Newsletter 09.25 - Friday 20 June 2025

Principal's Message

Thank You

As we approach the end of a full and vibrant Term 2, I want to take a moment to thank you for the continued trust, partnership, and spirit you bring to our College community. These past weeks have offered us several powerful reminders of who we are and what we stand for as a Josephite school, Ready to Serve.

Refugee Week

This week we mark Refugee Week, and in doing so, we pause to honour the incredible courage and contributions of those who seek safety, freedom, and hope—often in the face of unimaginable challenges. The theme for 2025, Finding Freedom – Family, Community, and Home, resonates deeply with us at St Mary’s. Among our student body are remarkable young people from refugee backgrounds who enrich our College with their culture, resilience, and generosity of spirit. We are proud of them, and we are better for their presence. As a Josephite school, we are called not only to stand with the marginalised, but to learn from them, to walk beside them, and to be communities of belonging. Let us continue to pray for and support all who are displaced and ensure that our school remains a place of welcome and compassion.

Push-Up Challenge

That same spirit of solidarity was on display in recent weeks during our College’s involvement in the Push-Up Challenge, a nationwide initiative raising awareness for mental health. Under the incredible leadership of our Student Leaders and our SPC Coordinator, Jacqui Moriarty, our whole community, students, staff, local police, and even a media team, came together in a collective effort to say: no one stands alone in the face of mental illness. This challenge reminded us that mental health matters, that connection saves lives, and that our community is at its best when we look out for one another. To every person who participated, encouraged, or supported: thank you. You have embodied the heart of St Mary’s.

Looking ahead, I’d like to remind families that the school holiday period will begin on Wednesday 2 July. Our staff will remain onsite for the remainder of that week, engaging in three days of professional learning and curriculum planning. This time is crucial as we prepare to support our students through the new curriculum reforms being introduced across New South Wales. I thank our staff for their ongoing commitment to growing in their practice and keeping student learning at the centre of all we do.

AJASS

Next week, from Wednesday 25 June to Friday 27 June, I will be attending the AJASS Conference in Sydney. AJASS (Australian Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) is a network of Josephite schools across Australia and New Zealand. This annual gathering is a valuable opportunity for Josephite principals to connect, share insights, and continue the legacy of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods in today’s educational context. I look forward to bringing back ideas and inspiration to enrich our shared mission here at St Mary’s.

Sr Carmel Moore

I am delighted to acknowledge and share the outstanding achievement of Sister Carmel Elizabeth Moore, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her exceptional service to the Catholic Church in Australia. Sister Carmel has dedicated her life to education, leadership, spiritual formation, and pastoral care, and her contributions have touched countless lives across schools, parishes, and communities. We are especially proud to call her a valued and much-loved member of the St Mary’s community, where her wisdom, warmth, and example continue to inspire us all. Congratulations, Sister Carmel, on this richly deserved honour.

House System

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the important work underway in reimagining the House System at St Mary’s, which we look forward to launching in 2026. This new model will honour the rich Catholic narrative of our College and create deeper opportunities for students to connect with our Josephite heritage, strengthen their sense of belonging, and grow as leaders. It will not replace our current year-based wellbeing structure, but instead work alongside it—bringing new flexibility, cross-year mentoring, and opportunities for service, leadership, and celebration. This work has been a collaborative effort involving students, staff, parents, our parish, and diocesan partners, and I am grateful to those parents who have already been part of this consultative process. Early next term, we will begin engaging students further in the visioning and design.

Thank you once again for the many ways you contribute to the life and faith of our College. May the final fortnight of term be one of encouragement, support, and hope.

Kind Regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Ministry

Nurturing Growth in Every Moment

As we move through these final weeks filled with assessment, reporting, and the busyness of daily life we are reminded of the need to find refuge in the quiet moments — spaces where we can pause, reflect and regain perspective of our lives. In these small moments of stillness, we are called to remember our deeper purpose: the formation and growth of the young people before us.

We give thanks to the dedication of all in our community who support and journey alongside our students with patience and generosity, nurturing not only their learning but a purpose that is grounded in Mary’s ‘Yes’. For many students, this is a time of challenge and pressure as they strive to demonstrate their growth. Yet learning is more than results and assessments; it is the gradual unfolding of confidence, wisdom and opportunity to make a positive difference. Our students are to be commended for the many talents that they share within the College community which uplift all through performance, music, advocacy of social justice and mental health, and sporting endeavours.

Refugee Week

This week we honour and recognise those in our community who walk the hardest of journeys in search of dignity, safety and a future for their families. Their courage reminds us that freedom is found not in isolation but in the richness of welcoming communities grounded in loving service. This echoes the words of Pope Francis, who urged us to love 'those who knock at our doors seeking refuge and hope’. His words remain a call for us as a community committed to forming hearts and minds for a more compassionate world.

Kyle Clarence - Acting Ministry Coordinator

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Building Strong Foundations - St Mary’s Learning Conference  

As you are aware, our St Mary’s Learning Conference is being held on Wednesday 2 July – Friday 4 July. The conference is designed to provide teachers time for planning of curriculum and to engage in professional learning that enables them to meet the goals of the NSW Curriculum Reform. Through the learning from the conference, teachers will have time to work in ways that align with the aim of the NSW Curriculum Reform Review. Teachers will

• examine ways, collaboratively, to de-clutter the curriculum so that it allows them to focus on the main knowledge and skills that all students should have 
• learn to understand the implications for planning, teaching, assessing, and reporting 
• draw on the expertise of others to ensure that the curriculum at St Mary’s provides students with strong foundations of knowledge, capabilities and values to be lifelong learners. 

Reference: https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/NSW-Curriculum-Review-Final-Report.pdf

Teachers will participate in a series of Keynote Presentations in areas of Differentiation for ALL students, Stage 5&6 Assessment and Positive Behaviour For Learning; faculty curriculum planning sessions; optional workshops in areas such Assessing the Capabilities, AI in Learning, Wellbeing, Middle Leadership and Formative Assessment, led by a Knowledgeable Other; and, finally, a plenary session for Faculties for Semester Two 2025.

Informed by the work of Rebecca Dufour, Richard DuFour and Robert Marzano teachers will collaborate to build shared knowledge about their curriculum and contemporary pedagogy.

We are looking forward to this learning time together and remind families that the three days (2-4 July) are student free and there will be no on-site supervision for students provided.

Stage 6 Information Evening

Our Stage 6 Course Information Evening was held on Wednesday 11 June with great success.

Thank you to all who attended on the evening, and it was great to see so many Year 10 students and families, learning and discussing their options for their study and vocational pathways moving forward.

Stage 6 Subject Selections are now open on Edval Webchoice. Please see the email sent to all Year 10 students for further instructions. Selections close Friday 20^th June 2025.

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Year 11 Mid Course Reports

Our Year 11 Mid Course Reports will be released in Week 9. A message will be sent once reports are available for viewing in Compass. I wish to acknowledge the work of Ms Belinda Flood (Leader of Curriculum), the Leaders of Learning, teaching staff and support staff, in working together to achieve a quality report for students via the Compass platform.

So, Year 11 students, now that you have your reports – where to next?

For some students there will be celebration – perhaps there has been significant growth; increased effort; noteworthy achievements. For others, there may be disappointment, or a sense of having let yourself down in your learning.

The thing to remember is that feedback is only useful if it is used to set the next learning goal, to ask “Where to next?” and “How do I get there?”

I encourage all students and families to have a conversation about the comments on the reports your receive next week. What direction (feed-forward) is there for you? What advice and support is being suggested to you by your teachers? What small habits or behaviours can you change so as to build upon what you have already learned/can do?

And finally, a reminder that success comes from learning from mistakes, using your failures as ways of learning and growing. I encourage each student to take on board the feedback from your teachers, set some new goals, seek help and push on into the new term! This is the way you will flourish as learners.

Cathy O’Gorman - Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching

Year 12 Holiday Workshops & Years 10-12 Study

Through the generosity of our staff there are several holiday workshops being held for Year 12 students. Please see the schedule below for details. May I also take this time to remind Years 10 – 12 of After School Study available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon each week, commencing at 3.15pm in the Café.

Social Media & Comparison Culture

In today's hyper-connected world, young people are constantly exposed to carefully curated snapshots of other people's lives - from picture-perfect holidays and academic achievements to the latest fashion trends and fitness goals. This relentless stream of comparisons, often amplified through social media, creates what is known as comparison culture. Comparison culture fosters a mindset where individuals constantly evaluate their own worth by measuring themselves against others. This leaves many young people feeling as though they're falling short.

For children and adolescents who are still developing their sense of identity, this environment can be especially harmful - contributing to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and anxiety. It's important to understand how comparison culture shapes the way children see themselves and their place in the world.

When young people constantly compare their appearance, achievements, or social lives to their peers or online influencers, they can develop unrealistic expectations and a distorted sense of self-worth. This can lead to low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a constant need for external validation. However, through open conversations, positive role modelling, and proactive support, families can empower young people to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world. Encouraging an environment that values individuality, personal effort, and growth - rather than constant comparison or external validation - helps foster a stronger sense of self that allows young people to embrace their unique strengths and identity.

Push Up Challenge

Today, St Mary’s proudly took part in the Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Our school community came together with incredible enthusiasm and spirit to support this important cause. Students showed outstanding commitment, completing a massive total of 10,000 push-ups and raising an impressive $1,480.10 for mental health initiatives.

We were honoured to be joined by local police officers and the media team from Catholic Schools, who helped capture the vibrant energy of the event.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff and student volunteers who cooked a delicious BBQ, and to our College Leadership Team and Student Pastoral Council for organising such a meaningful and successful event.

If you would still like to contribute, donations can be made via the link below:

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

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Creative Arts & Languages

A CAAL Celebration

2025 has had our Creative Arts and Languages Faculty running at full speed, with Semester 1 packed with adventures, engaging learning opportunities, and creative gifts being discovered and shared.

Visual Art

Our senior art students had an incredible experience immersing themselves in and amongst the best of the 2024 HSC artworks at ArtExpress in Sydney. They explored all the gallery spaces at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, gaining inspiration and insight from the exceptional pieces on display. It was a day filled with creativity and learning, leaving our students motivated to push their artistic boundaries.

We also want to acknowledge and celebrate Sylvie Kerrigan of Year 9 who was selected to be exhibited in the Young Dobell Prize this year with her outstanding Graphite Portrait of Kurt Cobain.

Music

We are thrilled to celebrate our talented music students who made it to the finals of the ASPIRE songwriting contest. Their dedication and creativity have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements. The future of Australian songwriting is in good hands.

Additionally, our music students delivered outstanding performances at DioSounds, representing our school with excellence. The lucky Year 8 students who attended as the audience were treated to a fantastic show, showcasing the hard work and talent of their peers.

Drama

Our Year 11 Drama students gave fantastic performances at DioDrama, earning rave reviews for their absurdist piece about "The Disappearance of the Pavlova." Their dedication to their craft and ability to captivate the audience with their unique storytelling were truly commendable.

Photography and Visual Design

In the Photography and Visual Design spaces, our students have been experimenting with new skills and techniques, creating some outstanding works in the process. Their innovative approach and commitment to excellence are evident in the impressive pieces they have produced.

We also extend a massive congratulations to Xanthia Wadwell, who has won the Senior Photography Section in the Australian Catholics Young Voices Awards 2025. Her work; Held by the past, reaching for tomorrow was the run away winner, meeting and exceeding the theme of ‘Voices of Hope’

Languages

We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Japan Exchange, where our students will embark on an exciting adventure. They have been diligently preparing through lessons and working with mentors on cross-curricular learning. A special thank you to Ms. Hatcher for her tireless efforts and dedication to ensuring the success of this program. Her hard work and energy have been instrumental in making this exchange a reality.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the teachers in the Creative Arts and Languages team. Each of you has generously given up your personal and family time this semester to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our amazing students here at St Mary’s. Your dedication and care have made our school a more vibrant and inspiring place. Your efforts are seen and very much appreciated.

Please join me in celebrating the amazing achievements of our students across all these creative and academic endeavours.

Morag Aitchison - Leader of Learning Creative Arts and Languages

HSIE

Year 11 Geography excursion

On a bright, crisp, sunny Wednesday 18^th June, the Year 11 Geography class engaged in learning about changes that are taking place in Sydney. They viewed urban growth and renewal to create a vibrant city and saw the set up for the Vivid Festival. The day was a true learning experience travelling by train, navigating Sydney streets and taking in the views of the Harbour. The students found they were able to transfer what they had learned in class to practical fieldwork. Each student came away having deepened their knowledge and having new experiences.

Landcare

Year 9 Environmental Sustainability students have been working with a local Ecologist. They have been using the long armed camera to check nest boxes installed by the 2024 Environmental Sustainability class in the creek area. Students have been conducting macroinvertebrate investigations, collecting plastic waste in collaboration with World Ocean Day and spotting signs that wildlife are happy and thriving in our special landcare area - could these be the diggings of a Bandicoot?

Library Matters

With the winter chill there is nothing better than heading to the library and taking your place in some of the fun activities on offer.

From Lego to colouring in, snuggling up with a book on the lounge, to a game of cards or chess, there is always something you can find to do in this amazing space.

In celebration of the release of the latest book in the Hunger Games series, the Library hosted a Hunger Games Trivia Kahoot. With fans from Year 7 through to Year 12, we had lots of fun showing how much we knew from the original Hunger Games story. Next term we will be testing our knowledge of the world of Minecraft! Stay tuned for more details on that one.

Our Hunger Games winners were Ruby (Year 7) and Charlotte and Piper (Year 12).

Rosalind Dunn - Teacher Librarian and Melissa Watt - Librarian Assistant

Sport

St Mary's Triumph at Knights Knockout

St Mary's 14yrs and 15yrs teams delivered outstanding performances at the Knights Knockout yesterday, showcasing remarkable results. Each player demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and determination throughout the competition. The teams' cohesion and mutual support were evident, reflecting their strong teamwork and commitment to excellence.

More photos to follow - keep an eye of St Mary's Facebook next week.

Congratulations – Cohen May who received the Player of the match in the 14yrs and Dustin Mitchell Campbell in the 15yrs.

Steve Merrick Cup Rugby Union

On Wednesday the 18^th of June, our U16's boys competed in Round 2 of the Steve Merrick Cup Rugby Union competition. The boys came up against some tough opponents in Trinity Catholic College and Catherine McAuley Catholic College on the day. With plenty of Rugby inexperience in the side and a handful of  boys playing contact sport for the first time, the side unfortunately went down in both games. Nonetheless, an enjoyable day of learning new skills was had by everyone involved and the boys eagerly await Round 3 of the competition next term.

NSWCCC Cross Country

Congratulations extend to Samuel Van der Weyde who recently competed in NSW Cross Country winning a medal for his efforts. We are sure Samuel will go from strength to strength and look forward to learning more about his future running endeavours.

State Rugby Championships

Lachlan Roberts represented the Hunter Wildfires in the U13 State Rugby Union Championships over the long weekend in Orange (in the snow!). Never has wearing skins felt so good!

The team was crowned NSW Country Champions - they went on to finish 5th overall in the whole state. Congratulations Lachlan - keep us informed with your Rugby Union journey!

Uniform Shop News

Friendly reminder! Please note, the Uniform Shop is closed during the July holidays. Any orders that are placed online during the school holidays will be packed and posted on the first day the Uniform Shop re-opens for Term 3. You are encouraged to purchase any uniform items before school holidays commence or when the shop reopens on Tuesday 22 July. Thank you.

Administration

Support Staff Professional Development

Please be advised, Support Staff will also be undertaking Professional Development during the staff conference from Wednesday 2 July to Friday 4 July inclusive. Due to our learning sessions, we may be delayed in responding to communications by email or phone - messages will be checked intermittently and we thank you for your patience.

Support and Care

As the winter months set in and the weather takes a turn, it is more important for our families in need to receive assistance by way of regular, hearty, nutritional meals. Please consider donating to our ‘Pay It Forward’ initiative. This allows the College to prepare and supply meals for families that need a little extra help. If you would like to contribute towards the cost of a meal, please do so through the Qkr! App, or give the Finance Office a call.

Every donation is very much appreciated and we thank you, most sincerely, for your kindness and generosity.

Year 7 Junior Music Showcase

Come join us for a wonderful evening of creative talent.

We look forward to seeing families and friends of our Year 7, 8 and 9 Elective music students.