Newsletter 12.25 - Friday 15 August 2025

Principal's Message

Dear parents, carers and members of the St Mary’s community,

As we move through a busy yet rewarding term, I am continually inspired by the energy and commitment of our College community. Over recent weeks, we have warmly welcomed 210 future Year 7 students for 2026 and their families through personalised enrolment meetings, ensuring every new student feels known from the very beginning. Our Year 12 students are concluding their Trial HSC examinations, Year 11 are preparing for their end-of-course assessments, and we are in the exciting process of forming and appointing our new student leaders. These moments reflect the vibrancy of our school and the many ways we grow, celebrate, and support one another.

Celebrating the Heart of Leadership at St Mary’s

This week, our College community was privileged to hear from twelve outstanding prospective student leaders, each delivering speeches that were both inspiring and deeply reflective. Common threads emerged across their addresses — humility, service to others without seeking individual attention, compassion for fellow students, active presence in our community, the importance of listening, and the courage to act, particularly in standing against bullying.

As I listened, I could not help but see in their words the timeless example of leadership we know in Jesus Christ — leadership grounded in love, justice, and service. Jesus’ model was one of servant leadership: washing the feet of his disciples, walking alongside the marginalised, and calling others to live with humility and compassion.

This legacy was carried forward by Fr Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary MacKillop, co-founders of the Sisters of St Joseph, who dedicated their lives to serving communities in need through the gift of education. In 1964, our own Sisters of St Joseph brought that mission here to Gateshead, building St Mary’s Catholic College to provide access to education for a community that otherwise could not reach it. Their leadership was not about position or recognition, but about responding to need with courage, sacrifice, and hope.

At St Mary’s, we are now reimagining our House System — a structure that will bring students across year levels together in a vibrant way, fostering connection, celebrating achievement across academics, the arts, wellbeing, and service, and creating even greater opportunities for student leadership. Those chosen to lead will carry a responsibility to shape these communities and to help every student feel known, valued, and supported.

As I shared with our students after the speeches, leadership is not about a badge or a title. It is not authority that makes a leader, but influence — and influence is earned through being credible, compassionate, humble, reliable, and relational. Our motto, Ready to Serve, is more than words on a crest. It is our daily call to help those who struggle, to lift the spirits of those in need, and to ensure every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect.

In the words of Rick Warren, American pastor and author:

When people are dying, what they want in the room with them in their last moments are not their trophies or certificates, but the people they love… Without love, I am nothing.

True leadership is rooted in love and relationships. These are what give meaning to our lives and enable us to enrich the lives of others. To our prospective student leaders — and indeed, to every student at St Mary’s — I say: lead not from a desire to be served, but from a readiness to serve. If you lead with humility, compassion, and love, you will not only shape our College; you will change the lives of those around you.

Family and Community Engagement (FACE)

A warm reminder that parents and carers are invited to attend our upcoming FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Online Information Session this Wednesday 20 August from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. A link to join this evening will be sent out on the morning of the session via Compass.

During the session, Cathy O’Gorman, our Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching, will share key insights into the College’s current learning and teaching focus. Topics will include:

• How we are using high-impact teaching strategies to improve student learning outcomes
• Our approach to Curriculum Reform and the opportunities it brings
• How we are differentiating learning to ensure all students can access the curriculum
• The development of essential workforce-ready skills, such as collaboration, communication, critical and creative thinking
• Important updates to Stage 6 Assessment

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.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the life of our College. It is through the combined efforts of students, staff, families, and our parish community that St Mary’s continues to thrive as a place of learning, faith, and service.

Kind regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

This term is already in full swing, and I would like to recognise the dedication of our teaching and support staff, whose consistent efforts ensure that important events – from the running of HSC Trials and the completion of HSC Major Works, to the many co-curricular activities on our calendar – proceed smoothly. A special mention goes to our HSC students who have recently finalised and submitted their Major Works in areas including Textiles, Industrial Technology, Design & Technology, Society & Culture, with Visual Arts Bodies of Work soon to follow. Your persistence and hard work are truly commendable, and we also acknowledge the guidance and encouragement from your teachers along the way. Well done to all involved!

Year 12 – Final Stages of HSC Preparation

In the next fortnight, Year 12 students will receive their Trial Examination results. For some, these will reflect the rewards of thorough preparation; for others, the outcomes may be more mixed. Regardless of the result, the key is to focus on the learning these assessments offer. This is the moment to ask, “What’s next?” and “How can I improve from here?” An open, growth-oriented mindset will ensure that feedback from teachers becomes a valuable tool for refinement and progress. Teachers have invested significant time into providing detailed feedback – I encourage every student to work closely with them in the coming weeks to strengthen skills and target areas for improvement.

Make the most of this crucial period by revisiting key concepts, addressing challenges, and consolidating knowledge. A helpful guide for students preparing for the HSC can be accessed here:

I would also like to congratulate Year 12 on their exemplary behaviour during the Trials. Your respectful conduct toward supervisors and your calm, organised approach has ensured that the process ran smoothly. In Week 10, students will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs Jennifer Smith, our Presiding Officer, who will oversee the external HSC examinations.

Year 11 – Examination Block begins 8 September 2024 (Week 8, Term 3)

A reminder to Year 11 that the upcoming exam block starts in Week 8, on Sunday 8 September. Now is the time to prepare by reviewing timetables carefully, clarifying any questions with teachers, and planning a balanced study schedule. Effective preparation involves honest reflection on how your time is being used – both at school and at home – and making adjustments to ensure productive study.

During the exam period, supervised study spaces will be available on campus. Students wishing to use these spaces should sign in at the Administration building. The exam timetable, which was distributed earlier this week, is also available in this newsletter.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

Please see details below

for an exclusive, one-off event that is fast approaching that would benefit our families from the insights of two of Australia's leading experts, Susan McLean and Cr Michael Carr-Greg. They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Topics include:

• New Social Media regulations
• Digital footprint and reputation
• Screen time and brain development
• Parent controls

Please note, Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access. This webinar will not be available to replay later.

We hope you will take advantage of this insightful and engaging session.

Benjamin Frize - Assistant Principal Wellbeing

A Hopeful Landscape for Youth Mental Health

You may also be interested to learn about a public seminar, A Hopeful Landscape for Youth Mental Health, being held on Tuesday 26 August at 6.00pm (for 6.30pm start) at McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow. Leading youth mental health expert Professor Ian Hickie will present on the current landscape and future directions in supporting young people's mental health. Researchers from the Health Minds HMRI Program will also share their latest findings on key topics, including eating disorders, digital health and self-care.

🎟 Registration is essential – seats are limited to 100.

👉 Register now at https://events.humanitix.com/a-hopeful-landscape-for-youth-mental-health

For more information, contact the organisers at healthy.minds@newcastle.edu.au.

E-bikes and E-Scooters

You are kindly asked to review the attached information. E-Scooters are not permitted at St Mary's. St Mary's will not be held liable should accident/theft occur.

Ministry

Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th, dates back to fourth-century Jerusalem and was originally known as “The Passing of the Mother of God.” For early Christians, Mary - the loving and courageous mother of Jesus - was a source of prayer and inspiration.

This feast day held particular significance for Father Julian Tenison Woods. It was his favourite Marian Feast, and he instilled this devotion in Mary MacKillop. Remarkably, Mary MacKillop was professed on this feast day in 1867, marking a deep connection to the celebration. In 19th-century Australia, devotion to Mary flourished, with Mary MacKillop seeing her as a tender, compassionate mother and a model of faith in suffering.

Mary MacKillop’s letters reveal a deep desire to grow in love for Mary, despite feeling unworthy. The Rosary became one of her favourite prayers, a tradition she shared with her fellow Sisters of St Joseph. Later in life, she recalled a childhood moment of entrusting herself to Mary’s care, believing she had been marked as Mary’s child since birth.

As we celebrate Father Julian’s favourite feast day, we do so with faith, love, and hope, honouring the lasting devotion to Mary shared by both him and St Mary MacKillop of the Cross.

Based on the reflections of Sr Margaret McKenna PhD.

A Celebration of Our Josephite Spirit

The Sisters of St Joseph first arrived in Charlestown in 1927 with a steadfast commitment to providing care and education to communities along the eastern shores of Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean. Through tireless work and deep devotion, they expanded their mission beyond Charlestown - down to Gateshead, where our school was founded in 1964, and further still to Swansea and Belmont building communities of faith and learning along the way. For nearly a century, their outreach and presence have shaped lives, and their legacy continues to inspire and guide us today.

On Saturday, the 9th of August, we gathered as a parish to farewell Sr Brigid Linehan and the Sisters of St Joseph, marking the conclusion of their long presence in MacKillop Parish with the closure of the Charlestown convent. The day began with Mass at St Mary Immaculate, followed by a luncheon and celebration at our Josephite Centre - a fitting setting to honour Sr Brigid as she moves and continues her outreach and mission across the diocese.

Father's Day Liturgy

We warmly invite all fathers and significant father figures to join us for a special Father’s Day liturgy and breakfast, as we gather in gratitude to honour the love, guidance and strength father's bring to our families and community.

Year 12

What a few weeks!

The last fortnight at St Mary’s has seen the HSC Trial examinations in full swing, and in many ways these days have highlighted and reinforced what a tremendous cohort we have of senior students in 2025.

This year the Sydney Morning Herald and NESA collaborated to publish their 50^th anniversary “HSC STUDY GUIDE” for parents and students. It’s a valuable read and I would recommend all families of senior students to take a look:

Education Minister Prue Car says: “the HSC is a significant milestone – an opportunity to demonstrate everything you’ve learned”.

Whilst I agree, I also believe the grind of the HSC year shapes, develops, and reveals character of young people. At St Mary’s we believe our kids are more than test results, and this was evident in the recent trials. Never before have we had illness and sickness hit a cohort at such a critical time. One exam supervisor mentioned that there were more tissues in the Josephite Centre than at a Kleenex factory. The resilience and determination of our young men and women was incredibly inspiring. Students independently opting to come into school to study, to finish major works and projects, to collaborate with peers and teachers, are all explicit examples of the type of young person the college is producing and as a year coordinator I couldn’t be prouder.

Below is also a snippet of key dates for the remaining terms. More explicit time frames will be issued as we get closer to our rites of passage, but remember to put these dates in your diaries.

Daniel Beckett - Leader of Wellbeing Year 12

Careers

SBATs - School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The College is holding a special information session for Year 10 students who are interested and or considering an SBAT as part of their study in Years 11 and 12. The session will include a short presentation, Q and A and distribution of key information and documents to complete for Stage 1 of the process.

Please see details below - we look forward to seeing parents and students of Year 10.

World Scholars Cup

Congratulations to Daniel Griffin of Year 9 and Sheridan Owen of Year 10 who participated in The World Scholar’s Cup on Thursday and Friday 7-8^th August at St Philip’s Christian College, Cessnock Campus. This international academic competition encourages students to collaborate, think critically, and engage creatively with global issues. The 2025 theme, Reigniting the Future, invites students to reflect on and propose solutions for the challenges facing our world.

The World Scholar’s Cup is a fun and interactive competition where students participate both as part of a team of three and as individuals. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded peers while engaging in a range of exciting academic challenges.

The team came first in Senior Division, 1^st in Team Bowl, which is a trivia competition, and 1^st in Collaborative Writing. Sheridan also came 1^st in the individual section of the Collaborative Writing. In this section Sheridan wrote about different statues of historical figures including Aphrodite, Julius Caesar and Santa.

Both Daniel and Sheridan commented on how much they enjoyed working with others and the freedom to choose how to go about tasks. Daniel really enjoyed being able to put multiple answers on the multiple choice. He also enjoyed meeting people who understood “the way I think”.

 It is a privilege for Sheridan and Daniel both to be nominated for this event in our diocese. This is the first time the event is being hosted in our region, as it is usually held only in capital cities around the world.

Congratulations!

University of Newcastle High Potential Students Program

Wednesday 23^rd July was a very exciting day for St Mary’s as 6 Year 10 students graduated from the University of Newcastle High Potential Students Program.  Tom Chapman, Victoria Chong, Lillian Coddington, Hayley Cummings, Sheridan Owen and Laura Smith engaged in university-level education, each completing a first-year university course while still in school. This program allows students to explore their academic interests, make informed career decisions, and get a head start on their university education, earning credits toward future University of Newcastle degrees. This year students have chosen to study a unit in the following areas.

• Globalisation and International Management
• Foundations of Health and Disease  
• Discrete Mathematics

Congratulatory speeches highlighted the dedication and resilience shown by the 151 students across the region who have completed the course. Keynote speaker and former graduate of this program, Tim Galloway, spoke about what they have accomplished being “truly extraordinary” and a powerful reminder of “what you are capable of”. 

Congratulations, from the St Mary’s community, we are so very proud of you. You have shown what is takes to work with courage.

Louise Henderson - High Potential and Gifted Education Mentor

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Last week, our school proudly came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week—a time to recognise and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of our celebrations, all of Year 7 participated in four engaging workshops: Language presented by Roo Faulkner and Kayla Faulkner, Dancing presented by Randall Briggs and Levi Briggs, Art presented by Mrs Danielle Peachy from St. Paul’s and Mr McKay, and Weaving presented by Aunty Deb and Aunty Kim from Bahtabah LALC.

Each workshop offered students a unique insight into rich cultural traditions and encouraged meaningful connection and participation.

Following the workshops, our school community gathered for a NAIDOC Assembly, which began with a Smoking Ceremony, setting a respectful and spiritual tone for the event. Our talented Karawang Dance Group performed our Acknowledgement to Country—a powerful way to open the assembly.

Our school musicians, Grace Hissey, Will Reiss, Ella Macnamara, and our year 11 music elective class moved us with a beautiful version of the Aboriginal Our Father, which was shared as our Opening Prayer. Year 7 students then presented highlights and learnings from their earlier workshops, showcasing their creativity and new understandings.

We were honoured to hear a heartfelt speech from Hayley Cumming, which she originally delivered at this year’s Minimbah Local Aboriginal Land Council NAIDOC Fun Day at Pelican Foreshore.

Earlier in the week, our Junior AECG Executive Members had their AECG Badges blessed by Father Tony, and these leaders were acknowledged at our assembly. We are proud to announce that our next AECG meeting with our six feeder schools will take place on Wednesday, the 14th of August at St Patrick’s Primary School, Swansea.

To close our assembly, Hannah Dezelak gave a moving performance of "My Island Home", which wrapped up a beautiful week of celebration, pride, and community.

Maruung bangayi (mar-oong bung-eye) - have a good day

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

Consent Labs Workshop - Years 7, 8, 9

We are pleased to inform you that all Year 7, 8 and 9 students will participate in a Consent Labs workshop on Wednesday 27th of August (Week 6, Term 3). The workshops will take place in The Josephite Centre as part of their regular Wednesday Wellbeing program and will run across Periods 1, 2 and 3.

Consent Labs is a nationally recognised organisation that delivers engaging, age-appropriate, and evidence-based education on consent, respectful relationships, and digital safety. Their workshops empower students with the knowledge and skills to navigate relationships with respect and confidence, while aligning with NSW legislation and the eSafety Commissioner framework.

Students will explore key topics including:
• Consent Foundations
• Healthy Relationships
• Consent in the Digital World
• Consent with Alcohol and Other Drugs

The program supports young people to build healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and understand the importance of affirmative consent both online and offline.

This is a compulsory session and will be held during the normal school day as part of the College program. For more information, visit www.consentlabs.org.au or contact the College if you have any questions.

Miss Anne-Maree Artis – Stage 4 Coordinator

Japan Exchange

Japan Exchange – 40 Days to Go!

Last Wednesday we held our final parent information evening—thank you to all the Exchange families for coming along and for your wonderful questions and support. The excitement is definitely building as we count down the final 40 days until departure!

Students have been taking part in Thursday lunchtime language and culture sessions, which have been a great way to practise Japanese, learn more about daily life in Japan, and strengthen our bonds as a group.

Today we launched the first round of the Group Chopstick Challenge—a close and lively contest, with Team O’Gorman just edging out Team Donohoe. This is the first of many group challenges we have planned to build teamwork, skills, and plenty of laughs before we go.

We’ve also been focusing on important Japanese etiquette so we can be respectful guests and great ambassadors for our school. Some key tips include:

• Do bow politely when greeting or thanking someone.
• Do remove your shoes at temples, shrines, and homes.
• Don’t eat or drink while walking, or blow your nose in public.
• Don’t speak on your mobile phone while on public transport.

Learning and practising these customs now will help us feel confident and connected when we arrive in Japan.

Ms Louise Hatcher - Japanese Teacher and Japan Exchange Organiser

Environment and Sustainability

Year 9 Environmental Sustainability recently visited and learnt about FOGO (Food Organics & Garden Organics) at the Lake Macquarie Waste Recovery Facility Awaba. 

Fun Facts: 

• 270,000 tonnes of organic waste diverted from landfill to date 

• Includes 243,000 tonnes of FOGO specifically 

• 20% reduction in domestic waste sent to landfill 

• Landfill expansion delayed by 4 years 

• $41 million saved in landfill waste levies 

• 432,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions avoided 

• Equivalent to removing 180,000 cars from the road for one year 

• Or planting 20.5 million trees 

• 150,000 tonnes of compost produced and returned to: 

• Horticulture 

• Landscaping 

• Agriculture (e.g. farms in the Hunter Valley and as far as Port Macquarie) 

• Compost improves soil fertility and water retention 

• 12 local jobs created through the organics recycling program 

• 97% community satisfaction with the green bin service 

Contamination rate is only 1.4%, well below the NSW average of 2.2% 

Library Matters

Magnificent Minecraft!

Well, not being a Minecraft expert, did I bite off a bit more than I could chew? The answers is pretty much a big ‘YES’! Last week the Library hosted a Minecraft Trivia Kahoot and twelve teams, many of which had multiple members, took up the challenge.  With only two disputed answers to my questions, I feel it didn’t go too badly and those inconvenienced by my failings, still came out on top, so all was good in the end. There is a bit of irony to this story in that I do teach digital literacy skills and one of the basic rules is not to take “facts on the internet” as gospel, and while I had thought I had verified my Minecraft answers, it was proven that all you read online is not always true. 

With this in mind, I have decided from here on in I will stay in my “Library lane” and with BOOK WEEK commencing next week, the Library team have ample opportunities to show off our passion for reading and literature. Everyday next week we will be hosting a ‘literature based activity’ that will offer something for everyone. 

We have some great books nominated for the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year, all of which are now available to borrow from the library. To find out more about the short list, take this link: 2025 Book of the Year Awards – Shortlist - The Children’s Book Council of Australia

Mrs Rosalind Dunn - Teacher Librarian

ASPIRE

The 2025 ASPIRE Young Actors Program production ‘The Missing Diary’ will take place on Friday 29 August 2025 at Performance Arts Centre Cessnock. There will be two performances at 11.00 am and 6.00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased from Performance Arts Centre Cessnock:  https://www.mypacc.com.au/Whats-on/25-Aspire

About the show

Darren writes in his diary every day. He puts all his thoughts in there. What he thinks about people at school, the race for class president, even what he dreams about.  It comforts him to write things down until One day he can’t find his diary and he feels like his voice has been taken away. Join Aspire’ Young Actors program in this relevant original play about friendship, imagination and acceptance

Featuring twenty young performers from Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie, this group of young actors created the story and the characters, whilst also developing their acting skills, experimenting with their voice and their physicality. You will witness a host of hilarious characters in this original one Act 1.

Community Celebration

STEM Competition

Ready to Serve

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. We were able to help community members during Covid by supplying ready meals from our Ready to Serve café. However, now the College has returned to full capacity, this initiative has been scaled down significantly.

Our ‘Pay It Forward’ initiative is still running however – 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.