Newsletter 02.25 - Friday 21 February 2025

Principal's Message

Dear St Mary’s families and Community,

As we embrace this special year in the life of our College, marking a Catholic Silver Jubilee, we are reminded of the rich legacy of faith, service, and learning that has shaped our community. Just as silver symbolises strength and resilience, we see these same qualities reflected in our students as they embark on a new year of discovery and achievement.

From the start of the year, I have witnessed a positive energy in classrooms and a strong commitment to learning across all aspects of college life. Our students have set a high standard, displaying curiosity, perseverance, and a genuine love for knowledge. Their engagement is a powerful reminder that education is not just about academic achievement but about shaping young people who are ready to serve, lead, and make a meaningful impact in the world, just as Jesus taught us to be people of faith, wisdom, and compassion, using our gifts to uplift others and bring light to those around us.

Strategic Direction for 2025: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Community

As we step into 2025, St Mary’s Catholic College remains committed to being a place of learning, growth, and hope, centred on and nourished by the love of Jesus Christ. In alignment with our College vision and mission, we have established three key strategic goals, each focused on Catholic Identity, Learning, and Wellbeing. These goals are intentional, time-bound, and designed to foster reflection, evaluation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that the impact of our work is seen and felt across our community.

We recognise that meaningful progress is best achieved through collaboration and feedback, and we deeply value the voices of our students, staff, and families in shaping the future of our College. Our first Parent Forum this Tuesday will provide an opportunity to share more about these priorities and invite your insights as we work together to strengthen our school.

Our 2025 Strategic Goals

Catholic Identity:  Through inclusion, collaboration, and prayer, we will design and implement a new House system that reflects our Catholic identity. By year’s end, we plan to launch this new structure, fostering pride, belonging, and a vibrant faith community that strengthens our connection to our mission, values, and traditions.

Learning: We are committed to building an expert teaching team that delivers flexible, inclusive, and high-quality learning to meet the needs of all students. This will be achieved through data-informed teaching, a whole-school literacy and numeracy focus, and embedding high-impact teaching strategies as we implement curriculum reform.

Wellbeing: We will deepen our collective understanding of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) to promote a proactive, relational approach to student engagement and wellbeing. By the end of the year, a clear wellbeing framework will be developed and introduced, equipping staff with a shared understanding of how we support students in their growth and success.

Together, with faith and commitment, we will continue to make St Mary’s a place where every student is nurtured, challenged, and inspired to thrive.  We look forward to sharing more at our Parent Forum this Tuesday and welcome your thoughts as we embark on this exciting year ahead.

Parent Forum

We warmly invite you to our Term 1 Parent Forum on Tuesday, 25 February, in the Café - see advert below. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm and run until 7.00 pm, with tea and coffee available from 5:45 pm. Your presence and input are invaluable to us. As our first forum of the year, we are offering both in-person and online attendance options. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join the discussion via a link that will be shared via Compass on the day of the meeting.

Our two 2024 parent representatives were Michelle Burns and Tonee Summerville. Both Michelle and Tonee have been a wonderful support and voice for the parent community. At this first meeting, we will be selecting the 2025 Parent Representatives. Please email Debbie.carter@mn.catholic.edu.au if you would like to consider nominating yourself as a parent representative or if you have questions you would like addressed at the first meeting.

Moving forward, subsequent Parent Forums each term will be held online to maximise accessibility and engagement. These forums will provide important college updates, an educational segment of interest, and an opportunity for Q&A discussions.

Our Parent Forums are a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue about topics that matter to our school community. We encourage you to bring your questions and insights.

Staffing Update

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Kieren Knight has been appointed to the role of External Sports Coordinator, effective now until Friday, 28 March.

Mr. Knight will continue in his existing role as House Coordinator while also collaborating with our Internal Sports Coordinator, Mr. Zac Rediger, colleagues, and the broader community to coordinate and promote external sports and the pathways program. His leadership and commitment to student participation in sport will ensure a smooth continuation of programs while Mrs. Annette Morgan enjoys her well-deserved long service leave.

As we continue our journey through this year, may we remain committed to fostering a community of learning, growth, and hope, always centred on the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making St Mary’s a place where every student is nurtured and inspired to thrive.

Kind Regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

We would like to share some GREAT news relating to our Year 12 and Year 10 cohorts from 2024.

Announced at the Diocesan Assembly in Week 2 were the following results – see below.

Thanks and gratitude to ALL staff at the college for supporting these students in their growth as young people. Fantastic news for our community!

Diocesan Awards for 2024 RoSA

These awards are for students who completed Year 10 in 2024 and, therefore, became eligible for the Stage 5 RoSA Academic Achievement Award.

The Diocesan Award for RoSA is presented to those who students who attained 6 or 7 ‘A’ Grades across their pattern of study in Year 10. 

The recipients of the Diocesan Academic Achievement Awards for St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead are: (NB We had 4 more students also receive Awards but they are no longer at St Mary’s in 2025)

Acknowledgement of HSC 2024 High Achievers  

The following students gained First in Course across the Diocese in the 2024 Higher School Certificate.

As a community, we congratulate all members of the HSC class for the resilience and determination displayed throughout the HSC.We also acknowledge the commitment of ALL staff here at the college who have walked the journey with these students.  

Year 12 HSC Information Evening

Year 11 Study Skills Day

Thank you, Year 11! You are brilliant! What a great start to the year for our Year 11 students participating in their Induction Day which was held this week. Beginning with a session reflecting on ‘Who am I?’, students then spent time together learning about study techniques, all things NESA, syllabus and resources, wellbeing, life balance, assessment, policy and organisational skills!We are incredibly proud of you all and thank you for your maturity and engagement . Well done!

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Dear Parents & Carers

Thank you for the many ways you have prepared your children for their return to the College this year. They have arrived with us both ready to learn and, guided by the College motto “Ready to Serve”, willing to contribute to the building of our positive, supportive, and disciplined learning culture. We have begun well!

This year the Wellbeing Team has set the goal of updating and reconnecting with our Positive Behaviour for Learning [PB4L] practices. College culture has for many years been guided by PB4L theory, evidenced in the College mantra, behaviour expectation matrix, 3M ladder of response, and affirmation system. Whilst these practices are documented and reproduced in the Student Handbook each year, as our community grows in both size and number, I believe it is timely that we review and update these resources and more critically connect professionally with the principles of support, inclusion, choice, and equality that underpin our practice.

Small student focus group discussions, led by LoWE’s, will be occurring across the College this term (8-11), focused on discerning the degree to which students connect with and value our affirmation system, and inviting them to contribute suggestions as to how it may be improved. We look forward to listening and learning from our young people so that we can work with them to implement meaningful change in a system that needs to meaningfully affirm the many ways that our students live up to and often exceed our expectations daily.

We will meet as a staff in a professional learning meeting in week 8 to reconnect with and align our PB4L practices and discuss the feedback from the student body. I look forward to listening and learning from our students and working with staff to sharpen our shared understanding of PB4L practice.

Kind regards

Mr Frize, Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

Bus Services

I believe that overcrowding of bus services is an unfortunate byproduct of growth and it will fall to ourselves and our parent community to raise issues as they emerge and ensure that the Newcastle/NSW Transport are responsive to our needs. Please register complaints about bus overcrowding/refusal of service directly with NSW Transport by following the links detailed below.

• Home - Newcastle Transport
• Contact Us
• Enquiries and feedback
• Bus

If we work together to identify and communicate issues with the transport network, I hope we will all experience the improvement in service delivery that our children deserve.

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 7

I was at Slingtown Espresso over the weekend. I was having a coffee while my kids were playing in the kids’ area – it was packed! I overheard a mother talking to her child about sharing and allowing the other kids to play with some of the toys and share the space. The child responded in a way that I’m sure we’d all find familiar – “but they’re not sharing.” Like that mother, we ask a little more of our children, don’t we? And like you, I ask a little more of the students in my care.

There have already been so many changes for students in Year 7 - not only physical but philosophical. The culture of St Mary’s Catholic College is one of excellence and attention to ‘the little things’ that comprise the whole. We are a Catholic school, and that means we push a little harder, and ask that little bit more of ourselves in all aspects of school life. I can see Year 7 students digging deep to make those shifts, and I am grateful for their efforts. I’m grateful also for your guidance as parents and guardians; yours is a crucial role and we can’t do what we do without your support. So, thank you.

In a couple of weeks, we will be midway through Term 1. Fatigue will start to set in for some. I’d like your help in holding the line. We can do this together, positively, by calling out what students are doing well, and constructively equipping students to do some other things better. Students need that consistency. From our end we will endeavour to ensure routines are in place and benchmarks are consistent – we need your help.

There are heaps of exciting things coming up for Year 7. The pinnacle of Year 7 though will be our school camp, coming up from Monday 31 March to Wednesday 2 April at Point Wolstoncroft. Please add that date to your diaries. Notes are going home in Week 5 so if we could have those back as soon as possible it will help with our planning. Please note that consent will require a Compass component as well as an online form which is external and for the company looking after us at Point Wolstoncroft. Please prioritise consent for school camp.

Thank you kindly,

David Luschwitz - Acting Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement - Year 7

Mathematics

This term, our Year 7 English and Mathematics classes are organised into three cluster groups/levels, based on data collected from previous NAPLAN and PAT results, and using data from Primary School reports. As is our practice at the college, our English and Mathematics teachers will continue to monitor student progress, gathering further data from classwork and common assessment tasks.

As students demonstrate their skills and knowledge, some class adjustments may occur by the end of Term One to ensure that students are placed in the most suitable learning environment for their needs and ability. Rest assured, all students have equal access to the curriculum, with a range of strategies in place to support their learning and progress.

Tania Eastcott - Leader of Learning Mathematics

HSIE

Welcome to a new year of History and Geography!

We are excited to embark on another year of learning, exploration, and discovery in History and Geography. These subjects offer students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the past, the world around them, and the connections between people, places, and environments. Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and critical thinking, students will gain valuable skills in analysis, research, and inquiry. We look forward to working together to inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and support every student’s academic growth.

Welcome to Our New Staff Members!

We are delighted to welcome Skye Bedforth, and returning to the HSIE staff this year Chelsea Iddon and Chantelle Lebrocq. Miss Iddon will be jobsharing with Mrs Tarryn Wilson and Ms Lebrocq is replacing Ms Convery who is takling some much deserved time off. Each of them brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a passion for education that will enrich our school community. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and colleagues, and we are excited for the contributions they will make in their respective roles. 

Join the Australian Geography Competition!

We invite all students to take part in the Australian History and Geography Competitions, fantastic opportunities to test your knowledge and skills against students from across the country. The Geography Competition challenges you to explore the world, think critically about global issues, and apply your geographical skills. The History Competition encourages you to analyze historical sources, deepen your understanding of key events, and think like a historian. Whether you have a passion for history, geography, or both, we encourage you to get involved! Entries close Friday Week 8 – please contact Mrs Lorenz if you’re interested.

Welcome to Your Elective Courses Year 9 and 10!

We are excited to welcome all students to Commerce, Environmental Sustainability, and Elective History this year! In Commerce, you will explore the world of business, consumer rights, and financial decision-making. Environmental Sustainability will challenge you to think critically about global and local environmental issues and explore solutions for a sustainable future. Elective History will take you beyond the core curriculum, diving deeper into fascinating historical events, perspectives, and debates. We look forward to an engaging and thought-provoking year ahead—get ready to explore, analyze, and discover!

Nikki Lorenz - Leader of Learning HSIE

Aboriginal Education

Check-in Meetings for Aboriginal Students

The Aboriginal Education Team would like to check in with all Aboriginal families as early as possible in Term 1 to set a Cultural Goal for 2025. This might be done in person or online/phone.

Please call St Mary’s on 4944 4800 or email one of us to make a suitable time:

Enrivonmental Sustainability

Year 9 Environmental Sustainability students started their learning this week with a smoking ceremony and acknowledgement of country, delivered by Roo and Paul. We also tasted Midgen berries! We can learn a great deal about sustainability from our First Nations peoples. Our Environmental Sustainability Course is unique to St Mary’s, drawing together many cross-curricular outcomes and written by Mrs Murray and Mrs Piper. We wish our young environmentalists a fantastic year ahead!

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

Library Matters

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is the first update from the library and we have so much to say. So to kick things off let’s start with our first event of the year and that was Library Lovers Day where students were encouraged to select a brown paper covered book, not by judging the cover, but using a range of clues instead. ‘Have a Blind Date with a Book’ is a great way for students to broaden their reading range and hopefully discover a new genre, author or series they may ‘fall in love’ with. This day also saw the launch of the 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge, and I encourage all students (Yrs 7-10) to call past the library to sign up. Note: Year 7 students must provide a permission note to undertake the challenge, and this will allow their Primary school record to be linked to their new Secondary school account.

The library is also a great community space with a broad range of activities and events occurring every day. From a huge crowd enjoying the Superbowl to some Valentine’s Day craft, along with puzzles, board games and educational computer games, there is always something to do in the library.

Mrs Rosalind Dunn - Teacher Librarian

Ms Melissa Watt - Library Support Officer

Sport

Surfest Teams Challenge

An email has been sent to all students about entry into this years Surfest Tag Team Challenge. The event will be conducted at Bar Beach on Thursday 8^th and Friday 9^th May. Entry forms are available from Mr Abell.

Student Achievement

Ruby Jones left SMCC and the Newcastle Jets in August last year to establish her life in Barcelona to play football and learn Spanish.  Her new Club, CE Europa, is one of Barcelona’s oldest and largest football clubs in the Catalan Spanish Region.  Ruby is currently playing in the U19s ‘A’ team who are leading the competition against the likes of FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol, and FC Levante Las Planas - to name a few of the 16 teams in the U19 Preferente Femeni Juvenil Division.  As Striker, Ruby has made it onto the Top Goal Scorers list and is also training with CE Europa’s Women’s First Team.  The season with CE Europa finishes in June 2025, and discussions are already underway about her return for the 2025-26 season.

Ruby is thriving in Spain, in what has been an incredible life experience for her so far. 

From 8-21 April, Ruby will head to the USA to join the U19s Australian School Girls Football Team following her selection in September last year.  The team will compete in the prestigious International Youth Soccer Tournament, The Dallas Cup.  With over 6000 players from 35 countries, the tournament will be broadcast live on ESPN.  Ruby is very excited and honoured to represent Australia and wear the ‘green and gold’, while continuing to represent SMCC as part of the Schools Football pathway.  In other good news, Ruby is actively being recruited by the University of Colorado to play for the Colorado Buffaloes.  While this is a decision Ruby is yet to make, the Head Coach will be watching Ruby play at the Dallas Cup, along with hundreds of Scouts at the tournament.

With thanks to Sheridan Jones, Ruby's mum, for keeping St Mary's up to date with Ruby's news.

Support and Care

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Complaints Resolution

St Mary’s Catholic College, the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) 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 follow this procedure:

https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/about/complaints-resolution-and-feedback/