Newsletter 21.24 - Friday 13 December 2024

Principal's Message

Embracing the Joy and Meaning of Christmas

As we approach the season of Christmas, the atmosphere at St Mary’s Catholic College begins to hum with anticipation and joy. It’s a time when lights brighten our homes, carols fill the air, and the spirit of giving takes centre stage. But amidst the busyness of shopping, planning, and celebrating, Christmas invites us to pause and reflect on its deeper meaning.

At its heart, Christmas is a season of love, peace, hope, and joy—a reminder of the extraordinary gift of Jesus Christ, whose birth brought light to a world longing for peace. His humble arrival in a manger teaches us that greatness is often found in simplicity and that love has the power to transform lives.

This message of hope is especially poignant in a community like ours, where we strive daily to embody our school’s values of learning, service, and hope. Just as Mary and Joseph trusted in God’s plan with faith and courage, we, too, are called to nurture hope in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Christmas is also a time to celebrate the joy of relationships—our families, friends, and the bonds we share as a school community. It’s a time to be present, to extend kindness, and to reflect on how we can serve one another in love, just as Jesus came to serve.

As we prepare for the holidays, let’s embrace the simple yet profound opportunities this season offers:

• To give generously: Whether through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or contributing to those in need, giving reflects the love of Christ.
• To gather in faith: Taking time to pray, attend Mass, or simply reflect on the Nativity story reminds us of the sacredness of this season.
• To express gratitude: For the blessings in our lives, for the people who enrich our days, and for the grace of God’s presence among us.

Staffing Update

Tracy Carpenter has been appointed to an English teaching position at Trinity Catholic College (formerly St Pius X, Adamstown) at the start of the 2025 school year. While we are thrilled for Tracy as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her professional journey, we will deeply miss her presence and invaluable contributions at St Mary’s Catholic College. Tracy has been an integral part of our community, and her departure will be felt by all of us.

Tracy joined St Mary’s in 2018 as the Leader of Learning in English, a role she held until 2022. Over the past two years, she has served as Pedagogical Mentor and has been instrumental in whole school literacy support from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, Tracy has provided invaluable support to students and teachers in Stage 6 literacy skills since 2021. You would all agree that her outstanding work in building collective teacher efficacy through her role as PM has had a significant positive impact on our College community. Tracy’s dedication to enhancing teacher capacity and supporting student academic growth and development will be greatly missed.

We look forward to seeing Tracy return in our final week, where we can give her a proper farewell and acknowledge the excellent work she has done. Please join us in celebrating Tracy’s achievements and wishing her all the very best in her new role at Trinity Catholic College. We will now seek to internally appoint a Pedagogical Mentor and begin the process of recruiting an English teacher for the commencement of the new year.

Acting Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

With Maryanne Murray stepping down from her role as Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement for 2025 to focus on her position as a full-time HSIE teacher, I am pleased to announce that Renae Turvey has been appointed as the new Year 9 LoWE for 2025. Renae is an experienced teacher and a strong leader in the Catholic faith. She has a solid understanding of the role’s requirements and is excited and committed to collaborating with the Wellbeing Team to continue the excellent work that Maryanne has done.

Stage 6 Coordinator (Terms 1 -3)

With David Luschwitz appointed as Acting Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement for Terms 1-3 next year, I am pleased to announce that Jacqui McInherney will be the Stage 6 Coordinator for the same period. Jacqui has recently been appointed to the permanent full-time position of Religious Studies teacher. She is a strong leader in the Catholic faith and is highly committed to continuing her work as Stage Coordinator, collaborating closely with Kat, Dan, and the Wellbeing Team. Jacqui has worked exceptionally well with the SPC and is enthusiastic about continuing her work with this team. Please note that Jacqui will be taking Flexible Work Arrangements and will not be working on Thursdays in 2025. An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be released shortly for a teaching staff member willing to serve as Stage 6 Coordinator on Thursdays during Terms 1-3 next year.

Internal Sports Coordinator

With the role of Sports Coordinator being divided in 2025, Annette Morgan will now focus on external sports and the Pathways Program. I am pleased to announce that Zac Rediger has been appointed as the Internal Sports Coordinator. Zac has quickly established himself as a respected PDHPE teacher among his colleagues and students. With two years of experience as a Sports Coordinator at his previous school, he is passionate about student equality and sports. Highly organized and dedicated, Zac looks forward to collaborating closely with Annette, the teaching staff, and building strong connections within the community.

Temporary PDHPE Teacher 0.5FTE, partnering with Melanie Shultz in a job-share arrangement

I am pleased to announce that Tayla Mullen will be joining the PDHPE Faculty in 0.5 temporary capacity for the year, partnering with Melanie Schultz in a Job-Share arrangement.  Tayla holds a Bachelor of Education (PDHPE) and Special Education, and commenced her teaching career in Taree, followed by a relocation to Newcastle where she has been working across several Diocesan schools on a temporary basis in the areas of PDHPE, Learning Support and as a Casual teacher in other subjects. Tayla is very excited about joining the PDHPE faculty, and more broadly the community of St Mary’s.

Permanent TAS Assistant (3 days per week)

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Adamson as the TAS Assistant, working every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with the TAS department. Dean is a trade-qualified professional with extensive experience in maintenance and groundskeeping across both Catholic and Department of Education schools, most recently at St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah. His background in machining, cabinetmaking, and construction makes him well-suited to meet the TAS department’s high standards for safety and organisation. Dean is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and organised environment where students can thrive in hands-on learning. He is passionate about contributing to our College community.

Temporary Science Teacher 0.7FTE

I am pleased to announce that Emma Hocken will be joining the Science Department on a 0.7 temporary basis next year. Emma holds a Bachelor of Science [Biology], MSc in Applied Equine Science, and a Mastery of Teaching (Secondary), and is approved to teach French. Emma has been working across several Diocesan schools temporarily in a range of roles and is excited to contribute to the learning community here at St Mary’s.

Learning Support Assistants Permanent 35 hours per week

I am pleased to announce that Lisa Turner, Caroline Garvie and Jason Smith have been appointed full-time to the College staff from 2025. All bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in Learning Support and come highly recommended for their personal and professional attributes, as well as their willingness to engage as learners within the community.

Administration Officer Permanent 7 hours per week

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Giggins to the role of Administration Officer, job-sharing with Zora Velich alternate Mondays and Fridays. Jane currently works in the role at both St Patrick’s Wallsend, Corpus Christi Waratah, and St Columban’s Mayfield. Jane comes highly recommended for her professionalism, excellent communication skills, and capacity to work in a team. Jane is excited to join the community here at St Mary’s.   

On behalf of the staff at St Mary’s, I wish each of you a joyful and peaceful Christmas. May your homes be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your spirits with the hope that comes from the gift of Christ. Let us carry the light of Christmas into the New Year, continuing to be “ready to serve” and share God’s love in all that we do.

Year 10 Academic Awards Ceremony

The Year 10 Academic Awards Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of effort, growth, and accomplishment by our Year 10 students. It was a privilege to honour all these students’ resilience and achievements as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of Stage 6. I took the opportunity to address the community that gathered on this special occasion to emphasise that the event reflected our shared commitment to shaping the growth, development and character of these students who will be our future leaders. Congratulations to all award recipients—your dedication and potential are a testament to the strength of our community and the promise of a bright future.

Merry Christmas and God bless,

Brett Donohoe
Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance and into Term 1 2025

Invitation - Year 7 to 9 Awards

Year 12 students - join us for morning tea!

Ministry

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves entering the season of Advent—a time of waiting, preparation, and reflection. For Mary, this was a season of profound anticipation as she prepared for the birth of Jesus, trusting in God’s plan and selflessly embracing her role in His story of salvation.

For us, Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas Day but about preparing our hearts. It is a call to look beyond ourselves, to notice the needs of others, and to share joy and hope with those who may be struggling.

We are reminded that, for some families, the season leading up to Christmas can be stressful as they work tirelessly to make ends meet and create a happy celebration for their loved ones. This is where we, as a Catholic community, can live out our college motto, Ready to Serve. Through our support of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, we are giving more than material gifts—we are giving the gift of hope.

In giving, we truly receive. As St. Francis of Assisi reminds us, "It is in giving that we receive." Through our acts of kindness and generosity, we bring joy to others and discover the deeper meaning of Advent.

Let us, as a community of St Mary’s Catholic College, carry this spirit of service into our lives, bringing joy and love wherever it is needed. May this Advent season be a time of reflection and preparation for all, as we celebrate the birth of Christ and the hope He brings to the world.

Wishing all our families a peaceful, joyful, and hope-filled Christmas.

De-Anna Addicoat - Ministry Coordinator

Christmas comes to St Mary's

Special Christmas visitors attended the Year 7 to 9 Wellbeing assembly this week. A shared lunch and activities were enjoyed by all staff and students, a great afternoon was had as we come nearer to the end of term.

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

2025 Class Allocation

As we move into the new academic year, I would like to advise parents, carers and students that we are currently reviewing the composition of classes for the 2025 academic year. Leaders of Wellbeing, Leaders of Learning, our Learning Support and Aboriginal Education Teams are collectively reviewing class groupings for Years 7 -10, seeking to support student learning and wellbeing throughout the year. In our considerations we are not only working with the CSO in using our external testing data in terms of PAT, NAPLAN and CogAT, but we are also using internal formal and informal assessment data gathered throughout the year. In this review of classes, as always, we are working towards meeting the social, emotional and learning needs of our students. Once we have determined classes, 2025 timetables will be made available to students immediately prior to the commencement of the new academic year.

Kind regards

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Confidence & Motivation

Year 10 News

End of Year Summary

Year 10 have had a busy end to 2024, with final assessments, major works being submitted, Stage 6 lessons, All My Own Work, the AI Induction, Senior Interviews and their final assembly and awards ceremony. We sprinkled these more formal events with some fun at the Newcastle Ocean Baths and 60 year celebrations.

It is time now to “hang up our hats” on Year 10 and look to the future. For some students, that view takes them beyond St Mary’s to other schools, to the workforce, to traineeships and TAFE. It saddens me to think their journey in our community has come to an end, but I also thank them for being an important part of our school for the past four years and wish them the very best of luck for many adventures and years of happiness and success ahead. For those students remaining with us, to be the largest senior cohort yet at St Mary’s Catholic College, rest up over the next 7 weeks, get match fit for Stage 6, read a book or two, spend precious time with family and friends and enjoy the festive season over coming weeks.

I’ll look forward to seeing you all on February 4^th for Day 1 of the next stage of your school life.

Merry Christmas and take care,

Katrina Smith - Leader of Wellbeing, Year 10

Ready to Serve

Recently a group of Year 10 students offered their services to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance's Croudace Bay Stuart Centre. Sofia Cooper, Niamh Clarence, Scarlett Fox, Lilly Ibell, Sienna Dickson as well as ex-student Nathan Cooper all volunteered their services to this vital community support centre.

The Stuart Centre is the longest-running therapy centre in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle and caters to more than 350 Cerebral Palsy clients and their families. Thank you to these remarkable members of our school for living the motto “Ready to Serve” in your local community. You have made us all very proud.

Year 10 Awards

Congratulations extend to the following major award winners:

ICAS Principal's Award

Congratulations to Jack Ayshford in Year 7 who was presented with the Principal’s Award for ICAS. Jack participated in the ICAS Writing Competition and achieved a High Distinction as well as the Principal’s Award. Jack is now invited to participate in the State Championship level of ICAS.

Virtual Academy Showcase

Congratulations to Annie Hardie and Cooper Tallis from Year 8 and Evie Hale from Year 7 who participated in the 2024 Virtual Academy Showcase. The Showcase is a culmination of student learning during their Virtual Academy Units in Semester 2. It enables students to explore and share their understanding of an issue of their own choice. This event serves as a platform to showcase students' ideas, inquiries, and insight.

Annie engaged her audience in a range of puzzles, promoting the fun of science, Cooper focused on clean energy sources and Evie explored the use of Artificial Intelligence in the film industry. The showcase allowed students to present their semester projects to an audience of families and educators at the University of Newcastle NUspace building. It was wonderful to hear the students speak with such enthusiasm and passion.  No two students explored the same project – a great experience of diversity and individuality.

Religious Education

Year 8Religion5 have been creating visual images of their belief, particularly centred around Christmas. Students planned the design of their decorations and then were able to draw the image on their piece. Great effort and creativity.

Joanne Meagher - RE Teacher

Science

Empowering Students Through the Water Works Program

On December 6th, students from 8SCI3 and 8SCI5 participated in the Water Works program, an initiative dedicated to providing clean, safe drinking water to communities in need.

Guided by volunteers from the Origin Energy Foundation, students demonstrated leadership and teamwork by constructing emergency water filters. These filters will be sent to a refugee camp in central Africa, offering life-changing access to clean water for families. Each filter was decorated with a unique message and artwork from our students. A tracking code, also enables students to follow its journey and witness the difference it makes.

The Water Works program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education to tackle global challenges. Through this hands-on activity, our students connected classroom learning to real-world solutions, fostering empathy and a sense of global responsibility.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Origin Energy Foundation for enabling our students to take part in such a meaningful experience. Together, we are empowering our young learners to be compassionate global citizens and future problem-solvers.

Tracey Flack - Science Teacher

Library Matters

What another wonderful year! I wish to say a big Merry Christmas to all the regulars who come to the library each day. You know who you are, and it has been a pleasure spending time in your company every day. I also wish to thank Mrs Rosemary Laughton who has been job-sharing in the Library Teacher role for the last couple of years. Mrs Laughton is slipping into retirement, but I am hoping we will see her back onsite from time to time. I am sure the whole community would also like to send a huge thank you to Ms Melissa Watt, our Library Assistant, who quietly prepares all our Book Hire and library books for you while always offering help to locate and borrow a book and most importantly, to come to the rescue to print off that last minute assignment!

I would also like to acknowledge the achievements of our dedicated readers who took on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. Yesterday we were able to celebrate with a party and certificate presentation. I wish to congratulate Jamin Diu, Maggie Hardie, Sheridan Owen, Kate Atkinson and Evie Duggan who successfully completed the 2025 Challenge. 

With the library year drawing to a close I wish to remind everyone of SORA – our digital library that never takes a break! Visit: https://soraapp.com/library/cenetau

On a final note, for any parent looking for a Christmas gift, I can not recommend enough the following books for your sons and daughters. Both are award winners and suitable for any gender.

Merry Christmas everyone and have a safe holiday. See you in the new year!

Mrs Rosalind Dunn - Teacher Librarian

Sport

Sport Pathway Program

Changes to Sport at St Mary’s in 2025

In 2025, St Mary’s will implement significant changes to the structure of Sport.

• Internal Sport – Coordinated by Mr. Zac Rediger (Friday sport afternoons)
• External Sport – Coordinated by Mrs. Annette Morgan (Representative and Pathway Sports, as detailed in the information below.

With the introduction of our Pathway Program and increased access to buses, Mr. Rediger and I are pleased to support Year 8, 9, and 10 students to participate in the Recreational Program.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all students and staff who have navigated the challenges of the past years, from limited venue access during COVID-19, to the shortage of bus drivers, and the unpredictable weather conditions on Friday afternoons. Over the last 15 years, sport has evolved tremendously, with various external sporting associations assisting in meeting the ever-changing requirements within schools and communities.

NSWCCC Sport has expanded from its initial focus on League and Netball to offering multiple sports for students across the state, from School, Diocesan, NSWCCC, and All Schools levels, ultimately leading to Australian representation.

In 2025, the Pathway Program will assist the development of our young athletes, fostering a holistic approach to training, enhancing team collaboration, and helping students become the best versions of themselves.

The Program will provide:

VISION

To guide and support athletes to thrive and become the best version of themselves in life and sport

PERFORMANCE CENTRED

• Commitment
• Humility
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Learning Environment
• Resilience

ST MARY’S VALUES

• “Ready to Serve” is at the centre of all we do at St Mary’s and we give witness in our day-to-day relationships with each other

PROGAM OUTLINE

• Performance Plan, prioritise
• Strength training methods
• Skills based – multi contexts
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Assessment
  • Pre
  • Post
• Support network / resources

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Attendance at school/pathway program
• Commitment
• Classroom work ethic
• Follow our Mantra –
  • Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner
• Demonstrate sportsmanship
• Ability to collaborate and communicate in a team environment

If you require any further details, please contact Annette Morgan or Zac Rediger.

Sporting Achievement - Will Tobin

Congratulations to Will Tobin who is an Australian Champion!

Will competed in the Junior 54 - 57kg Division in Australian Boxing League Championship, beating out the Queensland Champion to win the title in a unanimous decision.

Will has been working very hard to achieve this goal and it couldn't have happened without the support of his coaches and amazing family.

Well done Will, St Mary's is proud of you!

Finance

Christmas at the Cafe

Uniform Shop - January 2025 hours

Canteen Update

Hi All

The last day of normal trade in Canteen will be Monday 16^th December. Everything will be business as usual.

We will open for the recess break on Tuesday 17^th (Year 7, 8 & 9 Awards) only, from 10am to 10.30am but will only be selling from the counter and fridges. No lunch foods will be prepared or sold.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas - see you next year!

Deb Tserepas - Canteen Supervisor

Get up to $500 for education costs

Help and Support during the holidays

Important Calendar Dates - 2025

Wishing you a blessed Christmas