Newsletter 15.25 - Thursday 25 September 2025

Principal's Message

Year 12 Graduation: Celebrating a Journey Together

This past week our College community gathered to farewell our graduating class of 2025, a milestone filled with joy, pride, and deep gratitude. 

On Tuesday evening, we celebrated Mass with Father Tony Potts, giving thanks for the gifts and achievements of our Year 12 students. The reverence and prayerful spirit of the liturgy reminded us that every step of their journey has been sustained by faith, family, and community. The following day, our Graduation Ceremony provided a time to recognise individual and collective achievements, share words of encouragement, and honour the character and contribution of our young people. One of the most moving moments was the traditional “clap out,” a visible reminder of the respect and affection their peers hold for them.

What stood out most across these occasions was the spirit of unity that defines St Mary’s. The success of our students is not achieved in isolation but is the fruit of the care and dedication of so many; families who have stood beside them, teachers and mentors who have guided them through their years, and friends who have encouraged them. Thanks go to Mr Daniel Beckett and the Year 12 Pastoral Team, whose commitment ensured our students were supported in every dimension of their lives.

At the heart of these celebrations is thanksgiving for the privilege of accompanying these young men and women, for the vision of the Sisters of St Joseph whose values continue to shape us, and for the hope and promise this graduating class carries into the world.

We are confident that our Year 12s will step forward as people of integrity, ready to live out the College motto, Ready to Serve, in their own unique way.

Please find attached a copy of my Year 12 Address at the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 24 September.

A Time to Rest and Renew

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to express my sincere appreciation to every member of our community. The dedication of our staff, the energy and commitment of our students, and the ongoing support of families have made this a term of rich learning, growth, and accomplishment.

The upcoming break is a valuable chance to pause, rest, and reconnect with loved ones. I encourage everyone to take this time to recharge, so that when we gather again for Term 4, we do so renewed and ready for the journey ahead.

Thank you for the part you play in making St Mary’s a community of faith, learning, and hope.

Kind regards

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching and Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

Year 12 Awards

For this publication of Schoolzine, the Assistant Principals come together with their joint organisation of the Year 12 Awards. We congratulate each student for completing their HSC year. Please see below a summary of our major award winners:

Academic Awards – are presented to students who have achieved First in Course and those who have placed in the Top 10% in a Course. We acknowledge their Scholastic Achievement.

Diligence Awards – are awarded to students nominated by their teachers for their application, persistence, initiative, ability to reflect on and employ feedback and their consistent effort across ten units of study. Students receiving a Diligence Award demonstrate self-management and motivation, independence and a conscientious commitment to learning. This award is not necessarily a reflection of ability, but rather it is indicative of both effort and application.

Cross-Curricular Academic Excellence Award

This award is presented to students who have achieved outstanding results across TEN or more units of study, achieving either First in Course or in the Top 10% of each of their courses.

The student who is to receive this award has displayed Academic Excellence and was placed 1^st in Course in Mathematics Extension 2, 1^st in Course Mathematics Extension 1 Unit; 1^st in Course in Physics; 1^st in Course in Engineering; 1^st in Course in Software Engineering and showed Scholastic Achievement in achieving the top 10% in English Standard.

The  recipient of the Cross-Curricular Academic Excellence Award for 2025 is Oliver Beath.

2025 SMCCG VET Student of the Year Award

The VET Student of the Year Award recognises the achievements of a Year 12 student who has excelled in Vocational Education and Training.

This year, our VET student has shown outstanding achievement, commitment, and growth in their chosen area of Vocational Education and Training. They have embraced both practical learning and workplace readiness with enthusiasm and determination, and their dedication to their studies has been truly inspiring. They have demonstrated industry knowledge and a deep respect for how the medical needs of patients are met through the collaboration of many health professionals.

When this student talks about their work on the ward, their passion is unmistakable. They bring industry knowledge and a genuine appreciation of the teamwork required in the health sector. This student’s personal qualities shine through: initiative, effective and respectful communication, and the courage to step outside their comfort zone in order to grow. This student has demonstrated perseverance, facing challenges, seeking help when needed, and discovering confidence in their own abilities. This resilience has become one of their greatest strengths.

This student is also a leader among their peers. Encouraging and supporting others, they have even gone so far as to organise study sessions outside of school hours. In their practical work, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism – confidently carrying out clinical tasks such as patient care, infection control, and vital sign monitoring. Their workplace supervisors have praised the student’s reliability, teamwork, eagerness to learn, and respectful communication with both patients and staff.

Teachers echo this praise, recognising this student as self-motivated, persistent, and reflective. This student is not only eager to learn but also determined to improve, engaging fully in discussions, seeking feedback, and applying feedback to their work.

Above all, this student takes pride in their achievements and, by mid-year, had already completed competencies and work hours ahead of schedule – a testament to their dedication and work ethic. This student’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and excellence, successfully completing a Cert III in Health Services .

Our 2025 VET student of the year is well respected and has thrived in Vocational Education and Training, and is the College’s nominee for the Catholic Schools Office VET Student of the Year Award.

The recipient of the St Mary’s Catholic College VET Student of the Year award is Gabrielle Croft.

Vice Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence

This prestigious award, sponsored by the University of Newcastle, is presented to a student who has displayed a commitment to and excellence in their academic performance throughout the year.

The Vice Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence consists of a certificate and a scholarship offer of $2000 if the student enrolls in an undergraduate program with the University of Newcastle in 2025.

While there are several students who have worked impressively throughout their senior years, there are none more deserving than this student, whose commitment and desire for excellence have been exceptional.

This student has demonstrated, throughout the HSC year, a commitment to growth, an openness to learning from feedback, perseverance and a genuine desire to learn and develop academically. Teachers have identified this student as someone who maintains a consistently high focus on revision, demonstrating diligence and maturity in the way they write and express ideas, articulating personal ideas and perspectives with originality;  this person shows clarity and accuracy when solving problems and writes reports in an exemplary manner, exhibiting a high level of critical thinking; This person is said to enjoy the challenge of learning, engaging in rigorous problem-solving with curiosity, creativity and determination, taking on multiple perspectives when working for solutions and producing work of an excellent standard; willing to contribute, ask questions, collaborate and engage in class discussion, were comments that came up in many of this students’ report comments.

The academic achievement of this student includes 5 x First Places and 1 x Second place from SEVEN courses completed, all achieved with quiet grace, humility and commitment.

The recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in 2025 is Oliver Beath. 

We also wish to acknowledge that Oliver has been successful in receiving an Early Entry offer to the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree.

The ADF Long Tan Leadership Award

Each year the ADF presents an award for Leadership and teamwork. The recipient must be a student who demonstrates leadership within the community, a team player whose knowledge, appearance, and behaviour demonstrate respect for the values of the school and the community. The recipient must be an enthusiastic problem solver who cooperates and communicates well with others and who involves themselves in community activities.

This year’s award recipient exceeds these criteria in many ways….

As a Student and College Leader, she has demonstrated a willingness to build relationships across the community with both staff and students, amplifying student voice through her very personable and professional conduct. Staff comment included: “I have known the recipient for many years, and have always been impressed by her friendly, approachable, and caring nature. She forms valuable connections with younger students, her peers, teachers, and members of the broader community, always taking the time to listen. Her behaviour and attendance record are excellent. She always gives her best, engages fully with the spirit of an event and sets an example to others of how to get involved.  She is a ball of enthusiasm who has an innate care for others. She throws herself into all aspects of school and reaches out to her fellow students to ensure they feel seen, cared for and included”.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the 2025 Long Tan Leadership Award is Sienna Pitt.

The ADF Future Innovators Award

Each year the ADF presents the Future Innovators Award. The recipient must be a student who has demonstrated a passion for and skill in the areas of mathematics, science, and technology. The recipient will have been identified by the teaching staff as an exceptional learner and one who is likely to contribute new and innovative thinking in their chosen field of future study. Staff feedback on the recipient this year included “he is a student with a particularly astute mind, often startling in the speed of his comprehension. He has shown interest, perseverance and talent in the mastery of the deeper more complex problems presented within coursework. He is a high achiever who excelled across a range of academically challenging disciplines.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the 2025 Future Innovators Award is Oliver Beath.

The Sporting Excellence Award

Sponsored by Pat Conroy Federal member for Shortland

This award recognises a student who has excelled in a range of sporting endeavours, demonstrating virtues such as fairness, self-control, determination, and courage both on and off the field.

Our recipient this year has achieved excellence across a range of sports and pathways, characterised by her fast, fierce and competitive instincts.

Her rapid progression in sport is a testament to her natural talent, adaptability, and relentless work ethic. With a strong foundation in touch football—where she represented both external clubs and competed at Diocesan and NSWCCC levels—she developed an exceptional ability to read the game and execute under pressure.

Her transition into Rugby League showcased her versatility and resilience. In just 18 months, she has embraced the physical demands of the sport, refined her skill set, and earned selection into a prestigious representative team—a remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication and drive.

Our recipient's sporting journey began in Year 7, and she has consistently excelled across multiple disciplines. Netball remains one of her standout sports, where she is known for her defensive strength, tactical awareness, and leadership on the court.

Combining her multi-sport experience, competitive mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement, she exemplifies what is possible through hard work and passion. Her recent selection in the Australian Rugby League Team that toured New Guinea is not just a milestone—it’s a clear indication that her ultimate goals are within reach.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the Sporting Excellence Award for 2025 is Stevie Botham.

The Citizenship Award

Sponsored this year by the Honourable member, we thank Jodie for her ongoing support of our community.

The College award for citizenship is presented to a student who is friendly and approachable, who has been involved in a wide range of school activities to assist in the building of the College Community, and who has an exemplary attendance and behaviour record.

Our recipient this year is a young man who, according to staff, “is consistently friendly and polite in his interactions with peers and staff. He maintains a positive attitude in all he does, happily giving his time to music for liturgical celebrations, including feast days and graduation masses. He played piano at Grandparents Day when he was in Year 7. He worked hard in preparations for the College’s 60th Year Celebration Mass, setting up new drum equipment and helping others to learn their songs. He has mentored Year 7 students preparing music for the Talent Quest/Battle of the Bands. As part of the Student Leadership Team he organised jerseys for students and staff, leading the way at carnivals by dressing up and promoting the event with enthusiasm.”

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the Citizenship Award for 2025 is Finn Callen.

The Award for Integrity sponsored by Reuben F Scarf

This award recognizes a student who has a unique strength of character, demonstrated by a steadfast commitment to the achievement of their personal goals and an overarching integrity that unites and aligns their efforts. They are a student who is humble and hardworking, a student who has committed themselves to the achievement of their personal goals but have still found ways to give of themselves generously both within the classroom and to the broader community.

Our recipient this year embodies the qualities of determination, integrity, and consistent effort. Staff comment included the following: “he is a servant leader, a young man of integrity, always putting the college, its reputation and its community ahead of himself. He works hard at his coursework, juggling the demands of leadership, sport and community involvement with ease. I know him outside of his school life, where he is a humble, kind, hard-working young man dedicated to his family, his sport and his casual job. I've never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He is proactive and offers his help when he sees a need; you never have to ask twice.”

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the Reuben F Scarf Award for Integrity is Ben Breasley.

The Josephite Sister’s “Ready to Serve” Award

Last year was the celebration of our 60^th year as a Josephite school. To mark this event we created the “Josephite Sisters - Ready to Serve” award. This award intends to recognise a young person within the graduating class who exemplifies the core values and spirit of the Sisters of St Joseph. The recipient of this award must have consistently demonstrated empathy, compassion and kindness towards others; demonstrated humility by joyfully serving without seeking recognition and actively contributed to the building of the College community spirit.

Staff comments on our recipient this year included the following: “She is selfless and demonstrates an amazing ethic in her approach to others. Determined to take the HSC journey by the horns and do it her way, she has embraced all learning challenges. She has strong values and engages with staff and students in a respectful, tolerant manner. She is a mature young woman who will transition into the world and make a difference to the lives of others because she cares. Her ability to speak fluently and powerfully in a public forum and her eagerness to make this school a better place mark her out as someone with a Josephite heart.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the Josephite Sisters’ Ready to Serve Award is Olivia Jenkins.

The Lake Macquarie City Council Mayoral Rising Star Award

The inaugural LMCC Mayoral Rising Star Award is aligned with the criteria of the College All-Rounder Award. I would like to again thank Counsellor Adamthwaite for his support of our community.                                    

This award recognises a student who has participated in a wide range of activities and achieved across a range of academic, cultural, and community service fields. The recipient of this award possesses characteristics that the College strives to instil in all its students because they are the cornerstones of success and the hallmarks of a richly integrated life.

Staff comments on our recipient this year included: “He is a natural leader, generously contributing his gifts to the academic and cultural life of the college. He willingly participates in the faith life of our community and is a leader in this area for others. He devotes time to sport mentoring and involvement, leadership in community days, and is an excellent musician who contributes his time and skills to liturgies and community celebrations. He is a gifted student, often drawing high praise from teachers for his effort, diligence and application across both the Humanities and Sciences. His ability to balance his studies with his commitment to co-managing college events reflects his strong sense of responsibility, ambition and drive. He is deeply respectful of the College motto and mantra - wearing his uniform with pride and dedicating himself to growing as a learner. He demonstrates kindness and generosity and travels through life with a quiet humility.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the Mayoral Rising Star Award for 2025 is James Bernasconi.

The Principal’s Award

Supported by Yasmin Catley, State Member for Swansea

The Principal’s Award is presented to students who enhance the culture of our college through their actions and attitudes. These students live the values and ideals of our community, quietly giving life to the College motto, Ready to Serve. With humility and strength, they go about making St Mary’s Catholic College a better place for others.

Our recipient this year is an active contributor to College life and a valued member of the Student Leadership Team. According to staff, she is always there when you need a hand, generously giving of her time.  She is a warm and approachable individual who has actively contributed to strengthening the college community. She delivered a powerfully insightful address on behalf of the Student Leadership team as the keynote speaker on Harmony Day. She has embraced the many challenges of student leadership clearly demonstrating   her willingness to be ‘Ready to serve’.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of a Principal's Award is Carmen Zuhair.

Being a leader requires strength, resilience, patience, empathy, and creativity. Within our community we also expect that our leaders emulate a Christ-like selfless humility, anticipating and serving the needs of the community – we expect a lot!

Our student and College Leaders in 2025 have honoured the Sisters of St Joseph and the heritage of St Mary’s Catholic College community in the way they have risen to the challenge of authentic Christian leadership and lived our motto Ready to Serve. We are incredibly blessed to of been graced by their presence and efforts this year.

We acknowledge our Student Leadership Team for their willingness to serve us all during the 2025 academic year.

• Jessica Burrows
• Finn Callen
• Ava Corbett
• Dylan Dunkley
• Julian Egan
• Sunni Emerton
• Larni Healey
• Olivia Jenkins
• Harriet Mills
• Indiana Moloney
• Toby Moloney
• Ella Smith
• Sophie Windever
• Carmen Zuhair

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This wonderful team was led by our 4 College Leaders:

• Macy Nash
• Sienna Pitt
• James Bernasconi
• Ben Breasley

Our thanks extend to the 2025 student leadership team.

Year 12 Holiday Workshops

Ministry

End of Term Reflection and Celebrating the Month of Mary

As we approach the end of another fruitful term, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration within our school community. This term has been filled with learning, growth, and the building of bonds that make our school a place of love, service, and academic excellence. We have seen our students embrace the opportunities offered to them, both in the classroom and through the many extra-curricular activities that continue to develop their talents and character.

As we come to the end of Term 3, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of September as the month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is also our school patron and namesake. Mary exemplifies faith, compassion and humility. Virtues that we strive to instil in all our students. Her “Yes” to God is a powerful reminder of the strength and grace that can be found in service to others and trust in God's plan.

Throughout this month, we have had the opportunity to reflect on Mary’s life and her role in the Catholic faith through prayer and College liturgies. As a community, we have come together to honour her as a model of discipleship and to seek her intercession in our daily lives.

September has also been a time to reflect on the role of Mary in our school’s founding values, as we are reminded of the Josephite Sisters' vision to provide education inspired by her love and service to others. Their legacy continues today in our ongoing commitment to providing a Catholic education that nurtures the whole person - spiritually, intellectually and emotionally.

As we move into the holiday break, we encourage all our students and families to take time for rest and renewal. May you return refreshed and ready for the challenges and opportunities of the final term of the year. Let us also continue to pray for Mary’s guidance and protection over our college and our community, just as she watched over her son, Jesus.

Thank you to all the students, staff, and families for your commitment and hard work this term. May you have a restful and blessed break. May we echo Mary’s ‘yes’, we are ready to Serve.

Acting Ministry Coordinator - Kyle Clarence

Celebrating Year 12

This week saw the culmination of Year 12's academic journey at St Mary's. On Monday, Year 12 students and staff came together as "Movie Stars". Who can you spot from the photos and video below? A fantastic way to let off some steam before continuing with HSC study.

Year 12 Dress Up Day

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Year 9

Term 3 Wrap Up 

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to acknowledge the commitment and effort shown by Year 9 students. In our assemblies and wellbeing sessions, students have been exploring the importance of executive functioning skills such as organisation, time management, and planning. These strategies not only support their daily preparation but also help them manage the demands of assessment. It has been pleasing to see many students putting these skills into practice, showing resilience and maturity in balancing their responsibilities.

In addition to their academic efforts, Year 9 participated wholeheartedly in our recent R U OK? Day activities. Their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations, support one another, and promote a culture of care reflected the values we aim to foster as a cohort.

This term, students also engaged in workshops with Consent Labs, where they explored the importance of consent, particularly in the context of their digital lives. The session provided opportunities to reflect on respectful relationships, responsible choices online, and the role each of them play in building safe and supportive communities both at school and beyond.

Looking ahead, Term 4 will bring exciting opportunities, including peer support training and leadership roles. Our Year 9s will begin stepping into positions where they can mentor younger students and contribute to the wider school community in practical and meaningful ways. These experiences will allow them to strengthen their voice, take initiative, and model the positive example I know they are capable of.

It has also been wonderful to see a number of students take up my offer to assist them with their résumés and seek part-time jobs. These steps towards financial independence not only build confidence but also develop valuable lifelong skills. I will continue to run these lunchtime sessions next term.

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of working with Year 9 is the way they continually surprise me—with their honesty, humour, and the depth of their interests both inside and outside school. Whether it’s sharing the latest trend, teaching me a new phrase, or letting me know about achievements I might otherwise not hear about, they remind me daily of the importance of noticing the good in both the big and small things. I am genuinely grateful to be part of their growth.

Thank you for the energy and spirit you have brought to this term. I wish you and your families a restful holiday filled with joy and meaningful moments, and I look forward to welcoming a refreshed Year 9 into an exciting Term 4 full of opportunities.

Renae Turvey - Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 9

Japan Exchange

Japan Exchange 2025

After two years in the making, the Japan Exchange is finally here – we fly out this Thursday!  

A heartfelt thank you to the Exchange committee — Brett Donohoe, Cathy O'Gorman, Debbie Carter and Morag Aitchison — for the countless hours of planning, problem-solving, and encouragement that have made this possible.

We wish our students well. They have worked incredibly hard and are going to be outstanding ambassadors for our College.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in supporting this journey. We are ready!

📲 The Exchange students will also be doing a Facebook Takeover while we are away – make sure you follow along!

Sayonara!  さようなら

Louise Hatcher - Japan Exchange Coordinator

Year 7 Formation Day

Community & Awe and Wonder 

On a beautiful spring day, our Year 7 students gathered at Empire Park, Bar Beach for their Formation Day, a special opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow together as a community. 

The day began with a Smoking Ceremony, grounding us in the rich cultural heritage of the land and setting a tone of reverence and respect. Students then participated in a shared prayer, taking time to pause and centre themselves before embarking on the Memorial Walk, a powerful journey that invited reflection on sacrifice, history, and gratitude. 

Throughout the day, students were given the gift of time and space—to be present, to connect with one another, and to appreciate the beauty around them. Standing before the vast ocean at Bar Beach, many experienced a genuine sense of awe and wonder, moved by the majesty of creation and the peaceful rhythm of the waves. 

Of course, no visit to Bar Beach would be complete without a stop at Swell Kiosk, where students enjoyed what many agreed were some of the best hot chips in Newcastle—a simple joy that added warmth and laughter to the day. 

This Formation Day was more than just an excursion—it was a meaningful experience of community, reflection, and wonder. We are proud of our Year 7 students for embracing the spirit of the day and for continuing to grow as thoughtful, compassionate members of our college. 

David Luschwitz - Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

St Joseph's Writing Fair

Primary Writing Fair

On Friday 19 September, 21 enthusiastic Year 7 students from St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, had the privilege of attending St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlestown, to support their annual Writing Fair. 

The day began with an exciting twist—a sealed-off crime scene set the stage for a series of imaginative and engaging writing activities. This creative prompt sparked curiosity and storytelling among the younger students, who were guided and encouraged by our Year 7 mentors throughout the day. 

Our students demonstrated outstanding leadership, patience, and creativity as they worked side-by-side with their younger peers. Whether brainstorming plot twists, helping with character development, or simply offering a listening ear, they embodied the spirit of service and collaboration. 

Their presence was more than just helpful—it was inspiring. Each student showed that they were truly “ready to serve”, embracing the opportunity to support others and contribute meaningfully to the learning of the younger students. 

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful to St Joseph’s Primary for welcoming us into their community. It was a day filled with imagination, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling—an experience that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on all involved. 

David Luschwitz - Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day – A Moment to Connect 💛

Our R U OK? Day event was such a special day, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it such a meaningful day for our school community.

A very special thank you to our guest speakers — Natalia Hogan, mental health advocate, and Alex Walsh, co-founder of Emma’s Warriors. Your powerful stories were at the heart of the day and left a lasting impact on us all.

To our amazing students and staff, thank you for your support in bringing the event to life — from the sausage sizzle to the mindfulness zones, face painting, and photo booths, every part of the day helped us connect, reflect, and support one another.

This event was a reminder of how important it is to step out of the everyday routine and truly check in. Because every day is R U OK? Day.

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Science

Curiosity....

Science is about curiosity - questioning the world around us, wondering how things work, and seeking answers through exploration and investigation. At St Mary’s Catholic College, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively as they discover how science connects to everyday life.

This term, students across the College have been busy exploring science in action -from investigating simple machines and animal adaptations, to uncovering the secrets of DNA, and even visiting local industries to see chemistry at work on a large scale. A highlight was Science Week, where students enjoyed an engaging science show that brought exciting demonstrations to life.

Science at St Mary’s Catholic College continues to inspire young minds to ask questions, search for answers, and see the world in new ways.

Michelle Lund - Leader of Learning Science

Aboriginal Education

Kaayi (ky-ee) – Hello,

Karawang Dance Group

Congratulations to the Karawang Dance Group for assisting Lurneah, Gabrielle and Ayla in delivering the Acknowledgement of Country at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.

Well done to our dancers - Hayley C, Chloe M, Jax H, Flynn R, Claye W, Lola W, Avalon W, Ella H, Allira K, Barry K, Lucy B, Blaze L and Brax D.

Junior AECG

The next ‘Powaikaliko Malang’ (Grow Together) Community of Schools Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) Meeting will be at St Pius X, Windale. This will be on Thursday 13 November. Our new executive will join the current executive (Hayley C, Alex C, Ava H, Brodie D and Chloe M) in leading the meeting and celebrating a great year!

Term 4 Excursion to Murrook

Aboriginal students in from Years 7-10 are invited to attend a whole day excursion to The Murrook Cultural Centre at Williamstown. This will be Wednesday, 22 October. Details to follow on Compass.

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

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

Gifted Education

High Potential and Gifted Education

Our Best-Kept Secret for High Potential and Gifted Learners

This blog highlights the innovative strategies and support in place for High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) and showcases the inspiring work being done across our community.

Uniform Shop

Temporary Change of Hours

Due to HSC Examinations, there will be a temporary change to opening times, please see below:

Reminder - Fitting Appointments for Year 7 (2026) and Year 10 (2026) during the holidays

Stop Press!!! Japan update received...

Japan Exchange 2025 – We’ve Arrived in Japan!

After months of anticipation, our 19 exchange students and staff touched down safely in Osaka yesterday evening, ready to begin their incredible adventure in Japan. Spirits were high as we came through arrivals to be greeted by our host families, who met us at the airport with warm smiles and signs. After months of messaging back and forth, it was wonderful to finally meet them in person and begin the homestay experience that is at the heart of the exchange.

Today we look forward to our first day at Kobe Kaisei Girls’ School. The entire school will gather for a formal assembly to welcome us, followed by our cultural presentation where St Mary’s students will share music, dance, and speeches. It promises to be a proud moment to represent our school community and to begin building connections with our Japanese peers.

The My Life in Australia books that students prepared will be shared with host families during the week, offering a personal glimpse into life at home in Newcastle. Beyond the classroom, families are planning a variety of experiences, from exploring Kobe’s neighbourhoods to weekend excursions. Some students are already looking forward to visiting Universal Studios Japan with their host sisters—a favourite among past exchange participants.

Alongside these experiences, students are also working on their Big Ideas Project, each exploring a real-world concept such as sustainability, cultural identity, or diversity. Their reflections in Japan will form the basis of presentations when we return.

Ready for Take-off!

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We are so proud of our students, who are already embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm, respect, and open hearts. The journey has only just begun, and we look forward to sharing more updates as this life-changing experience unfolds. The Japan Exchange will also be taking over the College Facebook page throughout the trip—follow along with our daily posts and adventures!

Louise Hatcher - Japan Exchange Coordinator

Finally...

Year 12 gathered for a final moment of reflection at Redhead Beach last Friday, standing together in solidarity, proudly wearing their St Mary's jerseys, as the sun rose at 5.15am. A quick dip in the ocean followed before heading off to school. An experience of community, belonging, and shared spirit.

Go well Year 12.

#Community #Belonging #Solidarity #Community #Belonging #Solidarity

See you in Term 4!