner. When our students live these values, they create a community where every young person can thrive.

The Hunter: A Region of Opportunity

We are fortunate to live and learn in the Hunter, a region that is transforming rapidly and becoming a centre of innovation, opportunity, and growth. Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with business and industry leaders from across our region, including representatives involved in the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, the renewable energy sector, the Williamtown aerospace and defence expansion, and the University of Newcastle’s research and industry partnerships. Their message has been consistent and clear: the jobs, industries, and careers of the future are being built right here in our own backyard.

What they are looking for in young people is not just strong academic results, but the qualities that shape good character, adaptability, teamwork, curiosity, compassion, and the ability to keep learning. As one leader shared, “We need young people who are ready to think, ready to collaborate, and ready to lead with values, not just skills.”

Forming Young People of Purpose

This aligns deeply with who we are as St Mary’s. The education our students receive here is not simply about preparing for a test or a grade; it is about forming young people who are grounded in purpose, faith, and service. The world is changing at a pace we have not seen before, innovation in clean energy, health, digital technology, infrastructure, and research is reshaping our region. Our students will step into workplaces and communities that need people who are capable, confident, and guided by strong values.

This is why every learning moment matters, every lesson, every challenge, every conversation. These are shaping who our students are becoming. Whether their pathway leads to university, trade training, apprenticeships, work, or enterprise, their time at St Mary’s is laying the foundations for a life of meaning, contribution, and hope.

“The careers of the future are being built right here in our own backyard, and they will need people who are skilled, adaptable, compassionate, and values-driven.” Our task is to nurture those young people, and our students are already rising to meet that challenge.

As we look to the term ahead, I encourage all students to carry this message:
“Your future begins in the choices you make today. Be courageous in learning, be generous in spirit, and be ready to serve.”

Family and Community Engagement meeting

We are holding a FACE Online Information Session on Wednesday 19 June from 6:00pm–7:00pm. This session will provide insight into our approach to positive behaviour support and student empowerment.

There will also be opportunities for consultation, feedback, and shared dialogue. You’ll hear briefly from our parent representatives, from myself, and from Father Tony Potts, our Parish Priest. Ahead of this session, we will be sending a short survey to all families to help shape the evening around your questions and interests. We warmly encourage your participation.

Kind Regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Term 4 at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Monday night saw the launch of the new Diocesan HSC School Based Assessment Guideline and St Mary’s Statement of Practice in regard to HSC assessment procedures.

Please click on the link below for a the Parent Student Information Powerpoint Guidelines presentation.

All Year 11 students have received a hard copy of the HSC Rules and procedures Handbook from NESA, as well as a copy of the Guideline. Please ensure that the Acknowledgment of Receipt & Understanding Form for these Guidelines is signed by a parent/carer and students, and is returned to school be Wednesday 12^th November.

HSC Exams finished today, with our last exam being in Food Technology. Congratulations to all our Year 12 students for the excellent way they have conducted themselves throughout these examinations. We wish them every success!

Mrs O’Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Attendance

Your attention and support is kindly drawn to the following. Please contact your child's Leader of Wellbeing or Student Services if you require clarification - thank you.

Cyberbullying Webinar

You are invited - please join CCSP's Term 4 Cybersafety Webinar, presented by the ESafety Commissioner Team.

For parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school, presented by eSafety Commissioner Team

Wednesday 12 November 2025
7pm - 7.45pm

Click the link to register:

New Social Media Regulations: What you need to know

From 10 December 2025, the Australian Government will introduce new laws designed to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This landmark reform marks a major step forward in addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and development. These changes aim to create a safer, more balanced digital environment by shifting responsibility back onto social media platforms to verify user ages and reduce exposure to harmful content.

For many families, this is a welcome and long-awaited move that recognises mounting evidence linking early social media use with anxiety, poor sleep, body image concerns and reduced wellbeing. While regulation is an important milestone, it cannot replace parental guidance. Families continue to play a vital role in helping children navigate the online world with awareness and confidence. This is an opportunity to review technology use at home, set healthy boundaries and start open conversations about digital behaviour. By understanding what these new regulations mean and why they matter, parents and caregivers can feel empowered to support their children's online safety and wellbeing through this period of change.

To stay informed about how these laws will work in practice, visit the eSafety Commissioner website for updates, tools and guidance. You can also download the SchoolTV Family Tech Agreement to help your family set clear expectations around technology use. Or, access our step-by-step guide showing young people how to download and save their social media data before regulations take effect. These documents can be found at the bottom of this webpage, alongside the KEYpoints Flyer.

Benjamin Frize - Assistant Principal, Wellbeing & Engagement

Ministry

Living the Joy of Service and Preparing Our Hearts for Advent

As we draw near to the end of the Liturgical Year and prepare to enter the season of Advent, we are reminded of our call to be people of hope, service, and love. Advent invites us into a sacred time of waiting, a time to reflect on who we are as a Catholic community and how we are called to live the Gospel each day through our Josephite charism.

Over the past weeks, our community has embodied this call beautifully through our support of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Thank you to all families, students, and staff who gave so generously. Your kindness, whether through gifts, food donations, or prayer brings the joy of Christmas to those who are struggling. In choosing to serve, we become the hands and heart of Christ for others. We live out our call “Ready to Serve”

In serving others, especially those most in need, we also live in harmony with the spirit of Pope Leo XIV’s new apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”). This document, released in October 2025, reminds us that love for the poor is not optional, it is at the very heart of our Christian faith. Pope Leo calls us to see in every person the face of Christ and to respond with compassion, justice, and courage. He challenges us to recognise not only material poverty, but also loneliness, isolation, and the structures that prevent people from living with dignity.

As we step into Advent, may we prepare not just our homes but also our hearts. Let this be a time of quiet hope, prayerful waiting, and renewed commitment to living the Gospel. May we continue to be a community that loves generously, serves humbly, and walks with faith, following the example of Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth (mother of John the baptise), Julian Tennison Woods, and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

May the love we have shared through our Vinnies Appeal be just the beginning of the hope we bring to others this Christmas season.

DeAnna Addicoat - Ministry Coordinator

Vinnies 2025 Christmas Appeal

On behalf of Vinnies, we would be very grateful to receive the following items for our Christmas Hampers this year. Roll call groups have been allocated a family, please see table below.

Thank you for your generosity. Donations are requested by 

• Christmas Cake (size based on recipient) 
• Tinned ham 
• Christmas Chocolates 
• Christmas Biscuits 
• Cracker biscuits 
• Share packet of chocolates 
• Christmas Crackers/Bon Bons (if children) 
• Tetra-pac Fruit Juice 
• Breakfast cereal 
• Tinned Fruit 
• Packets of jelly 
• Long-life custard 
• Condiments eg pickles, relish, sauces 
• Packet Tea 
• Coffee 
• Long-life milk 
• Deodorant (male or female) 
• Toothpaste 
• Body wash 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Christmas lollies stocking (if children) 
• Fruit Mince Pies (if adults only) 
• Sport equipment   

Roll Call Allocation 

Year 11

A Strong Start to Term 4 for Year 11

It’s been a busy and exciting start to the term for our Year 11 students as they begin their HSC courses. In Week 2, students participated in their Formation Day at the stunning Port Stephens—a day dedicated to service, reflection, and stewardship.

The day began with a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit of Tomaree Mountain. From the top, students were treated to breathtaking views and invited to reflect on their role as stewards of the Earth. After a well-earned picnic lunch, a friendly game of cricket, and time to connect with one another, the group capped off the day with a relaxing dolphin cruise—an ideal way to unwind on a warm afternoon.

The experience encouraged students to appreciate the natural world, strengthen their relationships with peers and staff, and reflect on how they can lead with respect and care for both the environment and each other.

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Year 11 Awards

Last week, we celebrated the completion of the Year 11 course with a special Awards Ceremony at Hope Church, attended by students, families, and staff. Roll call teachers presented First in Course, Top 10%, and Diligence Awards, and we warmly congratulate all recipients. Special congratulations to the following students who received major awards:

• Sporting Excellence- Amy Oakey and Cayden Lobach
• Indigenous Sporting Excellence Award- Lachlan Morgan
• SMCCG Citizenship Award- Abbey Toshack
• SMCCG All Rounder Award- Hannah Dezelak
• SMCCG Principals Award- Neve Walsh
• SMCCG  Josephite Sisters’ Award- Brodie Dean

Congratulations and every best wishes to all our Year 11 students.

Jacqui Moriarty - Year 11 Stage Coordinator

Big Ideas Project

 The Big Ideas Project – Thinking Deeply, Leading Globally

Last week’s Year 11 Awards Ceremony shone a spotlight on the creativity, curiosity, and global perspective of students involved in the Big Ideas Project — a cross-curricular initiative designed to nurture critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and the ability to generate and share knowledge with others.

All Japan Exchange students presented their projects to a formal Big Ideas Panel last Tuesday, sharing their insights, findings, and reflections from the cultural exchange. The panel included Cathy O’Gorman , Dr John Adams, Shane Abell , Louise Henderson, and Elisa Milajew. The panel commended students for the sophistication of their thinking and their ability to turn personal experience into meaningful, shareable learning for others.

At the Awards Ceremony the following day, Dr Amy McPherson, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, presented Certificates of Recognition to the Year 11 participants, remarking:

“The group’s Big Ideas Project demonstrates the power of critical thinking. These are the kinds of skills that build empathy, global citizenship, and social change.”

Each student developed a personal “Big Idea” inspired by their recent Cultural Exchange to Japan, exploring connections between Australia and Japan through the lenses of sustainability, wellbeing, spirituality, and identity. The initiative encouraged students not only to learn from their experiences but also to generate new knowledge and share their understanding with the wider community — through infographics, video, visual art, data comparisons, and creative storytelling.

Big Ideas Explored by Our Exchange Students

• Ariella Doyle (Year 11) – Waste Management in Australia vs Japan: How cultural expectations shape sustainability and recycling systems.
• Sienna Dickson (Year 11) – Faith in Daily Life: How Shinto practices are embedded in everyday Japanese life.
• Kloey Gray (Year 11) – Cultural Mannerisms: Comparing Japanese mannerisms and Australian behaviours, and how they reflect values and history.
• Olivia Brown & Neve Walsh (Year 11) – Student Health and Wellbeing: A comparison of student lifestyles, nutrition, and physical activity in Japan and Australia.
• Henry Barnett (Year 11) – Environment and Spirituality: How Japan’s natural environment shapes spirituality and community values.
• Georgie Matthews (Year 11) – Seasonal Awareness – Kisetsukan: How Japan’s appreciation of the seasons is expressed through art, food, and culture.
• Kiara Barr (Year 11) – Managing Time and Wellbeing: How Japanese students balance productivity, study, and rest.
• Ava Lloyd (Year 11) – Blue Zones and Wellbeing: Cultural attitudes to longevity, health, and purpose.
• Liam Ogilvie (Year 10) – Architecture and Identity: How design and environment reflect culture in Japan and Australia.
• Remi Druery (Year 10) – Faith and Tradition: How Shinto and Buddhist traditions shape Japanese culture.
• Jack Foster (Year 10) – Technology in a Volatile Environment: How Japan balances innovation with disaster preparedness.
• Victoria Chong (Year 10) – The Culture of Time: How cultural perceptions of time influence wellbeing and community life.
• Kate Atkinson (Year 9) – Cultural Expression through Media: How identity is communicated through advertising and design.
• Kashbi Bhattari & Angelina Ward (Year 9) – Tradition and Identity: How Buddhism, Shinto, and history shape Japanese values and community life.
• Ivy Biddleston (Year 9) – Cultural Norms and Respect: Exploring social expectations and manners in Japan.

Two students received Highly Commended recognition for the exceptional depth and originality of their work:

• Ariella Doyle (Year 11) – Waste Management in Australia vs Japan
• Victoria Chong (Year 10) – The Culture of Time

The event’s themes of innovation, reflection, and global connection aligned beautifully with Mr Donohoe’s address on the future of the Hunter Region — a future shaped by education, creativity, and global partnerships.

The Big Ideas Project continues to be a proud example of how St Mary’s nurtures young people who think critically, act with empathy, and engage confidently with the wider world — not only as learners, but as generators and sharers of knowledge.

Louise Hatcher - Project Coordinator 

Japan Exchange 2026

Exchange 2026

We are excited to announce that our sister school, Kobe Kaisei Girls’ School in Japan, will visit St Mary’s in July 2026. Around 25 students will spend a week with our community as part of our long-standing exchange partnership.

We’re now inviting families to express their interest in hosting a Japanese student during their stay (approx. Wednesday 22 – Thursday 30 July 2026, dates TBC). Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to share Australian family life, build friendships across cultures, and deepen global understanding.

👉 Complete your Expression of Interest below. 

An online Information Evening will be held via TEAMS at 6PM on Tuesday 18 November 2025.

Louise Hatcher - Exchange Coordinator

Aboriginal Education

Murrook Cultural Centre Excursion – Years 7–10

On Wednesday, the 22nd of October, students from Years 7 to 10 had the opportunity to visit Murrook Cultural Centre for an engaging day of cultural learning and connection. Throughout the day, students took part in a range of hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions. They learned about traditional plants and their uses, experienced storytelling, and explored the significance of connection to Country by walking Stockton sand dunes. The day was not only educational but also an important opportunity for students to strengthen their respect and appreciation for Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Year 9 Cultural Camp – Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle

A group of our Year 9 students — Nate B, Barnaby H, Barry K, Charli C, and Georgia T recently attended a Cultural Camp hosted by the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle. This camp provided an amazing opportunity for students to connect with culture, identity, and community in a university setting. Over 3 days, students participated in workshops, cultural activities, and yarning sessions focused on leadership, wellbeing, and the importance of higher education pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Our students represented St Mary’s with pride, engaging respectfully and enthusiastically in every aspect of the program.

St Mary’s School Story Pole

We are proud to share that our School Story Pole has now been installed at the front of the College, standing tall as a symbol of unity, identity, and respect. Students contributed to the creation of the pole, embedding their own stories, designs, and connections to our school community within the artwork. At the top sits Karawang, the Magpie, our school’s totem representing communication, strength, and community spirit. The six meeting places along the pole represent our 6-year groups, while our Creek, which threads through the design, symbolises our connection between Country and sky. This collaborative project is a powerful reflection of who we are as a College community and the shared journey we continue to walk together.

Paul McKay, Roo Faulkner & Levi Briggs - Aboriginal Education Coordinators

Library Matters

Term 4

You could be excused for wanting to wind down toward the end of the year, but that is certainly not the case in the library. Mrs Fiona Sutherland started the term off as our Teacher Librarian whilst I took some leave, and I thank her for her wonderful support of the library and her passion for working with our students. Our students were able to enjoy the Spooky Book challenges she put together, which culminated with a Spooky Scavenger Hunt which was enjoyed by over 50 students. They made their way around the library locating spooky items that each had a letter attached. Once they had all the letters, they then but their heads together to break the code. There was lots of fun had by all, with plenty of requests for another challenge to be set up as soon as possible! I am thinking that a Christmas theme may be the next chance I will get. Stay tuned!

In another positive move, the library is now opening each day at recess! Due to some adjustments to staffing, students are now able to come to the library every recess, adding to the already extensive Library opening hours. Students are reminded that they can also enter the library to print, borrower and return at any stage through out the school day! 

SORA

SORA – E-books and Audiobooks, comics and magazines are always available. Follow these instructions below if you would like to set SORA up on your device. Or follow this link and sign in:

Mrs Rosalind Dunn - Teacher Librarian

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition

Highly Commended Entry in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition

Carmen Zuhair’s poem was highly commended by the judges of the recent poetry competition. Written in the form of a letter to the men of the world, this poem begins with a critique of toxic masculinity but nevertheless overflows with Carmen’s signature optimism and positivity. Congratulations Carmen!

Sport

U14's Boys and Girls Rugby 7's

On Tuesday, 21st October, St Mary’s Catholic College proudly fielded both Under 14 boys’ and girls’ Rugby 7’s teams at a standalone Gala Day held at Walters Park, Speers Point.

The girls’ team showcased a dynamic blend of experienced rugby players and enthusiastic athletes from other sporting backgrounds who were keen to embrace Rugby 7’s. Their teamwork and athleticism proved formidable, securing two convincing victories over St Paul’s Booragul and Singleton High School, and finishing the day undefeated.

The boys’ team, which included several Rugby League converts, began the day strongly with a solid win against St Paul’s Booragul. In a closely contested match against Singleton High School, the boys narrowly missed out, going down 5 tries to 4. They bounced back with a strong performance against Belmont Christian College, concluding the day in third place overall.

It was an enjoyable and rewarding day for all involved, with new skills developed and valuable experience gained across both teams.

Zac Rediger - Boys Rugby 7's Coach

History Made at Diocesan Golf!

A huge congratulations to the St Mary’s Girls Ambrose Team who took out first place in their category at the Diocesan Golf Day!

With the guidance from Mr Eames, these talented young golfers—new to the game—showed incredible teamwork and determination to become the first girls’ team to win this title.

Congratulations also extend to Sam Van der Weyde who competed in the Senior Championship division (with handicap) and his overall score ranked in the middle of the field, he was up against  Yr 10,11& 12 players

We are so proud of your achievements and the way you represented St Mary’s. What a fantastic effort!

Finance

Year 10 and 11 parents - you are invited!