Newsletter 13.25 - Friday 29 August 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,

Student Leadership Team 2025-2026

Following a thorough selection process involving written applications, Leadership Day activities, assembly speeches, and interviews, we are delighted to announce the appointment of our Student Leaders for 2025–2026. Throughout this process, each candidate displayed remarkable maturity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the values that define St Mary’s. Their words and actions reflected a spirit of service shaped by the example of Jesus—grounded in love, compassion, and humility. The measure of their leadership will not simply be in the titles they hold, but in the way they inspire and uplift others, building a community anchored in faith, learning, and wellbeing.

The formal handover from our current student leaders to our incoming leaders will take place next Wednesday, 3 September, at 12.00pm in the COLA. This occasion will include a special liturgy attended by distinguished guests, including our much-loved Josephite Sisters, Sister Jan and Sister Brigid. Parents and carers of our student leaders are warmly invited to join us for this important celebration. The names of the new leaders will be shared publicly following their acknowledgement at this ceremony.

Stage 6 Acknowledgements

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 12 students for the dedication and perseverance they have shown throughout their Trial HSC Examinations. Many have also produced outstanding major works across a range of subjects, testament to their commitment and creativity in striving for their personal best. As they enter the final stage of their HSC journey, the way they use their time will be pivotal. Now is the moment to work together, encourage one another, and make full use of the support available, from their teachers, peers, and the after-school Study Sessions. Equally important is maintaining balance, ensuring their wellbeing is cared for alongside their studies. By seizing every opportunity, our Year 12 students will leave St Mary’s as proud ambassadors, ready to step confidently into the future.

I also extend my best wishes to our Year 11 students as they prepare for their end-of-course examinations in just two weeks. These final weeks of focus and preparation are an opportunity to consolidate your learning and continue building strong foundations for the senior years ahead. Keep striving, remain determined, and know that your efforts now will set you up for success.

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Forum

Thank you to the parents/carers who attended our Term 3 Forum Meeting held online on Wednesday 20 August, at 6.00pm. Please see attached the notes from this meeting.

Our next session will be held in Week 5 next term and the key note presentation will be based on our Wellbeing domain and the work done in Positive Behaviour For Learning at the College.

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

YEAR 11 Examination Block

Commences 8^th September 2025 Week 8 Term 3

Once again, I take this opportunity to remind Year 11 students that it is important to plan for the coming exam weeks, commencing Week 8 Term 3 8th September. Reading exam timetables carefully, asking questions of teachers and planning study time across these weeks will allow students to prepare confidently. Time management and planning for study means taking an honest and realistic look at how time is spent both at school and at home. I encourage students to talk to their teachers and to seek assistance if required during this exam period. A reminder that students need to attend school only on the day of their exam, however, a  study space is provided for our students during the scheduled exams. All students need to sign in at Students Services if staying on campus and will have supervised study provided in Library/L7 during the two exam weeks. A copy of the examination timetable is contained within this newsletter. I wish all students every success!

Please see the following link for NESA’s advice for students around exam stress:

Subject Changes for HSC 2026

Year 11 students looking to change patterns of study, that is to drop a subject or change levels in a subject as you commence HSC, will have the opportunity to do so once End of Course Year 11 Formal Examinations have been completed.  Details of the process will be distributed to students via email and further communication in our next newsletter.

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Dear Parents/Carers

SchoolTV - Exam Stress

The following article from SchoolTV, is especially pertinent at this time of year, with both the upcoming Year 11 examination block planned for weeks 8 & 9 and the HSC exams commencing at the start of Term 4. I hope you find the information is helpful in supporting your child to successfully engage with the challenge of formal exams. If you require extra support during this time, please don't hesitate to contact a member of the College Wellbeing Team.

Consent Labs Workshop

Consent Labs is a nationally recognised organisation that delivers engaging, age-appropriate, and evidence-based education on consent, respectful relationships, and digital safety. The program supports young people to build healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and understand the importance of affirmative consent both online and offline. 

On Wednesday of this week, students in years 7, 8 and 9 successfully participated in a 75-minute workshop, thoughtfully exploring topics related to consent, healthy relationships and consent in the digital world. The discussion was expertly led by two young, engaging presenters, and was well received by our students. I would like to thanks Mrs Anne-Maree Artis [Stage 4 Coordinator] for her efforts in both planning and implementing the delivery of the program for the junior school.

Parentline

The journey through adolescence to young adulthood can be fraught with difficult moments for both young people and the parents and carers who support them. For our parents and carers, I would recommend the following free resource.

Upcoming Parent & Carer Information Sessions

A reminder to our parents & carer community that the Catholic Schools Office maintains an up-to-date register of highly valuable information sessions here. 

The next session is detailed below:

Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online

Tuesday 2 September, 3.30pm- 4.15pm 

Parental controls can be a useful addition to the strategies you use to help protect your child online.

Parental controls can help keep children and young people by preventing access to harmful content, managing time spent online and who they communicate with.

Join us at this 45-minute webinar to find out about:

• the types of parental controls available and how to use them for your child’s safety including smart devices, in apps, gaming platforms and computers
• using parental controls with other online safety strategies to help your child build digital and critical skills to have safer experiences online.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

Hosted by: eSafety Commissioner

Register here

Benjamin Frize - Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement

Year 12 Exam Stress

Supporting your teenager through their final school exams can be extremely daunting for parents. However, maintaining a calm household will ensure your child has the best chance of success. To perform at their best, students will need regular and adequate sleep, a healthy diet, daily exercise and regular reassurance from parents that their success in life does not depend on their final mark. Many students will experience high levels of anxiety and depression during this time, so it is important that their mental health is looked after as well as their physical health. Students should do plenty of practice exams, focussing on questions they don't understand and always getting feedback from teachers. Parents should try not worry if they feel their child isn't studying enough. Sometimes students need to experience the consequences of their choices as they do not have the maturity to associate effort with outcome. Getting a bad mark will not be the end of the world, but more of an inconvenience.

Ben Frize - Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement

Ministry

A Call to Serve with Heart and Purpose

At the heart of Catholic education lies the principle of Servant Leadership - a leadership style that is not about power or authority, but about service, humility and compassion. This concept, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, challenges us to lead by example, to put the needs of others first, and to foster a community where every individual is valued and respected.

Servant Leadership is a philosophy that turns traditional leadership on its head. Instead of leaders focusing on their own power and status, they are called to prioritise the growth and well-being of their communities. In a Catholic context, this means embodying the virtues of Christ - kindness, humility, and love in every action and decision.

Jesus himself demonstrated this model of leadership throughout his life. He washed the feet of his disciples, fed the hungry, and healed the sick, showing that true leadership is about serving others. As Matthew 20:28 reminds us, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

At St Mary’s Catholic College, we encourage students, staff, and the broader community to embrace Servant Leadership in all aspects of life. This is reflected in our commitment to social justice, our focus on the holistic development of each student, and our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Our leaders, from students to staff, are encouraged to listen actively, show empathy, and act with integrity. Leadership roles at our College are seen not as positions of prestige, but as opportunities to make a positive impact - whether it's through mentoring younger students, organising community service activities, or simply being a role model of kindness and respect.

When we lead by serving, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings. Servant Leadership fosters a culture of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared purpose. It empowers individuals to take initiative, encourages a sense of responsibility, and builds a strong, united community.

As we continue to nurture and develop leaders at St Mary’s Catholic College, we remain committed to the principles of Servant Leadership. We believe that by following in the footsteps of Christ, we can inspire our students to become compassionate, thoughtful, and effective leaders - ready to make a difference in the world and always be ready to serve. 

De-Anna Addicoat - Ministry Coordinator and Kyle Clarence - Acting Ministry Coordinator

Learning Technology - Update

Important Security Update for student BYOD Devices

Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.

To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.

To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.

Why this matters:

• Windows 10 will no longer receive Microsoft updates after 14 October 2025, leaving devices exposed to threats.
• Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
• Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Please see links below for installation and support.

How do I check what version of Windows am I running?

Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.

We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the IT support team in our school.

Year 7

The Half-Way Point

As we reached the midpoint of the school year, the Year 7 pastoral team and I came together to prepare a special session for our students titled The Half-Way Point. The aim was to encourage reflection and inspire a sense of positive anticipation for the journey ahead. (Can you believe we’re already here?)

To frame this reflection, we used the metaphor of a sprint—taking students back to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the unforgettable story of Derek Redmond. After suffering a devastating hamstring injury mid-race, Derek limped toward the finish line as his competitors surged ahead. What made this moment iconic was his father, who broke through security to support his son, helping him complete the race. This powerful image has become a lasting metaphor for Christ’s love—steadfast, present, and unwavering in our most difficult moments.

Rather than viewing this point in the year as a time to wind down, I’ve encouraged Year 7 to see it as a pivotal moment. Derek Redmond isn’t remembered for how he started the race, but for how he finished—with courage, resilience, and heart. I’ve asked our students to dig deep, to support one another, and to strive for integrity, kindness, and achievement as we move forward together.

I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead for Year 7. This term offers many opportunities for growth, connection, and celebration:

Year 7 Formation Day

One of the most anticipated events this term is our Formation Day, scheduled for Friday 12 September (Week 8) at Empire Park, Bar Beach. Students will depart school after Roll Call and return in time for regular dismissal. Dress code is College sport uniform with footwear suitable for walking and sports activities. Activities will include sand sculpting, the ANZAC Memorial Walk, and sports at Empire Park. A sausage sizzle lunch will be provided. Attendance is compulsory - please ensure you’ve given consent via Compass Events—this is a key day in the life of Year 7, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

Consent Labs Workshops

This week, Stage 4 students are engaging with Consent Labs to build language and confidence around setting boundaries, fostering healthy relationships, and understanding the risks of sexualised behaviours. These sessions are an important part of our wellbeing curriculum.

Leadership & Representation Opportunities

Throughout the term, small groups of Year 7 students will have the chance to represent our college in various initiatives—an exciting way to build confidence and community spirit.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you and your children during this formative year. It’s a privilege to witness their growth as they navigate the world of secondary schooling. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Finally, we hold Lexie Martin and her family in our hearts. We stand with Lexie in prayerful support and extend our thoughts and best wishes to Lexie, Mae, and the many people working tirelessly behind the scenes. If you’d like to show your support through blood donation, the Mobile Blood Clinic will be at Charlestown from 27–31 August. Please register using the QR code at the end of this bulletin and quote “Flocking for Lexie”.

Warm regards,
David Luschwitz - Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Year 10

BStreetSmart

Our Year 10 PDHPE students recently attended the bstreetsmart road safety forum, a powerful event designed to raise awareness about the impact of risky driving and passenger behaviours. Throughout the day, students heard confronting real-life stories from crash survivors, emergency service workers and families directly affected by road trauma. They also explored interactive displays and workshops that reinforced the importance of making safe, responsible choices as both passengers and future drivers.

We are very proud to congratulate our Year 10 students for the way they engaged with the program and the maturity they showed. Their excellent behaviour and thoughtful reflection highlighted their respect for the presenters and the value of the messages shared.

A big thank you also goes to our dedicated PDHPE staff for organising and supervising the excursion, and to parents and carers for supporting the early departure on the day. It was a valuable and memorable learning experience for all involved.

Stephen Burns - PDHPE Leader of Learning

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MS Testing - Round 2

Year 12

Year 12 Music Soiree

Families of Year 12 Music students - please join us and celebrate the musical talent and achievements of our Year 12 students as they perform at their final Soiree

High Potential and Gifted Education

University of Newcastle HDR Student Festival – Inspiring Our Future Scholars

On Tuesday, 26^th August selected students from across our schools attended the University of Newcastle Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Student Festival at the Callaghan Campus. Year 11 students Kiara Barr, Brodie Dean, Joel Doherty, Jeremy Gocher, Georgie Matthews, Molly McLachlan, Logan Middleton, William Reiss, Elliott Thomas, Alex Wallwork attended the day and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you to Mr John Hepworth for nominating these students from his Extension Mathematics class. This exciting event gave students a unique opportunity to experience university life firsthand, meet current researchers, and explore pathways into higher education.

Throughout the day, students engaged with interactive workshops, panel discussions, and campus tours, gaining valuable insights into how research shapes innovation and future careers. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to see how their talents, curiosity, and learning can extend far beyond the classroom.

We thank the University of Newcastle for hosting this inspiring event and our participating students and families for their support.

Louise Henderson - Gifted Education Mentor

ICAS

High Potential and Gifted Eduation - ICAS Competitions

Throughout August 115 students across Years 8 and 10 have been involved in the ICAS Competitions in Mathematics and Writing. ICAS is an academic competition that has been sat by over 10 million school students from 16,000 schools across 41 countries since 1981. It recognises academic performance in a way similar to sports or the arts, with engaging, fun questions designed by psychometricians, education measurement experts and experienced teachers to test students’ higher-order thinking skills. Everyone who participated will receive a certificate – results will be available from your teacher through the ICAS portal in the coming weeks. Thank you to Ms Celia Kemeny, Mrs Maria Griffen, Mrs Kerri Hogan and Miss Bonnie Chen for encouraging their classes to take up the challenge and stretch their minds in Mathematics and Writing. 

Louise Henderson - Gifted Education Mentor

Creative Art

Thrilled to showcase some stunning landscapes from 7vis3 and 7vis10 below! 

These pieces reflect an incredible exploration of colour, texture, and technique. It's inspiring to see how their individual styles have emerged through their investigation of their subject matter. We are so proud of all their growth and creativity!

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Sport

Friday Early Leavers Procedures

Student early sign out procedures FRIDAYS:

Junior Students (Years 7-10)

• Parents should email Student Services prior to 9.00am with the leave  request:  studentservices@gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au OR send a parent note with your child which is given to the Sport Coordinator (Mr Rediger) in the staffroom before 9.00am.
• Parents/carers are encouraged NOT to collect students during lesson time (ie. before 11.50am)
• Parents/carers are required to report in person to Student Services. Please exercise patience with our office staff.
• Please note that if your child is going home with another parent, a written note/e-mail is required giving permission, and details of who will be picking them up. If this is to occur from the sports venue the note is required to be handed to the sports organiser Zac Rediger prior to 9.00am.

Leaving the Sports Venue:

• No student is permitted to leave the sports venue during school hours without a parent or carer collecting their child from the venue and speaking directly to the supervising teacher.

There are alternative activities arranged for wet weather and students should not be going home early from school.

During sport a supervised room is available for injured students to complete classwork and/or study as an alternative to leaving school early.

Maitland Newcastle Diocesan Basketball Gala Day

St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead was proudly represented at the Maitland Newcastle Diocesan Basketball Gala Day, with boys from Years 7 to 10 stepping onto the court with determination, teamwork, and school spirit.

Both the 7/8 and 9/10 boys’ teams showcased impressive skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. The 7/8 team made a strong run to the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by a well-drilled St Francis Xavier side. Their performance was a testament to their growth and resilience across the tournament.

The 9/10 boys also put in a commendable effort, narrowly missing out on a semi-final berth after a hard-fought game against Trinity Catholic College. Despite the result, the team demonstrated grit and unity, representing the College with pride.

Congratulations to all students involved for their commitment and positive attitude. Your efforts continue to build a strong sporting culture at St Mary’s.

OzTag

Champions of Champions Oztag Tournament Wrap-Up! 

St Mary’s Catholic College proudly wrapped up an exciting few days at the Champions of Champions Oztag Tournament, with our students showing incredible skill, teamwork, and school spirit!

Year 7/8 Girls

The girls kicked off the tournament strong with a win and a draw, followed by a couple of tough losses in the round games, just missing out on finals. Despite that, they played with heart and determination, and their talent and teamwork shone through every match.

Thank you to Ms Jacqui Moriarty for coaching and supporting the team, and to Mrs Brittany Avery, who helped train the girls and played a key role in getting them to this level, even though she couldn’t attend the carnival.

 Year 9/10 Boys

The boys had a stellar run, only losing one game by a single point in the round matches, which saw them progress to the quarter finals. They gave it their all but were narrowly defeated by Patrician Brothers in a hard-fought match.
Thank you to Mr Andrew Blackwell for stepping in as coach and guiding the team through the finals.

A massive shoutout to all the parents and families who came along to cheer on our students — your support made a real difference. And a special thank you to Mr Kieren Knight, who trained and organised these teams with dedication and care behind the scenes.

We are so proud of all our players for representing St Mary’s with pride and passion. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to grow through sport, teamwork, and community.

St Mary’s Girls Soccer – Lauren Colthrope Cup Round 2 Report

Following a strong start in Round 1 with two impressive wins, our St Mary’s Girls Soccer team entered Round 2 of the Lauren Colthrope Cup with focus and determination.

The squad demonstrated outstanding resilience and cohesion throughout the day. Ivy Mitchell was exceptional in her leadership role, guiding the team with composure and drive. Her ability to organise play and lift team morale was a standout feature of the day.

Despite a tough 1-0 loss to Wallsend, the girls maintained their intensity and spirit.

Their second match against Warners Bay was a true showcase of their teamwork. With the score locked at 1-1 at halftime, the team displayed disciplined structure and attacking play. Although the final result was a 4-1 loss, the performance reflected the team’s development and commitment to each other.

The girls should be proud of their efforts. Their sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive mindset continue to grow with each round. We look forward to building on these experiences as the tournament progresses. I thank the girls for the experience of being a part of their day.

75th Anniversary Celebration

Community Events

Sport Registrations

Uniform Shop

Temporary Change to Hours due to Examinations

Father's Day Breakfast

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.

Spring is almost here....

Blink and you missed it, but the sun did shine this week! Our very own resident water dragon lizard made the most of the rays - beautiful images captured by Oliver Smith in Ms Calver's photography class this week... please enjoy. Happy weekend!